Maria's Cafe & Restaurant Inc.

I went for dinner on a Friday night. The restaurant's atmosphere was disappointing. The place was very dark, illuminated by Christmas lights only, and played very loud music. The dark space, loud music, and sparce patronage gave the overall impression of a lonely bar, not a cafe or restaurant. The server was very friendly, helpful, and attentive, so I rate the service highly. I ordered the birria tacos and chicken milanesa. The milanesa was excellent, the tacos and black beans were just OK, the birria consume was spicy but lacking flavor, and the rice was unseasoned and uninteresting. Overall, the food was mixed between great and uninspired.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 4

Hidden gem alert!
I don’t usually venture past Wheaton Mall when I’m in the area, but today I’m so glad I did. I stopped by Maria’s and got to try their bean and cheese pupusas and plantain empanadas—and wow, what an experience.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly and treated amazingly by the cashier. The place was spotless, which is always a huge plus in my book.

Now, let’s get into the food. The pupusas were great—classic, flavorful, and hit all the right notes. But let me tell you… the plantain empanada stole the show. This was authenticity at its finest! The homemade taste was unmatched, and honestly, I haven’t found anything like it in this area.

If you’re looking for a spot with next-level authentic flavors, Maria’s is the place. I’ll definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Plantain Empanada

Many Hot! 😍😍😍

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Received warm welcome walking in. The staff quickly did the checking and explained the ingredients of the sweet empanada and pupusa. While waiting, found they having interesting table settings for El Salvador and holiday season as well. The sweet empanada was warm and tasted great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Empanada, Plantain Empanada

Excellent friendly services everything excellent 100% recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I definitely recommend eating at this place! They make you feel at home!❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is delicious and service was great! Nice large portions and great value! Definitely coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A firm 4.5. The food was wonderful, went with the popular lomo saltado, was among the better versions I've eaten. Service was prompt. Restaurant is clean.

The half star is docked because their air conditioning is pretty weak. It felt only slightly cooler inside on a 95 degree day. I sweat the entire time.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

So happy I found this place and it’s only a block away from my house! The best barria tacos I’ve ever had! Spent date night here and the margaritas and outdoor seating was definitely a vibe 10/10!!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Birria Tacos

A former regular at this establishment; was turned away at one point when I made a critique about the type of fish used in a dish one day because of my dietary restrictions. Having a relationship with the business as a regular, the manager proceeded to approach me and take my criticism to heart in a manner; which was not becoming of a business owner looking to expand, but neither that of someone having a respectable relationship prior. As a result, I was told to “leave”, “cook at home” and more. It’s disheartening to want to support local businesses repeatedly, and be treated as such. I say that if you are to eat here, have the lowest expectations possible and not be “too picky” or have dietary restrictions, as you’ll be told the same in response by the owner nonetheless. Nevertheless, a week before- I’d ordered 20 wings with fries for my nieces, and nothing was said when one niece got sick as a result of the old grease used. EXTREME caution is needed when eating here.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Nachos Con Carne

Great food + big portions

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very happy this restaurant is in the neighborhood! Great food, reasonable prices, fast service, and friendly hosts. My go to when craving pupusas, quesadillas, and baleadas.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Quesadilla, Baleada Mixta Mixed Baleada, Carne Asada, Birria Tacos

The food overall was very good. The pupusas were great, and the berrios tacos were also good. Pricing has gone up slightly from the menus posted online.

The music inside the resturant was VERY loud and they had on an annoying DJ/club music instead of normal music.

They add on a 4% "convenience fee" without telling you. This is not a credit card fee because they add it on before you pay. This is alway absolutely ridiculous to raise your prices AND add the fee. What is the fee?

Overall food is good, but getting more expensive. Atmosphere is meh and convenience fee just excessive.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Had tamales and pupusas here for lunch takeout. Everything was delicious, service was prompt and polite. I forgot about that yummy condiment with the cabbage- was so tasty! The only thing left was to take a nap afterwards!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent service, food, atmosphere, flavor and quantity. 100% recommendedThere are other places in the area but with tremendous hustle and bustle, alcohol, etc. not suitable for families.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Birria Tacos