02/08/2025
Welcome to āHanover Eats,ā your new go-to spot for all things food and entertainment in Hanover, PA, and beyond! Here, weāll embark on delightful culinary adventures, sharing our experiences and inviting you to join the conversation with your own food stories. Letās celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that our community and the wider world have to offer.
For our inaugural post, my lovely food date, Jess, and I decided to explore a local Mexican eatery, Taqueria el Cabrito, located at 490 Eisenhower Drive in Hanover. ļæ¼ This establishment has seen several iterations over the years, previously known as āGallitos,ā a personal favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine. With its change in ownership, we were curious to see how the current offerings measured up.
Ambiance and First Impressions
Upon entering, we chose a cozy corner table beneath a striking painting of a Mexican skeleton woman brandishing guns and holding a bag of American hundred-dollar billsāa bold piece that certainly catches the eye.
Drinks
The menu boasted an extensive selection of beverages, including various flavors of Jarritos and other American drinks. I was intrigued by the fountain options: tamarindo, jamaica, horchata, and a melon drink. After a brief chat with the server, I learned that the melon option was simply a Jarritos soda, so I opted for the jamaicaāa refreshing tea made from hibiscus flowers. Served in a generous 40-ounce glass, the deep red brew offered a sweet, floral taste with a hint of tartness, reminiscent of cranberry but uniquely its own. Jess, adhering to her keto diet but allowing herself a cheat day, ordered a Diet Coke. To her surprise, it was presented in a can without ice, straw, or cupāan unconventional choice that left her a bit taken aback.
Appetizers
Before our main courses arrived, we were served cantina-style chips, which appeared to be store-bought, accompanied by house-made salsa. The salsa was decent, though it didnāt particularly stand out.
Main Courses
After much deliberation, I settled on a birria quesadilla. Birria is a traditional Mexican dish originating from the state of Jalisco, typically featuring tender, slow-cooked meat (often goat or beef) marinated in a rich adobo made of vinegar, dried chiles, herbs, and spices. The quesadilla was substantial, with the birriaās deep, savory flavors melding beautifully with the melted cheeseāa comforting and indulgent choice. Given my upcoming gastric bypass surgery and current dietary restrictions, I managed to enjoy about a quarter of it before reaching my limit.
Jess opted for sopes topped with guacamole, accompanied by rice and black beans. Sopes are thick, round cornmeal bases with raised edges, fried to a slight crispness, and traditionally topped with ingredients like refried beans, crumbled cheese, lettuce, and various meats. Unfortunately, Jess found the black beans lacking, suspecting they were canned and over-seasoned with oregano, and the rice, though vibrantly orange from traditional sazĆ³n seasoning, was underwhelming. The sopes were a disappointment for her as well, primarily due to the use of mozzarella cheese, which deviated from the authentic Mexican cheeses like queso fresco or cotija.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I would rate our experience a 7 out of 10, while Jess, with her discerning palate, gave it a generous 5. The total cost was under $40, which we found reasonable. Highlights included the flavorful birria quesadilla and the refreshing jamaica. On the downside, the use of bagged chips, the quality of the rice and beans, and the presentation of the Diet Coke left room for improvement.
For York County residents who may not have extensive experience with authentic Mexican cuisine, Taqueria el Cabrito offers a satisfactory dining experience. However, for those with a more seasoned appreciation for Mexican flavors, it might fall short of expectations.
We encourage you to share your own dining experiences and food stories with us. Letās create a vibrant community where we celebrate the diverse culinary landscape of Hanover and beyond. Stay tuned for more adventures with Jess and me as we continue to explore and savor the flavors that our region has to offer.
