Maria's was rated pretty high and we were looking for a Mexican restaurant that served delicious classic recipes and hoped to find that at Maria's. We sat outside on a lovely summer day and really enjoyed the view and ambiance. We ordered the 3 enchilada combo with one each of chicken, cheese, and beef along with black beans and cilantro rice. Almost everything earned a rating of okay. The black beans were as expected although they weren't garnished with cheese or lettuce which is a nice extra. The cilantro rice came as a nice-sized serving, but wasn't especially flavorful. Each of the enchiladas was also okay, but we would actually rate the sauce as poor. It literally tasted like they had just opened a can of tomato sauce and called it enchilada sauce. Very surprising. If the recipes are improved, this would be a very cute and nice restaurant. read more

I thought Maria's was pretty legit! They start you off with some really good fresh tortilla chips and a delicious salsa. Note that the chips are only complimentary for the first round, it's an additional $4 per basket after that. Kinda disappointing when that's the expectation at a sit-down Mexican restaurant, but I get it because those chips were damn good! As I was eating them I was thinking to myself, "I don't care charge me whatever just bring me more of these chips!" We got guacamole as well. The guacamole was good, but you could tell that they had made the batch much earlier in the day. It was more of a "topping" guac than a chip dipping guac. No chunks of avocado and packed with tomatoes (and probably onion, it was a week ago so I don't remember). I probably wouldn't recommend it based on what I'm used to but it definitely wasn't bad at all. We came here ultimately because of vegan options for my wife. I totally understand when restaurants don't have many vegan options, but when they have a few different things it really helps us dine out as a meat eater/no animal anything couple. She enjoyed her soyrizo/potato sopes but wants to try something different next time. I got steak and shrimp fajitas. They were excellent! Usually fajitas kind of disappoint me because they come to the table smelling so good and sizzling but then they taste bland. But not at Maria's. They were full of flavor! There weren't too many shrimps, but there was a ton of steak. Best flavor and portions for fajitas that I've had. The rice and beans were also really good. The rice has a strong cilantro/lime flavor that we both really enjoyed. Also had to get horchata to drink. Came in a pretty tall glass. Was nice and sweet and spice-y (but not spicy of course). Not amazing but good. I'm sure we'll be back next time we're in Tahoe. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Steak/shrimp fajitas - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

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I really appreciate it when restaurants make the effort to offer a full vegan menu, so after looking through the photos, I was genuinely excited to try this place. Unfortunately, my partner and I left feeling disappointed. The Cons: * We arrived right at opening and were told it would be another 15 minutes before they were ready to open. It wasn't a huge deal, but I do wonder if that contributed to the quality of the food that morning. * I ordered the vegan "chick'n" enchiladas with green sauce. Overall, they were really underwhelming. The green sauce tasted like a basic canned enchilada sauce, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when the filling also lacks flavor, the whole dish falls flat. * The chick'n had zero flavor. Visually, it looked like it would be packed with flavor, and we even overheard our server tell another table that they marinate the chick'n in-house, which got us excited. Sadly, it just didn't deliver. If you've ever had imitation chick'n from one of the common freezer brands, you'll probably know the flavor I'm talking about. It was bland and had that cardboard-like taste. * We also ordered the vegan super nachos. After they arrived, our server let us know they were out of the vegan sour cream. I wish we had been told before ordering, as that was one of the main reasons we chose the dish. Overall, they were basic and bland. The Pros: * The staff were friendly and welcoming. * The house margarita was really good. If you've ever had the Flybird strawberry margarita, it tasted very similar. * The chips and salsa were delicious. Honestly, my favorite part of the entire meal. * The rice is delicious. Overall, I would consider giving them another try because I appreciate that they offer vegan options. Next time, even though it's something I make at home, I'd probably order the papas and soyrizo instead. I hope our visit was just an off day, because based on the photos, reviews, and being voted "Best in Tahoe" for two years in a row, I had much higher expectations. read more

Was really excited to try this spot for their Lo Vegano menu. Upon arrival they were a little behind on opening, but the service was friendly. Im giving 3 stars based on the food. Sopes: Im used to sopes that have beans, "meat" and all the toppings. These had just the vegan ground beef, lettuce and raddish. 3 sopes for $20 it was underwhelming and the beef was not cooked well. Nachos: the nachos were ok but had a super small dollop of guacamole and they were out of the vegan sour cream. Basic nachos you can make at home. The vegan chicken had little to no flavor. We didn't order the papas and soyriso since we can easily make that at home as most vegans do, but I feel like we should have played it safe and ordered them. If they put a lil more love into flavoring and ingredients for the vegan dishes we might consider going back for a second try. read more

We loved Maria's. All the servers were really friendly and accommodating. There's a whole vegan section of the menu with meatless protein options. My partner was able to easily customize a veggie burrito and add vegan steak that tasted great. I got the camarones a la diabla which had the perfect amount of spice and flavor. Our friends got the surf n turf burrito and cheese/chicken enchiladas which were tasty too. We would absolutely come back next time we're in South lake. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Camarones a la diabla - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

This family-run gem is always at the very top of our list whenever we're in Tahoe. Year after year we make a point to come back -- not just for the consistently warm service, but for the incredible vegan dishes that are honestly some of the best we've found anywhere. This visit we stopped in for happy hour and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed micheladas, potato taquitos, and taco platters, and everything was fresh, flavorful, and clearly prepared with care. It's the kind of food you can tell people take pride in making. Oscar, our server, made the experience even better. He treated us like family from the moment we sat down -- attentive, genuinely kind, and welcoming in a way that feels natural rather than scripted. We're often the only non-locals dining there, which is actually part of why we love it so much. It feels authentic, relaxed, and refreshingly non-touristy -- just great people serving great food in a place locals clearly love. Already looking forward to our next visit. read more

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COME HERE IF YOU WANT AMAZING VEGAN MEXICAN FOOD. They have a pretty extensive vegan selection, I got the vegan enchiladas with green sauce with vegan ground beef, and they were to die for. The free chips and salsa were also unusually good, I think the chips were maybe slightly thicker than most tortillas chips and that's why I liked them so much. The rice and beans that came with the enchiladas were just okay, flavor of both was fine and the rice was slightly dry but I still ate all of it and enjoyed it. I would definitely still come back though because the rest of the food was so ridiculously good. The inside is nice and cozy, the place is not huge but also doesn't feel cramped. There is one unisex bathroom, which was in good condition and pretty clean. The staff were wonderful throughout my meal, and I did not have to wait long for my food. At the front I also saw they have a pay it forward burrito thing where you can pay for 50% of a burrito and they give free burritos to people in need, I don't remember exactly but it was something very similar to that. Overall I really loved this place, highly recommend! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - vegan enchiladas with vegan ground beef - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

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Second go round so we tried something new... fajitas! Opted for the combo because we were sharing it, and it ended up being the perfect amount of food. Beef, chicken, and shrimp on a bed of sizzling veggies, served with beans and rice as well as corn tortillas... everything was very good! Only negative was they don't have any local brews... read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Las Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

The restaurants menu, satisfied the plant based vegans, and also the meat eaters in our group. We loved the veggie burrito, fish, and shrimp tacos and the vegan "chicken" nachos. The homemade Verde salsa was used on all of our dishes to enhance the flavors!! Oh yes, did I mention the homemade tortillas ??? We would definitely come back here on our next visit!! read more

My husband and I are both dairy free and gluten free and Maria's had multiple foods on their menu that we could have. And the food was incredible! Homemade tortillas and everything was very flavorful. I ordered the vegetarian tacos with vegan beef. The service was quick and the atmosphere was very clean. I highly recommend Maria's Mexican Restaurant! I'll definitely be back. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Vegetarian tacos with vegan beef - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

The food was ok, but the service was terrible. They took way too long and then offerred chips for the wait and then charged us for it.

We're visiting Lake Tahoe for our 10-year anniversary and the wife found this place on Yelp. Stopped in. Had the carnitas burrito with their green sauce which is fabulous! Along with a couple of iced teas. Great service. Good atmosphere. Great food! Definitely be back! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - My carnitas burrito....Ordered it wet with their green sauce and cheese.... WOW!!! I highly recommend it!!!! - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

WOW!!!!!!! I cannot even express how impressed I am with Maria's Mexican Restaurant. The morning after a fantastic meal and dining experience at Maria's, and I'm still drooling about it!! My husband and I are in Lake Tahoe for a weekend of defrag via hikes, nature, good eats, and coffee. I have to say, this is the BEST Mexican restaurant I've been to in IDK how long!!?? All the things I love ...from the authentic bright colors, to the ever flowing ships and salsa, to the warm hospitable service. I had the vegan beef enchiladas with verde sauce, which comes with cilantro rice and black beans, and my husband got the vegan chicken tacos plate. We also had guacamole, and I had a Pacifico. Everything was seasoned perfectly and just sooooooo on point as comfort food. Our server, Maria, was so friendly and efficient. The place was packed and the other patrons all looked happy, always a good sign. We were full, but didnt feel like we had a brick in our stomach. Our dinner was around $70, including a generous tip. Soooooo happy this place exists. and I have to say, that places like this make me feel better .... in a society that is increasingly not inclusive - it feels good to be welcomed, and not annoyed or judged by our dietary choice but to be celebrated and respected for it. THANK YOU MARIA'S!!! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Vegan beef enchilada and vegan chicken taco - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

Super good food I really enjoy coming to this place. Lots of seating and it's a big building the service is good as well. I have been here several times never disappointed yum Wet burrito veggie is my go to Half red half green read more

Stopped by during a Tahoe trip and their food looked quite good. It's a cozy spot that has a fire pit and heaters inside to keep you warm. Chicken enchiladas Rojas: B These enchiladas were pretty good. The shredded chicken was tender and easy to eat while the sauce gave it a nice smokey flavor. The green cilantro rice was amazing. The black beans were a bit lacking in flavor. Horchata: A- Huge pint of horchata and it has a very pleasant rice + cinnamon flavor. If you like horchata, definitely order one here! Chips and Salsa: B Chips come out super warm. Salsa has a mild kick and tastes pretty good. Service was friendly, took a little while though. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Horchata - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

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They have amazing gluten free steak nachos!! so tasty!!! happy celiacs camper over here the service was friendly but toook an hour to get our food in front of us- so go- but don't be in a hurry it's a sunday at 2:45-food arrived @ 3:45.... so not peak lunch or dinner times to be taking so long. It was very clean and a nice big only 1 though bathroom... read more

Our waiter took our order and we never saw him again. Maybe 15-20 minutes! Had to walk to the front desk to get more chips and salsa. Then, had to walk to the front desk to order more drinks. The couple next to us left before their food came because they were so frustrated. We waited for the food...and then it was not worth the wait. Just plain, like a heated up microwave burrito. We have looked for good Mexican restaurant in Tahoe, sit down, not taqueria. So far...no luck. read more

Amazing service with kind employees and fantastic food. If you're looking for a tasty spot check out Maria's!

VEGAN OPTIONS! And many of them. I had the vegan tacos with potato's as soy chorizo, there were many other things on the menu that included vegan cheese, vegan chicken, and vegan beef. My husband had the mole enchiladas (not vegan). We both loved our meals, and the chips and salsa were great as well. Cute inside and friendly and quick service ! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Tacos De la Calle Al Vegano con potato's and soy chorizo & En Mole - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

Amazing customer service, great music, homemade tortillas, flavorful, decent pricing! I can keep going, I come to Tahoe once a year and this is my first time here and will continue to come. The salsas are soooo good but be careful with the red one, a little goes a long way but she's so good! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Grilled shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

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I wish I could tell you how the food is, but I can't. We walked in on Cinco de Mayo to try this place voted "Best of Tahoe." We stood there, unacknowledged for a minute then sat down to wait. Three different employees walked past us three different times each without looking at, talking to or acknowledging us. So after five minutes of this we got up and walked out. Soy trieste. read more

Heat in the best way possible!! My husband had his favorite, surf & turf, I had the grilled fish tacos. My eyes are still watering . Margaritas are tasty, helping to bring some cool to my heated mouth. Service was great, they let us know there would be a wait and it's understandable considering how wonderful their food is. Definitely worth the wait!! Taking home their salsa. Thank you to everyone who works so hard here at South Lake Tahoe's Spicy Little Heaven!! read more

The food was really good, Great micheladas and great service! The ambiance was very nice read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Michelada was great! Food was really good and staff were very friendly! - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

The service was friendly and attentive but it did take awhile to get our food considering there were only other 2 tables occupied. We had burritos and tacos. The burritos were decent but the fish tacos not so much. They were very "fishy" any not to our liking. The salsas served really didn't have much of a taste profile. read more

Restaurant was very noisy. For some reason had music and soccer game on at same time and was busy. Very hard to hear anything. Chips were excellent and served warm. Staff friendly. My tacos were good and my friends quesadilla was good but husband's tostada was sub par and beans were not drained so soggy. read more

Mexican food. Been to a number of Mexican spots that offer vegan dishes. Can't beat the flavor at Maria's. Staff is always friendly and welcoming. Thank you all. See you soon.. maybe today. -The Healthnut read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Vegan Menu - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

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You can tell a good Mexican restaurant by the chips and salsa they serve. We had fish tacos, shrimp tacos, Carne Asada burrito, and they were all excellent. The Maria Michelada was out of this world. Maria, the owner, was very friendly and overall service was amazing. Will be coming back. read more

Authentic and delicious mexican food We loved and ordered the following items Chips with salsa all home made Fish and shrimp tacos Steak fajitas And Refreshing horchata!!! Hands down the best home made mexica food We will be back for more Service is am read more

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Delicious, authentic Mexican down to the handmade tortillas wrapped around my fabulous grilled fish tacos. My husband had the shrimp burrito. Both were so delicious and the perfect sized portions. Service was great and the whole place had a great vibe. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Grilled fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

During a coworker weekend trip up, a coworker that goes up to Tahoe quite a bit provided a few suggestions. My one coworker stated, "Mexicans never a bad idea!" So we decided to go with the suggested Marias. Funny enough, two of us were eyeballing the fajitas (one chicken and one for steak). By the time it came to order it was a table full of fajitas. I loved every bite and the overall presentation of the dishes. I went with a Jamaica Agua Fresca which wasn't bad (just not sure I would order it again). Dinner came out to approximately$25 (so much cheaper without alcohol- I declared) but two of us left with delicious leftovers. The room kept filling more and more the later it got. The garden lights in front gave it a wonderful touch especially when darkness came. read more

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The green enchiladas were really good!! So was the horchata. Some of the best Mexican food I've had in the area!

Wow!! The fried shrimp tacos are perfectly amazing!!! Chipotle sauce is delicious and has a kick. The hand made tortilla has a little crunch to it. Chips and salsa are on point. Both my boys loved the horchata!! Will definitely come back when we visit Tahoe again. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Fried shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

In Tahoe for vacation and decided to try this place since it had such good reviews. It was busy which we expected since it was the weekend of the celebrity golf tourney. We weren't even greeted when we first walked in. Stood there for about 5 minutes with people just walking by us. Finally someone told us it would be about 15 minutes for a table for 4. When it was our turn to be seated they asked if we wanted inside or outside and asked to be inside and they said it would be another 20 minute wait for inside. No problem so we sat outside but there was no one sitting outside so we could have just been sat outside instead of waiting the first 15 minutes. We ordered our food, I got chicken fajita. Took about 20 minutes to get food but they brought me my chicken fajitas and they were raw. I sent them back and just requested they be well done. Everyone else was almost done when my food came back out. Good business would have taken the fajitas off the tab. Serving raw food is a huge issue and they are lucky I caught it before I ate it.... They didn't even apologize for it.. read more

This is the best Mexican restaurant with the best vegan food in town!! Everything is delicious! The service is great! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Vegan Super Nachos Veganos So good!! - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

All I have to say is ***handmade fresh tortillas *** After a day at the beach , we had a craving for authentic Mexican food , I'm not gonna go into many details just - we had great food , great service and I'd definitely go back and recommend you go visit!! Oh and order something that includes those fresh handmade tortillas!! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

Great food! I got the carne asada burrito and it was very good. However, if you're used to beans in your burrito you have to add it, as it does not come with any. The wait for take out was a bit long, so make sure and order ahead. read more

Everything was ABSOLUTELY delicious! You get one free serving of chips and salsa to start with (which are so good) - the have a vegan menu in addition to their regular menu -and everything we ate was soooo good. We split the Los Nachos and added vegan ground beef instead of meat. The staff is friendly and we all had a great time. The ambiance was relaxed and casual, we'd come here all the time if we loved in Lake Tahoe. Thank you!! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Los Nachos with vegan ground beef - Mexican Near Me - South Lake Tahoe, California

Service was weird to begin with, the place is way over priced, we were charged extra for a tiny bowl of chips that comes with the salsa. They say they have margaritas but there's no tequila here, it's with some type of wine. Beer and wine only with fake Margie's. Fajitas came with two tortillas which wasn't enough. This is an over priced hole in the wall in a run down lot. read more

I do not recommend this restaurant. Upon arrival, my family and I were welcomed with the option to choose our seats, which was initially pleasing until we were informed that our chosen spot was, in fact, reserved. Why tell us to pick anywhere we want? The restaurant was also small. I ordered the mixed fajitas, a decision I was thankful for after finding the steak was dry and flavorless. The chicken, however, was a pleasant contrast. My father's orders the enchiladas and it tasted as if they poured a jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce onto the enchiladas rather than authentic enchilada sauce. On a brighter note, the pineapple juice and horchata were good. The pineapple juice tasted l you were drinking from a fresh pineapple. Nevertheless, we were disappointed yet again when we attempted to order horchata to go. They did not have "to-go" cups and simply poured the horchata into a tiny coffee cup and proceeded to charge us full price. read more

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in my short stay in lake tahoe, yelp recommended maría's close to me. im glad i went here, as the food and service were immaculate. although i ordered for take out, i noticed the indoor ambiance was amazing. it was a full house and the night was live here i was assisted by Oscar, on the register. i went with their torta, with asada meat, and added Queso Fresco for an extra $2: w choice. wait was about 20 minutes for a full house, but i was assisted and helped by oscar, who kept an eye on me expect a fine dine experience and authentic mexican flavors. the torta is darwin approved, and i gotta come back for other items fr read more

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