'Casa': like bad trip across the border
By Jeff Kershaw
The Flat Hat
Mexican restaurants are few and far between in Williamsburg and the surrounding area. Good Mexican restaurants are even rarer. Casa Maya, connected to the Howard Johnson on Bypass Road, does nothing to further the cause of Mexican cuisine in the burrito-deprived environs of Hampton Roads.
Unlike some other establishments in the area, Casa Maya is just as uninspired on the inside as it is out. Cheap tables, cheap paint, cheap silverware ... in everything you see, the quality is questionable. In Casa Maya's defense, of course, one could note that the low cost of investment, as well as continuing low overhead costs, have contributed to relatively low prices. This is usually an important consideration for college students.
Some of the dishes at Casa Maya are good. Most, however, are merely passable. The frijoles (refried beans) are pleasing both in texture and flavor, but the rice served with most dishes is dry and unappealing. The ingredients used in their entrees are of obviously low quality. This ranges from the meat used to the vegetables and other ingredients. Even the salsa brought out with the complimentary tortillas is sub-par, and extremely mild.
The menu provides a fair number of items. Although many are authentic, much of the menu offers Americanized versions of Mexican foods. The best dishes are those that incorporate beef, especially the burritos. The margaritas and daiquiris are nothing special, and beyond Casa Maya's featured beer, Corona, there is not a lot of choice as far as drinks go. They don't even have Dos Equis. But if you just want a Coke, you're all set.
What to say about the service? It sucks. Once your waiter decides to grace you with his presence, you can try and order drinks. It might take a few tries, though, since it is more likely than not that your server doesn't speak English. When ordering food, you must order by number, otherwise they won't understand what you're saying. Be prepared to wait a while; also be prepared to have your food practically thrown at you when it is brought out, and then to watch your server disappear, never to return with your check. A quick word to the manager will get you on your way more smoothly.
Whether or not you decide to patronize Casa Maya depends on several factors: the intensity of your craving for Mexican food, the strength of your desire for an inexpensive meal and so on. Be advised, however, that it will be worth the extra effort to find another Mexican restaurant somewhere else, anywhere else.
Bottom Line: Casa Maya is inexpensive and now you know why.
Casa Maya
1993 Richmond Road; (757) 229-0300
ATMOSPHERE: Extremely casual, with a very claustrophobic feel on the weekends.
SOUND LEVEL: Very loud, probably to the point of annoyance. This is especially true when larger groups come in.
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Taquitos Quesos Fritos, Burritos Juarez, Ranchero Quesadilla.
SERVICE: Inattentive and slow; also note that the ability to speak and understand Spanish is a plus here.
WINE LIST: No wine and a poor selection of beers.
PRICE RANGE: Dinner, appetizers, $3 to $5; entrees, $4 to $8.
HOURS: 11am-10pm
CREDIT CARDS: All major cards accepted.
HANDICAPPED ACCESS: Casa Maya is wheelchair accessible.
Casa Maya - *
