El Maya Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Delaware

Parking was easy, in the strip mall at the end, they can handle a busy night easily. This place was pretty busy, not all tables filled, but most of them were, including the bar. We sat in a booth, which we had to adjust to fit us right. The floor was slippery, wear those kitchen shoes. We were sat in the back, just off the main dining floor, with an even more slippery floor. I was wearing trail runners, so I was the worst off. Next time we come back, I will ask to be sat in the main dining area. The whole inside of the restaurant was aesthetically pleasing. The inside of the place was a beautiful site to take in. They had a Mariachi Band going from table to table, I guess it was my birthday, since they sang that to me. Thanks friends.

The service was so so...Our server took longer than average for anything we asked for. This is another reason I'd choose the main floor, so I can grab my server when needed.

Two of us ordered the 22oz Modelo Especial. They came out in beer mugs, not chilled, but the temperature was good throughout the whole beer. It was no Mexican Table, they have the coldest mugs so far. Lindsey ordered a MARG, mentioning that it was a little on the tart side with too much mix going on. Alex enjoyed a Jarritos tamarind soda. It looked like they had about every flavor. They had a good selection of tequila, around 20 or so. Julio 1942 clocking in at $20, Julio Anejo at $8.50, I think Alex had a Cuervo clocking in at $5. I went with the Anejo, got a little over a half shot pour. Come on now. Back to back nights dag nabbit!

Guacamole was a nice light green color, made to order in a big lava rock bowl. This was the homemade guacamole, which they bring to you on a cart in the main dining area. Nothing gets my engine revving like some table side guacamole! This is our favorite guacamole so far on this Delaware adventure. The salsa was decent, had that Italian style flavor to it. What was better was the hot salsa that Alex had brought out with his tacos. Just order the hot salsa when you get you chips. The chips were good, fried light.

I ordered #1 Molcajete (Lava Rock Bowl) Rib-eye steak, shrimp and chorizo,grilled vegetables, queso fresco, avocado, jalapeno, onions and pineapple in salsa ranchera. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas. The steak was grilled to perfection, melted in your mouth, and cut easily with a butter knife. The shrimp was delicious, on a little wood skewer, 4 shrimp total. The chorizo had a nice texture, and had a good heat to it. All of the vegetables were amazing, I could have easily shared this bowl with another person. I brought half of the bowl home, warmed it up for lunch, and it was just as delicious the second time around. I was really pleased with what I got, and would do it again anytime. The beans tasted as they should with a solid texture and consistency. The rice was soft and fluffy. Again, they knocked this out...

The food is always really good here. But I'd guess that this restaurant owner/management is green behind the ears. Expect every logistical snafu possible. It's like there is no leader at this place, the staff is just figuring it out however they want to. It's the type of place that an aspiring service/kitchen manager could make a great showing at.

Example 1: walk in and the sign says seat yourself. Everybody wants a booth (restaurant trueism) so they fill first. 2 servers on and one has all the booths. Split the floor diagnoal, so both servers have some booths. Problem solved.

Example 2: the kitchen f'ed up and forgets to put the molcajete bowls on heat. They serve everything to the table except the molcajete. Hold the 2 meals until the 2nd is done. It's totally messed up to serve 1 meal and the beans and rice for the other, then come back with a Luke warm volcano bowl. Especially after the table has drinks and apps. Nobody's rushing, so take time and do it right.

The food: some of the best Buffalo Wings you can get in the area. Only because I can hardly find a traditional Buffalo Wing around here. Seems like everyone is gourmet. These are the real deal original. Basically Frank's red hot probably with a bit of butter put on chicken wings. Love em. The wings aren't over cooked and they aren't undercooked. The molcajete is bomb but on this run, it wasn't hot enough. The cheese should be melted. Pescado Frito, happening like it should.

The bar: Another area ripe for an aggressive service oriented individual. I ordered a dirty vodka martini, I was brought a vodka martini, not sure what it was, apple maybe. Come on man, it's a simple 3 ingredient drink. Wife ordered a Chambord Margarita, right off the menu, bartender doesn't know how to make it. Google it fool! Come on this is easy, gimmie drinks. Anyone can figure it out in 10 seconds with a Google search. No excuses!

I've been here more than 10 times, this is my latest experience. It's always something similar though. I keep coming back, the food must be good. But the place is definitely run like $h!+. They are all nice people doing their best but if the smooth dinning experience you're use to is a must, you do best to...

So my husband and I used to come here about every 2 weeks pre covid. We enjoyed the food and the service was usually decent and we saw the same wait staff every time we returned. We enjoyed take out from here over the last 1 1/2 years and finally dined in. Well the last experience may be why we never go back. There were 7 people in our party and when we walked in there were only 2 small tables occupied. They sat us at a large table in the middle of the room. My husband knew we would be loud and wanted to talk to his siblings so he asked to be moved. The waiter said no but the other gentleman was nice enough to place us in the corner. We ordered and all the meals came out except my mothers soup. The runner delivered the food but said nothing of the soup. So we waited and after several minutes I approached the waiter. He said well the soup is made fresh so it takes longer. No problem just tell us. I also asked for hot sauce. About 10 minutes later the soup came and a tiny bowl of hot sauce. My husband asked if we could get more hot sauce even if we had to pay for it. The waiter acted like we inconvenienced him. Food was decent and 2 people ordered more. What did it for me was the waiters response to my brother in law when he ordered additional food. He said it will be awhile and I know you (our table)dont like to wait but you will have to wait since you just ordered it....WHAT!! When we arrived there was almost no one in there and it took quite a while. I understand they may be short staffed but explain to paying customers what is going on. The bill was $260 and we experienced horrible service from only...