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El Mexicali Cafe II

4.2 (608 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

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Business Info

EL MEXICALI CAFE II ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Happy hour specials
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - El Mexicali Cafe II

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Reviews With Photos

Lisa C.

We have lived here for 11 yrs, retired, gone to the "usual" Mexican restaurants... well this one is NOT one of them. Thanks to multiple comments on Neighbors we decided to go ourselves.... It was awesome. From the greeters at the front to the servers food runners and of course Crystal our bartender it was a wonderful evening... [[HIGHLIGHT]]it's lively well decorated and seems to be well maintained and managed[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] .... We had the signature fajitas with their special sauce and I will say probably the best I've had... and the margaritas aren't bad either lol...we now have a new favorite with a large menus plenty of seating and great work staff... kudos El Mexicali cafe II

32 oz. Modelo Negra (already tapped a little)
Paul S.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A very busy place on Friday around noon.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Only a couple parking spots in the back. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The floors are immaculate.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The campechana is unique with octopus and abalone in addition to the shrimp. Excellent portion in the large format for two to split. Nice sauce that needed a little extra oomph from the salsa. The #3 combo rounded out the meal. It was good but not spectacular, with the relleno showing some smoke notes. The 32-ounce draft beer is an excellent deal at $12 (these days). Excellent service was provided by Fabiola, who had a great backup service crew.

Shrimp stuffed pepper
Jane N.

Went here with some friends for lunch and it was fantastic!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is lovely and so was our server.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I decided to try the spicy Margarita and was shocked at the size of it and how spicy it was! My friends were kind enough to help me drink it otherwise I would not have been able to finish it. We loved their food and I look forward to going back to try other items on the menu. I had a small quesadilla with chicken and then I had a Shrimp stuffed pepper. It was amazing!! Next time I will get more than one. I don't remember what my friends got but I do know they cleaned their plates! What a lovely find and it is close to where I live when I am in the desert.

Chili Colorado wet burrito and chili rellano
Stacie E.

Delicious lunch! Service was great too. We sat at the bar and were checked on multiple times throughout our lunch. I ordered their signature fajitas, hubby ordered ala carte chili rellano and a chili Colorado wet burrito. All was fantastic. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was filled with Mexicans, who obviously know what Mexican food should taste like.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Happy Hour
Emmanuel T.

We love coming for happy hour I usually get the carne asada taco plate which isn't on the happy hour menu but I love having the margaritas or the chavales/micheladas! The chips & salsa are very good. The chile güeritos are the best always soo tasty! the happy hour menu does have some delicious plates which I've eaten before. The server was super friendly & attentive. I like the ambience & the music from old school rancheras to rock en español! I recommend stopping by & checking this place out!

Chili Relleno and enchilada. (Sorry, I already took a bite before pic) it was AMAZING!!

AMAZING!! Once again great food and exceptional service!! Had the chili relleno and enchilada as I usually do and it was fantastic again! Jessica was a great server and very pleasant!! Will definitely be back and maybe I'll try something new.... But why change a good thing! Come eat here if you haven't! You won't regret it!!

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Review Insights

7 years ago

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3 years ago

Always a very good experience. From the food to the service, EMC does not disappoint.

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

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5 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

Food not only looked good but tasted amazing. I am looking forward to going back and trying something different on the menu

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3 years ago

The food is always great the staff are the best, if you are looking for the best look no further!

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3 years ago

Authentic family style! Really charming-- good food and attentive service. A local favorite for good reason.

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3 years ago

Don't order the fajitas (burnt) omg terrible and I told the waitress and you think she would suggest something else That didn't happen.

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4 years ago

Food is always great! I love the fish tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, Chile güeritos, Chips and salsa ! I highly recommend.

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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8 years ago

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11 years ago

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11 years ago

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6 years ago

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13 years ago

Business owner information

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Andrew S.

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3 years ago

Genuine Mexican food. Great food, nice sized portions, great service and drinks were bomb!!

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11 years ago

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3 years ago

Food was really good and the service too. This was our first time and I will definitely go back!

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10 years ago

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8 years ago

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15 years ago

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3 years ago

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6 years ago

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8 years ago

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3 years ago

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7 years ago

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4 years ago

Great food. Fast service. Friendly wait staff. They don't scrimp on the shrimp in the shrimp enchiladas.

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Page 7 of 16

El Mexicali Cafe II Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Mexicali Cafe II

What time is happy hour?

3-5 Monday-Friday

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Guadalajara Cafe & Bar

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4.5
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Family-owned & operated
Happy hour specials

All the communities in the Coachella Valley have many "Mexican" eateries, representing several…read moreregions and at several price points. Since moving here some nine months ago I've eaten at a dozen or so. Some OK. Most very good, some great and even one awful. Guadalajara Café & Bar is an absolute stand out. It's my new go to spot. I knew I was in a good place when I saw how many people walked in and were clearly known to the staff as regulars. The decor is simple, clean and you can see the cooks working through the busy pass through. Plenty of parking. The chips are fresh, crispy and lightly salted. The salsa is outstanding with the right amount of heat. It was lunch time and I'm not much for alcohol so I didn't try any of the drink offerings this visit... next time! Between two of us we ordered the fish tacos which were excellent. Also had the chili relleno which, unless I'm mistaken was battered and fried when ordered, not left sitting waiting to be ordered, huge difference! And the sauce on the relleno was perfect. Also had the mole enchilada with it. Again, unless I'm mistaken the mole was made fresh in house and was the best I've had in a long time. The waitstaff was great efficient, attentive and made sure we were happy. And were they hustling! Busy place and they didn't miss a thing. Five stars across the board food, staff, venue... even pricing! To quote a famous movie line, "I'll be back" Sorry no photos, I was too busy eating LOL.

4.5 stars for the food -- mole and cheese enchiladas were delicious and not over sized, tasty rice…read moretoo. five stars for the awesome local atmosphere of karaoke hour which blew up around us and which we won't forget anytime soon!!!

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Casa Mendoza

Casa Mendoza

4.0
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5.7 mi
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SHORT ANSWER: Just an update, but Casa Mendoza seems to be just getting better. Some new staff but…read morefood quality and people here are very welcoming. LOCATION: In Old Town La Quinta, OTLQ easy to find, tons of parking but at times it gets busy so you may have to walk a bit. FACILITY: very traditional inside and out, clean, and lots of space between tables. MENU: rather massive, we usually order the same things so all the other options makes my head hurt so we just go with what we know. FOOD PREP: excellent, always looks the same which is a good things. FOOD QUALITY: some of the best in the valley. LIBATIONS: lots of choices and not too expensive, wish they had a locals city of LQ discount like some of the other options in OTLQ.. WAITSTAFF: very nice, everyone. OVERALL VALUE: if you order the right things, it is a great value but you can go nuts and spend a lot, tourist dollars spend well, upselling happens for those who want it and deserve it! TIP: Sitting outside is great most all year, we don't go out when it is crazy hot, but have dined outside in 100+ temps, we prefer the front outdoor space.

*Mi Casa es Su Casa*…read more My buddy had a small casual bday get-together with his family and invited me to join the celebration. I saw all the favorable reviews on Yelp and was looking forward to my first visit at Casa Mendoza. Very chill & lively family owned Mexican joint in Old Town LQ. The place was kinda busy @6:30pm on Hump Night ~~ always a great sign when I see this. Felt more like a Sunday Evening. It took an hour to receive our meals. Ordered @6:45 arrived @7:45pm. Good thing the Chimichanga & Gauc apps arrived pretty quickly. The Gauc was Excellente. All their food was very good. But all our meals arrived cold/lukewarm. Took forever to receive our food and we knew for a fact it's because all our plates sat a while until we were served. The actual plates weren't even warm and the sizzling fajitas had sizzled out and lost its dazzle. Because it was still 95 degrees when dinner was finally served, our lukewarm meals were doable on a hot night. Everyone did enjoy their meals tho. I was very pleased with my Mahi Mahi in Garlic Butter Sauce. The refried beans were outstanding. The rice very good...and I made tacos with the 3 corn tortillas. But would have enjoyed it even more had all the food been a little warmer. I stuck with H2O but all margarita drinkers said their drinks were good and hit the spot on a warm night. The service in general was also inconsistent for our small party of 8. The Birthday Boy was a little frustrated and got up a few times from his throne seeking assistance -- such as missing tortillas for meals, water refills, extra napkins. We even had to wait longer than anticipated for them to acknowledge the bday boy with a celebratory bday song & sombrero...and the fried ice cream, which didn't include a candle. Tho we all enjoyed ourselves and time together...a 2 hour dinner at a Mexican joint on a Wednesday night wasn't what we anticipated. Especially with one restless 7 year old ;-) But everyone working at Casa Mendoza is very friendly with great attitudes. Hostess team, waiters, servers & runners too. So that made up for the spotty service, just a little bit. Since I'm closer to the other Casa Mendoza in Palm Desert, I'd go there in the future with my wife, and order the exact same thing. But hope for much better service and warmer food.

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Bar Area
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Friday lunch, outside, single comb  $12.99
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100 outside misters outside.. cheers

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Macarios Grill

Macarios Grill

3.8
(391 reviews)
1.4 mi
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Found out it's in the old (Catcus Jack-Indio) Menu is more…read morethan you can select from. My visits for breakfast and lunch have been delicious each time. Staff was more than helpful explaining the specials. The seating is wide open making it a nice flow throughout the restaurant.

DH and I have passed this restaurant several times. We finally decided to stop for lunch on a…read moreThursday around noon. The place was virtually empty! Obviously not a popular lunch spot but maybe that would mean we'd get great service! First impression , the place is neat but kinda shoddy on the outside. We were met with a very strong "old" smell on the inside. Perhaps mildew or mold issues? Darkish interior but seemed neat. It looked like 1 person handling all the front waitressing and cashiering. She was polite and relatively quick with our order of nice cold beer in a frosted glass. A positive sign and the food arrived relatively quickly. Again we were the only patrons that we saw. The chili relleno was meh. Absolutely nothing special . Perfect match to the meh cheese enchilada. Beans were not our cup of tea. Much too blended. No texture or flavor at all. The taco salad with chili Colorado was equally as underwhelming. There was a decent amount of chili in my salad. Sadly it was horrible. Tasted old , dry and mushy. Quite a unique combination of textures and flavors that were not good. Decent sized but could have done with a lot more fresh vegetables. Perhaps added cheese or maybe elote? Really needs work. I have read all the fantastic 4 star reviews and just don't get it. Maybe it's a better fit for the Indio nightlife and not the daytime crowd

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Private Banquet room seats 70 ppl
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Small margarita

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El Mexicali Cafe II - mexican - Updated July 2026

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