Cantina Louie has earned high praise from Asheville diners, taking home Gold in the 2024 Best of Asheville awards for Best Mexican Restaurant, Best Margaritas and Best Tacos.

The South Asheville restaurant is known for its colorful, Día de los Muertos atmosphere, a style inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead, a holiday that honors and celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed. Cantina Louie’s walls are lined with vibrant sugar-skull art, skeleton murals and bright pops of color that set a lively tone before the first order arrives.

For first-time visitors or those returning after a while, several menu standouts show why locals voted it to the top.

Quesabirria Tacos

These crispy grilled tacos are stuffed with birria and cheese, served with homemade Birria broth and avocado sauce!

Street Tacos Basket

The absolute best way to sample Cantina Louie’s street tacos is the “Street Taco Basket”. Choose any combination of 3 tacos (al pastor, asada, carnitas). It’s recommended you pick one of each for maximum enjoyment!

Mini Street Tacos

You can try miniature versions of Cantina Louie’s authentic Mexican Street Tacos. Choose your proteins and they top it off with onions & cilantro, and serve it with al pastor salsa, avocado sauce, grilled jalapeno, and more!

The Undertaker Margarita

A top shelf cocktail that lets you “pick your poison” by selecting from a list of premium tequilas. The dark beauty is courtesy of the mix of activated charcoal, Gran Gala, lime, and agave.

1862 Margarita

The 1862 is crafted with reposado tequila, orange liqueur, and a house-made sour, making it a classic with a twist. You can mix it up and your favorite flavor: strawberry, mango, or pineapple.

Cantina Louie — South Asheville is open daily. For hours and the full menu, visit cantinalouie.com.