Had such a great experience here! The food was absolutely delicious and the portions were very generous for the price. Everything we ordered was packed with flavor and clearly made fresh. The chips and salsa were a standout -- the chips came out warm and perfectly crispy, and their salsa isn't the typical red kind but it's incredibly flavorful and not too spicy, which made it really easy to keep going back for more. Service was excellent and the staff were very attentive. The space is also large and comfortable with plenty of parking, which makes it an easy spot to come back to. They also offer happy hour every day from 2-5:30pm, which is a great bonus. Definitely planning to make this my go-to spot! read more

MexicanBar - Chile relleno - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

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We gave this place a try for dinner..... I found them on IG so I added them to our places to try list. Nice little spot. Great customer service. They really helped us narrow down our orders..... Food was very yummy. The margarita was not my fave. Very similar to a watermelon Jolly Rancher but unfortunately there was an artificial aftertaste. I couldn't drink it..... The hubby landed on that grenade though..... The waitress gave suggestions of what else to try if we were to visit again. Great vibes overall. They have a restaurant side and a bar side. What we ordered: * Mexican Cheese Dip (white queso sauce) * 4 Flautas (chicken) * Fajitas x2 - Chicken & Shrimp - Carne Asada & Shrimp * Watermelon Margarita * Buenaveza read more

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Had a chance to have lunch here this week. When I got there, there was a group sitting out on the patio but no one else. I was greeted immediately and asked if I wanted bar side or restaurant side? I wasn't exactly sure what that meant as there didn't appear to be bar stool anywhere. So I chose restaurant which I assumed was indoor. As I scanned the menu they had a lot of items that looked enticing but my rule is always get the carne asada burrito at a Mexican spot, cause if they can't get that right there's no hope. My one gripe was that the carne asada burrito did not come with rice and beans, it was an extra charge. I mean at a taco shop I understand. But when you're a sit down Mexican place a carne asada burrito plate should come with rice and beans. Chips and salsa were free, which was nice as a lot of places are charging for them now. The carne asada burrito was a little on the small side for the price I'd expect a little more and of my own fault I didn't read the carne asada burrito description and it came with cheese. Despite the cheese it was a good burrito, a little pricey for the size. read more

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Great variety of menu from combinations of burritos, tacos, tostada. Husband got the Carne Asada and shrimp tacos, which were seasoned well and delicious, I got the soup which was a combination of tortilla soup. My comment is too much cheese was way too much cheese. Our daughter got the tostadas with chicken piled, high and delicious, daughter got the Childs, quesadilla and rice, she enjoyed. Service was excellent as our server came back a few times to check on us and our plates and how we like their meals so great service. My only comment is cut the cheese on the soup. It was way too much it's just too disgusting. Ambience is very casual. They have inside and outdoor dining inside is very quiet and you can have a nice conversation with your family. read more

MexicanBar - Shrimp and Carne Asada Taco - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

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Stopped in here for a quick bite while running errands and the bartender whipped me up a spicy margarita which hit the spot and instantly made my day. We split the chicken burrito and im glad we did, it was a generous portion of really tender meat and fresh ingredients. I don't normally get burritos from restaurants (only taco shops), but this was solid, fresh, and I didn't feel weighted down with grease or too much filler (rice & beans). I wish the salsa was hotter, but it still added a nice boost in flavor! read more

MexicanBar - Jalapeño pineapple margarita - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

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Wide selection of options for all. My wife and I shared the sizzling Fajitas. We also got the Flautas and white queso dip for happy hour. I got a Buenveza Lager and my wife tried the Watermelon Margarita she didn't like the puree they used. Service was great she was very helpful and efficient. There are two sides a bar side and the restaurant side. I recommend the bar side. Definitely want to come back and try there tacos. read more

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Came in on a Monday and what better day to have a Margarita right!?! Love the hometown and modernized vibe this establishment has! We were very promptly greeted and were told we had the option to sit anywhere we wanted to. They've got a patio with wonderful & functioning heat lamps, bar and high table tops seating, and a separate dining with air conditioning and there you'll find cozy booths and regular dining tables. The lights were dim with the ambiance of candle lights on each table. The music was kept at a very nice level so that you can actually have a conversation if you wanted. Our son came along and it was kinda making him sleepy or maybe he was already a bit tired beforehand...he said. So he got soda instead of a cocktail. Aiden was our very nice server and he attended to everything we needed! My first margarita was the pineapple jalapeño with a resposado tequila (you actually can choose if you'd like) and it was amazing (tho it does come with a lot of ice) and my second choice I got a strawberry with Casamigo mezcal (the ice was blended for that one) Also Delicioso! When I try a new place I usually have a tradition of trying a particular dish and for a Mexican restaurant it's the Chile Rellenos and Enchiladas combos. I opted for no extra protein to it for more vegetarian style meal. The dish was great. I liked the mildness of the salsa verde. I also asked for Pico De gallo for an additional side for the chips and salsa. Perfect for this gringa who can't do too spicy at times. And it balanced out the fact that I was having a spicy-esque drink. My husband and son really liked their order here as well. We then shared the individual sized flan. It was nice and smooth in texture and had just enough sweetness to finish off our evening here! We're already thinking of coming back for their infamous tacos! read more

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Shared the fajitas combo of chicken and steak, paired with a few draft beers...it was great! Chips and salsa were fresh too. What stood out the most was the friendly service. We watched our server handle a very cranky and needy customer at a nearby table. I was surprised at how rude they were being, but she handled it with grace and professionalism, maintaining her smile and positive attitude all along. The place was nicely designed and decorated, it was overall a good experience. read more

There is a new place in Poway called Mexican Bar. We love Mexican food so it was a win for my whole family to give it a try The chips and salsa were great. They had a nice kick. My Margarita almost kicked me out of the restaurant, so I had to order one less spicy. It was delicious. My food was exceptional and I believe I also ordered a birria taco....but ate it without even taking one photo. I do apologize for that. When that happens it means the food is really good! read more

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What can I say, this is our new favorite local Mexican restaurant. Everything I've had here is really good. Chicken fajitas, carnitas burrito, Poway cali burrito... all good. Their meats are lean and trimmed nicely which is a plus. The appetizers are also delicious. My favorites are the shrimp ceviche and the carnitas sopas. They have a bar side with plenty of tv's to watch sports. In addition they have the normal restaurant side and a good size patio which is dog friendly. Service is outstanding! read more

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Mexican Bar is such a great local spot - clean, welcoming, and full of flavor! The food tastes fresh and homemade, with every dish packed with authentic Mexican flavor. You can really tell they care about quality. I got the chicken fajitas, and they were cooked perfectly -- juicy, flavorful, and served sizzling hot with all the toppings. The portions were generous and satisfying. Their red salsa is hands down my favorite I could eat it with everything! My server was incredibly friendly and made me feel welcomed from the moment I walked in. It's the kind of place you want to keep coming back to- casual, comfortable, and consistently delicious. Definitely one of Poway's best local finds! read more

MexicanBar - Chicken fajita - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

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We just stopped in here for some chips and salsa and shared some chicken flautas. I like that the chips and salsa were complimentary as some places charge now. We weren't that hungry so we shared flautas which were good with cheese, salsa and guacamole on top. Service was great. Granted it wasn't busy but our server was very friendly and constantly checked on us. They seem to have happy hour daily from 2-5:30pm and they always have some kind of daily promo like taco Tuesday, wine and whiskey Wednesday, etc. I wish I was hungry enough to try more items and a margarita from the menu. So I'll have to come back for sure! read more

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Came here for taco Tuesday (3 tacos, rice and beans for $20) and a $6, .394 pale ale Great, quick service, tasty food and pleasant experience. read more

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I was hoping it would be as good or better than the OG Mexicocina. It wasn't. During the holidays it's nostalgic to visit local Mexican restaurants decorated with Christmas cheer. This had none of that. My beans were served lukewarm, the cheese enchiladas super salty and they only offered (on the beef side) Carne Asada hard shell tacos...? What? No Shreaded beef or ground? The shell had very little to no crunch and rice was bland. The reason it has BAR in the name is because that's what they turned this place into. Semi upscale looking bar with no MEXICO about it. Sadly I probably won't be going back. I will say the servers were pretty good. read more

MexicanBar - Mexico Bar Noway - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

I was very happy with my chicken taco and fried (or beer battered) Baja fish taco plus rice & beans. It came with super flavorful green salsa, but was not spicy at all. The plate should have come with spicy AND non-spicy salsas. The complimentary tortilla chips were super addicting too. The location felt familiar, but then I realized this was the spot of the old Mexicocina. They did a good job on the remodel and everything seemed spruced up. Sat outside with a group and it was super comfortable, read more

MexicanBar - Chicken taco, Baja Fish Taco, Rice and Beans - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

I ordered the chicken tacos and they were great! I love the handmade tortilla and toppings! Side of rice and beans never fail! I had a few bites of the other dishes and everything tasted good. For drinks, the mango tango was my favorite!! Ambiance is great. When we walked in, we got to try a new tequila seltzer which was delicious! It was packed w reservations but luckily there was a table available outside. Service was a little slow, but not complaining because it was cinco de mayo and it was packed inside. Overall a great first experience here! read more

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I came to try out this restaurant for the first time on cinco de mayo. There wasn't much of festivities when we got there around 4pm. There's no Mexican vibe or music. We were told all tables were reserved but the host was able to find a table for us since we wouldn't be there for too long. We ordered a carne asada Fajita, a chicken burrito and a carnitas taco. The fajita and taco were good but chicken burrito wasn't good at all especially when the lettuce was cooked and there's some other meat other than chicken. We ordered two margarita. They weren't very strong. There isn't really any cinco de mayo specials, just regular happy hour. Our waitress was good and that's why I gave 3 stars. I wish that place had more Mexican vibes. read more

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Great food and service!! I really like their carne asada tacos and tostadas! Their margaritas are really good too!

First time eating here and had a pleasant experience. Our server was very attentive and the drink selection is good! The salsas are just the right amount of spicy. Food is good and the vegetarian tacos are great but I would like to see an option for beans with no lard. overall very good atmosphere and will come again soon! read more

MexicanBar - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

The food was delicious, very good service, our server was very friendly & attentive, the place is tastefully decorated & accommodating. Great place to try . I will recommend them to friends & families. read more

I had come to the previous establishment a handful of times over the years because the cantina was cool and had a great vibe, but the restaurant side always left a little bit to be desired and I could never get past the fact that they also served Chinese food. One day I noticed that the establishment had changed and is now called MexicanBar. My wife and I have been here several times now and have also been here with my mom and my aunt. The new ownership did a fantastic job at revamping and modernizing the restaurant and we love coming here both for food but also for the atmosphere and watching games on TV. We've gotten to know one of the bartenders here named Hunter over our several visits and he seems very good at acknowledging everyone in his area and he brings a fun level of energy. Hunter is a very personable and energetic young man who seems quite popular with a number of the regulars and seems to enjoy what he does and is very good at interacting with patrons. Bartenders who recognize their regulars and can afford them with a more personable experience always goes a long way in my book. The food here is pretty good and they offer a good variety of dishes all of which you'd expect to find on a Mexican food menu. Being a creature of habit, I tend to stick with my main dishes, but I've branched out and tried a few things here and have been content with all the choices I've made. I'm glad to see this place thriving and drawing in such a large crowd of people especially being tucked in the corner off Poway Road. It's pretty close by to where I live which makes it an easy spot to frequent when we're in the mood for Mexican food. Two thumbs up from me for MexicanBar! read more

Ehhhh. It was just okay. Food was average, nothing special and probably would not return. Nothing seeming authentic or homemade. The salsa was bland. My mahi mahi burrito had old pieces of fish because it was really tough. I thought it was chicken because it was so tough. Kudo's to the Classic Margaritas because at least those were very tasty, however,... the rum did not have SALT, it was sugar. How do you make that kind of mistake in a Mexican restaurant? read more

While visiting from out of town, found this spot. It has separate sides for the cantina area and the restaurant side but you can order food and drinks from either. We arrived a little bit before closing but they were warm and welcoming as we went to the restaurant side, and gave us great service throughout the evening. Fresh, warm chips and salsa to start were delicious. To eat we ordered the seafood burrito, shrimp taco and enchilada combo, flautas, and carne asada and enchilada and while I wouldn't call it traditional Mexican, everything was flavorful and delicious. The ambience was perfect, a relaxed, modern Mexican vibe, and while we ate inside, they had a great patio too. We will definitely come back if we're in town again. read more

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Fun place, friendly service, great food and drinks!!!! Love it here!!! Great place to meet up with friends and family!

MexicanBar in Poway is a place with a vibe that feels cozy, while the design is still sleek. The restaurant is divided into two sides, for more of a bar feel or table-dining experience. I like the concept but in the middle between the two sides there was quite a bit of clanging from dishes being cleaned and sorted. It was a bit distracting and took away from the ambiance. If you're sensitive to noise, it might be worth skipping this one just in case. When it came to the food, the chips were probably the highlight. They were warm, crisp, and paired nicely with the salsa. As for the main meal, it was just okay--definitely on the bland side. I've had much better Mexican food at other spots in San Diego. The noise and the average food made it hard to feel like this spot stood out among all the great Mexican restaurants in the area. It has potential, and maybe other menu items are better, but my experience was mixed. read more

MexicanBar - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

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I ordered a margarita and the 2 enchiladas plate. Everything was really tasty. The cheese enchilada is delicious!! The server was really nice and attentive also which made the experience great. I would recommend if you are in the area. read more

MexicanBar - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

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Service was outstanding! The bartender stepped in to take our order since the waiter was busy, which was much appreciated. They had a great selection of beer, including Negro Modelo on tap--a rare find! Be sure to check out their happy hour, where beers are just six dollars. The atmosphere was casual, with excellent music playing from the bar, though they also offer a quieter dining area if you prefer. The chips were served warm, and the salsa had just the right amount of heat--not too overpowering. We also ordered guacamole, which came with warm chips that were perfect for two people. The only downside was the cheese quesadilla, which was unfortunately a bit limp and lacked crispness. I'll ask for it crispy next time to see if that improves it. However, it did come with nice sides of sour cream, guacamole, and a fresh tomato-and-spice mixture. Overall, we had a great time, and I'd definitely recommend stopping by for happy hour! read more

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I would have given 4 star for the dine in portion but ordered a burrito to go and when we got home the tortilla was burnt so had to down grade the rating. Tried to send a message via their website and it doesn't work read more

MexicanBar - Burnt burrito - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

It was my pleasure to recently visit one of Poway's newest Mexican restaurants! MexicanBar is a peculiar name but such a beautiful establishment. Opened just a few months ago in the space formerly occupied by MexiCocina off Oak Knoll. I ordered the "Four Flautas" from the appetizer menu and really enjoyed it. Crispy fried flour tortilla flutes filled with your choice of chicken or pork. Artfully topped with lettuce, cheese, sour cream and guacamole drizz. On my second visit I tried a Chile Relleno and it was excellent! Also included a tasty carne asada enchilada. The relleno really impressed me. Nice sized chile that had a distinct smoky spice to it, cheese that did not spooge out and not overly sauced. It was quite skillfully prepared. MexicanBar features an impressive selection of draft beers, tequilas and cocktails which I appreciate. Chips & Salsa service was very good. The restaurant is spacious, clean, and classy yet modern. Split into two halves, there is a vibrant bar area filled with high-top tables and an adjoining dining room. Ample outdoor seating as well if you're into that. Service was thoughtful, friendly and genuine. This place offers Happy Hour every day of the week! Including weekends, from 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm. I look forward to visiting again soon to try some more of their great looking, elevated Mexican dishes. Highly recommended! read more

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Great food and atmosphere. It has a great vibe, is family friendlly and has indoor/outdoor seating. The food was fantastic.

Never been but invited to DAR fundraiser tonight. Was very surprised. Had the Barria and pastor tacos. Plus ceviche and guac. Chips were light and crispy. Salsa good but not spicy. Priced inexpensive. Recommend read more

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...wanted this place to be good but sorry can't recommend. everything you see on this plate was dry af. food was lukewarm - someone forgot to run my plate out on time. lighting was poor and the tables are too close together. sit-down mexican restaurants up in north county inland are mostly shyt. stick to jalapeños, yesenia's, serrano's, or takeout joint. skip this one. read more

MexicanBar - Steak & Enchilada Combo - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

Aidan our server was very friendly and helpful. It was our first time there. We shared a 3 item combo; chile relleno, carnitas taco, and carne asada taco. It came with beans and rice. The meal was $22. Chips and salsa were served and the chips were warm..bonus! The salsa was very mild, but tasty. It could've used a Serrano pepper. The beans were extremely good. The rice wasn't as fluffy as I like. As for the tacos, the carnitas taco was delish! It was juicy and flavorful and the corn tortillas tasted handmade. The carne asada taco was a little too smoky for our taste, but tender. My husband ate the chile relleno and he definitely gave it a thumbs up. I didn't take pictures, but there are already plenty in other reviews. It's been remodeled since it was Mexicocina and under new management. It's got a very nice, clean feel to it. Overall I'd definitely recommend you give it a try. read more

Good food and good service. We ordered Veggie Burrito- it looked so good and was big. The flour tortilla I was told was very fresh. Enchiladas no cheese chicken and carnitas. The corn tortillas were delicious and the beans were really good. Chips and salsa were also fresh. I would have given 5 stars but the water and the Iced tea tasted like faucet water so they were hard to drink. Will definitely go back. read more

MexicanBar - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

Unlike what's shown in the photo, the Cali Poway burrito didn't come with any of the items advertised. When I asked the manager about it, he told me that rice and beans are only available for an extra charge. The whole experience felt misleading and disappointing. read more

MexicanBar - Cali-Poway - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

We just recently discovered MexicanBar. I made a reservation since we had 5 people and we were seated right away. Our server, Josh, was very friendly and attentive. And everyone enjoyed their meals. I ordered a carne asada taco and mahi mahi taco and both were great. We will definitely visit again! read more

First visit to this restaurant and came for the Taco Tuesday special. This is a newer place and has only been open a few months. We arrived near closing time but was told the kitchen was still open. We were craving some Taco Tuesday specials. We got the Adobada, Shrimp and Chicken Tacos., cost was @ $20 for the three tacos. Tacos were all very dry. The chicken taco had some type of coating on it that you could not tell if it was chicken or pork or ?, just didn't taste good. The Adobada was so dry it was almost inedible . The tacos were street taco size so I understand they were small, they also didn't taste good. On the positive side, service was friendly. When you advertise Taco Tuesday Specials you almost expect it to be a lower price than the menu regular price. Overall, very disappointing . read more

MexicanBar replaced Mexi Cocina which I loved for the past 20+ years but it tanked the last few years. Came to MexicanBar for lunch on a Tuesday. They offer a taco Tuesday deal of $2 off $13 two tacos or $3 off $21 trio taco plate. You can add rice ($2), beans ($2), salad ($3). I got two tacos of Baja fish taco and shrimp taco. Also flour chicken flautas. Flautas are my all time favorite. Rarely see it on the menu. I tend to associate an authentic Mexican restaurant to having flautas because most of the time places offer rolled tacos. I was excited but disappointed with the flautas. From the look of it, I could tell it was going to be hard not crispy. I took a bite and it wasn't airy fluffy crispy and tasted like rolled tacos. It was deep fried too long, the chicken was bland and dried out. It was topped with sour cream, cheese, creamy guacamole that doesn't seem house made and drizzled with not so fresh cilantro. I wish it had pico de gallo. The tacos had flavor in the sauce and pico de gallo but the beer battered fish taco was overly fried making the batter hard and crunchy. Had more batter than fish. Parking here can be tough on days with Orange Theory and the dance studio going on at the same time, along with Harney Sushi. For the most part, you'll find parking. It's modern and clean. Lots of seating in the dining area, the bar side and patio seating. I can see coming here for drinks to have a good time with the complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa could be a bit more spicy. The food needs more TLC and the service. 2.5 round to 3. My friend ordered a Baja fish taco and carnitas w added rice. They forgot her rice and gave her Baja shrimp taco instead of the fish. Not sure why they couldn't remove the charge for the rice, instead, gave her 20% off. read more

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This place is amazing. Went in for lunch and had a couple tacos. Carne asada and a fried fish taco. Then went to check out the bar side and had a shout and a margarita. Don't think there's a better margarita in poway by far. The bar also has a bunch of TVs and lively music. I'll definitely be coming back to see how the Sunday football looks like! read more

MexicanBar - Mexican Near Me - Poway, California

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Yelp kept recommending this place so I finally decided to give it a try. It's in the location that used to be MexiCocina, a Poway staple for decades. My wife and I each had two tacos. Prices seem high but they are big tacos, not street tacos. I had al pastor and carnitas. Al pastor was on point and had extra little bits of pineapple that added a flavor pop. Carnitas had good flavor but was more like pulled pork as it wasn't fried so it missed the mark from a texture perspective. My wife had a pollo and a birria taco. The chicken was super flavorful. The birria was just ok, I'm not an expert but have had better elsewhere. Tomatillo salsa was a good accompaniment for all of the tacos. Chips and red salsa were addictive and we had to hold back from a second basket. Service was great and all of the staff are super friendly. We will definitely come back and explore more of the menu. read more