Mai Mexican Kitchen

For years I worked across the road from Mai’s and Thursdays in my office came to be known as Taquitos Thursday.
I only ever made it back to Mai’s a few times after being relocated, and the gentrification was horribly obvious. The food was still delicioso as always, but their prices had increased, I guess to make up for an increase in their rent.
And now, they’re gone.
Farewell, Mai’s! You will be missed.

I’ve taken too long to write this review and it’s sad that they’ve shut their doors. The day before they closed, I got a couple of carne asada tacos, rice and an horchata. All of which were impeccably delicious and homemade! One of the best spots in DT… and the next day… POOF! They were gone.
How unfortunate that they were pushed out of the growing DTLA scene! Good thing Tacos Mexico is still standing (hopefully they aren’t pushed out as well). Not sure what the backstory to their closing, but to the gentleman who noted that gentrification was the cause of their demise… it’s probably dead true. They seemed to be doing well, there was always a line out… all the tables were mostly taken… especially after hours when all the drunks from across the street would fulfill their munchie needs.
I do hope that the owners and their workers are doing well… they were all very kind… hate to see them gone!
VIVA LA MAI’S KITCHEN! ;)

VERY sad to hear that Mai Mexican Kitchen closed down due to downtown LA’s ongoing gentrification butting up against the fashion district, and incoming from LA Live and in between. I had traveled down from SF just to get this breakfast burrito it was so good. We noticed there were a couple signs up, one with a #wefightdisplacement Twitter hashtag, a sign stating «Evicted by Gentrification», and a list of the stores coming into the area: Whole Foods, Bloomingdales, and two others. I’ll upload the photos we took after this review.
Not sure of the back story, but clearly if it was higher rents from the landlord or if it was a complete buyout by the developer, Mai Mexican Kitchen management/​staff cannot simply pick up and start on another corner without their equipment and a good lease agreement (which now is really difficult to find considering the latest real estate boom — I’ve seen property values double in the last 3 years for condo units). As a small food enterprise, do they have any recourse? Any support from any institutionalized body? Any community association?
As a new much larger food enterprise, it would be a powerful statement if Whole Foods could integrate or incorporate Mai Mexican Kitchen into the DNA and design of the new store. Or maybe somehow have a section of their retail space dedicated to Mai Mexican Kitchen (or any other business they displace). It could offer an interesting model for food and keeping good people in the area, encouraging diversity, and ensuring social justice is a part of the image of Whole Foods (which in part it is).
I’ll echo what A.P. wrote — their staff listened when customers spoke to them, they were gracious, and kind; and they cooked the (literally) best breakfast burrito I’ve ever eaten — IN ALL OF CALIFORNIA (and the greater US). Sorry to see them go. And I hope they spring up at another venue — I’d love to help them out!

Carne asada breakfast burrito. Legit. Been going every weekend for a month. Cash only. Definitely go to spot.

This review is long overdue, and sadly I’m posting it as a final goodbye and thank you to a place that has been close to my heart and stomach for several years. I could talk about all the wonderful food they make (incredible breakfast burritos, amazing nachos, super flavorful rice and beans, and hands down the best pico de gallo for miles around), but since they are closing I’ll talk about what really matters… the people. For the past six years, I was always greeted with a smile and a friendly hello. Any customizations or special requests were always accommodated and the staff would always double-​check to see if I wanted anything else or if they had prepared it the way I liked it. One of the main women who worked there, the lady with the red hair, always remembered the way I ordered my breakfast burrito and she always let me pay extra to get a large container of the pico de gallo (I was pretty obsessed). Just last week, I happened to be short on cash and she told me not to worry about it. I could take care of it later. Seriously, just incredible customer service. I was made to feel like I was their best customer, all the time.
Thank you for making me feel at home in downtown. I will miss you guys!

I had forgotten the taste of a REAL HORCHATA made from scratch! The taste of RICE mix with milk was simply mouth-​watering! Not even guisados makes a good horchata their horchata is just milk and cinnamon. I grew up drinking horchata that was made from «rice» and yes milk w/​cinammon.
I was craving a real chile relleno plate and the taste was pretty authentic.
Overall pretty satisfied and regarding the hygiene the guy washed his hands well before serving my food. I had not tasted a delicious mexican meal in awhile since ensenada restaurant closed its doors. I’ve found my new spot to go to when I am craving real mexican food.
I must say I like eating the mushy pinto beans, rather then the whole bean.
No me gustan los frijoles de la «hoya» para nada! es mi opinion!
Gracias por machacar un poco los frijoles pintos! estubo todo delicioso!
I like ordering what ever is in special because everything for me sounds delicious!
*Cash only*

The Carne asada is delicious! I had the Carne asada quest Dillard, the chicken taquitos, and the super taco. All were good but the quesadilla and green salsa were the best. Also, the gentleman was super friendly!

I eat burritos almost every day and I love them, I always ask for the veggie burrito which you can make vegan if you want to, the staff is really nice I always make them cut my burrito in half. The only thing is that this place is cash only, but is super affordable and the last Saturday it was open at 3am so that’s always a plus.

I find myself here on weekends when I wake up hungry but don’t feel like making breakfast. They have a Carne asada breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, cheese, hash browns and your choice of salsa. The meat is at times a little bit gristley but it’s a decent size burrito and it’s just under $ 5. I’ve also had non breakfast food here but I prefer other spots for lunch/​dinner. I’ve been meaning to try their soups which rotate daily but haven’t got around to it.
Since I’m not paying fancy prices, I’m not expecting a fancy spot. It’s a little dingy inside but that has never bothered me. The lady that works there is nice and accommodating and I’m happy that she’s able to whip up breakfast for me when I’m not up to the task.

This place is great. We eat here at least once every week or two. We usually just get veggie burritos or breakfast burritos to go, and they come out pretty fast even when there’s a line ahead of us. Staff is always super friendly and helpful and 9.5÷10 times ingredients are really fresh and yummy! Here’s hoping Mai’s will be around for many years to come!

So you want hole in the wall Mexican food? If that’s what you’re looking for, this is the spot.
If you’re feeling bad, get the steak quesadillas. Don’t forget to look at their daily specials! And it’s cash only.
I take visitors here regularly… gives them a more authentic downtown feel :). Followed by a nice stroll to The Last Bookstore.

They’re breakfast burritos and tacos are really good. The meat and tortillas always taste fresh. I recommend if your in the downtown area!

This is our go-​to spot when we’re too tired to cook and I love it. I’m not big on Mexican food, but for a little less than $ 8 you get yo’self a Plato Grande (Big Plate) of rice, beans, a meat of your choosing, and tortillas. I personally enjoy their carnitas and salsa verde with black beans. So good and so full of flavor. Their salsas are also pretty damn good. It’s quick, it’s not greasy, and it’s tasty. What else could you ask for?
Cash only, folks.

This is some of the best authentic Mexican food downtown, possibly in all of LA.
Two huge burritos, two drinks, all for around $ 13.00. Everything is made fresh that day, so if they run out of something, that’s that. Their green salsa is heavenly, really. Their burritos don’t fall apart. It’s Mexican magic.
There is seating inside but it can get a little stuffy. Seating outside as well. This place is super cheap and super delicious (funny how that always seems to be the case).
I hope Mai’s never closes. Ever.
PS– Cash only, but there is an ATM located in LA Café which is two doors down. Do yourself a favor and skip LA Café while you’re at it.

I’m so happy that a place like this exists so close to my apartment.
I was really craving some carne asada tacos for dinner. I came by and ordered 3 carne asada tacos for a little more than $ 5. Tacos come with chopped white onions, chopped cilantro, and red sauce. They were really good! For a little more than $ 5 I felt really satisfied with the tacos here.
The only bummer was the wait. The line wasn’t long but it barely moved. There were two guys behind the counter and usually only one of them was doing any food prep.
I would still come back here in the future.

This place is cheap and convenient but gives you concerns about their health standards. The meats don’t look very fresh and the way you pay for your meal is strange. The cashier is also the person who cleans the dishes so she has her gloves on while she’s trying to get you to pay. She will also ask you what you order and trust that you tell her exactly what you ordered.
This place is also cash only.

I’ve come from Santana’s in rside, and Alfredos abertos in sgv. So I know what I like in my burritos and Mexican food. This place sadly didn’t really live up to par. It’s located across from Exchange LA next to LA Café. Open pretty late, you can try to find street parking. Service was the usually, not good not bad. I did have to wait awhile with all the drunk people.
Food wise, I got the carne asada nachos and you know the meat the toppings, it just didn’t work for me. It felt like something I could have made myself. I’m going to give this place one more try for the burritos but it just wasn’t as fulfilling for the price than what I was used to in SGV.

Lets see… the first time I ate here I was smashed, which means the food was awesome.
I live right down the street from Mai’s, walk by on a daily basis but never eat here. Why? Because it usually cash only, which in all honesty… who carries cash? But it’s cheap and I needed an excuse to eat here… so with 15 bucks in hand and a mad craving for some Mexi food I hopped on over to Mai’s.
I spent about $ 14 and got a carne asada burrito & carne asada plate. I can tell you I was NOT impressed at all. I grew up eating Mexican food, lots of it… and after moving from the valley which offered a lot of Mexican food options I was floored to discover how BLAND their food is. I mean… throw in some salt or something. The burrito itself was pretty decent size for 5.50, the asada plate was just average.
The place itself is super hole in the wall — hot as hell in here — & with a few workers. They also offer different jarritos, sangria senorial, & pop options. Also super random but they have massive chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
I wish their food was better. Maybe I’ll be back to try out their breakfast, but I’m so sad that I literally have to venture to the ghetto parts of LA for some decent Mexican food, ugh!

i didn’t think the carne asada was anything special.
the al pastor was nice and flavorful and the carnitas were ok.
maybe it was an off day.

I think Mai mexican is definitely for the drunks. I tend to stumble here after a night of hanging out, if you know what I mean.
They do give hefty portions, which is a definite plus when you’re in monster mode. I tend to get the burritos over the tacos, since the tacos, while cheap, don’t really do it for me flavor wise.
They are open late and a nice hole in the wall.

Das war das beste mexikanische Essen außerhalb Mexikos. Es gibt zwar so gut wie keine Sitzplätze, aber der Laden ist eher darauf ausgerichtet, dass man das Essen mitnimmt. Es hat echt super geschmeckt und das Personal war unglaublich freundlich. Wir hatten sogar so viel Glück, dass wir einen Sitzplatz bekommen haben. Günstig, frisch, scharf und lecker, mal im Ernst, was will man mehr?
Lasst euch also vom Äußeren nicht abschrecken, es lohnt sich reinzugehen!