Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Mayan Cafe

    4.6 (997 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order Mayan Cafe Delivery

    Mayan Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    MAYAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Intimate
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Mayan Cafe

    Recommended Reviews - Mayan Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Trio dip
    Jess L.

    Food was delicious. We got the trio dip and the papadzules. Would recommend both! Yum

    Back Patio
    Neisha H.

    Genuinely holy s*** this food is so good. Mayan Cafe is top tier in all of Louisville in terms of food quality and taste. I went here for the first time on a Saturday and I was back on Monday night! There are great vegan and vegetarian options and you can substitute basically anything to fit your dietary needs. The aesthetic is very warm and mellow, with a refined touch that's perfect for special occasions. And oh my days the food is incredible! The Sikil Pak, (pumpkin seed and tomato dip) tastes like 2000 BC in the BEST way possible. It is transcendent! You simply cannot leave without ordering the Empanadas. They're filled with beans and goat cheese and all the good feelings. I will say, the seating is STRICT! Show up early for your reservation and do not expect to stay more than two hours as they will ask you (very politely) to leave when the next reservation arrives. No lolly gagging, lol! Ultimately this place is amazing and so well worth the time and money. LOVE! P.S. Server Alex was super knowledgeable and has been such a gem every time I've had them! Thank you for such a great experience!

    Reghan G.

    I just attended an event that was catered by Mayan Cafe. The two small bites that really stood out to me were the Mexican Chocolate Cookies and the guacamole. The guacamole was so incredibly fresh! This is the second event I've attended catered by Mayan Cafe which definitely added to my excitement to show up. I'm including a photo from last year's in-person visit for my birthday. The plates were vibrant and beautiful. And they have my absolute dream dessert - Mexican Tiramisu, aka tiramisu with tres leches cake as the base.

    Rib eye with mole and charred veggies.
    Sheila F.

    Wow, this was an excellent dining experience. Started with the sangria which was refreshing and delicious. I had the rib eye with mole, being from California I was not sure the mole would be authentic but it was. It was served with a phenomenal charred broccoli. Oh, we started off with chips and guacamole, very fresh and yummy. Others in the party had salmon with an earthy, wonderful sauce. The service was on point, answered all our questions and made sure we were happy. I would go back tonight if I could.

    My Mexican tiramisu, which was much more like cake.  I highly recommend!  It was light and a perfect way to cap off my dinner.
    Elizabeth G.

    The Mayan Cafe loves to celebrate birthdays. And has unique, really good food. And is an overall great dining experience that deserves its long-standing reputation as one of the best local restaurants in Louisville. I went there last week on my birthday eve. When the very welcoming hostess -- who I later found out was the part-owner and general manager Anne -- found out that I knew their lima beans were acclaimed, she had a server bring out a complimentary side for me (without knowing it was my birthday or that I was a Yelp reviewer). Yes, these were delicious. The cochinita pibil entree also was very good, and the leftovers kept well and stayed delicious. For dessert, I got the coffee which was amazing with a cinnamon flavoring and the Mexican tiramisu which basically was moist cake with delicious frosting and berries. The cake was both beautiful and delicious. When I told Anne it was my birthday eve upon leaving and after I paid the check, she said, "We love to celebrate birthdays!" She kindly insisted on crediting my check for the cake and even offered to let me adjust my tip although I declined the latter.

    Mayan Lasanga
    Margie T.

    Hostess started our dinner with a bit of attitude. However, Chad, the waiter did more than make up for her. He was all smiles, super accommodating & really attentive!!! Dishes was absolutely fresh & ever so flavorful!! They offer outdoor patio seating & free parking lot. Internally, there are about 15 tables. Dimly-lit as a more romantic environment.

    Salbutes of the Day, today they were fried plantain, cheese, and a roasted tomato mix
    Max B.

    In December 2012 in the Chef's notes of the incredible Chef's Menu to celebrate the turning of the largest Mayan Empire calendar cycle, which popular media has greatly latched into as well, Chef Ucán reminded those of us reading his menu that the Mayan Empire never fell, large parts of it were conquered, but that pockets and enclaves and outposts exist to this very day. I think of this story often when I dine at the Mayan Cafe. To me, it never stops being an important and delicious embassy to the peak of a once great and so I'm told Living Empire. The Cafe's cuisine is singular. I can think of no other restaurant in any city I've visited where the top suggestion is to be sure to try the Tok Sel Lima Beans, whether they come as part of your entree or you order them as a side, I find that your dinner is somehow only complete with them. I also think a Cuitlacoche sauce is rare to see in just about any sort of restaurant, so the Salmon dish, which remains a menu staple, is delicious and worth a try just for the novelty, as it is a favorite of mine and quickly a favorite of many I've introduced it to. (Cuitlacoche, I've learned, is a mushroom relative that loves growing on corn and picks up the sweetness of corn in an earthy, fascinating way.) In recent years I've found myself moving from "saving" trips to Mayan Cafe for special occasions and excuses to finding myself somewhat regular. I've grown a fondness for intimate dining inside in the coldest weather and the expanded back patio, especially its welcoming bar in good weather. (It is well covered and has good heaters and makes a great spot for much of the weather in between those extremes, too!) The somewhat regularity of the trips have only given me a deeper appreciation for the seasonal variety and fresh ingredients the Mayan Cafe plates with equal gusto. Even when I think I know what I'm in the mood for when I arrive, I always want to know what the daily specials are. I've yet to be disappointed by any Salbutes (a taco relative, presumably an ancestor) of the Day, Wild-caught Fish of the Day, or Mole of the Day that I have tried. I've been delightedly surprised by some of the fresh and extremely seasonal ones I've had. I feel privileged to have this Embassy in my neighborhood. It's a glimpse into some other world, it's a getaway trip to some other Empire, at least for my taste buds and my love of stories, as Chef Ucán can deliver wild stories in every plate even without pairing notes in the menu alongside them.

    Cochinita Pibil
    Emily H.

    It's been four years since I last reviewed Mayan Cafe, since we were in the thick of COVID. Several great meals -- and thankfully the end of the pandemic -- later, this needs to be updated. Mayan Cafe remains my favorite restaurant in Louisville. I was lucky enough to join some coworkers at Mayan Cafe last night, and it made me so happy to see how much they enjoyed this iconic spot as well. The Cochinita Pibil -- always delicious. It's my favorite entree on the menu, though the salbutes and rabbit are also great picks. And don't forget the lima beans. Even if they don't come with a dish, get them on the side if you must. They are magic, and if you don't get them, you really haven't eaten here. The sangria and desserts are also worth the extra dollars. And did you know that Mayan Cafe has an allergen menu? I didn't until last night. One of my coworkers is vegan and requested this menu, which helped her find items on the menu that she loved. Mayan Cafe has also opened up a back patio since I last wrote a review. Our servers last night were delightful, as they always are. Mayan Cafe just consistently knocks it out of the park. It's a Louisville dining icon. Five stars. Everyday.

    Scallop Ceviche ($17) - wild-caught bay scallops | guajillo-pineapple-ginger aji | pickled onions | cilantro | cucumber | roasted corn | mal
    Risa H.

    Mayan Cafe has pretty tasty food and the inside is cute. The Salabutes of the day was really good - this stood out to me from all the other dishes of our meal! We also ordered the Fish of the day, the Guacamole and Chips and the Scallop Ceviche. The servers were all nice and attentive - would dine here again!

    Cochinita Pibil
    Jennifer R.

    Service was prompt and welcoming. The restaurant features charming, thoughtfully themed photographs throughout the space. The appetizer tacos were excellent, with housemade tortillas that elevated the dish considerably. The rabbit was exquisite, perfectly complemented by rich mole and plantains.

    Ahi Tuna Tacos
    Keri C.

    Of course, we had to try the lima beans--super yummy! My vegan friend was so happy with their special allergy menu and the variety of options available to her, and of course, she loved her meal. I ordered a red blend with Tempranillo that was delicious but not too bold that it overpowered my tuna tacos. The ahi tuna was seared to perfection. Sweet, slightly citrusy pineapple with cool and creamy avocado created such a nice balance. I did not heed the server's warning about the heat level of the green chipotle sauce--don't do that! It was so spicy. I loved it, but use it mindfully. The servers were great. The vibe was fun, but welcoming with a slightly dark-in-a-romantic-way dining room that set the mood. A must try in the 'ville.

    Black owned distilleries flight
    Oneya O.

    Sheer perfection. From the service to the intimate dining room to the glorious food, Mayan Cafe has everything I love about dining out. The family and I had three dishes with very different flavor profiles that were all winners. My husband enjoyed the catch of the day, a tender mahi mahi. It came with a sauce I could bathe in! I enjoyed the duck papadzules. They were like the best enchiladas you've ever had with duck confit spilling out of house made tortillas. My daughter had scallop ceviche and empanadas and couldn't stop raving about either. On top of serving extraordinary food, Mayan Cafe is deeply involved in the community. Their drink menu features Black and woman-owned distilleries and they've supported justice work in Louisville. Mayan Cafe feeds the body and the soul and will always be my first stop when in town.

    Tuna Tacos (back), Chilaquile (front)
    Ashley B.

    We snagged a last-minute reservation online to sit outside at their bar, and it couldn't have been a more perfect-weather evening. The outdoor setup had a relaxed yet stylish vibe--ideal for dressing up a bit while keeping it relaxed. The food was phenomenal! My partner ordered the tuna tacos, which had a great heat level and incredibly fresh ingredients--simple, bold, and delicious. I went with the Chilaquile, and wow, a tortilla lasagna, delicate yet packed with layers of flavor. So unique and so well executed! The cocktails were equally impressive. I loved that they were featuring a woman-owned tequila--naturally, I had to try the Blanco, and it was a hit. We found some street parking a block or so down. This is off of a very popular strip, but we went on a weeknight. Plenty of other activities and foods to try within walking distance.

    Blood orange margarita

    See all

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Javier C.
    158
    24
    6

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emily H.
    4839
    1379
    12177

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 1
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    30 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Risa H.
    253
    592
    2125

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 4
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ann C.
    137
    49
    136

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 3
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan S.
    524
    1602
    1442

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Thanks so much, Darby! We appreciate you dining with us twice!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe H.
    4
    251
    52

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Anne S.

    Anne S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 25

    Mayan Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Mayan Cafe

    Are there choices on the menu that are not spicy? We have someone in our party who cannot tolerate any form of pepper heat, including black and white pepper. Can she eat here?

    Yes, they will gladly accommodate your dining friend. Our group of 8 went here for dinner in the past few months and the waiter was very helpful and made certain that everyone was taken care of according to spice levels.

    What about parking?

    Street parking only.

    I noticed that Mayan Cafe is listed as "not good for kids" - I've wanted to try this restaurant forever and just moved to Louisville...with my husband and three month old. How not kid-friendly is Mayan Cafe, exactly?

    Hi there! First, thanks to all you wonderful folks who answered this question so far. They're all generally correct in that it's a smaller space, which doesn't entirely lend itself to being fun for kids. With that being said, we are always happy for… Read more

    Is there a dress code for men?

    These fine Yelpers are all correct, Niki. There definitely isn't a dress code. We fit into the upscale casual category so there's a good range of what people are confortable wearing here. Thanks for your inquiry and we hope to see you soon!… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Veronica's Mexican Restaurant - Chips and Salsa + Margarita Flight

    Veronica's Mexican Restaurant

    4.4(135 reviews)
    6.9 mi
    $$

    IF YOU ARE ON A DATE ASK FOR PEDRO!!!!…read more I was on a date at this restaurant and when we asked for a check, instead of just asking if we wanted to split the bill, he positioned himself right behind my date and mouthed me the question so we wouldn't have to split the check. This is the first time a server has not only realized that I was on a date, but actively worked with me to make sure it went as smooth as possible. We paid the bill, left, and I made sure I gave bro a 50% tip. I've worked in restaurants for 2 years now and I've never seen a server as amazing as Pedro. If you're reading this Pedro, just know I will forever be grateful for saving me. oh also the food was really good

    I visited Veronica's for the first time last Wednesday night and now I know what the hype is all…read moreabout! I had been wanting to go for quite some time to try the Birria because I heard it is so amazing, and it really lived up to the Hype! Oh, did I mention they have the viral soft serve margaritas!?!?! I got the strawberry, it was so pretty, excellent presentation and absolutely delicious! I will say it was more like a dessert to me and I would have preferred to have it after my meal instead if before but that's just me. We got there between 6:30 and 7:00 and it was really busy, luckily our friends got there first and grabbed a table. They had already had a round of drinks while waiting on us but it took a while for anyone to come over to greet us or refill their drinks but again it was busy and everyone was helping everyone. We ended up splitting the birria platter and still had plenty of food to take home which we just ate last night as leftovers and were still absolutely fire!! I think the egg roll and quesadillas were my favorite over the tacos bc I love the melty cheese. I also ordered a small side of queso which was surprisingly a little spicy which I really enjoyed. They even surprised us when my BIL ordered a small margarita and it came out in a fish glass (see photo). It was so unexpected but also so cute at the same time ... it's really the little things like this that bring joy, okay? LOL This place was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to try it again.

    Photos
    Veronica's Mexican Restaurant
    Veronica's Mexican Restaurant - Birria taco from Birria platter

    Birria taco from Birria platter

    Veronica's Mexican Restaurant - Margarita Purse

    See all

    Margarita Purse

    Guacamole Modern Mexican - Front desk skull mascot.

    Guacamole Modern Mexican

    4.4(437 reviews)
    0.1 miNuLu
    $$

    We stopped by on Sunday afternoon and were seated quickly out on the patio. The roof top was not…read moreopen. My wife loved the swinging chair she got to sit in while we ate. We ordered the Trio of Guacamole and they were all fantastic. I ordered an Oaxaca Old Fashioned. The presentation was crazy. It smoked and bubbled. For dinner, my wife and I split an order of Tacos Al Pastor. Again they did a great presentation on this entree. This has to be the best Mexican food I have ever eaten.

    3.5 Star rating I…read morelove the vibe at Guacamole, it's a huge restaurant in the NuLu neighborhood downtown. I would recommend making reservations! When we arrived we had a brief wait before we checked in, and were seated on the second level. Our server was excellent, our service was quick and he was always around without hovering. It was bitter cold outside so instead of my usual margarita ($14+) I opted for a beer ($6). We started with the salsa trio, one of my favorites with handmade assorted chips. It includes three salsas, somewhat spicy, sweet tomato and tomatillo - the spicy and sweet were my favorites. Next we ordered the tacos el carbon and carbon burrito - pricing is expensive! We both ordered our steaks medium rare. My tacos had a beautiful presentation, the meat came out on a skewer and smoking from the hot coals. All toppings were repeated on the plate. The steak was overcooked and tough though. Had a nice smoke to it, but very chewy. My husband enjoyed his burrito but wasn't the best he's ever had. They also had a mariachi band walk around but they had "tips" all over their instruments and clothes. Overall we had a nice meal but the price point doesn't equal the food quality.

    Photos
    Guacamole Modern Mexican - Bar area

    Bar area

    Guacamole Modern Mexican - Appetizer - sooo pretty and even more delicious!

    Appetizer - sooo pretty and even more delicious!

    Guacamole Modern Mexican - Photo by Michael

    See all

    Photo by Michael

    Mayan Cafe - latin - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...