I've been going to Casa Maya since I was a little kid with my dad, and now with my own family. It's situated near the Great Swamp and two (although I believe one has closed down) awesome outdoor antique/junk "shops" (for a lack of a better term). If you want to go on the weekend, I would recommend getting there a bit before they open to avoid the crowd. It is a fairly tiny restaurant, so it gets crowded quick. The outside looks a bit rundown and the inside is decorated Mexican kitsch, complete with strings of chili pepper lights and of course Mexican music in the background. Everything is excellent form the chips and salsa served before your meal, the black bean soup to the large ice-cream dish that serves at least 4. The fajitas put chain restaurants to shame and their rice and bean sides are delicious. The service is usually great, but they do tend to get overcrowded depending on when you visit. It's BYOB, which is usually a plus for me, but I'm a cheapskate like that and would prefer to bring my own $13 bottle of wine than pay $7 a glass. read more

I wish I didn't need to write this as Casa Maya came very recommended by people we trust, but I feel diners need to be forewarned, especially considering some other recent Yelp reviewers (like Holly M.) had the same specific reactions. Bottom line: This experience was not just bad, but completely unacceptable -- so much so that moments after our entrees were served, we asked for the check. The problems started right away. If the chips were not store-bought, they sure tasted like it. Not even slightly warm or authentic-tasting, they were very disappointing. Same with the salsa -- no heat whatsoever, tasting very much like it came from a supermarket jar. I ordered steak fajitas and my wife ordered shrimp/crab enchiladas. My wife detected no crab, but was told they were basically in the sauce. What she did see were a number of small, hard shells, which rendered the dish inedible. My fajitas were the worst I ever had. It came out sizzling, but within seconds was room temperature, as if only the plate was hot. The steak was cut in very small, thin strips, like you would get in a Chinese dish. The steak was also very chewy/rubbery. Our yellow rice had tiny cubes of carrots and peas in it, telling me they were just frozen veggies at one time. The re-fried beans didn't have much flavor, and were basically pulverized into a puree. We asked for the check because I would rather pay for nothing than pay for bad food, but it's important to note the restaurant took care of us and apologized. The place was packed, and plenty of people swear by it, so I encourage you to judge for yourself. For me and my money (and the prices here were pretty high), I had better experiences at Cactus Charly in Maplewood and Don Jose in East Hanover. read more

One of the Fam favorites. Servers know our orders by heart! My wife and I come often for a quick lunch which is quick and affordable! read more

Easily the best Mexican restaurant in New Jersey. Absolutely to live for. I have been dining at Casa Maya for years. My friend and I make a habit out of going there, and we also make a habit out of getting the exact same dishes every time: me, the chicken chimichanga with green sauce, her, the chicken chimichanga with red sauce. We devour our food in silence, giving each other looks that say, "this is amazing," so we don't have to talk and therefore stop eating. One thing I have always loved about Casa Maya, since I was una niña, is the decor. The seating is booths and tables made of colorful tiles, and the ceiling is covered in jungle plants, parrots and other birds, cool lights, flowers, et al. Mexican hats, instruments, and decorations hang all over the place. It's just so cozy and amazing. The service is quick. The staff is friendly. Everything is muy perfecto. read more

i've heard great things about this place so I've been wanting to check it out for some time. We got there and had to wait (very small place) about 20 mins. Not so bad for a Friday night. Atmosphere is cute....totally agree with Sarah Y. that the decor is cheesy yet charming. The service was decent however I guess based on the hype I have heard...it didn't hold up to it. My husband loved his dish and cleared his plate. He got a combo platter and ate everything! I however ordered a chimichanga. I was disappointed. The size was great however the chicken was tough and not tender at all. It was such a thick piece of chicken too. Perhaps i'm spoiled by Jose Tejas but I don't like chicken when it's the consistency of rubber. :( I will say the flavors were good and my husband enjoyed his dish so...guess it depends on the individual and also the entree item you choose. read more

I cannot believe when I lived in this area I didn't frequent this place. Now that I am further away, I finally decided to try it. My quest for a great burrito is over. I have found the place...woo hoo... Located in a bizarre triangle corner area (if you pass by you will miss it unless you know it's there), it has limited parking nearby but it's not difficult to find a spot elsewhere. Outside waiting area is a nice place to hang out while you are waiting to be seated...which more than likely will happen because the place is always busy from what I hear (and was busy the night I went). The menu is the standard tex-mex far but they really put love into the food they make. The ingredients taste fresh and the service is good. It's a BYOB and yet the prices are good! It's good food, good service and good prices. I had the pork burrito and it was great. Overstuffed with pork (which is rare) and it was flavorful. I highly recommend if you are jonsing Mexican to go out of your way because you will not be disappointed. read more

We have tried this place in the past and been unimpressed. Thought I would try it again after 5 years. Same blah food. Chicken burrito is really just some shredded chicken in a flour wrap with lettuce, tomato on top, a side of rice and sauce. No beans. All for $11.99? Chipotle charges $6.99 for better food and a larger portion. read more

Casa Maya - Chicken burrito to go- yuck - Mexican Near Me - Gillette, New Jersey

Ordered the guacamole which came in this HuGE tin. We weren't expecting so much of it in one portion. Tasted really good though..ingredients tasted really fresh and I love how it was chunky instead of puréed smoothly. I also ordered a beef burrito. I was expecting slices of beef and not ground beef. It was just ok. I prefer the slices of beef. read more

This fun-looking (chili pepper light strands and peronis: what I called a pony wearing a Corona blanket) Mexican place in the middle of the woods seated us at 9:30 on a Friday but was pretty vigilant at 10. 30 about putting the lights to HIGH to get us all the eff out. I got the camarones especiale: garlicky chipotle sauce blanketing mix of peppers and onions with a few chopped shrimp pieces mixed in for good measure--served with a pile of dry rice, a bed of baked super-salty beans with a square of deli cheese melted on top, and a little tortilla cup full of sour cream and fresh guacamole. Huge inexpensive piles of 'slop on a plate' Mexican food that will reunite you and your bathroom. BYO. read more

Solid Jersey Mex. Carnitas is right on Combos are a good deal. BYOB. cozy. Caliente cuties very friendly. Shrimp/ camaroñes yum. Complimentary Salsa chips to start. Buenos suerte. read more

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They have been here for decades, so obviously they have a following. I enjoyed my meal--it was less Americanized than most Mexican places. Small and cozy space with nice people. BYO, which is always a plus, and inexpensive with ample portions. I simply do not find Mexican food all that interesting or diverse--even in Southern California I was not wowed. read more

There are not a lot of mexican restaurants in NJ at all, let alone ones that aren't god awful chain places specializing in fajitas and hamburgers. And of the few there are, most of them are awful. But Casa Maya is absolutely an exception. Dont be put off by the appearance, it looks like some kind of cheap donut highway road joint from the outside, and inside, well....its mostly old vinyl booths which doesn't seem encouraging either. But if you're someone who loves to discover a little hole in the wall joint that turns out to have excellent food, you've found a new favorite. Dont fill up on chips and salsa, and try the appetizers! Queso, guacamole, both fantastic. I recommend to the pork tacos and double up on the rice and beans because they are outstanding. And for an added surprise, try the chicken soup, its homemade and delicious! No margaritas cause they have no liquor license, but you can bring your own. You need to park across the street cause the restaurant has no parking. read more

This is good Mexican food and one of my favorite places to go. No other place I've tried in Morris County even comes close. Everything I've had at Casa Maya has been delicious. I agree that the food is different from what you get in the American Southwest; but that is because Casa Maya offers fare that is closer to true Mexican than Tex Mex. The atmosphere is cozy and a little dark. I agree with those who suggest arriving early on weekends. The place is small, and popular. I have only two complaints. One, outdoor dining would be an awesome addition; however, I don't think the property would accommodate it. Second, Casa Maya does not have a liquor license. There is, however, a store across the street where you can grab some cerveza on the way in. I'm not sure how you'd manage a margarita--maybe make them at home and bring them in a thermos. Just a thought. By all means try this place and enjoy! read more

This is my favorite restaurant. It's got some of the best mexican food I've had in the country (that includes California and Texas), and by far the best in Jersey. And lots of it. Almost everyone takes advantage of the BYOB policy here as well. Slightly pricey, and on weekends you'll have to wait for a table, but people wait because they know it is SO worth it. read more

Love that this place is BYO. It's a tiny little spot that can get very busy on Friday and Saturday nights, so be prepared to wait. The chips and salsa are great start to the meal, and the carnitas fajitas and veggie fajitas are my two favorite dishes. The carnitas are marinated in tequila and SO good, while the veggie version is perfect for a vegetarian without sacrificing any flavor. If you're unsure what to order, any of the fajitas are great and they come out sizzling. The food is always good and the atmosphere feels very Mexican and festive. I don't know how authentic it is, but it's a fun spot! read more

My family loves this restaurant! The lunch specials are great. The soups are so good. We can never choose between the black bean or the gazpacho. The salsa that comes with the chips is tasty. I love the service and the decor. You'd never think that tasty mexican food is here. There is hot sauce on the table, which I love, but it's great for those that don't like fiery food. I always walk out of here with a doggy bag and thinking I'll never eat again! read more

Here's a tale of five stars... Last week my wife and I (we consider ourselves professional Mexican food Restarauntees) went to a five star place and hated it... Today we went to Casa Maya, a humble 3 star rated location and absolutely loved it. 1. The atmosphere is authentic 2. The staff were all friendly (the English speaking staff, the rest just smiled politely) lol 3. The food was exactly the way we enjoy Mexican food. Tasty, good temperature and well proportioned. I couldn't finish and I'm a big eater 4. Brought my own sangria, what could go wrong I will definitely stop back again and again read more

Love it! Authentic and unique Mexican as well as the usual favorites. I could live on their appetizers alone.

Love love love this place! The best Mexican food around!!! We live about 30 minutes away and it's worth it!!! The staff is always so welcoming and the food is AMAZING!!! If you're looking for a lunch value go to Casa Maya!!! read more

Casa Maya - The decor is great!!! The service is superb and the food is AMAZING!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Gillette, New Jersey

This is hands down the BEST Mexican restaurant in New Jersey by far! We travel for 20 minutes just to pick up food at this gem. I always get the Wet Burrito and it has never disappointed me-the portion size is ENORMOUS. It comes with rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, and chips! My boyfriend has ordered a couple different entrees and he is always happy. We've eaten there once and it's BYOB. It's a very cute atmosphere. I really recommend everyone to try this amazing place! You won't regret it!!!!!! read more

Sloppy, bland, giant sized proportioned gloppy, gummy Mexican. If this is what you like it's all yours! Will get my Mexican fix elsewhere. read more

Awesome is not the right word. If you love Mexican food then you got to try this. Everything in the menu seems good. But whenever i come here I cannot move away from chimichangas so never tried anything else. Come with empty stomach to enjoy their food read more

My husband and I went hiking in the Great Swamp once after a period of heavy rains: the trails were impassable and misquitos were everywhere. I spent the hours whining that I wanted to give up and go to Casa Maya. Casa Maya serves up authentic Mexican fare at reasonable prices. The menu features the standards, tacos, burritos, etc. , but also harder to find items like mole and Chile relleno. Tonight, in fact, I had the chile rellenos! They've got just a little kick to them and not too much batter or cheese. Plenty of sauce on the top gives them a great, well rounded flavor. It's BYO and there's not a liquor store (or much of anything) around so hit it up before you leave. They close at 10 and at 10:15 the lights come on so get there early. There is often a wait I'd you get there before 8. read more

Love the place! Unpretentious, friendly place with good fresh food. We regularly have the fajitas, you can garnish them yourself with freshly grilled meat and veggies, and add guacamole and all other garnish that you can imagine to your liking. Enjoy! read more

Now, I'm from Texas, so when I think of Mexican food, I think strictly Tex-Mex. In that context, Casa Maya is the best Mexican food in the state of New Jersey. I order takeout from here all the time for Lunch, and it's always delicious. It's honestly better than a lot of Mexican restaurants back home in Texas. My one issue with it is price... namely the price at dinner. Portions and prices for lunch are actually very reasonable, but for some reason dinner prices jump by almost 50%. An enchilada dinner for $13 is too much. I don't understand why they do that, because from what I can tell it just discourages Dinner business. Regardless, Casa Maya is one of my favorite restaurants, and I highly recommend it to everyone. read more

A surprisingly good restaurant in the middle of nowhere! (no offense) food and service was great!

Sooooooo good and soooo much food for the money! small place, love the decor and the atmosphere. The menu is huge and they have the standard mexican dishes as well as special dishes that are signature of different mexican regions. I was really happy that they offer a few dishes with nopales (cactus). For about $15 I got a platter that included rice and beans, a large beef taco, a cheese and onion enchilada, a spicy chicken enchilada, and a pork tostada. SO much that it fed me the next day for dinner too. Also, it's BYOB which is great! read more

Pleasant surprise after not having been to this restaurant in a number of years. The service was very good and the food and portions were also good. The seating could be a bit roomier! If you are unlucky enough to be seated in one of the small 2tops or 4tops, you will find room for your food is at a premium. Prices are a bit high for this standard Mexican food, but well worth a try. read more

Really liked this place. Love the decor and the cozy booths. Food was pretty good but I actually am partial to Hacienda, also in the area. Will go back though for sure! read more

This place is the best Mexican food in the area. It definitely has an "authentic" taste vs some of the more Americanized options around, which I very much appreciate. Great service, good for takeout of dine in, although the restaurant is a bit small. It's byob and they'll make you a nice drink if you bring the alcohol. We love this place! read more

This small BYOB came highly recommended when I mentioned to co-workers that I was *dying* for Mexican (this is Tex-Mex, but that's nothing to quibble about here). The table salsa is mild, at best, and while we usually get the fajitas or some kind of combo, we really wish everything (anything?) was hotter. You might want to go at slightly off hours as this place can run a wait. It's a cute restaurant if you like kitschy Mexican gew-gaws, but the seating is terribly uncomfortable. Bottom line is that I've had far worse Tex-Mex; I've also had far better. I was tempted to give a two-star, but then I remembered all the truly terrible Tex-Mex meals I've had out. read more

I agree with the other reviews for the most part. Ten years ago, CM was one of the best Mexican restaurants around. Now, it's a shabby and slightly over-priced joint. They don't take reservations so you always have to wait, but it was worth it way back when. Lunch is a decent deal, but dinner prices are outrageous, especially considering the modest portion sizes. Service is good, but the restaurant itself is rundown. read more

Good home style Mexican food in a kitschy little cabin in the middle of the woods near the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Central NJ. A magical place that I will definitely go back to again. Food was tasty, service was great. What a gem! read more

I have been to Casa Maya several times over a 3 year period and I feel it has gotten progressively worse. Today I ordered black bean soup and beef fajitas. The soup was really just watery black beans. There was no flavor or seasoning and really shouldn't be called soup. I know there are many variations on black bean soup but this shouldn't be one of them. The fajita was a solid OK. The meat was chewy and again the seasoning just wasn't there. I tried to spice it up but the only hot sauce was a fluorescent green habanero sauce. When you see the color it's an instant turn off. Nothing that's edible should be that color. I know that's how its sold but please offer another brand. Anyway, there are zero other options for Mexican in the area so if you need a fix desperately, lower your expectations and check it out. read more

Casa Maya has a cute small atmosphere with decent food. Although my friend ordered plain tortilla's and they were moldy, it was gross. When I ate out at this restaurant the food was overpriced but you can get as many chips as you want for free. Overall the service was not great but the hosts are friendly! read more

Not much to say but the place Issa authentic as it gets, food, service, decor....I cannot wait to get back there and eat everything! Yumyums Also being BYO makes this place even better also read more

Food is always reliable and consistent. The worst part of this place is the limited seating. If you don't get there before 530 or so any given day you are guaranteed a hour or more wait. I wish they would expand the seating in this place or get a bigger location across the street. Parking also could be a nightmare. Always feel rushed to get out of there due to the poor people waiting outside. read more

It is definitely a local favorite. We went there twice, and each we had to wait at least 15 minutes. Had the spicy garlic appetizer, quite good with the bread. I had the tamales mexican dishes and was quite disappointed, it was lots of rice and bean and not enough sauce. It seems like everyone ordered fajitas here and they seem to enjoy it. BYOB. read more

I'm giving this a 4 stars but i'd really like to give it a 3 1/2. The 4 comes because there are literally no good authentic Mexican places in NJ to speak of. At least I haven't found any yet. The food is good, no doubt. But when I compare it to other Mexican places I have been to in the city and in the southwest (Arizona, NM) it falls short. I guess I have high Mexican expectations. I definitely recommend you try it out. You'll have a great meal at a great price. I go back from time to time to enjoy some fresh homemade Mexican that's right down the street. read more

I've been coming to Casa Maya for over 20 years and the food up to now has been fantastic! We ate here yesterday and I was shocked - the food was tasteless: the tortilla chips and taco shell stale, the food bland and without any heat. When I told the waiter about the stale chips he told me they were new chips and they are under new management. Under new management generally means things improve but in this case, things went way downhill! In addition to the food being poor, the wait staff not once checked on us and we had to hound the passing / rushing waiter to bring us more water. Not returning here.. which is sad, as we drove 10+ miles to eat great Mexican. Will now have to find a new place. read more