10 Best Places for Mexican Food in New Orleans
New Orleans' love for authentic, flavorful, rich Mexican
food runs deep. Though we do love celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead each year or taking
part in festivals like Top Taco, Mexican food can be found year-round at the
fabulous Mexican restaurants around town. From truly traditional to fun and
contemporary, these local restaurants will not disappoint when you're craving
great Mexican food.
These restaurants have the most craveable Latin food in town. You'll want to save room for a big glass of margarita before you dive into the food.
1. El Gato Negro
Multiple Locations
elgatonegronola.com
El Gato Negro reigns as the top Mexican restaurant in Greater New Orleans, boasting three strategic locations that cater to locals and tourists alike. From the bustling French Quarter (81 French Market Pl.) to scenic Lakeview (300 Harrison Ave.) and historic old Gretna (301 Huey P. Long Ave.), each spot offers a unique dining experience.
The menu, which varies by location, features both familiar favorites and standout traditional dishes. Don't miss the El Burrito Con Mole, a delectable blend of chicken, vegetables, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in rich mole Poblano sauce. The locals also favor the margaritas, which come in six flavors and offer seasonal options, as well.
2. Tacos Del Cartel
Multiple Locations
tacosdelcartel.com
Tacos Del Cartel is so popular, it has locations in New Orleans, Metairie, Baton Rouge, and Florida. Started in 2020 by Danny Cruz and Vilexis Salas, the restaurant strives to combine the flavors and vibes of Mexico and New Orleans.
Start off with an order of Rib Eye Guacamole and then go with a delicious entree such as the Trompo Al Pastor or one of the restaurant's many tacos. Tacos Del Cartel also offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday.
3. Felipe's Mexican Taqueria
Multiple Locations
felipestaqueria.com
Favored by tourists and locals alike, Felipe's is one of the hottest Mexican restaurants in town. Their menu offers a customizable experience, where customers can build their own tacos, burritos, or nachos.
For those who prefer chef-curated options, Felipe's offers signature dishes. The Baja-Style Tacos feature fried shrimp, pico, cabbage, and house-made Baja Sauce, and the Mexico City Tacos have al pastor, cilantro, onion, and house-made Guacamolillo Sauce.
4. Zocalo
2051 Metairie Rd. Metairie., (504) 252-9327
zocalo-nola.com
Zocalo brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to the heart of Metairie. This lively cantina offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine. From their colorful dining room to their inviting outdoor patio, Zocalo provides the perfect backdrop for a casual lunch or a festive dinner with friends.
The menu at Zocalo showcases a variety of authentic dishes with a modern twist. Don't miss their signature Tacos al Pastor. Pair your meal with one of their hand-crafted cocktails or explore their wine selection for a true taste of Mexico. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely feast, Zocalo offers a delicious escape to Mexico City right in Jefferson Parish.
5. El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina
516 Gretna Blvd., Gretna, (504) 301-3161
facebook.com/ElPatronNOLA
El Patron is the place to be if you're craving Mexican food over on the Westbank. The restaurant always has a crowd of people there the enjoy its delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Order their authentic Mexican tacos, which come with a side of charro beans and filled with your choice of carne asada, al pastor, lengua, and more. Other dishes include bierra tacos, ceviche, molcajete, shrimp cocktail, and so much more.
6. Carreta's Grill
2320 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, (504) 837-6696
carretasgrill.com
You'll have to cross into Jefferson Parish
to enjoy Caretta's Grill, and it is totally worth it. The restaurant can
get very busy for lunch due to their excellent lunch specials at great prices,
but the dinner service is well-priced too.
The specialty menu items come in big portions, so be prepared to take some home. Try the Tacos Carretas with four taqueria-style tacos (your choice of carnitas, steal, grilled chicken, pastor, or chorizo) served with black beans and street corn.
7. El Pavo Real
4401 S. Broad Ave., (504) 266-2022
elpavorealnola.com
At the intersection of Broad and Napoleon avenues, you'll find El Pavo Real in an unassuming building. However, this little eatery is very popular with 20-somethings because of the great prices.
Beyond beverages, the food is perfectly priced. Those in the know love the Crab and Avocado Quesadilla, which comes with a side salad. The tacos come in pairs of two: Chicken Tinga, Pescado Frito, Steak, Al Pastor, Veggie, and Shrimp.
8. Vals
4632 Freret St., (504) 666-2397
valsnola.com
If you're hanging out on Freret Street,
take a stroll over to Vals. This former service station turned gorgeous
contemporary Mexican restaurant features a large, friendly patio perfect for
outdoor dining on nice days. The food menu is humorously divided into "Not Tacos" and "Tacos," and the drink menu is divided into "Not Margaritas" and "Margaritas." It
makes choosing your items a little bit easier.
For "Not Tacos," check out the Quesabirria (braised brisket, Chihuahua cheese, and consommé). The "Tacos" have flavors including Chicken Tinga, Fried Gulf Shrimp, and Sweet Potato. Wash it down with a Vals Margarita, which is organic blanco tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and salt.
9. Johnny Sanchez
930 Poydras St., (504) 304-6615
johnnysancheznola.com
Johnny Sanchez was a rule-breaker when it
opened in 2014. It brings in a crowd of CBD workers, tourists, and native
foodies on a regular basis. The menu is heavy on typical Mexican fare like
quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, and tacos with your choice of meat (or not),
but there are also some surprise signature dishes that you can't find anywhere
else.
The Adios Cheeseburger is a popular item that consists of two smashed patties, American cheese, red onion, pickles, jalapeno, and chili garlic sauce. It is served with adobo fries and queso dipping sauce. There's also a Crispy Brussels Sprouts dish to be enjoyed.
10. Mr. Tequila
5018 Freret St., (504) 766-9660
mrtequilanola.com
Mr. Tequila, as implied by its name, looks to provide the best tequila to the people of New Orleans. Their tequilas, which range from $8 to $200 a shot, look to satisfy any budget.
Enjoy plenty of burritos, appetizers such as Corn Ribs, seafood dishes, and so much more. Be sure to visit their website to see what specials they're currently offering, as well as it they're planning any special events.
Where to Get Authentic Mexican Food in New Orleans
From overstuffed burritos to crunchy tacos, these Mexican restaurants in New Orleans are sure to satisfy and they're a great way to get to know the Hispanic culture of New Orleans. As a
bonus: some of these restaurants have margarita towers that you have got to
check out if you're dining with a crew. The tower has a tap so that you can
fill your glass as much as you'd like.
Did we miss the best Mexican food in New Orleans? Let us know where
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