Villamaya Restaurant
| Address: | 5532 Norbeck Rd, Rockville, MD 20853, USA |
| Phone: | +1 301-460-1247 |
| Site: | villamayarestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 8
MA
Mark McBride
This was our second time eating at Villa Maya and our last. We went about 6 months ago and had terrible service, but we figured wed give it another try since the food was pretty good. Well, we will not be going back again after our experience yesterday. The waiter treated us like we were the IRS and completely stayed away from us. He (Gabriel) basically took our drink order and food order. Other servers dropped off our food and our server brought us the check. Never asked us if we needed anything else (which I would have ordered another beer increasing the bill total) never asked about dessert, if our food was okay (and it was just okay beans and rice were cold), never offered kids milks for our kids (which is included in the price for the kids meal) we had to waive him down to bring the included sundae and for a box. I waited tables all through high school and college, so I typically tip 20-25% and if bad I tip 10-15% because I know what its like. But when I was a server, I gave the customers an experience and wanted them to enjoy themselves and feel taken care of. I havent wanted to stiff somebody so bad, but it was the holidays so I still left 15% though I feel like I just reinforced bad service. For a mom and pop place I would feel like they would have friendly staff so they could try to set themselves apart from the big chains. However, if youve ever worked for a big chain they have the service science down to how long a diner should wait to be greeted, when they should get drinks, apps and meal and how many times you should check on them. I typically like to support the mom and pop places over the chains, but they could absolutely learn something in the hospitality area. They may rely solely on the food to bring people back, but not in our case. We gave it a second try as I dont feel one bad server should make you turn away from a place, but two out of two is different. Lastly Id like the readers to know that it wasnt even busy. I can understand when people are double and triple seated at once, but we were one of the only tables there. Or, if he was having a bad day or something happened, I would just let my tables know. It doesnt excuse terrible service, but puts things into prospective and people are generally sympathetic.
AN
Angelo.J. Esquives
Amazing spot for authentic mexican food. Its hard to find places like these. Great portions that pack flavor. Extensive menu ensures that you cant really go wrong with anything. Drinks nice and strong like most of is like it. Place reminds me old house made in of wood, tiles and cement with metal accents. Again, great place. It also seems busy most of the time. Definitely want to get the searing hot Fajitas made with steak and chiken. Chips and salsa is also great crunchy crispy chips and great salsa. There is also a lovely lady that makes fresh guacamole table side. My compliments to her! Absolutely delish!! Filet Mignon is tender and soft not too overly seasoned. The mashed potatoes were fresh without being too creamy. Paired with some crisp veggies and crunchy shrimp wrapped in bacon. The seafood paella has nice flavor too. Not overly fishy with saffron grained rice and variation of seafoods for you try. My new go to for great mexican food
KH
Khoi Nguyen
This is a great family owned Tex- Mex place where a lot of locals go. Many of the bartenders and waiters knew the families that dined here. I stopped by for dinner, but wanted to just have something light so I chose some favorite apps. We ordered the yuca con chicharron, chips with guacamole, and the taquitos sinaloa. I would highly recommend all of the apps we tried. Chicharron was tender and melt in your mouth pork. My Panamanian friend said that these are the best yuca fries hes ever tasted. I would have to agree because of the size of these things and how flaky the texture is. The guacamole is made fresh at this station you see as you enter the dining area. Ive been here in the past to try their enchiladas and fajitas. Both very delicious, made fresh and fairly large orders for what you pay for. If your in the area looking for Tex- Mex avoid the busy Pike over priced chains and head here.
CH
Christopher Panek
We live nearby, but if we had to make the trip it would never disappoint. Having lived in California, Texas and a year on and off in Mexico, I can guarantee that you will be happy with their preparations. Happy hour is great, but get there early because the bar fills up and the specials are only valid in the bar. Definitely indulge in the table-side guacamole. The menu is solid and they have some terrific specials. I love their seafood enchiladas,especially because the seafood isnt overcooked. Even the outside seating is pleasant despite the fact that your view is not much more than a parking lot. Also a great place to watch soccer. One of the, if not THE, best Mexican restaurants in the area.
SL
Slade Grayson
Our go-to place for Mexican food. Cant say Ive ever had a bad meal here. Love the fresh made guacamole. Prices arent cheap, but fairly reasonable for this area. What stops it from being 5 stars? The margaritas. I enjoy a margarita with my Mexican food. The ones they serve at Villa Maya are... Well, you may as well be drinking lime soda. If theres tequila in them, they must be measuring it out with a thimble cause I cant taste it. And if Im going to drink a margarita, I want to taste the tequila. The sangria, on the other hand, is pretty good. So if you stop here for a meal (and I recommend you do), skip the margarita and get sangria instead.
AL
Aleasha Monroe
Super generic and bland. Detoured 20 minutes from our route to eat here because of the 4.7 rating. I can only suppose that there are no good Mexican places in this area. The table side guacamole was the only thing that tasted like anything and the chips are so thin that I had to eat it with my fork. The food came out in under 10 minutes so you know it is all from steamer trays in the back. The salsa was served warm like soup which is super weird. The Enchilada tasted like walmart fiesta cheese wrapped in a cheap tortilla and microwaved. Taco bell is an improvement on this place when it comes to Mexican food.
MA
Mary D
This place is fantastic, Im so glad that I found it. The prices are low, all things considered, and the food is gorgeous and delicious. I honestly cant go to places like Rio Grande anymore, since the food here is so much better and cheaper. The seafood is spectacular; really big shrimp and tender filets of fish. All of the sauces are smooth, heavy and full of flavor. Im also happy with the inside decor, which usually isnt a big deal to me. The sinks in the restrooms are especially nice to look at. Sounds weird but you should look at them.
TH
Thomas Sten
As I write this the place has 4.9 out of five stars. Out of 27 reviews with nothing less than a 4 star. That should be all you need to know. It is my favorite spot and kicks the crap out of the overpriced chain texmex places in Bethesda and Rockville town center. The happy hour specials are awesome and the food is great even if you are paying regular price. The staff work very hard to make sure you are fully satisfied and I personally have never had to ask to have my water refilled. A top notch establishment for a very reasonable price.
