I go here all the time. Huge margaritas for $5.50. Service is always excellent, even when the restaurant is at its busiest (which it always seems to be!). Delicious fresh chips and spicy salsa. Try the seafood enchiladas, $9. What a fun place! We usually wait about 20-30 min for a table for two on weekends but grab a drink and relax; it's worth the wait! read more

- I love Mexican food - and this is one of the best places around. Good food and great drinks. They make Kettle One and Soda Water great. I could sit there and drink them all night long. - Great place to meet at the bar to figure out your night. - I go all the time and will continue to go........ - Great Place read more

very reasonable prices and great Mexican food. love the fajitas, chips/salsa, everything. Just wish they had dessert read more

Stopped in with my wife for early dinner today. The service was fantastic! My wife and I were very pleased with Jackie. she accommodate us since we sat down, even recommended our plates and it was right on! We really love them. I'll definitely come back. I really appreciate good service when is given. Thanks Jackie! read more

I've been coming here for years and this is still my favorite restaurant. It's the best tex-mex around. In my opinion, they should have kept the old location open as well as this one, because there is always a wait for dinner, every night of the week. And DO NOT go on school vacation weeks... I highly recommend the burro. It's amazing, and the rice and beans are both tasty. *Ask for bayou sauce with your chips and salsa. It's not on the menu, but you will love it. I'm not quite sure what's in it (it's a "secret") but it taste a bit like thousand island dressing and horse radish... yum! read more

My favorite is the chicken burro I live in NH and come down for takeout they are awesome. It will only let me give 4 stars

I'd like to give it a 2 1/2 star rating instead of 3, but alas yelp is not that advanced. This place can definitely do the trick and decently satiate an appetite but it's no where near being authentic, especially on the cajun side of things... but even what they classify as 'tex-mex' isn't really tex mex by Texas standards (though it may actually be better). The salsa is average but the margarita's were pretty good. Slightly too much of an unauthentic mix flavor to them, but just slightly which is better than a lot of places. Not amazing... and not too bad all at the same time! read more

Had an outstanding lunch at Border Cafe, Marcia out waitress was prompt ,effiecient, and paced out meal perfectly, (wife is a slow eater due to surgery). started with Cajun Popcorn Shrimp, which came out hot, with a very tastey dip. meals were blackened chicken with jambalaya, which was moist ,spicy and portion was big enough for lunch next day, we also had eggplant royale, fried eggplant covered with crabmeat and a cheesy creamy sauce. Great meal at a great price, less then 30.00 read more

So I try not to order chicken in restaurants usually, but I ended up ordering the Chicken Guadalajara and it ended up tasting like Chicken Hospitalfoodajara. It sounded appetizing enough (chicken breast stuffed with cheese and pepper) but it...wasn't, and somehow I ended up with way too much rice pilaf and then...two additional cups of pilaf. I think I will stick to my chicken quesadilla, as I have for the last 6 years. Service is always good. read more

This place makes me want to make a run for the border. I noticed the many 5 star reviews and this place was packed on a Monday night! Despite it's rave reviews and popularity, this pace kind of stunk. I think New Englanders just don't know good Mexican food. We ordered the black bean and corn empanadas and the cheese enchiladas. First off, avoid the rice at all costs. We should have opted for the jambalaya. The rice tasted like one of those boxed, Old El Paso brand, instant Mexican rice. Blah! Second, the empanadas were too dry and the sauce they served with it was simply some ranch dressing mixed with a little Cholula sauce. Strike two. The atmosphere is tacky and there is little room to wait for a table. It was way too loud there, bring your ear plugs. Strike three. Your out Border Cafe! I apologize for the baseball metaphor, but the Red Sox are about to take the World Series. I will never be going to this place again. read more

Always had good food here. I like when it's loaded with people more fun with the crowd. I like seeing people out with families having fun.

This place was decent. We got the pastelitos for an appetizer and they were very good! Next, my boyfriend got the beef fajita and I got tacos. Damn we're those meals spicy. I couldn't even finish my mean because my mouth was on fire from the meat and rice (jose). I had to swap out the jose rice that I got for white rice because it was so spicy. The waiter was very nice and attentive, but all the seats are together in one big room, causing it to be very loud when busy at dinner time. So all in all, if you like spice then definitely come to this place, if not then I would avoid at all costs. I know this is a tex-mex place, but at least have some meals that aren't going to burn my tongue off. Probably wouldn't come back here-just average with everything else. read more

Yes its a busy place ! Its THAT good. Best tiem to go is 8pm during the WEEK. If not, your waiting. This is one of the only places I will wait. They do not have any type of calorie counter on the web site OR on the menu. So if your on a diet dont eat here. Its very Fattening@! YUM! LOL No desserts people ..they used to have deep fried ice cream . They dont want you hanging around. LOL They wont tell you how they make items. ITS A TOP SECRET!! So be part of it and you will never get it out the chef, I tried everything to get this secret but nothing worked! Chicken App is terrific. Blackened Chicken Fajitas is the best we EVER had--better than sex..I swear. Food comes out like lighting speed jet planes. There is 100 employees working all day and night. Its SO noisey some of you may need earplugs! I like the noise, great atmosphere. OH the beers and Margaritas arent bad ...:) Home MADE SALSA!! You cant go wrong when you freking bill is like $30 for 2 people Including one app, 2 dinners 2 drinks! WOW read more

Border cafe . Tex mex at its best. A nice cantina like atmosphere with friendly waitstaff and excellent food . Hot out of the oven tortilla chips with medium spice factor salsa . Tall tall fountain soda cups large margarita glasses and sizzling entrees . I recommend the filet minon for it comes topped with shrimp over a delicious cream sauce a vegetable and mushroom kabob and the thinnest seasoned French fries I ever encountered. The prices are good and you definitely get good bang for your buck. Ellen G. Was our waitress and she was among the best waitresses I encountered in my dining experiences with my fiance. Quick service and you didn't even have to ask for a drink refill on soft drinks. She already had them and more tortilla chips and salsa at the ready. I Highly recommend this place and will return over and over. read more

I love the Border Cafe. I can not count the amount of times that I have eaten here. The last time I went, I had a bad experience. The waitress was really rude. I ordered a vegetarian fajita and when the food came out she brought me a chicken fajita. I was polite and explained that I ordered the vegetarian one and she said "no, you ordered the chicken one.". I politely explained to her that I was a vegetarian and I know I ordered it correctly. She rolled her eyes and brought me out my correct meal when everyone else was finished eating. I don't really care that she made a mistake. I know it's loud in there so it's hard to hear and I bet waitressing is really stressful. My problem was the tone she used when she said "no, you ordered the chicken fajita." I work in customer service, right or wrong, the rule is the customer is always right. You don't ever argue. Very unprofessional. read more

i legitimately could eat here every day of the week! There is absolutely nothing better. The blackened chicken fajitAS are my absolute favorite and the french fries are fried to perfection! Will always be my favorite restaurant read more

the CHIPS AND SALSA. enough said... so hot and fresh and free and never ending! also the margaritas are a great compliment. i get the chicken fajitas everytime and they never fail. a huge portion for a great price. always have leftovers. always hits the spot. a go-to every couple months. love this place!! the one in harvard square is great too and a cooler location! read more

Being a NorthShore transplant I could survive wholely off the offerings on route 1. The Border Cafe being no different. Food is amazing and inexpensive. Best chicken quesadillas I have ever had, by far. The chips and salsa are so addictive that sometimes I forget that I'm having food after. Margaritas are boozy and around $5.00. Seriously $5.00. Only problem is that since they moved to the Northbound side of route 1, there is ALWAYS a wait no matter what day you go there or what time. I think it was the smell of the old building that used to keep patrons away. read more

Wayyyyy. Too Salty.I dont know what happened went last night. are they trying to get people to buy more drinks. And this is a bull sh#t site as well. I've been back since last review and everything was yummy The trick is to get there early before they start mindlessly salting everything. read more

This is one of our favorite places for lunch. We've never had a bad meal or bad service. Today I got the chicken taco and enchilada. I highly recommend the enchilada, the sauce was divine with a wonderful rich undertone. Our waitress was efficient and friendly. Love it!!!! One tip, we always get here early, usually at 11:45 because it gets very busy and noisy. read more

Mark Locke the big douche bag plumbing inspector was at the Border Cafe for lunch today. When he was told there were no red peppers, (oh no) he pulled a screaming temper tantrum! He screamed, "I am a regular here, I am hear every week. You would think that he was somebody special. He made such a scene over red peppers that, he got up and kept acting up. The management at the Border gave him a gift certificate to SHUT HIM UP, and he refused it, saying "I will never be back!" After he left, the Management said, "good, hope he never comes back" I guess that Barney Fife badge he wears thinks it gives him some sort of privileges. Why does a plumbing inspector wear a badge? The ultimate douche bag! read more

The biggest problem here is the constant wait, any time of day, any day of the week. Food is more than reasonably priced, you get free chips and salsa an the food is actually very tasty. Best "Mexican" food around. read more

Not impressed! I was visiting from out of town and my friend had asked a hairdresser if she had any suggestions for a "Taco Tuesday" location for us. The hairdresser told us to check out the Boarder Cafe because it "tasted just like her mom's cooking". Let's just say, I hope to never try her mom's cooking. This place is a mix of tex-mex and cajun. chips = decent salsa = tasted as if it came out of a jar gauc = the best thing we ordered all night margaritas = watered down yet sugary. fajitas = WAY too spicy. I love spicy food but this was the wrong type of spicy. I wanted to love this place but it didn't meet my expectations. read more

One of my fav places to go on the North Shore. I went there Sunday with my friend who works close to the restaurant. It was crazy busy for a Sunday evening. There was a 20 min wait, however it is totally worth it! They have some amazing chips 'n salsa. We both ordered a Sangria to celebrate Sunday Funday. I ordered a chicken taco style salad. It was amazing and quit tasty. I love the décor of the restaurant and the staff is always friendly. It is a great place for families or a date night. There is plenty of parking located on Route 1 North. They have a variety of cocktails to choose from and their menu has something yummy for everybody. read more

Border Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

WHY!!!! Chicken Guadalajara was worth the 20+ min wait because it was DELICIOUS the way it was. Why change it now after all these years? Chorizo, cheese and spinach stuffed chicken breast with rice and corn bread has now become a dish that resembles a flattened mexican chicken parm. They even took away with the tomato rose!!! WTF. The dish has been the same since south bound days and now its an unrecognisable mess. Thumbs down. read more

My favorite tex-mex type restaurant. The chips and salsa are excellent and the blackened chicken fajitas are the best fajitas I've ever had. I've been here probably 50 times over the last three years. Not everything on the menu is as amazing as the blackened chicken fajitas though. Most items are delicious though. Excellent prices on just about everything. Two can easily eat for under $30 here. For having such great food at low prices, this place deserves its 5-star rating. read more

My husband and I decided to go to the Border Cafe as we haven't been there for a long time and it didn't look like there was going to be much of a wait, if any. We remembered it as a great place to go for good Tex-Mex food. It used to be crowded before and there used to be a long wait for get a table. We were able to get a table right away. We sat down, looked over the menus and ordered our drinks. I noticed there wasn't much of a selection this time as it has been at least five years since I've been there. I ordered the chicken quesadillas and my husband got a burrito with Jambalaya. I was so surprised the food came so quickly, too quickly, I thought. Made me think that the food was pre-made and heated up. Well, once we both started eating, both of us noticed how salty the food was. And my husband tends to put too much salt when he cooks, so for him to say the food was salty, then it was really salty. When the server came to our table to check on everything, he told her the food was salty and she didn't really acknowledge it. Well, this will be the last time going to the Border Cafe. read more

Mexican food is one of my favorite things to eat this place is ahhh.... it sucks to be honest. The drinks are super weak, the food is THROWN together with more cheese than meat, No hard shell tacos. Tex-Mex food is supposed to be hot and flavorful.. Border dosent even have hot sauce. (more like red vinegar on the table) The GM came over to my table and asked me how everything was i said "do you have any hot sauce other than this louisiana sauce" he grinned and said no ..funny i was grinning on the inside thinking me and my friends wont ever come back because your place sucks. read more

Best place to go with kids! It's loud as hell so no one hears your kids screaming! Kids meals are $3.98 and are actually pretty good! Chips and salsa are brought out immediately to placate everyone until the meals are served. Kids get to color while they wait, and parents get to drink beer! Service was quick and for a family of five, we walked away paying 57 bucks with tip! I repeat, best place to go with kids! read more

I had another pleasant experience here I find the blackened chicken and grilled salmon Cesar great also. Great food and you can afford to eat here! I'm here a few times a month. A little noisy but fun fast environment and very busy ! read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is very much greasy and you'll probably end up having to go to the bathroom pretty bad, but it's worth it. I always go here on my birthday and get the Chicken Guadalajara's, which they mention on the menu is guaranteed you'll like or your money back. It's pretty much the best thing I've ever eaten. There other food is also great, I've tried their burgers, chili, and some other things. I did not like a pasta dish I had, but that doesn't change anything. They have Excellent service and a great atmosphere too. You get a bowl of chips as soon as you sit down. There is usually a wait for the food and sometimes to get in, but you can call ahead and the tortilla chips hold you off. The drinks are also served in massive cups with free refills. My girlfriend is a very picky eater and she did not like the food, but I guess it's hit or miss. In general you can probably guess if you'll like it by asking yourself if you like tex-mex food or not. It's spicy, it's hot, it's cheesey, beefy, etc... Personally I love it. They have a few other locations in Massachusetts, including Cambridge, which you have to go to if you're going to Boston, by far the superior location to downtown Boston. read more

One of the best Tex-Mex Style Eateries in the area. The food is Quality, Prices are reasonable. Decor & Service is nice. Has wheelchair Parking and access.... My Picks Beef Fajitas read more

THIS LOCATION DOES NOT DO TAKE OUT!!!! According to the hostess: "We haven't done that in over a year!" Be nicer next time and we'll stay and eat inside. read more

We went on an empty Saturday for lunch. We were swiftly seated but then waited 30 minutes for a waiter to make their way to our table. There were 3 other tables taken when we walked in. Three additional tables were seated after us. Each of those tables were served before us. When our waiter finally acknowledge us after ignoring our glances, we got up and left. What a bunch of clueless waiters! THIS PLACE IS OVERRATED. GO ANYWHERE ELSE. Chipotle is a great alternative. read more

Border Cafe is standard Mexican food. It's not bad, but there's nothing unique. It does have a fun atmosphere. I do like the chicken quesadillas. The tortilla is soft and doughy. The salsa is spicy, which I also enjoy. read more

This is a fun place to stop in for Tex-Mex, there are a few Cajun dishes on the menu too. The service is good, atmosphere fun, never had a bad meal, prices are low and Maragritas tasty. read more

I've been eating at The Border since the original one in Harvard Square and when this location was on other side of Route 1 and that I still come should say plenty about the food service atmosphere quality and price. I absolutely love the Border the whole setup is great it's wide open food is always great and doesn't break the bank you really get a bang for your buck and leave stuffed. Came last night with 2 buddies place was hopping but our server was on top of everything I can't remember her name but at least I remembered to get pictures of all the food appetizers and entrees though. We ordered 3 appetizers Cajun Popcorn Shrimp Chorizo Flamdado and Camptown Shrimp. The Popcorn Shrimp was great and the sauce u dip it in was perfect. The Chorizo was awesome it comes with 4 flour tortillas to wrap it up in and it's great and we got what happens to be my favorite the Camptown Shrimp it comes with some I think French bread in the sauce it's so good I'd have to list this as a must try. For entrees I got a basic cheeseburger with extra cheese and fries cooked perfectly nice and pink/red and juicy with fries. Both my friends got the French Quarter Chicken which they really enjoyed and looked great I'm putting it on my list for next visit. From the minute we stepped in we were greeted seated and our waitress was over to us in what seemed like 2 minuets and place was packed our food was delicious cooked perfectly and the service was great and the prices are unreal can't believe you can get so much good food for such a great price it's no wonder there were lots of families in there. The Border truly is an institution read more

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Minus one star for the WAIT. This place is always packed. LOVE the hot chips and salsa Randomly have the best fries (dip them in honey mustard!) Large portions and fair prices make this a great place to grab dinner read more

This is the first time at this new locations in Saugus. I haven't been in over 4 yrs because I was living in California (which has the most amazing mexican food ever!) On Friday I had a get together with some friends who I haven't seen in a while. We all met there at 7pm and were seated shortly after (5 of us in total). We all ordered the Gran Gold Magherita's and as always they were tasty. We also got the chips with the amazing salsa..its honestly my favorite salsa. The waitress was really nice and since all of us girls were chatting and not looking at the menu she left us alone for a bit. Sooo nice when your server isn't harrassing you to order. We finally ordered and our food came out perfect. I am a bit picky and ordered enchillas with no cheese and light on the sauce. They came over great!!!! We continued on to eating more chips and ordering more drinks. Needless to say, the server let us chat and drink without giving us the bill right away. One of my friends ordered a strawberry magherita and it honestly tasted like they forgot the alcohol. The waitress was kind enough to take it back and make another one. I kind of felt bad sitting there but the night seemed to slow down, plus we ordered more drinks so it's not like we were drinking water. I definitely love the new location, more parking but it looks exactly like the old spot. Food is always great and comes out quick. If you want to grab a quick dinner and some good drinks with friends and live North of Boston definitely check this place out. read more

We no longer live in MA, but I seriously still have sweet dreams of this food! I haven't found a Tex-Mex restaurant to please me like this place! They always have great service even when very busy. They will make special accommodations with food with no problems. The portions are HUGE at GREAT prices. I love everything I have tried here, from the Enchiladas, to Blacked Chicken, to the Burgers!! Even the chips and salsa are amazing! I have went to the Cambridge location on several occasions and loved it as well! I seriously miss this place:( read more