Machaca Gloucester

Reviews

• Suzanne T.

  star star star star star 14 October 2026

  We felt like Mexican for our anniversary dinner, and we had heard good things about this place!  We arrived early on a "taco" Tuesday (5:45pm)
  We were greeted promptly and we're allowed to pick our seat!  We ordered house margaritas that were very tasty!  The chips and salsa were great, a nice bite to the salsa.  We ordered the queso based on past reviews!  It had awesome big chunks of chicken in a cheesy queso sauce!  We knew after chowing on the queso we wouldn't need big meals.  We ordered avocado fries which were slices of avocado fried in a beer batter!  AKA YUM!  
  (We even took an order home for our daughter who loves avocado).
  The cilantro mayo was yummy and spicy!  
  At this point we were almost full so we each got one taco, I ordered the fish taco and he ordered a pork taco!  Everything was delicious and VERY fresh!  The best part of our experience was our waitress, "Gracia". She was so pleasant and knowledgeable and was always there when we needed anything.  We are looking forward to going back!  
  I will tell you it was not busy at this time so we enjoyed the extra attention!

• Annemarie H.

  star star star star star_border 12 October 2026

  We had a delicious dinner. Staff was friendly, food and drink orders were quick.
  
  The queso had a bit of a kick to it that we were not expecting so next time We will ask for mild and or to leave out the kick.
  
  They do supply a glass jar of water that they were excellent at refilling. Two thumbs up for that!
  
  I highly recommend the Taco bowl!
  
  I love how they have the option for taco, chimi, or bowl for the taco filling options.
  
  Heres where the minus star comes into play... Thursday nights are Karaoke night ( woot , woot) it starts at 9 which was just about when we wrapped up our dinner. We were planning on not leaving as fast as we did but when I realized they were removing tables around us to get ready for it I felt as if it was taking the restaurant part out and turning into more of a "bar" scene which would have been great if I didn't have my teenage daughter dining with us.  The lights got turned low and it just had a very non restaurant feel. On Friday nights we have attended plenty of restaurant's around the island where entertainment is going on and the environment changes but because it was such a small establishment it made it awkward.

• Robine V.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 5 October 2026

  SERVICE OUTRAGEOUS LY BAD.
  Came in at 6pm and got seated at a high top table for 4 or 5 even though we were only two people. In the middle of our appetizer and drinks, however, we were asked to move to a dark small table for two in the corner. I've never seen this happen to anyone before nor has it happened to me. I think it's outrageous to do this to customers clearly so you can maximize your seating at the expense of the customer's experience in your establishment.

• Katherine O.

  star star star star star 26 September 2026

  Let me start by saying that I lived in Texas for a year, where original Mexican recipes are utilized, so I would say that I know a thing or two about this type of cuisine.  While different than Tex-Mex or authentic Mexican food down south, Machaca has managed to create a delectable experience, indeed.
  
  I'd like to start my review by talking about the service.  A crucial part of any dining experience, the wait staff can make or break your evening.  I am happy to report that I had excellent service.  I wish I remember our waitress' name.  She was super friendly, fast and knowledgeable.  The expediters were also attentive and efficient.
  
  Machaca provides free chips and salsa at the table, and I tend to rate a Mexican establishment by them.  The chips were not homemade, but they were fresh.  The salsa was unlike any I've ever tried, both chunky and juicy too.  The tomatoes were very sweet and there were ample onions and fresh cilantro.  I do wish it was a little spicier, but overall, it was unique and tasty.
  
  Now, most importantly, the menu items: the menu boasts of various antojitos (appetizers) and a chowder/ salad menu for starters.  For the entrees, Machaca had the clever idea of creating a menu primarily made of different styled tacos, which can also be turned into a chimichanga, burrito or burrito bowl.  
  
  We first ordered drinks (I got the El Jimador/ Anejo margarita and hubby got a Lagunitas).  Then we ordered the queso.  Again, down south, good queso is the marks of a good restaurant, and Machaca got it REAL right.  It had the perfect amount of "kick" and tender shredded pieces of chicken and even some bits of corn were deeply embedded.
  
  For dinner I ordered the Barbacoa burrito bowl and my husband got the brisket chimichanga.  My barbacoa meat was scrumptious and tender, and was served over a bed of rice and lettuce with black beans and pico de gallo (chopped tomatoes and onions).  However, I felt like it was missing something.  Though the table provides a bottle of spicy avocado sauce, I wanted a cool texture, like a dressing, so I asked for a chipotle ranch or a lime avocado.  Unfortunately, they didn't have any, so I opted for the sour cream instead.  It was a great accompaniment that enriched the dish for me.  My other critique would be the proportions.  There was a lot of brisket, but just a little bit of rice and lettuce.  I prefer to have my burrito bowls more equally balanced.  
  
  My husband's brisket chimichanga was served with black beans and rice.  The brisket meat was also tender.  However, the chimichanga, which is supposed to have a crispy fried outer crust, was a bit soggy/ doughy/ under cooked.  
  
  Though I am unable to score with half marks, I would truly give Machaca a 4.5 if I could.  The soggy chimichanga, disproportional burrito bowl and embarrassing spelling mistakes on the menu took the star rating down a few points for me.  But it wasn't enough to drop their score completely to a 4.  If you love Mexican food, and are looking for good service, and a new, cool, trendy, funky place to enjoy it in the heart of downtown Gloucester, I would recommend Machaca for sure.

• Mc B.

  star star star star star 25 September 2026

  I came to see the greasy pole and stayed for the dope vibes and all around pleasing atmosphere. I have been to beautiful cape Anne frequently so when I ran across machaca while at the fiesta I was more than happy with my overall experience . Ceviche , great. The Ramon  n bull margarita was the shizznit. Staff , super cool. Also  it's like you are in Honolulu up in this bitch. Fuck yes , will return