Overall Food Service Noise Bathrooms Value

Mariachi

/ Updated on May 10, 2024
Overall
Food
Service
Noise
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Value

Long-time restaurateur Yolanda Pineda is no stranger to Mexican, Salvadorean and Spanish food. Within viewing distance of the Atlantic Ocean on Wilmington Avenue, the Rehoboth Beach Mariachi is one of the most consistently good places for that sort of food here at the beach. Yolanda's personality is definitely one of the main courses at this large, 2-level facility, and when she opens her arms and says, “Mi casa es su casa!”, she really means it. If you go there a few times, you can't help but get to know her.

When the waiter reads the list of specials, listen carefully! Every special that has been ordered in my presence (at least so far) has been good. Don't miss the Queso Fundido Con Chorizo, a decadent casserole of creamy queso topped with crispy chorizo. Though you might start out intending to share, things might not end up that way. Try not to stab anybody with your fork. Another must-get is an order ot Yolanda's handmade tamales. They are delicious.

All the standard Mexican goodies are there: nachos (with that creamy cheese and crispy peppers), quesadillas, guacamole, etc. Branch out and try the sweetly irresistible Platanos (fried plantain), the Ceviche (a nice firm white fish marinated in lime juice, onions, peppers and cilantro), and the plump little Pupusas, each one lovingly stuffed with flavorful pork and cheese.

A simple salad that I always get is the Ensalada De Guacamole. Nothing more than a standard dinner salad with a mound of cool guac in the middle, for some reason it satisfies the texture/taste needs of this Foodie's pre-prandial nosh. The light, citrusy vinaigrette dressing tops it off perfectly. The Plato Verde is delicious and light: Cheese enchiladas covered in green tomatillo sauce along with a crispy guacamole taco, rice and black beans.

Regulars here at RF.com know about my ruts. That's why I take as many people with me as I can when I write about a place. My Mariachi rut is the Plato NorteƱo, a combination of a chicken burrito (spiced and shredded white-meat chicken), a rich cheese enchilada and, of course, guac. I love Tex-Mex and that does it for me. Fortunately, my regular dining companions like to branch out a little more. The seafood enchiladas are stuffed with lots of marine goodies and bathed in a happy tsunami of cheese and a cream sauce (didn't think you'd read the words “happy tsunami” today, did you?).

Chicken lovers should not miss the Pechuga al La Parilla, a boneless breast with lemon and a great sauce. The Spanish specialties have always been consistent and authentic, including such goodies as beef tongue, trout, sirloin steak, and what is reported to be wonderful Paella (it's not always on the menu), all decked out with shrimp, mussels, squid, scallops, fish and clams perched atop a savory saffron rice. Been there? Post your comments below.

Another tasty dish is the Masitas de Puerco, a savory dish of cubed and seared pork with Spanish rice and beans. Sort of like Carnitas, but with a Spanish accent.

Don't forget the Sunday brunch at Mariachi! Scrambled eggs with homemade chorizo, chorizo eggs Benedict, Yolanda's decadent and delicious Platanos (fried plantains with sour cream), her handmade pupusas, and lots of mimosas and sangria. If you have a little group, and Yolanda isn't busy, she might even make a little breakfast family-style platter for you. Can't hurt to ask….

Surprisingly, in this wonderful whirlwind of pork, chicken and seafood, they have six tasty sounding vegetarian dishes, including a wonderful Plato Rojo, a cheesy chile relleno, deep fried, of course. Almost makes you forget it's vegetarian. Check out our resident plant chewer's thoughts in Grilled Cheese & Beyond. Mariachi has possibly the most delicious dessert in Rehoboth Beach: Yolanda's Tres Leches cake. Trust your Foodie on this one.

I finally got out of my Plato NorteƱo rut and ordered the Camarones Cancun. Where have these been all my life? This generous portion of tender butterflied shrimp arrive at the table fajita-style, hot, noisy and sizzlin' like all-get-out. They are deliciously spiced with just a touch of heat which the butter smooths out perfectly. Like shrimp? Get these. You won't be sorry. They arrive with flour tortillas, pinto beans and Yolanda's wonderful yellow rice. Careful — the plate is hot.

Mariachi is a three-story building at 14 Wilmington Ave, on the south side, just a half-block from the Boardwalk. Be sure to call to check their hours (302-227-0115). By the way, if you decide you just can't go even one day without Yolanda's food, they have a wonderful, huge and airy apartment on the top floor (ocean view both front and back) that is available for rental and/or parties. One flight down to nirvana.

Speaking of apartments, having an affair? Yolanda will cater it! Click here to view the lunch, dinner and brunch menus.

(Sat. (in season), Sun. Brunch, L., D., Bar) Price Range: Moderate -.

Off-season Specials & Hours

Specials & Moods change quickly. Always call a restaurant first.

pp = per person.
BOGO = buy one, get one.
Bloody = bloody mary.
domestics = American-made beers (e.g., Bud).
imports = foreign beers (e.g., Heineken).
Rails = non call-brand alcohol.
Prix Fixe = one set price.
Mains = entrees.
Margs = margaritas.
Chix = chicken.
AYCE = all you can eat.
Lite = Miller Lite
drafts = draught beer.
Early Birds = arrive before a certain time.
Apps = Appetizers.
bottles = beer in a bottle.
Ć  la carte = order off the menu (no prix fixe).
crafts = micro/artisanal brews (e.g., Old Leghumper Lager)

14 Wilmington Ave.
(302) 227-0115

Sunday
Open 11 - 9 for lunch and dinner.
Monday
Open 11 - 9 for lunch and dinner.
Tuesday
Open 11 - 9 for lunch and dinner.
Wednesday
Open 11 - 9 for lunch and dinner.

Thursday
Open 11 - 9 for lunch and dinner.

Friday
Open 11 - 9:30 for lunch and dinner.
Saturday
Open 11 - 9:30 for lunch and dinner.
The Rehoboth Foodie

About the Author

"My goal is to promote Rehoboth Beach dining while remaining honest and impartial. I donā€™t gush unless a place deserves it, and I donā€™t pull punches, either. With so many good places to eat around here, it just doesnā€™t make sense to waste the calories ā€” or the money ā€” on anything less." View all articles written by The Rehoboth Foodie

Add Your Comment
  1. Avatar Linda says:

    Loved your comment about the Camarones Cancun. They are the best! That dish has become my rut! The shrimp are large and delicious, and perfectly spiced. So good.

  2. Avatar Tom Schwab says:

    Wonderful Hispanic cuisine. Our family has dinned here many times. Always a joyful experience. Yolanda a gracious hostess, very hands on. No, if any mistakes here. I highly recommend Pocchuc Yucateco and Seafood Enchiladas. Service is well above the average and very welcoming.

  3. Avatar Barbara Dorsey says:

    Mariachi has made some cosmetic updates and it feels much cozier in the dining room. The menu is shorter and easier to understand, and a few of my personal favorites that were specials are now on the regular menu. Seafood Enchiladas are loaded with honking chunks of seafood, especially shrimp and sea scallops. No Crab with a K from these real deal restauranteurs! Tonight I returned a beautiful bowl my family style take out Holiday Chocolate Mousse was served in and I got my favorite dish to go. I was stunned.

    Cheap eats fans: Seafood Enchiladas are $16.99 on Friday. I was told that Friday night was seafood night. Everything is $16.99. Thrilled, I asked when is Paella night and was told Tonight! That’s seafood too! This applies to dine in and take out, which is unusual. So I guess my Friday food dilemma will be solved for now. Take note, Cheap Eats fans!

    Yolanda told me she does indeed use a touch of real Saffron. When I make Paella at home, I use Tumeric and flavored rice to try to mimic the taste but just that little detail shows the quality of the food that has made this place a winner here at the beach.

  4. Avatar mags says:

    The shrimp look wonderful! Yum! Definitely have to go have dinner there soon!

    But, I have to ask…why would someone go to a restaurant ‘for years’ and love it every time and then have one bad experience and decide never to go back??? That just doesn’t make any sense to me. Everyone has an off night every once in a while. I wouldn’t let one bad meal keep me away.

    • The Rehoboth Foodie The Rehoboth Foodie says:

      Mags…
      It has been my experience that when somebody writes or says that sort of thing that their “proclamation” has to do with a lot more than just their experience at the restaurant. There are always a few on a hair trigger, ready to lash out at whatever even momentarily shatters their calm.

  5. Avatar barbara says:

    Oh Edwin, swearing off this place isnt fair to you! I eat here several times a year and I think you are right that the heart of the place is Yolanda. If you do go back try the seafood enchilada and the lime soup. And the 3 milk cake or home made chocolate mousse.

  6. Avatar Sue Lichtenstein says:

    One of our favorite places! Friendly staff and great food with solid value! I love the cerviche and I’ve had it all over the place -large and flavorful. We always order the plantains as a dessert – Yolanda gets the nice sweet ones from Colombia and cooks them just right! We have never ordered anything we didn’t like – brunches are fun too!

  7. Avatar Christine G says:

    My husband and I tried this for the first time a few weeks ago. Service was very slow even though they weren’t very busy, but the food was great. We had the Masitas de Puerco and Steak Fajitas and both were good. LOVED the fried plaintain that came with the pork. The Tres Leche cake was the best I’ve ever had, and the Sopapillas were good as well. Will definitely be back, and hope for better service next time.

  8. Avatar Edwin says:

    I loved this place for years and would recommend it to anyone asking for a good Mexican /Spanish restaurant in the Rehoboth area. BUT, the last time I visited in April, eager to show it off to my partner, was my last time of ever going there. Yolanda was not there, and maybe that made ALL the Difference! The service was barely adequate, they over charged for an item (by double), my black beans tasted like they’d expired weeks before, and the Flan we ordered for dessert was simply hard to swallow (I swear it was made from a JelloĀ® box recipe). I hope this was simply a fluke experience, but it was bad enough that again, I’ll never return and had a terrible time justifying spending a single dollar on our meals there. Best of luck to them!

  9. Avatar Alisa and Bob says:

    very good. Loved the papoosas, but the cabbage slaw was a bit spicy. Fried bananas were excellent. Overall good food and good service. Will definitely return to dine there again

  10. Avatar Howard Cyr says:

    Have dined here many times. A really fun place with very good food and an efficient, friendly staff. Yolanda will make your visit fun. We look forward to seeing her and her restaurant again and again.

  11. Avatar Paul says:

    Fun, great Mexican food, great service say no more! A must go to restaurant, anywhere!

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