On my Mardi Gras trip, I decided to look for something a little different to try in NOLA. There are of course many places I haven’t visited, but Juan’s Flying Burrito was an intriguing (and cheap) option. We stopped by the “Creole Taqueria’s” location on Magazine St. in the Garden District for lunch.

Juan's Flying Burrito: Creole Taqueria

We were seated promptly and had a while (too long, unfortunately) to look around before our server stopped by. The interior is “interesting” (Vortex-like, for ATLiens) with a ton of eclectic art-for-sale lining the walls, much of it featuring skulls or bleeding hearts. Food and drink specials are written on chalkboards around the room, and like any legit New Orleans eatery, they sport a full bar.

Spencer and I deliberated over the menu for about 5 minutes, and then waited another 15 before our waitress came to take our orders. When she returned 10 minutes later asking Spencer, “Oh, your drink hasn’t come out?” we gave each other blank stares because…isn’t that HER job (especially because she had brought my drink 5 minutes earlier)? Sketchy service aside, our food [me: Flying Enchiladas (steak, chicken, and shrimp grilled together, then stuffed inside our cheese enchiladas served with all three sauces, topped with sour cream and guacamole) Spencer: Super Nachos Grande (ground beef and chicken, with black and pinto beans, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos)] was good:

Flying Enchiladas

Super Nachos Grande

If nothing else, Juan’s gives you a lot of food for the money (both entrees were < $10). My first bite of Flying Enchilada was a wonderful mix of meats, cheese, and grill juices. However, I didn't think the sauces or guac were anything special. As lunch wore on and my plate got colder, the enchiladas became less appetizing, but I'm willing to accept the toughened steak as a natural consequence of slow eating. Spencer's nachos were a kind of "everything but the kitchen sink" meal, and it worked. Every layer and rotation of the plate provided something different in the next bite.

Overall, we thought Juan's was a cool hangout with decent and decently-priced food. The service needs a jump start, but I wouldn't be opposed to visiting again.

www.juansflyingburrito.com