Niki W.
Yelp
Habana Outpost: Where Gas Meets Class (and Great Grub)
Tucked into an old converted gas station on the edge of the French Quarter, Habana Outpost is serving up food, drinks, and vibes that are a little bit retro, a little bit festive, and a whole lot of fabulous. I'd been meaning to try this spot for a while, so when me and two friends found ourselves needing fuel before a Super Bowl weekend adventure in the Quarter, we pulled in, engines revving for shrimp and sips.
Let's start with the atmosphere--it's adorable in the way that says, "Stay a while, we won't judge you for having three margaritas before noon." There are plenty of picnic tables outside, perfect for basking in the Louisiana sunshine. And the cherry on top? A play area for both kids and pets, complete with a water feature that squirts up from the ground. Who knew dining could feel like a day at the splash pad?
The staff--one cheerful guy and a charming girl--were just as warm as the setting, ready to dish out recommendations like they'd personally tried everything on the menu (and maybe they had, lucky them). After some deliberation (and drooling), I went for the grilled shrimp nachos, and let me tell you--chef's k-- Nope, nope...not using that over used phrase. But you get the idea. They were phenomenal.
The shrimp were perfectly seasoned, plump, and juicy, with that delicate "just kissed by the grill" texture. None of that rubbery nonsense here. They sat proudly atop a bed of freshly made tortilla chips, layered with gooey goodness and flavor bombs in every bite. And at $12, the price was more than reasonable. Honestly, they could've brought me a wheelbarrow of those nachos, and I'd still be scraping the bottom for crumbs.
Now, about the spicy Mezcal margarita. You know I love a good Mezcal moment, and this one did not disappoint. Smoky, spicy, and packing a punch, it was everything I wanted and more. The Tajin-coated rim was the stuff of dreams, and yes, I shamelessly licked that rim clean. No judgment here, right? But for $12 at a counter-service spot, I'll admit it stung a little. Next time, I'm timing my visit for happy hour and doubling my pleasure with those buy one, get one free drinks--because that's a deal even my margarita-loving heart can't ignore.
The happy hour, running M-F from 4 to 7 PM, offers buy one, get one free drinks--a deal so good it might as well come with a warning label. And if you're into Taco Tuesdays, this is your spot--tacos are $2 off, and that's the kind of math I can get behind.
Final verdict? Habana Outpost isn't just a pit stop--it's a destination. I'm already planning my next trip back, margarita glass in hand. So if you see me posted up by the water feature, maybe tossing shrimp to my pups, mind your business--or better yet, join me. This place is too good to enjoy alone.