Went for dinner and they were already set up for Cinco de Mayo. I started with a sangria margarita, delicious and my husband got a Modelo. Chips and salsa are prompt to the table, but note that only the first round is free. There is a charge for subsequent rounds. The salsa is one step above ketchup. It's very mild with a hint of flavor. I was gonna say spice but that would require a lot more. We got the mini chimi appetizer, which are 3 beef and 3 chicken with a queso dipping sauce. They are very flavorful and not fried, which was surprising. Looks like they were baked. For dinner I got the 3 chicken enchiladas with green sauce. It comes with rice and beans. The enchiladas were good. The rice was mushy and the beans had an odd flavor I couldn't quite place. Both rice and beans were a little bland. My husband got the pozole, which was described as Mexican Pho, but just no, lol. It's a red chili based soup that was more like a sauce vs a traditional broth. There was a ton of pork but very little hominy. It came with lime, purple cabbage, radish and cilantro to mix in. Never had it with purple cabbage, usually do green. Overall, service was great and its easy parking. Food was decent, drinks were awesome. I would go back. read more

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Decent, albeit Americanized Mexican restaurant. Prices are very fair, ranging from $14 (their lunch/dinner combos) to $24 for their entrees. The decorations and ambiance were excellent and there's plenty of interior space and parking. Service was fine and attentive though they kept trying to take our plates despite us not being finished. Food was fine. We really enjoyed the quesabirrias the most. Each entree comes with a good deal of food, often with a side of carbs like rice or beans. They also provide chips and salsa free of charge. Overall, I would come back. read more

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We were seated quickly . Our waitress was right on top of everything and our dinners and drinks were delicious. Next visit we will skip the appetizer to save room for dessert. Highly recommend! read more

Old Mexico - Delicious Blackberry Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Great food, large portions & very friendly, attentive waitstaff. Also quite reasonable, at least for a group used to NYC prices! We went with mid-level expectations but we were pleasantly surprised. Biggest meal I've had in a while & basically cleaned my plate! Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for Mexican food! read more

Old Mexico - Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce, Frijoles Refritos y Arroz - big, delicious meal! (05/17/2025) - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

For our family roadtrip, we were staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites next door so Old Mexico was an easy dinner pick, not only because of its proximity but we love authentic Mexican food. They do have their own free parking lot if you're driving over. This place itself looks decently clean with a nice vibe inside thanks to the decor. The employees don't speak the most fluent English but enough to get by with your dining experience. Once we sat down, we were offered menus and drinks (we just got water all around) as well as chips and salsa! I have personally never been to a spot where they offer you complimentary chips and salsa the way an American restaurant gives you bread and butter, so this was a really happy surprise for us. I loved that the tortilla chips were very light and crispy, without any added grease and not too strong on the corn notes. We ordered three different things to share since we were told the portions were large (and I would agree), inclusive of their dinner combos #1 (with rice) and #9, as well as their quesadillas appetizer. The quesadillas were definitely the star of the night, with their very well seasoned chicken which also had a nice char to them! They were also stuffed with ingredients. It came with a side of pico de gallo but we were sad to hear that they had run out of sour cream! That was definitely a first. The enchiladas were unfortunately not the best I've had - they could have had more stuffing and the flavor wasn't as to my liking as ones I've had previously. I definitely recommend their chicken over their beef items if you're ever debating between the two. Their tacos were nice and big, with a very crispy shell and not too strong or a corn flavor. This place takes both cash and card, but they do not have portable credit card machines so they do need to take your card over to swipe, then give you a receipt for tips and a signature - it's been a while since I've had to do that but it isn't too much trouble. On your way out, they also have mints for your enjoyment. We were greeted on our way out. read more

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It was late evening after long drive in stormy high thunder heavy raining to my hotel stay saw this restaurant across the street . After checking in my room opened up Yelp to see Mexican place reviews by others and decided to go to it. Place was really busy at 8 pm with few booths open which were not cleaned from earlier customer and I ended up near bar area booth . Took photos while walking over to my booth. Music was light Mexican: Dominican per the bartender which I liked the beats. Service order was taken fast and I knew what I wanted being vegetarian from very limited menu item. My Chili Pablano came with two peppers rice and beans. Quantity of food was similar to other Mexican places I have eaten so no surprise here. Complimentary chips and salsa was supportive to my Very inexpensive house lime Margarita for $5.50. !! read more

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Best food and margaritas hands down. Everyone that gives this place a bad rating doesn't know what they're talking about or they have a stick up their butt. read more

Old Mexico is fine in a pinch, but certainly isn't the best Mexican food out there (in Ithaca or anywhere else). The salsa that comes with the complementary tortilla chips is often a bit watery... and the flour tortillas used for the street tacos can sometimes fall apart quickly. Also, the margaritas are just okay. I ordered a "Real Coconut Margarita" on my last visit though that was probably one of the most bland cocktails that I've ever had. :-/ Service is generally friendly, and I've never had to wait for a table... but any visit I make here is more about convenience than anything. read more

Old Mexico - a plate of tacos and a drink - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Really amazing authentic Mexican food. Very friendly staff & clean restaurant. Good sized portions that are not overpriced but a good value for your hard-earned dollar (peso!!). Will definitely come again on our next trip to Ithaca read more

I was shocked by how large the portions were here. The menu was what you could expect at a Mexican restaurant. The service was quick and friendly. This is definitely a good spot to get dinner. read more

Old Mexico - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Service was fast and friendly. Good chips and salsa. Food was decent but nothing special.

A local staple. Good food, good prices, good people, good fun. Never had a bad meal. Jumbo frozen margaritas will warm your heart.

Food was great! One of the best authentic restaurants we've been to. We arrived at 6:30p on a Friday night and only had a 25 minute wait. read more

Old Mexico - Diablo Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Title: Overpriced and Underwhelming Review: I was genuinely shocked when I saw the bill--$17 for just three tacos. You'd think for that price, they'd be extraordinary, but nope. The portions were small, and the flavors were nothing special. I left still hungry and definitely disappointed. There are way better places to get tacos without breaking the bank. Save your money and go elsewhere. One star. read more

Great food. Huge portions. Excellent service. Give these people your business. They earn it.

It's particularly amazing when Gladys the manager is allowed to do her job. Fernando needs to stop fooling around and let the actual soul of the restaurant shine. It shows when she's not running a dude, you want to be successful or not. read more

I stopped here after a long work day. I ordered a pint while I waited and a burrito Diablo to go. The beer was very cold and fresh. The bartender was very friendly and did not rush me, I had chips and salsa while I waited. They were also good. This was slow night (only a handful of tables seated) but it was a Monday night There are plenty of booths and I definitely would bring a family here. Overall a good dinner for the price. read more

Old Mexico - Burrito Diablo to go. Very and filling - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

food is always good. quick and attentive service, nice staff. taco tuesdays are worth it.

I waant expecting much from a Mexican restaraunt, having just moved from Texas to upstate NY. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The vegetarian enchiladas had potatoes in them which I was shocked by but they ended up being quite tasty and cohesive. There is plenty of seating here for a big party, which os definitely hard to come across in Ithaca. Chips and freshly made salsa complimentary. read more

Old Mexico - Complentary chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Ordered the haddock and street tacos with guacamole over here. Mediocre Mexican food at best. Nothing stood out and the guac was actually a bit salty. I asked for corn tortillas but ended up being given flour instead (not sure why). Minus one star for the long strand of hair in my street tacos (yech!). Had to throw it all away. Avoid. **UPDATE** - my wife ended up throwing up after having the haddock fish tacos. Definitely do not recommend. read more

Service is always good, they're attentive and friendly. Never not been able to get a table. It's convenient. Inexpensive drinks. Great for large groups. The food is alright and the portions are generous, but honestly pretty bland. In the past I've ordered the tequila lime shrimp tacos and it didn't taste like much. The little salad with lettuce and tomato on the side was nice because it had cilantro, but the main dish lacked that. The fajitas lack any seasoning which was strange. It was fine, but honestly without the tortillas, beans, rice, sour cream and the little side salad on the side the main fajita dish could have been a Chinese stir fry (not bad, just bland). Always great in a pinch, very convenient, but always a tad confusing as the dishes tend to lack seasoning. read more

Staff are friendly and service is great! Food is amazing, we have been here twice and everything was so delicious. The enchiladas suizas was phenomenal. Great prices, can't ask for more. read more

I've been going to old Mexico on aversion of twice a month for years. I really like the food but the service is lacking The waitress only appears to take our order and deliver the food. They usually tell you plates are hot but not a word from her. Didn't offer to get refills on drinks. Made a comment to another person that they probably won't get a tip. I tip every time but she didn't deserve it. read more

The worst Mexican I've ever experienced, which is saying a lot ... The meal was lukewarm, with no seasoning, no spice, no heat , and basically tasted like kibble ... As someone who's lived a lot both in Mexico and in California; I've learned not to compare and to have very low expectations ... But this was just god-awful ... A local food critic just gave it a good review recently in the weekly paper ... Which doesn't speak well for his discernment , or for anyone hoping to find half-decent anything in this neck of the woods ... Howsomever, there is a lot of great food to be had in Ithaca & environs if one knows or learns where to look ... But it ain't at this joint that's for sure! read more

Found this place by accident. Best turning around in a random parking lot EVER! Wildly unassuming from the outside - don't be tricked GO IN!! Chips were warm. Personal bowl for salsa (so you can double dip!). But let's be honest... you will never find anything better than the Santa Fe Burrito. It was huge and flavorful and and filled with lean beef and chicken (no creepy gristly meat bits!). The grilled onions may be the secret to the rich flavor. Unless it's something in the beans. Good grief! How does this taste so good??? It also isn't swimming in sauce so every calorie is worth it. I took half home (did I mention that it is huge??) and am rationing it so that the enjoyment does not end. Oh boy!! read more

Old Mexico - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Food was un remarkable but service was very bad A waitress with an attitude. Over heard her asking the hostess... do they speak English, if not I WILL NOT wait on them. Even if you do speak English she barely was civil. read more

I'm going to be generous with my review, because honestly with those portion sizes and prices, I can't fault a mid-level Mexican restaurant in upstate NY. You get what you expect honestly. Their lunch special menu is honestly criminally cheap. Last time I came, I ordered the surf and turf, and it was unfortunately way too salty... I couldn't get through half. What I am always happy about are strong cheap, huge, ridiculously topped margaritas that getcha there! Drink enough and everything hits the spot, if not the stomach later. read more

Old Mexico - Surf and Turf Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

The food was good, nothing amazing, but I'd go back. The salsa needs a little boost of flavor or something though. It was very bland. And had no heat. The house margarita was on point, though. I'd definitely go back for that anytime. read more

Really enjoyed the food. My wife doesn't like Mexican food, but I do. We came hear for lunch. She had the taco salad which she said it was the best she has had. I had tre Enchiladas de Casa with shredded chicken and mole' sauce which I enjoyed. The waitress was real nice and attentive. Clean place. Nice decor. Will come back next time we are in town. read more

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We decided to go to this place for two reasons. We were tired and it was close to our hotel, and they had $2 margaritas on Mondays. Food was just okay - nothing to write home about. Margaritas were okay, but very sweet. Chips were warm, and salsa could have used a bit more flavor. read more

Passable Mexican food. Staff friendly and efficient. Food is lackluster. Nothing special. read more

Old Mexico - Enchilada burrito - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

The food really is delicious. And generous. Ice cold excellent fresh beer on tap, though slow to get to our table. Avoid table near check in location as noisy. The free salsa that comes out with the hot corn chips was the blandest ever, but quickly remedied when I asked from some hot sauce, which frankly should have already been out on every table! The table given to us had left over rice that was missed by cleanup guy. Authentic festive decor and music. Was Mother's Day so unexpected free margarita for the mom at the table. Excellent value and imagine quite a hit with the college crowd here in Ithaca. read more

I would disagree. The amount of bugs certainly warrants this review. It was concerning enough that the staff realized people shouldn't be seated in this area and moved other tables. It wasn't like a few bugs, it was a lot of bugs across several areas in this section. read more

Old Mexico - Huge bug problem in here. Don't sit by a window or you will be swamped with them. - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

We came here as a family. This place has the same owner as zocalos. We always go for street tacos, I get 2 steak and 2 chicken. Husband got the enchiladas with mole sauce (chocolate /sweet sauce), we also got enchiladas with verde (cilantro sauce) both were amazing. I got mango mojito and it was sooo good. The kids liked their food as well. The atmosphere definitely takes you to Mexico. Oh and our total was $50 for 4 meals and two beverages. The service is great and quick. read more

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Such a disappointment! I thought after the pandemic they might have gotten better, Zocalo is the same owners and ten times better! A waste of my hard earned money! They're customer service is good. I will ask for a refund or a credit for Zocalo. read more

Old Mexico - Kids burger and fries, they have us half the fries than usual! - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Good experience for cinco de Mayo! Food was yummy & service was quick:) love the carnitas

Lets just say I wasn't thrilled by the idea of having mexican food late at night but I was pleasantly surprised to find this restaurant. We stopped because unlike other places in the area, this restaurant was opened until 11 pm on a Friday (alleluia!) The building is a little rough on outside and once you are inside you get hit by an overdecorated mexican theme (from a Cantinflas paint to very rustic leather couches). We were seated near the bar and were promptly atended by our server. Food was fairly priced and very tasty. They have great offering of spirits and in particular the margaritas are on point. Can't wait to stop by again and try something else in the menu. read more

Old Mexico - Quesadilla rellena - Mexican Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Food and atmosphere were good. Getting our bill took a little reminder! Got a veteran's discount. Thank you!

The nachos did not have a lot of chips or cheese it but was piled high with lettuce. The waitress seemed angry to be at work. Forget about smiling and being polite, she slammed the glasses of water down on the table. Not our fault the place doesn't have enough servers tonight. There's a long long and plenty of tables, not enough servers to work the tables. Anyway, the food wasn't that good. Cold rice, very bland food, like no seasoning on the chicken. Anyway, don't recommend especially since there are many other Mexican places in the area. read more

Yum. Went here for the first time last night. Nachos were awesome. Carnitas was out of this world yummy. Staff are super nice. The bar was pretty busy making margaritas. Not expensive at all. There were $12.99 dinner combos. Highly recommend. read more