Regulars flock to North Quincy's La Paloma for one last taste

Peter Blandino, The Patriot Ledger
Updated ·2 min read

QUINCY ‒ After the owners La Paloma announced they would close the beloved Mexican restaurant after 40 years, regulars from across the South Shore and beyond have flocked to North Quincy for a last order of flautas, chimichangas and perhaps a margarita.

Social media posts have reported long wait times and lines forming outside in the heat. Co-owner Michael Walsh confirmed the reports, telling The Patriot Ledger in a brief telephone interview that the response from customers has been overwhelming.

"The average wait is anywhere from an hour to an hour and 15, but it has been up to two hours," Walsh said. "We open up at 4 p.m. At 3:15 to 3:30, people stand outside the door, and it's a good 70, 80 people.

Customers line up as La Paloma Mexican Restaurant in North Quincy opens at 4 p.m. The restaurant owned by Mike Walsh and Stephen Dwyer will close at the end of June after 40 years in business.
Customers line up as La Paloma Mexican Restaurant in North Quincy opens at 4 p.m. The restaurant owned by Mike Walsh and Stephen Dwyer will close at the end of June after 40 years in business.

"It's all our regulars. They're coming back not only once, but twice, sometimes three times a week, and they're all saying, 'we'll be back next week too.'"

Walsh expressed gratitude for his customers' loyalty, not only over the past week, but over 37 years, and in particular during the COVID pandemic, which he called the "biggest challenge" he ever faced.

"Our customers kept us in business," he said. "Instead of coming in, they did takeout."

Co-owner of La Paloma Mexican Restaurant Stephen Dwyer greets customers at the door. The restaurant in North Quincy will close at the end of June after 40 years in business.
Co-owner of La Paloma Mexican Restaurant Stephen Dwyer greets customers at the door. The restaurant in North Quincy will close at the end of June after 40 years in business.

Walsh also thanks his workers.

"Our employees stuck around (during the pandemic)," he said. "They didn't bail. We have some very, very loyal employees here.

"That's why La Paloma is what it is, because of our employees. (Co-owner) Stephen (Dwyer) and I are great leaders, but it's the employees that make La Paloma."

Customers line up for one last taste at La Paloma Mexican Restaurant in North Quincy before it closes at the end of the month after 40 years in business.
Customers line up for one last taste at La Paloma Mexican Restaurant in North Quincy before it closes at the end of the month after 40 years in business.

Walsh and Dwyer announced the restaurant will close at the end of June when their lease is up. They said they plan to retire and spend time with family.

La Paloma, at 195 Newport Ave., is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 9 p. m.

Peter Blandino covers Quincy for The Patriot Ledger. Contact him at pblandino@patriotledger.com. 

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Crowds flock to La Paloma for one last taste before it closes for good