We tried the award-winning birria tacos at Tacos del Cartel
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The birria tacos at Tacos del Cartel hang on a small clothesline. Photo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios
It's hard to miss Tacos del Cartel when you spot the Metairie-born restaurant's new downtown New Orleans location.
Why it matters: That's a good thing, because you'll want to keep this spot on your radar for birthday dinners, boozy brunches or pre-gaming before a Pelicans or Saints game.
Catch up quick: Tacos del Cartel comes from Danny Cruz and Vilexys Salas at VEHO Hospitality, Gambit reports, and the brand's second location in the CBD opened earlier this summer.
- The modern, boldly-designed space is a maximalist stunner, with a tunnel of deep red florals at the entryway, balloon-style fixtures draped from the ceiling and patterned velvet chairs at every table.
The vibe: I snuck in for a spot at the bar on a random weekday, but the place was packed and cheerfully noisy.
- There was an obvious business lunch at a table to my left, and a birthday celebration with friends doing tequila shots to my right.
What I ordered: Tacos del Cartel is known for their award-winning birria tacos ($22), which arrive on a tiny clothesline, so that's what I got.
- Despite how busy the restaurant was, the tacos arrived quickly, and were still dripping hot cheese as they hung on the clothesline, which kept them from getting soggy.
- I found myself plunging nearly every bite into a green salsa that came with the tacos instead of the paired consomé. They're stuffed with meat so tender, none of it pulled away from me as I ate.
Yes, but: I also had seen the snazzy, smoking presentation of Tacos del Cartel's smoky margarita ($16) on Instagram, but when the one I ordered was delivered, it arrived without ceremony.
- Womp, womp.
The bottom line: I'm not sure Tacos del Cartel has the mood I want for a business lunch, but I'd definitely return for the start of a big night out with friends.