Mama Coco Cocina Mexicana — Restaurant in Menlo Park

For what it is - higher end than a taqueria, family-oriented with a variety of dishes to please vegetarians and meat eaters, those who want something rather exotic and those who prefer something tamer - Mama Coco is a great choice. The interior is cheerful and there's a back patio. During SIP they offer pick up and delivery options. We enjoy everything we've ever had from here. Our favorites are-

-Cochinita pibil - the strong flavor of the pibil, the creaminess of the wonderful coconut rice and the crunch of the slaw are a marvelous medley of flavors and textures.

Carne a la tampiqueña - the skirt steak is always tasty, the molé they use for these enchiladas is great, and the rice and beans a good foil for the other two items.

Suiza de mariscos - these seafood enchiladas with cheese in a creamy, mild poblano sauce are rich, mild and delicious. They hit the spot and are filling without being overly so. They come with rice and beans.

Four tacos plate - a great combo of flavors and textures, each distinct. A nice dish to share with others or enjoy as an entree.

Sopitos - two in the order, one chicken, one beef. Both have crema, the chicken has green sauce and pinto beans, the beef has black. Sans and chile de arbol. The thick, fried base is delicious - both tender and crisp, the perfect bed for the toppings. Lovely to share or as a...

Beware if you pay with debit or credit card they will change your tip amount or add a tip to accommodate the sever. Let me tell you my experience on Friday May 30th between 4-6pm. My brother took our family for dinner (6 of us) while waiting for my mom to get out of surgery. We ordered & service was ok basis food was not impressive at all. My brother paid the bill & left a tip, the menu said parties of 6 or more is 18% gratuity so after payment was made another server comes to tell my brother that if he doesn't change his tip to 20% she will would be changing it herself once we left! I was a server for 20 years & couldn't believe what I was hearing, I pulled her aside & reminded her it is illegal to change the amount on someone else's credit card bill & let her know that she should be ashamed of herself trying to force someone into giving a 20% tip when the menu clearly says 18%!! She got mad & started slamming dishes as we finished our time there & kept giving up dirty looks as she walked by. So sad she felt entitled & it wasn't even our server to begin with! Never going back...

This is my 2nd time dining here (1st time pre-COVID-19 so dined indoors). Mexican is my favorite cuisine so appreciate finding authentic with uptwist that captures the true tastes and flavors of Mexico. This is not your local taqueria, it stands alone in it's own league. The menu ranges basic to gourmet entree. Recommend depart traditional/familiar menu items and give your pallet an adventure. The menu offers unique, this is the place to try something new. Today I had pollo al chipotle. The flavor of the sauce was delicioso. Presentation artful. Even accompanied cilantro rice and refried beans had flare.

Fortunately they have (small) back patio. Nothing special but you are here for the food. Tables are spaced in accordance with Health Order and wait staff all compliant with restaurant safety protocol. Very reasonably priced for what you get. Excited to return to try something new, next time with a Margarita (they offer varied...