Rosalita's Backyard Tacos
Taco restaurant · St Claude ·
Tacos, nachos, margaritas with a funky vibe and backyard seating
Tacos, nachos, margaritas with a funky vibe and backyard seating
"Three years after turning their wildly popular alleyway taco pop-up into a St. Claude Avenue restaurant, I reported that Laurie Casebonne and Ian Schnoebelen closed Rosalita’s on August 10; Casebonne noted the difficulty of the restaurant business, said she will cherish the alleyway years, and expressed gratitude for getting to know the community." - Clair Lorell
"What began as a hugely popular weekend taco stand in an alley off North Rampart grew into a cozy counter-service restaurant with a homey backyard dining area when Laurie Casebonne and Ian Schnoebelen opened Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos in January 2021. After closing their Italian restaurant Mariza, the couple launched the Rosalie Alley pop-up and, following neighborhood buzz and national recognition that produced long lines, took over the former Shake Sugary bakery to expand the operation. They kept an extensive, staunchly affordable menu — tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tostadas, burritos and more — even as prices rose elsewhere in the neighborhood. Valuing their staff and regulars, they’ve been personally alerting customers about the closure rather than slapping a sign on the door (Casebonne called that “absolutely chicken shit”); Rosalita’s will close on Saturday, August 10 at 3304 St. Claude Avenue." - Clair Lorell
"When Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos operated out of the easily-missed Rosalie Alley in Bywater, it gained in popularity not just for its great food, but for its affordability. One might expect prices to increase now that it’s in its permanent home on St. Claude, but one would be wrong. Tacos are $3-$5, and nachos, burritos, tostadas, and quesadillas run between $6 and $10 (margaritas are reasonable, too)." - Beth D'Addono, Clair Lorell
"What started as a thrice-a-week alley taqueria has a new home seven days a week on St. Claude Avenue. Rosalita’s owners Laurie Casebonne and her husband Ian Schnoebelen offer California-style tacos filled with the likes of house-smoked pork, homemade chorizo, fried fish, and chicken adobo. Ask for gringa style if you want cheese and flour instead of corn for the base. Add rice and beans to make the order a plate, and seasonal margaritas are another welcome option. Prices are mindfully reasonable and geared to keeping neighbors and regular customers coming back." - Beth D'Addono, Clair Lorell
"I noted that Rosalita’s Tacos opened on New Year’s Eve when Laurie Casebonne and Ian Schnoebelen moved into the former Shake Sugary bakery at 3304 St. Claude Avenue. After two years of popping up as Rosalita’s Backyard Tacos three times a week, they kept the short menu largely unchanged—tacos, quesadillas, black bean tostados, nachos, toquitos, and burritos—while adding the option to add rice and beans to make a plate and an excellent new salsa to round out the fresh hot sauce offerings. The counter-service spot maintains the pop-up’s low-key vibe, adds covered, spaced-out outdoor seating (no interior tables for now), the couple has applied for a liquor license, and it’s open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. for takeout and outdoor dining." - Clair Lorell