Seemor
Tikal Mayan FoodA-Worth Trying
1393 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
· Guatemalan restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (156 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Authentic Guatemalan comfort cooking with warm, attentive service and fair prices; come for stews, tamales, and handmade tortillas, but expect a simple room and occasional portion/value quibbles on pupusas.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Tikal Mayan Food delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored in authentic Guatemalan stews, tamales, and handmade tortillas, paired with warm, attentive service that guides diners through the menu. Consistent execution and fair Upper East Side pricing reinforce its standing as a respected neighborhood gem, though the modest setting and lack of destination-level ambiance prevent elevation to grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy and low-key with a neighborly vibe more than a scene. Servers are warm and attentive, often guiding first-timers through the menu. One diner summed it up nicely: "It tasted homemade and packed with rich spices." Lighting tweaks have made it more inviting over time. The culinary approach leans traditional and comforting: Guatemalan stews like pepian and kaq'ik, tender tamales, and handmade tortillas that soak up every drop. Expect authentic flavors over flash, plus fair prices for the Upper East Side. Pupusas are popular, though a couple of guests wished for larger portions relative to price. Families do well here thanks to simple, kid-friendly choices like rotisserie chicken ($14.50 quarter), rice, beans, and fried plantains. If your crew is adventurous, the pepian and tamales are great introductions; picky eaters can stick to the basics and be happy.
At a Glance
- Deeply authentic Guatemalan stews, tamales, and handmade tortillas
- Warm, helpful service with genuine hospitality
- Fair pricing for the Upper East Side; portions generally generous
- A few complaints about pupusa value/portion size
- Bathroom access is limited to paying customers per isolated reports
What Sets It Apart
- handmade_corn_tortillas
- hard-to-find_Guatemalan_stews
- warm_hospitality_feels_like_home
What People Love
- Handmade tortillas that are warm and fluffy
- Hearty, aromatic stews that taste like home cooking
- Kind, attentive staff who explain the dishes
- Reasonable prices for the neighborhood
Points of Concern
- Occasional pupusa portion-to-price disappointment
- Bathroom access restricted to paying customers reported by two reviewers
- Room is simple and no-frills which may not suit date-night expectations
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-46 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with a tamal or pupusa, then choose pepian or kaq'ik and add plantains; families can split a half rotisserie chicken with rice and beans.
Perfect For
- Craving authentic Central American comfort food
- Low-key neighborhood dinner with friends
- Introducing someone to Guatemalan cuisine
- Family meal with simple kid-friendly options
Location Insights
Area: Upper East Side corridor with residential density and steady foot traffic; casual local dining over destination nightlife.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit avenues with consistent evening foot traffic typical of the Upper East Side.
Nearby: Near apartments, small shops, and services; convenient to Q train on Second Ave and crosstown buses.
Upper East SideThe dining scene here is characterized by upscale restaurants, classic New York delis, and refined cafes catering to a well-heeled clientele. The atmosphere is generally calm and sophisticated, with a focus on quality and tradition rather than nightlife or trendiness.
YorkvilleYorkville offers a slightly more casual and diverse dining environment compared to the rest of the Upper East Side, with a mix of traditional German and Hungarian eateries alongside modern bistros and cafes. It has a neighborhood feel with increasing appeal to younger crowds.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:30
Tuesday11:00–21:30
Wednesday11:00–21:30
Thursday11:00–21:30
Friday11:00–21:30
Saturday11:00–21:30
Sunday11:00–21:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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