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El Maya Reviews List
El Maya
Modern Mexican Cuisine. Don't forget your bottle of Tequila; we have fresh Margarita mix everyday.
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39 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 39 reviews
5 stars
(21)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(1)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(32)
- good for groups(27)
- fit for foodies(25)
- special occasion(6)
- hot spot(5)
- great for lunch(2)
El Maya Reviews List
Review 1 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Really fun. Remember to bring your own wine or Tequila for Margaritas. Different creative dishes. All taste delicious. Try the cactus dish that comes in a hot steamy pot. Presentation is amazing and cactus is actually tasty. The chocolate dessert was to die for. Can't wait to go back. Not much atmosphere. Wouldn't recommend if you want a night out on the won and a nice scene, but for a catch up with a fun group, you can create your own atmosphere with tasty, different food."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 2 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Everything Tastes the same
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were excited to try this BYOB in the neighborhood and unfortunately it fell flat. It seems they have one recipe and use this sauce as the base for every dish, no matter what you order. Not sure what it was, but it had a smokey component and was a red sauce. There was no variation. The guacamole was excellent. IT was creamy and they didnt fill the bowl half with lettuce as some places do. The cilantro rice was also very good. We wont be going back as we like variation in our meals."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 3 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Neighborhood Mexican
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Finally a Mexican restaurant that has very creative dishes that go beyond the typical tacos and refried beans! The tilapia special and Camarones Alpistachio (shrimp) were uniquely flavored and very artistically plated. The guacamole is made to order and we were able to tailor make it to our preference. The pineapple upside cake is very unique with a light custard bed. Excellent and will be back! The service was really warm and friendly...they really cared a lot about our experience. We will be back...."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
fun dinner spot in the neighborhood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food menu is small but everything we tried was very tasty and the servings were solid. Ambiance is cheerful, though the music is too loud at times. Good, attentive service on a slow Sat. night. We agreed we definitely will return. Diners looking for typical Mexican taqueria food won't find most of what they're seeking here - no burritos, tacos, etc, - so check out the menu online first. Loved my meal."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"El Maya's high ceilings and vibrant art work and walls set the stage for this Mexican Restaurant. The fresh guacamole can be customized for spice, and is delicious. The Pechuga de Puebla, was divine, the chicken cooked perfectly was complimented by the poblano sauce. The potatoes were creamy and rich and the vegetables flavorful. The Molcajete (reminiscent of fajitas) served up in rustic pig shaped dish was delicious in both the chicken and steak preparations. Dessert was a chocolate corn confection served up in a corn husk, reminiscent of a lava cake or pudding- it was perfect for sharing. Portion sizes are generous, so be sure to leave room for dessert. El Maya is BYOB and offers Virgin Sangria and Margaritas for mixing."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The menu is full of unique
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The menu is full of unique offerings."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was fantastic. Fun
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was fantastic. Fun byob with tequila. Margaritas were very good. Great prices too."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 8 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I thought the food was terrific
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I thought the food was terrific -- original, authentic yet innovative. We brought a bottle of tequila and they made a great pitcher of margaritas with it. And the staff took good care of us. It was really a lot of fun."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The decor leaves some to be
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The decor leaves some to be desired, but the food was great. BYOB was the kicker. Overall, I really enjoyed it."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was excellent and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent and service was very pleasant. We will be going back!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was very, very loud. We
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was very, very loud. We had a 7 pm reservation and at 7:45 pm people were still dragging their children in -- shouldn't they be in bed by then? After that, it was just loud adults but I believe that this could be due to acoustics. Not all of the tables were full, but the floor is concrete and it was hard to hear the person across from you.
Regarding the food, it was delicious."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had a great time with friends
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a great time with friends there on Saturday night! "How about that dinner" was what we all kept saying to each other the next day. Inventive surprising dishes that leave me looking forward to my next visit. Check this place out. It's a great find!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic find. The food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic find. The food was wonderful. Very original menu and well prepared."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great BYOB. Upscale Mexican,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great BYOB. Upscale Mexican, with great speacials and wonderful service!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Northside Mexican Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and service here were truly outstanding. I'm a vegetarian, and there was nothing on the menu that didn't include some type of meat, so I was initially very worried, but our server said it would be no problem for the chef to put together something I would like. The veggie enchiladas he prepared were some of the best I have ever had. My partner got a chicken dish that he raved about as well. Definitely will be back soon..."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
El Maya - the hidden gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place is a hidden gem! I made last minute reservations for 8 people and this place exceeded all of our expectations! the service was excellent and every dish including our appetizers was delicious! The restaurant was not very busy but do not let this fool you! It actually made our experience even more enjoyable. The restaurant margarita mix was great! I recommend the queso fundido - which is not traditional compared to other restaurants. I also recommend the salmon del sol and the molcajete! We were talking about coming back to eat at el maya before our meal was even finished!!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Seriously check it out
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had my birthday dinner here with a group of 6. Everyone ordered something different and every dish was amazing.. The service was excellent. Would be great for a date spot or group setting! or even a simple food adventure with friends. price is very reasonable for thr quality of food and service! Amazing!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was outstanding. What
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was outstanding. What a great find! Everything was great!
Is a BYOB, however, liquor store right on corner. No worries if you need a drink!"
Is a BYOB, however, liquor store right on corner. No worries if you need a drink!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 19 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
El Maya is a great little
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"El Maya is a great little find! The ambiance is colorful and cute, and the service is very good. The food is upscale Mexican but not too pricey. I highly recommend the scallop appetizer. We all had different entrees and everyone was happy. There were some very noisy women next to us but that wasn't the restaurant's fault. We will definitely go back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 20 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Real Deal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Just awesome. Service, food and ambience were incredible. This place is going to be a big deal soon."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 21 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love mexican food.. This
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love mexican food.. This is really good food.. A bit pricey.. the waitwr accentally charged us twice but the owner himself made sure to give us a call and fix everything.. Its a little different from traditional mexican.. But VERY GOOD!.. Order anything and you wont be let down.. I recommend the molcajete.. Enjoy!.."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 22 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This place has heart and soul
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place has heart and soul Great Mexican food, BYOB, and caring service. We love it! And recent remodel is nice."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent, gourmet Mexican.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent, gourmet Mexican. BYOB."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun modern Mexican
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first visit to El Maya was great. The service was friendly and attentive. The menu was definitely not your standard Mexican, but had great familiar flavors and concepts modernized and made upscale.
My only complaint would be that our OpenTable reservation was not on the books. Luckily, it was not too busy and we were seated immediately, but it might be worth calling to confirm on a busy night.
We had the Queso Fundido, which was yummy but very non-traditional. I had a beef special that was cooked perfectly.
There was a very large party there at the same time we were, and noise really carries in the space, but on another night I think it would have been a quieter atmosphere."
My only complaint would be that our OpenTable reservation was not on the books. Luckily, it was not too busy and we were seated immediately, but it might be worth calling to confirm on a busy night.
We had the Queso Fundido, which was yummy but very non-traditional. I had a beef special that was cooked perfectly.
There was a very large party there at the same time we were, and noise really carries in the space, but on another night I think it would have been a quieter atmosphere."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A friend and I visited on
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A friend and I visited on a Friday night and the food was very good-fresh, hot, with a beautiful presentation. Service was very attentive, but not overwhelming and it's BYO! We brought some tequila and they mix it with their fresh margarita mix-excellent!
Definitely give it a try!"
Definitely give it a try!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for El Maya
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Neighborhood Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We thought the food was very original and the atmosphere was fun. We will definitely return soon. We had the special appetizer of mussles in a red sauce. I also enjoyed the salmon entree. It is great to have another BYOB gourmet Mexican resaurant in the neighborhood."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for El Maya
Based on the average of (13) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic