Maria's Cafe

Awesome service and so friendly, explained the whole menu. The food was delicious and had so much flavor. True Tex-Mex cooking, home-made tortillas, we are posting photos of the tacos. Loved the country sausage and egg. The spicy green salsa was perfect on the tacos. We highly recommend eating here. Lack of parking was the only issue. Owner say park behind the cars(employees) along the fence.

I used to deliver here over 30 years ago when i worked for Braun beef. Always wanted to eat her because everybody was always positive and the restaurant always smelled great. I had seen the reviews on tiktok and reminded me about this place. Holy hell! The chilaquiles plate was one of the best I've had! The refried beans are really tasty! Papas rancheras were great, and the barbacoa was perfect! 10/10 i will be back!

I love this place! They have been visited by many celebs, food magazines, and nationally renowned. It’s a small place with small parking space but with a massive selection of plates and tacos. You can create your own food! Food is authentic Tex-Mex. Each plate has unique names. So unique and delicious! The owners Tom and Maria and their daughters are so nice, friendly and so social. This is a place where everyone knows your name!! Like family. ❤️ Proud to have them on my part of town the Southside. People from all over including small towns come eat here. The environment is positive and very homey. Tom will even help you park when he’s outside! lol!

Hand Sanitizer on every Table❤️Restaurant is Small but the Food is Delicious. A True Tex Mex Restaurant with all kinds of Different and Delicious selections. I will definitely be back👍

Hidden Gem Alert! 🌮🔥 Stumbled upon a cozy little Tex-Mex spot on the South Side — Maria’s Café on Nogalitos. Total hole-in-the-wall vibes... and we loved it! The host welcomes everyone like family, making sure each table feels right at home. Breakfast was next-level: ✨ Fresh homemade tortillas ✨ Tender carne guisada ✨ Smoky brisket tacos with killer salsa ✨ And a buttery pancake hot off the grill So good — definitely worth a stop! Yum. - Ay, Manuel’s Review 😋

Good lord the food is good and they give you the freedom to do what you want to do. I had the brisket taco and the carne guisada taco. Both were just amazing! I will be coming back. Parking sucks but it's worth it.

The walls are covered with menu items and modifications available. Take your time and absorb it all. I bet you can find exactly what you want! The chilaquiles were amazing. The green salsa was perfect! Flavor and a little heat. The service was welcoming and friendly even though I didn’t look like the usual early morning customer.

Just like the other reviews, this is a hole in the wall type restaurant. Food took about 20-30 minutes to get, but it was worth it. Food was most excellent, service was great, atmosphere was nostalgic. Our waitress Leslie was very attentive, the Host Tom was quite informative and cheerful. The owner Maria who is also pictured was a delight to meet. She helped prepare our meal. Definitely a family restaurant.

When you want to feel like family come here! The food is delicious and the people are friendly. Someone will talk to you. The owners will be there and will customize your order to make sure you get what your heart desires. They have a regular menu and the wall menu. I once wore my Conjunto tshirt and that sparked a conversation like none other. So much history can be found here. I learned something new about the music and musicians and ate some good food. Puro San Anto!

I've wanted, and was meaning to try this place for many years. It is a much lauded place in our city. The New York Times did an article on it. Thus reinforcing its place in the lore of our city. Its seemingly "Hole in the wall" sensibility has people buzzing about it. But alas time waits for no one, thus the opportunity finally came to try this place. Firstly parking is pretty sparse. Lucky for us we went early and found a spot. Inside the place, it is really small. All over the restaurant are memorabilia: a photo of Elvis, automotive placards, a Willie Nelson bust, signage of all sorts, etc. It felt too excessive for me. People have chimed in that it feels like you're at someone's house. To me the way you decorate your house and a business are two different things. We sat ourselves in a booth next to party who were as loud as an AC/DC concert. To carry on a conversation was next to impossible. For that matter, its small interior ensures everybody's conversation is front and center. A server brought a menu with its array of "crazily crafted tacos." Some of the items are named after customers or local dignitaries. One is cleverly named "The Ron" after the mayor. Filings of all sorts, weenies, eggs, gravy and carne guisada close to topple the menu over. There's a taco with the aforementioned fillings. But they can make any taco you want, with whatever you like. I'm a simple man. I ordered a carne guisada(absolutely no cheese!) and a bean & cheese taco. Surveying the place, again I can see maybe why The New York Times mentioned them. My question is was the write-up based on irony or a legitimate liking of their food? I will say the owner is a hoot, which probably propelled the writer to come to their conclusion. When the food arrived I was kind of perplexed. The tacos were skimpy, definitely not in keeping in this area. The carne guisada and bean & taco were good. However, there are good tacos everywhere to be found in the city. In addition the food was not cheap. I suppose the pricing either reflects the reality of its location, the NY Times write up or inflation. The very next day we bought the same items elsewhere at a much lower price I know people absolutely laud this place and my review is not to rebuke nor chide them. However living in this city an aeon I've experienced taco palaces whose names are never mentioned. But writers and patrons alike can be lulled by the trappings of a culinary piece. If Maria's were in Maine the argument would be valid. But in Taco City, SA the competition is too fierce to empirically confer any spot. This place was just "okay" for me. While I'm not against a place that by design is kitschy or campy. I need at least an assemblage of a memorable experience. I did appreciate the owners personal touch but that's where my affinity ends.

This place is definitely 5 's! It's definitely a mom and pop place where you actually get to meet the mom and pop! Maria and her husband were super welcoming and friendly! This place is small so expect a wait. We had a grande taco and two regular sized tacos and left so full!!! The sweet tea was very sweet so if you are sensitive to overly sweet tea get a half and half. The coffee was good. You can get ANYTHING customized the people had a bowl of charro beans with rice that looked amazing....for next time. Because there will definitely be a next time!

Found Maria's Cafe and glad we did! The staff was warm and helpful. Loved the "homey" ambiance and so many different "off-menu" options they already had- many more than I ever would have considered. I didn't choose any this time (but I will) and went off-off-menu with my 1/2 carne guisada 1/2 barbacoa and chorizo, papas, eggs & cheese. They were amazing on lightly toasted great flour tortillas. We'll be back for sure!

The service was phenomenal! We were greeted outside, welcomed in, and were given a fun rundown on the restaurant. It's very small, maybe seats about 30 people, if even that much. The menu itself is literally all over the place. As in an actual menu, menus on the walls, windows, and anything you can imagine in your head. The tacos were delicious, the brisket was amazing (and at 10:30 we got the last two brisket tacos, that's how fast they sell) and the carne guisada was perfection. I wasn't crazy about the fideo but it wasn't awful, just meh. The one thing I would be mindful of is that since the "menu" is kind of all over the place is that somehow we spent over $50 on 5 tacos, one cup of fideo, and a Mexican Coke. :-/

The food is tasty, I ordered a spam with eggs and bean and spam tacos. When time to leave $23 for two tacos and a tea. I asked the owner why so much? She said $5.50 for the spam with egg taco and $7.50 for the bean and one slice of spam taco, and I am guessing $10 for my tea?? WHOA!!! Like WTHeck. First few visits were good and not expensive then she decided to double charge compared to the first time I ordered the same. My family and I will never be returning! Food wasn't the best but good.. Be careful the owner is Charging more at the register . Ask for an itemized receipt!

The food is amazing and she will custom make you plate. Just ask. Very friendly folks there mom and daughter and granddaughter.

Small nostalgic restaurant located on the corner of a neighborhood street with very limited parking. This place can get busy with limited seating. They don't serve chips with salsa and the service can be very slow. The Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas, carne guisada and fideo loco are some of the best around. They have a really good spicy salsa verde, refried beans and rice are also very good. The brisket taco was disappointing with shredded brisket lacking any condiments, can't say much for the flour tortillas either. Garcia Mexican Restaurant not far away is still best for brisket tacos. We also tried picadillo which would be considered average. Overall this is a good little restaurant I'd recommend when in the area.

Best Down Home Tex-Mex in San Antonio. The breakfast menu is available all day. Parking a bit of a challenge but well worth it.

Having sampled other Mexican restaurants in the area, Maria's Cafe hands down is the best. Simple dishes done with heart, expertise, and a love of cooking. The restaurant is small but so welcoming and homey. Today is I was in dire need of menudo and coffee to cure my "crudo". The menudo here puts others to shame, wonderfully spicy but not hot and with an incredible depth of flavor. And of course the tortillas are fantastic, fluffy, buttery, and standard dishes like huevos rancheros and carne guisada are heads and shoulders above other establishments.

This little hole in the wall is definitely going to be our next breakfast place for tacos! The chilaquiles were delicious and the tortillas de harinas were amazing! The service was great and very quick! It was also very cozy inside! Muy rico!

Had flour tortilla tacos. 1 carne guisada with cheese taco. 1 chorizo and egg taco and a bone in pork chop taco. These tacos are second to none. Especially the carne guisada. The recipe for the carne guisada I found is a closely guarded secrete, according to Maria (owner).

What a hidden gem. Doesn't look like much from the outside or the inside but it works. Delicious food. The corn tortillas are the best ever.

Food was great! Flavors were on point and can tell everything was homemade. Hole in the wall in San Antonio that can't get overlooked. The service made you feel like you were at home. It's Small but has a welcoming atmosphere a they made it feel roomy despite it being a small area..

I grew up in San Antonio, best enchiladas ever. If you're ever on Nogolitos, take in Maria's

Wow...what a fantastic find!! I have no answer for why I've never made it here, but I did today and it was great!! The service was great, the people are great and the food is excellent! No surprise that it's 4.6 stars on Yelp!

We had the pleasure of meeting Tom and Maria a week ago and they invited to their restaurant. They told us about how original their food was and that customers were invited to make their own combinations. We arrived to find a menu and an off menu menu created by return customers. It was amazing! We had a very hard week and this meal not only fed our bellies but our souls. Everything is homemade and it shows. This charming restaurant is a must go! Do yourself a favor and come to Maria's!

I waited too long to visit this special place for a second time. I won't make the same mistake again. I'm in love!!

The food was amazing! If you're looking for authentic, delicious Mexican food then you need look no further! Nothing fancy, just really delicious food and awesome service! If I could give more stars I would!

Tiny but mighty! This local cafe is my new fave spot for breakfast tacos and a quick bite when I'm craving a Mexican food fix. The excellent and friendly service will make you feel welcome and keep you coming back for more! Can't wait for my next breakfast taco

Great selection of tacos! They always want to make sure you get exactly what you want so service is beyond amazing. I love really love the fixtures and space at this restaurant. It can be a bit tight if it's crowded but that just tells you how much everybody else loves this place!

Took my cousins n Betty for lunch. We ordered a small bowl of menudo with corn tortillas and salsa and butter. My cousin ordered coffee. The menudo was delicious. The seasonings gave the menudo and tue a flavor that was very good. Corn tortillas are homemade and delicious.

Best spot for breakfast tacos in town! You must try the Taco Ondo. The staff is very friendly and willing to give you an idea for which specialty taco you should try.

Buenas tardes., visitando un nuevo lugar. Muy amables y los especiales . Buen ambiente. Siempre mirando por lugares nuevos. No pregunté si tenían café de olla. Que rico ya lo probaste. Estamos pasando cuando miramos este lugar. Vamos aver como esta.

Incredibly delicious food. Went there for a quick breakfast and had the Drewpy Drawers plate. It's easily some of the best Tex-Mex I've had in SA and I've lived here my whole life. The staff were friendly and everything arrived quickly. The flour tortillas accompanying the plate were fresh and delicious. Highly recommend and will definitely be revisiting!

I give this place of solid five stars for the food alone. The service was about four stars but the wait for the food was a two. I ordered one taco to go and it took almost an hour. Not only that the taco was over $14, but I could see why because that brisket was moist and delicious and I dare say probably some of the best Texas brisket I've ever had. I will definitely go again, but I will wait until the hype from the New York Times article dies down.

Best Mexican food ever! Today is Maria's birthday Our waitress, Leslie is adorable. They make you feel right at home !

Stop what you are doing IMMEDIATELY, get in your car, and drive strait to Maria's. San Antonio if it was a a restaurant. You feel like you and in an abuela's kitchen. It is a small place, so I would suggest rolling in there with a party of 4 or less. Make you you check out all the wall space or you might just miss the perfect menu item you want! So good, so quirky, so lovely. Te amo Marías Café

This is one of my dad's top places to munch at. The tacos were filled up and tasted great. My dad had enchilada plate which he loved and I had three tacos on corn tortilla. This is a small mom and pop shop. Go by and support!

Maria's is a very authentic little cafe with an incredible variety of possible dishes because they have dozens of special plates beyond the menu list, mostly on hand-lettered poster board designs all over the walls. You may at first be put off by the rough exterior and limited parking, but the warm hospitality of the owners and the luscious bbq brisket they can add to any dish makes it your loss if you turn away! Be sure to get a brisket taco or two plus any of the other options you choose; most are made only after you make your order.

We went today too try out this mom & pop restaurant ran by the whole family . It's Maria's cafe !! Her husband Tom ( aka - The Brisket Whisper ) and their son James are the beef masters that cook all the delicious moist brisket . Leslie The daughter pretty much runs the place and keeps everything organized, she was very kind as well. Every other weekend James makes smoke Turkey legs . This is a very small quaint cafe with tons of nostalgia all over the walls . Tom was such a pleasant man even sat down at our table and talk to us for a while. He said that his wife Maria opened the restaurant about 30 years ago . They have a huge menu with all types of unique tacos and plates. You're allowed to add or exchange different food on your plate at no charge. Prices are extremely reasonable, the quality of food is the best you can get in San Antonio. Tacos are packed & the plates are overflowing with food. Just an all-around great experience eating there and meeting the whole family. very nostalgic restaurant, just what I like !! Last but not least I'd like to mention our waitress Monessa , she was such an attentive waitress, and very kind. She was very easy to talk to and explained several of the dishes on the menu. We will definitely be going back to this establishment on a regular basis. A very kind family and excellent food to boot. Thank you Tom, Maria, James, Leslie and Monessa .

Why is this tiny hole in the wall the literal best Mexican food I've ever had? Imagine being outcooked by a small family in a tiny house... every other Mexican food place in San Antonio should be ashamed.

What an amazing hidden gem. The brisket nachos were the best nachos I've ever had. Got a great bowl of menudo too. Will come back for all that and those crazy good tortillas next time I'm in town for sure. Tom and Maria were absolutely the friendliest hosts.

Quick background story: My youngest daughter is a 2nd generation Mexican-American and a total tortilla snob. They have to be homemade or she won't eat them. She also spends tons of time in Mexico, so she claims to be "more Mexican" than us. .... She called the chorizo & potato taco "life changing." It. Is. Mind. Blowing. Maria actually makes her own chorizo, and it's not greasy or heavy which are typical attributes of chorizo. The tortillas are large and so good. The green sauce wasn't my favorite, but it adds heat so it does it's job. My oldest had the chilaquiles with chorizo on top and they cleaned their plates. My youngest also had pancakes which were amazing! The customer service is unlike most we've ever had. We didn't feel like we were at a restaurant. We felt like we were at our aunt's house listening to our uncle tell jokes while our cousin served us a plate and our aunt worked the kitchen. There's not even an actual menu. You just kinda sit down to suggestions and order whatever you feel like eating. My daughter wanted another taco and they had ingredients left so she got the taco. It's a small place, but they have heart as big as Texas.

Maria's Cafe is 5* all around. Great food, order something off the poster board menus and you won't be disappointed. Great tortillas and the staff is always friendly. We hit this place up every time we are in SA. The Spam, bean and egg tacos and the cheese enchiladas are superb! Great hole in the wall in Southtown.

Maria's Cafe has delicious food and incredible prices for your lunch. Lunches are plenty of food for anyone and tastes great. You can easily go, order, eat and get back to the office in less than an hour. My favorite is the fajitas which are only $9.99! That is much less than other restaurants. It is comfortable and the TVs can keep you entertained. We went for lunch one time and the internet was down. They couldn't take our cards. They told us to not worry about it and pay later. I really appreciate their courtesy.

Here's another on of those spots!! I keep running into these outstanding local joints that are simply just doing it right! Small place, family owned, sweetest people I've met in a long time. They definitely make you feel at home and the place has a constant flow of regulars. I had the Joselito and the El Gordo Loco. Massive tacos! Those two were at least. I took have the Gordo home. The guisada is perfect. Tender and delicious. I haven't found a place with tacos like this here. Every one of them is a fun combination of what could be your favorite stuff! Go there asap and throw down!!

The absolute best hole in the wall place. It's in a house like place with great food and super friendly family run staff. I will come back to San Antonio from Houston, just to eat here.

This place is a REALLY small restaurant just hidden in downtown San Antonio. The food is great!! You can pretty much order whatever you want, the menu is "loose" hahah. The staff is super friendly and the food came out fast. I came here during my lunch break and I was in and out in 35 min. I also had leftovers to take home! Only gave it 4 stars because my soup wasn't super hot when it came out.

food was great;, needs a bit more flavor on the hamburger; tried to copy another hamburger place but didn't quite get there. Nice surroundings and the cafe was quite large. Need to get rid of the homeless that ask for $3 from people coming in or out; what happened to the dime, now it's $3!

Stopped by Maria's while I was in the area and was blown away. Maria and Tom made our first visit a great one! The cheese enchiladas and Taco Ondo are must orders. You can taste the love in the food. We're taking our parents tomorrow!

Someone told me this is a little hole in the wall with Fabulous food & great, friendly service! This is what I picture a great little hole in the wall as! Will definitely go back, soon.

Excellent food and super friendly service. Whether you want a regular taco or one of the more creative options found on their wall of menus, I'm sure you'll find something you'll love.

Excellent place to eat. I highly recommend it. It's authentic and the friendly service is like no other place. It feels like you're home with family .

food tastes AMAZING!! very quick and super kind. beautiful vintage esc place! so many cute coca-cola pieces and trinkets!!! would come here again

Food was great and service was excellent. Friendly environment and look forward to going on Saturday!!

Going here is like going to your favorite Tia's house. She always wants to feed you and the food is super delicious! Try the brisket puffy tacos. I hope to make it back to SA for their Thanksgiving block party.

Family restaurant and taco house. Love this place and service. Great food any way you like it. Thanks Tom and Maria and family!

Small cafe with big menu. Had breakfast there and by far was the best I've ever had. Ordered the big Joe taco and didn't disappoint. Will be back for sure a real mom and pop restaurant with a lot to offer. Check it out you won't be disappointed.