Three restaurants to try during Hispanic Heritage Month in Cobb County 

Photos by Gabriela Henriquez Stoikow

By Gabriela Henriquez Stoikow. 

Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the cultures and contributions of people with Hispanic American Heritage. It’s a way to honor their achievements in the U.S. and in the world. 

The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover 30 days, according to the National Archives. In Cobb County, Hispanics or Latinos represent about 16 percent of the population, according to data from the U.S. Census. 

Though there are many ways to celebrate the diversity of Hispanic culture, one way you can embrace it is by trying out your local Hispanic restaurants in Cobb County. Here is a list of places you can try out during this month. 

Agavero Cantina – Austell 

If you’re looking to try a good Mexican restaurant, head to Agavero Cantina right by the East- West Connector. 

The owners, who are from Guadalajara and Guerrero, put together an extensive menu with dishes ranging from nachos, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and salads. There are also vegan options and complimentary chips and salsa. 

The Texas fajitas come with steak, chicken, and shrimp, and are served with peppers, onions, tomatoes, guacamole, rice, beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, and tortillas. It is a solid option, especially for the hungrier customers.  If you’re looking for a lighter option, but still trying to get some protein, the shrimp tacos –served with coleslaw and chipotle aioli- are a good choice. 

The restaurant has an outdoor seating area, which is perfect as the weather starts to cool down. 

Address: 1355 East-West Connector Ste 219, Austell, GA 30106

Bolivar Coffee 

A tribute to Colombia, Bolivar Coffee is a must-try coffee shop in Smyrna. They import the beans from farms in southwest Antioquia, Colombia. Order any of their coffee options to taste the smooth and nutty flavor of the beans and pair it with a Colombian breakfast or a sandwich. 

The bakery has traditional items such as alfajores, a traditional South American sandwich pastry made of two crumbly shortbread cookies filled with a generous amount of dulce de leche; obleas, two thin, crispy, round sweet wafer sandwiches filled with dulce de leche; and cassava bread (pandebono). 

From the moment you step into the shop, you can see the tributes to Colombia. Artists such as Karol G and Shakira are playing on the speakers in the background; there are miniature colonial houses made by artisans hanging on the walls as decorations, and plants are hanging from the ceiling, and the art pieces on the walls portray animals and plants as a homage to the Colombian fauna and flora. 

Founded in 2023, the coffee shop just opened a second location in Marietta. You can either stay in to enjoy the vibe or do takeout, which runs smoothly. 

Address: 4480 S Cobb Dr SE, Smyrna, GA 30080; and 1651 Powder Springs Rd SW #1, Marietta, GA 30064. 

Cylantros Venezuelan Cuisine Kennesaw

In a corner next to a Shell station in Kennesaw, you can find the restaurant Cylantros Venezuelan Cuisine. Though the outdoors may seem a bit informal, once you try the food, you’ll want to return and try out more items on their menu.

If you’re new to Venezuelan cuisine, you should try the Cylantros sampler, which is a dish that includes four mini arepas with four different fillings. Arepas are savory cornmeal patties that are a staple in Venezuelan homes. Also, an empanada and a tequeño (similar to a cheese finger) 

I’d also recommend trying the Cachapa, which is a sweet corn pancake filled with white cheese (I’d recommend queso de mano, not mozzarella), and optionally with a choice of meat. I’d be trying the soups on my next visit.

If you’re looking for something more like what the American palate is used to, they also offer tacos and bowls. The restaurant has been open for over a decade and welcomes customers from all backgrounds. About 65% of their customers are Americans, and they have a strong Central American customer base as well. 

Address: 3338 Cherokee St NW Ste C, Kennesaw, GA 30144