Maz Mezcal

What a fantastic place! Went here for my cousin’s birthday and it was incredibly awesome. Food was super class. The best mexican chefs ever! Veggie enchiladas are a must. Prices are good according to the quantity. They serve enough for 2 people in one dish. Service was 5 stars and sauces they served with food were a MUST! Everything was great about this place. Even though I had picked it online without ever being there, the experience was fabulous. I would totally recommend this place to everyone who loves mexican. They are one of the BEST OUT THERE!

Starting with the positive.
Very authentic Mexican restaurant with bright festive (though somewhat dated) Mexican décor, very friendly and attentive, professional servers and a wonderful mezcal margarita made just the way I like. Authentic and bright atmosphere.
Pretty Colorful chips served with a tray of three sauces. I am a guacamole and salsa snob I admit, but was not a big fan of the salsa, which I prefer fresh and chunky. The colorful chips and trio of sauces were pretty and well presented though.
We ordered guacamole and it didn’t taste freshly made to me — I prefer my guac thick and chunky and this was not my preferred thickness — but we were going to get past that and move on to dinner.
After a few bites of the guac I bit down onto something that wasn’t right, my initial thought was a little chunk of glass.
Admittedly, I do not eat glass and never have — so cannot say with certainty. But I’ve had countless chips, salt, ice cubes… And what I bit into– the consistency did not seem right. I immediately instinctively extracted what became the questionable «specimen,» and brought it to the severs attention — they were very responsive as was the owner who immediately took the little little pebble sized chunk back to the kitchen.
She returned a few minutes later — saying she ate all of the rest of the guac and nothing was in it (pause as I was distracted and confused with the image of her eating the bowl of guac…) I said I was pretty certain what I bit into was not a food part. She said she could crush it under her finger, and that it «would even dissolve in water, so it definitely wasn’t glass». (My thought: what did she have a sudden science lab back there?) At any rate she apologized, as did the server, and she said she took the guac off the bill as well as our drinks, which frankly was the best she could do.
I finished my fantastic drink but my friend was nervous to drink anymore, while I just wasn’t comfortable having dinner there with an image of a potentially broken glass w other mysterious pieces around the kitchen.
These things happen on rare occasion in any restaurant I am sure, and she and the server were apologetic, attentive in dealing with it.

Came here one night because I was in town to pick up juices from pressed juicery and my daughter wanted Mexican. I wasn’t hungry and was starting a cleanse the next day so I didn’t order for me. Well I did have a jalapeño margarita that was ok not great. My daughter ordered the carne asada which she said was really good. She did get an appetizer sampler that she shared with her sister and they both enjoyed it. The place was big and the staff were very attentive. I really want to come back hungry.

Still going strong after all these years. You MUST order the Mole Plabano it is the BEST in NYC. The portion is big enough to share. If you have never had it before go and try it. If you have had it else where try it here. It is authentic and perfectly prepared. Sooooo good!!!
Fresh warm chips served with 3 types of salsa. Guacamole is great. The sangria is awesome. The décor is warm. The service is professional. But for me it’s all about the Mole. What more can I say…

Service is so poor, appalling. High prices even for this neighborhood. There are so many restaurants including inexpensive and high end Mexican places nearby. How do they keep getting customers with those attitudes and meager portions. Amazing.

Used to love this place but not so much anymore the bar service is complacent at best. Given their prices that is not great. In particular they are not cheap and every other joint in town is offering happy hour prices and Maz is still full price and sub par service. It appears they don’t care anymore.

To preface, my friend and I only stayed for drinks and quick snacks. I will update for a (possible) 5^th star sometime in the near future once I know more about the food side of things.
Like any true American, there’s only one patriotic food to eat on Tuesdays. I’m of course referring to the Taco. Let’s be fair, we may not have made the originals, but we certainly made them great. Moving on — an acquaintance and I decided that if we’re going to meet up and make it through the awkward «first date». And clearly Tuesday Tacos and Cervezas were going to be required. A few recommendations later and we left for this upper east side mecca.
First impression, I appreciate the time spent on atmosphere. Not only was a very nice gentleman serving us at the bar with an eye towards excising the empty glass demons, but he was sporting one of the finest south of the border ‘staches I’ve seen in quite some time. A++ grooming there. He was henceforth known as «The ‘Stache». Stache kept us well lubricated, and the snacks were timely and solid. The drinks were Arctic cold, as required.
A word about the bathroom. Like any gentleman, I appreciate a quality bathroom. But I will admit, I must not have been paying quite enough attention to my surroundings. Thankfully on a trip down to the WC there was a young gentleman quite worked up about (and busy telling me about it mid. erm. action) how clean and amazing the interior of this bathroom was. Better than his actual apartment! While most likely factually correct (about the apartment interior) I had to admit in looking around. this was a NICE bathroom.
We eventually left to roam the UES. As mentioned in the preface I will return to properly try out the food (and give a very likely 5^th star) — In the meantime, I would suggest this place to any person who wants ice cold cervezas from friendly staff, and an absolutely wonderful bathroom to compliment their liquid dinner with. Your eyes (and bladder) will thank you.

First of all, when i went on a tuesday, it was packed– which is always a good sign. My friend and I both got a margarita– ($ 9.50 each) and they were great (not that strong but decent and flavorful). I loved the wide selection of margarita flavors (both frozen and on the rocks). The chips and salsa (free) were great to start. For dinner, my friend got the enchiladas combo. I got the chicken fajita. I though there was plenty of chicken (I couldnt finish it) and the rice and beans it came with were delicious. The portions were generous and the food was delicious. My only complaint is that it was $ 71 for two of us for one drink and an entrée each– which I thought was a little pricy considering it gave off a very casual, laid back vibe. Otherwise, I will definitely be back!

The food was ok, authentic Mexican décor. Nice bathroom (clean, long mirror, only two stalls). I don’t like the fact that I’m rice comes with peas on top, I’m not used to that… Also the plate was filled with onions and chopped tomatoes and I don’t understand why it looks like my baby cousin chopped up the tomatoes… just looked blah. I like the nachos and the salsa that comes when you’re seated. A bit overpriced to be honest, you can find that food for way cheaper in another neighborhood.

The food is always extremely yummy. My favorite dish is the Carne Asada Al A Eduardo. The vegetable fajitas are also super tasty. The place is beautifully decorated with art from Mexico and the owners and staff are always friendly. Every time we go we leave super satisfied!

The tamarind margarita was EVERYTHING. I love this place and I’ll definitely be back soon. The nachos were fresh, the salsa was amazing and the chicken fajitas were so tasty.

I’ve been coming to eat at this restaurant since I was a little girl. I am still a loyal customer thanks to the amazing customer service as well as always delicious food. I love the atmosphere and just the over all vibe of this place. It’s still the best after all these years.

Had dinner with my grandson and we both loved it. The restaurant wasn’t very crowded being it was6:30 on a wed nite, and the service was just fine. When we sat down, water, chips and three salsas we served within a minute. Ordered chicken fajitas to share and requested extra rice and refried beans and were not charged any extra. Nice touch. Chicken was cooked perfectly, tender pieces with a little burnt on the edges, And the vegetables were tasty and very fresh.
Not a cheap meal, but probably one of the best Mexican American restaurants in the area.
Usually I don’t order dessert in a Mexican eatery, but my grandson convinced me to order the mud pie (chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream on the side) and he loved it. A little rich for me, but I ate my share.
All in all a nice experience and we shall return.
Steve f

We came here on a rainy Friday night in search of good, authentic Mexican food. Check! This place is reasonably priced, with healthy sized portions and authentic food! As a bonus, the margaritas are made with fresh fruit. I couldn’t be happier.
Instead of ordering entrees, we split the nachos and appetizer sampler. The nachos aren’t piled together (which I am more accustom to) and simply laid down on a plate, layered with ingredients, and baked. There were approximately 20 total ‘loaded’ nachos. Out of the appetizer sampler, our absolute favorite was the quesadilla.
In regards to the drinks, they were good — but extremely weak. Thus, a ⁴⁄₅ vs. a 5.
Overall, I would return!

The good: Personally enjoy the food overall. Chips and trio of salsas are delicious. Tacos are yummy (small portion) and Entrees including enchiladas and camarones didn’t disappoint.
The bad: Refried beans are generics… very similar to Taco Bell. Drinks and portions are small for the price. As other reviewers have mentioned, the owner is very particular and treats the place like her house where any and all rules must be obeyed for the luxury of giving them your business rather than a service establishment that caters to providing customers with an enjoyable dining experience.

Servers were great. Prices are way too expensive for the quality. How does every single entrée cost $ 19+. Food was bland and margaritas were OK.
Biggest issue was the lady at the front. Very rude.
Once again our server was great but will likely not be back.

This place has the best beef tacos I have had in New York hands down! They were unbelievably tasty, punch me in the face delightful, play it again Sam scrumptious.
My companion and I had a couple of tacos and split the paella for one, wow I can’t imagine the paella for two — I bet it feeds an army!
The sangria was good, paella was fun albeit a touch dry. A good spot for casual, tasty eats! I’m definitely going back.

I wish that I could give this place NO stars. I have eaten at establishments all over the world. Whether it was a kebab stand at 2 in the morning or a 5 star restaurant with a year long waiting list… I have NEVER encountered the mistreatment that I experienced last night.
Upon entering, an older, gray long haired woman at the reception area greeted us with an attitude. My friend is in her 50s and suffers from claustrophobia and asthma. Granted, she can be a little picky and demanding in restaurants. We weren’t happy with our seating offerings, but we weren’t rude by any stretch of the imagination.
The older woman escorted us to another table for two people in the front. My friend, who once again, is particular, spotted an empty table adjacent to us. She suggested that we move there. Upon moving her things, the older woman came over and reprimanded my friend! She said «EXCUSE ME!!! You can’t just GET UP and sit anywhere you please!» Um, WTF!!! How about «Excuse me, Miss, but could you please wait just a second. I understand that you are not happy with your table. However, if you would like to move, please just ask. We’d be happy to see what we could do in order to make your dining experience more enjoyable.» Something along those lines would have been more appropriate.
Now, let’s get to the «food.» First I’ll tell you about my margarita. After a very stressful week dealing with professional projects and with a death in the family, I was REALLY looking forward to a nice meal and a good drink. I was dying for a frozen margarita. My waiter wasn’t very helpful. I explicitly expressed that I wanted a frozen drink. I ordered Jalapeño. He came over with a drink on the rocks. He said «that one cannot be frozen.» In the process of taking it back, I just decided to have it. I said «it’s ok, you can bring it back. I’ll just have it. The next one I can get frozen.»
The first plate came. I got the Chorizo a la plancha. I didn’t enjoy it, but I didn’t complain. The sausage wasn’t very tasty. I’ve had chorizo in Latin America and in other parts of the US. I have NEVER eaten such bland, overcooked, «chorizo» in my life. I ate it and didn’t complain.
The second dish I got was a main. I have to tell you, I REALLY wanted to like the food. It was comprised of some refried beans and some other crap I can barely remember now. Yes, I said «crap.» Why, because that’s all I remember eating and tasting. What I saw looked like slop that you’d have in your elementary school cafeteria during «taco day.» My friend was really upset seeing me not enjoy the mere two bits I had of my meal. She suggested that i let the waiter know.
As soon as I sent the dish back, the gray haired woman came over and gave me an attitude. «This is the SECOND time you’ve sent something back. WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT!!!» She had her hands on her hips and was being a bully. I said the first thing that came out of my mind. «I’m sorry, I just don’t like it.» «What don’t you like about it!!!» «It just doesn’t taste that fresh.» «OH REALLY?! IT’S ‘not fresh.’ EVERYTHING that comes out of our kitchen is fresh. I’ll take it off your bill, but I NEVER want you to come back here EVER again!» I replied in a courteous manor «Excuse me, but may I please say something.» She replied «Sure, go ahead» I replied «I have to say that as a consumer, I really don’t appreciate spoken to in this manor. I don’t deserve to be berated, especially because I didn’t enjoy my meal. Furthermore, I just want to let you know that I am very active in the Unilocal community, and you can rest assured that I will be letting the public know about my mistreatment.» I also told her that I have an uncle in the media who will also be notified about this.
The woman proceeded to loudly complain about me to her employees a mere 12 feet away «not fresh. Oh sure, her friend’s dish was fresh, but hers wasn’t!!!» Is she frickin’ insane!?! (Dumb question.) I felt so uncomfortable, upset, and abused. I wanted to run away. However, we still had to pay the check. As our waiter awkwardly cleared our table, I said to him in Spanish «I’m so sorry that you have to deal with her. Your boss is a real b*tch.» Immediately, a waitress, a young woman of Latin– American decent said to me «That’s my mother! You want to say this to my face!» I said «ok, sure, your mother is very rude» She replied «oh yeah, well so are you!» Once again, I was being BULLIED by the staff! I was so uncomfortable and upset that I just wanted to run out of there. Please save yourselves the abuse and risking eating food a hair better than a freeze dried packet of «El paso» refried beans from the grocery store. Go to La Palapa or Dos Caminos. Save yourselves the potential humiliation and indigestion. Please AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS! I wouldn’t wish how I felt last night physically or emotionally on anyone.

First, Back story from the last time we were there:
My cousins and I were eating their (disappointing) food when one of them, 10 at the time, had to go to the bathroom.
She went up to a group of waiters. «Excuse me? where is the bathroom?»
The waiters pointed to the kitchen.
My cousin walked through the doors, realized she was in the kitchen, and was embarrassed.
Having tricked her for their own dumb amusement, the waiters had a good laugh.
She found the actual bathroom and when she came out, they noticed her and started laughing again.
It made me so angry I had to do something, so I stole several rolls of their toilet paper before leaving.
AGAINST OUR BETTER JUDGEMENT my cousins and I trudged all the way there on a hot day recently when I was babysitting. Although we had had a bad experience with rude waiters there before, we were like, they cant possibly be assholes twice.
«Three outside?» I said to the teenage hostess in this very casual, dank and cavernous joint.
«We have no tables outside for three, so we could seat you in here, or in the back dining room, except we can’t seat you. We don’t allow tank tops, we’d have to give you a shirt.»
I was confused but assured her «Oh, this isn’t a tank top.» (It was a sleeveless T-​shirt, not DIY cutoff-​type, but legitimate shirt, purchased new.)
«We’d have to give you a shirt. Restaurant policy.»
«Are you serious???» I said, incredulous and offended, because this chick was implying I had no shirt on, like some sort of indecent streetwalker.
«Yeah. It’s restaurant policy.»
Boggled and unprepared for this kind of confrontation, I didn’t realize they were just prejudiced against me for having tattoos (hindsight reveals.) But I am not a bearded biker, even. I am a cute girl from Brooklyn.
So I kept trying.
«…wow uh… just sit us outside then, at a two-​seater?»
«I can’t seat you in a tank top and even if I could, I can’t sit three at a table for two.»
«…:… Unilocal!» I threatened as we turned on our heel and left.
On the way out, we saw women wearing tank tops and even one in a bathing suit top with overalls.
MAZ MEZ-​CALLOUS: you’re not an upscale restaurant. Insulting your customers won’t get you there. In fact it makes you extremely tacky and offensive. I dunno what you have against tattoos but guess what, you’re a casual taco place in new york city in 2015.
Honestly I knew that place was sh! t before we even walked in.
Maybe they’re bitter because the everyone knows the standout Mexican restaurant in that neighborhood is Cascabel Taqueria, a celebrated gem.
So we went to Cascabel, even though it’s truly upscale, to try for a table there despite my «„inappropriate“» appearance. We were immediately given a table inside right next to the window, followed by kind and thoughtful service.
I feel personally insulted by Maz Mezzed-​Up.
And they were rude to a kid, which is just inexcusable.
Makes me want to go catch cucarachas and release them in the dank dining room.

Solid mexican restauraunt on the upper east side. It’s bigger than it looks! We sat in the back and pretty much had the whole section for a table of 14.
Great mojitos, guac is on small side but good!
Entrees for the most part are on the larger side, I ordered the Sombrero which was a combination and was good. Helped decide what I wanted to orderr, think the beef tacos was my favorite.
Great place to come with friends or to grab a drink and appetizers. If it’s your birthday they put a Sombrero hat and sing to you, nice touch.