Panchita's Mexican Criolla

[Blue Cross Sux]

I may have butchered that name. It's at or near the old Streetcar Sandwich location on Carrollton off Willow. The wife and I stopped by very late one night. We were driving by heading to Snake and Jake's Christmas Club after missing the Elmwood feature of Crazy Heart (Recommended!!). The place caught my eye, so we pulled in and quickly ordered before they closed. The space is simply and sparsely furnished, but not uncommonly so. Heavy wooden chairs and tables in a pretty cramped space. There was some nice decor scattered around and a silent TV tuned to an hispanic station.

They take your order then put down chips and four different salsas. The salsas were all terrific, some similar to what you can get at Taqueria Corona. The menu is noticeably more aggressive and interesting than the average Mexican influenced establishment. Closer to Taqueros than taco truck fare. We split around four different dishes. All were well above average. There was a ruddiness to them that stood out, almost a bitter bite you rarely find around town. Everything was complex and sure handed. The staff was gracious and happy to see us despite the late hour. Our frumpy Guatemalan waitress was friendly and efficient.

We've only been once so far, so it may have been an anomaly. But this place stood out from the rest of the pack. I always rate places by whether or not I'd cross town to get to them. This one meets that criteria.

[edible complex]

wondering if this is the same place I saw on my way to Boucherie. saw heavy wooden chairs and great looking solid wood tables thru the window. can't remember the name of the place, but it was one building from Jeanette. will have to check it out soon. do they have a liquor license or BYOBohemia?

[Shep]

"Frumpy" that was my mother-in-law. What are you, some kind of an elitist?

[Blue Cross Sux]

wondering if this is the same place I saw on my way to Boucherie. saw heavy wooden chairs and great looking solid wood tables thru the window. can't remember the name of the place, but it was one building from Jeanette. will have to check it out soon. do they have a liquor license or BYOBohemia?

This is the place. They do have a full set of beers, Mexican and otherwise. I'm pretty certain they have hard liquor as well but can't say for sure.

[Isabella Maja]

Panchita's
1434 South Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 281-4127

[ratcheese]

I went last night and I thought it was good.

I only got two salsas with the chips; one tomato and one tomatillo. Both were good.

The rudiness alluded to in the OP, is due to the southern origin of their food, which can also be noted in their use of beef in tamales as well as other items you don't see in northern Mexican or TexMex. If its polish or sophistication you're looking for, don't go here.

I had the taco plate with three different types of tacos--you choose. I had all beef concoctions and again, all were good. How good? I don't know. I will go back, because I live nearby and I don't like to walk through the line at Felix's, but I can't say what I ate is really any better. I will have to explore the menu more. I did like the service and friendliness. They do have Mole and Mexican beer. It just ain't TexMex damnit.

Any business minded foodies want to open a kickass taco joint? We'd kill!