Maria knows what she's doing! I was greeted by a friendly lady at the front. I ordered the Birria Tacos that came with mashed black beans and rice with a side of pico de gallo. I added the empanada made from plantains. The order came with pickled peppers and onions, a spicy green sauce, and the birria dipping sauce. I enjoyed everything. The Birria tacos were huge! Some places I've been the 3 tacos are small and you feel like you could've eaten one more. I was full off the 1st one and saved the other 2 for later. The beef was tender and came in a fried double tortilla; not the best I've had but good. The beans and rice with the pico de gallo were good, although I prefer my beans whole. Now here's where things got freaky, the plantain was the size of a medium fist sprinkled with sugar, inside of it was this thick sweet white cream, wasn't expecting this. It was good, but weird because I couldn't figure out what I was eating exactly. It's not just plantain, it's a Salvadoran empanada, where the vanilla milk custard is placed in the center of the plantain, then rolled into a ball and fried till golden brown. If you have an appetite and want to try authentic Salvadoran cuisine. I highly recommend, there's a lot to choose from, and you will get plenty of food for your money. read more

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Delicious Salvadoran spot in the heart of Wheaton! I live in the area and was in the mood for some authentic Latin breakfast. My husband ordered the pupusas and I ordered huevos rancheros. We also shared a corn tamale. Everything was delicious! The huevos rancheros came with fresh plátanos fritos and casamiento, which I enjoyed. The pupusas were cheesy and delicious. The tortillas that came with the huevos rancheros were freshly made--Salvadoran style in thickness! The corn tamale also tasted homemade, not frozen like Rio Grande brand (which is still great but this is 100% better). Thoroughly enjoyed my visit here, I will be back. read more

Maria's Cafe & Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I stopped by Maria's Cafe & Restaurant for a quick drink or five because the other bars in the immediate area were a bit to loud for my shenanigans. Overall, I had a very nice relaxed time at Maria's. The bar seems pretty family-/friend-oriented because everyone seemed to know each other. Well, I guess it's more of a restaurant than a bar because there are only four seats at the actual bar. Also, Maria made several appearances from the kitchen throughout the time I was there. Not only did she make these appearances, but she also interacted and engaged with the customers. The bar's prices are pretty much in line with other places in the area; my cocktails were about 10-12 buck a pop. I think they were worth the value because the bartender made the drinks pretty strong. All in all, I am glad to add this spot to my regular Wheaton rotation for a low-key beverage. Maybe I'll try out some of the food during my next visit. Actually, I forgot that I ordered tres leches to go. I thought the tres leches cake was absolutely amazing because it had just the right amount of milk. While the cake had plenty of milk, it did not have so much to make the cake super soggy. read more

These people really know what they are doing! The whole staff is very welcoming and happy to have you be there. Maria is a great cook and made sure you are treated right and your food is cooked to exactly how you like it. The ambiance of the restaurant is also one that stands out with the music and the TVs making you feel at home. Would recommend to everyone in the area as these people really seem to care about making you happy. read more

Maria's Cafe & Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

This place was so totally unexpected. I was visiting a friend in Wheaton who suggested we get lunch after we took our kids to the nearby park (which by the way has a train, playground and plenty of space to run around). She suggested Maria's -- she never went but said it seemed to have good ratings. The place is tiny but we were able to grab a seat for our party of 8 without any issues. We have adults and kids, which is always tricky but the staff handled the kids just fine and were very friendly. The thing that made this a 5 star review (or more if I could) was the food. It totally blew me away. And this is coming from a tough critic! I moved to DC from LA and often long for the days of the hole in the walls -- the strip mall spots in LA that are cheap and have some of the best international food I've ever eaten. During this trip, my partner and I shared the lomo saltado. It was perfectly seasoned and the meat was so tender. We also got 2 pupusas, one with just cheese and the other with cheese and pork. Also delicious. Finally, this spot was celebrating its 7 year anniversary and was giving away free tacos. We ended up all getting tacos and again, truly good. Before the meal, you get free chips and salsa. Our kids probably went through 3 baskets alone. We would totally come back here again. What a find! The front of the restaurant is so unassuming so I'm glad my friend did her research! It's also by the very popular bakery/grocery store called "By Brazil." It's worth walking the 3 minutes to peruse the shop. And if you're still hungry, get some snacks or dessert. read more

Muchos Caliente wrt food, service, and ambiance! Parking can be hard to find, though. read more

Maria's Cafe & Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Server was excellent- appropriately friendly and attentive with good recommendations. Birria tacos were delicious. Ceviche portion was huge and also tasty. Pupusas, slaw and salsa also very good. Only complaint would be that the margarita tasted a little funny. Restaurant itself is cozy - nothing fancy but seemed clean. Would go back if I was in the area. read more

This place is sooooo yummy for their papusas!! I love all parts of it including the slaw and sauce! I suggest eating it there when it's hot out of the pan tho I have taken it home and reheated it and it was still good. I took my freind ANOTHER place's papusas and they wanted to know what happened to the restaurant, it all tasted not as good. So in a blind taste test my friend recognized a taste difference in all components. Maria's slaw has the right amount of acid, sweet, and crunch. The sauce had the right amount of spicy, tangy, and sweet without being too over powering. The papusa itself is smooth, a good size, and cheese and beans creamy in perfect ratio. It comes out HOT and stringy! You know usually the slaw and sauce are left over in dishes like this? In this place I leave nothing behind :-D It is all gone. To add to experience, the morning lunch server is pleasant and friendly. The only negative is the space it's self is not brand new looking and more cozy feeling but for me, it adds to the charm. I'm hooked! My neighborhood papusa spot! Let me know what you guys think. read more

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My husband and I took our daughter here this past weekend. We had a delicious meal but couldn't eat everything so we took some home. I cut into the chicken tamale we ordered and there was an entire chicken wing in the middle of it. Extremely odd. I didn't give them 5 stars just for this reason. Otherwise, great prices and tasty food. Just look out for BONES in the middle of your tamales?? read more

If I could rate this restaurant zero stars I would!!Claims to be a Salvadoran restaurant but serves Mexican and Peruvian dishes that suck!?! people on TikTok hype this restaurant up for no good reason! read more

Maria's cafe is the best ! Went for a quick lunch with my best-friend the wings and the taquitos were delicious ! We sat inside on the booths, they also have outdoor seating which is a plus. Our server was great attentive and always very sweet. read more

Maria's Cafe & Restaurant - Taquitos Dorados Chicken Wings - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Had a delicious vegetarian pupusa today ...made with refried beans and spinach...fresh and tasty. This unassuming eatery has genuine warmth. I enjoyed my meal with Maria's daughter and 1 year old grand daughter eating lunch nearby which only added to the charm. read more

This is a small spot in Wheaton with good customer service and even better food. It was giving me a small family run business which are some of my favorite to support. There is some seating inside and plenty of seating outside (shared amongst other nearby restaurants). I ordered the lomo saltado (my favorite dish ever in life) and a papusa (I think pork???). The lomo saltado was delish. It was mad flavorful and the beef was super tender. Im pretty sure the fries were made fresh. The green sauce to put on top kicked the flavor up a bit. The papsua was good too. All in all, the food was delicious and I will be back to explore more of the menu. read more

Maria's Cafe & Restaurant - Lomo saltado - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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First time here. The menu was pretty extensive had good variety. The prices for food are higher, but also in the middle of downtown Wheaton. The portions were large . We ordered a few things to share and while we were there, Happy hour was one which meant that bottle beers were only $3. Cocktail drinks were overpriced at $16 Service was prompt and friendly. They split our checks among 5 of us, added gratuity. It was raining so we ate inside, which is smaller. They were playing Mana non stop, if you like Spanish rock. read more

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Authentic. Kind service. Family owned. Worth it. This place is super cute and a small little restaurant with outdoor seating and indoor seating, it was delicious, fresh, authentic Mexican food. I ordered the shrimp fajitas forgetting I don't even like fajitas and I have to say I enjoyed this dish. One touch of criticism is I would enjoy some more seasoned Mexican rice rather than the plain white rice, but everything else was stellar. I felt like I was eating a fresh meal from a friend! read more

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The nachos and tacos are the best in the Wheaton area. The customer service when dining inside is always great and the free chips and salsa is always a plus. This place deserves more popularity!! Me and my partner frequently come here to eat. read more

Why five stars? Yelp won't allow me to give six. (I tried.) Seriously, tho. I ordered 3 different large, pupusas and they were all great. Generous portion of FRESH grilled salmon came with a large salad, with beans, rice and sweet grilled onions. Quick friendly service. Do me a favor and consider this a 5 1/2 star review. Anything else you'd like to know? Value? Yes. Value. Entree and appetizers cost $21. read more

Maria's Cafe & Restaurant - 3 different pupusas all tasty - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Small and very friendly place. The lengua guisada was so good. Great pupusas and quesadillas for the kids. I've been a few times over the years, and I should go more. read more

Son and I have eaten at Maria's twice for late Saturday lunch in-between errands while my wife and daughter were busy off elsewhere. We've really enjoyed the pleasant stop for pupusas, tacos, and carne asada. The pupusas have been great (first tried at Taste of Wheaton). The tacos and carne asada have been tasty, though if I were wanting those specifically, there are better available in the general area. What makes Maria's really fantastic is the inviting atmosphere and super friendly staff. The restaurant is clean, colorful, and pleasant. The staff is always smiling, helpful, and engaging with the kids. I'm looking forward to stopping by with the whole family for breakfast and trying their desayuno options. read more

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Tried Maria's yesterday after reading about it on the Support MOCO restaurant FB page. They didn't steer me wrong. Lovely little cafe with delicious food. I had the chicken fajitas- they were fresh and delicious with rice, beans, tortillas, and their homemade guacamole. I was in heaven. Will definitely be coming back. A lot. read more

Great food! I had some tacos and nachos and enjoyed it very much. The chicharrones were great too.

Updating my review after my most recent visit. I stopped to pickup lunch for my family and while I waited, I watched a cockroach the size of my hand crawl around the wall. The food's delicious but I won't be returning after. read more

If you want authentic Latino food, this place is a slapper. I got the Beef tongue soup and this dish SLAPS.

Upon arriving, we assumed that they were closed because it was nearing 10pm and empty but the owner welcomed us with open arms. She turned the lights on, turned up the music, and got us seated right away. We had the birria tacos, shrimp quesadilla, pupusas, and of course a few beers. Everything we ordered came out exceptionally quick, was so fresh and absolutely delicious. And she also gave her us special hot sauce (for me because I love spicy things). I honestly think the welcoming energy made things 10x better and we will definitely be back! read more

All around great experience. We had a cheese papusa, barrias tacos, and lomo soltado. Every item was excellent and I highly recommend each. The service was really good too. Fast, and friendly. They also have a good happy hour time. Overall, definitely recommend. A great addition to Wheaton. read more

Wow! Just a fantastic little gem of authenticity in Latin American cuisine. Maria is actually there, making it all happen. The bill for 4 was so inexpensive that we were sure there had been some mistake, but no, it was correct. I found my new place for when I just have to have a great tamale, taco or pupusa. read more

The tacos were great and the service was too. The lady at the register was very nice.

Amazing authentic Salvadoran food. Latina and immigrant owned business. I've had the pleasure of knowing Maria from when I was a little girl. She started out selling tamales, atol, pupusas etc out of her car and it's beautiful to see her doing what she loves best- sharing her food with the world. You won't get quality food like this anywhere else. The restaurant is small, quaint and aesthetically pleasing. Reminiscent of "comedores" or small restaurants in El Salvador. Price is very affordable- for a family of four we spent less than 50 bucks and left stuffed! Support small Latina owned businesses in Wheaton! read more

Maria's Cafe & Restaurant - Pupusa Revuelta - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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The food here is cheap and wonderful! Authentic, delicious food. Maria is super sweet and friendly too, my kids love going here. Our favorites are the Pupusas, but she also makes awesome breakfast, and the whole fried fish is terrific! I have been calling ahead for pick up during COVID, it's uncrowded and easy to pop in safely to pick up your order. Everyone masked and doing what they are supposed to. Try it, it's a local gem! read more

Ordered a carne asada .. meat was hard. A lomo saltado and it didn't look appetizing and meat was hard. The mojarra frita was overcooked. The flan not impressed.. looked more like budin nothing like the pictures. I wouldn't go back. read more

This was the first time I ordered from this restaurant, and I have to say, it was okay. The best thing I tried was the Papusas. Those were really good. I'd definitely get them again! I had some Tacos as well, and those were okay. The steak cooked in them were really good but they didn't have too many toppings. They had onions on them and I personally don't like avocados on my tacos, so they were pretty dry. I wish they had some sour cream, lettuce and cheese on them too. I ordered some fries. Those I wasn't a big fan of, they were not salty at all. They were dry, didn't even eat those. This is just my experience ordering from Maria's and hopefully I get a chance to actually dine there too, so I am able to try more things on the menu and get more of those amazing Papusas! :) read more

Sweet little restaurant with great Pupusas and attentive staff. True home cooking by Maria who is very accommodating to vegetarian and vegan diets. read more

I walk pass this gem everyday and I'm happy I walked in today. It's just a lovely little restaurant. Anddddd they make their margaritas with FRESH lime juice ( you have to ask these days). Absolutely delicious!! I'm a new fan and I'm definitely going to tell the cool people ( those that will appreciate this )about it. read more

I have eaten fabuous food here twice already, and am looking forward to trying some of the other dishes. Maria's did a great job of Taste of Wheaton too. read more

This restaurant is amazing!! 100% authentic El Salvadorian food! Everything on the menu is delicious!! The staff is very friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend this spot to anyone! :) read more

OMG! So delicious! María catered our church Friendsgiving feast and the food was amazing! The entire meal was off of her new SPECIAL VEGAN MENU! (Don't worry meat eaters, she so has you covered with traditional favorites with real meats.). For our party she made Lentil Stuffed Peppers and Chickpea Croquettes (both in amazing sauces) with sides: Broccoli Salad, Sweet Potato, and Rice. And for dessert... Empanadas stuffed with Sweet Plantains and Beans, OMG! They were amazing! Presentation was beautiful. Price point was soooo reasonable and service was friendly and top-notch. I ate before I could take a photo! Sorry! read more

I always walked by here to goto legends, one night I decided to grab pupusas from here and let me tell you, it'll have you coming back for more cause its so delicious authentic salvadorian cheese yummyyy haha you guys and gals should give it a try wont regret it. read more

This is my favorite spot to have authentic Salvadorian food! It's family owned and you just feel at home. Come and check out this spot you don't regret it! read more