In a city famous for Creole cuisine, lauded for its rich southern eats and boasting a substantial population of Thai restaurants, Latin food generally isn’t what comes to mind when making dinner plans in New Orleans. But with Hispanic Heritage month drawing to a close, take some time to visit some of the best Latin eats in the city.

Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria: 6215 S. Miro St., New Orleans, LA 70125

Closely resembling the style of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Felipe’s is a great go-to Mexican restaurant for burritos, tacos and quesadillas at a good price and with a casual atmosphere. Felipe’s is perfect for Tulane students as it is within walking distance from the school, located right across the street from Yulman Stadium.

Start off any meal with a drink from its quaint but festive bar stationed at the entrance of the building. With drink specials for every day of the week, there should be no problem finding a delectable adult beverage that fits everyone’s taste. Kick back, enjoy a sangria and some chicken tacos and take in the friendly atmosphere Felipe’s has to offer. Bonus: If you don’t have time to eat out, order some food on UberEats!

Johnny Sanchez: 930 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70112

Located in the heart of the Business District, Johnny Sanchez is a vibrant and lively Mexican restaurant perfect for all foodies. Everything on the menu, from empanadas to wood-grilled pescado, is made with delicious Mexican ingredients and packed full of flavor. The space is joyously decorated with intricate glasswork light fixtures and a full mural of Spanish artwork. Plus, there is unlimited salsa and plantain chips, so what’s not to love?

If you’re overwhelmed with options, try The Hullabaloo’s top menu picks: queso, guacamole and Brussel sprouts to start, and arroz con pollo for the main course. For a phenomenal meal, friendly service and a tasty drink, Johnny Sanchez is the place to go.

Maïs Arepas: 1200 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Maïs Arepas, started by native Colombian David Mantilla, is a small restaurant that packs a big punch. Located at the end of St. Charles near Lee Circle, Maïs Arepas offers many traditional Colombian bites. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Arepa, which is a corn pancake that can be sweetened or not and is a staple dish in Colombian or Venezuelan households. The dish is versatile and can be prepared in many ways for all three meals of the day.

Food portions come in smaller sizes, encouraging patrons to try many things and share with the group. For the crowd over 21, the restaurant offers an array of flavored margaritas and other tempting adult beverages. Be warned: this restaurant is a hot spot and requires a reservation, especially if you plan on going during the weekend. Regardless, Maïs Arepas is well worth the wait.

Barú Bistro & Tapas: 3700 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115

Barú is a small, beachy restaurant that serves Caribbean tapas, or small shared plates. Co-founded by Mantilla, Barú offers a similar Colombian flare to Maïs Arepas. It has a laid-back ambience that resembles a beachside restaurant, complete with a happy hour Monday-Friday including cocktail specials and half-off wine by the glass. Most importantly, its happy hour comes with a $5 tapas menu. We at The Hullabaloo recommend going to Barú with an empty stomach and a group of friends. Order all of the happy hour special Tapas and try each of the delicious Caribbean-style bites.

Pro Tip: Try the empanadas!