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

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

Excellent flavors.  Got the steak burrito.  Ponto beans are delicious.  Coming from Dallas and knowing good tex-mex, this place is... read moreExcellent flavors.  Got the steak burrito.  Ponto beans are delicious.  Coming from Dallas and knowing good tex-mex, this place is up there.  Reminded me of Freebirds (if any NY'er visits Dallas, hit Freebirds up...you'll be transported back to this Blue Maiz). 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

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

I was helping my work out in New York and came across this great Mexican restaurant. The tacos were my... read moreI was helping my work out in New York and came across this great Mexican restaurant. The tacos were my favorite but watching everything they made, it all looked good to eat. 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

Love their service and food! Authentic mexican food with great flavors and a ton of sauces to choose from! This... read moreLove their service and food! Authentic mexican food with great flavors and a ton of sauces to choose from! This my go-to spot, portion is huge! 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

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

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

Awesome, quick and fresh Mexican food. 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

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

Excellent food. Chipotle style, but authentic and fresh ingredients. Nice environment, great menu and friendly staff! Blue corn tacos, amazing... read moreExcellent food. Chipotle style, but authentic and fresh ingredients. Nice environment, great menu and friendly staff! Blue corn tacos, amazing street corn, multiple salsa options and inexpensive prices. Chorizo had great seasoning too. One of the better meals we had in New York, without spending a fortune. Try this place out, everyone who was with us enjoyed it and we ate for under $12 per person. 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 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

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

After reading various reviews, I decided to try Blue Maiz out and I am so happy I did. I walked... read moreAfter reading various reviews, I decided to try Blue Maiz out and I am so happy I did. I walked in around noon to a very small line and happy workers. Plenty of tables were open too. The Naked Burrito is fresh and delicious and the chips are crispy, thick, and hold up to scooping. I'm highly impressed by the large lime I got, too. Often it's so tiny but I'm pretty sure I got a whole one. Price is good for the area. I've already recommended it to my coworkers. I will definitely be back! 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

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

NYC on a budget can be tough until you discover places like this. We were able to eat for a... read moreNYC on a budget can be tough until you discover places like this. We were able to eat for a reasonable price, but ate like royalty. The staff were kind and made the ordering process easy. The food was wonderful and what I expected from a restaurant of this style. 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

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

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

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

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 LOVE this place! SO much better than chipotle. I wish there were more locations but I'm lucky enough to... read moreI LOVE this place! SO much better than chipotle. I wish there were more locations but I'm lucky enough to have them near my office  There are so many menu options to choose from, depending on your hunger level. I typically get chicken tacos (3), sometimes Mexican corn (it's okay but its no cafe Habana). The chicken tortilla soup is very much worth the midtown price. I've heard the salads and quesadillas are tasty as well. The food is fresh and filling--no complaints here. read less

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

Excellent food, like chipotle but way better. Nice environment, great choices, great staff!

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