Maiz
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Garment District
Best Burritos in Garment District
Best Late Night Tacos in Garment District
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Garment District
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Garment District
Master Critic Review
Maiz
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Maiz (formerly Blue Maiz) is a high-volume Midtown counter-service spot where commuters and office workers build burritos, bowls, and Mexican platters on house-made tortillas. Portions are substantial, lines move quickly, and the food outperforms most grab-and-go options around Port Authority.
Must-Try Dishes:
Naked burrito bowl with grilled chicken, Carne asada burrito, Chimichanga with salsa trio
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Build-your-own burritos and bowls with house-made tortillas steps from Port Authority.
Who should go: Office workers needing fast, customizable Mexican near Midtown transit.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush or early dinner before theater crowds.
What to order: Naked burrito bowl with grilled chicken, carne asada burrito, chimichanga with salsa trio.
Insider tip: Order ahead online during peak lunch to skip the wrap-around line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce around Port Authority; rely on nearby paid garages along W 40th–42nd Streets.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are casual; office attire and commuter wear both fit in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch with steady counter-service bustle; easy to hold a conversation once seated.
Weekend wait: Minimal to moderate lines (5–10 minutes) since weekdays drive most volume.
Weekday lunch: Often a 10–20 minute line at peak, though it moves quickly due to efficient service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—bowls, burritos, and tacos can be built with beans, rice, grilled veggies, and salsas.
Vegan options: Solid options through fully plant-based builds using beans, veggies, and guacamole; avoid dairy add-ons.
Gluten-free options: Bowls are naturally gluten-free; corn tortillas typically available, but confirm at the counter for cross-contact comfort.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's counter-service, fast-moving, and geared toward efficiency rather than ambiance. Best for casual meetups or quick bites, not romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; seating is first-come, first-served. Turnover is quick due to a largely grab-and-go crowd.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle busy Midtown foot traffic and customizable plates; limited space and fast pacing make it less ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster throughput and more consistent build-your-own portions than most Midtown Mexican counters, especially given its house-made tortillas and efficient line management.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, cocktails, or chef-driven regional Mexican—opt for a full-service restaurant instead of a commuter-focused counter model.