Pupuseria La Macarena

Pupuseria La Macarena (8120 Hampson Street, New Orleans, 504.862.5252) is a friendly little Central American spot, operated by oh-so-gregarious Manny Ochoa and his mom.  After stints out on Airline Highway, West Metairie, and Williams Boulevard, the Ochoas moved their operation uptown to a tiny spot formerly occupied by a takeout location of World’s Healthiest Pizza (now re-branded as Naked Pizza).  A greatest-hits Salvadoran menu takes diners on a culinary tour of the Ochoas’ homeland, ranging from pupusas served with curtido, fried plantains, creamy black beans, a juicy chicken sandwich, and more.  Lunch specials priced around $10 deliver a variety of tastes, pairing pupusas (or delicious flautas or tostadas) with a small salad, fried plantains, and beans & rice.  La Macarena’s pupusas aren’t as cheap as the ones you’ll find at taco trucks, but you can sit down (inside–try that at a taco truck).

4 thoughts on “Pupuseria La Macarena

    • Macarena is a smaller place, with a tropical-bright, very casual interior. Food-wise, I’d give a clear edge to Divino Corazon, though DC’s prices are a tiny bit higher. Still, it’s nice to have a Central American option in the Riverbend area.

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