4. Restaurants

Mayan Cafe

813 E Market St, Louisville, KY, 40206
  • (502) 654-6949
  • Store is closed

Mayan Cafe Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 3615 Bardstown Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Louisville for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 3615 Bardstown Rd )

  • Mad C.

    I had the veggie burrito add pork and a side of lima beans. I washed it down with a blood orange margarita and I was more than satisfied. I wish there had been a bar to sit at instead of a table in the dining room, but the staff was exceptionally friendly and talked to me the whole time I was there. I wish I had room for dessert, because I'm sure it would have been delish. This joynt was on a really cute street in a redeveloped part of town they call NULU. Go. You will like.

    (5)

  • alan b.

    lima beans! seriously...

    (5)

  • Diane Z.

    Tried going here twice on a weeknight with no reservation and they said they wouldn't be able to get us in until 9. So a reservation is a must. Had the guacamole and a special appetizer that they had. Both were very good. I had the salmon for my main course. It was fine, but for the price I deff wouldn't say it was anything spectacular. I had the churros for dessert which I enjoyed a lot. It was fine overall. I wouldn't turn down eating here, but it's not a place I would go back to.

    (4)

  • Carol S.

    Great food, small space but very unique menu and presentation!

    (5)

  • Neal E.

    A work colleague recommended we check this place out - am I ever glad we did! Beware - we did not know this ahead of time - this is a very popular place - and it's small - not many tables. So even on a weeknight, I highly recommend you make reservations - else you might not get in. We lucked out and got a table. We both checked in on Yelp - which entitled us to each get a free order of their Lima Beans. We did not yet know what we were about to experience in terms of the Lima Beans, but we are sure glad we did! I ordered the Guacamole and chips as an appetizer - this is a delicate, mild Guacamole - finished with Pomegranate and micro greens. Makes for a nice presentation, I can't say it does much for the flavor, Still, an elegant presentation. My one complaint is one does not get enough Guacamole - so we placed an order for another round. I ordered the Vegetarian Burrito - which is stuffed with potatoes, caramelized cabbage, onions, black beans, jalapeño jack cheese, tomatillo sauce and comes with a fried egg on top. There is an option to add pork - which I exercised. The burrito was one of the best I've ever had! A wonderful array of flavors and textures! The only thing I was missing was some heat. So I asked if they had any Mayan hot sauces? They brought out two small square ramekins - one with a Jalapeño sauce and the other a Habanero sauce. I like intense heat - so I tasted the Habanero first - it was smoking! I loved it! It immediately made the top of my head sweat and tingle! The Lima Beans are amazing! I've never had anything like them - I can only say - you must try them! Service was very good! I hope to visit here again during my next visit to Louisville!

    (5)

  • John W.

    Both the food and the service were excellent, and every dish I had was truly great. The only downside was the somewhat high price and the very long wait between courses, although they were slammed so that may explain the latter problem.

    (4)

  • Dale H.

    My husband and I dined here for the first time last night. We got the free lima beans by checking in on Yelp :o) I had the rabbit and he had the pork entree. Both were yummy though parts of the rabbit were a tad dry. Since we've never had rabbit before perhaps it's like a chicken where the chicken breasts are drier? There was a delicious sauce that helped with the drier parts. We also shared an appetizer. There was a special ceviche made from ahi tuna that was out of this world! We would definitely visit again. Make sure you make reservations. We read Yelp reviews that this was important and were able to make reservations the same day (though not until 8pm). So glad we did. There is seating outside as well which would be nice when the weather is good.

    (5)

  • Norman G.

    Ok, back home we have so many great restaurants that we sometime take good food for granted. Mayan Cafe is one restaurant that I'd love to take back to my Bay Area neighborhood. Think awesome food combined with thoughtful service and a respect for local ingredients and the craft food production movement. If you simply can't decide among all their temptations, I'd suggest turning your attention to The "Don't Worry About It" cocktail (made with Woodford), Cochinita Pibil (it's pork y'all!), and Churros, which are more like churro wrapped around banana bites. Tasty!

    (5)

  • Rachel H.

    I don't know what took me so long to make it out to Mayan Cafe, but I do know that it won't be long before I'm back again. We called ahead about an hour before planned to arrive, and I'm glad that we did. After we were seated, a line soon formed to be seated in the somewhat small restaurant. We started off with an aperitif each, both containing cava brut. They were excellent and light. For an appetizer, we had the chips and guacamole, which was excellent. The guacamole had just the right amount of acidity to add a nice bite to the dish, and the portion of chips was generous, a simple thing many other restaurants lack. After asking our server for his recommendation between the two items we were deciding between, we ordered the vegetarian burrito and lima beans, which were excellent. The burrito featured many unique ingredients and was very hearty while managing to not leave us with a heavy feeling after eating it. With our dinner, we ordered two more drinks: the "Don't Worry About It" and the Basil-Sage Mojito. While I couldn't tell you what was in the Don't Worry About It, (truly, it just said something along the lines of "Don't worry about it. It has Woodford in it.") the drink was excellent and strong. My mojito was wonderful and undoubtedly the best mojito I had ever tasted. For dinner we ordered the coconut flan and coffee. The coffee described itself as more than just coffee, but I was incredulous and would not have been surprised to receive something indistinguishable from Folger's. However, the coffee was so unique and perfect with the dessert that I would go there simply to have a cup of coffee despite its location across the street from an excellent coffee shop. The coffee had a subtle spice to it, and my waiter never hesitated to refill my cup. The flan was rich, yet light, and the lovely presentation made for a wonderful end to our meal. Mayan Cafe is definitely one of my favorite restaurants now. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was comforting, the food was incredible, and with flexible options for those seeking gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegans. Plus, they now offer two unique burritos (one omnivorous and one vegetarian) and a special margarita each Monday night, and each month they have an additional menu featuring a seasonal item. If you haven't been to Mayan Cafe, make plans to go very soon.

    (5)

  • Josh B.

    Add my five stars. Yes, the salmon is amazing. Yes, the lima beans are all that. Yes, the service was top notch and low key Yes, the chocolate mousse torte with basil creme fraiche is wonderful. Five of us all had different apps, entrees, and desserts...we tasted everything, and it was all superb. I rate it "Spendy" not "Moderate" Yes, it's worth it!

    (5)

  • Ngocuyen N.

    The food was good. My complaint is that the portion is smaller than what I expected, for the price that I paid. HOWEVER, the lunch menu is much more affordable. The vegetarian tasted healthy but not as flavorful as other dishes. The seafood chowder smelled really good, but I didn't get to taste it. The more yummy food came in smaller portions. The salbutes were very good, but small. The huevos motulenos was rich and flavorful. I liked it. Their mole sauce is excellent and it changes with the season. The presentation is always nice. The ingredients are good. The staff was courteous. The atmosphere felt cozy and intimate. It's a good place to bring a guest or impress a friend.

    (4)

  • Erick N.

    Had a fantastic lunch here while passing through Louisville on a road trip. Cute space nice artwork adorning the walls that creates an authentic ethnic vibe. Mayan Cafe successfully utilizes fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients to create delicious Mayan cuisine. The chorizo empanadas covered with a tomato sauce with a touch of heat from habaneros was a wonderful start and set the tone for the rest of the meal. My entree (Huevos Motulenos) was equally outstanding; lots of flavor and another delicious sauce - the sweet fried plantains were a great contrast to the rich components. The only minor flaw of the dish was the sauce quickly made the crispy tortillas a bit soggy, but otherwise an excellent dish and the portion was quite generous. Service was friendly and attentive and pacing was perfect. Was a really fun break during a long day of driving that left us feeling happy and energized for the next leg of our journey.

    (5)

  • Nickie B.

    I Had To Write A Review Just To Give 5 Stars To The Lima Beans!!!! I Visited This Place On September 16th And Have Been Thinking About Their Side Dish Tok-sel Lima Beans Every Since...Please Go There And If For Nothing Else...The Lima Beans!

    (5)

  • Divya V.

    On our drive from Indy to NOLA we were looking for a dinner spot and the great reviews on Yelp brought us to Mayan Cafe. I ordered a mojito (this was excellent) not sugary sweet. Thanks to the Yelp check-in offer we got to try the amazing Lima Beans. I wrinkled my nose when i saw the offer... had it not been for the encouraging words from Brittany S I probably would have passed. These are not your bought frozen and cooked with salt and pepper type of lima beans! This was a roasted lima bean salad that I could have had as a main dish. We also ordered the daily special yucatec salbutes (it was vegetarian) and delicious! For our main course the hubby and I split the Chilaquile and Vegetarian Burrito. The Chilaquile was the bomb! Its like a layered dish with potato, cactus, chayote squash and cheese and this yummy sauce. The hubby was chuckling as I kept saying "wow" after each bite!! If you are vegetarian you must try this! The burrito was excellent the fried egg on top really works! I loved the cabbage in it. I've never had a burrito stuffed with cabbage, might sound gross but you got to try it! I was too full for desert but we ordered a side of fried plantains. I loveeeee plantains and these were done well perfect crisp-caramely coating and then you bite into the ripe soft fruit.

    (5)

  • Andrea B.

    Excellent! Will return. Fantastic service food was impeccable and the mojito was delicious. I had the chilaquile with chorizo, added the check in special free Lima beans which were the best ever! Two Garden Mojito's!!

    (5)

  • Planters V.

    I really really wanted to LOVE this place. Yes, the food is very fresh. My big beef is that it was lacking in bold flavors. Was expecting Bobby Flay... Perhaps you need a Mayan palate to appreciate the local flavors. Service and atmosphere and location were all exceptional. This is not Tex-Mex, or even traditional Mexican food in my opinion.

    (3)

  • Katie H.

    My partner and I were driving through town and needed to stop for dinner. He let me choose a place and this stood out to me. We called around 5 pm for an 8 pm dinner reservation on a Friday and they were able to squeeze us in. We arrived a bit early and yet they still managed to seat us within 5 minutes. We ordered the free side of lima beans with the yelp deal- and I'm glad that we did. Lima beans are not my jam (I typically find them too dry) but these were phenomenal. I would pay for them next time. I asked the server whether I should go with the chilaquile or the vegetarian burrito. She said that both were good, but you can get a burrito anywhere and the chilaquile is one of a kind. I was sold. I would compare the chilaquile to a deconstructed enchilada. It was delicious. My partner ordered the grilled chicken and he thought it was amazing, too. However, the real star of the show was dessert. We ordered churros to share- not usually my favorite, but I figured I would go with it (the banana ice cream on the side was calling to me). These were unlike any churros I have had before. They were more like little puffy donuts with custard inside and cinnamon/sugar outside. Amazing. We couldn't stop talking about this dessert the entire weekend. I highly recommend this place. The staff was friendly and accommodating, the atmosphere was cozy and cute, and the food was phenomenal. Don't forget to order the churros!

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    Damn. While planning a road trip from Chicago to Atlanta it was looking like Louisville was going to be where I'd stop for dinner, so I poked around on Yelp and the Mayan Cafe seemed like a great choice; it got me off the highway and into downtown, plus it was littered with great reviews. I showed up Thursday night around 7:30 PM without a reservation but was able to immediately grab a small table outside in the alley. Upon checking-in to Yelp I was granted a free appetizer of Tok-Sel Lima Beans. They were easily the best Lima beans I'd ever had, the dish vanished quickly; smokey with a hint of citrus. The small menu hinted that the chef concentrated on doing a few quality authentic dishes, and the Salmon entrée was my choice. Upon hearing the specials from the waitress I found they offered another Salmon dish with a tomatillo sauce on top of a bed of pasta with peppers. The salmon was cooked perfectly. Perfect. I only wish I could get this level of moisture, taste, and texture out of salmon myself (and I have a freezer full of wild Alaskan salmon we caught ourselves). A bottle of local Bluegrass Brown Nut Ale was a perfect, nutty companion to the meal. Hoping to return here on the way back home.

    (5)

  • Andreas F.

    Truly exceptional. A type of cuisine you rarely get, not at all the typical Mexican food but the cook brings out what is truly unique in the Mayan cuisine of Chiapas and Guate - or his wonderful personal interpretation of it. We had the Sikil-pak (excellent) and black bean cakes as starters (6-star), the the cochinita and the beef tenderloin - everything fulfilled out expectations that were high after the wonderful starters. Good service, pleasant atmosphere, correct prices. This place can be highly recommended for a dining experience that is truly unique and not easy to find elsewhere.

    (5)

  • WizardPrang X.

    I am not in the habit of writing negative reviews. Indeed, this is a first for me. We were headed to Cubana for dinner, but when we got there we were upset to find that they were closed for refurbishment. Someone mentioned a Mayan place downtown, and I decided to give it a whirl. The Mayan cafe is a tiny little place on Main Street that has a large number of overwhelmingly positive reviews. This was a good sign. It has perhaps a dozen tables, and when we got there, the place was hopping. This was also a good sign. We were speedily seated, and our waiter greeted us and took our order. We are not big eaters, so we decided to go with two entrees split between the three of us. Time passed. Some time after we had placed our order, I noticed that entrees on other tables were rather small. Not a good sign. More time passed. The place was busy, and the waiters were run off their feet. Service was excruciatingly slow; it felt like an hour before our food arrived, though it may have only been half of that; time moves differently when you are hungry. Any road up, when the food finally arrived, we were underwhelmed. The chicken was very small ; three small de-boned piece of chicken thigh. The pork was tastier, but both dishes were lacking in accessories. The high point was the fried plantains; they were to die for. But at $4 for a small plate with about six small pieces comprising about a quarter of a plantain, they bloody well should be. We regretted not ordering three entrees, but were expecting side items to take up the slack; there were none. Other restaurants offer bread, not this one. The food is best described as "Mexican food with delusions of grandeur". That is all well and good if you like Mexican food, but I don't. But at least Mexican food comes with tortilla chips, French and Italian with Bread. These came with nothing on the side unless you paid for it. For twenty dollars a plate, I expected more, If I could sum it up with a single word, it would be "Pretentious". We left the waiter a modest tip - whatever had gone wrong was hardly his fault. He had repeatedly apologized for the delay, but could not or would not do any more than apologize. We left the place with an abiding feeling that we had been robbed. It was not about the money; we have spent more in Saffron's, or the Gasthaus, or Majid's, or many other places, and had a memorable and enjoyable experience. That was not the case here. Perhaps we had caught them on a bad day. Perhaps someone who does not like Mexican food has no business being in a Mayan restaurant. Perhaps I am missing the point. But that does not excuse the meager portions, lack of extras that most of us have come to accept as normal, and prices that bordered on the ridiculous.

    (2)

  • Beck B.

    This incredible restaurant in downtown Louisville is great for lunch or dinner. On a recent short trip for the holidays, I actually went twice, I love this place so much. I'm addicted to the Sikil-Pak, which is a sort of smokey, earthier tasting humus made from pumpkin seeds and served with tortilla chips. The Mayan salad is excellent. And the vegetarian burrito, as boring as it sounds, is absolutely delicious, made with potato and other vegetables and served with a fried egg over easy on top. This is actually big enough to have for lunch the next day as well. The salmon with lima beans is also amazing. And my dining partners have really enjoyed the cochinita pibil, the grilled chicken with mole, and even the burger. Mayan also makes flavorful, fresh juice each day (which come with an option for spiking with rum). The blood orange margaritas are also dangerously delicious.

    (5)

  • Ryson W.

    This was my first experience with rabbit and it was a wonderful one. The rabbit dish was amazing. The "don't worry about" it was a great little cocktail if you're a bourbon fan. I like the cozy environment.

    (5)

  • Timone D.

    Looking for a place to eat as you travel south. Make a detour to the Mayan Cafe. Yum!!! I was really delighted that they were able to adjust their menu for ALL of my food allergies. Great place. You might want to make a reservation.

    (5)

  • Brittney B.

    The atmosphere is small but cozy. We were able to get a table with out a reservation. Our waitress was pleasant and our food severed fast. We had the hamburger with the fried plantains. Very tasty and prepared perfect. We also shared the scallops very good and for appetizer it was a large order.

    (5)

  • Rhea P.

    Such an incredibly special meal. I now understand what it means when someone says you can taste the love in food. There is a vibe to this food that is definitely present. I cannot explain it, it just simply exists. I love the vegetarian fare. The egg in the burrito. The root vegetables, some of which are unidentifiable to me, are very nourishing, fresh and delicious. The bread pudding is simply phenomenal; A man feeding this to me will make me super happy!

    (5)

  • Keith I.

    Best meal in Louisville....the Lima beans is a must order- they were so savory I thought they has meat in them but did not. Staff is friendly and food is so unique . It's a not miss but definitely book a table in advance.

    (5)

  • Amanda W.

    I thought this place was good for in Kentucky. Ceviche was pretty decent and the service was ok. Restaurant is small and menu items are inexpensive. We had a reservation and we were promptly seated. I have seen this place on the review and that is how we went there but it was ok for me. Fresh food. I did not like the location due to the parking and the neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Marie C.

    I can't really review this without giving stars - but I didn't want to give it 1 star because my experience wasn't THAT bad. I just wasn't able to eat there. It was a Monday evening and the restaurant was literally half empty. It didn't look like there were reservations and she didn't ask us if we had one so I presumed they either didn't take them or didn't have any. But she said it was going to be a 45 minute wait, after staring at the 5 tables that were filled for a few minutes. My bf and I looked at each other, looked around at the emptiness, and just shrugged. We went down the street and had a great meal, but wish we could have tried something highly recommended by fellow yelpers!

    (2)

  • Regina W.

    I was visiting Louisville for a conference and found this place on yelp. I'm so glad I did because it was one of the highlights of my trip---5 stars!!!!! I ordered the scallop entree and it was delicious. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the plantains and spaghetti squash went great. So many great flavors, I never know food could be so fun and colorful. Great service and yummy drinks.

    (5)

  • Foodie K.

    I love food and originally from Mexico I had tempered expectations. Wow. This place is amazing. I have recommended to so many folks, specially professionals from Mexico living in the US. It is easy to find tex mex, and hole-in-wall taquerias, but well done finer cuisine from Mexico very hard to find in America. This place is a fantastic find and has not disappointed in over 6 visits over two years. A must stop in Louisville every time we visit. Keep up good work.

    (5)

  • A L.

    Yes yes yes yes. Delicious. I've traveled Central and South Americas extensively and this restaurant is authentic Mayan cuisine with a modern twist. High quality ingredients, delicious, and well executed. The restaurant itself is a small, welcoming space. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Lala R.

    My absolute Favorite! This is a place you must take friends from out of town. The food is phenomenal. love love love this place. wish i could give it 10 stars.

    (5)

  • Beth H.

    I almost don't want to write another good review because I'm selfish and don't want more people crowding me out here! I have been here four times in the past few months and every time has been more excellent than the last. I haven't met an entree that wasn't absolutely amazing (had the spaghetti squash, rabbit, lamb and cochinita) and the cocktails/wine are out of this world! The service is always consistently great--the servers are genuine and attentive. My only complaint is that they don't have a bar. Their cocktails are so good I would definitely go for just drinks.

    (5)

  • JL Q.

    While in town visiting family and friends recently, my cousin and his lovely girlfriend took me to dinner here. This is a marvelous restaurant in the area called NuLu, which of course was a down-and-out neighborhood when I lived in Louisville. The establishment is a small, narrow space that makes great usage of a minimum of space to place seating. The decor is very nice, however, the only suggestion I would make would be to consider an alternative flooring that would serve to absorb some of the sound in the dining area. Since the area is small and the floor a beautiful original wood, once the dining room gets full, the conversation level becomes challenging. We started our dinner with an appetizer of Yucatec Salbutes, a delicious concoction of goat, greens and mole on a small wafer creation. Dee-lish! My cousin had the Mayan hamburger, an item he loves each time visits and his girlfriend had the Kingfish entree. I tasted hers and decided that would be the next thing I would try on the menu. Nicely cooked, firm texture and delicious, it was served with asparagus and rice. I ordered the goat with mole sauce. It was moist and nicely spiced so that the accompanying mole on it perfected the dish. The only down side was the asparagus, which I thought was overcooked. Not a fan of asparagus anyway, it really wouldn't have mattered how it was cooked since I only eat it begrudgingly. The wine selection of reds is a bit weak in my opinion, but it is varied. I just don't happen to be a fan of South American wines because of the excess tannins they contain. I did find a delicious spanish red, a Vega Sindoa merlot that I enjoyed. This restaurant is a really great place to visit and I recommend it again and again!

    (4)

  • Beachy V.

    We recently spent a week learning Mexican cooking near Puebla, mexico and are grade A Mexican food snobs. This place impressed me and my wife. She had the chilaquilas and I had the pibil. They were both great, with some creative originally. Service was attentive and friendly. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Terri H.

    Lima Beans with Yelp checkin. I was very excited to try this place during our visit to Louisville. Chef Bruce Ucan grew up in a small Mayan village in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The food was authentic and there were pictures in the restaurant of the village where he grew up. It is a small cozy restaurant with dim lighting so it was the perfect setting for a romantic evening after a long day. The service was great and as soon as I checked in on Yelp there was a special for free lima beans. Our server brought them out as an appetizer. I like lima beans all right but these were no ordinary beans. They were delicious. I don't usually like ordering things such as burgers when there are so many interesting entrees, but sometimes a person is just in the mood for a burger. When I read the burger had havarti cheese and cilantro-caper aioli with fried plantains on the side I knew I had to try it. This is without a doubt the best burger I've ever eaten. I would highly recommend this be a must stop if you are in downtown Louisville.

    (5)

  • Jordan H.

    I travel to Louisville once a year, and the first time I was here the service and food were fine. More recently I had the salmon. The sauce was tasty but the salmon was way too dry. The atmosphere inside was comfortable, but the noise nearly impossible to deal with. I'll check out other places next time I'm in Louisville.

    (3)

  • JAREM H.

    Awesome entrees and excellent dessert. Flank steak had excellent flavor and the guacamole / beans were the perfect compliment. Churros dessert was delicious. Caramel sauce drizzled over brown sugar crusted pastry with creamy center. I also had the grapefruit soda which was okay but wouldn't order it again. Great restaurant in Louisville!

    (5)

  • Anne S.

    Worth a try and a 2nd time- regarding food - different n dam Gud- unique ambience. Had fresh juice n natural style veggi tacos- savory with the necessary sauce depending on yur spice palate- yum

    (4)

  • Kelley M.

    Wonderful food. Quick and friendly. Love eating here.

    (4)

  • Miyo K.

    We happened on the Mayan Café on our way through Louisville and it was fabulous. Service was excellent, atmosphere was intimate and cozy, food was delicious. We split a Mayan salad and I tried a spaghetti squash toss- with a beet tomato sauce and turnips and greens and fresh basil and pepitas, in keeping with their pumpkin theme. The serving was ample but so good I ate it all, sparing just a taste for my dining companion..who had chicken with a mole sauce which he also enjoyed tremendously. Wish we could go back regularly but will definitely go back the next time we are back in Louisville. We didn't get to try the lima beans yet.

    (5)

  • M M.

    ok here's a 5/5. this place is soooo good it should be illegal. i'm not kidding. i had the mayan pork with mole, mayan salad, and KY brown ale. i think i'm going back for dinner.

    (5)

  • David R.

    If you are in from out of town, this is the place you have to come. I've been coming to Louisville this last year every other weekend and have tried all the trendy restaurants. This one is top of my list.

    (5)

  • Robert P.

    One word to describe Mayan Cafe Wow! My wife and I enjoy Huevos Motulenos: fried eggs, crisp corn tortillas, black beans, chorizo, fried plantains, quesco fresco and tomato casera sauce. This dish is amazing crunch, spicy, sweet, makes for a party on the palate. Ask for a spoon to get every drop of the sauce. My wife talked me into splitting the Mayan Salad: greens, jicama, avacado, smoky pumpkin seeds, honey chile vinaigrette. The salad was great, many different flavors, all complementing each other. One time I craved a burger, so I got a Mayan burger: Foxhollow farm grass fed beef, greens, pickled onions, tomatoes, chile aioli, and fried plantains. I had them hold the cheese, didn't want to mask the flavors. The burger was great, the savory, spiceness is offset by the sweetness of the fried plantains. There ia a good selection of beer wheat to porter, also a good selection of red and white wines. The restaurant and restrooms are spotless. One our favorite lunch spots,

    (5)

  • Molly B.

    I went here today with my mom and her friend for lunch, and it was amazing! I ordered the grilled chicken with black beans. The chicken was tender and delicious, and the black beans were amazing! I wanted to do it all over again. For dessert we ordered the churros... They weren't what I expected, they were little balls instead of the long shape. I wasn't a huge fan, but I did love the caramel ice cream served with them! I would have given this restaurant five stars, but the service was very slow, and the acoustics in the building were not the best. It was very loud. But I do want to go back, maybe for dinner next time, I think the service might be better then!

    (4)

  • Jacqueline B.

    With the Mayan Apocalypse upon us, a few friends of mine and myself decided to head back to one of our favorite lunch spots, Mayan Cafe, for one last hurrah. Everything was so good though that we're *fingers crossed* hoping to have an opportunity to return. We all had something different, and everyone was happy. I tried the beef enchiladas ($11), which Mayan Cafe covers in a deliciously rich mole sauce, as opposed to the red or green alternatives. The beef comes from a local farm, and was perfect. It comes with a side of refried black beans and chips, and due to my love for all things plantain, I ordered an extra side of their fried version ($4). The salbutes are always a favorite as well, and my fellow diner ordered the huevos montueltas, and only had good things to say about them. Right in the middle of Nulu, on East Market Street, Mayan Cafe makes for a great lunch setting, as it's easy to access from downtown, the Highlands, and even St. Matthews. Can't recommend enough.

    (4)

  • Laura W.

    The Mayan Cafe is one of the best restaurants in the city , let alone NuLu, the hip farm to fork restaurant and gallery area of Louisville . Bruce and brother Willie make well executed , artfully presented and delicious food from the Yucatan. If you're lucky enough to be there for lunch treat yourself to the Salbutes, and a side order of Tox-cel ( Lima beans). Even if you hate Lima beans you will love these. For dinner try the Mole or well pretty much anything on the menu. If the Queens Arm is offered as a special side, get it, it's sort of a tamale type side loaded with tasty things .

    (5)

  • timothy b.

    I liked everything about this place but I didn't love the food. Great menu and presentation but I couldn't taste the food enough. The ceviche was the best thing I got. Huevos motuleños was too bland. My wife liked her tilapia tacos and Lima beans. I had a delicious grapefruit soda and a Kentucky Kolsch.

    (3)

  • Alyson T.

    Amazing. It's a small intimate space - great to go on a date. It's suitable for a vegetarian like me - so thumbs up for that!! The lima beans are really good, and I don't even like lima beans. I recommend Mayan Cafe - probably the best restaurant in NuLu that I have been to so far.

    (5)

  • Seamus G.

    Jim James led me here from the road & I want to "Thank U Too," Yelp - salbutes rocked my world & best lima beans ever, great iced tea, too!

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    Stopped by on the way into Louisville for business thanks to my fellow yelpers. It was about 6:45pm on Monday. I brought the fam along (wife, 2 yo, and 6 month old) and although children are allowed, the ambiance of Mayan Cafe feels a lot more grown up. Definitely a date place. This was on a weeknight, and we didn't have a reservation, but got seated immediately. This may have been a fluke, as this place is awesome and I can totally see it being packed on any other night, especially weekends. The restaurant is very quaint (small) and has a warm, intimate feel to it. Our waitress was fan-f'n-tastic. She was so accommodating. We love you, Heather. On to the food. Started with the shrimp ceviche. TASTEE. Just the right amount of citrusy, habenero-y, tomatillo-y zing. Perfect for sharing among two. Frequent Applebees consumers may disagree. I had the meat of the day (a top sirloin), from some local farm that was served with an amazing sauce, but the quality of the meat really stood out. Man, that was good. The cauliflower, yes the cauliflower, was really good...like stand alone good. My wife had the lamb. That was straight up bomb, ya'll. So tender, she could cut into with a fork. Good thing too because she was holding the baby while eating. (I was tending to the back-talking two year old, okay?) The kids started their countdown to meltdown, so in an effort to be courteous to the other customers, we packed up what remained of our food and got the hell out of there. But not before I ordered the cocoa bread pudding. We ate that back at the hotel and it was magnificent. Yeah, the lowly bread pudding can be described that way.

    (5)

  • Michele W.

    Mayan Cafe is really an incredible experience. We went for my husband's birthday. It is really small, but it isn't crowded, so you don't feel like the people at the next table are sitting on top of you, like you do in some small restaurants that try to cram more people in. The servers were great; very attentive and friendly and helpful. The food was amazing. It can be a little pricey, but there are different priced menu options. I rarely give 5 stars, in fact, I had 4, but decided I needed to change it to 5. It was really that good. They are having the End of the World Meal, right now. I had that and everything on the pre-fixed menu was wonderful, from the Blood Orange Margarita to the Flan.

    (5)

  • Zachary S.

    Pretty darn good. And a yelp deal to boot. Get the yelp deal. You won't be unhappy at all about it. Delish. Was a little put off that the hostess had to check to see if I could have a reservation (when I called) and we get there and the place is friggin empty. Also, family run place, but keep the toddler someplace else when seating people. Especially when it's screaming. Also, don't then tell it to shut up. Food was good though! Got a burrito. Yum.

    (4)

  • John U.

    The Churro dessert is amazing . Cinnamon dried banana with ice cream and a caramel dip. Amazing .

    (5)

  • Amy G.

    No offense to Steven M.'s review...but I find it very hard to believe. I have been to this restaurant many many times and each and every time it has been impeccable, simple, local (so, that means organic chickens that are NOT bought from Sisco THUS NOT fattened up with hormones and saline solution...so they are smaller than the average chicken one normally gets at any other restaurant, PS), and as far from pretentious as any higher end restaurant could be (or any restaurant for that matter). The staff has always been warm and attentive. And this whole expectation of getting "free" things?! El Mundo gets the same mark against them because they don't offer "free" chips and salsa. Why do we feel entitled to free anything...unless of course, it is an opinion of things like reviews on restaurants via Yelp? And yes, the end of his review states, "perhaps, I am missing the point." Yes, Steven M. you most certainly are totally missing the point of this gem of a restaurant. Now on to why I got on here, in the first place. Dinner this last Friday. Holy cow. This review will be FAR different from the one previously mentioned. We shared the special salad of the night...watermelon, peaches with a cheese that I don't remember but it reminded me of ricotta salata and micro greens with 2 small dollops of fresh mango sorbet. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. We also had the salbutes of the day which were chorizo and peach coupled with the famous jalapeno puree...and I had a bourbon bubbly drink that was to die for. Simple and fresh flavors that just wowed the taste buds. On to dinner, I ordered the flank steak and sub'ed the famous and always amazing limas instead of rice and beans. It also came with a bit of guacamole and I ordered a side of the jalapeno puree. This steak was grilled and seasoned to absolute perfection. I ate the entire plate of food. Washed it down with a delightful Malbec. My friends ordered a ceviche, black bean cakes, and the cold corn soup topped with toasted pepitas. They both sung the praises of each dish. The table was almost silent as we all devoured the food. I mean...it doesn't get better in this town. As for portions, I had a huge plate of steak and my friend's ceviche was plentiful. We were all absolutely stuffed and unfortunately could not even entertain dessert. Our young server was sweet and attentive without being pushy. We were chatting it up a lot and it is hard for a server to not want to constantly interrupt to see if we are ready to order, need anything, etc. He did a great job going with the flow. And unlike Steven M's review, we didn't mind waiting for food, as we were not in any hurry and amazing, thoughtful food takes time. It isn't thrown in a microwave and warmed or even thawed then served. And our service was timed pretty well. No complaints here at all. If one is in a hurry, I would imagine this is not the restaurant to go to...as I digress. One app, a huge entree, a cocktail and a glass of wine was $50. Try spending that at any other restaurant in the area...you wouldn't get much (and it would not be as good...Decca comes to mind...man alive are they over hyped and over priced...but THEY DO GIVE YOU FREE BREAD LOL.). Mayan Cafe is hands down the best restaurant in this city and may I also say they are big supporters of local farmers and that is a biggie in my book, as well.

    (5)

  • Q M.

    Stopped her on a drive through Louisville and was blown away! Thanks to the yelp coupon, had the lima bean side for free as well as the pork pibil, which was AMAZING. My co-worker had the ceviche and we couldn't believe we were in Louisville. I travel for work and this place is one that I will try to get back to.

    (5)

  • Ivo R.

    It was such a relief to find this cute contemporary place after driving through endless cow farms in Tennessee. It reminded me of eateries in old town Pasadena, California. This is a "must see" for those passing through Louiseville, Kentucky or those that live in the area. My bf ordered the Mayan huevos that came with churizo & plantains... Yummmm I ordered the Mayan tacos: salmon, chicken & the vegetarian. Delish!! I loved the sauce!!! I could shower in it!! We also had the Lima beans and empanadas, which were inhaled!! Cocktails were also surprisingly mind blowing!! I can't believe how amazing everything was from start to finish for a place that seem so ordinary on the outside. Thank you for the outstanding meal & service!!

    (5)

  • Lung T.

    May be other people hyped the restaurant for me, but it wasn't as "good" as I had anticipated. I mean, don't get me wrong, the food was definitely good, but I can't imagine this is one of the best restaurant in town. First of all, our first available reservation was 9pm as the host made it sound the restaurant was very very busy. But when we arrived at 8:45pm, there were definitely few open tables and definitely not as busy as they claimed. Our appetizer was definitely the highlight of the meal. The chicken tamale was very tasty and mole sauce was fantastic. Our entrees were a bit let down following the appetizer. The lamb and pork dishes were a bit dry, too much protein and not balanced by adequate starch on the plate. Prices were ok, but certainly didn't live up to the value. Overall the meal was good, but I highly doubt this is the best gig in town.

    (3)

  • Christine S.

    get the rabbit. amazing!!

    (5)

  • Mitchell M.

    Ate here last night. Small quaint place. Limited menu offerings. Had the smoked chicken sopapiles, which was smoked chicken on a soft taco like shell with a great sauce (unanimously a hit), the guac and chips were ok, followed by what they had termed as Mexican Lasagna - chilaquiles. The flavors were great but as someone that likes to incorporate meat into an entrée - I was disappointed. Entrees were very limiting - roughly 6 items. In any event had a good time.

    (3)

  • Brian G.

    If you are fortunate, you will have a chance to dine at Mayan Cafe during your stay in Louisville. It is such a welcome contrast to the heavy food and lack of choices you'll find in town (although of course there are a few bright spots). The Mayan is a humble restaurant with simple, but inviting decor. The real knockout is the amazing flavors the chef achieves with his dishes. All our appetizers were amazing although I especially enjoyed the salmon, goat cheese, on some type of toast with a satisfyingly spicy chile hot sauce. I wish I could have bottled that sauce and taken it around with me through my meals in Louisville. The scallops entree, though I did not order them, were stellar - perhaps the best dish at the table. I loved the fresh ingredients, attention to detail, and passion the chef clearly puts into his dishes. They also served bottles of this amazing bourbon beer, which I could not find anywhere else. It poured like bourbon and looked like the color of a deep amber honey - and boy did it go down smooth. Too smooth. This is definitely a place worth visiting.

    (5)

  • Emily C.

    Wow. Have you seen Portlandia? You know, the episode where the overly-eco-conscious Portland couple goes to a restaurant, and ends up spending years on a local farm investigating the origins of Colin, the chicken they ordered for dinner? Yeah, that basically happens every week at the Mayan Cafe. On Mondays during the summer, you can actually meet the local farmers who raised your meal. While this program itself is a bit over the top, at least we all know that Mayan Cafe is diligent in its commitment to supporting local, organic, humane, sustainable farming. Here are the items I tried: Lima beans -- if you check in on Yelp, they're free. I can't believe that this place has discovered how to make lima beans delicious. Cochinita Pibil -- Very user friendly. The pork is slow-roasted to perfect tenderness. The sauce has a complex tomato-y flavor but isn't spicy. Flank Steak -- Ordered it rare, and it was raw. It was so rare it wasn't very warm, and it took forever to chew. While I would say this was actually a bit too rare, at least we know that Mayan Cafe is confident enough in the quality of their meat to serve it this way. Chocolate Mousse Tort -- with a fresh fruit sauce. Rich, creamy chocolate + tangy fruits. Oh man, I want to make the 6-hour drive to Louisville now. As a Chicago foodie, I was pleasantly surprised (and a little jealous) that Louisville has this spectacular offering. Not only could Mayan Cafe survive in Chicago, it could thrive there. It could easily win awards, win foodie respect, and be quickly regarded as one of the best restaurants around. Louisville, you have won me over.

    (5)

  • Pan F.

    rare occasion you can get rabbit... full of taste!

    (5)

  • Jordan M.

    I have been here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. It is definitely a better lunch place. The atmosphere is great. It is tucked away nicely into NuLu. It is pretty small so it is not good for parties bigger than 6. The staff is friendly and attentive. They look out for you and are helpful when recommending a dish. You MUST try the salbutes. They are amazing! Grab a couple of friends and give this place a try. You won't be disappointed.

    (4)

  • Jerry C.

    Amazing and consistent. The chef prepares dishes from authentic Yucatan influences that are a treat for the senses. Professionally the front of the house works as well as the back of the house. If you are in Louisville, the Mayan cafe is must.

    (5)

  • Elle A.

    You only need two words to summarize the amazing restaurant that this place is: watermelon water! I dream of it, I gulp down as many glasses as I can during Nulu Fest. The cuisine is always fresh and new with the seasons. A little small so I wouldn't recommend for a large group, but a great date night place.

    (4)

  • Marc V.

    Great restaurant.... but aint two $$. More like $$$. Be ready to drop $50+ per plate if you do an app and a bottle of wine. Not a knock at the restaurant.... fun place, good food and great service, but the costs are typically above-average.

    (4)

  • Ingrid C.

    Me (not at Mayan Cafe): Oooh... these lima beans are delicious... (not-to-be-named cafe) Hostess: They're based on the ones that they do at Mayan Cafe. Me: Oh really? Gotta check that out... And I did. And it was so. worth. it. I never knew you could do such amazing things with such humble beans. Salbutes (preparation changes daily) are delicious. As is anything with meat. Or vegetables. I know that's a broad term, but it's true. Guacamole was good, as was their Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork) and the mole of the day I had when I was there. I had an unfortunate cactus accident where a piece of stringy, barbed cactus got stuck in my throat for several hours, causing me a fair amount of discomfort. However, I won't hesitate to eat here again (except maybe not the grilled cactus again). I blame only myself: I probably was eating all the delicious food far too quickly.

    (5)

  • David I.

    First, I would recommend reservations, even for lunch. A review really doesn't do this place justice. We came here to try the place out based on the reviews of friends. It was really great. Not only was the food fantastic but the service was too (thanks Nicole). I got the salbutes and they were incredible. My wife loved the enchiladas. Since the menu changes regularly, it's difficult to recommend food. They do use local produce when possible and the chef does have talent, Top Chef material :-)

    (5)

  • Kathy V.

    I was here for a Yelp event for dinner and it did not disappoint. First, I'm glad I put on a dress, because the place is a bit more upscale than I had anticipated after walking and driving past it several times. It's not *super* fancy....I'm just glad I put in a little more effort to come here. The Yelper's were given complimentary Salbutes which were FANtastic. I really quite enjoyed them. I'm not sure if I would have tried them otherwise...since I had no idea what a salbute was. But they were delicious and the sauce that came with them added a little kick. For dinner I got the shrimp with coconut sauce and cactus. The cactus is not my favorite and I think a couple of my shrimp may have been a little overdone, but overall this dish was fantastic! The sauce was amazing, which is something for me to say as I usually am not a fan of sauces. For dessert I got the coconut flan which was also very good. A friend let me sample the avocado ice cream from her buttercake, and I would buy a *tub* of that if I could. Super creamy and not too heavy of a flavor. A wonderful event, wonderful food, and great, attentive waitstaff!

    (4)

  • Jasmine A.

    I went to Mayan Cafe for the first time the this past weekend after Melanie K recommended it in her review as a great date restaurant. I completely agree with her. In addition to offering delicious well portioned food, the atmosphere is both intimate and inviting and I found all of the staff to be quite friendly. I would recommend everything that we orded. The shrimp ceviche appetizer was absolutely delicious with fresh chunks of avocado. We each thoroughly enjoyed our entrees. I ordered the Rabbit and my date ordered the Pork. Both were tender, juicy and flavorful. Mayan Cafe certainly lived up to its reputation. I will definitely be back again.

    (5)

  • Caroline C.

    I couldn't go on any longer without checking out Louisville's most highly rated restaurant on Yelp. Time and time again, these Louisville Yelpers prove they know what they are talking about. First some logistics: Totally cute neighborhood. I already know I'm going to love a place that's sandwiched inbetween streets called Billy Goat Strut Alley and Nanny Goat Strut Alley. Aww... goats. The parking is a cinch. When they say, "street parking," they mean, "treat the street as a parking lot." Because it's not parallel parking. You actually pull in just like a diagonal spot. This was new to me. I don't know anything about Mayan food. But you don't need to know much to know that this is incredibly amazing food. Local, sustainable, organic, biodynamically grown... they've got that all here. Incidentally, I have no idea with biodynamically grown means - and I toured a biodynamic farm earlier this year. The portions are generous, the price points more than reasonable and the service was perfect. I was dining alone and my server made sure not to treat me like some outcast leper. She checked on me just the right number of times and carried on just the right amount of conversation. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. There were a number of items that I had just simply never heard of. Different kinds of produce that you just can't find in the grocery store or the farmers' market. She was able to explain that all to me. There are typically 4 specials each night in addition to the regular menu. A seasonal starter, a farm-to-table salad, a mole of the day and a special. I was all over the mole of the day, and they even customized my order so I could get some of the best of all the night's offerings. The flavors are just incredible. The red mole was sweet and smoky, the vegetables were perfectly cooked and outstandingly seasoned. It wasn't your boring, steamed, run-of-the-mill vegetable side. There were aspects of crunchy, savory, bitter and sweet. And yes, oh my gosh - those lima beans are unbelievable. I was able to try many new flavors that you simply cannot get easily. I didn't want my meal to end. My only point of criticism is that maybe the setting is a little too formal. According to the website, this chef got his start by selling his delicious dishes out of his van. I typically like my environment to match the food... if it's casual food, then serve it in a casual environment. I would love to come here over and over again for just for a quick bite in a more casual setting than in a "dinner date" place.

    (5)

  • Paul D.

    I can't believe I haven't written a review yet. This is my favorite place of all time. I live about a block away and try to make it at least once a month. Never had a bad meal. The menu changes routinely but everything is always done very well. I had the rabbit the last time I was there and it was just delicious. Their drinks are very good. What I like is their guacamole. Oh and like all the other reviews say you must have the Lima beans. If I were to win the lottery I would be eating at the Mayan everyday. It's that good.

    (5)

  • Ian P.

    My wife and I came here after we received a Louisville Originals Gift Certificate. My wife and I needed a night out and the Mayan Cafe was on our list of places to hit. The small or quaint restaurant features dark lighting a nooks and crannies where tables or nicely tucked into. However, like a majority of restaurants in Louisville, the sound level is always a problem. There is no chance of having a nice, quiet romantic evening here but this is also good for their business since they are always booked! The server we had was very helpful and the bus boy was very quick to refill our water glasses. He must have had some type of radar because he would show up out of nowhere and my glass was magically filled again. The flatware, glasses and dishes complimented the atmosphere nicely and the originally artwork/photography on the wall from where the Chef is from, was a nice touch for the realism of it all. We started off by sharing the empanadas filled with goat cheese among other delicious things. The "breading" reminded me of a potato latke and it was simply delicious! It was flavored just enough and you could taste each ingredient individually and they blended nicely. For the main course, I had the Rabbit. It was decent, tasted of a gamier chicken. Not bad, but I was missing that melt in your mouth moment. I have had rabbit before and there was nothing overly special about this particular plate, but the plating and presentation was worth the price. My wife, had the Vegetarian Burrito and loved it dearly. We perused the dessert menu, but nothing really tickled our fancy. Mayan Cafe is a good, solid restaurant in the heart of NuLu that deserves a visit from everyone that passes it. Is it a repeat place for me, probably not, but maybe, just maybe for those empanadas would I come again~!

    (4)

  • Kim B.

    Awesome place for lunch. Cannot recommend highly enough.

    (5)

  • Jim B.

    Just had a WONDERFUL dinner which brought back some nice memories. Since moving out of town we have missed this little gem. Am so glad that it is still here and still serving great food. The chicken mole was fabulous as was the slow cooked pork. The house made mango ice cream was nothing short of divine!!

    (4)

  • Amanda H.

    So I was super excited to try this place because the new "NuLu" area of Louisville is really popping up some fantastic restaurants and I heard so much good news about this place. First off, this place already is at the top of my book because if you check in on Yelp, you get a free side of Lima Beans! Which this is tough to say because I call myself a Louisvillian and part southerner but, these were the best lima beans I've ever had. Sorry Mom... The seasonings, flavors, and the tenderness of the bean make this place top notch for the essential southern side dish. Which is weird because this place is Latin American...go figure! For dinner I had a free side of limas, a bowl of butternut squash soup with goat cheese, and the Mayan salad. Both items I would get again, I preferred the soup more because it was very tasty and had goat cheese in it (which is my favorite of all cheeses). I licked the bowl...not really, but I wanted to. The salad was good but I'm not a fan of fruit in salads, but it was beautiful with grapefruit, avacado, pine nuts, jicama, and a grapefruit dressing. The unsweetened tea was oddly fruity. Overall this place is a most to visit, kinda pricey and I suggest reservations but definitely a must!

    (5)

  • Cara R.

    Man-o-Man-o-Mayan! This place is SO good (as evidenced by me having to wait for 40 minutes to sit on a Monday night). I'm in town for work & I had exhausted my usual trifecta of lunch/dinner establishments downtown (Bistro 301, O'Sheas & Harley's); I found Mayan Cafe on the top of the Yelp Best of Louisville list. Mayan Cafe serves beer & wine only and doesn't have a bar, so the hostess sent me over to LBS & 732 Social ("catty-corner" from Mayan Cafe) so I could have a drink as I waited. LBS is closed on Mondays, so I got an Orval at Social (the awesomeness of Social will be documented in a separate review), and about 45 minutes later Mayan Cafe called my cell to let me know my table was ready. I sat outside, in the little side-alley area. The waitress excelled at service. She had a glass of water & a Pacifico ready for me within minutes. I ordered the Mayan Salad (goat cheese! roasted pumpkin seeds! and is that sweet pea greens?!). It was so cool & tasty on a hot humid evening. I could have definitely used more pumpkin seeds, though; every time I got a bite of those mixed in with the greens & vinaigrette & goat cheese, my taste buds praised the heavens. For an entree, I had the scallops with plantains & yuca cake. The scallops were HUGE. :). I LOVE big scallops. They were cooked expertly & tasted amazing between bites of the sweet plantains and savory yuca cake. Plus, they were topped with "flash-fried" spinach. The green crispy stuff on top of the scallops was such a conundrum for me, I had never seen it before, so when the waitress explained that is was spinach, which was fried...true love, my friends....true love. I can't wait to bring my friends to Louisville to eat here...I can't wait to come back by myself to eat here again.

    (5)

  • Jeff J.

    Mayan Cafe is among my favorite restaurants in Louisville, a city with many good local restaurants. The food is a unique take on Mexican food. The food is very fresh with plenty of vegetables, mole, and succulent pork dishes. Make reservations as the small restaurant is often full. I especially like this one dish consisting of a fried egg with mole sauce. Excellent food in an intimate, small restaurant

    (5)

  • Thao T.

    I came expecting to pay a bit more for a smaller portion, which I did, but It was very small! So I"m glad I had a dinner before getting dinner there, which put me at a happy full. I got the slow roasted pork, tender but not enough flavor to make me crave for more. My husband got the rabbit and I was literally scraping every last bit of what he had left over (which was very little) and found myself dipping my pork in the flavorful sweet sour tamarind sauce. Probably come back on special occasions but can't see myself as a regular, I like better value for my food :)

    (3)

  • Rosanne M.

    Great place to get a few appetizers to share as main dishes. Couple outdoor tables with people watching ability on Market St. As everyone else says - the lima beans are incredible even if you hate lima beans! Bruce the owner is friendly and onsite quite often. Look for events where they pair food and drink together - spectacular and affordable. A stand out place.

    (4)

  • Melanie K.

    Affordable restaurant to get cool points from your date. Based on many reviews I have been wanted to try this small NewLou Restaurant and I am so glad I went. I was having a business meeting and wanted a place that was smaller and more intimate, I got exactly what I was looking for. Although it was more romantic low lighting intimate then small space. I was not even trying find a classy upscale place, but it looked like I had good taste for picking the Cafe from my guests perspective. Even without a reservation we got lucky and were sat immediately. However, in the future I would do a call ahead because it was very busy for a Wednesday. There was a great selection of wine and cocktails. I completely forgot about the Lima beans special but had the guacamole instead. You can tell it was freshly made, because of the chunks of fresh Pico and avocado in the dish. It was topped with pomegranate seeds which made me a little hesitant, but it was soo good. For dinner I had the Shrimp entree. The shrimp where jumbo size and cooked perfectly. My Shrimp dish almost had a stir fried texture, but was more crispy and flavorful. My business partner got the Vegetable Burrito. I am not a huge fan of black beans, but I got to sample a slice and it was amazing! The burrito was sweet and textured. On top was a fried egg that helped bring all the flavors together while getting your protein filling. The two top table was large enough for us to take notes. The server was very attentive while giving us time to chat business talk. I will have to come back to have a romantic dinner and try the Lima beans. This is definitely a place to make your date think you are more hip, then you may actually be, without breaking the bank.

    (4)

  • Rachel F.

    Okay, so wasn't sure what to expect here. It looks so unassuming. But it is actually a really nice restaurant that is generally hard to get a table at. Lucky for us, it was a Wed at 8. Not exactly prime time for the fancy dinner. First off, thank you Mayan Cafe for the check in special. That just makes me smile. Granted, they were for lima beans. Lima beans? I mean they are good in some butter, but who really gets excited over lima beans? I. Stand. Corrected. These were the best lima beans I have EVER had. Seriously. Check in and get them for free and check them out and then brag to your friends about their awesomeness. Okay, moving on. I also got two apps because they sounded so good. The black bean and goat cheese empanadas were tasty though I could have gone with a touch more goat cheese. And it really did hurt them on my scaling factor in that I had the Seafood Bisque. And it was creamy, flavorful, warm goodness. Okay, so awesome just wasn't sufficient, so I was reaching a little there. And all that plus a dos equis for 20 bucks including tip. Yay! The main courses aren't cheap. It is definitely a nice dinner. You can get a burger for 11 bucks with fried plantains or you can go with the steak special for 29 bucks. Decent beer selection from about 3.50 - 6 bucks.

    (5)

  • Megan M.

    This place has it all...wonderful ambiance, great food, good service! As with other well-known restaurants in Louisville, reservations are required. They feature rotational menu items and are farm to table. The menu items are unique and truly delicious.

    (5)

  • Alicia A.

    My favorite local place to eat. Everything they serve is delicious and fresh! I'm gluten free and they can accommodate gluten free well and have added to their gluten free menu recently. I highly recommend a visit....lunch is a great time to go since dinner can be hard to a table (make reservations). The staff is wonderful as well.

    (5)

  • Danie G.

    This restaurant was my introduction to Louisville - and I am SO glad it was. We went on Market Monday, which means they have a special meal composed from ingredients from a local farm. The farmers are present so that you can ask questions about their growing or raising practices. For a locavore, this place is a gift!!! Louisville has a vibrant local food scene and I'm pretty sure this restaurant is at the top of the list. The decor is simple but lovely, the staff were charming, and the food was wonderfully prepared. Am just sad I was driving so could not try out one of their drinks!

    (5)

  • Lynn L.

    I've decided this is the best restaurant in Louisville. After coming here another time, and again over the weekend, I truly don't know why we are not eating here more! This should be a must-eat for every Louisville Yelper, whether it's a random Tuesday or a special occasion. There were three of us recently, and ordering a cocktail, three courses each, a bottle of wine, plus two glasses of wine, and the bill was $160. We gorged like kings! If that's not upscale dining value, I don't know what is. The food is absolutely ridiculous...in a delicious mouth-gasm way. The three of us shared -Salbutes of the day (beef tongue, which was surprisingly tender and non-gross!) -Chile relleno (light and crispy) -Empanadas (black bean and goat cheese) - Cochinita pibil (just could not say no to this deliciousness!) - Brisket chilaquile (surprisingly light and brisket super tender!) - Flank steak with yellow mole (excellent) Our out of town friend could not believe the food here, and was already planning his next visit to come back and eat here! My only (minor) complaint is that even with the interior re-design, the space still does not fit the food. The tables are pretty close together, and it feels kind of cramped in there. The ambiance is still not my favorite, but I'm willing to overlook this. The food is just that good.

    (5)

  • Olivia B.

    Had a late lunch here last week with a friend...The hostess was unbelievably gracious; service was good. It was quiet because of the time of day, but I imagine it would be a good place for a romantic evening out... The food...Oh, yum. Good wine list. The ceviche had a lovely piece of Ahi and was well prepared...just wish there had been a lighter hand with the cilantro, tbh. It goes a long way... I have to admit, I was really skeptical about ordering a burger in a place whose chef focuses on flavors from the Yucatan...I mean, really?!?!?!? But the burger is great - the roll is perfection, the toppings both comfortable and novel, and perfectly cooked. The plantains made me a happy woman, indeed. I could eat these every day. Mole was good...not the best I've had, but good. The lima beans were very tasty. The coconut etc, etc, sorbet with fried mint was fabulous. My friend nearly licked the bowl clean. And I nearly fought him for the honor.

    (4)

  • Molly S.

    One of my Louisville faves, perhaps better than the restaurant that preceded it (The Mayan Gypsy). No matter what you may think of Lima beans, do not skip the, here. I have searched the world over for a Lima bean as tasty as the Mayan Cafe's to no avail.

    (4)

  • Amanda H.

    Dinner here time after time continues to be amazing. After trying almost everything on the menu at least once, it is hard to pick a favorite. I also love that they use locally-farmed ingredients and list allergen info on the menu. Service is always impeccable as well.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth B.

    Last night I headed to Mayan Cafe for a late night dinner with a large group of friends. There were 8 of us and the small restaurant was so accommodating. They quickly set up a table for us and sat us right away. There was also a Lima beans special for checking in on Yelp! So lets talk about what is really important....the food. It was fantastic. I had a pork something that I could not pronounce, but it rocked my taste buds. It was so tender and juicy with an amazing flavor! I wish I would have been hungry enough for dessert because it sounded amazing but my meal filled me up to much. We closed down the restaurant and the staff did not seem to care. They were chatting with us and seemed perfectly content to accommodate our desire to stay and catch up with friends. Next time you are in NuLu, I recommend you check out this spot!

    (4)

  • Andrea W.

    Awesome fresh flavors for a great price!

    (5)

  • Maya S.

    Loved the lima beans..definitely worth a try. Food was beautifully presented..loved the addition of cactus and potatoes to the lasagna. If you want to try out some gourmet mayan cuisine, this place is it.

    (4)

  • Alex D.

    Excellent food offerings prepared by a caring and conscientious chef. Be prepared to wait a bit after ordering - but trust me, you'll be rewarded.

    (4)

  • Mark S.

    Everything was good...food, presentation & service. Just didn't think it was as good as everyone has rated it. Lima beans were ok, but nothing spectacular. Three of us ate there and all had same feeling.

    (3)

  • Brad A.

    Some of the best good my wife and I have ever had. We started with the ahi tuna ceviche. Completely mind blowing. I had the Cochonita Pibil and my wife had the veggies & rice. Both were fabulous. Hers was the best vegetarian dish we'd both ever had. Service was impeccable. If you're considering going, just go. You won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Sarah H.

    Lovely meal in an intimate, comfortable setting. Great service. The dishes were not overly complex but I got the fish special and it was well-prepared, perfectly cooked, and gently seasoned. Churros for dessert were tasty. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Nick A.

    I ate here with my girlfriend recently and it was great. Of course we had the lima beans which were very tasty. This coming from a guy who typically doesn't care for lima beans. I ordered the salmon per recommendation of a friend and it was fantastic. The entry was filling but not too much and the taste was great. They have outdoor seating which is my favorite on a warm summer night. The price is very reasonable as well.

    (5)

  • Chuck D.

    First off - thank you, Yelp, for the free Tok-Sel Lima Beans! Yum! Secondly - this place is delicious. Please go here for your own good. We started with the Empanadas - black bean and goat cheese! Packed with flavor. After reading all the raving Yelp reviews about the Salmon, I wouldn't let my fiance choose anything else (hey, he likes salmon more then I do!). Can I just say that if they bottled the cuitlachoche cream sauce that they put on there, I would most certainly drink it with no shame!! The salmon itself was flavorful and moist as promised. I went with the Brisket Chilaquile. I think I still dream about it. The seasonal vegetables were SO SO packed with flavor. The brisket melted in your mouth. Mix that with the sweet light tomato sauce and jalapeno puree for a little spice?? Heaven!! We were too full for dessert and plus, the hostess had generously sat us at a table that had an 8 pm reservation, so we wanted to give them enough time to flip the table. There is no way their desserts are bad though! I'm sure of it!! I would say to DEFINITELY make a reservation though, as we were the only people who walked in without one and were able to sit. We saw several other parties turned away. This is a do not miss if you are in the area, so make your reservation and come hungry!

    (5)

  • Kriss B.

    Seafood bisque, Mayan burger, jalapeño sauce all FANTASTIC!!! I was in town visiting family and already had lunch plans that inadvertently fell through. I remembered my friends Kim and Jason mentioning this restaurant. I stopped in and had lunch alone. I was a little nervous because the door said lunch service ends at 2:30 and it was already 2:20. I walked up to the hostess stand, the person who greeted me didn't blink, smiled graciously, and seated me no problem! Every staff member that walked past me was EXTREMELY friendly and sooo helpful. I didn't eat a single bite of food that I wasn't completely impressed with. Of course since I was dining alone I was eye-spying everyone else's plates and everything looked amazing!! Next time I'll have to bring someone with me, but this restaurant met ALL my expectations and more!!!

    (5)

  • Alex K.

    It's no wonder so many people raved about the food here. I never would have found this place it it wasn't for Yelp. Everything was extremely good. The Salmon, the Steak, the Chicken, the Pork, all fabulous. Everyone we went with was very happy with their meal. We did call ahead of time, which was crucial, since so many people were there and we had 8 people. They had our table ready for us and it was great.

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    My situation: I'm in Louisville for a conference and expect to eat unhealthy, fairly boring food during my stay. My reality: I found Mayan Cafe and all of my expectations escaped me. So it started as a bit of a journey after some ill directions created a rather long and blistery walk. But once we walked in, we knew we were in for a treat. This is a very small joint, I would venture to say, even, too small. But it worked fine. We had a later reservation and the place cleared out pretty quickly. An early observation and a bit of an annoyance was that they seemed not to be using air conditioning much. It was hot out, the air should have been on much cooler than it was. But I will give them a pass on that. The menu is mighty incredible. It rotates regularly to reflect seasonal, local offerings, all in a mayan style (are you surprised?). As we debated the main courses, we ordered a few appetizers. A bit hesitantly we tried the crawfish ceviche. Having never seen this as an offering, and knowing that crawfish can really be hit or miss, we didn't know what to expect... Along with the crawfish we went with the tuna ceviche as well as guacamole. From the first bite of quac, I knew I was going to be in a happy place. The guac incredible. Deep flavors, perfect consistency, an overall perfect dish. And I have to say, the ceviches only deepened my love for this place. Not knowing what to expect from the crawfish, I was hugely impressed with both offerings. Both were amazing, and the whole table was pleased. As for the main course, I went with the jumbo shrimp in a light coconut sauce, served with a squash cake and quinoa salad. It was astounding. The flavors were bold, yet not overpowering, and flowed nicely across my plate. It was a large portion too, which is fairly rare for higher end restaurants. The joy of being in lesser known food city? Byt this point I was about to pop. And as soon as the dessert menu was put in front of me, I knew it was a bad idea, but how many more times will I be in Louisville? I went with the cheesecake with local peach sauce. Cheesecake is something that I don't order often, and I'm not really sure why I ordered it, but I am glad I did. It was not the New York style cheesecake that I was expecting, but had a lighter, whipped consistency that was much easier to digest after such a binge. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and made the quick stay an excellent one. I expect only more good things from this place. I might just have to book another trip into town sometime soon!

    (5)

  • Lisa L.

    Decided to have lunch so called to see if they had a table. YES, they had one & 5 minutes later my 2 dining companions & I were sipping iced tea & awaiting our salbutes & Lima beans. We were not disappointed. Chef Bruce Ucan never ceases to amaze me with his culinary abilities. Stellar meal.

    (5)

  • Lauren H.

    Great atmosphere, great meal! The ceviche was absolutely amazing.

    (5)

  • Joel P.

    5 stars all the way! Since we arrived the service was excellent, food very tasty and delicious. If you are in the Louisville area I will definitely recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Lady B.

    Just got back from an incredible dinner at Mayan Cafe! I walked in at 5pm (when they open) and was seated right away, there were four other parties seated right at five, on a Wednesday. I was surprised - probably best to make a reservation if you are arriving after 6pm. I had the lima beans for checking in and they were delicious - they are made with pumpkin seeds, green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds and sesame oil. For an appetizer, I had the shrimp ceviche which was excellent - one of the best shrimp ceviches I have had north of Mexico. For dinner, I ordered the rabbit which had the pim tortilla and fried plantains as a side. I switched my order for the yucca cake. The yucca cake was kind of greasy compared to other yucca pancakes that I have had before, and I probably wouldn't get that again, although I ate the whole thing with their delicious habanero sauce. FYI, the jalapeno sauce was not spicy at all and just ok, so if you're looking for spice and flavor go with the habanero. I came in tired and hangry and left happy and full! PRO: Great service, Rabbit, Shrimp Ceviche, Lima Beans, Habanero Sauce CON: Yucca cake, Limited cabs in the area for when you are done. Call one ahead.

    (4)

  • Cale H.

    Top notch! Vegetarian dinner in Aug 2012 was fantastic. Great use of local grown and produced goods. High, positive energy and engaged owner/chef combo. Fantastic menu choices and tons of creativity. In a city full of fantastic foodie choices, this deserves a spot in the Top 5.

    (5)

  • Judith J.

    Food was flavorful and service attentive, food presentation was well done.

    (4)

  • Christopher B.

    Mayan Cafe lived up to the hype. This is the best restaurant in Louisville. Local ingredients, intimate feel, very nice staff, beautiful presentation and really delicious food. What we ate is irrelevant, order anything, I am sure it will be amazing. I do have to agree with the other posters, the bread pudding is a must have (and my significant other is a bread pudding snob). Mayan Cafe is the answer to the "one night in Louisville, where should we eat?" question.

    (5)

  • Dararith L.

    Mole sauce: you either love it or you don't. I had their Mole special with rabbit. Haven't had Mole nor rabbit, but I couldn't appreciate the taste. The food looks exquisite, and the presentation marvelous...but the taste is rather powerful in a semi-displeasing way. I gave some to my friend and he didn't fancy the taste as well. Had the Salbutes for the Day as appetizers and thought it was pretty tasty, but lacked the jalapeno bite that it advertised. FYI (note): The Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is goooood. You can indutibly taste the bourbon, but the end taste closes with a crisp beer finish.

    (3)

  • Stephen M.

    Short Version: Get anything with the local vegetables, the salmon was amazing, and the Kentucky Buttercake is a great ending. Long Version: I rarely write Yelp reviews, but felt that I needed to in this case. As someone from New York who's used to great authentic ethnic food, I wasn't sure what to expect from an authentic Mayan restaurant in Louisville, KY. I'll admit it: I was blown away. My friend and I shared two starters, the tuna and avocado ceviche and the chile relleno. The ceviche was well done, although a little too acidic for my taste. The relleno was stunning. It's the best I've ever had--the sauce is flavorful and complex, and the locally produced vegetables were not overcooked (a rarity), allowing them to showcase their freshness. The salmon entree was superb. The protein itself was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The vegetables au gratin were creamy and delicious without being too heavy. And this was the first time I've ever enjoyed lima beans. Although we were full, we decided to try a dessert, because the rest of the meal had been so good. The "Kentucky Buttercake" was simply amazing. The cake had the consistency of cornbread, although slightly lighter and sweeter. A pear puree and local honey went very well with the cake. Although I'm not normally a pear fan, the puree was subtle and had just the right amount of flavor. I also need to mention the service. The service staff was attentive and helpful. Although the restaurant had quite a few patrons while we were there, our server came over several times during our meal to ask whether we needed anything. He also displayed an excellent knowledge of the menu items and made helpful suggestions to us. Another server made sure that our water and soda glasses never fell below half-full. Finally, a quick note about portion sizes: a few other reviewers have mentioned that the portions are small, but I have to disagree. I felt that the portions were also generous; my friend and I shared 2 starters and an entree and were more than satisfied. Mayan Cafe holds its own against the best restaurants I've been to in New York. If I'm ever in Louisville again, this is the first restaurant I'll look up.

    (5)

  • Hunter J.

    In town on business, looking for a good place to take clients to lunch. This is upscale Latin American fare, no soft drinks and small portions. Salbutes are small corn tortillas topped with different items. They were delicious and had great presentation. The smoked chicken was amazing as was the beef mole.

    (5)

  • Kesshann C.

    We stopped in for an early lunch and had their version of huevos rancheros. Service was attentive and fast. Can't wait to go back.

    (4)

  • Katherine G.

    The atmosphere to this restaurant was quiet, romantic, relaxing and peaceful. The lighting is dim, but pleasant. I went with a coworker but it would be awesome for a first date or a date in general ;-) is a very small place so you may want to make reservations to be on the safe side. The food is Mexican inspired with great flavors that words can't really describe. The portions were just right and the deserts were enough to just taste but leaving you satisfied. I recommended the bread pudding and the Mexican beignets. My first time does not do this place justice. I would love to back to try the whole menu. The pictures that are posted are a great help!

    (4)

  • Kristen W.

    I wanted to wait until I'd been to Mayan several times before I wrote this review. I wanted to say that it is the best restaurant in Louisville after the frist bite I put in my mouth, but that's a pretty big statement to just throw out there. Now that I've eaten at Mayan multiple times and in multiple formats, and now that I've been around Louisville for awhile, I think it's safe to say: This is the best restaurant in Louisville. I haven't had a single bite of food here that I haven't loved. Ceviche, salbutes, lima beans(!), mole, flan, and most recently a tomato/baby leek/jalepeno soup that blew my mind - all perfect, every time. Next time I go, I'll probably just close my eyes and pick something off the menu, and it will be fabulous, I have no doubt. The restaurant is small and charming, with bright photos taken by the owner/chef in his hometown on the walls. Service is impeccable every time. Reservations are recommended - the locals know the secret and fill up the place quickly - even on weekdays. This place is a treat, and I think it really sums up the Louisville food scene in a great way - a chef passionate about his food, his culture, and the Louisville community, serving some of the best food around.

    (5)

  • Brad S.

    Delicious!!! Authentic!!!! My girlfriend is Colombian, and many of the dishes were spot on authentic. The mole is rich and flavorful, and the flan was great. We got to see the produce being delivered, and it made me happy that is was fresh produce that someone had gotten from the market. We went for lunch and were not disappointed. I wish we would have gone here for dinner too. Best cup of coffee in town, it was organic!!

    (4)

  • Laura C.

    Words cannot explain how amazing this food is. There are flavor I have never tasted before. Very unassuming on the outside and small and fancy on the inside. It is also hard to place the categorize the food, as it is fusion, but not. It is by far our favorite dining experience yet.

    (5)

  • Brad P.

    Visiting Louisville from San Francisco. Searching for my 1st meal on my Thanksgiving Visit - I happened upon the humble Mayan Cafe. I was debating between the Mayan Cafe and 610 Magnolia. The choice was clear after meeting gracious Chef Bruce during his break between lunch/dinner. His moles were outstanding. The pork delicious. The farm to table salad a fresh taste treat for beet lovers. The tamales were so tasty that we had to order a 2nd. The scallops were plump and perfectly cooked. Did I mention that the homemade Jalepeno & Habenero Sauces were the "bomb"?? Did I mention that the servers were patient ?? Did I mention easy parking?? Need I say more??

    (5)

  • Elizabeth V.

    This place was absolutely delicious. And with our checkin we got a side of limabeans which are their signature. It is a bit pricey for my liking but the quality and taste of food are well worth it. The portions as very big as well. I also got a bloody mary which was made from fresh ingredients and also great (but a bit on the small side). If you are someone who likes latin food I highly recommend giving this place a try.

    (5)

  • Timothy H.

    My favorite restaurant!!! Not too expensive or uptight, and the flavors are to die for.

    (5)

  • L O.

    Five of us dined there for a birthday. I thought that it was great and love that they use local farm products! We started off with the guac, which was good-nothing fantastic, but not bad. Three of us have the burrito. I have it veg.style like it comes on the menu and it was wonderful. The egg on top threw me for a loop, but I love eggs, and I will honestly say that it really made the dish. One of the other individuals had pork, and the other asked for chicken in hers (even though it was not on the menu). The other two had the cheeseburger, which they said was delicious, and the plantains that came on the side were so good, they ate them before I was able to taste one. We had two desserts, tres leeches and some kind of chocolate cake with mango sherbet. There were both good, but the best part were the entrees. Oh, and of course we had a side of lima beans-you can't go to the Mayan Cafe without having the lima beans. Some of the people at the table were not lima bean lovers, but they even admitted that they were good. Mayan Cafe is not my favorite restaurant, but I would put it is a top 15 list. It is always consistent and good. It adds a twist to normal dishes!

    (4)

  • Alexandria K.

    I was in Louisville on tour and wanted a genuine good meal. I found glowing reviews of Mayan Cafe on Yelp, so we made a reservation an hour in advance and went. Firstly, it's definitely more expensive than $$. All entrees are 20+ dollars unless you get a burger or burrito, which why would you get something you could get anywhere at such a special restaurant? We had the bourbon barrel beer per everyone's suggestion. GET IT. The smoothest, most delicious beer I've tried. We all got two. For appetizers we had the scallop ceviche - amazing, and the chile relleno - amazing. We wanted to try the empanadas, but alas $$$. I had the salmon which was to die for and my boyfriend has the rabbit. Everyone cleaned their plates. Perfect amount of food, expensive, but worth every penny.

    (5)

  • Amy B.

    First time at Mayan Cafe and we were lucky to get in. Next time I'll make a reservation. Very good flavorful dishes. The redfish was delicious. The pork roast was melt in your mouth. I highly recommend getting the "Don't worry about it" drink. It says, "don't worry, it's got Woodford in it". Which I thought was just damn cute and shows they have a sense of humor. Turns out this drink is part Woodford Reserve, part Tuacca, and a splash of ginger ale. Smooth is the best way to describe it.

    (4)

  • Mark F.

    Good food. Nice little spot. Poor service. Some food was forgotten and when it was brought over it came after all the other dishes and was left on the bill. Oh well. Food more than made up for amateurish service.

    (4)

  • Jan H.

    A favorite Louisville restaurant with unusual and delicious entrees. My friend and I tried to replicate the signature Lima beans when we found the recipe, and came pretty close. Everymeal we've had there has been delicious. The wine list is excellent. Small place, easy to miss, but you'll be glad you found it. Great service too.

    (5)

  • Emily S.

    I'm pretty sure the Mayan Cafe can do no wrong. We visited on a Saturday night with friends from out-of-town. There were 4 of us with an early reservation -- we were the first guests there but other parties came in, and it sounded like the restaurant was booked. Definitely get a reservation because the odds of getting a table on the weekend are slim without one. The server was personable and knowledgeable about the menu. The food was delicious -- among our table we had tuna ceviche, red fish, rabbit, and pork. Great fresh vegetables--who knew we all loved lima beans--beautiful presentation. Delicious cocktails. Two of us also had dessert. Sadly, they were out of avocado ice cream, but the ginger-coconut ice cream was a good addition to the chocolate cake. And I say this as someone not generally a fan of coconut. We tried to use an app to determine the song being played, and the hostess went to the back and wrote down the artist's name from Pandora for us: Rhythms del Mundo does Coldplay.

    (5)

  • David H.

    Mayan Cafe has Central American flavors unlike anywhere else in Louisville. I was very impressed that they were able to accommodate my party of six at 9 in the evening and give us excellent service. Yelp had told us that dress was casual, but we were embarrassed to feel a little under dressed on a Friday night. Oh no! Casual attire might be alright for lunch though. The food quite literally blew my mind. My appetizer combined crunchy with crispy and gave just the right amount of pleasant heat. My beef tenderloin had flavors I have never encountered before. The use of starches in the food for structure to support the meats really impressed me. There were delicious chili flavors present as well, but that's about all I could identify. We were very pleased with our bottle of wine and the list overall presented a lot of interesting choices. Great service and amazing food makes this a place a great find. You've got to love the East Market neighborhood as well with its galleries and restaurants. We followed up our visit to Mayan Cafe with a walk across the street to the Louisville Beer Store.

    (5)

  • Carissa S.

    Never knew of Mayan food before but WOW was it delicious!! Very small place with ample street parking right in front. Reservations are suggested and with the seating being few I would recommend regardless of time of day. The menu is small... only beer and wine but that means they excel in what they do!! Party of three and we started with the special of the day with a jalapeno sauce. The chile rellano was the best I've ever had. Finally we had the scallop ceviche in a blood orange sauce. So fresh... so tasty... amazing. The restaurant tries to use local ingredients, organics and you can really taste the difference. Dinner was split between an organic salmon and two of our party members got the pork dish. Servings were nice sized, so fresh, full of so many layered flavors. I would return to this restaurant in a flash. One of the best meals I have had in a very long time. Service was prompt but would rate it with a B+... just didn't over do it with friendliness. This is a MUST TRY!!!!

    (5)

  • Shana K.

    I have to admit that I was slightly puzzled when my business associate ordered lima beans with his pork tacos. I was even more puzzled when they arrived on the table, on their own plate, as a serving large enough for two, and he encouraged me to take half of them. However, I was delighted to taste their rich bold flavor and secretly wished I had orderd an entire plate of them for myself. I silently vowed to go back and order more on a later date. I was equally wowed by my grilled chicken quesadilla which was beautifully plated with fresh greens and came with a side of chips and guacamole. The guacamole was tangy with just the right ratio of citrus. The quesadilla had a crispy exterior and a warm gooey interior. In fact, the only downside I can think of to Mayan Cafe is that the construction of the restaurant lends it to being a little loud for a business lunch. I don't hesitate for a moment in giving this restaurant five stars.

    (5)

  • Elena T.

    Dinner was good, not great. I felt the flavors to be lacking some,.... I don't know, zing maybe. It was just a little bland. But, to give some background, I do like spice! The service was good, but our main meals came out as we were still enjoying our apps. Oops. All restaurants have their off nights, maybe we didn't get what they do best, so I would still recommend and find out for yourself.

    (3)

  • Mister K.

    Get the rabbit and you will be happy. The mole is excellent as well.

    (5)

  • Melina V.

    Attentive staff. Good food. Good prices for the atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Laura M.

    A crazy, rainy night in Louisville - my first night there on business - I wandered the streets of Butchertown, soaked to the gills and in search of some Pig restaurant nearby that turned out to be closed. Imagine my dismay, hungry and soggy, having walked a few miles from the downtown Hyatt. I'd seen the Mayan Cafe on yelp but didn't feel like another night of Latin food . . . Well, my friend, this is no 'nother night of Latin food. Only once, at a place called Coco Natural in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, have I had anything resembling this meal. SO GOOD! I mean, best meal I've had or may have in months good. I had some kind of pork (which I usually eschew) with some kind of mild goat cheese and other things . . I don't really care what they were. They were delicious. If only there'd been more of me and I could've sampled appetizers and dessert. Took one star off because they looked at me like, "What the hell do you want?", when I walked in the door solo and slightly bedraggled. Although, service, after I was seated, was quite good.

    (4)

  • Kerry D.

    This place is ridiculously good, I wish it was in Chicago instead of Louisville! I also wish I'd found it on my first night in town because I would have dined here every night of my stay. The food and service were wonderful. I was dining alone (business travel) and the server was really chatty (in a good way) and helpful. She helped me decide on some amazing wine selections and insanely delicious food. I started w/the special app of the day. It was a black bean tostada type thing (sorry, I didn't write the name down) but if you see it, get it. Next came one of the best entrees I've ever had...yep, the cochinita pibil- words can't describe. You must order this, I can't begin to do it justice, just trust me. Same goes for the ginger desert- sorry again, didn't write the name down and now it's not on the web menu- but if you see it, get it. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. Amazing food and service.

    (5)

  • James P.

    Not to damn the place with faint praise, but I was amazed to have such a great experience in Louisville. Between the two of us, my friend and I had guacamole and chips, a chile relleno, a tamale, their special lima beans (the yelp check in freebie), chilaquiles, and a chocolate souffle (with fruit and some interesting ice cream). So, I think I had a good sample size, and it was all excellent in both taste and presentation. Service was perfect. The one downside is it was a little loud, but not overwhelmingly so. It wasn't a problem at all for me since I had asked for a seat in the quieter area closer to the kitchen.

    (5)

  • Tom W.

    Mayan Cafe is fantastic. The flavors in all of the dishes we had were complex and delicious. I tried both a green mole and a red mole with my smoked chicken as a special request, and I'm here to tell you these were not your typical chocolate syrup with chili powder moles you get at the clone mexican restaurants. In fact, there was nothing chocolate about them. They were both undecipherably delicious. For my fellow Cincinnatians, the only restaurant in town that compares in terms of creativity and food artistry is Boca. I wish we had a Mayan Cafe, perhaps it would kick start a revival of Cincinnati as a food town. My only personal complaint is the over use (in my opinion) of charred collard greens as a flavoring. Yes, it is unbelievably delicious and unique, but 4 of the 6 dishes we tried used it, and as they sat, the flavor became more dominant, even over powering in the last few bites of the smoked chicken (which was still one of the best entrees I've ever had.) If you see them, you might want to pick a few off. It was the perfect dinner after a full day of Bourbon tasting on the Bourbon trail, not a drop of Bourbon in a single dish :)

    (5)

  • Shannon G.

    This place is outstanding! It took me way too long to finally visit this place, but it was well worth the wait. For the finicky types, be advised the menu is quite different, but very, very good. You must try the plantains. I know of no other place that serves Central American dishes... its a shame really. Louisville has a great food scene and this is undoubtedly one of its finest. Highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Dorothy C.

    This is my favorite restaurant in Louisville. The blood orange margarita is fantastic. I have never ordered an item on the menu I didn't love. The guests I have brought here (meat-eaters and vegetarians alike) have loved the place. You do need a reservation. The food is locally sourced whenever possible, and there is a seasonal menu. For October, there was an unbelievable dish with spaghetti squash and grilled cactus. I would note that this dish looks vegetarian on the menu, but there is both a vegetarian and non-vegetarian version. They bring you the version with turkey broth unless you ask. At my table, I ate the vegetarian version and my step-mother ate the turkey version and we were both pleased.

    (5)

  • Neil G.

    Rickdickulousy good! I ate the black bean and avocado salbutes for a starter. Fantastic. Then roasted rabbit with tamarind chili BBQ sauce, fried plantains and pim tortilla filled with beans and goat cheese. I even got a free side of their signature side; tok-sel Lima beans for checking in on yelp! I hate Lima beans. Not these though. Holy $h!t b@11$ Batman!!! I can't even make words up that express this level of goodness. The entire meal was perfect. I washed it down with a Mezcal margarita and a Cuban style margarita which were mixed to perfection as well. I finally rounded out this flavor assault with classic flan and a neat Woodford Reserve. Every bite was was a bitter sweet departure from my plate to my belly. Service was impeccable. The entire house was throwing their A-game when it came to the level of attention to detail imparted on their craft.

    (5)

  • A A.

    clearly this place is awesome.

    (5)

  • Jenny S.

    I might fly back out to Louisville just so I can go here for my perfect meal. Here is what it was: Side of plantains Side of lima beans Salbutes (you get three) Tamale with black bean and chili mole Ahi ceviche Guac We shared all of this between three people and it was perfect, and we each paid $17. To top if off, the Mayan Mocha is great and a glass of red wine makes this the perfect meal. The flavors are incredible, the staff is so friendly, the atmosphere is warm and inviting and the art is amazing. Please move to Denver Mayan Cafe!!!! You cannot go wrong with anything on this menu.

    (5)

  • Adam C.

    If they had a 0 stars I would have rated it 0. I had heard about the great reviews this place gets and thought since I was downtown I would give it a try. I really wish I had just gone home and ordered a pizza instead... oh wait I did after I left without hardly touching my meal. The app was about a 6, the scallops and black bean cakes, scallops were not the greatest but the black beans had a good flavor. Main dish was the meat of the day. I assume it was prepared correctly but it was just not to my taste at all. I was very hungry going to dinner but was unable to make myself finish even half of my meal. I may have gone on a bad night or ordered the wrong thing, but from my personal experience 1 star is all I could give it.

    (1)

  • Valerie P.

    Love this place. I am impressed that Louisville has such a restaurant. I am a very picky eater and I hate eating at chain type restaurants, I prefer unique, local restaurants, especially those that utilize products from local farms. I had the Yuca cake, Empanadas, Nopalitos, Farm to Table Salad, Salbutes, and the Mole of the Day, which was a chocolate mole with sea bass. I will be back. I hope to come back to check out some of the art galleries in the area.

    (4)

  • Cara S.

    Hands down my favorite restaurant in Louisville, and that's saying something. The sea bass is my dish of choice, and all the sides are flavorful and fresh.

    (5)

  • Jamie C.

    Amazing.

    (5)

  • Brandon B.

    Love this place-- One of my favorite dinner experiences in town, right in my 'hood. After trying practically everything on the menu, I started just getting whatever Bruce chose as the special that night (usually fish, tantalizingly prepared). Artistically detailed, well portioned fusion foodcraft! Great place for beers and wine, too.

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    This restaurant completely surprised me. The presentation was top notch, the food was all excellent and it made me no longer say I hate Mexican food. Unfortunately I've tried to go here 3 times and only once has it been open. Once there was a huge ice storm and it was closed, and another time there was a private party. I fully intend to make this a regular stop on my Louisville KY rotation. The chille relleno (or however you spell it) was amazing. I had scallops i believe and they were kick ass. I highly recommend going here if you get a chance.

    (5)

  • Bill D.

    Back in town for work and had to visit Mayan Cafe again! Was not disappointed great tasty food and good friendly service. From the appetizers to the main course special of the day every morsel was delicious! If you can't tell I'm a big fan of this cozy purveyor of gastronomical delicasies. I checked into FourSquare and received a free order of tasty Lima Beans. Must try this place if you end up in downtown area.

    (5)

  • J. J. D.

    This has easily been my best dining experience in the two months I've lived in Louisville. I had the Cochinita Pork Pibil and as everyone else has commented, it truly deserves that little "specialty" icon next to it on the menu. This was my first visit there, so I don't know if it's a recent development, but I'm surprised no one has mentioned this in the reviews yet: From our compostable take-out containers and non-toxic cleaning supplies to the local produce, meat & cheese we use on a daily basis, sustainability is at the core of how we do business. I went on a Thursday night around 8:30. Small place on the inside, but good atmosphere. No partitions or booths for privacy, but I wasn't distracted by any noise and was very comfortable. It was about half capacity with a couple dates as well as business dinners in the hour we spent there. My date and I both agreed that it was the best meal in Louisville we've ever had. How did it not win any of LEO Weekly Readers' Choice awards?

    (5)

  • Greta K.

    The Mayan Cafe has super amazing food. This restaurant is one of the reasons I love Louisville; this city has some very creative chefs. My parents knew I would love it, and thus brought me here the other night. The cafe was small, dark, and intimate. We couldn't make a reservation until 8:30 at night because they are quite popular. After perusing the exotic and flavorful menu, I decided on the Vegetarian plate, where you could choose from four different sides. My choices were grilled cactus, seasonal local veggies (cabbage and squash), a yucca cake, and fried plantains. Also adorning the plate was this kind of dried kale, which was absolutely delicious, and I don't even like kale! The grilled cactus kind of tasted like a cross between a green pepper and an eggplant, and I adored it. The waitress seemed pretty knowledgable about where the cactus came from, but did not know the exact name. After some research though, I think it was a prickly pear cactus. The yucca cake was very good and so were the plantains. Truthfully, I loved it all. My husband had a beef mole and my parents split some kind of pork dish. All the meat was cooked perfectly. We just had to order dessert. After some debate, and my mom's aversion to the banana churro and the flan, we ordered Jose's bread pudding. We were not disappointed. Instead of chunks of bread, this was more like a soft, moist cake. It was complimented with chocolate sauce, Graeter's cinnamon ice cream (another reason to love Louisville), fruit, and whipped cream. I also wanted a Mayan mocha to make myself wide awake for the night ahead of me. This was good, but kind of pricey. I think the Mayan Cafe is absolutely amazing and I would go back anytime. Yes, it is expensive, but you can't get this kind of cuisine just anywhere.

    (5)

  • K T.

    What a fantastic find! Before we came into town for the Derby I made a reservation for dinner on Friday night. I knew that there was a good chance we'd be out of luck but managed to grab a 5:30 reservation. We were warmly welcomed by the hostess and server. The staff here is great. The food? It is even better. They had a special Derby 4 course offering but we decided to pass on that. We started with an appetizer of empanadas. My husband also asked for a side of beans and chips (he claims that anything served with chips should be an appetizer). Both were delicious. For entrees we had the Beef Chilaquile and shrimp in coconut sauce. My shrimp were fantastic but I was seriously distracted by the sounds of pure delight coming from my husband's side of the table. He was truly in heaven, managing to finish every bite and just about white mole sauce from the plate. For dessert we split the flourless torte. It was rich and satisfying. The perfect way to end our meal. I have to give a nod to the fine drink selection here as well. Being our first night in Louisville, we thought it only fitting to try the Bourbon flight. They ranged from light and smooth, to robust and full bodied. I will be on a search for the lighter one, Angel's Envy. I'm not a bourbon drinker but I thoroughly enjoyed sampling that one. I ordered a vodka hibiscus gimlet - something I'll definitely be trying to replicate at home. To sum it up, if we thought there was a chance in the world that we could have gotten a table Saturday night as well, we would have gladly returned. Louisville, you have a fantastic restaurant there in Mayan Cafe. I'm truly jealous.

    (5)

  • Tom R.

    I ate here for the first time yesterday, for lunch, and it instantly became one of my favorite Louisville restaurants. You enter off of a narrow alley and are welcomed into a beautiful, small space. There are maybe a dozen tables in this tiny restaurant but enough room so that you don't feel claustrophobic. The south facing windows let in plenty of sunshine that warms the browns and blacks of the dining area. My wife and I started with three Yucatec salbutes (and I should say here that our excellent waitress didn't laugh at my pathetic attempt to pronounce that). The salmon was the hit of the plate -- a toothsome, rich salmon flavor. The roasted pork was also very good, and the shredded beef, while the least impressive of the three, was tasty as well. The emerald colored jalapaeno sauce served with the salbutes added a nice spicy kick. I got the salmon filet, and it was awesome. Although it was cooked through, it was still buttery and moist. Since I am not a quinoa fan, I had it served atop the lima beans instead, and they too were delicious. The tequila sauce that topped the dish was the perfect touch, and I only wish I had had some bread with which to uncouthly wipe up every last bit of it from my plate. My wife had the daily special, which was a perfectly cooked rabbit with greens, served beneath a deep, rich sesame sauce. She also had the butternut squash cake, which was the consistency of baby food (in a good way!) and also spot-on. For dessert I had their ginger cheesecake. Not only was the cheesecake silky smooth, but they finished it with a drizzle of super-smooth applesauce and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds (along with a dollop of whipped cream). My wife's chocolate torte was dense and dark, and will satisfy any hard-core chocolate-lover's needs. This is a fantastic local restaurant that deserves your support! One caution: make a reservation (even for lunch). The space is small and very popular.

    (5)

  • Lindsey H.

    I felt so lucky to have found this place. I knew just by looking at the menu I was going to like it. Creative menu, focus on sustainable food practices and supporting local farmers. And the food- just delicious. Every time the waitress came by I had to find another superlative to describe it. Overall just dreamy. I ordered the scallops, the carrot and ginger soup, and the bread pudding. All of them were phenomenal.

    (5)

  • Jaime H.

    My favorite restaurant in Louisville. There is nothing on the menu that isn't incredible. I recommend this place to everyone I know, natives and visitors. The atmosphere is intimate, warm, and inviting. Local, farm-to-table, vegetarian options. Also, located in Louisville's hip NuLu district. A must eat!

    (5)

  • Geeta B.

    Oh. My. God. We're blown away!! Everything we had was OUTSTANDING: Blueberry Rooibos tea (uhhh... yeah), Plantains & Marscipone salbutes,Veggie Burrito (LOVED it, and we're from LA, LAnd of burritos), Lima Beans, Butter cake w Dulce de Leche ice cream. Plus Mayan Cafe is local, sustainable and seasonal. Wow!!

    (5)

  • Mike H.

    A wonderful surprise and an unexpected flavor for Louisville. This little restaurant is a keeper on the must visit list of any food lover. I'll cut straight to the best dish of the house - you must try the Cochinita Pork Pibil. It's fabulous slow cooked pork marinated in a semi sweet and tangy reduction sauce next to a wonderful potato pancake and garnished with roasted lima peas to the side. This dish alone is the reason why I continue to go back. The rest of the menu continues to have surprising flavors that are truly unique. Even traditionally adventurous food junkies will find that these flavors do not resemble spanish, mexican, or cuban and is a delight to be had. Overall, a few dishes could have been executed better with a more savory flavor - including the Salmon and Flank Steak. If these dishes had a bit more spices I would have hands-down given this restaurant five stars. Nonetheless, you will not be disappointed with your experience at Mayan Cafe.

    (4)

  • Richard Y.

    The Mayan Cafe is located on a nice open space in Louisville, close to downtown. The road itself almost looks like something out of an old western-I half expected a tumbleweed to go by-and the cafe itself looks almost out of place. Parking is very accessible, and it generally is easy to get to. It's a great place on the inside, dark, modern, but strangely inviting and open. The wait staff was fantastic, caring, and open about what they liked and what they didn't. I got the Salbutes of the day as an appetizer and I was completely satisfied. A potato-corn cake covered in pork, goat cheese, tomatoes, mesculin, and some amazing sauce. It was stellar. For my entree I got the scallop dish. The scallops were perfectly prepared, albeit a bit chewy-not too much though. The salsa negra sauce was great, not too thick, quite earthy, and delicious. Decoratively sloped off to the side were the unbelievable fried plantains-and let me tell you, if you've never had plantains fried, then you have not lived-seriously. The yuca cake was great too-it tasted a bit capery tasting if I do say, but was actually one of my favorite things I tried. The cafe overall was great. It is a great place to grab dinner-and I've heard, even better for lunch. I'll definitely recommend this to anyone in need of something a bit left of center.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth S.

    I went to Mayan Cafe with a few girlfriends for a light dinner. Not looking to get anything really filling, I ordered the side sampler plate with vegetables, plantains, and the black beans. HOLY CRAP. For just a plate of sides, I was blown away. From what I sampled off my friends plates, the entrees seemed delicious as well. I love that the chef decorates the space with his own art, the whole space is quiet and pretty cozy, but not in a bad way. I went back recently and was even more impressed. We sampled a few of the appetizers (which are what I really recommend) and had the pork as an entree. Definitely some of the best cooked pork I have ever had in my life. If you try one place in Louisville, this should be it.

    (5)

  • Jon N.

    If you blink you may miss it, and that would be a shame. This is a tiny little place but offers big flavor! The food is different, exciting and delicious! Service is excellent.

    (5)

  • D S.

    Our favorite place to eat when we visit Louisville every year! The rabbit is my favorite, accompanied by those amazing lima beans. Who knew those humble legumes could taste so good? We have yet to be disappointed at the Mayan Cafe, except when we can't get a table!

    (5)

  • Lana K.

    Great dining experience! Very cozy and casual atmosphere. Since we are very picky wine lovers, and the choice of wines was not great, we brought our own bottle. Corkage fee was $25. We'll be back for sure!

    (5)

  • Carolynne M.

    Well, I am going to be a brat and say I really didnt like the black and aqua interior (not sure what it has to do with Mayan culture) but that's OK, the service and the food completely made up for it. Our server was right on the ball, and everything came out perfectly timed and beautifully presented. The Argentinian wine I chose was a good deal (I think it was $26-$27?) and complemented my duck and Andy M's beef dish nicely. My dish was the Veracruz Duck Mole, which was sautéed duck breast in a slightly sweet & mildly spicy chocolate sauce; served with fried plantains & tok-sel lima beans. Andy, who isnt a big fan of duck, took one bite of mine and said he wished he had gotten that dish instead. A truly amazing find in Louisville!

    (5)

  • Beth M.

    Loved this place! A great unique menu with wonderful flavors. We had the conch ceviche to start. Not usually a fan of conch but this was delicious and so tender. I had the shrimp entree and it was delicious and so light, despite the milk in the sauce. My husband had the Cochinita Pork Pibil that was so rich with flavor and so opposite of my entree. I will definitely return soon!

    (5)

  • Peter S.

    Absolutely fantastic. Extremely creative menu and definitely one of the top two places in Louisville. The other one would have to be in 21C. The Kentucky buttercake is absolutely out of this world, as is mostly everything else at this restaurant. All the arugula and most of the vegetables are locally sourced, and the chocolate mole sauce is superb. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough if you're in the area.

    (4)

  • Tiffany B.

    If you can only go to one restaurant in Louisville, consider this one! The food is unique and so tasty! The salbutes are awesome--really love the black bean/ cheese one with the jalapeno puree sauce (just the right amount of heat with a silky consistency). I also loved the scallop dish; the guacamole is amazing and they also have amazing plantains. I spoke to the owner once and he said even he couldn't find another Mayan restaurant. Everyone asks what Mayan food is like...It has a few subtle elements that are reminsicent of Mexican, but that's a fairly remote resemblance. The flavors don't rely as much on red spicy sauces. I tried to stop in for lunch recently and the place was packed; I'd suggest a reservation to be on the safe side because the place is packed pretty often.

    (5)

  • Andy M.

    Other than the fact that I was completely under dressed and that Carolynne and I got a strange look for not having a reservation I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this place. We stopped into the Mayan cafe on a whim after seeing a Louisville Bat's minor league game. Carolynne picked out a kick-ass bottle of wine, and our entrees were mouth watering. I ordered the Merida Beef Tenderloin that was smothered with all kind of wonderful Spanish spices. The steak was wonderful and the spicy sauce was a perfect accompaniment. My only regret is that I didn't order Carolynne's entree. She had a perfectly cooked Duck that was smothered with Mollee sauce. I'm usually leery of duck because it can taste like a grease bomb if it's not cooked perfectly, but the chef did a perfect job with Carolynne's duck-molle. The next time that we are in Louisville, the Mayan Cafe is one of the first places that I want to return to. Only this time I will dress appropriately for dinner.

    (5)

  • Steven B.

    This place has great and unique food. Go early or get a reservation. The menu changes but something always sounds appetizing. The mole' sauces are always a delight.

    (5)

  • Hoxoe H.

    Nice spin on the ceviche with the inclusion of ginger. A side of chips was all it needed. Good flavors and wonderful textures with the chilequiles as well as the mayan burger.

    (4)

  • Charles D.

    Mmm. Excellent local ingredients freshly arranged in amazing ways. The vegetarian burrito was delicious, and went quite well with the jalapeno sauce from the shredded beef tacos, which were also amazing (and the awesome tortillas make all the difference). The "don't worry about it" drink was great. I believe it was just Woodford Reserve and simple syrup. I slightly regret not having gotten the mimosa, with prickly pear puree and cava. As others have mentioned, the lima bean, pan roasted in sesame oil, parsley, some lime, and other stuff, will satisfy even lima-haters (like my wife), and the shrimp ceviche was absolutely perfect (surprisingly, perhaps, given the distance to the ocean). The articles posted on the walls in the bathrooms were informative, and I imagine they're on the website as well. Friendly and helpful medium-paced service at lunch. A nice cozy feel to the room as well. Highly recommended for foodies generally, Mexican lovers, or fans of local and vegetarian specialties (but don't forget the meat, if you're into it).

    (5)

  • Jeff R.

    I've been to the old and new location. A must stop for Louisville. Excellent South American food.

    (5)

  • Robert M.

    So why doesn't this place have more reviews? Are we so used to goopy, sloppy, cheesy crapola Americanized Mexican food that we ignore the real thing? This is a very creative authentic menu, executed to perfection. I started off with a Don Miguel Malbec which had a nice nose but the finish was a bit weak. I had the Cochinita Pork Pibil which is pork in a red achiote sauce over a pim tortilla. It was very good, the pork was cooked perfectly and the red achiote sauce was tasty, although I wish it had more spice...a little bland but still good. This came with tok-sel lima beans which had a nice seasoning on them...different for sure. I also added a Yuca cake that was topped with a horseradish cream. This was very good as well. Others at my table raved about the Merida Beef Tenderloin which I wish I ordered after they said it practically melted in their mouth. It looked great too. For dessert I went for the Pomegranate Flan. This was the only negative of the night, it was pretty bland. When I think Pomegranate Flan, I was thinking 'full of flavor'....bold...but it was basically a regular Flan with a Pomegranate sauce poured over it. However, the sauce really lacked any flavor, I don't think you could distinguish that it was Pomegranate without reading the menu. Overall, this place is a hidden gem in a cool neighborhood with great service. Highly recommend, stay away from Americanized Mexican food and support this resto! Ole!

    (5)

  • Spencer W.

    This restaurant gets high marks across the board. I have never had anything short of an amazing meal either here or at the owner's previous (and similar) restaurant which is now closed, mayan Gypsy. This is not your typical Midwest South American food. This is a cultural, gourmet experience...with reasonable prices! Expect the owner and chef to make the rounds in the dining area, asking how everything is tasting. This obviuosly shows confidence, because he already knows. It's awesome! The lima beans as a side are always excellent and you can just point blindly at the menu and you will have a winner. I try to hit it every time I'm in town. Living in San Diego, and being close to a lot of really good "Latin" restaurants, I can say, surprisingly, that my favorite one is in Louisville...Mayan Cafe. Try it for sure!! In Louisville, where chain restaurants prevail, this is definitely a worthy dining experience and worth a trip downtown.

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    This is a great restaurant in a neat little neighborhood. We got tipped off about Mayan Cafe by the guys at Scout - a cool little shop of odds and ends in the middle of a bunch of antique shops a couple blocks away. Good atmosphere, nice service, good wine and different food. I started with the seafood bisque. I'm a sucker for soup to begin with - but this creamy concoction made my eyes defocus a bit while it settled into my soul. Absolutely amazing - and a terrific pairing with the 2006 Odfjell "Armador" Cabernet Sauvignon I was drinking. Dinner was the Mayapan Chilaquile - a stacked tortilla dish that was interesting - but not what I was really in the mood for. I did - however - try the scallops... which were great. They had the best fried plantains I have ever eaten... and the yucca cakes were very good. Not sure I'll end up in Louisville again any time soon... but if I am I'll definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Minh S.

    Had their cochinita pork. The pork was tender. I don't see what all the hype is all about with the lima beans.

    (4)

  • Keegan B.

    The Mayan Café is if nothing, honest, a small little café nestled between the folds of buildings in its neighborhood. Its soft inviting lights and quite atmosphere beckon for you to sit and its table conversing with friends. The clean white dishes act as pleasant stages for the food as it arrives. I felt t a little under dressed in my jeans and a button up shirt. Salbutes arrived first a pungent taste of black beans covered in smooth mellow cheese and a slightly spacy sauce. Not my style of food but a good way to start the meal. The menu and food are constantly changing like the season and city around it, growing. Enticed by the waitresses description I settled on the stake with a white chocolate mole sauce. With a slight spice in the rich sauce countering the earthy taste of the meat, lima beans that they have become known, are great. The greens on my plate seemed to have had a bit more of a sweat then I like, I tend to crisp mine more than sweat them, but to each his own. The night ended with avocado ice cream topping a bourbon sauce covering dense little bread like cake. The place is great good food good atmosphere and impeccable service round out this little treasure of Mayan cuisine nestled in Louisville Ky. So take advantage of it and decide for yourself.

    (5)

  • Tony J.

    had lunch there last month with the wifey. the wifey had the chicken with green mole i think. it was pretty good. i had the salbutes (blackbeans&goatcheese, pork, and salmon), the black bean with goat cheese was my favorite. and think we shared an order of the chili relleno. i wouldnt mind eating there again if ever we are in the louisville area.

    (4)

  • Kim W.

    Menu had very little variety.

    (1)

  • Kyle W.

    This place was just unreal. I ordered the autumn salad and the assorted Yucatec Salbutes. My rec? If it says goat cheese - get it. Soooooooo dang good.

    (5)

  • theo n.

    Located in the East Market Art district, It's a shady walk from DT. Coming from an Angeleno, the food is ok; moles are mildly sweet, the guacamole and chips are tasty. The wine list was basic, though the malbec I had was flat, and sour. This restaurante lacks that certain pizzaz that makes it great. If your used to great S American food, then it's a'ight. But if your from the South, it;'s a tasty joint. p.s. they do have Graeter's; the best ice cream East of the Ohio River!

    (4)

  • Suzanne S.

    Loved this place. The food was outstanding. Those lima beans were as amazing as I'd heard. I had a YELP deal too so they were free. Love the deals. Appetizers, entrees, wine, dessert were all fantastic. I also loved the staff. Everyone was super friendly and it was a very comfortably paced meal. Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Stephen P.

    This place has great food and the price is not bad for what you're getting. I will start by saying that the entree with the scallops is amazing. I love scallops and that was the best tasting dish with scallops that I have ever had!! Also tried the mole if the day, which featured beef tenderloin. The mole was good, but nothing unique from any other mole. Both dishes were served with fried bananas and another side. The restaurant has many starters on the menu and I would recommend one started per person. You really do want to eat a three course meal here. For dessert, the flan is absolutely perfect! You cannot go wrong by ordering it. Also tried churo. It was good, but doesn't compare to the flan. Didn't drink while I was there, but they have a decent wine list. The negative I have is that I found the wait staff to be a little inattentive. I wish my entire tip could have gone to the man filling my water because he was the only person I had any interaction with. To sum up, this restaurant has some great food that will allow you to experience new flavors, but the wait staff could do with some more professionalism.

    (4)

  • Zach E.

    I had the Merida Beef Tenderloin, which was delicious. I usually don't like squash, but enjoyed the stuffed chayote squash that came with the meal. My wife raved about the Uxmal Salmon We both had glasses of the malbec, which was also great.

    (4)

  • Ingrid K.

    Had the Mole special and a side of lima beans. Both were great (you should note that I dislike lima beans normally) and I strongly suggest them!

    (4)

  • FromScratch M.

    Loved having dinner here. They feature local farmers, preparing a special menu using their products. We have a very creative vegetarian menu - a mole sauce over vegetables with cheese and homemade corn tortillas. I enjoy rewarding that sort of effort.

    (4)

  • Nick G.

    Some of the most savory vegetarian food I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Kate D.

    One of the best meals I've had in Louisville. Great pescatarian options, atmosphere, and service. Perfect for special occasions.

    (5)

  • Daniel F.

    Unreal food and service. On business in town and tried it out, definitely wanting to go back.

    (5)

  • Robyn S.

    This is the most consistently good restaurant in Louisville. Every single time I eat there, I have a terrific experience from start to finish. During my past two visits, I have the special. During my last visit, my dish was smothered in their incredible mole sauce. It's just not like anything else you'll get in Louisville. I also order the lima beans every single time as a side order. They're just flat-out terrific. I highly recommend Mayan Cafe.

    (5)

  • Cinimod S.

    This place has some incredible food. I will go back and try it when the weather is nicer, some outdoor seating would add a nice touch to the place. My only complaint was the size, this place is tiny and dark. The food was outstanding, the beer and wine selection was eclectic, and I liked it. Try the specials too.

    (4)

  • Chanda O.

    Even though we went kinda late- (40 minutes before closing)- the food was awesome! Fresh locally sourced beef and veggies. Yum!

    (4)

  • Antonio S.

    Received a response from the General Manager of the Mayan Cafe - the response and its entirety is listed below. I will add that I appreciate her stepping up and taking responsibility for her restaurant, just as I would expect anyone in her position to. This has boosted my number of stars from the original review. Living in a technology based world, where the preferred method of interaction is via text, facebook, twitter or email rather than physically talking to them face to face - the art of customer service, and human interaction is that much more valuable. Anne - you've won points in my book. Mayan Cafe Initial response: -First of all, I want to thank you for your feedback. And I want to apologize that you didn't have a good experience at our restaurant the first weekend in October. We strive very hard to create a memorable dining experience for all our guests, but unfortunately we do make mistakes or have "off nights." I'm sorry it took us 2 tries to remake your girlfriend's steak that evening. I have spoken with our chef who remembers your particular order. Tracy, our assistant manager, did put a 20% discount on your check to apologize for the trouble, but perhaps you didn't notice that on the check. At any rate, I just wanted to contact you myself and say that this isn't usually our normal dining experience, and I hope you'll try us again. My response: Thank you for your feedback. I did not expect it. We were actually very excited to come to the restaurant based off so much positive feedback from YELP. It was in fact an 'off night.' I completely understand that. It isn't realistic at all to think that we are 100% on all the time. Anyway, for what it's worth - it wasn't so much the fact that we had to take the food back a few times that bothered us. I think it was more of the lack of customer service on behalf of the leadership. We honestly wouldn't have cared if we had to send the steak back multiple times, but after the 1st time - I would honestly expect someone aside from the waiter to come and simply explain what's going on. Now, to further clarify the 20% discount - you are correct, we did in fact receive it, but ONLY after we made it a point to state to our server how "ballsy" it was to not apologize or even have a manager come forward to explain what was going on, and simply push the full check our way. Only after that point did the server go to Tracy and relay the message. It was then, that she gave the discount - with no intention of giving it to begin with. Perhaps you didn't notice that on the review. If it isn't there, I will update it on YELP accordingly to ensure its accuracy. At any rate, I am an active duty Army Officer - and poor leadership practices really disappoint me when I see it. Your server is to be commended for dealing with the unfortunate situation. But as for managers, and assistant managers, I expect them to take care of their servers and take full responsibility for anything and everything their restaurant does or fails to do. Not leave it to their front line guys to take berating from unhappy customers. You are in fact doing what I would expect ANY leader to do, which is to take responsibility by responding to the review. No worries. We will be in touch. Thank you again for your response. It was much appreciated, I think that when situations like this happen, it is the best time to stop and take note of the situation, annotate the mistakes and practice what to do RIGHT in the event it happens again. It's a learning point for everyone. Take Care and good luck.

    (2)

  • Johnny L.

    The diverse menu, the healthy options, the local foods all at prices that are very reasonable for this kind of restaurant. Great service. This is as good as it gets in Louisville.

    (5)

  • Kira G.

    This place was ok, but definitely not worth the price. For the 3 of us visiting from out of town, we ordered a tamale appetizer, the Conchanita Pibil, the rabbit, and the salmon. While all were tasty, we walked out of there hungry. The serving size was moderate, but we felt that for $75 we should have been stuffed. The conchanita pibil was definitely the best dish of the three. After feeling a bit disappointed in the entrees, we were definitely looking forward to some Banana Churros for dessert. When they handed us the dessert menu they were nowhere to be found! The nice waiter said they might have them again in the summer. Nothing else looked interesting, so we decided to go elsewhere for a dessert.

    (3)

  • Xopher D.

    In town for business, and thought about doing the BBQ thing, but am very glad I tried something off the beaten path. Yes, I had pork, but it was waaay better than anything I was expecting. Here's the short of it, for those of you who don't like to read: Eat Here. Now. It's that delicious. The long review: A small place, with half-a-dozen outside tables. Since the interior felt like an icebox (something that seems to be common in the South) I opted for seating al fresco. I ordered a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale for the novelty. It's just that -- a decent ale with whisky flavor from the barrels it's stored in. Good, but not $6 good IMHO. I chose the salbutes as an appetizer: the day's selection was composed of pulled pork with pico de gallo and a jalapeno cilantro dipping sauce served on fried corn masa fritters. Very yummy, and the sauce had a good amount of kick to it. Entree was the pork pibil, accompanied by a white Spanish wine (very dry, very apple-y). The pibil was brilliant. A mild achiote sauce and shredded pork shoulder that just dripped with flavor and tenderness. Garnished with pickled red onion, arugula & tomatoes, with sides of lima beans and yuca cake. I hate lima beans. Really. But I ate all of these. They seemed grilled in a light sesame oil with a very smooth herb dressing. I loved combining all the different flavors on my plate to see how each thing would taste with another. Maya Cafe is a major gem in Louisville!

    (5)

  • Mele S.

    What a lovely place! Ambiance, service, prices...Cafe Maya has it all. Such a creative menu -- the food is so authentic I felt like I was really on the Rivera Maya! Everything was delicious, but the turkey mole stood out and the lima beans are the best I've ever tasted.

    (5)

  • Lauren T.

    One of the best restaurants in town! Fresh, creative cuisine with great portions. It's a smaller restaurant so make reservations.

    (5)

  • dan g.

    This place is really good I had a pork shoulder with lima beans and a yuca cake it was amazing. Also black beans and chips were good. Think of mayan food kind of like Cuban and costal mexican. I dunno, it's just good, go eat here. It all goes wonderfully with bohemia.

    (5)

  • will c.

    So good to see a local restaraunt thriving with great food and excellant service. Can't wait to come back again to try the other foods on menu.

    (4)

  • susan F.

    Mayan Cafe is my fave in Louisville! Everything is always the freshest. They are known for creative recipes, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. The scallops, any fish special, the mole sauce and the soups are all fantastic. And it's true that the lima beans are really worth mentioning!!

    (5)

  • adam C.

    Mayan Cafe is great. I went there the other night for the first time, and really can't say enough about the food. The menu had lots of choices, and nothing on it seemed like something you can find anywhere else. (Plus, it may have been the first time I went to a restaurant and didn't see chicken anywhere on the menu, for whatever that's worth). We tried their mole of the day (rainbow trout) and a roast pork dish. Both were well-composed and very tasty. The desserts (bread pudding and gingersnap ice cream) were both great. The only dish I wasn't crazy about was the appetizer - a beef tamale. The beef was dry, and there were just too many things piled on top to taste the masa. Other than that, I highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Chau L.

    excellent food, excellent service, excellent experience. thanks, mayan cafe!!

    (5)

  • Lawrence S.

    Exceptional food! Tuna ceviche and guacamole were great. Main courses of pork (cochinita pibil) and rabbit were extremely well sauced. Overall, I agree with the other rave reviews of this establishment.

    (5)

  • Russell W.

    Everything at Mayan Cafe was fantastic, from the service to the atmosphere to the food--especially the food. I went with my family, six of us in all (including a five-year-old who was nicely accommodated for). We all ordered different entreés and proceeded to trade. Everything we ordered was great and delightfully unusual. The appetizers we ordered were also excellent. The only thing I would mention is that if you do intend to attend with a large party, let them know in advance.

    (5)

  • ninja p.

    yum - get the salbutes (some variation with black beans!) and a side of lima beans! wish they had a better drink selection.

    (5)

  • molly c.

    Amazing food at a much cheaper price than expected. Their food combinations are unique and thought out. The service was good and they explained the menu, offered wine ideas. Their versions of French fries, which are not from potatos but yutca are brilliant. The chef even was out and about to greet people.

    (5)

  • Julie D.

    This is by far my favorite restaurant in Louisville! I have just moved to Florida and I already miss Mayan Cafe! The food & service is consistantly great. Prices are very good for the quality. Its small, intimate atmosphere is appreciated and they have a nice little patio area as well. My favorite is Cochinita Pork Pibil, yucca cakes and the lima beans!! I have hated lima beans since I was a kid but my server talked me into trying these. WOW!! I am sooo glad she did!! DELICIOUS!! When I come back to Lville for visit, this will be my first stop!

    (5)

  • Margot S.

    Love the fresh and local ingredients. Our server was nice in an authentic way, not an annoying sales-y way. The food ranged from pretty good to delicious. The salmon was delicious and the portion size was generous. It also had me loving lima beans, which I do not normally like. The house pork specialty was good. The chile rellano with sweet potato was ok-- needed something creamy, and the sauce was under salted. The guacamole was great. The prices were pretty fair, considering the ingredients. I did not like the dining room at all. The walls are dark and the ceiling seems really low, and they seem to be aiming for a "fancy" vibe but it doesn't fit with the menu. We sat outdoors, which was literally in a side alley. It had no ambiance at all. Boo to no liquor. Margaritas, please! Despite the look of the place, the food was great and I would return.

    (4)

  • Tanya P.

    I loved this place until the wait staff seemed to get attitudes. Don't get me wrong, their food is fantastic, but the wait staff seems to have a chip on their shoulder. Yet I will keep going, because the food is really excellent.

    (4)

  • Tam T.

    Perhaps I may have gone on an off night for the chef, but I definitely do not agree with some of the reviews that have been given for this place. Mayan Cafe is a small place but rather loud for table conversation. The limited dinner menu did not offer much varieties, but really what can you offer beside the Holy Trinity of Meat and a couple of game meats before you scare off most non-adventurous eaters. My wife and I ordered the Ceviche of the Day (lobster), which came out quiet salty and flavorless. Unluckily the waitress came back and overheard the saltiness comment and had the chef made another. Unfortunately 2nd time was not the charm and I did not really want to try for the third. The 2nd order of Ceviche was buttery (perhaps if I was eating at Red Lobster..maybe) and not citrus, sour, nor spicy as ceviche is suppose to be. We moved on to the Entree, Rabbit roasted in corn-ginger sauce with sauteed greens and mushroom. I question the authenticity of the Rabbit meat, which was overcooked and dry. The menu description of the side should have been just toppings and not actual sides. Our friend ordered the Mole of the Day (Pull pork with red mole with fried plantain and forbidden black rice) The Pork and mole tasted like can chili mixed with ready made pork. The forbidden black rice came at the end of dinner (late!) and should have been forbidden from ever entering our table. The rice had a fermented flavor with dry black beans. The only good sides (topping) would be the fried plantain. Our other friend ordered the Mayan Burger, which actually was rather good. But honestly, how can you really go wrong with a burger?? I am all for the sustainable food and supporting local farmers, but there needs to be quality and taste behind the food you are serving if you are going to charge rather high for the quantity. To quote my friend "if this place was a burger joint, it would be pretty decent" and that was what Mayan Cafe was. A lot of ifs and did not meet average expectations. Overpriced and lacking in flavor, I would probably not go back or recommend it to others. Unless you like bland and flavorless food and want to say you were adventurous by eating Mayan food, feel free to throw some money away.

    (1)

  • stephen l.

    I ate hear for lunch. the food wasn't bad but it didn't have a lot of flavor. its almost as if they forgot to use spices when making the food.

    (2)

  • Lynn J.

    If you love something different in flavor this is for you. I was at Mayan Café with family members, some adventurous eaters, some less so. We were all delighted with the new flavors, not merely a variation on what we knew but different in subtlety and substance. The Empanadas were a big hit with the whole table and one of ordered a second plate as a main dish. My wife had the Mayan Burger which was delicious. I ordered Grilled chicken with Veracruz chocolate mole, fried plantains, brazo de reina and Yucatec tamale and I was delighted. There is a nice beer and wine selection. Service was cheerful and helpful. There is outside seating for good weather and the noise level was moderate. I look forward to visiting again when in Louisville.

    (5)

  • Morgan E.

    So good. So, so, so good. I doubt I'm going to say anything that hasn't already been said. I went to Mayan Cafe for the first time - I've been dying to try it for months. You know how sometimes you hype a place up and then are disappointed? Yeah, that didn't happen here. It was just as good as I expected it to be, if not better. I got the empanadas as an appetizer and the "vegetarian" burrito with pork. Oh my. The textures and flavors were amazing - the runny egg with the soft tortilla, tender pork, cabbage, and potato? Perfect. The sauce on top married perfectly with the rest of the burrito. If I could've licked the plate, I would've. My only disappointment was my own fault - I didn't know the free lima beans were contingent upon checking in on the Yelp app (bad Yelper...). I tried my friend's lima beans but it would've been great to have a plate of my own. Next time, because there will definitely be a next time!

    (5)

  • Stephanie T.

    Once again, I made the mistake of trying to have a familiar Mexican dish outside of the southwest. It didn't work when I ate a torta in Chicago, huevos rancheros in NYC, and it was a total failure when I got chilaquiles at this Louisville restaurant. When will I ever learn?! The nopales, shiitakes and squash on the chilaquiles weren't interesting, just weird, and the dish was served lukewarm. As for the rest of the meal, we got the pepita dip starter which was delicious. The lima beans were as uh-mahzing as all the other reviews have promised. My husband liked his rabbit, and my friend was also satisfied with her chicken mole. I had an ok Chilean wine off their small list. My friend got a margarita while my husband got a whiskey cocktail. Neither were particularly remarkable. Service was fine, and the ambiance was nice. There are a lot of restaurants in this area, and this is one you could definitely skip.

    (3)

  • Ashley I.

    The food was mediocre at best. The presentation was great and everything sounded delicious on the menu, but the actual taste and flavor of the food was just alright. I had the chicken entree, which was probably the best thing at the table. My sister's burrito was alright and the Chilaquile was pretty tasty. The Lima beans were seasoned well, but truthfully not worth all the hype. The salbutes were actually quite yummy and the guacamole was pretty typical. We ordered a lot excited to try everything, but we were pretty let down.

    (3)

  • Lauren H.

    Very unique restaurant. I mean, where else can you get Mayan food? I had lunch on my first visit, and was impressed! Tucked away in Nulu, Mayan Cafe is a chic little spot great for lunch or dinner. The dining room is quite small, but we were able to get a table right away for lunch. And the prices are reasonable for the high quality food and upscale atmosphere. I had the Vegetarian Burrito, which was bursting with flavor. It has two fried eggs on top, making it unique and delicious at the same time. It was covered in a rich sauce and packed with ingredients. Though I will say, I had hoped for more variety of colorful vegetables; it was very corn- and potato-heavy. Still, it was great, and I'm looking forward to trying one of the other intriguing dishes from their menu. And, as everyone has said, the lima beans are the best lima beans you'll ever have. These aren't your mama's lima beans. I couldn't tell you what they are seasoned with because I inhaled them so quickly, but they are delectable.

    (4)

  • Daniel B.

    This spot made quite a stir when it first opened. Since that time, they've become best known for their rabbit and lima beans. I have experienced the rabbit twice. The first time, it was tender and delicious. On a subsequent trip, it was dry and problematically replete with tiny bones. The entrees here have never impressed me, but the scallop ceviche is wonderful. The pomegranate lamb crepe rocked my world and then disappeared permanently from the menu, as it was apparently a temporary experiment. The churros, salmon, guacamole, and empanadas are all solid. My favorite aspect of the Mayan Cafe is the Mayan Mocha - a bitter dark chocolate-coffee drink with a heavy cinnamon component. Sometimes I'll stop in just to savor a couple of these. I commend them on an adventurous menu. Bring back the lamb crepe and I'll give you that fifth star.

    (4)

  • Leo Y.

    A nice, upscale, ethical establishment with a mulberry tree in front. I decided to start off with the lima beans, and it wasn't what I expected, and was actually quite good. They were warm, perfectly cooked and seasoned, and I'm not sure I've ever had beans prepared better than these. Then I moved onto to the salad. It had sliced jicama, avocado, radishes, tomatoes, greens, queso fresco, and a lovely pomegranate dressing. I think that this might have been the best salad that I've ever tried. Not being hungry to begin with, I skipped the entree, and went straight for the dessert. After surviving a ten minute power outage (They need to invest in battery powered emergency exit lights) they started working on my order, and brought me the steaming hot churros. Again, not what I expected, but it was a churro inspired dish that was better than any churro that I've ever had. And I love churros. The pineapple gelato was a bit too acidic for my taste, but that's just a personal preference. The staff was an absolute delight, and I'd happily bring friends/coworkers/dates here, as I know that the place will not disappoint.

    (5)

  • Stephanie B.

    The Mayan Cafe was such a treat when I visited. The uniqueness of the restaurant is what drew me in for lunch. How many options are there for Mayan inspired food in Kentucky?! I ordered the salmon with a side of Lima beans. As a huge fan of both items, I was intrigued by how the Mayan favors presented a different side of the dishes. It was truly unlike anything I have had before. The intimate setting was ideal for my date and I. A very quaint and cozy dining room allowed for the food to be showcased. With the prices being higher for the quality product, I would definitely keep The Mayan Cafe in mind for an anniversary or other celebratory dinner.

    (5)

  • Sabrina G.

    Well this was my first time at Mayan cafe and all I can say is wow. Every single thing I had here was SO good. The appetizers, even the guacamole was exceptional and unique. I had the pork and the Lima beans. I resisted the urge when I tasted the Lima beans to pick up the phone right then and there and call my mother and tell her she was doing it wrong all these years. The pork was delicious as well and I had a yummy mojito too. It didn't seem like so much food but I found sadly I could not finish my plate completely because it was such good filling food I was stuffed! If you haven't been here you are missing out.

    (5)

  • Audrey D.

    Very impressed with the food here at the Mayan cafe! The atmosphere is lovely, the blood orange margarita is fabulous, and the famous lima beans are awesome. I ordered the salmon and it was so delicious. The flavors were different yet very satisfying and the entire dish was a treat for my tastebuds! I love the intimate setting and outside seating. Even sitting indoors is nice and inviting without feeling cramped for space. I always recommend this place to my friends looking for a not-so-common restaurant experience!

    (5)

  • Jenny J.

    Pretty good food. Excellent service! Lima beans were tasty. Although I don't think as fantastic as everyone says. Definitely the best I've had but still - Lima beans. Dark and bubbly was delicious if you have unique taste in alcohol like I do. Maybe not great for a standard palette but for your weirdo like me. Veggie burrito with pork was tasty. As were the sopados of the day.

    (3)

  • Jen I.

    Nice atmosphere and my waitress was spot on with suggestions! I ordered the Cochinita Pibil - the pork had a amazing taste and I added some of their jalepeno sauce which made it perfect! I'm not a fan of Lima beans - but ate all of theirs! For desert I ordered the churro which isn't traditional - they were round with mascarpone cheese inside and rolled in a cinnamon and sugar - with pineapple gelato on the side. It was very good!

    (4)

  • Tj P.

    This is what I'm talking about. Great food, fantastic company. A near, perfect lunch. I can only slight it as it wasn't quite long enough. But you've got to take the moments that are given and appreciate every minute. For that, I am very thankful. We split two plates of the salbutes and a couple orders of the Tok-Sel Lima beans. I believe we both rated the roast pork salbute on top and then split on our ratings for the other 5 we sampled but everything was at least very good. And the beans, yep, best Lima beans ever. To finish it off, we shared an order of their Mayan churros with pistachio ice cream which was like wrapping my appetite in a nice, perfectly cozy blanket. If we hadn't had to rush back to work I would've opted for a nap. And then more churros.

    (5)

  • Jennifer H.

    This is, and has been since I first ate here, my favorite restaurant in Louisville. Anyone who can make me love lima beans deserves accolades. Every single thing I have tried has been superb, but I honestly usually order a veggie plate with 2 servings of lima beans because I love them so much. I no longer live in Louisville, but there are 2 places I miss and one of them is Mayan Gypsy. I can't wait to return to go here again.

    (5)

  • Ben R.

    I've been to the Mayan Cafe twice while in Louisville on business. The food was phenomenal both times. The Lima beans are amazing! I had the tacos of the day (salmon) on my last visit, and they were excellent. The restaurant is in the NuLu neighborhood, so there's plenty to do/see/eat/drink in the area.

    (5)

  • Michael J.

    Wow, the scallop entree special was amazing...big diver scallops with collard greens, bacon and orzo, all topped with a slightly sweet green sauce

    (5)

  • Sarah C.

    Just in case it does not become clear through reading my review, let me just start off by saying, Mayan Cafe is my VERY favorite restaurant here in Louisville. I have been a bit starved for Mayan Cafe lately, and was so happy when my friend suggested we have dinner here one evening after work. It also happens to be one of her favorites too! :) We shared the empanadas as an appetizer. They are a bit different than I remember them being the last time I had them, which is part of the fun in ordering items off of their menu. Bruce (the chef) changes it up often according to what is in season and locally available. I decided to have the Chilaquile for dinner, which I have munched on many times before...and was still delighted by the flavors. The mushrooms added a nice texture and flavor to the dish, along with all of the other perfectly cooked vegetables that are folded in between super fresh tasting tortillas. The amount of sauce is just right, if you ask me, and really brings the entree together. The portion size of this dish is definitely a good one for splitting with someone if you are not looking for a hearty helping. They do not skimp! For dessert we shared the churros. Yum! Three reasonably sized ball shaped churros filled with mascarpone and covered in sugar and cinnamon! The dulce de leche is so tasty and makes the churros even better than they are alone. They served it with a scoop of fresh pineapple icecream (which changes according to season; i have had banana as well) and a small amount of berries or other fruit. I could easily devour the entire dessert, but made a smart decision to share it. :) The beverage menu is worth noting as well because they do things different, and better in my opinion, than most. You will not find regular sodas or super syrupy/sugary drinks on their menu. They have high quality drinks and make delicious juices and cocktails as well. The wine list is on the small side but full of wines that are sustainable, biodynamic and organic! They also serve a small sampling of beer which i believe are only local/regional picks. The service staff have always been friendly and efficient, as well as knowledgeable about the menus. They do a great job of being present without overdoing it. :) Everything about Mayan Cafe is of superior quality and worth your time and money. You will not be disappointed! Make for sure and check out the special wine dinners that they do a couple times a year as well the dinners where they feature certain farms from around the area.

    (5)

  • Monica S.

    Great find en route to Chicago Ceviche, chicken mole, and dessert ( crime brûlée and churros) Will definitely return

    (4)

  • Joe D.

    My taste buds were on a savage adventure in this 45 minute meal before a UoL game. Be sure to start out with Salbutes, ceviche or empanadas. The salutes this night had smoked salmon and were so good, the scallop ceviche is mouth watering and so refreshing and the empanadas, which are different than others in town melted in my mouth. I shared Cochinita Pibil which consists of tender slow roasted pork in an achiote sauce served with their amazing lima beans. Great meal and great service...if I had more time this could have been a 5 star rating. I will return and savor the distinctive flavors that this restaurant provides its guests.

    (4)

  • Deakon F.

    Just a quick meal. Had the slow roasted pork (cochinita pibil). Very mild seasoning, decently tender. I can see why the earlier reviews rave about the Lima beans.

    (4)

  • McKenna S.

    When my boyfriend and I were in town from Milwaukee we really wanted to try a local restaurant, but also wanted some latin-type food. A local we had met recommended The Mayan Cafe, and we were glad we took her recommendation. The place was small,and in a great location. It was quite busy for lunch on a Monday. We had to wait a few minutes to be seated, but our experience was well worth the wait. Our server was polite and gave us a brief history of the cafe. The food and drink menu is small, but everything is farm to table with daily specials. Even the juice is freshly made. I opted for the juice of the day which was pineapple, ginger and (I think) mango. So delicious. Even my boyfriend's grapefruit soda was hand made. We had to wait a few minutes for the drinks because the kitchen staff was literally cutting the fruit-- awesome! When our food came out, I was impressed the presentation, and even more impressed with how great the food was. I ordered the salbutes, which are like deep fried tortillas topped with your choice of meats, greens or fish. There were a number of different combinations to choose from. I got the salmon, pork and cactus. They were nothing short of amazing, and came with a jalapeno sauce. My favorite was the pork. My boyfriend opted for the Mayan Burger, which he said was also very good. Overall, the price was VERY reasonable for how delicious the food was. I think our total meal was only around $25-30. Next time I'm in town I will definitely be back! I would highly recommend visiting the Mayan Cafe!

    (5)

  • Vishal S.

    Asked for the lima beans and never got them. After dinner I wanted to order desert but I was brought my check. Oh well, your loss.

    (2)

  • Shelly D.

    Mayan Cafe hardly needs my review -- there's plenty of glowing ones -- but as a vegan I thought I'd toss my hat in. The signature tok-sel Lima beans are delicious, as were the fried plantains. I had the chilaquile, minus the queso fresco, and it was one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. My sister had the shrimp special and she loved it. Portions and prices are very fair, service was excellent. GO HERE!

    (5)

  • Taylor C.

    I had the Mayan Burger there, and it is definitely on the list of top five burgers I've ever had. It's right up there with the Ramen Burger in my book. The empanadas were also delicious, but it was a disappointingly small portion. But take a moment to appreciate quality over quantity and you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • EasilyAmuse D.

    We had dinner before The Black Keys concert. The food, drinks and service were fabulous. We started the meal off with Sikil-pak which is a pumpkin seed dip. It was different and everyone should try it. For dinner I had the Chilaquile and it was delicious! I would have it again. The portion was large and I finished it off as a midnight snack after the concert. It was just as good then! My friend had the Vegetarian Burrito and he enjoyed it. The flavors of both were very different. I had a Blood Orange Margarita and all I can say is YUM. The service was attentive without being overbearing. Our server made good recommendations as well. My only regret of the meal was that I didn't have a 2nd Blood Orange Margarita.

    (5)

  • Ben S.

    What a great place you have here, Louisville! I'm pretty sure I am writing the 250th review of this place and those before me have all had stellar comments so I will be brief in heaping additional praise on this restaurant. The wife and I dined here on Thanksgiving eve - that being the Wednesday before the biggest feast of the year. We found the place through Yelp. We used the check-in offer to get hold of a lima bean appetizer. As previously mentioned so many times, you cannot come here without trying their lima beans. I don't know that I have ever had fresh lima beans before but they are the very distant cousin to those which come from a can or out of the freezer. They were delicious! We also ordered their special appetizer of the day which can best be described as a pumpkin seed hummus, although that is my description - not what was given by our waiter. Another unique and delicious offering. It came with chips and when we ran out of appetizer we still had some chips left so the waiter brought me a small cup of their habanero salsa to try. Not excessively hot but really full of flavors - the habanero, tomatoes and a fruit which added a nice bit of sweetness to balance the dish. Nothing we ordered came with it so I'm glad that I heard about it from the woman who took our reservation earlier in the day. Dinner consisted of the Chilaquile for me and the Tikin-xic for the wife. We pass plates so I got to try both. Her fish (grouper on the day of our visit) trumped my tortilla lasagna but not by much. I really enjoyed the seared fillet served skin-side up to add a little crunch. It was cooked perfectly and quite juicy. Likewise, the tortilla lasagna (unique concept but it worked) was kicked up through the addition of chorizo. We finished with the churros - interesting interpretation which can only loosely be called a churro. I especially enjoyed the juxtaposition of crunchiness and creaminess. They only have about 15 tables so the recommendation about reservations is one that should be heeded if you plan to visit on a popular night for dining out. We had to take an earlier reservation and the place was packed when we left about 7pm. Great service - great food - great place!

    (5)

  • Justin H.

    Probably my favorite restaurant in town. They source their menu locally and the quality is top notch. I've been coming here for nearly 10 years now and not once have I had a single complaint. I'm not a picky person but a picky eater. This is a true diamond in the rough for me. I always try their specials to see what their chef can prepare and again, I'm never disappointed. The environment is very laid back and comfortable. it's not too loud and the service is prompt. The wait staff is very knowledgeable seem really happy to be at work and not in the "Office Space" type of way. I've eaten in their side yard, front patio and inside and the service is the same - GREAT! The portions are fair and the prices reflect the quality.

    (5)

  • Nicole M.

    This place had amazing food! June was beet month, so I had a brisket burrito that incorporated beets in the dish as well. It was served with slices of apple and some type of curry sauce on top. Honestly one of the best burritos I've ever had. My friend ordered the rabbit which was delicious, and very tender. And I've grown up eating rabbit too, and it would stand up to any dish my Mom ever made. If you check in on your yelp app, you get to try to Lima beans for free. Just show them the coupon. They were very good. Still not my favorite vegetable to eat, but made them much more tasty than what I remember as a kid. Overall great experience. Love the area that this is in. And service was great.

    (5)

  • James B.

    Was in town for a few days so I got to sample some great selections in Louisville. I was pleasantly surprised to find some great dining options. Mayan Cafe was our last stop before heading home. My boss and colleagues raved about it, so I went in with high expectations. They did not disappoint. I started with a grapefruit soda and ordered the chips and guac for an appetizer. I fancy myself a bit of a guacamole aficionado, and I'm glad to say this is one of the best offerings I've ever had. Great avocados and great seasoning along with very good chips. I had the chicken w/ lima beans and chili sauce. Any one of the three things together would have been very good, but the combo of the three and the way each highlighted the tastes of the other amounted to one of the best meals I have had in a long while. As I write this review, I'm trying to figure out how I can get back to Louisville with my family so they can try the place. The only thing I'd suggest is some bathroom sprucing, while it wasn't dirty by any stretch, it seemed a little rundown compared to the rest of the atmosphere. Scrape the stickers off the paper towel machine, touch up the paint and such and it would help, imho.

    (5)

  • Glenda A.

    First time visiting this Louisville staple and I was not disappointed. We got there at around noon and were seated promptly after requesting an outside table. The server was knowledgeable and attentive. For the food, my friend ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a side of fried sweet plantains. I got the tacos of the day which consisted of cherry tomatoes, a variety of mushrooms, pickled red onions and a spicy sauce. The best part of the taco, though, had to be the tortilla. Perfect, consistency and thickness that highlighted the bright flavors, instead of hiding them. A real taco, without any cream or cheese.... Just fresh, good food! I accompanied my tacos with the juice of the day. It was a blend of fruits and vegetables and it was so refreshing in this hot weather. Overall, a great experience. Can't wait to go back for dinner. I've heard the local ground beef burger is epic!

    (5)

  • Terry K.

    Service trumps food every time. I came to Mayan Cafe for the first time about a month ago. I have heard good things about this place so I decided to take some friends out there. I wanted to wait a while to see if I can be unbiased. The feeling hasn't gone away. The food was good. The server we had was excellent. The front house manager was less than desired. I don't want to bore you with the details but the consensus from the 5 of us at the table was that we weren't felt welcome. We were a nuisance, and we need to hurry up and leave. From beginning to end we were there for 40 minutes tops. Also I would like to mention that three of our guests were from out of town. This experience was not what I expected and I know I won't come back nor will I recommend anybody to go there. There are too many good places to eat in this neighborhood to put up with feeling like I'm not a valued customer.

    (2)

  • Dmitry S.

    Service was very slow, also mixed up the orders so had to wait longer. Prices were a little on the high side for the food you get. Good place to try but will not be back.

    (3)

  • Danny P.

    The rabbit really was up to the recommendation. Very balanced and tender. You'd think you were eating pork or something. Nice portions, Lima beans...lives up to the reputation. Great date place!

    (5)

  • Brian B.

    I go back and forth on what is my favorite Louisville restaurant but the Mayan Cafe is always in my top 2 or 3. Simply incredible tastes and flavored you don't find anywhere else. The mole is always mind blowing, as is really every single thing on the menu. And of course, as anyone who's ever been here will tell you, the lima beans are out of this world (and I normally don't even like lima bean. Whatever magic powder they use to transform these things should be bottled and sold). Pro tip: go at lunchtime, when the prices are much lower but most of the menu is still available. Or actually don't because it's a small place and I want to make sure there's a table for me.

    (5)

  • Devan H.

    Was not let down to their stunning reputation. Decided to take the lady to Mayan Cafe for her birthday as i was told i would not regret it, but yet my expectations were far surpassed. Though the dining area was cramped and our reserved table was arms length from a table of 6 the service was still very exceptional as the host offered us a more private table in a quiet dim lit corner that we gratefully accepted. At times the dining area was a bit loud, due to the small size, making out server a bit hard to hear at times but not to the point were it ever made our visit unenjoyable. To start we ordered the baby scallop ceviche, which i was told were wild caught, made with a poblano vinaigrette, avocado, and pico de gallo. Very beautiful plating and maddeningly delicious. As my entree i ordered the salmon, cooked medium-rare, with a cuitlacoche cream sauce, tok-sel lima beans, and a potato & corn cake. Due to Yelps 'check in' offer, i was also able to receive the free side of lime beans. Once again arrived steaming and plated handsomely, the salmon was cooked perfectly and was blanketed with the perfect amount of their intoxicating corn smut sauce. The corn and potato cake provided the perfect mellow balance to the sharp bitter and acidic lima beans siding perfectly parallel with the combination of the buttery salmon and the complex flavors of the Cuitlacoche cream sauce. I could quite literally wright for days about my dish, but due to my fevering lack of sleep due to the 'life of a cook' i must wrap it up. Chef Bruce Ucan is a pioneer in louisville and is looked up to by many cooks in louisville including myself. I feel honored to have the luxury of just encountering something he has created and plan on taking advantage of that opportunity as long as i reside in Louisville, KY and will enlighten as many as i can about my experience in hopes they will experience and evening at Mayan Cafe as beautiful as ours. In conclusion, FUCK that was delicious.

    (5)

  • Nicole S.

    Mayan Cafe had great reviews online so we were excited to try it when visiting Louisville. Have to say the meal was less than mediocre. As an appetizer we ordered the black bean cakes. They arrived and before we even tasted them, we were surprised at the appearance. Once we tasted them, we immediately commented on how dry and bland they were. A touch of salt can go a long way in cooking! On to the main course... I ordered the salmon, to which I was told was always cooked to a medium temperature. The salmon came out over cooked, which gave it a fishy taste and tough texture. My friend ordered the chicken and had to cut off quite a bit of fat and gristle. Simple steps that should have been done in the kitchen before serving to a customer. Also, the tamale that came with the chicken (as listed on the menu) was absent because "they were out." It came with rice instead. Should have let us know that when we ordered. Lastly, the lima beans that are all the rave in the reviews, again lacked seasoning. We were honestly super disappointed and did not finish our meals. I'm giving Mayan Cafe two stars. We at least enjoyed our drinks!

    (2)

  • Pam C.

    Had a wonderful lunch here. Started with the Sikil Pak which is a pumpkin seed dip that is delicious. Entree was the Yucatec Salbutes (think mini open faced tacos). Had the roasted pork, rabbit and the black bean, would order all three again. Since I checked in on yelp I also got a side of their Tok-sel Luna Beans. Like other reviewers said they are awesome and I'm not a big fan of lima beans.

    (4)

  • Kelly P.

    Mayan Cafe is my favorite restaurant in the Nulu area. Of course, if you're from Louisville or frequent the city, you know there are numerous amazing restaurants in Nulu; but, this place is my place if I'm dining in that area. Everything on the menu is amazing, and it's all very reasonably priced. And, they have the best lima beans you'll ever taste in your life! If you think you're not a fan of lima beans, just taste these, they can change your mind. They also have great cocktails. This is a perfect spot for lunch, a dinner date, or just meeting up with friends. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it as your next stop in Nulu.

    (5)

  • Kat W.

    Being fairly new to Louisville, we have had a lot of family and friends come visit us, especially after bragging about Louisville's outstanding dining scene. Mayan Cafe has quickly become our go to spot to give visitors a little taste of Louisville for lunch or dinner. On our most recent visit, I had a "Don't Worry About It" to drink, and it was a perfect bourbon cocktail to accompany dinner. The Cochinita Pibil was amazing, and my husband loved finally trying the Rabbit. We typically order sides to share of the Tok-sel Lima Beans, the Fried Plantains, and the Grilled Cactus. Our guest really wanted a burger, and she reported that Mayan Burger was exactly what she wanted. We convinced her to try all three of the sides, and she was instantly addicted to all three. As someone who is gluten-free (not by choice), Mayan Cafe has a multitude of options for me (nearly the whole menu) that are all delicious. I would highly recommend reservations for dinner, as the dining room is very small, but the trip to Mayan Cafe is certainly a must do on our Louisville list!

    (5)

  • Barbara D.

    Checked in on Yelp and got a coupon to try the lima beans. And now Charlie, the 13-year-old, has finished them ALL. Yum! Not a morsel of any food item was left on any of our plates. If we lived in Louisville, Kentucky or near environs, we would be here a lot. Fantastic pork enchiladas with a fried egg on top. Guacamole side was also excellent. Mayan m-m-m-m-mocha. Really nice food choices and very good service.

    (5)

  • David D.

    I really enjoyed this restaurant. It gets packed and a little loud, but that's for a good reason, it's great food with a fun atmosphere! I highly recommend the lima beans (obvious), the white wines from Argentina (surprising), and the fish of the evening (always fresh and delicious). I also had the best guacamole of my life, but that's probably obvious to you. The thing that made it extra fun is it was served with a pumpkin-seed dip (tasty and inventive), as well as a black bean dip, which was solid. Service is friendly and accommodating. They probably have quite a few health-conscious customers, since they didn't miss a beat with any of my odd requests. The only nitpick I'd have is that some of the dips were on the oily side, but this is the South and we're not talking going too aesthetic are we?

    (5)

  • R T Kraken T.

    I have dined here several times. I have still not ordered an entree off the menu. Their specials are always so compelling, they make me completely forget what I had planned on eating. What can I say? The food is always intriguing, delicious and original. The presentation is top notch. The service is excellent and the atmosphere comfortable. Even when I have arrived without a reservation, they have accommodated me. Easily one of my favorite places in Louisville to eat.

    (5)

  • Joey J.

    Louisville is a town filled with a number of really great restaurants. I'm not sure if this is one of the best for the price is my only concern. Went with a group of 6 and the general consensus was that this was an attempt at upscale Mexican food, but the price didn't really meet our expectations. The best thing was the coffee which was exceptionally delicious, cocktails were weak and sweet, food was all good but nothing making us say "let's come back here!"

    (4)

  • Robin B.

    Honest to goodness, this was the best meal I've had out in a very long time. Excellent service, nice people, and flawlessly executed. I'd go there again tonight, and tomorrow. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Leigh W.

    There are lots of great vegetarian options here, but the veggie chilaquile would be my last choice. Opt for the burrito instead. Each bite bursts with intense flavor.

    (5)

  • Damian C.

    Open your inbox. Chances are, you have some deal-of-the-day website spitting lengthy and frequent emails at you trying to sell you some product, coupon, or vacation package. More likely than not, at least 1 of these emails contains some vacation package for you and a plus one or a giant group of your 93 bestest of friends and family members and their friends to take a tour of the Mayan ruins. Tempting, of course. When it comes to the Mayan Café, there is nothing 'ruined' about it. This place is solid and surely one not to miss is Louisville. I expected the restaurant to be loud and bustling and was quite surprised when my two co-workers and I showed up to a more intimate setting. It's a small place with a hipster-type feel... but not like teenage-angst I-don't-care-about-anyone-else hipster, more like I-am-just-super-laid-back-and-like-tattoos hipster. Mutual respect and a love of life type of vibe. We ordered a round of drinks and a side of the lima beans (free with Yelp! Check-in, for those of you wondering), and stewed over the menu. Since none of us shared our plates, I will focus solely on my meal, the cochinita pibil. That's pulled pork to y'all that don't know Spanish. Or Mayan. Actually, I had no idea what it was either until I had it once. No worries, most dishes are explained in clear enough English that you don't have to get anxiety over what you are ordering. Ok, full disclosure. I loved the pulled pork. Who knows what it was... the juicy meat, the not-too-spicy-not-too-sweet sauce, the lima beans (everyone should LOVE these!!).... What a stellar combo. The star of the show, however, was the lima bean tamale. Ok, maybe you are sensing a lima bean trend. I happen to be the weirdo who loves lima beans and actually seek out vegetable medleys in my grocer's freezer that contain this little green been of yumminess. But to say that I have had a lima bean-infused tamale is unheard of until Mayan Café and I liked their spin on what's normally a fairly standard food. If it's their personalized recipe, they need to highlight it; if it's super common and everyone else in the world has eaten in, shucks... I am glad I am no longer missing out. Don't ruin your experience in Louisville by skipping out on a stop at Mayan Café. If you don't love it, you don't love puppies. And who doesn't love cute little puppies?

    (4)

  • Rachel R.

    Wow! Wowy wow wow! We just had the most fantastic experience at Mayan Cafe! Our server was so mellow yet so fantastically attentive. Not smothered yet completely attended to. The atmosphere is intimate, romantic, down to earth, and classy. I felt pampered and well fed. I love that the menu includes the farmers from whom they buy produce. Below is our list of purchases. I'll include a "*" for must-haves! Drinks: Hibiscus lime tea* Cava Guava (brut, hibiscus liquor, guava nectar) Starters: Scallop ceviche Black bean cakes* Lima beans* Entree: Rabbit* Dessert: Bread pudding w/ caramel ice cream Everything was FANTASTIC!!! We can't wait to come back!

    (5)

  • Max B.

    The Mayan Café has become my home restaurant for things that are celebrations or perhaps should be celebrations. It's half a block from my home and can always be counted on to fill both Market St and the alley Billy Goat Strut, whichever my choice that day to amble along, with wonderful and inviting smells. I have to guard myself against this as I'm sure that too many visits would likely leave me broke. (But happy! In my experience Chef Bruce would deserve every penny of that.) Mayan Café is one of my go to examples of the five star restaurants that spoil me here in my hometown, and perhaps the toughest to explain it's cuisine. Ultimately it is clearly Chef Bruce's love and passion expressed in food form, and while that's hard to translate/explain to people from out of town or even people from Louisville that haven't made the trip yet, it's also about the highest praise I can give. Trust Chef Bruce's seasonal suggestions. In a street with a number of great farm to table savvy restaurants, Mayan shines like the best of them AND has a wonderful, consistent menu along side the seasonal choices. (Late shout out to Chef Bruce's amazing full course dinner he had celebrating the end of the previous Mayan baktun ("apocalypse").) Mayan Cafe has my favorite Guacamole in the city and enough words cannot be spoken about how great the tok sel lima beans are. (As a huge fan of both guac and lima beans in their many varied forms, Mayan's versions have won my heart as the best examples of what these can be.)

    (5)

  • Emily W.

    SO glad I was finally able to try Mayan Cafe after reading all the excellent reviews over the years. Let me tell you, they are well-deserved. I spent Saturday evening here with a group of about 12 people for a birthday party. We had reservations for 8pm, and when some of us arrived early, we were happily told we could go ahead and take a seat as the table was just prepared. Given my recent obsession with Moscow Mules, I started with the Mezcal Mule and it was delicious! Others in the party ordered the Cava Guava, bourbon, and beer, and everyone liked their drinks. As far as food, my husband and I split chips and guacamole (delicious, and not too much to fill you up before your entree), I had the chicken, and he had the burrito with pork based on others' suggestions. The sauce on my chicken was a chocolate mole and it was a really great complement to everything on the plate, and definitely something unique! I tried a bite of the burrito and of course, it was delicious as well. OH and the lima beans! They really were good! Especially for free with a Yelp check-in. I will admit I didn't understand much of what was listed on the menu, but usually when I run into that, the food winds up being delicious. That was certainly the case here. I'm excited to go back, and would like to try Mayan Cafe for lunch now.

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    I used to live on East Market Street, and one of the worst parts about moving was the fact that I was going to be far away from this chic, delicious, all-good-things-wrapped-up-into-one establishment. I have never been dissatisfied with what I've gotten there. Their scallops drenched in their own special type of mole were my favorite, but sadly, they haven't been on the menu lately. (Mayan Cafe, bring them back already!) Regardless you have to get the plantains if you go there. Mmmmm ... I want to go back. Now!

    (5)

  • Brittany S.

    And with total thanks to my Yelp friends we added yet another 5 star notch to our belts. Two requirements led us to Mayan Cafe: highly rated/nearby and outdoor seating...make that three - - -beer. Check, check, check. My sister and I are big supporters of family-style eating so Mayan Cafe's tapa style menu was perfect for our late lunch. We started out with a cold beer - I'd like to especially give praise to my Kentucky Bourbon Beer - - - - -- holy shit. Rocked my world like drinking a straight bottle of bourbon maple syrup - which is perfection in my book. We ordered the black bean dip and and chips to start things off. Our thoughtful waitress went ahead and brought out the jalepeno dip as a personal recommendation. LISTEN: Check in on the Yelp app to receive a free serving of lima beans. Psh, don't tell me now that you don't like lima beans with a scrunched up face. Try these and then try throwing that face my way. These dandies are the classic Mayan version with plentiful garlic, scallions and spices. Next up: spring tapa menu = don't mind if I do! We opted for the mini tacos (there are 6 options, choose three) - we went for the butternut squash with goat cheese, black bean and smoke salmon. The butternut squash received the gold sticker in my book. Sweet and flavorful texture.

    (5)

  • Sofia J.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Their dishes with mole are always amazing! Actually, everything I've tried--whether it's meat or vegetarian--is always delicious. Last time I went, my husband ordered an appetizer with goat and an entree with rabbit. I usually stay away from unusual meats, but I took a few bites from his dishes and was totally blown away! The chef is an extremely talented cook who knows how to cook and spice everything perfectly. I also love that he uses local ingredients. It's pricey but well worth it!

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    Incredible food, wonderful atmosphere, cute neighborhood, close to interstate (we stopped for dinner on a roadtrip), fantastic service... Definitely lives up to the height. We got the spaghetti squash (fall special dish) and the burger. Both were freaking heaven.

    (5)

  • Kevin H.

    Close. Great guacamole but bad location and bone shrapnel in my rabbit combined with a higher price point than I'd normally go leaves me wanting more. Kicking myself for not getting dessert. Linda beans way too salty

    (4)

  • Gene C.

    This is one of those places where you have to thank God for Yelp. We stumbled upon it because we were getting hungry on a road trip back home to Indy. We saw that it had wonderful reviews on yelp so we couldn't resist. And let me say, those reviews didn't let us down. As others have noted it's quite small but it's very comfortable. You'll get over that very quickly as soon as you start eating the wonderful food they prepare. Mix of flavors was wonderful and I'll have to find a way to get back there soon.

    (5)

  • Paul N.

    Ate there for lunch about a week ago and was very pleased. The place seemed pretty small and oddly loud, but was very nice and the staff was excellent.The lunch menu had some great reasonable priced upscale choices. I had the: GLUTEN FREEHuevos Motuleños$11.00fried eggs | crispy corn tortilla | black beans | chorizo | fried plantains | queso fresco | tomato casera sauce. It's light but filling and full of flavor. Needs some added spice for my palate but very good. My date, the wife, had the : Vegetarian Burrito$10.00potatoes | caramelized cabbage | beets | black beans | cheese | tomatillo sauce | fried eggs on top *Add pork for $2 extra With the added pork. I was a bit jealous of her meal. She always orders better than me. Heavy dish but really good. Also had the epic Lima beans. I have not had Lima beans since 1991 and was glad I broke the streak. Looking forward to going back for dinner.

    (4)

  • Robert G.

    Great rabbit dish. They need to get the deafening crowd sound under control. Could not hear myself think. Carpeted walls would cure the cacophony. Service and price were spot on.

    (4)

  • Zachary H.

    Got the pork dish and seasonal crepe. Crepe had lamb mozzarella and pomegranate reduction. It was very good, quite heavy on the cheese. Lamb nice and gamey. The pork was really good as well, probably could have been a little bit fattier. Lima beans on the side were excellent. Service was excellent and had a very nice ambiance.

    (4)

  • Orlando G.

    Really unique restaurant in NuLu. Their churros are incredible. Not at all like the typical churros you're used to seeing. The Tol-sel Lima beans are the talk of the town. Bourbon flight was really fun. Overall they have great staff, unique atmosphere, and tasty food. What more could you ask for?

    (5)

  • Laura K.

    I'm not even from Louisville and I know this is the tastiest place in town. My second visit to Nulu and my second trip to Mayan Cafe. The menu had changed but the food was the same, fresh, delicious and inventive. The rabbit is out of this world as was my sea bass dish.

    (5)

  • Adriel F.

    Was a nice place we enjoy the chorizo empanadas, and the service was ok small place, i didnt like too much the mojitos but we had a good time!!

    (4)

  • Amanda J.

    There's something to be said for having a meal, being completely full, and still being willing to eat that entire meal again. The Mayan cafe is one of those rare gems that you find and will forever fantasize about the food. Try the salmon, it's to die for (literally).

    (5)

  • Eduardo C.

    Experienced a fun, flavorful lunch here that was priced right. Ordered the 3 Salpotes combo, with one using pulled Pork, another prepared with Squash+Goat cheese and the other using Chicken+Jack Cheese. All the salpotes come garnished with squash and cabbage, in addition to a side of jalapeno sauce with appropriate spiciness level. A common risk associated with salpotes is an almost burnt oily taste, or hint of burnt tortilla which essentially ruins them. Here at MC, the corn tortilla base was fried perfectly with a wonderful crunch, yet a soft buttery corn after taste. The pulled pork salpote was good but didn't stand out. The goat cheese salpote was prepared flawlessly. The delicious, creamy goat cheese contrasted perfectly with the crunchy fried base, kind of like a jalapeno cheese popper, only much better. I've had plenty of these with crumbled Mexican cheeses, but I've never had one with creamy goat cheese, needless to say it works very well. The Chicken salpote had a slightly more complex and interesting flavor due to the chicken marinade, jack cheese, and some other things they put in there, but did'nt make my mouth water as much as the simple goat cheese variation. Also had a side of Lima beans that, according to the restaurant, were prepared using an ancient Mayan recipe. I don't know if this is true, what I do know is that this is the best side of Lima beans I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Michael T.

    I really think that I have finally accepted that Tapas is just synonomous with upscale, refreshing, expensive, tiny portions (obviously), and again, expensive. Not to take away from the fact that the food was super delicious, and tantalizing, it was still one of those places where you kind of secretly want to hide your coupon to the place. Having only approached this place during lunch, it was crowded and full of the business crowd. The food did not take a whole lot of time, but I must say with that kind of prompt delivery paired with such delicious food, no wonder they are so highly celebrated. TDLR; The restaurant that you can't wait to revisit when you get your paycheck to taste check every thing on the menu and walk away without feeling like August Gloop from WW's Choco Factory

    (4)

  • Megan L.

    Was recommended by a friend to try this place out during my Louisville business trip. I was seated immediately and kindly waited on by Cody. I only ordered the special salad and the special Salputes. The salad was good though rather salty. I would recommend having the dressing on the side. It honestly didn't need any dressings especially with the runny egg yoke on top. The Salputes were incredible. I'd never tried one before and absolutely loved it. The special included a quail egg on top with a spicy sauce put on to your liking. Delicious. I would definitely go back. Also, minor side note, I genuinely appreciated that the menu had fewer options :) made it easier to decide.

    (5)

  • Paige H.

    I've know Chef Bruce Ucan ever since he came to Louisville and it has always been a pleasure to experience his food. Strangely, I haven't been to the Mayan Cafe for a full meal. I have enjoyed small plates on the lovely, narrow enclosed patio and decided it was time for the full monty. I met with a group of food adorers last night at 7:30. We were seated quickly up by the front windows and I was worried for a bit because the dining room was nearly at capacity and it was very loud. One in my group is very hard of hearing and I was fretting over her comfort and ability to be a part of the conversation. After a bit, the massive party we were adjacent to finished up and the noise level dropped exponentially. Two of us had the Blood Orange Margarita. It was fabulous, not $13.00 fabulous, but it was a fun indulgence. We had the Guacamole as a starter and it was outstanding. It was both chunky and creamy with very clean flavors. It was garnished with thin slices of cucumber and I gobbled those up! This month Chef Ucan is featuring the much maligned Brussels Sprout. He is using it three ways; as a starter, in a salad and in the main. I had the main which was spaghetti squash, pumpkin seeds, cactus, and Brussels sprouts in a basil cream sauce. It was a fantastic blend of textures and earthy flavors. The dessert menu was tempting, but we were all stuffed and passed on what I know were probably sublime last tastes. Getting past the noise was imperative to have a truly exceptional experience, thankfully that happened for us. Service was superlative

    (5)

  • Kaul K.

    Pumpkin seed dip is something I really liked. Very unique and delicious. Lima beans side is also good. Really good food although very few options for vegetarians

    (5)

  • Sandra P.

    Wow! Food is super fresh and full of flavor. Every single dish I have ever had here has been off the charts - except - for the rice. The rice is an after thought. We all know how great rice can be but they have not put the energy into it here. The lima beans are INSANE. Veggie burrito rocks with an egg on top, the salmon special was phenomenal. Can not wait to return!

    (4)

  • Mimi M.

    Delicious food! Amazing chef and owner, they really care about where they source food from and how to create amazing unique dishes. Loved the rabbit! Also they have great cocktails. I have been here on a cute adorable date, and in a large group. Service was great both times, the atmosphere is good for any occasion.

    (5)

  • Derek S.

    Straight to the point: Good: -fast, friendly, effective waitstaff -good cocktails Bad: -bland food (underseasoned) -portions borderline skimpy, needed more meat on the meat dishes! -uninventive, boring food. Nothing seemed extraordinary -too much cornmeal! Overall I would not recommend this restaurant. There are better places of similar genre. -

    (2)

  • Amy H.

    I had the rare honor of visiting their kitchen during lunch time and let me tell you first hand, this place is filled with nothing but fresh ingredients! The freezer that they do have is half the size of my freezer at home! But once you taste the food here, you'll know at first bite that it's nothing but fresh food being prepared just for you. I decided to grab a to go lunch order since my day was pretty filled with work stuff. I had the angus burger and switched my side to the lima beans. I have never had a lima bean, but based on the reviews I thought I'd give them a try. HOLY COW....these little bad boys are amazing!! The burger was cooked to perfection and was juicy. The bun and the chipolte sauce was delicious too, but didn't take away from the burger. I am a huge burger fan, but I will admit, I ate every last lima bean before I took a second bite of my burger...they are that good! I am slightly obsessed with them now!

    (5)

  • Darla S.

    Food was delicious, fresh. Price points a bit steep for lunch. Fresh juice yummy but pricey for the size, and the glass was full of ice. Overall was a good experience and we would return again.

    (4)

  • Brett C.

    Just one more unnecessary 5 star review for a place with exquisite food and service. One of my guests recommend this place heavily, yet I was hesitant to check out such an over served style of food. That thought was erroneous the second I tried the first dishes.

    (5)

  • Dan G.

    This stretch of Market street in Louisville is such a great destination for drinking and dining. We loved Mayan Cafe. We were able to alter our reservations after storms cut short our day at the races. They were very accommodating when we showed up and got us a great table. I was happy to see that their was a Yelp deal upon check in for the signature Lima Beans. I usually feel awkward cashing those in, but our server was cool and it was no problem. The menu was interesting and featured a lot of fresh ingredients and things I would not have expected to see. Good beers on the list too. The server helped me out a bit and with her strong recommendation I got the rabbit, which was superb. Here's what we had: Spring Salad-arugula | hydroponic tomatoes | caramelized carrots | shaved manchego cheese | poblano vinaigrette Tuna and habenero ceviche Rabbit-oven-roasted rabbit | tamarind chile sauce | fried plantains | pim tortilla filled with beans & havarti cheese Tok-sel Lima Beans All said, we had a wonderful dinner at Mayan Cafe and it will be in the rotation when we return to town.

    (5)

  • Centex A.

    This was such a nice change of pace! After reading other Yelper reviews, we worked our way in this evening and were not disappointed. Being from Texas, we are very used to eating "Mexican" food. This was distinctly Yucatan and absolutely delicious! From the fried plantains, to the Chicken Mole, to the Cochinita Pibil....what can I say except "Eat here now!" The only problem was that I didn't have room for dessert! Daughter tried the Coconut flan though, and it was delish!

    (5)

  • Kiersten S.

    We had one of the best bottles of Carmenere I've ever had at Mayan Cafe. The appetizers were excellent. Especially the brussel sprouts. My fiance had the pork and it was outstanding. I had the rabbit which was not quite as good but still a great dish. The ambiance was great and the server was on-point. I love fine dining and this restaurant did not disappoint!

    (5)

  • Mihir K.

    I am starting to like Louisville. Its mainly because of places like this. First things first. Check in on Yelp. Free Lima Beans appetizer. They were freshly cooked in sesame oil, crushed pumpkin seeds, with chives and parsley and a little seasoning. They were delicious! Next up, it was Market Monday at the Mayan Cafe. What does that mean? Well it means that they feature and host the produce of a local farmer at the restaurant. Great concept. The farmers are all invited and they will mingle with the diners. Always good to know who is making your food. Well in this case you also find who's growing it. The specials were different from their regular specials, because they had a special menu based on the produce from the farms. There was a black tea, steeped with blueberries, basil and mint. It was similar to hibiscus tea, just as refreshing, with a milder taste. Next up the gazpacho. Now I've had gazpacho once before at the South Congress Cafe in Austin and that was chilled and delicious. Here the gazpacho wasn't chilled, rather it was just cold. Like not heated, but not refrigerated either. The flavor was amazing though. There was also a ribeye, but no one tried it. I had the gazpacho and the black bean and goat cheese empanadas. The empanadas were covered with a pumpkin seed sauce. They were very tasty, but they were missing something. They were missing some acid and some heat. My colleagues got the seafood bisque, the quinoa salad, and the beef chilaquiles. They all said their food was scrumdiddily-umptious! I then proceeded to order the spicy chocolate mousse. We all shared the dessert and it was absolutely amazing! I would give the Mayan Cafe 5 stars just for this dessert alone. It had cayenne, cinnamon in a wonderfully light chocolate mousse, covered with whipped cream, blueberries, an orange slice and pumpkin seed brittle. We all dug in and before you know it was gone. I would have licked that bowl clean if I wasn't out in public. Seriously. I did scoop some with my finger and lick it :)

    (5)

  • Doug J.

    Lived in Louisville, been to Mayan Cafe 11 times. I have tried everything on the menu, really enjoyed every dish except the salmon, which if fine, but pedestrian compared to the flavor explosions on the rest of the menu. This is really special food that I have not experienced in the United States. The people are great and the service is very professional (particularly by Louisville standards), alert, but not obtrusive. Mayan Cafe - keep up the great work!

    (5)

  • L A.

    Good vegetarian options, wasn't a fan of the chilaquiles, which is all I tried. Found it didn't match the description and was unexpectedly sweet. The grapefruit soda was good. The location was fine even though it's small and gets really loud. Vegetarian burrito looks good but this isn't a place you go every day!

    (2)

  • John Y.

    Been here a few times but always a must stop when in town. The Lima beans are amazing. So is the pork and salmon dishes. Lunch is also really great! Specials rotate but everything is top notch.

    (5)

  • Dani S.

    Awesome. Simply awesome. The food here is to die for! The flavors they are able to achieve are unreal. We started with the guacamole, which was pretty standard. I ordered the chicken dish, and the mole sauce that comes with it is incredible. It's sweet, salty and spicy! My only complaint would be the drinks are pretty small for the price (blood orange margarita was $13, but delish) but other than that this place was a home run. Our server, Ezra was very attentive and friendly!

    (5)

  • Paul C.

    Excellent. The lima beans are a must! Had the tacos of the day and they were great. Pork, onions, mushrooms all perfectly prepared and presented.

    (5)

  • Carolyn H.

    I have returned to the Mayan Cafe 3 times since my first review. Each time I was less and less impressed - the chief complaint is that my meals were overly salty. I was literally overpowered by it in a salad dressing and then again in a vegetarian lasagna. I wish it had only been a one time occurrence but twice in 4 months, on different shifts (lunch and dinner), means I'm less likely to keep coming back. The limas are still out of this world, service was fine but not as great as it had been in the past (they seemed busy and distracted, not present and professional).

    (3)

  • Tiffany Z.

    Delish... Pleasant surprise while passing through town!

    (5)

  • Kyle S.

    This is the only situation where I can imagine myself saying this: Get the lima beans. I'm serious. Like everything else that I've eaten at Mayan Cafe, they are delicious. The tapa-style menu offers a large, though not unwieldy selection of palate pleasers that are brought out promptly by friendly servers. Nothing about this place failed to please, but seriously, get the lima beans.

    (5)

  • Boomer S.

    In louisville to visit family. Went to dinner at the Mayan Cafe as it was close to our hotel. yelp reviews were spot on. Good fresh food, lots of complimentary favors, a real treat! The staff was very friendly and responsive. My only complaint was how over-priced wine by the glass was. I never understand why restaurants over charge so much for wine. Don't miss this place, a great restaurant!

    (4)

  • Sean H.

    This was just okay for me ... it didn't quite match the hype. Ate the chilaquile, which was fine. Got a side of lima beans, which were certainly better than most. So, a fine meal ... but for the price and the hype I was expecting more. Nice decor. Very good service.

    (3)

  • Stephanie B.

    The Mayan Cafe was such a treat when I visited. The uniqueness of the restaurant is what drew me in for lunch. How many options are there for Mayan inspired food in Kentucky?! I ordered the salmon with a side of Lima beans. As a huge fan of both items, I was intrigued by how the Mayan favors presented a different side of the dishes. It was truly unlike anything I have had before. The intimate setting was ideal for my date and I. A very quaint and cozy dining room allowed for the food to be showcased. With the prices being higher for the quality product, I would definitely keep The Mayan Cafe in mind for an anniversary or other celebratory dinner.

    (5)

  • Sabrina G.

    Well this was my first time at Mayan cafe and all I can say is wow. Every single thing I had here was SO good. The appetizers, even the guacamole was exceptional and unique. I had the pork and the Lima beans. I resisted the urge when I tasted the Lima beans to pick up the phone right then and there and call my mother and tell her she was doing it wrong all these years. The pork was delicious as well and I had a yummy mojito too. It didn't seem like so much food but I found sadly I could not finish my plate completely because it was such good filling food I was stuffed! If you haven't been here you are missing out.

    (5)

  • Lynn J.

    If you love something different in flavor this is for you. I was at Mayan Café with family members, some adventurous eaters, some less so. We were all delighted with the new flavors, not merely a variation on what we knew but different in subtlety and substance. The Empanadas were a big hit with the whole table and one of ordered a second plate as a main dish. My wife had the Mayan Burger which was delicious. I ordered Grilled chicken with Veracruz chocolate mole, fried plantains, brazo de reina and Yucatec tamale and I was delighted. There is a nice beer and wine selection. Service was cheerful and helpful. There is outside seating for good weather and the noise level was moderate. I look forward to visiting again when in Louisville.

    (5)

  • Morgan E.

    So good. So, so, so good. I doubt I'm going to say anything that hasn't already been said. I went to Mayan Cafe for the first time - I've been dying to try it for months. You know how sometimes you hype a place up and then are disappointed? Yeah, that didn't happen here. It was just as good as I expected it to be, if not better. I got the empanadas as an appetizer and the "vegetarian" burrito with pork. Oh my. The textures and flavors were amazing - the runny egg with the soft tortilla, tender pork, cabbage, and potato? Perfect. The sauce on top married perfectly with the rest of the burrito. If I could've licked the plate, I would've. My only disappointment was my own fault - I didn't know the free lima beans were contingent upon checking in on the Yelp app (bad Yelper...). I tried my friend's lima beans but it would've been great to have a plate of my own. Next time, because there will definitely be a next time!

    (5)

  • Stephanie T.

    Once again, I made the mistake of trying to have a familiar Mexican dish outside of the southwest. It didn't work when I ate a torta in Chicago, huevos rancheros in NYC, and it was a total failure when I got chilaquiles at this Louisville restaurant. When will I ever learn?! The nopales, shiitakes and squash on the chilaquiles weren't interesting, just weird, and the dish was served lukewarm. As for the rest of the meal, we got the pepita dip starter which was delicious. The lima beans were as uh-mahzing as all the other reviews have promised. My husband liked his rabbit, and my friend was also satisfied with her chicken mole. I had an ok Chilean wine off their small list. My friend got a margarita while my husband got a whiskey cocktail. Neither were particularly remarkable. Service was fine, and the ambiance was nice. There are a lot of restaurants in this area, and this is one you could definitely skip.

    (3)

  • Ashley I.

    The food was mediocre at best. The presentation was great and everything sounded delicious on the menu, but the actual taste and flavor of the food was just alright. I had the chicken entree, which was probably the best thing at the table. My sister's burrito was alright and the Chilaquile was pretty tasty. The Lima beans were seasoned well, but truthfully not worth all the hype. The salbutes were actually quite yummy and the guacamole was pretty typical. We ordered a lot excited to try everything, but we were pretty let down.

    (3)

  • Lauren H.

    Very unique restaurant. I mean, where else can you get Mayan food? I had lunch on my first visit, and was impressed! Tucked away in Nulu, Mayan Cafe is a chic little spot great for lunch or dinner. The dining room is quite small, but we were able to get a table right away for lunch. And the prices are reasonable for the high quality food and upscale atmosphere. I had the Vegetarian Burrito, which was bursting with flavor. It has two fried eggs on top, making it unique and delicious at the same time. It was covered in a rich sauce and packed with ingredients. Though I will say, I had hoped for more variety of colorful vegetables; it was very corn- and potato-heavy. Still, it was great, and I'm looking forward to trying one of the other intriguing dishes from their menu. And, as everyone has said, the lima beans are the best lima beans you'll ever have. These aren't your mama's lima beans. I couldn't tell you what they are seasoned with because I inhaled them so quickly, but they are delectable.

    (4)

  • Daniel B.

    This spot made quite a stir when it first opened. Since that time, they've become best known for their rabbit and lima beans. I have experienced the rabbit twice. The first time, it was tender and delicious. On a subsequent trip, it was dry and problematically replete with tiny bones. The entrees here have never impressed me, but the scallop ceviche is wonderful. The pomegranate lamb crepe rocked my world and then disappeared permanently from the menu, as it was apparently a temporary experiment. The churros, salmon, guacamole, and empanadas are all solid. My favorite aspect of the Mayan Cafe is the Mayan Mocha - a bitter dark chocolate-coffee drink with a heavy cinnamon component. Sometimes I'll stop in just to savor a couple of these. I commend them on an adventurous menu. Bring back the lamb crepe and I'll give you that fifth star.

    (4)

  • Leo Y.

    A nice, upscale, ethical establishment with a mulberry tree in front. I decided to start off with the lima beans, and it wasn't what I expected, and was actually quite good. They were warm, perfectly cooked and seasoned, and I'm not sure I've ever had beans prepared better than these. Then I moved onto to the salad. It had sliced jicama, avocado, radishes, tomatoes, greens, queso fresco, and a lovely pomegranate dressing. I think that this might have been the best salad that I've ever tried. Not being hungry to begin with, I skipped the entree, and went straight for the dessert. After surviving a ten minute power outage (They need to invest in battery powered emergency exit lights) they started working on my order, and brought me the steaming hot churros. Again, not what I expected, but it was a churro inspired dish that was better than any churro that I've ever had. And I love churros. The pineapple gelato was a bit too acidic for my taste, but that's just a personal preference. The staff was an absolute delight, and I'd happily bring friends/coworkers/dates here, as I know that the place will not disappoint.

    (5)

  • Audrey D.

    Very impressed with the food here at the Mayan cafe! The atmosphere is lovely, the blood orange margarita is fabulous, and the famous lima beans are awesome. I ordered the salmon and it was so delicious. The flavors were different yet very satisfying and the entire dish was a treat for my tastebuds! I love the intimate setting and outside seating. Even sitting indoors is nice and inviting without feeling cramped for space. I always recommend this place to my friends looking for a not-so-common restaurant experience!

    (5)

  • Jenny J.

    Pretty good food. Excellent service! Lima beans were tasty. Although I don't think as fantastic as everyone says. Definitely the best I've had but still - Lima beans. Dark and bubbly was delicious if you have unique taste in alcohol like I do. Maybe not great for a standard palette but for your weirdo like me. Veggie burrito with pork was tasty. As were the sopados of the day.

    (3)

  • Jen I.

    Nice atmosphere and my waitress was spot on with suggestions! I ordered the Cochinita Pibil - the pork had a amazing taste and I added some of their jalepeno sauce which made it perfect! I'm not a fan of Lima beans - but ate all of theirs! For desert I ordered the churro which isn't traditional - they were round with mascarpone cheese inside and rolled in a cinnamon and sugar - with pineapple gelato on the side. It was very good!

    (4)

  • Tj P.

    This is what I'm talking about. Great food, fantastic company. A near, perfect lunch. I can only slight it as it wasn't quite long enough. But you've got to take the moments that are given and appreciate every minute. For that, I am very thankful. We split two plates of the salbutes and a couple orders of the Tok-Sel Lima beans. I believe we both rated the roast pork salbute on top and then split on our ratings for the other 5 we sampled but everything was at least very good. And the beans, yep, best Lima beans ever. To finish it off, we shared an order of their Mayan churros with pistachio ice cream which was like wrapping my appetite in a nice, perfectly cozy blanket. If we hadn't had to rush back to work I would've opted for a nap. And then more churros.

    (5)

  • Jennifer H.

    This is, and has been since I first ate here, my favorite restaurant in Louisville. Anyone who can make me love lima beans deserves accolades. Every single thing I have tried has been superb, but I honestly usually order a veggie plate with 2 servings of lima beans because I love them so much. I no longer live in Louisville, but there are 2 places I miss and one of them is Mayan Gypsy. I can't wait to return to go here again.

    (5)

  • Ben R.

    I've been to the Mayan Cafe twice while in Louisville on business. The food was phenomenal both times. The Lima beans are amazing! I had the tacos of the day (salmon) on my last visit, and they were excellent. The restaurant is in the NuLu neighborhood, so there's plenty to do/see/eat/drink in the area.

    (5)

  • Michael J.

    Wow, the scallop entree special was amazing...big diver scallops with collard greens, bacon and orzo, all topped with a slightly sweet green sauce

    (5)

  • Sarah C.

    Just in case it does not become clear through reading my review, let me just start off by saying, Mayan Cafe is my VERY favorite restaurant here in Louisville. I have been a bit starved for Mayan Cafe lately, and was so happy when my friend suggested we have dinner here one evening after work. It also happens to be one of her favorites too! :) We shared the empanadas as an appetizer. They are a bit different than I remember them being the last time I had them, which is part of the fun in ordering items off of their menu. Bruce (the chef) changes it up often according to what is in season and locally available. I decided to have the Chilaquile for dinner, which I have munched on many times before...and was still delighted by the flavors. The mushrooms added a nice texture and flavor to the dish, along with all of the other perfectly cooked vegetables that are folded in between super fresh tasting tortillas. The amount of sauce is just right, if you ask me, and really brings the entree together. The portion size of this dish is definitely a good one for splitting with someone if you are not looking for a hearty helping. They do not skimp! For dessert we shared the churros. Yum! Three reasonably sized ball shaped churros filled with mascarpone and covered in sugar and cinnamon! The dulce de leche is so tasty and makes the churros even better than they are alone. They served it with a scoop of fresh pineapple icecream (which changes according to season; i have had banana as well) and a small amount of berries or other fruit. I could easily devour the entire dessert, but made a smart decision to share it. :) The beverage menu is worth noting as well because they do things different, and better in my opinion, than most. You will not find regular sodas or super syrupy/sugary drinks on their menu. They have high quality drinks and make delicious juices and cocktails as well. The wine list is on the small side but full of wines that are sustainable, biodynamic and organic! They also serve a small sampling of beer which i believe are only local/regional picks. The service staff have always been friendly and efficient, as well as knowledgeable about the menus. They do a great job of being present without overdoing it. :) Everything about Mayan Cafe is of superior quality and worth your time and money. You will not be disappointed! Make for sure and check out the special wine dinners that they do a couple times a year as well the dinners where they feature certain farms from around the area.

    (5)

  • Monica S.

    Great find en route to Chicago Ceviche, chicken mole, and dessert ( crime brûlée and churros) Will definitely return

    (4)

  • Joe D.

    My taste buds were on a savage adventure in this 45 minute meal before a UoL game. Be sure to start out with Salbutes, ceviche or empanadas. The salutes this night had smoked salmon and were so good, the scallop ceviche is mouth watering and so refreshing and the empanadas, which are different than others in town melted in my mouth. I shared Cochinita Pibil which consists of tender slow roasted pork in an achiote sauce served with their amazing lima beans. Great meal and great service...if I had more time this could have been a 5 star rating. I will return and savor the distinctive flavors that this restaurant provides its guests.

    (4)

  • Deakon F.

    Just a quick meal. Had the slow roasted pork (cochinita pibil). Very mild seasoning, decently tender. I can see why the earlier reviews rave about the Lima beans.

    (4)

  • McKenna S.

    When my boyfriend and I were in town from Milwaukee we really wanted to try a local restaurant, but also wanted some latin-type food. A local we had met recommended The Mayan Cafe, and we were glad we took her recommendation. The place was small,and in a great location. It was quite busy for lunch on a Monday. We had to wait a few minutes to be seated, but our experience was well worth the wait. Our server was polite and gave us a brief history of the cafe. The food and drink menu is small, but everything is farm to table with daily specials. Even the juice is freshly made. I opted for the juice of the day which was pineapple, ginger and (I think) mango. So delicious. Even my boyfriend's grapefruit soda was hand made. We had to wait a few minutes for the drinks because the kitchen staff was literally cutting the fruit-- awesome! When our food came out, I was impressed the presentation, and even more impressed with how great the food was. I ordered the salbutes, which are like deep fried tortillas topped with your choice of meats, greens or fish. There were a number of different combinations to choose from. I got the salmon, pork and cactus. They were nothing short of amazing, and came with a jalapeno sauce. My favorite was the pork. My boyfriend opted for the Mayan Burger, which he said was also very good. Overall, the price was VERY reasonable for how delicious the food was. I think our total meal was only around $25-30. Next time I'm in town I will definitely be back! I would highly recommend visiting the Mayan Cafe!

    (5)

  • Vishal S.

    Asked for the lima beans and never got them. After dinner I wanted to order desert but I was brought my check. Oh well, your loss.

    (2)

  • Shelly D.

    Mayan Cafe hardly needs my review -- there's plenty of glowing ones -- but as a vegan I thought I'd toss my hat in. The signature tok-sel Lima beans are delicious, as were the fried plantains. I had the chilaquile, minus the queso fresco, and it was one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. My sister had the shrimp special and she loved it. Portions and prices are very fair, service was excellent. GO HERE!

    (5)

  • Taylor C.

    I had the Mayan Burger there, and it is definitely on the list of top five burgers I've ever had. It's right up there with the Ramen Burger in my book. The empanadas were also delicious, but it was a disappointingly small portion. But take a moment to appreciate quality over quantity and you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • EasilyAmuse D.

    We had dinner before The Black Keys concert. The food, drinks and service were fabulous. We started the meal off with Sikil-pak which is a pumpkin seed dip. It was different and everyone should try it. For dinner I had the Chilaquile and it was delicious! I would have it again. The portion was large and I finished it off as a midnight snack after the concert. It was just as good then! My friend had the Vegetarian Burrito and he enjoyed it. The flavors of both were very different. I had a Blood Orange Margarita and all I can say is YUM. The service was attentive without being overbearing. Our server made good recommendations as well. My only regret of the meal was that I didn't have a 2nd Blood Orange Margarita.

    (5)

  • Ben S.

    What a great place you have here, Louisville! I'm pretty sure I am writing the 250th review of this place and those before me have all had stellar comments so I will be brief in heaping additional praise on this restaurant. The wife and I dined here on Thanksgiving eve - that being the Wednesday before the biggest feast of the year. We found the place through Yelp. We used the check-in offer to get hold of a lima bean appetizer. As previously mentioned so many times, you cannot come here without trying their lima beans. I don't know that I have ever had fresh lima beans before but they are the very distant cousin to those which come from a can or out of the freezer. They were delicious! We also ordered their special appetizer of the day which can best be described as a pumpkin seed hummus, although that is my description - not what was given by our waiter. Another unique and delicious offering. It came with chips and when we ran out of appetizer we still had some chips left so the waiter brought me a small cup of their habanero salsa to try. Not excessively hot but really full of flavors - the habanero, tomatoes and a fruit which added a nice bit of sweetness to balance the dish. Nothing we ordered came with it so I'm glad that I heard about it from the woman who took our reservation earlier in the day. Dinner consisted of the Chilaquile for me and the Tikin-xic for the wife. We pass plates so I got to try both. Her fish (grouper on the day of our visit) trumped my tortilla lasagna but not by much. I really enjoyed the seared fillet served skin-side up to add a little crunch. It was cooked perfectly and quite juicy. Likewise, the tortilla lasagna (unique concept but it worked) was kicked up through the addition of chorizo. We finished with the churros - interesting interpretation which can only loosely be called a churro. I especially enjoyed the juxtaposition of crunchiness and creaminess. They only have about 15 tables so the recommendation about reservations is one that should be heeded if you plan to visit on a popular night for dining out. We had to take an earlier reservation and the place was packed when we left about 7pm. Great service - great food - great place!

    (5)

  • Justin H.

    Probably my favorite restaurant in town. They source their menu locally and the quality is top notch. I've been coming here for nearly 10 years now and not once have I had a single complaint. I'm not a picky person but a picky eater. This is a true diamond in the rough for me. I always try their specials to see what their chef can prepare and again, I'm never disappointed. The environment is very laid back and comfortable. it's not too loud and the service is prompt. The wait staff is very knowledgeable seem really happy to be at work and not in the "Office Space" type of way. I've eaten in their side yard, front patio and inside and the service is the same - GREAT! The portions are fair and the prices reflect the quality.

    (5)

  • Nicole M.

    This place had amazing food! June was beet month, so I had a brisket burrito that incorporated beets in the dish as well. It was served with slices of apple and some type of curry sauce on top. Honestly one of the best burritos I've ever had. My friend ordered the rabbit which was delicious, and very tender. And I've grown up eating rabbit too, and it would stand up to any dish my Mom ever made. If you check in on your yelp app, you get to try to Lima beans for free. Just show them the coupon. They were very good. Still not my favorite vegetable to eat, but made them much more tasty than what I remember as a kid. Overall great experience. Love the area that this is in. And service was great.

    (5)

  • James B.

    Was in town for a few days so I got to sample some great selections in Louisville. I was pleasantly surprised to find some great dining options. Mayan Cafe was our last stop before heading home. My boss and colleagues raved about it, so I went in with high expectations. They did not disappoint. I started with a grapefruit soda and ordered the chips and guac for an appetizer. I fancy myself a bit of a guacamole aficionado, and I'm glad to say this is one of the best offerings I've ever had. Great avocados and great seasoning along with very good chips. I had the chicken w/ lima beans and chili sauce. Any one of the three things together would have been very good, but the combo of the three and the way each highlighted the tastes of the other amounted to one of the best meals I have had in a long while. As I write this review, I'm trying to figure out how I can get back to Louisville with my family so they can try the place. The only thing I'd suggest is some bathroom sprucing, while it wasn't dirty by any stretch, it seemed a little rundown compared to the rest of the atmosphere. Scrape the stickers off the paper towel machine, touch up the paint and such and it would help, imho.

    (5)

  • Glenda A.

    First time visiting this Louisville staple and I was not disappointed. We got there at around noon and were seated promptly after requesting an outside table. The server was knowledgeable and attentive. For the food, my friend ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a side of fried sweet plantains. I got the tacos of the day which consisted of cherry tomatoes, a variety of mushrooms, pickled red onions and a spicy sauce. The best part of the taco, though, had to be the tortilla. Perfect, consistency and thickness that highlighted the bright flavors, instead of hiding them. A real taco, without any cream or cheese.... Just fresh, good food! I accompanied my tacos with the juice of the day. It was a blend of fruits and vegetables and it was so refreshing in this hot weather. Overall, a great experience. Can't wait to go back for dinner. I've heard the local ground beef burger is epic!

    (5)

  • Terry K.

    Service trumps food every time. I came to Mayan Cafe for the first time about a month ago. I have heard good things about this place so I decided to take some friends out there. I wanted to wait a while to see if I can be unbiased. The feeling hasn't gone away. The food was good. The server we had was excellent. The front house manager was less than desired. I don't want to bore you with the details but the consensus from the 5 of us at the table was that we weren't felt welcome. We were a nuisance, and we need to hurry up and leave. From beginning to end we were there for 40 minutes tops. Also I would like to mention that three of our guests were from out of town. This experience was not what I expected and I know I won't come back nor will I recommend anybody to go there. There are too many good places to eat in this neighborhood to put up with feeling like I'm not a valued customer.

    (2)

  • Dmitry S.

    Service was very slow, also mixed up the orders so had to wait longer. Prices were a little on the high side for the food you get. Good place to try but will not be back.

    (3)

  • Danny P.

    The rabbit really was up to the recommendation. Very balanced and tender. You'd think you were eating pork or something. Nice portions, Lima beans...lives up to the reputation. Great date place!

    (5)

  • Brian B.

    I go back and forth on what is my favorite Louisville restaurant but the Mayan Cafe is always in my top 2 or 3. Simply incredible tastes and flavored you don't find anywhere else. The mole is always mind blowing, as is really every single thing on the menu. And of course, as anyone who's ever been here will tell you, the lima beans are out of this world (and I normally don't even like lima bean. Whatever magic powder they use to transform these things should be bottled and sold). Pro tip: go at lunchtime, when the prices are much lower but most of the menu is still available. Or actually don't because it's a small place and I want to make sure there's a table for me.

    (5)

  • Devan H.

    Was not let down to their stunning reputation. Decided to take the lady to Mayan Cafe for her birthday as i was told i would not regret it, but yet my expectations were far surpassed. Though the dining area was cramped and our reserved table was arms length from a table of 6 the service was still very exceptional as the host offered us a more private table in a quiet dim lit corner that we gratefully accepted. At times the dining area was a bit loud, due to the small size, making out server a bit hard to hear at times but not to the point were it ever made our visit unenjoyable. To start we ordered the baby scallop ceviche, which i was told were wild caught, made with a poblano vinaigrette, avocado, and pico de gallo. Very beautiful plating and maddeningly delicious. As my entree i ordered the salmon, cooked medium-rare, with a cuitlacoche cream sauce, tok-sel lima beans, and a potato & corn cake. Due to Yelps 'check in' offer, i was also able to receive the free side of lime beans. Once again arrived steaming and plated handsomely, the salmon was cooked perfectly and was blanketed with the perfect amount of their intoxicating corn smut sauce. The corn and potato cake provided the perfect mellow balance to the sharp bitter and acidic lima beans siding perfectly parallel with the combination of the buttery salmon and the complex flavors of the Cuitlacoche cream sauce. I could quite literally wright for days about my dish, but due to my fevering lack of sleep due to the 'life of a cook' i must wrap it up. Chef Bruce Ucan is a pioneer in louisville and is looked up to by many cooks in louisville including myself. I feel honored to have the luxury of just encountering something he has created and plan on taking advantage of that opportunity as long as i reside in Louisville, KY and will enlighten as many as i can about my experience in hopes they will experience and evening at Mayan Cafe as beautiful as ours. In conclusion, FUCK that was delicious.

    (5)

  • Nicole S.

    Mayan Cafe had great reviews online so we were excited to try it when visiting Louisville. Have to say the meal was less than mediocre. As an appetizer we ordered the black bean cakes. They arrived and before we even tasted them, we were surprised at the appearance. Once we tasted them, we immediately commented on how dry and bland they were. A touch of salt can go a long way in cooking! On to the main course... I ordered the salmon, to which I was told was always cooked to a medium temperature. The salmon came out over cooked, which gave it a fishy taste and tough texture. My friend ordered the chicken and had to cut off quite a bit of fat and gristle. Simple steps that should have been done in the kitchen before serving to a customer. Also, the tamale that came with the chicken (as listed on the menu) was absent because "they were out." It came with rice instead. Should have let us know that when we ordered. Lastly, the lima beans that are all the rave in the reviews, again lacked seasoning. We were honestly super disappointed and did not finish our meals. I'm giving Mayan Cafe two stars. We at least enjoyed our drinks!

    (2)

  • Pam C.

    Had a wonderful lunch here. Started with the Sikil Pak which is a pumpkin seed dip that is delicious. Entree was the Yucatec Salbutes (think mini open faced tacos). Had the roasted pork, rabbit and the black bean, would order all three again. Since I checked in on yelp I also got a side of their Tok-sel Luna Beans. Like other reviewers said they are awesome and I'm not a big fan of lima beans.

    (4)

  • Kelly P.

    Mayan Cafe is my favorite restaurant in the Nulu area. Of course, if you're from Louisville or frequent the city, you know there are numerous amazing restaurants in Nulu; but, this place is my place if I'm dining in that area. Everything on the menu is amazing, and it's all very reasonably priced. And, they have the best lima beans you'll ever taste in your life! If you think you're not a fan of lima beans, just taste these, they can change your mind. They also have great cocktails. This is a perfect spot for lunch, a dinner date, or just meeting up with friends. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it as your next stop in Nulu.

    (5)

  • Kat W.

    Being fairly new to Louisville, we have had a lot of family and friends come visit us, especially after bragging about Louisville's outstanding dining scene. Mayan Cafe has quickly become our go to spot to give visitors a little taste of Louisville for lunch or dinner. On our most recent visit, I had a "Don't Worry About It" to drink, and it was a perfect bourbon cocktail to accompany dinner. The Cochinita Pibil was amazing, and my husband loved finally trying the Rabbit. We typically order sides to share of the Tok-sel Lima Beans, the Fried Plantains, and the Grilled Cactus. Our guest really wanted a burger, and she reported that Mayan Burger was exactly what she wanted. We convinced her to try all three of the sides, and she was instantly addicted to all three. As someone who is gluten-free (not by choice), Mayan Cafe has a multitude of options for me (nearly the whole menu) that are all delicious. I would highly recommend reservations for dinner, as the dining room is very small, but the trip to Mayan Cafe is certainly a must do on our Louisville list!

    (5)

  • Barbara D.

    Checked in on Yelp and got a coupon to try the lima beans. And now Charlie, the 13-year-old, has finished them ALL. Yum! Not a morsel of any food item was left on any of our plates. If we lived in Louisville, Kentucky or near environs, we would be here a lot. Fantastic pork enchiladas with a fried egg on top. Guacamole side was also excellent. Mayan m-m-m-m-mocha. Really nice food choices and very good service.

    (5)

  • David D.

    I really enjoyed this restaurant. It gets packed and a little loud, but that's for a good reason, it's great food with a fun atmosphere! I highly recommend the lima beans (obvious), the white wines from Argentina (surprising), and the fish of the evening (always fresh and delicious). I also had the best guacamole of my life, but that's probably obvious to you. The thing that made it extra fun is it was served with a pumpkin-seed dip (tasty and inventive), as well as a black bean dip, which was solid. Service is friendly and accommodating. They probably have quite a few health-conscious customers, since they didn't miss a beat with any of my odd requests. The only nitpick I'd have is that some of the dips were on the oily side, but this is the South and we're not talking going too aesthetic are we?

    (5)

  • R T Kraken T.

    I have dined here several times. I have still not ordered an entree off the menu. Their specials are always so compelling, they make me completely forget what I had planned on eating. What can I say? The food is always intriguing, delicious and original. The presentation is top notch. The service is excellent and the atmosphere comfortable. Even when I have arrived without a reservation, they have accommodated me. Easily one of my favorite places in Louisville to eat.

    (5)

  • Joey J.

    Louisville is a town filled with a number of really great restaurants. I'm not sure if this is one of the best for the price is my only concern. Went with a group of 6 and the general consensus was that this was an attempt at upscale Mexican food, but the price didn't really meet our expectations. The best thing was the coffee which was exceptionally delicious, cocktails were weak and sweet, food was all good but nothing making us say "let's come back here!"

    (4)

  • Robin B.

    Honest to goodness, this was the best meal I've had out in a very long time. Excellent service, nice people, and flawlessly executed. I'd go there again tonight, and tomorrow. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Leigh W.

    There are lots of great vegetarian options here, but the veggie chilaquile would be my last choice. Opt for the burrito instead. Each bite bursts with intense flavor.

    (5)

  • Damian C.

    Open your inbox. Chances are, you have some deal-of-the-day website spitting lengthy and frequent emails at you trying to sell you some product, coupon, or vacation package. More likely than not, at least 1 of these emails contains some vacation package for you and a plus one or a giant group of your 93 bestest of friends and family members and their friends to take a tour of the Mayan ruins. Tempting, of course. When it comes to the Mayan Café, there is nothing 'ruined' about it. This place is solid and surely one not to miss is Louisville. I expected the restaurant to be loud and bustling and was quite surprised when my two co-workers and I showed up to a more intimate setting. It's a small place with a hipster-type feel... but not like teenage-angst I-don't-care-about-anyone-else hipster, more like I-am-just-super-laid-back-and-like-tattoos hipster. Mutual respect and a love of life type of vibe. We ordered a round of drinks and a side of the lima beans (free with Yelp! Check-in, for those of you wondering), and stewed over the menu. Since none of us shared our plates, I will focus solely on my meal, the cochinita pibil. That's pulled pork to y'all that don't know Spanish. Or Mayan. Actually, I had no idea what it was either until I had it once. No worries, most dishes are explained in clear enough English that you don't have to get anxiety over what you are ordering. Ok, full disclosure. I loved the pulled pork. Who knows what it was... the juicy meat, the not-too-spicy-not-too-sweet sauce, the lima beans (everyone should LOVE these!!).... What a stellar combo. The star of the show, however, was the lima bean tamale. Ok, maybe you are sensing a lima bean trend. I happen to be the weirdo who loves lima beans and actually seek out vegetable medleys in my grocer's freezer that contain this little green been of yumminess. But to say that I have had a lima bean-infused tamale is unheard of until Mayan Café and I liked their spin on what's normally a fairly standard food. If it's their personalized recipe, they need to highlight it; if it's super common and everyone else in the world has eaten in, shucks... I am glad I am no longer missing out. Don't ruin your experience in Louisville by skipping out on a stop at Mayan Café. If you don't love it, you don't love puppies. And who doesn't love cute little puppies?

    (4)

  • Rachel R.

    Wow! Wowy wow wow! We just had the most fantastic experience at Mayan Cafe! Our server was so mellow yet so fantastically attentive. Not smothered yet completely attended to. The atmosphere is intimate, romantic, down to earth, and classy. I felt pampered and well fed. I love that the menu includes the farmers from whom they buy produce. Below is our list of purchases. I'll include a "*" for must-haves! Drinks: Hibiscus lime tea* Cava Guava (brut, hibiscus liquor, guava nectar) Starters: Scallop ceviche Black bean cakes* Lima beans* Entree: Rabbit* Dessert: Bread pudding w/ caramel ice cream Everything was FANTASTIC!!! We can't wait to come back!

    (5)

  • Max B.

    The Mayan Café has become my home restaurant for things that are celebrations or perhaps should be celebrations. It's half a block from my home and can always be counted on to fill both Market St and the alley Billy Goat Strut, whichever my choice that day to amble along, with wonderful and inviting smells. I have to guard myself against this as I'm sure that too many visits would likely leave me broke. (But happy! In my experience Chef Bruce would deserve every penny of that.) Mayan Café is one of my go to examples of the five star restaurants that spoil me here in my hometown, and perhaps the toughest to explain it's cuisine. Ultimately it is clearly Chef Bruce's love and passion expressed in food form, and while that's hard to translate/explain to people from out of town or even people from Louisville that haven't made the trip yet, it's also about the highest praise I can give. Trust Chef Bruce's seasonal suggestions. In a street with a number of great farm to table savvy restaurants, Mayan shines like the best of them AND has a wonderful, consistent menu along side the seasonal choices. (Late shout out to Chef Bruce's amazing full course dinner he had celebrating the end of the previous Mayan baktun ("apocalypse").) Mayan Cafe has my favorite Guacamole in the city and enough words cannot be spoken about how great the tok sel lima beans are. (As a huge fan of both guac and lima beans in their many varied forms, Mayan's versions have won my heart as the best examples of what these can be.)

    (5)

  • Emily W.

    SO glad I was finally able to try Mayan Cafe after reading all the excellent reviews over the years. Let me tell you, they are well-deserved. I spent Saturday evening here with a group of about 12 people for a birthday party. We had reservations for 8pm, and when some of us arrived early, we were happily told we could go ahead and take a seat as the table was just prepared. Given my recent obsession with Moscow Mules, I started with the Mezcal Mule and it was delicious! Others in the party ordered the Cava Guava, bourbon, and beer, and everyone liked their drinks. As far as food, my husband and I split chips and guacamole (delicious, and not too much to fill you up before your entree), I had the chicken, and he had the burrito with pork based on others' suggestions. The sauce on my chicken was a chocolate mole and it was a really great complement to everything on the plate, and definitely something unique! I tried a bite of the burrito and of course, it was delicious as well. OH and the lima beans! They really were good! Especially for free with a Yelp check-in. I will admit I didn't understand much of what was listed on the menu, but usually when I run into that, the food winds up being delicious. That was certainly the case here. I'm excited to go back, and would like to try Mayan Cafe for lunch now.

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    I used to live on East Market Street, and one of the worst parts about moving was the fact that I was going to be far away from this chic, delicious, all-good-things-wrapped-up-into-one establishment. I have never been dissatisfied with what I've gotten there. Their scallops drenched in their own special type of mole were my favorite, but sadly, they haven't been on the menu lately. (Mayan Cafe, bring them back already!) Regardless you have to get the plantains if you go there. Mmmmm ... I want to go back. Now!

    (5)

  • Brittany S.

    And with total thanks to my Yelp friends we added yet another 5 star notch to our belts. Two requirements led us to Mayan Cafe: highly rated/nearby and outdoor seating...make that three - - -beer. Check, check, check. My sister and I are big supporters of family-style eating so Mayan Cafe's tapa style menu was perfect for our late lunch. We started out with a cold beer - I'd like to especially give praise to my Kentucky Bourbon Beer - - - - -- holy shit. Rocked my world like drinking a straight bottle of bourbon maple syrup - which is perfection in my book. We ordered the black bean dip and and chips to start things off. Our thoughtful waitress went ahead and brought out the jalepeno dip as a personal recommendation. LISTEN: Check in on the Yelp app to receive a free serving of lima beans. Psh, don't tell me now that you don't like lima beans with a scrunched up face. Try these and then try throwing that face my way. These dandies are the classic Mayan version with plentiful garlic, scallions and spices. Next up: spring tapa menu = don't mind if I do! We opted for the mini tacos (there are 6 options, choose three) - we went for the butternut squash with goat cheese, black bean and smoke salmon. The butternut squash received the gold sticker in my book. Sweet and flavorful texture.

    (5)

  • Sofia J.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Their dishes with mole are always amazing! Actually, everything I've tried--whether it's meat or vegetarian--is always delicious. Last time I went, my husband ordered an appetizer with goat and an entree with rabbit. I usually stay away from unusual meats, but I took a few bites from his dishes and was totally blown away! The chef is an extremely talented cook who knows how to cook and spice everything perfectly. I also love that he uses local ingredients. It's pricey but well worth it!

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    Incredible food, wonderful atmosphere, cute neighborhood, close to interstate (we stopped for dinner on a roadtrip), fantastic service... Definitely lives up to the height. We got the spaghetti squash (fall special dish) and the burger. Both were freaking heaven.

    (5)

  • Kevin H.

    Close. Great guacamole but bad location and bone shrapnel in my rabbit combined with a higher price point than I'd normally go leaves me wanting more. Kicking myself for not getting dessert. Linda beans way too salty

    (4)

  • Gene C.

    This is one of those places where you have to thank God for Yelp. We stumbled upon it because we were getting hungry on a road trip back home to Indy. We saw that it had wonderful reviews on yelp so we couldn't resist. And let me say, those reviews didn't let us down. As others have noted it's quite small but it's very comfortable. You'll get over that very quickly as soon as you start eating the wonderful food they prepare. Mix of flavors was wonderful and I'll have to find a way to get back there soon.

    (5)

  • Paul N.

    Ate there for lunch about a week ago and was very pleased. The place seemed pretty small and oddly loud, but was very nice and the staff was excellent.The lunch menu had some great reasonable priced upscale choices. I had the: GLUTEN FREEHuevos Motuleños$11.00fried eggs | crispy corn tortilla | black beans | chorizo | fried plantains | queso fresco | tomato casera sauce. It's light but filling and full of flavor. Needs some added spice for my palate but very good. My date, the wife, had the : Vegetarian Burrito$10.00potatoes | caramelized cabbage | beets | black beans | cheese | tomatillo sauce | fried eggs on top *Add pork for $2 extra With the added pork. I was a bit jealous of her meal. She always orders better than me. Heavy dish but really good. Also had the epic Lima beans. I have not had Lima beans since 1991 and was glad I broke the streak. Looking forward to going back for dinner.

    (4)

  • Robert G.

    Great rabbit dish. They need to get the deafening crowd sound under control. Could not hear myself think. Carpeted walls would cure the cacophony. Service and price were spot on.

    (4)

  • Zachary H.

    Got the pork dish and seasonal crepe. Crepe had lamb mozzarella and pomegranate reduction. It was very good, quite heavy on the cheese. Lamb nice and gamey. The pork was really good as well, probably could have been a little bit fattier. Lima beans on the side were excellent. Service was excellent and had a very nice ambiance.

    (4)

  • Orlando G.

    Really unique restaurant in NuLu. Their churros are incredible. Not at all like the typical churros you're used to seeing. The Tol-sel Lima beans are the talk of the town. Bourbon flight was really fun. Overall they have great staff, unique atmosphere, and tasty food. What more could you ask for?

    (5)

  • Laura K.

    I'm not even from Louisville and I know this is the tastiest place in town. My second visit to Nulu and my second trip to Mayan Cafe. The menu had changed but the food was the same, fresh, delicious and inventive. The rabbit is out of this world as was my sea bass dish.

    (5)

  • Adriel F.

    Was a nice place we enjoy the chorizo empanadas, and the service was ok small place, i didnt like too much the mojitos but we had a good time!!

    (4)

  • Amanda J.

    There's something to be said for having a meal, being completely full, and still being willing to eat that entire meal again. The Mayan cafe is one of those rare gems that you find and will forever fantasize about the food. Try the salmon, it's to die for (literally).

    (5)

  • Eduardo C.

    Experienced a fun, flavorful lunch here that was priced right. Ordered the 3 Salpotes combo, with one using pulled Pork, another prepared with Squash+Goat cheese and the other using Chicken+Jack Cheese. All the salpotes come garnished with squash and cabbage, in addition to a side of jalapeno sauce with appropriate spiciness level. A common risk associated with salpotes is an almost burnt oily taste, or hint of burnt tortilla which essentially ruins them. Here at MC, the corn tortilla base was fried perfectly with a wonderful crunch, yet a soft buttery corn after taste. The pulled pork salpote was good but didn't stand out. The goat cheese salpote was prepared flawlessly. The delicious, creamy goat cheese contrasted perfectly with the crunchy fried base, kind of like a jalapeno cheese popper, only much better. I've had plenty of these with crumbled Mexican cheeses, but I've never had one with creamy goat cheese, needless to say it works very well. The Chicken salpote had a slightly more complex and interesting flavor due to the chicken marinade, jack cheese, and some other things they put in there, but did'nt make my mouth water as much as the simple goat cheese variation. Also had a side of Lima beans that, according to the restaurant, were prepared using an ancient Mayan recipe. I don't know if this is true, what I do know is that this is the best side of Lima beans I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Michael T.

    I really think that I have finally accepted that Tapas is just synonomous with upscale, refreshing, expensive, tiny portions (obviously), and again, expensive. Not to take away from the fact that the food was super delicious, and tantalizing, it was still one of those places where you kind of secretly want to hide your coupon to the place. Having only approached this place during lunch, it was crowded and full of the business crowd. The food did not take a whole lot of time, but I must say with that kind of prompt delivery paired with such delicious food, no wonder they are so highly celebrated. TDLR; The restaurant that you can't wait to revisit when you get your paycheck to taste check every thing on the menu and walk away without feeling like August Gloop from WW's Choco Factory

    (4)

  • Megan L.

    Was recommended by a friend to try this place out during my Louisville business trip. I was seated immediately and kindly waited on by Cody. I only ordered the special salad and the special Salputes. The salad was good though rather salty. I would recommend having the dressing on the side. It honestly didn't need any dressings especially with the runny egg yoke on top. The Salputes were incredible. I'd never tried one before and absolutely loved it. The special included a quail egg on top with a spicy sauce put on to your liking. Delicious. I would definitely go back. Also, minor side note, I genuinely appreciated that the menu had fewer options :) made it easier to decide.

    (5)

  • Paige H.

    I've know Chef Bruce Ucan ever since he came to Louisville and it has always been a pleasure to experience his food. Strangely, I haven't been to the Mayan Cafe for a full meal. I have enjoyed small plates on the lovely, narrow enclosed patio and decided it was time for the full monty. I met with a group of food adorers last night at 7:30. We were seated quickly up by the front windows and I was worried for a bit because the dining room was nearly at capacity and it was very loud. One in my group is very hard of hearing and I was fretting over her comfort and ability to be a part of the conversation. After a bit, the massive party we were adjacent to finished up and the noise level dropped exponentially. Two of us had the Blood Orange Margarita. It was fabulous, not $13.00 fabulous, but it was a fun indulgence. We had the Guacamole as a starter and it was outstanding. It was both chunky and creamy with very clean flavors. It was garnished with thin slices of cucumber and I gobbled those up! This month Chef Ucan is featuring the much maligned Brussels Sprout. He is using it three ways; as a starter, in a salad and in the main. I had the main which was spaghetti squash, pumpkin seeds, cactus, and Brussels sprouts in a basil cream sauce. It was a fantastic blend of textures and earthy flavors. The dessert menu was tempting, but we were all stuffed and passed on what I know were probably sublime last tastes. Getting past the noise was imperative to have a truly exceptional experience, thankfully that happened for us. Service was superlative

    (5)

  • Kaul K.

    Pumpkin seed dip is something I really liked. Very unique and delicious. Lima beans side is also good. Really good food although very few options for vegetarians

    (5)

  • Sandra P.

    Wow! Food is super fresh and full of flavor. Every single dish I have ever had here has been off the charts - except - for the rice. The rice is an after thought. We all know how great rice can be but they have not put the energy into it here. The lima beans are INSANE. Veggie burrito rocks with an egg on top, the salmon special was phenomenal. Can not wait to return!

    (4)

  • Mimi M.

    Delicious food! Amazing chef and owner, they really care about where they source food from and how to create amazing unique dishes. Loved the rabbit! Also they have great cocktails. I have been here on a cute adorable date, and in a large group. Service was great both times, the atmosphere is good for any occasion.

    (5)

  • Derek S.

    Straight to the point: Good: -fast, friendly, effective waitstaff -good cocktails Bad: -bland food (underseasoned) -portions borderline skimpy, needed more meat on the meat dishes! -uninventive, boring food. Nothing seemed extraordinary -too much cornmeal! Overall I would not recommend this restaurant. There are better places of similar genre. -

    (2)

  • Amy H.

    I had the rare honor of visiting their kitchen during lunch time and let me tell you first hand, this place is filled with nothing but fresh ingredients! The freezer that they do have is half the size of my freezer at home! But once you taste the food here, you'll know at first bite that it's nothing but fresh food being prepared just for you. I decided to grab a to go lunch order since my day was pretty filled with work stuff. I had the angus burger and switched my side to the lima beans. I have never had a lima bean, but based on the reviews I thought I'd give them a try. HOLY COW....these little bad boys are amazing!! The burger was cooked to perfection and was juicy. The bun and the chipolte sauce was delicious too, but didn't take away from the burger. I am a huge burger fan, but I will admit, I ate every last lima bean before I took a second bite of my burger...they are that good! I am slightly obsessed with them now!

    (5)

  • Amber B.

    This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to! You MUST try the Lima beans... incredible! Great drinks with a unique menu. I highly recommend this charming little spot.

    (5)

  • Lillie P.

    Everything we had was perfectly flavored and presented. Definitely a great place!

    (5)

  • Jasamine C.

    Amazing Food and a decent price. Make reservations or you will end up eating on the sidewalk

    (4)

  • John S.

    Excellent - Will definitely return The Guacamole appetizer was good, but didn't blow us away. I will probably try something more adventuresome on a return visit. For Entrees we ordered the Vegetarian Burrito, Chilaquiles, and a side of the Potato Corn Cake. All three items were top-notch. The Potato Corn Cake was our favorite, closely followed by the Vegetarian Burrito (sauce was fantastic and mushrooms were done perfectly). For dessert we ordered the Bread Pudding. The dish was good, especially with the grapefruit. The more we ate the more we liked it. The serving size was just right. Service and atmosphere were great.

    (5)

  • Corey H.

    Excellent food expertly prepared supported by intimate ambiance and experienced staff! Wonderful for a small lunch meeting or a couples lunch. The menu is remarkable and worth the cost.

    (5)

  • Dan H.

    My wife and I went here for the first time last night. We were celebrating our anniversary (I mentioned it to the hostess as we were seated). Fortunately, we made reservations because it was packed on a Monday night. Everyone who came to our table wished us a happy anniversary. The place is not too big and a little noisy, but still very nice. The food that we had was all good. We started with the empanadas. They were delicious. My wife had the chicken entree and I had the pork. They were both very well presented and tasty, too. To cap it off, they comped us our desserts. Very classy night and we will definitely be back again. I would recommend the Mayan Cafe to anyone.

    (5)

  • Cara R.

    Man-o-Man-o-Mayan! This place is SO good (as evidenced by me having to wait for 40 minutes to sit on a Monday night). I'm in town for work & I had exhausted my usual trifecta of lunch/dinner establishments downtown (Bistro 301, O'Sheas & Harley's); I found Mayan Cafe on the top of the Yelp Best of Louisville list. Mayan Cafe serves beer & wine only and doesn't have a bar, so the hostess sent me over to LBS & 732 Social ("catty-corner" from Mayan Cafe) so I could have a drink as I waited. LBS is closed on Mondays, so I got an Orval at Social (the awesomeness of Social will be documented in a separate review), and about 45 minutes later Mayan Cafe called my cell to let me know my table was ready. I sat outside, in the little side-alley area. The waitress excelled at service. She had a glass of water & a Pacifico ready for me within minutes. I ordered the Mayan Salad (goat cheese! roasted pumpkin seeds! and is that sweet pea greens?!). It was so cool & tasty on a hot humid evening. I could have definitely used more pumpkin seeds, though; every time I got a bite of those mixed in with the greens & vinaigrette & goat cheese, my taste buds praised the heavens. For an entree, I had the scallops with plantains & yuca cake. The scallops were HUGE. :). I LOVE big scallops. They were cooked expertly & tasted amazing between bites of the sweet plantains and savory yuca cake. Plus, they were topped with "flash-fried" spinach. The green crispy stuff on top of the scallops was such a conundrum for me, I had never seen it before, so when the waitress explained that is was spinach, which was fried...true love, my friends....true love. I can't wait to bring my friends to Louisville to eat here...I can't wait to come back by myself to eat here again.

    (5)

  • Jeff J.

    Mayan Cafe is among my favorite restaurants in Louisville, a city with many good local restaurants. The food is a unique take on Mexican food. The food is very fresh with plenty of vegetables, mole, and succulent pork dishes. Make reservations as the small restaurant is often full. I especially like this one dish consisting of a fried egg with mole sauce. Excellent food in an intimate, small restaurant

    (5)

  • Thao T.

    I came expecting to pay a bit more for a smaller portion, which I did, but It was very small! So I"m glad I had a dinner before getting dinner there, which put me at a happy full. I got the slow roasted pork, tender but not enough flavor to make me crave for more. My husband got the rabbit and I was literally scraping every last bit of what he had left over (which was very little) and found myself dipping my pork in the flavorful sweet sour tamarind sauce. Probably come back on special occasions but can't see myself as a regular, I like better value for my food :)

    (3)

  • Rosanne M.

    Great place to get a few appetizers to share as main dishes. Couple outdoor tables with people watching ability on Market St. As everyone else says - the lima beans are incredible even if you hate lima beans! Bruce the owner is friendly and onsite quite often. Look for events where they pair food and drink together - spectacular and affordable. A stand out place.

    (4)

  • Melanie K.

    Affordable restaurant to get cool points from your date. Based on many reviews I have been wanted to try this small NewLou Restaurant and I am so glad I went. I was having a business meeting and wanted a place that was smaller and more intimate, I got exactly what I was looking for. Although it was more romantic low lighting intimate then small space. I was not even trying find a classy upscale place, but it looked like I had good taste for picking the Cafe from my guests perspective. Even without a reservation we got lucky and were sat immediately. However, in the future I would do a call ahead because it was very busy for a Wednesday. There was a great selection of wine and cocktails. I completely forgot about the Lima beans special but had the guacamole instead. You can tell it was freshly made, because of the chunks of fresh Pico and avocado in the dish. It was topped with pomegranate seeds which made me a little hesitant, but it was soo good. For dinner I had the Shrimp entree. The shrimp where jumbo size and cooked perfectly. My Shrimp dish almost had a stir fried texture, but was more crispy and flavorful. My business partner got the Vegetable Burrito. I am not a huge fan of black beans, but I got to sample a slice and it was amazing! The burrito was sweet and textured. On top was a fried egg that helped bring all the flavors together while getting your protein filling. The two top table was large enough for us to take notes. The server was very attentive while giving us time to chat business talk. I will have to come back to have a romantic dinner and try the Lima beans. This is definitely a place to make your date think you are more hip, then you may actually be, without breaking the bank.

    (4)

  • Rachel F.

    Okay, so wasn't sure what to expect here. It looks so unassuming. But it is actually a really nice restaurant that is generally hard to get a table at. Lucky for us, it was a Wed at 8. Not exactly prime time for the fancy dinner. First off, thank you Mayan Cafe for the check in special. That just makes me smile. Granted, they were for lima beans. Lima beans? I mean they are good in some butter, but who really gets excited over lima beans? I. Stand. Corrected. These were the best lima beans I have EVER had. Seriously. Check in and get them for free and check them out and then brag to your friends about their awesomeness. Okay, moving on. I also got two apps because they sounded so good. The black bean and goat cheese empanadas were tasty though I could have gone with a touch more goat cheese. And it really did hurt them on my scaling factor in that I had the Seafood Bisque. And it was creamy, flavorful, warm goodness. Okay, so awesome just wasn't sufficient, so I was reaching a little there. And all that plus a dos equis for 20 bucks including tip. Yay! The main courses aren't cheap. It is definitely a nice dinner. You can get a burger for 11 bucks with fried plantains or you can go with the steak special for 29 bucks. Decent beer selection from about 3.50 - 6 bucks.

    (5)

  • Megan M.

    This place has it all...wonderful ambiance, great food, good service! As with other well-known restaurants in Louisville, reservations are required. They feature rotational menu items and are farm to table. The menu items are unique and truly delicious.

    (5)

  • Lynn L.

    I've decided this is the best restaurant in Louisville. After coming here another time, and again over the weekend, I truly don't know why we are not eating here more! This should be a must-eat for every Louisville Yelper, whether it's a random Tuesday or a special occasion. There were three of us recently, and ordering a cocktail, three courses each, a bottle of wine, plus two glasses of wine, and the bill was $160. We gorged like kings! If that's not upscale dining value, I don't know what is. The food is absolutely ridiculous...in a delicious mouth-gasm way. The three of us shared -Salbutes of the day (beef tongue, which was surprisingly tender and non-gross!) -Chile relleno (light and crispy) -Empanadas (black bean and goat cheese) - Cochinita pibil (just could not say no to this deliciousness!) - Brisket chilaquile (surprisingly light and brisket super tender!) - Flank steak with yellow mole (excellent) Our out of town friend could not believe the food here, and was already planning his next visit to come back and eat here! My only (minor) complaint is that even with the interior re-design, the space still does not fit the food. The tables are pretty close together, and it feels kind of cramped in there. The ambiance is still not my favorite, but I'm willing to overlook this. The food is just that good.

    (5)

  • Olivia B.

    Had a late lunch here last week with a friend...The hostess was unbelievably gracious; service was good. It was quiet because of the time of day, but I imagine it would be a good place for a romantic evening out... The food...Oh, yum. Good wine list. The ceviche had a lovely piece of Ahi and was well prepared...just wish there had been a lighter hand with the cilantro, tbh. It goes a long way... I have to admit, I was really skeptical about ordering a burger in a place whose chef focuses on flavors from the Yucatan...I mean, really?!?!?!? But the burger is great - the roll is perfection, the toppings both comfortable and novel, and perfectly cooked. The plantains made me a happy woman, indeed. I could eat these every day. Mole was good...not the best I've had, but good. The lima beans were very tasty. The coconut etc, etc, sorbet with fried mint was fabulous. My friend nearly licked the bowl clean. And I nearly fought him for the honor.

    (4)

  • Molly S.

    One of my Louisville faves, perhaps better than the restaurant that preceded it (The Mayan Gypsy). No matter what you may think of Lima beans, do not skip the, here. I have searched the world over for a Lima bean as tasty as the Mayan Cafe's to no avail.

    (4)

  • Amanda H.

    Dinner here time after time continues to be amazing. After trying almost everything on the menu at least once, it is hard to pick a favorite. I also love that they use locally-farmed ingredients and list allergen info on the menu. Service is always impeccable as well.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth B.

    Last night I headed to Mayan Cafe for a late night dinner with a large group of friends. There were 8 of us and the small restaurant was so accommodating. They quickly set up a table for us and sat us right away. There was also a Lima beans special for checking in on Yelp! So lets talk about what is really important....the food. It was fantastic. I had a pork something that I could not pronounce, but it rocked my taste buds. It was so tender and juicy with an amazing flavor! I wish I would have been hungry enough for dessert because it sounded amazing but my meal filled me up to much. We closed down the restaurant and the staff did not seem to care. They were chatting with us and seemed perfectly content to accommodate our desire to stay and catch up with friends. Next time you are in NuLu, I recommend you check out this spot!

    (4)

  • Andrea W.

    Awesome fresh flavors for a great price!

    (5)

  • Maya S.

    Loved the lima beans..definitely worth a try. Food was beautifully presented..loved the addition of cactus and potatoes to the lasagna. If you want to try out some gourmet mayan cuisine, this place is it.

    (4)

  • Alex D.

    Excellent food offerings prepared by a caring and conscientious chef. Be prepared to wait a bit after ordering - but trust me, you'll be rewarded.

    (4)

  • Mark S.

    Everything was good...food, presentation & service. Just didn't think it was as good as everyone has rated it. Lima beans were ok, but nothing spectacular. Three of us ate there and all had same feeling.

    (3)

  • Brad A.

    Some of the best good my wife and I have ever had. We started with the ahi tuna ceviche. Completely mind blowing. I had the Cochonita Pibil and my wife had the veggies & rice. Both were fabulous. Hers was the best vegetarian dish we'd both ever had. Service was impeccable. If you're considering going, just go. You won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Sarah H.

    Lovely meal in an intimate, comfortable setting. Great service. The dishes were not overly complex but I got the fish special and it was well-prepared, perfectly cooked, and gently seasoned. Churros for dessert were tasty. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Nick A.

    I ate here with my girlfriend recently and it was great. Of course we had the lima beans which were very tasty. This coming from a guy who typically doesn't care for lima beans. I ordered the salmon per recommendation of a friend and it was fantastic. The entry was filling but not too much and the taste was great. They have outdoor seating which is my favorite on a warm summer night. The price is very reasonable as well.

    (5)

  • Chuck D.

    First off - thank you, Yelp, for the free Tok-Sel Lima Beans! Yum! Secondly - this place is delicious. Please go here for your own good. We started with the Empanadas - black bean and goat cheese! Packed with flavor. After reading all the raving Yelp reviews about the Salmon, I wouldn't let my fiance choose anything else (hey, he likes salmon more then I do!). Can I just say that if they bottled the cuitlachoche cream sauce that they put on there, I would most certainly drink it with no shame!! The salmon itself was flavorful and moist as promised. I went with the Brisket Chilaquile. I think I still dream about it. The seasonal vegetables were SO SO packed with flavor. The brisket melted in your mouth. Mix that with the sweet light tomato sauce and jalapeno puree for a little spice?? Heaven!! We were too full for dessert and plus, the hostess had generously sat us at a table that had an 8 pm reservation, so we wanted to give them enough time to flip the table. There is no way their desserts are bad though! I'm sure of it!! I would say to DEFINITELY make a reservation though, as we were the only people who walked in without one and were able to sit. We saw several other parties turned away. This is a do not miss if you are in the area, so make your reservation and come hungry!

    (5)

  • Kriss B.

    Seafood bisque, Mayan burger, jalapeño sauce all FANTASTIC!!! I was in town visiting family and already had lunch plans that inadvertently fell through. I remembered my friends Kim and Jason mentioning this restaurant. I stopped in and had lunch alone. I was a little nervous because the door said lunch service ends at 2:30 and it was already 2:20. I walked up to the hostess stand, the person who greeted me didn't blink, smiled graciously, and seated me no problem! Every staff member that walked past me was EXTREMELY friendly and sooo helpful. I didn't eat a single bite of food that I wasn't completely impressed with. Of course since I was dining alone I was eye-spying everyone else's plates and everything looked amazing!! Next time I'll have to bring someone with me, but this restaurant met ALL my expectations and more!!!

    (5)

  • Alex K.

    It's no wonder so many people raved about the food here. I never would have found this place it it wasn't for Yelp. Everything was extremely good. The Salmon, the Steak, the Chicken, the Pork, all fabulous. Everyone we went with was very happy with their meal. We did call ahead of time, which was crucial, since so many people were there and we had 8 people. They had our table ready for us and it was great.

    (5)

  • Valerie P.

    Love this place. I am impressed that Louisville has such a restaurant. I am a very picky eater and I hate eating at chain type restaurants, I prefer unique, local restaurants, especially those that utilize products from local farms. I had the Yuca cake, Empanadas, Nopalitos, Farm to Table Salad, Salbutes, and the Mole of the Day, which was a chocolate mole with sea bass. I will be back. I hope to come back to check out some of the art galleries in the area.

    (4)

  • Cara S.

    Hands down my favorite restaurant in Louisville, and that's saying something. The sea bass is my dish of choice, and all the sides are flavorful and fresh.

    (5)

  • Jamie C.

    Amazing.

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    My situation: I'm in Louisville for a conference and expect to eat unhealthy, fairly boring food during my stay. My reality: I found Mayan Cafe and all of my expectations escaped me. So it started as a bit of a journey after some ill directions created a rather long and blistery walk. But once we walked in, we knew we were in for a treat. This is a very small joint, I would venture to say, even, too small. But it worked fine. We had a later reservation and the place cleared out pretty quickly. An early observation and a bit of an annoyance was that they seemed not to be using air conditioning much. It was hot out, the air should have been on much cooler than it was. But I will give them a pass on that. The menu is mighty incredible. It rotates regularly to reflect seasonal, local offerings, all in a mayan style (are you surprised?). As we debated the main courses, we ordered a few appetizers. A bit hesitantly we tried the crawfish ceviche. Having never seen this as an offering, and knowing that crawfish can really be hit or miss, we didn't know what to expect... Along with the crawfish we went with the tuna ceviche as well as guacamole. From the first bite of quac, I knew I was going to be in a happy place. The guac incredible. Deep flavors, perfect consistency, an overall perfect dish. And I have to say, the ceviches only deepened my love for this place. Not knowing what to expect from the crawfish, I was hugely impressed with both offerings. Both were amazing, and the whole table was pleased. As for the main course, I went with the jumbo shrimp in a light coconut sauce, served with a squash cake and quinoa salad. It was astounding. The flavors were bold, yet not overpowering, and flowed nicely across my plate. It was a large portion too, which is fairly rare for higher end restaurants. The joy of being in lesser known food city? Byt this point I was about to pop. And as soon as the dessert menu was put in front of me, I knew it was a bad idea, but how many more times will I be in Louisville? I went with the cheesecake with local peach sauce. Cheesecake is something that I don't order often, and I'm not really sure why I ordered it, but I am glad I did. It was not the New York style cheesecake that I was expecting, but had a lighter, whipped consistency that was much easier to digest after such a binge. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and made the quick stay an excellent one. I expect only more good things from this place. I might just have to book another trip into town sometime soon!

    (5)

  • Lisa L.

    Decided to have lunch so called to see if they had a table. YES, they had one & 5 minutes later my 2 dining companions & I were sipping iced tea & awaiting our salbutes & Lima beans. We were not disappointed. Chef Bruce Ucan never ceases to amaze me with his culinary abilities. Stellar meal.

    (5)

  • Lauren H.

    Great atmosphere, great meal! The ceviche was absolutely amazing.

    (5)

  • Joel P.

    5 stars all the way! Since we arrived the service was excellent, food very tasty and delicious. If you are in the Louisville area I will definitely recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Lady B.

    Just got back from an incredible dinner at Mayan Cafe! I walked in at 5pm (when they open) and was seated right away, there were four other parties seated right at five, on a Wednesday. I was surprised - probably best to make a reservation if you are arriving after 6pm. I had the lima beans for checking in and they were delicious - they are made with pumpkin seeds, green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds and sesame oil. For an appetizer, I had the shrimp ceviche which was excellent - one of the best shrimp ceviches I have had north of Mexico. For dinner, I ordered the rabbit which had the pim tortilla and fried plantains as a side. I switched my order for the yucca cake. The yucca cake was kind of greasy compared to other yucca pancakes that I have had before, and I probably wouldn't get that again, although I ate the whole thing with their delicious habanero sauce. FYI, the jalapeno sauce was not spicy at all and just ok, so if you're looking for spice and flavor go with the habanero. I came in tired and hangry and left happy and full! PRO: Great service, Rabbit, Shrimp Ceviche, Lima Beans, Habanero Sauce CON: Yucca cake, Limited cabs in the area for when you are done. Call one ahead.

    (4)

  • Cale H.

    Top notch! Vegetarian dinner in Aug 2012 was fantastic. Great use of local grown and produced goods. High, positive energy and engaged owner/chef combo. Fantastic menu choices and tons of creativity. In a city full of fantastic foodie choices, this deserves a spot in the Top 5.

    (5)

  • Judith J.

    Food was flavorful and service attentive, food presentation was well done.

    (4)

  • Christopher B.

    Mayan Cafe lived up to the hype. This is the best restaurant in Louisville. Local ingredients, intimate feel, very nice staff, beautiful presentation and really delicious food. What we ate is irrelevant, order anything, I am sure it will be amazing. I do have to agree with the other posters, the bread pudding is a must have (and my significant other is a bread pudding snob). Mayan Cafe is the answer to the "one night in Louisville, where should we eat?" question.

    (5)

  • Dararith L.

    Mole sauce: you either love it or you don't. I had their Mole special with rabbit. Haven't had Mole nor rabbit, but I couldn't appreciate the taste. The food looks exquisite, and the presentation marvelous...but the taste is rather powerful in a semi-displeasing way. I gave some to my friend and he didn't fancy the taste as well. Had the Salbutes for the Day as appetizers and thought it was pretty tasty, but lacked the jalapeno bite that it advertised. FYI (note): The Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is goooood. You can indutibly taste the bourbon, but the end taste closes with a crisp beer finish.

    (3)

  • Stephen M.

    Short Version: Get anything with the local vegetables, the salmon was amazing, and the Kentucky Buttercake is a great ending. Long Version: I rarely write Yelp reviews, but felt that I needed to in this case. As someone from New York who's used to great authentic ethnic food, I wasn't sure what to expect from an authentic Mayan restaurant in Louisville, KY. I'll admit it: I was blown away. My friend and I shared two starters, the tuna and avocado ceviche and the chile relleno. The ceviche was well done, although a little too acidic for my taste. The relleno was stunning. It's the best I've ever had--the sauce is flavorful and complex, and the locally produced vegetables were not overcooked (a rarity), allowing them to showcase their freshness. The salmon entree was superb. The protein itself was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The vegetables au gratin were creamy and delicious without being too heavy. And this was the first time I've ever enjoyed lima beans. Although we were full, we decided to try a dessert, because the rest of the meal had been so good. The "Kentucky Buttercake" was simply amazing. The cake had the consistency of cornbread, although slightly lighter and sweeter. A pear puree and local honey went very well with the cake. Although I'm not normally a pear fan, the puree was subtle and had just the right amount of flavor. I also need to mention the service. The service staff was attentive and helpful. Although the restaurant had quite a few patrons while we were there, our server came over several times during our meal to ask whether we needed anything. He also displayed an excellent knowledge of the menu items and made helpful suggestions to us. Another server made sure that our water and soda glasses never fell below half-full. Finally, a quick note about portion sizes: a few other reviewers have mentioned that the portions are small, but I have to disagree. I felt that the portions were also generous; my friend and I shared 2 starters and an entree and were more than satisfied. Mayan Cafe holds its own against the best restaurants I've been to in New York. If I'm ever in Louisville again, this is the first restaurant I'll look up.

    (5)

  • Hunter J.

    In town on business, looking for a good place to take clients to lunch. This is upscale Latin American fare, no soft drinks and small portions. Salbutes are small corn tortillas topped with different items. They were delicious and had great presentation. The smoked chicken was amazing as was the beef mole.

    (5)

  • Kesshann C.

    We stopped in for an early lunch and had their version of huevos rancheros. Service was attentive and fast. Can't wait to go back.

    (4)

  • Katherine G.

    The atmosphere to this restaurant was quiet, romantic, relaxing and peaceful. The lighting is dim, but pleasant. I went with a coworker but it would be awesome for a first date or a date in general ;-) is a very small place so you may want to make reservations to be on the safe side. The food is Mexican inspired with great flavors that words can't really describe. The portions were just right and the deserts were enough to just taste but leaving you satisfied. I recommended the bread pudding and the Mexican beignets. My first time does not do this place justice. I would love to back to try the whole menu. The pictures that are posted are a great help!

    (4)

  • Kristen W.

    I wanted to wait until I'd been to Mayan several times before I wrote this review. I wanted to say that it is the best restaurant in Louisville after the frist bite I put in my mouth, but that's a pretty big statement to just throw out there. Now that I've eaten at Mayan multiple times and in multiple formats, and now that I've been around Louisville for awhile, I think it's safe to say: This is the best restaurant in Louisville. I haven't had a single bite of food here that I haven't loved. Ceviche, salbutes, lima beans(!), mole, flan, and most recently a tomato/baby leek/jalepeno soup that blew my mind - all perfect, every time. Next time I go, I'll probably just close my eyes and pick something off the menu, and it will be fabulous, I have no doubt. The restaurant is small and charming, with bright photos taken by the owner/chef in his hometown on the walls. Service is impeccable every time. Reservations are recommended - the locals know the secret and fill up the place quickly - even on weekdays. This place is a treat, and I think it really sums up the Louisville food scene in a great way - a chef passionate about his food, his culture, and the Louisville community, serving some of the best food around.

    (5)

  • Brad S.

    Delicious!!! Authentic!!!! My girlfriend is Colombian, and many of the dishes were spot on authentic. The mole is rich and flavorful, and the flan was great. We got to see the produce being delivered, and it made me happy that is was fresh produce that someone had gotten from the market. We went for lunch and were not disappointed. I wish we would have gone here for dinner too. Best cup of coffee in town, it was organic!!

    (4)

  • Laura C.

    Words cannot explain how amazing this food is. There are flavor I have never tasted before. Very unassuming on the outside and small and fancy on the inside. It is also hard to place the categorize the food, as it is fusion, but not. It is by far our favorite dining experience yet.

    (5)

  • Brad P.

    Visiting Louisville from San Francisco. Searching for my 1st meal on my Thanksgiving Visit - I happened upon the humble Mayan Cafe. I was debating between the Mayan Cafe and 610 Magnolia. The choice was clear after meeting gracious Chef Bruce during his break between lunch/dinner. His moles were outstanding. The pork delicious. The farm to table salad a fresh taste treat for beet lovers. The tamales were so tasty that we had to order a 2nd. The scallops were plump and perfectly cooked. Did I mention that the homemade Jalepeno & Habenero Sauces were the "bomb"?? Did I mention that the servers were patient ?? Did I mention easy parking?? Need I say more??

    (5)

  • Elizabeth V.

    This place was absolutely delicious. And with our checkin we got a side of limabeans which are their signature. It is a bit pricey for my liking but the quality and taste of food are well worth it. The portions as very big as well. I also got a bloody mary which was made from fresh ingredients and also great (but a bit on the small side). If you are someone who likes latin food I highly recommend giving this place a try.

    (5)

  • Timothy H.

    My favorite restaurant!!! Not too expensive or uptight, and the flavors are to die for.

    (5)

  • L O.

    Five of us dined there for a birthday. I thought that it was great and love that they use local farm products! We started off with the guac, which was good-nothing fantastic, but not bad. Three of us have the burrito. I have it veg.style like it comes on the menu and it was wonderful. The egg on top threw me for a loop, but I love eggs, and I will honestly say that it really made the dish. One of the other individuals had pork, and the other asked for chicken in hers (even though it was not on the menu). The other two had the cheeseburger, which they said was delicious, and the plantains that came on the side were so good, they ate them before I was able to taste one. We had two desserts, tres leeches and some kind of chocolate cake with mango sherbet. There were both good, but the best part were the entrees. Oh, and of course we had a side of lima beans-you can't go to the Mayan Cafe without having the lima beans. Some of the people at the table were not lima bean lovers, but they even admitted that they were good. Mayan Cafe is not my favorite restaurant, but I would put it is a top 15 list. It is always consistent and good. It adds a twist to normal dishes!

    (4)

  • Alexandria K.

    I was in Louisville on tour and wanted a genuine good meal. I found glowing reviews of Mayan Cafe on Yelp, so we made a reservation an hour in advance and went. Firstly, it's definitely more expensive than $$. All entrees are 20+ dollars unless you get a burger or burrito, which why would you get something you could get anywhere at such a special restaurant? We had the bourbon barrel beer per everyone's suggestion. GET IT. The smoothest, most delicious beer I've tried. We all got two. For appetizers we had the scallop ceviche - amazing, and the chile relleno - amazing. We wanted to try the empanadas, but alas $$$. I had the salmon which was to die for and my boyfriend has the rabbit. Everyone cleaned their plates. Perfect amount of food, expensive, but worth every penny.

    (5)

  • Amy B.

    First time at Mayan Cafe and we were lucky to get in. Next time I'll make a reservation. Very good flavorful dishes. The redfish was delicious. The pork roast was melt in your mouth. I highly recommend getting the "Don't worry about it" drink. It says, "don't worry, it's got Woodford in it". Which I thought was just damn cute and shows they have a sense of humor. Turns out this drink is part Woodford Reserve, part Tuacca, and a splash of ginger ale. Smooth is the best way to describe it.

    (4)

  • Mark F.

    Good food. Nice little spot. Poor service. Some food was forgotten and when it was brought over it came after all the other dishes and was left on the bill. Oh well. Food more than made up for amateurish service.

    (4)

  • Jan H.

    A favorite Louisville restaurant with unusual and delicious entrees. My friend and I tried to replicate the signature Lima beans when we found the recipe, and came pretty close. Everymeal we've had there has been delicious. The wine list is excellent. Small place, easy to miss, but you'll be glad you found it. Great service too.

    (5)

  • Emily S.

    I'm pretty sure the Mayan Cafe can do no wrong. We visited on a Saturday night with friends from out-of-town. There were 4 of us with an early reservation -- we were the first guests there but other parties came in, and it sounded like the restaurant was booked. Definitely get a reservation because the odds of getting a table on the weekend are slim without one. The server was personable and knowledgeable about the menu. The food was delicious -- among our table we had tuna ceviche, red fish, rabbit, and pork. Great fresh vegetables--who knew we all loved lima beans--beautiful presentation. Delicious cocktails. Two of us also had dessert. Sadly, they were out of avocado ice cream, but the ginger-coconut ice cream was a good addition to the chocolate cake. And I say this as someone not generally a fan of coconut. We tried to use an app to determine the song being played, and the hostess went to the back and wrote down the artist's name from Pandora for us: Rhythms del Mundo does Coldplay.

    (5)

  • David H.

    Mayan Cafe has Central American flavors unlike anywhere else in Louisville. I was very impressed that they were able to accommodate my party of six at 9 in the evening and give us excellent service. Yelp had told us that dress was casual, but we were embarrassed to feel a little under dressed on a Friday night. Oh no! Casual attire might be alright for lunch though. The food quite literally blew my mind. My appetizer combined crunchy with crispy and gave just the right amount of pleasant heat. My beef tenderloin had flavors I have never encountered before. The use of starches in the food for structure to support the meats really impressed me. There were delicious chili flavors present as well, but that's about all I could identify. We were very pleased with our bottle of wine and the list overall presented a lot of interesting choices. Great service and amazing food makes this a place a great find. You've got to love the East Market neighborhood as well with its galleries and restaurants. We followed up our visit to Mayan Cafe with a walk across the street to the Louisville Beer Store.

    (5)

  • Carissa S.

    Never knew of Mayan food before but WOW was it delicious!! Very small place with ample street parking right in front. Reservations are suggested and with the seating being few I would recommend regardless of time of day. The menu is small... only beer and wine but that means they excel in what they do!! Party of three and we started with the special of the day with a jalapeno sauce. The chile rellano was the best I've ever had. Finally we had the scallop ceviche in a blood orange sauce. So fresh... so tasty... amazing. The restaurant tries to use local ingredients, organics and you can really taste the difference. Dinner was split between an organic salmon and two of our party members got the pork dish. Servings were nice sized, so fresh, full of so many layered flavors. I would return to this restaurant in a flash. One of the best meals I have had in a very long time. Service was prompt but would rate it with a B+... just didn't over do it with friendliness. This is a MUST TRY!!!!

    (5)

  • Shana K.

    I have to admit that I was slightly puzzled when my business associate ordered lima beans with his pork tacos. I was even more puzzled when they arrived on the table, on their own plate, as a serving large enough for two, and he encouraged me to take half of them. However, I was delighted to taste their rich bold flavor and secretly wished I had orderd an entire plate of them for myself. I silently vowed to go back and order more on a later date. I was equally wowed by my grilled chicken quesadilla which was beautifully plated with fresh greens and came with a side of chips and guacamole. The guacamole was tangy with just the right ratio of citrus. The quesadilla had a crispy exterior and a warm gooey interior. In fact, the only downside I can think of to Mayan Cafe is that the construction of the restaurant lends it to being a little loud for a business lunch. I don't hesitate for a moment in giving this restaurant five stars.

    (5)

  • Elena T.

    Dinner was good, not great. I felt the flavors to be lacking some,.... I don't know, zing maybe. It was just a little bland. But, to give some background, I do like spice! The service was good, but our main meals came out as we were still enjoying our apps. Oops. All restaurants have their off nights, maybe we didn't get what they do best, so I would still recommend and find out for yourself.

    (3)

  • Mister K.

    Get the rabbit and you will be happy. The mole is excellent as well.

    (5)

  • Melina V.

    Attentive staff. Good food. Good prices for the atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Laura M.

    A crazy, rainy night in Louisville - my first night there on business - I wandered the streets of Butchertown, soaked to the gills and in search of some Pig restaurant nearby that turned out to be closed. Imagine my dismay, hungry and soggy, having walked a few miles from the downtown Hyatt. I'd seen the Mayan Cafe on yelp but didn't feel like another night of Latin food . . . Well, my friend, this is no 'nother night of Latin food. Only once, at a place called Coco Natural in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, have I had anything resembling this meal. SO GOOD! I mean, best meal I've had or may have in months good. I had some kind of pork (which I usually eschew) with some kind of mild goat cheese and other things . . I don't really care what they were. They were delicious. If only there'd been more of me and I could've sampled appetizers and dessert. Took one star off because they looked at me like, "What the hell do you want?", when I walked in the door solo and slightly bedraggled. Although, service, after I was seated, was quite good.

    (4)

  • Brandon B.

    Love this place-- One of my favorite dinner experiences in town, right in my 'hood. After trying practically everything on the menu, I started just getting whatever Bruce chose as the special that night (usually fish, tantalizingly prepared). Artistically detailed, well portioned fusion foodcraft! Great place for beers and wine, too.

    (5)

  • Kerry D.

    This place is ridiculously good, I wish it was in Chicago instead of Louisville! I also wish I'd found it on my first night in town because I would have dined here every night of my stay. The food and service were wonderful. I was dining alone (business travel) and the server was really chatty (in a good way) and helpful. She helped me decide on some amazing wine selections and insanely delicious food. I started w/the special app of the day. It was a black bean tostada type thing (sorry, I didn't write the name down) but if you see it, get it. Next came one of the best entrees I've ever had...yep, the cochinita pibil- words can't describe. You must order this, I can't begin to do it justice, just trust me. Same goes for the ginger desert- sorry again, didn't write the name down and now it's not on the web menu- but if you see it, get it. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. Amazing food and service.

    (5)

  • James P.

    Not to damn the place with faint praise, but I was amazed to have such a great experience in Louisville. Between the two of us, my friend and I had guacamole and chips, a chile relleno, a tamale, their special lima beans (the yelp check in freebie), chilaquiles, and a chocolate souffle (with fruit and some interesting ice cream). So, I think I had a good sample size, and it was all excellent in both taste and presentation. Service was perfect. The one downside is it was a little loud, but not overwhelmingly so. It wasn't a problem at all for me since I had asked for a seat in the quieter area closer to the kitchen.

    (5)

  • Tom W.

    Mayan Cafe is fantastic. The flavors in all of the dishes we had were complex and delicious. I tried both a green mole and a red mole with my smoked chicken as a special request, and I'm here to tell you these were not your typical chocolate syrup with chili powder moles you get at the clone mexican restaurants. In fact, there was nothing chocolate about them. They were both undecipherably delicious. For my fellow Cincinnatians, the only restaurant in town that compares in terms of creativity and food artistry is Boca. I wish we had a Mayan Cafe, perhaps it would kick start a revival of Cincinnati as a food town. My only personal complaint is the over use (in my opinion) of charred collard greens as a flavoring. Yes, it is unbelievably delicious and unique, but 4 of the 6 dishes we tried used it, and as they sat, the flavor became more dominant, even over powering in the last few bites of the smoked chicken (which was still one of the best entrees I've ever had.) If you see them, you might want to pick a few off. It was the perfect dinner after a full day of Bourbon tasting on the Bourbon trail, not a drop of Bourbon in a single dish :)

    (5)

  • Shannon G.

    This place is outstanding! It took me way too long to finally visit this place, but it was well worth the wait. For the finicky types, be advised the menu is quite different, but very, very good. You must try the plantains. I know of no other place that serves Central American dishes... its a shame really. Louisville has a great food scene and this is undoubtedly one of its finest. Highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Dorothy C.

    This is my favorite restaurant in Louisville. The blood orange margarita is fantastic. I have never ordered an item on the menu I didn't love. The guests I have brought here (meat-eaters and vegetarians alike) have loved the place. You do need a reservation. The food is locally sourced whenever possible, and there is a seasonal menu. For October, there was an unbelievable dish with spaghetti squash and grilled cactus. I would note that this dish looks vegetarian on the menu, but there is both a vegetarian and non-vegetarian version. They bring you the version with turkey broth unless you ask. At my table, I ate the vegetarian version and my step-mother ate the turkey version and we were both pleased.

    (5)

  • Neil G.

    Rickdickulousy good! I ate the black bean and avocado salbutes for a starter. Fantastic. Then roasted rabbit with tamarind chili BBQ sauce, fried plantains and pim tortilla filled with beans and goat cheese. I even got a free side of their signature side; tok-sel Lima beans for checking in on yelp! I hate Lima beans. Not these though. Holy $h!t b@11$ Batman!!! I can't even make words up that express this level of goodness. The entire meal was perfect. I washed it down with a Mezcal margarita and a Cuban style margarita which were mixed to perfection as well. I finally rounded out this flavor assault with classic flan and a neat Woodford Reserve. Every bite was was a bitter sweet departure from my plate to my belly. Service was impeccable. The entire house was throwing their A-game when it came to the level of attention to detail imparted on their craft.

    (5)

  • A A.

    clearly this place is awesome.

    (5)

  • Jenny S.

    I might fly back out to Louisville just so I can go here for my perfect meal. Here is what it was: Side of plantains Side of lima beans Salbutes (you get three) Tamale with black bean and chili mole Ahi ceviche Guac We shared all of this between three people and it was perfect, and we each paid $17. To top if off, the Mayan Mocha is great and a glass of red wine makes this the perfect meal. The flavors are incredible, the staff is so friendly, the atmosphere is warm and inviting and the art is amazing. Please move to Denver Mayan Cafe!!!! You cannot go wrong with anything on this menu.

    (5)

  • Adam C.

    If they had a 0 stars I would have rated it 0. I had heard about the great reviews this place gets and thought since I was downtown I would give it a try. I really wish I had just gone home and ordered a pizza instead... oh wait I did after I left without hardly touching my meal. The app was about a 6, the scallops and black bean cakes, scallops were not the greatest but the black beans had a good flavor. Main dish was the meat of the day. I assume it was prepared correctly but it was just not to my taste at all. I was very hungry going to dinner but was unable to make myself finish even half of my meal. I may have gone on a bad night or ordered the wrong thing, but from my personal experience 1 star is all I could give it.

    (1)

  • Jeff S.

    This restaurant completely surprised me. The presentation was top notch, the food was all excellent and it made me no longer say I hate Mexican food. Unfortunately I've tried to go here 3 times and only once has it been open. Once there was a huge ice storm and it was closed, and another time there was a private party. I fully intend to make this a regular stop on my Louisville KY rotation. The chille relleno (or however you spell it) was amazing. I had scallops i believe and they were kick ass. I highly recommend going here if you get a chance.

    (5)

  • Greta K.

    The Mayan Cafe has super amazing food. This restaurant is one of the reasons I love Louisville; this city has some very creative chefs. My parents knew I would love it, and thus brought me here the other night. The cafe was small, dark, and intimate. We couldn't make a reservation until 8:30 at night because they are quite popular. After perusing the exotic and flavorful menu, I decided on the Vegetarian plate, where you could choose from four different sides. My choices were grilled cactus, seasonal local veggies (cabbage and squash), a yucca cake, and fried plantains. Also adorning the plate was this kind of dried kale, which was absolutely delicious, and I don't even like kale! The grilled cactus kind of tasted like a cross between a green pepper and an eggplant, and I adored it. The waitress seemed pretty knowledgable about where the cactus came from, but did not know the exact name. After some research though, I think it was a prickly pear cactus. The yucca cake was very good and so were the plantains. Truthfully, I loved it all. My husband had a beef mole and my parents split some kind of pork dish. All the meat was cooked perfectly. We just had to order dessert. After some debate, and my mom's aversion to the banana churro and the flan, we ordered Jose's bread pudding. We were not disappointed. Instead of chunks of bread, this was more like a soft, moist cake. It was complimented with chocolate sauce, Graeter's cinnamon ice cream (another reason to love Louisville), fruit, and whipped cream. I also wanted a Mayan mocha to make myself wide awake for the night ahead of me. This was good, but kind of pricey. I think the Mayan Cafe is absolutely amazing and I would go back anytime. Yes, it is expensive, but you can't get this kind of cuisine just anywhere.

    (5)

  • Lindsey H.

    I felt so lucky to have found this place. I knew just by looking at the menu I was going to like it. Creative menu, focus on sustainable food practices and supporting local farmers. And the food- just delicious. Every time the waitress came by I had to find another superlative to describe it. Overall just dreamy. I ordered the scallops, the carrot and ginger soup, and the bread pudding. All of them were phenomenal.

    (5)

  • Jaime H.

    My favorite restaurant in Louisville. There is nothing on the menu that isn't incredible. I recommend this place to everyone I know, natives and visitors. The atmosphere is intimate, warm, and inviting. Local, farm-to-table, vegetarian options. Also, located in Louisville's hip NuLu district. A must eat!

    (5)

  • Geeta B.

    Oh. My. God. We're blown away!! Everything we had was OUTSTANDING: Blueberry Rooibos tea (uhhh... yeah), Plantains & Marscipone salbutes,Veggie Burrito (LOVED it, and we're from LA, LAnd of burritos), Lima Beans, Butter cake w Dulce de Leche ice cream. Plus Mayan Cafe is local, sustainable and seasonal. Wow!!

    (5)

  • K T.

    What a fantastic find! Before we came into town for the Derby I made a reservation for dinner on Friday night. I knew that there was a good chance we'd be out of luck but managed to grab a 5:30 reservation. We were warmly welcomed by the hostess and server. The staff here is great. The food? It is even better. They had a special Derby 4 course offering but we decided to pass on that. We started with an appetizer of empanadas. My husband also asked for a side of beans and chips (he claims that anything served with chips should be an appetizer). Both were delicious. For entrees we had the Beef Chilaquile and shrimp in coconut sauce. My shrimp were fantastic but I was seriously distracted by the sounds of pure delight coming from my husband's side of the table. He was truly in heaven, managing to finish every bite and just about white mole sauce from the plate. For dessert we split the flourless torte. It was rich and satisfying. The perfect way to end our meal. I have to give a nod to the fine drink selection here as well. Being our first night in Louisville, we thought it only fitting to try the Bourbon flight. They ranged from light and smooth, to robust and full bodied. I will be on a search for the lighter one, Angel's Envy. I'm not a bourbon drinker but I thoroughly enjoyed sampling that one. I ordered a vodka hibiscus gimlet - something I'll definitely be trying to replicate at home. To sum it up, if we thought there was a chance in the world that we could have gotten a table Saturday night as well, we would have gladly returned. Louisville, you have a fantastic restaurant there in Mayan Cafe. I'm truly jealous.

    (5)

  • Tom R.

    I ate here for the first time yesterday, for lunch, and it instantly became one of my favorite Louisville restaurants. You enter off of a narrow alley and are welcomed into a beautiful, small space. There are maybe a dozen tables in this tiny restaurant but enough room so that you don't feel claustrophobic. The south facing windows let in plenty of sunshine that warms the browns and blacks of the dining area. My wife and I started with three Yucatec salbutes (and I should say here that our excellent waitress didn't laugh at my pathetic attempt to pronounce that). The salmon was the hit of the plate -- a toothsome, rich salmon flavor. The roasted pork was also very good, and the shredded beef, while the least impressive of the three, was tasty as well. The emerald colored jalapaeno sauce served with the salbutes added a nice spicy kick. I got the salmon filet, and it was awesome. Although it was cooked through, it was still buttery and moist. Since I am not a quinoa fan, I had it served atop the lima beans instead, and they too were delicious. The tequila sauce that topped the dish was the perfect touch, and I only wish I had had some bread with which to uncouthly wipe up every last bit of it from my plate. My wife had the daily special, which was a perfectly cooked rabbit with greens, served beneath a deep, rich sesame sauce. She also had the butternut squash cake, which was the consistency of baby food (in a good way!) and also spot-on. For dessert I had their ginger cheesecake. Not only was the cheesecake silky smooth, but they finished it with a drizzle of super-smooth applesauce and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds (along with a dollop of whipped cream). My wife's chocolate torte was dense and dark, and will satisfy any hard-core chocolate-lover's needs. This is a fantastic local restaurant that deserves your support! One caution: make a reservation (even for lunch). The space is small and very popular.

    (5)

  • Mike H.

    A wonderful surprise and an unexpected flavor for Louisville. This little restaurant is a keeper on the must visit list of any food lover. I'll cut straight to the best dish of the house - you must try the Cochinita Pork Pibil. It's fabulous slow cooked pork marinated in a semi sweet and tangy reduction sauce next to a wonderful potato pancake and garnished with roasted lima peas to the side. This dish alone is the reason why I continue to go back. The rest of the menu continues to have surprising flavors that are truly unique. Even traditionally adventurous food junkies will find that these flavors do not resemble spanish, mexican, or cuban and is a delight to be had. Overall, a few dishes could have been executed better with a more savory flavor - including the Salmon and Flank Steak. If these dishes had a bit more spices I would have hands-down given this restaurant five stars. Nonetheless, you will not be disappointed with your experience at Mayan Cafe.

    (4)

  • Richard Y.

    The Mayan Cafe is located on a nice open space in Louisville, close to downtown. The road itself almost looks like something out of an old western-I half expected a tumbleweed to go by-and the cafe itself looks almost out of place. Parking is very accessible, and it generally is easy to get to. It's a great place on the inside, dark, modern, but strangely inviting and open. The wait staff was fantastic, caring, and open about what they liked and what they didn't. I got the Salbutes of the day as an appetizer and I was completely satisfied. A potato-corn cake covered in pork, goat cheese, tomatoes, mesculin, and some amazing sauce. It was stellar. For my entree I got the scallop dish. The scallops were perfectly prepared, albeit a bit chewy-not too much though. The salsa negra sauce was great, not too thick, quite earthy, and delicious. Decoratively sloped off to the side were the unbelievable fried plantains-and let me tell you, if you've never had plantains fried, then you have not lived-seriously. The yuca cake was great too-it tasted a bit capery tasting if I do say, but was actually one of my favorite things I tried. The cafe overall was great. It is a great place to grab dinner-and I've heard, even better for lunch. I'll definitely recommend this to anyone in need of something a bit left of center.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth S.

    I went to Mayan Cafe with a few girlfriends for a light dinner. Not looking to get anything really filling, I ordered the side sampler plate with vegetables, plantains, and the black beans. HOLY CRAP. For just a plate of sides, I was blown away. From what I sampled off my friends plates, the entrees seemed delicious as well. I love that the chef decorates the space with his own art, the whole space is quiet and pretty cozy, but not in a bad way. I went back recently and was even more impressed. We sampled a few of the appetizers (which are what I really recommend) and had the pork as an entree. Definitely some of the best cooked pork I have ever had in my life. If you try one place in Louisville, this should be it.

    (5)

  • Jon N.

    If you blink you may miss it, and that would be a shame. This is a tiny little place but offers big flavor! The food is different, exciting and delicious! Service is excellent.

    (5)

  • Bill D.

    Back in town for work and had to visit Mayan Cafe again! Was not disappointed great tasty food and good friendly service. From the appetizers to the main course special of the day every morsel was delicious! If you can't tell I'm a big fan of this cozy purveyor of gastronomical delicasies. I checked into FourSquare and received a free order of tasty Lima Beans. Must try this place if you end up in downtown area.

    (5)

  • J. J. D.

    This has easily been my best dining experience in the two months I've lived in Louisville. I had the Cochinita Pork Pibil and as everyone else has commented, it truly deserves that little "specialty" icon next to it on the menu. This was my first visit there, so I don't know if it's a recent development, but I'm surprised no one has mentioned this in the reviews yet: From our compostable take-out containers and non-toxic cleaning supplies to the local produce, meat & cheese we use on a daily basis, sustainability is at the core of how we do business. I went on a Thursday night around 8:30. Small place on the inside, but good atmosphere. No partitions or booths for privacy, but I wasn't distracted by any noise and was very comfortable. It was about half capacity with a couple dates as well as business dinners in the hour we spent there. My date and I both agreed that it was the best meal in Louisville we've ever had. How did it not win any of LEO Weekly Readers' Choice awards?

    (5)

  • D S.

    Our favorite place to eat when we visit Louisville every year! The rabbit is my favorite, accompanied by those amazing lima beans. Who knew those humble legumes could taste so good? We have yet to be disappointed at the Mayan Cafe, except when we can't get a table!

    (5)

  • Lana K.

    Great dining experience! Very cozy and casual atmosphere. Since we are very picky wine lovers, and the choice of wines was not great, we brought our own bottle. Corkage fee was $25. We'll be back for sure!

    (5)

  • Carolynne M.

    Well, I am going to be a brat and say I really didnt like the black and aqua interior (not sure what it has to do with Mayan culture) but that's OK, the service and the food completely made up for it. Our server was right on the ball, and everything came out perfectly timed and beautifully presented. The Argentinian wine I chose was a good deal (I think it was $26-$27?) and complemented my duck and Andy M's beef dish nicely. My dish was the Veracruz Duck Mole, which was sautéed duck breast in a slightly sweet & mildly spicy chocolate sauce; served with fried plantains & tok-sel lima beans. Andy, who isnt a big fan of duck, took one bite of mine and said he wished he had gotten that dish instead. A truly amazing find in Louisville!

    (5)

  • Beth M.

    Loved this place! A great unique menu with wonderful flavors. We had the conch ceviche to start. Not usually a fan of conch but this was delicious and so tender. I had the shrimp entree and it was delicious and so light, despite the milk in the sauce. My husband had the Cochinita Pork Pibil that was so rich with flavor and so opposite of my entree. I will definitely return soon!

    (5)

  • Peter S.

    Absolutely fantastic. Extremely creative menu and definitely one of the top two places in Louisville. The other one would have to be in 21C. The Kentucky buttercake is absolutely out of this world, as is mostly everything else at this restaurant. All the arugula and most of the vegetables are locally sourced, and the chocolate mole sauce is superb. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough if you're in the area.

    (4)

  • Tiffany B.

    If you can only go to one restaurant in Louisville, consider this one! The food is unique and so tasty! The salbutes are awesome--really love the black bean/ cheese one with the jalapeno puree sauce (just the right amount of heat with a silky consistency). I also loved the scallop dish; the guacamole is amazing and they also have amazing plantains. I spoke to the owner once and he said even he couldn't find another Mayan restaurant. Everyone asks what Mayan food is like...It has a few subtle elements that are reminsicent of Mexican, but that's a fairly remote resemblance. The flavors don't rely as much on red spicy sauces. I tried to stop in for lunch recently and the place was packed; I'd suggest a reservation to be on the safe side because the place is packed pretty often.

    (5)

  • Andy M.

    Other than the fact that I was completely under dressed and that Carolynne and I got a strange look for not having a reservation I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this place. We stopped into the Mayan cafe on a whim after seeing a Louisville Bat's minor league game. Carolynne picked out a kick-ass bottle of wine, and our entrees were mouth watering. I ordered the Merida Beef Tenderloin that was smothered with all kind of wonderful Spanish spices. The steak was wonderful and the spicy sauce was a perfect accompaniment. My only regret is that I didn't order Carolynne's entree. She had a perfectly cooked Duck that was smothered with Mollee sauce. I'm usually leery of duck because it can taste like a grease bomb if it's not cooked perfectly, but the chef did a perfect job with Carolynne's duck-molle. The next time that we are in Louisville, the Mayan Cafe is one of the first places that I want to return to. Only this time I will dress appropriately for dinner.

    (5)

  • Steven B.

    This place has great and unique food. Go early or get a reservation. The menu changes but something always sounds appetizing. The mole' sauces are always a delight.

    (5)

  • Hoxoe H.

    Nice spin on the ceviche with the inclusion of ginger. A side of chips was all it needed. Good flavors and wonderful textures with the chilequiles as well as the mayan burger.

    (4)

  • theo n.

    Located in the East Market Art district, It's a shady walk from DT. Coming from an Angeleno, the food is ok; moles are mildly sweet, the guacamole and chips are tasty. The wine list was basic, though the malbec I had was flat, and sour. This restaurante lacks that certain pizzaz that makes it great. If your used to great S American food, then it's a'ight. But if your from the South, it;'s a tasty joint. p.s. they do have Graeter's; the best ice cream East of the Ohio River!

    (4)

  • Charles D.

    Mmm. Excellent local ingredients freshly arranged in amazing ways. The vegetarian burrito was delicious, and went quite well with the jalapeno sauce from the shredded beef tacos, which were also amazing (and the awesome tortillas make all the difference). The "don't worry about it" drink was great. I believe it was just Woodford Reserve and simple syrup. I slightly regret not having gotten the mimosa, with prickly pear puree and cava. As others have mentioned, the lima bean, pan roasted in sesame oil, parsley, some lime, and other stuff, will satisfy even lima-haters (like my wife), and the shrimp ceviche was absolutely perfect (surprisingly, perhaps, given the distance to the ocean). The articles posted on the walls in the bathrooms were informative, and I imagine they're on the website as well. Friendly and helpful medium-paced service at lunch. A nice cozy feel to the room as well. Highly recommended for foodies generally, Mexican lovers, or fans of local and vegetarian specialties (but don't forget the meat, if you're into it).

    (5)

  • Jeff R.

    I've been to the old and new location. A must stop for Louisville. Excellent South American food.

    (5)

  • Robert M.

    So why doesn't this place have more reviews? Are we so used to goopy, sloppy, cheesy crapola Americanized Mexican food that we ignore the real thing? This is a very creative authentic menu, executed to perfection. I started off with a Don Miguel Malbec which had a nice nose but the finish was a bit weak. I had the Cochinita Pork Pibil which is pork in a red achiote sauce over a pim tortilla. It was very good, the pork was cooked perfectly and the red achiote sauce was tasty, although I wish it had more spice...a little bland but still good. This came with tok-sel lima beans which had a nice seasoning on them...different for sure. I also added a Yuca cake that was topped with a horseradish cream. This was very good as well. Others at my table raved about the Merida Beef Tenderloin which I wish I ordered after they said it practically melted in their mouth. It looked great too. For dessert I went for the Pomegranate Flan. This was the only negative of the night, it was pretty bland. When I think Pomegranate Flan, I was thinking 'full of flavor'....bold...but it was basically a regular Flan with a Pomegranate sauce poured over it. However, the sauce really lacked any flavor, I don't think you could distinguish that it was Pomegranate without reading the menu. Overall, this place is a hidden gem in a cool neighborhood with great service. Highly recommend, stay away from Americanized Mexican food and support this resto! Ole!

    (5)

  • Spencer W.

    This restaurant gets high marks across the board. I have never had anything short of an amazing meal either here or at the owner's previous (and similar) restaurant which is now closed, mayan Gypsy. This is not your typical Midwest South American food. This is a cultural, gourmet experience...with reasonable prices! Expect the owner and chef to make the rounds in the dining area, asking how everything is tasting. This obviuosly shows confidence, because he already knows. It's awesome! The lima beans as a side are always excellent and you can just point blindly at the menu and you will have a winner. I try to hit it every time I'm in town. Living in San Diego, and being close to a lot of really good "Latin" restaurants, I can say, surprisingly, that my favorite one is in Louisville...Mayan Cafe. Try it for sure!! In Louisville, where chain restaurants prevail, this is definitely a worthy dining experience and worth a trip downtown.

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    This is a great restaurant in a neat little neighborhood. We got tipped off about Mayan Cafe by the guys at Scout - a cool little shop of odds and ends in the middle of a bunch of antique shops a couple blocks away. Good atmosphere, nice service, good wine and different food. I started with the seafood bisque. I'm a sucker for soup to begin with - but this creamy concoction made my eyes defocus a bit while it settled into my soul. Absolutely amazing - and a terrific pairing with the 2006 Odfjell "Armador" Cabernet Sauvignon I was drinking. Dinner was the Mayapan Chilaquile - a stacked tortilla dish that was interesting - but not what I was really in the mood for. I did - however - try the scallops... which were great. They had the best fried plantains I have ever eaten... and the yucca cakes were very good. Not sure I'll end up in Louisville again any time soon... but if I am I'll definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Minh S.

    Had their cochinita pork. The pork was tender. I don't see what all the hype is all about with the lima beans.

    (4)

  • Keegan B.

    The Mayan Café is if nothing, honest, a small little café nestled between the folds of buildings in its neighborhood. Its soft inviting lights and quite atmosphere beckon for you to sit and its table conversing with friends. The clean white dishes act as pleasant stages for the food as it arrives. I felt t a little under dressed in my jeans and a button up shirt. Salbutes arrived first a pungent taste of black beans covered in smooth mellow cheese and a slightly spacy sauce. Not my style of food but a good way to start the meal. The menu and food are constantly changing like the season and city around it, growing. Enticed by the waitresses description I settled on the stake with a white chocolate mole sauce. With a slight spice in the rich sauce countering the earthy taste of the meat, lima beans that they have become known, are great. The greens on my plate seemed to have had a bit more of a sweat then I like, I tend to crisp mine more than sweat them, but to each his own. The night ended with avocado ice cream topping a bourbon sauce covering dense little bread like cake. The place is great good food good atmosphere and impeccable service round out this little treasure of Mayan cuisine nestled in Louisville Ky. So take advantage of it and decide for yourself.

    (5)

  • Tony J.

    had lunch there last month with the wifey. the wifey had the chicken with green mole i think. it was pretty good. i had the salbutes (blackbeans&goatcheese, pork, and salmon), the black bean with goat cheese was my favorite. and think we shared an order of the chili relleno. i wouldnt mind eating there again if ever we are in the louisville area.

    (4)

  • Kim W.

    Menu had very little variety.

    (1)

  • Kyle W.

    This place was just unreal. I ordered the autumn salad and the assorted Yucatec Salbutes. My rec? If it says goat cheese - get it. Soooooooo dang good.

    (5)

  • Suzanne S.

    Loved this place. The food was outstanding. Those lima beans were as amazing as I'd heard. I had a YELP deal too so they were free. Love the deals. Appetizers, entrees, wine, dessert were all fantastic. I also loved the staff. Everyone was super friendly and it was a very comfortably paced meal. Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Stephen P.

    This place has great food and the price is not bad for what you're getting. I will start by saying that the entree with the scallops is amazing. I love scallops and that was the best tasting dish with scallops that I have ever had!! Also tried the mole if the day, which featured beef tenderloin. The mole was good, but nothing unique from any other mole. Both dishes were served with fried bananas and another side. The restaurant has many starters on the menu and I would recommend one started per person. You really do want to eat a three course meal here. For dessert, the flan is absolutely perfect! You cannot go wrong by ordering it. Also tried churo. It was good, but doesn't compare to the flan. Didn't drink while I was there, but they have a decent wine list. The negative I have is that I found the wait staff to be a little inattentive. I wish my entire tip could have gone to the man filling my water because he was the only person I had any interaction with. To sum up, this restaurant has some great food that will allow you to experience new flavors, but the wait staff could do with some more professionalism.

    (4)

  • Zach E.

    I had the Merida Beef Tenderloin, which was delicious. I usually don't like squash, but enjoyed the stuffed chayote squash that came with the meal. My wife raved about the Uxmal Salmon We both had glasses of the malbec, which was also great.

    (4)

  • Ingrid K.

    Had the Mole special and a side of lima beans. Both were great (you should note that I dislike lima beans normally) and I strongly suggest them!

    (4)

  • FromScratch M.

    Loved having dinner here. They feature local farmers, preparing a special menu using their products. We have a very creative vegetarian menu - a mole sauce over vegetables with cheese and homemade corn tortillas. I enjoy rewarding that sort of effort.

    (4)

  • Nick G.

    Some of the most savory vegetarian food I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Kate D.

    One of the best meals I've had in Louisville. Great pescatarian options, atmosphere, and service. Perfect for special occasions.

    (5)

  • Daniel F.

    Unreal food and service. On business in town and tried it out, definitely wanting to go back.

    (5)

  • Robyn S.

    This is the most consistently good restaurant in Louisville. Every single time I eat there, I have a terrific experience from start to finish. During my past two visits, I have the special. During my last visit, my dish was smothered in their incredible mole sauce. It's just not like anything else you'll get in Louisville. I also order the lima beans every single time as a side order. They're just flat-out terrific. I highly recommend Mayan Cafe.

    (5)

  • Cinimod S.

    This place has some incredible food. I will go back and try it when the weather is nicer, some outdoor seating would add a nice touch to the place. My only complaint was the size, this place is tiny and dark. The food was outstanding, the beer and wine selection was eclectic, and I liked it. Try the specials too.

    (4)

  • Chanda O.

    Even though we went kinda late- (40 minutes before closing)- the food was awesome! Fresh locally sourced beef and veggies. Yum!

    (4)

  • Kira G.

    This place was ok, but definitely not worth the price. For the 3 of us visiting from out of town, we ordered a tamale appetizer, the Conchanita Pibil, the rabbit, and the salmon. While all were tasty, we walked out of there hungry. The serving size was moderate, but we felt that for $75 we should have been stuffed. The conchanita pibil was definitely the best dish of the three. After feeling a bit disappointed in the entrees, we were definitely looking forward to some Banana Churros for dessert. When they handed us the dessert menu they were nowhere to be found! The nice waiter said they might have them again in the summer. Nothing else looked interesting, so we decided to go elsewhere for a dessert.

    (3)

  • Xopher D.

    In town for business, and thought about doing the BBQ thing, but am very glad I tried something off the beaten path. Yes, I had pork, but it was waaay better than anything I was expecting. Here's the short of it, for those of you who don't like to read: Eat Here. Now. It's that delicious. The long review: A small place, with half-a-dozen outside tables. Since the interior felt like an icebox (something that seems to be common in the South) I opted for seating al fresco. I ordered a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale for the novelty. It's just that -- a decent ale with whisky flavor from the barrels it's stored in. Good, but not $6 good IMHO. I chose the salbutes as an appetizer: the day's selection was composed of pulled pork with pico de gallo and a jalapeno cilantro dipping sauce served on fried corn masa fritters. Very yummy, and the sauce had a good amount of kick to it. Entree was the pork pibil, accompanied by a white Spanish wine (very dry, very apple-y). The pibil was brilliant. A mild achiote sauce and shredded pork shoulder that just dripped with flavor and tenderness. Garnished with pickled red onion, arugula & tomatoes, with sides of lima beans and yuca cake. I hate lima beans. Really. But I ate all of these. They seemed grilled in a light sesame oil with a very smooth herb dressing. I loved combining all the different flavors on my plate to see how each thing would taste with another. Maya Cafe is a major gem in Louisville!

    (5)

  • Mele S.

    What a lovely place! Ambiance, service, prices...Cafe Maya has it all. Such a creative menu -- the food is so authentic I felt like I was really on the Rivera Maya! Everything was delicious, but the turkey mole stood out and the lima beans are the best I've ever tasted.

    (5)

  • Lauren T.

    One of the best restaurants in town! Fresh, creative cuisine with great portions. It's a smaller restaurant so make reservations.

    (5)

  • Antonio S.

    Received a response from the General Manager of the Mayan Cafe - the response and its entirety is listed below. I will add that I appreciate her stepping up and taking responsibility for her restaurant, just as I would expect anyone in her position to. This has boosted my number of stars from the original review. Living in a technology based world, where the preferred method of interaction is via text, facebook, twitter or email rather than physically talking to them face to face - the art of customer service, and human interaction is that much more valuable. Anne - you've won points in my book. Mayan Cafe Initial response: -First of all, I want to thank you for your feedback. And I want to apologize that you didn't have a good experience at our restaurant the first weekend in October. We strive very hard to create a memorable dining experience for all our guests, but unfortunately we do make mistakes or have "off nights." I'm sorry it took us 2 tries to remake your girlfriend's steak that evening. I have spoken with our chef who remembers your particular order. Tracy, our assistant manager, did put a 20% discount on your check to apologize for the trouble, but perhaps you didn't notice that on the check. At any rate, I just wanted to contact you myself and say that this isn't usually our normal dining experience, and I hope you'll try us again. My response: Thank you for your feedback. I did not expect it. We were actually very excited to come to the restaurant based off so much positive feedback from YELP. It was in fact an 'off night.' I completely understand that. It isn't realistic at all to think that we are 100% on all the time. Anyway, for what it's worth - it wasn't so much the fact that we had to take the food back a few times that bothered us. I think it was more of the lack of customer service on behalf of the leadership. We honestly wouldn't have cared if we had to send the steak back multiple times, but after the 1st time - I would honestly expect someone aside from the waiter to come and simply explain what's going on. Now, to further clarify the 20% discount - you are correct, we did in fact receive it, but ONLY after we made it a point to state to our server how "ballsy" it was to not apologize or even have a manager come forward to explain what was going on, and simply push the full check our way. Only after that point did the server go to Tracy and relay the message. It was then, that she gave the discount - with no intention of giving it to begin with. Perhaps you didn't notice that on the review. If it isn't there, I will update it on YELP accordingly to ensure its accuracy. At any rate, I am an active duty Army Officer - and poor leadership practices really disappoint me when I see it. Your server is to be commended for dealing with the unfortunate situation. But as for managers, and assistant managers, I expect them to take care of their servers and take full responsibility for anything and everything their restaurant does or fails to do. Not leave it to their front line guys to take berating from unhappy customers. You are in fact doing what I would expect ANY leader to do, which is to take responsibility by responding to the review. No worries. We will be in touch. Thank you again for your response. It was much appreciated, I think that when situations like this happen, it is the best time to stop and take note of the situation, annotate the mistakes and practice what to do RIGHT in the event it happens again. It's a learning point for everyone. Take Care and good luck.

    (2)

  • Johnny L.

    The diverse menu, the healthy options, the local foods all at prices that are very reasonable for this kind of restaurant. Great service. This is as good as it gets in Louisville.

    (5)

  • dan g.

    This place is really good I had a pork shoulder with lima beans and a yuca cake it was amazing. Also black beans and chips were good. Think of mayan food kind of like Cuban and costal mexican. I dunno, it's just good, go eat here. It all goes wonderfully with bohemia.

    (5)

  • will c.

    So good to see a local restaraunt thriving with great food and excellant service. Can't wait to come back again to try the other foods on menu.

    (4)

  • susan F.

    Mayan Cafe is my fave in Louisville! Everything is always the freshest. They are known for creative recipes, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. The scallops, any fish special, the mole sauce and the soups are all fantastic. And it's true that the lima beans are really worth mentioning!!

    (5)

  • adam C.

    Mayan Cafe is great. I went there the other night for the first time, and really can't say enough about the food. The menu had lots of choices, and nothing on it seemed like something you can find anywhere else. (Plus, it may have been the first time I went to a restaurant and didn't see chicken anywhere on the menu, for whatever that's worth). We tried their mole of the day (rainbow trout) and a roast pork dish. Both were well-composed and very tasty. The desserts (bread pudding and gingersnap ice cream) were both great. The only dish I wasn't crazy about was the appetizer - a beef tamale. The beef was dry, and there were just too many things piled on top to taste the masa. Other than that, I highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Chau L.

    excellent food, excellent service, excellent experience. thanks, mayan cafe!!

    (5)

  • Lawrence S.

    Exceptional food! Tuna ceviche and guacamole were great. Main courses of pork (cochinita pibil) and rabbit were extremely well sauced. Overall, I agree with the other rave reviews of this establishment.

    (5)

  • Russell W.

    Everything at Mayan Cafe was fantastic, from the service to the atmosphere to the food--especially the food. I went with my family, six of us in all (including a five-year-old who was nicely accommodated for). We all ordered different entreés and proceeded to trade. Everything we ordered was great and delightfully unusual. The appetizers we ordered were also excellent. The only thing I would mention is that if you do intend to attend with a large party, let them know in advance.

    (5)

  • ninja p.

    yum - get the salbutes (some variation with black beans!) and a side of lima beans! wish they had a better drink selection.

    (5)

  • molly c.

    Amazing food at a much cheaper price than expected. Their food combinations are unique and thought out. The service was good and they explained the menu, offered wine ideas. Their versions of French fries, which are not from potatos but yutca are brilliant. The chef even was out and about to greet people.

    (5)

  • Julie D.

    This is by far my favorite restaurant in Louisville! I have just moved to Florida and I already miss Mayan Cafe! The food & service is consistantly great. Prices are very good for the quality. Its small, intimate atmosphere is appreciated and they have a nice little patio area as well. My favorite is Cochinita Pork Pibil, yucca cakes and the lima beans!! I have hated lima beans since I was a kid but my server talked me into trying these. WOW!! I am sooo glad she did!! DELICIOUS!! When I come back to Lville for visit, this will be my first stop!

    (5)

  • Margot S.

    Love the fresh and local ingredients. Our server was nice in an authentic way, not an annoying sales-y way. The food ranged from pretty good to delicious. The salmon was delicious and the portion size was generous. It also had me loving lima beans, which I do not normally like. The house pork specialty was good. The chile rellano with sweet potato was ok-- needed something creamy, and the sauce was under salted. The guacamole was great. The prices were pretty fair, considering the ingredients. I did not like the dining room at all. The walls are dark and the ceiling seems really low, and they seem to be aiming for a "fancy" vibe but it doesn't fit with the menu. We sat outdoors, which was literally in a side alley. It had no ambiance at all. Boo to no liquor. Margaritas, please! Despite the look of the place, the food was great and I would return.

    (4)

  • Tanya P.

    I loved this place until the wait staff seemed to get attitudes. Don't get me wrong, their food is fantastic, but the wait staff seems to have a chip on their shoulder. Yet I will keep going, because the food is really excellent.

    (4)

  • Tam T.

    Perhaps I may have gone on an off night for the chef, but I definitely do not agree with some of the reviews that have been given for this place. Mayan Cafe is a small place but rather loud for table conversation. The limited dinner menu did not offer much varieties, but really what can you offer beside the Holy Trinity of Meat and a couple of game meats before you scare off most non-adventurous eaters. My wife and I ordered the Ceviche of the Day (lobster), which came out quiet salty and flavorless. Unluckily the waitress came back and overheard the saltiness comment and had the chef made another. Unfortunately 2nd time was not the charm and I did not really want to try for the third. The 2nd order of Ceviche was buttery (perhaps if I was eating at Red Lobster..maybe) and not citrus, sour, nor spicy as ceviche is suppose to be. We moved on to the Entree, Rabbit roasted in corn-ginger sauce with sauteed greens and mushroom. I question the authenticity of the Rabbit meat, which was overcooked and dry. The menu description of the side should have been just toppings and not actual sides. Our friend ordered the Mole of the Day (Pull pork with red mole with fried plantain and forbidden black rice) The Pork and mole tasted like can chili mixed with ready made pork. The forbidden black rice came at the end of dinner (late!) and should have been forbidden from ever entering our table. The rice had a fermented flavor with dry black beans. The only good sides (topping) would be the fried plantain. Our other friend ordered the Mayan Burger, which actually was rather good. But honestly, how can you really go wrong with a burger?? I am all for the sustainable food and supporting local farmers, but there needs to be quality and taste behind the food you are serving if you are going to charge rather high for the quantity. To quote my friend "if this place was a burger joint, it would be pretty decent" and that was what Mayan Cafe was. A lot of ifs and did not meet average expectations. Overpriced and lacking in flavor, I would probably not go back or recommend it to others. Unless you like bland and flavorless food and want to say you were adventurous by eating Mayan food, feel free to throw some money away.

    (1)

  • stephen l.

    I ate hear for lunch. the food wasn't bad but it didn't have a lot of flavor. its almost as if they forgot to use spices when making the food.

    (2)

  • Darla S.

    Food was delicious, fresh. Price points a bit steep for lunch. Fresh juice yummy but pricey for the size, and the glass was full of ice. Overall was a good experience and we would return again.

    (4)

  • Brett C.

    Just one more unnecessary 5 star review for a place with exquisite food and service. One of my guests recommend this place heavily, yet I was hesitant to check out such an over served style of food. That thought was erroneous the second I tried the first dishes.

    (5)

  • Dan G.

    This stretch of Market street in Louisville is such a great destination for drinking and dining. We loved Mayan Cafe. We were able to alter our reservations after storms cut short our day at the races. They were very accommodating when we showed up and got us a great table. I was happy to see that their was a Yelp deal upon check in for the signature Lima Beans. I usually feel awkward cashing those in, but our server was cool and it was no problem. The menu was interesting and featured a lot of fresh ingredients and things I would not have expected to see. Good beers on the list too. The server helped me out a bit and with her strong recommendation I got the rabbit, which was superb. Here's what we had: Spring Salad-arugula | hydroponic tomatoes | caramelized carrots | shaved manchego cheese | poblano vinaigrette Tuna and habenero ceviche Rabbit-oven-roasted rabbit | tamarind chile sauce | fried plantains | pim tortilla filled with beans & havarti cheese Tok-sel Lima Beans All said, we had a wonderful dinner at Mayan Cafe and it will be in the rotation when we return to town.

    (5)

  • Centex A.

    This was such a nice change of pace! After reading other Yelper reviews, we worked our way in this evening and were not disappointed. Being from Texas, we are very used to eating "Mexican" food. This was distinctly Yucatan and absolutely delicious! From the fried plantains, to the Chicken Mole, to the Cochinita Pibil....what can I say except "Eat here now!" The only problem was that I didn't have room for dessert! Daughter tried the Coconut flan though, and it was delish!

    (5)

  • Kiersten S.

    We had one of the best bottles of Carmenere I've ever had at Mayan Cafe. The appetizers were excellent. Especially the brussel sprouts. My fiance had the pork and it was outstanding. I had the rabbit which was not quite as good but still a great dish. The ambiance was great and the server was on-point. I love fine dining and this restaurant did not disappoint!

    (5)

  • Mihir K.

    I am starting to like Louisville. Its mainly because of places like this. First things first. Check in on Yelp. Free Lima Beans appetizer. They were freshly cooked in sesame oil, crushed pumpkin seeds, with chives and parsley and a little seasoning. They were delicious! Next up, it was Market Monday at the Mayan Cafe. What does that mean? Well it means that they feature and host the produce of a local farmer at the restaurant. Great concept. The farmers are all invited and they will mingle with the diners. Always good to know who is making your food. Well in this case you also find who's growing it. The specials were different from their regular specials, because they had a special menu based on the produce from the farms. There was a black tea, steeped with blueberries, basil and mint. It was similar to hibiscus tea, just as refreshing, with a milder taste. Next up the gazpacho. Now I've had gazpacho once before at the South Congress Cafe in Austin and that was chilled and delicious. Here the gazpacho wasn't chilled, rather it was just cold. Like not heated, but not refrigerated either. The flavor was amazing though. There was also a ribeye, but no one tried it. I had the gazpacho and the black bean and goat cheese empanadas. The empanadas were covered with a pumpkin seed sauce. They were very tasty, but they were missing something. They were missing some acid and some heat. My colleagues got the seafood bisque, the quinoa salad, and the beef chilaquiles. They all said their food was scrumdiddily-umptious! I then proceeded to order the spicy chocolate mousse. We all shared the dessert and it was absolutely amazing! I would give the Mayan Cafe 5 stars just for this dessert alone. It had cayenne, cinnamon in a wonderfully light chocolate mousse, covered with whipped cream, blueberries, an orange slice and pumpkin seed brittle. We all dug in and before you know it was gone. I would have licked that bowl clean if I wasn't out in public. Seriously. I did scoop some with my finger and lick it :)

    (5)

  • Doug J.

    Lived in Louisville, been to Mayan Cafe 11 times. I have tried everything on the menu, really enjoyed every dish except the salmon, which if fine, but pedestrian compared to the flavor explosions on the rest of the menu. This is really special food that I have not experienced in the United States. The people are great and the service is very professional (particularly by Louisville standards), alert, but not obtrusive. Mayan Cafe - keep up the great work!

    (5)

  • L A.

    Good vegetarian options, wasn't a fan of the chilaquiles, which is all I tried. Found it didn't match the description and was unexpectedly sweet. The grapefruit soda was good. The location was fine even though it's small and gets really loud. Vegetarian burrito looks good but this isn't a place you go every day!

    (2)

  • John Y.

    Been here a few times but always a must stop when in town. The Lima beans are amazing. So is the pork and salmon dishes. Lunch is also really great! Specials rotate but everything is top notch.

    (5)

  • Dani S.

    Awesome. Simply awesome. The food here is to die for! The flavors they are able to achieve are unreal. We started with the guacamole, which was pretty standard. I ordered the chicken dish, and the mole sauce that comes with it is incredible. It's sweet, salty and spicy! My only complaint would be the drinks are pretty small for the price (blood orange margarita was $13, but delish) but other than that this place was a home run. Our server, Ezra was very attentive and friendly!

    (5)

  • Paul C.

    Excellent. The lima beans are a must! Had the tacos of the day and they were great. Pork, onions, mushrooms all perfectly prepared and presented.

    (5)

  • Carolyn H.

    I have returned to the Mayan Cafe 3 times since my first review. Each time I was less and less impressed - the chief complaint is that my meals were overly salty. I was literally overpowered by it in a salad dressing and then again in a vegetarian lasagna. I wish it had only been a one time occurrence but twice in 4 months, on different shifts (lunch and dinner), means I'm less likely to keep coming back. The limas are still out of this world, service was fine but not as great as it had been in the past (they seemed busy and distracted, not present and professional).

    (3)

  • Kyle S.

    This is the only situation where I can imagine myself saying this: Get the lima beans. I'm serious. Like everything else that I've eaten at Mayan Cafe, they are delicious. The tapa-style menu offers a large, though not unwieldy selection of palate pleasers that are brought out promptly by friendly servers. Nothing about this place failed to please, but seriously, get the lima beans.

    (5)

  • Neal E.

    A work colleague recommended we check this place out - am I ever glad we did! Beware - we did not know this ahead of time - this is a very popular place - and it's small - not many tables. So even on a weeknight, I highly recommend you make reservations - else you might not get in. We lucked out and got a table. We both checked in on Yelp - which entitled us to each get a free order of their Lima Beans. We did not yet know what we were about to experience in terms of the Lima Beans, but we are sure glad we did! I ordered the Guacamole and chips as an appetizer - this is a delicate, mild Guacamole - finished with Pomegranate and micro greens. Makes for a nice presentation, I can't say it does much for the flavor, Still, an elegant presentation. My one complaint is one does not get enough Guacamole - so we placed an order for another round. I ordered the Vegetarian Burrito - which is stuffed with potatoes, caramelized cabbage, onions, black beans, jalapeño jack cheese, tomatillo sauce and comes with a fried egg on top. There is an option to add pork - which I exercised. The burrito was one of the best I've ever had! A wonderful array of flavors and textures! The only thing I was missing was some heat. So I asked if they had any Mayan hot sauces? They brought out two small square ramekins - one with a Jalapeño sauce and the other a Habanero sauce. I like intense heat - so I tasted the Habanero first - it was smoking! I loved it! It immediately made the top of my head sweat and tingle! The Lima Beans are amazing! I've never had anything like them - I can only say - you must try them! Service was very good! I hope to visit here again during my next visit to Louisville!

    (5)

  • John W.

    Both the food and the service were excellent, and every dish I had was truly great. The only downside was the somewhat high price and the very long wait between courses, although they were slammed so that may explain the latter problem.

    (4)

  • Dale H.

    My husband and I dined here for the first time last night. We got the free lima beans by checking in on Yelp :o) I had the rabbit and he had the pork entree. Both were yummy though parts of the rabbit were a tad dry. Since we've never had rabbit before perhaps it's like a chicken where the chicken breasts are drier? There was a delicious sauce that helped with the drier parts. We also shared an appetizer. There was a special ceviche made from ahi tuna that was out of this world! We would definitely visit again. Make sure you make reservations. We read Yelp reviews that this was important and were able to make reservations the same day (though not until 8pm). So glad we did. There is seating outside as well which would be nice when the weather is good.

    (5)

  • Norman G.

    Ok, back home we have so many great restaurants that we sometime take good food for granted. Mayan Cafe is one restaurant that I'd love to take back to my Bay Area neighborhood. Think awesome food combined with thoughtful service and a respect for local ingredients and the craft food production movement. If you simply can't decide among all their temptations, I'd suggest turning your attention to The "Don't Worry About It" cocktail (made with Woodford), Cochinita Pibil (it's pork y'all!), and Churros, which are more like churro wrapped around banana bites. Tasty!

    (5)

  • Boomer S.

    In louisville to visit family. Went to dinner at the Mayan Cafe as it was close to our hotel. yelp reviews were spot on. Good fresh food, lots of complimentary favors, a real treat! The staff was very friendly and responsive. My only complaint was how over-priced wine by the glass was. I never understand why restaurants over charge so much for wine. Don't miss this place, a great restaurant!

    (4)

  • Sean H.

    This was just okay for me ... it didn't quite match the hype. Ate the chilaquile, which was fine. Got a side of lima beans, which were certainly better than most. So, a fine meal ... but for the price and the hype I was expecting more. Nice decor. Very good service.

    (3)

  • Amber B.

    This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to! You MUST try the Lima beans... incredible! Great drinks with a unique menu. I highly recommend this charming little spot.

    (5)

  • Lillie P.

    Everything we had was perfectly flavored and presented. Definitely a great place!

    (5)

  • Jasamine C.

    Amazing Food and a decent price. Make reservations or you will end up eating on the sidewalk

    (4)

  • Rachel H.

    I don't know what took me so long to make it out to Mayan Cafe, but I do know that it won't be long before I'm back again. We called ahead about an hour before planned to arrive, and I'm glad that we did. After we were seated, a line soon formed to be seated in the somewhat small restaurant. We started off with an aperitif each, both containing cava brut. They were excellent and light. For an appetizer, we had the chips and guacamole, which was excellent. The guacamole had just the right amount of acidity to add a nice bite to the dish, and the portion of chips was generous, a simple thing many other restaurants lack. After asking our server for his recommendation between the two items we were deciding between, we ordered the vegetarian burrito and lima beans, which were excellent. The burrito featured many unique ingredients and was very hearty while managing to not leave us with a heavy feeling after eating it. With our dinner, we ordered two more drinks: the "Don't Worry About It" and the Basil-Sage Mojito. While I couldn't tell you what was in the Don't Worry About It, (truly, it just said something along the lines of "Don't worry about it. It has Woodford in it.") the drink was excellent and strong. My mojito was wonderful and undoubtedly the best mojito I had ever tasted. For dinner we ordered the coconut flan and coffee. The coffee described itself as more than just coffee, but I was incredulous and would not have been surprised to receive something indistinguishable from Folger's. However, the coffee was so unique and perfect with the dessert that I would go there simply to have a cup of coffee despite its location across the street from an excellent coffee shop. The coffee had a subtle spice to it, and my waiter never hesitated to refill my cup. The flan was rich, yet light, and the lovely presentation made for a wonderful end to our meal. Mayan Cafe is definitely one of my favorite restaurants now. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was comforting, the food was incredible, and with flexible options for those seeking gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegans. Plus, they now offer two unique burritos (one omnivorous and one vegetarian) and a special margarita each Monday night, and each month they have an additional menu featuring a seasonal item. If you haven't been to Mayan Cafe, make plans to go very soon.

    (5)

  • Josh B.

    Add my five stars. Yes, the salmon is amazing. Yes, the lima beans are all that. Yes, the service was top notch and low key Yes, the chocolate mousse torte with basil creme fraiche is wonderful. Five of us all had different apps, entrees, and desserts...we tasted everything, and it was all superb. I rate it "Spendy" not "Moderate" Yes, it's worth it!

    (5)

  • Ngocuyen N.

    The food was good. My complaint is that the portion is smaller than what I expected, for the price that I paid. HOWEVER, the lunch menu is much more affordable. The vegetarian tasted healthy but not as flavorful as other dishes. The seafood chowder smelled really good, but I didn't get to taste it. The more yummy food came in smaller portions. The salbutes were very good, but small. The huevos motulenos was rich and flavorful. I liked it. Their mole sauce is excellent and it changes with the season. The presentation is always nice. The ingredients are good. The staff was courteous. The atmosphere felt cozy and intimate. It's a good place to bring a guest or impress a friend.

    (4)

  • Erick N.

    Had a fantastic lunch here while passing through Louisville on a road trip. Cute space nice artwork adorning the walls that creates an authentic ethnic vibe. Mayan Cafe successfully utilizes fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients to create delicious Mayan cuisine. The chorizo empanadas covered with a tomato sauce with a touch of heat from habaneros was a wonderful start and set the tone for the rest of the meal. My entree (Huevos Motulenos) was equally outstanding; lots of flavor and another delicious sauce - the sweet fried plantains were a great contrast to the rich components. The only minor flaw of the dish was the sauce quickly made the crispy tortillas a bit soggy, but otherwise an excellent dish and the portion was quite generous. Service was friendly and attentive and pacing was perfect. Was a really fun break during a long day of driving that left us feeling happy and energized for the next leg of our journey.

    (5)

  • Nickie B.

    I Had To Write A Review Just To Give 5 Stars To The Lima Beans!!!! I Visited This Place On September 16th And Have Been Thinking About Their Side Dish Tok-sel Lima Beans Every Since...Please Go There And If For Nothing Else...The Lima Beans!

    (5)

  • Divya V.

    On our drive from Indy to NOLA we were looking for a dinner spot and the great reviews on Yelp brought us to Mayan Cafe. I ordered a mojito (this was excellent) not sugary sweet. Thanks to the Yelp check-in offer we got to try the amazing Lima Beans. I wrinkled my nose when i saw the offer... had it not been for the encouraging words from Brittany S I probably would have passed. These are not your bought frozen and cooked with salt and pepper type of lima beans! This was a roasted lima bean salad that I could have had as a main dish. We also ordered the daily special yucatec salbutes (it was vegetarian) and delicious! For our main course the hubby and I split the Chilaquile and Vegetarian Burrito. The Chilaquile was the bomb! Its like a layered dish with potato, cactus, chayote squash and cheese and this yummy sauce. The hubby was chuckling as I kept saying "wow" after each bite!! If you are vegetarian you must try this! The burrito was excellent the fried egg on top really works! I loved the cabbage in it. I've never had a burrito stuffed with cabbage, might sound gross but you got to try it! I was too full for desert but we ordered a side of fried plantains. I loveeeee plantains and these were done well perfect crisp-caramely coating and then you bite into the ripe soft fruit.

    (5)

  • Andrea B.

    Excellent! Will return. Fantastic service food was impeccable and the mojito was delicious. I had the chilaquile with chorizo, added the check in special free Lima beans which were the best ever! Two Garden Mojito's!!

    (5)

  • Planters V.

    I really really wanted to LOVE this place. Yes, the food is very fresh. My big beef is that it was lacking in bold flavors. Was expecting Bobby Flay... Perhaps you need a Mayan palate to appreciate the local flavors. Service and atmosphere and location were all exceptional. This is not Tex-Mex, or even traditional Mexican food in my opinion.

    (3)

  • John S.

    Excellent - Will definitely return The Guacamole appetizer was good, but didn't blow us away. I will probably try something more adventuresome on a return visit. For Entrees we ordered the Vegetarian Burrito, Chilaquiles, and a side of the Potato Corn Cake. All three items were top-notch. The Potato Corn Cake was our favorite, closely followed by the Vegetarian Burrito (sauce was fantastic and mushrooms were done perfectly). For dessert we ordered the Bread Pudding. The dish was good, especially with the grapefruit. The more we ate the more we liked it. The serving size was just right. Service and atmosphere were great.

    (5)

  • Corey H.

    Excellent food expertly prepared supported by intimate ambiance and experienced staff! Wonderful for a small lunch meeting or a couples lunch. The menu is remarkable and worth the cost.

    (5)

  • Katie H.

    My partner and I were driving through town and needed to stop for dinner. He let me choose a place and this stood out to me. We called around 5 pm for an 8 pm dinner reservation on a Friday and they were able to squeeze us in. We arrived a bit early and yet they still managed to seat us within 5 minutes. We ordered the free side of lima beans with the yelp deal- and I'm glad that we did. Lima beans are not my jam (I typically find them too dry) but these were phenomenal. I would pay for them next time. I asked the server whether I should go with the chilaquile or the vegetarian burrito. She said that both were good, but you can get a burrito anywhere and the chilaquile is one of a kind. I was sold. I would compare the chilaquile to a deconstructed enchilada. It was delicious. My partner ordered the grilled chicken and he thought it was amazing, too. However, the real star of the show was dessert. We ordered churros to share- not usually my favorite, but I figured I would go with it (the banana ice cream on the side was calling to me). These were unlike any churros I have had before. They were more like little puffy donuts with custard inside and cinnamon/sugar outside. Amazing. We couldn't stop talking about this dessert the entire weekend. I highly recommend this place. The staff was friendly and accommodating, the atmosphere was cozy and cute, and the food was phenomenal. Don't forget to order the churros!

    (5)

  • Brittney B.

    The atmosphere is small but cozy. We were able to get a table with out a reservation. Our waitress was pleasant and our food severed fast. We had the hamburger with the fried plantains. Very tasty and prepared perfect. We also shared the scallops very good and for appetizer it was a large order.

    (5)

  • Rhea P.

    Such an incredibly special meal. I now understand what it means when someone says you can taste the love in food. There is a vibe to this food that is definitely present. I cannot explain it, it just simply exists. I love the vegetarian fare. The egg in the burrito. The root vegetables, some of which are unidentifiable to me, are very nourishing, fresh and delicious. The bread pudding is simply phenomenal; A man feeding this to me will make me super happy!

    (5)

  • Keith I.

    Best meal in Louisville....the Lima beans is a must order- they were so savory I thought they has meat in them but did not. Staff is friendly and food is so unique . It's a not miss but definitely book a table in advance.

    (5)

  • WizardPrang X.

    I am not in the habit of writing negative reviews. Indeed, this is a first for me. We were headed to Cubana for dinner, but when we got there we were upset to find that they were closed for refurbishment. Someone mentioned a Mayan place downtown, and I decided to give it a whirl. The Mayan cafe is a tiny little place on Main Street that has a large number of overwhelmingly positive reviews. This was a good sign. It has perhaps a dozen tables, and when we got there, the place was hopping. This was also a good sign. We were speedily seated, and our waiter greeted us and took our order. We are not big eaters, so we decided to go with two entrees split between the three of us. Time passed. Some time after we had placed our order, I noticed that entrees on other tables were rather small. Not a good sign. More time passed. The place was busy, and the waiters were run off their feet. Service was excruciatingly slow; it felt like an hour before our food arrived, though it may have only been half of that; time moves differently when you are hungry. Any road up, when the food finally arrived, we were underwhelmed. The chicken was very small ; three small de-boned piece of chicken thigh. The pork was tastier, but both dishes were lacking in accessories. The high point was the fried plantains; they were to die for. But at $4 for a small plate with about six small pieces comprising about a quarter of a plantain, they bloody well should be. We regretted not ordering three entrees, but were expecting side items to take up the slack; there were none. Other restaurants offer bread, not this one. The food is best described as "Mexican food with delusions of grandeur". That is all well and good if you like Mexican food, but I don't. But at least Mexican food comes with tortilla chips, French and Italian with Bread. These came with nothing on the side unless you paid for it. For twenty dollars a plate, I expected more, If I could sum it up with a single word, it would be "Pretentious". We left the waiter a modest tip - whatever had gone wrong was hardly his fault. He had repeatedly apologized for the delay, but could not or would not do any more than apologize. We left the place with an abiding feeling that we had been robbed. It was not about the money; we have spent more in Saffron's, or the Gasthaus, or Majid's, or many other places, and had a memorable and enjoyable experience. That was not the case here. Perhaps we had caught them on a bad day. Perhaps someone who does not like Mexican food has no business being in a Mayan restaurant. Perhaps I am missing the point. But that does not excuse the meager portions, lack of extras that most of us have come to accept as normal, and prices that bordered on the ridiculous.

    (2)

  • Amanda W.

    I thought this place was good for in Kentucky. Ceviche was pretty decent and the service was ok. Restaurant is small and menu items are inexpensive. We had a reservation and we were promptly seated. I have seen this place on the review and that is how we went there but it was ok for me. Fresh food. I did not like the location due to the parking and the neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Jeff S.

    Damn. While planning a road trip from Chicago to Atlanta it was looking like Louisville was going to be where I'd stop for dinner, so I poked around on Yelp and the Mayan Cafe seemed like a great choice; it got me off the highway and into downtown, plus it was littered with great reviews. I showed up Thursday night around 7:30 PM without a reservation but was able to immediately grab a small table outside in the alley. Upon checking-in to Yelp I was granted a free appetizer of Tok-Sel Lima Beans. They were easily the best Lima beans I'd ever had, the dish vanished quickly; smokey with a hint of citrus. The small menu hinted that the chef concentrated on doing a few quality authentic dishes, and the Salmon entrée was my choice. Upon hearing the specials from the waitress I found they offered another Salmon dish with a tomatillo sauce on top of a bed of pasta with peppers. The salmon was cooked perfectly. Perfect. I only wish I could get this level of moisture, taste, and texture out of salmon myself (and I have a freezer full of wild Alaskan salmon we caught ourselves). A bottle of local Bluegrass Brown Nut Ale was a perfect, nutty companion to the meal. Hoping to return here on the way back home.

    (5)

  • Andreas F.

    Truly exceptional. A type of cuisine you rarely get, not at all the typical Mexican food but the cook brings out what is truly unique in the Mayan cuisine of Chiapas and Guate - or his wonderful personal interpretation of it. We had the Sikil-pak (excellent) and black bean cakes as starters (6-star), the the cochinita and the beef tenderloin - everything fulfilled out expectations that were high after the wonderful starters. Good service, pleasant atmosphere, correct prices. This place can be highly recommended for a dining experience that is truly unique and not easy to find elsewhere.

    (5)

  • Beck B.

    This incredible restaurant in downtown Louisville is great for lunch or dinner. On a recent short trip for the holidays, I actually went twice, I love this place so much. I'm addicted to the Sikil-Pak, which is a sort of smokey, earthier tasting humus made from pumpkin seeds and served with tortilla chips. The Mayan salad is excellent. And the vegetarian burrito, as boring as it sounds, is absolutely delicious, made with potato and other vegetables and served with a fried egg over easy on top. This is actually big enough to have for lunch the next day as well. The salmon with lima beans is also amazing. And my dining partners have really enjoyed the cochinita pibil, the grilled chicken with mole, and even the burger. Mayan also makes flavorful, fresh juice each day (which come with an option for spiking with rum). The blood orange margaritas are also dangerously delicious.

    (5)

  • Ryson W.

    This was my first experience with rabbit and it was a wonderful one. The rabbit dish was amazing. The "don't worry about" it was a great little cocktail if you're a bourbon fan. I like the cozy environment.

    (5)

  • Timone D.

    Looking for a place to eat as you travel south. Make a detour to the Mayan Cafe. Yum!!! I was really delighted that they were able to adjust their menu for ALL of my food allergies. Great place. You might want to make a reservation.

    (5)

  • Marie C.

    I can't really review this without giving stars - but I didn't want to give it 1 star because my experience wasn't THAT bad. I just wasn't able to eat there. It was a Monday evening and the restaurant was literally half empty. It didn't look like there were reservations and she didn't ask us if we had one so I presumed they either didn't take them or didn't have any. But she said it was going to be a 45 minute wait, after staring at the 5 tables that were filled for a few minutes. My bf and I looked at each other, looked around at the emptiness, and just shrugged. We went down the street and had a great meal, but wish we could have tried something highly recommended by fellow yelpers!

    (2)

  • Regina W.

    I was visiting Louisville for a conference and found this place on yelp. I'm so glad I did because it was one of the highlights of my trip---5 stars!!!!! I ordered the scallop entree and it was delicious. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the plantains and spaghetti squash went great. So many great flavors, I never know food could be so fun and colorful. Great service and yummy drinks.

    (5)

  • Foodie K.

    I love food and originally from Mexico I had tempered expectations. Wow. This place is amazing. I have recommended to so many folks, specially professionals from Mexico living in the US. It is easy to find tex mex, and hole-in-wall taquerias, but well done finer cuisine from Mexico very hard to find in America. This place is a fantastic find and has not disappointed in over 6 visits over two years. A must stop in Louisville every time we visit. Keep up good work.

    (5)

  • A L.

    Yes yes yes yes. Delicious. I've traveled Central and South Americas extensively and this restaurant is authentic Mayan cuisine with a modern twist. High quality ingredients, delicious, and well executed. The restaurant itself is a small, welcoming space. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Lala R.

    My absolute Favorite! This is a place you must take friends from out of town. The food is phenomenal. love love love this place. wish i could give it 10 stars.

    (5)

  • Beth H.

    I almost don't want to write another good review because I'm selfish and don't want more people crowding me out here! I have been here four times in the past few months and every time has been more excellent than the last. I haven't met an entree that wasn't absolutely amazing (had the spaghetti squash, rabbit, lamb and cochinita) and the cocktails/wine are out of this world! The service is always consistently great--the servers are genuine and attentive. My only complaint is that they don't have a bar. Their cocktails are so good I would definitely go for just drinks.

    (5)

  • Dan H.

    My wife and I went here for the first time last night. We were celebrating our anniversary (I mentioned it to the hostess as we were seated). Fortunately, we made reservations because it was packed on a Monday night. Everyone who came to our table wished us a happy anniversary. The place is not too big and a little noisy, but still very nice. The food that we had was all good. We started with the empanadas. They were delicious. My wife had the chicken entree and I had the pork. They were both very well presented and tasty, too. To cap it off, they comped us our desserts. Very classy night and we will definitely be back again. I would recommend the Mayan Cafe to anyone.

    (5)

  • Mad C.

    I had the veggie burrito add pork and a side of lima beans. I washed it down with a blood orange margarita and I was more than satisfied. I wish there had been a bar to sit at instead of a table in the dining room, but the staff was exceptionally friendly and talked to me the whole time I was there. I wish I had room for dessert, because I'm sure it would have been delish. This joynt was on a really cute street in a redeveloped part of town they call NULU. Go. You will like.

    (5)

  • alan b.

    lima beans! seriously...

    (5)

  • JL Q.

    While in town visiting family and friends recently, my cousin and his lovely girlfriend took me to dinner here. This is a marvelous restaurant in the area called NuLu, which of course was a down-and-out neighborhood when I lived in Louisville. The establishment is a small, narrow space that makes great usage of a minimum of space to place seating. The decor is very nice, however, the only suggestion I would make would be to consider an alternative flooring that would serve to absorb some of the sound in the dining area. Since the area is small and the floor a beautiful original wood, once the dining room gets full, the conversation level becomes challenging. We started our dinner with an appetizer of Yucatec Salbutes, a delicious concoction of goat, greens and mole on a small wafer creation. Dee-lish! My cousin had the Mayan hamburger, an item he loves each time visits and his girlfriend had the Kingfish entree. I tasted hers and decided that would be the next thing I would try on the menu. Nicely cooked, firm texture and delicious, it was served with asparagus and rice. I ordered the goat with mole sauce. It was moist and nicely spiced so that the accompanying mole on it perfected the dish. The only down side was the asparagus, which I thought was overcooked. Not a fan of asparagus anyway, it really wouldn't have mattered how it was cooked since I only eat it begrudgingly. The wine selection of reds is a bit weak in my opinion, but it is varied. I just don't happen to be a fan of South American wines because of the excess tannins they contain. I did find a delicious spanish red, a Vega Sindoa merlot that I enjoyed. This restaurant is a really great place to visit and I recommend it again and again!

    (4)

  • Beachy V.

    We recently spent a week learning Mexican cooking near Puebla, mexico and are grade A Mexican food snobs. This place impressed me and my wife. She had the chilaquilas and I had the pibil. They were both great, with some creative originally. Service was attentive and friendly. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Terri H.

    Lima Beans with Yelp checkin. I was very excited to try this place during our visit to Louisville. Chef Bruce Ucan grew up in a small Mayan village in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The food was authentic and there were pictures in the restaurant of the village where he grew up. It is a small cozy restaurant with dim lighting so it was the perfect setting for a romantic evening after a long day. The service was great and as soon as I checked in on Yelp there was a special for free lima beans. Our server brought them out as an appetizer. I like lima beans all right but these were no ordinary beans. They were delicious. I don't usually like ordering things such as burgers when there are so many interesting entrees, but sometimes a person is just in the mood for a burger. When I read the burger had havarti cheese and cilantro-caper aioli with fried plantains on the side I knew I had to try it. This is without a doubt the best burger I've ever eaten. I would highly recommend this be a must stop if you are in downtown Louisville.

    (5)

  • Jordan H.

    I travel to Louisville once a year, and the first time I was here the service and food were fine. More recently I had the salmon. The sauce was tasty but the salmon was way too dry. The atmosphere inside was comfortable, but the noise nearly impossible to deal with. I'll check out other places next time I'm in Louisville.

    (3)

  • Diane Z.

    Tried going here twice on a weeknight with no reservation and they said they wouldn't be able to get us in until 9. So a reservation is a must. Had the guacamole and a special appetizer that they had. Both were very good. I had the salmon for my main course. It was fine, but for the price I deff wouldn't say it was anything spectacular. I had the churros for dessert which I enjoyed a lot. It was fine overall. I wouldn't turn down eating here, but it's not a place I would go back to.

    (4)

  • Carol S.

    Great food, small space but very unique menu and presentation!

    (5)

  • JAREM H.

    Awesome entrees and excellent dessert. Flank steak had excellent flavor and the guacamole / beans were the perfect compliment. Churros dessert was delicious. Caramel sauce drizzled over brown sugar crusted pastry with creamy center. I also had the grapefruit soda which was okay but wouldn't order it again. Great restaurant in Louisville!

    (5)

  • Anne S.

    Worth a try and a 2nd time- regarding food - different n dam Gud- unique ambience. Had fresh juice n natural style veggi tacos- savory with the necessary sauce depending on yur spice palate- yum

    (4)

  • Kelley M.

    Wonderful food. Quick and friendly. Love eating here.

    (4)

  • Miyo K.

    We happened on the Mayan Café on our way through Louisville and it was fabulous. Service was excellent, atmosphere was intimate and cozy, food was delicious. We split a Mayan salad and I tried a spaghetti squash toss- with a beet tomato sauce and turnips and greens and fresh basil and pepitas, in keeping with their pumpkin theme. The serving was ample but so good I ate it all, sparing just a taste for my dining companion..who had chicken with a mole sauce which he also enjoyed tremendously. Wish we could go back regularly but will definitely go back the next time we are back in Louisville. We didn't get to try the lima beans yet.

    (5)

  • M M.

    ok here's a 5/5. this place is soooo good it should be illegal. i'm not kidding. i had the mayan pork with mole, mayan salad, and KY brown ale. i think i'm going back for dinner.

    (5)

  • David R.

    If you are in from out of town, this is the place you have to come. I've been coming to Louisville this last year every other weekend and have tried all the trendy restaurants. This one is top of my list.

    (5)

  • Robert P.

    One word to describe Mayan Cafe Wow! My wife and I enjoy Huevos Motulenos: fried eggs, crisp corn tortillas, black beans, chorizo, fried plantains, quesco fresco and tomato casera sauce. This dish is amazing crunch, spicy, sweet, makes for a party on the palate. Ask for a spoon to get every drop of the sauce. My wife talked me into splitting the Mayan Salad: greens, jicama, avacado, smoky pumpkin seeds, honey chile vinaigrette. The salad was great, many different flavors, all complementing each other. One time I craved a burger, so I got a Mayan burger: Foxhollow farm grass fed beef, greens, pickled onions, tomatoes, chile aioli, and fried plantains. I had them hold the cheese, didn't want to mask the flavors. The burger was great, the savory, spiceness is offset by the sweetness of the fried plantains. There ia a good selection of beer wheat to porter, also a good selection of red and white wines. The restaurant and restrooms are spotless. One our favorite lunch spots,

    (5)

  • Molly B.

    I went here today with my mom and her friend for lunch, and it was amazing! I ordered the grilled chicken with black beans. The chicken was tender and delicious, and the black beans were amazing! I wanted to do it all over again. For dessert we ordered the churros... They weren't what I expected, they were little balls instead of the long shape. I wasn't a huge fan, but I did love the caramel ice cream served with them! I would have given this restaurant five stars, but the service was very slow, and the acoustics in the building were not the best. It was very loud. But I do want to go back, maybe for dinner next time, I think the service might be better then!

    (4)

  • Jacqueline B.

    With the Mayan Apocalypse upon us, a few friends of mine and myself decided to head back to one of our favorite lunch spots, Mayan Cafe, for one last hurrah. Everything was so good though that we're *fingers crossed* hoping to have an opportunity to return. We all had something different, and everyone was happy. I tried the beef enchiladas ($11), which Mayan Cafe covers in a deliciously rich mole sauce, as opposed to the red or green alternatives. The beef comes from a local farm, and was perfect. It comes with a side of refried black beans and chips, and due to my love for all things plantain, I ordered an extra side of their fried version ($4). The salbutes are always a favorite as well, and my fellow diner ordered the huevos montueltas, and only had good things to say about them. Right in the middle of Nulu, on East Market Street, Mayan Cafe makes for a great lunch setting, as it's easy to access from downtown, the Highlands, and even St. Matthews. Can't recommend enough.

    (4)

  • Laura W.

    The Mayan Cafe is one of the best restaurants in the city , let alone NuLu, the hip farm to fork restaurant and gallery area of Louisville . Bruce and brother Willie make well executed , artfully presented and delicious food from the Yucatan. If you're lucky enough to be there for lunch treat yourself to the Salbutes, and a side order of Tox-cel ( Lima beans). Even if you hate Lima beans you will love these. For dinner try the Mole or well pretty much anything on the menu. If the Queens Arm is offered as a special side, get it, it's sort of a tamale type side loaded with tasty things .

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    Stopped by on the way into Louisville for business thanks to my fellow yelpers. It was about 6:45pm on Monday. I brought the fam along (wife, 2 yo, and 6 month old) and although children are allowed, the ambiance of Mayan Cafe feels a lot more grown up. Definitely a date place. This was on a weeknight, and we didn't have a reservation, but got seated immediately. This may have been a fluke, as this place is awesome and I can totally see it being packed on any other night, especially weekends. The restaurant is very quaint (small) and has a warm, intimate feel to it. Our waitress was fan-f'n-tastic. She was so accommodating. We love you, Heather. On to the food. Started with the shrimp ceviche. TASTEE. Just the right amount of citrusy, habenero-y, tomatillo-y zing. Perfect for sharing among two. Frequent Applebees consumers may disagree. I had the meat of the day (a top sirloin), from some local farm that was served with an amazing sauce, but the quality of the meat really stood out. Man, that was good. The cauliflower, yes the cauliflower, was really good...like stand alone good. My wife had the lamb. That was straight up bomb, ya'll. So tender, she could cut into with a fork. Good thing too because she was holding the baby while eating. (I was tending to the back-talking two year old, okay?) The kids started their countdown to meltdown, so in an effort to be courteous to the other customers, we packed up what remained of our food and got the hell out of there. But not before I ordered the cocoa bread pudding. We ate that back at the hotel and it was magnificent. Yeah, the lowly bread pudding can be described that way.

    (5)

  • Tiffany Z.

    Delish... Pleasant surprise while passing through town!

    (5)

  • Pan F.

    rare occasion you can get rabbit... full of taste!

    (5)

  • Michele W.

    Mayan Cafe is really an incredible experience. We went for my husband's birthday. It is really small, but it isn't crowded, so you don't feel like the people at the next table are sitting on top of you, like you do in some small restaurants that try to cram more people in. The servers were great; very attentive and friendly and helpful. The food was amazing. It can be a little pricey, but there are different priced menu options. I rarely give 5 stars, in fact, I had 4, but decided I needed to change it to 5. It was really that good. They are having the End of the World Meal, right now. I had that and everything on the pre-fixed menu was wonderful, from the Blood Orange Margarita to the Flan.

    (5)

  • Zachary S.

    Pretty darn good. And a yelp deal to boot. Get the yelp deal. You won't be unhappy at all about it. Delish. Was a little put off that the hostess had to check to see if I could have a reservation (when I called) and we get there and the place is friggin empty. Also, family run place, but keep the toddler someplace else when seating people. Especially when it's screaming. Also, don't then tell it to shut up. Food was good though! Got a burrito. Yum.

    (4)

  • John U.

    The Churro dessert is amazing . Cinnamon dried banana with ice cream and a caramel dip. Amazing .

    (5)

  • Ivo R.

    It was such a relief to find this cute contemporary place after driving through endless cow farms in Tennessee. It reminded me of eateries in old town Pasadena, California. This is a "must see" for those passing through Louiseville, Kentucky or those that live in the area. My bf ordered the Mayan huevos that came with churizo & plantains... Yummmm I ordered the Mayan tacos: salmon, chicken & the vegetarian. Delish!! I loved the sauce!!! I could shower in it!! We also had the Lima beans and empanadas, which were inhaled!! Cocktails were also surprisingly mind blowing!! I can't believe how amazing everything was from start to finish for a place that seem so ordinary on the outside. Thank you for the outstanding meal & service!!

    (5)

  • Lung T.

    May be other people hyped the restaurant for me, but it wasn't as "good" as I had anticipated. I mean, don't get me wrong, the food was definitely good, but I can't imagine this is one of the best restaurant in town. First of all, our first available reservation was 9pm as the host made it sound the restaurant was very very busy. But when we arrived at 8:45pm, there were definitely few open tables and definitely not as busy as they claimed. Our appetizer was definitely the highlight of the meal. The chicken tamale was very tasty and mole sauce was fantastic. Our entrees were a bit let down following the appetizer. The lamb and pork dishes were a bit dry, too much protein and not balanced by adequate starch on the plate. Prices were ok, but certainly didn't live up to the value. Overall the meal was good, but I highly doubt this is the best gig in town.

    (3)

  • Christine S.

    get the rabbit. amazing!!

    (5)

  • Amy G.

    No offense to Steven M.'s review...but I find it very hard to believe. I have been to this restaurant many many times and each and every time it has been impeccable, simple, local (so, that means organic chickens that are NOT bought from Sisco THUS NOT fattened up with hormones and saline solution...so they are smaller than the average chicken one normally gets at any other restaurant, PS), and as far from pretentious as any higher end restaurant could be (or any restaurant for that matter). The staff has always been warm and attentive. And this whole expectation of getting "free" things?! El Mundo gets the same mark against them because they don't offer "free" chips and salsa. Why do we feel entitled to free anything...unless of course, it is an opinion of things like reviews on restaurants via Yelp? And yes, the end of his review states, "perhaps, I am missing the point." Yes, Steven M. you most certainly are totally missing the point of this gem of a restaurant. Now on to why I got on here, in the first place. Dinner this last Friday. Holy cow. This review will be FAR different from the one previously mentioned. We shared the special salad of the night...watermelon, peaches with a cheese that I don't remember but it reminded me of ricotta salata and micro greens with 2 small dollops of fresh mango sorbet. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. We also had the salbutes of the day which were chorizo and peach coupled with the famous jalapeno puree...and I had a bourbon bubbly drink that was to die for. Simple and fresh flavors that just wowed the taste buds. On to dinner, I ordered the flank steak and sub'ed the famous and always amazing limas instead of rice and beans. It also came with a bit of guacamole and I ordered a side of the jalapeno puree. This steak was grilled and seasoned to absolute perfection. I ate the entire plate of food. Washed it down with a delightful Malbec. My friends ordered a ceviche, black bean cakes, and the cold corn soup topped with toasted pepitas. They both sung the praises of each dish. The table was almost silent as we all devoured the food. I mean...it doesn't get better in this town. As for portions, I had a huge plate of steak and my friend's ceviche was plentiful. We were all absolutely stuffed and unfortunately could not even entertain dessert. Our young server was sweet and attentive without being pushy. We were chatting it up a lot and it is hard for a server to not want to constantly interrupt to see if we are ready to order, need anything, etc. He did a great job going with the flow. And unlike Steven M's review, we didn't mind waiting for food, as we were not in any hurry and amazing, thoughtful food takes time. It isn't thrown in a microwave and warmed or even thawed then served. And our service was timed pretty well. No complaints here at all. If one is in a hurry, I would imagine this is not the restaurant to go to...as I digress. One app, a huge entree, a cocktail and a glass of wine was $50. Try spending that at any other restaurant in the area...you wouldn't get much (and it would not be as good...Decca comes to mind...man alive are they over hyped and over priced...but THEY DO GIVE YOU FREE BREAD LOL.). Mayan Cafe is hands down the best restaurant in this city and may I also say they are big supporters of local farmers and that is a biggie in my book, as well.

    (5)

  • Q M.

    Stopped her on a drive through Louisville and was blown away! Thanks to the yelp coupon, had the lima bean side for free as well as the pork pibil, which was AMAZING. My co-worker had the ceviche and we couldn't believe we were in Louisville. I travel for work and this place is one that I will try to get back to.

    (5)

  • Mitchell M.

    Ate here last night. Small quaint place. Limited menu offerings. Had the smoked chicken sopapiles, which was smoked chicken on a soft taco like shell with a great sauce (unanimously a hit), the guac and chips were ok, followed by what they had termed as Mexican Lasagna - chilaquiles. The flavors were great but as someone that likes to incorporate meat into an entrée - I was disappointed. Entrees were very limiting - roughly 6 items. In any event had a good time.

    (3)

  • Brian G.

    If you are fortunate, you will have a chance to dine at Mayan Cafe during your stay in Louisville. It is such a welcome contrast to the heavy food and lack of choices you'll find in town (although of course there are a few bright spots). The Mayan is a humble restaurant with simple, but inviting decor. The real knockout is the amazing flavors the chef achieves with his dishes. All our appetizers were amazing although I especially enjoyed the salmon, goat cheese, on some type of toast with a satisfyingly spicy chile hot sauce. I wish I could have bottled that sauce and taken it around with me through my meals in Louisville. The scallops entree, though I did not order them, were stellar - perhaps the best dish at the table. I loved the fresh ingredients, attention to detail, and passion the chef clearly puts into his dishes. They also served bottles of this amazing bourbon beer, which I could not find anywhere else. It poured like bourbon and looked like the color of a deep amber honey - and boy did it go down smooth. Too smooth. This is definitely a place worth visiting.

    (5)

  • timothy b.

    I liked everything about this place but I didn't love the food. Great menu and presentation but I couldn't taste the food enough. The ceviche was the best thing I got. Huevos motuleños was too bland. My wife liked her tilapia tacos and Lima beans. I had a delicious grapefruit soda and a Kentucky Kolsch.

    (3)

  • Emily C.

    Wow. Have you seen Portlandia? You know, the episode where the overly-eco-conscious Portland couple goes to a restaurant, and ends up spending years on a local farm investigating the origins of Colin, the chicken they ordered for dinner? Yeah, that basically happens every week at the Mayan Cafe. On Mondays during the summer, you can actually meet the local farmers who raised your meal. While this program itself is a bit over the top, at least we all know that Mayan Cafe is diligent in its commitment to supporting local, organic, humane, sustainable farming. Here are the items I tried: Lima beans -- if you check in on Yelp, they're free. I can't believe that this place has discovered how to make lima beans delicious. Cochinita Pibil -- Very user friendly. The pork is slow-roasted to perfect tenderness. The sauce has a complex tomato-y flavor but isn't spicy. Flank Steak -- Ordered it rare, and it was raw. It was so rare it wasn't very warm, and it took forever to chew. While I would say this was actually a bit too rare, at least we know that Mayan Cafe is confident enough in the quality of their meat to serve it this way. Chocolate Mousse Tort -- with a fresh fruit sauce. Rich, creamy chocolate + tangy fruits. Oh man, I want to make the 6-hour drive to Louisville now. As a Chicago foodie, I was pleasantly surprised (and a little jealous) that Louisville has this spectacular offering. Not only could Mayan Cafe survive in Chicago, it could thrive there. It could easily win awards, win foodie respect, and be quickly regarded as one of the best restaurants around. Louisville, you have won me over.

    (5)

  • Jordan M.

    I have been here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. It is definitely a better lunch place. The atmosphere is great. It is tucked away nicely into NuLu. It is pretty small so it is not good for parties bigger than 6. The staff is friendly and attentive. They look out for you and are helpful when recommending a dish. You MUST try the salbutes. They are amazing! Grab a couple of friends and give this place a try. You won't be disappointed.

    (4)

  • Jerry C.

    Amazing and consistent. The chef prepares dishes from authentic Yucatan influences that are a treat for the senses. Professionally the front of the house works as well as the back of the house. If you are in Louisville, the Mayan cafe is must.

    (5)

  • Elle A.

    You only need two words to summarize the amazing restaurant that this place is: watermelon water! I dream of it, I gulp down as many glasses as I can during Nulu Fest. The cuisine is always fresh and new with the seasons. A little small so I wouldn't recommend for a large group, but a great date night place.

    (4)

  • Marc V.

    Great restaurant.... but aint two $$. More like $$$. Be ready to drop $50+ per plate if you do an app and a bottle of wine. Not a knock at the restaurant.... fun place, good food and great service, but the costs are typically above-average.

    (4)

  • Ingrid C.

    Me (not at Mayan Cafe): Oooh... these lima beans are delicious... (not-to-be-named cafe) Hostess: They're based on the ones that they do at Mayan Cafe. Me: Oh really? Gotta check that out... And I did. And it was so. worth. it. I never knew you could do such amazing things with such humble beans. Salbutes (preparation changes daily) are delicious. As is anything with meat. Or vegetables. I know that's a broad term, but it's true. Guacamole was good, as was their Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork) and the mole of the day I had when I was there. I had an unfortunate cactus accident where a piece of stringy, barbed cactus got stuck in my throat for several hours, causing me a fair amount of discomfort. However, I won't hesitate to eat here again (except maybe not the grilled cactus again). I blame only myself: I probably was eating all the delicious food far too quickly.

    (5)

  • David I.

    First, I would recommend reservations, even for lunch. A review really doesn't do this place justice. We came here to try the place out based on the reviews of friends. It was really great. Not only was the food fantastic but the service was too (thanks Nicole). I got the salbutes and they were incredible. My wife loved the enchiladas. Since the menu changes regularly, it's difficult to recommend food. They do use local produce when possible and the chef does have talent, Top Chef material :-)

    (5)

  • Kathy V.

    I was here for a Yelp event for dinner and it did not disappoint. First, I'm glad I put on a dress, because the place is a bit more upscale than I had anticipated after walking and driving past it several times. It's not *super* fancy....I'm just glad I put in a little more effort to come here. The Yelper's were given complimentary Salbutes which were FANtastic. I really quite enjoyed them. I'm not sure if I would have tried them otherwise...since I had no idea what a salbute was. But they were delicious and the sauce that came with them added a little kick. For dinner I got the shrimp with coconut sauce and cactus. The cactus is not my favorite and I think a couple of my shrimp may have been a little overdone, but overall this dish was fantastic! The sauce was amazing, which is something for me to say as I usually am not a fan of sauces. For dessert I got the coconut flan which was also very good. A friend let me sample the avocado ice cream from her buttercake, and I would buy a *tub* of that if I could. Super creamy and not too heavy of a flavor. A wonderful event, wonderful food, and great, attentive waitstaff!

    (4)

  • Caroline C.

    I couldn't go on any longer without checking out Louisville's most highly rated restaurant on Yelp. Time and time again, these Louisville Yelpers prove they know what they are talking about. First some logistics: Totally cute neighborhood. I already know I'm going to love a place that's sandwiched inbetween streets called Billy Goat Strut Alley and Nanny Goat Strut Alley. Aww... goats. The parking is a cinch. When they say, "street parking," they mean, "treat the street as a parking lot." Because it's not parallel parking. You actually pull in just like a diagonal spot. This was new to me. I don't know anything about Mayan food. But you don't need to know much to know that this is incredibly amazing food. Local, sustainable, organic, biodynamically grown... they've got that all here. Incidentally, I have no idea with biodynamically grown means - and I toured a biodynamic farm earlier this year. The portions are generous, the price points more than reasonable and the service was perfect. I was dining alone and my server made sure not to treat me like some outcast leper. She checked on me just the right number of times and carried on just the right amount of conversation. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. There were a number of items that I had just simply never heard of. Different kinds of produce that you just can't find in the grocery store or the farmers' market. She was able to explain that all to me. There are typically 4 specials each night in addition to the regular menu. A seasonal starter, a farm-to-table salad, a mole of the day and a special. I was all over the mole of the day, and they even customized my order so I could get some of the best of all the night's offerings. The flavors are just incredible. The red mole was sweet and smoky, the vegetables were perfectly cooked and outstandingly seasoned. It wasn't your boring, steamed, run-of-the-mill vegetable side. There were aspects of crunchy, savory, bitter and sweet. And yes, oh my gosh - those lima beans are unbelievable. I was able to try many new flavors that you simply cannot get easily. I didn't want my meal to end. My only point of criticism is that maybe the setting is a little too formal. According to the website, this chef got his start by selling his delicious dishes out of his van. I typically like my environment to match the food... if it's casual food, then serve it in a casual environment. I would love to come here over and over again for just for a quick bite in a more casual setting than in a "dinner date" place.

    (5)

  • Paul D.

    I can't believe I haven't written a review yet. This is my favorite place of all time. I live about a block away and try to make it at least once a month. Never had a bad meal. The menu changes routinely but everything is always done very well. I had the rabbit the last time I was there and it was just delicious. Their drinks are very good. What I like is their guacamole. Oh and like all the other reviews say you must have the Lima beans. If I were to win the lottery I would be eating at the Mayan everyday. It's that good.

    (5)

  • Jasmine A.

    I went to Mayan Cafe for the first time the this past weekend after Melanie K recommended it in her review as a great date restaurant. I completely agree with her. In addition to offering delicious well portioned food, the atmosphere is both intimate and inviting and I found all of the staff to be quite friendly. I would recommend everything that we orded. The shrimp ceviche appetizer was absolutely delicious with fresh chunks of avocado. We each thoroughly enjoyed our entrees. I ordered the Rabbit and my date ordered the Pork. Both were tender, juicy and flavorful. Mayan Cafe certainly lived up to its reputation. I will definitely be back again.

    (5)

  • Alyson T.

    Amazing. It's a small intimate space - great to go on a date. It's suitable for a vegetarian like me - so thumbs up for that!! The lima beans are really good, and I don't even like lima beans. I recommend Mayan Cafe - probably the best restaurant in NuLu that I have been to so far.

    (5)

  • Seamus G.

    Jim James led me here from the road & I want to "Thank U Too," Yelp - salbutes rocked my world & best lima beans ever, great iced tea, too!

    (5)

  • Alicia A.

    My favorite local place to eat. Everything they serve is delicious and fresh! I'm gluten free and they can accommodate gluten free well and have added to their gluten free menu recently. I highly recommend a visit....lunch is a great time to go since dinner can be hard to a table (make reservations). The staff is wonderful as well.

    (5)

  • Danie G.

    This restaurant was my introduction to Louisville - and I am SO glad it was. We went on Market Monday, which means they have a special meal composed from ingredients from a local farm. The farmers are present so that you can ask questions about their growing or raising practices. For a locavore, this place is a gift!!! Louisville has a vibrant local food scene and I'm pretty sure this restaurant is at the top of the list. The decor is simple but lovely, the staff were charming, and the food was wonderfully prepared. Am just sad I was driving so could not try out one of their drinks!

    (5)

  • Ian P.

    My wife and I came here after we received a Louisville Originals Gift Certificate. My wife and I needed a night out and the Mayan Cafe was on our list of places to hit. The small or quaint restaurant features dark lighting a nooks and crannies where tables or nicely tucked into. However, like a majority of restaurants in Louisville, the sound level is always a problem. There is no chance of having a nice, quiet romantic evening here but this is also good for their business since they are always booked! The server we had was very helpful and the bus boy was very quick to refill our water glasses. He must have had some type of radar because he would show up out of nowhere and my glass was magically filled again. The flatware, glasses and dishes complimented the atmosphere nicely and the originally artwork/photography on the wall from where the Chef is from, was a nice touch for the realism of it all. We started off by sharing the empanadas filled with goat cheese among other delicious things. The "breading" reminded me of a potato latke and it was simply delicious! It was flavored just enough and you could taste each ingredient individually and they blended nicely. For the main course, I had the Rabbit. It was decent, tasted of a gamier chicken. Not bad, but I was missing that melt in your mouth moment. I have had rabbit before and there was nothing overly special about this particular plate, but the plating and presentation was worth the price. My wife, had the Vegetarian Burrito and loved it dearly. We perused the dessert menu, but nothing really tickled our fancy. Mayan Cafe is a good, solid restaurant in the heart of NuLu that deserves a visit from everyone that passes it. Is it a repeat place for me, probably not, but maybe, just maybe for those empanadas would I come again~!

    (4)

  • Kim B.

    Awesome place for lunch. Cannot recommend highly enough.

    (5)

  • Jim B.

    Just had a WONDERFUL dinner which brought back some nice memories. Since moving out of town we have missed this little gem. Am so glad that it is still here and still serving great food. The chicken mole was fabulous as was the slow cooked pork. The house made mango ice cream was nothing short of divine!!

    (4)

  • Amanda H.

    So I was super excited to try this place because the new "NuLu" area of Louisville is really popping up some fantastic restaurants and I heard so much good news about this place. First off, this place already is at the top of my book because if you check in on Yelp, you get a free side of Lima Beans! Which this is tough to say because I call myself a Louisvillian and part southerner but, these were the best lima beans I've ever had. Sorry Mom... The seasonings, flavors, and the tenderness of the bean make this place top notch for the essential southern side dish. Which is weird because this place is Latin American...go figure! For dinner I had a free side of limas, a bowl of butternut squash soup with goat cheese, and the Mayan salad. Both items I would get again, I preferred the soup more because it was very tasty and had goat cheese in it (which is my favorite of all cheeses). I licked the bowl...not really, but I wanted to. The salad was good but I'm not a fan of fruit in salads, but it was beautiful with grapefruit, avacado, pine nuts, jicama, and a grapefruit dressing. The unsweetened tea was oddly fruity. Overall this place is a most to visit, kinda pricey and I suggest reservations but definitely a must!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

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

Mayan Cafe

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