Tacos del Cartel fans no longer have to journey to New Orleans to enjoy their favorite tacos. As of April 18, there’s one in Baton Rouge.
The elevated Mexican restaurant known for its stunning design and handcrafted cocktails opens at 10155 Perkins Rowe, replacing Habaneros, which closed last month. The expansion was guided by culinary director Atzin Santos, known for his work at , a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant in Mexico City.
He said the recipes they serve at Tacos del Cartel come from his family.
Barbacoa de Short Rib at Tacos del Cartel soft opening on April 17, 2025
Santos is excited to share his tradition and food with Baton Rouge. He recommends first-time restaurant visitors try the Mexican Caviar Gordita ($55), Barbacoa de Short Rib ($52), tuna tostada ($18) and/or the green ceviche ($26).
The menu is divided into sections: starters, raw and sushi bar, soup and salad, signature tacos, los tradicionales, mains and sides, but a lot of the menu items come with tortillas for people to eat like tacos, regardless if they’re listed as tacos. Portions for main courses are designed to be big, so customers are encouraged to share them between two people.
There are also a few vegetarian options on the menu.
The cocktail menu highlights several mezcal and tequila options, curated by Reinaldo Verdu, which also includes a mocktail of the day.
Tuna Tostada at Tacos Del Cartel is one of owner Vilexis Cruz's favorites on the menu.
After a month, the Baton Rouge restaurant will serve brunch on the weekend with menu items like French toast, acai bowls, huevos rancheros, steak and eggs and breakfast tacos. This is consistent with the other location, but depending on demand, they may expand brunch for Perkins Rowe.
Tacos del Cartel started in Metairie in 2020 and opened a location in New Orleans. The original location at 2901 David Drive, Metairie, closed temporarily for a major renovation, but they plan to reopen in May. They are also working to expand to West Palm Beach, Florida.
According to co-owner/founder Vilexis Cruz, the restaurants are fairly similar from one location to the next, but the interiors are slightly different to match the vibes of the area. She described the vibes of Perkins Rowe as “sweet.”
Interior of Tacos del Cartel on Soft Opening Day April 17, 2025. There is also patio seating outside.
The walls inside the restaurant have been repainted pastel pink, and macramé decorations line the walls. The decor choices reflect the owner's heritage and pay homage to the other locations and Louisiana as a whole. Each menu lights up like magic when flipped open.
“I always traveled to Baton Rouge for business. I see so much potential in this area,” said Danny Cruz, co-founder of Veho Hospitality Group and one of the owners of the restaurant.
The Esquites Croquet ($15) and rib eye with guacamole ($25) at the Tacos del Cartel soft opening at Perkins Rowe on April 17, 2025.
The expansion into Baton Rouge was partially motivated by the fact that it’s the capital city of the state. He wants to prove that Tacos del Cartel can make it here, too.
Tacos Del Cartel, 10155 Perkins Rowe, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
