El Habanero

Solely rating this place for their cabeza tacos - but they're a 10/5. A MUST TRY.... we come here and order 3 each... only to order 3 more each and ruin dinner plans To those thinking 'head' tacos is brains you're sadly mistaken. It's the most delicate meat on the head (by cheek/neck) and you don't need teeth to chew. Love this place.

Located in beautiful downtown Annandale, El Habanero offers some very good dishes. And it is authentic Mexican.This was our second visit to El Habanero, the first since the pandemic. We entered mid-afternoon on a weekend into a rather cavernous space being blasted by much too loud Musica Norteña. Only two or three other tables were occupied.We were seated immediately and given menus. The descriptions of dishes on the menu were over-Anglicized. I wasn't super hungry, so I just ordered the "melted cheese" dip with chorizo. The menu didn't say you had a choice, but with the dip, you can order either yellow (cheddar) or white cheese, I opted for white. I also requested chorizo in my dip. The dip was excellent. I recommend letting it cool for a while before digging in, so the dip can become thicker and more manageable; it's too stretchy when piping hot.I also ordered horchata. Habanero's horchata was excellent, with a great flavor and texture. It ranks right up there with Springfield El Paso's fantastic horchata.JP ordered the aguachiles, which were very good. The aguachiles are a bit similar to ceviche, but the seafood is cooked.There was some gaps in service and our server struggled with English.This would have been a 4 star review, but the loud music was really offputting. Still, we will be back.

I was very surprised by this restaurant! I only chose it because it was close to a work site that I had to do an after-hours project at! The ambiance is beautiful! Warm and authentic! The menu is rich and full of options Service and staff are very friendly! The bar seating was nice so I sat there and had a wonderful meal! I love the Molcajete, and it's a specialty that I think of it as difficult and not any restaurant can do and do it right! It was really good! On their menu, it's the Molcajete MixtoI also enjoyed the chorizo queso! I'll definitely go there again! Try it, vote for the review , message me, or compliment me with any comment or question, and don't forget to ... Pray for me ;)

The food and drinks really hit the spot. Muy delicioso! There are many TV screens to watch sports. Very nice looking inside and has a full bar. I had a combination quesadilla and a mango mojito. Love that the drink was not overly sweet. Chips and salsa are complimentary. Family friendly. Karaoke is every Friday from 6pm until closing. Nancy is an excellent karaoke host and singer! I'm so glad they have karaoke now. The place is fun and full of energy and positivity. Karaoke is in Spanish, English and most languages. There's a huge enclosed outdoor patio, and it's great for private events. Definitely on the more upscale side but casual environment. I'm definitely coming back!

Tips up front: maybe do take out, they have great tasting food but terrible service. I mean some of the worst I've ever had. But it's completely offset by the amazing tasting food. So, how do you decide what to do? Sit there and roll with it or get takeout? Ok, so, the good, first thing, salsa is amazing. I'm not a chef or anything but I believe they do a blend of their ingredients so you get that watery salsa but they top each cup with freshly chopped cilantros and onions. How could you not like that? What they just did was take your regularly tasting salsa, add some spice, because the restaurants name is 'Habanero' and add a bunch of fresh flavor. And what you get is some amazing tasting salsa. Next, steak fajitas, they had some of the thickest, fattest slices of great tasting steak. Topped with the peppers and onions. I asked for jalapeños to be added and got a dish full of flavor and spice. Tasted amazing. Rice and bean plate is consistent with the restaurant standards. Nothing to write home about there. Now on to the bad, the service, I was hesitant to come here due to the reviews. But it was a beautiful day, and the patio was very inviting with little to no crowd so I went with it. I took a chance. Some reviews seem to complain about loud music and if that's an issue, I suggest to go mid week. There wasn't loud music, there was no crowd, but the service was slow. I ordered a drink from the bar and it was served after my meal. But I ordered this when I sat down I thought? Now I have shotgun this thing...Food took a while, again it makes me think why when they're wasn't many customers. But maybe they're short staffed, who knows. Waitress didn't refill drinks, well, tbh she never even served drinks. It was the bartender that brought my beer. But also never did get that aqua I ordered to go with it. Annnnnnddd she waited for my stomach to finish digesting the meal before the check came. So all in all, IMO, the quality and taste of the food heavily outweighed the service. However that might not be the case for you and you may want that five star service then I'd suggest grabbing takeout. But for me, mid week, if I have no where I need to be, there's a cool breeze blowing through my lovely locks then I'm fine chilling for a minute. But, maybe I'll bring my own water next time.

My husband and I have visited many times before since finding this spot earlier this year. We LOVE it! Good is delicious and authentic. The service is always great. They are always responsive and very kind. Not sure why it has a low rating. I'm from Texas and have been looking for a half decent spot to get my Mexican food kick. This is the spot for me!

I've always drove past this place but never went in. Finally had the chance when a friend invited me. This place is located in a major street so I would advise driving so the restaurant is on your right side or else you will have to make a left and cross two busy lanes.Once inside the place was pretty clean and the atmosphere wasn't bad at all. I read the previous reviews but didn't have any complaints myself. I ordered two vodka sodas and a steak fajita. The food and service was good for a small shop like this, and I had a great time.

Randomly went into this super authentic place while we were waiting for our Valentine's Day dinner reservation. Was only gonna have a drink and leave, but got so intrigued by the offering we canceled the other one and stayed! Vibe was good, all around amazing! Will be back with family and friends!!

Food is amazing love it I miss coming here and I miss working at this location. The service 10/10 food 10/10 the managers are nice respectful and very professional with full respect.

My first visit to El Habanero in Annandale VA.Nice authentic Mexican decor with live entertainment. Nice outdoor patio seating. Customer service outstanding. Staff very attentive. Prices were reasonable.Food was just okay. I had the Steak, Chicken, Shrimp Quesadilla. A little Dissapointed with the Salsa, very thin and no favor. I had to mix their Regular with 3 other flavors that were more spicer. My Margarita was tasty, but weak with the Alcohol.A pleasant time was had, but one visit is enough for me.However,go experience for yourself....