Overview

Maria’s Cafe, nestled in the heart of Highland, Indiana, offers an authentic Mexican dining experience that feels like a warm embrace. This charming spot on Kennedy Avenue is a true testament to the richness of Mexican cuisine, serving dishes that honor tradition while delivering bold, vibrant flavors.

The cafe’s ambiance strikes a perfect balance between cozy and inviting, making it an ideal place for both casual meals and intimate gatherings. The atmosphere is enhanced by heartfelt hospitality, as the owners and staff create a welcoming environment where guests feel genuinely valued, reminiscent of a family kitchen.

The menu shines with staples that tempt every palate. Highlights include the asada steak tacos, grilled with precision and seasoned to perfection, and the pork tacos that carry a distinctive, deeply crafted flavor profile, setting them apart as a must-try. Chicken tacos and quesadillas complement the offerings, both rich in flavor and thoughtfully prepared. Even the sides, such as rice and refried beans, elevate the meal beyond mere accompaniments into essential parts of the dining experience. For those eager to explore further, the pozole—a hominy soup infused with pork and red chili—promises a hearty, soul-satisfying dish rooted in tradition.

Drinks at Maria’s Cafe deserve special mention for their authenticity. The café de olla, a spiced Mexican coffee, arrives perfectly balanced and ready to enjoy without alteration, while the aguas frescas bring lightness with flavors like horchata and jamaica. The chips served with pico de gallo or salsa offer a crisp, fresh start to any meal, showcasing the care put into even the simplest elements.

This venue is perfect for anyone seeking genuine Mexican flavors in a relaxed, intimate setting. Whether you’re dropping in for a robust breakfast featuring chorizo and egg tortas or settling in for a leisurely dinner, Maria’s Cafe offers an experience steeped in comfort and culinary sincerity. Its appeal extends to food lovers who appreciate authenticity, families wanting a welcoming atmosphere, and anyone eager to discover a hidden local gem.

Ultimately, Maria’s Cafe stands out as more than a restaurant—it’s a place where food, culture, and community converge. For those in Highland and beyond, this cafe is a destination worth returning to, time and again.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Food
Quick bite
Small plates
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy

What Customers Say

Robert Bakalar
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Maria’s Cafe is an absolute gem! 100 out of 100 stars! From the moment we walked in, the owners made us feel completely at home — warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. The food? Incredible. The asada steak tacos were bursting with flavor, perfectly seasoned and grilled. The pork tacos stood out as something truly special — clearly made with care and a unique touch that made them the best we’ve ever had. The chicken tacos and quesadillas were just as amazing, packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Even the rice and beans were delicious and felt like more than just sides. This place has won us over — it’s officially our new go-to spot. See you guys there tomorrow!!
Rodney Varpucianskas
Dec 3,2025
5/5
We discovered this hidden gem. The coffee and food was amazing. Felt like I was eating a plate at my moms or grandmas. The atmosphere is cute and cozy and the service was so welcoming. Don’t miss out on this great authentic Mexican restaurant.
fargreencountry swiftsunrise
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Great restaurant with fantastic food and atmosphere. Everything was great from the chips and tortillas to the salsa and the tacos. The refried beans were the best I ever had. I look forward to coming on the weekend to try the tamles and the pozole.
Brian Mason
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Very quiet and cute place. I had a very good latte and a chorizo and egg torta, which was excellent. It is a very chill place, and I very much enjoyed my meal.
Leo “Big Papa” Serros
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Very inviting & food was great! We had the pozolé, chips w Pico de gallo, & café de Olla. I love the café de Olla because I didn't have to add anything to it. It was perfect!
C C
Dec 3,2025
5/5
I love this place you walk in and it feels like you’re in a quiet cafe somewhere not in Indiana. Has the home feel and vibes very nice owners and helpers. The menu is very simple I always get the chilaquiles and my kids love the mini pancakes. Cafe de olla is good !!! Very good breakfast spot for us ! I highly recommend it next I’m trying enchiladas!!!!
Denise Martinez
Dec 3,2025
5/5
First timer here! I think I'm gonna be a regular here. Very cutesy decor. The owners seem like a wonderful kind couple. Very polite and friendly. My husband ordered chilaquiles verdes and 1 tamal de rajas. I ordered a red pozole and the same type of tamal. Let me tell you, the tamales were, in our opinion, made to perfection. The pozole was a winner in my book. My husband enjoyed his dish too. The cafe de hoya hit the spot, which was made with cinnamon and all ready sweet, no milk needed, and I don't normally drink black coffee. Prices were extremely fair and reasonable. This is a new little gem in Highland Indiana. Everyone that comes here will definitely return.
CrisTina Garcia
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Maria’s Café is a true gem! Their chilaquiles are the best I’ve ever had, and the tamales verdes are packed with flavor. On the weekends, the pozole is a must — rich, hearty, and comforting. The café de olla is perfectly spiced and so satisfying. I also ordered catering for 76 people, and everyone was raving about the food — not a single complaint, just compliments all around. Maria and her team really know what they’re doing. Highly recommend for both a casual meal and big events!

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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