Plbalenque - Manteca

Some family members and I were looking for a place to eat and some family came from out of town and wanted some good Latin food and they found this place. It is located just off the road and is a small restaurant which usually is a good sign. We arrived at approximately 8pm and there were a couple of other diners so there was quite a bit of empty seats. They were able to accommodate 3 adults, 1 child and 2 toddlers no problem. Upon seating, my 1 year old son became fussy and I asked the waiter who mentioned he was new if I could just quickly order a bowl of beans because my son loves beans. He got that order in and while that was being handled, he brought us chips for the table. The chips and salsa were delicious. Shortly after that, the mashed black beans arrived sprinkled with cheese. My son crushed those. Then we all ordered our food to which the adults ordered the Masa Specialty mix and match of Sinaloan style puffy tacos. The child ordered the BBQ pork fries. The fries came out first and we all picked a little because she couldn’t finish all of it. They were smackin good! Super tasty with the bbq sauce and pork. The fries which were like waffle fries were cooked perfectly! I would order that the next time I go! The plates of tacos took rather long which is the only reason why I would give it 4 stars but, I have it 5 because of the kindness of the staff which I will speak about later. It was 3 plates of 2 tacos each which took over 30 minutes to arrive and we were pretty much the only people eating inside the restaurant. Nonetheless, the tacos were fantastic. Although the grilled fish I ordered was rather salty for my taste. The plates come with beans and rice which as well are good. The salsa provided for the tacos was also tasty and spicy. Just what I like. Now, prior to leaving, I asked if they had milk and also if they could warm it for me because I was staying at the Great Wolf Lodge down the road which did not have a microwave inside the room. Ridiculous, I know. The woman at the front said “let me check” and she came back a couple minutes later with a gallon and asked if it was for my 1 year old son I was holding. “Yes it is.” She asked how much I would like and I told her and then she heated it for me and put it in a styrofoam bowl to keep warm. Excellent staff and food and I truly appreciate that the woman went out of her way to provide my son and I with some warm milk so he can have a warm bottle of milk for bed. Thank you again.

Platano Arepa, Empanada de pollo, carnita and pollo taco… all amazing! Crispy without being overly oily, the tortillas were thick and delicioso tasting. This is for sure the spot to get some Latin food. We also ordered buffalo chicken fries anddd they were not bad, definitely not good, but that’s our fault ordering American flavor in a Mexican restaurant. Lol We will definitely return.

Good happy hour but the patio is only open for private parties.

They were understaffed, but everyone was very nice and our server (Alex was bumped up from bussing unexpectedly that night) were friendly and attentive. With a little patience and communication our experience went from concern that we should have gone somewhere else (slow seating and ordering) to wonderful. The food was amazing as usual. I really enjoy coming here. Photos: Carnitas Arepa and Carnitas Empanada, Capirotada (chocolate bread pudding), Flan, and buñuelos taco. Not pictured: my Classic Mule. They make a great cocktail here. Everything was absolutely delicious!

Sooo delicious! Wish I tried this sooner. Will definitely try again. The plantains are amazing. All the food was!