not so much. two stars out of a possible 5 stars. as i write this, i fear that there will be a contract put out on my life by the so austin mafia... so, i added a star for protection purposes. i will also add another star, because i probably have my head up my bum expecting something different to what maria's is. it is an institution, and has a very loyal gathering. it's a hang out, and sitting outside i got a sudden flash back of the armadillo beer garden. there is a cornucopia of stuff to look at in a keep austin weird vein. it is whimsical perhaps magical place for some. this is lost on me. hence the head/bum reference. perhaps so many folks are in love with what is all around them, and not what is on their plate. i wouldn't set out to go there, but have gone a couple of times for teacher happy hour. the taco's are well, average. pile on the fresh condiments, and they are better... so why can't they start out great, and compliment them with condiments? salsa and chips good. queso, melted cheese in styrofoam cup. margaritas, decent, powdered mix in the frozens, mango nice change of pace. however, plastic cups, my big pet peeve. patio, nice, but don't wear shoes you care for since it is a mixture of clay and stones, making it muddy when it rains, and extremely dusty when it's dry. music... since i have been there only on fridays, i didn't care for the band, it was loud, and the venue is small, so no conversation allowed. however, last night, thefoodchannel was there filming a show on dives and diners.. i wonder what they call maria's?