Maria's Mexican Bistro Inc
(718) 638-2344
669 Union St
Brooklyn,
NY
11215
40.6771
-73.9819
Neighborhood: Park Slope
What People Are Saying About Maria's Mexican Bistro Inc
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Sangria sippers and guacamole dippers arrive early to score a sidewalk table at Maria's, the one fun spot along Union Street's drab residential stretch. Inside, the tiny brick-wrapped room is candlelit, with wine glasses on wood tables, sepia-toned photos and a corner bar where tireless bartenders mash mint for mojitos all night. Attentive servers replenish chips, salsa and spicy sauteed mussels, while bouncy Mexican pop fuels a feel-good vibe.
The Food
The menu isn't as upscale as the setting--and that's a good thing. Simply prepared Mexican classics, like gooey cheese-stuffed poblano rellenos, fresh enchiladas and cocoa-spiced grilled chicken mole, are fantastic with rice and bean sides. Paella is a more refined success, stocked with shrimp, buttery scallops, chicken breast and chorizo. Elaborate diversions can disappoint. Chunky onions overwhelm the seviche; jamon serrano can be too dry; and casserole-baked red snapper, though moist and fresh, arrives smothered with bland tomato-onion sauce.
User Reviews
zaranoff
May 20, 2008
I've eaten there several times over the past several years and my overall experience has been good to very good, depending on which dishes I had (and the company I've been with..). The service has always been decent/good (although many reviewers will disagree with me..), the food tasty and reasonably priced, portions are generous, and the atmosphere casual and down to earth (one might call it "homey"). Their "El Molcajete Norte?o" (a steak & shrimp dish served on hot lava rock) is one of their signature dishes and is actually (very) good. I remember their Chiles Poblanos dish being very good too. The Tortilla soup is pretty spicy and good, although it has too much tortilla for my taste (they should cut it to smaller strips). As others have written, the guacamole is prepared fresh, in front of your eyes (but I haven't tried it so I can't vouch for it). Is this the best Mexican place in the city? I'm not sure there IS one, but this is a really decent choice, especially in the "very reasonable" price category, and certainly one of the best in Park Slope and probably in Brooklyn in general.
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xena59
April 19, 2008
this was probably the worst service i have ever had. i work in a restaurant and i couldnt even tolerate the blatant rudeness and ignoring of our party. we waited 45 minutes after ordering guacamole to be told that they just ran out. they filled us up with chips and delivered our food 1.5 hrs after we ordered it. we werent even hungry anymore. dont waste your time on a saturday.
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soupround
April 12, 2008
This place has good food and really good guacamole. But the buck stops there. Service was super slow. We were in the restaurant for approx. 45 minutes more than necessary waiting for the waiter to take our orders and bring us the check. In case you think you may have better luck with another waiter, you won't! There's only 1 waiter on a Friday night. First they charged us more for more drinks than we actually had. Then we had to wait even longer to get the amended bill. Our tip reflected the poor service, but it didn't matter to the restaurant. They decided to change our tip amount from 15% to 20% on their own on our credit card. I'll bet they get away with this all the time since most people don't double-check their credit card bills.
read full reviewThe Details on Maria's Mexican Bistro Inc
Save Money:
From 4pm to 7pm, diners revel in $4 mojitos and margaritas, both prepared to order and dangerously delicious.
The Extras:
For a deal purchase the $2.50 tamales and hot chococate.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Catering Services:
Restaurant Special Features:
Lunch Spot, Romantic Dining, Date Spot, Special Occasion Dining, Brunch
