The Border Café came highly recommended by my girlfriend as a great place for Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican cuisine. Turns out they also have a good selection of Cajun style food as well. We visited here last night and I was immediately impressed by the festive atmosphere and tantalizing smells from the kitchen. We started with chips and guacamole and their homemade guacamole with easily one of the best I have ever had. For our meals, she had the chicken quesadilla and I had the gaucho chicken, which was a blackened chicken topped with roasted tomatoes and a mild salsa verde. Both of our meals were absolutely delicious, though I have to say my girlfriends chicken quesadilla was slightly better. The service was fast and efficient and we really enjoyed our experience. read more

Border Cafe - Chicken quesadilla. - Mexican Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

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Let me start by saying that I'm from LA so I'm used to authentic Mexican food. The place wasn't bad it's just not as good as what I'm used to. This place is actually more of a TexMex cuisine though. You can actually get jambalaya instead of rice and beans. Unfortunately, I think I would've been better off with the rice and beans. The chili relleno was the biggest one I've ever seen though and it was very good. The chips and salsa, guacamole and chili con queso was all very good too. I was also disappointed that they didn't have Guinness but it's not really fair for me to expect it here. I had a couple of Dos XX ambers though and it went well with the food. Not the best I've had but I would go back. read more

Let me first say that this is NOT MEXICAN!! It is delicious Tex-Mex that works for the Gringo tastebuds of the North Shore. I go pretty frequently and haven't been disappointed. If you've read my other reviews, I am rather picky about my Mexican food. Living in San Diego for a hand full of years will do that to you. Definitely check this place out! Plenty of parking, warm and comfortable atmosphere, easy to get to location! read more

In my time of living in Boston over a decade ago, I used to visit the original Saugus location regularly. We had a gathering of friends we used to call the Thursday Night Supper Club, which was a core group of guys, and whomever wanted to join us. Occasionally we'd have women join us which made it more fun for us and frightening for them I'm sure (we're rather large men after all eating heavily... it had to be a sight). We'd hit different places at times, but we had 3 semi-regular spots in our Thursday night rotation: Kowloon, Hilltop, and Border Cafe. We'd enjoy good meals, and bust each others chops. I really miss those days. Hell, I still laugh at the zingers we used to come up with on each other. Since I moved back to Philadelphia, I have enjoyed going to the Delaware location of the Border Cafe. During this time, I hooked my wife on their food so she is a fan as well. On our most recent Boston trip, she wanted to eat here. Who am I to say no? Besides, it was my first trip to this newer location in my life, so I had to see it for myself. Now, I have had many dishes here over the years. I loved them all. But above all, I'm a chili and fajitas guy here. We split a bowl of chili, and we both thought that it actually was better than any chili we had at Border Cafe before. I didn't think this was possible. But they did it. Excellent flavor, and those fresh chips are perfect with them. She got her blackened chicken fajitas and declared them perfect. I got the Rio Grande Fajitas with regular chicken and the blackened chicken breast on top. On mine, I thought they killed the breast with the blackening seasoning a bit. It was slightly harsh. But, this was also easily rectified with a scrape of my fork. So I won't dock them there. Hey, every now and then you get a cook with a heavy wrist on the spice. I get it. But, again, for me those fajitas remain perfect. The fresh tortillas make them perfect in my book. And the best part... the prices here are always right for what you get. I can't help it. I have always loved them, and I probably always will. read more

We've been getting the meal kits since this coronapocalypse thingy started-- always ready quicker than they predict, which is bad, because it means I usually only have time for one margarita. One of K's favorites, and I never have any complaints either-- good food and service, and I highly recommend a margarita rocks while you wait. read more

I actually love the food here and I work not even 5 minutes away, when I called to order take out they told me they don't do take out and would not accommodate me. Even though I'm on my lunch break. Completely turned me off and now I'm probably never going to go back to any of your locations just because of how inconvenient this is. SERIOUSLY what kind of business turns away a willingly paying customer, and leaves them HANGRY. read more

Disgusting. The food does not look appetizing, the wait is long and it's not authentic Mexican anything...

This was our family go to for many years. They used to have a few interesting dishes like French Quarter chicken or Crawfish Etouffe. The menu is so generic now. If a just your basic tacos and burritos. Too bad. read more

I consider Border Cafe to be one of the best options for affordable, sit-down Mexican fare in the Greater Boston area. Is it fancy? Tailored to the foodie crowd? Heck no. But for reasonable mixed drinks (even by Boston standards!), reliable service, and big, tasty portions of Tex-Mex food, this place has become my go-to. My husband and I have visited the Harvard Square and Burlington locations a number of times as well - they are honestly all pretty consistent in terms of atmosphere and experience. Despite being outside of the city, this Saugus location definitely gets busy on weekend evenings, so come early or expect a wait. I've recently started ordering a cup of their gumbo as an appetizer when I come here, and I haven't looked back since. Simple ingredients (basically just chicken, sausage, white rice, scallions... and maybe a few pieces of onion and/or something resembling okra/peppers?), but great flavor - and it costs less than $3 for a cup. Score! I've tried many of their entrees over the years, but my most recent favorite is the Chicken Bandera. The grilled avocado and mango salsa absolutely make this dish. For under $11, you'll come away happily stuffed with deliciousness. Oh, and have I mentioned the margs yet? Needless to say, they are terrific as well. Atmosphere-wise, this place feels festive (there always seem to be a bunch of family dinners, birthday parties, and other celebrations going on...), and do be warned that it can get a bit noisy - but if your goal is to have a fun evening out, and have a drink or two without going totally broke, Border Cafe is your place. read more

Food would be fine if it weren't inedibly salty. They seem to be mistaking salty for spicy.

no kids menu place is pathetic dont get the hype came in with my parents and the food was cold and the service was bad NEVER AGAIN!!!

I've been going there since 2010 and never complained about anything cause the food used to be so good but at the last 2 times couldn't believe how much changed the cooking style and the good service gone with the new staff , my favorite item is the beef quesadilla so last time I went there my quesadilla was only cheese and little bit of meat that barely you see it and they added the tomato salsa in the tortilla instead of putting it on the side just to look the quesadilla big so this is the second time that I got the same so it wasn't by accident obviously. It's not the same Border Cafe anymore read more

I grew up in Colorado accustomed to excellent authentic Mexican food and find it hard to find in the Northeast but we have been thrilled to find Border Cafe. We have tried all three locations in Burlington, Cambridge and Saugus but have dined mostly at the Saugus location on the northbound side of Route 1. To start, they offer warm, fresh tortilla chips with salsa which are spot on. The Tex/Mex menu offers a wide array of options and is VERY AFFORDABLE. I always go with the pulled pork enchilada with Spanish Rice and black beans for under $8!! Incredible value and consistently prepared with melted cheese. WOW. The place is busy and loud though with a wide open dining area and some loud music that doesn't lend well to conversations in the large tables especially. My only knock is their margaritas are inexpensive, yes, but watered down and you can barely sense any tequila. read more

Tex-mex cajun food. Interesting concept but it really works. The food is well prepared. The menu is somewhat limited and not many mexican offerings but overall this is a great restaurant on route one heading out toward Danvers. The bar looks inviting also, just stop in for a beer. read more

Border Cafe - Rustic interior - Mexican Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

Years ago I was a very huge fan of this place. I went at least once a month. The service is always great, and the food was pretty good. However, the last few times I've gone, I was pretty disappointed. I always order the filet mignon Jim Bowie style which comes covered in a savory sauce and some shrimp. I always ask for medium well because I don't like it too pink but don't want it overcooked. However, when I received it, it was more on the medium rare side. My meal was pretty much floating in blood. I don't really like to complain so I ate it anyways, also because I didn't want to wait longer to enjoy a meal. read more

Stopped by after a day out. Extremely limited menu, I get covid but that's an excuse. Every other Mexican restaurant has product. Menu selection is very poor. Limited Mexican selections. My partner is vegan. NO VEGAN options. Not even an effort to make anything. Waiter suggested empanadas (hello - it has cheese in them) Waiter was extremely rude and walked away a couple times without any explanation. We had a drink and then left. This place should just close. Even better their website does not have a way to correspond and let them know about my experience read more

the quality of the food ingredients could definitely go up a bit to improve. they have a great location and staff are friendly. also it could be cleaner inside it feels a bit grimy. read more

American-Mexican cuisine could not get any better than this. The portion sizes are above average and the quality of food is amazing for such a low cost. Try the blackened chicken appetizer served with a refreshing orange marmalade. It is to die for! A bit spicy but if you can handle it, I'm sure you'll be in serenity. Father in-law, husband, and I make frequent trips here! Definitely worth a 40 minute drive. read more

So I eat at Border Cafe in Burlington and enjoy, so I stopped today at this one. Big mistake. I ordered a salad with salmon, the one I always get. When It Came the salmon was on top of frozen corn, I mean frozen. So it was hot salmon on frozen corn and greens it was a gross texture. I sent it back and then was told by a manager that if they replaced it would be the same cause the corn is cold. I order this salad a lot in the past and it was never frozen or cold. She said the chef said it would be the same, the corn would be cold. Did I want a different salad? Not cold I said frozen and no thank you. I said no thank you to other salad cause if the chef doesn't know the difference between cold and frozen and how to prepare salad I didn't think he really could prepare a good meal. I left very disappointed that they felt frozen corn (hard) was totally acceptable to serve. I will not be returning for sure!! read more

The menu has changed completely and it's such a letdown. They used to be so good, but now it's not on my list of go-to's anymore.

Came for lunch I had a grilled chicken fajita salad my husband had the blackened salmon salad my husband really liked his plate mine I felt was a little blah flavor could have been better. We also got the guacamole chips and salsa. The salsa was land chips were good and guacamole was good read more

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Border Cafe completely changed their menu after Covid, removing all our favorite items. More than half the old menu was erased. Staff has no idea when or if it will be back. Outdoor seating is often closed down even in good weather. Been coming here since 2003 but now it's gone down the drain. The "CEO" lives in Virginia, no where near any restaurant location, which may explain the disaster which has happened. read more

The food is good. The service is good. The ambiance is good. I just wish they would have one vegan dish with tofu or something so I would have a reason to return there because I liked it. read more

Border Cafe - Vegetable Fajitas made vegan - Mexican Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

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One of my faves for margaritas and mexican food. Both locations in Saugus and Burlington that I've been frequented have the same good food, amazing prices, they're clean. The servers are always honest, hard working people of all ages and ethnicities, always nice and quick to please. read more

I still like this place. They are actually good about food allergies (we were able to order gluten-free and NOT get "glutened" afterwards). Service was friendly, and was pretty fast despite it being busy on a Thursday night. And the food is tasty! (Note: we did have to wait about 45 minutes to get seated -- they hand out those buzzers, and you can go sit in your car to wait.) The bad: I swear they must buy 20-pound bags of MSG, because there is no way that plain old chicken and onions tastes that good, even with spices. Same with the tortilla chips. How does a PLAIN CORN CHIP taste amazing? I get a headache every time I eat here -- and it's not the salt, I eat sushi with lots of soy sauce and no headaches ever. MSG is a cheap hack to make food taste better -- try it yourself at home! YOU TOO can make authentic Mexican uber-tasty sizzling chicken, just coat everything in Accent (MSG) and you're south of the border! But hey, at least they finally painted some CLOTHES on the ALMOST NAKED GIRL (wearing panties and nothing else) they had painted on the door of the ladies' room, so that's a plus. The cowboy on the men's room always had clothes, but that poor girl was wearing nothing but hip-huggers for years. Classy! read more

Went to Saugus location many times and had great fajitas. Today we went to Burlington MA location. The steak fajitas were mush. Too Much spice and tasted awful. The host brought out another order and it was the same awful tasting mushy meat. What happened here? There is NO way to contact them at all online. Won't be going back ... SAD :( read more

This place is crazy. You have to get there right when it opens if you don't want a crowd to come. But I can see why. Having a free bowl of chips at a restaurant is normal, but these ones are better. There are three meals on the menu that are my favorite. The taco and echillada is fantastic. Large portions, great side of beans and rice, and great flavors, that's a perfect order. The other two are the quesadillas and the burro. Techinically, they're the same thing (since I got pulled beef on all of them), but they're fantastic. Get here early! read more

Horrible place, never received the food or even seen it and took our credit card charge and wouldn't give it back due to an innocent mistake that we've ordered at the wrong location which was in another STATE!!!! Manager was very rude! Unprofessional, does not know how to speak to customers and for sure does not know how to satisfy a customer. Meanwhile manager that is at our location tried to call the manager in MA and reverse the payment back because she felt that was the right thing to do. She actually took our order in and gave us the best customer service ever!!!!! Go NJ!!! Fairfield. read more

Horrid service lately to be honest. Today I sat for the majority of my meal without a drink in front of me, server no where to be found. After waiting an hour (yes an hour, not exaggerating) our server tells us the kitchen "lost" our ticket, and if we want her to put it in again. Lol WHAT? To be fair the food was delicious when it finally came out. That was the saving grace, but I think the manager handled that poorly. read more

Been going to this place for years. Food is always quick and and is good for the price value. The mix drinks (especially the Margs) are not very good. I feel like they use a out of bottle mix they is very sweet. They also don't have a full bar, the have the basics can't go further. Your best bet is getting a beer there. The food has flavor but lacks a spicy aspect of your in to that like I am. The hottest sauce they have is a table top picante sauce. Our bill is always under 40 dollars which is good. Bar is very small and if you are a bar too person like myself, it could be hard to get a a seat there. read more

Honestly terribly disappointing. This restaurant used to be one of the best around. Food quality has declined, and our server rushed us through our meal and out the door. Luis pushed us 4 through a 45 minute visit. One drink, the bill dropped before we finished eating. Good job flipping those tables Luis! Ruined good friends catching up and enjoying our time. read more

We visited Border Café this past Wednesday night for dinner. We sat in a booth in the bar area. The young waitress was very attentive and polite My wife ordered the Chicken Tacos which were very scarce in the chicken department, probably should have been called Tortilla Shell Tacos. I ordered the Crawfish Étouffée, which was great, but I asked if it could be served over Jambalaya rather than White Rice, and was told that "that's not allowed". At the end of the night, it was basically just an average night out, at best. We'll continue to frequent this place every couple of months as we always have. read more

Border Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

I've been here multiple times, and sadly every other time I've gone it's been on both ends of the spectrum. Giving it a 1 star because you just can't have such a stark difference of quality in food and service whole trying to maintain an attitude of professionalism. Food was amazing in the beginning, appetizers and all. That is, until I found worms in one of my blackened catfish meals and that was the last time I went. read more

Not happy with our food. I don't even want to waist my time giving a bad review. Never again.

My absolute favorite restaurant of all time, hands down! The menu is way paired back because of COVID and my favorite dish (taco enchilada combo) is fine, so I really hope they bring back everything when life is a bit more normal. BUT, they're still awesome :) excellent food, excellent service, always. read more

Today was a WOW moment for me at this place. I typically have been going here once a week becasue I like the food. And the girls that work there are just great kids, I always tipped them well because I think they need it and deserve it, and they have always gone the extra mile. But Today, just wow, today was an experience I will never forget in that place, I I promise I never go back there, they lost my business forever. Why..I am getting a takeout order and asked for Queso dip. Simple thing, get it every time I went in there, the girls have always been awesome, and I tipped them well for that, but today, the general manager refused to sell me queso. not a big deal in terms of what I am not getting but it is a big deal when you hve a customer who goes thier weekly and you get treated like some dog trying to get in the store, by the manager, who refuses to sell you what you are looking top get, soemthing that I got every week, but not with this lady around, she stoof in front of me at the register where you order, as I was talking to a guy sitting at the bar, and I sadi, "Oh this must be the lady that will take my order" but she never turned to face me, and just walked away, that is when I aksed he, can I speak to the manager, and she said, I am the manager, in fact, I am the general manager of this store. So she refused to help me again, another girl who took my order in the past came over to help and she was real nice, but thse did not have a code, so she left, but I credit her for trying, but clearly they would not give her a code to serve me, Then one of the girls who is really nice came over and saw what was happeneing and said " I will help you" but it was too late. The manager should be fired and I do not ususally say that, this one is nasty. I walked back in to tell her I was not happy theat she did not serve me, she said something like this is not the place to talk about, and I said Thats Ok I am leaving and her response was "good Leave" That is a manager, th poor girls there have to deal with that. And to the lady that I gave the 3$ tip, you did not deserve it, you were nasty too, both of you, Never be back and will be contacting the owner of this establishment about this nasty manager read more

Server was good food as good as well , server was even training another lady and the trainee was nice as well, I go to leave and forgot my food came back not even 2 minutes later and I guess i couldn't get shit in return for their dumb ass buss lady throwing my food out , then the lady manager has the nerve to say there's nothing she can do about it cause it's my fault like I clearly got a Togo box for it for a reason I suggest y'all be careful with this not knowing how to do her job whack manager lady read more

I went to their website and couldn't find a link to email the management. So, I came to Yelp. Our waitress was Deanna, she was very helpful. The gumbo was great, I had blackened chicken but it was very salty. The beef enchiladas and jambalaya were very good. Bottomless soft drinks, refills are free. Prices are very reasonable. I really like the atmosphere, I grew up in the South and Border's atmosphere and food reminds me of some restaurants and honky tonks down South. The music was a bit loud for carrying on a conversation. read more

Great Mexican food. Always very fast and never make you wait. You can have a full course dinner in under a hour and it's beyond good. Waiters are always so sweet. I visit here once a week. read more

Border Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Saugus, Massachusetts

With so many crap restaurants on Route 1, Border Cafe was a pleasant surprise. Inexpensive, authentic and delicious. Best empanadas I've ever had. read more