Located in the heart of the historic downtown district, Maria’s Taqueria is a staple of the Shepherdstown community, offering a fresh and energetic take on Mexican cuisine. Known for its “cool and colorful” atmosphere, this local favorite combines a laid-back, trendy vibe with high-quality, made-to-order dishes. The interior is a feast for the eyes, featuring rotating displays of local artwork and iconic painted sugar skulls, making it a destination for both foodies and art lovers. Whether you are stopping in for a quick lunch on the patio or enjoying a craft beer with friends, the restaurantโs commitment to fresh ingredients and lightning-fast service has earned it a reputation as one of the best taquerias in West Virginia.
Essential Information
Operating Hours
Day Hours Monday 11:00 am โ 9:00 pm Tuesday 11:00 am โ 9:00 pm Wednesday 11:00 am โ 9:00 pm Thursday 11:00 am โ 9:00 pm Friday 11:00 am โ 9:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am โ 9:00 pm Sunday Closed
Service, Accessibility, and Amenities
Category Details Service Options Dine-in, Takeout, Outdoor Seating Accessibility Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, Seating, and Restroom Atmosphere Casual, Trendy, Cozy, and Artistic Dietary Options Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free Friendly Kid-Friendliness Kids Menu, High Chairs, and Booster Seats Available Payment Methods Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments Parking Free and Paid Street Parking
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Signature Fish Tacos: ย Frequently cited by patrons as the best in the region, featuring perfectly fried cod, spicy cabbage slaw, and jalapeรฑo aioli.
Exceptional Speed: ย Known for incredibly efficient service, with most orders prepared and served in under 10 minutes.
Vibrant Local Art: ย The restaurant serves as a gallery for local artists, creating a unique and visually stimulating dining environment.
Inclusive Menu: ย Offers extensive options for various lifestyles, including the “Herbivore” vegan burrito and clearly labeled vegetarian selections.
Generous Portions: ย Diners consistently praise the large serving sizes, particularly the “Maria Jane” special and the loaded nachos.
Award-Winning Reputation: ย Recognized in various publications for serving some of the best tacos and burritos in the state.
Mexican Kitchen Menu
Tacos and Taco Meals
Item Description Single Taco Choice of soft or hard shell with meat or veg, salsa, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream Three Taco Meal Three soft or hard shell tacos with choice of fillings and standard toppings Traditional Taco Soft corn tortilla with meat or veg, cilantro, onions, salsa verde, and queso fresco Three Trad Taco Meal Three authentic traditional tacos served with cilantro, onions, and queso fresco Fish Taco Fried cod served with spicy cabbage slaw, cilantro, and jalapeรฑo aioli Three Fish Taco Meal A trio of signature fried cod tacos with spicy slaw and jalapeรฑo aioli
Burritos and Bowls
Item Description Regular Burrito Stuffed with meat or veg, rice, beans, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream Herbivore (Vegan) A plant-based burrito featuring peppers, onions, rice, beans, and pico de gallo Carnivore A high-protein option with a double portion of meat, cheese, and queso Burrito Bowl All the ingredients of a burrito served in a bowl without the tortilla
Maria’s Signature Specialties
Item Description Maria Jane Special A large burrito with choice of meat or veg, drenched in melted queso and pico Maria’s Chimi A fried tortilla stuffed with chicken or pork, topped with queso and guacamole Huevos Rancheros Corn tostadas topped with fried eggs, black beans, jalapeรฑo aioli, and salsa verde Ghost-Face ‘Dilla A spicy quesadilla featuring smoked ghost pepper cheese and choice of meat Taco Salad A bed of fresh lettuce topped with taco fillings, rice, beans, and cheese Nachos A massive plate of chips drenched in queso with meat or vegetables and toppings Quesadilla Grilled tortilla stuffed with meat or veg and served with salsa or pico de gallo
Sides and Dips
Item Description Fried Plantains Sweet plantains served with a signature dipping sauce Chips and Guacamole House-made tortilla chips paired with fresh, creamy guacamole Chips and Queso Crispy chips served with a warm, seasoned cheese dip Chips and Salsa Traditional house chips with a choice of fresh salsa or pico de gallo Rice and Beans A classic side of seasoned rice and black or pinto beans Tortilla Soup Seasonal offering featuring a savory broth and traditional garnishes
Beverages
Item Description Canned Craft Beer A curated selection of regional and popular craft brews House Sangria Refreshing fruit-infused wine served by the glass Selected Wines A rotating variety of red and white wine options