Mid-City just picked up a bold new hangout: Espíritu Mezcaleria & Cocina has opened a second location, taking over the former Rosella space a block behind Mandina’s. The team kept Rosella’s coral-pink and pistachio walls, added a tree-shaded patio, and brought along Espíritu’s mezcal-heavy bar program and late-night taco deals, now just a short stroll off Canal Street. Owners Haley Saucier and Grant Carey say the new spot sticks with the original’s casual, Mexico City-style menu, with bonus perks like weekend brunch and live entertainment.
Where It Is
According to Eater New Orleans, the Mid-City outpost sits at 139 S. Cortez Street, tucked just behind Mandina’s on Canal. Eater also notes that Saucier and Carey operate the original Espíritu in the CBD at 520 Capdeville Street.
What To Order
Opening coverage in Gambit describes a scratch kitchen turning out Mexican favorites with a New Orleans twist. On the menu: birria tacos made with barbacoa lamb, lamb with mole, a huitlacoche quesadilla, a creole queso loaded with crawfish, and a daily ceviche. Gambit also notes that the Mid-City space kept Rosella’s distinctive color scheme and quietly opened its doors last fall.
Happy Hour and Accessibility
The restaurant’s menu spells out its approach to diners with dietary restrictions, stating that most dishes are gluten free: “All items are gluten free except the tortas, tres leches, and choco flan.” Staff are trained on cross-contamination and use a dedicated fryer for gluten-free items, according to Espíritu. The same menu lists a weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring $3 a la carte tacos, $6 salsa flights, and other small-plate specials.
Mezcal Program
The bar stays true to Espíritu’s roots with a mezcal-forward program. Staff are certified mezcaliers, and the lineup leans into ancestral and artisanal bottles, curated flights, shrubs, infusions, and craft cocktails, per Eater New Orleans. Owner Grant Carey told Gambit that “from the beginning, mezcal drove the bus,” underscoring that agave spirits are still the star of the show.
For Mid-City neighbors, Espíritu’s arrival means another late-night taco option and a shaded patio for lingering over cocktails. Expect the menu and entertainment lineup to fine-tune over the coming weeks as the new kitchen and bar settle into their groove.
