EL CUCUY IS SERVING ITS LAST ‘HEAVY METAL’ TACO, AND MORE JANUARY RESTAURANT CLOSINGS

This periodic column rounds up restaurant and bar closures in and around New Orleans. Know of a restaurant closing we missed? Drop us a line.

El Cucuy

It’s the end of the road for El Cucuy, Uptown’s heavy metal and South American folklore-themed taco joint. Austin Lane opened the Tchoupitoulas Street shop in 2020, creating a funky, outdoor-centric spot that became a hang for tortas, tacos, Elvira bingo, and even the occasional karaoke night. In an Instagram post announcing the closure, Lane says: “Sorry it has to end this way, but our building has sold and I do not have the means to buy it.” It was originally set to close on Tuesday, but Lane has delayed the restaurant’s last day due to the snow — keep an eye on its social accounts for info.

Paw Paw’s Donuts

After just a few months in its Old Metairie storefront, Alex Marse announced he is closing Paw Paw’s Donuts on February 23. “In short, I have come to realize that owning a donut shop no longer aligns with the lifestyle and financial goals I have for my future,” Marse wrote on Instagram. He founded Paw Paw’s a few years ago as a pop-up with doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches, ultimately gaining a following with weekly appearances at Crescent City Farmers Market. The shop will open on Saturdays and Sundays through February 23, with Marse saying he might do occasional pop-ups in the future.

Wild South

New Orleans chef Michael Stoltzfus closed his Lower Garden District tasting menu restaurant in early January, saying “In the end, it wasn’t the right fit for the neighborhood.” Wild South, which opened in February 2024, was an experimental, ambitious spot with an ever-changing five-course menu using Gulf Coast ingredients to refine Southern staples, like a dish of buttermilk-fried cauliflower and cured tuna roe. Stoltzfus tells Eater he is working on a new concept for the charming corner building — something more casual — and promises updates soon. In the meantime, stay tuned for special dinners, pop-ups, and other events.

2025-01-23T21:11:16Z