Tacos del Cartel Baton Rouge — Restaurant in Baton Rouge

First, I am pretty sure this is the previously closed Habaneros restaurant, just rebranded. I wouldn't call it Habaneros 2.0 b/c unfortunately we had the same experience here like we did at Habaneros.

Second, this is basically just another tex-mex restaurant, touting itself as a "Japanese fusion" Mexican restaurant, I guess because they have sushi on their menu (lol).

The initial visit went pretty well, we made reservations, we arrived a little early, and we were seated promptly. However, it starts to go downhill from there with the overall upscale experience. I call it upscale, because the servers presented themselves as such and the fact we spent about $260 between only 3 people...

The food itself was good, albeit a lot of items were priced seriously high for some reason and I could not decipher why. Also, the portions are really small for the sushi and app items for the price. We tried a little bit of everything on the menus. From the custom cocktails and margaritas, appetizer (Esquites Croquest), a sushi plate off their "secret" menu (some kind of dragon roll), a couple of taco dishes (bone marrow wagyu campechano and the el tendedero de birria), and the trompo al pastor main. Disappointingly, a lot of menu items were not available too, as I was trying to order. This was odd, given they didn't seem all that busy, but that could be due to poor management again.

The servers were super awkward, as they were trying to behave like upscale servers, but they spoke not so good English, so they couldn't really communicate that well. Also, there was no wipe down services in between meals, asking if we want more water, replacing utensils, clearing plates, etc. for the kind of service you are expecting for the price. Meanwhile, they are tying up servers to do these obnoxious and cheesy parades at random tables with flashing lights and shouting, when they should be focusing on their real task of attending to their customers who paying a premium and getting little service to begin with.

My biggest gripe was that it took about 20+ minutes to get our entrees after the apps too. I was about to tell our waiter that you can go ahead and close us out and not worry about the entrees.

The other odd thing was they bring your food to your table on like different props. For example, one prop was like this miniature vertical rotisserie, like in Greek cuisine, and there was a oil wick inside that is supposed to be lit I guess to keep the meat warm, but it wasn't. Tacos came hanging on a clothes liner looking prop where the string looked like its been used 50 times already and whose know what or who has touched it. I guess its supposed to be fun, but what is the point if they are lazy about it and it doesn't seem hygienic.

Lastly, the alcoholic drinks are extremely weak so don't bother paying a premium for the cocktails. Just settle for classic margarita, albeit weak, but the price is somewhat reasonable or just order a beer.

I just don't feel you get the experience you deserve for the price. If I want an average service experience, I can just go to a normal tex-mex restaurant, get equally good food and drinks, but for half the price.

Very dissapointing and I feel like we got ripped off for...

If Las Vegas, Miami, New York, and Dubai had a culinary lovechild—it would be the new Tacos del Cartel in Baton Rouge.

We made the drive all the way from New Orleans to experience their grand opening on April 18, and WOW—this place is a showstopper. As longtime fans of their New Orleans location, our expectations were high, and yet somehow, they managed to exceed them.

From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed like royalty. The hostess greets you with pure joy, and as you step through the grand entrance, you’re immediately immersed in a kaleidoscope of color, art, and texture. Every wall, every inch of decor is carefully crafted—this is more than a restaurant; it’s a visual journey through an exotic, vibrant paradise.

The energy is electric—bartenders, servers, managers—all moving with charisma and genuine passion for hospitality. The lighting is seductive, the music pulses with the perfect rhythm, and the cocktails? Each one is a masterpiece. We tried several, and every sip told a story—bold, balanced, and beautifully presented.

As for the food—prepare your tastebuds for an explosion of flavor and creativity. We started with the Ribeye Steak Guacamole and sushi rolls that danced on the tongue with precision and harmony. The Carne Asada Ribeye was grilled to buttery perfection. The Octopus Taco-Guajillo? Smoky, tender, kissed by the rich warmth of the guajillo adobo. And the showstopper: the Bone Marrow Wagyu Campechano Taco—a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth fusion of Wagyu, chorizo, chicharrón, and roasted bone marrow that elevated the entire experience to pure culinary bliss.

But it didn’t stop there. The dessert—Carrito de Feria—was a nostalgic fairytale: golden churros, crisp and delicate, dusted with cinnamon sugar, paired with silky sauces and ice cream that brought everything together like a sweet final bow.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all—here comes the bartender’s fire show and the legendary train of shots, delivered with music, flair, and dancing servers that turned the entire dining room into a celebration.

What truly sets Tacos del Cartel apart is not just the food or the ambiance—it’s the heart. The owners personally visited each table to ensure guests were treated to the unforgettable experience they’ve dreamed up. And they delivered.

If you’re craving an escape—somewhere filled with flavor, glamour, and non-stop entertainment—this is your new favorite destination. Tacos del Cartel isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a vibrant, full-sensory experience that will leave you craving more.

10/10. Bravo. We’ll be back again and...

Taco de Cartel - Perkins Rowe | First & Possibly Last Visit

My friends and I were excited to check out the new Taco de Cartel at Perkins Rowe. First impressions? The atmosphere was great! The décor is modern and upscale — definitely a vibe. However, the dining experience didn’t quite live up to the ambiance.

We were seated at a hightop table that was way too small for a party of three. Our food trays were literally hanging off the sides — not the most comfortable setup for a meal.

We started with the queso with meat, which was basically a big blob of cheese served with tortillas instead of chips (odd choice). The saving grace? The house chips — they were absolutely delicious.

Drink-wise, it was a bit hit-or-miss. My friends' cocktails were beautifully presented and looked amazing. I ordered a blackberry sweet tea and ended up with an unsweet tea, sugar on the side, and a few blackberries in a separate dish — felt like a DIY drink situation. Luckily, our waiter came through and brought me a strawberry lemonade that was actually really good.

As for the food: I ordered the crispy fish tacos, but there was nothing crispy about them. The batter was soggy, and the sauce was overwhelmingly spicy. One of my friends tried the bone marrow tacos and said they had no flavor at all. The only win at our table was the chicken tacos — my other friend enjoyed hers.

For dessert, we all got tres leches. The flavor was there, but it lacked that soft, fluffy texture — it was a bit too dense and firm for our liking.

Now, let me say this — the staff were super friendly. We absolutely loved our waiter and the bartender. The customer service was top notch from start to finish. If the kitchen can step it up and season the food better, this place would have a lot more potential.

Overall, a fun spot to try once, but I’m not sure I’d come back. Great service, great vibes — just not enough flavor to...