Mexican Restaurant ‘Taco Mama Cantina’ Coming to Anthem House in Locust Point

Mexican restaurant Taco Mama Cantina is opening in the former Jazz & Soju space at 900 E. Fort Ave. at Anthem House in Locust Point. Taco Mama is a spinoff concept from the owners of Taco Daddy Cantina in Frederick and Taco Bravo in Timonium.

Neel Kamal is the managing partner of the restaurant group that also owns Brews & Barrels in Gaithersburg and Royal Tandoor in Gaithersburg and Frederick.

Kamal is an Indian chef who worked in Indian restaurants in India, Singapore, Europe, and Australia before moving to Maryland to work at Bombay Grill in Mount Vernon. He became friends with Mexican City-born chef Damian Portugez and the two began opening Mexican restaurants together.

El Salvadorian chef Mauricio Guevara will be running the kitchen at Taco Mama.

Kamal said they were approached by Anthem House as the leasing team was familiar with Taco Bravo. Kamal likes the location because he said it’s upscale with lots of housing nearby.

Taco Mama will have a traditional Mexican menu, but Kamal said there will be specials to incorporate Indian and El Salvadorian cuisine like chicken tikka tacos, tandoori chicken, chicken curry tacos, and pupusas.

The menu at Taco Mama will include tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, bowls, and fajitas. Meats and proteins will include chicken, carne asada, al pastor pork, lamb, shrimp, and vegetables with mushrooms.

The bar will offer a large selection of tequilas, margaritas, sangria, and Mexican beers, as well as additional Mexican drinks.

Kamal said the interior of the 2,310 sq. ft. space will have a funky vibe with colors such as yellow, green, and pink. The owners are currently waiting on furniture to arrive from Mexico.

Kamal said they are looking to create a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with mariachi bands.

Taco Mama will be open for lunch and dinner as well as brunch on weekends. It will also offer happy hour specials.

Taco Mama hopes to open in late May or early June.

About the Author: Kevin Lynch

Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.