Learn about what the new restaurant brings to town
By ELIZABETH BUNT — arts@theaggie.org
This past fall, Davis residents may have noticed a new restaurant on the corner of 2nd and D Street in a storefront that had remained vacant for a long period of time. Painted bright pink and purple, Maya’s Authentic Mexican Food pops out from the surrounding stores and is easily picked out from blocks away.
“We’re a family-owned Mexican restaurant, proudly serving up the bold flavors and warm hospitality of our heritage,” Maya’s Authentic Mexican Food’s website reads. “For generations our family has passed down secret recipes and cooking techniques, blending traditional Mexican cuisine with modern twists and flair.”
New Mexican restaurants are bound to have a tough time establishing themselves in Davis. The market for Mexican food is backed by Guads, Tres Hermanas and Taqueria El Burrito — ask any UC Davis student for their favorite taco spot in town and you will probably hear one of those three names in response. For those of you who haven’t heard of Maya’s, here are a few key aspects of the new food spot.
Maya’s has a large and varied menu, offering everything from traditional street tacos to seafood to soups.
“Our dishes are crafted with love, using only the freshest ingredients and time-honored cooking methods to bring you an authentic taste of Mexico,” the website reads.
The restaurant even offers a few fusion dishes like their Birria Ramen, and, like popular downtown restaurant Guads, Maya’s Authentic Mexican Food offers a free chips and dips bar. Patrons can try as many salsa combinations and load up on as many tortilla chips as they want while waiting for their orders.
Maya’s also has a unique cocktail menu offering a variety of margarita flavors and several signature cocktails that rotate with the season — also included on its menu are fun non-alcoholic drinks, like their hot chocolate-horchata combination.
For those interested in bringing a larger party, the interior of Maya’s cozy and welcoming space is best suited for smaller groups of friends and family. If you are planning to go with a bigger group, consider going a little before or after peak hours to ensure that your party will find seating.
Overall, Maya’s Authentic Mexican Food is a welcomed new addition to the Davis restaurant scene, its differences separating it from other established Mexican restaurants in the area while still maintaining an authentic dining experience. With something on the menu for everyone, Maya’s is perfect for those wanting a tasty night of dinner and drinks or a quick lunch stop.
For avid lovers of Downtown Davis’ eating locations, consider adding the winner of a 2024 Best New Restaurant award to your list. More information on Maya’s Authentic Mexican Food, including the menu and merch, can be found on their website and Instagram page.
Written by Elizabeth Bunt — arts@theaggie.org