Baja Joe's is hands down one of my favorite spots! The food is absolutely delicious -- everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and came out perfectly. George at the bar truly makes the experience even better. He has amazing customer service, is super friendly, and really knows how to take care of guests. Plus, he makes great drinks -- definitely some of the best around! I highly recommend checking this place out. You won't be disappointed! read more

My favorite chicken fajitas in the valley. I always ask for the spicy bean dip with my chips and salsa. Decent pricing and you can always get seated (sometimes at the bar) even on peak days and times. read more

When you're in the vicinity of Baja Joe's and someone says they're hungry, you really don't have to think twice about what to do... there is Baja Joe's. This quaint yet spacious and colorful eatery is straight out of what you'd find in Baja California with its bright colors, rustic beach atmosphere, beachy drinks and of course, the music and vibes of the southern Pacific beaches! Their offerings are extensive including from elaborate Starters, Seafood Cocktails, Soups, Salads, Sides, not to mention their broad array of Entrees with some darn good Seafood and House Specialties. The food's not bad either, it's on the pretty darn good side... we gorged on Queso Fundido with which they uniquely used a mozzarella cheese blend baked and served with crunchy and warm house-made chips, the Chips & Salsa are most definitely house-made and tasty with a choice of moderately mild or slightly kicking spicy salsa - go for the spicy - really good, a scrumptious Taco Salad with a huge taco shell bowl bursting over with lettuce, along with their refried beans, a fair rice preparation along with plenty of cheese and a delicate and crunchy pico de gallo on our choice shredded beef, then there is the fab rendition of Bistec Rancheros, a perfectly seasoned and chargrilled steak with bell peppers and onions on a red nicely seasoned tomato sauce, and my wife's order of the Tampiqueña Combo with tender grilled carne asada steak strips with a thick cheese enchilada and a side of freshly prepared super delish guacamole, and I ordered the Combo #2 Chicken Enchilada in their red sauce, and very nicely marinated ground beef. To get a genuine feel of being on vacation without footing the airline bill - give baja a try, it makes fun for you with vibe, music and food. Buena comida... Olé Amigos, Viva Baja! read more

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There was a roach a live roach running around in my food. Thank God I hadn't started eating yet otherwise I would have lost it.

The Toritos were absolutely delicious--yellow peppers wrapped in bacon and stuffed with shrimp made for a perfect bite. I also tried the Campechana with octopus, shrimp, and clams; it was refreshing and very well prepared. However, I was a bit disappointed with the carne asada tacos. The meat wasn't very tender or flavorful, so I'd probably skip the more traditional Mexican fare here. Baja Jose's does well when it comes to mariscos. The environment is relaxed, and our server did a fantastic job. 3.5 read more

Restaurant had locals - families with small kids but there were empty tables. There was only 1 server so hostess warned us in advance service would be slow. We should have left. Hostess decided to step up and took on waitress service for us. Ordered 3 tostadas and a taco with shredded beef. They were awful. Toppings were all lettuce and not much else. Missing flavor in the meat and no extra salsa offered. Refried beans were like paste - no flavor in these and rice. Maybe I'm just used to more flavorful tacos/tostadas - even Taco Bell. read more

Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina - Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Friendly and fast service from Gorge. He keep an eye on us and made sure to ask if we needed another drink or food. and didn't smother us by asking us every few minutes if we needed anything. Perfect balance!! Super nice. Great personality and Happy to serve us and kept our area clean. Food was amazing! And Beers cold! Thank you Gorge!! We will be back for sure because of you!! read more

Prices went up but the food is good. No more Sunday football drinks or food specials - even though they advertise it. Watch your bill. They restarted the automatic gratuity over $100 bill. Don't double tip. The staff is excellent. read more

It has been four years since I was last here and it's still a great place! I wish I lived closer so we could come more often. Tonight I ordered the taco salad with grilled chicken and it was really great. My boyfriend had a chimichanga. I didn't take any food pictures tonight cause I didn't plan on writing another review since I reviewed this place so long ago, but then after such great service by the staff, particularly Diego, I felt like I should. He was very friendly and very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. He's also a little bit of a prankster, he told us they were out of water when I ordered water as my drink. :) really great welcoming atmosphere, nice place to hang out! Won't wait four years to come back! read more

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I always like coming here because I really like the margaritas. And, now that they have it I'm looking forward to trying out their new happy hour. Everything looked like a great deal. Today I had the fish tacos. I got one grilled and one breaded. Definitely get the grilled because the breaded was really dry, crusty, and hard. I did not like it, but the grilled was alright. read more

Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina - Lunch special 2 Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Went for lunch today, ordered an array of seafood dishes. Ceviche, pescado frito red snapper (bomb), chips and salsa/guacamole... good stuff. Service was quick and attentive, food came out fast and fresh. Great choice today. read more

Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina - Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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A family favorite! We've been coming here for years and there's something for everyone - even the grandbabies. Friendly staff and great food - I especially like the oysters (pictured). read more

Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Really cool local Mexican spot with a laid-back atmosphere. Only bummer is that the bar doesn't have the channel to watch the D-backs -- kind of a letdown for an Arizona spot. Still a great place to get some drinks with friends read more

My first time visiting this restaurant. I thought it would be a good place to meet with family in town. Ambience was OK. Service was on the slow side. Food was descent, but rather pricey. I would probably give it a 6 1/2 out of 10. read more

It's a must visit I always enjoy an array of there appetizers so hard to just pick one and A margarita to die for Jorge (George) the bartender is friendly ,and great at his field of work! Family friendly environment and tons of seating . read more

I want to like this neighborhood spot, but I feel like it was overpriced and not that great. Drinks were pretty weak and expensive. For a divey kinda place I at least expect a good drink. They charge for chips and salsa, fine. And the rest of the food just seemed pretty expensive for what you get. And there is a weird chemical smell in there. Not even like cleaner. I don't even know how to describe it. But it's not right. I think I'll skip it on my next trip that way. Service was friendly though, so they have that going! And it looked like a good happy hour. read more

We love coming to Baja Joe . Great food and great service . Unfortunately we have to bring our friends and family elsewhere if we want to watch the game. We would make it our regular hang out if they played the DBacks games! read more

Went with a party of nine family members. There was a pretty long wait between ordering and serving, then the wait staff brought the whole order at once. Grandkid's nachos were cold, as was my chile (more like chilly) rellano plate. Only the seafood plates came out hot. I guess they were the last to be ready. Also, some complimentary chips while we waited would have been nice. read more

I was skeptical of this place since it was tucked away in a shopping plaza, but I was proven wrong. I highly recommend the mango margarita with a tajin rim. Super delicious. My wife said the first three stars are just for their. Chipotle sauce and the last star is for the margarita. Overall the food was good. There aren't many places that do high end Mexican seafood and this place has it all. It lives up to its name. I got the fajitas and they were good. Maybe second on my fajita list. My friends got the giant bowl of fish, as they called it. An interesting mix of seafood with the star actually being the fried white fish. Service was excellent. Food was good. Drinks were awesome. I was torn on three to four star but I went for four on account of the mango margarita. read more

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Probably this areas best hidden gem! The food the staff the drinks and atmosphere are always amazing. If you are looking for good authentic style food this is where you wanna go read more

I haven't been here in about 4 years but when I did come last time it was amazing. Came here tonight with my wife and it was just as amazing as it was then. SO MANY CHOICES but we kept it simple. Steak chimichanga for me. The steak was cooked perfectly. It had awesome flavor. It was tender and juicy. She had the chicken taco salad and the chicken was cooked equally as good. Diego was our bartender we meet a bunch of recommendations for food and drink but like I said we kept it simple. But he's a cool dude and is very entertaining, friendly and checked on us consistently. Make sure you try to meet Diego at the bar. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

We love this place. We eat here at least 3 time a month. It's a seafood place so stick with the seafood and you'll be pleased. FYI Most the servers include the tip charge on the bill. read more

Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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Great michealadas, chips, salsa, guacamole and ceviche. Staff was super friendly and on point!

Great food. Beautiful people. Try the chimis and the mixed drinks by Diego are priceless. read more

Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina - Amazing food. Beautiful people! - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I love this place! We've been coming here for years. I've never been disappointed with the food. Carne Asada is awesome.

Don't GO HERE! I have never been so insulted in my life!!!!! If you are black, do not ever come here. We ate our food, paid in cash, gave a nice tip. The waiter took the payment in his hand & said have a nice night. ANOTHER Waiter , who was serving ANOTHER table, NOT Ours, Came TO The Parking Lot!!!!! Came To ThE Car & ask, " Did you pay"? Extremely puzzled, I said, "what did you say"? He said, "Did you pay"? I said, "Yeah"! He said okay and walked back in. I went back inside, & asked for the manager, he had a Sun jersey on. I explained what happened & all he said was "I'm sorry"!!!!! I can tell her didn't know what to say and was shocked himself but his response didn't match my extreme displeasure. I am flabbergasted and have never experienced anything like this!!!! read more

ordered bean dip and it wasnt bean dip, it was thick refried beans. had no taste. not good.

Service was excellent. Torritos are AMAZING!! All the food we ordered was delicious. Cons: They bring you chips and salsa, but you find out later they charge you $2.99 Also they added 18% gratuity for a group of 4... read more

Stephanie Rivera is the best bartender in the universe.. her happy and friendly personality her ability to make customers smile.. she's the best.. the shrimp cocktail and the ice cold beer was amazing.. when we walk in she already know what we want.. she also just received her nursing degree so when you go in don't forget to congratulate her on her success read more

The first time I've been here with mu husband, things are great, staff are friendly and checking on is, food is properly prepared and drinks are good. But some people working at the bar are nice but too busy to check their customers if needed something. I feel like the people at the bar has some preferences of which customers they would want to serve nicely. Overall, food are good but bad services. read more

First time here today for lunch, and I was blown away by the quality by not only the service from Ricardo, who was very welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly but the quality of the food. Not only that but the service is very efficient. Their tacos are outstanding ( I had not just 3, but 6 ) and save room for the flan at the end it is absolutely fantastic! One of the very best flans I've ever had ! The tacos on Tuesday are a great value and I just love the vibe of the restaurant! read more

Had the Parrillada Mariscos for 2, a large varied sea food delight served heated at our table for 2 in the bar area. For the first time in 5 years, our server/bartender George asked if we would like a bit more room...yes, please! And he moved another two person table over to help us out! He was attentive, provided some chips to go with our guacamole, and generally made our dining experience great! Not sure if he made my margarita but it was one of the best I'd had at Baja Joe's. The guacamole seemed better than normal as well, and I appreciated a few chips to use for dipping. Whatever has changed, it's good. We will dine here more often if our experience with George and the quality of food and service are the new norm. read more

This is the 2nd time I've been here since the new management took over. The food and service was amazing! I ordered the carne asada plate and my wife ordered the fish tacos. Both dishes were superb. I can't recommend this place enough! So good! read more

Honestly I made this account just to say this place wasn't it. the rice was mushy and sad, the beans obviously rosarita bagged beans, Fish tacos are always a hit or miss but these were mad mid. the fish & shrimp by itself was good but if you are picky about tortillas flour or corn they have that Walmart tortilla smell. It was my first time here w my family I won't be coming back I was so disappointed and wasn't worth the price. You know that feeling when you order food and it was expensive and it comes out nasty but sit there in disappointment eating it bc you already bought it... that was us As for the service it was great the server was a nice bald man who went above and beyond. Here's a tip **if they don't have complimentary chips and salsa it's a red flag** the carne asada was decent. **I think it's funny the owner replies to all the negative comments saying it's other people's fault for their low quality food and temperamental staff. After he replied to comment I made I took a look at the other reviews and responses and man I had a good laugh (: 1) people saying food was ok keep in mind the got A "D" on their last health inspection from Maricopa county 2) It's sad that this owner lashes out on customers who tell them the issues they had w the food or staff, yet doesn't make changes maybe from what I've read in these comments it used to be a good restaurant but has gone downhill. 3) he brought up the nothing is free statement and ranted on a bit about me being entitled over chips & salsa. However I meant that if you go to a Mexican restaurant and they charge for that then it's probably not very good. Also if they use cheddar cheese in quesadillas it's probably bad, lookout and be wary. - I ate all my food regardless if it was bad bc I already paid for it, also by the way he reacts to comments about the staff and quality of food he most likely wouldn't want to hear this to his face and would have that same attitude to his customers def a boomer. Scroll down to look at his "grade A" product. read more

Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina - Health code violations This place has a D. - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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I went there for a margarita and it took over 15 minutes for the two bartenders to serve me. Even though I was sitting at the bar directly in front of them staring them in the face the whole time. The bartender that was suppose to serve me was Diego but he was chatting it up with another customer and ignoring me. They only served me after I called the restaurant and requested to speak to a manager. After that it went downhill, I requested a patron margarita from Diego only to get a virgin margarita. I took it to the bartender that didn't serve me and he agreed it was horrible and remade it in front of me. The immaturity of this bartender is astounding, his name is Diego. Avoid him at all costs!! The bartenders clearly have some sort of animosity towards me for some reason I can't ascertain. I'm just a mixed race man. That lives in the neighborhood and have been coming to this bar long before they both worked here. 6/2/23: UPDATE IN RESPONSE TO OWNER SEAN SMITH: I replied to the owner but that message does not get posted so I decided to edit my initial review and include my comments. Apparently one of the bartenders was unhappy with a tip I left him so he decided to spread rumors about me to the other bartenders whom I've never had an issue with according to one of the bartenders who was working alongside Diego the night I came in. This is totally unprofessional and juvenile! It reminds me of middle school. I generally order their margaritas and leave $1 or $2 tip, per drink. I did call the restaurant and spoke to the general manager a couple weeks ago. She said she would research the issue and call me back. Instead she sicked the owner on me like a pit bull to post this response (similar to how he has responded to other negative reviews) instead of calling me back and explaining the situation in a professional manner. The owner obviously needs to grow a pair, he knows my name and has my phone number so he had the option to call me himself like a man and tell me not to come back. He acts as juvenile as his bartenders so no wonder where they get the permission to act that way! Many of the negative reviews have to do with tips so maybe if he paid his employees better there wouldn't be so many complaints regarding tips! Just read the reviews, it's a recurring theme! Honestly I haven't been back there since and wasn't planning to return as I have found another Mexican restaurant (Garcia's Mexican Restaurant) just down the street and around the corner @ Gilbert & University Dr. They serve chips with hot bean dip as well as salsa (FREE) and have great drink specials (Margaritas are $4.99). I also enjoy the daily food and drink specials at Nando's on McDowell & Power Rd. And no they don't have the most racially diverse staff. They don't have a single black/African American employee working there so that's a false statement. And you stated that a customer left an extra tip because of my tip is BS! That's something you made up and it sounds just like what it is, an unbelievable lie! Your a definite lier and you make up stories. Customers don't care about what other customers leave as a tip! STOP making things up... get more creative in your storytelling! read more

Fun little restaurant located un Mesa. Authentic Mexican food. Drinks are amazing. Family friendly. Definitely the feel of Mexico. read more

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Best happy hour in the valley make sure and try the peppers it is also a great value.

Our 1st time at Baja Joe's. The food was pretty good. The chips & salsa were addicting! The shrimp wrapped in bacon was over fried - lost flavor & was hard 2 chew. The chimichanga was really good - great flavor & really big. The server was really nice & friendly - he always had a smile! Great service! We would try it again read more

This place was delicious! I would be back, good music, excellent staff. Guacamole was fire! read more

Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina - Chips, salsa and guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

....Rice seemed to be last weekends' leftovers. Need an updated "Camarones al Mojo de Ajo" recipe. Servers where very attentive, but I am guessing because they force a gratuity fee on the bill. Yeah, forced, and it was only a party of 3. The ambient there is definitely nothing special from an ordinary mariscos restaurant. This place isn't fancy enough nor is the food on point enough to have the gratuity fee forced on the bill. Our waitress would've gotten atip anyway, I am a tipper, but to force it on you with the above mentioned....yeah, I dont think so. Will not be back. Food just not good enough, nor the place fancy enough to have a gratuity policy like that. read more