Restaurant Review: Habanero
Posted Sunday, July 10, 2011Before Chipotle's corporate tendrils had spread through Cincinnati, there were few really good burrito joints. Habanero was easily one of the most popular. These days, burrito restaurants are a dime a dozen. But despite all the competition, Habanero still holds its own. They even have their own food truck to tap into the latest craze.
The Clifton-based burrito restaurant has been feeding a local community spiked with UC and Cincinnati State students since late 1999. The place hasn't changed decor much, although wall hangings from local artists get a regular rotation. Walking into Habanero is like meeting an old friend wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Given its consistently younger clientele, Habanero can't help but transport me back to my college days. The restaurant always has an eclectic musical selection piping overhead; neighboring tables often echo lively, grandiose debates heavily influenced by whatever philosophy or poly-sci courses patrons may be taking at the time.
Habanero offers seven signature burritos to choose from, as well as an assortment of salads, quesadillas, chimichangas, tacos and tostadas. My favorite menu item has to be the "Mad Max," not only because I love crazy loon Mel Gibson's movie, but because its burrito namesake is jam-packed with plump, fried tilapia, pinto beans, rice, cheddar cheese, cabbage and a creamy white sauce. The steak-filled "Arroyo Hondo" and the "Calypso Chicken" are also tops on my list, and I fondly remember the cinnamon roasted squash-filled "Chuba Cabre" from my vegetarian days.
Salsas at Habanero are among the most memorable aspects of the restaurant. There are six to choose from, each with its own distinct flavor and heat component. One thing Habanero does not do is falsely advertise spice levels. When they tell you a salsa is hot, boy do they mean it! My lips are often left swollen and pleasantly tingly after choosing the spicier options.
Habanero's house salsa is quite addictive. It's not particularly spicy, but it's got a roasted tomato/chipotle component with a uniquely smoky, slightly vinegary tang. Their thick tortilla chips are flour-based, which I think is a good choice for this type of salsa. Corn-based chips would overpower its flavor.
I once gave owner Max Monks shit about the tilde appearing over the word, "Habanero" in his logo. Max conceded there really shouldn't be one, although when he first opened, a Cuban friend of his had told him there was and so he stuck it on the logo. Several nitpickers like me have since pointed out the error.
When pronouncing the word, the "H" should be silent, with a hard "N," like "ah-bah-NAIR-oh." Instead, even the most seasoned chefs and Food TV stars pronounce it, "hah-ban-YARE-oh." It's like nails on a chalkboard, amigo!
Then again, I've always been a little high-strung. Just take a deep breath, sink into a booth and bring a Mad Max lovingly to your mouth.
358 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220513-961-6800
Rating: 3.0 out of 4
= Outstanding
= Fair
= Poor
The best TACO joint in the city. I go there as a treat to myself every Monday. TEX MEX TACOS are delicious culinary treats that look beautiful and taste great. I'm so impressed with this place that I never explore the other items on the menu. If you don't get your taco fix here, you're losing in life.
posted: Tue., Apr 27th, 2021 @ 2:37 PM
My Wife and myself dined at Ferrari’s on Saturday and the Food and service was great/ I had the Butternut Squash Ravioli with misc nuts and sauce and it was the best meal I’ve had there/ My wife had the Fish and Vegetables and was very happy/ I also got a couple of their pizza and olive loaves of bread/ The bread is always a hit at work.
posted: Mon., Nov 23rd, 2020 @ 1:14 PM
@Rick: Thanks for the suggestion! I'll have to remember to give them a try.
posted: Sat., Nov 21st, 2020 @ 9:06 AM
Try Joe's Pizza located at Airway and Smithville Rd. You might like it...That's one of favorite haunts. I definitely think it beats Cassano's.
posted: Fri., Nov 6th, 2020 @ 4:19 PM
Hands down the best Indian in the area. I have yet to find their yellow Punjabi dish anywhere. It is my favorite, and what keeps me coming back time after time. I think I have been here over 100 times. I love this place.
posted: Thu., May 28th, 2020 @ 12:03 PM
I found a gyro I keep thinking about
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tazikis-mediterranean-cafe-cincinnati
their lamb gyro is about 2-3 bucks higher in cost than a gyro elsewhere - B U T - it is made with whole pieces of lamb meat, not the lamb and beef loaf that all other Gyro joints in Cincinnati seem to do
it is a chain. A minus for me, and I suspect for you as well.
But its good.
really, really good
one caveat: skip the baklava as it is not made in-house
posted: Mon., Dec 9th, 2019 @ 12:43 PM
I'll take your word for it, then.....it is fairly close to work so it'll be an upcoming lunch
I also need to try out this little taco wagon near Quatmans in Norwood
posted: Mon., Sep 9th, 2019 @ 6:21 PM
Hi @TJ - We were pretty impressed with the quality of the items, which I think justifies some of the pricing. I really liked the house-made tortillas and their salsas. Chilero offered some extra little touches that were a pleasant surprise. :)
Just by way of comparison...that same week we'd tried the new Mazunte location downtown...and our experience at Chilero beat them out.
posted: Thu., Aug 29th, 2019 @ 10:18 PM
Great food and fantastic atmosphere
posted: Wed., Aug 28th, 2019 @ 8:29 PM
Seems very pricey for a mostly carryout/counter-service joint
posted: Wed., Aug 28th, 2019 @ 5:51 PM