La Fiesta
Backstory
This is the oldest Mexican restaurant in New Orleans, in continuous operation since 1972. The greatest changes in the offerings have occurred in the last few years, with the arrival of enough Hispanic customers that things like menudo and carne guisado are worth cooking.
Dining Room
An old, utilitarian building is furnished with booths the place bought from the short-lived Here's Johnny's restaurants in the 1970s. (It was a Johnny Carson theme restaurant.)
Why It's Essential
This is what Mexican restaurants in New Orleans were like before the Americanized chains took over and made even family-run Mexican places seem plastic. Eating at La Fiesta--which I have done about every three years since my first review of it in 1977--is like entering a time machine. We have come a long way. The menu is dominated by combo platters of mainstream Tex-Mex dishes, prepared in a very plain style. A few new, very Mexican dishes have been added in recent years.
Why It's Good
One of the most welcome, consistent, and inexplicable aspects of La Fiesta is that they serve the coldest beer in town. They always have. It balances the food and the scene perfectly. The cooking is reasonably good, but the minimal surroundings persuade some that it's much better.
Most Interesting Dishes
Bean dip<br /> Nachos<br /> Guacamole<br /> »Taco salad<br /> Fajita salad, chicken or beef<br /> Mini-chimichangas <br /> Quesadillas (chicken, beef, or cheese)<br /> »Menudo (Mexican tripe soup)<br /> »Fajitas, beef or chicken<br /> »Carne guisada (Tex-Mex beef stew)<br /> »Chiles rellenos platter<br /> Mexican combo platters<br /> »Cheese and onion enchiladas<br /> Beef enchiladas<br /> »Huevos rancheros<br /> »Scrambled eggs with chorizo
Deficiencies
A total renovation of the building is long overdue. Parking is a problem when the place is busy.
For Best Results
The new, more ethnically true dishes are better than I expected, but still the standout dish here is the enchiladas. The sauce is good, and they routinely make even the cheese enchiladas with grilled onions, the way everyone should.
Bonus Ratings
1
Value