El Huipil — Restaurant in Maynard

There are restaurants that whisper their identity, that make you explore, taste, and guess. And then there’s El Huipi, which punches you in the face (with love) the moment you walk in and loudly declares, ¡Hola amigo, this is Mexican food!

Unless someone just woke up from a 20-year coma, or stepped out of a jungle bunker thinking the war’s still on, or is a toddler who only knows the word "snack", anyone stepping inside will immediately understand what’s going on. The décor is loud, joyful, and unapologetically Mexican. The plates themselves are festive. The air smells like grilled onions, spice, and satisfaction. It’s not subtle. It doesn’t try to be. That’s the charm.

The food delivers exactly what the setting promises: Mexican comfort, American-sized. Everything arrives faster than you think possible, with portions that clearly forgot about moderation. You’ll get your main dish and at least two bonus sides you didn’t know you needed until they showed up uninvited and irresistible. Every bite tastes like someone’s grandmother whispered secrets to the chef in the kitchen. It’s flavorful, hearty, and confidently prepared by cooks who clearly understand their craft and their audience.

What really seals the deal, though, are the margaritas. These aren’t accessories to the meal; they are the main event. Served in huge glasses that seem to have been borrowed from a punch bowl collection, they arrive with chilled confidence. First sip? Pure delight. Halfway through? Warm glow. Then you reach the tiny salty dip in the middle, the margarita Bermuda Triangle, and realize the fun just ended. It’s that moment when cosmopolitan sophistication gives way to raw, unfiltered satisfaction.

Here they don't negotiate with flavor, speed, or size. You walk in expecting tacos, you walk out with fourteen sides, a new perspective on margaritas, and a full belly that questions your earlier confidence. And that’s what makes it...

I want to be constructive in my criticism but I just don't care enough and won't be back. (They don't deserve 1 star - I couldn't post this with the stars blank)....

There really weren't that many people for Lunch, yet, the staff seemed overwhelmed. I looked around and saw decently presented meals on square plates, so, I decided to stay. There was a bit of a weird smell in the place and they use authentic-like blankets for table covers.The menu states that they charge for a second serving of chips & salsa, yet, I never received the first. Not a deal breaker, so, I ordered the Super Burrito with chicken and a soda water w/ lemon. The "soda water" arrived from a Seagram's seltzer bottle and the burrito arrived in aluminum foil on a round plate (starting to dislike this experience) Strike One. They don't have Tapatio, however, they offer an in house hot sauce which came in little to-go "cups" (like the ones hot mustard comes in when you order delivery) - well, that's how it was served to me when they realized they forgot to bring it with the plate Strike Two.

Again, I looked around and saw people with a fairly fine dinning presentation while I got the hurried treatment.

I took one bite and not only knew that it wasn't my type of burrito but also that it was overcooked. It was dry like they rely on the Pico De Gallo for the juices (which I asked not to be included) - I asked for extra sour cream on the side and they left it out of the burrito completely. The tortilla was tough and the filling was mostly rice. They use a lime accented grilled chicken and pinto beans. I would expect this kind of burrito from a truck or fast food joint Strike Three. I don't normally respond this way but I told the waiter (/Manager?) that I didn't like the burrito, turned down an alternative, paid for my "soda water" and then left.

Hands down, the worst Mexican restaurant I've ever been to and that's compared to Qdoba,...

The unfortunate thing we've come to expect at El Huipil is inconsistent food quality.

Our first mistake was ordering on a busy Saturday night from the packed Maynard restaurant, which may have led to our awful $75 meal for three entrees.

I'm not sure that's a good reason though.

The Macho Nachos were wimpy, swampy, sticky and cold; the added chicken, completely indiscernible.

The cornhusk on the terribly disappointing Tamales Dinner was burned crisply, the cornmeal inside dryer than potato flakes from a box and the chicken again, scarce.

Though the Frida Steak was a reasonable portion and flavorful, the meat was chewy. The side of beans and salad pretty good.

An effort to call the Maynard store to offer constructive criticism two days later goes unaccomplished, given the mailbox is full; thus prompting this review.

On a positive note the service at El Huipil is often friendly and accommodating

That's just not good enough though for $75.

Based on at least seven take-orders from both the Maynard and Acton locations, we'll seek out better quality Mexican food at more reasonable...