This restaurant favors latinos, but jf you are a gringo trying to speak you will be okay. The food is very good, spicey or plain. My wife had a burrito and I had the chile relleño, both very good. Free chips and salsa, but order the $5 guacamole. Lots of beer and marguritas. The juke box is loud but it does not play all the time, it only plays latino music which adds to the restaurant's flavor. Most things are fresh, expecially the tortillas, which will be served last. Very economical and service was excellent considering one person was waiting on all 15 tables on Cinco de Mayo.
(4)
Ma-e M.
You won't get a smile or greeting from the staffs like you would get from staffs of regular Thai restaurants, but what you'll get here is an interesting look. Old cliche says that no one can't read mind. Would this Asian girl really want a Mexican food? Is she in the wrong place because she does not comprehend Spanish? La Sirenita is located near car dealerships at the back of Ritchie Hwy and quitely situated in a busy highway of South Crain. It is quite evident that with some Mexican restaurants in the area that Mexicans reside in the neighborhood or people of Glen Burnie are just crazy for Mexican foods. I would say that both assumptions could be correct. I don't have any complain about La Sirenita. It's a humble restaurant - simple, clean and well maintained. The menu is descriptive and picturesque and the price is very affordable. It also has a website that you can check out. La Sirenita is not a Tex-Mex that I know from NYC. The Tacos of TexMex is what I prefer most for its great flavor and ingredients. The Tacos of Mexican is okay because it's not as good than Fajitas. The food is certainly very different in taste and style from a Tex-Mex. The Tex-Mex fast food restaurants that I know is mainly staffed of Chinese descendants or Hispanic. La Sirenita is surely, purely Mexican in all angles, kind of similar to the food and vibe of American's Chili's and Chevy's, Chipotle, and Qdoba. But La Sirenita holds its own as it solely depends on the expertise of 1 Mexican chef who knows and cares about the real Mexican food. I will go back and I would like to try some of the food that looks interesting in the picture and hope that it will be good.
(3)
Al S.
Lame service. Almost like they don't want you there but then it may be because I'm a Gringo. The food is pretty ok once you get past the service issue. More authentic than most. Now, I love spicy, hot food. More than most but I ordered the Menudo and it was so hot it was almost inedible. When I saw how blood red it was I thought it would be spicy but jeez, if it had been any hotter you'd have to have a biohazard team to dispose of it. If you want good menudo go to Tortilleria Sinaloa in Baltimore. Excellent with large pieces of tripe and cow feet. Really good. This stuff, besides being way too hot, tiny pieces of tripe and no cow foot. Bummer! Well, next time I won't order that. Also, they only have beer here, no mixed drinks. La Sirenita in Baltimore has great Margaritas and the food and service is much better. Parking is an issue though and they also don't have the greatest service. Oh well....
(2)
Jim P.
Ok, I hesitate even to review this place 'cuz I don't want to draw the wrong crowd and ruin this joint, so, before considering my opinions, please administer the following evaluation upon yourself: 1) "Do I think Taco Bell, Chipotle and/or Chevy's is/are better than, at best, 'sustenance if and only if they're the only surviving source of foodstuffs after the zombies rise and the world is thrown into chaos'?" 2) "Do people who prefer to and/or can only speak another language frighten and/or confuse me?" If you answered "yes" to either of the above questions, please go ahead and search for another restaurant. In fact, there's a Taco Bell just a few blocks up Ritchie Hwy. You'll be happier there. Heck, I think there's a McDonald's within walking distance. Go there. Please don't ever dine here, or in any other "scary" Mexican place. [You may also want to check your emergency preparedness level, as you really shouldn't have to eat Taco Bell, Chipotle or Chevy's, even if the Zombies have you well outnumbered.] If you answered "no" to both of the above questions, and, like me, are a recent immigrant from California who dreads - dreads - any conversation with an east coast local that involves discussing restaurants and Mexican food because of how painfully wrong they've been in all their recommendations, then this place may ease the pangs. Been a couple times now, so have something of a solid opinion: Location -- Small-ish place next to a liquor store on a frontage road to the Main Drag... so low-rent district. So it has that plus going for it. This place is great, in the "low-cost Mexican place" way "great". Looks like it is either a hastily converted Chinese restaurant (new tile + new paint = Mexican!) or they stocked their kitchen from a going out of business sale -- there's charm inherent in getting a giant plate of tacos served a plate that used to ferry chow mein (or, around here, probably Sweet And Sour Chicken For White People), complete with nonsense "chinese" characters and koi. Super clean, super tidy, just oddly appointed... in other words, if it were in a trendy part of town, it'd be where all the hipsters were waiting out front to eat, complaining about parking. Service -- Awesome. In that "if you don't at least speak Spanglish, expect to confuse your waitron, but don't you dare hold that against her" way of truly good Mexican places. Friendly, attentive, food is hot and fast... but if you're the typical Fat Self Righteous American Diner, you'll be angry at your inability to communicate... but remember, that's your fault not theirs. And they're probably just faking confusion so they don't have to put up with your annoying ass again. But you'd have already written off this restaurant after failing the admission test above... I hope. Then again, the menu does have pictures for most things, so point if you must. Food -- way, way better than any other Mexican we've tried (and we've tried many. Many. Pretty much every one we can find.) So far, best in the area, by far. Now, that doesn't mean this is 4 stars (or even 3, probably) in CA, but it sure as hell is out here. Tamales, sopes, carne asada plates were all fine... not "write home immediately about having found your dining salvation; convince your friends to move" good, but fine. Soups and seafoods look good, too, but haven't tried those (yet!). The way to go, though, is the tacos. DAMN fine tacos. Great meat, heaped high on two - yes, the proper number! - look-to-be-homemade corn totillas, some cilantro, a few slices of radish and a couple of hot sauces on the side. Every meat we've tried has been fantastic, and there are plenty. Even a few muy autentico choices, for those who really miss the great Mexican taco culture. Really, as good as some of the better tacos I've ever had - anywhere - and I've had many. MANY. Go back to my Oyamel review and consider those tacos in comparison: Fancy, froofy, yuppie-poser-asshat tacos fancy for fancy's sake. And, like, $5-10 each. "Look at how much I paid for this crappy taco! Cognitive dissonance and self-justification dictate I must like them!" Epic fail compared to the simple, authentic, fantastic version at Sirenita. But, hey, maybe they serve a purpose... they keep the undesirable yuppie idiots out of the actually-tasty restaurants. If you're lookin' to eat real Mexican and are just this side of suicide-by-tortilla-chip in despair at the lack of it around here, check this place out. You may be surprisingly pleased. If, on the other hand, you're "kinda tired of the 'Taco Supreme and Bean Burrito Combo' so wanna try something new" ... I dunno, try the latest tv-advertised special instead, but don't come here.
(4)
Justin S.
Went here based on the Best of Baltimore listing. Usually these are pretty good recommendations, but this was a complete miss. The service was absolutely terrible. Chips were never refilled, despite ordering a separate appetizer that came with chips. Waitress never stopped by to ask if we needed anything additional. I asked for a glass of water, the waitress brought a bottle (for an extra $1.50 of course). At the end of the meal, the waitress didn't even bother to bring our check, someone in our party had to go up and request specifically. In addition to the terrible service, the restaurant included a jukebox where the music plays at a deafening volume. We asked the waitress if they could turn it down a little, which they did for about 5 minutes, until a different person returned and turned it up even louder. The entire time I was in there I had the feeling that if you were caucasian you were not welcome. All of this would have been tolerable if the food made up for it, however I would classify it as mediocre at best. The guac was good and appeared to be made in house, however for our entrees half of the food on the plate was cold. If you think this is what good mexican food tastes like you've never had good mexican. Needless to say, I would not recommend to anyone.
(2)
Kelsey S.
Don't go here. The service is horrible, food is ok, and the music is unbearably loud and horrible.
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Carl S.
This restaurant favors latinos, but jf you are a gringo trying to speak you will be okay. The food is very good, spicey or plain. My wife had a burrito and I had the chile relleño, both very good. Free chips and salsa, but order the $5 guacamole. Lots of beer and marguritas. The juke box is loud but it does not play all the time, it only plays latino music which adds to the restaurant's flavor. Most things are fresh, expecially the tortillas, which will be served last. Very economical and service was excellent considering one person was waiting on all 15 tables on Cinco de Mayo.
(4)Ma-e M.
You won't get a smile or greeting from the staffs like you would get from staffs of regular Thai restaurants, but what you'll get here is an interesting look. Old cliche says that no one can't read mind. Would this Asian girl really want a Mexican food? Is she in the wrong place because she does not comprehend Spanish? La Sirenita is located near car dealerships at the back of Ritchie Hwy and quitely situated in a busy highway of South Crain. It is quite evident that with some Mexican restaurants in the area that Mexicans reside in the neighborhood or people of Glen Burnie are just crazy for Mexican foods. I would say that both assumptions could be correct. I don't have any complain about La Sirenita. It's a humble restaurant - simple, clean and well maintained. The menu is descriptive and picturesque and the price is very affordable. It also has a website that you can check out. La Sirenita is not a Tex-Mex that I know from NYC. The Tacos of TexMex is what I prefer most for its great flavor and ingredients. The Tacos of Mexican is okay because it's not as good than Fajitas. The food is certainly very different in taste and style from a Tex-Mex. The Tex-Mex fast food restaurants that I know is mainly staffed of Chinese descendants or Hispanic. La Sirenita is surely, purely Mexican in all angles, kind of similar to the food and vibe of American's Chili's and Chevy's, Chipotle, and Qdoba. But La Sirenita holds its own as it solely depends on the expertise of 1 Mexican chef who knows and cares about the real Mexican food. I will go back and I would like to try some of the food that looks interesting in the picture and hope that it will be good.
(3)Al S.
Lame service. Almost like they don't want you there but then it may be because I'm a Gringo. The food is pretty ok once you get past the service issue. More authentic than most. Now, I love spicy, hot food. More than most but I ordered the Menudo and it was so hot it was almost inedible. When I saw how blood red it was I thought it would be spicy but jeez, if it had been any hotter you'd have to have a biohazard team to dispose of it. If you want good menudo go to Tortilleria Sinaloa in Baltimore. Excellent with large pieces of tripe and cow feet. Really good. This stuff, besides being way too hot, tiny pieces of tripe and no cow foot. Bummer! Well, next time I won't order that. Also, they only have beer here, no mixed drinks. La Sirenita in Baltimore has great Margaritas and the food and service is much better. Parking is an issue though and they also don't have the greatest service. Oh well....
(2)Jim P.
Ok, I hesitate even to review this place 'cuz I don't want to draw the wrong crowd and ruin this joint, so, before considering my opinions, please administer the following evaluation upon yourself: 1) "Do I think Taco Bell, Chipotle and/or Chevy's is/are better than, at best, 'sustenance if and only if they're the only surviving source of foodstuffs after the zombies rise and the world is thrown into chaos'?" 2) "Do people who prefer to and/or can only speak another language frighten and/or confuse me?" If you answered "yes" to either of the above questions, please go ahead and search for another restaurant. In fact, there's a Taco Bell just a few blocks up Ritchie Hwy. You'll be happier there. Heck, I think there's a McDonald's within walking distance. Go there. Please don't ever dine here, or in any other "scary" Mexican place. [You may also want to check your emergency preparedness level, as you really shouldn't have to eat Taco Bell, Chipotle or Chevy's, even if the Zombies have you well outnumbered.] If you answered "no" to both of the above questions, and, like me, are a recent immigrant from California who dreads - dreads - any conversation with an east coast local that involves discussing restaurants and Mexican food because of how painfully wrong they've been in all their recommendations, then this place may ease the pangs. Been a couple times now, so have something of a solid opinion: Location -- Small-ish place next to a liquor store on a frontage road to the Main Drag... so low-rent district. So it has that plus going for it. This place is great, in the "low-cost Mexican place" way "great". Looks like it is either a hastily converted Chinese restaurant (new tile + new paint = Mexican!) or they stocked their kitchen from a going out of business sale -- there's charm inherent in getting a giant plate of tacos served a plate that used to ferry chow mein (or, around here, probably Sweet And Sour Chicken For White People), complete with nonsense "chinese" characters and koi. Super clean, super tidy, just oddly appointed... in other words, if it were in a trendy part of town, it'd be where all the hipsters were waiting out front to eat, complaining about parking. Service -- Awesome. In that "if you don't at least speak Spanglish, expect to confuse your waitron, but don't you dare hold that against her" way of truly good Mexican places. Friendly, attentive, food is hot and fast... but if you're the typical Fat Self Righteous American Diner, you'll be angry at your inability to communicate... but remember, that's your fault not theirs. And they're probably just faking confusion so they don't have to put up with your annoying ass again. But you'd have already written off this restaurant after failing the admission test above... I hope. Then again, the menu does have pictures for most things, so point if you must. Food -- way, way better than any other Mexican we've tried (and we've tried many. Many. Pretty much every one we can find.) So far, best in the area, by far. Now, that doesn't mean this is 4 stars (or even 3, probably) in CA, but it sure as hell is out here. Tamales, sopes, carne asada plates were all fine... not "write home immediately about having found your dining salvation; convince your friends to move" good, but fine. Soups and seafoods look good, too, but haven't tried those (yet!). The way to go, though, is the tacos. DAMN fine tacos. Great meat, heaped high on two - yes, the proper number! - look-to-be-homemade corn totillas, some cilantro, a few slices of radish and a couple of hot sauces on the side. Every meat we've tried has been fantastic, and there are plenty. Even a few muy autentico choices, for those who really miss the great Mexican taco culture. Really, as good as some of the better tacos I've ever had - anywhere - and I've had many. MANY. Go back to my Oyamel review and consider those tacos in comparison: Fancy, froofy, yuppie-poser-asshat tacos fancy for fancy's sake. And, like, $5-10 each. "Look at how much I paid for this crappy taco! Cognitive dissonance and self-justification dictate I must like them!" Epic fail compared to the simple, authentic, fantastic version at Sirenita. But, hey, maybe they serve a purpose... they keep the undesirable yuppie idiots out of the actually-tasty restaurants. If you're lookin' to eat real Mexican and are just this side of suicide-by-tortilla-chip in despair at the lack of it around here, check this place out. You may be surprisingly pleased. If, on the other hand, you're "kinda tired of the 'Taco Supreme and Bean Burrito Combo' so wanna try something new" ... I dunno, try the latest tv-advertised special instead, but don't come here.
(4)Justin S.
Went here based on the Best of Baltimore listing. Usually these are pretty good recommendations, but this was a complete miss. The service was absolutely terrible. Chips were never refilled, despite ordering a separate appetizer that came with chips. Waitress never stopped by to ask if we needed anything additional. I asked for a glass of water, the waitress brought a bottle (for an extra $1.50 of course). At the end of the meal, the waitress didn't even bother to bring our check, someone in our party had to go up and request specifically. In addition to the terrible service, the restaurant included a jukebox where the music plays at a deafening volume. We asked the waitress if they could turn it down a little, which they did for about 5 minutes, until a different person returned and turned it up even louder. The entire time I was in there I had the feeling that if you were caucasian you were not welcome. All of this would have been tolerable if the food made up for it, however I would classify it as mediocre at best. The guac was good and appeared to be made in house, however for our entrees half of the food on the plate was cold. If you think this is what good mexican food tastes like you've never had good mexican. Needless to say, I would not recommend to anyone.
(2)Kelsey S.
Don't go here. The service is horrible, food is ok, and the music is unbearably loud and horrible.
(2)