La Tropicana

3.9 ( 329 reviews )

Checking... 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours

434 Locust St, Lawrence, KS 66044, United States

+1 785-749-3550

La Tropicana, located at 434 Locust St in Lawrence, KS, is a celebrated Mexican restaurant that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Known for its vibrant and inviting atmosphere, La Tropicana delights diners with a menu full of mouthwatering offerings. Their #1 Don Burrito, a large flour tortilla filled with spicy red pork sauce, and the Senora Enchilada, dipped in their unique mole sauce, are standout dishes that promise to tantalize your taste buds for just $12.95 each. Reviews praise the exceptional service and the freshness of the food, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality. Leslie Lopes, a long-time customer, raves about the incredible flavor and the stellar service that makes dining here a top choice. The outdoor patio is another gem—a well-shaded oasis adorned with lively pottery and plants, providing an ideal setting for a leisurely meal. While some appreciate the recent price adjustments, the specials and vegetarian options continue to appeal to diverse palates. With cold beers and refreshing margaritas to complement the dishes, La Tropicana is not just a meal; it’s an experience worth revisiting. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, the flavors and ambiance at La Tropicana are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Accessibility
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
- Has outdoor seating
- Offers kerbside pickup
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- No delivery
Highlights
- Has fast service
- Serves great cocktails
Popular for
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
Offerings
- Serves alcohol
- Serves beer
- Serves cocktails
- Serves coffee
- Serves comfort food
- Serves food
- Serves happy-hour drinks
- Serves organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Serves small plates
- Serves spirits
- Serves vegan dishes
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Serves wine
Dining options
- Serves lunch
- Serves dinner
- Has catering
- Has counter service
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
Amenities
- Has bar on site
- Has toilet
- Has Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Good for groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
- Accepts NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs available
- Has kids' menu
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
- Plenty of parking

Leslie Lopes

May 24,2025

This place has been one of my all time favorites for many years! The food is incredible! Some of the best Mexican food I have had. Service is stellar. Food is made to order and ALWAYS fresh! If you have not tried this restaurant, I highly suggest a trip across bridge.

Scott Sperry

Apr 12,2025

I love La Tropicana - good food, good Rita’s, cold beer, friendly service - you can’t go wrong. Secluded patio for outside dining. Just across the river from downtown Mass St - 60sec down the street from Johnny’s.

Dcg Gcd

Apr 5,2025

They've recently raised prices, but the specials are such a great value and the food never disappoints. They are also happy to do vegetarian substitutions.

bella bat

Mar 30,2025

La Tropicana has the best outdoor patio in town. Plenty of seating, plants and lively pottery to view, and very well shaded. The food is excellent and generous. It is a gem.

Darren Shafer

Mar 4,2025

My wife and I stopped in La Tropicana for the first time ever, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience for us. The food was delicious, the restaurant was beautiful, and the service was impeccable. Can't wait to go back to this historic Lawrence family owned and operated business!

S M-C

Feb 27,2025

I’ve been remiss not to offer a review of La Trop, as we’ve been eating here for close to 30 years. Wow. That makes me feel old. Anyway - it’s the best Mexican food in town, easily. Fresh enchiladas not overly sauced or cheesed. Pan fried tacos are great. Best guacamole in town, probably in the state. Great refried beans. Family owned, very nice people. Very consistent. It’s a true comfort food for me now after all these years. Edit to add - do not be scared off by the 4 star rating. That’s because anti vaxers one starred them due to their request patrons be Covid vaccinated, as was the recommendation of the health department, when they first re-opened in 2020. I doubt most of those reviewers were even from around here or ever ate at La Trop. If you love science and good food, eat here. If you’re a douche bag resistant to reasonable requests from privately owned businesses in the name of safety and like the taste of right-wing ass, don’t eat here.

David Painter

Feb 22,2025

Very friendly and considerate staff. Family style resturant. Quaint decor. Food was very good. Prices are very reasonable. Portion size matched the pricing. House salsa was ok. Wheelchair access is good. Handicap parking available.

Amber L

Feb 15,2025

I liked the atmosphere. The service was great. I wasn’t rushed and have plenty of time to sit and enjoy my food. I highly recommend going to this restaurant.

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