Your first impression of Habaneros (in Metairie) will be the sign that says, "This must be the place." While it takes continued food consistency and outstanding service to maintain and build on positive experiences, it takes an all-hands-on-deck effort combined with a great deal of professionalism (and some luck) to turn around a negative one.After a negative experience in March of 2024, where we encountered slow service and a lack of attention to detail, we decided to give Habaneros a second chance visit (to err is human), and we are thrilled that we did. The transformation in staff and leadership was remarkable, breathing new life into the establishment. Not only did we return for a second visit, we elected to parlay the positive experience and returned on Mother's Day. Here's how our experience went:Our first return visit was on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, the afternoon of the Kentucky Derby. We chose to sit outdoors in the patio area, and the Management graciously fulfilled our request to watch the Derby in a display of their accommodating nature. We were delighted by the unique flavors of the frozen happy hour margaritas, particularly the raspberry and mango. The Queso Fundido (Queso with Chorizo) was a standout, a perfect blend of cheese and spice that left us craving for more.On to the entrees:We had the Verdes Enchiladas, a flavorful dish with grilled chicken, and the Quesadilla, which was generously filled with shredded chicken and a variety of cheeses. We followed up with Coffee and dessert. The staff's recommendation of the flan, a baked custard dessert topped with caramel (similar to the French version of crème caramel), was a delightful discovery. The sense of intrigue and excitement in trying these new dishes was truly invigorating.Our server, Eddie, was a true professional, highly knowledgeable about the menu and spot-on in meeting and anticipating our every need. After receiving and paying the check, we requested to speak with Management as we felt it was important to share the significant turnaround in our dining experience. We learned that our server, Eddie, was training other staff members, which is a testament to his skills and the positive changes at Habaneros. Also, it quickly became apparent that the new management was a big part of the positive differences we experienced at Habaneros.Our Mother's Day visit went smoothly and was just as impressive as the previous visit on the day of the 'run for the roses' event, where we enjoyed margaritas and an added surprise found in the shredded chicken taco salad. The answer to 'this must be the place' is rhetorical. The next time you find yourself in the mood for some vibrant atmosphere, with its lively music and colorful decor, infused with great food and culture, head on over to Habaneros in Metairie . . . this is the place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Miller
This place is amazing. Celebrating Yvonne`s birthday and Mothers Day for Yvonne, Kirsten and Jennifer. And the sound system is Amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
El S.
Typical overpriced Tex Mex food that has no flavor. The only redeeming quality are their margaritas during happy hour. Also, watch what you're being charged. The menu says happy hour is M-F but their website says 7 days a week. The server said the menu was wrong but I wonder if we would have been charged full price if I hadn't mentioned it...? Also the pricing of some items are higher on the menu than on the website so be warned. We shared an appetizer sampler and everything was dry and tasteless. I've got to wonder if this place is originally from the Midwest because they definitely don't know what seasoning, even salt, is. I will say the salsas and guacamole were great at least.Parking: It's next to a mall so parking is hit or miss.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
Lucy Hernandez
The place is beautiful, the vibe is amazing and the food was delicious, to top it off the staff was so much fun, the service fantastic!!! Highly recommended!! ❤️Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Milroy
Very groovy place! Despite the fact that the decor looks more like "modern Asian fusion" than a high-end Mexican/Hispanic food joint, the vibe is very cool and the food is excellent! The bean dip they serve with the obligatory table nachos is awesome! I had the Tacos Alambre (Skirt Steak), and my wife had the Chicken Fajitas - both were delicious! Craft margaritas were also very tasty (AND you get to keep the cup, which was a nice touch). Great place for a hip and xixi night out - we will definitely be back...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fajitas, Bean Dip, Street Tacos
Jessica Zara
Service was amazing. I got the birria tacos also amazing. Salsa was so good. The music is my main issue on why I would not go back. The techno is entirely too loud. You can not have a conversation at all. Sounded like we were in a club.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Edith Zorn
Excelente flavor on all the food we orderAuthentic Mexican !! No Tex-Mex and that I was looking in a Mexican restaurants in the area !! I’m native from Mexico City and I been dining in Mexico in the best restaurants with the top Mexican chefs thereHope they continue with the quality and flavor !!Highly recommend ☺️☺️Parking: Free parking and many places to park
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cucumber Mint, Bean Dip, Street Tacos, Guacamole, Tampiqueña
Ricardo Peche
Habaneros is where it's at, my wife and I came in on Saturday night. Our server Velia gave some great food and drink recommendations. She was attentive and overall provided a great experience. I had the cucumber mint margarita and my wife had La Santa, both were delicious. The food was equally as good, must try the Octopus tacos or the flauta flight. We will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cucumber Mint, Octopus Tacos
Jenny
Horrible experience. The tortillas were soggy, the service was horrible. My server barely checked in on me. I waited almost 15 minutes since I sat down for the server to approach me. Most of the time she was standing near the front socializing with the other staff. Drink was ok but the service was slow. The tacos I had were something I could have made at home. The flavoring was ok, the tortillas were completely soggy and some of the shrimp was cold.
Can I give zero stars? I've worked in the service industry my whole professional life, and this was the hands down worst dinning experience of my life. For starters I came at 1:30 pm on a Monday the restaurant was empty. The hostess brought us through the restaurant as if she was lost. The music was so freaking loud I thought I was at a rave. It was rediculously loud and there was an odd putting smell of burnt HDPE 5 which is the type of plastic used in cooking and plastic bags. After a few minutes wait, a waiter came and mumbled something to me I honestly don't know what he said. So I ordered a drink, and after a while I ordered three tacos. Over the course of 43 minutes I noticed my server flirting with the hostess non-stop. I know this because they places me in a table next to the hostess stand. At 44 minutes we decided to get up and leave. Our server came running out the kitchen with the plate so I sat down. The tacos were ice cold, and the meat was grey. The fish taco I ordered wasn't cooked. If you want a place to get food poisoning while banging your head to bullshit fashion show runway music this is the place. Also
Jazmin C.
My food was delicious. My friend had the birria tacos and loved them. Her jalapeño margarita was ok but the food is very delicious.
Chasity S.
Chicken fajitas had no seasoning at all. Had to return it for something better. Skirt steak tacos were really good!
angele valdivieso
Great atmosphere, the decor transports you to a different place. The food is amazing and my server Velia was very attentive. Definitely will be back.
Your first impression of Habaneros (in Metairie) will be the sign that says, "This must be the place." While it takes continued food consistency and outstanding service to maintain and build on positive experiences, it takes an all-hands-on-deck effort combined with a great deal of professionalism (and some luck) to turn around a negative one.After a negative experience in March of 2024, where we encountered slow service and a lack of attention to detail, we decided to give Habaneros a second chance visit (to err is human), and we are thrilled that we did. The transformation in staff and leadership was remarkable, breathing new life into the establishment. Not only did we return for a second visit, we elected to parlay the positive experience and returned on Mother's Day. Here's how our experience went:Our first return visit was on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, the afternoon of the Kentucky Derby. We chose to sit outdoors in the patio area, and the Management graciously fulfilled our request to watch the Derby in a display of their accommodating nature. We were delighted by the unique flavors of the frozen happy hour margaritas, particularly the raspberry and mango. The Queso Fundido (Queso with Chorizo) was a standout, a perfect blend of cheese and spice that left us craving for more.On to the entrees:We had the Verdes Enchiladas, a flavorful dish with grilled chicken, and the Quesadilla, which was generously filled with shredded chicken and a variety of cheeses. We followed up with Coffee and dessert. The staff's recommendation of the flan, a baked custard dessert topped with caramel (similar to the French version of crème caramel), was a delightful discovery. The sense of intrigue and excitement in trying these new dishes was truly invigorating.Our server, Eddie, was a true professional, highly knowledgeable about the menu and spot-on in meeting and anticipating our every need. After receiving and paying the check, we requested to speak with Management as we felt it was important to share the significant turnaround in our dining experience. We learned that our server, Eddie, was training other staff members, which is a testament to his skills and the positive changes at Habaneros. Also, it quickly became apparent that the new management was a big part of the positive differences we experienced at Habaneros.Our Mother's Day visit went smoothly and was just as impressive as the previous visit on the day of the 'run for the roses' event, where we enjoyed margaritas and an added surprise found in the shredded chicken taco salad. The answer to 'this must be the place' is rhetorical. The next time you find yourself in the mood for some vibrant atmosphere, with its lively music and colorful decor, infused with great food and culture, head on over to Habaneros in Metairie . . . this is the place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is amazing. Celebrating Yvonne`s birthday and Mothers Day for Yvonne, Kirsten and Jennifer. And the sound system is Amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Typical overpriced Tex Mex food that has no flavor. The only redeeming quality are their margaritas during happy hour. Also, watch what you're being charged. The menu says happy hour is M-F but their website says 7 days a week. The server said the menu was wrong but I wonder if we would have been charged full price if I hadn't mentioned it...? Also the pricing of some items are higher on the menu than on the website so be warned. We shared an appetizer sampler and everything was dry and tasteless. I've got to wonder if this place is originally from the Midwest because they definitely don't know what seasoning, even salt, is. I will say the salsas and guacamole were great at least.Parking: It's next to a mall so parking is hit or miss.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
The place is beautiful, the vibe is amazing and the food was delicious, to top it off the staff was so much fun, the service fantastic!!! Highly recommended!! ❤️Kid-friendliness: Great kids menu!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very groovy place! Despite the fact that the decor looks more like "modern Asian fusion" than a high-end Mexican/Hispanic food joint, the vibe is very cool and the food is excellent! The bean dip they serve with the obligatory table nachos is awesome! I had the Tacos Alambre (Skirt Steak), and my wife had the Chicken Fajitas - both were delicious! Craft margaritas were also very tasty (AND you get to keep the cup, which was a nice touch). Great place for a hip and xixi night out - we will definitely be back...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fajitas, Bean Dip, Street Tacos
Service was amazing. I got the birria tacos also amazing. Salsa was so good. The music is my main issue on why I would not go back. The techno is entirely too loud. You can not have a conversation at all. Sounded like we were in a club.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excelente flavor on all the food we orderAuthentic Mexican !! No Tex-Mex and that I was looking in a Mexican restaurants in the area !! I’m native from Mexico City and I been dining in Mexico in the best restaurants with the top Mexican chefs thereHope they continue with the quality and flavor !!Highly recommend ☺️☺️Parking: Free parking and many places to park
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cucumber Mint, Bean Dip, Street Tacos, Guacamole, Tampiqueña
Habaneros is where it's at, my wife and I came in on Saturday night. Our server Velia gave some great food and drink recommendations. She was attentive and overall provided a great experience. I had the cucumber mint margarita and my wife had La Santa, both were delicious. The food was equally as good, must try the Octopus tacos or the flauta flight. We will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cucumber Mint, Octopus Tacos
Horrible experience. The tortillas were soggy, the service was horrible. My server barely checked in on me. I waited almost 15 minutes since I sat down for the server to approach me. Most of the time she was standing near the front socializing with the other staff. Drink was ok but the service was slow. The tacos I had were something I could have made at home. The flavoring was ok, the tortillas were completely soggy and some of the shrimp was cold.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
The service was good but the food was not good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Emanuel was a great server
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Can I give zero stars? I've worked in the service industry my whole professional life, and this was the hands down worst dinning experience of my life. For starters I came at 1:30 pm on a Monday the restaurant was empty. The hostess brought us through the restaurant as if she was lost. The music was so freaking loud I thought I was at a rave. It was rediculously loud and there was an odd putting smell of burnt HDPE 5 which is the type of plastic used in cooking and plastic bags. After a few minutes wait, a waiter came and mumbled something to me I honestly don't know what he said. So I ordered a drink, and after a while I ordered three tacos. Over the course of 43 minutes I noticed my server flirting with the hostess non-stop. I know this because they places me in a table next to the hostess stand. At 44 minutes we decided to get up and leave. Our server came running out the kitchen with the plate so I sat down. The tacos were ice cold, and the meat was grey. The fish taco I ordered wasn't cooked. If you want a place to get food poisoning while banging your head to bullshit fashion show runway music this is the place. Also
My food was delicious. My friend had the birria tacos and loved them. Her jalapeño margarita was ok but the food is very delicious.
Chicken fajitas had no seasoning at all. Had to return it for something better. Skirt steak tacos were really good!
Great atmosphere, the decor transports you to a different place. The food is amazing and my server Velia was very attentive. Definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5