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Aqui Cal-Mex

4.0 (930 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Order Aqui Cal-Mex Takeout or Delivery

Aqui Cal-Mex Photos

Business Info

AQUI CAL-MEX ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Aqui Cal-Mex

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Bryan C.

Aqui is our go-to whenever we feel like getting some high quality tex-mex fusion food in a fun dining place with great price. From comfort food to yummy seafood plates, they have everything! Highly recommend folks in South Bay to try them out, I am sure you will enjoy the food and will go back again!

Knife & Fork Veggie Burrito
Don L.

I've gone here for years since it's the closest Aqui to me. I've been going to the Cupertino Aqui more recently, and it has a better vibe than this Blossom Hill one, I'm ngl. The Blossom Hill location is kind of bad, with it being next to a VTA stop and a parking lot. The patio has no views since there's a giant wall, but the dining area inside is nice enough, if a bit cramped. The freshly made California-based food and, of course, the alcoholic swirls are delicious and affordable. Aqui is a South Bay Area institution. Even though the Blossom Hill Aqui not my favorite location, in the grand scheme of things, it's still an awesome restaurant to come get good food and drinks.

Sunrise Swirl
Marlon P.

I only ever come here for drinks with some friends to wind down after work and the service here is great. The bartenders are attentive and keep a conversation going with all types of people and that takes talent. It does get quite busy here so sometimes there is a line at a bar but thats to be expected because the quality of their drinks, not just the swirls, are top notch. If youre coming during the colder months theres heaters outside to keep you warm, and if its hot, just bring a swirl out there to keep you cool.

Strawberry coconut soju swirl
Damien H.

Aqui has become a classic for many in my social circle and myself. It's a nice, casual, and bright place to grab a bite or a drink. The Cal-Mex style food is delicious and made fresh. My go-to order is the Southwest Chicken Taquitos and they always come crispy and perfect with a good amount of avocado on them, especially considering the price. It's an order at the counter type of place, and the cashiers are always friendly and happy to answer questions. The drinks are nice and strong while also refreshing and reasonably priced. Their flourless chocolate cake is also tasty, very chocolate-y, and great texture even without flour. You can't really go wrong at Aqui!

Side Chips
Sarah S.

Aquí is a San Jose staple for a reason and it's not just their swirls. Personally, I think the swirls are both too strong and too cloyingly sweet so I never partake. But their food is incredible. Forget the "can't move, can't function because I ate too much heavy Mexican food", this is fresh mex. They have many vegetarian options which my in laws love when they're in town. I love the adobo chicken lime avocado bowl but my husband loves the fajitas. I love the side bar of all the sauces and salsas that you can grab as needed. The service is quick and the ambiance is busy and loud but it's poppin! You'll have fun meeting up with friends or coworkers here!

Firecracker Shrimp
Jose C.

I will return soon for the swirls everyone raves about. I was driving this visit and I heard one swirl is enough to get you toasty. My girlfriend did have one and she enjoyed it. It looks like a tropical slushee with tequila. Centenario Tequila to be exact. They serve them on their cashier side where you order your food and also on the bar side. I had an amazing Sonoran braised beef plate I believe my family calls this "carne en su jugo". The chips and salsa were okay. I like the thick corn tortilla chips but the pico de gallo salsa was watery. I prefer a chunky salsa. The pozole was okay more of a Tex-Mex flavor. The hominy was cooked perfect just too much tomatillo flavor in the broth for me. It was good though just not authentic enough to rate excellent. I devoured the beef plate. What a combination of goodness all in one plate. The sweet potato mash with the two fried wedges I can eat a full plate of. I loved that it came with zucchini and queso fresco on top. Made the plate a little refreshing with a scoop of cold Santa Fe style corn. The beef was so tender and flavorful. I kept eying someone's chocolate cake that was sitting next to us. I will save room for that next visit.

Chelsea C.

This is one of my favorite spots to eat in town. There are a plethora of healthy options and the food presentation is 10/10. There's something for everyone at Aqui and I've had nothing but positive experiences with the staff. The restaurant is clean and the way they have everything set up it's easy to order and your food comes out promptly!

Grilled Salmon Salad
Megan L.

Delicious tex-mex spot with a fun interior and salsa bar. Fresh, flavorful food and great service. Will be back for the industrial swirls!

Thai chicken burrito
Tina K.

This place is consistent and solid. It's not Mexican food, it's Mexican-food-esque with a healthier twist. You stand in line and order, then grab a seat and wait for the buzzer. They have a wide menu and offer healthier options with great specials. I LOVE the variety in flavors and options, and their presentation is always beautiful! They have a full-bar and it's all about the swirls (slushie margaritas that catch up to you quickly).

Grilled shrimp
Rini R.

Loved the food and it's coming from someone who is not a very big fan of Mexican cuisine but I still gave it a try as it's my husband's one of the favorite cuisine and boy , I loved it so much . The service is very very fast . We ordered grilled shrimp and Wild Mahi shrimp teriyaki and both the items were delicious. By the time we were grabbing our sauces and the dressings , they were ready with the order . We also ordered one of their swirls and it was pretty strong . Loved the ambiance , lots of places to sit inside as well as outside . Surely recommend it .

Kevin D.

The Aqui is definitely my go to! The food feels refreshing and light. But the chips and salsa are so addictive, I always end up eating way more than I planned!

Grass fed beef bowl
Jo C.

It's been a while since I've gone to an Aqui restaurant. My usual fish taco is no longer in the menu. Their menu has been simplified. I got the grass fed beef bowl. It was light and fresh, more for lunch not so much dinner entree. I ended up eating more chips to keep me full. Their swirls have not changed, still delicious. I got their strawberry apricot soju swirl. It wasn't overpoweringly sweet and it was refreshing. Service was quick despite a busy dinner service. The staff was quick with cleaning the tables for the next customer. Bathroom was also clean. We stayed till closing time and the staff was nice with letting us know to leave.

Crab cake salad is pretty good

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Aqui Cal-Mex Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Aqui Cal-Mex

Are dogs allowed in the patio area?

Yes, as far as I know. I ate there with our puppies

Is there halal food?

Hello Zainab, I have confirmed with our Executive Chef that our Beef is Halal.… 

Does the bar serve Russian Mule drinks?

They have a Russian Mule Swirl™

Are there any gluten free options?

Yes

When are you going to open an Aqui Cal-Mex in Sacramento? It will be a complete hit, it will be the best healthy restaurant in Sacramento. Please open it close to downtown…

Please try again to open one here in Santa Cruz. We've been waiting for 20 + years! Janet and John

Is there a special Happy Hour menu?

Does the bar serve scotch on the rocks?

What time is Happy Hour?

I think 4 to 6 Monday thru Friday. Drinks only. Nothing on food

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Lucy's Mexican Grill - Custom Keto plate #2 - no carbs anywhere!

Lucy's Mexican Grill

4.1(511 reviews)
0.6 mi•Blossom Valley
•$$

The service was quick and fast. The person at the front of the store got my order in a blink of an…read moreeye. I had been craving chilaquiles for quite some time, so this place definitely satisfied my craving. The food was spicy. I knew it was yet I still wasn't prepared. They made it how I wanted it. Red sauce and over medium egg. The horchata did its job to cool me down.it was so refreshing. Upon leaving, the staff thanked me for coming. I thanked them for an amazing meal!

Growing up, I never really liked al pastor. I first visited Lucy's Mexican Grill a few years ago,…read moreprobably around 2018 or 2020, when a friend brought me here and recommended the mulitas. I tried them, and they were amazing. My friend also suggested that I give the al pastor a chance, and I am so glad I did. It is hands down the best al pastor recipe I have ever tasted. I will not order al pastor from another restaurant anymore. If I want al pastor, I am coming to Lucy's Mexican Grill. If you visit, definitely try the mulitas and the al pastor. You will not regret it. The meat is fresh, flavorful, juicy, and absolutely delicious. Every time I come here, I also receive great service. The drinks are refreshing too, and I especially love when they have the pineapple agua fresca. Lucy's has completely changed my opinion of al pastor, and I keep coming back for a reason.

Photos
Lucy's Mexican Grill - Interior left

Interior left

Lucy's Mexican Grill - Chorizo breakfast burrito

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Golden Bamboo Vegetarian - Soft-Opening buffet 1.20.17

Golden Bamboo Vegetarian

4.3(600 reviews)
5.0 mi•Evergreen
•$$

i really love this restaurant!! such colorful and refreshing food the fake pork belly was good…read morewhich i have never had since i became vegetarian 10+ years ago! i had a vegetarian beef dish and it was delicious i came with 2 meat-eaters and they loved the food too which is a win in my book!! it's soo nice to be able to eat anything off of the menu -- no restrictions of what i can and cannot eat as a vegetarian. i went on a sunday and the restaurant was pretty busy but there was no wait. ^_^ the ambiance is so nice in this restaurant. it's very peaceful and colorful. i wish i took pics of it! highly recommend giving golden bamboo a try!

It had been some time since my last dining experience with Golden Bamboo Vegetarian Restaurant…read more Because I've had so many fond memories, I raved about how amazing the food was and offered to take my mom and sister here for lunch. Our party of 3 arrived an hour after it's opening and was met with patrons already seated and dining. We were immediately given menus and I notice how much smaller the menu had become compared to my last visit [many years ago]. The offerings still consists of appetizers, spring rolls, Vietnamese salads, porridge, stir fried noodles, hot pot, assorted entrees, and desserts. Lunch: *GOI XOAI [mango salad] *MI XAO DON THAP CAM [crispy combination stir fried chow mein] *BO LUC LAC [shaken beef] *LAU THAI [Thai style hot pot] *CA PHE SUA [Vietnamese coffee] *KEM SAU RIENG [durian ice cream] -limited availability Food: The mango salad was fresh but was too sweet for my tastebuds. I did enjoy the clear seaweed noodles- giving off such an addicting crunch that gave off a POP at each bite. This was my first time having the crispy combinations stir fried chow mein. If you had to get just one item, make it this one!! This dish was beautifully crafted, seasoned extremely well, and the crispy noodles stayed crispy throughout our meal. The thick gravy was finger licking good & you're welcome in advance. The bo luc lac is forever a must whenever I come here. Flavors may be fully vegetarian but put a blindfold on and an avid carnivore would even be fooled. The only complaint I have is the lack of veggie "beef" provided. The plate primarily consists of onions and green or red bell peppers. The lau Thai was probably the worst dish and I probably should have followed the initial recommendation of canh chua instead. The plate of veggies, tofu, and mushrooms were plentiful but the problem lays in the broth. This was prominently bitter tasting, I assume it was due to over usage of Thai [kaffir] lime leaves. The bitterness in the lime leaves only grows when it is overcooked, making this dish unappetizing. The ca phe sua da was okay but tasted pretty watered down when compared to your typical Vietnamese coffee. Sau rieng ice cream was delicious although it didn't do its job of masking the bitterness that linger on our tongues from the thai hot pot broth. 4 stars. Food was essentially good but I will absolutely stay away from certain items. Staff was kind and extremely accommodating. I wouldn't hesitate to make a return even if my mom unfortunately disagrees. ehhh- you win some, you lose some.

Photos
Golden Bamboo Vegetarian - Soft-Opening with Ash Kalra & Van Le

Soft-Opening with Ash Kalra & Van Le

Golden Bamboo Vegetarian
Golden Bamboo Vegetarian - Here for the grand opening. Located right by togos!

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RĀW Superfood Café - San Jose - plant-forward menu items

RĀW Superfood Café - San Jose

4.4(246 reviews)
3.6 mi•Seven Trees
•$$
Healthy dining
Vegan friendly

We were on our way to a 49ers game and I need something to hold me over between breakfast and…read morelunch. There are not many healthy smoothie options on the 101. In fact, this was the only one that was reasonable in distance from the freeway. I've been on a spirulina kick and was looking for a place that not only had it, but did it in a way that tasted good. This place was quick and delicious. There are two kiosks that you can order from or you can order if someone is at the cash register. We opted to order at the kiosk so we didn't have a lot of interaction with employees. It took about five minutes after we placed our order to receive the smoothie. Inside, there were several large parties and plenty of seating. The bathroom was clean. Will absolutely be my go to spot for a healthy, quick snack on my way to the game. Pricing is fair at $10.50 for a grande size smoothie

It has gotten way better since my last review!…read more Fries are crispy and well made. The wait time for food/drinks is usually no more that 15 minutes if you order in and it's usually not too busy inside the establishment (I've been here a least a handful of times since my last review). The environment is clean, a little small but like I said, it's usually not too busy and there are seats as you wait for your order (assuming you are ordering in). Parking can be a nightmare but there's usually a spot somewhere within the radius of the building. I've lucked out most times and have been able to park right in front of the business.

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RĀW Superfood Café - San Jose - Build-your-own Bowl with Pitaya & Mango Base

Build-your-own Bowl with Pitaya & Mango Base

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Aqui Cal-Mex - mexican - Updated November 2026

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