El Pavo Real - New Orleans

The food here is excellent, but the customer service is abysmal. As a local resident, I’ve tried to give this place another shot every few months, but they never seem to have a hostess. This results in people gathering at the entrance, leaving you unsure of who should be next in line. I waited for 20 minutes hoping someone would come over to manage the crowd, but when new customers barged ahead to cut in line, I decided it was time to leave. I go out to dinner to unwind, not to deal with chaos.

I can't believe I haven't written a review for this restaurant yet, but it's honestly one of my favorites. The food is incredibly fresh. My family is from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico (Merida), and this cuisine reminds me of home. It’s quite distinct from the typical Mexican fare you find in Louisiana—think more tropical vibes rather than desert influences. The ingredients are fresher, and the flavors are a delightful blend of acidity, sweetness, and spice. The food brings me so much joy that it's hard to put into words; it carries a sense of nostalgia for me.

One of my all-time favorites! This place has the best tamales in Louisiana. The service is fantastic, the food is delicious, and the drinks are amazing. The margaritas are spot on, and the beer is served nice and cold. I really enjoy the atmosphere—it's a casual "seat yourself" café style. The food is super fresh, with house-made tortillas and rotating specials, all at great prices. Highly recommended!

I had a really great experience eating here for the first time! Jess was an amazing bartender with excellent tequila recommendations. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The pork tamale was my favorite.

I?ve never had a bad meal here. Probably the best and most authentic Mexican food in the city. The servers are all so nice. Definitely would recommend the crab and avocado quesadilla, fish tacos, and breakfast burrito. Their happy hour is also solid. I only wish they were open later and also open on Sunday and Monday.