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Name: El Maya
Address: 1522 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613
Telephone: (773) 878-1882
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.44

El Maya

1522 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613

(773) 878-1882
Store is closed

El Maya Menu

Entradas

Guacamole Fresco

Pulpo Yucateco

Empanada Caseras

Queso Fundido

Ceviche Del Dia

Albondigas

Guacamole Fresco

Pulpo Yucateco

Empanada Caseras

Queso Fundido

Ceviche Del Dia

Albondigas
Platos Fuertes

Piramide

Carne Asada

Salmon Del Sol

Envuelto

Molcajete

Puc Chuc

Pollo Oaxaqueno

Camarones Alpistachio

Pechuga De Puebla

Enchiladas

Piramide

Carne Asada

Salmon Del Sol

Envuelto

Molcajete

Puc Chuc

Pollo Oaxaqueno

Camarones Alpistachio

Pechuga De Puebla

Enchiladas
Beverages

Sodas

Virgin Margaritas

Virgin Sangrias

Sodas

Virgin Margaritas

Virgin Sangrias

Healthy Meal suggestions for El Maya

Entradas

Guacamole Fresco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulpo Yucateco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanada Caseras [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Queso Fundido [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceviche Del Dia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Albondigas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole Fresco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulpo Yucateco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanada Caseras [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Queso Fundido [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceviche Del Dia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Albondigas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Platos Fuertes

Piramide [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carne Asada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Del Sol [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Envuelto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Molcajete [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Puc Chuc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Oaxaqueno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones Alpistachio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pechuga De Puebla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Piramide [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carne Asada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Del Sol [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Envuelto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Molcajete [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Puc Chuc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Oaxaqueno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones Alpistachio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pechuga De Puebla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beverages

Sodas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Virgin Margaritas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Virgin Sangrias [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sodas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Virgin Margaritas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Virgin Sangrias [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Theresa V.

So I was so excited to try this restaurant out because my brother kept raving about how amazing it was. I came here with my parents and immediately was disappointed by the free chips and salsa that was brought out to us. The chips were stale and the salsa was literally canned tomato sauce with like 100 garlic cloves blended in it. Then, we ordered the ceviche, which was so disappointing. The flavor of the spices was so overbearing, it completely masked the flavor of the shrimp. For my main dish I ordered the steaming molcajete, which was literally all onion and two little pieces of steak thrown in the mix. For dessert, I ordered my parents the chocolate tamal, this wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. The texture was like sand in your mouth but the flavor was good. I would suggest skipping this place and trying some other Mexican restaurant in the city. Completely NOT impressed by this place.
(2)
Matthew S.

Bring a bottle of tequila and they will make your margarita or paloma pitcher for you. This is probably enough to earn 5 stars, but I wanted to see if the food was good too. I am happy to report that El Maya has great food to back up their wonderful BYOB policy. We showed up 30 minutes before the restaurant opened (unbeknownst to us) and they were happy to bring us in anyway. A+ service. We had a very large party (15+) dining at El Maya and they were happy to accommodate us. The menu is not overwhelming which is usually an indicator of good food to come. We ordered the queso fundido and guacamole to start and both were fantastic. The queso fundido was made with cilantro and topped with a tiny scoop of goat cheese which was wonderful. I split my entree with my GF and we ordered the Pollo Oaxaqueno. The chicken was just right and the mole sauce was sweet and smokey. Even the garnish of a fried plantain with crema was delicious. The food is well thought out and it is clear that the chef has dedicated himself/herself to the cuisine of the region without making the environment stuffy or unappealing. It is really a wonderful restaurant for any occasion from those celebrating a life event to those grabbing a bite in the neighborhood. This restaurant is gem in the northside neighborhoods which provides a wonderful, authentic taste of Mexico outside of Little Village.
(5)
LB D.

Best kept secret in Ravenswood / Lincoln Square! (You'll never go to Garcia's again.) Fresh delicious food - we are picky about restaurants and have been here at least 20 times and never been disappointed! Must try the homemade guac, pesto rice, and chocolate cornmeal dessert. Great vibe, almost always can accommodate large groups, and BYOB is unbeatable.
(5)
Richard O.

This restaurant is amazing! The service is always great and the staff always make sure you have everything you need (jimmy is the man!). We live in the area and it is our go-to place without fail. The specials are very interesting but we stick to either Carne asada, pechuga de puebla, piramide or the envuelto. I've never known a restaurant to consistently have so much flavor in every dish and the steaks are cooked perfectly. The queso fundido is an incredible appetizer with goat cheese, it's BYOB with NO corking fee. We could not recommend El Maya enough!
(5)
Kelly O.

Yep! This place is great! We had dinner here over the weekend. Definitely get the chorizo meatball appetizer... it was to die for! The guacamole was super fresh and house-made. Service was great, too. We liked everything that we ordered. It's BYOB so we went next door to get some tequila and they made us pitchers. I would definitely return. Also, the price is super fair.
(4)
Sabrina F.

I wanted to like this place more than I did. It's good but not great. It's nice that you can take tequila for margaritas. I got some kind of shrimp special that was very good, my date got some form of fancy steak fajitas. His was good, mine was better. The guac, which we shared, was good but not great. The space is a bit cavernous. There weren't many people there when we were there. It is not a homey space. Probably would be good for a birthday party or such like (i.e. if you wanted to do a dinner for 8 people or something like that). I'd give this 3.5 stars if I could. Not worth going out of your way for, in my estimation (which I did), but totally serviceable in the neighborhood.
(3)
Brian K.

Almost didn't come here when another reviewer ("elite", I know, grain of salt) wrote a rather scathing description of the chips and salsa. Now when it comes to Latin American cuisine, especially Mexican, the chips are the opening act and should set the tone for the rest of your experience, food-wise. The other reviewer went in with the wrong expectations, and didn't allow herself the openness required to be pleasantly surprised by the chef's interpretations. What I found was the chips were high quality; crunchy, not salty, kind of like the El Milagro brand, and certainly not for everyone. Some people like greasy, salty chips and that's OK. The salsa was subtle. It needed a little salt, which I added, and had just enough spiciness to where I wasn't guzzling water after every dip. I wound up eating a lot of it and asking for more. Was it the best I've had? No. But that subtleness in flavor became a theme, and was expressed in every dish we ordered. Service was good, but not outstanding. Prices were a tad high, but justifiable. I highly recommend the carne asada. I personally ordered the molcajete, which was very good, but I kept thinking "these are basically expensive steak fajitas", and found myself wanting sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes to go along with it. I put the salsa on it, and that seemed to complete the dish a bit. By the end, the experience was memorable. Do I like louder dishes? Yes. But I like the quality and consistency here, so I'll for sure be back.
(4)
Katie S.

Fasten your seat belts kids. This place was amazing!!! I came here on a Friday night with 3 of my friends. I had driven by it many times, but never gave it much mind. It was recommended to me by my realtor. The restaurant wasn't very busy at all which was a plus. It's BYOB. You can bring your own tequila and they will use their virgin margarita mix and make you pitchers of margs. Idk what their mix is but it was delicious!!! Our waiter had the perfect ratio of tequila to mix. I definitely got pretty tipsy without realizing it. As a vegetarian, I was nervous about the menu because it has mostly meat items. However, I asked the waiter what he recommended. He suggested the enchiladas minus the meat which is what I ordered. The enchiladas were delicious! We also ordered guacamole which was good because obv guac is amazing. Overall, great food, great BYOB, and not crowded!
(5)
Stephanie H.

Oh how I've missed perfectly cooked baby octopus that isn't rubbery and flavorless. The guacamole was delicious and we devoured the carne asada. And bonus points for being BYOB with a liquor store located conveniently down the block!
(5)
Brian M.

The appetizers were all amazing. On the entree, I should have gotten the chicken molcajete -- that ended up looking incredible. I thought my entree (the chicken oaxacana) was pretty good but not worth driving 45 minutes for. All in all, this was a very good experience, but for something more extraordinary/memorable (at a similar price or cheaper), I'd recommend Libertad and Xoco first. Those are ALWAYS worth the drive. UPDATE: Several members of my party attributed my less-than-stellar experience to a poor entree selection and note that I would have had a 5 star experience if I had picked something more interesting. Fair enough! The other entrees DID look ****ing incredible.
(5)
Angela C.

The bf and I came here on Tuesday night to use a Groupon. Initially we were the only ones dining, but towards the end of our meal two other people came in the restaurant. I'm astounded that this place isn't more popular, because we had a great meal and great service, and we'll definitely be back! We had the following dishes, which were all delicious: -Pulpo Yucateco: octopus and potatoes in a smoky red sauce, served with toast -Molcajete: skirt steak, cactus, green onion, and molcajete salsa served in a hot stone bowl with tortillas and black beans on the side -Enchiladas: 3 tortillas stuffed full of moist chicken served with 3 sauces (green salsa, red salsa, and mole) -Torta de queso: ricotta-based cheesecake with ice cream and fruity sauces. Surprisingly, this cheesecake was more like regular cake (light and fluffy) rather than like NY-style cheesecake (dense and creamy). Appetizers are $7-9. Main dishes are $15-20. Desserts are $6-8. This place is BYOB. You can bring your own tequila to add to their virgin margarita mix. The restaurant has a warm ambiance with its brightly colored interior. Further, there's enough space between tables so it doesn't feel too crowded or hard to navigate.
(5)
Dick L.

This place is great and does not get enough love, perhaps because of its location. We have dined here several times and have always been satisfied with the entrees. Their dishes are filled with subtle flavor and are not overly heavy in the way most neighborhood Mexican places do. Highly recommend the pyramides and the carne asada. It is BYOB and there is a liquor store 2 doors down the street.
(5)
Michael A.

Found this place on Yelp. I LOVE BYOB places. Super easy to get a reservation. The service was very good. Always attentive without smothering. They just seemed to have the right idea when to hit you up. The Guac and Queso were OUTSTANDING. So I had to be brave and I tried the house specialty. The Molcajete. AMAZING. I will go back for this dish alone. You really need to try this. Both my friend and I had the same great reaction and the rest of our group was jealous they didnt order it. Plenty of good choices to be had. Not an overwhelming menu. Everything is done well. I will be sure to hit this place up again. The price is right, the ambiance it solid and the service was wonderful.
(5)
Taylor H.

So, I'm leaving Chicago next month and am so sad that I missed out on this place for so long. Have been here twice now, and both times, every single thing that I ordered has been amazing, and the service is top notch. Highly recommend.
(5)
Rebeca M.

Ok. So let's start off by saying I was quite disappointed with our experience here. My roommate made reservations and raved about how great the reviews were so clearly I was excited!!! Being a fellow Latina, I love Mexican restaurants .. LOVE. So, this restaurant was cute, clean but very very uncomfortably warm, it was in the high 80s out and the inside didn't feel much different. It is BYOB so we did bring a huge handle of tequila for some margaritas (which were delicious) . They started us off with chips and salsa which was very flavorful until I found a long black hair in our salsa, our server was kind enough to bring us a new one (still kind of a turn off). we ordered the queso and guac for starters (yum!) hence the 3 stars. I ordered the special (camarones en tamarindo) which came highly recommended by the server ... I honestly didn't care for this plate. It was bland, and such a small portion. The sauce was watery and didn't taste anything like the server described .. My roommate ordered the pistachio shrimp, those had a better flavor.. Other friend ordered the lomo. He didn't rave about it either .. Overall the experience was good. But the food was mediocre.. I will only return for apps and margaritas if that.
(3)
Natalia K.

Came here on a Tuesday night with two friends and a groupon. The place was completely empty. And it stayed that way until close. Weird. The restaurant is cute and colorful. And the waiter was super nice and gave us a liquor store suggestion because we didn't know it was BYOB and we wanted margaritas. The pitcher of virgin margarita was quite good, and even better when we added the tequila. The chips and salsa at the beginning wasn't my favorite. The salsa was cold. And there were hardly any chips in the bowl. This is one of the first times we had to ask for more chips for just the salsa. We decided to split two entrees, the chicken enchiladas and the carne asada. Luckily, the enchiladas came in three and all things on the carne asada plate came in threes as well. I think they may have done so just for our table and it was much appreciated. My steak was just ok. my enchilada was just ok. The potato on the steak plate was just ok. Overall, everything was ok. No regrets, but no desire to return either.
(3)
Jez E.

Good food, and they know how to keep you safe if you need to eat gluten-free.
(4)
Zachary R.

Great atmosphere, great service and great food. One of the best BYOB's. The guacamole was amazing. The virgin margarita mix was great with the tequila we brought. We both had the Piramide chicken plate. Presentation and taste were great. Super filling. Other diners food that came out looked equally as delicious. Not very crowded for a Saturday night. Definitely will be back!
(5)
David P.

Wow fellow Yelpers, you got this one wrong! I had dinner here last night with my girl and we were both very disappointed. We made a reservation, thinking it would be crowded, based on the reviews we read. When we got to the restaurant, for a 6:30 pm reservation, we were the only table there. The waiter/host was nice. We love BYOB, so we had brought a nice bottle of wine. Unfortunately, the wine was the best part of the evening. We started with the daily ceviche, which was a shrimp version. It was very bland and the shrimp was way over cooked, and the onions and lime etc. was old. I'm thinking it had to be at least a day or two old; yes, that bad. I had the shrimp with pistachio mole and sweet rice. Again, very bland and boring flavors. The rice was okay, but the shrimp were very small and the sauce was lacking flavor. Also, very small portion, leaving me hungry and unsatisfied. My girl ordered the Molcajetes with skirt steak. It came in a hot stone pot, but the steak was pre-cooked and ice cold in the middle of the dish. Who pre-cooks steak? After talking further with the waiter, it seems pretty clear they are struggling to make it. Busy on the weekends, but no business during the week. Over priced bad Mexican, bummer. I give this place less than a year, it's not going to make it, Sorry my fellow Yelpers, you're wrong on this one!
(2)
Jacob J.

Outstanding Mexican food, you should be thoroughly pleased with whatever you order. If only they served booze, I'd trust them to prepare some awesome margaritas or sangria but alas, it's BYOB. (Liquor stores are a stones throw from their front door.) I was drawn here by circumstance. My woman said "we haven't done Mexican food yet.. how about.." In the time, I pulled out my Nexus and asked for a "highly rated" recommendation that was nearby. This was one of the results and we committed. Food is pricey, ie. the average entree is about $20 dollars and most appetizers are in a range of $7-8 dollars. They state that food is made fresh daily and it arrived pretty quickly. We opted to stick with the chips and salsa till our dinner hit the table. She got the Piramide, which we were told is like a Mexican version of lasagna and I got a molcajete with steak. Molcajete is that dish you want to order if wanting to show off a little bit to your guests or adjacent tables. Typically (in my experience) it's a hot lava stone bowl which contains a tasty & spicy gravy mixed with an assortment of proteins and a couple grilled veggies. Here, it's served with "un" protein and accompanied with onions, cilantro, grilled cactus and chihuahua cheese. It was okay but not special enough for me to order again. The steak was soft and thinly cut and the portion of meat to veggie could have been greater for the cost. (I've had this in other areas of the country with 4+ proteins and veggies for the same cost.) (If you like hot sauce, request for a sample of their homemade stuff. It is SPICY, but ever so tasty. I just started perspiring thinking of it. JAJA!) If I'd gotten a do over, I'd of traded my molcajete for another piramide. That was some excelente Mexican lasagna! We're looking forward to the next occasion when we can share the experience with a group for shared plates.
(5)
Susie N.

What a great find! Another couple found this place that's nestled about halfway between us, and the 4 of us went here for dinner last Friday. The guacamole was amazing, and their salsa is wonderful as well. It's BYOB, so we brought a huge (I mean Costco huge) bottle of tequila, and their margarita mix is outstanding to blend with whatever tequila you bring. Seriously. The owner was our waiter (which we didn't know until later) and he had fun with us throughout the service. You can tell this is a nice, family-run restaurant. We were there for over 3 hours having a great time, talking amongst ourselves, and talking with the owners and they never rushed us through any part of the meal (we eventually asked when they close so we didn't keep them later than necessary). The atmosphere is quaint and the food is great! We ordered 3 pitchers of margaritas (!), guacamole, two entrees, and two desserts, and the total was about $55 per couple. I have no complaints- except the tequila hangover the next day, which was totally our fault, but worth it ;)
(5)
Francesc B.

Friday night 7:30 pm place is empty, kind of weird Place looks very good, service is attentive, and food creative, but it looks better than it tastes this is a fancy Mexican restaurant great to take your date out $70 for 2 people one app and 2 entres with a pitch of virgin margarita, pricey didn't order dessert because they were very expensive and we were full 3.5 stars
(4)
L H.

I love this place! I've been here many times. Go to the liquor store next door first for some coronas and then treat yourself to some of El Maya's amazing guac. Yum! I also recommend the pollo oaxaqueno. And might I add the service is great here, too.
(5)
Georgia K.

Phenomenal. Delicious. Definitely not your typical Mexican joint. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience. From the flawless service (my water glass never neared empty- this scores major points with me!)... to the colorful, bright interior... and the delicious food... and the reasonable prices- hello, BYOB... El Maya is a WIN. The ceviche del dia was decent, but the entrees were really where it was at. The envuelto steak was heavenly and melted in your mouth, and the pork was wonderful too. I recommend the flan for dessert- it was lip-smacking good. I can't wait to return and try some of the other dishes. Drafting this review is making my mouth water. I need to get some El Maya stat.
(5)
Ashley G.

This is my friend's favorite place in the world. I've been three times, and I always come away happy and full. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. The food has an inspired array of unexpected, but delicious flavors.
(5)
Christian M.

Overall, I had a great with my party this evening. The wait staff was very friendly and very accommodating. The food was amazing and the BYOB option is great. I would not have pictured visiting this local restaurant if I had not found it first on yelp and I am glad I did. This is a must try spot if you're looking for mexican food with their own flavor.
(5)
Christina R.

This is the #1 Mexican food destination in Chicago for my wife and I. Bring your own tequila for THE best margaritas ever. Pair that with the delicious queso fondito made with goat cheese and set your sails for a Mexican oasis is Chicago's cold winter months. Yum is all I have to say.
(5)
Christy L.

My girlfriends and I headed to El Maya on a Friday night after reading great reviews on Yelp, and it did not disappoint! The food was tasty and fresh, and the service was great! We sat and chatted for hours on a Friday night, and they did rush us out. We started by sharing the guacamole, ordered spicy. It could have been a bit spicier, but admittedly it takes a lot of kick for me to taste heat. The chips were fresh and appropriately salty. My friends both ordered the Piramide, which is described as being served over a mole poblano sauce. Neither friend particularly cares for mole so before ordering they asked to taste the sauce to make sure it wouldn't ruin the dish for them. They both loved the sauce and said the mole flavor didn't dominate. I had the Molacate with steak. It was served sizzling hot and super tasty. My friends ordered desserts; the Flan and Chocolate Tamale. I tasted both but wasn't wowed; I'm not a dessert person, however. They both enjoyed their desserts. El Maya is BYOB so be sure to bring drinks. They'll mix a pitcher of margaritas for $11 so bring some tequilla, or check out the liquor store next door...
(5)
Holly B.

Great local spot. Wonderful service. We LOVED the queso - it's green and a mix of mexican and goat cheese. I had the skirt stake, Interesting (in a good way) sauce. Next time I would order it with extra mushrooms and well done - crispy on the outside. I'm also a BIG fan of their enchiladas. They use three different sauces, green, red and mole. Triple yummy!
(5)
Udayan D.

This is one of our favorite places. It has a unique menu and has some wonderful entrees. (We are still working through the list, but its hard because we keep falling back towards our favorites from before.) Great staff. MUST TRY ONE OF THE AZTEC STONE BOWL STEWS (with melted cheese!)! The Molcajetes! BYOB. Also, a word of advice (based on one or two of the negative reviews): when at an exotic place, order exotic. I haven't tried their enchiladas and have no intention of ever doing so. (So yes, I contradict myself as far as going through the list is concerned.)
(5)
Pauline T.

My husband and I are regulars st this place. We dine here, at least ones every month and bring guest over from out of town, whom with out fail, are always impressed by the food. It's affordable and are just wonderfully presented and very tasty. I believe in dining with your eyes first, then the texture and taste comes next. The place itself is nothing special, clean and colorful decor, given the ethnic preference in the dishes served, but the food itself is why we keep coming back. It's s husband and wife team with only one other waitress, and the service can be slow when the place is packed. However, you see that they really try to make amends when it does happen. We get a free dessert and the owner apologizes so profusely, I feel bad for him. We keep going back because at the end of the day, we just want poor service to be acknowledged when it does happen, and we are assured of a great meal, without breaking our budgets.
(5)
Omar A.

Went here for Valentines Day dinner. I liked the decorations but it was pretty loud in there that night. I got el piramide I think it was called. It was kind of like a Mexican version of lasangna I'd say. Shredded chicken and chihuahua cheese in between a few layers of tortillas. The food was delicious and it was very affordable. BYOB which I think is always a plus. Very friendly and attentive staff as well. I'll be back!
(4)
Kimberly B.

After a year, I still have nothing but good things to say about El Maya. In fact, it feels like they are up-ing their game lately with the specials. Today was a deboned red snapper in mole and it was probably the best first I've ever had. I'm originally from the coast. I know fish. It was some flat out fantastic fish. Also, if you have some time at the end of the meal, the coffee is fantastic. It takes a bit for them to make it (yes, they make your cup fresh). It's a little bit orange-y and sweet and just some of the most relaxing, perfect, well done coffee I have ever had. Such a little treat to end the meal. Sam says it is some damn fine coffee.
(5)
Sarah D.

How is El Maya not jam-packed all the time? I was here on a Thursday night and, over the course of 2 1/2 hours, saw only two other tables seated. Although our waiter seemed like maybe he wasn't quite sober, he got our order right and the food and service were outstanding. The guac was clearly made to order, and delicious, and the chips were still warm from the fryer. The entrees were excellent, and the chocolate tamale desert was amazing. I'll definitely go back!
(5)
Judy B.

Love this restaurant!! The service is personal and polished! They remember you when you return - The food is glorious and they surprised me with a birthday dessert that was a work of art. This and BYOB - FANTASTIC!!! I had the steak the last time - and the layers of flavor were perfection. Just park on Ashland - It's great! This was my third visit - Will go again -
(5)
Danny W.

I really did want to like this place, but really, everything went wrong tonight. I'm not in the habit of writing really long 1-star reviews, so I'll make this short and sweet: Food: everything sucked. No seriously, it really just wasn't good. The queso fundido tasted like nachos from Wrigley's (except with fancy toasted bread hunks), and the ceviche just did not work at all. The octopus was fine, but honestly was mostly potato in a tomato sauce. Service: mediocre. Also, there were three massive parties there screaming and doing shots, and the management did nothing to a) stop them from ruining our already bad meal and b) didn't make any offers at comping a dessert even given the true horrendous conditions. Maybe we'll try again later, although this place could just be heading down hill. Sad.
(1)
Katie S.

Delicious! So glad I finally tried El Maya. The guacamole was tasty and prepared fresh to order. Great BYOB spot! I ordered the molcajete with steak and the presentation was awesome and the dish was perfect. Like that they cooked the steak exactly medium rare as requested as I hate when steak gets overcooked. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Eduardo S.

Went there again last night. Amazing margaritas mix (virgin, byo tequila), guacamole and excellent pyramide. Very reasonable prices too.
(5)
Marcos L.

I don't want to be mean, but I'll throw this in as a kind of corrective to all the breathless reviews. This is basically another entry in the sorta-fancy Mexican place derby, where they have more or less the same sort of things most Mexican places have only with fancy names/presentation (e.g. the Molcajete, which is fajitas in a stone bowl) and fancy ingredients (e.g. nopal, achiote). The food is fine, though it costs nearly double what it would be in any decent Mexican place that's not trying to appeal to the hip aspiring-foodie crowd, and is certainly no better. Upsides: The people seem nice and they are trying. The food is, as mentioned, fine, if rather bland. This apparently appeals to the masses (I give you the example of That Little Mexican Cafe, a perennially popular place which serves the most insipid Mexican food you've ever had.) BYOB is good. Downsides: The table salsa is almost flavorless, and of course they don't have Cholula or anything that you might use to spice it up. To me, the table salsa is the canary in the coal mine in a Mexican restaurant. And this canary was not singing very loud. The service is intrusive to the point of being truly annoying. I mean, every 30 seconds with the filling water glasses and wine glasses and asking how everything is and Is everything OK?, and Can I get you anything else? and taking away plates, etc. To top it off, the floor manager (maybe owner?) comes by and repeats what the waitress and busboy have already done 10 seconds behind them. I mean, you could barely get a sentence of conversation out without being interrupted, over and over and over. At one point my partner actually had her fork on her plate, picking up some food to eat therefrom, and the waitress came and said, Are you finished with that plate? It was truly amazing. (And then, when she was in fact finished, they left the plate there for 10 minutes.) It's a small place, folks, keep an eye on your tables and if people need anything, they'll let you know. After a while, you might get good at spotting it yourself. Constant interruptions and lightning-fast plate-removal do NOT equal good service! Low-key and attentive is your goal. The noise is pretty intense. There are no soft surfaces anywhere to baffle the sound, so it's very echo-y, and they play (spicy latin) music louder than it needs to be from a couple very crappy little speakers, which adds to the din. So then people start shouting at each other and before long it sounds like you're sitting in the bleachers at Wrigley field. So... The good news is, the downsides are all things that can be easily fixed. The floor manager could back off and let her servers do their jobs. The servers could ratchet it down a little. They could hang up some sound-baffling curtains or put up some sort of echo-reduction artwork or something. And they could turn down the music a little and/or get better speakers. They could add some chiles to their salsa. And then, the place would be worth going back to. It's the little things...
(2)
KW K.

I continue to love this place! It is in my neighborhood and is my go to when someone is in town, for girls dinner or a date. Jimmy, the owner is so friendly and nice, and the food is always excellent! I can't wait until the patio opens!! Ole!
(5)
Ann R.

Ventured back to El Maya on a Friday around 6:30 and by the time I left, the place was hopping. Maybe make a little ruckus if you walk in early so staff in the back greet you? Either way, the food is phenomenal. The molcajetes come in their own cauldrons of sorts. Love it.
(4)
Anuj S.

Our visit to El Maya started out amazing. Didn't end up being as amazing as it started, but it was good. It's a small place, and we were lucky to find reservations on a Friday night. The service was great. More than great. Our server was pretty awesome and patient with us. So the salsa we started with was amazing. Really good. Chips were OK. Then we ordered some guacamole and that was also great. Nice level of spice for medium guac and it had plenty of flavor, with lime and all. Then the enchiladas... well, they have limited vegetarian options. Really, the only thing on the menu is the cheese enchiladas. They were good. You get three enchiladas, one with each kind of sauce, red, green, and mole. I must not have read the menu carefully enough, because none of us are fans mole and I would've requested something else. Still, it was one of the less bad moles I've had. Not as bitter as the norm. The red sauce was OK and the green was a bit too tangy. Overall, the enchiladas were good. Then for variety, we asked to get some veggie tacos. Not on the menu, and that's probably where the issue was. We ended up getting two tortillas with just beans and a bit of cheese in them. I figured they'd have everything else like lettuce, tomato, onion, etc. The main issue for me was the beans were that great. No enough flavor... definitely on the bland side. So overall, I liked El Maya. I think the service and all is what differentiated it compared to other places. The appetizers/snacks were great, and the food was OK. I'm sure some of their non-veggie items are amazing for the rest of you and worth trying. I recommend giving El Maya a try.
(4)
Roxanne A.

My visit here would've been 5 stars if not for the service halfway through. The Queso fundido was really good with the crostinis and garlic based cheese dip. My date and I also split an entree the Pechuga de Puebla, a chicken dish with green sauce and garlic potato mash. It was when the entree was delivered where this visit ran into issues. I was in the middle of eating the Queso fundido on the bread over my plate directly in front of me when the burning hot plate was pushed in front of me and essentially into my hand. It also didnt help that the server was saying the plate was hot as the entree was shoved in front of me forcing me mid bite to try to move my appetizer plate to the side. My date had nothing in front of him yet this hot entree plate was placed onto the limited table real estate on my side. It totally made me not want to come back. That being said, the food was good and the chocolate tamale was fine. The chocolate corn meal dessert was reminiscent of the Culinary Circle microwaveable chocolate lava cakes that you can buy at Jewel. Also, there were just too many decorative sauces framing the dessert. It made for a pretty tableau, but the mix of caramel, cream, and berry based sauces which may contain alcohol made for a overly complex bite. Splitting an appetizer, entree, and dessert between two people provides just the right amount of food. I was just really turned off by the service and resulting burning of my hand. I'll probably not be back due to compounding of errors during the entree service (in the middle of a bite, burning hot plate, and no space to put down said plate).
(3)
Faith R.

Went for a birthday for a friend with a group of people. We were the only ones there... Which at first I was like I dunno about this place. But oh my god was it so so so so good! The wait staff was great and one was cute lol food was so good my fav was the chocolate tamale!!!
(5)
Nicole A.

I wanted to love this place. It's ok. Everyone has their own Mexican food tastes. This is Mayan/Yucatan style food, not Baja/Tijuana style food. If you like the former, this is a great place for you. We (as California natives) love the latter, however. Some hits, some misses. We loved the Queso Fundido - best dish of the night. The Carne Asada and grilled chicken dish was good, the Enchiladas were not. We tasted the Mole sauce and it was rather sweet - so we opted not to get any dish with it. The chocolate tamale dessert was interesting and yummy. This place is BYOB and they will mix margaritas for you. However, the margarita mix is VERY sweet. Too sweet for our taste. Service was fine. Again, Mayan food just isn't our thing. If it's yours, you'll like this place.
(3)
Barbara R.

We had the crab stuffed salmon del sol, and the evening special, a whitefish filet served over uniquely prepared vegetables. The sauces and condiments on both dishes presented a fantastic combination of flavors. We kept trading plates back and forth, so good, it didn't leave room for desert. We had plate envy. I wanted the Mocajete and the Puc Chuc that the people at he next table ordered. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jared P.

The weird chocolate cake thing inside of corn leaves was good. Everything else was solid and they'll make you margaritas if you BYOB!
(4)
Kimothee Z.

Delicious. Unexpected menu with gorgeous presentation.Don't go here expecting tacos and burritos. This is a unique take that is simply delicious. It's byob and the chocolate tamale is amazing.
(5)
Erin G.

The mixed molcajete is amazing. I love the guacamole, too, and the fact that it's byob. Very personal service; the staff is eager to help and make sure your experience is great.
(5)
Natasha M.

We have been here three times this year. I did a search on Yelp for good Mexican and found this gem. The wait staff was wonderful. They of course have BYOB; we brought tequila and ordered a pitcher of margaritas. The server mixed a perfect batch for us! EVERYTHING we ordered was amazing. We had the empanadas to start. The Molcajete was one of the best meals I've ever eaten. I ordered mine with steak (cooked perfectly) and chicken. We were stuffed but still ordered dessert. This has become our new favorite place!
(5)
John A.

Hidden gem. Really great food.
(5)
jenn r.

i've been hesitant to try this place because it always seems empty. we live right around the corner so i've been curious. turns out, this place is pretty awesome. it was a beautiful evening so we sat outside. we were immediately greeted by a very friendly server who sat us and we were brought chips and salsa immediately...they were awesome. i'm not sure what kind of salsa it is, but it was super yummy. we ended up with a different server than the one that had seated us and he seemed a bit preoccupied or just wasn't feelin' it or whatever but he was still attentive. i had the envuelto and it was so delicious. i've found skirt steak to be hit or miss but this was so good - very well seasoned and tender. i'd definitely order it again or recommend it for anyone to try. it was also the recommendation of our waiter and i can see why. i'm glad we finally tried it out. we'll be back for sure.
(4)
Richie D.

I never had a chance to check out Chilipan that once resided in this space, but I doubt it was this delicious! El Maya is far different from your corner taqueria by serving up what I'd refer to as "Mexican fusion". The owner, Jimmy, waits on every table personally. He is extremely friendly, outgoing and knows the ins and outs of each and every dish on the rotating menu. His personality matches the bright, welcoming colors covering the walls and chairs. From the minute you step in the door, you forget you're on Montrose and are transported to a Mexican festival. Each table receives chips with a different salsa created that day. Ours was perfectly smokey, yet slightly sweet, without a lot of bite. I was pleased to know that every salsa/sauce is made daily for each and every dish...and the flavors prove it! I would recommend starting your Nuevo Mexicano dining adventure with the Ceviche of the Day. We were extremely impressed with the complex flavors of the lime-marinated shrimp in our ceviche ( yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mâ€¦ ). If you're not a fan of seafood, you can't go wrong with the guacamole served mild, medium, or spicy in a real stone mocajete. For my entree, I had the Chicken "Piramide". Just as the name entails, it was a triple layered triangular "chilaquile" with shredded strewed chicken, melted chihuahua cheese, and served over two complex sauces poured side by side: a brown mole poblano and a green cilantro sauce ( yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mâ€¦ ). It came with a side of tasty "arroz verde" (green rice) which zeroed out my palate. My partner ordered the Steak "Envuelto" which involved a grilled skirt steak with sautÃ©ed spinach and melted chihuahua cheese, served on top of sautÃ©ed mushrooms, cilantro potatoes and a tomato salsa ( yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mâ€¦ ). My entree ended up coming out first because the owner was apologetic in taking ownership for my partner's steak being overcooked and not to his standards to bring out. The dish quickly arrived "fresh off the plancha" with enormous flavor. If you have a large appetite, bite into their Molcajete, a lava stone bowl (with a pig face) filled with green onions (cebollitas), cactus (nopales), cheese and your meat of choice. Think of steaming hot fajitas. For dessert, you MUST order their Chocolate Tamal creation called the Timbulito. It is one of the best desserts I have ever eaten. That means a lot coming from a future diabetic! It's chocolate masa in a corn husk with a scoop of rompope (eggnog) ice cream, floating in a sweet vanilla and strawberry cream ( yelp.com/biz_photos/el-mâ€¦ ). Fantastico! It's BYOB so feel free to bring tequila for margaritas or red wine for sangria. Note to self and others, El Maya is closed on Sundays. If you're looking for a Mexican food with a modern, flavorful twist, El Maya will not disappoint!
(5)
Claudia D.

Under new ownership, hence the new name. Still BYOB, not many menu changes Mid-scale Mexican dishes Very good food Good service, if you are served by the owner/manager Street parking is not difficult Very clean washrooms Liquor store just on the corner 1/4 block west at Ashland I recommend this place for an informal dinner Good for groups, with a reservation! Chocolate tamal for dessert is very special and unique, save room for it and save calories for your meal!
(3)
Tiffany W.

Okay, so this is my very first Yelp review. I actually created an account just so I could review El Maya. I feel it is my sacred duty to recommend this place to as many people as possible. I am a HUGE fan of Mexican food. However, I have always been very disappointed in the lack of excellent Mexican restaurants in Chicago...other than Rick Bayless joints. I am so glad that the other Mexican place on the corner was closed on a Monday night because it allowed us to discover this wonderful gem. I finally have a go-to Mexican place in the city that doesn't cost an arm and a leg! The first time my boyfriend and I went here, I believe it was in August. We have been back probably twice a month since then. My favorite appetizer is the queso fundido...I dream about this stuff. It's soooooo delicious. It's a creamy, gooey mix of cheeses that is perfectly spiced and served with toasted bread. It's seriously amazing...easily the best I've ever had. Their salsa is also very good and slightly unique. The last time we were there, we tried the meatballs. They were also tasty! My entree of choice is the Piramide. It is so tasty! It's kind of Mexican lasagna of sorts with an excellent green sauce on one side of the plate and a very good mole sauce on the other. I have a hard time ordering anything else when I go because I know this dish will hit the spot. I have also tried their enchilada trio with a chicken, steak, and cheese enchilada. It was very good...maybe I'll have that the next time I go! My boyfriend generally gets their chicken molcajete or some other chicken dish that he always loves. The owner is awesome and lets my very picky boyfriend make a few substitutions. They are extremely accommodating. I'm usually too stuffed for dessert, but I did once have their Mexican chocolate dessert. It was very yummy. The icing on the cake is that it's BYOB, but they have the most excellent margarita mix to go with whatever tequila you bring in. Um, so obviously you can tell I love this place. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but I promise you won't be disappointed if you give it a try. I would love to see this relatively new restaurant stick around so I can keep going to it twice a month for many years to come!
(5)
Neola C.

Great food and drinks. The guacamoles and margaritas were especially good. The staff was friendly and attentive. Decor was a little cheesy and I would've liked the lights a little higher. But none of that was enough to make me unhappy. Its a little pricy, but certainly a place I'd go again.
(4)
Helen A.

We were one of the loud tables doing shots on friday night (just one though) and we had a very different experience...the rest of the drinks were margaritas from el mayas virgin mix...yummy! We had a great time, with great food. They were very accommodating of our party of ten, getting us seated right away without reservations! Sound does carry, so its loud...but the food was great, we tried almost the whole menu-no disappointments. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Alexa H.

I was wondering--who opens up another Mexican restaurant across the street from the successful Mixteco Grill? Answer: people who make really delicious food for slightly lower prices in a space that feels a hundred times more comfortable. I went with a group of 10 for a friend's birthday. They mixed us up some delicious margaritas with a bottle of tequila we bought at the corner and proceeded to give us tons of chips and garlicky salsa to start. Delicioso! Then came all the appetizers we ordered. More of that garlic flavor in the queso fundido, which was cheesy goodness with lots of flavor and some acid. Though the birthday girl said the entrees were big enough to split, I ordered my own steak and it was so worth it. Fabulous to eat hot off the grill with a marinade that is to die for. Made my steak so unbelievably tender. I am often not a huge restaurant steak fan, figuring I can grill a steak up myself. Not so here--they can cook it for me any day. Then I got to take a portion home for amazing lunch the next day. Desserts were a must for a birthday and they were not too sweet. Just right and what you would expect from a much fancier place. Prices can't be beat for the quality of food.
(5)
Maggie W.

Nice ambiance, delcious food, very friendly and attentive service. It's BYOB, and they make sangra mix (red) and margarita mix, so you can bring your own red wine or tequila, or just whatever wine or beer you'd like. We had the guacamole and Pulpo Yucateco to start, and Envuelto and Enchiladas for entrees and finished with their ricotta cheesecake. Everything was delicious. Definitely a neighborhood gem!
(4)
Natasha G.

Truly a hidden gem that my date and I happily stumbled upon. It's a lovely intimate setting, vibrantly colored and the food (sighs) simply takes you places with its mysterious hints of bursting flavor and careful presentation. Slowly and mindfully is a necessity of taking all that El Maya offers in. I'm thankful for the experience we had and will definitely return.
(5)
Ray J.

Went here after several months of Sam U. not shutting up about the sauces. Gonna start by complaining, just because it's what struck me first: the place has that tinny, cafeteria-like acoustics where even if only moderately busy it sounds like it's the bowels of hell, packed with the screaming souls of the damned. However. The food's really good. Got me some Pulpo Yucateco and the Envuelto. Hostess sent over some complimentary guacamole which was damn fine. The service in general was very friendly and considerate, possibly because my fellow diners are regulars. And the sauces were exceptional. And I say that not solely in the interest of shutting Sam up, but because it's also true.
(4)
Jim S.

I hosted a party at El Maya and the food was terrific. The skirt steak was the best I have ever had. And even the refried beans were amazing. Who raves about refried beans? Excellent (spicy) guacamole. El Maya's service is attentive, though not polished. The people are very friendly and accommodating. The BYOB policy is another plus.
(5)
Stu T.

Just awesome. Total hidden gem. Never a problem getting seated. Bring good tequila and they'll make you an awesome wild juice margarita or Paloma. Yums
(5)
Karen R.

Apparently I should have eaten with the last six or seven people who reviewed this place because maybe then I would have had a great experience. Unfortunately, dining here was so bad that I would rather eat an unheated can of corn from my pantry. And that is truly a shame because I was really rooting for this place to be another successful dining addition to the neighborhood. Not that ambiance is super important if the food is tasty but honestly the wooden slats on all the front windows vaguely reminded me of a prison. No place to run, just eat your food behind barred windows and go back to your cell er...home. My husband and I love background music when we dine out but the staff had the tunes on so loud that our ears started bleeding. And no joke the play list went from "Total Eclipse of the Heart" to speed metal. Yikes. Now I suppose all of this is forgivable if the food elicits a Pavlovian dog-like response. And I will say that the food was good but not great for the price. Entrees come in around $16-$20 and apps $7-$8. I had the shrimp molcajete, think fancy fajitas but in a superheated rock bowl, and the husband had seared chicken breast served over wilted spinach. And folks I saved the best for last.....the final nail in the coffin was finding a LIVE moving insect in our guacamole. Said creature died before our waiter could be flagged over. I was horrified since my hubby and I had devoured 90% of the bowl before discovering the secret ingredient. When the waiter came over we pointed out the insect and he was totally blase about it, said "sorry about that". Now I get a tad concerned when the staff acts like it is no big deal to find an insect in the food, it makes you start wondering what else is going on in the kitchen. No surprise based on the response from our waiter but our appetizer was not comped which would have been okay if we had received a real apology. I guess it will be canned corn again for me and the mister, bummer.
(1)
Denise R.

Love this place! Every dish is delicious as well as the margaritas. My favorite is the super spicy habanero salsa!
(5)
Michael T.

Went there for the first time Saturday night. I ordered the steak enchiladas, which were excellent, and my wife had the Puc Chuc, a marinated pork dish that was also delicious. The service was outstanding. The owner himself served us, and went to great lengths to describe the dishes we asked about, and the food was served promptly. We will definitely go back regularly!
(5)
Erica C.

Solid. Very different. We both got Carne Asada. The meat was delicious as was the cilantro potatoes, beans, and spinach. Not heavy like other Mexican food. Great chips and salsa. Margarita mix is good but very sweet. Bring your own tequila. Loved our pineapple upsidedown cake and flan. Used open table, which was handy. Service was slow. Seems like they need more servers. Our server was very nice though. Food was great. Will be back.
(4)
Jennifer L.

I've been here twice and have had a pleasant dining experience both times. The food is delicious and the service was friendly and attentive. They don't have a ton of variety of entrees to choose from, but what they do offer is made well and everything was fresh. I will dine there again and the fact that it's BYOB is a huge plus.
(4)
Jexenia G.

Thanks to my friend Richie d. For bringing me here, I may have found a new place for my Mexican food fix!! The food was gourmet and delicious!! The owner was very nice and welcoming!! I had the piramide which was like a mexican version of the lasagna, everything from the chicken to the cilantro rice, it was all very pleasing to my taste buds! I ate more than I usually do however it was worth the feeling if being stuffed! Even the corn tortillas that was brought to the table first, were so good. For desert I had the chocolate corn masa (can't remember the name), but it was so delicious!! I'm glad I found this little gem, can't wait to take my boyfriend here, I'm sure he will enjoy it as much as I did. PS- it's BYOB we brought a bottle of sangria, no cork fee;)
(5)
Meghan K.

So delicious! Guacamole, queso fundido, and a steak entree were all great. Good portions. Brought my own tequila and had them make me some good margaritas. Service was good. Dessert was great too!
(5)
Sonia R.

Yea. I have been looking for a good place for mexican food. I think we may have found it. Guacamole...to die for.....and their apps are delish! Everyone's dish was perfectly presented and wait staff was on point. For a place that has been open only a few months, they have a well oiled machine. The only thing I wish they did have was some red salsa for chips. The salsa they do have is quite good as well (some creamy mixture) but if they had an amazing red salsa, I prolly would go to dinner there at least once or twice a month! Thanks El Maya! You are a breathe of fresh air!
(5)
Christopher S.

Monday night, as the temperature plummeted and another snowstorm hit Chicago, I walked into El Maya for the first time and it was one of the best dining experiences I've had. Understandably, due to the weather conditions, the restaurant had only about 3 or 4 tables occupied. The host, who doubled as our waiter sat us immediately at the table we wanted. Through the meal he was very attentive, without crowding us and helpful when we got stuck being indecisive. Perfect service. We read that it was free BYOB and that they offer virgin margaritas if you bring tequila, so we stopped at the liquor store next door and picked up a small bottle of Patron. The waiter saw the bottle and asked us if we wanted to him to make us a pitcher. Considering half a small bottle was used and a virgin margarita pitcher is $11, that's only $22 for premium drinks for two to have for the whole meal. The priced are very reasonable for what you're getting. Altogether, it $70 for two meals with one appetizer and dessert to share. The food may not cost an arm and a leg but it sure tastes like it did. We had the queso fundido to start. I had the Envuelo and she had the Cochinito. To top it off, we split the chocolate tamale. Seriously, who would've thought that cornmeal and chocolate stuffed in a corn husk would be so good? An insane person, that's who. A mad genius! Everything is amazing. I'm not going to go into detail about it, because I'll run out of descriptors for how awesome the food tastes. I'm glad they take reservations because if they keep up with this level of service and quality, they're going to be packed every night.
(5)
Vicky G.

I have been here three times and have nothing but great things to say. First of all, it's BYOB. Beer, wine, margarita - pick your poison and come on in. If you forget, don't worry, it's next door to a liquor store. The server I believe is the owner and he is friendly, professional and very sweet. There has been a different special ever time and each one has been amazing! But everything on their menu is delicious as well. For appetizers, the octopus and empanadas are tasty. There are many different protein based entrees to choose from. The envuelto has a good chimichurri type seasoning on it, loading it with tons of flavor. I recently had their pork shoulder special that was extremely tender and came with warm tortillas. Their various chicken and seafood dishes are winners too! I must say hands down my favorite dessert here is the chocolate tamale. I could it that all day long. I'm not a big chocolate cake fan, but this is completely different. It has that corn consistency like a tamale but is rich in flavor with the chocolate. I know this place hasn't been open that long but I hope that more people get the chance to try it. They'll quickly be charmed!!!
(5)
A M.

I'd pretty much be echoing what the other reviewers wrote (bring your own bottle and get an AWESOME margarita, delicious food, beyond friendly service, etc.) so I'll keep this on the shorter side of things. The only reason I can't do 5-stars is that my beef loin (special) ordered during my most recent visit was just a bit too tough and therefore slightly disappointing. Also, the space is a bit high-ceilinged, which doesn't add to the ambiance, in my opinion, but you can tell they put tons of heart into their food and the establishment. El Maya is a fun place to visit with friends and family and everything else I've tried on the menu (Albondigas, Piramide, Shrimp Molcajete) has been uniquely delicious and entirely satisfying. I'm a little sad that there aren't bigger crowds there, but it is a little ways away from the denser, lakeside neighborhoods and it is pretty much right next to two other great Mexican/Latin American establishments. I don't want it to get overcrowded, but I want El Maya to be around for many years to come.
(4)
j h.

Our friends picked this spot based on Yelp Reviews and location. I gotta tell you, this is one of the best meals we've had in a long time: * Salsa was a great hit with the group. * Guacamole was fresh, garlicky and well-balanced. Some of the best I've had. * Mahi Mahi Ceviche was one of the highlights of the night: tender, flavorful, light and clean. My husband's favorite. * Pulpo Yucateco was to die for. Perfectly cooked, with potatoes and garlic bread drizzled with what I think was a cilantro pesto...and the sauce had such a depth of flavor. I couldn't wait to have the leftovers for breakfast! * Three of the five of us had the Molcajete, which is served in a sizzling hot pig- shaped clay pot. A fantastic roasted flavor that sizzlied the entire time it was at the table. * Salmon del Sol had perfectly cooked plaintains and such interesting sides that stepped up the well-cooked salmon wonderfully. We have found a new favorite and will be coming back with new recruits. It also rocks (for us, anyway) that it is byob with a liquor stores two doors down and no corkage fee; plus they margaritarized our tequila for us, hello!). Bravo, El Maya!
(5)
Christina K.

This isn't the place to go when you're looking for a quick and cheap taco or burrito. That said, El Maya still manages to get what I love most about Mexican food and dress it up nicely; the food is true to its roots while being a step above an everyday taqueria. Presentation is definitely a strong suit; the dining partner ordered the Piramido, and almost didn't want to cut into it because it was so pretty. Ask for the specials. I got the guacamole enchiladas (!) with chicken, which was possibly even better than it sounds. Their sauces were all fantastic, and I was pleasantly surprised by the tasty but not overpowering mole. The chips and salsa were fine. I'm still not sure what kind of salsa it was, to be honest. Save room for the entrees; you'll need it. Next time I go, I'm going to bring some tequila for the reasonably-priced virgin margaritas. As most reviews mention, this is a BYOB. The service was very good, and put our beer in the fridge while we ate, and brought out chilled glasses.
(4)
Bonnie A. P.

Awesome food. Second time here want to work my way through the menu. Skirt steak and pork center loin were both fabulous. Save room for the chocolate corn "tamale". It is a chocolate event. BYOB--tequila and then buy a pitcher of the fresh squeezed virgin Margarita. Ask the staff to mix it up. One of the best Margaritas in the city. Hidden gem!! Really extraordinary food.
(5)
Mary A.

Amazing food -- wonderful service. I can't wait to go back. It is BYOB so I will be bringing a bottle of tequila and Cointreau and adding it to their delicious (virgin) margaritas. Such a great find!!!
(5)
Rob W.

I've eaten here twice in the past month. This place is amazing! It's BYOB (they have excellent virgin margaritas so bring your own tequila to spice them up!) and some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten. It is top notch quality, well plated, and the service has been very attentive and friendly. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for amazing Mexican food and/or BYOB. I will be back again for sure.
(5)
Dave C.

This is a serious comment - Best Mexican I have had in Chicago. If you want just a normal taco, go to El Burrito Mexicano. If you want some awesome, creative, fresh mexican food, go here. What a great find on yelp. I live in the area and wanted a chill place with good food--boom, found. We were a little skeptical because only 3-4 groups of people were there, however it was a Wednesday. Top 3 things below: 1 - BYOB and BYOT (Tequila) and they will make margaritas for you (a pitcher for like, $10, I can live with that). 2 - Queso Fundido. Now like every other human, I love cheese and bread which is what I was expecting (like every other mexican place). This was muuuuch better. Cheese and cilantro, with a goat cheese center and grilled crusty bread. Fresh, cheesy, it was awesome. 3 - Carne Asada. I am so used to ordering mexican and getting cheese, meat, tortilla (which is good) but it was refreshing to get an actual creative meal! Carne Asada with spinach, potatoes, cheese and great sauces. Highly recommend. Service was great, everyone was friendly, very cozy place. I will be back very soon
(5)
Sofia L.

Definitely your not typical Mexican restaurant, its Mexican cuisine with a twist. This flavorful spot offers a variety of rich and creamy dishes with spinach being the main ingredient to their sides. DO NOT come here if all you are having is salad, I don't even think have that as an option. I will say that it is the only downside to this place, while I like to indulge in creamy meals it would be much better to compliment it with a balance it with a nice salad or something of the sort. This place is nothing like their neighbors Mixteco Grill who also offer Mexican dishes. El Maya absolutely holds up their own concept and unique version of Mexican cuisine . Do not be fooled by their small menu, simplicity does go along way. I've tried the shrimp, salmon, and the steak. Everything was cooked to perfection. My nieces enjoyed the sides, for the first time they were actually devouring their spinach wich was introduce in a rice pilaf and the other one in potatoes. Average plate is $15.BYOB.
(5)
Lisa M.

I have been here twice and both times loved what I ordered! I actually think this place is better than the heavily-salted food that comes from the over-packed restaurant across the street. It's a great place to go for large groups especially since it is BYO. They will make margaritas for you if you bring the tequila!
(5)
Chris P.

Excellent Mexican cuisine and very affordable. Went here with a few friends and everything was spot on. Great service and all the dishes we ordered were outstanding. BYOB makes this a true bargain and we will be returning often.
(4)
Charlotte P.

I came last night with a group of 13 & they were so accommodating to our big group. Food was fantastic. Great empanadas & queso fundito. Very reasonable prices, excellent food, friendly staff, BYOB. Looking forward to coming back already.
(5)
Space Emperor Z.

We shared the steak special, with dark and green mole, mashed potatoes, and spinach. It was honestly one of the best meals I've ever had. Amazingly complex flavors, perfectly cooked steak. A++. The chips and salsa are also probably the best I've ever had. The salsa is slightly creamy (maybe because of emulsified oil?), very garlicy and spicy. Octopus cerviche was excellent. The sweet mango nicely balanced the sourness. Octopus had very nice flavor and texture. The empanadas were my least favorite part of the meal and I probably wouldn't order them again. The empanada dough was really good, but it was just filled with cheese (maybe some beans too? Mostly cheese). Too much cheese! Still tasty, but there's probably better appetizers to order. Sam says it's pricey compared to neighborhood Mexican joints, but in my opinion, this is like comparing McDonald's to a gastropub burger. Also, it's really not that expensive--the portions are huge! (And very filling.) You could easily split an entree between two people, and if you're hungry, throw in an appetizer or two. El Maya is the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. And even if you don't like Mexican food, you should still give it a shot. At its best, Mexican cuisine has some of the most complex and interesting flavors of any style of cooking, and this place nails it.
(5)
Daisy R.

This is by far my favorite newly discovered restaurant. Service was impeccable. Had guacamole made to order, a delicious ceviche bottomless chips. We brought in a bottle of Cabo Wabo tequila and they made us delicious Margaritas in a pitcher. The main event was the steak molcajete, which can only be described as a cauldron of goodness. Steak, cheese, onions, cactus all boiling and ready to be placed in a tortilla. Oh I can still smell and taste it and long for it. And to end the meal a chocolate tamale topped with caramel and rum ice cream it was the cloud I rose to heaven. You can't miss this one it is worth it. BYOB will make sangria or margaritas for you.
(5)
Brittanie C.

This place is delicious with a very friendly staff. Bring your own tequila and have the make the pitcher of margaritas -- they are amazing. I love going here. Always make room for dessert also. I'm gluten free, and can eat so much here also :)
(5)
Emmanuel R.

Had a party of 19 ppl they accommodated us very well... Great food, great service, food little late but the wait worth the flavor, is a great authentic experience. ***** my 18 guest are coming back. Btw, BOYB! I totally recommend this place!
(5)
Jeffrey H.

Went to El Maya on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We were one of two tables in the restaurant. Not a good sign. The service was fine but everything else was terrible ( minus the byob wine). The chorizo meatballs lacked any seasoning or flavor. I ordered the steak, based on the recommendation from the waiter. The steak came out medium rare and looked great but again there was no flavor and the meat was hard to cut, even with a steak knife. We should have stuck with what we know but wanted to try a new place in the neighborhood. Go across the street for a legitimate 4.5 star restaurant. Not too often that Yelp steers me wrong but this was definitely a miss.
(1)
Kara R.

Service was great, food was just okay. I probably won't go back there again. BYOB was a plus, although I didn't like that the waiter took our tequila into the back without even asking to make a pitcher for us. It should've been our choice as to how much we wanted to add to the pitcher or to our glasses. It was a high end tequila, so I was a little annoyed about that.
(3)
John G.

The cuisine is creative, but above all else, it's exquisite. The service was also exceptional and I can't wait to return to sample more of their fare.
(5)
Matthew L.

Great Guac, and byob. Can't go wrong
(5)
Rachel K.

El Maya is a wonderful restaurant. I went there with Sam and ordered the Pechuga de Peubla. Sam has been many times and just raves about the menu, particularly the sauces. Now I know why. This is my new favorite spot.
(5)
Amy L.

Decided to try El Maya last night after being able to get a fairly late reservation for a party of five and being encouraged by the positive reviews on both yelp and Opentable. So happy that we did! Everything we had was loaded with amazing flavor and interesting twists on Mexican cuisine. The queso fundido was like nothing I've ever had before and I can't wait to have again. I had the Salmon which was perfectly cooked to my desired temperature of medium rare and was prepared with a delicious crispy skin. The staff noticed that one of my friends wasn't eating her meal. The staff went out of their way to inquire what was wrong even though she hadn't said anything.. She told them she didn't care for the cut of meat. The management went above and beyond fixing a situation that we didn't even call to their attention! Deserts at El Maya are far from and afterthought. Each one was unique and tasted incredible. Adding up an amazing meal, above and beyond service, and the fact that it's byo (for our party that meant tequila mixed with their margarita mix) I can't wait to return! In the meantime, I'll be spreading the word about this place and encouraging others to check it out.
(5)
John M.

Although the food is quite good, the owner's professionalism leaves much to be desired. The food costs are far greater than the quality served. I would certainly never consider this establishment worth my time and effort. If an establishment wants to charge Michelin star restaurant prices, then it should execute the quality along with it or else lower its prices. The menu can be best described as a Mexican Fusion confusion with no real sense of direction. Overall I would not recommend anyone to waste time at this restaurant.
(1)
Joseph C.

Amazing food here! We were at El Maya last night with some friends who were in visiting and we were all blown away by the food and the service. I will absolutely go back. Also, it's BYOT. You bring the tequila, they do the rest!
(4)
Sara M.

We had the pleasure of coming into El Maya to dine on a cold winter week night. Jimmy, the owner treated us as if we were in his home. The empanada appetizer was delicious and the"volcano" dish was mouthwatering in addition to being a most dramatic presentation. Did I mention it was BYOB? Jimmy's care factor is evident, nice atmosphere and all around a great neighborhood addition to Ravenswood! Can't wait to come back again and he has plans for an outdoor patio in the summer!
(5)
JT R.

I'm not one to give out 5 star ratings, I typically only rate on Yelp when I have a bad experience, but I thought this place was fantastic. I'm not an adventurous eater and I was a little concerned with the menu - Tex Mex this is not! However, everything was absolutely delicious - Tex Mex this is not!!! It didn't look fancy from the outside, or the inside for that matter, but the food was simply fantastic and the service was very good. We will definitely go back...
(5)
I M.

First time here for dinner with a friend. I was early. The host set me up with a great table and was great at answering questions and making recommendations. The food was delicious and the prices reasonable. Its different from Mixteco across the street but definitely worth a visit. I hope they pick up in business. It was empty when we were there since they had recently opened. Oh, and I LOVE spice. Their salsas did not fail to deliver. For a BYOB spot, this is it!
(4)
Sam U.

I tried El Maya for the first time last night and was very pleased. The sauce on everything was outstanding. Each of the two appetizers I tried came in rich complex salsa. My piramides came with a mole and a salsa verde both of which were delicious. I was previously impressed with the sauces at Mixteco across the street, but I think between the two I prefer El Maya's. I originally hesitated to try this place because the headline prices are a bit high. However, this is easily offset by the giant portion size. BYOB alongside the fact that an appetizer and an entree is plenty of food for two people makes this a great place to go with a friend/date or in a large group. I look forward to going here again.
(5)
David D.

this place hits the spot. great atmosphere and byob! dat chocolate tamale tho.
(5)
Kate S.

My boyfriend and I walk by El Maya almost every day with our dog. We were looking for a BYOB date spot just last night and found ourselves at El Maya. Amazing! We picked up wine from the liquor store on the corner and then got a seat outside with our dog. They brought him water and were super friendly. Foodwise, we had the guacamole, albondigas meatball appetizers (um hello, where has this dish been my whole life?). For dinner we ordered Envuelto (skirt steak) and the shrimp Molcajete. Nom, nom, nom. The food is amazing there. The presentation is beautiful and the staff is super friendly. We wrapped up the night with the chocolate tamale - que rico! Highly highly recommend to everyone. Support a local business with amazing food, friendly people, and delicious dining!
(5)
Laura A.

Absolutely fabulous! I went with 2 friends for a birthday dinner and everything we ate was amazing - beautiful presentations and excellent flavors. We started with guacamole and it definitely beats any of best with table side service. We moved on the empanadas ......so delicious. It's not even something I typically eat and still enjoyed it. For dinner 2 of us had the salmon and one had one of the steak entrees. They were both so flavorful - the portions were large so we couldn't finish, but we stuffed ourselves trying. Since it was a birthday dinner we needed to have dessert to sing :) so we ordered the chocolate tamale. It was warm and right out of the oven and under-cooked in the best way possible - I can't stop thinking about how good it was! Everyone who works there was a delight. It was pretty empty but this place should absolutely stay in business so you must go and support them!!! It rivals any of the nicer Mexican restaurants in this city. Also, we brought a great bottle of tequila and they made the most delicious margaritas with it. It was all so reasonably priced for the wonderful food it offered!!!
(5)
Casey B.

Food was great, Very good Guacamole, Nice waiters, Loved the Margarita set up with the BYOB. We will all be back
(4)
Lauren P.

After hearing first hand how delicious El Maya was from my mother-in-law and then reading the reviews we decided to try it on a Sunday night. It was completely empty when we arrived at 8:00 but the food quality and consistency was fantastic. We had some homemade guacamole, the special enchiladas, the piramide, salmon de sol and the ricotta cheesecake. Everything was so fresh and delicious. We brought in a few beers and ordered the margarita mix for an airplane size tequila bottle we had. It was so fresh and tasty. This restaurant deserves to be more crowded and I look forward to visiting again.
(5)
David J.

Delicious food,,,, great atmosphere... I would totally return!!! Love that itis BYOB The only complaint I had is that they didn't volunteer to return the booze that we didn't finish. I think I left a six pack there and they forgot to tell me (and truthfully I forgot to ask... So no ones fault really) Service was outstanding Would definitely return again and again. Guac was great and so were the albondigas
(4)
Joseph S.

Get here before there are lines out the door. Great authentic Mexican food. Excellent friendly service. The owner is always there and appreciates your feedback. Great atmosphere with in and outdoor seating. Love this place.
(5)
Rachel O.

Really great entrees! I've tried both of the chicken options and the flavors are fantastic. Definitely a fusion take on Mexican. Great for large groups. The staff is very friendly.
(5)
Kristine H.

The owner is friendly, service oriented, and talented. The regular menu is solid; the specials are seasonal, fresh and flavorful (especially the various ceviche dishes). The portions are just right. I enjoy the dependable sides which typically include rice, plantains, potatoes served in various ways or veggies. I really really want this place to do well. It deserves to.
(4)
Jennifer F.

Adorable! Great service! Loved the fact that you can bring tequila and they will make a fresh batch of margaritas for you. The fifth star is for their guacamole. I am one of those weird ppl that love guac but don't like raw onions so any place that will make it fresh with no onions gets big bonus points from me!
(5)
E M.

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, were 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 - most of the food is not traditional. They use spinach and pistachio for a modern twist. 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!! It was my birthday and they brought out a dessert tamale type thing and it is one of the best desserts i have ever had! Truly well done.
(5)
M S.

Excellent BYOB Mexican restaurant. Fresh guacamole and excellent fresh mixers for margaritas. Kid friendly for the early diners.
(5)
Janelle C.

El Maya, formerly Chilapan is a true gem in the neighborhood. For a brief period it looked as though we were losing this restaurant and to my delight it reopened with a few pleasant decor and menu updates. The flavors the chef produces are so deep, rich and clean. Yes the dishes are substantial and primarily protein based, but the food leaves you feeling satisfied not stuffed. Every sauce or accent tastes as though it was ground from fresh herbs and spices by hand. Each bite is reminiscent of an ancestral recipe that necessitates the painstaking process of doing everything from scratch. Eat here, the service is attentive and gracious!
(4)
Jackie A.

Chose this place as we were looking for Mexican, and the OpenTable and Yelp reviews seemed real/genuine in their praise for the restaurant. Showing up at a place that is half-empty at 730p on a Saturday night gives pause, but it filled up shortly thereafter. And the food was excellent. Had salsa and chips, guacamole, empanda, enchiladas, and Mojachete. All very well done. Mojachete was easily the best dish. Friendly and attentive staff.
(4)
Julia Z.

My boyfriend and I went here last night and had a wonderful time enjoying the delcious food. We started off with an octupus ceviche which was so fresh and really good. My boyfriend got the triple enchilada plate and I got the salmon. Both entrees were some of the best I've had. The service was extraordinary and you can't beat BYOB. Colorful, delicious, and dedicated to hospitatlity!
(5)
Sarah K.

This place is a hidden gem! I highly recommend the Queso Fundido and the Piramide. I will be coming back again for sure!
(5)
Amber F.

delicious! our party had food allergies, both gluten & nuts. they were very accommodating. and with bring your own tequillia, you can't go wrong!
(4)
Bianca M.

On a whim the hubby and I decided to try El Maya after hearing good things about it from another couple. We arrived around 8pm on a Saturday and the place seemed to be pretty busy but there were still plenty of tables open. We were greeted and seated immediately. Our waiter came around with chips and salsa and a menu. Its seems around the same time, half of the restaurant emptied out. My husband and I waited about a good 15 minutes before we were acknowledged again, in which time we managed to eat most of the chips and all of the salsa since we were starving. The salsa was pretty amazing not too spicy and not your standard red salsa. After the waited took our order, we asked for more salsa of course and waited on our appetizer and entree. For the app, we ordered the Pulpo Yucateco which came served in a rich guajillo sauce with garlic and potatoes w/side of bread. This was delicious and the highlight of my meal. Less then 5 minutes later our entree came out so we had to rapidly finish the app to get started on our main entrees. The presentation of my Piramide was nice but reminded me of lasagna right away. The explanation of the entree goes: Three layers of shredded stewed chicken with melted chihuahua cheese and three golden corn tortillas. Served over a mole poblano sauce accompanied by arroz verde and spinach. My slice of what was essentially enchilada casserole was huge and came with a side of rice topped with steamed spinach and two pieces of fried plantains. Maybe it was just me but i was expecting more in terms of flavors and depth. The whole point of this restaurant is to introduce the customer to the various flavors of Mexico. Being Mexican myself and growing up eating and loving traditional Mexican food; i just wasn't impressed at all. My meal wasn't memorable, it was just ok. I can't even remember what my husband had but he said he enjoyed his meal. During our dining experience at El Maya we were frequently visited by who I'm guessing was the manager or owner. He would come by every so often asking how our meal was, which is suppose to be a nice touch except for the fact that every single time he came to our table he never, ever looked at us because he was always to busy looking everywhere else and he never gave us the chance to respond because he would walk away so quickly, which irked the hell out of me. First time he did it fine but after doing the same exact thing three times in a row, I had enough! Whats the point of coming by and asking how our meal is if you cant even give us the time to respond or even pay attention to us while your pretending to pay attention to us! That for me, was the icing on the cake and will be the number one reason that I will not return. Now i will say, the tall gentleman who was our server was very friendly and nice. He always had a smile on his face and even made small talk with us while actually looking at us and paying attention. His kindness and our appetizer were the highlights of El Maya. Everything else was mediocre and not worth a second visit.
(2)
Susan F.

Great neighborhood spot! Always take friends in from the burbs to catch up while enjoying a great meal and great service! Love byo and never feel rushed!
(5)
Charles C.

Outstanding! Octopus app excellent as were all the entrees we (party of 8) we ordered. Definitely coming back. Virgin Margaritas perfect for mixing with tequila from home
(5)
Chcogal C.

Delicious food, friendly service and BYOB. My only complaint was the place was empty besides our party. Come, enjoy and tell your friends. Would hate to lose another great spot in the neighborhood.
(5)

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Address : 1522 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL, 60613
Phone (773) 878-1882
Website https://www.elmaya.us/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :9:00 am - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

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El Maya

1522 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613

El Maya Menu

Entradas

Platos Fuertes

Beverages

Healthy Meal suggestions for El Maya

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