To preface: Everyone starts with 5 stars. 10 points to a star. Everything below the standard of a reasonable expectation is -1 point. If gripes can fairly be collapsed into a single category of contention to deduct less points they are. Above expectations gets a point back. Partial stars at the end are rounded up. Proof of purchase/stated prices/folded (essential details only) receipt in the images. Let's get started... We decided to check this place out on whim so we didn't even look for a website. As such I can't say what the experience using the website is like. Though they do have a website as we discovered after our visit and it looks very well done on the surface at least. Arriving, we were impressed with how new everything looked despite being in an older area. They have ample parking and indoor seating. As well as some outdoor seating. Everything looks recently renovated. And there's a good view of the mountains. We didn't know it at the time but apparently this used to be a Mediterranean/Persian establishment called Upland Kabob. Worth mentioning because even though it's now branded as a Mexican restaurant, they have an alternate menu (so you can still get your kabob on if that's what you've come to expect from this place). We didn't actually try anything off that menu as we were in for Mexican food. But perhaps next time. We ordered for dining-in but to-go ready which they accommodated and even let my SO try a sample of a beverage off the menu before deciding (Agua de Jamaica). Overall the staff were friendly and helpful. She ended up ordering a Horchata and Birria Tacos. I ordered Asada Fries and a glass bottle coke (Which are bottled in Mexico and still use cane sugar instead of corn syrup). The food was at the table quicker than some fast food joints. Although they were not very busy when we went in and I can see it taking longer when they have more customers. The food is portioned for the price. Brightly colored, hot, smelled amazing and tasted great as well. Every thign was cooked fresh that I could see. Which was a lot given the main grill is well in sight of the seating (a nice touch of atmosphere). The Birria Tacos were great. No notes. There was a good cheese pull on the fries (like it pulled, but not too much as to be annoying). The fries were crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. The meat was well sized and had good sear. The guac...was a little bland. In the dish it didn't end up mattering because I poured their salsa taquera on it. But I could see it not impressing if served with say chips as a dip. The thing is I don't know if they make it differently based on the application. This could have been a deliberate choice for this specific dish as to not be overpowering. Because I think it would have been overpowering had it more flavor and I added the sauce like I did. We did feel like the fries needed a little something in the moment to push them from really good to great. And maybe that was it. But I also didn't end up using the salt and pepper shakers provided at the table. So that could have also been it. The cilantro was also stemy. Some people might like that for that little bit of crunch. But stems in cilantro contribute to bitterness. In general it's a good idea to pick leaflets off the stems before chopping. Also, the cilantro wasn't bruised. Just chopped. Bruising brings out color, flavor and aroma in cilantro, much like with garlic. But the way they did the cilantro is not uncommon or below what I've come to expect from most places. Our only other food gripe (and this one is more objective) was that the Horchata was very chalky from what seemed like too much cinnamon. The horchata is definitely -1. It simply wasn't very good because of the chalkiness. Their salsa taquera (red sauce) and verde (green sauce) are very good. The red has the flavor you would expect with a brighter peak of tartness and the green has that calmer deeper green chili flavor well balanced with that more sour tomatillo flavor. Both were just the right amount of spiciness. Right on that line where it perks up a dish without overpowering it. The restrooms are sufficiently clean and maintained. But the floor of the hallway was a little sticky. I suppose something was spilled and cleaned up hastily. But accidents happen. Overall this was a very enjoyable experience and we will likely be back at some point. As a final note I have to say that the only thing that really works against them is nothing to do with the service or quality. It's their location. If you do as much as a google maps search for "mexican food" in that area you'll see about 10 other spots within 2 blocks of that place in multiple directions. Not to mention other types of small places to eat around there and the big franchises close by. The area is simply oversaturated with options and I fear they will have an uphill battle where they're at. read more

El Mezquite - receipt/proof of purchase - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Upland, California

Food is great! I stumbled upon El Mesquite while they shared space with Upland Kabob. Unfortunately, as of late May of 2026, they have moved on... but i have no idea how to get in touch with them. Ugh! I'll lookout for them to see this review and message with their new location. Good Things! read more

El Mezquite - Last known spot in Upland; May 2026. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Upland, California

Good food, Service and ambiance. We come by whenever we crave Mexican food in family environment

We tried this new Upland restaurant twice this week and it did not disappoint! The soup is amazing and the breakfast specials are seriously good. They're still Upland Kabob, but now collaborating with Mexican food and the menu is such a great mix. The owner could really use the community's support to help bring in a crowd. The food is excellent -- go check them out and show some Upland love! read more

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Decided to stop by & try this out & it was delicious! Fast service walk right in. The horchata was so good & ordered birria tacos & torta. Delicioso. Super friendly & nice staff. Definitely coming back. A plus service & good. read more

Pulled up to try this new place on a Thursday evening 7:15pm and we were turned away at the parking lot. The male from within the restaurant turned off their open sign as we were walking up and made hand gestures that they were closed. According to yelp, theyre open until 9pm.... read more

If you want delicious and fresh food then come try this place. Very clean and very fast service. The owner even stopped by to ask us about our experience. This place was my two favorite types of food Mexican and Mediterranean, literally you can have the best of both worlds here. I will be back to try their Mediterranean food next time. read more

I like to start off by saying when we walked in it was very hot inside here my daughter had went into the area that's being remodeled, but did not know because she's autistic and the lady was yelling and then upon greeting us it's not even welcome to the place or anything considering this is a small little mini restaurant. They don't have high chairs or booster chairs. There are nothing for families so if you're taking children, please don't they just stare you down and give you ugly looks the waiter was just very disrespectful. It was very hot inside. I asked her if they could turn the AC on because it's very hot in here so the AC is on, but I don't feel any amount of air inside the the restaurant consider that its a small restaurant should be able to feel it then I had ask if they can sit us outside because it was very hot and she act like she didn't hear me walk away for a few mins came back and said so what are we going to eat like I didn't just ask you for outside or even to leave the door open I walk out it's very hot inside there she don't want to accommodate us what's so ever read more

So ordered food today and it wasn't bad at all! Pretty tasty! We ordered all burritos. Asada burritos and a bean and cheese. The price was decent too! I believe it was 13.99 for the asada. My burritos wasn't wrapped tight enough and it started falling out on the bottom and so did the bean and cheese burrito! Over all I would go back! The people were so kind too! read more