Mercado Marimar is another cultural hidden gem being a small family owned Mexican market and restaurant including a butcher shop centrally located along busy Park street in Madison, WI! It looks very tiny from the outside and super easy to pass up but when you walk inside, although nothing fancy, the energy is vibrant and festive offering the community a little piece of Mexico with fresh produce, meats, and lots of delicious popular Mexican snacks/treats! Towards the back, they have a restaurant that is mostly for to go orders but there are a few tables to dine in! The restaurant serves great Authentic Mexican food like street tacos, Menudo, burritos, tamales, and tortas! My favorite is definitely the amazing Birria tacos which is a must try menu item! On weekends they even make fresh tortillas with a authentic tortilla machine! I love getting Mexican snacks and treats! They have sweet treats like the conchas (Mexican sweet bread) and Tres Leche Cake which will satisy any sweet cravings! There are shelves full of salty & spicy snacks like the chips with a shelf full of different flavors of Takis! Mercado Marimar is a community staple in Madison, WI that brings the community together! read more

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Amazing food and kind staff!! The birria is to die for, I love both the birria tacos and burrito. Their chocoflan is another must try, perfectly moist and not too sweet. read more

Tucked in the back of the market is a restaurant. I haven't eaten there but this is the only place of which I'm aware that makes and sells fresh corn tortillas in the Madison area. It's my understanding that they are only available on the weekend. They're great! There has always been a short line when I've stopped by to pick some up. I doubt they will sell a specific number of tortillas but I don't need a 3"-4" stack. So what I do since I don't speak Spanish is hold my finger and thumb about an inch apart to show how big of stack I want. They also sell fresh salsa and guacamole. Both are very tasty though the amount of heat in the guac varies every time. There are also groceries and fresh produce as well as a meat counter. Space is tight but manageable. The small parking lot can get congested; particularly if someone parks in a particular space that probably shouldn't be a space along the curve of the parking lot.. I typically park on Dane St. and avoid the lot. read more

Very delicious tacos hidden in the back of this grocery store! Came here with a few friends and tried a variety of tacos, everyone thought they were delicious!! Prices were very reasonable and service was fast after ordering. There is a small parking lot on site that is easy to get in and out of. read more

Mercado Marimar - Grocery Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Small Mexican store with a kitchen in the back. Online ordering was a little rough for me and they did not have the food started when I arrived, but were able to prepare it quite fast. Not outstanding, but by no means bad read more

You know the food will be great the moment you walk in and hear the sound of the tortilla press. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the staff is always super nice. You should definitely try the torta and the birria tacos. They're both amazing! read more

Mercado Marimar - Torta - Grocery Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Amazing family run grocer on Park just off the beltline. Don't expect splendor. The tacos are amazing. Let the kids watch the crazy tortilla machine work on Saturday mornings. Tamales come out Friday, I believe. They make menudo too ( but I've never tried it ). The tongue "lengua" is identical or even better than street tacos I've had in Monterey. Their house made salsas are fantastic and the butchers are extremely friendly, but speak slowly. All summed up, this place feels like walking into a bustling northern Mexican village shop or a big city neighborhood store. It's other worldly (but not premium in look or feel). read more

Awesome. Just awesome! Im a recent arrival from Los Angeles. The Mexican food scene is good but usually misses the mark, but this place is spot on! Food is terrific. Feels like East Whittier ( a very hispanic part of LA). Im very happy that i found this place. read more

Madison's hidden gem for authentic Mexican. Nothing is even close. Homemade tortillas and even homemade birria tortillas. Maria is the best. Everyone should support this place. Order cooked meat to go by the pound to enjoy at home with their tortillas to go as well! A family favorite. Talk to Maria about catering your next party! Don't waste your time with Qdoba order local from Maria! read more

The best Birria Tacos In Town...!!! There I said it. The sauce. Drink it right out of the cup. Yes it's that good. Okay down to business. A nice market compared to the one on Monona. Good deli selection. And the prices are reasonable. Canned goods and snacks... yes. Produce... yes. Standard. But the hidden gem is the kitchen. Fresh hand made tortillas, birria, menudo, all the good stuff. The decor is what you expect from a small shop. Kind of like something you see in xalapa or la Paz. The people who work there has been great to us. For Birria Tacos... I would drive out of my way to be there for it. read more

This is my comfort food when I'm missing home (SoCal). Birria tacos are 11/10. Mole is flavorful. read more

Mercado Marimar - Mole enchiladas, birria tacos, torta - Grocery Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

"Don't cry because it's over--smile because it happened." That's the only way I can describe discovering Mercado Marimar in my last couple of weeks of living in Madison. The tacos de birria were simply incredible. Despite the fact that it was clear across town from our house and we were deep in the trenches of packing, prepping our house for sale, and moving to Virginia, we went out of our way to visit twice in two weeks. The service was courteous and patient and the food was outstanding. My spouse and child loved their tacos as well--asada and al pastor, as I recall. Fresh, delicious, authentic, fast, and well-priced. Will definitely be back when we're in town to visit. read more

Mercado Marimar - Tacos de Birria to die for - Grocery Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Best birria in Madison, everything is handmade fresh everyday. Can see them making tortillas from scratch as you wait for your food. Also is a grocery store with a butcher too. Great prices and friendly staff read more

Mercado Marimar - Tamales - Grocery Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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The chicken quesadilla and birria tacos were soooo good with such a large amount of food with each order. We'll definitely continue going back. Highly recommend! read more

I ordered the nachos supreme and boy I was so hungry I didn't even take a picture but boy I'll tell you, it is delicious!!!! I'll be back

BEST BIRRIA TACOS IN MADISON, often very busy but don't let that deter you from a delicious meal

Amazing food, pound cake and champurrado is to die for . I had the best carne asada quesadillas , empanadas preparadas , tamales , tacos and consomé in my trip to Madison . And the staff is so genuinely nice and friendly. Love that place . Parking is tight at peak hours. read more

My favorite spot for tacos in Madison by far. Especially on the weekends when they're cranking out fresh tortillas and have weekend meat specials like carnitas and barbacoa! And definitely try a Birria taco that they've recently permanently added to the menu The grocery section has tons of fresh veggies as well which is helpful when we need to grab just a few things after grabbing lunch! read more

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Visited Mercado Marimar for dinner on a weekday night. The restaurant/dining area is a part of a small grocery store where you can find fresh vegetable produce and meats/snacks. I ordered 3 birria beef tacos which were very delicious tasting. The tacos ended up being around $10 pre tax/tip which was reasonable. Due to the venue being a bit smaller, it was difficult getting the hosts/chef's attention with ordering food and checking out after the meal. Overall, had a good experience with the food -- it was tasty and well-priced, I do feel a bit more organization on the restaurant and checkout side could really help! read more

Delicious, unbeatable in the 608. Market and a restaurant. Best Mexican place in Madison period.

lord have mercy, devoured. Nearly ate the container it was in, was so so so damn good.

The food is amazing. Orders are prepared quickly. It's a mom and pop grocery' with kitchen in the back and a couple of tables to dine it. You order and can either eat in or take out. read more

Love love love this place by far hands down the best tacos in Madison. Keep up the amazing work ! I am hooked and I'll be telling my friends and family ! read more

Food was good. The only issue I had is that after I waited a while for my drink and kindly asked the worker for it, she gave me an attitude and spoke poorly towards me. Other than her, the other workers were very kind. read more

Your typical fruiteria/Mercado filled with tons of Mexican goodies and yummy food. I was super happy to read the great reviews for this place and finally try it. I ordered two pastor tacos for $5 and they were better than I expected. They gave me a WOW moment after each bite. Each taco came piled with lots of meat, cilantro, onions, and an extra corn tortilla underneath to create two tacos out of one. Their green jalapeño salsa is deliciouso! The red chipotle salsa was pretty spicy, but went well with the pastor tacos. Their are tables as well in the back to enjoy your food at or you can take it to go. They have tons of drinks to choose from, a good selection of baked goods, a fridge filled with single portioned flans, jello, and cake strawberry cake slices, small produce selection, large pots for cooking tamales, palletas (Mexican ice cream), the warmest and best Mexican blankets ever, teas, healthcare items, and other magical miscellaneous goodies. If you're looking for a fancy little place, this isn't it, but you really should check this spot out at leeeeaaaast once! read more

Mercado Marimar - Tacos de barbacoa, sooo good!! - Grocery Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Had the menudo this morning it was amazing!! Definitely going again I also have tried to Birria tacos and there the best. Must try small store but has hand made tortillas and great food. read more

We finally came here on a Saturday morning to try their infamous tacos made with their freshly made corn tortillas. The tacos did not disappoint! We tried the chorizo, asada, carnitas, and pastor tacos. They were all delicious but my favorites were probably the chorizo and the carnitas. Almost everyone in the store was there for the counter in the back- either buying meat and tortillas in bulk or buying tacos/quesadillas/soup to eat in the store like us. We loved all the different salsas they had out on the table (including guacamole!) and everyone there was incredibly nice. The drinks are all self service so you grab what you want from the fridge and then pay for everything at the end. We will definitely be coming back soon to try some of the other items on the menu, and to stock up on the carnitas! read more

Mercado Marimar - Top: Chorizo, Asada tacos Bottom: Al pastor, carnitas tacos - Grocery Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This is a grocery store but there's also fresh, authentic, taquiera kitchen in the back to your right. We always get the tacos, usually $2-$3 depending on what type of meat. They have pork - which is by far the best, most delicious choice - barbacoa, steak. They are garnished with cilantro and chopped white onions, and containers of red and Verde salsa. They also have fresh bakery items and bread from pan y pan and other bakeries. Credit cards are accepted! read more

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Yum burritos! Try the salsa Verde on the table. They make everything fresh, the lady took tomatoes and avocados from the market in front of us. The cashier is her sister and very friendly. Will return read more

The best tacos in the state of Wisconsin, no question. Get the birria with the sauce and you won't regret it!

Wow, this is a hidden gem for sure. We weren't sure how to order since it was our first time, but the staff were so friendly. I showed them a picture I found on Yelp and they knew exactly what I wanted. Food came out fast and every bite was delicious!!! We got 5 Birria tacos with consume, some other types of tacos, barbacoa, rice, menudo soup (tripe soup), and consume (lamb soup). They had a small area to dine in and everything tasted delicious!!! BTW, finished our meal with the best flan I ever had in my life!!!! 100% recommend for anyone!!! We will be back for sure. read more

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Talk about being poisoned and this happened to me twice. Second time I had to be hospitalized. First time I got sick I bought some Chicharrón in the meat department. The guy ended up selling me Chicharrón's with mold on them. I didn't catch it until after I eat it I noticed my stomach was hurting. I got half of my family sick as well. I flipped one of the Chicharrón as a notice green specks on the Chicharrón. Second time I bought some tacos something about the cosome soup maybe had some bleach in it, or didn't wash the dish properly but I honestly got so sick, food poisoning I had to go to the hospital and get fed IV because I couldn't eat or drink anything for five days. It's never happened in my life being sick for that long, so it kind of makes me wonder. I've met the owner and his son very nice people but honestly I think you guys need to check your employees because something isn't right. read more

They make tacos, burritos, and other such things here. All of it will blow you away. You should not be getting Mexican food anywhere else. You should be getting it at a place where you get to watch the tortillas being created from scratch right before your very eyes, and then taste that same freshness just moments later. The menu they have hanging up is pretty bare, but the nice lady working the register is more than happy to list off everything they have, plus any specials going on. It's all very reasonably priced too, and there was no shortage of folks coming in to pick up their lunch or dinner for carry-out. read more

The taqueria in back of the market is one of my favorite spots in Madison. The burritos have recently become a bit smaller than they used to be but the quality is as good as ever, (ask for asada & chorizo with everything on it and you wont be disappointed). They have an amazing verde salsa with some great heat but if you eat there make sure to grab a bottle of the verde mixed with guacamole they have sitting on the tables. On Sundays they make a bunch of specialty items; the tamales are fantastic. read more

Hands down the best Mexican food in the city. Their Mexican rice is AMAZING. I've never had rice at a Mexican restaurant that I've liked until here. Their tacos are authentic and made with their own house-made tortillas. If you come here on the right day you can see them being made. Their chicharróns are incredible and very affordable. The owners are also very friendly and nice. They have a good variety of groceries and baked goods as well. It may feel weird to order food in a grocery store, but the food is worth it! read more

Mercado Marimar is quintessential South Park - it does not look like much on the outside, but the products on the inside will absolutely tantalize your taste buds. This small Mexican grocery store has a small taqueria in back that serves a limited menu (tacos, tortas, burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas) along with a special or two (pro tip: always ask about the specials). The prices are reasonable (2 tacos for $5), the portions generous and quality of the food is superb. The store makes fresh corn tortillas on weekends, its own homemade salsa and has a great selection of paletas. read more

This place has it all. A meat counter, various chorizos and cheeses, produce, a tortilla factory spitting out corn tortillas by the boatload, a small restaurant, and produce. A true one stop shop for all your south of the border needs..... read more

I'm so glad to find a place in Madison that makes fresh corn tortillas. I bought some to make tacos al pastor and they were *chef's kiss* Bonus: the store is named after one of my favorite novelas! read more

I'm a huge Mexican mercado fan and this one just came under my radar. I stopped by to see if they carry some fruits, and whoa, was surprised to see a little eatery in middle of the store. An excellent lunch spot. A taco (everyday they have asada, pastor etc) is $1.75, slightly high in price in my opinion. But the two layers of fresh made tortillas are LOADED with the meat of your selection, sauteed onions, and fresh cilantro leaves. I drizzled their fresh made salsa, guacamole, and topped the already voluminous tacos with the cactus pickles. Hmmmm good. Reminds me of the flavors I enjoyed in Mexico. Besides tacos, the menu also listed menudo, tortas, and few staples. Very friendly staff, and loved the neighborhood feeling. Definitely a hidden gem. read more

I love their tacos, which are authentic and delicious! Service is good. The interior reminds me of a scene in a Quentin Tarantino movie which I personally like. An expansive restaurant space tucked in the back of a Mexican grocery store. I'll definitely be back! read more