The Hype Is Absolutely Deserved!…read more
Clavel is a highly acclaimed, family-run mezcaleria and taqueria in Baltimore -- and after finally visiting, I completely understand the hype!
First things first: they don't take reservations, so plan accordingly! We arrived around 5:45 p.m. and were quoted a 45-minute wait. Apparently, if you arrive after 5:45, you should be prepared to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Thankfully, around 6 p.m., a few people got up from their seats at the bar and we QUICKLY grabbed them. Crisis averted!
We started with the Mezcalita with cilantro honey, which came highly recommended by the bartender. It was SO delicious -- the perfect balance of sweet and spice without either overpowering the other.
For my second drink, I switched to the Suero, made with El Buho Mezcal Espadin, green mango, lemon, agua mineral, and Himalayan pink salt. It was completely different from the Mezcalita -- super refreshing, crisp, and not sweet at all. Both were excellent!
Then came the food.
We started with the Queso Fundido -- bubbling hot queso Chihuahua with guacamole and frijoles y totopos. I mean...you really can't go wrong with bubbling cheese.
For our tacos, my friend went all in on the mushroom tacos while I decided variety was the move. I ordered:
Barbacoa de Borrego -- house-butchered lamb and beef shank cooked with Mexican coffee, Negra Modelo, and spices.
El Luchador -- lightly battered cod with house-pickled cabbage slaw, habanero crema, and cilantro.
Al Gobernador -- wild-caught Pacific shrimp in salsa Anaheim with melted queso Chihuahua and pico de gallo.
All three were delicious, but I loved being able to try such different flavors and textures in one meal. The ingredients tasted fresh, everything was flavorful, and you can tell there's real thought and care behind the menu.
The restaurant itself is also deceiving! From the outside, Clavel looks fairly small, but once you're inside, it's anything but. There are so many little twists, turns, rooms, and tucked-away spaces -- and somehow every single one of them was packed. I also loved the rustic, traditional Mexican-inspired décor. It feels warm, lively, and authentic without trying too hard.
And the service matched the food! Everyone we interacted with was friendly and helpful, and our bartender's cocktail recommendation was spot-on.
From the drinks to the tacos to the atmosphere and service, everything was superb. Clavel absolutely lived up to its reputation, and I already can't wait to go back -- I'll just be getting there BEFORE 5:45 next time.