Delicious Mexican food, great atmosphere and great service, and all that for a reasonable price! what else do you want?

It's our second time and we were still not impressed. The staff are always friendly but the albóndigas soup had a fairly good taste on the broth but the meatballs are not fresh. I honestly say that they are frozen meatballs and the refried beans had no flavor. I do have to say that there salsa and rice was tasty. read more

I've been going here for years. There foos is always good and the service can't be beat.

Didn't even get to try it because we were turned away at the door. Closing hour is 9:30 P.M it was 8:15 when we walked in and they told us they aren't seating anyone else. The place was probably 6-8 tables occupied with a lot of open seating. I guess they aren't hurting for new customers, won't waste my time driving here anymore. read more

Always a great experience. Food is so good. It's a tough time for restaurants, especially small family owned places. Maria's is doing an awesome job on to go meals. It's a favorite of ours and we will be back for sure. Keep up the good work! read more

We came here on the recommendation of a friend and we were so glad! It's been so long since I had menudo like my Abuelita used to make. That first spoonful took me back to those days. My hubby had the burrito with Chile Verde, and while I was in my own little world, I glanced over and his plate was practically licked clean! Yep, he liked his food alright! Daughter loved the chimichanga and was lucky to have leftovers to bring home. Oldest son order fajitas and was pretty quiet during dinner and no leftovers, youngest (picky) son had taquitos and a tamale and liked them. The kids enjoyed the fried ice cream for dessert. The restaurant is clean, has a nice atmosphere, and the staff is very pleasant. We will definitely be back! We actually were joking that we should go back and make it a mission to try everything on the menu at least once because what we had was SO delicioso! read more

There was bad customer service on 3/19/21 at 8 pm. The food at Olivias is more authentic.

Every year Memorial Day Weekend, my Aunt, Brother & I stop after placing flowers on our family graves at Riverside National Cemetery. We always enjoy the good food and excellent service. Everyone is extremely kind. Kathy Nakamura read more

Well a coworker and I tried out Maria's Mexican kitchen today on recommendation of one of the managers working at a store we visited. She had said that Maria's, is her go to Mexican food place and has been for many years. So we thought it couldn't be that bad and gave it a try. The directions we received from the manager got us to the shopping center that Maria's was located in fairly quickly. However upon arrival, it was somewhat difficult to actually find the location as it's Tucktaway in the back. Behind the Chinese restaurant. We were seated quickly and chips and salsa were brought out immediately. The chips were fresh and crispy, they even melted in your mouth. The salsa was a little tangy but well done and so we put in our order. I got the enchiladas with a side order of beef taco, and Raul got a burrito. The food took a little while to get to the table, and by a little while, I mean a little too long. The enchiladas were OK, but nothing too spectacular. The rice and beans are pretty standard. I suppose I'd come here to eat an enchilada if I were hungry and it was nearby, but I definitely wouldn't drive out of my way to get here again. All in all, the meal was decent and service friendly. One thing though, I do wish the dining area was a bit brighter. It's like they had no lights on and it was dark, like eating in a cave. read more

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How in the world does this location have such decent reviews? I ordered here for the first time, got a burrito and a meal for my daughter. Frankly it was disgusting. The chicken was horrible, watery and flavorless. My burrito was oddly made in like lines - too was the fake guacamole I talk about below, then the disgusting chicken, then the beans at the bottom, what in the world?? The beans tasted funny, the rice was flavorless like most everything else. I ordered chips and guacamole...what a joke the "guacamole" was liquid, like fully liquid. I gave two stars solely because while the fake guacamole was liquid and kinda nasty looking the flavor wasn't horrible. It was the ONLY thing that didn't taste bad. Real life, I'm worried about what we just ate. Neither my daughter or myself could stomach much. Man, so bummed we were hungry, this is nearby and I really hoped it would be good. Entire waste of money and sooo not worth an upset stomach. read more

We tried calling the restaurant to place a pick up order three times, and the phone line said it was busy. After waiting a few minutes, we called back and the phone just rang and rang and rang. This was very annoying right off the back as we wanted to grab food for our family quickly. Upon arrival, the waitress said we could sit anywhere, but we asked to place a to go order. She took our order and asked with each item "Do you want sour cream or guacamole or both?" I thought that was odd, and asked for clarification if there were additional charges for these toppings. She stated that one item is free and the additional was extra. (Glad I asked! Easy way to make money off of people without disclosing the information.) My husband and I waited more than 20 minutes for our 3 plates. The restaurant was not that busy, and the large party we saw was singing Happy Bday so their meals were finished. The food orders were correct, but no chips were included with the 2 extra salsas. I appreciate the salsa, but no chips? The food we ordered was a steak fajita plate, and we were not impressed. The food was not authentic Mexican food as the rice seemed like boxed rice, the beans were like canned beans, and the meat had several chunks of fat. Wish we could say this place was yummy, but the only thing that was good was the salsa and the cleanliness of the place. We hope the steep prices come down as $16 for a fajita platter wasn't worth that price. read more

I have never been disappointed with my meals. Really authentic Mexican taste. I have not found a dish that wasn't good. Even my wife who is a great Mexican cook is satisfied with her food and she is particular about her Mexican food. You won't be disappointed. The waiting sometimes is Long but we'll worth the wait. read more

The food is not very authentic; overly fried, American flavor, without fresh ingredients. We ordered a Michelada, and this is definitely not the restaurant to do that at. Looking around, most everyone else was drinking bottles of Corona or Dos Equis. Service was pretty good, as long as we asked for what we needed. Refills were not brought for drinks unless we reached out to ask. Ambiance is ok. Sad to learn they were in health code violation the week before we visited (coolers not keeping proper temp). Several of the other Mexican food restaurants in the area offer better quality and more authentic food. read more

My husband and I have eaten here probably 10 times and have had really good food. So I ordered from Postmates. Postmates was not the problem the food came fast & warm. This was just lack of quality....the food tasted like it came from a completely different restaurant we were missing a taco and the portions for the fajitas & the microscopic enchilada was not worth the $35 we paid. Their beans are normally amazing and it tasted like they were warmed up in the microwave because every couple bites I would get like a hard Bean....the fajitas had all the chicken on top so it looked like a lot but it was packed with veggies underneath and that's fine but the veggies weren't even cooked I made a fajita and bit into a raw onion slice. Since my husband's meal was missing a taco and his enchilada was microscopic I ended up having to share my fajitas with him which was really only enough for one person and we've absolutely shared the fajitas before...No flavor in chicken....missing a taco, my husband's enchilada was literally like someone took a flour tortilla and put cheese inside and microwaved it and put red sauce on top you can see it in the container and see how thin and crappy it was and I paid $17 for my fajitas. I don't know what happened but last night Maria's failed. Since we've been ordering food online from our local restaurants & trying to support them during this time it's been interesting finding out the restaurants that stay true to their brand and the ones that are cutting portions and not really cooking the same food. read more

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Excellent food and great service! We have been here several times and have always had a great meal with great service. I usually get the Chile Colorado. read more

The food is excellent. The atmosphere is a little dark for my taste. The salsa is great, but it is very spicy. I had to wave someone down for water after eating it. It would be nice if the person who brought the salsa asked what we wanted to drink. It's a family owned business, and I would definitely return. read more

Maria's Mexican Kitchen - Yummy salsa! Spicy! Ask for water!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Super friendly here. Good music, chips and salsa kept coming! This is true Mexican food. Totally recommend it! I had the Grande Tostada. Yummy & Fresh! read more

Tried Maria's 23 years ago when we were house hunting in Mockingbird Canyon. It is our goto for Mexican food. Not a bad meal in 23 years. Salsa could be hotter. read more

I ordered the Azteca Enchiladas. Very yummy the kids orders a corn dog and taquito. The kids eat everything. My husband ordered the menudo. He said it was good but not as flavorful with chile. The serves and music was really good. And as always I comment of the restrooms. They were spotless. The decor is beautiful. Can't wait to come for date night and try the fajitas and drinks. read more

Sorry first time here and it will be my last was there for an hour i timed it we sat down at a table really quick but besides that it was a waiting game on the service got drinks never got refilled in the hour we were there until we asked if it was almost ready cause we wanted to leave instead they said it was we asked make it to go when we got home to eat portion was small for the money we spent and still forgot my sides I paid extra for so I don't recommend this place unless you have a whole lot of time to kill read more

I would give it a zero but it's not a option. I grew up in orangecrest:Woodcrest and have been here many times. Today I've had enough the service is horrible and I ordered posole which is precooked, serve it in a bowl and give me the sides please. 30 minutes later I walk back to the kitchen and they are just standing there not knowing what to do. I left without eating! Never again with this place! read more

Disappointed, and won't be going back. It seems they make all their food ahead of time and reheat it to serve. We ordered machaca and chili colorado, and neither was fresh. Blech! read more

Great food! LOVE the Shredded Beef Tacos, Fiesta Salad, Fajitas! Always fast and courteous service! You will not be disappointed!

Great Service the staff is very friendly, Mexican food with more of a "Spanish" feel. I didn't get to meet Maria but if I ever do, I'll have to tell her not to heat up the plate so much because it dries out the food. Other than that pretty ordinary Mexican food. TRY THE GREEN HOT SAUCE, IT'S GOOD read more

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Very nice decor, food not so much the salsa says it all, if you like it you will like the food. As for me I don't like canned salsa. Wait times are excessive be prepared to eat chips and salsa to suppress your hunger. They do warn you about the Beans and rice plate being hot BUT ITS WAY TOO HOT!! They literally have it sitting in an oven. read more

We loved the location in Corona and were sadden it was not able to remain open during the Pandemic. We were looking for menudo today and glad we remembered Maria's had a riverside location. Consistency is key when it comes to great food and becoming a repeat customer. The food at this location is exactly like the Corona location just pure deliciousness and customer service was great. We will be making the drive soon. read more

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I've read good and not so good reviews of this place. We had good service, friendly and efficient. Chips and salsa good and we were offered refills a couple of times. ( did not take them as food was not here yet). The food was typical Mexican and OK. This was not 5 star dining it was lunch and we were very satisfied. When we're back in the area we will eat here. read more

Been loving this place since I was in elementary school! Awesome spot, I feel like I'm apart of there family. I recommend the whole menu.

My husband & I eat there a lot. The food & service is consistently good. Of course right now it is only take out & outside dining. I suggest everyone to try this Mexican restaurant. I'm confident you will also become a regular diner. read more

We go twice a week love the service and the food is delicious. I usually get the taco's on the lunch special more than enough and very filling. My kids get the burrito and menudo looks delicious. Pops gets the fajitas very large portions and I will say very reasonable on the menu prices. Compared to other restaurants this is our go to for delicious Mexican food. Thank you for being consistent and always making us feel like family. read more

If they ask if you would like chips and salsa to add onto your takeout meal, say no! While it seemed as though they were complimentary, it added another $8 to a small order. A handful of chips and mediocre salsa, as well a lackluster menudo, made our first visit certainly our last. read more

Always a nice go to. They really have the best menudo. Never disappointed with the customer service. Just a small hole in the wall. If you haven't been. You should. read more

I've probably been coming here for 20 years and the food is consistently great and their staff is always warm and helpful. From the Aztec chicken to the flautas to the bacon wrapped shrimp everything on the menu is so good.My husband and I love the albóndiga soup. The are pretty reasonably priced and it's a great place to sit in a dimly place have a beer and enjoy your families company over some great food. read more

My Wife & I really enjoy having lunch at Maria's! The staff are great and the food is fantastic!! I always get the El Toro Burrito and Kim gets the chicken fajitas. The Tortilla Soup is great. Highly recommended !!! read more

We went to a place around the corner and couldn't get anyone to knowledge us. Called Maria's and they held a table for us. Couldn't ask for better service and food. Thanks for saving our evening. read more

The service needs much improvement. Took over 10 minutes to get out drink order. When we asked a waitress to get it she said "Um, ok one minute. She's your server." Proceeds to point at another server. Wow, what a great serving team. Right? The other waitress finally cones around. Doesn't introduce herself so no one knew her name. The place has free chips and salsa and the salsa was bland and had weird chunks of what looked like oranges. Never got a refill on the chips and salsa. We were a party of 6 so we zoomed through them. I had to let our server know were ready to order after waiting another 10 to order. Mind you the server never apologizes once. Barely even smiled. Food took long to arrive. I ordered the tortilla soup which would have been good if it wasn't lukewarm. Beabs were good. But the service made everything unpleasant. We ordered 3 margaritas and when we were done she came by and asked if we would like another. We all said no but one person in the table. We wait a while and the server was asked if she got the margarita order. She says "I didn't know you wanted one." With her arms raised up. I almost laugh because she was very condescending. She never apologized. We would have appreciated a, "I'm so sorry let me get that right way." I don't appreciate crappy service especially when the server is unapologetic. Thank you, next. read more

Been coming here a while and usually get posole But today when it came out the cut up radishes were yellow and slimy , cabage looked like it was sitting for a week in the dumpster , lemons were slimy and falling apart so we drank our beers and refused to eat or pay for the food won't be coming back here It sucks because this was one of the good places in woodcrest and there isn't a lot up here read more

My husband and I came here for dinner on a Friday night. We were pleasantly surprised by how good everything we ordered tasted. I had been sick, so all I really wanted was soup but when we got there I thought it might not be enough so I also ordered taquitos. I had one bite and was really impressed. Not too crunchy, just right. Great portion of meat in it. Just Wow! So I offered one to my husband who immediately dismissed it out loud by saying "It's just a taquito" but after one bite he said, "That's the best taquito I have ever had!" lol The soup wasn't as amazing as I remember and was missing the avocado on top, which is my favorite part but it tasted good and was a large enough bowl to have actually been enough to eat. The service here is very good. The girls are fast and friendly. I love that the restaurant lighting is low, so it helps make it a little more date like and maybe helps keep people's voices down? But I did notice that many had to use their phones light to read the menu. I am happy this is close to our home. We will return. read more

This used to be a decent local's place for Mexican food. Oh my God, it sucked from the beginning. Pointed to seat somewhere, after 10 minutes finally got a menu. Then finally got cops and salsa a the beer. Wait another 10 minutes to get our order taken . Now another 30 minutes no food. People who came in afterward have been fed and now getting to go boxes, but at 35-40 minutes no food. Asked Manager wand was told oh "we're slammed". Yeah that's why everyone else has been taken care of. Left a $5 bill for the beer and left. I have no idea what their major malfunction is read more

The place is beautiful, very authentic looking decor but unfortunately the food not so authentic. Customer service was great but I don't think I'll be returning. read more