Looking for your next great Latin American meal in New Orleans? These new spots will satisfy all your cravings.
La Cocinita
234 Loyola Ave., CBD
La Cocinita is a Venezuelan and Mexican spot located in the Pythian Market food hall that specializes in the meat- and cheese-stuffed Venezuelan cornmeal patties known as arepas. The joint serves tacos, bowls and "Burri-Tacos" — flour tortillas filled with rice, black beans, meat and melted cheese.
The establishment has another stationary outpost in Chicago plus an additional food truck that cruises around the windy city. Visit the business' website for all the details.
La Cocinita's current Yelp rating of five stars out of one review indicates positive attention from users.
"Two arepas were the perfect amount of lunch for me and they hit the spot," Yelper Morgan F. said. "The carne asada was well-seasoned, and the mix was no store-bought pico. And the arepas were crispy and fluffy at the same time, and held it all together until my last bite."
La Cocinita is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
El Libre
3151 Calhoun St., Fontainebleau
El Libre is a bar and Cuban spot, offering sandwiches and more not too far from Tulane University in the old Bud's Broiler location.
Get ready for pressed Cuban sandwiches, fried plantains, vegetarian bowls, slow-cooked chicken, slow-roasted pork shoulder, burgers, waffle fries and avacado salads.
El Libre currently holds five stars out of 10 reviews on Yelp, signifying a good response so far.
"Excellent Cuban fare at reasonable prices," Yelper Fabrizi O. said. "Their avocado salad is a rare yet simple treat, the perfect accompaniment to all the other dishes. There is beer at the bar along with cocktails, and coffee drinks done just right. Come for the food, bottomless fountain drinks and friendly service, and you will leave satisfied — without taking a major hit to your wallet."
Yelper Ron M. added, "Having some Cuban options in New Orleans is graciously welcomed. El Libre reminds me of the small, family-owned spots I frequented in Central Florida. Menu options are few, but they do offer vegetarian options, which my wife said were well done, filling and delicious."
El Libre is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
Manolito
508 Dumaine St., French Quarter
Manolito is a cocktail bar and Cuban spot specializing in Cuban cocktails, civeche, sandwiches and more.
Prepare for a small menu that includes black bean soup with crema, plantain chips and cilantro; shrimp ceviche with serrano and orange; Cuban sandwiches with ham, mojo pork, Swiss cheese and mustard; and family-style ropa vieja.
Yelp users are excited about Manolito, which currently holds five stars out of six reviews on the site.
"Absolutely delicious Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja arepas, and coconut flan," Yelper Bonnie R. said. "We are planning on coming back again during our short trip to New Orleans. Who would have thought our favorite place here would be Cuban food."
Yelper Lyn M. added, "What a fun little place. It's the size of a postage stamp and could easily be missed, but definitely worth scouring The Quarter to find. The Cuban-inspired cocktails are amazing. Highly recommended."
Manolito is open from 5 p.m.–11 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday.
