Maria’s Cantina

We ended up coming here a Friday night after the Monster Truck show at the Landers Center, The place wasn’t too packed, we got seated right away. I had been wanting to try this place out after hearing about it on the radio. Sadly, I did not like the food. The chips and salsa were not good, the salsa was not spicy and runny. I ordered the mexican fajita cheese steak torta. It was half the size of a regular torta and the taste was bland. The prickly pear margarita was too sweet. I wouldn’t consider this place Tex-​Mex.

It eas my first time there and I truly enjoyed myself. Restaurant was clean, great lighting and customer service was fantastic. Wait staff was friendly and courteous. I had a great time!!! I would recommend this restaurant to others.

Went for a a weeknight dinner. We were promptly seated outside and enjoyed some homemade chips and salsa. I ordered their signature burrito and my friend ordered the enchilada. Meals arrived in short order and were quite tasty. My only gripes are the full ashtray sitting on our table when we arrived and the guy smoking a cigar next to me as I was eating. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good cigar from time to time. I just don’t enjoy wallowing in someone else’s cigar smoke while I eat. I would go back for another meal, but would be more selective on the seating.

I’ll make this short and sweet, as to why I’ll never visit again, and, perhaps shed some light on why others might not also.
1. They are the only Mexican restaurant I’ve ever been to that does not have a lunch menu. So we ordered from, paid for, and waited on, menu options from the dinner selection.
2. They are the only Mexican restaurant I’ve ever been to where you have to pay for Chips and Salsa. Really, are you kidding me.
Enough said. Now I know why the parking lot was so sparse at lunch.

What’s not to like about this place!!! Plenty of drink specials
Food is great
Indoor outdoor atmosphere
I know for sure I will be back anytime I am in the area

Love this place! I was impressed my first time going! That prickly pear margarita is awesome!

Who charges for chips and salsa?! Are you kidding? This place has the best patio in Desoto County only because hardly any place else has one. Food is mediocre and they need a better beer selection. Margaritas have so much ice in them that it will take you several to get a buzz. And did I mention they charge for chips and salsa? The only place I’ve EVER been that does so.

This place is still awesome and Alex is still a great bartender. I love the food, service and especially the drinks. I will continue to come back as long as everything stays the same.

Great atmosphere! Great Margaritas! Lots of beautiful watress! All around good! Then portions are huge. bring your appetite! !

Ordered a margarita and the chicken fajitas. Margarita tasted like there was no tequila in it and the fajitas were sub-​par at best. I saw all these great reviews and I have to say that I was completely disappointed. I didn’t even take my left overs home.
And I get charging for queso dip, but who charges for chips and salsa, too?! Their chips were alright if you could get past the fact that it looked like the seasoning shaker threw up all over them.
It was definitely an experience, but I’ll never go back. Not worth the $ 30 for one person. I’ll go to On The Border and spend $ 20 for better food and drinks.

At Maria’s they do Mexican a little different. First the important stuff, two for one drink specials during happy hour and they make their own margaritas on site. My friends and I like to hang out here and drink. They have several large screen TVs and always have the big games on. Second, the food. My friends swear by the chimichanga and I love their tacos «Maria’s Way.» But for me the real winner is the Loco Moco Burger (pictured) I believe it is the best burger in Memphis. Yes I said that. Order the egg runny. The staff is young and friendly. They always remember my name and my drink, even after I change it up. This place is fun and has good food good staff. What more can you ask for?

I know I gave this place an excellent review before, past few times have totally negated this. Horrible, HORRIBLE service. Waited 10 minutes and had over 6 servers walk by. We were not even acknowledged. We ended up getting up and leaving and headed to casa Mexicana, which was busier than marias and we were waited on promptly. If we were just acknowledged, I wouldn’t be so angry. This has also happened numerous times, not only to myself, but others as well. I’d rate you 0 stars if I could.

Rather underwhelming. The restaurant feels like it was decorated for American tourists in Mexico. Not completely classless, but definitely unoriginal.
I was asked if I would like chips and salsa and of course said yes. I later found that they charge for chips and salsa. They were fantastic chips and salsa, but c’mon. At least let me know that before the bill comes.
Happy hour did not include margaritas!
This Southaven shopping center has no shortage of restaurant options and this place is just phoning it in.

I will say that if I didn’t so far away from southhaven that this would be go to place for lunch everyday without a doubt. Now I have seen a lot of decent reviews about this place. So I decided to give it a try. The restaurant pretty spacious and has pretty nice seating for booths. There is a different kind of food like burgers and burrito’s to get. I think they had one burger that is somewhat kooky canuck big burger challenge. Overall I definitely go back if I’m in the area for sure.

This place is the meaning of lackluster. If it wasn’t for the service and drink specials I wouldn’t give this place 3 stars. The food isn’t worth the drive from Cordova. Not even worth the drive from Whitehaven. To sum it all up, great drinks/​service and food that makes Taco Bell look gourmet.

Service is always good, whether I eat in or go through for a to-​go order. Lots of smiles and none of that «avoid eye contact walk fast» stuff.
Portions are DUMB. So much much food in the burritos or burrito bowls. For lunch, definitely recommend splitting on of those.
Also: DAT FRIES. The seasoned fries are like a yummy little secret that I always order and never have room for but OH MAN.

My coworkers have been wanting to come here since school began, mostly for the 2 4 1 Margaritas (which have now changed to a different type of alcohol). We still got margaritas anyway– which were super tasty! I also had a coupon from the Memphis City Saver 2015 Coupon App for half off a meal up to a certain amount and was excited for the chance to use it!
I got the chips and salsa, which cost $ 1.50 because they make the chips and salsa in house. I didn’t end up liking them but I did like the spice they put on the chips. We all got frozen margaritas of different flavors. I got a Frozen Strawberry Margarita. It came in a cute little mason jar with a slice of lime and mini umbrella and tasted fantastic. One was enough for me!
I also got the El Diablo Roasted Habanero Chicken Enchiladas. It said it was supposed to be spicy but it wasn’t for me. Later when I returned with more coworkers I tried the ceviche (which is better fresh) and a dirty rice bowl. I was surprised by the rice bowl since that’s usually an Asian thing but it worked very well. Overall it was an enjoyable experience both visits.
Liked:
— Chips
— Dirty Rice Bowl Tequila Lime Chicken
— El Diablo Roasted Habanero Chicken Enchiladas
— Grilled Chicken Quesadilla (FAV)
— Margarita: Peace (on rocks)
— Margarita: Strawberry (Frozen)
— Margarita: Wildberry (Frozen)
— Shrimp and Mango Ceviche
Ok:
— Salsa and Queso together
Disliked:
— Salsa

Some of the reviews of this restaurant are outrageous. This is one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve been to in the Memphis area. Fun atmosphere, food was great, and servers were extremely attentive.

This place seems like an upscale sports bar with lots of flat panel screens. Service was very good and my chicken enchilada was one of the best I have ever had. Chicken was moist and nicely seasoned.
They do have a patio but we sat inside — atmosphere is comfortable. Salsa has a unique flavor profile and chips seemed freshly made.
If we did not live so far away I suspect we would be a regular. Hope to come back soon.

I don’t know that a Mexican joint gets much better than this. The food is excellent, fresh, uniquely put together, and has excellent flavor.
Let me start with saying that the chips are awesome. They are thin, served fresh and hot, and come with delicious paprika seasoning! I came with 5 other of my coworkers and we were all very impressed with our meals. I had the grilled mahi salad bowl, which has fresh romaine lettuce, red onions, red cabbage, cut up green olives, Mexican cheese, tomatoes, and perfectly grilled mahi mahi.
Two of my coworkers got the steak and shrimp fajitas which they were both really pleased with. The shrimp were a iOS medium size an grilled to perfection. It came serve on a colorful plate with yellow rice, guacamole, black beans, and grilled peppers and onions!
The only thing for improvement would be the margaritas– they were good but a little weak.
The portions that you get and the quality of the food is a great value. The service is attentive, and the atmosphere is relaxing, spacious, and enjoyable. I highly recommend Maria’s Cantina!