The Rumble on Rumba :: Metairie’s Newest Hot Spot
I’m sure by now many of you have heard of the new hot spot, Rumba. It is causing quite the buzz amongst my friends and colleagues. I will admit, I was a bit skeptical about the new joint in the heart of Metairie. Typically, New Orleans Proper is where we go for the newest hotspot. I’m excited to say Rumba gives the are of Metairie it is in the posh establishment it was looking for.
The Atmosphere
Rumba’s esthetic meets all the criteria of on trend without being too “kitschy.” Monkeys hanging from the ceiling in the bar area transport you into a scene from the White Lotus. The indoor/outdoor bar seating feels like an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Between the playlist and the friendly servers in Hawaiian shirts, the vibes take you far away from the corner of Transcontinental and Veterans.
The Cocktails
The drinks are as fresh as it gets. The prices range from about $12-16 a cocktail. However, it is very evident after the first sip that you are not getting a pre-made batch of sour mix for your margarita here. I don’t typically drink tequila, but the Prickly Pear was delicious. The pear infused tequila masked the spicy aftertaste I don’t enjoy in a traditional tequila drink. My husband had the Monkeying Around cocktail with in-house banana vanilla rum. The waitress described as “a vacation in your mouth” and that it was! Again, another typical cocktail I would have avoided, but the fresh ingredients elevate this drink.
The Food
My go-to appetizer on both visits were the tamales. They are different then the traditional take I am accustomed to and these open face corn tamales are not to be missed. Topped with the freshest guacamole, salsa, and crema, these tamales are addictive. I may need to place a to-go order for these after work today.
The entree’s ranged from $25-$45 in cost. I decided on the Vegan Sunset Soba Noodles as my entree. I am no where near vegan in the slightest but for some reason this was speaking to me. It did not disappoint. It was equally filling and tasty. The dish was just the right amount of spiciness and did not allow for me to miss any traditional protein. The crunch from the fresh vegetables mixed well with the smoothness of the noodles allowing for the perfect combination.
A few other items worth mentioning: The coconut risotto was a hit with our table and can be ordered as a side. Tacos are only offered during lunch and happy hour. My boss wanted me to mention the Buffalo Soldier Taco, stating it’s a must try. However, tacos are only offered for lunch and happy hour.
Reservations Strongly Recommended
Reservations are a must. We booked reservations a week ahead of time, but it looks like you may luck out getting something one to two days before you plan to visit. When I checked recently, day of reservations didn’t seem possible, as they were already booked up online. My boss said that she went for happy hour around 3:00pm and it was not crowded. (Happy hour is 3-6pm on weekdays). They were able to walk in and get a spot at the bar.
Parking
My only con to my dining experience was the parking. Due to the limited spots and heavy foot traffic this restaurant is experiencing, my recommendation would be to go a little early to find parking. Do not park at the neighboring establishments because they are towing.
Whether it’s a girls’ night, date night, or family night, Rumba delivered a fun dining experience, transporting us to a Caribbean island for two hours. It was worth the parking lot hassle and is nice to have a spot in the heart of Metairie that is trendy and happening. While the drink prices are on the higher side, the quality justifies the cost. I will definitely be returning for a third time and excited to try out the happy hour tacos.
