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Maya - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
303 2nd St(between Folsom St & Dow Pl)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighbourhood: SOMA
(415) 543-2928
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
744 reviews for Maya
Review Highlights
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"One of the best places for Happy Hour in the city." In 250 reviews -
"Do try the Pork belly tacos, they were super delicious." In 21 reviews -
"That black bean dip was off the hizzook." In 24 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
744 reviews in English
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Review from Joseph A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/30/2011
Well that is a shame , I really liked Maya ,
It was a nice place for a quiet sit down lunch , and had really nice take out from the bar ,, not sure why they had to close other then maybe the construction going on ,
You are gone , but thnx for the memories :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/15/2009
Maya Next Door: (Note: This review is only for their lunch take out menu which is picked up at the… Read more »
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Review from Jenn C.
2/12/2012
Ah, poor Maya, we hardly knew ye! I remember Maya when it first opened, on a St Patrick's Day evening in 1997 or 1998 - it was the most upscale, delicious Mexican food in the Bay Area. They offered delicious Mexico City Mexican food - not farm laborer snacks to go (aka burritos) and tortas locas.
Everything was prepared with white linen napkin and table cloth care, heavy silverware and chunky dishes, tableside prepped gucacamole and house made chips.
Over the course of ten years, they changed a few things on the menu, especially to accommodate the lunch crowd and the last time I went there was about 3 years ago and it was barely recognizable as the same place I had eaten with beans & rice, tacos and just "normal' Americanized Mexican fare.
It's sad that SF wore down what started off as a gem of a restaurant - I hope that something equally elegant ends up in that space esp given the demise of Hawthorne Lane years ago (which was the most upscale, delicious event restaurant in the area) and proliferation of awful cafeteria style joints (there's a reason that Eden Plaza Deli is called "the smelly deli" but folks who work in the building). -
Review from Raza M.
San Jose, CA
12/2/2011
Picked this restaurant because A) It is the closest restaurant to my place and B) The never ending search for a good sit down Mexican restaurant continues.
Unfortunately that search did not end at Maya. Although the ambiance and bar are pretty nice, the food itself wasn't anything special. In fact it was a little disappointing.
On the plus side, the chips & salsa were insanely good. -
Review from Luis C.
10/19/2011
It's CLOSED. In my opinion, this was a wannabe upscale Mexican place.
Yes, i know about the happy hour and pork belly tacos. But all I remember about dining here, is the guacamole. Every single table had to have that little tower with chips in the bottom. The rest of the food is a blur, no dish stands out in my mind. I never tried the takeout section next to the bar.
Anyone looking for a better upscale Mexican place - try Colibri, near Union Square. They have guacamole prepared tableside, and superior handmade tortillas.
This area doesn't have much foot traffic. But this spot could be a goldmine for the right restaurant. FiDi office workers are always looking for a place big enough to handle a large group lunch.Listed in: CLOSED, out of business,…
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Review from Sparkely K.
Silicon Valley, CA
Updated - 10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wonderful. Maya is closing thanks to the new KillJoy Management company. Another quality eatery in my building that has been forced out for the new. Apparently there are no new tenants signed up to fill The Snack Depot, Tully's and now Maya?
Very frustrated.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/24/2009
Update 3/26/10:
The burritos have been great and I recently spent time in the bar where the… Read more »
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Review from Christina C.
Oakland, CA
10/25/2011
This place had phenomenal happy hour, incredible tacos, great drinks and amazing Oaxacan style beans with chips. Many a night has been spent here with coworkers and friends alike having a great time.
Literally, my heart is breaking thinking a city gem like this is no longer available for my Friday nights (or any weeknight where I am in serious need of a drink from a hard day).
Maya, please come back!!! and please let it be somewhere near Soma or Fidi. You are an after work institution for so many people.Listed in: Best Mexican Food
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Review from Jeff F.
10/21/2011
This place is closed, but Opentable let me book a reservation here tonight.
Hey Yelp - since this place is a 1/2 mile, from HQ, how about we update the listing? -
Review from Natasha R.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Once upon a time, back when I was a fresh faced 21 year old college student living in the 'burbs, my friends and I would meet at Celia's for happy hour. We'd drink pitchers of sugar infused blended margaritas and devour free appetizer platters of nachos and other fried assortments until we stumbled out giggling and not the least bit remorseful for consuming three days worth of calories in under an hour.
Looking back, the one thing I truly miss about those days is my metabolism.
Maya's quintessential happy hour located somewhere between the ballpark and the financial district deserves a visit from any urban worker or dweller. There's a long list of $2 tacos that have never met the deep fryer and their delicious black been dip is adorned with a proper sized dollop of crema and a side of salsa.
My good ol' bucket of red slushy booze was replaced with two small strawberry mojitos, no simple syrup. Their $2 draft beers are served in rather elegant looking flutes you don't often see and inspired me to buy a set of my own.
You can stay and enjoy these happy prices until they close down. Which is pretty neat because some of us don't like to get happy until after 7pm. Others like to be happy all night. And some of you will just never be happy no matter what the hour is. Maya can get pretty crowded, so those of you in the last group should just stay home and leave more room for the rest of us.... -
Review from Stacy O.
Huntington Beach, CA
8/12/2011
I wish I could give Maya 3.5 stars because their happy house is to die for. The tacos are amazing and their drinks are stiff. You can't beat their prices anywhere. My favorite taco is the pork belly. Trust me you will become a fan too. The only reason Maya is getting a 3 stars is due to their ridiculously slow service. We waited for our 2 coronas and chips for nearly 15 minutes and there were hardly any people there.
fyi make sure you are sitting at the bar for happy hour because if you are not the bill will skyrocket up just because you are sitting in the dinning room. -
Review from Angela L.
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
After an early happy hour @ Palomino, we decided to go to Maya for another happy hour. Woohoo!
When we first arrived, we were greeted by two Mexican ladies which turned out to be not from Maya but a separate party for those who are from Jack Daniels. Then we were showed to the back. Boohoo!
We found out that there are a separate dining area for happy hours and that is where we made our way to. We ordered the guava margaritas and the pineapple mojito. They were the bomb! What made it even more so delicious is their happy hour price of just $5. Now how do you go wrong with that!
Along with our cocktails, we were given fresh made tortillas with the spicy salsa that is to die for. I would have to say that this place makes one of the best tortilla salsa dip I have ever eaten. Wow!
I will definitely come back here for more. They have such a wide selections of cocktails and appetizers in their happy hour menu. That in itself is just plain irrestible and a must go place for happy hour. -
Review from Bob C.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2011
I want to give this place 4 stars but $2 tacos and $5 drinks turned into a $60 meal for 2 people real quick. The tacos are really good but really small. I polished off 8 with the quickness and could have had more but decided to take it easy.
I would check this place out again but I think I need to go in with the expectation that with my appetite, $2 tacos doesn't equate to a cheap meal. -
Review from Vicky L.
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I could've sworn I wrote a review of this place a year ago.. but I guess I never did?
Okay you guys, if you like(d) Tres Agave (or I suppose it's now just "Tres" or some yuppie thing), chances are, you'll probably like Maya. Great happy hour, plenty of seating, and relatively easy parking make this place a decent gathering spot, because the food here is meh. Greasy, not flavorful, just overall mediocre. If I wanted tacos, I'd fork over the extra money and go to Tacolicious.
But hey, can't complain about the prices of the drinks at happy hour!Listed in: SOMA Embarcadero eats
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Review from Alyson C.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2011
Noooooo! This place closed? Where will we have $2 street tacos and free chips, bean dip and salsa for HH?!
Sad. -
Review from TJ P.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 10/22/2011
Unfortunately this location closed less than two weeks after I reviewed it. It's not my fault! I swear!
Here's hoping they find a new place with better lease terms.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/4/2011
Hmm... Think I want to get some Mexican food. Lemme check those Yelp reviews. Ah, this place looks… Read more »
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Review from Fei L.
7/1/2011
Is this seriously a Mexican restaurant?
Maya to a Mexican Restaurant is like a fancy PF Chang's to a Chinese Restaurant. (FYI people, traditionally Chinese people did not pair wine with Chinese food. But thanks PF for that pinot noir suggestion with my spicy noodle dish! Boy do I feel enlightened.)
That being said, do not overlook Maya's happy hour menu! We loved it!
What I would order here for happy hour (prices valid from 4:30pm until closing):
Fish Tacos ($2): Well flavored sauce and complex ingredients, small in size so be sure to order more than one.
Strawberry Mojito ($5): The epitome of summer - the perfect balance of slightly sweet and minty, not to mention beautiful contrasting colors. Best mojito on the happy hour menu.
Chips and Salsa ($0): Can you really say no to free chips and salsa? You better ask for it if it doesn't come! You're getting jipped otherwise. Fight. for. it. -
Review from Kyle O.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Maya falls in my "I don't want too many people to know how awesome this place is, but it's too good to not review" category. $2 street-style tacos and cheap margaritas have to make this one of the best kept secrets for the SF happy hour scene. What's even more amazing is that happy hour is 7 days a week, 4:30 to close! Mmmmm...frozen margarita and tinga de pollo tacos...*drool on keyboard*
Why 4 stars you say? The actual dinner menu is quite expensive. I can say, however, that everything I've ordered not called "happy hour tacos" has been great. -
Review from Nikki M.
7/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Been here once for a private party and twice for happy hour. It's a great place to go before a giants game because the margaritas are strong and tasty and there's no waiting! Plus you can get some tasty cheap tacos to fill you up so you don't spend mad money on stadium food.
Love the chips and the bean dip that come gratis. Plus friendly service! -
Review from Eric M.
8/4/2011
My experience with Maya is based largely around the cash-only take out lunches they serve in the bar area. If you've got $5 in your wallet, come by here and get a grilled veggie burrito (if you're disappointed, then I will PERSONALLY reimburse you). Most joints try to appease us veggie people with burritos that are filled with rice, salsa, and guacamole, under the guise of being "vegetable". We know better though people.
Maya actually grills up peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms for their vegetarian-friendly dishes, making it a true veggie burrito. Another favorite of mine is the quesadillas.......which you obviously can't go wrong with (it's bread and cheese......not too much to screw up right?).
The happy hours are pretty snappy as well. I don't want to advertise that I ordered the strawberry mojitos......but I'd be a liar if I said I didn't.
Recommended for all! -
Review from Kathy V.
5/8/2011 1 photo
Cinco de Mayo celebration starts here @ Maya... When I arrived with my crew, geezs the place was packed! I was a quite irritated because it was literally cheek to cheek inside, luckily my friends were hawking down tables. All I kept thinking about was their pork belly tacos for 2.00! happy hour special. lol As soon as we all grabbed a drink they had told us we are not serving happy hour today due to the occasion FACK!!! ANNOYED...not even drinks.. WTF?? WE took the liberty of ordering calamari, pork belly tacos, shrimp tacos, and carnitas. While waiting I recommend their Pineapple mojito, yummmmm sure did quench my thirst!!
On to the bites:Pork belly- was finger licking good! enough said, but a tad bit greasy.* Shrimp- A-ok just spicy *Carintas-ummm can't say much fell flat with me, * Calamari- average, their chips & salsa was sure good tho!! coming straight from the oven, warm and crispy. Salsa-HOT!! ehhe
If your thinking Maya's is authentic, naww kind of reminded me of La Pinata. I could of rated this place 4stars if the service was more attentive to their patrons. -
Review from Angel S.
Long Island, NY
4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Go for the pork belly tacos. Maya's reviews have been quite harsh and unforgiving. I don't think the menu gets due credit. Yes, it's fancy and inauthentic, but very good. After all, it's in SOMA, not the Mission.
Anyway, I'm okay with the fact that I like this place more than others, that just means more for me and shorter wait. The marinated pork belly tacos are so so good...perfectly marinated, tender, and the red pickeled habanero onion has makes the flavor pop. The tortilla soup was good, but not warm enough.
I agree, however, that the pricing is a little annoying (especially the $8 chips and guac), and what they consider a deal isn't really much of one, except for $2 tacos for happy hour. I personally don't consider $12 for three small tacos and a cup of soup to be a deal. Nonetheless, the quality is there, and my meal was pretty satisfying. I will certainly be back for the happy hour deals. -
Review from Alice L.
6/28/2011
We came here with a party of 8. Started with the red sangria, which tasted like sweetened juice. I shared the ceviche sampler with the boyfriend and the tilapia tacos.
The ceviche is the worst that I've ever had. It was a few pieces of fish swimming in a bowl of horribly over-done marinade. I couldn't taste the fish at all. The tacos were good, but there was barely any fish in the taco. The crepe dessert that we ordered were pretty terrible too -- overtly sweet and the crepes had a horrible texture. I tried a bite of my roommate's bread pudding, that was good though.
Our waiter had a pretty bad attitude, considering the place was only half full, we had to send several people on a mission to get some chips and salsa. The decor of the place is nice but it's way overpriced for bad food. I wouldn't come here again. -
Review from Vera W.
7/23/2011
I actually really liked their happy hour. Great deals! Well, I only got their drinks and complimentary chips and salsa/bean dip. My friend ordered 4 pork belly tacos. It looked tiny... and you have to order two tacos of the same flavor, so really it's $4 not $2. My friend claimed that it was actually pretty tasty, so that's why he got a second order.
My other friend REALLY loved the salsa that came for free with the chips. She commented that she wish she brought her tupperware from work so that she could take it to-go. I like it as well, but probably not as crazily as she did. The chips were also really good, the better ones I've had at a Mexican restaurant that was complimentary.
So, the drinks I ordered were coconut mojito, blended guava margarita and blended mango margarita.
The blended margaritas were SO delicious. And I loved their tequila--I'm a tequila lover... so yeah, extra plus. I highly recommend their blended margaritas!!! The coconut mojito was really good, but I know some people don't like coconut-flavored things... so obviously don't order it if you don't like coconut. It was almost like a pina colada in terms of flavor.
I also sampled other drinks from my friends: cuba libre (this was pretty strong), this rum and strawberry drink (this was also strong, I think it had something to do with rum... eccchh, I don't like rum unless it's in a mojito), strawberry margarita (this one probably masked the tequila the MOST and it was super delicious) and hibiscus margarita (my friend didn't like it, but I actually really liked it). -
Review from Ken G.
4/28/2011
I'd been to Maya for happy hour and really had a great time, but it was nice experience it in a bit more of a relaxed setting for lunch. It was elegant and quiet and I left very satisfied.
I had their Salad/3 Taco Lunch Special:
Ensalada Maya - a nice, light salad of mixed greens, fresh pear, caramelized walnuts and blue cheese...while not exactly a traditional Latin American tasting salad, it did have a chile flavored vinaigrette, which did some add some exoticness to the dish and made it interesting.
Pork Belly Tacos - wow, pretty incredible...tender, savory and well-seasoned rich pork with pickled red onions and a nice chile salsa, these were absolutely perfect. These were three small tacos that punched with a ton of incredible flavors...I was extremely impressed and thought these were some of the best tacos I've ever had.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this spot (especially for those amazing pork belly tacos)...it's a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Beware, when the server asks you if you want Chips and Salsa, it's not free - it's $8.50, which they probably won't mention to you. -
Review from Garrett L.
Albany, CA
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
*This review is on the restaurant portion - during "business lunch" hours. Its a term that apparently Maya doesn't understand.
Food: 3.5 stars
Service: 1 star
Arrived around 12:30, the peak of the business lunch time, and noticed a table of 5 sit down right next to me and my friends, table of 3. others also arrived nearby. Sure, I can understand they're busy, but they were not at capacity. I also noticed other tables had chips and dipping sauce, during the time we had an empty table apart from water. Total, it took about 5-6 minutes to bring over our chips. At Chevy's, the chips would already be there.
About 25min later, the other tables around us have already gotten their entrees. We had ordered an appetizer, and all of us had gotten soup/salad along with our meals. Again, I understand you're busy, but apps, salad (no cooking required), and soup (which should be simmering in the pot), all not delivered nearly half an hour later?
The SoMa and FiDi neighborhoods have some great restaurants for the working 9-5 crowd, this is not one of them.
tl;dr, if you are ok waiting a long time for somewhat overpriced food, this is the best place. if not, maybe try their take-out. -
Review from Ivannia D.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2011 4 Check-ins Here
One of the best places for Happy Hour in the city.
Here are a few reasons why I am a fan:
- HH starts at 4:30 and goes until CLOSE @ the bar, 7 days a week!
- It's in a central location for a group to meet up
- It's good for large groups of people
- The decor and ambiance is nice, easy to chat -
Review from Mark F.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2011
I can never decide between the trio of guacamoles and the trio of ceviches, so I always end up ordering both. The meal portion sizes are not large, so it works out well.
The pork belly tacos and the habanero carnitas tacos are awesome. The meat melts in you mouth and the flavor tantalizes. -
Review from Jenny M.
7/7/2011
Just went here today to get lunch with a friend! I can't believe I've never seen the place before, considering it's right in the north courtyard of my office. Guess I need to get out more often...
Anyways, some pros:
- very affordable: my burrito only cost me $6
- good portions: I was super full after lunch!
- quick service
- definitely come here for LUNCH because I've heard that dinner gets really pricey
- minor detail, but the cheese was melted SO WELL into the burrito and really made it taste better
Some areas I felt could have been improved:
- I ordered a pork and pineapple burrito (YUM right?) but I felt like they could have had more pineapple
- I asked for my salsa medium spicy. However, (either because I eat spicy food too often or because I overestimated) the medium spicy was not spicy at all! For people who can handle spicy, just get the hot salsa.
Something that really affected the taste of my burrito was that there were no vegetables at all...just the pork, rice, beans, cheese, and pineapple. Don't get me wrong, it was still a wonderful burrito in all its glory, but part of me still wishes I had the lettuce or guac that other places might give.
The chips were REALLY good too. Are they homemade? In any case, I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars, but I guess I would have to round up to 4. -
Review from Caitlin H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/3/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I came here again for happy hour with a few ladies on a sunny day to sit outside. All in all this visit was the worst service I have ever experienced.
2 - number of times we had to ask for another chair for our friend was standing there (while we watched the staff bring out approximately 8 chairs for a party that only had 2 people there at the time)
5 - number of times we asked for napkins. We got them for round 3 of tacos, super useful people.
4 - number of times we asked for salsa
Other complaints:
1. A busboy took away our chip basket before it was finished, but did not bring another until we asked for it (twice obviously). 2. The service was so disorganized, I am not even sure if we had out own waiter or if we had 4 different ones. 3. The napkins are tiny and appear to be rationed like precious commodities, and they don't give you plates, so you are guaranteed to make a huge mess and leave the place with sticky fingers.
The reason I did not dock a whole star: I would still come back here for happy hour because the tacos are delicious. In my mind this place is now a 2.71 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/1/2010
Go here for happy hour: 4 stars
Do not go here for dinner: 2 stars
This is again another restaurant… Read more »
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Review from Rory H.
4/12/2011
Maya is a hot spot for Happy Hour beer and tacos. The facilities are nice, clean, and more importantly their bar tacos are solid. Maya could easily be an upscale bar in Guadalajara. Now only If they would cut out the Marketing junk about $2 Tacos that try to make this place sound like a deal because in reality when you read the fine print you have to buy a $4 order. This is just sneaky marketing bull. I mean seriously does anyone sell Half Pints for $2.50 with a min. purchase of two half pints. OR Free beer when you rent a mug. NO!! Tell us what it is, 2 small tacos for $4 so you are looking at least $8 in tacos to get any sort of gastric gratification.
Anyways check my list from Awesome to Bleh:
Pork Belly tacos!!!!! I know I know it sounds disgusting cellulite inducing grease bucket but seriously it tastes awesome NOT Greasy. The pork is actually crunchy and the chipotle salsa is Muy Rico!!
Thick tortilla chips are served warm with a salsa that is 3 kinds of chile and Pica Pica.
Carne Asada tacos, Just OK. The meat is good quality but who in the hell thought it was okay to put black beans in my taco? Who does that?
Fish Tacos, FAIL Try Again. The snapper tasted very frozen fishy and the salad dressing on top just wasn't doing it for me.Listed in: Comidas de Nor-Cal
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Review from Adrian H.
Parker, CO
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Headline: Good Happy Hour. Pretty decent food too.
Yes, i'm in San Francisco again, staying in SoMa (South of Market, for the uninitiated). My team decided we would eat at Maya. Looking up the Yelp page, I did note that pretty much everyone mentioned the happy hour, which runs from 4:30pm until close. Arriving early for dinner, I can certainly attest to it's popularity - the bar was noisy. The mojito was good, and the chips'n'dip arrived quickly.
The chips are thicker than normal - attesting to their being made in-house, and the black bean dip was warm with a decent amount of heat. The star was the house salsa - both red and green in a ying-yang type arrangement in the same dish. The green was a little salty, and the red a little spicy. The two together was delicious.
When my party arrived (hello, Mojito), I also ordered the pork belly tacos - four tacos in corn tortillas, street sized. These were delicious. The table also had one of each of the appetizers. The Calimari Aztec was a nice departure from the normal calimari dishes. Yes, it was still breaded and fried, but the citrus sauce and citrus segments made a nice change. The faluta de cameron was nicely done, and the poblano chile relleno was nicely smothered and cheesy.
Overall, I liked this meal and would return. -
Review from Jason B.
6/29/2011
No hippie burritos.
That's what the guy working the bar at Maya Next Door (lunch takeout section) told me when I asked if they had wheat tortillas. In other words, no.
However.
They do add extra black beans at no charge, grilled up a splendid piece of chicken and roll in all up in a flour tortilla for something quite good for a reasonable $6.
Hippies might not approve. But I do. -
Review from Stephanie K.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Happy Hour Review Only: $2 tacos, $3 beers, $5 drinks - plus all the chips, salsa, and beans you could want!!!!! Pretty awesome - especially when you consider that it lasts all night and is every day!
But, be careful of the margaritas and mojitos - they are mostly sugar. Also, it gets pretty crowded during happy hour so be prepared to wait for a table. Finally, don't expect fast or good service at these prices. Plan ahead and order you next drink early! -
Review from Yee-Shing Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Pretty great happy hour specials but that's about it. I liked the big space...lots of room in the bar area to come with a larger group. The staff is pretty friendly and will move tables to accommodate your party.
Had a few of the tacos ($2 each during HH). The pork belly taco, as delicious as it sounds, is pure disappointment. It was super oily and the flavor was off. I think it's b/c of those pickled vegis they add to it. If anything go with the fish or chicken tacos. Those were better.
Drink-wise, stay away from the sangria! Doesn't come with fruit and is pure sugar. My coworker and I agreed that it tasted like a slightly spiked cranberry-grape juice. Yuck. I would stick with the draft beer or mojitos. I also tried a margarita and it was meh. Sad since it's a Mexican restaurant. All drinks during HH are $5.
I'll end on a positive note though - they give you free baskets of warm, fresh chips and during HH, you'll also get this refried bean concoction which was delicious. -
Review from Ting W.
San Jose, CA
8/18/2011
yummy food, watered down drinks :(
Great place for tacos that won't make you feel super greasy and gross after. What we ordered:
Guacamole
Mahi Ceviche
Lobster Tacos
Carne Asada Tacos
I would skip the Ceviche since it was doused in some sort of tomato sauce. Not a fan. But the tacos were great, I'd order again.
Drinks:
Margarita on the rocks with salt- not enough tequila, too much mix
Strawberry Mojito- not enough liquor, but was better than the margarita. -
Review from Sandra S.
2/17/2011
Wasn't too impressed by the food in Maya.
The ambiance was great. I loved the dim lights, the bar seating and the great waiter service.
The chips and traditional salsa was great. The salsa had a great kick to it.
I ordered the Camaron (shrimp) tacos and my mouth was salivating.
When my food came out, I was surprised they were so small but was happy because there were 4 of them and it also helped me from over eating.
The shrimps were soft and seasoned really well however, when I bought it to my nose and even tasted it I thought it tasted rather fishy :(
NOT OK for my seafood to taste as if they came from the bay.
Don't think I'd be going back there :( -
Review from Mark M.
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Been here twice. First time I rates it average (3); this time it was just bad (2).
The food here relies heavily on the fat content (fried, avocados, etc.) and is much lacking in flavor. Absent is the superb use of tomatoes, chilis, and other great spices that gives Latin food it's flair.
Reason to come here: the drinks and the decent looking crowd here. If you look around and it's a bad scene, do yourself a favor and hop to 21st Amendment down the street where you will better happy hour food. -
Review from Chelle Y.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2011
It's official -- me and Maya are not on good terms.
I would give Maya 1 star if the take-out fish tacos weren't so delicious but...
I've now been here twice for a sit down meal and both times have had my not-so-tasty meal come back and hit me where it hurts. Because I'm stuck at work with a stomach ache that would probably put child-bearing labor pains to shame and just had a coworker praying to the Porcelain God for salvation, Maya has officially been crossed off the list.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, ...well, still shame on you.
Ugh. -
Review from Melody L.
Irvine, CA
7/26/2011
I've been here for both lunch and happy hour. I'd give this place a 3.5 stars for their lunch, and 5 stars for happy hour. Since their happy hr was super super amazing, I rounded up to 5!
Lunch was just normal. Their service was nice, but I didn't think their food stood out specifically...
Happy hour was fun! Free chips w bean/sourcream/cheese dip & salsa verde-type salsa! Also really quick and good service from the waitress. When she saw that another person joined our party, she immediately brought a chair over for him!
Unfortunately for me, this place serves a lot of tequila-based alcoholic drinks. I don't like tequilaaaaa. I had a caipirinha, which was kind of.. iffy tasting. And a hubiscus margarita, which was flowery tasting, but very strong on tequila. The cuba libre was extremely strong. My favorite would probably be the strawberry margarita, since it tasted like no tequila at all! Cool part is that you can have margaritas blended OR on the rocks. -
Review from Rosanne L.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great happy hour! 3-4 tacos and it will fill you right up! Their happy hour menu is quite extensive and the great part is that happy hour is from 4pm-CLOSING! Even with a 9-5 job, happy hour is still doable! POINT FOR THEM!
Their chips and black bean dip is yummers! Their Maya Marguritas are delicious too... Lots of different flavors to try!
Point minus because someone.... (waiter?) charged me an extra $10 for tips after I wrote down $14.00 on my check. I have a copy of my bill too. I looked back on my bank statement and I was charged $24.00. OH NO YOU DIN'T. That's messed up... I had to call my bank ASAP to dispute this. Why in the hell's world would any restaraunt do that?!? I don't know if I trust going back there because of this... Darn. -
Review from Vivek S.
1/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
What's up with this place? We showed up for their "Happy Hour" special which is $2 soft tacos, $3 draft beers, and $5 cocktails. Not that "Happy Hour" is the right term for something that starts at 4:30pm and goes until close and happens every. single. day. That sounds like Business As Usual to me. But whatever, brah. It's a fucking good deal. And these tac's taste pretty decent.
That said I'll offer two simple warnings: the tacos are small and greasy. Ask for extra napkins (and tacos). Also, the service had a shock-and-awe approach: no less than four different people served us, and it seemed like we never saw the same person twice. It was a clusterfuck, really. Everyone was super friendly, but also running around like headless chickens. Delicious chickens.
So in summary: cheap not-undelicious eats, and cheap-surprisingly-strong cocktails. The probability of it being happy hour right now is pretty good actually; check it out.
Obligatory Title Pun: MAY-A taco has a first name: it's H-A-P-P-Y-H-O-U-R.
Menu Readability: I'll forgive their terrible logo (whick looks like the word "Maya" on rollerskates), because their menu is well laid out and simple.
Need to mention: This place is definitely not a dive. It's tucked into the base of a short office building and is somewhat upscale.
What this place teaches me about myself: I always get suspicious of a really good deal. Are they using people meat? The bodies of 1-star Yelp reviewers perhaps? Just thinking out loud.Listed in: My San Fran Checklist
