Maya Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Scotts Valley

Maya has always been a hit or miss restaurant.  It's really never been the same since Salvador left. The only thing that's consistent all these years is their salsa.

But tonight they topped themselves. Kinda a quiet night. Waitress was pleasant enough, until she figured we weren't ordering dessert. Must have asked 3 times if we wanted anything else. Once I asked for a to go box I guess she realized we were done, attitude change for sure.

Then came the bill. 3 regular meals, one beer, one iced tea, guacamole, and a side of sour cream.

The total was $79. Really almost  $80 that's about  $26 per person. So I looked a little closer, and if you have seen their bills they are confusing. Top 2 items were $8.95 and $17.95. Plus two other I didn't recognize from the menu. I went to the register, she asked if I was ready, I told her I had questions. Asked about the top 2 charges the $8.95 was for the guacamole, wow I know avocados are expensive but I think that's a bit over priced.

Next came the  $17.95. She told "oh that is sour cream " I said $17.95. "Oh that is a mistake. Seriously  $1.75 and you just happened to insert a 9 in there. To me that was suspicious. I have noticed higher that normal bills, the last few times we've been there. And one time we were there, we had a party of 6. They added the tip in but  wasn't clear what it was for"I. E. " they didn't want us to know so we could over tip. So I had to ask.

Next the 2 enchiladas was more than the menu as was my relleno and taco was more as well. She informed carne asada was 2 dollars more per item. I didn't ask for carne asada I asked for shredded beef. Yes there is a difference.  I have never been charged extra for shredded beef in my tacos there ever.

I said well the steak was dry and tough, she said she couldn't do anything because I didn't tell her at the beginning. Well I didn't say anything because I didn't realize I was paying $2 extra for tough meat. At the regular menu price I was ok, but to charge an extra $6 for so-so meat was not ok.

I also informed her it's her job to explain if something is going to be higher than what someone may expect.  And not just try to pad the bill so she may get a higher tip (well that didn't work out in her favor as the tip is the only discretionary item we can control) I was a waitress for years.

Bottom line check your bill there...

The worst mexican food I have had in California. I ordered a beef chimichunga with rice and beans for a dinner plate. The rice and beans were run of the mill, extra basic. It tasted like Knorr "red rice" bouillon seasoning. They did remake a main course for me with ground beef instead and it was even more disgusting than the chunks of beef in verde sauce. There was 2 uneaten chimichungas made by them for me. They charged us for a the full dinner for the rice and beans I ate, but whatever. They did their job. Most of us didn't finish their plate. My California born, out of state friend said that it was "a little bit better than the mexican food in Iowa but not much" and "my food wasn't great." She hadn't eaten all day and didn't even make it half way through her burrito. It was that blah. Our server was nice. That counts for something. She checked in on us only once after the food was delivered. At the end of the meal a buser finally came around to fill my water glass. There was some tables but the place wasn't packed. Gratuity was already added to our bill when we got it. We had a table of 8. I didn't notice that mentioned anywhere on the menu but I didn't read the whole thing. I only looked at the plate options. I got to spend time with friends that are like family and that's what counts. Now that I am back home I will eat again. Those chimichungas were truly inedible IMO. I'm half mexican, so I might know what mexican food is supposed...

We ate outdoors in their large tent structure. It seemed safe as both ends were open providing great ventilation. The food was outstanding as always. We will definitely be back and we highly recommend Maya's restaurant. Update: May 7, 2023. The pandemic is over... Right? So we ate inside. It was crowded but we got a table right away. I would love to give this place 5 stars but they are not there yet. This is not a bad thing as I don't care for 5 star restaurants. They definitely are the best Mexican restaurant in Scott's valley so I would recommend this as a much try restaurant. We love it! Update: January 20, 2024. We had dinner here with friends and they had music from someone playing a saxophone. He was good, but the sax is hard to play softly, so it was kind of too loud in the small area. It was too loud to hear the server and I got the wrong beer delivered to the table so I guess she couldn't hear me clearly either. The food was excellent as always but if the horn is back, I think we will go somewhere else. Update: 8-15-24 we had an early dinner, just the 3 of us so got a table right away and service super quick. We ordered, got drinks, said cheers, then the food came to our table! So quick, I think it was quicker than Taco Bell! As always, the food was excellent....