El Paso Mexican Grill On Magazine Street — Restaurant in New Orleans

Going through my budget right now, came across my receipt for El Paso. Decent frozen margarita. Here's the catch. It was the Sunday before the fateful Monday snowstorm that laid waste to a large swath of this country. It was cold, yet it was still Mardi Gras weekend. My girlfriend and I were on Magazine St., basically running into one restaurant after the next that was booked out. Nola had the typical capacity restrictions for social distancing, so restaurants were booking out early in the day. All we wanted was a drink. So, we saw this restaurant with picnic tables outside, and figured we'd take advantage of the happy hour sign, and sit outside while a table cleared. We step inside and I ask if it's alright to get a drink and sit outside while a table clears inside. I order the happy hour drink special, but, kid you not, was told it was one minute - quote one minute - after happy hour ended, and so would have to pay full price. At this point, we just wanted to sit down with some alcohol, so we take our drinks outside. We noticed a table inside was empty the whole time. 15 minutes later, slurping down our frozen margaritas, we ask if the open table is available, and then are told we can sit there. We finish up inside, and the bill is $35.26. for two drinks, little service and a proverbial slap in the face to sit outside in the cold. My accounts show we left a $5 cash tip. My side of the bargain was held up. Well, here I am doing my budget, just figured I'd put this out there. Boil is a few doors down. Go there. If El Paso cares, they can find the waitstaff for 19:57 on Feb. 14th, check #1503, and explain that all it takes is a review like this from service like that for folks to make an easy decision and find another spot in the Garden District, which has no dearth of excellent cuisine. That was the last drink we had in Nola, our first time there together, before a 20 hour drive the next day non-stop on wretched roads. Don't like posting these one-star reviews, but if the manager cares and thus follows these reviews, they can now make an improvement they might otherwise not have known...

The whole experience was just okay. I actually didn't realize this place is part of a chain. It's cleverly disguised as a local spot. Food wasn't anything special and it wasn't particularly fresh. My meal was basically a la carte since I couldn't find a combo that I wanted. It was deep fried and covered in cheese sauce. Not a shred of lettuce or a single tomato was added to the plate for garnish. The cheese enchilada had a slightly sweet taste. I couldn't place why that was the case. Our service was just okay. It took a while to get our food although it wasn't busy when we went and getting a box and our check took entirely too long after she asked if we were ready for it.

I didn't hate this place. Seems like it would be a pretty good place for drinks and splitting some plates with friends. I probably won't be back, but I'm glad I tried it. Oh yeah, my son wants me to mention that the sweet tea here tasted "odd" and I do concur, it did. He's a sweet tea...

Everything here is exceptional. I was about to go to another restaurant next door but could smell the aroma of goods in the street. I am always in the mood for Mexican and Margaritas though. I sat at the bar and was welcome as soon as I walked in. I could not stop staring at the colorful decor. From the framed large artworks to the Mecican Senorita chairs. I love this place. The bartender customized my Moscow Mule with tequila and pineapple juice like I asked, delicious. When I got the chips and salsa and Molly that they just give out freely, I was very impressed and satisfied period the Mole is the best that I ever had! Hands down. The salsa was so savory and fresh and the chips are made there and so damn good I could have been satisfied by just eating that alone. I should have gotten some Mole to go. Got the Mexican Floutas and Chile Relleno, excellent is flavor and texture. I have been craving the food here since Thursday. 😩 Will bring...