Plaza Mariachi — Restaurant in Wilmington

Wilmington has quite a variety of Mexican / Latin restaurants throughout town (throw in a food truck or 2) and Plaza Mariachi is one that seems to hide under the radar. My family and I have dined here on a few occasions but I haven't taken the time to write a review until today. Really not sure why. Regardless...Plaza Mariachi isn't going to be the best Mexican food you'll remember in life, they still deliver tasty dishes and are consistent each and every time.

FOOD: Carne Con Hongos & Margarita Pitcher: The house margarita pitcher was ordered and served on the rocks, with 2 salted glasses. For a margarita, it wasn't top shelf nor will you find award-winning tequila inside, but it wasn't bad. It quenched our thirst, complimented our meal and took some edge off...nothing spectacular, nothing terrible. Carne con Hongos was a Plaza Mariachi Menu Special that allows you to choose between chicken or steak. It is basically a smaller steak fajita portion, without peppers and adds mushrooms. The flavors and carmelization of the veggies was a direct reflection of fajitas. The steak was tender, served very hot, seasoned right and there was an abundance of it. Refried beans and rice were served as the sides. Both, were up to par with competing restaurants. Each time we have eaten at PM, the food has always been very good and consistent. Nothing fancy or gourmet...but still very good Mexican food. SCORE: 4 STARS!!

SERVICE: Entering the restaurant pre-5 p.m., we were instantly greeted and seated at a booth, near no one else. There were a few patrons dining inside but were distantly spaced from other diners. The entire staff were properly masked and enforced social distancing from customers and each other. Our server (not sure if her name was introduced) was prompt, quick to refill waters and was kind throughout. Although her personality seemed to be more mild and meek during interactions, she was pleasant to have served us. Service wasn't extraordinary but it met expectations. SCORE: 4 STARS!!

OVERALL SCORE: If you're looking for good Mexican / Latin food, compared to your go-to place, Plaza Mariachi is a nice alternative to dine quickly, enjoy a good drink and fill your stomach with nicely prepared food. Not to kick a dead horse here but once again, it isn't the most memorable Latin food you'll taste in life, but you'll still enjoy what you order. Plus...their house salsa is pretty good and that scores a little extra....

Originally from Fayetteville my wife and I have been in Wilmington now for 2 years. We first started to go to El Cerro Grande because everybody recommended it. it reminded us of a franchise place in the Fayetteville surrounded area called Mi Casitas. Wasn't impressed. Food was bland and tasted similar to other items on their menu and service mediocre. Found Plaza Mariachi by accident and been ever since. We come here at least 2-3 times a month. We never been disappointed with the food always good and hot. Salsa is always flavorful. If you ask for the mild its not as tasty. Service is good. I like to try different things on the menu every time we go haven't been disappointed. But like all restaurants you going to have great experiences and bad ones. Thankfully we haven't but not saying we wont. Its normal. Everyplace has there good days and bad. You have to remember there is going to be a language barrier and a culture difference. Some of the criticisms on here have been petty. Not saying the ones that have bad experiences didn't have them. But for me and my family we love it and going to give...

This has been one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Wilmington the last five years. I’ve brought many clients, friends, and family members here. After today I will never go back!

I was dining in alone and had to use the restroom. When I came back they had already cleared my table (gone maybe 5 minutes) and I have not even touched my meal yet. The waiters\waitresses even know my order by heart. When they realized what they did, they offered to replace the meal if I had time to stay. When I said I really didn’t have time, they gave me the check and were persistent that I still pay for a meal I didn’t even get to eat. I am completely appalled that I had to pay for a meal when I didn’t even get to eat it. And compensation of my last meal they gave me a punchcard where they punched it three times and told me if I come back two more times during lunch they’ll give me a free meal. What in the world?

I will never step foot in this establishment again if that’s how they’re going to treat a loyal customer that visits them weekly...