El HK
I have no idea what authentic South American or Mexican food is actually like but if I had to guess I'd say El Maya is pretty close! I had enchiladas and they were the best I've ever had. My friend had a black bean soup and I started questioning how it was possible they could make something that's so simple so GOOD. Sure, I love those hole in the wall taco shops but sometimes you just want fancier, high quality (but affordable) South American / Mexican food, know what I mean?
Mark Bouslog
I can't say enough positive things about this restaurant. The owners and staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. The food is delicious. I often order the empanadas, entree with shrimp or one of the specials and usually end with the chocolate tamale for dessert. Have had birthday dinners with large groups (bring alcohol for margaritas!), ordered take-out and El Maya is one of our top destinations on date night.
Anita Cline
This is not your typical Mexican cuisine, it’s better! The flavors and salsa have some Ecuadorian influences which I loved. This restaurant is a hidden gem and I definitely will go back often. The staff is friendly and really care you leave happy and satisfied.
Erika Johnson
Great restaurant! We went before a show and we were limited on time. We explained the situation to the waiter and he was very understanding. We got the food in less than 10 min and it was great. The quality and flavor of the food was way above what we expected for something that took about 10 min to cook. The place is BYOB which is also nice. I look forward to going back.
Hope B
New Brunch Menu!
I was so excited to find out one of my favorite local spots is now serving brunch. I had a bagel and lox sandwich last time I was there and it was very tasty and reasonably priced. I'm looking forward to trying an omelet next time I visit.
Great local spot. Wonderful service. We LOVED the queso - it's green and a mix of mexican and goat cheese. I had the skirt stake, Interesting (in a good way) sauce. Next time I would order it with extra mushrooms and well done - crispy on the outside.
I'm also a BIG fan of their enchiladas. They use three different sauces, green, red and mole. Triple yummy!
Lauren Graff
I never write reviews but I feel compelled to write one for El Maya. I mean it when I say everything I've tasted is delicious!! I've tried several appetizers and 4 different main course dishes, every one of them just spot-on flavor, high quality everything! Yes it is not your "cheap" Mexican restaurant, but I'm happy to spend the extra money for the much higher quality! Particularly any of the seafood items seemed to be their specialty (muscles, scallops, salmon, shrimp).
Can't recommend enough!
Rob Moffitt
This is one of my favorite Mexican places around the area. The food is delicious and well prepared and the service is friendly. We brought a bottle of tequila in and they whipped up some great margaritas also! Every time I've been here it's been a great experience.
Sydney S
This restaurant is an absolute delight. The food is always spectacular, the cocktails are thoughtful and original, and the service is perfect. The main menu and the specials are equally good, and I always must get the empanadas - they are so fantastic.
Robert Leininger
We just got back from vacation and found that El Maya is closed. It was our favorite restaurant in Chicago...we'd always bring our friends and out of town guests and they also loved it. Jimmy and his family were amazing hosts and wonderful people. We are so sad that they're no longer there. Are they going to open another place ? Return to Ecuador ?
We wish them well and are grateful to have known them.
Maggie Wolff
Nice ambiance, delcious food, very friendly and attentive service. It's BYOB, and they make sangra mix (red) and margarita mix, so you can bring your own red wine or tequila. We had the guacamole and Pulpo Yucateco to start, and Envuelto and Enchiladas and finished with their ricotta cheesecake. Everything was delicious. Definitely a neighborhood gem!
Sophie
Delicious, interesting Mexican food. Great preparations of pork, lamb, salmon and the innovative pyramid. I get something different every time I go & it is terrific.
Erin Gavilanes
The food is DELICIOUS and the service is EXCELLENT! I recommend pretty much anything on the menu. The queso fundido is amazing. I usually get the Envuelto for my entree...mmmmmmmm!!! And they have a dessert that is like a molten chocolate cake inside of a corn husk topped with ice cream. Don't miss out on that!
Ascher Levy
Our favorite local Mexican place. Much more than tacos and burritos creative dishes very well prepared. Really nice owner also
Samantha Siewrok-Visger
BEST Mexican food I've ever had! New take on old school Mexican cuisine. Homerun! Beautiful presentation and great atmosphere and nice people! Dont go elsewhere đŸ˜€
Brendan O'Brien
Excellent food! Best Mexican we've had in Chicago so far (5 years running). We will definitely go back many more times.
erin kelly
Very good food. Get dessert - worth it. Great, friendly staff. Have full bar with yummy margaritas!
Victoria Sterling
A cut above the local corner mexican place so this is worth seeking out. The flavors will be famliar but the food is a creative take on traditional dishes. We had the guac - which was outstanding. Also the excellent salmon tartare and a "lasagne reminiscent" dish with mexican spicing and wonderful mole called Piramide which was terrific (and large). We can trulyrecommend the food here.
Andrew Kiper
best spicy quacamole in town! The enchelada's are amazing (I always get the combo, (one steak chicken and cheese) with different sauces. The chocolate cake desert is outstanding... ask for extra ice cream :-)
Jeffrey Bucher
Been sitting here over an hour. Saw the waitress once. No drinks no food but the company of the friends are the only reason we stayed.
Jose Varela
Great service great food and very cozy comfortable place and it's byob which is great, will definitely go back
LosChubys Polos
Great friendly service,great excellent food,different of the classic Mexican restaurant, fast service definitely coming back.
First time there today,celebrating anniversary,great experience.
Joseph Arden
The place can be a bit noisy; however, the food is a solid 5 stars. Very creative dishes with great flavors.
Kalona Rego Owens
This is a neighborhood gem! Their food is excellent and their service is stellar!
Carlos Torres
Great Mexican food in a very clean atmosphere!! Great dishes for the right price!! Great cocktails and a full bar available!!
Armando Tirado
It is a cozy place to and caviar but the waiter this and that just awakened !
Corinne Alt
Amazing Mexican food and the service was outstanding! Everything from the appetizers to the desserts was delicious! We can walk there from our condo, they have a kids menu AND it is BYOB, what more can you ask for?!?!?
Rich James McMurray
Great food great place great service! B.y.o.b bring tequila!
Jamie Gosling
So good, and our server loved talking with us about the food and making suggestions.
Robert Levine
This is one of our favorite restaurants. The food is creative and delicious.
Rebecca Otalvora
Love all of the delicious sauces, the service is always friendly and attentive, the ricotta cheesecake is heavenly, and it's a byob!
Heidi Hoffmann
Our dinner was delicious and our server was great!
Tristan Hunt
Great food!!! Join going there for the first time.
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