Habanero Latin American Fare
358 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45220
Habanero Latin American Fare Menu
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Signature Platters
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Signature Taco Platters
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Kids Meals
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Crete Your Own
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Quesadillas
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Chimichangas
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Salads
Healthy Meal suggestions for Habanero Latin American Fare
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Signature Platters
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Signature Taco Platters
-
Kids Meals
-
Crete Your Own
-
Quesadillas
-
Chimichangas
-
Salads
Visit below restaurant in Cincinnati for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Cincinnati for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
358 Ludlow Ave
Cincinnati, OH, 45220 - Phone (513) 961-6800
- Website https://www.habanerolatin.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Nicholas W.
this is a great place for what it is, as far as I'm concerned this place has some of the best food you can find around the area for 7-8 dollars. They have some good coupons in the bearcash coupon books which can be found around the area. Also, the tap beer selection is limited but they almost always have one or two on tap worth drinking.
(5)Jamie P.
Just came home with a to-go burrito, took a bite and there was a large piece of PLASTIC rolled in with the burrito. Do NOT get food from here!!
(1)Heather J.
I just don't get it. It's not near as good as Chipotle or even Moe's. I've eaten there 3 times (because other people kept making me go) and I just don't like it. Blech!!!!
(1)Paulina T.
I ordered baja style fish tacos, it had the mango salsa which was just a bit spicy, but no taste or flavor to compliment the incredible crispy fried fish and cabbages in the taco. However, it came with delicious chips and mild salsa. Their mild salsa was very good, just the right tanginess and sweetness. Next time, it would probably be better to build my own tacos with that mild salsa. The chips are the bomb diggity and their cookies! Overall, will come back again, but will just build to what I like in my taste palette for tacos and such rather than picking a pre-made "style" Try it out on Two dollar Taco Tuesdays! Totally worth it! (add on the chips!)
(3)Kailani N.
the chips are fried flour tortillas
(3)Monica W.
Not my favorite place. I went here for their taco special one evening and I was not impressed. I ordered the tilapia tacos and they were way too salty. The margaritas weren't that good either. It is a good place for college students to go for a cheap eat. The bathrooms were fairly clean.
(2)Sheila M.
The 5 stars here are solely in support of the delicious vegetarian chimichanga. I know it's not a real chimichanga, but I don't care. It's so light and crispy, and so cheesy on the inside with the right balance of potato, tomato sauce...wtf is in there anyway? I don't remember but it's good, take my word for it. I've been to Habanero at least 7 times and other than one time when I messed up and got the chicken chimichanga (bleh) I have been drawn like a moth to a flame. I'm sure the other stuff isn't as good but I'm from SoCal so nothing here will seem like real Mexican anyway. Oh and they have a parking lot, which helps in Clifton. Yaay!
(5)Marie E.
Awful. This is better than Taco Casa but not by much. No flavor. Really really bad! This place is in no way shape or form better than chipotle. Did I say awful yet? There is no hit or miss about it. We have been three times. Once in Kentucky, once in Clifton because we thought perhaps it was a location thing and then once with a group through no choice of our own and every time, Awful!
(1)Jessica X.
how can you screw up something so simple? The rice is either mushy and overcooked or has been sitting there so long it's dry and hard enough to break your teeth. A few years ago they switched to some odd bbq shredded beef which anyone would immediately know won't go with salsa. They finally switched back, but that's when the rice went to hell. The location in Newport is FAR worse, which I thought was impossible. And I am not even judging them on authenticity (as a Mexican), because the misspellings on the menu should be enough to tell you it isn't authentic in the least. I'd rather eat at a chain like chipotle than subject myself to the disappointment of Habenero, which is sad since I prefer to support local businesses. Ick.
(1)Mike K.
3.5 stars (rounded up) As a former UC student, this place has a mostly love but slight hate relationship. Everything on the menu is a great value, the consistency just isn't there all the time (~85%) but they usually get it right. Habanero (like Dewey's) is well served before UC football or basketball games being a long walk away (meaning not busy), and serves some nice tap beers as well. If you get lucky this place will either make you want to come back frequently down the road and may but hopefully won't make you say, "why did I spend $7 for this junk...?" Final Thought: Roll the dice, the odds are in your favor for a nice meal!
(4)Matt T.
When it comes to burritos and Cincinnati, the selection is limited. There are the real deal places, the corporate places and then Habaneros. I am not trying to wow you with this place. Because no one should be really wow'd by this place. I would not travel miles to come here. But when in Clifton. And you don't feel like eating at the 1000+ (its called a hyperbole, people) Indian restaurants. Pass on Chipolte, there are tons of those too. Head on down to Habanero. Its good.
(3)Erika M.
The food was so-so this time around. I've had better and it leaves me wondering if they are under new management. Chipotle would've been a better pick as far as burritos go in Clifton.
(2)Natalie L.
Vegetarians delight! I am able to try something delicious and new every time I come here, which is a rare quality to find in most restaurants. The staff are a friendly bunch of college kids and serve up huge portions, the margaritas are poured with a heavy hand, and every dish comes with a side of AMAZING chips and a good mild salsa. I have no idea how they make those chips, but as the other reviewers have attested, they are to die for. They used to serve an awesome queso sauce with the chips, but for reasons unknown it was discontinued. The place can get pretty busy most nights, so you might need to grab a napkin and wipe down your own table, but you can also order your meal to go and stroll down the street to the newly renovated Clifton Plaza and eat while listening to the local street music. If you're skeptical then stop by for $2 Taco Tuesday for a great deal, it is worth the wait in line.
(5)Brian C.
DIRTY!!!! I am going to keep it short...THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY SOAP! I went there after trying some of their tacos while I was at the Taste of Cincinnati, and now I will never go back. We ordered our food for dine-in, my wife went to the restroom to wash her hands only to come back to tell me that there was no soap in the bathroom. We informed the employees - yes multiple and they talked about it - and stated that they did not have any soap and that they could go over to CVS to get some for us. So I said, "Are you guys using soap?" Employee replied, "Yes, we have sanitizer." Oh and when we brought this up to them and they saw that we were upset, they looked at us like we had 3 heads...
(1)Will S.
Don't get me wrong - I love Mexican food. But I don't understand the hype around Habanero. I find the burritos and main course menu items bland. I've tried burritos, quesadillas, and whatever the deep-fried burritos are called - and they all disappoint. Will give props to this place for having great chips and nice microbrew selections. And a solid line-up of hippies making the food. Otherwise, just so-so.
(2)C F.
This my favorite burrito place in Cincinnati. The dishes are always creative, the food is always good, and the art is always interesting. Plus, as a thoroughly local joint, it doesn't have that corporate homogeneity that's always so depressing at a Chipotle/Currito/etc. Try a barbeque chicken burrito or the fish tacos...scrump-dilly-icious! Oh, and the flour tortilla chips are the best, despite what my wife says. :-) One plus is that there's parking, in case you're driving, but get there before noon, as there can be a line out the door right at lunchtime.
(5)Mr W.
If you want a replacement for Chiotle then this is it. Essentially, some mex-american fair that are much better than chains like Qdoba or Chipotle but not great. If you are going here because you like habaneros and want something extremely spicy, go somewhere else. It is spicy but not what I expected from a place called habanero. One bonus that is somewhat unexpected is that they have a few draft beers that are pretty good. Another huge bonus for the Clifton is that they have their own parking lot behind the restaurant.
(3)Anpan W.
Underwhelming food experience. A Mass transplant friend raves about this place. But the best thing I can say is that it was not bad or good, just somewhere in the middle.
(2)Lisa S.
This is darn tasty quick Latin American fare! The menu is pretty large so I hope to get back there next time I'm in Cincy. I did like my chicken quesadilla, which was nice and cheesy, crispy, not soggy. The ingredients tasted fresh and well-seasoned. Tried my brother's beef tacos- nice and spicy. We also got a salsa 3-fer and those were all good. The prices were very fair and if you dine in you can even eat with real flatware.
(4)allie d.
i had a really gross experience last time i ate here. i hate to be graphic, but a smell like feces hit me in the face as soon as i walked in the door. i would have turned around right then if my husband and i hadn't been in a hurry. we walked a little farther in and realized the smell was coming from the meat. we ordered (i was cringing by now but my husband was starving) and they took out a plate with food all over it (because the counter where they're supposed to prep was too dirty and cluttered to use) and made my burrito on that. it was disgusting. their vegetable bins were all overflowing with slop all over the prep area and into other tubs. everything looked like it had been out for 12 hours. i was so grossed out. we got home with our burritos and i took one bite of mine and realized it wasn't worth eating since it tasted like dogfood anyway. this place has definitely gone down hill because about a year ago, it was at least edible.
(1)Sean B.
Probably the second best burrito in Cincinnati. The Comet's delicious San Francisco-style burritos just won't relinquish the title, but Habanero runs a close second. Some rather eclectic choices as far as burritos go (the Calypso is apricot-glazed chicken with pineapple-almond salsa, the Porkopolis is shredded pork with apple-green chile salsa, etc.) but each one I have tried has been delicious. Burritos are are sizeable and all are available as plates (no tortilla, ingredients on a bed of lettuce) for the carb-conscious crowd and come with chips and salsa. Habanero also as a pretty decent selection of beer on draught, a little something to help cool off your tastebuds...
(4)Daniel C.
Delicious!
(4)Andrew C.
Best Burrito in Cincinnati hands-down. One of the few restaurants I make a point to visit whenever I am back in town. Every type of burrito is delish - and the hot salsa is fantastic. I suggest the Henry Aaron burrito, they took it off the menu but some of the employees still know whats up. Don't let them put too much hot on your burrito or you may have a nervous breakdown from the hotness factor. But I think that employee got fired for hotting out too many people.
(5)Allison H.
I'm just not a fan. I love tacos, I love burritos, but I do not love Habanero. Despite the friendly staff and large dining room, there is just something about it that rubs me the wrong way. Everything I've had has always seemed fresh, and prepared quickly, but it is just not for me.
(2)Angela B.
I don't go to Habanero enough. Over the past three years the quality of the food at Habanero's has improved. The barbeque chicken quesadilla is huge and bursting with flavor. Sometimes the fish tacos are too soggy but a nice change up from the ordinary beef taco. The homemade salsa is so good that I've purchased a large container of it to go. In addition to a creative Mexican fusion menu, Habanero also has fresh smoothies and five-dollar margaritas.
(4)Taylor H.
Stumbled upon Habanero as a student several years ago and have been coming consistently ever since in part due to the convenience of a parking lot, and mainly because of the great food. I come whenever I am in Clifton. I have enjoyed the chicken chimichanga, barbecue chicken quesadilla and southwestern salad. My husband loves the tacos. All nice portions and fresh. One word of caution, the salsa and chips are not typically what you would expect at other places. The chips are lighter and flakey and the salsa may be more vinegary than you find elsewhere. They took a minute to get used to. They do however have several types of salsa (corn, mango, pineapple, smoky chipotle, etc).
(5)Tiera A.
This is not the place I remember from my college days. Service was terrible! The food was blah. The place was filthy and smelled like it hadn't been cleaned in years. Don't even get me started on the bathrooms! They smelled like someone or something died. YUCK! Save your money and avoid this place!
(2)Scott B.
Having lived in Clifton for more than a year it surprisingly took me a long time to finally check this place out. Because of the reviews I read on here I was anticipating a pretty good experience. For 8 o'clock on a Thursday night I would have to say this place is more of a bar than a restaurant. Even though I read on here it is good for kids I would have to disagree. I took my wife and son with me and was disappointed in all the f-bombs we had to endure during dinner. Loud cursing between drunk customers, between drunk customers and staff, and on the Kanye West album that played as the restaurants background music. All that, I would be fine with, (being that I'm a Kanye and beer fan) but not when I was expecting to get dinner with my wife and kid. Then to top it off I did not find the chicken soft tacos to be very good. I did not like any of the sauces and chips. And I would have to say the quesadilla was average at best. This place probably works great for college kids looking for $2 tacos and beers. But this local Clifton customer won't be a regular.
(2)Eli D.
Guys, it's college food. They serve beers. They have weekly specials. The people in the kitchen are nice, or not. I usually visit once every 3 months or so, and I'll always order the BBQ chicken quesadilla. It costs $7 and is of a decent size. I've had several of their burritos and haven't really been impressed with the flavors. The chips are merely tortillas which have been sliced up and deep fried, and these are actually pretty tasty with the sour cream and salsas. In short, it's great for a fix. "A-OK"
(3)Daniel W.
Great lunch spot for when you want something a little different than Chipotle. I had the BBQ chicken quesadilla, and it was excellent. They make they're own chips and salsa and are great to share. Can't beat $15 buckets of Rhinegeist. Seating is limited but tables open up pretty quickly. Fast and friendly service make it ideal for lunch on a work day.
(5)Esther K.
The chips are sooooooo good! They're thicker and super crunchy! Love Taco Tuesdays! Worth the wait!
(4)Toral V.
Habenero has some of the best deals in town for fresh, quick, local food. The chicken quesadillas (chicken is really flavorful) and baja fish tacos (the fish is fried-to-order, so they always come out hot & crispy. pairs really well with corn and mango salsa) are my favorites. You can pretty much build any dish that you'd like- although their menu has some excellent combinations to order right off of. Their servings are fairly generous and you can ask for any extra toppings you'd like for no additional charge. The only thing I wouldn't recommend there is their margaritas. Other than that, it's definitely worth a taste! Stop by for either their $5 burrito Mondays or $2 Taco Tuesdays. Even on days they don't offer deals, the price is very reasonable for the food quantity and quality.
(5)Amy M.
I had really liked this place. Have picked up take out for lunch during the work week a few times now. Really enjoyed the freshly made, thick tortilla chips and the salads.Today, however, I found a pube in my salad. Seriously. A pubic hair. In. My. Salad. Enough said. I can't go there again.
(1)Ryan D.
I really want to LOVE Habanero but I must admit I only like them. Now they do have two amazing deals for some local food: &5 Burrito Mondays and $2 Tacos every Tuesday, which are some pretty great prices (you save $1 per taco and $2 per burrito). The reason I only like, not love, Habanero is because every time I eat here either the toppings are on way too much and everything falls apart, or there is hardly anything. The last time I was in I ordered corn salsa on my burrito and I maybe got 10 individual kernel, if that. The tacos are made to seem "fresh" and "upscale" but they lean more to the "fast food" and "sloppy". FFact: they have flour tortillas, not corn. If I am going to get Mexican food, I'm expecting a certain hearty, delicious, hand-held, "I want more" kind of feeling but its usually just blah. This being said, I really do like their chips and mild salsa. They use the flour tortillas and deep fry them (what could be better than deep frying?!) and it gives it such a unique taste that I cannot stop eating them. This past time I was in, my burrito didn't satisfy the way I want my Mexican food to but the chips sure did which leads me to believe maybe I need to just get the chips next time and try somewhere else for the main course.
(3)Toree C.
After having a taste of Habernero's offeriings at Taste of Cincinnati, we were prompted to visit. You order up front, their menu is both on a decorative board up front and in a paper version. The service was great, since none of us had been in before they gave us great descriptions and options. There was a group of 6 of us and we all got our food about the same time. I ordered one of the quesadillas, and it was delicious. If we're in the area, I'd stop again.
(4)Kranthi P.
Excellent Mexican food. The grilled chicken chimi changa is fantastic. One can go for quesidillas too, equally good. Its a good place for small groups to hang out with. The place is serene and safe.
(4)Adam B.
best time to go is during the week for lunch and dine in. recommend Baja tacos and the Chip(Flour tortilla) and salsa
(4)Tabitha W.
I wanted to like this place more than I did, but overall, I found the food rather bland. We stopped in mid-week, and there is a small parking lot nearby, which is handy (so you don't have to deal with street parking). I knew they had a few vegetarian options, so I was excited about that. I ended up ordering Rae's Tostadas and substituted in tofu. Unfortunately, the tofu comes in thick strips, so it really isn't tostada-friendly. My husband ordered a Veggie Quesadilla. This is sizable, but the roasted potatoes really dominate the dish. I'm not a huge potato lover, so I didn't really enjoy this. The chips are thick and definitely different than the chips you'll find at most Mexican places. The salsa is on the sweeter side. I found the salsa and chips to be an addictive combination, and it was hard to stop myself from eating them. :) We also ordered a lime margarita that was on the sweeter side, not strong enough for my tastes. :-P My husband enjoyed his food more than I did, and I think he is more willing to return than I am at this point. That said, I am willing to give them another shot some time down the line - you don't often find Mexican places with tofu on their menu!
(3)Alyssa V.
I love going on $2 taco Tuesdays. I usually get the steak tacos but decided to get the Adobo chicken taco this time and it was excellent. It has a lot of flavor alone, and if you love your food with a kick I would recommend getting the (yellow) hot sauce. Some days are spicier than others but today it was filled with flavor. Even though my mouth was on fire, I couldn't stop dipping my taco into it. The chips and guac are a great addition, their chips are unique but very tasty. Their guac probably isn't the best you've ever tasted, but it's still pretty good. Great atmosphere and good for a casual lunch or dinner.
(5)Jessie T.
This is a Clifton favorite, and I've yet to meet anyone that's eaten here and hasn't liked it. Their tacos have a much more authentic taste and are packed with great flavor, whether it's beef, pork, chicken, or fish! They also have corn tortillas as an option, which is great for me because I have a weird intolerance to flour tortillas. The employees are very quick and friendly and everything is made to order and ready by the time you're done paying after the order. Oh, and I mustn't forget.. They've got $2 tacos on Tuesdays! I can usually eat 2 and be full for a dinner. This little taco joint is a must try!
(4)Chris S.
Habs is amazing! I seriously don't want to eat at Chipotle again after eating here. The chips are super thick and the salsa selection is out of this world! Try the BBQ chicken burrito and the mango habanero salsa.
(5)Martha T.
Who's heard of a sweet potato hash taco? They have it and is wonderful! Their steak tacos and quesadillas are my next favorite thing on their menu. They prepare everything fresh every day and you can tell in the taste of their dishes, including their salsas and chips. And they have Mexican Coca-Cola (real sugar, not corn syrup), and ice cold beers.
(4)Emily E.
Habanero wants to stick it to the man aka Chipolte.... which i love and hate... because let's be honest, Chipolte is delicious! Usually I am very against chain/corporate food...but I just cacn't turn my back on the crack that is a Chipolte steak burrito bowl with chips. I do not mind Habanero, and used to frequent this place a lot since I lived literally right across the street... it has great hours if you're a college student or a Clifton-ite...but it's somewhat lack luster. My fiance is head over heals for their chips, but , I can't stand them as they are not really chips so much as deep fried triangle cut pieces of tortilla ... meh... The burritos are a great size especially for what you pay, and I always get the tacos which aren't too shabby, the chimichanga is also pretty delicious... ... Another reason I give it a 3 is the service... I have never had good service here... it's always a grumpy teenager/ college kid who takes your order then turns to complain about how much they don't want to be there. Which is somewhat annoying to me as it is your job. It's not bad if you're looking for a quick bite in Clifton, but, it's also not amazing...
(3)Chris C.
Habanero is one of my absolute favorite Ludlow restaurants. This place is like a Chipotle with tattoos and piercings. The menu has a mix of eclectic and traditional dishes, including burritos, quesadillas, and chimichangas. The tortilla chips are made from flour tortillas and are the best chips in town. Every Tuesday Habs offers $2 tacos and Dos Equis, although their specialty burritos are my favorite. Try the Porkopolis!
(4)Carolyn B.
Went to Habanero's for lunch today and truly wanted to give it a 3.5, but since that is impossible, I gave it a 3. We ordered at the counter and the service was quick, but not particularly friendly. While waiting to pay for our order, I noticed somebody getting a konbucha (fermented tea) drink which really surprised me. Unfortunately, they only had one flavor and that was mango, which I am allergic to. Once we received our entrees of chimichangas, they arrived as a colorful presentation on a bed of dark green lettuce, topped with enchilada sauce and a pattern of sour cream on top of that. You can see how nice it looked by the photo. It was good and filling, but not great. The side of chips and salsa, went pretty much uneaten because while they are made in-house, they aren't made from corn as you would expect. Just a personal preference. I read a sign saying that they were voted best burrito, but was dated in 2001! My lunch partner told me that on Tuesdays they have $2 tacos which would be a great value! To be fair, there was a large selection of items to choose from which is a plus for them.
(3)Katie P.
I've been going here since they opened. In 2004 I met a blind date there and he ended up becoming my husband. He even took me there the night he proposed. We go back often but went back a few weeks ago since it had been 10 years since our first date. We told the staff and they cut chips in the shape of hearts! The food is fresh. You can get what you want. No frills, no fuss. Just good food. And beer. I love how laid-back it is and have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I hope it stays open so we can celebrate more "anniversaries" there!
(5)Amanda E.
College grub at its finest! Mmmh. I find myself craving the chips. Food is pretty good, inconsistent though. Sometimes I get a quesadilla and am blown away and chow right on down, other times it gets a "meh". Regardless, it's not bad. 4 stars for sure. I lived off of this place in college!
(4)Jill C.
$2 taco Tuesday! I'm a fan of Hab's. While it can fill the need of your corporate burrito fix, their menu is much more expansive and their vegetarian options include things like roasted squash, potatoes, and tofu. Beyond the burrito, they have quesadillas, chimichangas, salads, smoothies, specialty salsas, and a few draft pulls. Folks seem to either love or hate their flaky, fried chips-you don't have to look too hard to find a coupon for free chips and salsa if you're looking to try them. And yes, the tacos are $2 on Tuesday; they have a sheet of rules when you walk in-one filling, something like 3-4 toppings and house salsa. Not a bad deal. If you're looking for the more "gourmet taco" place, I suggest heading to Northside. But, if you need a burrito fix before hitting the Esquire, Habanero is a solid choice the Gaslight.
(4)Christopher S.
I had the arroyo Hondo burrito it was good and very filling with the chips. I would def recommend this place and service is friendly.I used to go to the one in Newport and just as good.
(4)Bethany H.
This place is gross. I've kept going because I thought I would eventually find a combination that wasn't utterly bland but that's a fool's errand. Plus it's always stressful to order.
(2)Thara N.
Absolutely superb they have axing deals including Taco Tuesday. Can't beat 2 dollar tacos! Salsas are nice and spicy too! Went there because we wanted a place close to campus and it was a great casual and FAST joint. Highly recommend to all Chipotle lovers!
(5)Alexzandra R.
Habanero...I still feel like I need to give you another chance, but can't bring myself to do so. I have known many people over the years that swear by Habanero, which keeps making me think I'm missing something. Note that I'm giving one star here purely for the chips, which are different and fun! Some people won't like them. The food has always been a bit bland, and the toppings often feel like they don't go with each other. Not really sure what is wrong with it. I think it reminds me of when you try to make something at home to replicate something you ate at a restaurant, but can't get it it to taste restaurant worthy. I do not eat meat, so maybe that is the outage-maybe I'm really just having a burrito of toppings? I've had much better vegetarian burritos! On the positive end, the restaurant is clean and the staff is generally friendly. I have always liked the style of the restaurant and the overall concept. However, being in the Gaslight with so many other great possibilities, I just don't see a reason to go to Habanero.
(2)Sarah F.
Hmm. Kind of up in the air about Habenero. Let's start with the negatives. The atmosphere just seemed a bit off. There's tons of toppings but there's nowhere that really lists ALL the toppings or what is available. So as a first timer, it's a bit confusing. Also, I think they may have been training new people...maybe...but the service was very...confused. Possibly due to the fact that there were TOO many people working on the line and trying to do the same thing. And one more...the chips. I kind of liked them. Everyone else I was with hated them. They are definitely not normal and are SUPER greasy, which I didn't like. To me, they tasted like wonton wrappers...from a Chinese place. The salsa with them was good. And even though I didn't hate them, I wish they weren't so greasy and heavy. Now the positives. I don't like most burrito places. I'm one of those cursed people who has inherited a strong aversion to cilantro (seriously, look it up). I hate it. It literally RUINS a dish for me. Even a little can do it especially if it is fresh. So while I applaud places for using fresh herbs I feel like many burrito places just don't offer a choice. Habenero has plain old Mexican rice for the burritos. If you want fresh cilantro, you add it! This factor alone puts them miles ahead of Chipotle and Qdoba. Overall, the burrito was decent. Wish it would have been hotter. Had a decent selection of ingredients as well and I would definitely eat there again. An urgent message to other burrito places: There are dozens of us out there DOZENS...with a genetic predisposition to completely abhor cilantro. So please consider using fresh cilantro as an add-on and not mixed in with other ingredients. We still love burritos...but are often sadly overlooked.
(3)Bob J.
Their food can be VERY sloppy, but it's a great place on Tuesdays for $2 tacos. Get four or five with different meats in each! Try their sweet potato taco, it's quite good.
(4)Chandler M.
One of my go-to spots for a delicious, quick meal that doesn't feel like fast food. Always love whatever I get!
(5)Chris A.
Always good when I come here and very consistent food. I usually get the Mad Max since I'm a seafood fan. No complaints, but I wish they had more seafood selections.
(4)Jeff O.
Great dane, it's Habanero! I've always enjoyed Habanero since living in Ohio 10 years ago. The place does things a bit differently than most burrito stands, and that's to their credit. Burritos are large and delicious, but the standard ingredients take a left turn into Latin territory. The menu is extensive and it caters to raging carnivores, vegetarians and vegans. The other day I had the Gulf Coast blackened fish tacos which were a nice surprise. I asked for the beans and rice on the side which was a wise decision on my part. The house salsa/sauces are very good. This is the sign of a great burrito place. Keep up the good work Hab's. I'll be back in 2-5 years.
(4)Nijole T.
I love Habanero! It is so hard to find good mexican food as even though this might not be authentic, it was so delicious, fresh and they have a great staff! We were just looking for a quick snack so I didn't get as much as I should have, only a make your own burrito with chicken and as much of everything else, all the veggies and salsas they had to offer and my husband got the pork chimichanga. Both were the best ever, I love how they make the chimi fresh like the burrito and fry that huge thing fresh, huge and yummy! For me too greasy and lacking all the things I love like rice, beans, veggies, salsas, but my husband enjoyed and as I did mine, definetly a great change from your usual Chipotle!
(5)Jessica S.
Yum yum yum! HUGE PORTIONS, really awesome veggie burritos and chips and salsa :) Living in the Clifton area at the time -- I probably ate there once or twice a week.
(4)Alex S.
I want to support Habenerao because they're a locally run Latin American joint that tries to compete with the mega-monster that is Chipotle right down the road. And I respect them for that, and I love that a lot of people love them. I just don't. It's not that they're bad - I've just never been overwhelmed with their food. Their tacos are never flavorful enough, their nachos aren't delicious, and it's all just a little bland. Even when I cover it with hot sauce, I never feel like it's tasty. It's just ... ok. The restaurant is very pretty - wide open space with tons of chairs and nice light. The food is prepared quickly (not so quickly that you think it's processed garbage, mind you, but just the right amount of quick) and the staff is very friendly. It's always pleasant in there. I just wish I liked the food more. Oh well, I'm glad other people do.
(2)Mike T.
Had the Mad Mex, wasn't all that great. May go back again and try something else, but definitely avoid that menu item.
(2)Sam K.
I must confess my first visit must've just been a bad day for Senor Habanero. Although the staff is typically very friendly and likeable, I'm always a little convinced they just popped back in from smoking in the alley prior to making my order. In any case, Taco Tuesday is a good deal and the tacos are not bad at all. While I've gone back and had both a chicken and a steak burrito - I find most of the more 'colorful' and 'creative' offerings a little TOO creative and colorful - the tacos are really just much better. All in all, the burritos taste a somewhere between subpar to even footing compared to Chipotle but they do come out ahead on the tacos - if you come on a Tuesday and can buy 'em for 2 bucks. Otherwise they just seem a touch expensive for what you get. I'd say it's not bad but if I were in Clifton and jonesin' for a tasty lunch time treat, I'd head down the street and grab a delicious gyro at the little Mediterranean Café about two blocks east (towards Clifton and Ludlow if you're walking from Habanero). To put it to rest though, I had a bad experience the first time and 3 stars is more representative of the place than my original 1 star.
(3)Brittany K.
Habanero is fine, its not my favorite taco place but it is down the street from my house (and the Esquire) and has a Two Dollar Taco Tuesday deal with a $2 Dos Equis Amber. I've been here a few times and basically I go for a cheap Tuesday dinner. The chips are good, the salsas are tasty, the fish taco is ok. And all their shells are soft. I like that they give you so many options on TDTT, but make sure you grab one of their menus when you get in line so you're ready by the time you get to the counter. They have fast food like decor and seating. I'm guessing parking is street. There is a lot next to it but I have no idea who it belongs to. I think you can take your Esquire stub their for a discount. Done and Done.
(3)Roth M.
Corporate Burritos Suck. That's what's written on the backs of Habanero employees shirts. While there are some "ok" burrito chains, they have the souls of machines. Why spend your money at Chipotle, Moe's, or Qdoba when we have Habañero? Locally owned and has a much more diverse menu. Their home-made tortilla chips alone are enough for me to come back. Lots of freshly made salsas and sauces to choose from. I'd suggest getting a cup of their mango-habañero sauce. I call it the "yellow fire water". Sweet and HOT. Use enough, you'll be crying by the end... In a good way? Clifton is the only location. The one in Newport on the Levee has closed. And that stinks, as it used to be my little secret rock star sighting zone. I can't tell you how many times I went to Habañero before a show at Southgate House and ran into the band, or some members of it getting their burrito on.
(4)Erin H.
On a recent visit to Clifton it was pouring rain and this was close and sounded good. I got a chimichanga which was good - the adobo pork was great - but I do wish I had gotten those tacos. The chips are strange but are kind of good in a way that you know is bad. It was also pretty smoky in the place so more ventilation would have been good. Definite points for having brewed iced tea. The service was good and the 7 year old loved his quesadilla.
(3)E. K.
This food is pretty good and they have some nice weekly deals like Taco Tuesday and Burrito Monday. However, I am not a fan that they limit you to a strict like 5 items on your burrito. then, the price goes up. It's a Sophie's choice when you have to pick between sour cream and corn salsa. You can get a HUGE chimichanga for like 7 bucks, so if you're starving, it's great. However, not sure how I feel yet about taste. It's good, just not great. Not very distinct, I guess.
(3)Adam S.
Habañero is a great restaurant to get decent food for a good price. Their lunch special is a great deal. I've tried almost everything on their menu so obviously I like the place. Staff is super diverse just like the area itself. I wouldn't recommend the salads.
(3)Rob K.
Great food and fast service! All fresh ingredients and everything is made right in the restaurant. Love their salsas and chips. Lots of food for the money and the atmosphere is always friendly.
(5)Bing F.
My second brush with Mexican fare in Clifton came with no pretense; just lots of good food served up competently and quick. Boasting t-shirts which state "corporate burritos suck", the staff at Habaneros wastes no time in getting you what you want. Though the chalkboard menu situated above the order window makes you feel temporarily like a giraffe craning for a branch, the strain is soon relieved when your made-to-order delight is prepared before your eyes. Tacos, salads and chimichangas are all on the leader board but it's the burritos that catch your attention. I decided to go veggie with a wrap that included potatoes, beans, cabbage and rice, served with hot salsa and homemade flour chips. The chips were a bit doughy and saturated for my taste, but the burrito was wicked good; spicy and tightly wrapped so it was easily consumed sans utensils. The experience was made all the more cool by an aggro indie soundtrack, not to mention $2 Dos Equis bottles. With a friendly staff and a casual college-town cred plus t-shirts with 'tude, Habaneros reminds me of Florida's Tijuana Flats before they blew up and became as ubiquitous as Burger King. Let's hope they never lose sight of one thing; that it all started with a burrito.
(4)Kat F.
I really cannot express how much I love Habenero. I started coming regularly for Taco Tuesday last year, and have only missed a few weeks since then. The staff is wonderful, and I LOVE their salsa!! I have tried some of their specials and they are all delicious, but I usually get a chicken quesadilla or the house salad with mango salsa. The portions are huge and filling, and they have tons of items to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. $2 Taco Tuesday and $5 Burrito Monday... try it. You won't regret it. :)
(5)Jesse F.
This place was a welcome little find in the Clifton neighborhood. When it comes to fast food Tex-Mex, it beats the pants off of Taco Bell, any day of the week. The menu changes every so often and the special of the day is usually a great choice. I highly recommend the fish tacos. Those have never failed me and are just about the right amount of spice for me. (Could stand to be hotter.) You can also buy beer here, so it's a decent sit-down joint too. There's also art from local artists on the walls, so it's easy to just chill out for a while. The staff provides no end of hilarity and is very easy to talk to when they're not busy.
(4)Jessica L.
Habanero can be good when you're in the area and in a rush. They have some great ingredients but their prearranged menu is hit or miss. Build your own burrito and you'll be fine. Unlike some, I'm not a fan of their chips either. They are house-made but fried with flour tortillas instead of corn. If you're looking for a burrito and a beer in the gaslight district, this is your place, just don't expect to be wowed
(2)Jeremy B.
Again, this review is limited to my experience, and my experience has mostly been limited to the wonderful event that is Taco Tuesday. On Tuesdays, you can go get tacos for $2 each (a very fair price, as three is sufficient for a normal-sized dude) and a $2 Dos Equis as well. All of that for under $10 bucks? Thank you. Some of my favorite combos include: Sweet potato taco and apple salsa BBQ chicken with the corn and poblano salsa AND! the Tilapia with mango habanero salsa(delicious) While the food is delicious and in my opinion very fairly-priced, there are some negatives. If you go at the wrong time, the line is fairly long and there isn't a whole lot of seating. I've been lucky the two times I've been, but barely. And the service hasn't exactly been friendly. Not rude, but not pleasant. Some of these other reviews do remind me of my first impression of this place(the Newport location) though. Average food, but I'd stick with Chipotle. But Taco Tuesday is the way to go!
(4)Greer G.
Mmmmm...tacos. Previously, $2 Taco Tuesday, currently $2.50 Taco Tuesday, is still the best way to turn a week night into something fun. Personally, I am a much bigger fan of their tacos than burritos. The burritos are good, but I'm there for the tacos. All soft tacos, they have specialty tacos, but on Tuesdays you choose your type of taco, add your four toppings, hot medium or mild salsa and enjoy your creation. XX Drafts $2.50 on Tuesdays too! The tacos are big, the staff is patient, it's locally owned and delicious! The lines are long for a reason. Why only four stars then? It's really hard to find a seat, the atmosphere isn't great and their chips are disappointingly made from fried flour tortillas.
(4)Amanda C.
Habanero is my favorite burrito joint! I always get the Porkopolis-- Pork, pintos, apple salsa. And their chips are divine. The only problem is you have to roll me out of there after "pigging" out. Besides the burritos, it's a fun atmosphere. There's always local art displayed, and there's a college vibe.
(5)Jeremy O.
Habanero is one of many burrito joints serving the Clifton area and probably my least favorite of the bunch. However, that is not to say their food is bad. The burrito I had, a standard chicken burrito with different ingredients thrown in, was fairly decent. Nothing special, but decent. However, the chips were just weird and I did not enjoy those at all. Price wise, this place seemed to be about on par with its competitors. Really, and its kind of sad to say, the nicest thing about Habanero compared to its competition is that it has its own parking lot which can be a nice change of pace when you don't want to spend an extra ten minutes finding parking. However, if you are just looking for a quick bite for lunch, Habanero will do the job. If you have a choice however, I would probably drive five minutes down the road and check out Currito, or even Chipotle, instead.
(3)Ameet C.
Habanero is the place where I go with my friends almost every Tuesday for "Taco Tuesdays" . You can't beat the $2 tacos they serve there every tuesday. I have tried the adobo chicken taco, the fish taco and the vegetarian potato and poblano taco. All the tacos that I have tried are delicious. You get a choice of toppings and salsas with your tacos. I enjoy their chips and guacamole too. They have a good choice of beverages and The interior is spacious and is a perfect place to catch up with your friends on a tuesday. So, if you don't have a Taco Tuesday tradition with your friends, then this is the perfect place to start !
(3)Matt R.
I give 4 stars for the tacos here. I avoid burritos at most places... The tacos are Tex-Mex style. Good variety of salsas to add flavors and/or heat to the food. Everything is customizeable, which you can choose as you walk down the line and look at the ingredients. Great list of toppings/ingredients to make your own individual taco that you can't get elsewhere. The portions are generous too! The chips they give are fried and greasy, but delicious. This place doesn't stick out as somewhere I get excited to go to. But they do serve fresh food that tastes good and is quick. Very affordable too. Much better than the average taco joint. If I was planning to eat out somewhere with friends, I'd probably choose Bakersfield or Tacocracy first due to the atmosphere. Habanero for me is more of a quick get in, eat, and get out type place.
(4)Bryan S.
Love, love, love this place. I think my personal visit record was 5 times in one week which included a lunch/dinner day. The fish is great. I make my own fish burrito. Fish, Pinto, Rice, Jack Cheese with Pineapple Salsa and a little of the Hot Sauce. They have a number of salsa options. I find the Mild, Medium, Hot sauces to be a little skewed. The medium doesn't seem very hot, and the Hot is scorching (being Habanero's and all), I also like the Chicken Quesadilla. The corn and green chile salsa works very nicely on it. I tend to go tacos a lot. Once again, fish, pineapple salsa and a splash of the hot sauce. The chips and salsa are addictive. They make a fabulous pair. Not sure I care for the chips or the salsa on their own, but they are like the wonder twins together. Service is great. Max runs a tight ship, and the folks are friendly. They also display local artists on the wall. They also have a Burrito Wagon they break out for special occasions.
(5)Eric T.
This place is just down right terrible. Never had worse fish taco's in my life. Service was terrible, had some guy named Max help me, pretty sure he was a manager of some sort. Really seemed like he did not understand customer service. My buddy had a burrito. To say it was average would be a gigantic stretch of the imagination. I go through the area all the time for work. I'll stick to Chipolte, may not be local but at least the food and service are good. -Not sure when I ever worked here? Pretty sure the phrase is "Do well, and a customer will tell 1 person. Do wrong and a customer will tell 5."
(1)Denae D.
A group of 5 of us went into Cinci for dinner and a night at the hookah bar. We wanted food and a place to park We pulled into their parking lot and there was a sign stating that only customers of Habanero or the other store next door. My one friend and I went to walk around the block to look for the pay-to-park lot to save my gas and frustration since I am not from the area and hate city driving. Two of our friends went into get food, and the other guy walked down to get a spot at the hookah bar. After we found the lot and started back to my car to wait for the guys getting food some dude who was sitting in between the stores started screaming that we we not allowed to park there, we better move my car or he was going to call the police. We tried to explain to him that we were with people that were in Habanero getting food and he just kept yelling. I finally I got mad told my friend to stay with my car and went in to get my friends. They came out and the guy was still threatening to call the cops on us even though they had bags with food. We took my car and moved it into the pay-for-lot and meet up with our other friend. Once we got to eating (not even 5 minutes later) we realize several things: The guys who went in and ordered said the place was unorganized and the staff was not very nice as the placed the orders. They gave me the wrong order- I ordered chicken tacos and the gave me steak My boyfriend got the wrong salsa on his burrito. Our one friend's burrito was ice cold in the center. Another friend found meat in her veggie quesadilla. And our last friend, who loves places like this, said his tacos seemed off. None of us wanted to go back and deal with the guy outside or the staff so we took it as a lesson NEVER to go back.
(1)Emily J.
I've always had really good experiences eating at Habanero. The food is consistent and cheap, the workers are really nice, and the restaurant is pretty clean. Their tofu burritos are really good, as are the quesadillas and the chips and salsa. I am not sure why there are so many negative reviews of this place, maybe it's just hit or miss, or just a personal thing. I've just always really liked it! It's a hell of a lot better than Chipotle.
(4)Corey T.
My first time was for Taco Tuesday and I'll come back no matter what day it is! The fish tacos and then habanero beef tacos are amazing!!!! Best tacos in Cincinnati by far.
(5)Spencer L.
I love their quesadillas. Their burritos are great and so are tacos, tho I haven't had a chance to sample their fish taco. Plus they have tofu as an option so my Vegan girlfriend can eat here with me. The best part of their menu is their salsas. The only thing Chipotle has over Habanero is their quality of meat is probably slightly better.
(4)Martina M.
Habanero, please get your act together. I love eating at this place, or should I say "loved". Over the past year or two this place has pretty much gone way downhill. The old Habanero experience included delcious, fresh Mexican American food, good prices, a clean restaurant with a local feel, and friendly employees. Habanero as of late.. bottom of the barrel chips, dry cold food, DIRTY DIRTY DIRTY restaurant, raised prices. I want the old Habanero back! Please guys, just get it together. You have awesome food. Just mop your floor, clean the drink area, make sure your kitchen looks clean for god's sake we can see right into the assembly area! You were once my favorite spot to eat in the gaslight district, I want you back!
(1)Ryan L.
I love the feel of the place, but I'm not feeling the food to much. I really want to like Habanero and I will try it countless times before I give up on it. The last time I went there I got something that sounded like "Bronson Arroyo". It was a pretty standard burrito with steak. I was unimpressed. The whole burrito just seemed bland. The chips tasted strange. They were a mix between stale, crunchy, and soggy. They are simply indescribable. I want to go there for their $2 Tuesdays soon. They have $2 tacos and $2 Dos Equis drafts. I have friends who swear by the place, so I will return! And I will update my review if I find a new love for this unique burrito joint. I also like that they have a "Burrito Wagon", though I don't think it gets out much.
(3)Alex L.
This place is awful. I've never had a burrito where the tortilla was hard and actually shattered, the meat in the burrito was bland and the salsas seemed like they were made of sugar. I'm not the biggest fan of Chipotle but the burrito I got here made me realize it could be a whole lot worse
(2)Olivia O.
This is my go-to for lunch in Clifton. I always get the Latin Steak Plate. It's a great salad: steak, mixed greens, salsa... And its yummy. The service is fast and nice, and the place is always clean when I go. My only complaint is the styrofoam cups-come on!
(5)Mike K.
when reviewing places, you always gotta look at what genre the place is and compare it to the rest of them. Habeneros is a burrito place like a Chipotle, Qdobas or Moe's southwestern grill. However, Habeneros is by far the best one. They have creative and unique ingredients and their burritos taste better than the other places. Also, their tortilla chips are completely different than the regular "Tostitos" that the other places give you. "Habeneros" chips are more like the hard crunchy noodles at a chinese place. Trust me they are awesome. I love this place and always look for excuses to go to Ludlow ave just so i can eat here
(5)Rachel G.
I love this place! We always come on Taco Tuesday ($2 tacos, can't beat it). I love the variety they have here. My personal favorites are the fried fish and steak. Both are amazing, and the fish is cooked when you order. Everything is always fresh, and so much more flavorful than other burrito joints. The chips are legit...they're deep fried tortilla pieces, so they're nice and thick...and they go perfect with the hot salsa! You can also get a chimichanga, which is essentially a burrito that is deep-fried and topped with cheese and sour cream. So good! They also serve beer and margaritas.
(5)Sable B.
Haberno is by far my favorite place to go and grab a quesadilla. Ingredients are always fresh and tasty, and service is always pleasant. The TV is never too loud, and even when it's crowded there's never a long way. It doesn't hurt that they have parking available, so it's easy to grab something to go if I need to.
(4)Jennifer H.
I love Chipotle. Corporate hatred be damned, those are tasty burritos. But when I'm in Cincinnati, all my Chipotle love washes away the second I bite into a Habanero burrito. They are AMAZING. They are chock full of delicious-and depending on how creative you are, surprisingly innovative-ingredients and cheap for the quality. The restaurant itself is always clean and sunny and make sure you get plenty of the complimentary chips. Mmmm....I think I may go get a burrito right now....
(5)k f.
i hadn't been to habanero in awhile and was pleasantly surprised when i revisited it. can't eat it too frequently but it's good once in awhile. the mango salsa is awesome.
(4)