When it comes to enchiladas, I consider myself a concierge. May I say, BEST enchiladas in town! Everything is just... read moreWhen it comes to enchiladas, I consider myself a concierge. May I say, BEST enchiladas in town! Everything is just right, the sauce, the amount of filling, the rice and pico that comes on the side. Hands down the best enchiladas I've had.
I order from Blue Maiz often while at work, and after telling my coworkers about them, they order from them now as well.
Their guac is also pretty good, and I enjoyed the chips with chipotle crema dip. This place is definitely a perfect substitute for Chipotle, and after I had Blue Maiz I haven't been back to Chipotle since. I would love to see Blue Maiz expand into other parts of Manhattan. read less

Great place. This is my go to place in New York. I have always had an amazing experience and the... read moreGreat place. This is my go to place in New York. I have always had an amazing experience and the food is excellent. Highly recommend. read less

So tasty. Fast, friendly service. I asked for everything but they left out beans. Had a lot of trouble making... read moreSo tasty. Fast, friendly service. I asked for everything but they left out beans. Had a lot of trouble making an online order so that should be improved. But was so delicious that I will go back! read less

The big sign outside of the establishment caught my attention and the food kept it.
The restaurant is very colorful and... read moreThe big sign outside of the establishment caught my attention and the food kept it.
The restaurant is very colorful and I feel that it appeals both to traditional Mexicans (as my Mexican friend mentioned) and to tourists alike. The LED lights and Mexican-oriented decorations made the space very inviting. The workers are also very friendly and helpful, especially to those who prefer service in Spanish. I ordered the enchiladas verdes and a Jarritos soda for about $20.
I really enjoyed looking at the meal as I received it because the presentation was spot on: the portions were plentiful and organized, the sauces and cheeses brought it all together, and the colors of it all made it very attractive.
The rice and beans are usually very standard sides, but here they were a bit more than that. The brown rice was extremely moist (in a good way) and it held the flavor of everything around it for dear life. I was able to grab the flavors of the enchilada sauce, the bean sauce, and the juices of the pico de gallo in one forkful along with the taste and texture of the rice. The beans were also prepared very well. They had their sufficient seasonings and the warmth of it all improved the texture immensely. The bean sauce certainly struck me with its flavor, which hasn't been very common to me.
The enchiladas were top tier to say the least. The tortillas weren't hard shell, but they had a bit of crunch or crack to it which made them ideal for holding the chicken and for providing essential texture under the abundance of enchilada sauce. The enchilada sauce had me hooked from the start with its subtle spice and potent flavor. I've always asked myself whether I preferred verde or mole and this meal answered the question for me. The chicken wasn't neglected at all: on its own it held flavor but it didn't necessarily compete with the flavors of the rest of the meal. The overall taste reflected great seasoning control at the hand of the chef.
My friend bought some churros for the group (thank you Perry!) and they put the icing on the cake for me. They were prepared fresh and they almost melted in your mouth as you chew them. The sweetness was just right and the caramel sauce (which tasted like they came from those small caramel candies that all of our parents and grandparents came to love) provided not only additional flavor without excessive sweetness, but a bit more texture to the churros.
In the end, I can definitely say I enjoyed the experience and I would love to return and recommend. read less

I like their salad a lot. A good place for vegetarians with a very big portion.
Nachos are good too!... read moreI like their salad a lot. A good place for vegetarians with a very big portion.
Nachos are good too! They bake them with cheese and it's yum. Tip: ask them to put beans after baking nachos, it will save you from nachos going soggy!
I am a frequent visitor here, loveit! read less

A while back I stumbled into Blue Maiz looking to just step off the noisy street for a moment. As... read moreA while back I stumbled into Blue Maiz looking to just step off the noisy street for a moment. As a result? I have found a quiet haven in Blue Maiz the last 3 times I've taken a bus from Port Authority. Never too crowded, with plenty of seating, always quick and friendly service and good sized burritos. Prices are (fairly) decent for the area. Would highly recommend over the overcrowded fast food chains in the area. read less

I had read great reviews of this restaurant on Yelp, and I wasn't disappointed when I went there. I ordered... read moreI had read great reviews of this restaurant on Yelp, and I wasn't disappointed when I went there. I ordered the naked burrito with grilled chicken, and the portion was generous + the food was so fresh and delicious! This is a great, convenient and relatively quick place to eat if you're near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. No margaritas served, but I noticed they sold canned sangria, bottled Mexican sodas, and fountain sodas. I had a diet Pepsi. read less

I walked in today after reading a few reviews on Yelp and looking at their food options. I... read moreI walked in today after reading a few reviews on Yelp and looking at their food options. I have to admit that my wife and I really enjoyed our meal here. I had the naked burrito and was very satisfied. Portions are big, customer service is good, food is delicious, and prices area not too steep. I enjoy whole nutritional foods and this was just right for me. Will definitely return. read less

Found this place walking along 8th Ave on the way to Shubert Theater, it had an A rating, and I... read moreFound this place walking along 8th Ave on the way to Shubert Theater, it had an A rating, and I love Mexican food. This place did not disappoint at all! I had the chicken quesadillas and my aunt a chicken burrito in a bowl (aka salad, lol). We both enjoyed the food very much, and the customer service was very good!
Highly recommend this place read less

I swear I can't get enough of this place. I finally tried their burrito and it was just as good... read moreI swear I can't get enough of this place. I finally tried their burrito and it was just as good as the bowl. If you are in the area go go go. read less

Tasty food!
Clean establishment!
Great service!
Clean restrooms!
Colorful decor!
Vegan options!
Pricey for the cuisine but that's NYC for you & Im sure... read moreTasty food!
Clean establishment!
Great service!
Clean restrooms!
Colorful decor!
Vegan options!
Pricey for the cuisine but that's NYC for you & Im sure the rent is high!
Set-up like a mom & pop Chipotle.
Great flavor and spice levels (I requested medium) but low on salt so DO NOT discard the salt packet which accompanies your disposable utensils. I could eat the onions, peppers, with brown rice and guacamole by itself on repeat. The beverages are pricey; but I guess that's NYC. I almost always carry a bottle of water wherever I go; but I didn't. They wanted $2.00 for a 16.9 ounce bottle of water - it's a no for me, friends.
I'm glad to be able to support a small NYC business. read less

This is my favorite place in the city to grab dinner.. hands down. The staff is amazing, the food is... read moreThis is my favorite place in the city to grab dinner.. hands down. The staff is amazing, the food is always on point, and very flavorful. All of the ingredients are very high quality and you can not go wrong with anything you order. If you're around the time square area, you must go here, no questions about it.
My favorite is the grilled chicken bowl, pinto beans, with jalapeños, guacamole, and there cilantro lime sauce. Just thinking about it makes me hungry.. oh and not to mention the food is very very healthy. This is a must try restaurant!!! read less

The hubby found this place which in itself was surprising. What a great find and literally just across the corner... read moreThe hubby found this place which in itself was surprising. What a great find and literally just across the corner street. Delicious authentic Mexican food in a friendly atmosphere. What more could you want? He had a naked burrito and I had a rice bowl. Both delicious and reasonably priced. We took some soup and a flan to go. Definitely a place we'd recommend. read less

Wow, Blue Maiz was certainly great. It's in a great location and we were really pleased with our experience. Me... read moreWow, Blue Maiz was certainly great. It's in a great location and we were really pleased with our experience. Me and my friend were pleasantly surprised with how wonderful their Grilled Chicken Quesadilla was, really delicious. Everyone that works there is always very charming. Can not recommend them enough. read less

Stopped for a quick breakfast and it did not disappoint. Tortillas were fresh and they had 4 good salsa choices.

This has been my go-to Mexican spot ever since Chipotle started having problems with their produce and these guys have... read moreThis has been my go-to Mexican spot ever since Chipotle started having problems with their produce and these guys have been consistently awesome. I would not compare this place to Chipotle. That would be like comparing your grandma's food to McDonald's. Both have certain appeal but I think most would see my point.
My favorites here are the grilled chicken quesadillas and steak burrito bowls (called naked burritos.) The chicken has a very satisfying smokiness to it and the steak is juicy and tender. All of their salsas are very flavorful and fresh (Beware: their hottest salsa is super hot and super good if you're into that.) The guacamole is also pretty good. The staff is always polite and the pricing is on point. read less

Okay this is THE BEST build your own place in town. Blue Maiz is my favorite Midtown lunch spot. It... read moreOkay this is THE BEST build your own place in town. Blue Maiz is my favorite Midtown lunch spot. It is consistent as heck and SO MUCH better than Chipotle. The staff is so sweet and helpful. The portions are huge! I have nothing negative to say about this place and I tell all my friends to visit. read less

Chipotle who? This place rocks!!! Delicious fresh ingredients and definitely a huge portion for what you pay. You don't get... read moreChipotle who? This place rocks!!! Delicious fresh ingredients and definitely a huge portion for what you pay. You don't get that ugh I feel gross and I hate myself feeling after eating it at all. I love the options that they have and it's awesome that they even have Elote! Of course guacamole is extra but cmon when isn't it extra?! It's delicious - it's worth it- can't wait to go back again! Just hate the location but hey very convenient if you're going to watch a broadway play! read less

My Burrito w chorizo was great! The customer service team was helpful with my decision on what to eat.

Friendly, quick, clean service. Tastier then Chipotle; alot fresher in my opinion. Ample seating and generous portions for the price.... read moreFriendly, quick, clean service. Tastier then Chipotle; alot fresher in my opinion. Ample seating and generous portions for the price. I ordered the vegetarian quesadillas for 10$. Will 100% return here to try the other dishes :) read less

This is the best Mexican food I have ever had. The enchiladas are incredible. The staff is great. Every time... read moreThis is the best Mexican food I have ever had. The enchiladas are incredible. The staff is great. Every time I am in New York I make an effort to go here. read less

Finally!!! Nachos done right. The chicken nachos were delish! And the street corn omg so good. My new fav mexican... read moreFinally!!! Nachos done right. The chicken nachos were delish! And the street corn omg so good. My new fav mexican spot. After living in Hell's Kitchen for 10 years I have finally found Great nachos. Almost like chipotle but better. read less

Ordering process and large portions are similar to Chipotle but the food quality is far superior. The meats are better... read moreOrdering process and large portions are similar to Chipotle but the food quality is far superior. The meats are better seasoned, the Asada was very good. Salsa options are tastier and spicier if you desire. Veggies are crisp and fresh. In all a healthy (if you order that way), tasty and great bang for the buck. I feel much better giving my business to Blue Maiz then a giant chain owned by McDonalds. read less

Came here on a Monday afternoon for lunch and was so happy that I chose this over Chipotle! Blue Maiz... read moreCame here on a Monday afternoon for lunch and was so happy that I chose this over Chipotle! Blue Maiz is a fairly large restaurant and there is a decent amount of seating.
I ordered a naked bowl with brown rice, grilled chicken, lettuce, cheese, vegetables and onions, pico de Gallo, spinach, and the medium green sauce. I also checked in with Yelp and received a bag of chips with salsa. I liked the mildest salsa better than the green salsa because it tasted more like salsa that I am used to, but both were good. My bowl was heaping full and I couldn't even mix it, but it was so delicious and warm. It was definitely a lot more generous than Chipotle, which I have noticed has been giving smaller portions lately. Although slightly more pricey, it was worth it.
The chips were a lot more than I expected and I was unable to finish them, so I brought them home. They were so crunchy and did not taste overly oily.
The restroom was clean and the restaurant itself was also very clean. I liked the lighting as well. Workers were nice. I left feeling satisfied and had an enjoyable experience.
Would could back to try the other food they have! read less

Fresh ingredients. Food in minutes. Reasonable price. Steak desmenuzado burrito with chipotle sauce was huge and very delish.

Amazing food, a far superior version of Chipotle! Prices are same as chipotle but guac and a lot more sauces... read moreAmazing food, a far superior version of Chipotle! Prices are same as chipotle but guac and a lot more sauces are included, and ironically, their chipotle sauce is definitely worth a try!! read less

Blue ribbon Mexican food We sampled the burrito, blue tacos, nachos and quesadillas. I can and will recommend it all. After exchanging a very... read moreWe sampled the burrito, blue tacos, nachos and quesadillas. I can and will recommend it all. After exchanging a very reasonable amount of doubloons we retreated back to our lodgings and began our feast. At one point a rather seductive blue taco kissed my cheek as I was enjoying the company of a hot burrito rather than retreat to the safety of the well loved nachos I decided to invite her to join us what ensued was a ménage à trois of Mexican pleasure that lasted the whole night.
Can’t wait to do it again read less