Gran Maya Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Scio Township

Gran Maya is housed in a former Big Boy. It is a large space, which allows them to space things out enough so you don't feel cramped like some places. The booths are all custom made and they are comfortable.

We were met at our table almost immediately by Carlos, who is mentioned in some other reviews for is great service. Our experience was no exception. As we sat down, a basket of warm corn chips and a bottle of salsa were delivered to the table.

Some have complained that the salsa is not hot. That's true. Many Yankees don't like spicy food. However, they have two types of hot sauce at the table and I was able to get just the heat level I was looking for. My wife is one of those people who doesn't like heat, but they gave us each our own little bowl to pour it into.

My wife had the salmon. She says it was cooked perfectly and the sauce was very tasty. She would have asked for it on the side, but it is listed in the menu as a dip, although it is presented as a sauce. The veggies included with it were not first rate, but they were well prepared. It's nice to get any vegetables at all in a Mexican restaurant.

I have the street tacos, I chose Al Pastor, Carnitas, and Birria. Beans and rice were also included. These were nothing special, but I do appreciate that moderation on the cheese. The Al Pastor was tasty. It has a little smokiness that's really nice, although it was a bit on the dry side. The Carnitas was my favorite. It was moist, tender, and delicious. I was really looking forward to the Birria. It was a little disappointing. There was a bit too much fat for my liking. I had to take some off. Also, the flavor wasn't as strong as I expected.

The menu is huge. We will go back and try some...

First off, it is really worth noting that it is the hardest time to try to launch a restaurant. Maya is in week 2 of their opening, and today was U-M's graduation. Also, I love Mexican food, and had such great hopes for this restaurant. The restaurant was absolutely packed when we arrived, and we understood the long wait time (30 minutes). It is worth noting that, at this time, Maya does not have a liquor license, so there is no alcohol. When we were seated, we ordered a kid's quesadilla, nachos, and 3 tacos. Our server was delightfully friendly and attentive. Unfortunately, I promise it is no exaggeration that it took us over an hour to get our food. When the food arrived, two dishes were cold, the other one was perfectly hot. Here is what I am hoping for the restaurant:

1. I understand that there was trouble with the kitchen. It happens! I hope it gets addressed.
2. I think the pace and organization of the restaurant needs adjusting. Too many people, but no ability to accommodate food demand.
3. More waiters are needed.
4. It appeared as though your front desk may be down? I hope it gets fixed.
5. I was hoping for the beans to be a bit better - they need improvement.
6. The tacos were aces. You don't need a huge menu - just stick to making a decent selection of really GOOD items.
7. The cost of the menu items doesn't currently match the quality of the dishes served. Again, maybe reducing the size of the menu can help.
8. It is just the beginning of this restaurant. I have faith that you will find your footing! I promise I will update this review after I come and try your...

Coupon and happy hour scam.

Food was ok. Portions were modest for the price. Service was mid (had to ask for more water). Margaritas were weak (I had half a pitcher with little taste of tequila and zero effects). Beer was served in a big frosted mug, so that was nice. Chips were not good. Salsa was watery.

I will not go back to this restaurant.

We went for happy hour and had a 20% off our meal coupon. Happy hour is 20% off the regular margaritas and draught beers. We gave the server our coupon expecting the food to be discounted with the coupon and the drinks via happy hour, and he came back with the bill. Nothing was said, but only the drinks were discounted. I thought they missed the coupon, so I went to the waiter who directed me to the manager. He said that since we got the happy hour drinks, we couldn't use the coupon. We had $85 in regular priced food and $33 of drinks. I thought one or the other was shady. He then tried to say how getting a discount on the drinks was the same as the food... and I explained that 20% off of 85 was not the same as 20% of 33, and asked if we could pay full price for the drinks and use the coupon for just the food. He then said "that is not how it works".

If this policy is real, they should have explained that to us when we handed the coupon to the waiter. They said nothing and tried to...