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Maiz
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
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.
Maiz
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A fast-casual Mexican counter that wins on speed, generous portions, and a burrito lineup that’s more than a bland wrap job. Go for a sauce-driven burrito (verde is a smart pick) and treat it like your reliable Midtown fuel stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Burrito Verde, Pulled Pork Burrito, Steak Nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Sauce-forward burritos with fast Midtown cadence and big portions.
Who should go: Fast-lunch burrito regulars
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 12:30
What to order: Chicken burrito verde, pulled pork burrito, steak nachos
Insider tip: Order one burrito and skip sides—portion is usually enough.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability in the Garment District and tough during weekday lunch hours. Nearby garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — work clothes, jeans, and grab-and-go lunch attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service buzz and lunchtime foot traffic, fine for solo eating or quick conversation.
Weekend wait: No wait typically; weekends are much quieter than weekdays.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak noon rush, faster before 12:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, rice-and-bean builds, and customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Yes — rice, beans, veggies, and salsas work well; confirm no dairy in sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited — burrito bowls are the safest option; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s fast-casual and functional, better for fueling up than lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, designed for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, quick service, and familiar flavors work well for school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling burritos with reliable sauces when you need a quick Midtown lunch.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down atmosphere, craft tortillas, or destination-level Mexican cooking.
Maiz
8.1
A roomy Midtown Mexican option that stays useful late with a menu built for fast decisions—tacos, shareable starters, and bigger platters for groups. It’s strongest when you treat it as a late-night anchor: order one big centerpiece and let tacos fill in the gaps.
Must-Try Dishes:
Molcajete Maiz, Churros Bites, Vegetable Fajitas
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Big-menu Mexican that keeps late-night ordering simple.
Who should go: Groups who want tacos plus shareable platters.
When to visit: Fri–Sat late for the best energy.
What to order: Molcajete, two taco orders, churros bites.
Insider tip: Order the big platter first, then add tacos as needed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages nearby but expect evening rates. Rideshare is easier late.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but trend-forward casual fits the room best.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late-night — conversation is easy, but expect group energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min after 9pm without a reservation; faster if you’re flexible on seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie tacos, sides, and shareables work well.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with veggie tacos and modifications; ask about dairy-free prep.
Gluten-free options: Some options — corn tortillas and certain mains, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates. The room is energetic and group-friendly, which is fun but less intimate than a quieter taco spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially late. Arriving after 9pm improves your chances, and the space turns tables efficiently.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening, yes — tacos and platters are approachable. Late night skews adult with louder energy.
Best For
Better for: Late-night group dining where you want tacos plus a big centerpiece instead of piecemeal ordering.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic street tacos or a quiet, intimate Mexican dinner — smaller taquerias or upscale rooms will suit better.
Maiz
8.4
A compact Midtown Mexican spot that wins on reliable basics and the kind of all-day happy-hour energy that makes it an easy after-work default. Expect straightforward, crowd-pleasing plates (tacos, fajitas, quesadillas) and sweet-leaning $5 margaritas that keep the tab in check when the neighborhood usually doesn’t.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Steak nachos, Chicken quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: All-day $5 margarita happy-hour pacing in the Midtown core.
Who should go: After-work crews who want cheap margs and real food.
When to visit: Weekdays 3–6pm for peak happy-hour value.
What to order: Birria tacos, steak nachos, $5 margarita.
Insider tip: Go early and keep it snack-driven—tables fill fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; street parking is limited and difficult after 5pm. Nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual. Jeans, work clothes, and after-office outfits all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively during happy hour but still workable for conversation if you’re seated quickly.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours; shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas, rice-and-beans plates, and customizable fajitas.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable tacos or fajitas without cheese or sour cream; ask about bean preparation.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and fajita plates work, but cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a low-pressure first meet. It’s casual, affordable, and upbeat, though not intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially for small groups. Arrive early in the happy-hour window for the best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening works for kids thanks to simple tacos and quesadillas, but the vibe skews adult during happy hour.
Best For
Better for: All-day happy-hour value, quick Midtown pacing, and keeping margarita tabs low without sacrificing real food.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, destination-level Mexican cooking, or a quieter sit-down dining experience.
Maiz
8.4
A compact Midtown Mexican room that wins on straightforward execution and happy-hour momentum—especially if your goal is tacos plus a low-friction margarita. Treat it like a quick, high-value stop: build a tight taco order, add one shareable, and keep the pace moving before the dining room stacks up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Steak nachos, $5 margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: All-day happy-hour energy with taco-friendly pacing.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco-and-marg crews.
When to visit: Weekdays late afternoon for fastest service.
What to order: Birria tacos, nachos, a $5 margarita.
Insider tip: Go tacos + one shareable—skip over-ordering in the small room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited in the Garment District; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, and workday attire all fit. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively during happy hour but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours due to the small dining room.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos, nachos, and sides are easy to build into a full order.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with vegetable tacos and modifications, but not clearly labeled.
Gluten-free options: Limited – corn tortillas are standard for tacos, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and quick. It’s more casual taco stop than lingering date-night destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Walk-ins are the norm, especially earlier in the afternoon. Go off-peak for the fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like tacos, but the tight space and bar energy make it better for adults.
Best For
Better for: Cheap tacos, fast service, and all-day happy-hour value in Midtown.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican dinner or a spacious, linger-friendly dining room.