Our server was great and the food was delicious! This place is super quirky and fun, with old fashioned gas station decor everywhere, a cute patio with a fireplace where they do love music on the weekends, and a darker cozy atmosphere with cloth napkins. We stopped by for dinner after a book signing in Carmel Valley Village, and service was quick and attentive. We ordered two types of enchiladas, one with green sauce and chicken, the other with red and pork. The red sauce was just barely spiced, Smokey, and slightly sweet. The pork was perfectly cooked and fall apart delicious. My friend loved her chicken enchiladas with mushrooms. Each plate came with beans and rice as well. Mexican hot chocolate was tasty as was an Arnold Palmer. I will definitely be back! read more

Baja Cantina Grill & Filling Station - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, California

There was 4 of us for a birthday lunch. Between COLD fajitas,COLD burger/onion rings(which were over cooked burned flavor cold with greasy taste) room temp green salad which had a heavy fish flavor(she hates fish) almost refrigerated temp on rice and beans. Server asked me if it was, ok to microwave to reheat when I brought it to her attention. We had asked for more chips and salsa(only good thing) she brought only salsa. Again when brought to her attention you could see/hear the HUGE SIGH as she walked away, 10 minutes later we grabbed the attention of her coworker to finally get our chips. I've been in food/bev for 30 years so this is absolutely unacceptable. This is the 2nd time we've been this disappointed in 3mths, after coming here for 20 years. Sorry won't be a 3rd.. I understand a bad day but this was to much..A great server would outshine the bad food and vise versa, both was to much.. read more

We stopped in to pick up a to-go order while staying across the street at Quail Lodge. I had brought a water bottle for my son, and a local patron loudly mocked it in front of others. It was rude, unnecessary, and frankly embarrassing. No one from the restaurant said a word. As a Hispanic family, the tone of the exchange made the environment feel unwelcoming. The food itself was mediocre and far from authentic. This is clearly a whitewashed version of Mexican food catering to a very entitled local crowd. Between the atmosphere and the food, it was easily one of the most uncomfortable restaurant experiences we've had in Carmel. read more

I normally don't like to leave negative reviews, especially because the food was actually very good. Unfortunately, the experience was overshadowed by how management handled a situation in the dining room. While we were having dinner, two young women came in with water bottles while picking up a to-go order. Another patron loudly confronted them and created a scene, yelling about them bringing water inside. It was uncomfortable for everyone in the restaurant. What was disappointing was how management handled it. Staff mentioned this customer comes in often, which made it even more surprising that the situation wasn't addressed more appropriately. When a guest repeatedly disrupts other diners, management should step in to protect the experience for everyone else. Again, the food was great, but the way this situation was handled really took away from what should have been a nice dinner. read more

Really enjoyed my dinner here! Blackened burrito: 8.5/10 Huge portion and there was plenty of juicy chicken and shrimp in the burrito. The beans and sauce were good too. Chips and salsa: 9/10 Great chips and the salsa has a nice kick to it. Monterey quesadilla: 9.5/10 I've never had a quesadilla with this flavor combination and I was pleasantly surprised! So fun trying it with artichoke and dill and tartar sauce! read more

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We have been coming here for years and unfortunately today was the day when we say goodbye to this place. Service became unbearable, for the last several times we had to ask for water, utensils, and other basic staff, like a tea spoon for a baby. Not only this, but something goes off all the time: today they didn't bring tortillas together with fajitas, and when they did - fajitas already got cold, like 10 mins later... we also waited for the waiter to get back with my card for literally 20 mins. If you have a 2YO - you know how long those 20 minutes last. While today is Sunday , it was not at full capacity even to force everyone for such a long wait. I usually do not remember the bad staff, but my husband says last time it was even worse in terms of service. Food is still ok. read more

Try ANYTHING with the mole sauce!! We went on a Thursday night with the live bad. It was a little loud, but once you're seated inside, the music is dampened. Even though it was packed, service was very fast. read more

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Four of us went for margaritas after a local dinner, and were completely ripped off. First -- the margaritas are not worth their price -- it's basic mix and citrus. Second, if you order side shots to liven up the drink (i.e. Grand Marnier), you'll be charged an outrageous price (apparently above any listed price to be found). $278 plus tip for a total eight drinks (granted one large sized). Crazy!!! We almost fell off the barstool upon being presented with the check. Lastly, if you dispute the bill given the final amount, you'll be told basically it's an owner's decision. Thus, go for the food perhaps (chips & salsa were good) but not the overpriced margaritas (and god forbid you add extra shots!). Will never go back... read more

I'm honestly shocked at how poorly we were treated during our recent visit. The experience started off badly and never improved. The hostess led us to a table, tossed the menus down without a word, and walked away before we even had a chance to sit. We tried calling after her, but she completely ignored us and kept walking, forcing us to follow her just to ask a simple question about seating. There were two empty booths available, but when we asked to sit at one, she abruptly told us they were "reserved." Fine--but when we then asked to sit in an open booth in the bar area, she told us we'd have to go back and retrieve the menus she had just thrown on the other table. When we said we wouldn't do that, she simply walked away again. No attempt to help, no basic courtesy--just incredibly rude behavior. We ended up speaking with a manager, hoping for some accountability, but that was just as disappointing. She brushed off our concerns, saying no one had ever complained about the hostess before, offered a quick, insincere apology, and walked away. No effort to make things right. The service alone would have been enough to ruin the visit, but unfortunately the food didn't make up for it either--it was mediocre at best. As a long-time customer, this was incredibly disappointing. I won't be returning after this experience. read more

Great food and drinks Amazing decor of all the racing memorabilia, automotive supplies, signs posters ‼‼ read more

I have been to Baja Cantina twice and I had great service and a lot of fun during both visits. During my most recent visit my friends and I shared a pitcher of margaritas, nachos, tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole. It was a cold and rainy day and we sat by the fireplace and had a wonderful time. My friends and I thought the margaritas and appetizers we had were great. Our server was excellent. She made great recommendations and kept checking in on us. I was the one that suggested we go to the Baja Cantina, so I was happy everyone had a great experience. read more

Baja Cantina Grill & Filling Station - The fireplace in the bar - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, California

Really nice restaurant with a lively feel. Indoor and outdoor seating. Food was good. Chips were amazing. Service was good. Really fun atmosphere read more

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The Carnitas Burrito was good! But not $27+5tip good. Holy Hell. Sizeable and well done, the parts all felt like high quality with good carnitas marinade. The guacamole green salsa and mild red salsas were good. But that price is not great. read more

Beautiful area and outdoor patio. We were a pretty big party and did not have reservation, but were quickly accommodated. I tried their chicken fajitas and a margarita. I unfortunately did not love their food, but my boyfriend did. Overall, the service was good and although I did not enjoy their food, I think it was personal preference. There is a good amount of parking, and the area is perfect for the upcoming sunnier weather. read more

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Food os always great, well prepared, hot. Staff is super friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Ambiece is super cool, automotive themed stuff everywhere, I even found a booth with my name on a poster on the wall. read more

Baja Cantina Grill & Filling Station - Booth at Baja Cantina, Carmel - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, California

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This has some of the best mexican food I have eaten. We went there twice. The price was along with most mexican places. The mixed drinks were great also and strong. Glen K read more

I'm not much for one star reviews but this place was not welcoming. Asked for a TV change and was told only NFL on the big screen even when no one was watching. Just an arbitrary rule. Bartenders could be nicer. Our server was sweet. Overall a disappointing experience. read more

fun place for lunch in Carmel Valley. I had the two tamales and they were fresh and light and delicious. I would definitely order them again. read more

The enchilada suizas have my heart! Oh man are these good. Went with my girlfriend for dinner and we had a great time! Highly recommend starting with the Toothpics (fyi, they are not small), and the Cadillac marg was spot on. read more

I'm from out of town and am possibly being transferred to the area for work. Mom and Dad came to visit, We came to dinner here and it was so cute and the staff was so friendly. The food and drinks were good. We have no complaints! The atmosphere and people is what did it for us. Such a great place! We will be back! read more

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Do not eat here if you have food allergies or sensitivities! The menu states that some enchilada dishes do not have Jack cheese. We asked the server to confirm and they kindly double checked, which I very much appreciated at the time. We were told that although typically the dish comes with Jack cheese, they could make it with only aged cheese (like cheddar, as the menu says anyways) upon request. I thanked the server for checking and stated that I have a tough time digesting some (higher lactose) cheeses and I appreciated it. The food comes out and the server puts the enchiladas in front of me. The food looked pretty decent but I was told that the kitchen was unable to make it without jack cheese. There also appeared to be some crumbled cotija cheese or similar (which was not mentioned at any time). I told the server again that I didn't want to eat it because the cheese didn't agree with me. My wife restated that it would cause me digestion problems if I ate it. The server asked me what I wanted to do, and left the food at the table although I made it clear that I had no intention of eating it. I found this to be rude and the server's tone was unapologetic. I asked for a salad and waited while my partner watched their food get cold. I felt terrible and embarrassed. When the salad came out it was okay. I found a walnut in the salad which is a foreign contaminate, presumably from some other dish. I don't happen to be allergic to nuts but I know that is a matter of life or death for some. There was no adjustment to the bill despite the menu being wrong about common allergen ingredients for 2 dishes and we were given wrong information about the food as well. Overpriced, marginal service, inconsistencies about ingredients. Cannot recommend. read more

This laid back eatery, a short drive down Carmel Valley Rd. , was a great way to get out of the tourist packed downtown and have some comfort food. It's packed with racing memorabilia. The tropical enchiladas with mango salsa were delicious. It was served with rice and coconut and the coconut way overpowered the rice. The refried beans were tasty. Unfortunately both mine and my husband's meals were served just lukewarm. Our server Alexis was friendly and helpful but very busy. We did not see any other servers. There were plenty of available tables at lunchtime on a Saturday in the winter. We will return when we're in the area. read more

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First time in many years to dine at this long time Cali-Mex grill and watering hole. Great margaritas, chips, salsa, and guacamole. Service was good, with a happy holiday vibe throughout the place. I ordered carnitas. Good carnitas has a crispy crust with tender pork. This was absolutely tasteless and reminiscent of meat that had been precooked and set aside to be re-heated with oil (too much) later. A blackened burrito was a generous size and flavorful. A chili verde dish again lacked the flavor one hopes to find in that dish. Rice and refried beans were good. Great spot for watching games, enjoying drinks, appetizers, and a burrito. Not my choice for old school Mexican food standards, imo. In any case, we enjoyed the service and the experience overall. Service was a 5, Food a 3.5. read more

Cute mexican place with healthy dishes. Fajitas were filled with fresh veggies. Portion size were big. They have a huge outdoor seating. Chips & salsa could have been complimentary. Very sweet server & fast service. read more

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We had lunch here today & it was nice & sunny for outdoor seating, our waiter was great!! I ordered chicken tacos & my friend order chicken & pasta, we both really enjoyed our food, its was packed today, we ordered chips & salsa & both were fresh & very tasty read more

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This place has really cool decor all over . We stopped in for a drink and appetizer before heading home . Service was good . We will definitely stop in again read more

Baja Cantina Grill & Filling Station - Monterey Bay Quesadilla , Big Sur Toothpicks - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, California

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My friend and I had just finished golfing at Carmel Valley Ranch and decided to stop by Baja Cantina after seeing good reviews. The host told us to order through the bar, so I walked up with the menu while my friend went to the restroom. I didn't have my wallet on me, but since we were just ordering food to-go, I didn't think it would be an issue. The bartender immediately demanded IDs in a rude tone, even after the host confirmed we were just ordering takeout and told him to take our order. He looked annoyed that he even had to help, walked away angrily, and when he returned I asked for a glass of water after being in the sun for over four hours. He flat-out refused, saying "legally" he couldn't serve me anything without an ID. That is false. It is not illegal to order food--or water--at a restaurant bar. At that point, we decided to leave. And here's the part that really bothers me: I'm Asian, and my friend is white. The bartender's hostility was directed at me, not him. I can't say for certain it was racially motivated, but being the only Asian person in the restaurant and being treated this way makes it hard not to question it. Baja Cantina, this was hands-down one of the rudest experiences I've had at any restaurant. What's the explanation? read more

We have eaten at Baja Cantina 6 times and I give each visit 5 stars. Can't believe all the reviews only add up to 3 1/2. P.S. If you're a racing fan there is some priceless photos on the walls. read more

I survived the first couple years of college in the late '70s by eating at the Long Beach Marina Pacifica Baja Cantina's Happy Hour. My memories of the eatery are deep. The incarnation of Pat Phinny's creative mind are more than fulfilled at his home base food establishment in Carmel Valley. The imaginative Mexican faire on the menu is engaging and tastebud tantalizing. I enjoyed a very well prepared chili verde burrito and my friend a "combo" plate. The dinnerware was clean with "tongue-trails" when we concluded dinner. The outdoor seating area is ample, the bar well stocked, and the restaurant whimsically outfitted with a deep and wide collection of vintage and classic automobile and car-racing memorabilia. Well done Pat. All my meal lacked would've been a visit with you. read more

Baja Cantina is one of the only few restaurants that open late in the vicinity of a few resorts. The ambiance is welcoming and the theme is interesting. However, the food at Baja Cantina is very sad. We offered chips and guacamole, a taco plate, and a bowl of soup. Everything is too salty, and all the cheese tastes like cardboard. I do not recommend the food from this place. read more

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I've been going to this restuarant for 12 years and will not be going back. I ordered a 12 oz. Virgin margerita and was charged 30.00. What a blatant rip off. When I questioned this on the bill the manager said it was the owners policy. Well she will not be seeing me or any of my friends in this restuarant again. My wife works in the barnyard and has refered many out of town tourist to this restuarant. No more. How greedy can you be. We are locals and have no intentions of returning. You are ripping off the public. read more

The food definitely needs to improve with flavor. I got one of the more popular dishes ; Guadalajara Carnitas and was NOT impressed we got there about 6:30pm and it was decent crowd but besides the point the kitchen staff & chef should not have been overwhelmed. The dish was missing key ingredients like the queso cheese sauce I don't think my chunks of pork had any sauce as it was very dry like leftover just disappointed for what we paid $168.00 meal. read more

Terrible. Terrible service. Food needs flavor. Went in on Sunday and sat at the bar, bartender stopped short of saying wtf do you want. As soon as we walked he he had a idgaf attitude. We should have left but were hungry. We thought it might be just us but the other patron that entered was greeted with the same bad attitude We've gone in a few other times before, for beer, but that is their only saving grace honestly. Tried the Bloody Mary, very basic no flavor. Ordered a margarita this time and was basic also. I was really surprised bc they were making a lot of margaritas while we were there so I descided to try it. It's a NO!!! Especially for the price $28.00 wtf?!! So sorry about what has happened to this place. It's very unattended and needs some real work. This was my limit though. I will never be back. read more

During our trip in Carmel, my family wanted to try a place outside of our hotel. We found out about this restaurant and we wanted to give it a try. Once we arrived, we got to sit at the patio due to the warm weather. Despite the long wait, our food came in. I had the burrito and it was good. Overall, this place is the best if you want to try Mexican food. read more

Great atmosphere, mid burger, wasn't that hungry 3, if I was hungry 4. I hear Tamales are a 4.3 and Blackened burrito is a 3.5. read more

Baja Cantina Grill & Filling Station - Double Cheddar Bacon Burger - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, California

If you are a white person, this is a great place to go. if you are a black person Be prepared to accept the bare minimum. We are a mixed couple. We sat at the bar only to have the bartender with the full beard and the mariners hat on do the bare minimum for us. We had to ask for everything we got while. At the same time, the white patrons we're catered to with silverware, napkins, chips and salsa. And anything else they needed while we had to ask for every little thing. We go there once or twice every month. And have the same experiences, but from now on, if we go and that bartender is there, we will not stay. It's unfortunate but the microgressions are there. The ambiance is okay and sometimes gets loud. When it's crowded. read more

We came into Baja Cantina for lunch with our baseball team families -- about 30 people total -- planning for each family to sit separately and have their own bill. Upon arrival, a waitress told us that wasn't their policy and that we'd need to sit in the banquet room. We explained that we didn't need to be seated together; we just wanted to enjoy lunch as individual families. When we asked to speak with the manager on duty, she came over and told us we had "taken over her restaurant" and that if she had known there would be thirty of us, she wouldn't have let us in. She even said she would have limited us to only five menu items. Instead of trying to accommodate or de-escalate, she continued to argue with us. To make matters worse, our waiter told my adult son that he was "really pissed off" at him simply for questioning why the staff was being so rude -- and then said he'd "never worked in a restaurant." Completely unprofessional behavior. We were shocked by how we were treated and will never return to this restaurant again. read more

Here you pay extra for your chips and salsa. Sour cream costs extra too. Food was tasty. Fun ambience.

I ordered a burrito and it was pretty tasteless and awful. The bartenders were all rude as well. They should train their staff to be nicer.

What happened Baja Cantina? We've enjoyed you for years, brought friends, met friends too often to count. Since Covid, the food has become much more expensive and nearly inedible this last time. We're thinking this WAS the last time. I had the carne aside taco combo: meat like rubber, beans boring, and far smaller servings than before. Hubby got rosemary chicken enchiladas he used to love. Now? What a yawn. We used to always bring home leftovers for another meal, not anymore. Luckily, the Monterey Bay areas has loads of restaurants. I hope you fix it Baja. read more