Maria's Bistro Mexicano

"Come to Maria’s Bistro Mexicano in Sunset Park when you need some cheering up. The vibrant space and Mexican tile-topped tables will put you in a festive mood. (We call a visit here “color therapy.”) To start, you can get things like queso fundido, tortilla soup, and tostadas, and they have several different kinds of enchiladas, including one topped with mole and tomatillo. If you’re in the mood for tacos, we highly recommend the beer battered crispy fish tacos with chipotle mayo. You’ll definitely want more than one, so it’s good that each order comes with three. This restaurant is a great choice for brunch, so gather some friends, request a table in their large back patio, and share a bunch of pineapple-infused margarita pitchers. photo credit: Kenny Yang" - Kenny Yang

"In a vibrant pocket of Brooklyn, locals flock to this timeworn façade for generous portions of fresh, well-priced, and tasty Mexican cuisine. Complete with a backyard, the décor of this quirky neighborhood staple is distinctly Mexican, from its bright woven textiles and vibrant pink walls, to lava rock molcajetes that top each table. Start your meal with a delicious and filling chorizo taco topped with onion, tomato and cilantro. Crepas de elote are stuffed with bits of tender onion, juicy corn and poblano peppers. The chile poblano is a house specialty that satisfies with its one-two punch: the first is plumped with a savory combination of cheeses, while the other is stuffed with a beguiling mixture of chicken, almonds, diced plantain and crunchy apple." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Sunset Park Mexican stalwart Maria’s Bistro Mexicano has installed an impressive streetside outdoor dining cabin wired with a television set and electric heaters to keep diners warm. Aside from the restaurant’s crowd-favorite tacos, diners can also find plates of hearty roast pork and chicken on the menu, plus toasty enchiladas and warming soups." - Erika Adams, Luke Fortney