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Mexican Cobb salad made with chicken, chorizo, corn, cherry tomatoes, black beans, green onions, avocado, queso fresco, and salsa-ranch dressing
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Hand-squeezed strawberry margarita and steak tacos
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Tres leches cake, a decadent Mexican classic
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Escabeche: habanero and honey pickled carrots, onions, and jicama
What happens when lifelong restaurateurs create their dream restaurant? A husband-and-wife team seized the opportunity to take over an open space in a suburban shopping center called Richmond Square in northern Lancaster County. The couple has owned Mick’s Pub since 2008 with its soon-to-be three locations in Lititz, Mount Joy, and the new Willow Valley Crossroads location opening in June.
Maize Mexican Cantina opened in October 2018. But inside, it feels like an old, authentic cantina. Stephanie hand-selected all of the elements that make the restaurant what it is, which is cozy and inviting with seating for about 125. A total reimagining of the space was necessary; it was formerly a sushi bar, which had been followed briefly by another restaurant. Modern concrete floors meet hand-painted tiles and authentic, intricately carved wood chairs from Mexico. Guests are greeted by a bright open bar concept with margaritas at the ready.
“We love Mexican food and margaritas,” says Stephanie. Their hand-squeezed margaritas are a specialty. “When we go out of town we always look for places [like this].” The couple has a vacation home in Lewes, Delaware, and loves the beach town’s most popular Mexican restaurant, Agave. Opening their own Mexican restaurant is a full circle move for the couple, who met working at the former Carlos and Charlie’s Southwest Grille, a longtime Lancaster establishment where Stephanie was a waitress and Mick worked for more than 20 years and became a partner. Now, at Maize, the couple gets to see all their “old neighbors and friends that live on this end.” As Mick explains, “our first house was three-quarters of a mile from here.”
Unlike southwest or other Mexican restaurants, Maize offers a more modern, West Coast inspired menu, Mick explains. “The corn theme is throughout most of our sauces and dishes.” So corn tortillas are often the vehicle of choice for the restaurant’s slow-roasted meats. “We actually use Mexican cheeses [such as anejo, asadera, cojita and queso fresco], which are hand-grated every day,” he continues. They have also tweaked the menu since first opening, with complimentary chips and salsa as well as platters and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. “We wanted to see which way our customers directed us,” he says.
The most popular dish at Maize is the shrimp enchiladas with creamy poblano sauce ($15). Each of the two flour tortillas is generously filled with shrimp, sautéed spinach, and shredded carrots, topped with the unique yet mild sauce perfect for those who can’t stand the heat but love flavor. “Empanadas are very popular,” says Mick. Two flaky pastries filled with shredded pork in tomato sauce and cilantro also come with the delicious poblano cream sauce ($8). “Our fajitas are amazing,” he adds. The Ranch Hand burrito—which comes stuffed with Cajun seasoned filet, onions, mushrooms, roasted corn, and asadero-chihuahua cheese blend topped with sour cream sauce ($16)—is also a crowd favorite. Stephanie’s pick is the land and sea burrito made with marinated steak, sautéed shrimp, spinach, onions, rice, and asadero-chihuahua cheeses topped with seafood cream sauce ($17). Mick admits he eats the enchilada combo at least twice a week, but the pork tacos are a close second.
For vegans and vegetarians, a roasted vegetable burrito is filled with grilled asparagus, roasted poblano peppers, portabellas, spinach, red onions, and carrots topped with tomatillo sauce ($13). Beyond Meat soy-based products are also available.
During lunch, an $11.99 buffet offers something for everyone: tortilla soup, rice and beans, and make-your-own tacos with all the fixings.
The restaurant seats 25 at its big, welcoming bar featuring happy hour specials. Watch for outdoor seating for about 40 opening soon during warm weather months. And don’t miss their Cinco de Mayo specials—check social media for more info.
Maize Mexican Cantina
605 Richmond Drive, Lancaster, PA / maizemexicancantina.com / 717-984-6014
