The thing about being in Baton Rouge is that you have to really hunt for variety. Some are either too expensive too try too often and others just are cheaper imitations. This one is certainly neither. It's close is what my Latin American friends tell me and it's not that expensive too. I have been told that this place started out as a food truck and they soon picked up this place and now stands La Salvadorena. * Recommended Item - Pollo con Tajadas - it's not very spicy but rather the fried plantains are crunchy. It's a lot of food. And the plantains really go well with the chicken. Also if you're looking for small bites try the - Papusas. (See pictures) * Food - I had the pollo frito the first time I went to this place. It was a chicken fried platter with rice beans. Not very interesting to be called Salvadorian isn't it? It was decent. The next time I went I had plantains with chicken (pollo con tajadas). That was very good. The taste I expected was there. * Portions - They have huge portions - especially the entrees are huge. You might have to take a box often. * Dining Arrangements - it is not your refined taste place. It's a place only defined by the food. They do have good music though. And it's spacious. The restrooms are clean etc. * Service - I read other reviews too which complain about the service. Yes! It's true. But that's because they really have a hard time catching up with the English we speak around here. And they are slow getting you your checks and extra water etc. mostly They are under staffed I feel and that might just help keep their costs low. Suggestion - just go and pay the bill at the counter. * Certainly some of their food is good. Really inexpensive and worth the visit. But the whole menu is a minimalistic. To which I don't have a problem though. read more

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This is only our second experience with El Salvadorian food and we were completely blown away! The entire menu is written in Spanish and there is a slight language barrier if you're not fluent in Spanish. My husband ordered two pupusas because we knew what those were. One was chicken and one was bean and cheese. They were each almost as big as the plate and tasted incredible. I ordered a tostada and a chicken tamale. The tostada was piled high with pork, slaw, avocado and sauce, and it was as messy as it was delicious. I scarfed it down then wanted to lick the plate. The chicken tamale was made with a white masa flour and stuffed with chicken and vegetables. It was served wrapped in a banana leaf, presumably how it was also cooked. The tamale was delicious but the tostada outshined everything else. All of that food and two drinks only set us back $15 before the tip. What started out as a road trip to "get away from the tourist traffic and eat food we can't get around here" turned into an unbelievable craving for more El Salvadorian food that will likely lead to several trips to Baton Rouge each year just to eat at this place. It's amazing! read more

La Salvadorena - One tostada and one chicken tamale - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

DELICIOUS... man if you want the real deal, go here! cheap and super yummy! the food isn't dry like what you would find at most mexican restaurants; they serve a green sauce on the side that is amazing with anything u order. i highly recommend the tostada, it really opened my eyes to what mexican cuisine can be. popping flavor with every bite! highlyyyy recommend read more

I always passed by here many times, and made up my mind to dine in on a Saturday. I ordered the pollo frito plate with a papusa and banana soda. My boyfriend mentioned that the soda didn't taste too sweet, which is e good thing. The chicken is up there with Chicken Shack. The sides were good. I couldn't quite figure out what to do with the refried beans, so I poured it over my rice. The papusas we're go good! So warm and crispy. Maybe I'll get the papusa with shrimp or beans and cheese. The flautas were crispy and filling! Next time I'll go I will try the tilapia plate. read more

La Salvadorena - First time drinking this - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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A hole-in-the-wall type of place that you can just tell is authentic. The food is cheap and good; although it takes a little while for it to come out. The pupusas are flavorful and cheesy, with a slight crisp to it. The pork al pastor taco is fantastic as well. The baleada is huge like it covers a whole plate. I truly haven't had anything bad here. I'd highly recommend this place if you're looking for some legit Salvadoran food! read more

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I was skeptical when I drove up. Quite honestly, the place needs some renovation work, but the food? pretty good. The pupusas were hot and fresh and taste like heaven melting in your mouth. I didn't see the "college type" inside while I ate, just people of the ethnic group that would appreciate the food. I'm very satisfied with the food. Only thing about the glass bottle coke is it's not enough. If the establishment renovated the place, I would give it 5 stars. read more

La Salvadorena - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I came across this place while working in the area and boy I'm glad I did. The food was very good and so is the service. Prices can't be beat. read more

While they were unfortunately out of tamales and green enchiladas (hence the 1 star deduction) the food was high quality for a large portion. The chicken flautas, fried chicken, pupusa, and taco were delicious. However, I could not really taste the chicharon in the pupusa and there were larger chunks of fat in the carne asada taco, which could have used more toppings (ie onions or salsa). read more

La Salvadoreña is an awesome hidden gem in Baton Rouge. Located really close to LSU's campus, the restaurant has authentic food at very affordable prices. Their pupusas and tostadas are to die for. Sitting inside is awesome and really makes you want to open all the windows and head to the beach. Great place for dates!! read more

If you're like me you dread the quasi mexican places that drench everything in a vague red sauce, processed cheese and serve it along dry beans and rice. Well fear not my fellow epicurean explorer because this place is the antidote to your Senor Generic woes. Now granted this is el salvodorean food but I digress. On our first visit we stuck to the front of the menu where every item is an astounding $2.50. We batted the cycle sampling their tostada, tamale, tacos and pupusas. As the reggaeton blasted in the background the food arrived hot and fresh. And delicious. Oh man. The tostada was completely outrageous. So many awesome flavors and great textures throughout. Get this. Tacos were double wrapped for secure hand to mouth transfer and were damn good as well. However the pastor was the clear winner. You can skip the asada. The tamale was my preferred style, central American, meaning a lighter, fluffier masa dough stuffed with chicken (watch out for bones) and steamed to perfection in a banana leaf for a little extra contrast in flavor. Then the pupusas. These were great and totally authentico. We got the cheese and zuchinni flower and the chicharon and cheese. Both were good but the zuchinni flower was the winner. Wash it all down with a glass bottled coke and smile as you pay your $16 tab. Go to here. read more

The food was delicious and reminded me of El salvadorean food my friend's mom used to make me. The lack of stars came from the fact that no workers had masks on. Of course this matters during covid times. We will definitely go back once the virus issue is over. read more

This place blew it out of the park. The most authentic tasting El Salvadoran food I've had the pleasure to taste. The prices were reasonable too as most items were $2.50. Tried the el pastor taco (BOMB), tostada (INCREDIBLE), tamale (crazy soft and delicious) and a few pupusas. They were cheesy, not too greasy and super flavorful. My husband and I ate until we were bursting for under $20. Although I wish they served cervezas and the ambiance was nothing to write home about, I just cannot retract a star from this incredible meal. Give your taste buds a high 5 and check this place out! read more

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We needed lunch and the reviews were positive. The interior was clean and well lit, we got Papusas and tacos. Everyone in our party was extremely pleased with the food and service. read more

If you are looking for simple and authentic Salvadoran food look no further! Had dinner here tonight. The pupusas are wonderful and those that say they lack flavor clearly didn't use the vinegar cabbage slaw and red sauce. Both are authentic and truly make a wonderful pupusa. Also tried tacos, tamales, sweet fried plantains and fried tilapia. Everything had great flavor and was great prices. read more

I'm Mexican and I've never had Salvadoran food but this stuff is really amazing. The pupusas are great and a must get and very cheap at 3 dollars. The taco al pastor is seasoned very well and very tasty. The only thing I didn't like was the tamale, but it's probably because I've grown up eating Mexican tamales but other than that everything is amazing definitely recommend giving it a shot read more

La Salvadorena - Pupusas de chicharron y queso, Taco al pastor, Tamales Salvadorenos - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

First time having El Salvadoran food. It was great. The papousas and tamales were different but so good. I will definitely be back to try more of this food. Even if you see something on the menu that you recognize, it's prepared in a slightly different way read more

Love this place. Really Good food. I like the pupusas and tostadas! I've eaten in person once, but also love to get it to-go. I'll typically get like 3 items and that's more than enough food to fill a person up! read more

Lugar MÁS AUTÉNTICO DE COMIDA SALVADOREÑA. It's so authentic it's ridiculous. Service has improved. Food is just too good. Baleadas are my fav. Just the best. Do yourself a favor and go here. read more

The quality of the food is there, but the service is very poor. They are more geared for take-out - they don't come and grab orders really, don't refill drinks, and don't get you the bill. The food is fun and unique. If you want to try, I recommend going to the food truck on Gardere. It's the same food, it is quicker, and it might be cheaper. read more

Amazing food!! I just had the most filling lunch for less than $8. I love that most everything is $2.50, so you can sample a little bit of everything. The Pupusas were amazing. I had Chicharron con queso. I also had the tostada and tamale. Both were great. Will definitely be back! Where have you been my whole life? read more

La Salvadorena - Left to Right: -Pupusa (Chicharron con queso) -Tostada -Tamale - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Tasty food, flautas and popusas on point, family owned not super fast but good in flavor! Will be back! - read more

The best fast-service food near LSU, hands down. This place provides a very well curated menu of traditional Salvadoran food, and the tostadas and tacos are truly amazing. They also have a selection of South American sodas which are delicious. It's great food to eat in or take out. I'm a repeat customer. Love this place. read more

The food here is incredible. However, the service is decent. It is a good local restaurant ran by a family. I have been here a few times with my friends and got really good food. I highly recommend the entree dishes since I got only the entree dishes and believe that the entree dishes are worth it in terms of price and amount of food. I got the pollo frito and the flautas which were really good and really filling. I had trouble eating all of this food by myself and had to share some of it with my friends. A great addition found at this location is the hot sauces. It really adds the spiciness and sometimes sourness to the dishes depending on what you use. My friends did order the other dishes such as tacos and tostadas which I asked them to try and were not disappointed. The one star deduction comes from the decent service as I have had to wait a while for food to be served when there was not many people. I have also had to wait to ask the waiter if I wanted more water or anything else. This was probably because the restaurant only had one waiter at the times that I went. I would recommend coming to this restaurant to try the entrees and the hot sauces because the wait is worth it when you have delicious food to eat! read more

Stumbled on this place while in the area and seeing the great reviews. I'm from Houston which has a outstanding El Salvadoran restaurants. This is pretty much the definition of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Squeaky tables, torn seat covers, uneven chairs, chipped paint, etc. Initial impressions will not be good. Ordered a pupusa with cheese beans and chicharrones, a tostada, and a Mexican coke. Young guy at the counter was very nonchalant but wasn't rude or anything. I was disappointed that the Soda wasn't as cold as it should have been. The food was delicious though. The pupusa was filled generously, crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. The tostada was also great, the tortilla appeared to be fried in the restaurant which makes a huge difference. They topped it off with a good amount of beans, pork, cream, avocado, repollo, and some other sauce. All the flavors together make a phenomenal combination. Overall... I wouldn't make it a point to go back since it's out of my way. read more

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I can't say enough about how good this place is. Three of us went in for lunch all of us absolutely loved it. One side of the menu is a la carte, the other plate or combinations. I ordered a carne asada taco + chicharone papusa. It came with pickled veggies and fresh pico de gallo. My coworker ordered two tacos and a papusa, and my other coworker ordered the pollo platter. For the two of us with tacos and papusas? Amazingly good and I got out of there at $6 total! The tacos are perfect street tacos - meat and cilantro. Hot sauce is on the table, add what you will including the side of fresh pico. My coworkers chicken plate was huge, two pieces of fried chicken she says was amazing served with rice and beans. The place was packed by the time we finished, with a whole crew of hispanics coming in for lunch. From what I could tell the chef made many of them anything they wanted, so if you have a special request they seem open to it. Cheap, authentic without any sign of Tex mex. There was tv's on various walls but not distractingly so, and the bathroom (ladies at least) was very clean. read more

So impressed. I enjoy trying ethnic & authentic cuisines. BR does not offer a ton of El Salvadorian restaurants so this was a delight. It is a small space but clean and livened up with Salvadorian music. The menu was extremely inexpensive. I am talking about $2.50 for pupusas the size of my hand! You could easily sample 3-4 items for less than $10 and have a filling meal. Everything was bursting with flavor. I had the pork pupusas (my favorite). It reminded me of a stuffed fried pancake but savory filled with pork & cheese & topped with marinated, pickled slaw 2nd favorite- Baleadea- scrambled eggs, juicy seasoned pulled beef, avocado, beans, cheese, & cream inside a homemade tortilla. My taste buds & belly were happy! Will be back! read more

Flavorful, homemade, and authentic food. Had a great experience here. We got the pork pupusas and the chicken flautas. Both dishes were fantastic, but I must say that the flautas were our favorite. It's not something I would have picked, since you can get flautas many places in BR, but these were exceptional. The house sauce and the slaw really made the dish something to remember. Would definitely recommend! read more

La Salvadorena - Chicken flautas and pork pupusas. Great meal - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

One word-PAPUSAS. Okay so, this place used to be Willy's Chicken and Waffles (which I loved and almost had an emotional break down when they closed) so I never expected it to re-open as a Salvadorian Restaurant. I kept passing by and never went in, until one day a co-worker encouraged me to stop by and that was one of the best choices I've made in a while. I have been introduced to PAPUSAS and now I crave them. The menu is short and sweet offering options of tacos, tamales, grilled meats and veggies and of course Papusas. What I love the most about this place is that the food is cooked to order and is piping HOT when it reaches your table. The food is authentic and flavorful and offers a new, tasty option to the sometimes all to familiar BR food scene. The prices are reasonable and the service is nice. This will defiantly be a new addiction. read more

I LOVE Salvadorian food, so I'm back in town and decided to give this place a try as it's super close to my condo. It's average, with some standouts and some let downs. Pupusas: average. But with full disclosure, I don't just absolutely love pupusas like some people. Theirs are alright. Taco: I had the al pastor. Definitely a standout. Very good al pastor, nice and crispy pork. Slaw was awesome, as it should be at all salvadorian restaurant. Tostada: let down. Pass it up. Casamiento: I was kinda bummed with this. I asked for casamiento, and they just gave me yellow rice and black beans that appear to be either blended or smashed. Nothing special at all. Salsa verde was great. Salsa rojo, average to sub par. I will be trying it again on a weekend when they have their specials. Place is worth it for the tamales, certainly, but other than that kind of average. read more

I am actually Central American, so I can pretty much vouch for the authenticity of this place. I eat here all the time and I love pretty much all their dishes. The food is good, its very decently priced for anyone on a lower budget, and the service is very friendly. I definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to have a good meal, and/or try what authentic Central American food is like. I definitely prefer the ambience of the place, rather than the prefabricated nature of many other restaurants. This is a friendly, delicious, decently priced place that can quickly become your favorite. read more

After searching for years in Baton Rouge I've finally found a place that reminds me of home. Everything was delicious!!! The last couple of times I've eaten pupusas at places the pupusas are gummy, the curtido is gross, the tomato sauce tastes like taco salsa or all of the above and I'm always super disappointed. Well I'm glad I didn't give up on my quest because I was very pleased with this place. As soon as I looked on the menu and saw they had "loroco" pupusas I knew this place was the real deal. The pupusas are actually a 4/5 stars (I'm very picky, my boyfriend said they were a 5/5) but the curtido, the tomato sauce, the chicken tamale and the service is why I gave this place as a whole 5 stars. The bean and cheese pupusas had a nice amount of filling in them and were very delicious. As soon as I tasted them I ordered some to go because I knew I was going to be craving some the next day. The chicken tamale was also really delicious and was full of lots of chicken and vegetables, it was almost as good as the ones my aunt makes. Almost. These people really know what they're doing because the curtido had just the right amount of vinegar in it and the cabbage was pickled just right. The server was really nice and polite despite it being really busy and our food only took about 15 minutes to come out. I did think they were kind of pricey at $2.50/each for the size that they were and the amount of filling they had and I was also a bit disappointed that they didn't have horchata or fresco de tamarindo but those were really the only negatives, beggars can't be choosers I guess. I will definitely be coming back. I honestly don't think I'm ever going to find anywhere in Baton Rouge that's going to be just like the pupusas in El Salvador but these were really good. If you want real pupusas and can't go to El Salvador Houston is the closest place that has the best but these are really good. read more

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For my last day of vacation with my friends, we decided to get some pupusas. We've been eating a lot of cajun and creole cooking for the past 4days... this Salvadorian restaurant did not disappoint us.. The tostadas and pupusas are really good .. My friend ordered tamales and he said it was good.. The prices are cheap too and you can really customize your plate. There's a long wait to get your food but it is worth it. read more

La Salvadorena - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Tried five times to go inside and order food. Three times they were closed in the middle of the day, once it was around 5pm and the lights were on and the staff was inside with the doors locked and ignored me standing there knocking. Just now I stood at the counter for five minutes before someone came out and said they're closed. Lights are on, open light is on, doors are open, staff is there, and it's 8:15 when they close at 9. Do they have no interest in getting business? read more

Love, love, love El Salvadorena! The flautas, pork tacos, ceviche tostadas and fried chicken are to die for!

A nice hole in the wall. I will ask if they can chop the skirt steak into smaller pieces for me next time because it was kind of tough, but the flavor was good. Linens were a fork and knife wrapped in paper towel and table numbers were hand written on a piece of paper so I wouldn't say this is a "nice" place, but none of those aspects took away from the great authenticity and taste quality of the delicious and filling food. I really enjoyed it and plan to come back soon. Their pupusas are good but I think their tamales are even better!!! read more

La Salvadorena - Steak plate offered only on Fridays and Saturdays but we were lucky and got it on Sunday! - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

My husband and I just moved to Addis from East Texas. Our first place to eat was here. Everyone is so nice and even explained what some dishes are. Food is very good and worth the little bit of a wait. We love it read more

The pupusas here have gotten better since they've opened and I especially appreciate the variety ( they even have jalapeno pupusas!). I have also enjoyed their steak platter which is served with a generous portion of rice and traditional accoutrements. The service here can be slow as they seem understaffed (especially during lunch), I would recommend being patient or calling ahead of time. Overall I am overjoyed by the flavor and variety of the food here, this is truly a culinary gem! read more

La Salvadorena - A variety of pupusas - Salvadoran Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Wholesome restaurant. Every nice people, awesome service, and food! I had both the carne asada and pollo frito and I was very pleased. I would recommend for the price and quality! read more

This place just opened up the street from me and it's a much needed addition to counter the shortage of good Spanish food in BR. Food is delicious and seems all from scratch using fresh ingredients. Prices are really cheap. Been a couple times and I'll definitely be back Check it out! read more

I ordered enchiladas. I love spicy food and can usually eat anything spicy but these enchiladas were so spicy I couldn't take it. When I was eating it I chewed on something hard and it was a chicken bone I found multiple in my food. When I told the waitress she apologized and still made me pay for it. Would not come back again. read more