I'm a lover of Mexican food and always interested in supporting local businesses (plus I have a friend who works there and encouraged me to to check it out) so I was happy to discover Mais a few weeks back.
I found it to be a cozy, bustling joint where it was easy to people-watch since most of the young crowd were seated at long picnic-like tables. I thought the tacos were artfully plated and had a few little twists. The ricotta-squash sounded the most interesting, but I personally found it bland and too rich. The Carnita was the winner for me - tender meat with crispy pork rind and salsa verde - and delicious paired with a Tecate. My vegetarian compadre seemed happy with her marguerita even though it was in a smurf-sized glass and she declared the fish taco trumped the mushroom/squash. There are vegetarian options yes...but I found them to be the weakest links on the menu. A spicy bean/smoked tofu would certainly make a nice addition...
There was little room for dessert (at only three tacos each and beverages we were stuffed) but we shared a home made chocolate bar (a dense, chocolate cookie bar). I liked the concept but the actual dessert left something to be desired. If it had been moister or glazed with a cinnamon-chocolate ganache it might have stood out. As it stood - it sat.
Yes, Mais is currently a hot spot. No, it's not your authentic Texan taco feast at $1.25 apiece with a variety of amazing salsas, fresh cilantro etc. BUT that being said it was a night well spent. I'd return for a drink and a snack but probably not for a full dinner.