Taqueria Habanero

Taqueria Habanero Opens a Maryland Location With Meat-Packed Molcajetes | Eater DC

"Less than a week after Taqueria Habanero opened its outpost near the University of Maryland, I noticed customers responding well to the same Puebla staples that draw lines at the original. The new spot at 8145 Baltimore Avenue began serving tacos, chilaquiles, and enchiladas and, despite having no sign and no margaritas until a liquor license comes through, was already seeing repeat customers. Founders Dio Montero and Mirna Alvarado have brought over Arturo Montero to oversee the kitchen and have kept the restaurant’s high standards for fresh salsas and hand-made tortillas. The College Park menu is mostly the same as the original but adds a $45 molcajete—stuffed with sizzling chicken, shrimp, chorizo, steak, queso fresco, and nopales with a smoky salsa verde—table-side guacamole that uses the molcajete, and “Arturo’s ceviche,” a $10 mix of tilapia, shrimp, crab, serrano peppers, purple onions, and avocado marinated in lime. To help curb long waits the outpost includes a separate take-out counter, and the owners emphasize a family-run approach aimed at serving both families and busy students; hours are 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon–Thu, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Fri–Sat, and 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Sun." - Gabe Hiatt