Doña Maria Mexican Cafe — Restaurant in Houston

Conveniently located across the street from a weekend farmer's market. There's a dirt parking lot adjacent so there's very little cause for issue with parking.

Have only been here on weekends but the line is always out the door. There are a few patio tables outside where you can wait. Once you enter, to your right on a counter is a sign-in sheet. Something to note is that this place is definitely not solo diner friendly - I once waited an hour, was passed up several times by other larger parties (by larger I'm just talking 2 people) and finally asked what the issue was and the host told me that 'it was too difficult' for a solo diner to be seated. Honestly the host's attitude is a bit condescending at times from multiple visits.

The lady who handles the cashier, and the waiters are all excellent in demeanor. They're always smiling. Another issue though is that the service is not very quick - for one taco it takes at least 30 minutes for the food to come out. This joint is very busy so it's sort of understandable. But another issue is that it is near impossible to flag down a waiter - if you are in need of something or want to order more you're not going to have much luck.

The ambiance itself is a little out there. The walls are covered with silly saying like 'he might wear the pants, but I pick which ones he wears,' several political endorsements, and various trinkets. The family who owns the restaurant is clearly very politically aligned which I can possibly see alienating some diners.

In terms of cleanliness, it's relatively clean. The tables are a little sticky but not overly so.

Taco Gordo - this is the shining jewel that I keep coming back for. For $3.50 you get a very, very large breakfast taco. It's filled with whatever meat you want (I always choose bacon), egg, potato, beans and cheese. It will definitely fill you up for a very low price. And since it's a sit down restaurant they serve you warm red salsa and chips while you wait. The warm salsa is just the right amount of spicy and is quite lovely.

Guacamole - not good. Not good at all. Tastes like there are a lot of preservatives, doesn't taste fresh. Is very watery as if it's been sitting out for a while.

All-in-all I don't know what the solution is. Perhaps take out, but then you wouldn't get the chips and salsa. Perhaps just deal with the mediocre service and long wait times for the sake of that...

I hate using the term "hole in the wall" because this little place is a hidden gem. My friend and I stopped by Thursday for lunch. She's a regular, it was my first time. The place was packed, no place to sit. The owner asked us if we would like to share a table with existing patrons and we said sure. On our way to the table, a booth became available so we just sat there. There are a few tables and booths. The decor is friendly, colorful with quirky signs. The music is playing softly. The conversations and banter between the wait staff and customers reminds me of eating amongst family, My friend raved about the food, so I was excited to try their dishes. We had chips and salsa and I was not impressed. The chips had absolutely no salt and the same thing goes for the salsa. I understand restaurants cater to different demographics, but a little salt goes a long way. It was no biggie, we just added salt to our liking. I ordered the carne guisada plate, served with beans, rice and two tortillas (3 would be better) and she had the asado de puerco, also served with beans and rice. We did not wait much and our dishes were brought to the table. The beans were great, the rice was great but the star of the show was indeed the carne guisada. The meat was so tender, moist with a rich and flavorful rue. I ordered mixed tortillas with my order and was disappointed to know it was only two. The corn tortilla was not the best, and the flour tortilla was ok. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and need to come back to try the barbacoa and menudo which I hear...

This was my first and last time visiting this restaurant. I walked into the restaurant and I didn't see any greeters at the door so I walked to a counter where orders were being placed. Once I placed my order I was told to check out at another counter with the cashier. I paid for my food and informed the cashier that I was going to the car to get my jacket and she immediately said I'll bring your food out to you meaning "outside". I said ok? and I proceeded to my car. I grabbed my jacket out of the car and went back into the restaurant and asked if it was ok for me to dine in. One of the male waiters seemed surprised that I decided to dine in instead. He told the cashier that I would be eating there. My food finally came out in a to go bag the same cashier brought it to me. I asked her was it ok if I dinned in. She paused and said well if you order to go then you go. Then she tried to clean it up and say "You can stay". I grabbed my food and I left. I love Mexican food especially Mexican Taco's but I will never eat there again, nor would I recommend anyone that I know to eat there. Customer service is a must, and she needs...