Mari Luna Latin Grill Sizzles

Mari Luna Mexican Grill opened in 2003, and it was so successful that chef/owner Jamie Luna started Mari Luna Latin Grill just a tad farther up Reisterstown Road, in the space that used to house Mr. Chan’s (1010, officially). That restaurant is now on the corner, a few doors away.

Luna's second restaurant is enjoying just as much success as his first. Eat there once, and it's easy to see why.

We entered through the back; the parking is better back there. Immediately, the hostess spotted and seated us. The place was full and bustling at 7 p.m. on a holiday weekend evening. Under all of the chatter and laughter, Latin instrumental music was just barely audible, but added to the ambience nonetheless.

My dining companion started with the lobster bisque, and found it warm and creamy with bigger-than-usual chunks of lobster. The main courses came out perfectly timed; I ordered the bistec a la criolla (mesquite grilled skirt steak sauteed with Spanish mushrooms and red wine sauce, $18), and my dining companion chose vaca frita (tender braised and crisped short rib steak with grilled onions and Grenache red wine sauce, $20).

Both were melt-in-your mouth delicious. My steak was perfectly done; when you order meat medium-well, as I do, there’s often a risk that it will be overcooked and tough. Mine was brown with the slightest hint of red, and the mushrooms, spinach and wine sauce were the perfect finish. My side dish was vegetables with thick, creamy garlic mashed potatoes. My dining companion got platanos maduros (fried plantains) on the side. I’d never tried them before, but I’m eager to get them again (that is, get my own order). They are the best of both worlds: the crunch of the fried, the sweet of the fruit. I’d never tasted anything like it before.

Mari Luna’s Latin Grill has a lovely menu, with the usual categories of soups, salads, appetizers and entrees. But there are many things about Mari Luna Latin Grill that you won’t find at other places in Pikesville. There’s the three-course dinner for $27, lunch specials for $10 and drink specials at happy hour. There’s even a Mari Luna Loyalty Card: “El Prefereido Rewards." The more you eat, the more Mari Luna feeds you.

And feed you they will. There are five soups on the menu every night ($6-$8), three salads ($8-$14), and appetizers spanning the Latin spectrum from Bolivia (empanadas saltenas, $9) to Central America (tamales de pollo—chicken, also $9). The entrees—vegetarian, pork, beef and chicken—range from $14-$28, including two dinners-for-two ($42 and $48).

The service was impeccable, the food delicious.

The manager showed us around, including the private party room that serves up to 50 people. One more surprise: You can dine al fresco on a lovely, spacious rooftop deck. So if you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican food, Mari Luna Mexican Grille can’t be beat. But if you’re in the mood for a bit more, just head up Reisterstown Road a bit and bask in the special dining experience you’ll have at Mari Luna Latin Grille.

1010 Reisterstown Road
410-653-5151
410-653-5252
Sunday Brunch: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
Lunch Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Dinner Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
www.mariluna.com/latin_grill_restaurant_baltimore_pikesville_towson_md.php