Mamajuana Cafe Philly

Latin American restaurant · Northern Liberties

Mamajuana Cafe Philly

Latin American restaurant · Northern Liberties

1

1000 Frankford Ave #1, Philadelphia, PA 19125

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Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by CANDIS R. MCLEAN
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null
Mamajuana Cafe Philly by null

Highlights

Dive into a chic haven where Latin American flavors and lively cocktails collide, all set in a stylish ambiance reminiscent of colonial Santo Domingo.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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1000 Frankford Ave #1, Philadelphia, PA 19125 Get directions

mamajuanacafephilly.com
@mamajuanacafephilly

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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1000 Frankford Ave #1, Philadelphia, PA 19125 Get directions

+1 267 534 5819
mamajuanacafephilly.com
@mamajuanacafephilly

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Mar 9, 2025

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"The first time we came to Mamajuana Cafe, we saw people commemorating birthdays and graduations. But celebrating something here is as disappointing as a marriage proposal in the cutlery aisle of TJ Maxx. From the time-consuming tablet menu to the sparklers even the servers look bored by, almost everything at the massive Fishtown restaurant is mediocrity masquerading as extravagance. The chicken empanadas are dry, the flavorless paella is full of rubbery seafood, and the mystery ceviche looks like construction site materials on a plate. Skip the worst margarita and meal you’ve had in weeks, and head anywhere else instead (even TJ Maxx for a tin of popcorn)." - Candis R. McLean

Mamajuana Cafe Philly Review - Fishtown - Philadelphia - The Infatuation
View Postcard for Mamajuana Cafe Philly

Brielle Castillo

Google
Would not recommend to anyone who is looking to have a good dining experience. Coming in the host was rude and very off putting and was more involved in her conversation then wanting to sit us then told us to go sit in the high top bar area where we sat for 5-10 and no one greeted us. I asked for a table was sat and again a server took 10 -15 minutes to come over and greet us. We put in drinks and an appetizer at this time just for the appetizer to come out ( which was like warm at best) and the server not to check on us. It took almost an hour for us to even put in our entrees. Manuel is not a good server and lacks multitasking skills. We had to ask multiple times for water just for him to forget. Towards the end of the meal it took forever for us to get boxes. The food was mid at best and really was disappointed. We paid the bill not realizing that 15% was already added to the check so ofc we tipped on top of that not realizing until we already lest the restaurant. We tipped $50 unknowingly for awful service from Manuel. I called asking if there was anything they could do such as refund just to be told no not at this time. I am extremely disappointed in the whole restaurant and will not be dining here again. If you get Manuel as a server I suggest you ask for another one.

Estefani Caballero

Google
✨LOVELY PLACE✨ were do I even start! This place is a MUST try it’s lovely, the food is good, the atmosphere has good vibes and the music very pleasant. My only small issue is the waiting which it’s understandable due to so many people wanting to try it! I celebrated my birthday here and I made the right choice☺️I’ll definitely be back soon!

Unique Unique

Google
I love it here! The food, the ambience, the drinks! The service was nice and the food came out fast. Our waitress Genesis was very sweet and she’s very pretty btw :)

Ava McClendon

Google
I get that this location is trying to be more upscale vs the other Mamajuanas, but the experience was nowhere near it. First of all, my table was given away prematurely after not even being more than 15 minutes late (also had to wait in line for an additional several minutes before getting to hostess). Then I was seated in lounge chairs with a literal COFFEE TABLE for my ANNIVERSARY DINNER. This area is definitely great for just having a drink, but I was so shocked to see many other guests having to hunch over and DINE on such a small, low table. All that money put towards those chairs and tables could’ve been spent on actual dining furniture they need to serve the people they DO NOT have room for. Then the tablet that one of us was using froze and died. We ended up being seated at the bar and receiving food. Bar chairs are super low and I felt awkward. Overall, the food wasn’t bad but the presentation wasn’t thought through well enough. Why put a STACK of rice on a small tea plate? A mess literally waiting to happen honestly. I suggest another round of interior design and a food presentation consult with an actual upscale chef.

Kevin Mesquita

Google
Really enjoyed my time at Mamajuana Cafe Philly. The fries were so good I had to order another round, and the drinks were strong and well-made. The atmosphere was on point—great Spanish music and a lively vibe. I tried the sushi, which was decent, but nothing standout. They celebrate birthdays in a big way here, so it gets loud, but it’s all part of the fun. Definitely a good spot for dinner or a night out.

Luz Mendez

Google
On January 17, 2025, I called before 5 PM to check if I could come in without a reservation since I had two small children. Over the phone, I was assured it would be fine to come without one. However, when I arrived before 5 PM, they told me they couldn’t provide a proper table and seated us in the most uncomfortable spot. I would have understood if the place had been packed, but it wasn’t—there was hardly anyone there. We stayed until almost 7 PM, and the restaurant remained empty, which made the whole experience even more frustrating and disappointing. I visit this place with my husband every other weekend, so this was unexpected and upsetting. The manager didn’t address our concerns or even acknowledge the situation, which made it worse. That said, the waiter was very kind and attentive, and I did express my concerns to him. If you plan to visit this restaurant, I highly recommend making a reservation, even if the place seems empty, and be prepared for less-than-ideal accommodations if you have small children.As you call by the pictures the place was empty.

Briana

Google
Went here 430pm on a Wednesday to celebrate my bday and received great service. Started at happy hour, moved to a table. Staff was polite, friendly and welcoming, great energy. Adam, the bartender was truly wonderful, kept me great company while I waited for the rest of my party. I didn’t want to leave the bar when my party came! The drinks were delic. The restaurant is beautiful, from top to bottom. I enjoyed the empanadas. Our serve Genesis was great as well! The snapper was okay, but I’m not a huge fan of rice or fried fish. Highly recommend and will return.

Cherry

Google
The staff, atmosphere, ambience and esthetics were stunning, I had a few lemon drops and they were also superb. BUT the food did not quite meet my expectations for Latin food, it was lacking so much flavor in almost everything I ordered, I tried a little of EVERYTHING!! I was also disappointed in the portions also for the prices. The bill for two people was very close to $400 you pay for the ambiance not great food. I want to pay for BOTH!! I ordered 2 apps, 2 drinks each and 2 entrees. This on top of parking, I will not return.

Nia D.

Yelp
This was our first time going here. We came out with a large group for someone's birthday and had good experience. The vibe there is cool, giving a bit of an island like feel, dim lighting at night with a DJ playing music. Food was really good - large portions, flavorful and well seasoned. We shared the Fried Calamari as an app, he got the Fettuccine Oxtail while I ordered the Yucafongo with Shrimp and Lobster for our entrees. Then my cousin let us try a piece of the Mamajuana Roll. For drinks, I got a Passion Fruit Margarita then a Mai Tai - I should've stuck with the passion fruit marg the whole time, but only because I think Mao Tai just isn't my drink. But the drinks were made well. Though I was prepared since I looked at the menu beforehand, the options can feel/seem a bit pricey for some people so maybe check out the options before you go. We said we would want to come back to check out brunch. Tip for paying with larger groups: The max they will split the bill is into two separate checks and they of course automatically add gratuity, so advise bringing enough cash for your portion (food+drinks, tax and gratuity).

Jody S.

Yelp
Since I saw this establishment being renovated, I had a preview of Mamajuana coming soon so I couldn't wait for the occasion to partake! Add to that the social media promotion and the long patron lines out the doors solidified that this was the place to go. The opportunity came for my pre-birthday get together. Once entering we registered our reservation and was in awe of the decoration, the music, the energy, and vibe. It was very aesthetically pleasing with a sophisticated Caribbean vibe. Once seated we ordered our drinks, which were delicately created ensembles. They were also delicious. The food on the other hand was just okay. I heard from others prior to patronizing that for the prices and the food taste and quality didn't match, and now I agree with that statement. Prepare to spend a lot but you should lower your expectation on the meal you choose. Lastly the birthday song and entertainment had everyone in the entire establishment joining in and the jingle was in my head for days! That was awesome!

Nik K.

Yelp
I visited this restaurant when it was Blue Fin and I loved it! So, I was happy to see a new restaurant at the same location. Plus my friend mentioned great things about MamaJuana. We opted to have our Christmas Eve dinner here at 4:00 pm. We usually try to eat early so we have time to chill and relax later in the evening. We arrived around 3:58 and the front door was locked. Employees were scurrying about not making any eye contact with us or the other patrons that were waiting outside. A manager appeared around 4:03 or so and opened the door with a beautiful smile and early Christmas greeting. As we approached the host stand, we saw a couple discussing their reservation + bday dinner. I thought it was odd that a couple was locked in the restaurant while the rest of us were locked out of the restaurant. Anyway, I gave the name for our reservation and we were seated 2-3 mins later. The restaurant itself is decorated beautifully. The tables are large, seating is plentiful and the atmosphere is unique. Our waiter greeted us and asked if we decided on drinks. I opted to dry the Lychee Martin. My partner had an old fashioned. For an app, I asked for the empanada trio, which consisted of a chicken, beef and shrimp empanada. Our waiter advised they only had chicken. So, I asked if they had the skewer sampler (2 beef skewers, 1 chicken, and 2 shrimp). He obliged. Our drinks arrived maybe 5 mins later. My martini was strong (the way I like 'em) and delicious. My partner liked his old fashioned. Our skewers arrived about 10-12 mins later. I started with my beef skewer. The beef was tender, seasoned and delicious. The chicken was good also. However, the shrimp wasn't memorable. I'm not sure about the dipping sauce that was served. It tasted like a cocktail sauce. I don't believe it paired well with any of the meats other than the shrimp. I think the restaurant should offer a sweet Thai chili sauce since that usually pairs well With beef, chicken or seafood. Next up, our entrees. I wanted to try the oxtails. Now, let me say I have thee worst luck with it comes to restaurant entrees. I usually don't have the pleasure of getting the first option I choose at most restaurants, so I always have a back-up plan option. Mamajuana kept my streak going. I wanted to try the oxtails, the waiter said they ran out. Now, how do you run out of oxtails for Christmas Eve dinner?!! I'll never know. I would think the restaurant would have made extra oxtails in anticipation of both, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (they had Christmas Day brunch reservations too). Thus, my back-up was the MamaJuana Pernil. My partner went with the Chicken Cordon Blue. The entree wait wasn't that long. We were excited to get the additional food and ordered another round of drinks. Our food arrived and I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the pernil. I basically received 1/2 or a large pork shoulder or maybe an entire small pork shoulder along with rice and tostones. I knew I wouldn't even make it through 1/4 of my pernil. However, I gave a valiant effort. My partner really liked his cordon blue. He finished all of it. I asked if he wanted some pernil and he mentioned it was too much. Haha. Now, back to my pernil. The meat was tender, flavorful and juicy. I truly enjoyed the meat portion. But we know the best part of the pernil is the skin. I cut a piece of the skin and tasted it..I must say MamaJuana missed the mark completely. The skin was disgusting. It actually tasted like "pig" and even had a piggy smell. So, I concluded that the preparer really didn't do a good job with cleaning the pernil skin. I immediately removed the enter layer of skin and placed it on another plate. I never went near it again. The rice was dry and tostones were tasteless, flavorless and not good at all. Overall, I would say MamaJuana is an okay food option or maybe even a Happy Hour place. I wouldn't try the pernil ever again, but maybe if I were in the area I would give them another shot for drinks and light bites. I'm in no rush though.

Courtney R.

Yelp
I went here for a birthday celebration ...and here's how it went. It's absolutely adorable here ! It's totally instagramnable here. The energy from the decor & staff is very lively. Upon being seated the menus are presented on individual tablets; it was very easy to navigate. The drink menu offered unique cocktails as well as traditional ones. I was pleased with my drink, it was unique, tasted delicious but wasn't very strong. For my meal I ordered the Camaron Con Con, which was a special menu item. It tasted pretty good, but could have used a tad bit more flavor. My friend ordered the NY Strip Steak and it was grilled to perfection and the presentation was great . For the birthday girl they played "the birthday song" and brought out the signs and sparklers which I thought was super cute. We had a late reservation so we were among the last to leave and the staff was still gracious to us! Pro Tip: Gratuity is added to all bills it's pretty generous ..

Hannah M.

Yelp
I recently dined at Mamajuana in Philly, and it was an incredible experience that beautifully blends dinner with nightlife! From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the beautiful decor and vibrant Latin music that set a festive atmosphere. We started with the empanadas trio, and they were phenomenal--each one bursting with flavor and perfectly crisp. For the main course, I had the oxtail meal, which was tender and rich, and the oxtail ragu was outstanding, featuring a deliciously robust sauce that complemented the meat beautifully. The meat skewers were a highlight too, seasoned to perfection and grilled just right. I opted to sit at the bar, and I couldn't have asked for better service. The bar staff was attentive and knowledgeable, making great recommendations and crafting some amazing cocktails. Overall, Mamajuana offers a fantastic dining experience with vibrant energy, delicious cuisine, and a lively atmosphere. I can't wait to return for another amazing night!

Quita M.

Yelp
I absolutely love Mamajuana Cafe! The staff is so nice and and attentive. I love the way they decorate for the different holidays. This was for Valentine's Day. The drinks are so awesome and I love the beautiful glassware. Their margaritas are definitely in my top five and the Long Island is in my top one lol. We went during happy hour, which was pretty cool. I would definitely return for dinner.

Margarita R.

Yelp
I want to start by saying that I don't usually deduct this many stars from a restaurant for service, but this restaurant took the cake (not in a good way). We made a reservation and were seated a little earlier which was nice. We ordered yuca fries, red snapper (it came with tostones), and a pork dish. What followed was a full hour of waiting for our food and having to beg for drinks. The service was not good, although Sebastian did try to make an effort. To us, it seemed like the kitchen was in disarray. We asked for a manager and David, the manager, did everything he could to avoid us. Instead of coming over, he told the waiter they would deduct a couple of drinks from our bill. We demanded to have him come over and asked what else he could do to compensate us for waiting. He said he'd return but he never did. When we finally received our food, it was missing the yuca fries. So we had to wait additional time for that. I was surprised that I had to take apart my pork because it was a whole pork leg! I didn't enjoy that process, but overall my dish was delicious. The red snapper was also really tasty but my partner felt like it wasn't the weight advertised. For dessert, we chose the coconut tres leche which was fantastic!! The atmosphere is fun, instagrammable, and modern. It is a pretty large restaurant. It seems as though they have certain times where they sing happy birthday in groups to all the birthday people in the restaurant. It was a bit annoying to hear their loud happy birthday song 5 times back to back. Every hour or so. The food was wonderful and authentic but I don't think I'd come back here.

Deedee G.

Yelp
I've visited this place on two separate occasions. The staff here are friendly, and welcoming. The place is absolutely gorgeous inside. This restaurant gives out of town vibes for sure. I'm glad we have a place like this in town aesthetically. The service is slow so be prepared to be very patient. This place can also be very loud and have club like lighting. Furthermore the food here is mediocre in comparison to many other Latin restaurants.

Tammy T.

Yelp
The food and ambiance are amazing. I enjoyed the experience much more than I expected. We ordered the New York strip steak.And it was so delicous and flavorful. And The presentation of all of the food is immaculate.. I also ordered the Mamajuana special sushi. And I must say...it was the best sushi I've ever had. It was completely different from typical Asian style sushi. It had delicious cooked steak, shrimp, and plantain inside. It was so amazing! Top tier. The friend fish was a little bland unfortunately but had a good presentation. The atmosphere is fabulous and very lively and fun. Our server was great. He was very bubbly and friendly. The only issue was that the Service is extremely slow. It took an hour just to receive drinks. And at least an hour and a half before we received our appetizers. Also the menu items are more on the pricey side. And Parking is $25 for valet. Or you can park across the street at Rivers casino for free. The restaurant is very loud & lively with good music...similiar to a lounge... if you're looking for that type of upbeat loud atmosphere. I definitely recommend for a group, a celebration or a birthday. I highly recommend visiting this restaurant.

Des R.

Yelp
The food, the ambience and the staff were so great! Every angle of the restaurant was beautiful, the decor and the overall aesthetics were very well chosen. There had to be about 8/9 bday celebrations and the rhythm pulled you in to join the celebrations. I want ti have my bday here. I will def be returning

Sarah A.

Yelp
Mamajuana is a hot spot for snapping pics for the 'gram, seat-dancing to an incredibly loud (especially for a Sunday evening) DJ, and having insubstantial shouting conversations across the table. As other reviewers have noted, each time a birthday is celebrated, the volume is jacked up and never brought back down. Would definitely recommend if you're not very hungry, you don't like the people you're going to dinner with, but you want some content for your social media feed. Unfortunately while the food looks pretty enough on the plate, it severely lacked seasoning (even salt!), to the point where we had to ask for salt/pepper and hot sauce to give it any sort of flavor. And the Manhattan tasted almost identical to the Old Fashioned, except that there was something off with the orange flavor. Note: a substantial gratuity is already included on your bill.

Tiffany M.

Yelp
For starters, Mamajuana is a chain Dominican restaurant. I've been to the ones in New York, Elizabeth, NJ and Woodbridge, NJ. The newly opened one in Philadelphia maintains the same type of aesthetics and menu as the others. I'll start off with the service. Unfortunately, it could be better and a bit less scattered. The host staff was welcoming and accommodating but we waited so long to be seated, I would say a half hour over our allotted reservation time. They did offer us a complimentary shot of Mamajuana, on the house, for the inconvenience. Once we were finally seated, the waiter seemed to be in his own world, didn't speak much. Zero interpersonal skills. He was kind though and accommodating, not very attentive but did get us what we needed when we got him. I went in with very low expectations for the food because each location varies in tasting (the importance of a good chef!) For appetizers we had the empanadas and the skewers. I found the skewers to be OK and the empanadas solid, a bit over seasoned, but good. The empanadas came with what I believe to be a cilantro based sauce and it was phenomenal! Ate that with everything else I had! Then for the main course, I had the Yucafongo with Churrasco and wow! Absolutely delicious! I always tend to get the mofongo, so wanted to switch it up and I'm so glad that I did! I highly recommend this dish! The flavors were phenomenal and add that green sauce that came with the empanadas, oof kudos to the chef! I will highlight the drink as well. I had a lychee based drink with vodka and it was super good. Recommend this as well for those who prefer vodka. A note on parking, they charge $25 for valet that after the lot fills up parks your car in the street. Just get there early and look for parking yourself because that's ridiculous. I went with a group of 7 and we spent about $100 each (tip was included). This was with appetizers, drinks, entrée and a shot each. Overall, 3.5 stars.

Patrice M.

Yelp
I have been to Mamajuana Cafe Philly twice, and both times were for birthday celebrations--once for myself and another time for my friend. To begin, I would like to talk about the atmosphere. It's very loud and lively, with a great mix of music that keeps the energy high. It feels almost like a dinner club, with birthday signs, flashing lights, and people singing and dancing. Overall, it's a fun and festive place to celebrate special occasions with friends and family. However, it's becoming one of those popular spots where everyone goes for their birthday, meaning that if you go to dinner, you're likely to hear the staff celebrating another table approximately every 20 minutes. As the celebrations continue throughout the night, the lights flash, and the music gets louder. So, if that's what you're looking for in a dining experience, this restaurant would be the perfect choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and more intimate atmosphere, you may want to consider other dining options. Regarding the food, I have tried their oxtails, sweet plantains, calamari, chicken sticks, and empanadas. Overall, the food is good, but some items fall short, especially for a Caribbean person who knows authentic Caribbean cuisine. The flavors are not quite there. The restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with decent food options for those seeking a celebratory dining experience. However, in both instances, it took a while for the food to come out of the kitchen. The service could be improved in terms of speed and efficiency to enhance the overall dining experience, as waiting for appetizers took longer than expected. This place is Instagram and TikTok-worthy, with its visually appealing dishes and trendy atmosphere.

Katrina S.

Yelp
Great service, tasty drinks, and amazing food - all for a good price! The lemon drop on the happy hour menu was delicious. For food we got the HH mama roll. I'm not usually one to eat steak in my sushi but this just worked! The roll was lightly fried and not overly sauced. The tostones mar y tierra were also a favorite, along with the fish ceviche. The beef carpaccio was a bit disappointing as I didn't really taste the truffle at all. The outdoor / indoor seating near the bar was so pretty and overall a great vibe. Will definitely be back with girlfriends in the future!

Philly C.

Yelp
I dined here with a group for a birthday dinner. We were all very excited to try a new restaurant. We had reservations but had to wait for like 30+ minutes to be seated. We got drinks while we waited and they were very good! While we waited we noticed that they go around to about 10 tables to do a festive and lively birthday song! I loved the cool song and celebration- however after like the 30th time- it could be kind of annoying- LOL! ;) Once we were seated, we placed our order for drinks and apps. They came out fairly quick and everyone seemed pleased. We got empanadas and garlic shrimp- tasty! We ordered our entrees and and we all agrees that the food was pretty good. I ordered the branzino which was also good but the side of mashed potatoes was dry and needed a little flavor. We had celebratory shots and packed up our doggy bags. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and would recommend to others but just know there will be 30+ birthdays songs during your visit.

Rich T.

Yelp
Delightful experience. Food was delicious, service was great, and ambiance was charming. Had the octopus entree and the calamari appetizer, both excellent and cooked perfectly (not always easy with octopus, especially). Would definitely recommend and, as an added bonus, it's super handy to the Fillmore and Brooklyn Bowl and other venues in that area.

Chon D.

Yelp
Great experience from the moment we stepped into Mamajuana. We had reservations and were seated promptly. They use iPads for menus; interesting concept but we were only given one for the table. We started with the fried calamari which was delicious. For the main course, we had the fried snapper with plantains and the lobster mofongo. Everything was delicious. The drinks are pricey but they're strong so you're getting your moneys worth compared to other places. Before coming here I was concerned about the service based on previous reviews. However, our server Genesis was pleasant and attentive.

Marisa C.

Yelp
If you're looking to wait 1 hour for each drink order and 2 hours for your food order... come to this establishment! But keep in mind, they only give you a two hour time slot per table so as soon as you get your food, they begin rushing you out the door. Good luck staying in business running things like this.

Desiree F.

Yelp
One of my friends and I went to meet for food and drinks. When I arrived I found parking on the street nearby. I walked into a really cute restaurant! We sat at the bar and was served by a really nice lady. I ordered wine and a vodka martini. My friend ordered sangria and oxtail and pasta. She liked it a lot. It was a good experience all in all!

Mariel c.

Yelp
The food was ok, the ambience is really nice for pics. The service was really bad, our server looked like he was in a bad mood. They already charge you the tip in the bill. 18 dollar for a cocktail ??. No way. I wouldn't recommend this place at all, come here just if you want to spend a lot of money for a regular food. Never come back again.

L S.

Yelp
Not alot of vegetarian options so I really appreciated that they made a vegetarian dish for me (a pasta dish). This is a Very loud establishment...you've been warned. Birthday shout-outs every 20 minutes & it was a Thursday, I can't imagine Friday & Saturday. I was very pleased with the aesthetic, service, food, & drinks.

Nikki C.

Yelp
Okay so Mamajuana is def a vibe. Went on a Saturday night to celebrate a birthday and the decor did not disappoint. It gave "traveling to a club in the jungle." The music was dumpin and I swear the DJ dropped the beat for birthday shout outs atleast 30 times in the hour we were there. Also, if you go for a birthday that dirt cake plant pot is definitely charged to the bill. Anywho, our server was cool and personable but you could tell he was STRETCHED: forgetting things, running around back and forth, randomly vanishing for long periods of time. The food was...okay. I had the red snapper that came with tostones and it wasn't bad. My table had some complaints about the lack of salt. The drinks weren't worth the price for me. 16 bucks for your normal cocktail and 18 for their specialty cocktails. Nah. A great experience but I wouldn't be back. Way too much going on in there. P.S. feeling lazy and want valet? 25 bucks.

Dalina H.

Yelp
My server PEDRO was awesome! He gave us many many suggestions to try! Although the drink we order wasn't on the menu Pedro made sure to make It possible! Try the "French 75" and thank me later! I have to say the oxtails I ordered may have been one of the best I've had yet. They were so tender and juicy, I had to order a side of plantains to go! The decor is nothing short of amazing! I love how each section has its own personal touch to separate from the others. I'd definitely recommend and I'll definitely return!

K B.

Yelp
I echo the sentiments of others-good vibes, cute decor, very loud, long wait for food, but food was good once it arrived after 45 mins. Thank goodness we had catching up to do and so the long wait wasn't awkward lol. It was not crowded at all when we arrived and put our order in, but it did fill out more as we sat waiting for food. Did not try any cocktails, opted for a bottle of the sparkling rose which we enjoyed. I will revisit for brunch to see how it compares to Mamajuana Paterson, which I loved.

Averrell H.

Yelp
This place was a vibe. Fish town is awesome and this place stands out . I didn't get anyfood or anything cause I stopped in for quick beer while waiting for a friend but man did I wanna stay longer. The menus are all digital and there's tons of tvs to watch sports. The staff was supper friendly and made sure I was comfortable at the bar. This place definitely gets a thumbs up for me.

Frances G.

Yelp
We loved this restaurant! It's beautiful. The food and service were great. The vibes and music were on point. Our server, Genesis, was so sweet and friendly.

Cynthia W.

Yelp
I went here for brunch with my bestie and it was so nice! The ambience was really good. The vibe was there and it was very instagram worthy! Usually when you see places that's cute for instagram the food isn't good. However, this place was the exception, the food was really freaking good! The service was on point. The manager even came to our table to ask if we were enjoying ourselves. I can't wait to come back.

Jessica L.

Yelp
This place was such a vibe! The food and drinks were amazing and our server Willy was the best! Please go and ask for Willy and he will take great care of you.

Daniela E.

Yelp
We only came for drinks so we sat at the bar but our bartender was very attentive and made sure that our drinks were exactly what we wanted! I got a coconut mojito which was delicious, my spouse got a mango margarita also delicious and we had shots of mamajuana! The ambiance went from daytime, low energy as it got later the vibes and music became even more alive. Also, there are so many photo ops here! Next time, we'll come for dinner but hope y'all enjoy!

Steve D.

Yelp
The food was super delicious and would definitely come back again. Additionally, would recommend this place for special occasions.

Anilaury F.

Yelp
I came here for dinner with my family on a Thursday evening. Service was amazing, the drinks were spectacular and aesthetically pleasing, the ambience was definitely there. I personally loved my order of the Yucafongo with Shrimp + Lobster. The appetizers we ordered were great. I took away a star because as beautiful as the restaurant was there was no air conditioner. Also, my boyfriend didn't like his dish - which included pork.. and for the price of the dish we need the food to taste great. Also, I didn't love the dessert. We ordered the chocolate fondue which my daughter didn't like as much and the coconut tres leches which I feel was a bit watered down. This place has so much potential! With the right tweaks this would be a perfect summer spot. But regardless of all the mixed reviews I would come back.

Sue C.

Yelp
I have been an Elite for 10 years, and it pains me to write a subpar review, especially for a new restaurant. So, since this was their soft opening, I will write my suggestions below and give them a pass on the 3-star review until they have time to update some things... First and foremost, the food was delicious and reasonably priced, considering the amount of seafood we received. It was fresh, prepared well, and packed with flavor. The menu is varied, and there is much to choose from for all tastes. The drinks were also delicious, even though they currently only have a few on the menu. I will say I thought the drinks were overpriced in terms of volume, as was the beer. $18 is a bit much for a few ounces of cocktail, and a can of Presidente should not cost $7-8. I suggest lowering it by at least $3-4 all around. The draft beer was also not functioning when we were there. They have a gorgeous "wine closet" as you walk in; however, when we asked about a wine menu, no one seemed to know what was going on. Our accommodating waiter returned and started rambling about the varietals, which I already understood. We know you'll have a Cabernet, Merlot, etc. We wanted a specific wine list to purchase a bottle with dinner. However, based on the cocktail prices, now I'm concerned about the prices of your wine. I sure hope it's only 2-2.5 times retail because if it's greater than that, you need to update those prices, too. Whether you're a chain or not, this is not Manhattan, and we won't pay 4 times retail. Vivino is an efficient app to inform us about retail wine prices :-). Also, we had been trying to reach the restaurant all day to update our number for the dinner party, and we never got anyone to answer. I also sent a few instant messages via IG, but no response. That too needs some work. Last but not least, I was unhappy we were charged 18% gratuity on a party of four for dinner. We tipped more and left additional funds on the table, but you need to tell the table they are being charged. Had we not paid close attention to our bill, we would have been double charged gratuity, which is unacceptable. If you want to charge parties greater than two an 18% gratuity, post this somewhere before seating or serving. Typically, gratuity is added to tables of six or more. We had a lovely time and will return, but I hope you take note of my suggestions as a frequent diner, not because I think I know best, but because I know what is considered commonplace in this area. Best of luck with the opening, and we look forward to dining with you once more!

Rasheda ..

Yelp
So we tried a Latin restaurant tonight we wanted to have something different for Dinner, food was pretty good. I had stuffed snapper my friend had grilled chicken. The drinks were amazing. I had a lemon drop and he had a beer. The service was pretty good. Our food came out fast. The other tables were complaining because they placed their order before us but our food came out first. The ambience was very romantic is a perfect place for date night or for a gathering for the girls and close friends. It's good for groups. The bathrooms were very clean and smelled very good which was weird. I never seen that in a restaurant A lot of birthdays were being celebrated there. Good music was being played and it's perfect for pictures. I will be going back.

Angelo A.

Yelp
The food lacked flavor and almost everything, including the tiramisu was very dry. The worst part was that they held us hostage until the gift card cleared. I told them to their faces that we'd never return under any circumstances. The tip was included in the bill but we gave extra which I now regret.

Kathy S.

Yelp
The service wasn't that good because we waited for a long time to get situated. The food could definitely have more of a broad or more varieties in the menu. But the atmosphere there is definitely really pretty and cute for taking pictures and stuff like that.

Daniela D.

Yelp
Went to the recently opened Mamajuana- Philly location. It had such a beautiful ambiance. The decorations were super pretty and all the employees were incredibly nice. The food was super good and the drinks were on point. I was surprised that not more people were dancing but I think we were there relatively early. The party vibes were just getting started around 10ish. Definitely recommend for a good date night or even girls night out

Klever N.

Yelp
-Nice place, good ambience. -Good drinks and food. Good selection of typical Dominican dishes. -A little pricey for what you get. -Could do better to cut down wait time. - our waitress was nice but wasn't too attempting. We told her we had an hour to eat since we were attending a concert. Ended up eating halfway through since it took almost 40 minutes to get our food. Was only my wife and I.

Angela S.

Yelp
Was here yesterday. Was excited to visit after seeing a few instagram videos. The restaurant is gorgeous. From swinging chairs at the door, velvet seating, gorgeous bars, and grass walls. The customer service was okay. Our waitress showed a little personality towards the end when they did the birthday tribute to our friend. The menu is displayed on a tablet, which is cute. However, I wasnt too crazy about the menu though. I ordered the empandas as an app and the oxtail pasta for my entree. The empandas were really good. Loved the sauce they paired them with. The oxtail pasta was also good. Nothing special but not horrible. I really did not want a pasta but for me, the options for main courses werent really that wide so I opted for the safer option. The drinks are extremely overpriced for the little glassware they are served in. I had the lycee drink and it tasted okay. The glass was small for $18. The best part about our visit was their birthday presentation. They give free shots for the table and dance around you, all while having a lite up sign and cake tower. It was cute.

Cameron B.

Yelp
I enjoyed my dinner at Mamajuana and I'm not sure why this place doesn't have better reviews. The decor and vibe inside this restaurant are dope and it's like you're in the heart of Mexico. They really did a nice job with that. Our food came out pretty timely as well but I saw in other reviews people were waiting for a while. For our appetizers we got the Empanada Trio (7/10), Mamajuana Role (7/10), and the Fishtown Role (6/10). The Mamajuana roll was the one I liked the most but it has a sweeter taste that not everyone might like but I would definitely get it again. For my main course I got the Oxtail Fettuccine (8/10) which I thought was really good. I tasted my wife's Octopus (6.5/10) which was decent but not the best I've ever had. Another thing that was cool was the digital menu that had pictures of all the food. I REALLY liked that touch as I like to have a visual of what I'm about to order before ordering it. All in all this place was a vibe! It gets a bit loud so be prepared for that especially the way in which they celebrate birthdays lol. I'll be back for sure!

Tyanna H.

Yelp
I wish I liked this place. It has potential but my food was very salty. I only tasted it and told the waiter it was salty. The manager comes over and tell me I still have to pay for it. One bite cost $38. The mucus was so loud I could not hear my date at all. Next time I'll only come to sit at the bar and get drinks. It's good for that but only that. My date liked her oxtails they did look good. But unfortunately my branzini scampi was terrible. I will not be back

Jamillah H.

Yelp
I can't say enough good things about Mamajuana cafe . The food was excellent the decor is nice and detailed and the food was on point ! Flavor was good , rice cooked to perfection and the mamajuana roll was amazing . Our waitress Crystal was so friendly and helpful with navigating the menu . We have a complimentary shot of Mamjuana which if you've never tried it ... just get there and do so . It was a little busy in the bar seating area so we left without receiving our truffle fries but I reached out via IG and received an immediate response to resolve the issue/credit. We didn't go for a celebration but this place makes birthdays a big deal and I love that . I will definitely be back soon .

Christa P.

Yelp
The food was incredible! This is now one of my favorite restaurants. The service was on point. The second you walk inside this place is top service and vibes. The set up and atmosphere is gorgeous

David D.

Yelp
Title: Mixed Feelings: Good Vibes, BUT WAY Too Pricey So, I checked out Mamajuana recently, and it was a rollercoaster of feelings. Let's start with the good stuff: the vibe was awesome, and the staff were super friendly. A big shoutout to Crystal, the bartender, who was an absolute gem. But here's the kicker--the prices were through the roof! I mean, $18 for one cocktail? Are they trying to compete with Manhattan or what? Do they know they are in Philly?And to make matters worse, the music was cranked up so high you couldn't even hear yourself think. Perhaps part of the reason for the steep prices is the exorbitant rent they must be paying--$25,000 a month to be there. Absolutely insane. Parking was a mission, too. Seriously, finding a spot was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Meanwhile, Tierra Colombiana in 5th street is chill, affordable, and you can actually find parking without circling the block a hundred times. Overall, Mamajuana has its charms, but unless you're cool with dropping cocaine money for an ordinary ambiance, you might want to scope out other spots. Save your money, seriously. It's not that good! Change the prices or get ready to change locations. (just my opinion)

Robin K.

Yelp
The food was amazing, especially the appetizer, the main course, and the dessert--yes, in that order! The service was impeccable, and the Ambience made the night. The best server is Genesis!!! The drinks OMG!!! Bring your wallet, and yes it's worth every dime!

Jeritza D.

Yelp
The food was very mediocre for the price . I ordered a burger which tasted like it was frozen and not hand patted . My sister ordered the fish which she said was pretty good. The servers were nice but were not attentive. Our table had to ask for refills constantly. We also ordered an appetizer ( calamari) which did not come until all the main entrees were eaten. The venue was absolutely beautiful but just not worth the price .

Mya C.

Yelp
Atmosphere is absolutely beautiful! Really does make you feel like you were in the Dominican Republic. The music was playing in the background. The staff was very nice. The drinks ok ... but the food was so disappointing. Even the regular rice and beans had no flavor ! My dish had blue rice with frozen veggies. My husband's snapper had no dipping sauce with about 6 bites atop a huge fish. No pollo ! It was super new so I'll revisit and give them another chance in a few months

Julissa P.

Yelp
Great place , food, drinks, and music! Our server Sebastian was very attentive and made sure to bring out my Risotto, which was 10/10. The chef Alexis greeted us and made us feel at home. Johnathan the mixologist made our drinks on request and customized them to our needs. I will definitely will be returning soon.

Carmen V.

Yelp
I have to show our waiter Miguel much love. He was so sweet & attentive to us being there for the first time to experience everything they offered. He went above and beyond to help us celebrate our anniversary. We got shots, dessert & they even sang to us! The food was delicious! Can't wait to go back!

Anthony I.

Yelp
The juiciest crispy tacos ever. They have a Ramen and a taco special (as well as others that i haven't tried) that is hardy and delicious.