La Milpa in Richmond, Virginia: As Close to Authentic Mexican Food as Possible

Every Mexican food restaurant you see claims to be authentic, but very few even come somewhat close to meeting that claim. What you usually get is a very Americanized version of Mexican food. La Milpa in Richmond, Virginia steps up and delivers on the promise.

This is a fairly small restaurant on Hull Street just down from Chippenham Pkwy heading toward Richmond proper. It'll be on your right and they do have a nice prominent sign. It's in the building of where a 'fake' Mexican joint used to be. This is a combination Mexican market & restaurant.

When you walk in, you will see a case filled with Mexican cultural delights. To the right is the market full of imported Mexican foods if you wish to go make your own, to the left is the restaurant. There is a big plastic board on one wall with various menu items, but they also have a small paper version that has even more choices at the register, so ask to see that.

The menus are in Mexican so you need to have some idea about what you want... the staff will not be able to tell you unless you speak Mexican. It's that authentic. The manager speaks a bit of English but he's a real hands-on type of guy and you will usually find him back there doing the cooking so he's kinda too busy to hold your hand. Don't get me wrong, they are all very nice at La Milpa... but you do need to know what's what going in.

You order your food at the register and carry the tray to your table. Drinks are bottled Mexican pops and a fountain that has something different every day. My favorite is the watermelon juice. I sometimes stop in just to see if they have that available. Man that stuff rocks! I crave it. Yeah, it really is watermelon juice, not some flavored concoction.

As far as food goes, this is the real deal minus the goat and cat. Yes folks, those are not rumors. They do serve both south of the border. It's normal for them, no matter how we were brought up to see it. I actually had a cat taco down in Mazatlan once accidentally and tossed it after the first bite.. I learned rapidly what gato means! Anyway, you won't find that at La Milpa. You will find everything else though.

You absolutely must try the fried plantains. OH my gawd those are to die for. They put like a cream cheese-ish concoction in the center and I'm telling you, this is one of those things that when you put it in your mouth you will moan. Oh yeah. Good stuff. Don't ask for guacamole, ask for avocado (they do understand certain American words). If you order a taco, you will get a taco. Not a Taco Bell taco.. a real taco. In other words, if you ordered a taco de lengua, you get a tortilla with a tongue in it. No lettuce. No tomato. NO SOUR CREAM! I love it. Cilantro and homemade Tomotillo sauce. That's what I'm talkin' about.

I believe the highest item on the menu is $7.99 for alambre (steak, ham, bacon, onions, poblano peppers and melted cheese) so you can eat fairly cheaply at La Milpa. Most items are $5 or under. The big over-head menu does have pictures so you can giggle and point if you don't speak the language. They're used to it.

Now go sit at a table or one of their booths and enjoy. No tipping at the table is needed as you've served yourself and you need to get up off your butt if you want a refill (not free). It is, however, customary to tip at the register (about 10%). After your wonderful meal you need to not be a pig. Please do empty your tray at the bus station against the wall in the dining room. They have a bin to put your plate and silverware in.

I highly recommend La Milpa to folks who have been to Mexico and crave that flavor. All the spices are the right ones, and the ambiance is great with Mexican music playing in the background. The food is fantastic. Just wonderful all the way around.

6925 Hull Street Road
Richmond, VA 23224
804-276-3391