Maria Mezcaleria — Restaurant in Waco

Maria Mezcaleria: Smoke, Spice, and a Perfect Taco Tuesday Flow

I stopped into Maria Mezcaleria for Taco Tuesday during Happy Hour (3–6 PM) and left completely satisfied — calm atmosphere, balanced flavors, and just the right amount of buzz from the cocktails.

I started with the Chile con Queso, a rich, molten white cheese dip that was perfectly creamy and just salty enough. The chips were thick but crisp, not greasy, and held up well to the queso without breaking. Three salsas arrived alongside — a smoky red, a vibrant green salsa verde, and a black bean dip. My personal ranking? Bean dip first (earthy and smooth), then the verde (bright, tangy), and lastly the red (bold, fiery, and full of character).

For my first drink, I ordered the Jamaica Mezcalita, a $6 Happy Hour cocktail made with Union Mezcal, hibiscus syrup, and fresh lime. The color alone could stop traffic — ruby red with a dried citrus wheel perched on top and a rim dusted with spice. The flavor? Beautifully layered. Smoky from the mezcal, floral from the hibiscus, and refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s the kind of drink that feels made for slow afternoons and good conversation.

My main course was the Street Tacos Al Pastor — five small corn tortillas packed with marinated pork, cilantro, onion, and grilled jalapeño on the side. The meat was seasoned and caramelized just right, with that perfect contrast between smoky char and juicy tenderness. They were simple, generous, and authentic — nothing gimmicky, just honest tacos that taste like someone cares about the marinade.

I also ordered a bowl of Esquites (corn off the cob) — creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. It came topped with chili powder and queso fresco, rich but balanced, the kind of side that makes you slow down for a second and appreciate how good corn can taste when it’s treated right.

To finish, I went with the Espresso Martini — my first one ever. And it was a knockout. You can really taste the espresso; the Kahlúa and vodka play in the background, adding depth and a touch of sweetness without masking that coffee punch. Smooth, chilled, slightly foamy on top, with three espresso beans as the finishing touch. I’d easily come back for that alone.

Service was relaxed but attentive — not overbearing, not distant. The vibe in the room around 3:30 to 4:00 was unhurried; just a few tables filled, music low, and everything arriving at a steady pace. It’s clear they care about presentation and consistency.

If I had to rate the experience, I’d call it a true 4.5-star visit — but I’m giving it five because everything delivered on what it promised. Great flavors, balanced drinks, and thoughtful pacing. It’s a place that doesn’t need to shout; it just quietly gets everything right.

Verdict: Come for the mezcalita, stay for the tacos, and end with the espresso martini. That’s the perfect Maria...

Maria Mezcaleria, a perfect destination for those seeking a captivating atmosphere, stunning aesthetics, and exceptional cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you'll be mesmerized by the attention to detail and thoughtfulness evident in every corner. Whether you're dining with a small group of friends or witnessing larger parties being served, Maria Mezcaleria accommodates all. It's an ideal choice for both lunch and dinner, and I'm yet to explore their brunch offerings.

The service at Maria Mezcaleria is truly top-notch, with a friendly and attentive staff who ensure your dining experience is memorable. Don't miss their bean salsa, which beautifully complements their house salsa and crispy chips. Their menu boasts a delightful selection of appetizers, and I was particularly impressed by the sopes—each bite bursts with incredible flavors. Perfectly portioned and shareable, they come highly recommended.

For an authentic taste of Mexico, their well-seasoned carnitas are a must-try. Create a mouthwatering taco using their house salsa, guacamole, and tender carnitas on a corn tortilla—prepare to be delighted. The portion size is generous and satisfying for one person. Another refreshing option is their enchiladas verdes, which stand out for their lightness and incorporation of greens. It's a harmonious blend of flavors you won't want to miss. Experience the delectable taste for yourself—they're incredibly delicious!

Even if you don't consume alcohol, Maria Mezcaleria goes above and beyond to cater to all guests. They graciously prepare delicious mocktails that will undoubtedly please your palate. Make sure to include this experience on your list when you visit Waco, as it promises an exceptional...

I gave myself a few days to ponder on this before writing a review but here it goes. Portions were small, the menu was very limited and so was the drink selection but nothing near as horrible as the service we received from Audriana. We ordered drinks and she forgot to put them in. After 35 minutes of not checking on our table I found the gentleman serving the other tables and he jumped up our rescue immediately. Later when she finally made it to the table she blamed the bartenders for losing our ticket. She would have known we didn’t get our drinks had it not taken her 40 minutes to check on a table of 4. The place isn’t that big to forget a whole table. She literally messed up every single thing I ordered. Ask for no salt and drinks came with salt. When sending it back she just poured it in another glass. Asked for no sour cream and a side of grilled shrimp. I got no shrimp and extra sour cream. She was extremely uninterested in her job. I served during college and know the struggle but she was absolutely abrasive and rude. When closing out she looked at me and said. You have the Queso right. I said yes. She ran my card and went on to the next person who was surprised to have my queso on their ticket when she literally just asked. The entire table was flabbergasted at the service we received. Safe to say I will never be convinced again to go here especially if I see Audriana...