In the heart of the local food scene, Tía María is more than just a restaurant; it is a testament to the enduring power of family, grief, and resilience. For the family behind the counter, every dish served is an act of love—a way to honor the memory of Saul Almendares, the visionary who founded the restaurant, only to see his dream cut short.
The story of Tía María is one of rebirth. Originally established in 2007 on the West Bank, the restaurant closed its doors following the BP oil spill. In 2021, the founder decided to reopen the space, driven by a simple but noble goal: to create a place where his mother, Maria, could retire while doing what she loved most. Tragically, just one month after the doors reopened, the founder passed away. It was a crushing blow, one that left his mother, his siblings, José and Marcos, and his wife Jessica with a choice: close the doors or keep the dream alive.
They chose the latter. “I just want everyone to know that this was my older brother’s dream,” says Marcos. “And if you’re going through a hard time, just keep pushing. Times are going to get hard… but you have to keep dreaming.”
Today, the family operates with a synchronicity born of necessity and love. Maria, the namesake and matriarch, guards the culinary soul of the restaurant, ensuring her cherished recipes are executed with precision. Jessica handles the logistics and marketing, while Marcos, as director, brings a professional rigor to the day-to-day operations.
The food itself is a vibrant, cross-cultural tapestry. While rooted in tradition, the menu refuses to be boxed in. “We try to innovate dishes and create new things,” Jessica explains. The result is a fusion that welcomes everyone. Whether it’s the signature pollo con tajadas, the fully loaded San Pedro Maduro, or unique takes on shrimp and garlic plates, the restaurant offers an expansive range that blends Mexican, Nicaraguan, Salvadoran, and Cuban influences.
“We have unique dishes that other restaurants don’t offer. It’s like a twist on your staples,” says Jessica.
This “twist” is what sets Tía María apart, but it is the family dynamic that makes it feel like home. Running a restaurant of this caliber is no small feat—it is, according to José, their chef, an exercise in intense teamwork. “It’s like a Viking boat and everybody’s rowing,” he describes. “If somebody doesn’t row, then the boat goes down. We live and die as a team.”
A visit to Tía María is an invitation to taste that teamwork. It is a place where you are not just a customer; you are a guest in a home where the flavors are bold, the service is personal, and the spirit of the founder lives on in every plate served.
