Maria's Taqueria — Restaurant in Shepherdstown

Shepherdstown is a community defined by its charm. A college town at heart, its blend of hipster and ancient is eminent in the frame of each building. Somewhere in the middle of this allure lies a Mexican restaurant: Maria Taqueria’s. My family has enjoyed numerous meals within this taco fortress; it made sense that I fieldwork such a familiar place for this project. As for fieldworking, I have noted the moves of customers, employees, and those who merely pass by; I have studied the design and history of both Maria Taqueria and Shepherdstown as a whole. Afterall, you can’t understand a building's purpose without acknowledging its origins.This essay will attempt to capture the purpose Maria Taqueria serves in the town of Shepherdstown. Although a seemingly banal subject, my research has calculated the building to be more than a mere taco cuisine. While many Mexican restaurants stray from having any sort of unique identity, Maria Taqueria stands as original. This spawns from both its architecture and decorative choices. In its complexity lies a breeding mat for diverse cultures, sanctuary for casual chit-chat, and a place of interest among animals. Ultimately, I argue that while it serves its purpose as a taco shop, it goes even further than this: It isn’t isn’t merely a building and administers more than food. This purpose is simple: a place where different cultures meet. Amidst its bricks is history that provides a place for those of unique backgrounds to connect that. In all, that is what this essay aims to review. Before you can begin to fathom the intricacy of Maria Taqueria, one must understand the history of Shepherdstown. Established in the latter era of the 1700s, it began as a settlement originally named,”Mecklenburg.” The original population was predominantly German. (its Main Street is named accordingly) If you were to walk around any town in Germany, you’d recognize the gothic and romanesque architecture Shepherdstown shares; its relation to Germany is quite apparent. This gothic appeal is characterized by a brick, cathedral look on the outside, and an inside that consists of free spaces. Maria Taqueria, although unique, is no exception. Composed completely of arched bricks, a collection of large windows compliment the welcoming doors. This particular style was popular in Germany throughout the Middle Ages. (about when they migrated to the Americas) Perhaps this rich history attracts the hoards of people that visit Shepherdstown each weekend. Afterall, the esteemed Miles Orvell contends,”In order to survive, the small town must attract people from outside the surrounding residential area.” (Pg. 12) Ultimately, Maria Taqueria’s design mirrors Shepherdstown’s German background. To truly understand this, along with the cultures who dined there, I had to attempt fieldworking. In the book Fieldworking: Reading and Writing, the act of working in the field is depicted as,”..talking, listening, recording, observing, participating, and sometimes even living in a particular place. The field is the site for doing research, and fieldworking is the process of doing it.” (pg. 1) Accordingly, with a pen and notepad, I did just this. I watched everyone who entered Maria Taqueria carefully, jotting down their every move; I photographed the whole of the restaurant, listened to erratic conversations, and created a map that featured a layout of...

We stayed in the area, trying different local restaurants for three days on an anniversary trip - Maria's was definitely one of our favorite finds! The vibe is chill and cozy, without being too over the top. We brought our 11 month old with us, and the staff were so kind and friendly to her! She was all smiles the whole time. The staff member that took our order was very helpful in answering our questions and giving recommendations. I asked how the plantains were cooked to find out if they were appropriate for our baby, and he explained it well. She loved them, and so did we! The dip that came with them was amazing - my husband was not sure of he would like plantains and he really liked them! I got the three traditional tacos, which were delicious. They definitely didn't skimp on the fillings, including the chicken. My husband enjoyed his burrito, and the chips and fresh salsa were good, too. They have booster seats that can be added to any chair or booth, and there was enough space for our umbrella stroller. The bathrooms were tiny, but functional. There are two individual all gender bathrooms. I didn't see any baby changing table, but I only used one of the bathrooms. Overall, if we lived in the area, we know we would be back to...

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding my recent experiences at your taqueria. While I have been a loyal customer for years and have recommended your establishment to friends and family, I feel compelled to share my concerns not about the staff but about the food itself. The primary issue I've noticed during my last three visits is a noticeable decline in both portion sizes and overall food quality. Previously, the generous portions and excellent taste were what set your taqueria apart and made the 45-minute drive from Fredrick worthwhile. As someone with experience in the culinary industry, I used to appreciate the consistency and attention to detail displayed in your dishes. However, the recent experiences have left me feeling unsatisfied. The portions have diminished, leaving me feeling jipped. Additionally, the quality of the food no longer meets the high standards I once associated with your establishment. This is disheartening, especially considering how highly I regarded your taqueria in the past. I want to emphasize that my intention is not to write a purely negative review. Instead, I hope to provide constructive feedback that can help you regain the exceptional standards that initially made your...