Maya Sol, Somerville

Stopped by this newly opened Salvadoran/Mexican place on Broadway near McGrath Highway (as mentioned here earlier when it was still just a rumor, it's next to Casey's)

First impressions were highly favorable. Charming, bright and clean space with restrained colorful decor. A long row of cold and steam tables separates the kitchen from the dining room. The steam tables have lots of prepared foods waiting to be plated - whole fish, plantains, yucca, chicken etc. - and everyone I saw there on a half-full afternoon, including the staff enjoying their break, were eating in this style. i.e. the special plates rather than tacos etc. Though I was tempted, I stuck to my usual pattern of judging a new place first on the tacos. Had the steak, Pork and Tongue. All were garnished identicaly with pico de gallo, avocado, crema, cilanto and lettuce. I asked for a side of curtido but my poor spanish caused it to appear atop the tacos. No problem with that whatsoever. The pork was not carnitas but what they are calling adobado. It was small cubes, very tender, not remarkably flavorful but satisfying. Perhaps braised? It didn't seem grilled, which is what I associated with something adobabo (grilled with a adobo rub) The steak was actually quite similar - I almost had to concentrate to tell the two apart, in fact. Cubes in a bit of sauce. Very tender, pleasant if not singing with flavor. The tongue was more flavorful, chewier (in a good way). With the generous and fresh toppings the end result was very tasty, as good or better than the area competitors I've tried. Tortillas were standard diameter but quite delicate; I sometimes prefer a single tortilla to the double but in this case the double seemed vital to contain the heaping amount of filling without tearing. Did I mention the insane price of $1.50? And these weren't any skinny taco either. I would happily pay $2.50, order two and call it lunch. The side order section of the menu describes the tortillas as hand made. No mention in the taco section so I can't be sure but I'm guessing the same applies. They seemed much better than any commericial varities I've tried.

House made drinks (horchata, maranon), jarritos, milkshakes, empanadas, ,pupusas, desserts, big soups etc. Lots to try.

179 Broadway, Somerville 02145
617.776.9179
8 a.m.-11 p.m. 7 days