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).
Do they still have that Aztecan turkey sandwich. It was pretty good. I ate at the williams incarnation.
Yes, the turkey sandwich is still on the menu–I think it’s $8.95 on the lunch menu. Here’s a link to the menu: http://www.campusmenus.com/menu.php?rest=348&menu_selection=1&cat=3319&track=0
How does this place compare to Pupuseria Divino Corazon on the Westbank?
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.