Just a hop skip and Mexican jumping bean away from "downtown" Indio is a hole in the wall cafe. The restrooms are located outside and were kept very clean. If their bathrooms are dirty imagine what the hidden kitchen looks like. A good rule is if the bathrooms are dirty, consider another restaurant. Comfortable outdoor seating was plentiful. Chips are crisp, fresh, and as a single diner they did not temp me in eating a large portion of corn chips. The fresh salsa is one of the best I have eaten. Just enough heat to make you a bit cautious, yet not enough for regrets. My regular is two crispy beef taco combination. If their beans and rice are marginal, rarely are the plated meals better. The beans were superb. My critique would be I wanted more. Beans were clean, meaning not to heavy with lard, bacon grease or whatever they use as a refrying agent. Rice was crisp, light and flavorful. The Taco's were on the small size, they used the standard street taco sized corn tortilla. But the flavor was great once I added a pinch of salt. Service was quick, staff was congenial. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, I would definitely put this one on your list. I will be going back to try some of the other fare, but crispy tacos, rice and beans pretty much some up my choice at Mexican restaurants. Mixed crowd with many brothers from down below the border. Their food reminds me of family style meals. The ceviche looked delicious and I will be trying that the next time I visit. read more

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This is my 2nd time coming here, the first I ordered the chile rellenos plate, very tasty, this time we ordered the Mexicali Sampler & Chorizo w/Egg breakfast plate, so good & so much food; We sat outside & a gentleman was singing, very nice ambiance for a Sunday midday.. Service was great, our waiter was super nice & very efficient! read more

El Mexicali Cafe - Sampler plate - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

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Amazing service, authentic food. Locals highly recommend, if you are in town, you just try! read more

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Recently had my father's bday dinner there . When we got there our table was set up already . We were greeted with hello's and ice cold waters . Placed our order quickly . Our server was Edith and she was on top of everything ! Our food was delicious ! I will def be back for the good food and Edith's above and beyond service !! read more

Loveluvlouve...this place! Staying at WorldMark and this restaurant was on their list of recommendations. Tons of parking, indoor and outdoor seating with full bar. We ordered the shrimp ceviche which was do good and fresh, crispy tacos (carne asada, shredded chicken, carnitas (all were good) the server recommended the house special yellow pepper stuffed with shrimp, served with lemon mayo and soy sauce...the combo was so amazing. Also had a combo plate with enchilada rice and beans. We ate almost all of it! The star of the show was the staff, they were so sweet and attentive. Even if the food was okay we would come back just for the people who work here, but the food is so good that we are looking forward to trying breakfast. Pricing was fair for portions and quality. read more

Hot sauce way too hot. Shrimp dish still had the shells on and I had to fight my food to get the shells off in a garlic sauce. What a mess And the tacos weren't that great. It tasted like mayonnaise was on Them. Good service but just go to a good taqueria read more

This is the best mexican food yet!!! They have 3 locations and Indio is the best. I ate there 3 times in roll its so yummy.

The food was delicious and served fresh. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure our table had everything we needed. The restaurant was clean and had a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, it was a great dining experience and I would definitely come back read more

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Really enjoyed my meal here! The flavors were fresh and authentic, the portions generous, and the prices very reasonable. The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Everything came out hot and well-seasoned -- you can tell they care about the food they serve. The only reason it's not a full five stars is that I actually did not care for their tortilla chips - might even be store bought, and stale, and a few fatty pieces of asada in my tacos - but overall it was a great experience. If in the area again, might go back read more

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Amazing food, Amazing service. so accommodating especially during coachella/stagecoach weekends. Genuinely knows so much about the food/drinks and wants to make a good experience for your party. 10/10. Ask for Angel! read more

El Mexicali Cafe - chicken 2 Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

Woke up hungry on a Saturday morning looking for a good Mexican breakfast, and it was pleasantly surprised to what I had found and the quality of the food. The lady that took my order over the phone, which I'm assuming was the owner was really friendly and really helpful in helping me make a decision on what to eat. My wife had the chili and no plate which was great and I opted for the Chile Colorado breakfast burrito, which was a special order but the owner had no problem making for me. My son had a breakfast burrito, which was also good impactful of quality ingredients. This place is good for sure. What stood out to me the most was the quality of the food the time that it was delivered and how friendly the staff and owner was at this place if you're out in Indio and looking for some great Mexican food give this place a shot. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Keep up the good work guys excellent food read more

El Mexicali Cafe - Chile rellano plate - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

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The shrimp stuffed chili was AMAZING! When we learned of it, it sounded like an odd combination, but trust the process! I am salivating even thinking about it. I cannot wait to go back for them. The service was amazing with a very friendly staff!! read more

We ordered everything they recommended and it did not disappoint! We wanted to try this place out after reading it was America's #1 Mexican restaurant. It was worth the drive! We'll be back next time we're in the desert. P.S. Wonderful staff and service! read more

Food is always great service always and I've been coming here since early 70s it's family here it's like grandma cooking breakfast Huevos rancheros with a chavela just can't beat that read more

El Mexicali Cafe - Fidallo before mane course - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

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This food! It was unexpected but absolutely what I needed! We came to this small family run place on a Saturday around 11am for a light snack and got sat at the bar. There are less than 10 tables inside of the restaurant and a patio outside. The menu was full of great options and we decided on the Carne a la Tampiquena (Sampler Plate) and it was delicious and filling. El Mexicali is known for their peppers stuffed with shrimp, which was a nice surprise! They had a great assortment of beers, which was a great compliment with the sampler. We split between 2 of us since there was 2 tacos, 2 quesadillas, 2 flautas, ceviche, and the peppers. Also the chips and salsa were so good and fresh with a nice little kick. The service was fantastic and friendly, which was much appreciated. We can't wait to visit on our next trip out to the area. read more

El Mexicali Cafe - Sampler platter - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

Been here a few times before. A while ago. This time was the best by far. The food was so good. Really good. I ordered a grilled shrimp taco, a pepper stuffed with shrimp and a beef tostada. All three were really delicious. The food took a while to arrive, but it tasted liked they cooked it to order. Seriously fresh tasting. I am wary of restaurants that serve food too quickly. You order and two seconds later it arrives. This was the best Mexican food I've had by far in a long time. Love the ambiance. Yes, the train goes by and it's a little loud. But I thought it added to the charm of this unique place. Keep up the great work. Cheers! read more

What a wonderful experience! Food was wonderful. Highly recommend the chilies with shrimp.Trust the process! The staff treated us like old friends or family! We will definitely be back read more

Fantastic food and drinks! The service is top notch. Must have their LaPaloma it is so good!! Nice place with great outdoor patio. read more

Authentic like your Abuelita makes it. Homemade tortillas, friendly service, and the salsa is not gringo style.. Will definitely be back!

Let's just say I am not a fan of Mexican food but this place was really good and the fried fish was super awesome. Was there for a friends birthday and the service and staff were excellent. I would definitely be back to try their other items on the menu. Price was also affordable compared to other restaurants. Thank you again for the great food and service! read more

A small family owned restaurant by the train tracks in Indio. Three of us ate here for the first time today and all 3 lunches were delicious. We had burritos, tacos, enchiladas and chile relleno. The beers were cold and the service was great from start to finish. It took us about 15 minutes to get there but it was well with the trip. The prices were $13, $15 and $17 for the 3 meals and beers were $6 and $7. Great food and great prices, what more could you ask for. read more

We came in on a hot Sunday, late afternoon. We chose to sit outside with the water misters; it wasn't bad. The beers on tap were ice cold and served in ice cold glasses. Our waitress, Edith, was fantastic. She made sure our table was clean, served our beers ice cold, and our food hot. We ordered the Chile Gueritos - they were delicious and highly recommend. We were sent by our family to try these and enjoyed them so much we had two orders. You can also get one on the a la carte menu but we decided to go all in (appetizer order has 6). We also had chips, salsa, and a large Mexicali guacamole. The portions here are for people who are hungry. We had leftovers to take home even though we only ordered appetizers and beer. Edith kindly packed up our leftovers and sent us on our way with such kindness. We should return sooner than later. read more

El Mexicali Cafe - Chile Gueritos - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

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Our favorite Mexican restaurant in the entire valley. And that's a high bar! They have such great food and such friendly staff. I cannot recommend this place more. My 4yr old requests this place every time we ask her what she wants to eat!! read more

Best carne asada salad I have ever had. Tender and well marinated/seasoned! Bar service was great. Excellent presentation of a blended strawberry margarita. read more

Awesome food and service. Definitely worth the stop off the highway. Skirt steak mexicali. Don't miss this place!

Service was good, I had a bean and cheese burrito, $8, generous with chip bowl refills. Food was good, beans were very creamy, not sticky. Recommended.. read more

El Mexicali Cafe - outdoor patio dining. - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

Wow.. we were sent here by a friend and ended up going to the wrong location? However... I'm not sure what #2 has to offer this palace was AMAZING! To learn the history and met defendants and eat the delicious food! Wow it was truly a treat! Give a traditional mom and pop a chance and you will not be disappointed honestly! We are Jit old but we aren't young either so we just loved this experience. Thank you to all the wonderful servers there... they were all so great! This place was old school legacy.. the kind Trump is trying to end! Loved it 10 stars read more

We are in Indio for the rodeo and we were looking for sone good Mexican food. This place came up with good reviews and it was close to the hotel. We were greeted warmly when we arrived. We sat ourselves but we were quickly brought chips and salsa. Nathan introduced himself as our server and helped us choose drinks. We were given excellent suggestions and time to decide our choices. I had the Rellano and tacos. They were fabulous! My husband ordered chili verde and when he started eating he couldn't stop saying how wonderful it was. Nathan attended to us often and professionally . We were pleasantly surprised by the food service and ambience. We will be back! read more

Good, honest Mexican food. Everything was good. The shrimp stuffed yellow peppers appetizer was delicious! Foolishly we only ordered two peppers thinking six would be too many for the two of us. We should have had six! Prices were fair. Service was terrific. Outside seating available. Our Cadillac margaritas were refreshing, delicious and appropriately boozy. A good old fashioned dinner by the railroad tracks! read more

El Mexicali Cafe - Combination #1. Beef taco and cheese enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

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Good salsa served with chips got the breakfast off to a good start. We were in the mood for chilaquiles, so we came here because that, and beans and rice, are reliably authentic. Quick, friendly bilingual service. Tidy dining room and patio. If you just have a strong hankering for a margarita, they have a very cute, well stocked bar. Food is made to order, so it takes a while sometimes. This is a popular breakfast spot for locals of all ages and people who love authentic northern Mexican food. The plate came out piping hot, and the chilaquiles are delish! read more

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The food is excellent, the service was wonderful. Our server noticed we had our timeshare wrist band on and automatically gave the discount. This place was recommended! And is a must! The little whole in the wall place was a perfect setting to enjoy dinner with friends. read more

Omg! The food was amazing and the service by our server, Nathan was excellent! We sat outside because they were at capacity inside which was fine. They had heaters that kept us warm on a cold Feb evening. But it was nosies from the occasional passing of trains and the street. This restaurant is between the train tracks and the street. We didn't come for the ambience but for the food. So worth it. We had their famous Chiles Gueritos, which is yellow peppers stuffed with shrimp. You add soy sauce and mayonnaise, sounds weird but tasted out of the world!! This is a must appetizer. We also had Fuente de Maurice's with devil sauce. Another fantastic dish, tasted so fresh full of flavor. And lastly their giant quesadilla with steak. We were so stuffed, we just shared one slice and took the rest Togo, again another fabulous dish. Steak had so much flavor. 1000% recommend this restaurant. Except for the quesadilla, we've never tasted this kinda of Mexican food anywhere else. Some of our food took a long time because they had a large Togo order and Nathan made sure to inform us of the delay and apologize profusely. He even gave us a couple of flan to go as complimentary. He didn't have to as we didn't complain or annoyed the food took a while. We already had our apps and chips and salsa and we weren't in a hurry. I'm glad they are doing well. Next time we're in this area, we'll sure to come here. They have 2 more locations, but one is now called Carmen in Palm Springs and 2 in Indio are El Mexicali Cafe. This location is their original. read more

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Off the chart! Yummy stopped by on our way back from Arizona. Will definitely be back! Service is amazing as well!

Best shrimp stuffed peppers in the WORLD! So unique and different a splash of soy sauce just right, total delight.

We absolutely love this restaurant, the staff and management are amazing kind and caring! Awesome customer service provided the food is always delicious. The place is clean and neat. I highly recommend this location. read more

El Mexicali Cafe - My weekly reviews throughout the Coachella Valley - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

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Nathan was our waiter, he has awesome people skills and engages in conversations with his customers. He was very happy to take a minute and tell us the history of the cafe. We had shrimp ceviche, steak fajitas and a chile Colorado burrito. Everything was so good, El Mexicali is now our go to favorite restaurant! The prices are reasonable and the portion sizes are hearty! There were several tables, all of got great service. It was pleasant and welcoming, very comfortable and a great atmosphere! Definitely the best dinner in a long time. :) read more

Quaint little restaurant. It is strange they have soy sauce as a condiment on the table. Not very gluten free friendly. I had the shrimp cocktail which was good and my husband had the fajitas which has teriyaki in them which we found different . Several friends enjoy this restaurant. We enjoyed the train going past us and we had a nice out door experience. The staff was lovely. read more

Great Authentic Mexican Food at decent prices with service you will be happy with. Very attentive and fresh large portions of traditional flavorful food you would expect. Definitely a must try, and I will be returning when I come back to visit the area.... read more

El Mexicali Cafe - Carne Asada Omelette - Mexican Near Me - Indio, California

Most authentic and delicious Mexican food in the Desert. There truly, in my opinion, not a bad thing on their menu.

Such an amazing find for us! We got 2 sampler plates which we shared and I could have ordered more food but I was full. NOT TOO salty which is a positive, amazing flavors, very nice staff. Can't wait to go back. Will take people visiting us there as well. read more