Finding a place that actually feels like a neighborhood living room—but with way better cocktails and a kitchen that doesn’t sleep—is surprisingly hard. You’ve probably driven past plenty of spots in Hudson County that look flashy on the outside but feel cold once you sit down. Honestly, that’s not the vibe at Maria Mentiras Bar and Grill. Located at 328 32nd Street in Union City, this place has built a reputation for being the kind of "hidden gem" that locals almost don't want to tell you about.
It’s vibrant. It’s loud. It’s unapologetically Latin.
The Real Story Behind the Name
Most people hear "Mentiras" and think of the Spanish word for lies. It’s a cheeky name for a bar, right? But the history here is rooted in a very real "American Dream" story that most diners never realize while they're sipping a mojito. Maria Gutierrez, the powerhouse behind the brand, didn't just stumble into the restaurant business. She started with a clothing store at 17 and worked 16-hour days, eventually working with the Small Business Development Center at NJCU to turn her vision for a Latin fusion hub into a reality.
When you walk in, you aren’t just entering a corporate chain. You're entering a space that was fought for. That energy translates into the service, which, while occasionally "relaxed" during the height of a Saturday night rush, usually feels more like being hosted by a cousin than a server.
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What’s Actually Worth Ordering?
Let’s get into the food. The menu at Maria Mentiras Bar and Grill is a bit of a marathon through Latin America. They call it fusion, which basically means you can get a Colombian Bandeja Paisa on the same table as a Peruvian-style Ceviche or a Mexican Molcajete.
If you’re there for the first time, you have to look at the "Marikaditas." It’s a massive sampler platter that’s basically a meat-lover's fever dream: chorizo, pork cracklings (chicharron), chicken, and steak served over golden fried plantains. It’s drizzled in a Marsala sauce that sounds like it shouldn't work with Latin fried meats, but it absolutely does.
- Bandeja Paisa: This is the heavy hitter. It’s a traditional platter with marinated steak, chorizo, and that crispy pork crackling, served with rice, beans, sweet plantains, and a fried egg on top. Don't plan on doing anything productive after eating this.
- Paella Maria Mentira: They do a saffron rice that’s slow-cooked with shrimp, calamari, mussels, and Spanish sausage. They top it with a smoked chipotle aioli, which adds a creamy heat you don't usually find in traditional Spanish paella.
- The Octopus (Pulpo): Grilled to a perfect char and served with a side of potato salad and feta. It’s a lighter contrast to the heavier fried apps.
The "Bottomless" Weekend Scene
If you're looking for a quiet, contemplative Sunday morning, look elsewhere. The brunch at Maria Mentiras is legendary in Union City for a reason. They offer a bottomless mimosa package that is actually bottomless.
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The mimosas keep coming, the music is usually bumping, and the crowd is a mix of families celebrating birthdays and groups of friends leaning into the weekend. It’s a festive environment. Sometimes there’s live music or karaoke, and honestly, the acoustics in the cozy space make it feel like one big party. If you hate noise, go on a Tuesday. If you want to feel alive, go on Sunday.
The Cocktail Game
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the bar. They do a Tequila with cucumber that’s shockingly refreshing, but the real stars for most regulars are the Pina Coladas and the white Sangria. They don't skimp on the alcohol, and the presentation—usually involving plenty of fresh fruit—makes them very "discover-worthy" for your social feed.
The prices are fair. You're looking at a $$-$$$ range, which is standard for the area, but the portions are generally huge. You usually leave with a container of rice and beans for the next day.
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Dealing with the Logistics
Okay, let's be real for a second. Parking in Union City is a nightmare. Maria Mentiras has a tiny lot, but it fills up in seconds. You’ll likely end up circling the block or looking for a spot on New York Ave. It's annoying. It's also part of the North Jersey experience.
Another thing: the service can be inconsistent. On a quiet Wednesday afternoon, you'll be treated like royalty. On a Friday night when the karaoke is peaking, you might have to wave someone down for your check. Most regulars just accept this as part of the "homey" charm, but if you're in a rush, it's something to keep in mind. Also, keep an eye on the bill—they often include an automatic gratuity, which is pretty common for the area but catches people off guard if they aren't looking.
How to Get the Best Experience
- Reservations are key: Don't just show up on a Saturday night with six people and expect a table. Call ahead or use their website.
- The Molcajete: If you're with a date, split the Molcajete Parrillada. It’s $30 but comes with steak, chicken, pork loin, chorizo, and all the fixings. It’s plenty for two.
- Check the Hours: They usually open around 2 PM on weekdays but start earlier at 11 AM or 12 PM on weekends for the brunch crowd.
- Try the Tres Leches: Even if you're stuffed, get it to go. It’s moist, rich, and probably one of the better versions in Hudson County.
Whether you're there for the $10 Marikaditas or a full-blown family celebration, Maria Mentiras Bar and Grill manages to stay grounded in its Union City roots while serving food that feels sophisticated. It’s a place that thrives on "mentiras" (lies) in name only—the flavors and the atmosphere are as real as it gets.
If you are planning a visit, your best bet is to aim for a late Sunday brunch to catch the full energy of the place. Just make sure to secure a ride-share so you don't have to deal with the 32nd Street parking situation after three mimosas.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Location: 328 32nd St, Union City, NJ 07087.
- Best Time: Saturday or Sunday for the brunch experience; Tuesday or Wednesday for a quieter dinner.
- Top Tip: Order the "Marikaditas" platter for the table as soon as you sit down to bridge the gap while your entrees are being prepared.
- Payment: Be aware of automatic gratuity on the check to avoid double-tipping.