Masa Mexicano — Restaurant in Northampton

Unfortunately, my main impression was that of sticker shock. We ordered a beer, the person at the register made a recommendation, didn't mention the price. (I later saw on the receipt it was $12. For a bottled beer.) I ordered a margarita, fully aware that it was $14, but was disappointed to receive a tiny cocktail glass, and then even more surprised to find that most of the space in the glass was filled with a single giant ice cube. It seemed like there was only a few ounces of liquid, it was gone in a couple sips, and didn't seem strong either. Then our appetizer arrived. Y'all. I get inflation and all that. But... we ordered street corn and received ONE ear of corn. For $9. I repeat: NINE DOLLARS for ONE EAR OF CORN. We were just at the 3 County Fair and the corn vendor there was $5/ear and that's fair prices. Corn is in season in Western Mass, it is abundant and cheap. We ordered an entree, a quesadilla with side of beans and rice. At every other mexican restaurant in the the area (La Veracruzana, Mission, Bueno Y Sano) a quesadilla means a tortilla, with stuff put on top of it, and then another tortilla - so that it is round like a pizza and cut into 4 wedges. Here, the quesadilla is just one tortilla, folded in half. In all, for $50 before tip, we received one bottled beer, three sips of a margarita, one ear of corn, and half a quesadilla. I was happy they had outdoor seating because it was nice out, but let's be real, we're sitting in a parking lot in a strip mall. I don't understand why their pricing is so exorbitant. If cost/value doesn't matter to you, by all means, go here, but I will go to any other mexican restaurant in the area where you literally get twice the food for...

I don’t even know where to begin… Let me start by saying that THIS IS NOT A MONEY GRAB OPERATION, in the form of food, like SO many other places out there are nowadays. You will NOT be served cheap, processed, disgusting, unhealthy, pre-made bullsh*t here. They put in the time, money and effort to serve REAL FOOD... The beef is cooked down in an abundance of actual chilis, herbs and spices. Right from the register you can see the pork crisping up, on the gyro-style spit, that it later gets shaved from (for the pastor tacos). Corns and cheeses coming up from Mexico. Fresh herbs, fresh produce. I think one of the only elements not made in-house is the bread for the sandwiches, but even THAT is coming in fresh from a local Portuguese bakery! Also, 99% of the time, that bread for the sandwiches is the only thing in the kitchen that is not gluten free. So, aside from that, if you have an allergy to gluten this place is paradise. Soooo many options for those avoiding gluten! Speaking of options, I also need to point out the rotating specials…chorizo tacos where the chorizo is actually ground up/made in house. Carne asada tacos with house made chimichurri sauce. Gluten free fried chicken/bacon/ranch tacos with house-made maple bacon jams and ranch sauces. From unreal food to local, community based vibes to excellent customer service…Roberto, Chris, Eric and the rest make ‘Masa Mexicano’ everything I could want out of a...

What a find! Not your typical Mexican restaurant, but a family-owned and operated place offering authentic Mexican cuisine made with the freshest ingredients. My sister and I loved everything about our recent lunch there, which began with the owner-chef's explanation of the menu (tortillas made fresh every morning) and patience while we agonized over our choices. We started with chips (made with yesterday's leftover tortillas) and fantastic guacamole and salsa fesca. Then we each had three tacos: beef barbacoa, chicken tinga, and spit-roasted and marinated pork topped with shredded cabbage and other veggies including a judicious touch of pineapple (the dish is called al pastor). The flavor combinations were perfectly balanced and contrasted, the tastes pleasingly distinct. We ate everything in a state of near bliss. We also ordered rice and black beans, which were far superior to the usual fare. We loved talking with the owner and chef, who's had lots of restaurant experience and great plans for this charming place. Here's hoping he gets the success...