This place has very great service and is open late which is a rarity and great for downtown boston.
Karen Calderon
I used to come here with friends and always recommended it: delicious food, a packed atmosphere, Latin music that made everyone get up and dance by the bar after dinner. It wasn’t a nightclub, but it had that magic; by midnight the place was alive, full of energy, full of joy. It was so popular that reservations were hard to get.
But now… it’s the opposite. Empty, people just sitting, no energy, almost like a funeral. The music is no longer Latin, and when guests asked the DJ to play reggaeton, the answer was: “No, because the music policy changed.” How can a place that sells itself as Latin turn its back on the very culture and vibe that made it special?
We spent over $300 for a bitter night, with none of the spirit that used to make Mariel unique. By 12:30 am (what used to be the peak of the night) the place was dead. I saw people walk in, get disappointed, and leave immediately. That hurts not only customers, but also the staff and the owners: can’t they see their revenue won’t be the same if they kill what once made Mariel thrive? No wonder the Underground closed…if they keep this up, the same will happen upstairs. As a Latina, I feel disappointed and even insulted. A place that used to celebrate our culture now silences it. That’s not just discouraging, it feels discriminatory. What’s the point of calling yourself Latin if the music, the vibe, the joy aren’t truly Latin anymore? To the owners: Mariel was more than just a restaurant, it was community, culture, and life. Changing that essence means losing everything. And to those looking for an authentic Latin experience in Boston: sadly, Mariel is no longer that place. Antes Mariel era un rincón latino vibrante en Boston. Hoy ya no lo es. Como latina me siento decepcionada e insultada porque un lugar que se vendía como latino ya no respira lo latino en su esencia. No pierdas tu tiempo, ya no ponen música latina!!!!!!
Atmosphere: 1
annika auclair
portions were tiny not even good… and i get that it’s and “upscale” restaurant but at least make the food taste good. it’s very pretty inside but music was too loud to over compensate whatever was going on. we got the mini lobster tacos, miso chilean sea bass, and miami bond martini. the martini was disappointing it was the thickest layer of oil separating from the liquor. you couldn’t even taste the strawberry vodka. it was straight oil and vodka and each sip had a film of grease in my mouth. so so disappointing. also nightlife is mid and the bouncers are always so rude. save your time.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Laxmi Sravani Vakacherla
I’ve been here a couple of times for dinner and once for brunch. They have a great menu and drinks too. And amazing options for vegetarians too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carlos Chavira
Horrible No more Latin music Change the music and I’ll change the review
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 5
Lauren Fest
I had the most incredible experience celebrating my birthday here, and it was all thanks to the amazing team. Our server Jon went above and beyond—he was so knowledgeable about my allergies (gluten and dairy) and made me feel completely safe and comfortable eating, which is not always easy to find. He was not only attentive and thoughtful, but also so genuine. When I mentioned he reminded me of my best friend, he even brought me a postcard to write to him—such a kind and personal touch that truly made my night special.
The General Manager, Sebastian, also stopped by our table and was equally professional, warm, and welcoming. It really stood out how much he cared about our experience, and his presence added to the amazing hospitality.
On top of the incredible service, the food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere made the whole evening feel even more special. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday dinner, and I cannot wait to bring my family and friends back here soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Silvia Herrera (Marciana)
The music sucks here and the staff is incredibly rude. This used to be a cool spot but not anymore.
Marly Frederique
Food is pretty good. I think some are overpriced like their pork empanadas or yucca fritters but they do taste great! Their coconut milk ceviche (Tuna Coco Crudo) is surprisingly delightful. Sometimes in the evening it can be a little too loud and you can’t hear your own voice in conversations. Music is great, though I wish they would switch it up sometimes. Service is always great for me no matter the time of day.
They have decided to not have good music at nights. It was one of the few nice places to dance. Management have decided to kill the place ? Suicide move.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
JJ O
I went here with a group of 6 friends for a dinner. The place is gorgeous. I loved the atmosphere. The food was amazing. It is tapas style and the cocktails were great as well. I would definitely recommend!!
Mariel Underground was under renovation and they were keeping the upstairs restaurant space open till 2am. Went here on a friday night, miami type vibe. Great food, drinks, atmosphere with a group of friends or date. Music was house/trance. Prices were on the high end as expected, but food was also great. Would return here again to start the night, before the club or a chill date night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kayla Tyler
My boyfriend and I went bar hopping and stopped at Mariel for a drink. The vibe there was really upbeat and lively, making it a fun spot to take a break. We tried the yucca nuggets, and they were delicious! Definitely something we would order again. We are looking forward to going back soon to try more from their menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Hillary Flynn
Gabriel the bartender, he’s freaking amazing all my friends want to come back and the vibe is great. Highly recommend this place and specifically this bartender who is working on a Wednesday early evening
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Nathan
We went to Mariel for Sunday brunch. It was delicious. From the coco limeade, which was cool and creamy, to the cubano, which had all of the flavors we seek in that traditional sandwich and was cooked just right, to the sweet corn arepa with light and flavorful eggs and arepas, to the guava pancakes, which I could eat every day, it was a great meal. We will be back soon for dinner.
This place has very great service and is open late which is a rarity and great for downtown boston.
I used to come here with friends and always recommended it: delicious food, a packed atmosphere, Latin music that made everyone get up and dance by the bar after dinner. It wasn’t a nightclub, but it had that magic; by midnight the place was alive, full of energy, full of joy. It was so popular that reservations were hard to get.
But now… it’s the opposite. Empty, people just sitting, no energy, almost like a funeral. The music is no longer Latin, and when guests asked the DJ to play reggaeton, the answer was: “No, because the music policy changed.” How can a place that sells itself as Latin turn its back on the very culture and vibe that made it special?
We spent over $300 for a bitter night, with none of the spirit that used to make Mariel unique. By 12:30 am (what used to be the peak of the night) the place was dead. I saw people walk in, get disappointed, and leave immediately. That hurts not only customers, but also the staff and the owners: can’t they see their revenue won’t be the same if they kill what once made Mariel thrive? No wonder the Underground closed…if they keep this up, the same will happen upstairs.
As a Latina, I feel disappointed and even insulted. A place that used to celebrate our culture now silences it. That’s not just discouraging, it feels discriminatory. What’s the point of calling yourself Latin if the music, the vibe, the joy aren’t truly Latin anymore?
To the owners: Mariel was more than just a restaurant, it was community, culture, and life. Changing that essence means losing everything.
And to those looking for an authentic Latin experience in Boston: sadly, Mariel is no longer that place.
Antes Mariel era un rincón latino vibrante en Boston. Hoy ya no lo es. Como latina me siento decepcionada e insultada porque un lugar que se vendía como latino ya no respira lo latino en su esencia. No pierdas tu tiempo, ya no ponen música latina!!!!!!
Atmosphere: 1
portions were tiny not even good… and i get that it’s and “upscale” restaurant but at least make the food taste good. it’s very pretty inside but music was too loud to over compensate whatever was going on. we got the mini lobster tacos, miso chilean sea bass, and miami bond martini. the martini was disappointing it was the thickest layer of oil separating from the liquor. you couldn’t even taste the strawberry vodka. it was straight oil and vodka and each sip had a film of grease in my mouth. so so disappointing. also nightlife is mid and the bouncers are always so rude. save your time.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
I’ve been here a couple of times for dinner and once for brunch. They have a great menu and drinks too. And amazing options for vegetarians too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Horrible
No more Latin music
Change the music and I’ll change the review
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 5
I had the most incredible experience celebrating my birthday here, and it was all thanks to the amazing team. Our server Jon went above and beyond—he was so knowledgeable about my allergies (gluten and dairy) and made me feel completely safe and comfortable eating, which is not always easy to find. He was not only attentive and thoughtful, but also so genuine. When I mentioned he reminded me of my best friend, he even brought me a postcard to write to him—such a kind and personal touch that truly made my night special.
The General Manager, Sebastian, also stopped by our table and was equally professional, warm, and welcoming. It really stood out how much he cared about our experience, and his presence added to the amazing hospitality.
On top of the incredible service, the food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere made the whole evening feel even more special. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday dinner, and I cannot wait to bring my family and friends back here soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The music sucks here and the staff is incredibly rude. This used to be a cool spot but not anymore.
Food is pretty good. I think some are overpriced like their pork empanadas or yucca fritters but they do taste great! Their coconut milk ceviche (Tuna Coco Crudo) is surprisingly delightful. Sometimes in the evening it can be a little too loud and you can’t hear your own voice in conversations. Music is great, though I wish they would switch it up sometimes. Service is always great for me no matter the time of day.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tapas, Pork Empanadas, Tuna Coco Crudo
They have decided to not have good music at nights. It was one of the few nice places to dance. Management have decided to kill the place ? Suicide move.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
I went here with a group of 6 friends for a dinner. The place is gorgeous. I loved the atmosphere. The food was amazing. It is tapas style and the cocktails were great as well. I would definitely recommend!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Mariel Underground was under renovation and they were keeping the upstairs restaurant space open till 2am. Went here on a friday night, miami type vibe. Great food, drinks, atmosphere with a group of friends or date. Music was house/trance. Prices were on the high end as expected, but food was also great. Would return here again to start the night, before the club or a chill date night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My boyfriend and I went bar hopping and stopped at Mariel for a drink. The vibe there was really upbeat and lively, making it a fun spot to take a break. We tried the yucca nuggets, and they were delicious! Definitely something we would order again. We are looking forward to going back soon to try more from their menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Gabriel the bartender, he’s freaking amazing all my friends want to come back and the vibe is great. Highly recommend this place and specifically this bartender who is working on a Wednesday early evening
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went to Mariel for Sunday brunch. It was delicious. From the coco limeade, which was cool and creamy, to the cubano, which had all of the flavors we seek in that traditional sandwich and was cooked just right, to the sweet corn arepa with light and flavorful eggs and arepas, to the guava pancakes, which I could eat every day, it was a great meal. We will be back soon for dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Not traditional cuban at all
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