Whenever someone asks for my favorite restaurant in Baltimore, Clavel in Remington almost always comes to mind first. The menu is packed with great options, but if I’m being honest, it’s the queso fundido that keeps pulling me back again and again.

Clavel isn’t a huge space—there are roughly 40 seats inside and about 20 outside when the weather cooperates. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth arriving early to avoid the wait. And if there is a wait, there’s an easy solution: walk a few doors down to WC Harlan for a cocktail while your table opens up.

Recently, a friend and I stopped by for dinner and ended up ordering many of our favorite dishes from the menu.

Clavel

Quick Guide to Clavel

Location: Remington, Baltimore
Known for: tacos, queso fundido, mezcal cocktails
What to order:

• queso fundido

• atun con piña

  

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• barbacoa de borrego taco

• el luchador taco

• esquite

Best for: tacos, mezcal drinks, and sharing plates with friends

Salsa Trio

Starting with Margaritas

Nothing pairs better with tacos and queso than a margarita, so we started the evening with the spicy margarita.

It’s a classic margarita with just enough heat to keep things interesting—perfect for sipping while working through a basket of chips and salsa.

Spicy Margarita

I also ordered the Doña Clara, which might become my go-to drink at Clavel going forward. It’s made with frothy pineapple juice, green chile poblano liqueur, cilantro, lemon, salt, and sparkling wine.

The result is bright, lightly sweet, and balanced with a little kick of spice.

Doña Clara

The Dish That Keeps Me Coming Back: Queso Fundido

No visit to Clavel feels complete without an order of queso fundido.

The bubbling skillet arrives loaded with melted cheese and topped with spicy chorizo, served alongside house-made chips. It’s everything you want from a queso dip—rich, savory, and impossible to stop eating.

If it’s your first time at Clavel, this is the dish I always recommend starting with.

Queso Fundido

Queso Fundido

Atun Con Piña

Another dish I order whenever I see it on the menu is Atun Con Piña.

This ceviche combines fresh tuna with avocado, pineapple, serrano peppers, and red onion on a crisp tostada. The pineapple adds a subtle sweetness that balances the citrus and spice beautifully.

Clavel’s ceviche is easily some of the best I’ve had in Baltimore.

Atun Con Piña

Tacos at Clavel

Of course, tacos are the main attraction here.

My friend ordered the Cochinita Pibil, a shredded pork taco marinated in bitter orange and achiote. The flavor is rich and slightly peppery.

She also tried the Pollo en Mole Verde, where juicy chicken is coated in a bright, creamy green mole sauce.

Both were excellent.

Cochinita Pibil Taco

Pollo en Mole Verde Taco

My Favorite Taco of the Night

I couldn’t resist ordering the Barbacoa de Borrego, a shredded lamb taco that was incredibly tender and full of flavor.

But the taco I kept thinking about after dinner was the El Luchador.

It’s made with lightly battered fried cod, cabbage slaw, and habanero crema. The crema is creamy and refreshing with just the right level of heat. If I could go back in time, I probably would have ordered two.

Barbacoa de Borrego Taco

El Luchador Taco

Esquite: The Perfect Side

To round out the meal, we shared the Esquite.

This dish takes the flavors of Mexican street corn and serves them off the cob with Mexican crema, lemon, and queso. It’s creamy, cheesy, and the perfect side to eat alongside tacos.

Esquite

Planning a Visit to Clavel

Clavel has become one of the most beloved Baltimore restaurants, and it’s easy to see why. The tacos are consistently excellent, the cocktails are thoughtful, and the small space creates a lively energy.

If there’s a wait when you arrive, it’s worth it. And if you need somewhere to pass the time, grabbing a drink at WC Harlan nearby is part of the experience.

Why People Love Clavel

Clavel has become one of the most popular places for tacos in Baltimore thanks to its fresh tortillas, house-made salsas, and mezcal-focused cocktail menu. The restaurant is small but lively, which makes it feel like a neighborhood favorite rather than a typical dining destination.

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

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More Baltimore Restaurants to Try

If you’re exploring more of the Baltimore food scene, here are a few other restaurants I always recommend checking out:

• Magdalena at The Ivy Hotel – A beautiful dining experience in Mount Vernon with seasonal dishes and elegant surroundings.

• Charleston in Harbor East – One of the most iconic fine dining restaurants in Baltimore with a fantastic tasting menu.

• La Food Marketa in Pikesville – A fun spot for Mexican-inspired dishes, margaritas, and shareable plates.