maria's is located in alviso, which to most people looks like rundown town, with abandoned vehicles, graffiti & dilapidated houses. however once you enter maria's it has a very welcoming feel. in the bay area, it's rare to find places where the patrons are regulars & the staff is friendly (there's a difference between professional & friendly).
i don't think there was any items we ordered that was bad, so i would suggest trying what sounds best. mind you, this being mexican, the dishes are very filling for the prices.
unfortunately maria's no longer has a liquor license, so if you're there for the pub-like ambiance it once had, that's not true any more.