Mama Mexico (CLOSED)

I totally agree with the comments from the two previous reviewers (Scott T and Michael) - word for word, and I'm also a foodie. We just had dinner at Mama Mexico this evening - been there several times before. Hmmm.... they most definitely pushed the $11 guacamole and then seemed annoyed when they had to refill the chips. They never became bent out of shape about refilling chips in the past, especially if we ordered the guac. I wasn't offered regular tap water either and knew better than to order any drinks of any kind due to the size issues. When our order arrived, I was immediately struck with the new downsized portions. Never noticed the small portions before this evening but, now that I read the two previous reviews, it all seems to jive. My steak was comparitively smaller than the previous times I ordered that entree. The accompanying enchilada was half the size in length but the part that killed me is the small tablespoon of rice for $3.50! I just can't get over that. Are we all supporting their new enclosure?! I guess the message to the owners is that they will wind up losing money instead of gaining with the loss of many customers as they become aware of the obvious tactics. Disappointing. One last note: After waiting for 15 min for our check, we were asked for proof of identity before they took our credit card for no apparent reason. We didn't have a huge bill (no alcohol) and look like the average NYer returning from a day at the office as professionals. We were completely cordial and quiet during the entire meal. Glad folks are speaking up in this venue.

I am a foodie. I love most varieties of Mexican food I've sampled. While not very "authentic" Mexican, the food at Mama Mexico is definitely better than average. We sprung (unwittingly) for the fresh guacamole, which was excellent. The mole was among the best I've tasted (well balanced rich, spicy, chocolatey, smoky). The only complaint I have about food is my (crispy, corn tortilla) soggy taco from which ground beef fell into a meatball-like clump. So why won't I return? Largely for the same reasons Michael lists (10/20). We were asked if we'd like some guacamole w/ our chips before receiving a menu (who expects guac to cost $11? a side-order is $6 if they don't make it at your table which would have been fine, even though the fresh guac is excellent). The margaritas were skimpy for $9, and the waiter tried to upsell us to top shelf tequila. The specials have no listed prices. I ordered water and was asked "Evian or Perrier?" ... tap wasn't a listed option, but I ordered that anyway. The service was very attentive, if curt and rife with "upsells." We went very early (around 4:30pm; we hadn't eaten all day), and the place was not crowded. Still, they felt compelled to replace the paper table covering before they had even brought us the bill (which took forever). Then, they couldn't seem to figure out how to ring me up on a Visa gift card I'd received for christmas, though the hardware store next door had no trouble at all. While I'd avoid margaritas in the future, the beer and food are worth the higher prices for quality and lively atmosphere. I might consider returning with a group, but I do not appreciate constantly being "up sold" by a server. I expect (if not appreciate) that kind of treatment at a car dealership or electronics store, but not at a restaurant.

I *love* Mexican food and this place has good food. Not like homemade Mexican, but good nonetheless. I have been here several times for the food. But I don't like this restaurant because of the service and general greedy atmosphere. The servers are consistently pushy in trying to get you to "upgrade" your free chips & salsa with their guacamole dip that a guy can make at your table. They also try to "up-sell" you additional things and the three times I've been there I have each time wondered if the restaurant gives the servers some bonus based on their selling guacamole and other extra items. Also the drinks are skimpy. The sodas are served in a tall, skinny glass and are likely only about 6 ounces with the ice. The margaritas are not generous either. The servers are everywhere and always refilling your water, but they are not friendly. You get the feeling they want you to leave so they can turn the table for the next customer. I live on the same block as this restaurant and there is always a line out the door on weekends and they are building another glass-enclosed addition currently. So the place is obviously doing very well. Something odd I've noticed is that the customers waiting on line on weekends do not look like NYers. Weird, but it's like the crowd you'd see if you went to a restaurant in a mall in NJ. I don't know what must be behind this. The mariachis are fine, but the place is loud as a result. Think: Trumpets in a room with tile floors and no real soundproofing. Finally, the place is overpriced. Even if you refuse the extras offered and don't need to order additional sodas/margaritas because they are so small, it's no bargain. I suspect people go there thinking the prices will be reasonable but end up being surprised by the bill when all is said and done. Therapy moment: I'm mad at this place because I wish I could just go in and enjoy some decent Mexican food with a friendly server and without being bothered by sales.

Mama mexico is fun, but it's not really worth the price.

This place is a lot of fun. The food is great but overpriced. Definitely not a place to go if you are in the mood for a quiet dinner.

I had the most fun I've had in years during a recent trip to Mama Mexico! A group of us went and enjoyed pitchers of fresh mango mojitos and margaritas, delicious fresh guacamole, and tasty entrees. The food came out very quickly (this was a Saturday night around 9:00pm) and was absolutely delicious - I recommend the steak fajitas. The service was outstanding - chips and water were constantly being refilled, the staff was really friendly, and we felt no pressure to rush through the meal so that they could free up our table. The atmosphere is joyful, noisey, and infectious - this is not the place for a quiet romantic date, but rather for a bunch of people looking to let loose. The menu is no more pricey than the average Manhattan restaurant and there are a vast range of entree prices to choose from. Some of us even shared our dinners since the portions were so big.

Overpriced with poor service and indifferent. We tried twice and we will not be back. If you don't order one of the skimpy margheritas or the tableside guacamole, you might have to tackle a waiter to get a menu & put in an order.