El Habanero set to open next month

A Mexican restaurant, El Habanero, is tentatively expected to open in Annandale on Sept. 9, says owner Milton Ortega.

The restaurant is located in a completely renovated building that was formerly occupied by TitleMax, at 7321 Little River Turnpike.

El Habanero will offer authentic Mexican cuisine, such as tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, along with such entrees as lengua entomatada (beef tongue), pollo guisado, and bistec a la Mexicana; and fresh homemade drinks. Entrees come with soup.

El Habanero on Little River Turnpike.

The Habanero platter includes beef, chicken, chicharron, chorizo, shrimp, scallions, roasted habaneros, rice, frijoles charros, pico de gallo, guacamole, and tortillas. It’s more than enough for three people and costs $55.95.

Despite being named for the extremely hot habanero pepper, diners can enjoy mild or moderately spicy food, as well as super hot food, says Ortega, who also owns the El Tikal Travieso Restaurant Y Night Club in Annandale.

El Habanero will be a family restaurant, not a bar, although Ortega has submitted an application for an ABC license. A mariachi band will entertain diners on Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

The dining room will have a full menu and waiters. Eventually, Ortega plans to add a quick service line with a separate open-view kitchen for ordering a quick lunch to go.

There are a few openings for servers. If you’re interested, contact Ortega at  [email protected].