Maya Del Sol: User Reviews

Zesty!
By Comensal from Oak Park, August 23, 2009

Overall rating:

It’s been almost two years since my last visit, and Maya del Sol was still a pleasant place for an impromptu weeknight dinner out. The house salad was tasty and large enough to share. My cochinta pibil (pulled pork) was very good, and the accompanying sauces (one serrano, one habanero) were zesty and superb. My companion’s tuna tacos were yummy, as well. I liked the hearty homemade tortillas and the nice choice of wines. I wish there was a little more light and a little less noise, but that’s just me. ¡Muy delicioso!

No Toddlers Allowed
By maria from berwyn, April 5, 2009

Overall rating:

My husband and I decided to try Maya Del Sol one night after a day of shopping in Oak Park with our 2 year old son. Upon entering the restaurant, we noticed that it was almost at full capacity, but there were a few tables open. The host, however, gave our son a "look-over" and said with a very big smile that they did not have any tables open, and if we wanted to wait, it would be at least an 1hr30. At that time, I noticed, while there were kids in the restaurant, there were no babies or toddlers. My husband asked if we could sit at a table in the corner we noticed that was open, but the hostess said it was "reserved". Then, we asked to sit at one of the cocktail booths in the front, but the hostess said they do not serve dinner at those tables. Although, there were a few adults having dinner at those booths. The hostess with another big smile apologized and told us to come back again as he showed us to the door. This was the worst restaurant experience we have ever had.

Don't tell them it's a birthday dinner
By Laura 52 from Oak Park, November 26, 2008

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I was in a week ago for a friend's birthday. When taking our order, I asked my friend, "What would you like birthday girl?" Towards the end of our meal-which was medicore, I requested the bill. The waiter looked at me, and said, "really?" A few minutes later, he presents my friend with a gorgeous slice of chocolate mousse cake, candle and all. I thought it was incredibly thoughtful...until I received the bill, and on it was the cost of the cake!! Most restaurants have a COMP dessert when it's a guest's birthday, other's let you ask for the delivery of something special-at a cost. I'll chalk it up to a one-time experience. I won't be back. You never know what might be ordered for you assumedly!

Lovely Patio and Great Atmosphere
By Cynthia from Oak Park, August 9, 2008

Overall rating:

The new patio was certainly worth another trip back to Maya. It is a lovely garden setting with a fire pit for added ambiance. We were able to sit outside, enjoy dinner and listen to the fantastic Latin band Guitarra Azul that plays there regularly. At 9 on a Friday we were seated right away and the manager brought us our first round of drinks right away. The service was very good and The Pina Colada ceviche was delicious as were our entrees. After dinner we went to the bar to continue enjoying the music. The prickly pear martini is amazing.

Great Patio!
By Junie B from Oak Park, July 1, 2008

Overall rating:

A few Fridays ago, myself and a few other guests were having dinner at Maya Del Sol, and the friendly wait staff gave us each a card to fill out to be invited to the grand opening of their new patio. I filled out the card and forgot about it. I received the invite via email a couple weeks later and RSVPed thinking that the patio would be open for dinner and drinks to invited guests - at a cost. My guest and I were pleasantly surprised to be given two free drinks with unlimited appetizers and deserts when we arrived to the party! The back patio is spacious and comfortable, perfect for any spring or fall evening, when it's a bit chilly. The gorgeous fire pit in the middle of the patio really sets it apart from most other outdoor restaurant patios. This restaurant is a true gem in Oak Park. I've been there many times since its opening, and I will be back to visit again and again. My favorite dishes include the appetizer "Nachos del Sol" - honey and vinegar braised beef nachos. Unbelievable. The "Arepa de Ropa Vieja" is a great dinner - yummy beef over a corn cake. Their drink selection leaves little to be desired for Mexican dining. Over all, this is a great addition to Oak Park. If you don't enjoy yourself, let management know about it - they are serious about pleasing their customers! Enjoy!

Interesting, flavorful food and even better service in the 'burbs!
By LisaD from Galewood, June 16, 2008

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We started going to Maya shortly after they opened. At first it was somewhat disappointing, I'll admit. We received food that wasn't warm and when the manager stopped to see how we were enjoying our meal he took my comment very seriously and didn't charge us for the dish. Another time we got a special dish that was over-sauced. They immediately offered to replace it and the manager on duty gave us a certificate for a free brunch. We've also been there when the wait was long and were impressed to see them passing out free ceviche, which was delicious! More often than not we've been really happy with the flavorful and interesting food and, perhaps, even more impressed with the wonderful service. Many members of the staff recognize us, including one server who actually remembered where we'd been seated the first time he'd waited on us and reminded me of what I ordered that day! In my opinion, Maya is a wonderful dining option and I'm thrilled that they have only improved over time.

Expensive and lacking identity
By Jorbu from Brookfield, April 19, 2008

Overall rating:

I went to dinner with my family recently and was looking forward to trying out this new addition to Oak Park. Given the name of the restaurant I was expecting Mexican food specially from the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico where the Maya culture originated. Having grown up in that area of the country when I was younger I'm very familiar with the food and was dissapointed to find out that Maya Del Sol offered only a few dishes from that area. Nonetheless I tried the cochinita pibil which was OK. Not the best, not the worse but couldn't believe that the dish didn't come with tortillas, I had to ask for them separate. The red table salsa tasted more like tomato soup while the green salsa was actually quite good. The margaritas were very expensive for what you got and did not taste that great. Overall I was not impressed. The service was nothing special, the waiter was very friendly, however the manager came around to ask us how the meal was and as soon as we started to respond he was looking somewhere else and did not make eye contact with us and seemed more interested in the table next to us. We were left responding to ourselves. I found strange that they offered a burger in the menu and several other dishes that didn't seem to belong. I would assume this was a mexican restaurant based on the name, but in reality, it's all over the place with no real identity.

City like feel in burbs
By Jed38 from Oak Park, February 25, 2008

Overall rating:

I was in 2 Saturdays ago and had a great time. Beautiful place with great food and drinks. The service was very friendly and attentive. I would normally expect to have to go into the city for this type of experience. Try it, you'll love it!

Terriffic Experience - Definitely Give It A Try
By Cynthia from Oak Park, January 19, 2008

Overall rating:

We went later on a Friday night and although the place was still packed at 9PM we did not have to wait long for a table.
The food was great and the service was outstanding!
Pina Colada Ceviche and the Oak Grilled Salmon were fantastic. Our friends had dishes from the special menu and loved them, including a vegitarian option.

Im glad I did not let the Lalo's lovers that have posted here discourage me. I also enjoy Lalo's but there is no reason to compare Maya del Sol with any of the restaurants in the popular Lalo's chain. The menus speak for themselves. Also, I appreciated the all adult crowd at Maya. Lalo's is where I would take the kids. Maya is where my husband and I will go to get away from them :)

Definitely give it a try!
Cynthia

PS: I love the Chakmool!!

Not worth the trip
By Italian girl from lakeview, January 11, 2008

Overall rating:

My friends and I met on a thurs. night and had no trouble being seated.
The service was good, and the staff was very friendly. However, the food was terrible and the portions were VERY SMALL. We all left feeling disapointed and hungry. I will not return.