We are currently accepting online & phone carry out orders between 5 & 9:30pm Monday-Thursday. We are only accepting carry out orders over the phone on the weekend. Purchase a gift certificate online for pick up, or follow instructions at checkout to send through the mail to the recipient. We have been catering for over 10 years and relish the opportunity to extend the reach of our brand.
Our high quality food paired with the utmost professionalism of our event planning team creates memorable events for any occasion. In August of 2017, we opened a food truck in partnership with Gravely Brewing Co, a new craft brewery and music venue on Baxter Ave. This is a more casual expression of our food, albeit very appropriate, as Mayan food is inherently street food.
Our high quality food paired with the utmost professionalism of our event planning team creates memorable events for any occasion. In August of 2017, we opened a food truck in partnership with Gravely Brewing Co, a new craft brewery and music venue on Baxter Ave. This is a more casual expression of our food, albeit very appropriate, as Mayan food is inherently street food.
Services
We are an authentic Mayan restaurant located in Louisville, KY. Our chef, Bruce Ucn, was a pioneer in this neighborhood, NuLu, when he opened his first restaurant here in 1997. This area has grown up around him in these 20+ years, as we are now surrounded by galleries, boutiques and other farm-to-table restaurants.
We have created a space that encourages creativity within a structure of solid training and support. While our focus is not on rigidity, we are looking for creativity in food, beverages and the operational flow. This means there is more than one "correct" way of doing something - whether that is making a dish, shaking a cocktail, garnishing a tray of catered food or planning an event.
Welcome to the Mayan Caf, an indigenously-inspired farm-to- table restaurant in Louisville, KY. This summer, we are bringing a really special brunch series to Louisville. We have partnered with local social justice organization Bo$$ Louisville to feature up and coming Black chefs who take over our kitchen and create a brunch experience.
The Mayan culture, one known for rich cooking traditions, still lives on through our chef, Bruce Ucn, a Mayan Indian from Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Here, at the Mayan Caf, Chef Ucn fuses traditional Mayan flavors, ingredients & cooking techniques with local, sustainably-farmed ingredients. We are currently accepting phone & online carry out orders between 5 & 9:30pm, Monday-Thursday.
We couldn't be more excited to share that we were named as #26 on Yelp's list of top 100 restaurants. We are very excited to share this awesome video that local videographer, Matt Biggers, produced for us recently. MONTHLY WINE SPECIAL Bodega Garzn Cabernet Franc $12 | 41 Garzn, Uruguay Tasting Notes: an elegant, full-bodied red wine with.
Reviews (27)
Kathy F.
Jan 26, 2022
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I must say, the Mayan Cafe is still one of my favorite restaurants and it doesn't disappoint. 5 women went out to dinner for the first time since Covid. Alex, our server, was excellent. He knew the foods, offered suggestions and was very patient. My cochinita pibil was delicious, moist snd flavorful. The cauliflower steak was superb as was the blood orange margarita! We had a great time and will certainly be back
Olivia G.
Jan 25, 2022
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Jordan H.
Jan 13, 2022
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Went with a friend for dinner. The service was great. Had the scallop ceviche as an appetizer which was light and refreshing. It was the perfect size for a starter. For the main entree I ordered the duck. It was phenomenal. So incredibly juicy and tender and it had so much flavor. It was served over a crispy bed of mashed potatoes which gave it a great texture. Honestly I have no notes or grievances, it was all very delicious. And for the high quality food you're getting the price was honestly not too much to ask either. Very happy with my experience and will be recommending to others.
Courtney E.
Dec 15, 2021
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We were in town for a concert so made reservations here for dinner. We arrived right at 5, and were shooed away from the door and told to come back in 5 minutes. Eeeek. Oh well, no big deal.
For starters we got the dip trio. The guac was simple but fresh, scallop ceviche good, and the pumpkin seed dip was interesting. Sort of tahini-like? I couldn't eat a whole bowl of that, but was glad to have tried something new.
Entrees were the daily special (think taco but thicker, puffier tortilla) which were excellent. They had a great chorizo in them and the entire dish was perfect. Our second
For starters we got the dip trio. The guac was simple but fresh, scallop ceviche good, and the pumpkin seed dip was interesting. Sort of tahini-like? I couldn't eat a whole bowl of that, but was glad to have tried something new.
Entrees were the daily special (think taco but thicker, puffier tortilla) which were excellent. They had a great chorizo in them and the entire dish was perfect. Our second
Keli T.
Nov 23, 2021
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I was here for a work outing and immediately enjoyed the atmosphere. The servers were friendly and attentive. This is one of those "I wish there was a half star option". This wasn't a four star experience, more like 3.5. Anywho we started with many appetizers. My fav was the guacamole. It was divine. My main entree was the ahi tuna tacos. I really like ahi tuna but the homemade shell was not great and just lacked overall. I gave the lima beans a try as everyone raved about those but I didn't care much for those either. Overall nice atmosphere but this just wasn&apos
Carla L.
Nov 18, 2021
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This is one of our favorite go-to places for a nice dinner out.
Mayan Cafe offers an incredible fresh cornucopia of seasonal foods with staples that are a reason to come back over and over and may I say "HELLO Lima Beans!!" Who knew that LIMA BEANS could be so delicious that this is why so many people crave Mayan Cafe?
Another incredibly delicious and another reason to return is the Sikil Pak - a dip, which also can be used as an ingredient in tacos or tostadas, that is made out of roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Oh yes! How about that Hibiscus tea?? Again, so many reasons to
Mayan Cafe offers an incredible fresh cornucopia of seasonal foods with staples that are a reason to come back over and over and may I say "HELLO Lima Beans!!" Who knew that LIMA BEANS could be so delicious that this is why so many people crave Mayan Cafe?
Another incredibly delicious and another reason to return is the Sikil Pak - a dip, which also can be used as an ingredient in tacos or tostadas, that is made out of roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Oh yes! How about that Hibiscus tea?? Again, so many reasons to
Jillian J.
Nov 18, 2021
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This is my second time coming to Mayan Cafe! Celebrating a girlfriend's birthday. Food and cocktails were delicious and service was good. Romantic ambiance and friendly atmosphere! I will be coming back :)
I ordered the cauliflower steak and grapefruit mojito! The mojito was soooo good. 5/5 for that!
I ordered the cauliflower steak and grapefruit mojito! The mojito was soooo good. 5/5 for that!
T. J. Hart
Nov 04, 2021
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Joe Daniels
Nov 02, 2021
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Brian S.
Oct 25, 2021
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Can lightning strike twice? At Mayan Cafe, it can and it did!
I went here by myself in Aug. 2020 upon the recommendation of a local friend and had one of the most amazing meals of my life. I returned last week and brought along two friends/colleagues to whom I had raved about Mayan Cafe last year. I hoped it would live up to all our expectations.
I made a reservation that afternoon. Good that I did. You should too or be prepared to wait a bit.
Lemme cut straight to the chase. Why this place isn't getting Michelin stars or James Beard awards is beyond me!
We started with the Sikil-pak
I went here by myself in Aug. 2020 upon the recommendation of a local friend and had one of the most amazing meals of my life. I returned last week and brought along two friends/colleagues to whom I had raved about Mayan Cafe last year. I hoped it would live up to all our expectations.
I made a reservation that afternoon. Good that I did. You should too or be prepared to wait a bit.
Lemme cut straight to the chase. Why this place isn't getting Michelin stars or James Beard awards is beyond me!
We started with the Sikil-pak
Laurencio Ronquillo
Oct 21, 2021
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I mean, WOW! Starting with the service. Friendly warm welcoming, then amazing appetizers from a creative high end Mexican influence cuisine.
The entrées were absolutely fantastic 💯 as well. And desserts were not left behind, my favorite was the bread pudding, but chocolate on chocolate is amazing too.
Spicy Mango margarita was a must, note they have to be well prepared. When busy there was a slight variance in them, quickly corrected but there is/are some who know how to prepare them perfectly. 👍🙌❤
Easy street parking and the place inside or outside on nice weather is fantastic.
The entrées were absolutely fantastic 💯 as well. And desserts were not left behind, my favorite was the bread pudding, but chocolate on chocolate is amazing too.
Spicy Mango margarita was a must, note they have to be well prepared. When busy there was a slight variance in them, quickly corrected but there is/are some who know how to prepare them perfectly. 👍🙌❤
Easy street parking and the place inside or outside on nice weather is fantastic.
Summi A.
Oct 18, 2021
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A delightful dinner with friendly service. I always enjoy trying ethnic cuisine but when I find a place in a popular area that also features, true, authentic options, it brings me joy. Dining solo, I chose to sit outside (it was a Monday #5pm, so the inside was pretty quiet - I think they definitely pick up as the evening goes on)
I had the ahi tuna ceviche and paired it with a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. I'm so glad I normally would select a white wine but was in the mood for red this night. Surprisingly, the wine pairing worked well. The ahi tuna hd a bit of spice infused into the sauce
I had the ahi tuna ceviche and paired it with a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. I'm so glad I normally would select a white wine but was in the mood for red this night. Surprisingly, the wine pairing worked well. The ahi tuna hd a bit of spice infused into the sauce
Boomer T.
Oct 17, 2021
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I grew up on Mexican food made by my family and my friends. This spot has so many of those classical elements, but elevated by incredible ingredients and skilled execution. Everyone on staff is consistently friendly and gives smooth service. I've never had a bad thing on the menu after eating here multiple times.
One tip: call for a reservation, especially on weekends; they get busy and might have a significant wait. But even on nights with waits, I know it will be worth it, and I am happy that such a solid place is busy enough that people are lining up for it.
One tip: call for a reservation, especially on weekends; they get busy and might have a significant wait. But even on nights with waits, I know it will be worth it, and I am happy that such a solid place is busy enough that people are lining up for it.
Jordan E.
Oct 09, 2021
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We came here for the Boss Brunch series and had a great time! The food was pretty good, but the mission behind the brunch series was even greater. They partnered with a local social justice organization to highlight up and coming chefs. The highlighted chef got to take over the kitchen, create their own menu, and have a great educational experience for serving a brunch. The crab cakes were the showstopper from Chef Tann.
The weekend before I came here with a friend for dinner but forgot to take pictures. We ordered from their typical menu and it was amazing! The Papadzules and Cochinita Pibil
The weekend before I came here with a friend for dinner but forgot to take pictures. We ordered from their typical menu and it was amazing! The Papadzules and Cochinita Pibil
Philip B.
Sep 27, 2021
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Had a wonderful dinner with family on a weekend in Louisville. We made last minute plans and the restaurant was accommodating and sat us after a short wait. The atmosphere was lively with both indoor and outdoor seating. The service was fantastic. For starters, we tried two ceviches: ahi tuna and scallop. The scallop was the better of the two but both were rather disappointing and totally lacking in flavor. Fortunately the disappointment ended there. Cocktails were delicious. I especially enjoyed the blood orange margarita. For entrees, the 2 biggest hits were the duck with fried plantains and
Rachel Shutty
Sep 27, 2021
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Ok place, theme was interesting and new, atmosphere was a little stuffy, food was fine. Got the burrito, which had may components but said it had shishitos but had regular large chunks of green pepper instead and all the rice was on one side, and burger, which felt like it had sat out a little while before we ate it. One component I actually really did like was the plantains, they were cooked well and tasted sweet and perfect! I get it can be tough having a small place as it can get busy easily. Overall not bad to try something new but with the price point probably a one-timer.
Shelly C.
Sep 02, 2021
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Jessica Philpot
Sep 02, 2021
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I went for my birthday. I was so sad. The presentation of food was beautiful but didn’t taste good. The cake was dry and bread pudding was hard. The plantains were soft and mushy. The cactus stir fry just tasted like drinking soy sauce. The pork dish had mushy rice, large pieces of fat, and was overly sweet. They did have a special of the day with jackfruit. That was delicious, but tasted like anywhere else I could get the same for half the price. The jalapeño sauce was delicious, that again tasted just like other local Mexican restaurants. The service was amazing! The atmosphere was beautiful
Pete
Aug 11, 2021
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We tried both ceviche plates. The pineapple ceviche was different and new version. One of us liked it and the other was too surprised, but still liked it in the end.
We also had two tuna taco plates. Not being a guac fan, I only thought they were ok. My son said they were the best he has had, which is a bit disappointing since we make different kinds of tacos monthly. He gets to have his own opinion.
The plantains were very good and really liked the jalapeno salsa but it was a little to hot for either of us.
We also had two tuna taco plates. Not being a guac fan, I only thought they were ok. My son said they were the best he has had, which is a bit disappointing since we make different kinds of tacos monthly. He gets to have his own opinion.
The plantains were very good and really liked the jalapeno salsa but it was a little to hot for either of us.
Claudia E.
Aug 04, 2021
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This place absolutely lives up to the hype. I was looking at the reviews prior to coming, seeing one after the other singing their praises. I then went to look at the menu and I wasn't really excited by anything, everything looked like it was going to just be okay. I could not have been more wrong, and I am planning my next trip to keep trying everything on the menu because WOW.
We started with some drinks. My boyfriend got some beer and I got the grapefruit margarita. I'm not usually one to get more than one drink but this one was so good I got another. We then got a couple of appetizers
We started with some drinks. My boyfriend got some beer and I got the grapefruit margarita. I'm not usually one to get more than one drink but this one was so good I got another. We then got a couple of appetizers
Tyler S.
Jun 30, 2021
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Perhaps the best restaurant in the city.
The environment is terrific-- an intimate area that is great for a date night, but also accepting of large groups. And now with some outdoor seating.
Really, really outstanding food-- everything on the menu is executed so well. Our favorites are the Rabbit and the Cochinita Pibil. And probably the best Lima Beans anywhere.
They also have some outstanding cocktails, especially the Blood Orange Margarita.
Consistently outstanding restaurant in a wonderful area of town. I am always so impressed by Mayan Cafe!
The environment is terrific-- an intimate area that is great for a date night, but also accepting of large groups. And now with some outdoor seating.
Really, really outstanding food-- everything on the menu is executed so well. Our favorites are the Rabbit and the Cochinita Pibil. And probably the best Lima Beans anywhere.
They also have some outstanding cocktails, especially the Blood Orange Margarita.
Consistently outstanding restaurant in a wonderful area of town. I am always so impressed by Mayan Cafe!
Jordan G.
Jun 16, 2021
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We're a family with food allergies and this was hands down one of the best dining out experiences we've ever had. The rabbit and Cochinita pibil were delicious, as was the dip trio appetizer. The blood orange cocktail was perfectly sweet and the spicy peach packed the perfect amount of heat. We finished with the chocolate cake and avocado mousse on the side. The coconut liqueur is a sweet digestif balanced excellently with the sumptuous dark chocolate avocado mousse.
What we appreciated most was the full and highly specific allergen menu, which even specified how menu items could be
What we appreciated most was the full and highly specific allergen menu, which even specified how menu items could be
Steve Roese
Jun 12, 2021
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Brian M.
Apr 22, 2021
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My Navy buddy Jason Sauer recommended this place and it definitely deserves national attention. First, our server Alex was awesome. He recommended our drinks which were superb.
The appetizer, mains and our dessert were phenomenal. The salmon, not pictured, was perfectly seared without being over cooked.
Will definitely be back again next time were back in Louisville!
The appetizer, mains and our dessert were phenomenal. The salmon, not pictured, was perfectly seared without being over cooked.
Will definitely be back again next time were back in Louisville!
Lindsey B.
Apr 06, 2021
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Absolutely delightful service! The food is also fantastic... we tried the Cochinita Pibil, Chicken, and Dip Trio. All super yummy!!!
The management was incredibly accommodating when we showed up without a reservation. It also did not go unnoticed that they prepared food (at no cost) for an older gentleman in need. Great place all around.
The management was incredibly accommodating when we showed up without a reservation. It also did not go unnoticed that they prepared food (at no cost) for an older gentleman in need. Great place all around.
Emily H.
Jan 12, 2021
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Mayan Cafe remains my favorite restaurant in town. For my husband's birthday, we ordered some Mayan Cafe takeout over the weekend. It was not only my favorite take-out meal since COVID started but was one of my favorite meals period.
Ordering via the website was easy, and the food was ready roughly 30 minutes after ordering.
I got their classic Cochinita Pibil, which is made with Garey Farm roasted pork, achiote sauce, tok-sel lima beans and Mexican rice. This was full of flavor, complex, just soul soothing. I wanted to lick my plate.
And those lima beans. You can read all of my thoughts
Ordering via the website was easy, and the food was ready roughly 30 minutes after ordering.
I got their classic Cochinita Pibil, which is made with Garey Farm roasted pork, achiote sauce, tok-sel lima beans and Mexican rice. This was full of flavor, complex, just soul soothing. I wanted to lick my plate.
And those lima beans. You can read all of my thoughts
Jazmin S.
Dec 03, 2020
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The restaurant is great and so is the food truck at Gravely but I really want to use this review to brag on Mayan Cafe's catering. My husband and I had the best experience with them for our wedding. Claire, the catering director, is so nice and easy to work with. We did not one, but two tastings because we wanted to try even more of their menu items before deciding on a menu. Everything was delicious and it was definitely the best tasting experience we had. Some of my favorite items were the salmon ojaldra, veggie tostadas, jackfruit empanadas, their salads, the roasted sweet potatoes, and
