A couple weeks ago I wrote that there’s a new taqueria coming to 14th and Spring, just down the block from the Red Derby, called Taqueria Habanera. The other day I stopped in and it was pretty delicious.
It’s a friendly, family-run spot with about 8 tables for dine-in, plus a counter where you order so you can do to-go. I chose that option and got a shrimp taco, which was on special that day, al pastor (shawarma-style pork with onions and cilantro) and a chicken with spices. That, with a Mexican mango drink called Boing (I bought it for the name) ran me about $11. They also have fish tacos, barbacoa (beef), tortas (Mexican sandwiches) and full dinner plates that come with rice and beans.
Back at my place, I dug in and thoroughly enjoyed them. The shrimp taco came with a tasty sauce that I couldn’t place, but went well, and the pastor was made very well. The chicken was also quite good and had a lot of things on it.
The tacos were a bit different than the also tasty 3 Salsas down 14th Street: 3 Salsas are simple (in a good way) while the Habanero ones were a bit heartier.
I was a big fan and will definitely come back to try the rest. Yelpers give the place 5 stars and really like the chicken milaensa torta (breaded chicken cutlet.)
Taqueria Habanero is at 3710 14th Street NW.
