Dona Maria Tamales Mexican Restaurant

This is one of those rare occasions that we actually ventured to downtown Las Vegas or the Strip itself. When people mention Las Vegas, they usually refer to just Las Vegas Boulevard where the casinos, shopping and bright lights are. Las Vegas is the brightest city on this planet, yet, where we are is also Las Vegas (30 minutes drive from downtown) and there are few to no street lamps. I think it’s like Bukit Panjang to Orchard Road, if you live in Singapore and that makes any sense. So anyway, T doesn’t like crowds and I’ve had few opportunities to explore as we’ve been so busy doing other things and visiting other states. While I loved exploring the trucker pitstops and roadside diners, I was really excited to be eating real Mexican food (not Taco Bell or a breakfast burrito) in an eatery in the heart of Las Vegas.

T has been to Dona Maria’s before and I’ve never really had Mexican cuisine (I told T that I’ve had Brazilian Churrascaria a couple of times but he said that is a totally off comparison.) Other than a couple of breakfast burritos (which I am told is not Mexican other than the wrap) and nachos/salsa, I have no idea what to expect.Anyway, T was given the task of ordering and he really wanted me to try a variety of food. There was a tamale (LOVE IT), 2 types of soft tacos (love the Avocado one), a side of rice and refried beans, cheese quesadilla (so good and it reminded me of a crispy cheese prata) and a cheese enchilada.

Is that not a crazy amount?

Accompanying the food, I had Coke while T had the Horchata (which I tried once several weeks ago and thought it was like an almond-tasting spiced chai.) Oh yeah I love that the nachos and salsa was free flow and they topped up when we finished our first basket before our food came. The nachos were crispy and omg, perfect with the tangy and slightly spicy salsa.Service was great on the day we went. We were ushered in to a nice booth seat quickly, was served by a very funny and efficient Jorge Luis and were constantly asked if we needed anything else.  (T said “uhm… we are vegetarians so can you make sure that everything is veggie only?”. Jorge said “We are vegetarians? No I’m not vegetarian. You are vegetarian.”)

The next time I come, I want the cheese enchilada with red sauce and maybe get T to share a Avocado taco with me. Mmmm… YUMMY!

I would highly recommend this restaurant if you’re in Las Vegas and hankering for some Mexican.

Service 4/5

Food 4/5

Ambience 4/5

Dona Maria Tamales Mexican Restaurant

910 S Las Vegas Boulevard

Las Vegas, NV 89101

Phone: (702) 382 6538

Business Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturdays & Sundays 8:00 am – 11:00 pm