The food is made fresh to order. Waiters and waitresses are all hospitable. The prices are awesome. Great atmosphere. We try to go there every time we visit Bakersfield. read more

Love this place.. super nostalgic.. been going since i was a kid.. the food never disappoints! Their salsa is the best in town hands down.

Pretty darned disappointing. To start, chips and salsa are marginal. Margarita was terrible, Chile Verde possibly the worst I've ever had. Beans and rice average at best. My wife had the chili relleno and it was again, average at best. The only offset to the bad food was the delightful waitress. read more

Always dependable and it's just great old Bakersfield. The taste is the same every time you go.

I've been eating here since the 1970's. My go to order is the #9. Two enchiladas rice and beans. I can't say enough good things about this establishment. They really seem to be on top of their game during this COVID19 pandemic . Very professional and friendly service. I've never eaten so much Mexicali as I have during this pandemic. I place my phone order and have my order in hand in 20 minutes or less. My total round trip is less then 30 minutes from where I live and I'm home enjoying my #9. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu. #greateats Thank you MEXICALI! read more

We were a party of four that arrived about 12:30 pm on Wednesday March 30, 2022. Asked to be moved to a quieter area of restaurant and were easily accommodated. Lovely old atmosphere. Excellent waiter (Guido). Four regular lunch plates, two beers, coffee, iced tea. Nice, good lumpy guacamole appetizer. One flan with lots of sauce (good). $130 (included $20 tip). Rice, beans dry. Salsa unremarkable, Chicken tough. Small dry egg in huevos rancheros had no topping worth mentioning.Shame the food was so poor/average. Will not go back until it gets more stars. Hope it does. read more

Great food. Was slow last night when we were the only table. Good drinks but the waitress seemed irritated with life read more

Mexicali Restaurants - Fire - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This is definitely my favorite place to have Margarita's! I have been coming here for 20 years. I love the ambiance, cool and dark bar. But no, it's not just the consistently strong Margarita's that bring me here...and actually not even the food. I love this place for the amazing service I get from the cool peeps: Diane, Tish, George, Tino and Mauricio. I come here with friends to celebrate, relax, hide, unwind, and in the Summer...to cool off! Cause it's definitely a cold bar with dim lights. But after having 2 Cadillacs or 2 frosty margaritas, I order the delicious chorizo nachos which are always crispy and perfectly layered with jalapeños, green onion and black olives. I also love the trio dip: bean, queso & guacamole. Make sure you ask for the "fresh" guacamole as opposed to the regular guacamole which is more of a dip. If you're in the mood for dinner, try their cheese enchiladas and chili rellenos (perfectly battered, never thick and spongy!) Is the food authentic Mexican? Heck no! It's not! But it's good! I love this place! Tell them I sent you! Sit in the bar, but dont take my favorite seat in the corner. Cheers! read more

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I have gone to this restaurant for years and am never disappointed. No matter who I am with, I like to sit in one of the bar booths just through an opening to the right of the bar. This area of the restaurant is always very cozy; if its cold and rainy outside or a 110 degrees, this is my favorite place to be. The decor never changes with its fake Ivey and a picture of a woman where her bust just doesn't quite look right, it's still where I always want to be when I visit this restaurant. I usually order a Pizzadilla and maybe some taco's on the side, but all of their dishes are delicious and authentic. But the most important reason I go to this amazing restaurant, is to order a double margarita on the rocks with a salted rim and a side of Gran Mariner; order it just like that and you won't be disappointed, tell them Russ sent you read more

Un acceptable. They don't take reservations? Should when your party is over 8 people (like any other normal restaurant would). Wouldn't even start setting up our table until our whole party was here.......but yet we saw many, many people walk in and go right in saying "our group is already seated"???? How does that work? Will never come back here again! We have already waited an hour so we will wait and see how much longer........ read more

Been coming here since I was a kid, it's one of the oldest well known places in town, not super authentic but pretty Darn good, if your from the old Bakersfield crowd, meaning before the chain restaurants and when the city was small, everyone came here. There are some great hidden gems on the menu, and some great stuff that's not on the menu for those in the know. Nowadays we always eat in the bar, the service is like it was way back, so the waitresses are great but they have attitude, and well ya gotta love'em for it. Always order your margaritas on the rocks, and be careful, unlike other places, these get stronger as they go. The first is strong, and it'll numb your head, after that you don't really care, anymore than three ya better take a cab or take a nap in your car! You can find us here usually once a week for dinner or a late lunch. On a side note, I really want those paintings in the bar, been collecting copies of them for a few years. If you find some let me know! read more

This was the absolute worst experience in my life. I sat there for 20 minutes waiting for my order to be taken. They were not busy and there was plenty of wait staff. My "waitress" walked by my table 3 times, while several other members of the wait staff made eye contact with me but walked by my table. I was clearly ready to order as my chips were gone, my soda was empty and my menu was on the edge of the table. No explanation was given. In fact my waitress walked by me while I was requesting a manager and waiting for the manager and not once did she acknowledge my presence. The only explanation I can think of, is I wasn't white enough for this establishment. While Rueben offered to give me a free meal I declined as it was too little to late. I paid for my soda (since I drank it) but I will never return to this restaurant. Racism at its finest (the only dinners were white) but the joke is on this establishment as I am white and enjoyed the atmosphere and if the food was good was planning on coming back. Now, I will never return and I will be sure to share with anyone this awful experience. read more

Never been here before. Ordered the crunchy taco and a chicken enchilada. Service was friendly and super fast, even though I don't like coming downtown. Showed up on a Wednesday around 11:00am, but still pretty busy. Amazing Spanish rice and retried beans. read more

We have been going here for years. It's always busy but worth the wait. There are several things we love to order. The chili con queso is a must. We order any where from the combination plates to their specials. I have never had a bad meal. The service has always been good too. read more

The decore is old mexico meets the John Wayne era. I ordered a carna asada taco and a chicken enchilada and my husband ordered the buritto durado (a pork burrito). The carna asada was stewed meat chunks with steamed/boiled bell peppers and onions. The enchilda sauce was ok but not impressed with the chicken it had no flavor. My husband said the pork was good. Definitely not authentic Mexican food or Mexicali food as though I thought it would be by the sign if I want Mexican food I definitely will go somewhere else. This was not worth $40! Oh and I almost forgot to add the waitress sucked ordered sodas she mix those up and then we couldn't get refills for the life of us so we pretty much that the whole meal with one soda that were small glasses. We could even get our water refilled. read more

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Very disappointed with the staff here. We called to make a reservation (which they made apparent they don't do) and we explained how we were honoring my grandmothers passing at her favorite restaurant. The lady who answered the phone completely disregarded my mom, showing absolutely no sympathy to her explaining my grandmothers passing. She rudely answered that they don't do reservations, not even willing to try to work something out with us. We were looking forward to celebrating my grandparents lives, where we have spent many memories and money at this establishment and were completely written off. Won't be coming here again. read more

Busy place. Service in the bar is sketchy. Make sure your very clear on how you want your drink made. Never was asked if I wanted to eat. Had to ask for chips and salsa. I think they thought that I was just there to drink since I was by myself? Stressed out staff maybe. read more

As always the food was delicious and the drinks were thirst quenching. I have been coming here since I was a small child with family, friends and now my husband. But tonight was special beyond our ordinary visit. It's Friday after a long work week and I really wanted some awesome authentic Mexican food. So of course Mexicali. We were seated quickly and received by Celia. She was a gracious waitress who maintained an awesome attitude and made sure our cups were filled and our experience was a great one. Thank you Cecilia for the "small" guacamole and the "wet" burrito especial. Even though we knew it came smothered in yummy chili verde sauce. read more

Lol i was going to leave a looooooooooong review about how embarrassed I am to have brought my family here tn but honestly after talking to the manager this place is a joke lmfao. trash food & service. i really can't recommend lmfao. read more

Terrible service and they have a messed up all COVID-19 orders for pickup. (They must be hiring trainees and can't take, make or deliver a good product) It's not worth spending any additional time on a review. I will never eat here again. P.S. I've spent about a 2 hours on the phone trying to resolve and correct our orders and for nothing other than a free burrito next time I go. They can not even credit me $12 for the order they did not make. They apologize that I payed for food I never received..... but they will give me a gift card next time I go I will never be going back to receive that gift card. read more

Meh-xicali. The food is just that; meh. Why go here when there are much better options in town? It seems that the only patrons are older white folks who can't stomach a little Tapatio. It's truly unfortunate since this place has such a long history in Bakersfield. The restaurant does have a nice bar and plenty of space for large parties. Service has always been nice and friendly. I will give them that. But I tend to visit restaurants for the food, and Mexicali just doesn't do it for me. read more

So I was excited to get some good Mexican food after reading the reviews on here........ boy was I in for a MAJOR disappointment. To start off this place is in an area of town the city is obviously pumping money into so it gets a little bit of life back in it. It borders up against a not so nice part of town and just an old part of town. I was slightly surprised to see a parking lot full of middle aged white people when I pulled in. Hindsight being 20/20 I should have let that be my warning. Atmosphere: Looks like an old Denny's or maybe a IHOP that has been converted into a Mexican spot. The people inside eating I think came with the restaurant because they were old and looked to be on the verge of death (although it could have been the food killing them) The wall has been stucco'd and had varying stereotypical Mexican things nailed to the wall. We were greeted fairly promptly after walking in and that is where the good service ends. We sat at our table for a good 5 - 10 mins before our server hurriedly ran over dropped off chips and salsa and gave us some water. He then disappeared as fast as he appeared. That was almost what service was like the entire meal, in that he would show up get orders and run away or show up drop a check and run away. Never once did he ask how anything was or if we needed anything. I literally had to get up and get my own refill of water because he was nowhere to be seen. As for the food I honestly would have been better going to Taco Bell for food. We ordered a Mexican trio of dip that came with cheese dip, fresh guacamole, and a bean dip. First off they definitely use real cheap cheese for the dip because if you have ever melted the real cheap stuff it leaves behind a ton of grease and that is exactly what we got here. A giant pile of greasy yellow gunk with little to no flavor. The "fresh" guacamole was actually brown and dried out and I myself didn't touch it, but my wife said it was bland and tasted old. The bean dip was advertised as being in a pot all day to make this amazing dip and was that ever a lie. This stuff basically came out of a can and they melted some cheese on it. As for actual dinner I had beef flautas when placed in front of me appeared like someone had regurgitated all over them. They had a massive pile or guacamole, tomatoes, and something indistinguishable piled all over them. Once I scraped all the crap off they were easily one of the most flavorless things I have ever eaten. The beans were the same junk they gave as a dip and the rice was probably cooked days ago and scooped out of a bucket. It was brown, dried out, overcooked and flavorless as well.My wife had a taco and a simple enchilada she also found to be equally bland. Honestly I have to wonder if other reviews written for this place were by people that have some kind of affiliation with this place because WOW how can they be so far off. This was an overpriced and under flavored meal and I would strongly advise against anyone eating here. Honestly I wish I would have walked out when I was about to. I could have gotten better food at Chipotle or Taco Bell no second thoughts or doubts about that. Steer clear of this place. I know I would never return here even if the owners were literally paying me to eat at this place. read more

Fantastico! I was luck enough to have been invited to my good friend's 50th birthday lunch celebration here, and it was awesome! As you walk through the beautifully themed mexican restaurant you cant help butlook around at the authentic, colorful artwork and designs. Each of the restaurant's staff welcomed us and we were guided to a more private table in the back of the restaurant. The host of the party made these beautiful flower arrangements and placed them on each end of the table and a large arrangement in the center, these flowers went perfect with the restaurant's ambiance. We all started off snacking on their freshly made chips and salsa and a round of cocktails. I had the strawberry Margherita which was just the right amount of mix and tequila for my likings. Very refreshing and complemented the salsa very well. After everyone had arrived we were ready to eat and get this Fiesta started. Our servers were very attentive and helpful as we all placed our orders, and our food arrived in no time. I had the chicken quesadilla and I know it's not the most authentic Mexican dish, but it was awesome! The chicken and cheese was cooked and melted to perfection and the flour tortilla was the perfect golden brown. I was so into my meal that I barely noticed anyone else's but everyone was raving about how great it was. With 9 women there was a lot of chit chatting, picture taking and loads of laughter, but we never felt rushed to leave. It was really really nice and the servers came out with the birthday Sombrero and made my friends birthday even more special. I will definitely be coming back to MexiCali after such a great experience. read more

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The air is frosty and faintly smells of evergreens. Perry Como plays from the stereo. You open a pair of giant wooden doors and reveal a sparkling world with a glistening castle at its center. You sit down on a marshmallow-like cushion and are served a chilled dish filled with chocolate mousse seemingly whipped by God himself. This is Christmas at Mexicali. Or I should say, this WAS Christmas at Mexicali. This was my impression of the restaurant at the age of 6. I absolutely loved it. However, I have since been back and become quite disillusioned. The castle is alright. The cushions on the seats are lumpy at best and the mousse is awesome but served in rather small portions. As for the rest of the food, I was less than impressed even when I was six. read more

Popular location, I think the happy hour, fairly priced drinks, and the like are the main draw. It's an old local favorite in Bakersfield, but it seems like the expectations have lowered and I've had better Mexican food, in Bakersfield and elsewhere. read more

If that was what they called a "burrito," then I'd be really hard pressed to guess at what might turn up on my plate if I ordered a chimichanga. You'll have a little trouble finding somewhere better to get a bite to eat within walking distance of the Bakersfield Amtrak station if you have a layover and you could do a lot worse, but let me leave it at this: their positive review from the Bakersfield Californian on their wall dates from the 80s. read more

My Wife decided to take me to dinner while we waited on my daughter who was attending dance class and Mexicali is right across the street. I must say the décor is nice and the customer service is top notch. As far as the food goes, it wasn't bad but I've had much better. I order the chorizo and eggs. I guess I'm saying that I didn't walk away amazed. My wife ordered a margarita with her meal and she said it was so so at best. All in all it's a cool joint I may just never need to visit Mexicali again. read more

Mexicali Restaurants - Bomb Huevo Rancheros - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I wanted Mexican while we were visiting Bakersfield and my in-laws have been coming here for years. Apparently, it has gone downhill. My refried beans tasted like they were out of a can. Cheese enchilada tasted like it was from a frozen dinner. Worst carne asada I've ever had... tough and chewy and no flavor whatsoever. My husband's chile verde had not even a hint of tomatillo tang in it. Very disappointed. read more

Unless you are a regular barfly, the waitress in the bar will give you the most half assed service. She literally started to take my first drink order, and half sentence walked away to go say hi and chit chat with a bar fly that already had a drink. A couple minutes later she came never. Never followed up with us for food or drink refills. Won't return. read more

A Bakersfield institution. I have no idea why, but it is. I have never eaten anything here that has even the faintest hint of flavor. Mexican food is built on big bold flavors and spice. Mexicali's food is built on catering to those who demand the bland. If you crave ground beef and salsa that tastes like ketchup with chopped scallions, enjoy! They get two pity stars. read more

This place has been a Bakersfield establishment forever (I think longer than I've been alive) and for good reason. The restaurant has been well-kept and the food is always predictably delicious. Service has always been prompt and friendly and their prices are reasonable. My go to is their cheese enchilada (no onion) with rice and beans. Nothing about this meal is low fat but it is delicious! I have been countless times with friends and family and enjoy returning each time. The only thing I think could use some improvement is their salsa recipe. Their chips are always fresh and delicious but their salsa lacks both flavor and spice. The latter coming from someone who hates spicy foods. Overall a great choice for lunch or dinner when you are in the mood for some south of the border cuisine. read more

This place is always pretty busy. We came in for a late dinner, 8pm on a Sunday night. The place was pretty empty. Got our drinks and the Queso dip pretty fast. our waiter was really nice and very effecient. They are known for their good (strong) margaritas, which is a good thing because I just don't think their food is all that great. I've been here on several occasions over the years and I have never quite understood why people rant over how great the food is. Am I missing something? The standard rice and beans are just ordinary. I always feel like the food is a bit wet with to much saucy stuff and not very flavorful. The salsa is decent. Somebody told me they go here because it's a "Bakersfield institution." I honestly think a place is an institution when they have GREAT food that matches their service. This place just doesn't do that for me... I'm giving it three stars only because they do have a great bar and they have good servers. read more

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Not have I been going here for years but decades now. Never had a bad experience or meal yet. Even tho Mexicali west was closer to us (now closed forever) we still take the drive to eat here. Everyone of my family loves this place and I will only come here with my family or friends that like this place. I will never bring anybody that hasn't eaten here again. Every time I bring a friend or guest they just end up hating the place and the food and it just ruins my day. Everybody has their own opinions. So just a tip, their other restaurant has closed and it's around dinner time you may have to wait a while now, especially on the weekend. read more

Great local flavor and the best cadillac margarita in town. As for the food, be prepared for "american-style" Mexican food. While not "authentic" the cuisine at Mexicali is tasty and satisfying. Highly recommended. For a more formal setting, try the Mexical West location on California Avenue. read more

It's an older restaurant,. But the employees make it good. Add their food and that makes it great. Tried other places and we go right back Good memories with my beautiful youngest daughter and family. read more

Many childhood memories at this Mexicali. Yes, all the locations are great, but this just reminds me of home. Used to come here with the family when we were just youngins. Food is as good as ever. Some of the best enchiladas I've had. Can't get enough. The waitresses still wear the authentic dresses, classic. I always stop at a Mexicali when I'm home visiting the family. Mexicali will always be the place my parents took us and I got to order a Shirley Temple and a bean and cheese burrito. I still order a Shirley Temple when I'm there. =) read more

We found this place disappointing. It was recommended by the hotel where we were staying. The atmosphere looked nice and I had high hopes but found the food mediocre. I know there are different styles of Mexican food and appreciate them all but this just wasn't that great. With all the Mexican places around here there must be better. read more

Mexicali Restaurants - Entrance - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Let me start out this review by saying do not go to Mexicali for Mexican food. If you haven't been there before, then you are probably thinking "wtf?" Their Mexican food is probably some of the worst in town. It's all made at their central kitchen and then microwaved at the restaurant. Why the 4 star rating? Their American food is amazing and is so good it makes up for the mediocre Mexican food! Seriously some of the best burgers, fried chicken, and steaks in town. I would argue that the Kenny burger (a secret menu item) is THE best burger in Bakersfield. It's loaded with cheese, avocado, bacon, Ortega Chile, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. It's seriously delicious. Their fried chicken is crispy and flavorful. The steaks are cooked and seasoned to perfection. Save room for dessert because their chocolate mousse is heavenly! Oh, and don't forget to wash all of this down with a margarita. Their margaritas are STRONG! Avoid the Mexican food and you will have a delicious meal. read more

Mexicali Restaurants - Chocolate mousse - it's heavenly! - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

First time here! Loved the food it was so bomb and the waitress was so sweet and nice, on point! read more

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So, four stars because it's a local favorite. But minus one star because Diana, the woman by whom we were "served" had literally one of the worst attitudes i've ever encountered in the service industry. Took 20 minutes to get to our table, was entirely unapologetic about the delay in service, and seemed irritated by us for simply being at the restaurant in which she works and expecting to get some semblance of service. As an owner of a small business, I am obviously entirely supportive of establishments that are locally owned, but this particular employee made me wholeheartedly regret visiting this particular establishment. Bummer. read more