Maria's Cafe

This place is a hidden gem. It was listed in the NY Times in 2022 in an article called "25 Restaurant Dishes we couldn't stop thinking about this year". I also saw them on Utube.Their food is amazing. I highly recommend it. They only have 6 tables so yes it is small, but well worth it.

Absolutely loved Maria's, it was my first time and the food was better than words can explain. Reminded me of the original cafes from when I was a child. 🩷 you feel like part of the family when you go in.

It's small and cozy place, the staff is friendly and generous. This place has been open for 36, years. Good food, and Walls have a lot of vintage signs and pictures.

Maria's was the 5th spot we tried on our search for best breakfast tacos in SA. The bacon, egg, potato and cheese was really good especially with that hot sauce and its spicy kick. The bean and cheese, while also good wasn't as flavorful as beans I've had elsewhere. The carne guisada and cheese was the best taco for sure. It's a bit of nitpicking, but the meat wasn't quite as tender as compared to other spots and the tortillas overall were on the chewy side. That being said, I really enjoyed this spot and would definitely return for more breakfast tacos as well as to try all the other options on their menu. 4.2 out of 5

Comfort food! Breakfast was delicious! Im looking forward to returning to try their popular dishes... i.e. (Puffchilada and the Carne)

A hole in wall my husband found on YouTube. A very quaint, friendly place to go eat. Owner Maria and her husband tend to the customers, and are very welcoming. Their family also work there so the atmosphere is really warm and comfortable. It is a very small place, it is worth waiting for a table even though we haven't had to wait so far.

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 ordered 1-potato&bacon 1- Papa&chorizo 2-sweet-Teas Tacos were good but small $5.00Tacos not worth it…

Was recommended by a foodie friend who is on the search for the best breakfast tacos. Fresh tortillas and green salsa! We loved it, and even more fun was we found that our friends had custom tacos on the wall. The whole menu is handwritten on boards on the wall. Friendly family/service. Will be back!

Food, service, and atmosphere were wonderful. I'm shocked I've never been here before! Making plans to return for lunch with friends and family next week.

1 Star Review My wife and I had a very disappointing experience here this morning. The space itself is extremely small--barely larger than a closet--and we were seated in the back where the rear door repeatedly opened as other guests squeezed through. It was obvious that many customers are regulars and accustomed to the setup, but for first-time visitors it felt cramped and chaotic. A large man--possibly the owner--moved constantly through the tight space, repeatedly bumping my chair while loudly carrying on conversations with staff members behind the counter and in the kitchen. There was little awareness of the surrounding diners or consideration for basic restaurant etiquette. At one point, he stood directly behind us with his ongoing discussion, coupled with the noisy static of the television on the back wall of the place. It made for a stressful dining experience. He also refilled a nearly empty coffee carafe by dumping it into a small sink located right in the dining area and refilling it with murky tap water, which did little to inspire confidence. This led me to assume he must work there - or possibly be the owner. The menu situation was equally confusing. One menu was legible, but the other consisted of poorly organized black-and-white photos of dishes scribbled on various walls, offering no clear descriptions. While some might find this "quirky," I found it disorganized and unprofessional. My wife ordered a dish called "The Ashley" from one of the photo menus. I clearly pointed to a menu item described as Mexican scrambled eggs, which was supposed to include four tortillas, potatoes, and refried beans. I also requested extra bacon and cheese. When the food arrived, we were served only two tacos and a side of fried potatoes. Assuming the rest of the meal was still coming, I started eating. Unfortunately, we never saw our server again until we were finished. The coffee was poor--gritty and full of grounds. The tacos were passable but topped with melted American cheese, which was disappointing. I can get that crap at Sonic or Taco Bell. We were given only one fork and no napkins until I asked someone in the kitchen. By that point, we were ready to leave. When paying, I questioned the waiter about my order. He claimed he thought I only wanted a taco, despite my clearly pointing to the plated dish on the menu. Both he and the woman behind the counter dismissed the issue by saying, "Oh well, you should have said something." With no realistic opportunity to flag down our server, I paid and left. Two tacos, a side of potatoes, bacon, and coffee came to nearly $26 - completely unjustifiable given the experience. We will not be returning and would strongly recommend others look elsewhere for breakfast - as well as grimy.

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.

One of the best in San Antonio! Stop here every year to enjoy on our way to Port A. Tortillas are amazing! Dad and his brisket talks.

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!

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. :-/

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!!

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..

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 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.

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!

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!

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 .

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!!

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 .

Small place with a Grama's feeling kinda vibe. Where locals are greeted with a smile and sometimes a welcoming hug. I loved my visit to Maria Beza's place. She's serving up home made dishes just like my momma and grama used to make. Those flour tortillas alone are making this place famous! I had the machacado and egg plate a la mexicana which means that it will be cooked with onions, peppers and tomatoes. I like it spicy so I asked for a side of roasted serranos and they were hot!! My machacado (shredded beef and eggs) came with a side of refried beans and pan fried potatoes and it comes with 2 flour tortillas. I had to get 4 extra tortillas to finish off those beans and potatoes. The refried beans are sooo yummy! The serving size is pretty big. You will not leave hungry. Next time I go, I want to try their corn puffy tacos. Puffy corn tacos are a thing in San Antonio but I just haven't had the time to try them. I will for sure on my next visit!

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are looking for a hidden Mexican gem, this is the place. Best Huevos Ranchos and tortillas around. I do have to warn it is a cozy place that will have you close to other tables, but the food is good quality. I love the San Antonio home vibe with memorabilia hung around the dining room. If you are looking for a hidden spot with authentic Mexican food this is the spot!

Get down there for seriously the best of the best breakfast taco. Fresh, hot and flavorful to say the least. Mom & Pop done right

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!