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Maya

646-461-3203

1191 1st Ave New York, NY 10021

www.modernmexican.com

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High-end Mexican that ranks among the city's best.

Categories:

Lounges, Restaurants, Mexican Restaurants

Details:

Happy Hour, $$$$, Bar Scene, Dine At The Bar, Food Delivery, Happy Hour, Margaritas

Insiders:

Tahnee L. Susan C. Photo Photo Photo
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Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

Message from Maya

Merchant_icon

At Maya, Chef Richard Sandoval offers his signature blend of authentic Mexican ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Handcrafted margaritas and a selection of over 100 tequilas pair beautifully with the flavorful dishes. In the main and private dining rooms, handmade Mexican artwork completes Maya?s dining experience. ?the food at Maya is unlike just about anything else being served in New York City? New York Times ? Two Stars ?Maya practically defines casual elegance?Maya?s menu reads like a love letter to Mexico? Michelin Guide ?the government of Mexico should give Richard Sandoval an ambassadorship? New York Magazine

Editorial by Citysearch

The Scene
Pastel walls decorated with folk art and glass shelves lined with silverware create a tastefully festive atmosphere. The dining room feels intimate but is actually quite large--nooks and crannies are dotted about everywhere. Service is variable: sometimes excellent, sometimes merely adequate.

The Food
Richard Sandoval creates haute takes on familiar standbys, and invents a few of his own creamy confections, too. In the former category, quesadillas stuffed with cheese and zucchini blossom are soft and crunchy, while mole poblano features unusually complex sauce and boneless chicken tenders spiralled around plantains. In the latter, baked oysters swamped with goat cheese, habaneros and crispy bacon are a gooey treat and perfectly seared scallops chime with halibut, lemon, chiptole, avocado and cilantro blend to create a wonderfully tangy effect. Off notes--like tuna seviche overwhelmed by a citrus juice--are few and far between.

Key Points

  • Chef Richard Sandoval
  • Modern Mexican Cuisine
  • Margaritas & Fine Tequila

The Inside Scoop

  1. What to Drink - Maya boasts more than 100 tequilas and a selection of excellent margaritas. Steer clear of the sangria, though; the mix is too heavy on wine.
  2. Save Money - Daily Happy Hour at the bar serves $6 Margaritas, $4-6 cocktails, wine, and beer and $5-$6 bar snacks.
  3. The Extras - Maya can host up to 40 guests and create a custom menu.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

Ratings_icons Wowza

ingramcc1

This is Mexican? Outstanding. Incredible margaritas. Everything was excellent. Service can be a little lax, but food makes up for it.

Posted 10/15/02

Ratings_icons The Best Mexican by far!!!

JenniferKlein

It was great from beginning to end!! The guacamole is incredible!! The appetizer sampler is great because it give you a chance to sample different options. There are so many to chose from. The food melted in our mouths. For the entree - Langosta y Camarones - was so tasty! I eat out plentyand always like to try different places andI will be back to this one... Now I understand the crowd there!!

Posted 09/30/02

Ratings_icons Dirty Cake Optional

porterel

Very creative. V. nice atmosphere ... good for dates, but there was a bachelorette party behind us that seemed to be having a blast. (Could have had something to do with the giant male genital cake they were eating). Yummy margaritas!

Pros: no wait, even on Sat., food arrived quickly, nice crowd

Cons: drinks took forever

Posted 09/20/02

Ratings_icons mucha maya

froggy

The best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to in NY. I think it's much better than Rosa Mexican (except for guacamole).

Posted 09/06/02

Ratings_icons outstanding

lat2004

I've been to Maya many times; each time I am impressed. Although usually bustling, the ambiance lends itself to romance or to just dinner with friends. I've always opted for shrimp/lobster/tuna entrees enjoyed my meal each time. Margaritas are the best I've had.

Posted 09/02/02

Ratings_icons no more refried beans for me

nicsisti

who ever thought mexican could look so good? and taste good too. Richard (owner & chef) is amazing in what he deleivers. Dishes are at the right heat level and always good. A must is the Chile Relleno the smoothness and flavor of the hot cheese is something to remember.

Pros: creative dishes, new twist to mexican

Posted 08/22/02

Ratings_icons Tastier Mexican Dishes Key Attraction

Pamelabayne

original dishes served hot. Ambiance always bustling, but when you are seated, you are well treated.

Pros: original recipes

Posted 08/04/02

Ratings_icons mexican at its best

jvosseller

this great little mexican find has some of the best marguaritas outside of mexico. the food is ravishingly fabulous mixing both mexican and spanish flavors. the decor is also enticing from the bar scene back to the dining area. a definite must!

Posted 07/28/02

Ratings_icons TOPS ALL!!

rgp1128

I have never been let down by service or the food at Maya. It is rated the Best Mecixan food in the city for a reason. If you want great food in a great atmosphere then this place is for you. ENJOY!!

Posted 07/21/02

Ratings_icons Total Disappointment

mcamym

We were hoping for a good Mexican dinner at a nice restaurant, but were completely disappointed. The place was very loud, over-crowded (the tables are squeezed in), and the food bland and forgettable. I've had better Mexican food at Blockheads for a lot less money--skip it!!

Cons: crowded, bland food, loud

Posted 06/27/02

Ratings_icons Oh Maya god, this food was rich

avictor

Creamy sauces on mexican food? It was a little too much. All in all, a good dining experience, but try to stay away from anything with cream. Just doesn't seem to work with mexican food.

Posted 06/12/02

Ratings_icons mouth watering

kmikucka

I love Mexican cuisine and frequently make trips to various joints offering such. Maya's menu was very impressive and I was pleasantly surprised to find out the meals were just mouth watering! Definitely recommend it! However, if youre planning on visiting, make sure you make reservations in advance; otherwise you will wait for a long time

Posted 06/12/02

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