Payne's Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain Menu

LA FONDA RESTAURANT AND BAR brings the authentic, vibrant flavors of Mexico City to Redwood City in a warm, inviting setting. Drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican cantinas and family recipes, the menu showcases rich pozole, slow-roasted cochinita pibil, complex mole sauces, and flavorful tacos and enchiladas. Signature cooking techniques such as slow-simmering pozole until the broth is rich and flavorful, marinating cochinita pibil with achiote and citrus before slow-roasting, and crafting handmade tortillas in-house ensure each dish delivers genuine, authentic flavor. The restaurant is Latinx-owned and founded by the team behind the acclaimed Los Carnalitos taco truck, bringing the same quality and authenticity to a full-service dining experience. The restaurant takes pride in its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and a full bar featuring an impressive selection of tequilas and mezcal, plus creative craft cocktails. Vegan options, a kids’ menu, and generous portions accommodate a wide range of guests.

The menu at LA FONDA is thoughtfully structured to satisfy both traditional cravings and adventurous palates. For those seeking the signature experience, the Pozole delivers a traditional Mexican hominy and pork soup served in a signature chile broth, garnished with fresh cabbage, lime wedges, radishes, and served with tostadas on the side. The Cochinita Pibil features pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, slow-roasted until tender, and served with rice, beans, pickled red onions, and your choice of corn or flour tortillas. The Mole Verde is another house specialty, showcasing a rich, complex green mole sauce served over enchiladas or your choice of protein. The Carnitas plate offers tender, slow-cooked pork served with rice, beans, guacamole, and warm tortillas. The Quesabirria tacos have become a guest favorite, featuring birria-marinated beef with melted cheese, served with a side of consommé for dipping. The Al Pastor tacos deliver marinated pork with pineapple, onion, and cilantro, while the Carne Asada features grilled steak served with rice, beans, and cactus. The Shrimp and Crab Enchiladas come topped with rajas con crema and served with a pyramid of rice, salad, and a small soup.

The bar program at LA FONDA offers great cocktails with an impressive selection of tequilas and mezcal featured prominently behind a shining wall-mounted display. The Mescalita combines small-batch mezcal with artisan chapulín (grasshopper) salt for a unique, savory cocktail experience. Creative mezcal cocktails include options garnished with hibiscus, lemon, and Tajín. A full selection of beer, wine, and classic margaritas rounds out the beverage menu. The restaurant also serves agua frescas including agua de guayaba con menta and agua de Jamaica. For dessert, the Churros have been praised as exceptional, often filled and served with dipping sauce, while the Flan Cake and Chocoflan provide sweet finishes. Service options include outdoor seating, great cocktails, Wi-Fi, high chairs for families, a kids' menu, vegan and vegetarian options throughout the menu, and convenient takeout and delivery. The restaurant also features a private dining room for gatherings and special events. LA FONDA's menu invites guests to experience the authentic tastes of Mexico City in a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.