Maria’s famous taco de mole is not only visually appealing, but is rich in a masterful combination of flavors. Nina Timofeyeva / Daily Nexus

Since opening in June 2023, Maria’s Tacos has been serving authentic and affordable dishes hailing from Mexico to locals and visitors of Isla Vista. The owner, Maria Mayo, shared insights about the restaurant’s origin and core values, offering a deeper look into the heart of this homestyle business.

From the vibrant coastal city of Acapulco, Guerrero, to the heart of Isla Vista, Maria Mayo’s journey is one rooted in a deep love for cooking. Having moved to the U.S. when she was 11 years old and being the oldest of four children, Maria says cooking has long been a passion and important part of her life. 

She began helping her father in the kitchen at a young age to support her busy working mother and siblings. As her interest in cooking grew, Maria took on jobs to gain more experience, working jobs at McDonald’s and also at East Beach Grill. 

Ultimately, while studying nursing at Santa Barbara City College, she had to make a decision of which profession to pursue. Maria decided to work towards her lifelong dream of owning a personal restaurant.

“I decided to open Maria’s Tacos after realizing how much I loved sharing my food. The idea came to me while working in different kitchens, where I often dreamed of creating a space that felt like home — a place where people could gather over delicious, authentic tacos,” Mayo said.

Maria’s Tacos, located on Pardall Road, identifiable by this colorful banner at entry. Nina Timofeyeva / Daily Nexus

Setting her sights on I.V. for the location of her business, Maria walked through Pardall Road with her daughters and noticed a vacant building. After officially securing the place as her own, she and her husband began renovations in the run-down, tattered space. 

“I chose Isla Vista as the location for Maria’s Tacos because it has such a vibrant community filled with students and locals who appreciate good food. The energy and diversity in Isla Vista make it the perfect setting for a taco shop that celebrates authentic flavors,” said Mayo. 

After much work, Maria’s Tacos was ready to be opened during the summer.

“I knew that summer in Isla Vista was quieter, with many students away. The initial days were slow, and I wondered if I had made the right choice. However, I remained hopeful and focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere and perfecting my recipes. Once the school year began and the students returned, everything changed. The vibrant energy of the community came back, and I saw a significant uptick in customers,” said Mayo.

Maria’s Tacos began getting more customers. The growing success allowed Maria to expand her menu to include breakfasts catered to busy students who were in a rush to grab something to eat. This decision highlights the overall vision for the business, which is to focus on understanding what her target population — mainly UC Santa Barbara students — are looking for. 

“I believe that great food should be accessible to everyone, especially students. My goal is to create budget-friendly meals that not only satisfy the appetite but also celebrate the rich flavors of our heritage. Delicious food shouldn’t break the bank—it should bring people together and create unforgettable experiences!” said Mayo.

To do this, she started a Taco Tuesday deal in which students can get four tacos at a discounted price. Upon visiting the restaurant, customers will also see employees hand-making tortillas in the restaurant’s open kitchen, the flavors and texture of which elevate the tacos to a whole new level. 

Maria Mayo brings delicious, affordable, and authentic Mexian food to I.V. with her restaurant. Nina Timofeyeva / Daily Nexus

“Each dish is crafted with love and aims to create a sense of community around the table, inviting everyone to share in the joy of good food,” Mayo said.

I had the opportunity to try Maria’s specialty dish: tacos de mole. Having learned this recipe from her father and aunt, Maria has perfected the mole to be a flavorful mixture of numerous spices served on top of or mixed with shredded chicken. I was blown away by the complexity and harmony of the various flavors in the sauce, and of course how well everything paired with the hand-made tortillas. Apart from tacos, Maria’s Tacos also serves burritos, tortas and nachos. 

For the future, Maria is planning on opening a second location in Carpinteria! She also has goals of adding new items to the existing menu, all while continuing to serve authentic Mexican food.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, I asked Maria what this occasion means for her and her business. She shared that she sees it as a time to honor the Hispanic community and culture in Santa Barbara, inviting people to experience authentic cuisine. Through her restaurant, Maria said she aims to build a sense of community and inspire others to pursue their dreams and embrace cultural cooking. 

“For me, it’s a reminder of the values my family instilled in me—hard work, resilience, and the importance of sharing food as a way to bring people together,” Mayo said.

Next time you’re passing by the adorable shop on Pardall Road, stop by and grab some tasty tacos from Maria’s Tacos. Once you do, you’ll leave with a smile on your face,  and feel just a bit closer to the kind and caring community that surrounds this restaurant.

A version of this article appeared on p. 15 of the Oct. 17, 2024 edition of the Daily Nexus.