Marias Mexican Kitchen Odessa - Odessa (TX)

5 /5 Beth McGilley: We came here on way to Big Bend national park on Xmas eve and it was so delish we stopped for lunch on way back home on NY day! The staff couldn’t be more gracious despite the holidays on both our visits! We’ve had the tamales, pork, chicken soup and crispy chicken salad. You can’t go wrong on this menu! The mole is SUPER and rich if you like that sauce! It’s a bit out of the way-absolutely worth it!

5 /5 Alisha Mullins: My husband and I just celebrated our 7th anniversary here and this place was amazing! The service was great! Our waitress, Lindsay, was so kind and polite. The inside and ambiance are pretty, I really like the candles, they add a really nice feel. The food here was great! I got the Seafood Enchiladas and they were very tasty! The one in the white creamy sauce was my favorite as it complimented the crab really nice! My husband had ordered the Carne Asada Tacos and he really enjoyed them. My son had gotten the kids Cheese Enchiladas and seemed to enjoy them as well. The rice and beans looked great but were on the plain side of flavor, not bad, though. Drinks were great! I got the Sandia Picosa and really liked the subtly sweet and smoky flavor it had. Lastly, for dessert, we got the Flan, and it was soooo good! Loved how creamy it was but you can still taste the egg in it! Overall, a very good experience! It is on the pricey side, though. (Also, they have hooks under the tables for whatever bag you may have, I actually really appreciate that! Not sure if they have them underneath the booth tables, though.)

4 /5 C. Jackson: Food was good, service and atmosphere was great. Kitchen took a little longer than expected, but no complaints on taste & quality of food! Chips and salsa were good, appetizer aguachile, seafood enchiladas, and my husband ordered mahi tacos, however received a fish plate, no complaints though cause it was yummy! I would skip taking the kids, good date night spot. Espresso martini was yum & my husbands margarita!

3 /5 Stephen Rice: The inside of the restaurant was amazing with comforting lighting and relaxing music. Service from hostess were quiet and hard to understand. The waitress was trying to be attentive but could tell she was busy with other tasks, not sure how many tables. The chicken soup was great and flavorful to sip on while enjoying a drink. The queso that was supposed to be layered had just a dollop of meat. Very lacking in flavor. Enchiladas were ok with the white sauce being the favorite over the other two. Steak Fajitas with shrimp were soft and shrimp cooked perfect but underwhelming for the price. I ended up enjoying the cinco leches cake and flan that was very creamy the most. Great for drinks and dessert as a winner.

3 /5 Rafael Mora: First time trying, not bashing anyone but this isn’t for me. I understand the culinary attempt of what is considered a traditional Mexican meal but the food lacks a certain authenticity and seasoning. The beans are just beans and the rice is spicier but nonetheless just rice with some corn. The carne asada tacos were not something I’d order again. The meat is a higher quality meat, and cut, but has no flavor or seasoning, at minimum salt. I also wasn’t a fan of the sauce that comes with the tacos. The queso is not good. The ground beef that comes in the queso, again, has no seasoning or taste. The chips are ok. The flautas lack seasoning or flavor it’s just chicken rolled and fried. I shouldn’t have to add something to my food to increment taste. I should be able to pair my food with something to complement the taste since this is a “finer dining” option. Service was GREAT! 0 complaints. Music makes me feel like they don’t understand that reggaeton isn’t Mexican music. I’m wondering if it’s because the music is in Spanish it is assumed it’s Mexican music… I digress. This restaurant and the F1 bar and grill restaurant down the road have disappointed so far. Maybe FAR OUT hospitality should consider some adjustments because the competition is serious and there are “better” attempts at authentic Mexican cuisine here in Odessa. Regardless I wasn’t enthusiastic about returning but I always give second and third chances and will be back. I comment as someone who has traveled to many places of the world and has enjoyed many wonderful meals. I can say I prefer not to conform when it comes to home especially when there’s room for growth.