Meeting my sister from out of state and a cousin for lunch at Mexicali. I was a little late parking was a little tricky. Lots of people had the same idea for lunch today, it was crowded. I found my sister and cousin who had been seated out of the main dining area at a quiet table, which is fine so we could catch up. Billy, the friendly waiter had the chips and salsa already on the table. I remember the salsa from my last time not spicy just right We ordered two Esther's delights and a burrito combination for my cousin. Our specialty lunches were out after a short wait, plates were hot. Chile rellenos lots of cheese topped with ground meat delicious crispy taco with a small salad and guacamole My cousin's burrito was a meal she couldn't finish. Billy, our friendly experienced waiter was great, he took a couple pictures when we had finished, even the pictures turned out good, like our lunch. read more

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Don't know if our server was having a bad day or didn't want to serve us. One person in our party did ask her how she was doing and if she was ok because she didn't look happy. The food has gone downhill! I could have sworn they used to make fresh guacamole but that didn't seem to be the case this afternoon, stuff looked like it came from a bag. I ordered just appetizers and the jalapeño poppers were disappointing. I sent them back and asked for it to be removed from my bill . Our server didn't ask if we wanted drink refills nor did she check on our table. Had to ask another worker to get our waitress to take the jalapeño poppers . She came back to drop off our bill and asked if we wanted our change. Disappointing this place used to be delicious. read more

Mexicali - Over cooked jalapeño poppers with sour cream on a piece of lettuce. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

It's been in business since I was born. I enjoy the food a lot. It's always the same, you can count on your favorites never changing. The margaritas are made with rocket fuel, and are really yummy. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila FLOOR is totally true! (I stop at one) Very busy at meal times, go early or late and you'll have a peaceful experience. Very nice staff. Prices are reasonable for the quality. read more

Mexicali has the best Cadillac margaritas in town! But beware, they definitely sneak up on you! My favorite spot is the bar tucked in the corner, since this used to be our go-to stop before concerts or a little pre-gaming fun. I love the dim lights that set the perfect mood. Our host took amazing care of us! The drinks were refilled before they even hit the bottom! And while the food isn't usually my cup of tea, after a couple margaritas those fried taquitos really hit the spot! read more

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We came to lunch at 11am, the special of the day for lunch was 2 item combo of cheese enchilada & beef taco for 16.95. Server was kind and friendly greeted with chips n salsa and waters to start . The place picked up by noon all tables were moving quickly. And our food came out on hot plates! My favorite is a server warning me to watch out my plate is extremely hot! read more

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Never again. First and last time. This is their carne asada burrito, but looked more like a taco. Have never had a smaller burrito in my life where it was more tortilla than anything. The salsa was also not very authentic. Horrible! read more

Mexicali - Carne asada burrito with added rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Food was decent, i got the taquitos and they tasted pretty good when mixed with the guacamole or beans, the filling could use a little more seasoning and alone the taquitos would probably be very bland. Drinks here are always good as well. I did come here with a large party both times I've been here. the first time they were quick and very attentive to our group, the second time however... we were trying to celebrate birthdays and an engagement but they sat my party of 10 at two separate areas where we couldn't even talk to the entire group. the service was also noticeably slower this time around. The vibe in the restaurant is nice and for birthdays they let the birthday celebrant wear a sombrero if they would like and the staff joins in on singing happy birthday. read more

Mexicali - Taquitos - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Review for the bar. Small and every one knows each other. Drinks are strong. Service is great. I meet a friend every couple of months here. Parking can be hard but we end up spending time and we never feel rushed. read more

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We came here for a reception and I was honestly super worried about the service and how they would serve us. We reserved the entire back room and were offered either a 2 item combo plate with a taco and cheese enchilada or a tostada salad with a meat of our choice. For having over 50 people in the room we were served pretty quickly and the servers were very attentive to our tables. They constantly made sure we had chips and salsa and had refills on any of our drinks. The margaritas here are strong on the rocks!! This is one of the only Mexican restaurants in town i prefer the blended margarita. This is a family owned restaurant so it's pretty casual and is great for a group of people. Other times ive been here we've been separated if we came in a group greater than 10 so definitely make a reservation! read more

Loved visiting this historic restaurant. Lots of art, photos and space in the restaurant. Enjoyed tamales, beans, rice . Great lunch stop! read more

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Friendly staff. Chips and salsa to die for. Love the comfortable old Mexican feel, good food that has remained about the same for the last 50 some years. This restaurant is great for people who have grown up over the years with comfort food Mexican style. Not too much imagination on changing the menu or trying new things, but that's OK for those of us who you're in for the good old days. Hope it can last another couple of decades. read more

Food and Service on point. Sat in the bar area and got to people watch. The margaritas are famous. Always perfect. Of course like everything prices have gone up. But the food and drinks are.. Delicious . read more

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3.5 based on the last few times I've been. Mexicali has been a staple in my restaurant rotation for a long as I can remember. It has that old school, comfortable Mexican restaurant ambiance that can't be beat and the service is always great. Rocket fuel margaritas (but hey, that's why we drink them) something has definitely changed about the food lately. The last two or three times I've noticed the rice is almost anemic looking and bland tasting, and something is "off" with some of the sauces (on enchiladas). I don't think it's the greatest Mexican food, but it is usually consistent which is comforting. Trying it later this week for a family event so I'll see how it goes. read more

I went to Mexicali with my parents and my son for my father's birthday. It was a Saturday around 4:30 when we got there and we didn't have to wait to be seated. The waitress was friendly and took our orders without writing anything down. She proved to be great at her job because everything was correct when we got our food. The chili colorado is so good! Maybe too good, because I couldn't stop eating it. The portions were good sized and the meat was nice and tender. I think I found only one fatty piece that I didn't eat. The wait for our food wasn't long at all. Mexicali is a true Bakersfield original. Can't go wrong here. And if you like margaritas, you need to go here! Also, don't plan on driving yourself if you do! It sneaks up on you! This is actually where I learned that my son is willing to eat cheeseburgers! In fact, he begged to go back the following weekend for one! read more

This place has gone downhill really bad. We haven't been here one time in the past 6 months and had no mistakes on anything we ordered and today set me over the edge. A specific server gave absolutely zero time for anyone to order. I usually ask for the #12 with chicken and all pot beans. She barely gave me time to get past #12 before moving on to the next person. Lo and behold, I got a beef taco instead of chicken, as expected. I have pretty bad anger issues so I could barely speak knowing it wasn't my fault and completely hers. Down below is a photo of the beef taco crushed. Only reason this is getting 3 stars is because I did get an apology only because she knew I was pissed. Nice job Mexicali! read more

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When we think of Mexican food, we ALWAYS think of Mexicali first! Not just because of the GREAT food, excellent Best in Bakersfield Margaritas, but because it's been family owned since about 1942 I think, and the current owner Irene, is proudly carrying the torch and doing a great job of it. And the bar stuff of Tino, Jorge and Chulio, who was our server tonite, are so attentive and gracious and are like family! This place is a historic destination point and so important to so many people in this city. We love it, if you've never been there you need to try it and you won't be disappointed. It would recommend it on a Saturday or Sunday. We typically eat in the bar, at the bar and those three are a wonderful representation of the family and the brand! I cannot give a higher recommendation for this place, and the family that Irene has built with this crew! God bless and continued success for this wonderful restaurant! read more

Mexicali - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This was an old school Mexican dining experience I had a wet chili verde burrito and was quite tasty nothing to complain about salsa and chips were also included I will return they do have some good specials available read more

Worst Mexican food I've ever had! You can always tell how good the food is when the salsa comes. I instantly knew it would be disappointing. The salad was like Pace right out of a jar. I had enchiladas suizas which had no flavor at all. It barely came with sauce. The rice tasted weird. My husband has fajitas that came in a ceramic bowl not the steaming hot pan they typically are served in. They were so bland. I get this place is iconic to Bakersfield but it was absolutely disgusting! read more

Mexicali - Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Came in today for lunch. I have fond memories of this place growing up and wanted to love it. Sadly, it felt so underwhelming and generic compared to the more authentic places in town. Service was attentive and on point. The food left a lot to be desired. My tastebuds were like, "Come on, Jess- you know better than this." read more

Mexicali is as Bakersfield as it gets...#6, beef taco, extra enchilada sauce, house made guacamole. The standard Mexicali experience, in my opinion. I became a patron to Mexicali in the mid 2000's, when I assimilated into my wife's family who were themselves weekly visitors. For years we would frequent downtown or Mexicali West, usually Sunday's after church. Countless birthdays, anniversary's and date nights have been hosted by Mexicali, and we are so thankful to the staff for the countless meals and endless hospitality. As my own family grows, it's been fun to have our boys starting to know many of the staff by name: Guido, Israel, Jasmine, Jessica. We love Mexicali for the staff, ambience, food and the hometown Bakersfield experience. Thanks for years of memories; here's to many more! -AW read more

We had dinner at this restaurant about 30 minutes before closing. The beef fajitas were pre-cooked, my chimichanga was room temperature, clearly pre-made, and the salsa was glorified tomato sauce. So disappointed. They gave us copious amounts of sour cream and guacamole, but the guacamole was a whipped type of concoction. Wait staff was efficient. Wish we had a better experience. read more

Iconic space, nice almost historic atmosphere, menu food is decent but drinks are good. Mexicali piqued my interest as we were driving through area and noticed this large, estate like restaurant restaurant with a characteristic sign with a palm tree and neon lights. You can tell upon first enter in the restaurant, the place has a lot of history; if only the walls could speak the stories they would tell. There are two choices you make when enter in the restaurant, cocktails or restaurant. The cocktails side is more lively and vibrant, by that I mean it feels like a bar with food and the other side is the restaurant which feels more low key, despite there being interesting architectural elements (like exposed beams and high ceilings and interesting artwork on the fountains). We ate at restaurant, if I were to go back would probably pick the cocktails side (what's not to like about the Bar tenders taking shots with each other). Service was very friendly. Bea was great. Although I wish there was a cocktail menu. The food was like slightly glorified Chevys. We got the fajita and Esther's plate. But we're decent but not something to write home about. I wouldn't come here for the food, but the vibes and drinks. The spicy margarita was quite nice, not sweet and spicy for sure. read more

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I remember Mexicali used to be the place to be back in the day. I can't believe that it's still hopping. We went there recently and it was just packed full of people saw some celebrities and had a pretty good time. Food it's your typical Mexican food. Everything was good nothing to complain about. Drinks were great. Great service. read more

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$26 dollars for a smidge of ground beef mascarading as a taco and a tortilla melted in cheese - with nothing else but cheese inside - mascarading as an enchilada, accompanied by what feels like a pound of the most bland, tasteless rice and beans I have ever eaten. When I was waiting in line, there were nothing but Caucasian customers, and they assured me this was the best Mexican food in town. They don't even compare to la villa. read more

Service sucks today in the bar. We've been here almost 30mins. Brought us drinks then left. Haven't seen her since. No menu, no chips and salsa. Had to go to the bar to order more drinks. Paid more attention to the regulars. read more

Mexicali is one of Bakersfield's few remaining long standing, old school, family owned restaurants with a loyal clientele. The atmosphere is warm and cozy. They have provided delicious food and good service for many years. This evening I was tired after work and I wanted warm & tasty comfort food. Bill was my delightful server, very friendly and attentive. I ordered a bowl of their scrumptious Chili Colorado with corn tortillas. No one does it better in my humble opinion! Mexicali is one of my favorite go to's for an inviting ambience and delicious food. read more

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Staff was nice and restaurant had decent outlay. The food was straight up out of can and tasted processed. The food was also super over priced lol.., my four year olds one shrimp taco wax 23, and my 12 year olds 2 shrimp tacos were 30 lol. read more

This is a busy spot for great Mexican food. Staff is friendly & it's worth the wait. The drinks, especially their margarita game is amazing. Family friendly environment the food is fresh & tastes great. The chips & salsa are addicting. read more

Mexicali - Pineapple margarita, Chicken Taco, Cheese Enchilada w/rice & beans. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

It was so delicious. Enjoyed the mini tacos and burritos. The blended margaritas were bomb!

The food was so bland. I honestly did not enjoy it. I sometimes take my leftover food home, especially at those prices but decided to leave it behind as I won't even touch it again. Disappointed. read more

Mexicali - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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First time coming here!! I've always heard of this restaurant but I just never had the chance to try out. My friend really likes this restaurant and so we all chose this as our place for dinner! I ordered the Burrito Especial and our dishes came out probably 10 minuted later? It was pretty quick or maybe my friends and I were so busy catching up that lots of time has passed. But still, the food arrived 10-15 min later and it was delicious oh my. I jusy love burritos so much. Their chips and salsas were really good. Especially the salsa and I'm not really a salsa typa person but that salsa was addicting. The interior of the restaurant was also something i liked. It felt very home-y :) the only thing i noticed was lack of ?? Air conditioning. Or maybe it was just me. I felt like I was slightly sweaty through out the meal. read more

Mexicali - Burrito Especial - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Don't have a full review, but we stopped in for a drink on a Sunday afternoon. The bar area is cozy and dim, a nice refuge on a warm day. Service was friendly and cocktails were large (not necessarily strong). Full meal service is available in the bar, and it was busy. It seems to have a number of regulars. read more

Mexicali - Nice refreshing G&T with crushed ice - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

All the staff was rude asf, food was mediocre at best, was laughed at when we got up to take our check to the front because it was doing them a disservice. Don't waste your time coming here. read more

I'm going to start by listing the positive aspects of Mexicali... the atmosphere is great and they seated us quickly. The server was friendly, fast, and efficient. Now for the negative aspects of Mexicali... the chips were served in a comically small bowl, I love ruining my meal by over indulging in chips and salsa. So that was pretty annoying. The chips themselves were also subpar. The salsa was basically tomato sauce with a couple of green chilies in it. The food itself was underwhelming and lacked flavor. If you like Mexican food that is a little more flavorful then there are so many better options. read more

Mexicali - Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This is Bakersfield at its best. In all the years it hasn't changed and it was great!! Passing through on a trip to see mom, used to live here. We met some friends for lunch. Thought I'd give my Montanan fiancé a true Bakersfield experience and it didn't disappoint. Bill our server was super friendly attentive and quick to check on us but not in a hovering way. Food was hot, tasty and good size portions. If you are looking for Bakersfield Mexican food you need to try here. Their chips and salsa are on point as I filled up on them as usual. Good job Mexicali after all these years!! Same decor as before lots of tables and they were all full as it was a weekday at lunch. read more

You truly can't go wrong heading to Mexicali for a great Mexican meal. We go often and most recently had lunch after church. We appreciate that they are downtown and open on Sundays. I typically keep it simple with a relleno or fajita salad, but whatever I order, it's just the best. The chips are perfect and so are the margaritas. I actually ordered a pint of margaritas to take home. I must learn how to make them as well as they do. We never seem to wait long for a table no matter how many people are with us. They take reservations and have spaces for large celebrations as well. I always feel a special familiarity when walking in and just feel at home. read more

Service and atmosphere were good but the food was mid at best. Salsa was bland and the food was bland with only salty predominate flavor. I got a mix plate with tamale, enchilada and chili relleno. Would not recommend or visit this place again. read more

My husband and I like to sit in the small, cozy section near the bar, away from the main dining room. This gives us a more intimate and personalized experience. He always orders Esther's Delight, which consists of a chili verde taco and a chili reno served on a hot plate with a salad topped with avocado dressing. It always looks delightful, and I suppose that's why it's named Esther's Delight. I usually order the number 14, which includes two cheese and onion enchiladas with a salad topped with the House Thousand Island dressing. I absolutely love the Mexicali enchilada sauce, as no one else makes an enchilada sauce like it! Unfortunately, I can no longer have dairy products, so I ordered the chili verde tostada without cheese. It looked good and tasted delicious and has become my new favorite dish at Mexicali. As soon as we were seated, the busboy brought water to our table. Our waitress, Maria, was cheerful and promptly took our food and drink order. Before we left, the manager stopped by our table to check if everything went well and to tell an amusing joke. We enjoyed our dinner and highly recommend Mexicali Restaurant to everyone, and we plan to go back for more! read more

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A group of girlfriends and I came to bar to meet up and celebrate the holidays. There was a bartender of older age w gray hair(not white) that kept telling us to be quiet and tone it down. I am confused because we were in a bar, not a restaurant! Bars are ALWAYS loud and rambunctious!! We were just laughing and having a good time!! Not bothering anyone else! I'm not from Bakersfield but I've never been in a bar that tells its patrons to be quiet while laughing! Ridiculous! Obviously we took our $$ somewhere else rt away!!! So disappointed! Vinimos a pasarla bien no que nos regañen por reírnos! Grinch! read more

Always a favorite place to go, for all of my family. Food is always great! Miss Mexicali west though.