I really wanted some tacos and we decided to check out El Pavo Real for the first time. When we were seated they brought out some delicious spiced popcorn to munch on while you look at the menu. We picked the refritos with chorizo as an appetizer and it was sooo good!!! The chips were hot and freshly fried and the refried beans were topped with chorizo and cheese. I could have eaten just that and been happy. My meal was the al pastor tacos with rice and black beans. The tacos were exactly what I wanted...delicious pork, spicy green salsa, and extras like lime and chopped jalapeños and cilantro. I was very happy with our decision to go there and can't wait to go back and try more things. read more

El Pavo Real - Refritos with chorizo - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Came here for the first time and liked it a lot! The thing I loved here was the popcorn they bring you. Unique, right? It's not just plain buttered popcorn, they season it to perfection! It's amazing!! It tastes SO good, I'm sure it's super bad for you with tons of seasonings and butter, but you'll be addicted. Our table kept asking for more and more servings throughout the meal! Now, you could buy the popcorn to take home with you, but at $8 a bag, you'd be better off just eating it there. I also really loved their queso ($9). I'd say it's a bit overpriced, but it's not made with the crappy kind of queso that you'd get from Chipotle and it's truly delish. It's creamy, but with a rich cheesy flavor you can only get from good quality real cheese. Served with roasted poblano (a kind of non-spicy pepper), onion, and corn. I had the chicken tinga tacos ($9). This was good! The chicken was well-seasoned and flavorful. It comes with only 2 tacos though and nothing else, which brings it to $4.50 per taco. I think for the price, it could be 3 tacos... You can add a side order of rice and beans (+$3), but honestly, that was disappointing. The rice was plain white rice and the beans were unseasoned. Their breakfast menu is where it's at, I think! It's pretty cheap considering the location uptown. Each dish is around $10 give or take a few bucks and seems to come with a good portion of food. This is what I'd try next time I'm there! read more

El Pavo Real - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Fresh Mexican that is authentic (at least as judged by certain food trucks around town where no English is spoken), served in an historic old Broadmoor storefront--what's not to like? The menu has a combination of Mexican standards such as tacos and novel dishes like a vegetarian chile relleno made with peanut butter sauce and squash. Civiche was tasty, but not particularly varied (mostly shrimp). Desserts include some creative takes like coffee flan (a good flan but not particularly coffee-esque) and churros served hot and fresh, which made me finally understand the appeal of cinnamon sugar dusted bread sticks. Service was prompt and friendly, and on our particular visit, extra points for recognizing three yellow-shirted patrons as having come from the No Kings rally. read more

El Pavo Real - Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

El Pavo is what I would consider a staple here in New Orleans. It's affordable and family friendly. I get something different most of the time but this was my first one getting the fish tacos and I was pleasantly surprised with the portion as well as the quality of the fish and toppings. Everything tasted so fresh and it was a bright dish. Happy hour is daily from 3:30-5:30p and you can't beat the margarita deal as well as half off dips. read more

El Pavo Real - Fried Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Lovely little neighborhood restaurant with a great HH (3:30-5:30) with good deals on apps. I like the shrimp tacos and would triple the mirliton slaw that's on them... maybe I should ask for a side of that slaw next time. The fish taco was ok.. maybe too heavily fried but I can always try again. We really enjoyed our HH apps and my friends got margaritas... and didn't love them. I got a sangria and it was fine (but not on the HH menu FYI). Service was lovely. Parking can be a bit of a challenge on this weird Y intersection where Napoleon, Broad and Fountainbleau meet; just be careful crossing the streets! read more

I went on a Sunday and ordered the breakfast burrito from the brunch menu - it was flavorful and absolutely delicious. As an appetizer, we shared the rajas con queso with chorizo, and it was so good Overall it was an excellent meal with great service. I will be back to explore the menu! read more

Been coming to this hidden gem for 4 years - everything is absolutely authentic, fresh and subpar.. I dine in at least once a week but sometimes more . I recommend everything - but ceviche and steak tacos are my go to ... if you like queso and chips their dip is the best cheese dip I've ever had , it will make you rethink what you thought was queso ... this place is inexpensive... but most important is it's always Amazing and fresh .. sangria and micheladas are also read more

El Pavo Real - Ceviche: shrimp, fish & octopus Perfect sangria - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Fav mexican joint. Authentic everything! Love this place. Frequent once a week if i can read more

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I won't lie, I have been trying so hard to get here for months, but every time I think that I've set a time to go visit, something always comes up. My goal has always been for a Saturday night, but that's just not how life in New Orleans goes. Finally made it, and it was one of those days where I just wanted to try everything because it had been on my list forever so I wanted to try it all to see what I had been missing. 1. Sangria - fairly solid. Not much to say one way or the other, but a refreshing red to start the evening. 2. Spiced popcorn brought to the table -- okay, I may have asked for a refill on this...aaaaand maybe a bag to take home for later. It's a nice change up from getting chips and salsa, and it adds a unique flavor to start your meal. 3. Tamale of the day - I believe I had pork that day? Great filling and flavor, no complaints. Standard tamale with salsa verde (although about half the size of the Tamale Man's tamales from the FQ, but appropriately restaurant-sized). 4. Steak tacos (2) - proper steak, medium rare, with fillings on the side of cheese, jalapenos, a verde crema, cilantro, and onions. Delish! 5. Dessert?! Of course. At this point when you're so full, why wouldn't you just keep adding it in; plus, we know there's a separate area of the stomach for the sweetness. Went with the Mexican chocolate mousse that had a delicious fluffy cinnamon churro on the side. Cute place, lots of take-out business, outdoor/patio seating options, full bar, and amazing staff. Good gravy, I almost forgot to shout out the staff. Zoe (hostess) and Sakarra (server) absolutely blew it out of the park. Great recommendations and patience with me as I wanted to work my way through the entire menu. Now, side note, I didn't eat anything the following day because I was still so full, but maybe a handful of the popcorn that I took back with me. I couldn't wait to go back so of course I took my bestie back there with me just over a week later. WORTH IT. read more

Live about a block away and come about once or twice a week. Food is delicious, the place is cute. Only thing is it sits about 40/50 max so get in while you can! Great variety of options at varying prices. Specials are varied by time of year, and are also bomb. read more

Hands down the most authentic Mexican restaurant im NOLA. We had chilaquiles with salsa verde, chicken with mole and a side if guacamole. Everything was fabulous. I was an exchange student in Mexico in high school. Many years later I worked there. And my brother was a renown travel writer who specialized in Mexico. He even took me as his assistant a couple of times. I am happy to find food that tastes like Mexico instead of Texas. read more

i really liked the food, well we had a carne asada we are mexican and its authentic good flavor and the tamales was niceeeee nice

This is absolute best Mexican restaurant in New Orleans. El Pavo Real is hiding in open view where Broad meets Napoleon, but is well worth the visit! They only have street parking, but this is never a problem as I always find a spot by the tiny park just steps away. We are Always greeted on arrival and have been able to get a table even when they are extremely busy. I should note they also have a few intimate dining tables on the side of the building that are worth the wait. Our dining experience here has always been outstanding. We found that even the most basic menu items like their queso the Rajas Con Queso is prepared in amazing, unique ways you can't find anywhere else. Seriously this Queso is oven baked with onion and corn and served sizzling to your table! Their Quesadilla and tamales are surprisingly impressive and my favorite item the Shrimp Taco is a masterpiece of spectacularly fried shrimp perfectly served as an untraditional taco. Chicken Taco Shrimp Taco read more

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This place is ADORABLE. The staff is really friendly and the food is great. They have daily tamale specials. The margaritas are strong so tread carefully. read more

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2nd time around was even better the black bean soup w the fried tortilla strips is great. Soup was flavorful and the strips added crunch with a perfect touch and the portion was very generous. The shrimp tacos are good as is but when you add the sauce it definitely takes them to the next level. The fish is fried perfectly my only issue is the corn tortillas aren't heated or toasted I believe that would make it the perfect dish. But overall this spot is consistently good and I'll be back. read more

El Pavo Real - Black bean soup - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Wow! From the moment I walked in, I new this was my new neighborhood hangout. The outdoor patio dining is super inviting and would be great for a birthday party get-together or shower. The inside has an exciting but casual vibe that put my at home immediately. On my first visit, I ordered to go and had a cocktail at the bar while I waited. I chose the Garceta because a) I love coconut b) I love horchata and c) I love rum. The drink is topped with nutmeg which gives it a little holiday flavor. Yumm. I ordered the tamale del día which was chicken with salsa verde. These are my favorite type of tamales with the white masa and a super tangy salsa verde and slaw on the side. Next, for my vegetarian friends, I tried the ensalada de la casa with romaine, radish, grape tomato, tomatillo, queso fresco, pepitas, and a beautiful orange chipotle lime vinaigrette. The queso fresco was soft and so fresh that I would hate to leave it off but I'm sure you can. Along with the salad, I had the black bean soup. I'm normally not a fan of black beans but I was looking for a meatless option. The soup was just not for me but I would definitely order the soup and salad for a light, refreshing meal. Finally, the best for last was the rajas con queso. This is what brought me to El Pavo Real because it's one of my favorite dishes. The queso comes with roasted poblano strips, caramelized onion and the big surprise that is uniquely El Pavo is the fresh corn and creamy, cheesy dip that is the second layer of the dish. I chose to have mine with crabmeat and it was amazing AND another the dish comes with housemade totopo style tortilla chips that, if you haven't tried this style, you will order a double batch. They're the best! read more

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Some of the best Mexican food we've ever had...truly authentic and absolutely amazing. The atmosphere feels like old New Orleans, and the courtyard is precious. read more

Have been going here for years and am so grateful they are still in the neighborhood. Their happy hour is fantastic

Delicious restaurant. It seems to fly below the radar, low key place with solid food and good drinks

Great casual Mexican food spot. Came here yesterday with a friend and we sat at the bar. Attentive service, awesome food and drinks, clutch happy hour. Vibe is very casual. We got margaritas and the queso on the happy hour menu-so cheap (half price!). Tasted excellent!! Then we got the chipotle coconut shrimp and it was so yummy. We just shared because we weren't that hungry. Portion was good/solid for one hungry person. I would absolutely come back here-one of my new favorite Mexican spots in town! read more

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Can't believe I have passed this place for years and on a whim we stopped in for lunch. Been here twice in a week and tried different things both times and was not disappointed. Absolutely excellent. read more

One of my favorite places. The regular menu is terrific and the daily specials are amazing. The gazpacho soup was mind blowing and I am still dreaming of ordering it again. read more

The queso is absolutely amazing like nothing I have ever had and has ruined it for any other version!! food is sooo good and service is above par! read more

Super cute place with a cute vintage quality atmosphere. They staff is very friendly. You can tell they are genuinely happy to have you there. The food is GREAT!!! I had the veggie quesadillas and they were awesome. Instead of chips and salsa, which I think they have for you to order, they give you this house made seasoned popcorn.... GURL!!!!! It's sooo good! Their drinks are good too. Didn't get one this time but I have in the past. Highly recommend this place read more

It's been four years but I still remember this place. I think I went to this place at least four times when I stayed nearby during my visit to New Orleans. It was fantastic each time. read more

We order the enchiladas and they looked average but the flavor was outstanding!! The portions are large. I can't wait to order again from there. read more

Casual dining with friendly waitstaff and delicious Mexican food. They w even got a sweet patio space where you can bring your doggie. I'm vegetarian husband the stuffed pepper with green mole sauce and added cheese and we both ordered the hibiscus margaritas which were very good. I had the crab and avocado quesadillas and what a delicious combination. Everything we ordered was fresh and had unique flavors. Also the prices are reasonable. I'd go there again and again. read more

El Pavo Real - Stuffed pepper with green mole sauce and toasted pumpkin seed - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Been coming here a few years now. Neighborhood vibe. Friendly and chill servers. Casual or dressy, inside or outside, it's an easy place to enjoy. It's the food. All of it. Rajas queso is my go to. It's a meal in itself with veggies and gooey cheese. Specials daily, never had a bad one yet. Brisket flautas were an exceptional special. Crab quesadilla is fresh and light and the crab isn't overpowered. Fish is never dry or over cooked. Full bar. The summertime watermelon margarita is like drinking a fresh watermelon, definitely my favorite from the bar when it's available. Happy hour has drink and appetizer specials. Do yourself a favor and go. Often. read more

I really really really wanted to love this place I can't The food sucked!!! Terrible chicken soup Terrible Cheese dip was horrible Tacos were small Margaritas we're good and strong and staff was amazing They need help in the kitchen that's for sure Come for drinks and eat elsewhere read more

I'm sad to say that I had passed by this location twice a day for years before stopping by one evening to eat. When they have the watermelon Margaretta, GET IT! It is very refreshing. I'm one of those people who normally get the same exact thing every time I go out to eat if I find a particularly amazing dish and I usually go with friends who will share and the biggest problem I have is picking which one of my three favorites to eat. The first is the Carne Asada, the meat melts in your mouth. Second is Crab and Avocado quesadilla. They use real crab. The mixture of crab and avocado is something I can't get enough of. It's the one I eat most often. We always get the cheese dip with chorizo added in. Amazing food, great staff, and while it is a little on the small side they also have an outside seating area that is not on the street. Lots of greenery with a tropical vibe. read more

Shame on me for waiting so long to try this restaurant. The amuse bouche of popcorn soaked in butter and sprinkled with chili powder was the best welcome I could've asked for. We were there early and got the half prices REAL tortilla chips with delicious guacamole, the freshest pico de gallo I've ever had, and an average puréed tomato salsa. I had the breakfast burrito. Amazing. Lots of ingredients (even carnitas). My companion had the steak tacos. The steak was beautifully marinated. Nice service, bright and modest atmosphere. read more

El Pavo Real - Breakfast - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Showed up on a random Sunday during brunch hours and they sat us at the bar. All the staff were incredibly friendly, helpful and quick! The popcorn seemed weird but DELICIOUS and the food came quick and was also terrific! We were both in the mood for breakfast so we had dos juevos wirh potatoes and chorizo. I had a frozen margarita as well. It was a great experience and we will definitely be back! read more

We just flew in from the West Coast to celebrate a milestone birthday in NOLA, We decided to try a recommended Restaurant near where we were staying. El Pavo Real! Very friendly staff, we were seated right away. The food was great, has a little different flavor profile that was so tasty! Our server was amazing, when she found out we were from out of town and saw all the tours and sites we were deciding on, she stepped in and gave us great advice and some new ideas to try. Kristen was VERY attentive, friendly and helpful as was the rest of the staff. We will actually probably stop in and eat again before we leave! Thank you for the warm welcome!!! read more

Hi! This restaurant is in NOLA! Everything was FRESHLY MADE! Carne Asada was cooked medium! DELICIOUS. AUTHENTIC. MADE TO ORDER !Check it out. YUMMY ‼ Carne Asada Plate Top Shelf Margarita Complimentary Popcorn Check them out Rating #food #nola #foodie #rivvaeatsnola #delicious #nolafoodie #foodporn #yummy #foodiesofinstagram #shareyournola #nolagram #instafood #neworleansfood #happyhour #instagood #love #photooftheday #happy #shrimp #foodgasm #wherenolaeats #whereblacknolaeats #summer #nolafood #neworleansfoodie #yum #delish read more

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I would never had known this place existed had I not noticed when driving by one day. It's on an awkward curve but a family walking out caught my eye. So I researched and I love Mexican so decided to give it a try. We got there around 5 on a Friday to take advantage of the Happy Hour Margaritas. There were 4 of us and we got seated right away, however the place quickly filled up after that and even had a wait for a table. The Margaritas were really good and served in tall pint glasses. I really didn't expect the spicy popcorn but it was perfect with the Margaritas. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with a side of beans and rice. They were not traditional enchiladas by any means but were still delish! They were served super hot in a little bowl with bubbling cheese - yum!! The black beans and rice were ok, nothing super special. My husband enjoyed his carnitas although a bit fatty. The service was ok, a little slow waiting on drinks from time to time and the guy who served the food was a little snippy, but not so bad it would keep me from going back, maybe it was just a bad night. It feels like a neighborhood spot. The Mexican Mousse was perfect for desert, just the right amount of sweetness to finish the meal but not heavy. read more

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I had the crab & avocado quesadilla and the Queso, they both sounded really good on the menu, but it was just ok. They could both use some seasoning. The best part was the chips, I think they're made in-house, unfortunately most of mine were burned. Apparently there's some flavored popcorn that they give out, but I didn't receive any. read more

El Pavo Real - Crab quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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I like this place Very bright colorful happy and cheerful All the table covers are in bright colors of blue green and yellow Papel picado bright colored paper streamer banners are suspended from the ceiling When you take the time to look around, you will see several ethnic decorative pieces on the wall I noticed the St Rita painting picture the ornate decorated crosses and the Dias de los Muertos painted skulls ornaments but there is more for the eyes to capture. So look around. Some of them looked like they had price tags on them for sale They kept the original green and white one inch square tiles The location is the tri intersection of Napoleon Broad and Fountainbleu The menu has plenty to choose from and everything looks delicious. To me this is a more upscale Mexican restaurant with nicely plated tasty dishes and very reasonable prices You get a lot for what you pay for I chose the Chilaquelles poached eggs Lots of flavor very filling I was satiated and happy Service is excellent and very attentive. Our server K was very informative about everything on the menu and made sure we had all we needed to enjoy our dining experience I tried the Watermelon margarita. Oh my gosh it was delicious absolutely perfect and totally refreshing Next I want to try the Mango Mojitorita I will have to stop by here on Tuesdays to catch Taco Tuesdays read more

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Wow!! Tucked into a corner by broad and Napoleon, this place is the real deal! The queso and chips were amazing! I had 3 king cake daiquiri's and they were amazing each time. This is a true mom and pop restaurant because the food was super fresh and delicious! My favorite treat at this establishment was the empanadas. Just fried goodness all the way. Please, please go try this place!! They do allow seating and it is pretty spaced out for COVID regulations. read more

El Pavo Real - Menu - Mexican Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Great happy hour spot! I came here with a friend on a weekday, so it wasn't too crowded. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but it may be hard to find street parking. I ordered a Michelada, while she had the Sangria. It was so refreshing! Our server also brought a small bowl of popcorn, generously seasoned with butter, chili, and spices, which was a fantastic way to start our meal. The Guacamole came with fresh tortilla chips and was delicious and more than plenty for the both of us. I ordered the Steak Tacos and added a side of rice and beans for an extra $3. The steak was marinated well and cooked just right. It came with a bright tomatillo salsa that added great flavor. Be sure to ask for their house made spicy salsa in addition! Overall, this place has great food, tasty drinks, and very friendly service. We had a great time dining here and will be sure to come back! read more

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Best neighborhood spot! The food is consistently delicious and the specials are always hits. The margaritas are great too. Very kid friendly. read more