We have been going to Maria's Mexican Kitchen for over 30 years. It is always fresh and tasty food. They have the best tortilla soup in town. When the kids come home we always have to go, its our tradition. read more

These folks know food and service in an atmosphere of a Mexican cantina. The good portions are generous and the tortilla soup and shrimp cocktail are two of my favorite go to items. read more

Great food, great service. Large portions at very reasonable prices. Nice ambiance and patio dining.

Delicious food and wonderful sisters, who welcome you with open arms! Been awhile since, since we've been in there and can't wait to see them next Thursday for dinner read more

We have lived close to this restaurant for 6 years now and barely tried it today! I woke up craving Mexican food so I got on Yelp to see what was nearby since we needed to stay local. Based on reviews and pictures, we gave it a try and we are so glad we did! From excellent service by our waitress Celia to the delicious food, we rate it a 10/10. Celia was quick to drop off chips, salsa and drinks. The chips were warm, fresh and airy. Personally, there's nothing worse than a basket of stale tortilla chips that taste like they were leftover from yesterday and/or thick too. I prefer warm-thinner chips and Maria's perfected this. I had the 2 cheese enchiladas, rice, & beans. Additionally it came with your choice of soup or salad so I had the tortilla soup which was also delicious. The enchiladas came out very hot which was great because I've had experiences elsewhere when they were lukewarm and did not taste as good. To top this review off, Celia knew it was our first time and she went the extra mile by allowing us to choose a complimentary dessert...wow, talk about service excellence! Thank you Celia for the stellar hospitality, we will definitely be back and pin this as one of our local favorites! read more

Maria's Mexican Kitchen - Fried Mexican Ice Cream - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

My husband and I tried this place for date night last week. The food was good. I really like their beans and I'm not even a big bean person! I recommend the cheese enchiladas with beans and rice. Hubby had the chili rellanos, which were good as well. The portions were ample. The service is excellent and all the employees are very friendly and kind. We will definitely be back! read more

Had a fabulous dinner. Everything was so yummy and Andrew our waiter was fantastic. Very pleasant and attentive.

Very unhappy with the manager. I was charged incorrectly and they would not correct it. After eating there for over 20 years, I won't be back. Poor attitude for managemen. read more

We decided to try this place because of an article which listed it among 3 top restaurants for Mexican food in Riverside. The place was clean and nice tables The service was very good. Very friendly and quick The food was just ok. Had no Mexican flavor to it. I asked for jalapeno grilled and got sliced nacho jalapeños grilled up. This can give you a better idea of what I'm talking about as far as Mexican food. salsa was tomatoe sauce and no flavor and no spice. Food was bland and not Mexican food like I like Mexican food. Might be good for some. I won't return read more

The food at Maria's is fantastic. Authentic yet mildly spiced. Prices are very reasonable and service is quick.

Im shocked that this place has 4 stars. It's objectively not good. Not just from a Mexican restaurant standpoint but from food in general. Without any contradiction I can say that this is the worst food I've ever had. My wife and I left most of the food on the plate when we left. The salsa is like tomato sauce...the food was just not good. Would not recommend, was sorry that I went and will never return. The waitress was nice. read more

My friend Al Hart took me there after riding around on our Harleys one day. Very friendly and courteous atmosphere. Service was great. Food so very good. I really enjoyed the place and have taken the wife there also. I really recommend Maria's to anyone. Just wished they would open earlier during the week, maybe 9am instead of 11. But it is a great place either way. read more

This amazing little hole in the wall blew my mind. I walked in and immediately felt like I walked in a warm hug. I sat down and was greeted with nothing but sweethearts ready to take me on a journey of taste bud wonderland. I had a carnitas plate with a albondigas soup and let me tell you, I have never in my life sipped on broth like my life depended on it before now. It was like a bowl of happiness warming you up with a swirl of goodness and love. The carnitas were a crunch and half in the best way possible. The atmosphere of this place was so homely and actually creates and angel halo around your head before you leave because the food is so heavenly. read more

I came here for my father in law and the service was not good at all. Honestly seems like the business is ran by a bunch of teenagers. The food was pretty good but took about 45 minutes to come out after ordering. I'm hoping this was just an understaffed day because that's what it felt like. read more

First time for brunch and it did not let me down. Food was great! Huevos rancheros were awesome...glad I can extend my eating at this location to breakfast as well. read more

First time here after living here for 2.5 years. Wow. We have been missing out. Prob the best Chiliquillas I've ever had. Can't wait to come back. read more

Maria's Mexican Kitchen - Chilliquillas - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

We have been coming here for many years. Service the best MARIA is the best . Food is always the best especially the CHILE RELLENOS , I highly recommend read more

Subpar service, and terrible food. Honestly, it's embarrassing to call this Mexican food. Only reason I gave it 2 stars is because the free chips and salsa. This restaurant is still open because there's not a lot of options in Woodcrest. read more

If you are looking for a nice Mexican family restaurant, this is the perfect place. They have been serving the Woodcrest area for over 30 years. I used to come with my family when I was a kid. I recently came back with my family and everything is the same. One of my all time favorite dishes is the Empanaditas Rellenas De Pollo. Its two tortillas filled with jack cheese and chicken, fried and served with sour cream. I recommend a side of avocado. The Chimichanga is also a go to. They have mini specialty dishes as well including steak and fish dishes. There's dim lighting inside and the traditional Mexican restaurant decor. Chips and salsa are free. And there's some outdoor seating as well. And if thirsty, I recommend the Negro Modelo. Cheers! read more

Food is good. Come in all the time. But I was disappointed this time. My young son loves to come here but only gets the PB&J. Sometimes with fries but never with beans. Today he wanted a salad. But apparently you can't get a PB&J and hand full of lettuce for $8-$9 but they'll shove baskets of chips and cups of salsa in your face all day. They should reconsider for that kids meal. read more

I really think this place is a 4-star, but the last few times I've eaten here the food has been inconsistent. I usually order the albondigas soup and had it here three times in the last few months. Each time I order it it tastes different, but this last time it tasted like boiled water with rubber meatballs. The service is friendly and efficient. I hope they can get their consistency back, I like a neighborhood place to grab a quick bite. read more

My husband and I went for dinner and I ordered the shrimp and chicken fajitas. It was extremely flavorful and you get what you pay for. They did not skimp on the chicken and shrimp. It came with beans, rice, tortillas and a side salad. The service was great. The server made sure we always had our drinks and that everything was okay. The place is very nice with dim lighting and very clean. read more

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I absolutely love their food. It is always hooping hot & they have great servers in here too. I give it 5 stars

Grew up going here for over 30 years. I moved but called to place a order since I was in the area. Man... these people need to learn phone etiquette, who answers the phone "go ahead" and i said excuse me.. she said "you're calling Maria's Mexican kitchen" I just hung up, no time to waste my money on poor service. Bummer! read more

Excellent staff! We came here to Maria's on 3/13/25 for one of my friends birthday. The staff had our table for 20 people ready to go right at 5:30. They were all so welcoming and even let us store her cake in the fridge . They were so accommodating and all of our food came out at the same time and Hot! They went all went and beyond for the entire group . The sweet girl working there took our group picture and the young man that was our server was so attentive and thoughtful to all of us. Thank you again for the memorable night for our dear friend! It felt like we were at home having a family dinner. read more

I don't understand the hype AT ALL. Food is gross, small, and you pay the same price as rodrigo's down the street for better. It's also quite warm inside. The wait staff is however very nice. read more

My friend lives close by. We have eaten there before always very good food and wonderful service. Had a gathering at the house and this time ordered to go. everything was packed up and ready to go when stated large container of the amazing salsa and some chips topped it off just right. Recommend!! read more

Really liked this place! The food was so great. I got some to bring home, my wife lived it too. Really great. Ask for Kentor and he will take care of you. read more

Food-Excellent Service-Excellent, server Sean A++ service Ambiance-good vibes, nice music read more

It's a nice small place but very cold. The staff were polite. There were only 2 tables with a pair of customers each. I had a "to go" order. Unfortunately the time spent to make 4 basic burritos was 30 minutes too long and barely warm when I received it. Makes me wonder what they were doing for 30 minutes if the food isn't hot. It wasn't spent on getting any napkins, salsas or utensils. Because I wasn't given any. Needless to say. I won't be returning. read more

This is my second visit to Maria's and the service and food was just as fresh, tasty with awesome service as the first time. My favorite is the Chile relleno with their homemade sauce. All their sauces are homemade. My favorite dessert is the flan which is also homemade. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food with great service even at closing time, with reasonable prices, this is the place. read more

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The food was excellent in what appears to be a family run business. We will definitely keep this place as a go to when craving Mexican food

Solid 3 stars. The food was good but lacked flavor and authenticity. My respect for authenticity went away when the only salsa they had looked like it came from a can at Albertsons. Salsas should be made from scratch. Salsa is everything when it comes to Mexican food. As for the burrito. All I could taste were the rice and beans... the asada hardly had flavor and got overpowered by the rice and beans. My father had the toro burrito and was not impressed, the sauce just contained way too much flour. Definitely more Tex mex style. Should be called Karens Mexican kitchen because Maria would be disappointed. read more

Maria's Mexican Kitchen - Carne asada burrito and toro burrito - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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They have the tastiest pozole I won't get pozole from anywhere else. This our go to anytime we're in the mood for some good Mexican food.

Its our go to when we need lunch near our jobsite! Step into a classic local Mexican restaurant with great service! The tacos are amazing, always on point..Warm tortilla chips and salsa await you too that arrive swiftly when you sit down! The owner is always their and she's probs taking your order! Cannot say anything bad about the vibe, food or staff! read more

The food was good, it's not like it's disgusting . I would try their quesadillas de carne asada. The service was really good, they were super nice there. It was a pretty chill place, although it did get pretty busy but it still didn't become hectic. read more

Don't see how they keep the doors open. Salsa was bland, same with Taco's & the Asada. No Wow Factor at all. Waiter wearing a ball cap, etc... read more

Normally we enjoy our dinners here but I recently ordered the Albondiga soup and wow was I suprised that not only did it not taste good, they use frozen meatballs that tasted like freezer and perhaps a little Italian spice. Nothing remotely close to the authentic mexican soup one would expect from a Mexican restaurant. Their enchiladas, rice, beans etc are great and come out nice and hot.. the soup needs a real revamp. read more

Maria's Mexican Kitchen - Albondiga Soup - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

I understand times are tough with the increase cost of raw ingredients and labor etc. but there's no excuse; I ordered a carne asada plate and it cost a little more than $20, the meat was about 3 oz , paper thin , it literally looked like the biggest beef jerky piece you would find in a bag purchased at a gas station. No wonder why the place was empty. read more

Came for lunch at 11:30am...not too crowded. The dining area is a little dark and I liked the overall ambiance. The server was very kind and checked on us often over the time we were seated. I ordered pozole. They offer a 12 or 32oz bowl. I opted for 32 ounce. The bowl was huge and definitely more than I wanted or needed. I didn't even eat a third of it. Pozole wasn't what I hoped for. It was thick and more like a stew with a ton of meat chunks too big for the spoon. I prefer pozole to have a delicious broth but my soup wasn't like that. Flavor was only ok. They did offer the traditional radishes/cabbage and lemon on the side, thankfully along with some spices. Obviously this isn't my friend's homemade pozole and didn't live up to my standard. I would come back one more time and try an entree other than soup because the food looked really good and service was great! I don't want to rule it out without trying one more time for a regular entree. read more