Habaneros Mexican Grill has opened

[champion6]

From the online news:
Family-owned Habaneros Mexican Grill has opened its newest location at Southern Trace Plaza in The Villages.

The restaurant took over the former location of Crispers which shut down this past May.

The first Habaneros Mexican Grill opened in 1999 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.The family went on to open restaurants in Leesburg, Winter Park, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford and North Fort Myers.

[2BNTV]

Thanks for letting us know as the DS gave vague estimates of when it would open. :smiley:

[Henryk]

From the online news:
Family-owned Habaneros Mexican Grill has opened its newest location at Southern Trace Plaza in The Villages.

The restaurant took over the former location of Crispers which shut down this past May.

The first Habaneros Mexican Grill opened in 1999 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.The family went on to open restaurants in Leesburg, Winter Park, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford and North Fort Myers.

Have you eaten there? Is it good? Authentic or same-old same-old?

[Bjeanj]

Whoopee!!

[Fredman]

Ate there today and food and service was good.

[Taltarzac725]

Ate there today and food and service was good.

I will have to try it soon.

[dillywho]

Ate there today and food and service was good.

Ate there this afternoon. Service and decor outstanding! We were very disappointed in the food; very bland. (For those who do not care for spicy Mexican food, this is it.) We also found it to be overpriced. We were really disappointed because we love Mexican food and this restaurant is so close to us. :cry::cry: Maybe we'll try again, after they have been there longer.

[karostay]

Drove by yesterday on the way to hit some balls behind Walmart.
Their parking lot was full of golf carts sign said open.
Told the wife their packed ! must be offering a promotion to attract this many Villagers :mmmm:

[Two Bills]

Drove by yesterday on the way to hit some balls behind Walmart.
Their parking lot was full of golf carts sign said open.
Told the wife their packed ! must be offering a promotion to attract this many Villagers :mmmm:

You should use the driving range like everybody else! :rolleyes:

[jnieman]

We have eaten many times at their restaurant in Leesburg and always loved it. It reminded me of the restaurant in Colony plaza. Not an authentic place but very good. I think more of us need to give it a try. Looking forward to it. I love the location.

[karostay]

You should use the driving range like everybody else! :rolleyes:

Huh :confused:

[Restless Tongue]

Pleasant ambience, excellent service and good Tex-Mex food. All in all. an enjoyable evening. They should do well!

[graciegirl]

Habanero's Mexican Grill | The best Mexican Restaurant in Florida! (http://www.habanerosmexicangrillfl.com/Pages/Menu.aspx)

[tomwed]

There's a Mexican restaurant in Wildwood in the same strip mall as true value and the post office that is always crowded. I've seen people waiting online outside. I went to get a take-out menu once and they had a Mariachi Band inside. It was too packed to ask anyone if it was a special day and I was running late.

[tophcfa]

We will give it a try, buts it's going to have to be really good to get us to go there for Mexican food on a regular basis because we really like the Mexican Food from Ay Jalisco in Spanish Springs.

[bagboy]

You should use the driving range like everybody else! :rolleyes:

lol... next thing you know people will be hitting golf balls behind the self storage on 301.

[600th Photo Sq]

Big Deal....Best Mexican........LOS MAGUEYES , Contact: 346 Shopping Center Drive Wildwood....near the Post Office Telephone 352-461-0577 Hours Sun - Thurs 11 AM - 9 PM ...Fri & Sat 11 AM - 10 PM.... they also do Take Out.

PS: Notice my contact information ...

[graciegirl]

Big Deal....Best Mexican........LOS MAGUEYES , Contact: 346 Shopping Center Drive Wildwood....near the Post Office Telephone 352-461-0577 Hours Sun - Thurs 11 AM - 9 PM ...Fri & Sat 11 AM - 10 PM.... they also do Take Out.

PS: Notice my contact information ...

I am guessing you weren't raised near Columbus, Ohio because you said "BIG DEAL". That sounds kind of mean.

I haven't been there to eat. I was only posting the menu. I will look forward to trying it.

[Jima64]

Poorly designed website to read the menu items. Dark on dark, really.

[600th Photo Sq]

I am guessing you weren't raised near Columbus, Ohio.

aaaaaaa You " Guessed Right " . That said I used common sense and kept my suggestion " Local " along with the contact information . :plane:

[fw102807]

There's a Mexican restaurant in Wildwood in the same strip mall as true value and the post office that is always crowded. I've seen people waiting online outside. I went to get a take-out menu once and they had a Mariachi Band inside. It was too packed to ask anyone if it was a special day and I was running late.

We have been there, it is La Palma, and the food was very good but there was no Mariachi Band that night so must be only certain nights.

[graciegirl]

We have been there, it is La Palma, and the food was very good but there was no Mariachi Band that night so must be only certain nights.

I really still don't know my way around Mexican food. Never tasted any until I was almost thirty. I like a flour tortilla wrapped around chicken or beef or pork with chopped tomatoes and lettuce and onions and refried beans and rice and maybe some guacamole and or salsa. I think that is a Burrito. Husband doesn't like Mexican food very much and we don't eat it often so I am still not sure what the menu items are. I don't like corn tortillas as much as flour ones. I don't like things real spicy.

[tomwed]

I really still don't know my way around Mexican food. Never tasted any until I was almost thirty. I like a flour tortilla wrapped around chicken or beef or pork with chopped tomatoes and lettuce and onions and refried beans and rice and maybe some guacamole and or salsa. I think that is a Burrito. Husband doesn't like Mexican food very much so I am still not sure what the menu items are. I don't like corn tortillas as much as flour ones. I don't like things real spicy. If you go to Taco Bell look at their stainless steel serving containers. There are four of them. One has the cooked chop meat, one has the lettuce, one has the tomatoes and one has the cheese. Next look at there menu.
There is 42 different things they can make out of 4 containers.

[billethkid]

Taco Bell?
I thought the thread was about Mexican "FOOD".

:jester:

[fw102807]

Taco Bell?
I thought the thread was about Mexican "FOOD".

:jester:

:bigbow:

[lanabanana73]

We have been there, it is La Palma, and the food was very good but there was no Mariachi Band that night so must be only certain nights.


I believe this post was talking about Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant in Wildwood. They have $.99 tacos on Tuesdays, $.99 enchiladas on Wednesdays and a Mariachi Band on Thursday evenings. LOVE their salsa!

[fw102807]

I believe this post was talking about Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant in Wildwood. They have $.99 tacos on Tuesdays, $.99 enchiladas on Wednesdays and a Mariachi Band on Thursday evenings. LOVE their salsa!

Yes you are probably correct. La Palma is in Leesburg.

[xkeowner]

We have been there, it is La Palma, and the food was very good but there was no Mariachi Band that night so must be only certain nights.

La Palma is in Leesburg and our experience with both food and service there was bad enough we will not be competing with you for a table.

[tomwed]

thanks for the info

[justjim]

It’s been a while but the last time I had some authentic Mexican food was in Old Albuquerque. I’m not sure I could handle it now! I assume that The Villages Habaneros food is similar to the Leesburg Habaneros which is good American Mexican. El Ranchito in Lady Lake has similar American Mexican food.

[dillywho]

Pleasant ambience, excellent service and good Tex-Mex food. All in all. an enjoyable evening. They should do well!

Sorry, but being a native Texan, it does not even resemble Tex-Mex. We will give it another try, though, and just order something different next time. Any and everyone deserves a second chance. Like any other restaurant, some will love it and some will not.

[dillywho]

Habanero's Mexican Grill | The best Mexican Restaurant in Florida! (http://www.habanerosmexicangrillfl.com/Pages/Menu.aspx)

This is not the same as the menu we had there. Example: We ordered two sides of sour cream at 99 cents each. This menu shows $1.25. Tableside guacamole was $10; listed on here $9.75. Many of the other items are not the same, either. Could be that each one sets its own prices?

[Carla B]

Sorry, but being a native Texan, it does not even resemble Tex-Mex. We will give it another try, though, and just order something different next time. Any and everyone deserves a second chance. Like any other restaurant, some will love it and some will not.

Just like Northeasterners complain about no good pizza here, former Texans complain about no good Tex-Mex.

[graciegirl]

Just like Northeasterners complain about no good pizza here, former Texans complain about no good Tex-Mex.

I think it is because they know what is really, really, yummy. The thing to do is pal around with them and sometimes they will cook for you. That is what I do. ;)

[Chatbrat]

Didn't see any Tamales on the menu, for us without Tamales its amateur hour --adios

[asianthree]

Didn't see any Tamales on the menu, for us without Tamales its amateur hour --adios

It takes a village to make Tamales. Maybe not enough employees.

[tomwed]

What if you want the tamale crispy?

[Chatbrat]

60 cents more

[Nucky]

Habaneros is great, we really enjoyed it and am glad to have some good Mexican food close to us, we wish them luck. LOS MAGUEYES, It makes me wish they built the wall sooner. The atmosphere was great as was the service but the food was poor. We both got sick. We never get sick. Stick with Habaneros, it is just for regular people, they don't serve Royalty.

[asianthree]

What if you want the tamale crispy?

You might be at checkers

[graciegirl]

What is a tamale? I can look it up, but why does it take a village? I think some people had more exposure to Mexican people than others, being from different parts of the country. I can tell you about Amish cooking. YUM.

[Nucky]

What is a tamale? I can look it up, but why does it take a village? I think some people had more exposure to Mexican people than others, being from different parts of the country. I can tell you about Amish cooking. YUM.

It's Dough stuffed with Mexican Stuff, Hot, Medium or Mild to suit your taste. Ole'. :mmmm:

[jnieman]

Masa Harina stuffed with pork

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Quaker-Masa-Harina-De-Maiz-Tortilla-Mix-4-4-Lb/11964703?athcpid=11964703&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS002&athguid=466001f5-21a78f0b-fbf0058bcc9659f5&athena=true

[tomwed]

It's Dough stuffed with Mexican Stuff, Hot, Medium or Mild to suit your taste. Ole'. :mmmm:very descriptive--:lipsrsealed:How would you describe a taco?

A big Frito stuffed with Mexican Stuff, Hot, Medium or Mild to suit your taste.

Knucky, you have a gift.

[Ecuadog]

If you are willing to travel to Ocala or happen to find yourself in the area, I recommend a Mexican place up there. It is an especially good value in my opinion. I have previously posted about this restaurant HERE (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/la-hacianda-restaurant-supermarket-ocala-256289/).

Since that post, I have looked through their adjoining supermarket. Great stuff. Real butchers making real chorizo. Dried chillies, herbs and spices. I am going to do some research and see if I can make my own "chili powder" from their large selection.

[tomwed]

Since that post, I have looked through their adjoining supermarket. Great stuff. Real butchers making real chorizo. Dried chillies, herbs and spices. I am going to do some research and see if I can make my own "chili powder" from their large selection.thank-you

[Nucky]

very descriptive--:lipsrsealed:How would you describe a taco?

A big Frito stuffed with Mexican Stuff, Hot, Medium or Mild to suit your taste.

Knucky, you have a gift.

Same idea except for a variety of shells. We have a choice of soft, hard, hot or regular. The big difference is you stand a better chance of getting something on your shirt with a taco. I have zero cooking skill. I'm in charge of eating. :mmmm:

[Nucky]

thank-you

There is a Spanish Food store in Ocala called Bravo. Do you want some chilli powder or something caliente, they have whatever you need. Tomwed you would have a blast in this store. I would love to hear what you could invent from their selection. :mmmm:

[tomwed]

Same idea except for a variety of shells. We have a choice of soft, hard, hot or regular. The big difference is you stand a better chance of getting something on your shirt with a taco. I have zero cooking skill. I'm in charge of eating. :mmmm:I agree about the taco. I'm so glad you have a sense of humor. I don't need to weigh my words.

[Chatbrat]

Corn husk coated with a dough in the inside then filled with various meats

[asianthree]

What is a tamale? I can look it up, but why does it take a village? I think some people had more exposure to Mexican people than others, being from different parts of the country. I can tell you about Amish cooking. YUM.

making tamales is a huge process and one needs quite a few hands., usually family and friends. Because tamales are small you count on 4 per person.

Start by soaking a dried corn husk, spread spread a thin layer of Masa. Filling can be pork, beef, chicken, that has been simmered in spices. Then you roll it up stand them up until pot is completely full. Steam until masa and filling is heated through .

[Darreniv]

You should use the driving range like everybody else! :rolleyes:

That is the driving range behind Walmart!!!!

[graciegirl]

making tamales is a huge process and one needs quite a few hands., usually family and friends. Because tamales are small you count on 4 per person.

Start by soaking a dried corn husk, spread spread a thin layer of Masa. Filling can be pork, beef, chicken, that has been simmered in spices. Then you roll it up stand them up until pot is completely full. Steam until masa and filling is heated through .

Thank you. I am quite sure I have never ever had one.

[jnieman]

If you are willing to travel to Ocala or happen to find yourself in the area, I recommend a Mexican place up there. It is an especially good value in my opinion. I have previously posted about this restaurant HERE (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/la-hacianda-restaurant-supermarket-ocala-256289/).

Since that post, I have looked through their adjoining supermarket. Great stuff. Real butchers making real chorizo. Dried chillies, herbs and spices. I am going to do some research and see if I can make my own "chili powder" from their large selection.
You must like authentic. I went there and prefer the American versions we have here in The Villages. I'm not very exotic when it comes to food.

[BK001]

Didn't see any Tamales on the menu, for us without Tamales its amateur hour --adios


Had lunch there today. (It was a mad house). There were Tamales on the menu under "Sides" 1 Tamale $2.95. I have never had one but will try it next time.

[Nucky]

Had lunch there today. (It was a mad house). There were Tamales on the menu under "Sides" 1 Tamale $2.95. I have never had one but will try it next time.

When you try your first Tamale...No olvides el antiBismol. LOL. :wave:

[BK001]

When you try your first Tamale...No olvides el antiBismol. LOL. :wave:

Gracias por tu sabio consejo.

[Sage327]

Ate there this afternoon. Service and decor outstanding! We were very disappointed in the food; very bland. (For those who do not care for spicy Mexican food, this is it.) We also found it to be overpriced. We were really disappointed because we love Mexican food and this restaurant is so close to us. :cry::cry: Maybe we'll try again, after they have been there longer.

We had dinner there tonight and also found the food to be very bland and tasteless. The margarita was weak and watered down from all the ice. :wave:bye bye Habaneros

[big guy]

I am guessing you weren't raised near Columbus, Ohio because you said "BIG DEAL". That sounds kind of mean.

I haven't been there to eat. I was only posting the menu. I will look forward to trying it.

I'm from Ohio and I can't figure out what "Big deal" has to do with Columbus.

[graciegirl]

I'm from Ohio and I can't figure out what "Big deal" has to do with Columbus.

Were you born there? Did you grow up in the South end?

Big deal is a put down. My mom would have smacked me for saying it to someone, especially someone who I didn't know.

[Taltarzac725]

Do they have take-out?

[big guy]

Didn't see any Tamales on the menu, for us without Tamales its amateur hour --adios

We were there last evening and, even without my readers, I saw "tamal".

We aren't in Texas, my birth state and where I grew up, nor are we in New York. I don't expect the Mexican food to taste the same as Texas nor do I expect the pizza to taste the same as New York. We have to make the best of what there is here. Ay! Jalisco comes close to Texas. We didn't dislike Habanero's but there could be a tad more flavor, not heat, in the food.

[big guy]

What is a tamale? I can look it up, but why does it take a village? I think some people had more exposure to Mexican people than others, being from different parts of the country. I can tell you about Amish cooking. YUM.

A tamale is a dough (masa) made of corn. The same masa that chips and tortillas are made of. It's filled with finely ground chicken, beef, pork, turkey or venison that is flavored with cumin, chili powder and some other spices. They are then wrapped in a corn husk individually and steamed. They can be incredibly delicious or awful. Steamed too long and they become dry and crumbly. Christmas is a customary time to have them. We used to order them and then go to the ladies back door to pick them up.

[big guy]

Were you born there? Did you grow up in the South end?

Big deal is a put down. My mom would have smacked me for saying it to someone, especially someone who I didn't know.

Never heard it used as a put down, not that I was aware any way. Lived in Ohio 34 years west of Cleveland. Maybe COlumbus and Cleveland have different slang.

[NotGolfer]

We were there last evening and, even without my readers, I saw "tamal".

We aren't in Texas, my birth state and where I grew up, nor are we in New York. I don't expect the Mexican food to taste the same as Texas nor do I expect the pizza to taste the same as New York. We have to make the best of what there is here. Ay! Jalisco comes close to Texas. We didn't dislike Habanero's but there could be a tad more flavor, not heat, in the food.

Wish there was a "like" button on TOTV....as I'd have "liked" your post!!!

We haven't 'been' there yet but maybe need to at least try it. What you stated about the different states is oh.so.true. Might add---we like Mexican food and don't know the differences (I guess). I will add---chili is also something that has A LOT of differences between locales. What one might eat and be used to in TX or OH will be very much different as in WI or MO....or even various restaurants. I agree---we aren't in ANY of those places so maybe need to be flexible to change. Not having grown up in the south...I don't care for many of the southern dishes but will try them. IF I don't care for them...I don't diss them or complain. I just don't go where they're served.

[asianthree]

We were there last evening and, even without my readers, I saw "tamal".

We aren't in Texas, my birth state and where I grew up, nor are we in New York. I don't expect the Mexican food to taste the same as Texas nor do I expect the pizza to taste the same as New York. We have to make the best of what there is here. Ay! Jalisco comes close to Texas. We didn't dislike Habanero's but there could be a tad more flavor, not heat, in the food.

Had lunch today, I agree it’s ok, while meat was tender, not much flavor, nor heat. Will find another way to spend $30 for lunch

[Fredman]

Agree meat did not have much flavor and no heat.

[big guy]

:bigbow::bigbow:Wish there was a "like" button on TOTV....as I'd have "liked" your post!!!

We haven't 'been' there yet but maybe need to at least try it. What you stated about the different states is oh.so.true. Might add---we like Mexican food and don't know the differences (I guess). I will add---chili is also something that has A LOT of differences between locales. What one might eat and be used to in TX or OH will be very much different as in WI or MO....or even various restaurants. I agree---we aren't in ANY of those places so maybe need to be flexible to change. Not having grown up in the south...I don't care for many of the southern dishes but will try them. IF I don't care for them...I don't diss them or complain. I just don't go where they're served.

:bigbow::bigbow:

[Mleeja]

Never heard it used as a put down, not that I was aware any way. Lived in Ohio 34 years west of Cleveland. Maybe COlumbus and Cleveland have different slang.

I agree with a Gracie. In central Indiana, like Columbus, OH, saying “Big Deal” was a dismissive put down. Not quite as bad as other things that could be said, or written, but dismissive of someone’s opinion nevertheless.

[graciegirl]

We went to Habaneros tonight and took out the biggum something burritos.

We liked them. But none of the three of us have skilled palates when it comes to Mexican food.

[Chi-Town]

Went to Habaneros last night. Service and drinks were good (didn't have a Margarita having started the night with rum). But for a Mexican restaurant the food was bland. I know that restaurants here dial it down, so maybe next time I'll ask for mine auténtico.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Barefoot]

We ate at Habaneros last week. The hot food we ordered was cool when served.
However the restaurant is very busy, still hiring, and hopefully will improve.

[queasy27]

I made it over there for lunch yesterday. Arrived early and it wasn't crowded. Ordered carnitas, which had a nice flavor but were a little dry. Good pico de gallo with plenty of cilantro. Friends ordered the taquitos (thumbs down from her), fish tacos (thumbs down), and taco salad (thumbs up). The rice is almost flavorless and the refried beans are straight out of a can with no additional seasoning.

The new server didn't know the menu and had to ask the kitchen to explain a couple of items. To be expected with a new place. In the end, she also got one of the orders wrong. It's a big menu and there are a lot of similar items.

Our meals took a long time to arrive; 3 nearby tables came in after us and got their orders before we did. I would have asked the server what it was that took so long to cook (my guess is the carnitas), but didn't want to stress her out any more than she already was.

I'll definitely go back and try some other items; it seems like they may do some things better than others. Of course, Taco Bell is just across the parking lot and I like them just fine! :smiley:

[Tweety Bird]

I agree

[Md girl]

Staff was friendly enough food was very disappointing, bland and I received the wrong food Might give it another try not sure

[graciegirl]

Does anyone remember the Mexican chain restaurant called Chi-Chi's? That was our introduction into Mexican food. I loved the El Grande Burro, which had ground beef and rice and beans wrapped in a flour tortilla with lettuce and chopped tomatoes and sour cream on the side.

[My Post]

The funny thing about Chi-Chi's is there was one in the UAE when I had to go there a few years back but there isn't one here anymore.

Anyone ever been to a Rick Bayless restaurant? Now that chap does some serious authentic Mexican food.

[Henryk]

The funny thing about Chi-Chi's is there was one in the UAE when I had to go there a few years back but there isn't one here anymore.

Anyone ever been to a Rick Bayless restaurant? Now that chap does some serious authentic Mexican food.

I’ve read several of his cook books. Would love to visit his restaurant.

[My Post]

Next time you're in Chicago, and you have a couple of Benjamin's burning a hole in your pocket.

It's worth it just for the cocktails.

[tomwed]

My introduction to Mexican food was when I was 17 on a double date. I was the only one who ordered the soup and everyone liked their meal, a lot of new flavors. When I got the bill the waitress came over to collect and I told her everything was great but I never got my soup. She pointed to the empty bowl of Gazpacho and said that was the cold soup you ordered that you and your friends were dipping your chips in. hmmm

[aloisbaughn2133]

Also very disapointed - agree food really bland, margaritas weak and a bit over priced - we used to love the one in Leesburg - hopefully, it will improve with our critique

[crash]

Agree have eaten there twice and very bland. All the sauces taste the same had mole which is highly spiced and this had no flavor. The street tacos come on regular size flour tortillas not the small corn tortillas that a street taco has. The El Pastor which is a spiced pork had little spice and tasted like chicken.

You can ask for hot sauce it helps some.