Whenever someone asks for my favorite restaurant (or restaurants) in Baltimore, Clavel in Remington always tops my list. Everything on the menu is great, but it’s the queso fundito that keeps me coming back for more. Pro tip, the space is small, maybe about 40 seats inside with another 20 outside when the weather cooperates. You’re going to want to get there early to avoid a wait. If there is a wait, head down the street to WC Harlan to grab a drink and wait for a table to be ready.

A friend and I recently went for another amazing dinner at Clavel and had a chance to order all of the greatest hits.

Nothing pairs better with tacos and queso than a Margarita so of course we kicked off the meal with the spicy rendition. It’s your classic margarita with a bit of heat that’s perfect for washing down all those chips we were about to enjoy.

I also ordered the Doña Clara which had a lovely mix of sweet and heat – it was frothy pineapple juice, green chile poblano liqueur, salt, cilantro, lemon, and sparkling wine. It was balanced perfectly and for sure going to be my drink of choice at Clavel going forward.

We started the meal with an order of the Queso Fundido – the bubbling hot cheesy dip is topped with a spoonful of spicy chorizo and a side of house made chips. This dish is everything that’s perfect about a queso dip and no visit to Clavel is complete without ordering it.

Another favorite is the Atun Con Piña. This ceviche has fresh chunks of tuna with avocado, pineapple, serrano peppers, and red onion on a fresh tostada. I’m no stranger to ceviche, crudos, and the like, but the ceviche game is Clavel is some of the best around.

No visit to my favorite taqueria is complete without an order of tacos. My friend ordered the Cochinita Pibil (shredded pork in bitter oranges and achlote which leaves a subtle peppery flavor). The waiter suggested this and it was great advice. My friend also ordered the Pollo en Mole Verde. The juicy chicken was in a green mole sauce which was creamy and bright – another winner.

I love lamb, so when I saw a the Barbacoa de Borrego taco on the menu, I knew I had to order it. The shredded lamb was so tender and packed with flavor. But my favorite taco that I ordered was the El Luchador – it was lightly battered and fried cod with a cabbage slaw and habanero crema. Habenero crema is something I need more of in my life. It’s creamy and refreshing while having a subtle spice. I should have ordered a second of this taco.

The last thing we ordered was the Esquite. The grilled corn was served off the cob with mexican crema, lemon, and more queso. It was cheesy and creamy and the perfect accompaniment to our tacos.

Clavel is located at 225 W 23rd St, Remington.

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Looking for a place to eat? Check out Rachel’s Baltimore Restaurant List.