A Taste of Mexico in Shorewood's Park Place Plaza: Casa Maya

Tucked into the center of Park Place Plaza in Shorewood is a little taste of Mexico at Casa Maya.

The Shorewood restaurant has been open for five years, the dream of Tina Carbajal and her sister Maria Solorio. The sisters and their children run the restaurant from menu creation, to cooking, to serving.

The music of our neighbors to the south greets you as you enter the restaurant. The walls are painted a warm cinnamon color, and Mexican art and artifacts adorn the walls. A small bar lies to the right of the front door, and straight ahead are two dining rooms.

The ambiance is cozy and casual, perfect for a couple’s evening out or for dinner with the family.

The five-page menu has so many delicious-looking choices that you have to go back and visit again just to try something new. Or you may find your favorite dish on your first visit and order it again and again. My favorite is the Burritos de la Roqueta: two flour tortillas filled with chicken simmered in beer and topped with melted cheese, sauce, and pico de gallo.

My husband is a fan of the fajitas (steak, chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian). If you’re in the mood for sharing, try the Casa Maya Fajitas for Two.

Appetizers, salads, soups, quesadillas, enchiladas, specialties of the house, steaks, shrimp, vegetarian dishes, a kids’ menu, and desserts complete the menu. Casa Maya also serves beer, wine, and margaritas.

Hours on Monday through Thursday are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturdays are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday is noon to 9 p.m. Casa Maya is located at 805 W. Jefferson in Shorewood. 815-725-7763 or 815-725-7760.