Maria's Buena Cocina

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  This is an amazing little secret; I love Memo's also but Maria's is like being invited to a friend's home to eat amazing food. They treat you like family .... It's just lovely. The guacamole is made to your taste and the " farmers market " steak tacos are ridiculously good. Eat here!

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  Posted on 02.19.13 J L.

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  Literally this place was the best food I have every had while on the road.  Maria and her family feel more like hosts than chefs.  We felt like we were family.  Maria cooked right in front of us while she told us stories of her daughter.  It was one of the most heart warming experiences we have had.  As she peeled the avocado's to make our guacamole she told about how blessed she is to have her family.  
  
  I can't say it enough, best experience I have ever had.  5 stars is too little in my book.  I will never go to Chicago again without first stopping off at Maria's.

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  Posted on 02.15.13 Colin P.

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  Ok where do I start??? The family and I have been here twice.....(it will be more!!!) and we already feel like we are treated like family.  The family aka staff are great people that that pride in their food.  Everything is  prepared fresh when ordered and not precooked and reheated!!! I hate that!!!!  
  
  Its off of Kennedy Ave so you have to look for the sign to find the parking lot but it is soooooo worth it!!!

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  Posted on 01.10.13 David Z.

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  So, picture it...we're in the Hammond/Highland area and looking for something to do for dinner.  We check Yelp and see what's around, finally deciding on Maria's Buena Cocina.  From the moment you walk in, you feel at home.  Maria welcomed us with a big smile and we instantly felt like we had known her for years!  
  
  We ordered the guacamole (bursting with fresh flavor, lime & cilantro), spinach & mushroom quesadilla (fresh spinach & mushrooms...delicious) and my husband had the chicken soup...but this wasn't just chicken soup...it was what Mom's and Grandma's strive to achieve.  This soup was rich and fresh...it's what Anton Ego must have felt when he tasted Remy's Ratatouille.  Transcendent.  Seriously.  I can't wait to go back here when it's super cold out and have it as my main course.
  
  For our entrees, we had the Tamales (rich, moist and very flavorful, served with some of the best re-fried beans & rice I have ever tasted) and carne asada (incredible...the plate was cleaned of anything edible, I assure you.)  One of the great parts about eating fresh, whole foods, is the feeling of satiety afterwards.  We definitely felt that here.
  
  After we finished, stuffed and happy, we had a nice chat with Maria and met her family.  It's their business and they care about not just every morsel of food but the entire dining experience which they put forth simply and beautifully.  It's a relaxed, casual atmosphere and you can absolutely taste the love in every bite of their wonderful dishes. So, for fresh, wholesome and flavorful Mexican cuisine, make sure you check them out...you won't be disappointed!

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  Posted on 10.11.12 Kim K.

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  I can't believe this place was right here in my own back yard and I am only finding it now!  
  
  I stopped on my way home from work today and carried out one Farmers Market Steak Taco (topped with rice, beans, cabbage, pico de gallo and homemade salsa.  The other was a Crispy Taco with ground beef (topped with cabbage, pico, cheese and salsa).  Both were delicious.
  
  Maria is so sweet.  I told her this was my first visit so while I waited for my food (which really didn't take too long at all) she brought me a small cup of the Caldo de Res (beef soup with veggies) which was the daily special.  It was very good.  I could have made a meal out of the soup alone!
  
  I'm a Mexican food lover... I crave it all the time.  But, I am picky!  This place was great.  I'll go back for sure!

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  Posted on 10.05.12 Jen G.

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  Okay, since my first review that says I've only been to this place twice, let me update and say that it's been at least 20 more times. I love it! This is my go-to for homemade food in NW Indiana (which is hard to find in these here parts).
  These people treat you and feed you like family. It rocks. Period.

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  Posted on 05.22.12 Kathy R.

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  Two friends and I ate there last night. I had the tamale dinner and enjoyed it very much.
    Try the daliy specials which, due to kitchen restrictions, are prepared fresh each day!

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  Posted on 04.21.12 Ed J.

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  Never ever a bad meal. Every bite is a little hug. The Caldo De Res soup on a cold winter day makes it easier to go back to work.  Maria and her husband are always upbeat and proud of their food.

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  Posted on 01.20.12 Jim M.

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