Clavel

I came to Baltimore for work, and my colleague raves about this place on the regular. So of course, when we wrapped her 100+ person event we came here for a celebratory dinner. It was divine.This Mexican restaurant specializes in tacos, mezcals, ceviches and cocktails. I loved it all. We sat by the bar and were taken care of by Olive, who started us off with what I was told was a "must try" drink - the Tuba Por Favor. This features Wild fermented pineapple Tepache, coconut, house Kümmel, limon, raw wildflower honey. I had never had anything like this before, and it was so refreshing and crushable. I felt like I could drink 5 of those easy, but refrained. On to the items we shared. The crudos/ceviches caught my eye and I opted for the salmon crudo. Each is prepared into a perfect bite, and the wasabi mayonesa really stood out to me.We also ordered queso fundido with chorizo. I find it hard to meet a form of melted cheese I don't like, and this one was great. We also opted for a tamal. They have a few on the menu, and I was so happy to see a variety of tamales as I do believe they are such an underrated menu item and I wish more places served them. I could not get enough of the masa, the cheese, and the salsita that came with it. The best way I could describe this tamal, is that it tasted like a hug from an abuela, which is the best kind of comfort I feel food can provide. Last but not least, I did opt for a quesadilla. It's the perfect size, and can be stuffed with whatever taco filling you like. I opted for cochinita pibil because I love those flavors. You can tell the tortillas are handmade, and extremely tasty. I'm actually drooling writing this review, remembering all the flavors and vibes from my dinner last night.We sat at the bar, which was a total vibe. I also love the open kitchen where you can see everything that's going on.For mezcal lovers, you can book private tastings and they have a great selection or rare mezcals. You can also do flights! Loved my visit to Clavel, and can see why it is a local favorite.

Everything tastes pretty good! I got two barbacoa and two carnitas con salsa verde. The carnitas meat was pretty dry, but the barbacoa was great! I came with a friend and we were given salsa to share which I think was a bit silly given the price we are paying per taco. I grew up in California where amazing Mexican food is in abundance and I am a little skeptical of tacos anywhere else, but I ended up pleasantly surprised by Clavel.The service is good and quick. When we went for dinner on the weekday, the place was packed but our server took good care of us. Food and drink took a while to come out but the wait was worth it. It is super loud inside so I probably wouldn't come if I'm trying to catch up with friends or anything.My drink, the Santa Sandia, was also delicious and had a good amount of spice to it.

Come for an exceptional menu of fresh Mexican dishes, a stellar offering of tequila and mezcal and one of the most unique dining rooms in Baltimore (10/10 ambiance).I'm not usually a margarita drinker, because so many restaurants don't do them well--but I will at Clavel because they only use real ingredients...not pre-made syrups or concentrates.The Aguachile Roja is a must-order--fresh, spicy and packed with flavor. I tried the chicken tamal for the first time. It was tasty but a little softer than I prefer. The El Luchador taco had good flavors but wasn't warm when I received it, while the Hongos taco was perfect--loaded with umami-rich mushrooms.Unfortunately dessert was a miss for me. Their tres leches cake had a dense, almost gritty crumb that made eating it unpleasant.

This was my first time visiting Clavel and I was so impressed! The entrance was subtle, humble but effective to allure attention. The interior is cozy and gorgeous, like a romantic secluded getaway with delicious food. We ordered queso, chips, and street corn and just that alone was filling and cozy! I ordered a margarita and it was refreshing. Later, I hung out at the bar and ordered a mocktail, YUMMY! I look forward to coming to Clavel again, I am eager to try their small tacos!

How have I not updated my review in three years? I come to Clavel probably every other week or at least once a month. I usually can get lucky and snag a bar seat later in the evening on a weeknight (I shoot for after 8pm or later for optimal seating availability). My favorite cocktail has to be the "tuba por favor". I used to be exclusively a margarita girly, maybe a spicy marg if I was feeling sassy. But now I'm a total tuba convert. The tuba por favor is a perfect balance of tepache and spices. It tastes like what you WISH a piña colada tasted like - heavy on the piña. I also love the queso fundido topped with rajas (veggies) and the carnitas tacos. The carnita meat is cooked to perfection and topped with crispy chicharrónes. The chicken tinga continues to be one of the spiciest but satisfying dishes on the menu as well. I also love the ceviche - specifically anything with shrimp. It's well marinated and very zesty. Clavel will continue to be one of my faves.

I get the hype, and it's well deserved. For beverages, the limonada was refreshing and the Michelada with tamarind was such a lovely and unique drink. The queso fundido was so bubbly and fun to eat. The striped bass, shrimp and octopus ceviche were fresh and tangy. Both the lamb and beef tongue tacos were well seasoned. For dessert, the tres leches cake was light and yummy. Service was nicely timed and friendly. I would reorder everything I tried. Loved the cozy vibes and would come back again.

Clavel always delivers. Only been here three times, but it's one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore city. The whole place is just a vibe - esthetic on point. They do not take reservations, so prepare to wait. They have bar seating right next door where you can wait, or better yet, check out their speakeasy just down the street (WC Harlan). Great drinks and the dark, cool, and intimate atmosphere is fun! Back to Clavel - can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The portions are on the smaller end, so plan ahead! Service was great, despite it being a bustling Sat night. One of my favorites is their torta - so good! If you want to avoid waiting, come as soon as they open and they'll get you seated quickly.

Clavel is hands down my favorite spot for flavorful Mexican cuisine in Baltimore. Their queso fundido dip with chorizo is the ultimate comfort food, and the gobernador quesadilla is packed with flavor that leaves me wanting more every time. The margaritas are a must, with the Santa Sandia--a spicy watermelon margarita--standing out as something truly special that I haven't found anywhere else. Clavel's warm and intimate vibe makes it perfect for date nights, and while they quote an hour-long wait, I've rarely waited more than 20-30 minutes. Service is phenomenal and there is usually street parking outside. This is a restaurant I return to again and again, and it never disappoints!

Okay 100% for the vibes, queso, and margs, but the tacos are pretty mid actually. The wait is SUPER long but they have some good cocktail bars nearby to wait at. The service is good, nothing special. Tbh don't think I'll be going back but fun to go with friends once!

Clavel has the most authentic Mexican cuisine I have found outside of Texas and California! It's not the normal Tex-Mex food, but truly authentic. Absolutely delicious! Service is amazing! I've been really lucky lately with the service at the new places I have frequented. Clavel did not disappoint. We sat in the bar area. The bartenders were so friendly and make a mean margarita. Everything I tasted was so yummy. Queso, full of cheese, sprinkling of corn and spices with fresh tortillas...yum! Shrimp Tacos were fresh. I really like the house made corn tortillas with the Tacos. Clavel has a great menu, full of varieties, gluten free, vegetarian, pescatarian, they have a dish to meet your dietary needs. The restaurant is fun! Indoor and outdoor seating. Bar area is small but mighty. Wonderful dinning experience!