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Ana Maria
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Ana Maria
7.7
A low-key Grand Central Market stall doing homestyle Mexican plates with a comforting, cafeteria-style rhythm. The flavors skew traditional and filling, making it a quiet value play amid louder market options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Huevos rancheros, Carne asada plate, Chilaquiles verdes
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Quiet, homestyle plates that feel made for regulars.
Who should go: Market visitors craving a full, simple meal
When to visit: Breakfast or early lunch
What to order: Chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, asada plate
Insider tip: Great reset stop between heavier market bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Use the Grand Central Market garage on Hill Street or the California Plaza garages; street parking is limited and often metered with short time windows.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—market attire is perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on the time of day, typical of an indoor food hall.
Weekend wait: No formal dinner rush here—expect short lines, usually under 10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; brief lines move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, bean-and-cheese options, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides can be ordered vegan but most mains include dairy or meat.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free plates (eggs, meats, rice/beans), but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual hang than a first date; the food hall setting is lively but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is communal and first-come, first-served throughout the market.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—ample seating, quick service, and simple plates make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, homestyle Mexican plates with reliable portions—ideal when you want something filling without frills.
Skip if: You’re looking for chef-y tacos, specialty mariscos, or a quieter sit-down setting—other stalls fit those needs better.
Ana Maria
8.1
Ana Maria sits near the center of Grand Central Market, known for oversized tacos, gorditas, and chile relleno burritos that eat like full plates. Compared with neighboring stalls, it leans slightly more toward loaded, saucy burritos that appeal to regulars as much as tourists circling the hall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chile Relleno Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Bean and Cheese Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Massive, saucy burritos and gorditas that turn one order into a full meal.
Who should go: Visitors wanting a shareable burrito while exploring Grand Central.
When to visit: Late morning or midafternoon to dodge peak lunchtime crush.
What to order: Chile relleno burrito, carnitas burrito, gordita with salsa verde.
Insider tip: Order a burrito and use extra tortillas to turn overflow into tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid structures around Grand Central Market (Broadway or Hill Street garages). Street parking is limited and typically tight during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are. Most diners are exploring the market or downtown on foot.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours due to open food-hall acoustics.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on foot traffic; lines fluctuate quickly.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes, though immediate ordering is common during off-peak windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—bean-and-cheese burritos and some meatless items are available but not the focus.
Vegan options: Minimal—some items can be customized, but most dishes incorporate cheese or lard-prepared components.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—corn tortillas are gluten-free, but the stall operates in a shared prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual food-hall energy and messy, oversized burritos. It’s fun but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is open and first-come, first-served across the market. Expect to scout for a spot during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often visit the market, and portions are shareable. Best for kids comfortable with crowds and communal seating.
Best For
Better for: Loaded, saucy burritos and hearty gorditas when you want a filling meal in a classic market setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down experience, lighter burritos, or dedicated vegan/vegetarian specialties.
Ana Maria
7.8
Ana Maria is a taco stand tucked along the Broadway side of Grand Central Market, turning out griddled tortillas loaded with asada, pastor, and fried fish until around 9pm. It’s an easy late-ish Downtown move when you want straightforward, affordable tacos and can’t convince your group to leave the market.cite7turn3search3turn3search7turn3search34turn3search19
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco, Al pastor taco, Fried fish taco
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A busy taco counter where you can grab affordable plates between market laps.
Who should go: Downtown crowds craving quick tacos before or after events.
When to visit: Evenings before closing, when lines thin but grills stay hot.
What to order: Carne asada taco, al pastor taco, fried fish taco.
Insider tip: Stake out nearby communal seating first, then tag-team ordering to avoid juggling trays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Grand Central Market’s main structure at 308 S Hill St usually has paid parking available; street parking on Broadway is limited and competitive in the evening.
Dress code: Completely casual—anything from jeans and tees to post-office attire fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours due to the food hall setting; conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on crowds; lines move steadily.
Weekday lunch: Usually a brief 5–10 minute wait or no wait at all.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—cheese or veggie-focused tacos can be customized, but options are modest.
Vegan options: Sparse—tortillas are friendly, but fillings are predominantly meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas provide a workable gluten-free option, though cross-contamination is possible in a shared griddle environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, low-stakes meet-up—this is a fast-moving taco counter inside a lively market, not a quiet setting for deeper conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is communal within Grand Central Market; scout tables early, especially evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent the market. There are plenty of open seats and quick service, though lines and crowds can be overwhelming for very young kids during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable tacos in a central location when you’re already at Grand Central Market and want something fast with minimal friction.
Skip if: You want true late-night hours past 9pm, a quieter sit-down environment, or a menu with stronger vegetarian or vegan options.
Ana Maria
7.6
Ana Maria is a taco stand along the Broadway side of Grand Central Market offering griddled tortillas loaded with asada, pastor, and fried fish. It’s a reliable cheap-taco stop when you want something fast and straightforward without leaving the market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Fish Taco
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Busy Broadway-side counter slinging affordable tacos with minimal fuss.
Who should go: Market wanderers needing quick, inexpensive taco fuel
When to visit: Late afternoon when lines ease but grills stay hot
What to order: Carne asada taco, al pastor taco, fried fish taco
Insider tip: Swing by after exploring other stalls so you can eat while people-watching along the main aisle.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Grand Central Market patrons typically use the GCM parking structure on Hill Street; rates vary but are generally affordable. Street parking on Broadway and nearby blocks is limited and competitive during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual market attire; anything from jeans and a t-shirt to workwear is totally normal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud due to constant foot traffic and the open-market layout; easy for quick chats but not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes depending on foot traffic; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—basic veggie tacos may be available at times, but offerings lean heavily meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan options; most fillings and tortillas involve animal products or shared surfaces.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are typically gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely in the shared griddle environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal first date—it's a standing counter inside a busy market. Better suited for casual meetups or low-key hangs where quick bites are the goal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations at the stall. Seating in the market is communal and first-come, first-served, though seats turn over frequently.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—families frequent Grand Central Market, and the fast service works well for kids. Just be prepared for crowds, noise, and limited stroller maneuverability.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive tacos with reliable griddled meats in a prime market location—great when you want speed and simplicity without leaving GCM.
Skip if: You want specialty tortillas, slow-braised fillings, or more polished taco craftsmanship—options like Guisados or Villa’s Tacos in the same market deliver more nuance.