La Tia Cantina Metairie

Ate there for lunch today. Its on esplanade in a location that seems cursed. Was previously a diner and a "gumbo shop" both closed down.

Since the location seems hard to keep open figured id give them some help. Was very good. Had the rare chance to have a weekday lunch with the wife so we went. We started out with the aguachile. Shrimp were good size, and the marinade had great flavored (lime based). Dollops of avocado mousse was a nice surprise.

I got the taco entrée which came with 3 tacos and rice and beans. tacos were standard street taco size. Got brisket tacos. Corn tortillas were excellent and fillings were great. I was able to order a fried fish taco. Flour tortilla equally delicious. they really go a good crunch on the tortilla but kept it moist and pliable. If i had one complaint the proteins could use a small increase in amount per taco.

Wife got a grilled chicken torta. the chicken had been marinade in a spicy sauce. well grilled, seasoned, and juicy. Came on ciabatta bread. Side was steak fries. Also very well done, perfect crispy on outside with creamy middle. They had been seasoned with a salty lime dusting. I forget how addicting simple home steak fries done right can be.

chips and salsa complimentary and came with a roasted pepper salsa and a lime salsa. Our server was Les, nice fella and seemed pretty stoked to be working there. All the staff were very nice. I'd say they were half to 60% capacity and food came out blazing quick.

Overall very impressed. what was supposed to be a light lunch turned it a heavy lunch lol. we walked away $60.01 pre tip. Wife could easily get a second meal from her portion. I can really put some food away once i get going so the 3 tacos entrée would have been a satisfying lunch for most people. I haven't had tacos done this correctly in quite sometime. they have other traditional menu items as well as quite a few specialty menu items that i would be excited to try like the braised pork shank with bean puree.


TLDR: good traditional Mexican food place in Metairie, give them a try and some love.