Today’s visit to El Chango Borracho, located in Gretna, Louisiana (though I always consider it Terrytown), was an experience combining two things I love—college football and Mexican fare. As a restaurant I’ve frequented over the years, it’s a familiar spot that offers both comfort and surprises. With LSU playing South Carolina, we had hoped to catch the end of the game, but unfortunately, we arrived just after it was over. Nonetheless, the atmosphere was ideal for a game day with its lively environment and Mexican-themed décor.
Despite being a Saturday afternoon, the restaurant was not overly busy, which worked in our favor as we were seated immediately upon arrival. It’s always nice when you don’t have to wait, especially with the warmer weather outside. The ease of seating made the start of our experience smooth and stress-free, and we quickly settled into our table.
One of the standout features of El Chango Borracho is the inviting exterior and charming outdoor seating area. The front patio is adorned with lush greenery, including hanging ferns and a variety of plants that add to the welcoming and laid-back vibe. The patio has a rustic yet refined look, with wooden planters filled with cascading flowers and plants that create a cozy barrier from the parking lot. For those who prefer to dine outside, this space is ideal, especially with the option to pull down shades to block the sun. However, on this particular visit, the 90-degree heat had returned following cooler weather from a recent hurricane, and without misters installed, we decided to sit inside.
Once indoors, we were greeted by a spacious, vibrant interior that felt both lively and relaxing. The main dining area features rustic wooden columns and beams, giving it a casual, earthy feel. The abundance of greenery, including plants hanging from the ceiling, added to the inviting atmosphere. Large light fixtures designed like woven baskets and stars, along with the lush greenery hanging from the rafters, gave the room an almost tropical ambiance.
The restaurant’s décor strikes a balance between rustic and modern, with earthy tones and natural elements such as wooden accents and tiled floors, but with a contemporary edge. One of the highlights of the interior is the multitude of TVs mounted on the walls, making it an ideal spot to catch a football game or other sports events. The dining area had a great energy, and even though the restaurant was bustling with activity, it never felt too crowded or noisy.
The seating was comfortable, with a mix of chairs and cushioned booths. The tables were set with wooden place settings, and the casual, laid-back vibe made it easy to settle in and enjoy our meal. This attention to detail in creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional space sets El Chango Borracho apart from many other local spots.
We kicked things off with the traditional chips and salsa. As a frequent diner at Mexican restaurants, I often find that I could make an entire meal out of chips and dips, particularly when they’re done right. At El Chango Borracho, the salsa was flavorful—tangy with just the right amount of heat. However, the chips, which were a bit stale, did not live up to expectations. However, the combination of salsa and the Large Cheese Dip ($9.99) made up for it. The queso was creamy, smooth, and had the right consistency, making it a delightful addition to the chips and salsa experience. The melted queso, while rich and decadent, could’ve benefited from the pairing of freshly fried chips for that ideal combination of flavors and textures.
For the main course, I ordered the Soft Shell Crab Tacos Combo ($22.99), and they didn’t disappoint. The dish came beautifully plated, with three soft tacos filled with crispy fried soft-shell crab, pickled red onions, tomatoes, and a fresh cabbage slaw. Each taco was topped with a bright green avocado crema and garnished with grilled shishito peppers, giving the dish a vibrant pop of color and flavor. The soft-shell crab was perfectly fried, with a crispy exterior that provided a satisfying crunch, while the crab meat inside remained tender and flavorful. Served alongside the tacos were seasoned roasted potatoes and a bowl of rice and beans, adding heartiness to the meal. This dish is an absolute must-try for seafood lovers, especially those looking for a unique twist on traditional tacos.
My dining companion opted for the Authentic Mexican Tacos (Asada) ($16.75), which came served on a rustic wooden board, along with a serving of rice and beans. The three asada tacos were simple yet packed with flavor—filled with marinated and grilled beef, garnished with chopped onions and fresh cilantro. The side of rice and beans was the perfect accompaniment, offering a traditional pairing that rounded out the dish. What made the plate stand out even further was the inclusion of a roasted marrow bone, a surprising and indulgent addition that added a rich, savory element to the meal. The marrow could be spread on the warm tortillas, adding depth and luxury to an otherwise classic dish.
For drinks, we indulged in a Medium Mango Frozen Margarita ($15.99), a Large Strawberry Flavored Frozen Margarita ($17.99), and a Piña Colada ($8.99). The margaritas were not only enormous but well-balanced, with the frozen texture providing the perfect refreshment on a warm day. The swirl of flavors in the margaritas offered a delightful mix of sweetness and tanginess, while the piña colada delivered a tropical, creamy taste that was thoroughly enjoyed.
In total, our bill for two adults and a child came to $104.47, which included $49.73 for food, $42.97 for liquor, and $8.53 for tax. A dual pricing fee of $3.24 was added, which resulted in a slight increase from the cash price. Given the size of the portions, the variety of dishes, and the quality of the drinks, the price point felt reasonable for two adults and a child, especially considering the large portions and indulgent cocktails.
One of the things to note about El Chango Borracho is its location near a strip mall. During peak times, parking can be a bit of a hassle. There are numerous signs posted stating that parking is reserved for other businesses in the complex, and that towing is strictly enforced. I’ve had a few experiences in the past where I’ve had to circle the lot several times before finding a spot. Fortunately, parking wasn’t too bad on this visit, but it’s something to keep in mind if you plan on coming during busier hours, especially on Taco Tuesdays when the restaurant fills up quickly.
Speaking of Taco Tuesdays, El Chango Borracho offers some great deals on tacos, which makes it a popular spot on weeknights. While today wasn’t a Tuesday, the soft-shell crab tacos alone made me eager to return for their taco specials. Despite the occasional language barrier with the staff, I’ve always had pleasant interactions with the servers. Although some speak limited English, they’re friendly and do their best to ensure your order is correct. I don’t speak Spanish, but I’ve never had an issue with getting my requests across, and the staff is always accommodating.
However, during this visit, while my server was pleasant, I found the service to be less attentive than I would’ve liked. We had to wait a bit longer than expected to get an extra set of chips, and it took a little while to flag someone down for another round of drinks. While this wasn’t a major issue, it did slow the pace of the meal, and during busy times, this can affect the overall experience. That said, the server remained polite and friendly throughout the meal, and I’m confident that on a less busy day, the service would’ve been more efficient.
In conclusion, El Chango Borracho Restaurant is a solid choice for casual Mexican dining, especially if you’re looking for a lively, game-day atmosphere. The vibrant, welcoming ambiance, combined with friendly service and a varied menu, makes it an enjoyable spot for both locals and visitors, including families. While there were a few minor hiccups—such as the stale chips and the lack of misters on the patio—the overall experience was positive, and I’d definitely return for another round of tacos and margaritas.
El Chango Borracho
101 Lapalco Blvd, Gretna, LA 70056
Phone: (504) 510-2748