The service and food here are amazing! If you're craving that authentic home made Mexican taste, this is the place! They also have amazing iced cafe de olla. This is a family run restaurant, and they make you feel like a part of the family. Their birria omelet, chilaquiles, and enchiladas are amazing! Don't miss out! read more

Delicious breakfast with granddaughter. French toast, orange juice, cafe de olla was all delicious. Friendly, chill cafe in a shopping center. I will go back soon if even for the delicious caffe! read more

Excelente comida y sobre todo excelente servicio. El café de olla y los licuados muy buenos

Food was amazing! Service was incredible! Thank you Milton! Well for sure come back again!

Oh my gosh. So much potential out of this old Downey establishment. Mexican food has a ton of competition in Downey, even stores like the nearby Vallarta and Amapola sell a variety of hot and tasty Mexican foods with zero wait time. The greatest benefit to visiting a restaurant like Fonda Maria is that the service supposed to be better than a Vallarta or Amapola grocery store. Hot foods at Fonda Maria restaurant supposed to meet or exceed the taste of comparable hot foods sold at Vallarta or Amapola stores. When Fonda Maria fails to deliver on taste, preparation, and food presentation, then there is absolutely no reason to pay extra for a sit down place like Fonda Maria that serves below par hot foods. So much potential at Fonda Maria restaurant, remember that complacency is a slippery slope. Once food taste and food presentation start sliding, there is no coming back from shortchanging and neglecting your core base of valuable customers. Fonda Maria kitchen staff, you can do better than serving sloppy, messy, and tasteless plates of Mexican food. I will return a couple more times and I look forward to deleting this review when food quality and preparation get a little bit better. I'm not looking for A grade here, I'm looking at C- grade, and Fonda Maria you flunked out today. The two stars were me being nice. Today you earned zero stars. Fix this asap. Jordan read more

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Excellent food. Loved the Cafe de Olla. I had avocado molletes with two eggs. Highly recommend this restaurant. Everything looked delicious.

Great attention to clientele; The restaurant deeply knows its community and serves it well as a result. The conversations I overheard reflected ongoing relationships with clients and the food never disappoints. I'll be back again and again. read more

The food was not as tasty as one would have hoped for. The menudo had a weird smell to it and hairs in it. My husband waited super long for his order. I had to go ask one of the waiters why my husbands food had not come out when I was already almost done with my meal. He mentioned the cook didn't read the full ticket but we're pretty sure he forgot to put in the whole order. I would not recommend this place. Overall it was a 5/10 experience read more

So this is not the first time that we have eaten at this restaurant the first thing I would like to say is that the customer service from both the waiters could be better they need to check up on the customer to see if they need anything else like maybe refilling their coffee or checking if we are OK Another thing is that when we ordered our plate it's two persons eating and they only give you three tortillas and these are big plates for only three tortillas I mean yes we can order more but by the time they come back to your table, you're almost half done with your food. The food has lost its flavor. I feel like it's not as tasteful anymore and their coffee is not even hot. It's warm overall I am more about customer service than anything the two men need to work on their customer service!! The establishment is cute and clean and the prices are decent but come on if someone is ordering a plate put more than 3 tortillas especially if it's two persons eating and you only give 3 tortillas!! read more

Fonda Maria is in a plaza near Stater Bros grocery store. I walked here for dinner on 6/18/22. Service was very nice if only a bit slow getting to me at first. Their complimentary chips and salsa are bomb. The salsa's spicy level is medium for me, but perhaps very spicy to others. Their menu is expansive, but my heart was set on a wet asada burrito ($12.90). I definitely recommend it if you like spicier foods! I also had a frozen lemon margarita ($6.99). It was alright. The decor is cute with hints of Mexico splashed onto a modernized color scheme. Will return soon with las niñas! read more

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Muy buena la comida 100 % recomendable y muy buen servicio y un cafe ufff riquisimo y increhible el estilo del niño milton

buena comida 100% recomendado me atendió Milton Yoel, excelente servicio y atención

Great food for all times of day and service was great especially the little boy who served us. Definitely will be returning!

This place is so good! I always get the chilaquiles with steak and eggs. Also the horchata coffee is bomb!! Great customer service! read more

Fonda Maria - Chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

This place was GREAT! Food was amazing!! Great portions and very good service! Diego took real good care of me and my friends. Micheladas are fire !!! For the carne asada fries and they put a lot of meat on them! Def coming back!!! read more

Better service, they charge you for every drink. Nothing has refills Waiter came by once , asked him for 2 can sodas and they never brought them. We're sitting here at the moment and they havent shown up to ask us if we need anything. Food was ok. Place is overhyped Dont think I will be returning. read more

Hello, I took my Mom and Dad to eat breakfast here for the first time. This was also my first impression. Keep in mind that this was my experience, including the feedback from my parents. Service - It seemed a bit unpredictable who was to attend to us once we arrived. Once we were seated, it started well, but then an inconsistency who was attending us. When we asked for a less spicy chili for my father, the waiter made it seem very difficult to accommodate the request. There was no attempt to assist in any way. He just brushed us off with his humor. Throughout our time there, no one from the 4 waiters came to check with us to see how we were doing aside from 1 refill of coffee. Recommend - Bring a better attitude to have a more welcoming atmosphere. Our waitress was dry in energy and was very passive and definitely not one for a lifting conversation. Even the leavinv was awkward... Food - The taste, according to my parents, was traditional in flavor and good but was missing a flare of zest. Note - My parents are from Guanajuato and Zacatecas. I personally liked the dish but was not over the top. The presentation was conventional but missing some side salsa or house creamery. After the service response from the waiter, my father was discouraged to even ask for even ketchup. And I was uncomfortable just sitting there just to make sure we had a decent meal without stirring any disappointment in the moment. The Cafe de Olla was not too bad, but the fresh juices were really good. Overall, the restaurant, in my opinion, has a good traditional outlook and can definitely be thorn to the larger Mexican restaurants in the area, being a very competitive market. If they want the word to get out from new comers about their family restaurant, adjust the hospitality by tweaking the roles of the employees. The waterfall approach can affect the customers' experience. Needless to say, when you take your elderly parents, it's not much to ask to be more attentive and be more willing to keep the customer fascinated about your passion... read more

Fonda Maria - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

I ordered the birria plate...the broth was very clear and watery. The meat also tasted like it was reheated and a little tough, granted I did still eat it because I was hungry. The beans and rice were fine. I haven't tried anything else on the menu but wasn't a fan of what I got. The service was really friendly though but I wouldn't recommend this place to someone when there's better and more affordable options out there read more

Great breakfast burrito !! Everything was perfect . The service was great too. The ambiance was nice for the area. read more

Fonda Maria - Chorizo breakfast burrito wet - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

I wish I give 5 stars but I also have to be honest and helpful so the ownership can look into the opportunities. -0.5 to the cleanliness in the restroom. -0.5 to the service which should be -1.0 but the young lady Abigail saved the waiter bad service. That guy has no sense of urgency, not friendly at all and instead, rushes to order, to pay and absolutely no checking on guests maybe judging the appearance. I do a lot of business consulting for Restaurants and this server will be on my black list of DO NOT HIRE him. Big complements to the kitchen as always, I been here since day 1 and I remember the owner and wife used to put their heart in every single customer and dish. I miss them lately when they are not there. read more

We have noticed this spot a few times when shopping at Stater Bros but had yet to try it; and I'm so glad today we finally did! First off the customer service was amazing. The lovely lady at the counter was so sweet and even offered me a free iced coffee which was refreshing with how hot it is outside. We ordered the chicken enchiladas with chorizo and the asada wet burrito and both were super flavorful and delicious. Would recommend and will definitely be ordering from here again. read more

Fonda Maria - Enchiladas Verdes de Pollo with chorizo - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

This place is amazing! We are from out of town and we're staying at a hotel nearby. The food was so delicious, we had the costillas, and chilaquiles with chicharron and carne. The service was great too, the servers were really nice. As soon as you walk in they greet you. Overall a very pleasant experience. Would 100% recommend this place! read more

Fonda Maria - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

So good I came back twice in one day. Come with patience and an appetite. Authentic Mexican food at its best. It can get busy but worth the wait. Friendly staff and cozy restaurant. They also serve beer and wine. Their michelada's are great. I also enjoyed their coffee. My favorite dish by far was their rancheros puercos which consist of pork skins,eggs,beans and fried tortillas. I also tried their nopales a la Mexicana which is cactus with egg. My child loved her chicken nuggets. Their homemade milk shakes where a big hit too. Honestly can't wait to go back again. A hidden gem among many imposters. read more

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First time here.... Food was delicious . I recommend this place. Unique combinations, tasty salsa and good service.

Food is excellent. You have to wait a bit longer for your food because they make it fresh. Totally worth it.

Stopped by after our initial option was a bust. We were seated upon arrival. If you are looking for bottomless mimosas, this is not the place. Unfortunately, all they have is the classic mimosa, but it is a perfect blend. Husband and I ordered chilaquiles. I ordered mine with chorizo rather than steak or chicken, and my husband ordered the mole chilaquiles. Both were delicious. I do wish a little more chorizo was added, though, and I just didn't like how soggy they already were from the bottom when I got mine. However, it hit the spot read more

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Definitely a place to try ! I usually come here for a burrito de machaca ! I also have tried the birria ! Is yummy ! I recommend you go around 11:00am or 11:30am when is empty . It starts getting pack for lunch time ! Service is faster , there is not much waiting time ! Try it and let all of us know ... ;) read more

I Love it. This is my second time here. So far is good. If i recommend? Yes is good price and food is yummy

Placed a large pick up order to try this place for the first time after reading a lot of good reviews I felt confident, unfortunately upon picking up our order one of our iced cafe de olla horchata coffees had a dead bee sitting in it. read more

Fonda Maria - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

found this place on Yelp cause it had stars and good reviews so went to check it out. I think it's more of a spot for the locals in Downey. My steak and potatoes were good and the rice but I didn't really appreciate anything else and felt like the menu didn't have many appetizers. The margarita was strong, thick and didn't taste good. It tasted like cheap liquor I did not finish it and didn't wanna return it bc I didn't wanna be rude. The soup was bland also... customer service was good read more

Fonda Maria - Strawberry margarita - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

Was in town with family. Food was delicious, lots of sitting and very good service. I ordered a torta de lengua and 10/10 would come again if in town. read more

Fonda Maria - Torta de lengua - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

Everything about the place is terrible, from the service to the food. They prepared me and my mom wet burrito wrong, then took both back to the kitchen to correct. And all they did was remove the cheese and sour cream and put a watery green sauce on top. It was so bad I didn't even eat my burrito, I was so disgusted I just asked for a to go box and left. read more

After church services my wife and I including my father in law and my sister in law,we were looking for a good restaurant servicing breakfast or brunch. One of our friend from church told me if I ever the restaurant the Fonda Maria in Downey. I told he maybe I told I heard that name before he say the restaurant is next to Fatima Grill, I say oh yes I know where it at. We headed to the restaurant before it gets packed we arrive and they there tables. We got a table outside that was good. Then the waiter can to the table and hand us the menu and getting our drinks order. Looking the menu we decided to order my wife order the chorizo with egg and my father in law order the chilaquiles and my sister in law order the breakfast plate I can't remember the name. I order the veggie omettle. We waited for our meal they brought our drink I order the coffee but tasted really good with hint of cinnamon was good. The waiter brought us the meal I was really hungry I couldn't wait. The veggie omettle was really good full of veggie and cheese and also with chili make the omettle spicy. The flavors were very good and potatoes were delicious and the refried bean were good. My wife enjoy her chorizo and egg and my father in law and my sister in law enjoy their meal. We will come back again aoon. read more

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New spot in Downey. Lots to choose from the menu. Service is slightly slow but they do offer complimentary chips and salsa. Salsa definitely has a kick to it. Ordered steak, salmon and creamy cheesy chicken. All of the dished tasted really well with unique and rich flavors. All of the food was cooked and tasted really fresh and juicy. Overall great spot. read more

La comida deliciosa, el café súper, el servicio excelente, muy cómodo . En general mi esposa y yo nos sentimos muy bien y deficiente vamos a regresar a probar esos chilaquiles charros . read more

First time here. The white rice was nasty as if they 'glued' it together. The steak was dryyyy my son couldn't chew it. He kept spitting it out. The red rice appeared to be from several days ago. On top of it I waited 20 minutes for my food. Won't be coming back. read more

This family owned Mexican restaurant is super cute and had great service. I would definitely come again! Pictured dish: Pollo Alambreado w/ beans and rice (Cactus, Bell Pepper, Onion, Mushroom, Chorizo, and Melted Cheese) read more

Fonda Maria - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

The food is above and beyond delicious. Unfortunately both servers had the rudest behaviors. It seems like the are forced to work here. There is a tall skinny young man he can show these two waiters what real customer service is. I came here about 3 years ago. Loved it. Today I can't say the same. Remember customer service is part of what brings customers back. read more

Ask any Mexican that can cook where he eats , if he likes food he will say at home . Not many or any good Mexican restaurants . But Chilaquiles and cafe de olla are legit here! If you're from DF the competition is too fierce to play around . In LA these guys have no competition ! Come for the food stay for DJ Ruth's playlist! read more

Fonda Maria - Chilaquiles chicharones in salsa verde beans eggs bistek - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California

Tried it for the 1st time and let me tell you --what a dissapoinment!!! My better half ordered Rancheros Puercos. I ordered a pambazo. Sangria (lots of ice, watered down) OJ (was ok, wish they would have left the pulp) and fresh pepino water (lots and lots of ice.. it was ok). Let's talk about the food... The pambazo was a joke!! all bread, and mostly potatoes, very little chorizo and the chorizo was burnt. Huge disappointment! My better half and i have this thing when we try new places that we don't like called... Been There Done That And WON'T GO BACK.... This is definitely a WON'T GO BACK!! Save your money and time. Took a bite of the pambazo, and just left it on the table. Didn't eat it. last but not least, this place is Mosquito/flies friendly. read more

Fonda Maria - Mexican Near Me - Downey, California