A cash-only, family-run Mexican restaurant near Journal Square with generous traditional food and strong repeat-customer devotion, offset by a small dining room and a handful of serious ordering and freshness complaints.
Mi Mariachi delivers solid food quality anchored by praised tacos, fajitas, and mole, with generous portions that justify strong value perceptions. Friendly service and a convenient Journal Square location build loyal repeat customers, yet inconsistent execution on some orders and modest ambiance prevent a stronger grade. The core cooking shines, but operational reliability across all visits remains the limiting factor.
Mi Mariachi is a small, homey Journal Square spot that feels more like a neighborhood kitchen than a polished destination. Reviewers repeatedly describe a warm Mexican atmosphere, friendly staff, and generous plates; one regular says it feels like seeing an abuela working the grill. The room is compact, and the cash-only policy is impossible to miss—because it keeps coming up in reviews. The cooking is traditional, broad, and comfort-driven rather than experimental. Birria tacos, mole enchiladas, fajitas, al pastor, tortas, and lengua are the recurring wins, with portions that often stretch into leftovers. Regulars return for years, but the service story has a weaker side: several diners report missed online orders, incorrect food, or dishes that seemed old. Call ahead or order in person if reliability matters. Families have plenty to work with: chicken fingers and fries, cheese quesadillas, nachos, tacos, burritos, rice, beans, and a dedicated vegetarian section are all on the current menu. Kids who like familiar Mexican food should be comfortable, though the tiny dining room may feel tight for larger family groups. Vegetarian choices are strong, and one reviewer reports that a vegan modification was accommodated.
Area vibe: Busy transit-oriented district with a mix of commercial and residential activity.
Safety: Varies block-to-block; generally active during the day but some streets quieter and can feel less well-lit at night.
What's nearby: Near Journal Square PATH station, bus routes, local shops, and nearby municipal buildings.
The birria tacos and mole enchiladas are the safest bets, but the menu also rewards adventurous orders like lengua and goat barbacoa.
The homey neighborhood feel comes with a cash-only policy, tight seating, and occasional problems with online orders.
Vegetarian choices are unusually broad, while vegan and gluten-free diners should verify modifications rather than rely on labeled counts.