Always good! Came in late on Friday night, service was great. Food is hot and made to order, always a good choice.

My family has been coming here for ages. Any celebration, pre game, post game and date night, you know where you'll find usI really don't even need to leave a persuasive review because the food, service and atmosphere speaks for itself. The true gem of this place is Tish. She's a bar area waitress that keeps us coming back for more. She's prompt, accurate, and witty. We love her to death and always make sure we're in her section :) read more

Always the place to be!! George the bartender is why we continue to visit. George's margaritas are always consistently delicious. And the appetizers are always so delectable. read more

WARNING!!! DO NOT EAT AT THIS PLACE. Hands down the worst service I've ever had in my life. Arrived at 2:55pm got seated and then our waitress came over and dropped off chips and asked what we wanted to drink. A couple of minutes later she returned with our sodas. After this we were completely ignored. During this time there were 3 other waiters that had tables around us and they visited their tables at least 2 times each. Our waitress had a table on the opposite side of the room and she checked in on them 2 times while ignoring us. There were a total of 5 tables with customers including ours. After about 10 minutes the chips were finished. Sodas were empty and nobody returned to check in and/or take our order. We kept scooting our menus closer to the edge of the table to give them the hint we were ready to order. Finally at 3:22 when we couldn't scoot the menus any further without throwing them on the ground and 20 minutes of being ignored we got up and went to the front register and asked to pay for our drinks. Which they offered to not charge us for. I refused to take the sodas for free and paid for them. I wasn't there to ask them for anything free. The only difference between us and the other 4 tables was that they were clearly white. Mind you my wife is white and I'm half Italian but apparently our darker colored hair made us not white enough to be served. In a Mexican restaurant of all places. The waitress' name was Roxie apparently. And Ruben if you're reading this, you and your entire staff have a long way to go when it comes to customer service and understanding that in your business you thrive or die based on your customers. So keeping them happy and providing good customer service means they will spread the word and come back therefore making your business thrive. That concept is apparently foreign to your entire staff especially Roxie. This post will be going up on any websites I can find so everyone is aware of the type of service this establishment provides. read more

Oh no. Bland. Chips were the best part. No, scratch that. Our waiter was very good and he knew his menu. A professional. Unfortunately the guacamole lacked salt, spice, and flavor. We were here to celebrate a birthday party, and after the guacamole it was a down hill spiral. I feel so bad for putting this. It's an older restaurant with the decor to match. Staff was friendly and the place was clean. Had a very bland taco with bland chili relleno. No salt. No spice. No garlic. The salsa as I quoted to my wife. Hey that's spicy marinara sauce. The cheese was cheddar and just bad. This had seem like a very big Bakersfield favorite, why? I have no clue. This was my worst Mexican food ever. It was bad for authentic or non authentic. Ouch. Very watered down. I want this place to succeed I don't want to see a local business close, but get someone in the kitchen that can taste flavor. read more

Went for the tortilla soup -watch out way too salty and couldn't finish it . Service was poor. I asked for tortillas as I guess it is separate from the meal. The waitress took forever to bring them. I didn't even get retried beans but instead got sautéed vegetables with my meal. Definitely not worth it read more

Very rude waiters, I'm from out of town and came here to enjoy my evening and the waiters rolled their eyes at me as I asked for green salsa. If your having a bad day, don't bring your attitude with you! Very unprofessional! When I'm at work it's my job to serve the food and make my costumes happy! I'm unpleased with their service. read more

I have been here several times as it is my husband's favorite Mexican restaurant. I don't get it! I have never been impressed with the food. It doesn't seem to have much flavor and is frequently borderline over cooked. The sevice is good and the atmosphere is decent, so I guess there's that. I am pretty sure he likes it for the margaritas! read more

A friend brought me here while I was visiting from out of town and I was skeptical. But the food and drinks were excellent! Very strong margaritas, and the chile verde was clearly homemade and tasted great. And the ambience is cool too, kinda like if the Rat Pack owned a Mexican restaurant in the 60s. Lots of Neón and tufted leather booths. read more

Never coming back! Not authentic Mexican food at all. So disappointing. Service was great though.

Great tacos and margaritas on the rocks. The servers really care about your experience! Chips and Salsa are my favorite in town. Yummm

I normally eat at this restaurant frequently today my wife and I decided to go there for lunch set down I ordered the fajitas she ordered the chicken fajita salad the worst meal I have ever had!!!! My wife found hair in her salad I also found hair in my food the chicken was undercooked I will never go back there again I voice my opinion to the manager I will be waiting for a call from the owner as I said I've never had a bad experience here and for some reason today's was the worst ever I would never recommend this restaurant! read more

It's been a while since I've eaten here.. last time .. approximately five years ago it was five stars then if they had more than five star that would be my review now! Simply the most authentic freshest MEXICAN food in town!! The rice is one of a kind .. the special was incredible the salsa is great the chips were warm so glad to be back in bakersfield and see this place hasn't changed one bit! Service was good and very friendly I'll definitely be back sooner than later. !! PS the food was so good I really didn't pay attention to price but after looking at the bill it's more than fair.. read more

The food was delicious, service was on point, all for a very good price. The owner went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great meal. Highly recommend. read more

Love this place. Good service and excellent food. We've been coming here for years. I always get the guacamole dip - best ever!

I usually seem to always have problems with the this craphole but for some reason I have to keep coming here for peoples birthdays. This place should be demolished and made into something useful. The staff is incompetent from the idiot at the door to the dumbasses in the back, do not I repeat do not come to this restaurant it is a complete waste of time, effort, and money! Boooo to Mexicali restaurant, its truly difficult to figure out how you're still in business. Three god damned times in had to send my order back what the hell is your problem, when on the fourth time you still messed up my order I just walked out. You can all kiss my ass I will never come here again!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

First time here. Restaurant is a little dated inside but still cute. I ordered the chili relleno plate and a Modelo. The service was good but the food was lacking. I'm pretty forgiving but, the rellenos tasted like old grease. The rice was just bland and the beans (along with the rest of the plate) was under the heat lamp too long. I wanted to really like this place. It's a Bakersfield institution! But. I don't and I feel like I wasted my money here when I could've eaten much much better Mexican at other restaurants in the area. It's time for a remake on this historic restaurant...including the menu. Oh and no draft beer either read more

Man was this place bad. We thought about cancelling out entree order after getting our appetizers. The jalapeño poppers were so much worse than the ones you buy frozen. Our entrees were a plate of bland mush. We practically ran out of there. read more

I received the worst service today at lunch. Not only that the food was awful. I just wasted $47.00 for lunch. Margaritas awful. Salsa like tomato paste yuck. I will never go back there again. Worst food ever. Plus I called the owner and she didn't even comp me. What ever you'll never see my business again. read more

After a long, long day.....the margaritas truly hit the spot! Homemade and not sickly sweet. Best part of my experience. The chips and salsa were awful. Please owners...read this and take heed....this is your first impression!!!! Canned salsa is not the way to do that. There has to be a way to make a fresh salsa and keep your costs down! Dinner was good. My order was correct and the rice was not dry! Not overly spiced...very american style mexican. So, I guess this was very edible but average. read more

Our family has gone to Mexicali once a week for FOREVER. Love this place and would highly recommend!

Mexicali isn't traditional "real" Mexican food but I love it anyway. What I did not love was the terrible service. My server wasn't slammed, the restaurant seemed to have about one server for every two tables. Yet I sat with no one stopping by to refill my drink or asking what I needed for at least 20 minutes (and you need water with Mex!). I tried to get someone's attention and was ignored. Finally I went to the cashier to ask for my check and a box. I don't see any reason other than incompetence that my waiter couldn't have done better. The only thing that doesn't make this the worst experience here is that about two years ago, I was seated and then completely ignored for about 15 minutes. I finally got up and left after waiting longer than I should have. On my way out the cashier asked how everything was. I replied that I wouldn't know since no one even spoke to me! Bottom line: the food isn't good enough to make up for poor customer service. read more

Food was very bland. The waitress was very nice and was consistent on making sure everything was ok. The only thing is that the food was very bland like I said before. The menudo had no flavor. The enchiladas as well no flavor. The kind waitress was the only reason why 2 stars was given. read more

Well I have to say I was not impressed with Mexicali. Growing up eating mexican-american this place did not hit home. The best thing about this the chips and salsa. Good flavor on the salsa and the chips. The guacamole was too creamy and the beans tasted a few days old. The chile verde in the chimichanga was good and flavorful. All the other food seemed to lack. For the prices you would think bigger portions as well. The reason for the three stars was the service was good and quick! read more

Food was pricey and not that great. I guess what you go there for is the atmosphere. It's dim lighting and soft music gives a nice ambiance, but even given this I would not come back. read more

I am giving this place five stars because the chips and salsa are INCREDIBLE. This is a family owned business and they really cater to the upscale, old money folks. If you have a complaint be sure to go to Kenny so he can fire the server and ruin their life as complaints are taken MOST SERIOUSLY. Beans and rice are awesome too and the pizzadilla, also the almond chicken enchiladas. The best servers at the California Ave. location are Jime, CJ, and Yajira (a little full of herself but a sweet girl) The margaritas are out of this world, salty, and sweet with just the right blend of everything, and no mixes used, everything fresh and natural and free poured. If you are in the mood to talk, the bartender Tino will talk your ear off about all his trips to Vegas, and he is a great bartender too. Don't forget to say hello to his wife, Molly as she is usually there as well. Her favorite menu item are the refried beans. They should change the name to Molly's Frijoles! Check out the busboys hanging out in the pantry at the California Avenue location, messing around on their cellphones and doing a whole lot of nothing (you might want to report them to Kenny also but I doubt he will care) If you need anything also ask for Donaciano, the best busboy in the world and fast to boot!!! (They should put him in charge of the entire restaurant and give Kenny a vacation) I hope this review helps anyone looking for the great food they have and great servers from the above ones mentioned. Don't forget the great chips and salsa, and at least eat 20 bowls so you can get your fill, but you might not have room for your dinner. Thats ok, they LOVE getting you more chips!!!!! Last but not least, don't forget to say hello to Chalio, the bartender, he is very entertaining and he knows lots of fun stories about different people and will make you laugh and enjoy yourself!!! I wonder what happened to the hot blonde that worked in the bar????? Oh, thats right, she moved on with her life . . . read more

Pretty standard Mexican restaurant. My chimichanga looked grilled rather than fried. Guacamole was oddly creamy. Nice ambiance and good service. read more

The service was great and the food tasty. Atmosphere was spacious and welcoming. We saw a lot of pride in ownership here and enjoyed our lunch. read more

I stopped here with my wife while waiting for our Amtrak train to board so we were in a time crunch and only had 30 minutes to get our food and make it back to the train. The gentleman behind the counter was not only very nice he also told us how long each item would take and told us which would be the quickest. While we waited the manager came over and told my wife and I the quickest way back to Amtrak. I can't wait for the next time I'm in Bakersfield just so I can come back to this restaurant. Also the food was really good wish I had ordered more. read more

I have lived in Bakersfield since 1984 (other than 10 years in Mexico) and have never been to this Mexicali. We have eaten at their other location on California several times and have always been pleased. This restaurant either was having a bad day or is very different from the other. The chips were blah. They tasted as if they had not been salted. The salsa had the flavor of tomato sauce straight out of a can. No heat whatsoever. We each had the lunch special which consisted of a beef taco, cheese enchilada and your choice of rice or beans. The wife opted for the rice and I chose the pot beans. The beans as you can see from the photo below, tasted and looked like they came from a can of pork and beans. There was no flavor of garlic, peppers or onion at all as is normally done with frijoles de la olla. The tacos were just so so but the enchiladas were very good. I can't say we will frequent this Mexicali again. read more

Mexicali - Reindeer on the ceiling - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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OMG, what a great Mexican restaurant! I have reviewed this one before, but it's just so good. Only Mexican restaurant that uses all white meat in their flouta's that I know of, makes a huge difference. Margarita's are off the hook. I just love the old school feel of the downtown location, so comforting. read more

Mexicali: Watered down Mexican flavor for the "All-American" palette First, let me start off by saying that I came to this restaurant with no bias whatsoever. I was truly hoping to enjoy everything. Here is a breakdown of what we liked and what could have been different, followed by elaboration: Pros: Nice atmosphere (Latin jazz, salsa, or something similar would be more fitting than Kenny G) Nice looking/tasting Shirley Temple... (?) Good chips Cons: Food identity crises Overpriced Inhospitable staff Mishmash decor/table settings I was really excited to try Mexicali out. I had never been here. My favorite Mexican restaurant, Camino Real, was in the process of moving locations, so we ventured out to Mexicali. As soon as we entered the doors, we were in awe. The majority of the decor and the lighting just really had that old cantina feel. We loved it. That's kind of the last bit of greatness, sadly. When we entered the door, we were greeted, lackadaisically by an older woman in the nook off to the side. Then, an older gentleman said, "I can seat you, right this way." As we walked the inside perimeter of the restaurant, we were still very impressed with the decor; the gentleman we were following made no effort to say anything to us beyond his scripted greeting. We were seated and left with a "Your server will be with you shortly." Our server, Ramona, was pretty friendly. She greeted us relatively quickly with chips and salsa (salsa was watery, not spicy at all, and very reminiscent of cheap, prepackaged salsa), then took our drink orders. Later, we ordered our entrees once she came back with straws for our drinks; We also ordered the guac and chips appetizer. My friend ordered a Shirley Temple. It was quite nice to look at, given it is a simple, nonalcoholic drink. It's sad to day that this was one of the highlights of our visit... The guacamole and chips came out very quickly. The guacamole was garnished with black olives, some cheese, diced red onions, and tomatoes. It was in a tortilla shell, as one would get with a taco salad, albeit smaller. The guacamole was great, at the beginning. This was due to the garnishing. After that was gone, the guacamole was nothing more than what seemed to be Gerber baby food, "guacamole" style. It was very bland. It was pureed and was not at all what I would consider authentic. There was no cilantro, and no minced or diced jalapeño; it was just bad... And we LOVE guacamole! We added a dash of salt and a large amount of black pepper, which saved it, as well as lemon juice from the wedges we were given later, when our food came. For vegetarians, the options were cheese in a tortilla, two of the cheese in a tortilla, "Gerber"mole, or more cheese in tortillas. For vegetarians, I don't expect a huge list of options, but a meat substitute would have been nice. I'm not a militant vegetarian. I ordered two cheese enchiladas with a side of fresh jalapeños. My friend ordered the same. Upon arrival, it looked 'okay.' It was your typical plating, two enchiladas doused in a red sauce with melted cheese, the enchiladas acting as a barrier between the converging masses of beans and rice. The bland guacamole was blown out of the water with the flavor from the enchiladas... not in a good way. Granted, these weren't "bad." The sauce was just horrendously salty. The enchiladas were filled with nothing more than cheddar or jack. If I'm wrong, I send my apologies, but there weren't any noticeable traces of traditional Mexican cheeses. The rice had nice flavor, but was a tad dry and seemed like minute rice from a box. We had to ask for onions since there were apparently none in the "cheese and onion filled enchiladas." The fresh jalapeños came whole, not sliced. This is more of a pet peeve thing, I suppose and I can't really hold it against them. We came to the conclusion that this was a "do it yourself" kind of place. You are given a blank, bland, food canvas and it is your responsibility to make it taste... Like anything. The food is most definitely not what we would consider authentic. Taking a gander around, it was all of your typical, all-american families/groups. This told me that the restaurant either changed the food to suit the clientele, or the food, being as bland as it is, brought in the particular clientele. I just wish they would offer authentic food, not water it down, and for the people who want it bland, less spicy, and horrifically Americanized, modify the dishes to their liking on a per individual basis. This place has the potential to be so much better if it didn't seem to cater to one demographic... The older all-american family. read more

Mexicali restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat. The staff is friendly, the food taste great, the cocktails are awesome and they accommodate big parties read more

Great Historical Bako Restaurant. Amazing atmosphere, outstanding service, strong drinks, and great food, amazing new fresh green salad, 6 mini taco plate and Burrito Dorito our favs. read more

Food was great! Owner helpful and friendly. Prices were good. We stumbled on this restaurant on a cross-country trip, and we were pleasantly surprised. White table cloth and cloth napkins. Servers dressed nicely. Loved it! read more

Went to this place because we were in downtown. Didn't yelp the place before we drove by and got lured in from the neon lights and cool building. This place was weird to walk into felt like they were closed so we wondered around until we found the hostess and we're seated right away since there was no one in the restaurant. Ordered the Dorado burrito and my wife Ordered a simple bean and cheese. She said it was the worst restaurant burrito ever. She said it was like a microwave burrito. My daughter said there was a hair in her food which she is only 4 and I never heard her say that. My water was never filled. The whole time I was eating my burrito I was wondering how it was going to sit with me the next day. I will not go back. It was pretty sad that we walked by 4 customer service people and no one said goodnight or thanks for coming in. read more

We were in the mood for nachos so we headed to the place who make the best Chili Verde nachos in town. Mexicali on 18th of course. We had margaritas which were delicious. The atmosphere and service is wonderful. read more

Mexicali - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I've been going to this location since I was a baby, and I'm always pleased with the food and over all experience. Went there for lunch yesterday with my grandparents and sat in the bar area. NEVER DISAPPOINTS! I ordered the chicken fajita salad...amazing flavor, huge portion with a side of guacamole. My grandpa ordered an 8 1/2 (enchilada with a chile relleno), and my grandma ordered a tostada compressa (mini tostada bowl). Delicious, especially when paired with the margaritas :) My grandparents know all of the servers and introduced me to them all. Very friendly and family-oriented atmosphere. Looking forward to my next visit!! read more

The food was just ok. However the service left MUCH to be desired. Our food took about 30 minutes. Our appetizers came with the food. The waiter never came back to check on us. Gave me attitude after I had to wave him over to ask for tortillas. This is the WORST restaurant I've ever been too! Will NEVER be back! My Cadillac margarita was so watered down it was ridicoulous! read more

Impressed with the service and their food. I placed a take out order during the evening. I'm new to the area and this place is the best I've come across so far. Nice portion size and prompt on the take out order. Guacamole could use some work. But overall a solid start in my quest for amazing Mexican food here in Bakersfield. read more