High-end Mexican that ranks among the city's best.

(646) 461-3203

1191 1st Ave (Between 64th Street and 65th Street)
New York, NY 10021 40.7632 -73.9594

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Neighborhoods: Upper East Side, Midtown, Lenox Hill

RICHARDSANDOVAL.COM

Hours:

Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm

Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 4.16.09

Category:

Restaurants, Lounges

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Happy Hour

Restaurant Special Features:

Margaritas, Happy Hour, Food Delivery, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene

Cuisine:

Mexican

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Editor's Tips

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What People Are Saying About Maya

The Owner

Maya

Owner

At Maya, Chef Richard Sandoval combines authentic Mexican flavors and innovative culinary techniques to create the signature dishes for which he has been recognized as Bon Appetit's Restaurateur of the Year, Mexico's Toque D'oro and the Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine. In the dining room and Tequila Bar & Lounge, enjoy hand crafted margaritas or choose from Maya's selection of over 100 fine Tequilas.

All night, every night -

$3 Tequila Bar & Lounge Menu -

Tacos, sopes, ceviches and more...

Happy Hour daily from 5-7PM -

$5 Margaritas & Latin Cocktails

CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – Pastel walls decorated with folk art and glass shelves lined with silverware create a tastefully festive atmosphere. The dining room feels intimate but is actually quite large--nooks and crannies are dotted about everywhere. Service is variable: sometimes excellent, sometimes merely adequate. – – The Food – Richard Sandoval creates haute takes on familiar standbys, and invents a few of his own creamy confections, too. In the former category, quesadillas stuffed with cheese and zucchini blossom are soft and crunchy, while mole poblano features unusually…

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
Maya boasts more than 100 tequilas and a selection of excellent margaritas. Steer clear of the sangria, though; the mix is too heavy on wine.
The Extras:
Maya can host up to 40 guests and create a custom menu.
Save Money:
Daily Happy Hour at the bar serves $6 Margaritas, $4-6 cocktails, wine, and beer and $5-$6 bar snacks.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “V. nice atmosphere”
  2. “the decor is also enticing from the bar scene back to the dining area.”
  3. “The decor and ambiance here were damn good.”
  4. “If you want great food in a great atmosphere then this place is for you.”
  5. “The decor is lovely, the food was scruptious, the service was great - prompt, not pushy.”
  6. “The space ( I was told ) was just redesigned, it is simple, cozy and has a great mexican feeling.”
  7. “The ambiance is great (there wasn't an empty seat in the house).”
  8. “We had heard about a few places but we wanted something that was fun and good quality.”
  9. “Great food, great atmosphere, interesting presentation.”
  10. “The ambience was good - it was a Friday night around 830pm and the place was crowded (wouldn't recommend for 1st dates or a romantic evening, but great place to go before going out).”
  11. “If you a looking for a cozy mexican place to have a date or family night Maya is where you got to go.”
  12. “Definitely one of my favorite restaurants, "Maya" has great food, a energetic atmosphere (without being too noisy for conversation).”
  13. “Great mole poblano, great chipotle prawns, fun atmosphere, effective margaritas (not chintzy on the tequila!)”
  14. “Maya is no hidden gem of value, but if you're looking for a delicious Mexican meal, an attentive but not intrusive waitstaff, and a delightful atmosphere - you'll find it here.”
dessert
80.0% positive
  1. “had a great pork dish and a chcoclaty dessert.”
  2. “When the bill arrived, I almost fell out of my chair when we each owed over $70 and did not order appetizers or desert.”
  3. “All in all, a good dining experience, but try to stay away from anything with cream.”
  4. “The drinks, food and desserts were all terrific.”
  5. “the chocolate flan and cholocate mousse are excellent.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “They also have a great bar to get some drinks - the fresh fruit margaritas and mojitos are amazing!”
  2. “went to Maya last night after reading reviews here, and the food and drinks were awesome!”
  3. “The drinks, food and desserts were all terrific.”
  4. “the decor is also enticing from the bar scene back to the dining area.”
  5. “While the drinks were delicious, they were definitely over-priced.”
  6. “The drinks were the high point, a strawberry margharita was delish and the tequila I ordered came with a spicy tomato juice chaser which was intriguing.”
  7. “But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it.”
  8. “The drinks were good but the food definetly too pricy for what it really is.”
food quality
91.78000450134277% positive
  1. “Have had just as good food at less expensive Mexican restaurants found in Central Manhattan.”
  2. “But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it.”
  3. “Loads of seafood and a delicious sauce.”
  4. “Tried someone elses skirt steak--tasty.”
  5. “The place was very crowded usually it is a good indication that the food would be worth the delay.”
  6. “Their homemade hot sauce is excellent!”
  7. “The food was good, too.”
  8. “recommend the tamal al chipotle (a chicken tamale) appetizer, as well as the langosta y camarones (lobster and shrimp) and the costillas de cordero (grilled lamb chops) entrees.”
  9. “This place has delicious up-scale Mexican food and a nice selection of tequilas.”
  10. “my friend raved about the carnitas maya, if you like pork.”
  11. “have never in my life paid that much for an appetizer, I can't imagine what it is like to have a full meal there.”
  12. “The mole was served over chicken that was too dry.”
  13. “The Tuna entree was delicious but the appetizes were just ok.”
  14. “The drinks, food and desserts were all terrific.”
  15. “Their food and service was excellent as well as the portion sizes being perfect.”
  16. “could probably purchase more flavorful sauce in a can at Food Emporium.”
  17. “went to Maya last night after reading reviews here, and the food and drinks were awesome!”
  18. “My husband loved his chicken dish as well.”
  19. “Unfortunately, all of this good food and noise doesn't happen cheaply.”
  20. “The food was good, but nothing exceptional.”
  21. “The decor is lovely, the food was scruptious, the service was great - prompt, not pushy.”
  22. “am a Mexican food snob and think the only good Mexican food is made in Mexico or select locations in Southern California and I thought this place was great for high-end stuff.”
  23. “the restaurant is loud but the food is good.”
  24. “Great food, great atmosphere, interesting presentation.”
  25. “The food is really good, but wait just unnecessary.”
  26. “The food is not authentic , if you want authentic mexican you have to go to those mexican dives in an urban neighborhood.”
  27. “While the drinks were delicious, they were definitely over-priced.”
  28. “The food is delicious as”
  29. “love Mexican cuisine and frequently make trips to various joints offering such.”
  30. “The margharitas were very tasty and overall it was a good experience.”
  31. “It is rated the Best Mecixan food in the city for a reason.”
  32. “If you want great food in a great atmosphere then this place is for you.”
  33. “tasty food but small portions”
  34. “The drinks were the high point, a strawberry margharita was delish and the tequila I ordered came with a spicy tomato juice chaser which was intriguing.”
  35. “THis open and spacious restauarant has a long menu of some unique dishes.”
  36. “The food is not pretentious, if you have been to Mexico, you will know what I'm talking about.”
  37. “Maya is no hidden gem of value, but if you're looking for a delicious Mexican meal, an attentive but not intrusive waitstaff, and a delightful atmosphere - you'll find it here.”
  38. “the steak was very good, tenderly cooked medium rare and served with a spicy lime sauce.”
  39. “The drinks were good but the food definetly too pricy for what it really is.”
  40. “I've always opted for shrimp/lobster/tuna entrees enjoyed my meal each time.”
  41. “had a great pork dish and a chcoclaty dessert.”
  42. “Very good food.”
  43. “Creative Mexican dishes that are not so typical in Mexico.”
  44. “took my boyfriend out for dinner on his bday (7/31) and we had the guacamole which was chunky and tasty, tacos de camaron al pastor (delicious), empanadas de costilla (didnt care for it much), and we split the carnitas maya which was awesome, the pork was”
  45. “had a mango-lime margarita, which was also very tasty.”
  46. “Plus the sauce was a flat gray which made the presentation look grim.”
  47. “The oyster appetizer was very flavorful as well as the shrimp entree however is was cold.”
  48. “However, do not come hungry and order the Pork dish.”
  49. “My friend's seafood medley was good, good, good.”
  50. “The food was very flavorful and rich in spices.”
  51. “Richard Sandoval's cuisine is outstanding!”
  52. “The food is excellent.”
  53. “good mexican food (and lots of it)”
  54. “All in all, I think this restaurant is trying to milk its hype as an "authentic Mexican" restaurant - while you can get a much better meal at one of the other hundreds of places in the city.”
  55. “Almost a perfect meal.”
  56. “Yummy food”
  57. “The food was bad, the service was bad.”
  58. “The food is creative and wonderful.”
  59. “Excellent food”
  60. “Definitely one of my favorite restaurants, "Maya" has great food, a energetic atmosphere (without being too noisy for conversation).”
  61. “my suggestions would be this sweet corn soup for your appetizer and the filet mignon entree - they are very descriptive with their ingredients but dont let that scare you - whatever it is they put in all mixes up into one fabulous dish!”
  62. “know my beef and that was a good cut of skirt steak.”
  63. “We were looking for good mexican food that wasn't just your run of the mill mexican food.”
  64. “the food is ravishingly fabulous mixing both mexican and spanish flavors.”
  65. “I'm not much of a foodie, but my boyfriend is a chef, and he loved all the creative flavors in those dishes.”
  66. “They also have a great bar to get some drinks - the fresh fruit margaritas and mojitos are amazing!”
  67. “have never had such innovative Mexican cooking - the food was creative and delicious.”
  68. “Some dishes can be a little expensive.”
  69. “Oh Maya god, this food was rich”
  70. “the langosta y camarones was an excellent dish for lobster lovers but may be a little skimpy on the lobster.”
  71. “The food was delicious and my wait staff was so friendly.”
  72. “Lobster and shrimp is my favorite dish and I hope they will bring back the pipian de puerco.”
  73. “had been to Maya a few times over the years and remembered the food was good and the restaurant was very busy.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “The appetizer sampler is great because it give you a chance to sample different options.”
  2. “For an appetizer, he recommended a "sampler platter" that wasn't listed on the menu - but he said it included three appetizers that he pointed out for me.”
  3. “The flavors were good, but I think they should leave it off the menu if they're not going to put some lobster in it.”
  4. “THis open and spacious restauarant has a long menu of some unique dishes.”
  5. “Maya's menu was very impressive and I was pleasantly surprised to find out the meals were just mouth watering!”
  6. “This place has delicious up-scale Mexican food and a nice selection of tequilas.”
  7. “Good menu selection.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “am a Mexican food snob and think the only good Mexican food is made in Mexico or select locations in Southern California and I thought this place was great for high-end stuff.”
  2. “If you want great food in a great atmosphere then this place is for you.”
  3. “We were hoping for a good Mexican dinner at a nice restaurant, but were completely disappointed.”
  4. “The ambience was good - it was a Friday night around 830pm and the place was crowded (wouldn't recommend for 1st dates or a romantic evening, but great place to go before going out).”
  5. “If you are looking for a good Mexican in the UES this is the place to go.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “Our server was friendly but very professional - he worked well in the energetic space - I will definitely go back.”
service
90.20000457763672% positive
  1. “Overpriced and bland, but friendly service”
  2. “service is good considering the busyness of the restaurant.”
  3. “The food was bad, the service was bad.”
  4. “The hostess even tries to sweet talk you to not make the wait seem as bad, but quite frankly the wait is BS!”
  5. “The decor is lovely, the food was scruptious, the service was great - prompt, not pushy.”
  6. “My server was very good.”
  7. “There were calm friendly people there to see to our needs and make sure we were happy.”
  8. “One bright spot in the dinner was the attentive and friendly staff, eager to refill our water glasses and bring more chips.”
  9. “But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it.”
  10. “The service was excellent.”
  11. “Maya is no hidden gem of value, but if you're looking for a delicious Mexican meal, an attentive but not intrusive waitstaff, and a delightful atmosphere - you'll find it here.”
  12. “Our server was friendly but very professional - he worked well in the energetic space - I will definitely go back.”
  13. “At least, the staff was nice.”
  14. “The service was very attentive and prompt.”
  15. “The food was delicious and my wait staff was so friendly.”
  16. “The service is also great.”
  17. “Their food and service was excellent as well as the portion sizes being perfect.”
value
72.22000122070312% positive
  1. “Maya is no hidden gem of value, but if you're looking for a delicious Mexican meal, an attentive but not intrusive waitstaff, and a delightful atmosphere - you'll find it here.”
  2. “Also, a tad expensive - 2 margaritas and 2 entrees with 1 order of quacamole came up to $102 with a tip, which is still fine for NYC.”
  3. “Have had just as good food at less expensive Mexican restaurants found in Central Manhattan.”
  4. “tasty food but small portions”
  5. “But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it.”
  6. “prices were totally reasonable.”
  7. “Some dishes can be a little expensive.”
  8. “For less money, one could enjoy a perfectly fine dinner at Rosa Mexicano or Mi Cucina.”
  9. “The place was very crowded usually it is a good indication that the food would be worth the delay.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “THis open and spacious restauarant has a long menu of some unique dishes.”
3 Star Rating: Average

06/04/11

Good mexican food

by love27

I went with my boyfriend and we like the food and the manager Zulima was very nice to us.

thanks

3 Star Rating: Average

03/23/10

Hip Mexican Restaurant

by ajk1

I had a 30% off coupon from Blackboard so decided to check this place out with my sister. The ambience was good - it was a Friday night around 830pm and the place was crowded (wouldn't recommend for 1st dates or a romantic evening, but great place to go before going out). The food was good, too. Nothing to write home about, but it was good. Service could've been better, though. I know it was a busy Friday night, but the restaurant needs to increase wait staff to account for increased activity. I would go back to this place, but wouldn't necessarily crave it.

  • Pros: Trendy ambience, food
  • Cons: service
4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/09/09

lovely experience

by marrrio

Had dinner at Maya last month and had a lovely experience. The food was delicious and my wait staff was so friendly. I felt at ease, welcome and had a great dinner. I Highly Recomment It.

  • Pros: food,staff
4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/27/08

tasty food but small portions

by enick

Came here for a friend's birthday. It was damn tasty ... had the seven course meal ... although the portions looked small I still was stuffed (which I wasn't expecting from a place like this)

The decor and ambiance here were damn good. Probably won't come here again any time soon (a bit cost prohibitive) ... but will definitely keep in mind for a special occasion.

  • Pros: food
  • Cons: small portions,pricey
4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/11/08

mexican in a different way

by vzones

we tried this restaurant because we had beedn to zengo in dc, and we liked it a lot. first aand foremost try to make reservations before you go. when you get there try the plato maya, not bad to get a sampling of three. The picadillo de atun is very good and plenty. the ostiones sandoval are excellent. my friend raved about the carnitas maya, if you like pork. the pescado ala veracruzana is excellent and well portioned. the pato ahumado will make you like duck, if you never tried it before. the langosta y camarones was an excellent dish for lobster lovers but may be a little skimpy on the lobster. the chocolate flan and cholocate mousse are excellent. try the chocolate expresso, you can't go wrong. the restaurant is loud but the food is good. stay away from the sangria, it is very weak. the prices are a little high if you indulge in liqour. if you have a good meal and one bottle wine or a couple drinks for two people with a desert expect to pay about 60 to 75 per person, considering the high quality of food and attentiveness of the staff, and of course the fusion style of the food. this place should be on your angenda but not too often.

  • Pros: excellent food, service, unique
  • Cons: loud, prices, small tables

The Details on Maya

Place Categories:

  • good upscale mexican food
  • excellent service
  • great mexican place
  • amazing fresh fruit margaritas
  • great overall experience
  • good little mexican
  • favorite chicken dish
  • great fun atmosphere
  • favorite restaurant
  • nice wait staff
  • terrific drinks
  • incredible guacamole
  • friendly people
  • nice fine dinner
  • creative flavors
  • delicious homemade hot sauce
  • very good server
  • great pork dish
  • good menu
  • delicious mexican meal
  • less outstanding quesadilla
  • outstanding mexican cuisine
  • gem plato maya
  • nice evening
  • well portioned pescado ala veracruzana

Message from Maya

  • Chef Richard Sandoval
  • Modern Mexican Cuisine
  • Margaritas & Fine Tequila

At Maya, Chef Richard Sandoval combines authentic Mexican flavors and innovative culinary techniques to create the signature dishes for which he has been recognized as Bon Appetit's Restaurateur of the Year, Mexico's Toque D'oro and the Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine. In the dining room and Tequila Bar & Lounge, enjoy hand crafted margaritas or choose from Maya's selection of over 100 fine Tequilas.

All night, every night -

$3 Tequila Bar & Lounge Menu -

Tacos, sopes, ceviches and more...

Happy Hour daily from 5-7PM -

$5 Margaritas & Latin Cocktails

Maya

Happy Hour Daily: 5-8PM

Join us at the Tequila Bar and Lounge for a complimentary hand crafted Margarita Maya. Also enjoy a $3 Bar and Lounge Menu and $5 Margaritas & Latin Cocktails.

Maya - 1191 1st AveNew York, NY10021 - (646) 461-3203

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