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From Traditional Taquerias to Trendy Cantinas and Cocinas
Mexican Restaurants in SWLA Offer Unique South-of the-Border Flavors for Cinco de Mayo and Beyond
by Angie Kay Dilmore
As any foodie in Southwest Louisiana knows, the number of Mexican restaurants in the area has skyrocketed over the past decade. A quick online search suggests there are currently approximately 40 Mexican establishments in Lake Charles and the surrounding region, each with its own identity and menu options.
Candy Rodriguez, communications director at Visit Lake Charles, is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She remembers holidays and summers spent with extended family in Guanajuato, a state in Central Mexico. Food, naturally, was a highlight of these trips. Contrary to popular belief, she says Mexican cuisine is as diverse as the country it comes from. “For example, there are dishes in the southern state of Veracruz that are more coastal. Cuisine in the state of Oaxaca is more indigenous. There are so many different regional flavors, spices and dishes.”
So how do you choose a dining destination for your Cinco de Mayo celebration? Some local Mexican restaurants offer traditional fare; others elevate their menus with modern, fusion-forward items. Below is a mere taste of your options.
Traditional
It’s said that the food at Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant (Sulphur) and Rosita’s #2 (Lake Charles) reminds people of “home.” Try their Tortas, the Mexican version of a po’boy.
Las Victorias #1 on Broad Street serves traditional-style tacos and plate lunches like pork with nopalitos (cactus) and potatoes in red sauce served with rice and beans.
TACO MEL Taqueria is known for its build-your-own toppings bar and its authentic tacos, quesadillas, bowls and more.
The corner of Derek Dr. and E. Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles has been occupied by numerous Mexican restaurants over the years and is currently home to Mexico Magico Fresh Cuisine, a popular, more upscale dining experience with craft cocktails. Just reading the menu is a delightful experience!
Lula’s Tamales got its start at farmers’ markets and now has a brick-and-mortar shop in North Lake Charles. The tamales come in a wide variety of flavors, and they also offer tacos, panchos and slices of flan for dessert.
Mi Tierra Food Truck can be found in various locations around SWLA Tuesday through Friday. They’re known for tacos, quesadillas, tortas, pupusas, loaded nachos and loaded fries.
Contemporary Fusion
Co-created by award-winning chef, TV personality and author Aaron Sanchez, Johnny Sanchez at L’Auberge offers an elevated take on traditional foundations through cutting edge, forward-thinking cuisine. Looking for a vegetarian entrée? Try the Cauliflower Tacos.
Compared to its more traditional companion restaurant Mexicano Magico, Nogal Mexican Cuisine & Bar likes to mix things up a bit. Check out their best-selling Mexican Lasagna.
With four locations across Southeast Texas and another in Lake Charles, Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp blends the best of Mexican and Cajun staples. Consider their popular Boudin Quesadilla or Grits & Guisada, a traditional Mexican stew poured over green chile grits, topped with pickled carrots and house-made cracklins.
Speaking of borders, Insane Sausages in Vinton offers Boudin Tamales and Quesadillas, Pork Enchilada Boudin and Pork Fajita Sausage.
The classic Mexican fusion, of course, is Tex-Mex, and the possibilities here are legion. Laguna’s Mexican Grill & Cantina, famous for its lake and sunset vistas from the patio, serves familiar fare like Carne Asada and combo plates. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the Cucumber Margarita.
Across the lake, if you’re looking for a quieter, homey experience, try La Parrilla. Feeling undecided? Go for the Texana Fajitas with steak, chicken, shrimp and all the fixin’s. You’ll hear it sizzling all the way from the kitchen!
This Cinco de Mayo, no matter which restaurant you choose, Rodriguez encourages patrons to move beyond their usual favorites and try something new. “There’s a real depth to Mexican cuisine, with so much more to discover beyond the familiar. Each dish carries its own stories and traditions, and whether you’re new to it or have grown up with it, I invite everyone to explore the vibrant, layered world of Mexican food in Southwest Louisiana.”
