Technology & MSG

Gina’s Cantina Provides Warmth Amidst the Cold

Dec 6th, 2007 by Alex

We braved snowy roads and headed to Gina’s Cantina in celebration of Repeal Day last night. That’s not entirely true, but it was Wednesday and a few of us were up for being social.

Gina’s is located at the merging of General’s Highway and Veteran’s Highway, just south of Millersville. Most people who live in the area have driven past it countless times and thought “what a strange place for a restaurant,” oblivious to the fact that the parking lot is usually pretty full. Family-owned and operated by Gina and and her husband Jody, it attracts an eclectic mix of the working-class, business folks, and families alike. Once inside you’ll wonder how so many tables fit into such a small looking building, yet the layout isn’t cluttered and you won’t feel like the next table over is sitting in your lap. I don’t know how they did it, but it works nicely. Though smoking isn’t allowed at the tables, it is allowed at the bar; the place has a fairly open layout so I did leave with some mild smoky aromas attached, but nowhere near as bad as some bars.

There’s supposedly a secluded dining room in the back, but I haven’t had the opportunity to check it out. So pull up a lacquered picnic table and order some chicken or beef tacos, 2 for $2. These things are unbelievably simple and tasty. I had already eaten dinner but was tempted to order another round. My only complaint is that the ground beef taco came so hot that I nearly burned my tongue. Easily fixed with a mug of Blue Moon, but I’d still recommend waiting a few minutes after its served to take a bite. Their chili comes in an absurdly large bowl for $5.95; quite hearty looking, it is laced with Cuervo and my friends reported that it was excellent. Most of the menu can be had for $4-10, beers ranged from $2-4. Reading another review of the place I see that they have their own beer custom-brewed for them by Fordham. I’ll definitely have to try that the next time.

There weren’t too many people in presumably due to the weather, but service was impeccable. It’s a down to earth place. Much less pretentious than DTA or Federal Hill, I definitely intend to return to Gina’s. I can’t wait to sample more of their dinner menu.

Gina’s Cantina
722 General’s Highway
Millersville, MD 21108
(410) 923-TACO