I haven't been to Marias in over 10 years so this was really like a new experience for me. I stopped in on my birthday with some girlfriends and we sat on the screened in patio. Overall the food was great, i got 1 puffy taco and I like the order of the chips mixed flour/corn. The service was really slow, we were sat and got water but took about 10ish minutes for our server to come back to get our drinks, another 10 for them to be delivered. We were going somewhere by appt later so we just go the check when the food eventually came. TLDR - its good, good pricing, good specials, and would return when not on a time constraint read more

See all

My review of Maria's: the food has no life or love. Blander than bland. We ordered the cheese nachos as an appetizer, which to my surprise looked exactly like the snack I made myself after school as a kid - a plate of tortilla chips with melted cheese on top with a side of jarred sliced jalapeños. That's it. No salsa or any toppings of any kind. It was Taco Tuesday so we ordered the two taco special. One beef, one chicken puffy taco. Neither looked or tasted like there was even a sprinkling of seasoning. I honestly feel like the recipes I see on TikTok would yield much better food. I know this restaurant is a staple of downtown Ralston and the wait staff is exceptional, but I was extremely disappointed in the menu. I can't recommend this establishment for good Mexican food. read more

Maria's is always a classic. The service is always great. You always feel like you're at home. And the food is consistent.

I like to try new places that I have not been to and ate at Maria's on Saturday nightarriving before 6:00PM. Not too busy yet. I ordered the enchilada dinner. They had not brought chips and salsa, so I asked a person that was bringing food to the table next to me and he said he would bring some. He did not. My waitress came and took my order and I asked her for chips and salsa. She said they only have to salsa that was in the carafe on the table, which was a hot sauce, like you get in a bottle. She said they have pico, said I said I would take the pico. She didn't say anything about a charge, I was charged $7.00 on my bill. I got one bowl. It was bigger than a typical salsa bowl, but not like a soup bowl. I will never go back to Maria's again. Mike read more

Haven't been to Maria's in years. I was happy to see they are in new and larger location. They were a bit busy and had a 30 minute wait, there were several large groups in the back area. They take your name and number to alert you when you table is ready if you leave. You can also sit or get a drink at the bar while you wait. We both had Jalapeño Margaritas that has their own jalapeño infused tequila. They say every margarita has 3 shots in it, they were good but I'm not sure they were really that strong. Got the Taco Plate which comes with two of Maria's Famous Beef Soft Shell Tacos. The tacos were large and very filling. The plate also included rice and beans, both could have used a bit more seasoning. I'd go again for the tacos, but would skip the rice and beans. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Desserts Near Me - Ralston, Nebraska

See all

We went about a week ago, and I'm sorry to say that the food has gone downhill. The puffy taco was less than stellar. The meat had zero seasoning, the cheese wasn't the creamy American like it used to be, and the lettuce tasted like it was from a bag. Not like Maria used to serve. I realize she didn't have a ton of seasoning on them normally, but these had zero. We were really bummed about this. The margaritas however were really good. We were also disappointed that the employees kept yelling across the restaurant at eachother. It made it hard to have a conversation with the people directly across from me in our booth. One gal in particular (late 50s?, blond hair) would NOT shut up! We were getting really irritated due to her constant yelling. It was just very unprofessional. Not a relaxing atmosphere at all. On a lighter note, sometimes we go and we get the server with the long black curly hair who has excellent service, a stellar memory, and is sweet as can be, we just love her! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Loud and unprofessional - Desserts Near Me - Ralston, Nebraska

Best margaritas ever! Great service and food considering it was super busy. No wait which surprised me!

I love a puffy taco. I believe Taco Co in Benson uses the same recipe? Don't quote me. This place had a wait on a Tuesday night which is impressive. Our meals were great but I like the puffy veggie taco at taco co a bit better. Service was friendly, food was great but we were at a table that stared at the bathroom and I think that table should be removed. I recommend a visit! read more

food was very disappointing!!! puffy chicken taco had no seasoning on it just chicken lettuce tomato an unseasoned shredded chicken. enchiladas were way over seasoned and not in a good way. Do not go here if you're expecting authentic Mexican food it's more of white American Mexican food. The queso and the pico de gallo were good nothing special though at all, but was the best part of our meal.. read more

Bookguy asked neighbors to recommend great taco restaurants and many people suggested Maria's in Ralston. We were shocked to discover it has been around since 1976! How had we not known about this excellent Mexican restaurant?? It's family owned and if you haven't been here, what are you waiting for? We enjoyed the ambience because the tables were not packed in. They have a heated outdoor seating area in addition to a large separate room to accommodate groups. Julie was our server, and she was great. She has been working here a long time, and is very knowledgeable. We both ordered the #8 combo with a puffy beef taco, rice and beans, and with an enchilada or a burrito. My burrito was meatless and Bookguy's was beef. The puffy tacos were wonderful and a sure antidote to the boring, tiny tacos from fast food places. We both added the salsa for a spicy kick. Puffy tacos are one of the signature dishes here. Our burritos came covered in gravy. Yes, gravy! I had expected red sauce but the menu called it gravy. And it worked! It wasn't salty and was the perfect accompaniment for our burritos. There's a full bar too, so I had one the best margaritas I've had in a long time. Our neighbors were right-- Maria's is the place for great tacos! read more

See all

My wife and I had a great time with my siblings. The food was great and the tequila that was on sale that was sipping delicious.

I went last night, 6/18/2026. My husband went and wanted me to try it. I love "puffy" tacos. We get there and everything looks clean and food looks good. I ordered a "puffy" taco with beef and a tostada with beans. Needless to say I was truly disappointed. The taco was far from "puffy". It was a fried taco but the dough was not fluffy. It was hard and stiff. The hamburger has no flavor and was too much. The toppings were very minimal nothing like the pictures. The tostada was supposed to be home made but did not taste like it and was very thin. The beans were so heavy they broke the shell when I tried to pick it up. The side of beans and rice in my husbands plate was microwaved as the rice was so clumpy like Chinese sticky rice and the beans were hot but underneath were dried out on the plate. We will not be going back due to false advertising!!! read more

Ordered over $100 worth of food last night with that including two different types of nachos (both which should include veggies) for pick up. Went to pick up and everything seemed fine, didn't have to wait that long so service was good. And as usual the place always is busy. After I get home I start sorting out food and open the both the nachos. BOOM no veggies. Ok I search in the bag still no veggies. So instead of me driving 30 minutes back to the restaurant I just paid over $30 for two things of chips meat and cheese. Got me good guys! Other than that the rest of the food was good. read more

Classic Mexican fare. Yummy margaritas and love the salsa. Guacamole is nothing special-needs more flavor. Atmosphere is okay.

Maria's is a favorite!! Always busy but the service is friendly and fast! Best puffy tacos!!

Yay! We find a new favorite taco Tuesday spot! Available as a pair of chicken, beef or mixed tacos in a puff shell, these are delicious, filling and not boring. We also ordered chips and queso, and added the hot sauce that was on the table to both the chips and the tacos. The margarita was served in a glass and was quite tasty. Open since the 1970s, and we can see why! read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Sopapillas - Desserts Near Me - Ralston, Nebraska

I wish I could give more stars. The place was PACKED. The parking was sparse, and the wait was about 45 minutes for a party of 2. Service was great and super friendly/attentive, but I just wasn't a fan. This isn't the kind of place that brings chips and salsa for free up front. The queso was good, and the rice and beans were good but everything else was bland like some other reviewers mentioned. The taco shell was a unique experience but I'd prefer a corn tortilla or normal crunchy taco shell. The meat and filling was pretty meh as well. Truthfully, you'll get more flavor from a Taco Bell Gordita or something similar. Also not a fan of the gravy on the burritos. If you're looking for an Americanized, kids-will-like-it, type place with extremely strong margaritas, this a good choice. If you're looking for some more authentic Mexican food with a lot of flavor, I'd pick somewhere else. read more

Decided to try this tucked away place in Ralston. The outdoor, with the string of lights, open air way to sit outside, etc definitely drew me in. Parking is a bit sketchy, as you'll have to park in other businesses lots but it works. Food wise, I've got to be honest, it didn't blow my skirt up. We always split meals, so one picked the fish taco (some sort of white fish possibly), another snagged the carnita taco, and both decided to try the famously gravy smothered burrito. First glance the look of them aren't all that pleasing to the eye, as we all know we eat with our eyes. Flavor wise, it was unique with the regular brown gravy; nothing special. The flavor of the carnitas definitely didn't have any traditional Mexican flavors or spice. Almost tasted like pre made, with a little side of gravy? Both were very salty sadly. I'll come back and try their chili relleno, that supposedly takes 30m to make. That'll be the real test. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - a hot dog and chips - Desserts Near Me - Ralston, Nebraska

Had no idea this area even existed. We had high hopes going into the restaurant. But it just didn't meet our expectations. The location is cute and the family photos are awesome. But it's the food that let us down. It was rather bland. The Sopapillas were the highlight. They could have been cut a little larger so they would be a little softer when fried. But they did help us take a walk down memory lane. Many people like this place but I dont think it will be a place we revisit b read more

It's such a fun place. 8 of us had a very enjoyable time. Excellent Margaritas plenty of tequila. Delicious puff tacos with chicken breast shredded. Terrific bean dip and corn and pita chips. Salsa Good location ample parking read more

We have been going to Maria's for years. We love their puffy beef tacos. Their margaritas are awesome as well.

Maria's has the best flour tortilla shell tacos in the Omaha area. The burritos w gravy is definitely a delicious dish. Please try Maria's when you are in Omaha, NE. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Beef Taco - Desserts Near Me - Ralston, Nebraska

The original beef tacos and margaritas are outstanding! I'm sure many other things are good, but I keep going with my favs.

American Cheese on the nachos. Really? At a sit down Mexican restaurant. My kids wouldn't eat them. What a ridiculous cost cutting measure.

The food is ok. It wasn't anything special. The margaritas were good. Always looking for a good margarita. The room we were in was quite dark and very cold. They had us sitting directly under a large duct with holes in it where the air comes out. You would think they could think of something else. With all that said the waitress we had was wonderful. She was attentive, funny, and pleasant. She made our experience and good one. read more

Excellent food and service. Had the beef burrito with gravy. At first I wasn't sure about the gravy on a burrito but it was fantastic!!Will be returning!! read more

This place has turned into one of my favorite Mexican spots in town! Their tacos are some of the best in Omaha and never disappoint. I've tried a few different menu items like the enchiladas and the burrito. Their burrito comes topped with gravy which seems weird, but it's actually delicious. I added a fried egg and that just made it even better. The margaritas are good as well i usually get the strawberry or raspberry you can't go wrong with either. On top of that they always have great service! Would recommend this spot to anyone looking for some solid Mexican food! read more

See all

Lots of mixed reviews on thos Mexican restaurant located in Ralston. Parking is pretty tight when it's crowded. It's Friday evening and there is a wait to get in. Lucky, the bar section was open and we were able to wait at the bar vs outside in the hot sun. Bar tables aren't well maintained or cleaned regularly. I sat at the bar once a seat opened up. Service was quick and no draft beer is available here, just bottles but the prices are very reasonable. They text you through your cell phone when a table becomes available as well as yell your name from the front counter area. Ordered the burrito plate with lettuce, onion, tomatoes that is a dollar extra. It's not authentic Mexican cuisine but service is very good and the food taste is okay for the average person. read more

Maria's Mexican Restaurant - Desserts Near Me - Ralston, Nebraska

See all

Idk what everyone else is talking about in these reviews. The food is exactly as advertised. Why you would come here thinking it was anything else is beyond me. Service is great, and I get exactly what I expect when coming here. read more

Always fast and consistent food, I've tried a lot of the menu and while very Tex Mex, it's very consistent and a style that is pretty unique for the area. Staff is always very helpful, and if you have a takeout order it goes very quickly. read more

Best tacos in town! We got take out a ton from here during lockdown- always feasting on puffy tacos and margaritas. We don't live as close anymore but I still think about those tacos all the time! Need to go back soon!! read more

Absolutely great service! Our server was awesome! Food is good - love a good puffy taco and the rice was delicious! Good queso and margs! I personally think it's worth splurging on their Marg. Drinking side by side the house Marg has nothing on the fresh squeezed Marg! Lots of seating! read more

Margaritas Beef enchiladas Tamale w/ green Chile Steak taco Puffy taco Tostada bean Queso w/chips Only thjngs I've tried. Oh plus beans n rice...Tues happy hour 430-6 read more

Been going to Marias for many years but it sure seems to have declined in quality and service. Visited last week and the margaritas were mediocre despite the new $9 price tag, beef taco and chicken taco were OK, but lukewarm and not very flavorful. Staff seems not too interested in top service anymore. Love a puffy taco, but won't be my first choice anymore! read more

By far the BEST puffed tacos ever. I get a chicken and a beef. I am so full. Taco Tuesdays is a great time to go too. I also always have a margarita on the rocks read more

Best taco you'll find in Omaha. Yep, I said it. Maria's take is a bit different than you'll find at Mexican restaurants. Rather than just use a standard corn or flour tortilla, Maria's fries its shells to create its signature "puffy" taco - and this technique is just brilliant. The flour tortillas expand during the frying process, yet they somehow maintain their integrity. One might expect them to inhale oil and dissolve into a greasy mess, but that simply isn't the case. The deep fry adds some crispiness, yet the soft texture of the original product is still very present. It's the perfect balance between a hard and soft shell, and it doesn't fall apart despite being jam packed with protein, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. You can't really go wrong with what meat you order. The carnitas are the best, but the chicken and fish (grilled cod) aren't far behind. The steak is a bit of a disappointment, but it's still not bad. I was just left wanting more. Maria's is a nice, clean family restaurant, but be prepared to wait, both before and after seating. My wife and I waited about 25 minutes after arriving at 6 p.m. one night, then about 40 minutes for our food to arrive. It's also quite noisy inside. But those elements don't do much to drag down the overall experience. Maria's puffy tacos are unique and are worth a visit alone. I highly, highly recommend getting out at least once. Pros: outrageous tacos; delicious, innovative puffy shells; killer carnitas; delicious tamale; expansive menu; strong margarita Cons: steak is a disappointment; average service; can have long wait times Click here to read my full review: https://justaguywithanappetite.wordpress.com/2019/04/18/restaurant-review-marias/ read more

See all

Maria's is the best Mexican food in the Omaha area! Their tacos are unique and delicious. This is really one of those restaurants I can say the food and service only gets better each time I go back. read more

This was our first time here and the taco salad was good. My husband had the tacos and he gave it a two thumbs up. We also got the flour tortilla chips with Guac . We will be coming back. read more

My mother in law loves this place. I remember this place when I brought her there the other day. Food and service was great! I would recommend this to my friends. read more

Went again today, I'm starting to lose my favor for this place rather quickly after having experienced real, decent, flavorful, restaurant food. The meat is your basic watered down beef with onions (possibly cabbage) and a little pepper, in a puffy fried flour shell with a little lettuce, cheese, and a few pieces of tomato. Dry tacos. The beans are your fast food go to beans, they're pretty flavorless with a presentation like runny poo. The rice is Mexican rice. I dunno. No substitutions. They'd rather you waste food then explaining your different options or simply substituting. It was loud on the patio, there were wasps, and we had to ask for. everything. Utensils included. Our food came and she walked off without us having silverware. We asked for silverware, napkins, salsa, (all three should have already been on the table) sour cream, our missing food plates (2 separate times) and I had to get up to fetch my own salt because for the majority of our meal we had no server after food drop off. Each time she came back with something she'd walk off too quickly to get a run down of everything needed at the table, so what needed to take 1 trip, took 8. Rough go this time Marias. read more

See all