Pacos Tacos Mandeville — Restaurant in Louisiana

I haven't been this disappointed in a highly rated restaurant in a long time. Went there on a Friday night for my late birthday dinner, and walked in 32 minutes before they closed. Immediately asked if they were still taking orders, as we've both worked in restaurants and know how bad that sucks. The cashier looked at the clock and begrudgingly said yes. Despite there being two other couples in the restaurant, it was so painfully obvious that we were inconveniencing the employees by being there while they were itching to leave. They wouldn't acknowledge us, sounded ticked off when they did speak to us, seemingly intentionally cleaned close to us to give us the hint, and played music so loud that we had a hard time hearing each other speak.

The guacamole was pretty good but came with double the amount of chips than it needed so there was a ton of waste. The birria tacos came out with no dipping sauce. When we asked about it, we were met with an eye roll and they gave us a cup. It tasted like canned beef broth. There was almost no flavor, it was a clear brown color instead of being dark and nearly opaque, and it was super thin. We didn't know if this was normal until we compared it to Google review images and it was clearly watered down. The Al pastor tacos were really good. I was a little surprised that the taco plate didn't come with any sides at all, but I suppose that one is on me.

Atrocious service, disappointing birria tacos, and delicious al pastor.

Our experience didn't seem to be the norm, but I'm not sure...

We were so curious to try this place after seeing the challenges it faced just to open here since Covid. We didn't even know all the behind-the-scenes struggles they faced but witnessed from the street while driving by we saw them trying to open and closed abruptly a few times. Finally we saw them working in the parking lot and open last week so we decided to check it out today with friends after church.

This is a family-owned business and they are very friendly. They told us about their opening challenges. No matter what they were determined to open and we're glad they did. The food was excellent and the Spanish drinks were delicious. I recommend trying the hibiscus tea, orange or even the white rice drink they were all delicious. The food was very flavorful but keep in mind everything was poquito size meaning very small tacos. The prices were reasonable for the area as well. Everyone in our party enjoyed their meal. We will definitely go again.

Warning. They very recently had new rocks laid over the parking lot and the Amazon van got stuck and was still there when we left. Be very careful about the parking situation, maybe bring some boxes or lumber in the back of your car just in case to give you some traction to get out. Both my friends and I didn't have a problem parking on the exit side of the parking lot but the entrance side of the parking lot was like a rock swamp. Also, very limited parking so carpool if you're meeting with friends. It's worth it. My only recommendation: live music...

If you like authentic or even just quality Mexican food, this is not the place to go.

It's a taco stand. Inside it's hot, barely even air conditioned and outside in the large seating area it's even hotter. There are no fans on the patio so you will be sweating and swatting away flies while you eat.

The menu is priced like a full service restaurant when it's literally just an order/ pick up window with seating.

The only good thing I had was the margaritas. Street taco shells were raw and falling apart as raw corn tortillas tend to do, mushroom tacos were over seasoned, carnitas were decent, chicken was dry. The nachos were a strange combination, not particularly memorable or enticing. The Birria taco itself was good but the consume was just greasey, salty beef stock, not very flavorful in a good way. Like where's the oregano? Where's the cilantro? Where's the love? Like the horchata?! Is it powdered? Because it sure did taste powdered. It's definitely a meh experience but considering the prices it was terrible.

I will say the food did come out fast but then again I wouldn't be surprised if everything was held in stream tables in the back instead of made fresh since that was Definitely...