Clavel

I always am of two minds about the vacation review, where I've gone all of once and half of the things I'm excited about are in the "I've not actually tried it yet" column (they make their own tepache, they make an aged Negroni solera style, pretty much the whole menu was absolutely calling to me). What I did get to try was the sopa azteca (quite hearty, and easily more of a main course than a side), two of the mixtas (both wonderful), the guacamole (obviously good), and a Mezcalita (which I'd consider the house classic; they do a Margarita as well, both with spicy and bitter variants).

The place opens at 5, and had a line out the door when we got there at 5:10 on a Friday. So worth being prompt, especially if you want to seat together as a large party. (Due to our slight tardiness, we wound up needing to split our eight into six and two.) Even with how immediately busy it got, the service was reasonably quick and really friendly.

Fantastic meal, this place is definitely going to be at the top of my list for the next time I'm in town.

So this place gave me mixed reviews. It's been on my list of places to go for about 2 years, so when I finally went I was stoked.

The design of this place is so adorable. Despite its small spacing, it was oddly comfortable. There were seats everywhere, the way the seating was designed was so different. It was a very hipster atmosphere, that's for sure.

Now the service was quite interesting. It wasn't bad per-sey , but was a little weird. I was with a bigger group, so this probably played a role in it. It didn't seem like she was listening to some of our orders, BUT it was also loud and on the busier side so maybe she was just in a rush.

Now for the food. I had gotten this drink called Agua Fresca, they had a hibiscus option. It's a nonalcoholic beverage, carbonated, and very tasty. It was so refreshing, definitely recommend. Now..I will say if you like your queso on the "looser" side. DO NOT get this appetizer. It's literally just thick melted cheese. You barely call it queso. It was the worst part of the food I got. 100% will never get. I also got the Camarones tacos. One of the best shrimp tacos I've had in a long time hands down. Everything was fresh, the dressing they used on them was fantastic, and the perfect touch was the lime juice. Everything was amazing. I could eat 6 more. Official rating is nagging 6.8/10. If I come back , it's for the shrimp tacos.

Really like Clavel, very cool atmosphere, good food, good drinks, overall a great place to visit.

Portions are a little small. It's a little pricey but totally worth it. Usually has a wait and can be crowded and loud, but that won't stop me from going back.

First time at Clavel. It did not disappoint. Food and drinks together average a 9/10. The service was fast once you were seated at your table. I take away a star because they do not take reservations which makes this a little tricky. However, during our wait we were able to go to a minibar in the left dining room to wait. It is beautiful inside and would serve well as an adventurous date night spot or a small group gathering!

We had the following:

Drinks:
spicy margarita
regular margarita
amado nervo
santa sandía

Food:
queso fundido con chorizo
guacamole
carne de res
ting de pollo
el luchador

Clavel is one of the hidden gems in Baltimore! Coming from California, I am very against eating Mexican food in Baltimore as I feel that on average the places won't be as good but boy was I wrong! Clavel has some dang good food and I barely like Mexican food in the first place. I was first brought to Clavel by a friend about a year ago and have been back a few times.

A must have everytime you come here is the Queso Fundido no questions asked. when I originally came here with the friend that recommended it I was a bit hesitant as I usually am not a queso person, but Clavel's queso is life-changing! It is soft and gooey without being like nacho-cheese poured out of a spout. Because it's served in a cast iron skillet, the bottom of the pan gets golden brown and crispy which is just the perfect texture to finish you off before starting your main course.

This time I ordered the Salmon Crudo as for some reason I wanted a type of Ceviche for my main course. The salmon crudo was beautifully plated but for some reason I just was not a fan and I cannot put my finger on it. I am glad I tried it but I don't think that I will order it again. Next time I'll opt for a more traditional ceviche.

My go to drink here is always the Santo sandia, but this time I tried the mocktail version and honestly I liked it better! I felt that the normal margarita is overpowered by the tequila so the mocktail is just perfect for me. I also love to get the flan whenever I come to Clavel and would like to try the tres leches cake in the future. Will definitely be coming back again!

The wait for this place is both insane and well worth it at the same time. Depending on the time you get to Clavel, the wait can sometimes be upwards of two hours because they do not take any reservations. To beat this killer wait, I suggest dropping your name down and killing time by going to one of the cocktail bars nearby (W.C Harlan or Dutch Courage), its the perfect way to kill an hour or two. Just be ready to close your tab ASAP when you get the text that your table is ready s they only give you a 15 minute grace period.

For anyone who thinks Mexican is average hasn't tried Clavel. WOW, you will be blown away with flavor and it is worth every minute of waiting in line!!! Come hungry- because you are going to want to try everything on the menu. The staff is friendly and makes great recommendations, the vibe is authentic and fun, and the food is out of this world and packed with flavor! I wanted to order the entire menu. My husband and I had one of our favorite, low key, fulfilling date night here and can't wait to come back! The outdoor porch is a great spot to eat during warmer months!

I travelled from Vegas to visit my friend in Baltimore and they knew we had to hit Clavel because it was one of my favorite spots when I lived here forever ago.

My only qualm was the wait. 2 hours. But we did a little bar hopping before we were sat. Circled back to their bar next door and grabbed some yummy margaritas.

Of course we got some queso, aguachile ceviche- which was phenominal, and some tacos! The tacos were just like I remembered. Absolutely full of flavor and leaves you wanting more. We left here so very full.

It is pretty loud and tight inside, but service and good food warrants for that! I'll crave these tacos for another 3 years!

4.5 stars.....this place has been talked about amongst my Baltimore friends for years and now I know why! Opens at 5pm, we were there by 5:40pm and we were already on an hour wait-list!! This community SHOWS UP for this place and it's the delicious flavors, reasonable prices and friendly wait-staff that keeps them coming back. Bustling and packed-in tight;but not deafeningly loud the energy in the restaurant is palatable.

With a great happy hour 5-7pm throughout the restaurant, we started with house margs, chips and guac and queso (served with veg or chorizo). The margs tasted so fresh, real lime juice and the perfect amount of tequila! Just connect these to a main-line drip for me!! The chips and tortillas are house made and you can tell. Guac was perfectly flavored and my friends loved the queso.

Tacos are street-style (two bites) dressed simply and flavored spectacularly. We basically ordered one of each taco with all being delicious with just enough complexity to elevate Clavel from just another Mexican restaurant, to a culinary experience!! I don't live in Baltimore but will be swinging into Clavel on every visit to the city..PERIOD!

Clavel is a mainstay. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, solo date and a great time.

The service is top tier indoors and outdoor seating available.

Best part - when you do have to wait, you can always go get drinks at W.C Harlan.


My go to is the pork tacos with pork skins and wash it down with the Tamarindo!

This was my second time back and just as good as I remember! The food here is authentic and has great flavor. The meat melts in your mouth and the salsa verde is amazing.

The restaurant has such a fun feel to it. With cement walls, dim lighting, and fun little trinkets you can buy.

Our waitress, Sarah, was amazing! So attentive even on a busy night (which they're always busy). They don't take reservations but there is a side bar area you can wait for a table and order off of a limited menu.

What we ordered:
- Queso Fundito (MUST HAVE)
- Guacamole
- Carnitas Con Salsa Verde Taco
- Carne De Res Taco (MUST HAVE)
- Barbacoa Taco (MUST HAVE)
- Rajas Vegetarianas Taco
- Al Gobernador Taco (MUST HAVE)
- Mixtas (MUST HAVE *esp for a vegetarian!)