Maria’s Mexican Taco’s

Food was good, not great. We had enchiladas plate. I had chicken and my husband had the carnitas, which was lean. He enjoyed his dish. It is counter service. Service is friendly and so are the patrons. We would eat here again.

Maria’s was recommended to me by my son and daughter in law. It is a family owned business. I didn’t seem to care for it as much as my kids. Atmosphere was so so. The food was about the same. I will try it again some day to give them a second chance.

Maria’s is one of the best local «hole in the wall» Mexican places around, since those always have the best food! And yes it has that styling and décor, get over it… it’s an old building with Mexican decorations… are you coming here for the décor OR THE FOOD?! Oh that’s right it’s the food… The food is always delicious and they always have an assortment of tacos and seafood tacos! The burritos are fantastic. After I eat one I always think to myself that I should have gotten more tacos and more burritos haha. Always look forward to going and enjoying the food, chips an beer.

I love Maria’s! I always order the super crispy carnitas burrito with no produce (as recommended by another Unilocaler) and I’m so happy with it! When we first started eating here we went all the time. Like everyday. Finally we slowed way down because we were spending like $ 60+ a week haha. I don’t get lettuce in my burrito because I just don’t like it. I wish I had a picture, but trust me on this. It may look like a hole in the wall (their landlord is a jerk) but it’s uh-​mazing! Cecilia is such a sweetheart and she always takes the time talk to us and remember our order even when it’s been awhile.

I can’t believe all these reviews that have no chill.
Is the service slow? Sometimes.
Is the place a little dark? Usually.
Is it a little dive-​y? Definitely.
Is the food delicious? Always.
It’s unassuming and the time it takes to actually get your food can be… well, apparently upsetting. But hey, you’ve been warned. And the salsa bar is free, so you could stick it to them by eating your fill before your meal even makes it to the table. The rice and beans are awesome, so are the burritos. The wine margaritas are pretty tasty. Please try the salmon tacos when they’re in. So good. And the owner’s an absolute doll.
By the way, I don’t think you can find a piñata cheaper anywhere else in Northern California. In case you were wondering.

The service was very slow and the food was okay but not great. Husband had a chicken burrito and there was something like little pieces of bone in it throughout. I had super nachos with steak and they were okay but not great. The servings were ample, but I wasn’t crazy about what I was eating so that’s not really a bonus.
The ambiance is dark and pretty divey. I don’t think we will be back. P

Not horrible, but definately won’t be back. Food was bland, salsa tasted like tomatoes. They pan fried the Lengua until it’s was charred and burnt, a total waste. The tamale was pork with red sauce, edible but nothing to write home about.
People were friendly.
It was apparent the reviews about how excellent the food was must come from patrons that have not had really delicious mexican food.

The real deal. Authentic, so many options (octopus, cow tongue, etc) the wait time is… Long. I suggest you call in, and pick up. It’s worth the wait though. Great burritos. Nice people.

Yum! Great spot on the way to or from Tahoe. Their goat tacos or so moist and flavorful if they have them when you go. I got chicken burrito. The chicken is ground which is my only critique. Everything else was good. Delicious salsa bar!

Seriously reminded me of Ensenada back in the early 70s — before all the hype. Great enchilada/​ranchero sauce, all the Jarrito’s flavors and a mismatched, no frills eating area. Who cares? The food I had was good — that’s why I went.

Well. We are planning our wedding in grass valley for July 30. Not being from the area we didn’t know who to get to cater. We knew we wanted delicious Authentic Mexican food but didn’t know where to find it. After reading Unilocal recommendations, we tried Maria’s. Not only are their beans and rice vegetarian but the were beyond delicious. The beans are very unique and have a flavor that I can’t stop thinking about. We are definitely choosing Maria’s for our wedding! I’ve literally been craving it since we left! I’ll update the review after July 30!
Ps. I read some of the reviews that dogged on the restaurant atmosphere. I feel like these people have only been to commercial Mexican restaurants. The best Mexican places are always the ones that seem a lil’ sketchy :-)

Anyone who posts a favorable review of this place is on their payroll! Absolutely awful.

I’ve had a few good meals here, but the problem is you never know what you’re gonna get. Quality is hit and miss. One day you can have the best burrito you’ve ever had, and the next time you’re there you have the worst one.

This place is one of Auburns hidden gems. If you want REAL mexican food. It’s not fancy (Picnic tables inside and a small outdoor seating area). The food is great. Love the Carnitas and the Pastor and the prices are fast food reasonable, and if you feel a deep need for a Dora the Explorer pinnate… you can get one there too.

Oh my goodness… what a terrible experience. Came here on my way home from Tahoe after reading many good reviews about this place. Although the food was decent (and that’s a stretch to be honest) nothing can make up for the horrendous service. We ordered to go and noticed a few people waiting ahead of us for their food as well. Little did we know, some of those people had been waiting for 30 to 45 minutes already! We should’ve turned around and left the moment that we found that out but remained positive after the only waitress/​cashier in the entire restaurant told us it would only be about 15 minutes. An hour later I was fuming, as well as the others, some of whom were requesting a refund so that they could take their business elsewhere. The waitress was somewhat apologetic but was also awkwardly arguing with the cook in the back. The place was humid and the chip/​salsa bowls for people to serve themselves were empty and gross looking. An hour and 10 minutes later we got our food that we had planned to get to go so that we could get home in good time. All in all, terrible experience and this place clearly needs to work on their staffing issues/​customer service.

Love this place! Perfect place to go after a ride. I just wish they had hard cider instead of only beer options.
Or even better if their horchata was homemade!

Let’s be honest, my family and I will travel just about anywhere for good food. Needless to say, a 30 minute drive to Auburn, CA to try Maria’s Mexican Tacos wasn’t a big deal. This restaurant belongs on Diners, Drive-​Ins and Dives based on the décor alone. I can’t tell if the place needs to be torn down, fumigated, or classified as a National Historic Landmark. With pinatas hanging from the rafters, the smell of fried food coming from the kitchen, and a sticky floor — I was expecting the most authentic Mexican food around, or a bad case of food poisoning.
In my humble opinion, the menu offers standard fare (nothing out of the ordinary) – burritos, tacos, chile rellenos, etc., and the prices were a little inflated. However, I have to admit, the food was actually pretty tasty– besides the re-​fried beans. For lunch, I ordered the regular carnitas burrito which included the aforementioned beans, cilantro, onions, and their hot salsa (I asked them to bring the heat!). The carnitas was not too fatty, and that hot salsa pooled up nicely in the bottom of my burrito which made for an entertaining last bite. My son ordered the kids quesadilla with rice and beans. He seemed to enjoy it – but then again how can you mess up a quesadilla? My wife ordered a cheese enchilada, and the damn thing was simple –yet delicious. Although the cheese enchiladas have black olives throughout (Boo!), the verde sauce is tangy and addicting. If I had any of my burrito left, I would have dunked it in the enchilada sauce. My older daughter ordered the chicken tacquitos which looked more like flautas. These tacquitos were homemade – not those frozen things you get at Costco. You will want to dip these fried delights into some guacamole and Maria’s house salsa to complete your meal.
Would we drive out to Auburn again to eat here? No – I don’t think so. However, if we were on the way to Reno, and were hungry — I would definitely give this place another shot. Or, if I am ever in the market for a piñata – I may opt to come here instead of Party City.

It’s a local favorite, but the dining room was dim, dirty, and tacky with the off colored paint and décor. I don’t know what grade the health board gave them, but I didn’t like it. The food wasn’t good and the ingredients tasted cheap.

We are coming home from downieville and we were hungry! I was promised by my husband that I would like the food here, as my last Mexican food experience was bad (see review for Tacos Jaliscos).
The restaurant is small with quaint decorations. I had no idea what I wanted so I ordered my husbands super carne asada burrito with mild salsa. There soon was a line behind me, so I got out of line to read their menu. I chose a sopa but they were out I ordered a chicken burrito and as I was checking out the woman stated «next time order all your good together». Umm no I won’t do this. My husband was starving and minor making him wait to eat while I’m still deciding. My husband said his burrito was good but my chicken was better. the food was okay and the patio was nice. However, I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat here.

Solid Mexican food and one of the best rellenos I’ve ever tasted! They serve tortillas that were decent, though not homemade. Good portions, salsa had a nice kick and the chips were warm. You order at the counter and then they bring your meal to you. Service is good, carnitas crisp and flavorful and prices are fair.
Winning.