All three. Sophia was awesome. Loved our booth and of course the salad was Dee LISH! Not to mention the Cadillac Margaritas were also great! read more

Every thing here is Amazing Food was delicious fresh tasty Service was terrific Sofia was great Kind best suggestions .the place is Beautiful inside and out One off *My Favorite place for sure .. read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Found a nice place to eat when I shop/visit South Coast plaza ! Its located on the lower level by the side entrance near the carousel and Verni chocolate & gelato shop. It has beautiful tropical decor with a huge bar area. There are also semi private dining rooms ,booth seating and patio seating . We chose to sit at the bar since we really wanted to get a drink and just relax and enjoy the vibe. The bartender came over to say hello and took our drink requests and also our food order as well. Got an appetizer of chicken taquitos which was really great generously stuffed with meat and drizzled wirh 3 tasty sauces ! We ordered a couple of drinks 1. Strawberry margarita 2. Cucumber cilantro margarita & two entrees. 1. Carnitas plate ( with rice & beans) 2. Spinach enchiladas ( with rice & beans) *Complimentary chips with salsa & BEAN DIP * The bean dip was so delicious that I hardly used the salsa which was good on its own. Although both entrees was good and satisfying and we could only eat half the meal . Great place for a meet up with friends ! I'm betting the bar scene is great in the pm! Only disappointment was that they don't offer Happy hour ( Sad face). read more

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Wow what can I say? From start to finish this was an incredible experience. Our server "Ri, it's like Bri without the B" had full command of our lunch and made it such a memorable time. I wasn't even in the mood for drinks but the way she described the blackberry margarita had me two deep before my food even arrived. We went family style and got a few of her recommendations like the short rib enchilada and the pollo Serrano, but halibut tacos stole the show. We even ended up getting churros and ice cream for dessert. She made the ambiance even better by making us laugh and smile throughout the experience, overall me and the guys are definitely returning. Be sure to ask for her if you want a proper Calo dining experience. read more

We came from out of town for the weekend and got lucky with this gem of a place. It was so good we went back one more time before we went home. First time we sat at the bar. Bartenders were very kind and knowledgeable. Made the most delicious drinks. The atmosphere was so beautiful and elegant. The place was very busy. Second time we came back we were sat at a booth. 10/10 both times. Food was spectacular. If we ever come back to the west coast we will make sure this is the first stop. read more

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We decided to try Calo for our weekly lunch date and it was pretty empty at open. We got sat immediately and I decided to go with the steak fajitas. While we waited for our entrees, they served complimentary chips and salsa/beans which were delicious and definitely a plus for the restaurant. The steak fajitas came out presented well but was a bit disappointed in the seasoning. The steak wasn't seasoned well and a bit bland which led to the wraps feeling a little flavorless. I added a decent amount of salsa to add some kind of flavor profile but for the price of these fajitas, most likely wouldn't order again. I will say the restaurant is beautiful but definitely on the pricier side for those looking for a quick meal. I would suggest Cali for a nicer date night or special occasion lunch. read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I used to love the one in Laguna Niguel and then the service and quality of food started slipping. I thought I would give the one in Costa Mesa try. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were very busy so it was hard to get their attention. I started off with the pineapple margarita, which was amazing. I also love their chips and salsa. Then we had to flag somebody down to take our dinner order. I ordered the fajita salad with no sour cream and asked for dressing on the side. It came with no dressing at all, and no pico, no corn and no pepitas. I didn't say anything about half the ingredients missing from the salad. I did ask for the dressing though and then waited. I had to ask two different people for dressing before I got it. My friend ordered an enchilada which she said was cold and the cheese wasn't even melted on it. She asked for them to heat it up and then they sent a new one out and it was warm, but she said so salty she couldn't eat it. We waited a while for them to take our cards to pay. No one checked on us during the meal overall and underwhelming experience and meal. It's a pretty restaurant though. And it's huge. read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Fajita salad. It's giving a chipotle bowl vibe. But way less ingredients and a $28 price tag. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Calo Kitchen in Orange County is worth the hype. At first, I didn't understand why people would wait two hours for a table, but after getting lucky with a last-minute opening, I get it. It was delicious. The fajitas were the standout. The steak was cooked perfectly, and everything on the plate, rice, beans, guacamole, onions, was excellent. We also shared the nachos, and they were far from basic. They really went all out. Drinks were great, service was friendly, and the space is modern and sleek. Everyone at the table loved their food. I'd definitely come back. read more

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Stopped by to have a few drinks.. ok let me say they have some amazing drinks here was not to hungry so I didn't eat nothing maybe next time.. but the service here is amazing a nice place to have a date night or just come to hangout and have a few drinks.. read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Forgot the name but it's good - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Great spot for a business lunch at Calo Kitchen + Tequila. Adriana really made the experience--friendly, attentive, and gave great recommendations. I was looking for something lighter and went with the halibut tacos--fresh, clean, and not heavy at all. The watermelon lemonade was a standout (made with fresh watermelon, you can taste it), and I also had the unsweetened passionfruit tea which I liked. We started with the queso--super melty with that major cheese pull (very stringy in the best way). Quick heads up though: it does have pork. Same with the complimentary bean dip that comes with the chips and salsa. Adriana was great about flagging that for us and brought out a vegetarian version of the beans instead, which a lot of the group enjoyed. The space is beautiful and definitely gives "nice lunch meeting" energy. Easy parking at the mall too. Would come back. read more

We had a Juan-in-a MILLION experience with Juan as our server who made our triple celebration wonderful! The food was great but service was even better! Love this place! And thanks for accommodating our larger party with roomier seating!! Mil Gracias!! read more

A+ all around. Service especially- prompt, friendly and barkeep Noah was superbly on point with crafting me an extra caliente mango caliente cocktail! The house salsa is delicious and very fresh. And the Mexico City quesadillas were also fantastic- texture reminded me of a puffy and lighter empanada, and the generous portion of avocado garnish was wonderfully tangy and creamy. Very lively and happy crowd on a Saturday night- would definitely recommend reservations for larger parties. It's a bit pricey but you will get what you paid for. read more

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Calo is conveniently located inside South Coast Plaza, so it's an easy stop if you're in the middle of a shopping day. The ambiance is really nice, plenty of comfy booth seating and a chic, polished vibe that makes it feel a little more elevated than your typical spot. The margaritas were solid and I liked that they can make any of them virgin. I tried the blackberry margarita without alcohol and it was super refreshing. Food wise, it was just okay, nothing bad, but nothing that really stood out either. Overall, it gave me strong Javier's vibes: stylish interior, decent Mexican food, and drinks that are definitely the highlight. That said, the pricing could definitely be better. It feels a little steep for what you get, this would be the perfect place for a reverse happy hour, especially on Sundays during that last hour before closing. It'd make it way more tempting to swing by at the end of a shopping trip. read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Taquitos en Tres Salsas - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Service was incredible. Our server Ivan was kind and respectful. Everything he liked and suggested was delicious. I ordered the seafood enchilada trio and my favorite was the lobster. That creamy sauce was fire!!! My friend ordered the filet mignon meal it was sooo good fairly priced and lots of food!! We ordered 3 desserts: churro (my fav), the flan (so good, well made, firm and great texture), and the Deep fried ice cream (my friends fav). We had a great experience. It's a very vibey restaurant, beautiful for a date or a good time with friends read more

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Ladies night out and here we are!! We only got their appetizers and plenty of it! Guacamole- so good! Queso Fundido- so cheesy! I really enjoyed this Ahi Ceviche- very fresh. Good flavors Chicken Tostada- this thing is huge! But question... how do I eat this.. the flour shell break it into pieces and scoop the fillings I'm assuming. We tried sharing this and it was pretty hard but for your own it's delicious. Flavors were good tho Beef Queso Tacos- birria style tacos but make it mini!! Love it!! Dranks: La Sandia- super refreshing and delicious We got pretty full from all that. Flavors were actually pretty good for a Mexican restaurant at South Coast! Impresssed read more

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Service here is so good and our servers were so attentive and kind. I tried the short rib enchiladas. Great meat, very tender and flavorful but there's just so much cheese in everything it gets difficult to eat. Beans were good and rice was yummy. The Serrano chicken was tasty and moist, but again, so. much. queso. skirt steak was very tender and i enjoyed the chips and salsa + ceviche and Mexico City quesadillas. I am very full and will be for the next 4 days.... Good food, but pretty pricey for what it is. Beautiful restaurant that is nicely decorated. read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Amazing place with beautiful decor, great staff and excellent food/drink. The last 2 times I have visited Calo at SCP was just to sat at the bar and have drinks with their complimentary chips & salsa & beans. This time a few of us visited on a Saturday afternoon to have drinks and food. I was very impressed with the service and the quality of all the items we tried. Our server was excellent, made sure our order was perfect, kept bringing us napkins and cleaning the table and refilling our water. The gentleman who sat us was very nice and made sure to let the rest of our group know where to find us. The dining room is gorgeous! Spacious and full of plants and comfy furniture. The bar area is also gorgeous, with a huge oval bar, several booths and top shelf liquor/craft cocktails. We decided to share a couple of food items. The shrimp ceviche was delish, lots of shrimp and fresh avocado with the tangy lime juice. Eaten with the tortilla chips made it even better. The trio of enchiladas was on the pricey side ($45) but 3 of us shared it and it was a perfect amount of food. The lobster was cooked well, the crab was tender and the shrimp was so flavorful. The chips with beans and salsa - OMG to die for. You can ask for the non-pork version, which is un-mashed pinto beans. We tried the 3 leches cake for dessert. You get a very hearty version and there is a decadent whipped type topping on the top of the moist cake bread. We couldn't even finish it! Our cocktails were great too. I started with the cadillac marg, they really know how to make a perfect margarita! The pineapple chile is one of my favorites. Not too sweet, top tier ingredients. We got the hibiscus cocktail also, yummy! And lastly, the Honeybee, which was almost like a fresh juice with a little bit of sweetness. Such a great spot to come in for some drinks or have lunch/dinner. Highly recommend! read more

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This restaurant is on repeat for me! Not only is it stunningly beautiful but the service is great and the food is delicious! Tonight I tried the cilantro cucumber margarita, which was delicious. We also skipped appetizers and went straight to our meals. So we had the short rib enchiladas, the Halibut tacos and then as a table share, we did the shrimp and lobster enchiladas. I am a huge fan of the halibut tacos and after trying the shrimp and lobster enchiladas I would say those will be a repeat for me. Also they were so good! If you save any room for dessert, the churros are delicious! read more

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Wish I had more pictures of them pretty foooooood. But alas. I'm not perfect. It's too many months ago and probably on my old iCloud. Anyways, the staff here is what makes it. I almost always get servers and bartenders that are super sweet accommodating and deliver on quality service. I'm Mexican AF, So I'm a just a bit brutal with judging and critiquing "Mexican" cuisine in USA. I'm just picky and know my shit. But the food here is good and I know it's a lot of people's favorite / go to spot. It's fine. It's solid. It gets the job done. I typically come for the drinks, the vibes, and the god damn black bean / salsa dip combo. Don't @ me. I know how to box. I'm from TJ. I'm from the streets. I have a hefty body count. And I ain't talkin intercourse. Salud, dinero y amor read more

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This place was sooo good and cute!! We came here for a friends bday and it was perfect (there were 7 of us). Some of us got there a bit early so we had a drink at the bar which was such a vibe. I had the calo margarita and it was so good next time I wanna try the fun ones - they had so many flavors but I decided to stick to the house. To start the chips and salsa came with the table and it was soo good. The salsa was great but I particularly loved the bean dip. It was unique and added to the salsa. For food the menu had a large variety. It was so hard to choose because so much sounded good but I went with the chicken enchilada and beef crispy taco which is usually my go to at a Mexican restaurant. Other people got the quesadilla, burrito, and beef enchiladas and everyone loved their food so it seems like you can't go wrong. Our server was also great! read more

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RI IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. She gave my table the best service. She was accommodating and is excellent. I got the halibut tacos and she accommodated my diary allergy without question. Her energy is electric and She's awesome! read more

We celebrated a friends birthday here on a Friday night! Book a reservation ahead of time and recommend for a large group or date night setting. The food and cocktails were amazing!! I ordered the Mexico City Cosmo and then the pork & pineapple tacos. We also had short rib enchiladas, ceviche, and shrimp taquitos. Our waitress Jennifer M was amazing!! She was so sweet and professional! read more

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Food was excellent. They were very accommodating to our family - we are sadly lactose intolerant. The ahi ceviche was fantastic, the beef taco was perfectly crispy yet moist, the short rib enchilada was delicious, and the chicken fajita plate was filling with the chicken as the star. It was very juicy and the veggies were cooked to perfection on the grill. Shoutout to our host, Kia. He made this all possible. Would've taken more pics but we couldn't help ourselves to dig in. read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Ceviche - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

it was good but nothing mind blowing. they ran out of the shrimp and crab enchilada for dinner so i ended up getting the shrimp and lobster enchilada, sauce was good but nothing out of the ordinary and pretty pricey for only two. my dad and i shared the mango caliente cocktail and that one was strong but very fresh and nice real mango flavor, however i do wish the mango flavor came through more. i did like the ambience and the restaurant details, as well as the bar read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Shrimp & Lobster Enchilada mango caliente cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Service food and drinks are the best! My favorite is the blackberry margarita and the Mexico city read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Celebrated my Second birthday here! Best food and drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Oh my goodness! This place is amazing The staff are great, friendly and attentive! I love coming here to eat authentic food and high end with best quality food! Love their black beans and carne asada is so tender, so yummy! I highly recommend this place if you're in south coast plaza mall try it! read more

Caló Kitchen + Tequila - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Came to this restaurant to celebrate my friend's birthday, and we had a group of about 15 people. It was really nice that they were able to accommodate us in a private area, which made the celebration feel more intimate and comfortable. Because we were a large party, we had a set 3-course menu that included three appetizers, one entrée per person, and three shared desserts. For the appetizers, the cheesy empanada was definitely a standout for me. The pastry was crisp and flaky on the outside, while the inside was warm, gooey, and packed with rich, savory cheese that felt indulgent without being overwhelming. The birria crunchy tacos were also very enjoyable -- the shell had a great crunch, and the birria itself was flavorful, slightly smoky, and nicely seasoned, with that slow-cooked depth you expect from good birria. The ceviche, on the other hand, was just okay for me. It leaned heavily on the citrus, which made it refreshing but also a bit one-note compared to the other starters. For my entrée, I ordered the ribeye tacos. By the time they arrived, I was already pretty full (which is probably a good sign for the portion sizes). The ribeye itself was tender and flavorful, and it sat on a cheesy base that added extra richness to each bite. My only small wish here was that the tacos came with a salsa or sauce on the side -- we ended up using the salsa that came with the tortilla chips served earlier, which worked, but a fresh pairing would've really elevated the dish. Dessert was a trio of churros, flan, and tres leches cake. All three were good and satisfying, though they definitely leaned on the sweeter side. The churros were warm and crisp, the flan was silky, and the tres leches was moist and rich -- just a bit heavy after such a filling meal. As for drinks, service was a little slow, likely because of the size of our group, but once they arrived, they were worth the wait. I ordered the spicy margarita, and it had a great balance of sweetness, acidity, and heat, with a nice kick that didn't overpower the drink. Overall, it was a solid experience with flavorful food, a fun atmosphere for groups, and just a few small things that could be improved. I'd definitely consider coming back, especially for celebrations or group dinners. read more

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Calo Kitchen + Tequila is one of my favorite spots. The margaritas here are seriously some of the best, always so good and perfectly balanced. It is the kind of place I crave when I want a good drink and a solid meal. The enchiladas are also a standout for me. They are always flavorful, well made, and super satisfying. Everything I have had here has been consistently good, which makes it an easy go to. Overall it is just a really reliable spot with great food and even better margaritas. Definitely one of my favorites. read more

Still enjoying lunch or dinner at Calo. The service was iffy a few times. When I spoke to the manager about it, he was so great, that I went back again and again. The service and food have been good. I plan to keep dining there and hopefully step out of my norm and order some of the delicious looking food I see servers walking by with. read more

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We have ate at calo a handful of times. Not my favorite ( used to be ) but it's convenient if your at the mall as there is not to many food options. It's the second time we have a had a rude waiter. The waiters look miserable and unhappy so does the male manager. They have a new female manager that was very nice and apologetic and gave us a free dessert but the male manager kept giving us weird looks since we complained how rude the waiter was. My 8 year old even said she was prolly rude" bc we are people of color. " the waiters and staff need hospitality training for sure !! read more

Super, amazing, phenomenal. Yeah, all of that. We reserved a private room for about 20 people for a vow renewal and everything was better than we could have imagined. Shout out to JP, the manager who hooked it all up. Servers were really exceptional and attentive and the food, just really wonderful. We had the taquitos, birria tacos and ceviche for appetizers and they were all unbelievably good. I personally had the chicken fajitas for my entree and I can vouch for that. For dessert we had the flan, the churros and the deep fried ice cream. All of them were ridiculously good and we can't wait to go again to eat some more. Even the chips and salsa with bean dip was amazing! read more

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So. Good. I ordered the chicken tostada, but was confused because it didn't list chicken in the ingredients list, and in the salad portion of the menu (where it was located) it stated adding chicken would be an additional $10. That was a bit confusing, but everything else was fantastic. read more

I love Calo! Great restaurant at SCP and of course the inside is beautiful. Great for date night, friendly gatherings, and work events. Gets really busy during peak times so definitely make a reservation on the weekends. Staff are friendly but don't prioritize speed...everything is paced, not rushed. There are a few menu items that really changed my brain chemistry: Queso fondido is a MUST HAVE. One of the most delicious dishes I've tried at a Mexican restaurant. Also LOVE their short rib enchiladas with the short rib sauce *mouth watering as I'm typing my review. Question becomes whether it's better than its rival Javier's at the Spectrum. Close call - Javier's is slightly nicer/yummier IMO but it's on the same level and a great place to grab lunch during a shopping break. Will be back regularly! read more

Highly recommended Food is perfect Atmosphere is perfect Staffs are super nice Thank you read more

Outstanding food! We had the short rib enchiladas and the rib eye tacos with bean and rice. The salsa, guacamole and bean dip is also delicious. It's a classy restaurant with wonderful service and great food. Check out locations in Laguna Nigel and Costa Mesa. Oh, and the Cadillac margaritas are delicious! read more

Beautiful, fun, and lively atmosphere! We chose to sit in their covered patio where it was brighter and quieter during our lunchtime visit. Service was excellent from the start; Yonathan represented the restaurant well: he was friendly, knowledgeable & helpful with the menu, professional, comfortably attentive -- and completely unrushed. I enjoyed their Complimentary (warm) chips with bean dip and salsa; it's easy to fill up on this tasty starter. In addition, I'd ordered their Potato Filled Taquitos ($17) and Spinach Enchiladas ($23); both were attractively presented and I very much enjoyed the flavors of both. Unlike the also-beautiful Laguna Niguel location, I appreciate this location in that one may stroll around the mall before and/or after one's meal to shop or get in some steps to increase one's appetite or walk off one's food & beverages. Positive experience. read more

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So happy to have finally stopped by to dine here with my family. The atmosphere is so gorgeous, classy, and sheek. The service was super friendly and attentive. The menu is on point, along with a great kids selection. The guacamole appetizer was excellent, nice, simple, and fresh. The carnitas were tender and so flavorful without extensive salt. The chile verde had a nice spicey kick to it! The kids carne taco was tender and easy to eat. It got two thumbs up from my kiddo. I loved the red rice, it was fluffy and tasted great. A must try for sure, we'd love to return! read more

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Another excellent dinner at Calo's Kitchen & Tequila! We love sitting at the bar, and somehow we always get lucky with seats, zero wait every time! The bar area is the best spot in the house, especially because of Damian, who is almost always our bartender whenever we visit. He always takes great care of us, is super attentive, and keeps everything flowing smoothly. Service at the bar is fast, friendly, and exactly why we keep coming back. For this visit, we enjoyed some of our usual favorites: Cheese Quesadilla - These are "empanada-like" quesadillas, the way true quesadillas look in Mexico. So simple and so good. Halibut Tacos - I've ordered these a few times and can never finish more than one. I always box the rest because they're that filling and flavorful. Grilled Serrano & Onion - A must-order for me. I eat everything with these, especially paired with their amazing habanero salsa. Ribeye Tacos - My boyfriend's go-to and one of his absolute favorites. Tamarindo Sour - My drink every single time. Mexican Old Fashioned - His go-to, and perfectly made by Damian. Consistently great food, great drinks, and even better service. One of our favorite Mexican restaurants in all of OC. If you haven't checked them out yet, do it! read more

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The vibe was great, the interior decoration was modern and felt open and inviting. It's inside/outside South Coast plaza so you know it's going to be good. I had a cocktail to drink and an app. Service was friendly. Would def go back read more

I went to Calo on a Saturday afternoon for lunch to celebrate a graduation. Calo is located outside of South coast plaza. It is outside of the entrance to the carousel area. The restaurant interior looks very trendy. It's nice and clean. The bathrooms also look very clean. The service was okay as well. The server started us out with chips and salsa and a black bean dip. We got shrimp ceviche as an appetizer for the table which was $25. The shrimp ceviche does not come with additional chips or crackers so we just ate it with the table chips that came with the salsa. The server tried really hard to push us to get a second order because she said it was small. $25 for a small appetizer was a bit shocking. We stuck with one order and I'm glad we did due to the large serving sizes of the entrees. I ordered the quesadilla. It was $25. It came with red rice and beans. Everything tasted good however many of the dishes on the menu are pretty pricey. At the end of the meal, they offered us a complimentary dessert since we were celebrating a graduation which I thought was a nice touch. Overall, food was good but it is a bit pricey. It's a good restaurant for special occasions. read more

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