Tacos del Cartel New Orleans

Mexican restaurant · Central Business District

Tacos del Cartel New Orleans

Mexican restaurant · Central Business District

5

1010 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70113

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Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by Marie Deaux Verdier/Tacos del Cartel
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Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by Tacos del Cartel
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by Tacos del Cartel
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null
Tacos del Cartel New Orleans by null

Highlights

Vibrant Mexican restaurant with creative decor and brunch  

Featured in Eater
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1010 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70113 Get directions

tacosdelcartel.com
@tacosdelcartel

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1010 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70113 Get directions

+1 504 354 9038
tacosdelcartel.com
@tacosdelcartel

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@eater

Where to Eat Brunch in New Orleans Right Now

"Downtown’s new Tacos del Cartel brings splashy to a new level, with textural, extravagant interiors dripping with art, sculptures, and color; a true feast for the senses. The modern Mexican restaurant specializes in vibey brunch, serving a huge menu of dishes like like tres leches French toast, chilaquiles, a breakfast burrito, oyster mushroom omelette, and Huevos Ahogados, a classic breakfast of eggs poached in smoky tomato salsa. Its cold dishes are another specialty, like black aguachile, green ceviche, and tuna tostadas." - Eater Staff

https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-new-brunches-new-orleans-nola
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@eater

The Best New Happy Hours in New Orleans

"This trippy new Mexican restaurant downtown has an extensive menu, specialty brunch cocktails, and wild, entertaining decor. Happy hour runs Monday Through Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m., serving discounted dips, tacos, enchiladas, black aguachile, and more alongside a spectrum of cocktails: fruity, refreshing, or spicy, take your pick." - Eater Staff

https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-happy-hour-new-orleans-nola
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The 14 Hottest New Restaurants in New Orleans, November 2024

"A Metairie favorite for margaritas and Mexican has expanded to New Orleans, opening in early May downtown. The new Tacos del Cartel brings splashy to a whole new level, with trippy, extravagant interiors dripping with art, sculptures, textures, and color; a true feast for the senses. The restaurant specializes in brunch and has an incredible selection of specialty tacos (think octopus, soft shell crab, duck carnitas, bone marrow, and oyster mushroom, but the cold dishes are another area of excellence — black aguachile, green ceviche, and tuna tostadas are perfect for summer." - Clair Lorell

https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-new-restaurants-new-orleans-nola-heatmap
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@eater

Where to Eat in New Orleans’s Central Business District (CBD)

"Tacos Del Cartel is not your usual taco joint. First, there is the decor, drenched in color, texture, and symbolic art. But there’s plenty of substance behind the high style, starting with homemade heirloom tortillas made by turning dried blue and yellow corn into masa. There is barbacoa short rib cooked low and slow overnight and birria tacos, cheesy, meaty envelopes that deliver hefty flavor in every bite, jus for dipping on the side. Tacos both traditional (tinga de pollo) and original (soft shell crab) round out the menu." - Beth D'Addono

https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-new-orleans-central-business-district-cbd
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Parkview Tavern Is Staying Put — For Now - Eater New Orleans

"A splashy Metairie favorite for margaritas and Mexican is expanding to New Orleans, just in time for Cinco de Mayo. Tacos del Cartel, highly identifiable for its vibrant, neon-laden interior and bright pink exterior, specializes in brunch, aguachile, and over-the-top cocktails served in specialty glassware." - Clair Lorell

https://nola.eater.com/2024/4/26/24141566/parkview-tavern-staying-put-new-orleans-tacos-del-cartel-bubs-burgers-cava-opening
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Bill Cheatham

Google
Love this hip & trendy spot. Like being on vacation in Palm Beach. The music, atmosphere, food and service were over the top. We were celebrating our anniversary and they surprised us with a complimentary dessert. The presentation and quality of the food was excellent. Brunch was fun and vibrant. I had … CARTEL BENEDICT EGGS Homemade topped with refried beans, barbacoa brisket, two poached eggs, fresh avocado, marble potatoes with Mexican chimichurri, and our chipotle hollandaise Sauce. Unbelievably good. Highly recommend 😎👍

C. T.

Google
Visited Tacos Del Cartel in downtown New Orleans on Girod for a drink. I was told I had to check out this place, and I’m glad I did. It has a lively, vibrant atmosphere. I loved the energy in the place. What really stood out were the bartenders. They don’t just mix drinks, they put on a show. I was thoroughly entertained while just chilling at the bar. The drink menu itself is lighted…10/10 and offers plenty of specialty cocktails and unique drinks, and the service was great. I haven’t had a chance to try the food yet, but if it’s anything like the vibe and drinks, I don’t think I’ll be disappointed. I’ll definitely be back soon and will post an updated review once I’ve tried some dishes on the menu.

Ebony Campbell

Google
Wilmer was such a wonderful host today at Tacos Del Cartel today. He was informative of which items on the menu were most favored, gave us a hook for our purses, and gave suggestions on other restaurants to visit during our stay in New Orleans. The food was amazing, the decor was so pretty, and everyone was very helpful. 10/10 highly recommend!

Kelli Sorapuru

Google
Fantastic First Experience at Cartel! I had the pleasure of dining at Cartel for the first time, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience! From the inviting atmosphere to the exceptional service, everything exceeded my expectations. Our server, Abby, was truly outstanding—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. She made fantastic recommendations and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Her warmth and professionalism made the evening even more enjoyable. The food was incredible—full of rich, authentic flavors and beautifully prepared. Every dish was fresh and perfectly seasoned, making for an unforgettable meal. If you're looking for a Mexican restaurant with top-notch service, a welcoming vibe, and delicious food, I highly recommend Cartel. Thanks to Abby and the amazing team, I'll definitely be back!

amazing sanchez

Google
I enjoyed the ambience and the appetizer I got. Everything is good and the food comes out fast from the kitchen and hot wich is amazing. The service is not the best but it’s not the worst it’s just okay (server). The hosts are really nice and made us feel welcomed.

Alesia

Google
I just love this happy place-it’s walking into a world of art, color, culture and flavors with entertainment…just wow. New Orleans needed this new chain of excellence, experience and excitement that allows you to enter a piece of Mexico, Vegas and Miami at the same time. Whether you’re with family, girlfriends, or a business meeting, count on them to cater to you and make your visit memorable. My husband and I have been on a casual weekday evening, a Sunday brunch, and celebrated birthdays. My birthday was so greeted with the cart of churros and a dancing train of the flight!

David Loncke

Google
Chip was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!! Her service was impeccable and she anticipated every guest need. She gave really good recommendations and they were all extremely accurate to what she described. My friends and I loved it

Farrah F

Google
Came here for my cousin’s birthday and it was my first experience here. Absolutely amazing! From the food to the service and beautiful atmosphere. Can’t wait to come back! The tuna tostada, birria tacos and the drinks were so tasty.
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Nai L.

Yelp
The restaurant is a good size with lots of flowers and colorful art throughout. Our server was nice and gave us some recommendations. I tried a Paloma which was good but I asked for regular tequila vs mezcal. It was very very refreshing. For apps we had the rib-eye guacamole was so delicious and could be a meal on its own. I wasn't a big fan of the black aqua chilled because it was very tart and the shrimp was very chewy. Our main course we enjoyed the birria and shrimp tacos. Both were full of flavor and very filling. I would def go back on my next visit to NOLA
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Jason K.

Yelp
Really yummy. Had the berria tacos. They come on clips to keep them dry. Ask for the habenero salsa. The drinks and staff are all top shelf. We will be back! Cheers
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David M.

Yelp
Great decor and vibe with music playing to create a fun environment. Maybe I'm getting old but the birthday and shots show put on by the staff gets old after the first couple of times. Service was fast and efficient. Food came to our table quickly. Chips, salsa, and guac are all good, but not great. Elote was on the cob and delicious. I chose the chicken enchilada mole. Big portion, good chicken, but the mole was not like any other that I've tried. Heavy on cinnamon. Wouldn't order again but just based on flavor. Some may like it. Margaritas were all delish.
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Kerry A.

Yelp
Tacos del Cartel in the CBD is such a VIBE! The food is unique with creative presentation (check out the birria tacos served on a clothesline!) and the handcrafted cocktails are smoky and delicious. The short rib entree is rich and delicious... bring a big appetite! Plus if you're celebrating a birthday, the 'shots' brigade is like no other you've experienced... so fun! The servers are fun and efficient. Every inch of the restaurant is creatively decorated... great photo spots to commemorate your visit. Note/ the restaurant can get loud with festive music and celebrations so if you prefer a quiet cozy spot, this may not be for you. There is a terrace that might be a bit more quiet (weather permitting).
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Shazia W.

Yelp
Recently came to their new location . They were so accommodating with my birthday lunch reservations. I was having trouble online and I wrote them through social media, they emailed me and made it happen. The new location is absolutely beautiful . The service was very good. Our waitress was very patient, attentive. I ended up getting the Birria tacos. They were amazing. The margaritas were good as well. I also ended up getting the churros! Overall everyone was pleasantly surprised with their food choices. Ps. Parking is a little crazy around there but overall everything else was great! Check them out
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Sonya C.

Yelp
This place is a must when you're in town! First of all, it's beautiful and vibrant! When you walk in you just know you're in for an amazing experience. Secondly, the staff went above and beyond to accommodate me. I didn't have a reservation so I was promptly seated at the bar. In my opinion, I had the best seat in the house. The menus have brunch, dinner, cocktails and happy hour options. I was there for dinner and settled on the Tuna Tostada and Bone Marrow Wagyu Tacos. The tostada was delightful, the tuna tasted fresh and the sauce and other toppings made for the perfectly balanced bite! Now the tacos were seasoned great, I would have preferred my bone marrow to have been warmer but otherwise a good dish. After checking out the impressive cocktail menu I had to have the Ilk, it's a mix of Mezcal, passion fruit, triple sec topped with Mango foam and corn ashes. Delicious!!!! I had a few of those!! They had quite a few birthday celebrations going on and they had the fire show at the bar so I definitely had the best seat in the house!! I would strongly recommend next time you're in New Orleans and you want something different, check them out you won't be disappointed.
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Amber W.

Yelp
We were greeted and sat right away. The vibe in here is so cool and the food and drinks were yummy. I appreciate the attentiveness especially after having a long day and wanting to relax.
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Jasmine J.

Yelp
My friend and I dined here after our disappointing visit to Morrow's Steak. It was like night and day. We were greeted and sat at the bar right away. We tried the margarita of the day, which was fruit punch. It was delicious! Our appetizer was the elotes. So good and the corn was juicy! I had the Chicken tacos and my friend had the Brirra tacos. We both enjoyed our meals. The restaurant is really cute and picture perfect! I'll definitely be back!
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Chelle L.

Yelp
Absolutely loved this place! I've been wanting to come here for a while and finally did to celebrate a friend's birthday. The restaurant is so decked out and decorated, even now during the holidays. I had a spicy margarita and it was delicious, not too spicy. I ordered the bone marrow tacos and the marrow was rich and tasty. I tried my husband's birria tacos and I was a little disappointed in them. The consomé came to us cold and it overall made me not a fan of the dish. One of our friends ordered the Al pastor dish and I can't speak to the taste but it came out on a vertical roaster and looked awesome. They did agree that it tasted better than the birria tacos. One fun thing we got to see was a fire breathing bartender show! We were the 10th birthday celebration that night and I think that speaks to how popular and fun this place. Definitely recommend it!
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Chrishon H.

Yelp
Love this place! The ambiance, the menu creativity, the plating and presentation, the drinks. Since opening, I've gone about 4 times. I haven't had a bad experience yet. You're always greeted and seated promptly as they are stand just outside the door waiting for you...at least during the times I go which is normally around lunch time. I would complain about the parking with it being downtown and all but that's expected. Plus, I usually walk from work since I work in the area. Walking in, there are so many photo opportunities. You know the girlies love a good photo opp. lol Before you even sit down, while passing all the other tables on the way to your seat you're thinking "Oouu! I want THAT! oh! and THAT!" Because everything looks so pretty and delicious! I've tried the shrimp taco's a few times because for me, it's safe. It's very yummy! The sauces, and rice and beans are so good! I absolutely love the drinks...those margaritas are "bartenders kiss"! The waiters are very attentive and as always, the food comes out fast! Since I'm normally on a lunch break coming here because its just convenient, I only have 1 drink and it gives me the perfect little "feel good". I usually want a second though. lol It is on the more expensive side, but I guess you gotta pay for vibes and I don't mind paying for an experience as long as its a good one. I hope you go and enjoy like I do.
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Jay S.

Yelp
So I pulled up the Internet to look for something around the Smoothie King Center, and I saw this taco restaurant here pop up. I thought I was gonna be going to a hole in the wall taco place when I got there this place was next level however the food match that of what I would expect to get out of a taco truck parked out in Austin, Texas Truly phenomenal stuff. The drinks were amazing. The atmosphere was amazing and I will definitely be going back.
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Kurtis J.

Yelp
Super 'fun' all around. Fun gimmick-type arrangements to drive engagement but shouldn't take away from the food itself, which creatively serves and presents soft shell corn tacos with a handful of meats to choose from. Was lickin' my chops to take a dive at the 50oz tomahawk but was more situated for a night cap.
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Tanzel S.

Yelp
This was a great experience me and the family enjoyed ourselves. The ambiance is amazing real colorful and eye catching. The bartender was doing a fire show when we sat down. Another thing I couldn't help to notice the shots going to peoples table and the lil John song "Shots" come on. We had to order a round of the margarita flight shots to get the experience, the shots were nice! The Resturant was crowded so the service was decent it wasn't bad but it wasn't great. The drinks presentations was on point and they were delicious. We got the Rosanova & Ayahuasca both were beautiful both really good. Now the Food we got a good bit of things. All of them were really nice presented. The Ceviche was really Good very fresh and colorful the lemon flavor really came through. The Queso was decent nothing special just cheese and chips. I've never had my Birria Tacos on a wood clothes pin but I had it here. It was real nice the way the presentation was but I feel the tacos could've been a little more flavorful especially the consome. But on the other hand the Duck and Pork Belly tacos were pretty Good. Both unique because I never had either of the two. They had great spice and a hint of sweetness both great bites but I think the Pork Belly Taco had the upper hand. All in all you looking for a great party, date night, or just to hang out this is the Place!
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Coral E.

Yelp
We had an amazing dinner at Tacos del Cartel! With the evening being cooler than we anticipated, we were thankful to be able to move our reservation inside upon our arrival thanks to a nice hostess. We were promptly greeted by our amazing waitress and enjoyed browsing a great cocktail menu. All cocktails were tasty as were the complimentary chips and salsa. Birria, shrimp, wagyu and brisket tacos were all delicious. Highly recommend this restaurant!
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Ike A.

Yelp
Taco Del Cartel is a beautifully designed gem in the heart of New Orleans that we stumbled upon on a Saturday. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with smiles at the hostess stand and immediately captivated by the vibrant décor, filled with colorful flowers and stunning details throughout the space. The atmosphere was lively, with upbeat music and delicious aromas filling the air, making for a sensory experience from the start. The menu is filled with a variety of curated options, but I decided to keep it simple and went with the chicken tacos. They were perfectly seasoned and full of flavor--a great choice! I can't wait to return and try more dishes from the menu.
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Brie W.

Yelp
The decor and ambiance of this restaurant is beautiful! Our server was really good. However, the food lacked a lot for me. I've dined and ordered takeout from the Metairie location but heard mixed reviews about the New Orleans location. My best friend was in town and wanted to go for her bday. Loved the hot chocolate they serve when you're seated! The queso dip was ok. The birria tacos were just not it. We later figured that it was the corn tortilla that was messing up the dish because the meat by itself was delicious! The charro beans had me cleaning the bowl but the rice had no taste to it honestly. The birthday surprise was great when they brought the ice cream and dessert. Again beautiful atmosphere but food could use some tweaking.
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Leonard B.

Yelp
Tacos Del Cartel My wife and I went here for lunch and it did NOT disappoint! 10/10, we will be back again! This is not only a place to eat but it is an experience. From the outside backdrops for photo opportunities to the decor on the inside which makes you feel like you are engulfed in Mexican culture. The service was phenomenal and the waiter, Brazil, made us feel special. Now to the food... we had the EL TENDEDERO DE BIRRIA which consisted of 4 beef and cheese tacos hanging from a clothesline. The presentation was everything! We also had churros with caramel and bourbon dipping sauces- couldn't choose so we dipped the churro in both! The last thing to mention is the plantains. They are served with some sort of sour cream drizzle... weird we initially thought until there was a party in our mouths a few moments later. Don't knock it until you try it. So, So good!!!
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Kirsten B.

Yelp
Likelihood is, you came for the birria tacos or some Instagram photos. You will DEFINITELY get some good quality tacos here and GREAT photos. However, it is a bit overpriced for what you get (like sides and desserts). Additionally, don't come here looking to have conversations: It's a smaller restaurant, but they have some wacky and elaborate displays for certain dishes and for birthdays with lights and changing the music, etc. We counted at one point 15 birthdays when there was maybe 30 tables? It just got annoying and felt like tables were trying to outdo each other being the center of attention and we could not enjoy our meal every time they turned the music up. Otherwise, the signature cocktail selection is rather small, but the service overall was really good!
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Von W.

Yelp
Overall, we had a great time for a Monday evening. I docked a star because we had one issue when we were asked to leave or move to a smaller table. We had a party of three seating at a four-top. Less than two hours into service, our server said that a party of 10 was on the way, and she needed our table. She said she could move us to the two-top next to us. Remember, we had three people. We politely left, but we all agreed that we had never experienced anything like that. Service: Aside from being asked to give up our table, our server was personable and attentive. Ambience: The restaurant is definitely a vibe. It's open and airy. The furniture and fixtures, lighting, art, etc is an experience. Food: Birria tacos: 8/10; they had a good flavor, but I didn't care for the pretentious presentation with the clothes pins. I thought the clothes line made them harder to eat. Pork belly tacos: 9/10; the pork belly was tender, juicy and tasty. The serving size met my expectations.
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Christina C.

Yelp
I crossed the water and went for a visit to Taco Cartel in New Orleans, and it was an unforgettable experience! The ambiance was simply beautiful, with a perfect blend of vibrant colors and cozy decor that made the entire atmosphere inviting and lively. The food was excellent, each taco bursting with flavor and crafted with the freshest ingredients. From the first bite to the last, it was clear that a lot of care and creativity went into every dish. Our server, Amaury, truly enhanced our dining experience with attentive and friendly service. He was knowledgeable about the menu, the decor, and made excellent recommendations, ensuring that we had everything we needed. The combination of the beautiful ambiance, outstanding food, and exceptional service from Amaury made our visit to Taco Cartel a highlight of our trip to New Orleans. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience in the city! And don't let it be your birthday cause they gonna cut all the way up.
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Marc M.

Yelp
I had a business meeting there, what a Gorgeous place to walk in. I actually felt like I was in Guatemala with incredible vibe & ambiance. The presentation of the food was impressive & a Explosion of flavors in every bite especially the Bone Marrow Tacos to start with Spicy Passion fruit Margaritas with Mezcal I actually had 3 made from scratch. Round 2 was the Birra Tacos with a impeccable consomme to dip into . The presentation was Hilarious never seen tacos hanging with clothes pins Hahaha Also the kitchen staff should be commended for there hard work to prepare such a amazing food !!! I Highly recommend this place will definitely be back for more business meetings .
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Marquise C.

Yelp
This place is an experience that everyone have to try. The entrance is beautifully filled with a vines and flowers. The service is top tier and the food taste soooo good. The brisket tacos and queso was my favorite and the long island tasted delightful. The sang happy birthday and if you order the flight drinks they sing shot shot shot lol.
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Chris K.

Yelp
I know when you think of New Orleans you go to seafood, hurricanes, bourbon st, etc. This was a nice change of scenery. It's beautiful inside and out, so it was hard to pass up. The service was great and constant! Came in and sat at the bar. I got the carne asada tacos, el sazerac and a frozen marg! They put a generous portion of meat on. Flavors were all there! Music and flights of shots and delicious food! I'll be back on the next trip!
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Breanna T.

Yelp
Came here for a quick lunch before my train ride. Staff was very friendly and quick service. This place is very well decorated and So full of color! I loved it. The food was really good too. I got the Birria tacos so full of flavor! The drinks were good too. I will def be back to try more.
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Tiffany D.

Yelp
I came for an impromptu lunch around noon on a Tuesday, and the place was already filling up. I get the sense that people who work in the area come by for lunch. GLOWS: -The restaurant was beautifully decorated! Very thoughtful decor and very instagrammable - The service was efficient and effective. -The complimentary chips and salsa were a nice touch! GROWS: - The tacos overall are very small. The shrimp tacos particularly, came with very small salad sized shrimp that all just fell off when you bit it. It would have been better to have large shrimp to actually hold the shape of the taco. -Both bean option on the menu have pork in them, so I was only able to get double rice with my taco entree. I didn't care for that as an option considering many of their selections are not dietary restriction friendly--- I asked and was told I have to pay an up charge to get guacamole or a veggie--- it's simple customer service that is now lost. -The flies inside the dining room were in high demand. I wasn't sure how so many flies entered the space, but it was a hassle to keep shooing them away the entire time
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Daniel S.

Yelp
On July 4th, I stopped in for a margarita and some chips and cheese! From the moment you see this place, you're kind of blown away. The exterior and interior both transport you to a Miami vibe type restaurant. It's different, but in a way you respect. The service was top-notch--from the hostess stand all the way until we signed the check, everyone was exceptionally helpful and nice. It felt very genuine. I only had the frozen watermelon margarita, chips, cheese, and salsa, but everything was delightful--full of flavor and life. It's a well-done establishment with staff who genuinely seem to enjoy their work. Although I didn't eat much, my first impression was so positive that I can't wait to go back. I've already told many people in my personal life about how pleasant the experience was and now I'm on Yelp. Good queso , hardy chips, strong drinks and service with a smile. I will absolutely be back! Editor's note: I also called beforehand to make sure they were open, and the person who answered the phone was extremely polite when I asked if they were open... even on their work phone!
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Adriana C.

Yelp
This has to be one of the most beautiful restaurants I've ever been to. The service is excellent and the food was incredible. I happened to be across the street to try Willa Jean but they were too busy so I walked into Tacos del Cartel. From the minute you walk in, it is eye catching. I tried the queso fundido that came with handmade corn tortillas, the chips/salsa were amazing! And the huevos rancheros were also fantastic, such authentic flavor. For a cocktail, I had the Rosanova and wow, It is beautiful and such an experience! The bathrooms were clean and also beautiful. From the entrance to the bathrooms, this restaurant is a work of art! If you want amazing food and a beautiful ambiance, go here!
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Vanessa S.

Yelp
Perfect place for a girls brunch! Tried the elote and birria tacos. Amazing! Also loved the way the food was displayed. The inside was super cute too and nice bathrooms. I love how the menus light up when you open them, makes it easy to read. Only odd thing was I asked what teas were available since the menu said there was tea and the waiter said "oh we don't have teas" anyway would be back!
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Ashley C.

Yelp
My visit to Tacos del Cartel NOLA with my niece for a Christmas Eve lunch was a fun experience! The restaurant is beautifully decorated, with vibrant and colorful elements that reminded me of my travels to Mexico City. We ordered the fajitas and the taco tower, the presentation was a solid 10, the flavors were more like a 7--not bad, but I expected a bit more. We also received complimentary chips and salsa, along with a delicious fried plantain dish, all homemade and authentic--so good! Our server was attentive, upbeat, and knowledgeable about the dishes, which made our dining experience even better. The birthday celebrations at nearby tables added to the lively atmosphere, which I loved. The vibes in that area of Girod and Baronne Street gives a nice break from the typical New Orleans scene. For drinks, my niece tried the smoked margarita, and I had the La Luna, which was just okay, but the mojito was refreshing and zesty! I also ordered the chocolate lava cake to go, and while it took longer than expected to prepare, it was totally worth it--rich and decadent!
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Michael M.

Yelp
This place is an absolute vibe, entertaining and engaging. I'll get to the atmosphere at the end. As for the food, the ceviche and the queso were pretty delicious. The tacos were ok, kind of lacked flavor, and the bone marrow tacos didn't really have all that much bone marrow. Everything tastes good though, but there are better tacos nearby. The service is still figuring itself out. It took a while for us to get water, a little bit longer to get silverware, and then even longer to get drinks. But these are the kinks that work themselves out with time, so don't let that dissuade you. All that being said, people come here for the scene. The owners really thought of everything social media would love and found a way to fit it into this space. Cocktails with smoke. Planes with shots and dry ice. Dessert trays that look like little ice cream carts. Birria tacos on clothes hangers. An employee comes out with a plush head to sing happy birthday. Walls of flowers and chandeliers and a tiger. The list goes on. That part makes for a fun experience!! I'm sure in a month it'll be a fine tuned machine, but for now just enjoy the loud noise and atmosphere, and ignore the little hiccups that happen with a new restaurant.
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Alex R.

Yelp
I'd come back for the decor alone!!!! It is absolutely beautiful inside. Gave it a try for a work lunch, and was not disappointed. Our server was attentive and provided a great overview of the menu. Started with chips and salsa - great spice level and flavorful. I got the tacos de brisket, and while a tad dry the tortillas were so soft and had a nice flavor, and the brisket itself did taste good overall. The salsas they provide on the side add a nice kick and side of flavor! Will definitely be back to try more.
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Arielle M.

Yelp
First time visiting, on Cinco de Mayo of all days. Only about a 30-minute wait, thankfully. There was a DJ set up by the front door and the set he played was nice. Our food came out quickly, but it took a while for the drinks to come from the bar. The queso was good, the guac was great. The only thing I didn't particularly care for were the birria tacos I ordered. They were surprisingly bland, in my opinion. I'm wondering if it was just a quality issue because it was a relatively busy day. I'd be willing to try it again and modify my rating from that point.

Jared R.

Yelp
Foods great! Cool, modern atmosphere! Very loud (music) and hard to communicate with people at your table so that is a little annoying at times. Bar tenders did a very cool fire show.
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Kaitlin T.

Yelp
Super fun vibes for a birthday, girls night, date night or such. The drinks are declicous. Birria was tasty and I even enjoyed the rice and beans. Definitely going back when we have more time to try the shot flights. They do a really festive presentation for them. you can book a reservation online and I recommend it.
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Constance P.

Yelp
Second time here. It was slower so it was a little less exciting than it normally is. I got the berry mezcal drink. It was very refreshing and obviously stunning. We got a variety of tacos at the table. I tried the oyster mushroom and pork belly. Both were awesome. I really wish the tacos could be ordered al carte because I would love to try them all.
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Emily V.

Yelp
this place doesn't need to be this good but thankfully it is! great mexican food and i'm from los angeles so the bar is high! the black refried beans and elote were amazing! highly recommend.
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Jay C.

Yelp
I rarely give 5 stars but this place really and truly is worth all stars given. The manager accommodated my party by adding two tables together. He truly did not have to go above and beyond doing so with other seating available. This establishment has plenty of seating inside and outside with good views while you wait for your drinks and food. The ambiance is top notch especially when you have a daughter that likes posting things onto her social media . We all really enjoyed ourselves. While there we experienced the best birthday celebration that the team gives to the customers. The drinks are really good. So don't let the prices determine what drink to go for, treat yourself to two or three. All the specialty drinks have a culture story and meaning behind them and the waiter/ waitress well inform you of that. The food is really good by far worth every penny.
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Paro C.

Yelp
Wow. This place is incredible, I highly recommend it! Tacos de camarón were so lite to eat, super filling too! The restaurant was super chic - perfect for a date night!
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Kaitlyn L.

Yelp
The new Tacos deal Cartel is BEAUTIFUL. You walk in under an arch of pink flowers and are greeted by the nicest staff! This restaurant is comparable to what you see in NYC, Miami, or LA. New Orleans lags behind in trendy restaurant concepts, so I am glad Tacos del Cartel was able to bring this to life here! First, the drinks are insane. Some might say they are overpriced, but they really have that wow factor for a presentation. It's all about the vibes. They serve up color drinks with nice garnishes and some even come with a smoke presentation! Second, the food is delicious! I visited for brunch and I must say (even though this is a Mexican restaurant) they have bomb chicken and waffles. The flavors worked together so well. I also had to try their 2021 top taco winning birria tacos. They came on a clothesline and had all the fixings underneath. These were so good! Fresh, cheesy, and crispy on the outside. I also tried the chilaquiles. These were good but pretty basic -- kind of like breakfast nachos. I can't wait to be back to try more of their tacos and savory offerings for dinner!
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Keanna W.

Yelp
Service 7/10 - very subpar experience. We came during a rush and therefore wanted to get our food to go; however when we were outside reviewing the menu and asking questions no one could help except for one young man. It's always nice having staff who know about the menu so that they're not relying on a few individuals. Food 5/10 - I only tried a couple of things and what I got was truly nothing to write home about. I was told that the birria was the best but as someone who knows good food, this was a miss. The birria was lackluster and lacked flavor. I'm not saying it need to be overly salty; however it was bland. Usually if I cannot get a tasty birria taco I can rely on the consomé broth but that was just hot broth with onions and cilantro in it. I couldn't even finish it and waste any more calories. If/when I'm in town again I would be open to trying other things on the menu but wouldn't go out of my way to go here.

Sally N.

Yelp
We went with high expectations and found things only so-so. The restaurant is brightly colored and upbeat, and that was great. Our server was very attentive. But the prices were high for what you got. The first small bowl of chips and tiny bowl of hot sauce were complimentary, but the rest was an additional charge. We ordered a dish similar to Tex-Mex fajitas and while the appearance was pretty with large onion slice boats surrounding the meat, the taste just didn't match the appearance nor the price. Another ordered the soup, and it was filled with hard tortilla strips but with very little meat. We just were not bowled over and probably won't go back.
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Cam S.

Yelp
This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in New Orleans. Very colorful. Reservation a must. Service was great and staff was friendly! The food was plentiful and fairly priced for portion sizes. The drinks were on the pricier side but good.
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Sasha M.

Yelp
Beautiful ambiance, delightful servers and food was good. Prices are a little high but still had a good meal.
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William S.

Yelp
When it comes to atmosphere and service, this place easily deserves 5 stars! The interior is beautifully decorated, making it perfect for photos and a fun outing. However, I found the food a bit bland, especially considering the price point. Despite this, the overall experience was great. If you're looking for a spot with excellent photo ops and drinks, this is a great choice.
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Stephanie M.

Yelp
I had the most amazing meal at Tacos Del Cartel. The pork belly tacos were out of this world--they just melted in my mouth. I also tried the street elote and the rib eye guacamole, and everything tasted incredible. But seriously, those pork belly tacos were my favorite! I washed it all down with a Smokey margarita. While it was good, it didn't pack as much punch as I expected. But hey, the service was great and the spot was super cute, so no complaints here! If you're in New Orleans and craving some delicious tacos, definitely check out Tacos Del Cartel. You won't be disappointed!
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Deirdre T.

Yelp
It's giving Miami or Vegas vibes for sure. The place is immaculately decorated. Our party of 10 waited for a little over an hour to be seated. Your entire party must be present in order to be seated. The hostesses are there as door keepers and almost like bouncers. Do not expect friendly or nice vibes from them. But once you're seated the real service begins. You have a main waiter or waitress but they have lots of help. The drink menu is curated nicely. Cocktails range from $13-25. The tacos are not cheap but they give you plenty of meat. I ordered the shrimp tacos and I wish I would not have shared them. I swapped two out to try a birria and a brisket taco. They were just ok. Next time I'll stick to just the shrimp. That's another negative . You can't order tacos a la carte. The salsas were very flavorful and don't expect free chips and salsa. The birthday celebrations fun to watch and the bar tenders put on a pyro show. I would come back but not for taco Tuesday and maybe to catch a happy hour or early lunch if in the area. With 20% auto gratuity, my husband and I spent $80 on two taco plates (shrimp and steak), one frozen margarita, and a bottle of sparkling water. The prices matches the real estate and decor.
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Cayla M.

Yelp
The service and food was amazing! I'll definitely be back again! The restaurant was aesthetically pleasing with vibrant artwork and a tropical vibe. The delicious French toast was perfectly fluffy and not too sweet.
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Tiffany F.

Yelp
I'm so glad that this place is in walking distance from my house! First of all the interior design is just breathtaking, you feel like you are in a different country. Very vibrant and fancy, I was told by one of the waitresses that the interior design was done by a Spanish woman. She really thought of every detail when it came to the look of the restaurant. Now the food is great, very flavorful, but the drinks are overpriced for New Orleans. And I also was disappointed that they use syrup flavors versus actual fruit to flavor their drinks. I've eaten there since they've been open two times so far and loved each time. Definitely going to be one of my spots in my area!!
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Harmonese P.

Yelp
Okay, how cutesy is this place! Stopped by today and had been meaning to for a while. This actually was the old Aqua Ice Cream spot. When I saw this place in the works I was excited to try. Food + drinks were really great. I was truly impressed-- a lot of spots that are super cutesy aren't really good but that wasn't the case here. Service was perfect! I can't wait to come back!