Was pleasantly surprised by this place! Good quality is way better than Chipitle or Qdoba. The staff was really friendly... read moreWas pleasantly surprised by this place! Good quality is way better than Chipitle or Qdoba. The staff was really friendly as well. Had a great experience. read less

Great food for the price. There's a Chipotle across the street and there is a reason this place is able... read moreGreat food for the price. There's a Chipotle across the street and there is a reason this place is able to stay open using almost an identical business model. The food is definitely more authentic than Chipotle. I had a shredded chicken burrito which was huge and reaallllyyyy good. My girlfriend had the same and loved hers. We also had the street corn which was good, not sure if I would order again though. read less

We really enjoyed our meal.   The choices of meat and sauces were excellent.  All was very tender and well... read moreWe really enjoyed our meal.   The choices of meat and sauces were excellent.  All was very tender and well cooked.   We are in town for a week and enjoyed it so much we went twice.   Would highly recommend if your in the area. read less

The superior alternative to the Chipotle across the street. Basically the same concept but with Minimal lines, friendly service, larger... read moreThe superior alternative to the Chipotle across the street. Basically the same concept but with Minimal lines, friendly service, larger portions, (peppers and onions by default!), And better sauces. You've got two milds, a creamy Chipotle sauce, and then my favorite, the guajillo which is basically pure fire and it's phenomenal. It's the kind of place where people order in Spanish and banter with the workers, so you know it's as authentic as you're gonna get in times square. read less

The true taste of Mexican food!! I used to teach in Mexico 2 years ago and when I took a... read moreThe true taste of Mexican food!! I used to teach in Mexico 2 years ago and when I took a bite of my taco it brought me right back to Monterey. Truly beautiful I loved it. read less

The best tacos in NYC hands down!! I was so hungry one day I was browsing the city and came... read moreThe best tacos in NYC hands down!! I was so hungry one day I was browsing the city and came across this hidden gem!! I was a little skeptical because I never heard of this place and I'm very particular about my tacos/food!! The place was clean, the staff was nice, friendly, and straight to the point!! The tacos??? Mmmm didn't disappoint!! I can't wait to go back so I can give a better review with pics!! I took the food to go and when I got home I ate and didn't even get a picture:( 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

This place is AMAZING. Once you eat here you won't eat chipotle again. The food is so fresh and delicious.... read moreThis place is AMAZING. Once you eat here you won't eat chipotle again. The food is so fresh and delicious. Their corn salad is so good as well. I literally travel to get this for lunch when I'm at work that's how good it is. I would definitely recommend everyone to try it you will not be disappointed. read less

Excellent quick Mexican. Chipotle is no comparison, even. Many more choices, spiced meats, veggies. The tacos in blue tortillas... yum!... read moreExcellent quick Mexican. Chipotle is no comparison, even. Many more choices, spiced meats, veggies. The tacos in blue tortillas... yum! And greeted with happy people who know they have good food to serve you. Not a chain. Makes a difference! read less

My go-to Lunch Place! (Forget Chipotle!!) You won't even care for Chipotle after this place! The chicken is sooooo good! (all other 8 proteins are as... read moreYou won't even care for Chipotle after this place! The chicken is sooooo good! (all other 8 proteins are as well, but chicken is my fave) The ingredients they have are always fresh and tasty. The service is super quick even with super long lines. Give them a try! read less

From the minute you walk in you realize this is a Chilpolte offshoot. I'm surprised to say this place is... read moreFrom the minute you walk in you realize this is a Chilpolte offshoot. I'm surprised to say this place is equal to or better than Chilpolte. We had two naked burritos which contained fresh tasting ingredients and huge portions.
Their seasoning seems more refined than Chipotle and the quality of ingredients is equal.
The price point is good as well.
Service was friendly.
We had a carnitas and shredded beef naked burritos. Both highly recommended.
They offer regular burritos,tacos,enchiladas and salads.
This is a great choice for quick bite in Port Authority area. read less

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

Tasty tacos, perfectly seasoned Guacamole and a nice taco salad delivered FAST in Chelsea. The blue corn option might be... read moreTasty tacos, perfectly seasoned Guacamole and a nice taco salad delivered FAST in Chelsea. The blue corn option might be what bring ya folks but the carnitas will make you a regular. Sangria delivered by the can too! Por supuesto el Blue Maíz! read less

Awesome food, I get it 2-3 times a week. I would much rather have Blue Maiz than Chipotle any day.

Stopped in for a late Saturday evening dinner, expecting a Chipotle/Qdoba experience. I was pleasantly surprised. The freshest ingredients, most... read moreStopped in for a late Saturday evening dinner, expecting a Chipotle/Qdoba experience. I was pleasantly surprised. The freshest ingredients, most flavorful rice and carne asada ever, and their chipotle crema was the perfect addition to my naked burrito. Despite the chaos of Times Square, we had no problem grabbing a quiet table and enjoying dinner and conversation. We'll definitely be back. read less

We got two quesadillas delivered and they were seriously DELICIOUS. it came with plenty of salsa, sour cream and guacamole.

If you are looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to chipotle. This is the place for you. This place... read moreIf you are looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to chipotle. This is the place for you. This place has amazing food with just the right amount of seasoning on their items. I always get the naked burrito with the tortilla on the side. The ingredients are always so fresh and flavorful. I have been there a handful of times and to be honest every time I visit the food just gets better and better. The guacamole is so fresh and delicious and my favorite part is there chipotle crema. It has the right amount of tangy and spice. Let's not forget the staff in there. EVERYONE IS GREAT WITH AN AMAZING ATTITUDE. It makes you want to come back. They treat you like family there. They are always smiling, always willing to answer questions and explain what the items they sell are. They also rrecommend things you should try based on what you order which is cool too. I don't know why this place has a 4 star and not a 5 star because they truly deserve 10 stars. Thank you very much for the delicious food and continue providing the best customer service to the people that visit this establishment! You guys are doing an amazing job!!! read less

Super great food for such a great price. The portion size was pretty big as well. I've tried so far... read moreSuper great food for such a great price. The portion size was pretty big as well. I've tried so far the quesadilla and the naked burrito (burrito bowl) and both are super filling and great . read less

We were on vacation from Cali and happened to bump into this place only a few blocks away from Times... read moreWe were on vacation from Cali and happened to bump into this place only a few blocks away from Times Square. It's a small place in between so many big stores and shops and it did not disappoint! The servers are very kind and serve you plenty! Although it can be a little pricey, my whole family and I came out full and happy. When I come back to NYC I'll for sure be coming back! 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

Great food! Meats were cooked right in front of you and the condiments were all fresh! The salsas ranged from... read moreGreat food! Meats were cooked right in front of you and the condiments were all fresh! The salsas ranged from mild to extremely hot-- really hot  I needed some water for that kind of spice. Chips were also perfectly salted and crispy. Overall, awesome fast serve Mexican food experience. read less

Came here on a Saturday afternoon... Not much seating, but was not that much crowded when I went... Just like... read moreCame here on a Saturday afternoon... Not much seating, but was not that much crowded when I went... Just like Chipotle, you can pick what you want in your burrito/burrito bowl... The food is very good... Will def be coming back the next time I'm in town. Will bring family and friends... read less

Great for a cheap and quick eat! We went here on our first evening in NYC as it was around the corner from the hotel we were... read moreWe went here on our first evening in NYC as it was around the corner from the hotel we were staying at and we were tired so just wanted something quick. It was great, we got a burrito bowl and a burrito! The burrito bowl was huge and really nice. Fast cheap and nice food. read less

Fantastic authentic Mexican food This place serves incredibly tasty Mexican food at a great price. If you're nearby then definitely check it out! The... read moreThis place serves incredibly tasty Mexican food at a great price. If you're nearby then definitely check it out! The soup was amazing, we'll be back! read less

OMG is this the best quick serve Mexican.  Super fresh. Super tasty.
Guacamole is perfection.
Eat here !

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

I highly recommend this Cuisine, really good food and friendly staff. I'll be back for sure.

Their chicken quesadillas!!!!  So good. And so affordable.  Especially for midtown manhattan.  A good amount of food, decent price and... read moreTheir chicken quesadillas!!!!  So good. And so affordable.  Especially for midtown manhattan.  A good amount of food, decent price and the food is really good.  Shared with my coworkers and they all loved it.  Favorite cheat day meal 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

Finally, the holy grail of assembly line style Mexican restaurants. Over the years, chains like Chipotle and more recently, Dos... read moreFinally, the holy grail of assembly line style Mexican restaurants. Over the years, chains like Chipotle and more recently, Dos Toros have become massively popular, but unlike its more trendy counterparts, Blue Maiz is a single, standalone shop, which I think helps it maintain a higher quality standard. I should add that the food also feels more real, contrasting with the homogenized ingredients that you find in chains.
The first thing I noticed was how much larger the portions are. For something during busy lunch hours, I'm used to seeing people throw a lazy scoop of meat onto your order and calling it a day, but here, you can expect at least once full scoop, if not 2-3, which really makes me feel like I'm getting a good bang for my buck. The rest of the ingredients are added with simailar levels of generosity, which ultimately creates an order that you'll find quite heavy in your hand. You might have to be a bit more proactive while ordering through the line if you want something extra, but I appreciate the efficiency of their service, and I can't blame them for trying to handle the Midtown lunch train.
The other thing I really appreciate is the diversity of options. As a big chorizo fan, I was ecstatic to find that this place offers chorizo (and it's pretty good), as well as some more authentically marinated and shredded meats. They also offer nachos that get pretty well loaded, and their quesadillas are far superior to anything I've seen at Dos Toros. There are also a few more options for sides and drinks that resemble stuff that you'd see at a more traditional Mexican restaurant (no horchata though), which I'm a big fan of.
Given the expanded options, improved quality, and huge portions, I don't see myself ever going back to Dos Toros or Chipotle, as all three of these restaurants compete within a couple block radius. My only regret is not discovering this place a lot earlier, as I think I would have saved myself from many sad burritos. Maybe I'll update this after I've sampled more options, but for now, I'm already pretty confident that this is it. read less