This food was sooooo good. I enjoyed it so much better than Chipotle and everything tasted fresh. Quick and great... read moreThis food was sooooo good. I enjoyed it so much better than Chipotle and everything tasted fresh. Quick and great customer service read less

Their chicken quesadillas!!!! So good. And so affordable. Especially for midtown manhattan. A good amount of food,... 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

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

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 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

Excellent flavors. Got the steak burrito. Ponto beans are delicious. Coming from Dallas and knowing good tex-mex,... 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

We were staying at a hotel close by and we're craving nachos about 8 pm. We had Grubhub deliver the... read moreWe were staying at a hotel close by and we're craving nachos about 8 pm. We had Grubhub deliver the chicken nachos and shredded beef quesadilla. They were both absolutely delicious!!! Fresh, delicious and hit the spot! read less

I was craving a burrito late at night, and this place did not disappoint! The staff was so friendly and... read moreI was craving a burrito late at night, and this place did not disappoint! The staff was so friendly and quickly prepared the food. Everything was very, very fresh and extremely flavorful! I'm vegetarian, and the sautéed peppers and onions hit different. I also added the chipotle crema sauce because I love literally anything spicy, and it added so much flavor to my meal. The prices were good for what we got, and I would recommend this place to anyone in the area. My only complaint would be that they didn't have extra hot sauce (tabasco, or my favorite, cholula). It's only because I put it on everything. Overall, great experience and even better food. read less

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

Freshest most authentic Mexican in the area. It blows Chipotle out of the water. Service is quick and friendly and... read moreFreshest most authentic Mexican in the area. It blows Chipotle out of the water. Service is quick and friendly and the place is extremely clean. Definitely recommend! 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

We really enjoyed our meal. The choices of meat and sauces were excellent. All was very tender... 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

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

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

I would say that this place has real authentic mexican food. I ordered the Chicken enchiladas verdes which was really... read moreI would say that this place has real authentic mexican food. I ordered the Chicken enchiladas verdes which was really tasty and the amount was huge . The prices are also reasonable if you compare it to the other food chains . 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

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

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

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

Tasted Better than chipotle...happened to just walk by one night. It did not stand out among all the other shops... read moreTasted Better than chipotle...happened to just walk by one night. It did not stand out among all the other shops and restaurants but they should get more signage...very under rated. Food tasted freshly made not fatty. Came here 2 days in a row ha read less

This place doesn't even need an extra long review. If you are looking for delicious, mouth-watering, joy-to-your-tastebuds, authentic Mexican food,... read moreThis place doesn't even need an extra long review. If you are looking for delicious, mouth-watering, joy-to-your-tastebuds, authentic Mexican food, THIS is your place. THIS is where you want to be for lunch or even your dinner if you're looking for a quick bite to eat before heading home after work.
P.S: Check in every single time for 10% off your meal. 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

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

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

The restaurant is clean simple and most importantly the food actually taste amazing! When I tell it's really good and... read moreThe restaurant is clean simple and most importantly the food actually taste amazing! When I tell it's really good and tasty it's because it is! You can tell the meat has been resting with the seasoning for a while because it tastes so good). Their sauces are to die for! My favorites are the green sauce with sour cream and a bit of the guajillo sauce! So delicious! 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

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

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

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

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