Chips, rice and beans all contain lard. No vegan or even vegetarian options. Too bad because it very cute inside. Hope they start looking for more cruelty-free way to prepare their food. read more

My boyfriend and I joined my parents to celebrate my moms birthday. We haven't been in years but we used to come here frequently so we're excited to return. Mariana, our server, helped us decide to never come back due to her service. We thought maybe she was having an off day because she first got one of our drinks wrong which she corrected and mistakes happen, it's fine. Then I ordered my meal: a taco, enchilada, and tamal plate. That's what I said while ordering it also. I ordered the taco no lettuce (I'm strange I know). We got our food and I see lettuce on the taco. I let it go and gave it to somebody at the table because it's not uncommon for this to happen to me. It's super rare to have somebody want a taco with no lettuce so I normally just shrug it off. But then as I'm eating, I realize I was given a chile relleno instead of a tamale. As somebody who has worked in customer service for years and is now in Managment, I try not to burden any servers or workers with issues like this but given 2 of 3 of my items were incorrect, I brought it to her attention. Her response was to argue with me about what I ordered. "That's what you ordered. You ordered a Number 1." I had no idea what she was talking about because I didn't use a number to order. So I explained I was sorry but I don't know what she meant because I verbally said what items I wanted. "What you're saying is a number 2, you ordered a number 1." And shoved the order she wrote down in my face to show me what she had written down. (Where she also had my taco with NO LETTUCE written down I will add) So I had to say again that the numbers didn't mean anything to me because I didn't use them when I ordered but I wanted a tamale. I don't like chile rellenos. She rolled her eyes and said "you ordered it but I'll go and get you a tamale." I am NEVER rude to servers because I don't want to be a Karen but, come on. All you say is "I'm so sorry, let me fix that for you." And carry on. Her attitude put a damper on my mom's birthday and our meal. We decided to opp out of dessert and leave as soon as the check came. We won't be back again. read more

I love coming to this place. I've been coming here for years. My favorite is the carne asada with rice & beans and the cheese enchilada! I can get enough of that enchilada sauce!! read more

sadly enough, I'm forced to leave a very negative review based on my experience. We've been coming to Mexicali for many years and have always received pleasant service with positive attitudes. Unfortunately, today, when asking for iced tea in the "same type of glass that we've been receiving for years", we're informed that there is an up charge per customer. A larger glass that ensures a more pleasant dining experience, not running out of your beverage and saves time for the waitresses as they're not running back-and-forth to get refills. The glass requested holds 4 to 6 ounces more than the small little water glass packed to the brim with ice cubes, four swigs and you're out of tea. Any regular customer knows how the waitresses are stretched so thin and refills non stop is very time-consuming for each table and each customer. Sharing my concern of the up charge and glass size, it was suggested that I share my concerns with the manager which I welcomed. I feel that often management needs to hear the thoughts and concerns from the. " paying " customer. A few minutes later a plump grey headed older woman showed up at the table with a very nasty attitude stating "what is it you wanted". It was apparent by her demeanor and attitude that talking to a customer was a burden. Not only did she represent Mexicali poorly, she presented herself to be a burnt out employee that should've retired years ago as this is not how you greet or speak to customers. At that point I shared our experience in the past of getting a slightly larger glass and not being charged. Her response was "well there's a charge, you should've been charged and that's the way it is" I can't even fathom that Mexicali would allow her to represent them or present herself as management. What I was doing, was offering a point of view, lighten the load off of the waitress who is getting pulled in every direction. Again, I stated that the small glass size are creating extra work firm the servers refilling every few minutes only to receive a shrug of the shoulder and the arm flying up in the air....not once but twice! What so called manager does this, behaves this way, talks to customers this way, and could care less about their employees. It was apparent to us and chatter from surrounding tables that this woman was out of line and has no business working there. A woman characterized as aggressive and overbearing, most definitely not management material. Mexicali should reconsider their management choice. A little honey goes a long way. read more

Worst Mexican restaurant in Bakersfield. Service is horrible. The drinks and food are flavorless. The server and bartenders are rude. The food is not cooked right and the restrooms are disgusting! We had a party of 10 and one of our friends did not receive their plate. I would not recommend this place at all! I wish I could rate it a 0. No one in our group of friends were happy nor SATISFIED. read more

Have been going to Mexicali since I was a little girl and can never not go when coming back into town It's hard for me to compare any other Mexican restaurants when traveling What can I say read more

GROSS! Had a layover and decided to try! Rice was bland! Chile relleno was a grease bomb! Shredded beef taco bland! Salsa tasted like ketchup! I ask for something spicier and they said that's it! People save your money. I literally took one bite of each and left the rest for the garbage disposal. A waste of time and $30. NEXT.. read more

Para empezar los chips muy feos la comida muy fea. Servicio muy malo. Y todavía cuando pedí la cuenta. El mesero saca la libreta con la cuenta de la parte de atrás de su espalda metida entre las nalgas l Por dentro del pantalón.) que asqueroso. Y todavía me lo da de la parte que lo traía dentro del pantalón. Asco y dolor de estómago me dio. Y no solo fue así conmigo. Porque el restaurant estaba lleno y lo hizo con muchos no solo conmigo. Me imagino que estaba asta mojado por el sudor que tenía en la espalda baja. Lo malo es que nadie le dijo nada y cuando le comenté a la cajera. Solo le dio risa. Como si fuera. Gracioso No recomendable. Al no ser que te guste tu cuenta con olor a fundillo read more

Stunningly bland Mexican food, tasted like a mix of freezer burritos and canned beans, we knew we messed up when they brought out a tiny bowl of stale chips and salsa that was basically tomato juice. Packed packing lot, I have no idea why. They didn't even ask if we wanted to go boxes, because the servers know they're serving cardboard. Dollar store cinco de mayo decorations, no music, and definitely no Abuela in the kitchen. Building looks nice from the outside. read more

Although service can be slow at times, this has been one of my favorite restaurants of all time! I've been dining here since I was a child. I LOVE the enchiladas! I've never found a sauce quite like theirs anywhere else. It's just a perfect amount of flavor. Chips and salsa are good, they're small bowels but they have no problem refilling them frequently. Chimichangas are awesome as well, I can't say enough good things about the food. There's lots of seating and a huge waiting area. There's a back room that's good for large groups or parties. read more

This was the worst meal my fiancé and I have ever had. I genuinely think the chips and "salsa" was a can of spicy tomato chunks from the grocery store. That's it. No onions, peppers, or seasoning whatsoever. The entrees were no better. Unseasoned, overly greasy food. Service was great, it's not their fault. I'm sorry to say, but the food is awful. read more

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

It's been awhile since I've been here. I use to think they had really good salsa and tacos. The taco I had was soggy and feel apart on the first bite. My enchilada was ok, the rice had no flavor and the beans didn't taste like that good. I don't know what happen to their salsa but it's not what it use to be. The service was great and the decor is still the same. read more

There are somethings I really enjoyed and others I was disappointed on. Likes : Atmosphere; restaurant broken up into smaller rooms, made it feel special and somewhat formal. Friendly staff, seated quickly and attended to fairly quick. I ordered the carne asada dinner. The carne asada was delicious!! So tender and full of flavor. The plate came with a cheese enchilada, rice and beans. The cheese enchilada was good as well. Dislikes : We ordered the chile con queso appetizer, and we specifically asked for it to be out before our dinner plates arrived. We waited a good while before they ended up bringing out all the food at once. Plus, the queso was a let down. The beans were flavorful but dry. I would've given 4 stars but I'm huge fan of refried beans and they disappointed. Overall, not a bad place. read more

Went to Mexicali the other day for lunch with friends. My lunch was delicious as always. The service was about maybe a three star. Although they do have some excellent servers. The owners of this restaurant do need an attitude adjustment or should step down from their restaurant. They walk around the restaurant with a slowly on their faces and can be rude at times. At your age, if you don't like your job, maybe you should stay home. read more

Old school since 1939. It was 105 degrees outside and the air conditioning inside the restaurant was so welcoming. The waitress brought us chips and salsa which we couldn't stop eating. The salsa is mild and nothing they serve is super chili hot. We ordered a single chicken hard shell taco, and a combo plate that included a taco, taquito, and tamale. The food was good and satisfied our craving. read more

Mexicali Restaurants - Old school since 1939 - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

4 stars only because I have mixed feelings about my experience. It is an older establishment, with dated carpets and decor that takes you back years. The service was friendly, but not attentive as I was not immediately greeted or approached upon being seated in their bar area. There were quite a few people there in their middle to later years who seem to call the place home, knew everyone by name, knew the other patrons there, so there must be reason to return. Admittedly I did not get to try much of their food besides the chips & salsa, and rice & beans. The salsa was a little too tomato saucy for my taste, but the chips were delicious. My beer was ice cold, and the waitress who took care of me was friendly and made conversation with me. All in all I was grateful to have a place near the Amtrak station to grab a quick bite before my transfer and I enjoyed the little canal area and their colorful halogen sign by the canal. read more

Mexicali Restaurants - Seating in the bar area, seems to be a spacious restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I tried this place for the first time today after driving by and seeing lots of cars in the parking lot. Big mistake. I was a single lady and was treated quite differently than the pair of men sitting behind me, and I am a good tipper. I was not asked if I wanted anything to drink. Main issue was the food. Since when is a chicken tostada too spicy to eat ?? And you charge extra for sour cream or guacamole ?? One and done, not going back. read more

Was here a month and a half ago and I got to tell you the margarita was amazing the food was great only thing is that the bar was closed but the bar is finally open!!! :-D and I can't wait to return and enjoy that beautiful setting. I definitely would recommend this restaurant read more

Our server Bill was very nice and courageous. The food was great. The service was very fast and hot.

I walked in through the cocktail bar door and I seen two employees talking. I approach them and they look at me and continued talking as if I wasn't a customer. I waited around 5-6 minutes then they decided to take my order. I told them I wanted a wet burrito and they just handle me the menu as a gesture to just choose from there. I read it and said I wanted the chile Colorado burrito they asked if I want it wet...I said "yes please" I paid and asked where can I wait the guy pointed at a corner seat so I sat there. Another employee saw me and asked the person who took my order "what is he doing there" and the person answer "waiting for a burrito" then the other employee told him to get my order ready so I could leave. I felt a bit disrespected since I was just sitting there scrolling on social media, I wasn't being loud or anything so I'm not sure why they were treating me that way. After I got my order I was walking out by where I came in and I turn back and see both employees following me from the distance. I'm not sure what's going on or they assume I was someone else but I'm definitely not coming back. To add to it the food was horrible. Taste like microwave food. read more

Mexicali Restaurants - Burrito Dorado - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

The service was terrible. They sat us and forgot about us. We had to ask for chips & salsa. The food was very commercialized, I could've made it better at home out of a can. We will not be back. read more

This restaurant is always a treat for our family. The wait staff are friendly and attentive, we are always greeted immediately upon entering and thanked before leaving. The atmosphere is very soothing on a hot day, with lower lighting. The food is always delicious and fresh. Thank you for treating our family to years of enjoyable meals. read more

As far as Mexican food goes, you can't go wrong with this place! Staff are helpful, service is average speed, price is average to slightly above average. The important piece though is the food! The food is definitely on the high end, they definitely put work into the food quality and it shows. read more

Food is NOT AUTHENTIC AT ALL. SAVE YOUR MONEY ! Plz. If u want hot spicy bomb salsa Get 8 tomatillos, 3 garlic 6 chile de arbol fry it and then put 2 tsp of knorr chicken buillon. Blend. And make your own chips at home. read more

Me and my husband went for brunch today on a Saturday which we haven't ever been to this location since the other location on stockdale a very long time ago and there wasn't really a lot of options and my go to at every Mexican restaurant for breakfast is chilaquiles and I was told they only have them on Sundays only so that was the 1st strike then the salsa had no flavor,I ordered the enchilada Delmar and I wish I took a picture of the enchilada because I was so so disappointed it was filled with the smallest shrimp so so small and vegetables, I should have complained but I was hungry and didn't want to go the the trouble of ordering something else it was eatable but very very disappointing for hearing that this restaurant has been around for many years, oh and I would never ask my husband to take me hear again and the people that keep going there must not have any taste buds or never tasked real authentic Mexican food the establishment is authentic and our waitress was very nice but not the Mexican food read more

Food was delicious! Service was okay, waiter only offered drink refills to my fiancé and not me. Will definitely return, hopefully better service next time! read more

Came here for a date night out prior to going to a concert. Wife really loved the margaritas here. She said it's one of the best she ever had! Service was great. The server was a tentative. Definitely recommend this place. read more

Seated quickly, chips and salsa came straight out of a bag & container. Asked for actual salsa not tomato sauce, was given pico de gallo and charged for it. We ordered bean dip appetizer, was cold and tasteless. Decided not to order food since the waiter was pushy and the appetizers were gross. Asked for a drink menu and the waiter was rude saying they have an open bar. No assistance at all. Ordered skinny margaritas that was so awful, bland and tasteless and sour. Told the waiter and he said oh well that's all they have. We sent them back and asked for our check and the waiter never brought it and we had to pay at the register where two women were to busy to help. read more

Mexicali has been our favorite restaurant for 40 years in our family. Our dinner was very disappointing this week; my husbands pizzadilla was served cold. The waiter microwaved the meal which made it worse. We were looking forward to a special meal & the waiter couldn't take the time to serve a hot meal. read more

We've been going to Mexicali for years... my parents would go to Mexicali when they were dating. Even though we live out of town, when we are in Bakersfield to visit, we always have at least lunch or dinner while we are there. read more

It's a bummer when you're to-go order is messed up. But it is even more of a bummer when you call to tell the restaurant it's wrong, and they don't give a damn. We ordered to-go tonight and the Enchilada Suiza didn't make it home with us, and the burrito we ordered was made incorrectly. When I called to let them know, sadly, they simply told me that they didn't charge us for the missing item. I asked, so should one person in my house just go hungry? The girl didn't seem to care one bit, didn't offer to make it right. It's especially irritating because the gal who took my order asked me if I wanted chicken or cheese in my enchilada... so it was impossible that they didn't hear me. When you screw up, you should offer to do something to make it right. Give something free, give a gift card, something. Don't just shrug your shoulders and not give a crap. So how was the food that we did get? Well you know, it was Mexicali. Either you love them or you think they are overrated. The food was the food. For me, I will probably pass next time. There are just too many other great Mexican restaurants in town to be treated with that kind of disregard. Especially for only pretty good food. read more

Came here right after 11 am. It was packed with customers waiting to be seated. I came with my grandmother. She had never been here before. We were driving to another Mexican restaurant until she said let's try this place. Not that it matters, but this place was filled with 80% of Caucasian patrons, but not the Rosedale type (LOL!) These were old school uppity east side type, the cool ones. The ones you can talk to without getting judged. Haha. Everyone was very chill and friendly. Anywho, we sat down and there was a daily special for $12.95 it came with a taco, cheese enchilada, soft drink, coffee or tea, and your choice of rice "OR" beans. This was the first time that I have ever seen the option, to pick one or the other. My grandma wanted the lunch special but was upset because she wanted both rice and beans. So I got the same dish hers had rice and mine had beans then I gave her half of mine and I had half of hers. She loved the chips and salsa and the food, but for me, the food was giving me a high-end vibe of Taco Bell tacos and enchiritos. I would go back because the atmosphere and the staff were great. I also had a house tequila margarita that ran $10.00. Cheers! read more

Mexicali Restaurants - Not a bad lunch special. But c'mon.... Rice OR Beans??? lol who ever heard if that? - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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I have always came for the atmosphere, not the food... This time I was extremely disappointed with our service... We came out to celebrate our daughter's 30th. Our waitress, (older red headed lady), acted like she was being put out. It couldn't get a refill and on top of it all my order was wrong. I did not send it back, I'm not that guy. The order and/or the bad service is not my complaint, her attitude is. I understand when a establishment gets busy service suffers, but provide it with a good attitude! read more

Well won't be going back. Sad, my friend & I have been going regularly. Tonight, was just awful. Our waitress was slow, seemed off, tired. Took a long time to get a menu. Then she just ignored us. I wanted more water. She walked by ignored us, helped other customers. We tried asking another server who walked by ignoring us. My friend had to go to the bar to ask for water. Bizarre. Then we couldn't ger our bill. We had to go the bar to pay. And as we are paying a drunk old white guy that had been seated near us, walks to the bar to harass us. Thinks we were talking to him. I told him we were talking to each other, a private conversation. Crazy! This place has seen better days. And honestly the food isn't that great. read more

This place is the most amazing authentic Mexican food I've had since childhood growing up in Southern CA! The margaritas are epic!

**BE AWARE ** My mom drank Two margaritas here and I had to take her to the ER... currently in the ER right now... Brought her here for her bday dinner. definitely not a good experience. Never coming back. And I REGRET EVEN COMING TO THIS RESTAURANT read more

I have been to Bakersfield several times over several years, and somehow never visited this place before. I visited Mexicali West while it was on California Ave a number of times, but had never been to their 18th street location. I enjoyed my visit and have nothing but great things to say; delicious food, quick service, and decent prices. The atmosphere is nice, albeit a tad dusty looking inside in some places, but overall the experience was great. I will definitely be back and would recommend to anybody looking for good Mexican food in Bakersfield!! read more

I went to Mexicali today, for lunch, with a group of friends. It had been decades since I was there. Mexicali is kind of famous in Bakersfield. It has been in business for years and years. A lot of us grew up going there with our parents. It seems now to just be riding on the name, without having the same great food and customer service. First of all, our waitress was fine...no complaint. However, the food was really unrecognizable. The salsa for the chips tasted like canned tomato sauce with a few additions. For the lunch special, you can pick either rice or beans, but not both. Nothing suggests CHEAP more than that.The food is not noteworthy. Not too good, not too bad. Prices were too high, but that seems to be the norm at most places. A simple side order of rice is over $8. If you want to take your drink to go, be prepared to pay an extra dollar. This is not at all the Mexicali I remember. Actually a classless act. No more of the old charm. Sad. read more

Horrible service. My boyfriend and I have been sitting here for 30 Minutes and have asked twice for a menu. The older chick who works in the bar is super rude and has a horrible attitude. I asked for a margarita and asked what kind they had, she got really mad and said "only ones there is" First and last time coming here. Going to leave to eat somewhere else. read more

We're from out of town and wanted to try a new and good food but we came the service horrible, the sodas are flat and plus all the food was even worst you have to buy all the toppings extra plus the nachos are swimming in tomato sauce will not be coming back read more