Whether you're in Newport on the Levee or the Gaslight District, you can eat local with Habañero's fresh homemade salsas (ten varieties, to be exact), burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, tacos, and salads. The sign above Habañero's counter reads, "Good, Local, Better." We at BuyCincy are happy to concur.
Habanero has been open in its Clifton location for eight years now, and has become a staple for locals and students who want to eat well on a 5-7 dollar budget. Owner and operator Max Monks, a former chef for the Palomino franchise, brings exotic flair to each of his dishes: "People order a chicken burrito and expect chicken and cheese. We throw mangoes in the salsa, molasses glaze on the chicken. We even have a pineapple almond salsa."
The menu at each location features a variety of Max's recipes, including the tilapia "Mad Max" burrito or the roasted squash "Chuba Cabre" plate. Each dish is designed by Max himself, and made from scratch. Max told us, "It's a lot of fun to be independent. You have the freedom to create, and the opportunity to get quality food to people." Habañero has an equally diverse drinks selection of smoothies, micro-brews, wines, and sangria. The meals are made in front of you, and can be carried out if you're in a hurry.
The Newport location is only about a month old, but is already attracting a new crowd from the Levee. The Clifton location even features local artists and musicians in the restaurant. Check out this Cincy business, and don't spend too much time choosing your salsa.
Perfect For?
Any crowd. Those in search of a departure from the "corporate" burrito.
Where to get it?
The Clifton location is on 358 Ludlow Ave/ Cincinnati, OH 45220. Phone: 513-961-6800. Hours are daily 11am-11pm. The Levee location is, well, on the Levee. It is in the old location for Moe's Southwestern Grill, on the Riverwalk level in the exterior plaza. Newport address and directions can be found here. Phone: 859-291-6222. Hours are daily 11am-11pm, Friday and Saturday until midnight. Web Address: www.habanerolatin.com.
How Much?
Prices range from 4-7 dollars.
The menu at each location features a variety of Max's recipes, including the tilapia "Mad Max" burrito or the roasted squash "Chuba Cabre" plate. Each dish is designed by Max himself, and made from scratch. Max told us, "It's a lot of fun to be independent. You have the freedom to create, and the opportunity to get quality food to people." Habañero has an equally diverse drinks selection of smoothies, micro-brews, wines, and sangria. The meals are made in front of you, and can be carried out if you're in a hurry.
The Newport location is only about a month old, but is already attracting a new crowd from the Levee. The Clifton location even features local artists and musicians in the restaurant. Check out this Cincy business, and don't spend too much time choosing your salsa.
Perfect For?
Any crowd. Those in search of a departure from the "corporate" burrito.
Where to get it?
The Clifton location is on 358 Ludlow Ave/ Cincinnati, OH 45220. Phone: 513-961-6800. Hours are daily 11am-11pm. The Levee location is, well, on the Levee. It is in the old location for Moe's Southwestern Grill, on the Riverwalk level in the exterior plaza. Newport address and directions can be found here. Phone: 859-291-6222. Hours are daily 11am-11pm, Friday and Saturday until midnight. Web Address: www.habanerolatin.com.
How Much?
Prices range from 4-7 dollars.
Eh...Habanero is ok, but then again all the burrito places around UC start to taste the same after awhile. I tend to prefer Currito over both Habanero and Chipotle...but then again, Habanero is the only local option of the three. Point Habanero.