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    Fonda Maria

    3.9 (396 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Order Fonda Maria Takeout or Delivery

    Fonda Maria Photos

    Business Info

    FONDA MARIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Fonda Maria

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ruth C.

    Decided to try restaurant and was happy to know they served Menudo. I'm not sure what it was, even after I added all the condiments and extra lime it still did not taste right, canned menudo would have been better! I was so disappointed. It was a bit greasy too, they asked if I wanted homey what I got was super small and barley any added. I really wanted it to taste good.

    Enfrijoladas
    Debi F.

    We went to Fonda Maria for breakfast. I ordered the chorizo and eggs. My son ordered the enfrijoladas. Both were delicious. The ambiance and the service are also good. Prices are great.

    Cafe de olla
    Eva Z.

    I wish I would've taken more pictures but honestly, I just felt to comfortable from the moment we walked in that I forgot. The hospitality was top notch. Our servers were both named Milton and he just kept serving us that Delicious Coffee. There was no limit. I had the molletes de chorizo and they were delicious. We were a big party with no reservation and they were able to accommodate us quickly. Everyone was satisfied. Will come back again

    Enchiladas Verdes de Pollo

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hector R.

    Hector R.

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    6 years ago

    The best breakfast next to home cooking. Friendly staff. Clean place. And the food speaks for itself. Delicious fresh food.

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Hector R.

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great little place family owned great customer service my daughter loves the mole' enchiladas.

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Hector R.

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Great place! Great chilaquiles con chorizo and menudo! I would definitely recommend to stop by and try it.

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

    A great little restaurant in Downey. The owners are good people. I love the chilaquiles. They are spicy but delicious.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food is delicious, portions are good too. I had the chilaquiles with chicken. Definitely going back.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hector R.

    Hector R.

    Thank you. We are glad you enjoyed our food!

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    We totally love this restaurant the service was amazing food was excellent totally recommend

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Page 5 of 10

    Fonda Maria Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Fonda Maria

    I'd this place good for large groups?

    Hi! We have two small semiprivate spaces, one fits 12 people, another one 8, but we can still accommodate more than that at the front. We manage small parties up to 64 and 50 minimum in the evenings, closing the restaurant for your party only. If… Read more

    Is menudo on both days Saturday and Sunday?

    Hi! You can enjoy it every day of the week!

    Are you guys open again?

    Yes!!!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Bob's Big Boy Broiler

    Bob's Big Boy Broiler

    3.7
    (800 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Bob's Big Boy brings back so memories of growing up in Southern Californian in the 80s and 90s. The…read moreone I grew up going to closed many years ago. This Downey location has been on my list of to go to places. Ive heard mixed reviews so I was not in a complete rush to go here. This location has been used for many movies, commercials and tv shows. I kinda thought it was a tourist trap using that to keep busy. You know only going there because movie was filmed here. My son & I were in the area and decided to give it a try. When I walked in it was it was like I was transported back to my youth. Everything from the jut-box, booths, counter, stone wall and whole atmosphere was like back in the day. For a Saturday afternoon we seated immediately, so that was very impressive. Looking over the menu there were so many choices. I choose the triple decker turkey sandwich. It was AMAZING and their fries so hot and crispy. I will definitely be back in try breakfast.

    I'm back to review this place after years and years of coming and seeing and experiencing the ups…read moreand downs. I am very disappointed their wheat pancakes with nuts are gone. They were so delicious! I ordered the breaded chicken dish and it was all bad. Nothing good about it. Their salads are basic and a waste of money. The bright red (not normal looking) piece of tomato fell on my baby's blanket by accident and I have yet to be able to take off the stain. What kind of chemically processed tomato are they serving!? I've scrubbed and used all kinds of soaps and nothing..... The chicken seasoning was just a ton of seasoned salt on top of the chicken. I also got the burger which is just what everyone should stick to. It's the best thing they have. I keep coming back because there is always seating available and it's easy to dine in but I ALWAYS hate using their restroom. They have not put any money into making it look or smell nice. The drains always smell like sewage. And the worst of it is that now that I have a baby, I went into to change his diaper and no changing table in sight. I thought this was a family restaurant. Will not be coming back until they add a changing table.

    Photos
    Juke box
    Juke box
    California Chicken Sandwich
    California Chicken Sandwich
    Chicken Tenders

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    Chicken Tenders
    Poached Neighborhood Kitchen

    Poached Neighborhood Kitchen

    4.0
    (2k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Kid friendly

    I came during lunch time and it was packed. The host was so sweet and handed us some menus to look…read moreover while we waited for our entire party to arrive. Once we were ready she had our table already prepared. We have to order inside first before you can be seated. Once seated our food came out not too long after. Everything looked and tasted delicious! We ordered the chilaquiles verde, short rib omelette, tropical pancakes (seasonal), and the mango curd french toast (seasonal). The chilaquiles verde was savory and tangy. It wasn't soggy at all and definitely one of my favorite dishes. The short rib omelette was savory but didn't give me any wow factor compared to the other dishes I ordered. The tropical pancakes were so pretty. I only tried a piece of it without the syrup which I think was a mistake because the kumquat syrup was my friend's favorite. I definitely need to try it again with the syrup. Best for last, mango curd French toast was my favorite! I fell in love with sweetness and tanginess of the mango curd. The French toast was soft and you can taste the butter. I wish it was a main menu item. I'll definitely be sad to see it go. They have lots of seating inside and outside.

    My husband ordered me the lemon ricotta pancakes this morning, which I've had from this restaurant…read morebefore, so I know exactly how they're supposed to taste. The moment I took my first bite, I immediately noticed that the ricotta tasted sour and spoiled. I drove back to the restaurant to request a refund. Unfortunately, my refund was not honored because the manager, Aimee, was not present. Karely, the lead on duty, seemed unsure of how to handle the situation and attempted to explain that the sour taste was simply the lemon in the ricotta. That explanation was disappointing because there is a clear difference between the intended lemon flavor and the taste of spoiled dairy. What upset me most was the lack of concern, apology, or effort to make the situation right. As a customer, I expected the issue to be taken seriously, especially when food safety is involved. If a manager is unavailable, staff should be properly trained and empowered to handle customer concerns appropriately. I am currently four months pregnant, which made this experience even more concerning. I wasted my time, gas, and energy driving back to the restaurant, only to leave without a refund or any resolution. This was by far the worst experience I have had at a restaurant in Downey, and unfortunately, I will not be returning.

    Photos
    Morning scramble and breakfast burrito
    Morning scramble and breakfast burrito
    Classic waffle
    Classic waffle
    We specialize in organic, farm to fork breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, avocado toast, omelettes, eggs benedict, waffles, mimosas, & coffee.

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    We specialize in organic, farm to fork breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, avocado toast, omelettes, eggs benedict, waffles, mimosas, & coffee.
    Frisco's Carhops

    Frisco's Carhops

    3.9
    (1.9k reviews)
    9.3 mi
    $$

    We got lucky!!!! The roller skating server was there! I've from other yelpers her presence is…read more50/50. I love everything about this except I wish I lived closer to it! The joint serves classic diner food! The kids meal options are a great value and portion size but those car cutouts are extra! You can pic from nuggets, burger and grilled cheese. You also get fries too! Fried zucchini bomb! Breakfast burrito the size of my fat arm and definitely worth every bite. The Frisco burger is also a delight with so many layers and textures. Chili cheese fries hit the spot. Milk shakes!!! It's soo good! You literally see the ladies behind the counter scooping real ice cream from tubs to make their shakes. I can't decide which one I enjoyed more but loved the cookie, Oreo and chocolate. Inside is a 50's carhop with squished Cadillacs! Everything was how I imagined it would be. My kids loved it! Their soda machine is pretty cool with unique soda flavors too. The best part is you can get your car serviced in the back and enjoy your time inside the diner!

    Food was good. Restaurant was empty in a Sunday afternoon…read more Lots of tables. But all funky/dirty looking. And the Bathrooms were a big turn off. And because of that, no true desire to return. Poopy toilets are just not appeasing for returning customers. I mean it was empty. Someone could take care of ensuring tables and toilets are clean.

    Photos
    Cadillac Seating
    Cadillac Seating
    Pastrami sandwich  @dangit.all
    Pastrami sandwich @dangit.all
    Frisco Cheeseburger

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    Frisco Cheeseburger
    Pieloon

    Pieloon

    3.5
    (627 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Established in 1977

    Pieloon is one of those places that sits under the radar for most folks, yet consistently delivers…read moretime after time. The place has been around forever. It has an extensive menu that might be problematic for some places, yet it works for them. Though they're known (and named) for their iconic pies, everything I've tried from their menu, I've enjoyed. My favorite thing? Probably their turkey dinner special, available most nights. Service has always been good here, and the ambiance is very homey. Tried and true, Pieloon is comfortable and good.

    We've been here a few times since we moved to Downey 6 years ago, Today I ordered the potato leek…read moresoup and honestly it seemed like an unseasoned bowl of watery mashed potatoes, The fried zucchini was fresh and enjoyable and my husband enjoyed his breakfast for dinner. I was noticing a couple at the table next to us the man was telling his partner that that he was overcharged and he let the waitress know so she fixed it, when we got our bill there was an extra charge of $3.79 as well, we called it to the attention of the cashier and she went over the bill and questioned us if we got anything extra until finally removing the charge No apology no explanation.. that's shady! I wonder how many people get overcharged without paying attention. Left a bad impression for sure.

    Photos
    Fourth of July Strawberry Cheesecakes!
    Fourth of July Strawberry Cheesecakes!
    Building and Parking Lot
    Building and Parking Lot
    Teriyaki Sirloin Strips

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    Teriyaki Sirloin Strips
    George's 50's Diner

    George's 50's Diner

    3.7
    (258 reviews)
    7.8 mi
    $$

    Hahaha! We went here because it's a Long Beach icon…read more The breakfast was good (hard to screw up breakfast). My Friday morning breakfast club all enjoyed our meals. Our only complaint is that the restroom facilities for the place are outside the restaurant on the far end of the parking lot ... like an outhouse!!! LMAO! Since our breakfast club are a bunch of old farts every one of us had to make the trip, one twice, so there were complaints all around. It is what it is,,this place has been around for some 70 or 80 years and is a historic site (at least at the city level) and no one would want them alter the building. But none of the guys are asking to go back there. And I don't imagine they will. The service was excellent. An older lady we joked has probably been there since George was the busboy, but that is not fair, she's only in her 50s or 60s. She was attentive and put up with our group of old men, and one in particular who kept trying to flirt with her. I do recommend George's. If you're under 70, the bathroom is not a big deal ... and yes, it was spotless.

    I really enjoy the ambiance and vibe of this place. It almost feels like stepping back in time when…read moreyou walk in. The menu is very extensive, with a wide variety of options, and the prices are quite reasonable. The service is excellent--everyone is very courteous, and the establishment is very clean. The owners and staff are genuinely friendly, which makes the experience even better. One interesting thing is that the restroom is located outside in the parking lot, which caught me off guard at first. But I suppose that might be part of the building's original layout from when it was first established. I've been here multiple times now, and it really feels like a hidden gem. It's a nice little sanctuary where you can just relax, enjoy the food, and soak in the vibe.

    Photos
    George's 50's Diner
    Hot chocolate
    Hot chocolate
    George's Diner

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    George's Diner

    Fonda Maria - mexican - Updated July 2026

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