Taqueria La Lucha

>>>Artículo en español aquí: Taquería La Lucha

As you stroll past the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Andrew Higgins, the enticing aromas of Mexico City will draw you in. Ryan Hollard’s restaurant, Taqueria La Lucha, is a culinary love letter to Mexican food. 

Hollard is a seasoned restaurant professional who worked at Hard Rock Cafe and Acme Oyster House and managed other restaurants and bars in New Orleans. He became a business owner when he purchased a pizza place before the pandemic. Macari was his first employee, and they learned to run the pizzeria together. With Macari’s culinary expertise and Hollard’s business acumen, they became a perfect duo. Their journey, however, was not without its challenges.

Despite serving what he believed was “the best pizza in town,” the challenges of running a restaurant during a global crisis were immense. They were getting desperate with almost no customers and the demands to keep a wooden oven at the right temperature every day. That’s when Macari’s roots came through. Growing up in Mexico, Macari honed her cooking skills alongside her grandmother, mastering the art of authentic Mexican flavors and learning all the trade tricks later at culinary school. “Parvin knows how to operate and execute at a high level. And she knows flavor; her palate is second to none,” says Hollard.

Macari’s suggestion of a taco pop-up on Tuesdays proved to be a lifeline. “Ryan trusted me; it was a big commitment to make it happen, and I ‘m thankful for the trust,” said Macari. The tacos were so good that even a pizzeria regular, David Griffin, the assistant coach of the Pelicans, was converted. He witnessed the struggle and the process and encouraged them to persist with the new idea when they almost crumbled. The success of the pop-up was a revelation, and Taqueria La Lucha was born. “With David’s help, we closed the pizzeria and reopened another concept in the same location. And Taqueria La Lucha just made three years on November 11th,” added Hollard.

The name itself, “La Lucha,” meaning “the struggle,” is a testament to their resilience during those difficult times. But it also reflects the passion and dedication that goes into every dish they serve.

Today, Taqueria La Lucha is a vibrant hub of authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of New Orleans. It is committed to quality, from perfectly marinated meats to vibrant nectars and freshly made fruit syrups for its margaritas. The restaurant’s inviting patio, adorned with seasonal decorations, is perfect for locals and visitors to enjoy food and drinks outdoors. The inside is small but charming, full of Mexican-made decor. Every dish celebrates flavor and authenticity, promising a dining experience that will leave you craving more. 

Whether you’re a convention attendee looking for a taste of home or a New Orleans local seeking a new culinary adventure, Taqueria La Lucha welcomes you with open arms. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with a menu boasting a range of delectable tacos, quesadillas, seasonal soups, shrimp cocktails, refreshing margaritas, and scrumptious desserts, ensures that your dining experience is not just about the food but also about feeling at home.

Next time you’re in the CBD, take the chance to experience the magic of Taqueria La Lucha. Located at 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., it’s a culinary journey you will want to take advantage of. As Hollard confidently states, “Taqueria La Lucha’s tacos are second to none. If you want great food and a laid-back, beautiful, inviting atmosphere, this is the place for you.”

Come for the tacos, stay for the experience. Taqueria La Lucha awaits!