On May 5, a familiar name in Kingston’s food scene turned a new page with the opening of Las Camelias, a casual Mexican eatery serving Oaxacan breakfast and lunch staples at 342 Broadway. The space, formerly home to Sabor Latino, now hosts a warm, welcoming counter-service spot where the aroma of tamales, tacos, and freshly made salsas fills the air.
Las Camelias is the latest venture from Verónica Martínez, a beloved vendor at the Kingston Farmers’ Market and the Phoenicia Farmers’ Market, where she’s sold her signature tamales for over a decade. While her regulars know her for her consistent quality, the restaurant expands her offerings into new territory—from early morning chilaquiles ($12) and huevos rancheros ($12) to tacos ($5) filled with everything from cauliflower to achiote pork to chapulines, aka grasshoppers.
The menu is grounded in tradition but leaves room for play. Tamales ($5) come both classic and with unexpected twists, like cheese, crema, pico de gallo, or egg. Tortillas and sauces are made in-house, and there are vegetarian and vegan options throughout the menu. At lunch, memelitas ($6), tacos de nopal ($5), and rajas con crema ($6) round out the list, balancing bold spice with comfort.
The dining room is simple and inviting, making the restaurant feel like a natural extension of Martínez’s longtime presence at the markets. With Las Camelias, Midtown Kingston gains a new gathering place, one that builds on years of hard work, market mornings, and tamales made with care. And while Martínez continues to hold her booths at both the Kingston and Phoenicia farmers’ markets, this new chapter gives her food a permanent home on Broadway.
