Hands down best Mexican restaurant close to the area! Service is quick and very accurate, staff is friendly and polite! The food is great! I love their margaritas, and my usual go to is the crispy chicken salad, or the tacos. The chimichangas are always a hit and their guacamole is superb. I enjoy that it's quiet and lively all at once. read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

Love the staff, margaritas, and food! The jalapeño margarita with tajin is fantastic. read more

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We decided to mix things up by going to Mexicali. We ordered Margaritas, which were very good, and then we ordered our meals. It was "Taco Tuesday ", so yes, I decided to try taco, along with a crispy chicken salad. My wife had the salmon tacos. We really enjoyed our meals. I felt like my body thanked me for ordering healthy food. At least it seemed healthy. I would have gotten a second Margarita but our server never checked on us until we were almost done eating, oh well. Good food, good value, extensive menu, what's not to like? Check this place out if you're in the Holden area. read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - Casual night out. - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

I know 2 employees there (O and G) and they are amazing. They pickup at the bar when their assigned employee hides in the kitchen (1:10 PM on 1/29). G is also an amazing bartender. Those two guys are amazing and their presence makes the experience so much better. read more

As of today, I won't be eating here again. The food has never been that great, especially compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area, but Mexicali is close to my house so I would go for conveniences sake. Tonight, I ordered a veggie quesadilla and got a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. How on earth does a Mexican restaurant screw up rice and beans? Beans were outright disgusting and somehow acidic, while the rice was flavorless and dry. The quesadilla was laughably small and seriously lacked cheese. $14 I paid for that quesadilla, and it didn't even have a protein. Absurdly expensive for what you get. The only saving grace was the included salsa with my meal. So disappointing. read more

What can I say that hasn't already been said! Fantastic food, so much to choose from, everyone always smiling and talking with one another. You really feel like one big happy family! We went in with 25 people a few weeks ago, and accommodations were great, our waiter, Omar, wonderful!, as are the entire staff. And the feeling when you walk in is like you're on a private island with friends! The decor, the absolutely beautiful bar area, all the colors! So, if you're looking for a fantastic place to meet up with friends or make new ones! along with refreshing cocktails, a delicious meal, and sweetest of sweets for dessert, this is your place! read more

Meh. It is good for a quick-fix of Mexican-style food but not a winner. Most dishes look like components were either purchased assembled or ahead of time. I had pork carnitas before they pulled them off the menu. They had that old, warmed-over flavor. Clearly made in advance. Chile relleno is about as bland as they come. This place used to be good. Covid isn't easy, but making passable food is. Try that, then try to make it great. This is one that should and could be done much much better. read more

Mexicali has such lovely staff. I appreciate the prompt service and being seated immediately. We just moved to the area and everytime we drive by, this place is poppin'. We decided it was time to see what all the hubbub was about. We ordered some very tasty, incredibly potent margaritas. No complaints here! Keep those puppies coming. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with no beans, only rice. They gave me a double portion of rice which was awesome as their rice is mighty delicious. My husband ordered the tex mex chimichanga. I was so jealous as he let me have a taste and I wanted to swap plates. Update: I love how consistent this place is. You can go on any given day of the week and the food is always amazing. Must try the enchiladas! read more

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We spent $12 on a quesadilla with carnitas and got this. The portion was so small. We also got mole enchiladas and for $14.50. I don't know, just seemed really overpriced for the quesadillas. Food was tasty and ready quickly, though. read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - Carnitas Mexicali Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

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Per my last review I came back and it still tasted good. Thought I was just drunk last time but I couldn't stop thinking about it after. Can confirm it's good sober as well read more

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How could you not like authentic Mexican. Very tasty food and the drinks are awesome. Atmosphere is one of the best around on a weekend night. Also, if your looking for a fun time on cinco de mayo this is the place to go. read more

This is the worst food I've had in years! I ordered a taco salad with chicken. I usually love a taco salad because it is filled with lettuce, spicy beef or chicken, cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream and a crispy shell. The salad I received was extremely watery. The lettuce was dripping, and the taco shell fell apart because of the wetness. The chicken tasted like it was boiled and dropped on top of the salad. There was no sour cream, no cheese, and nothing had any flavor. I took a few bites and was so turned off that I couldn't eat anything more. I would never ever come back. I had always thought, how can you screw up a taco salad? now I know how. read more

Order grub delivery to support the restaurants and mix it up a little bit. Not too many places deliver out here. Order was cold and not what I ordered. Took a while to get so I eat it out of hunger but the the shredded barbacoa burrito was met with some bland ground beef in and tortilla shell. read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - a close up of the enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

Been coming to this place for years, but this last visit on September 1st. will probably by my last, and I'll stick to going to the Worcester locale. We were seated quickly, and ordered drinks before we even looked at the menu. You can see the discrepancy between my drink and my husband's in the pictures. Not only did they make my drink wrong, it had way less than my husband's did. My drink had some white thing on the inside of the glass, and have no idea what it was. But that's not even the worst thing. I opened the menu, looked at my husband and asked, "Oh my god, is this mold on the menu"? It was gross. Took pictures and left. read more

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Unfortunately, the food here is mediocre at best. We ordered: -fajita quesadillas: $13, no flavor, SMALL, no side, got it sort of warm. Not fresh tasting. -enchilada trio: $16, no flavor, basic. -"wings", $10, NO SAUCE, sort of warm, no dipping sauce. (Wtf?) -passion fruit marg, $10, YUMMY We ordered take out, got there early and was handed our order "fresh from the kitchen." Only not because it basically cold. Spent $50. Not going back. Too expensive and I'd rather have Taco Bell. The people are nice though!!! read more

Food was marginal to horrible- and this was on Cinco de Mayo. Taco shell salad should have been listed as taco shell soup. Lettuce was wilted and warm and the dish was full of water. Service was poor, too but the place was packed. Still left a good tip, assuming it wasn't the server's fault. Won't be going back. Ever. read more

Decided to get lunch takeout on my way by. Paid over $12 for cold and literally uncooked cheese enchiladas and a side of guacamole that was clearly not fresh and starting to brown. I bought lunch to eat in the car in between appointments and had no place to heat this mess up. Waste of $12... read more

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We have been eating at Mexicali in Holden for a few years and it has always been exceptional - quick service, attentive wait staff, and the food is incredible! However, our last visit on 7/8/24 was truly worrisome. We were seated immediately but then no one came to take our drink order for at least 15 minutes. Finally the waiter appeared, and we ordered our meals and waters. The food took a bit longer than usual to come out- there was seemingly only 1 waiter for the entire side of the restaurant we were in- and my son's order was not correct so we had to send it back. It took another 20-25 minutes before anyone came to check in on how the food was and we had to ask to have our waters refilled. Needless to say, we weren't asked if we wanted dessert and a young child of around 14 who seemed to be in training, asked us if we wanted the check. I'm not sure what is going on- perhaps they were just short on help on a Monday or maybe there is new management? The food was still delicious but the service and lack of attention to filling out drinks and checking in on us was the worst I have experienced. Overall, check to see if they have enough staff serving- otherwise you might be in for a long wait and a parched throat! Food- A Prices- A Service- D I'm hoping this was a one time situation, but needless to say, we will think twice before heading to Mexicali anytime soon. read more

Excellent Mexican food considering it's Holden, Massachusetts. The chips and salsa are good, as is the fresh guacamole. So far my favorite entree is the combo plate with the chicken chimichanga, chile relleno, and one taco, paired with a frozen strawberry margarita. Hands down the BEST taquitos I've ever had, made with the barbacoa (shredded beef). Last time I was in though the server got the order wrong and gave us chicken instead (ate them anyway, but not as good). There are tons of other menu items I'd like to try each time I come back as the have an extensive menu with lots of interesting selections. There are a few negatives.1.) First and foremost, it's FREEZING in there. Miserably so, always. 2.) The service needs some improvement. One night the service can be great, another it can be almost nonexistent. Sometimes it can take 20-25 minutes to first get greeted by a server at the table after the host/ess seats you, even longer to get your order in, and when the food comes sometimes it's wrong because the server really wasn't paying attention and put the order in wrong. On one occasion that stands out a waitress was nice enough to wait on us, but mentioned we actually weren't her table. We were sitting at one of the "bartender's tables" (in the middle of the room) and sometimes the bartenders don't come to take the orders (huh?). 3.) There is only one toilet, at least in the Ladies. read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - Combo with chicken chimichanga, 1 taco, and a chile relleno (poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and fried). Comes with rice & refried beans. - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

I recently got the taco salad with shredded chicken and it made me quite sick. The container was filled with soggy lettuce that not very appetizing and the chicken was cold. I only had a few bites and it still made me regret eating it, I now have E. Coli... read more

So many things I can say, but all you need to know is yes, it's that good. Raul, the owner makes sure his customers are happy and the staff there is always giving their best. The food has always been fantastic and the adult beverages are incredible! I strongly suggest you make it your once or twice a week hangout! Oh! I almost forgot. Taco Tuesday is tacos for 1$. Beat that Taco Bell! Try it abd you won't be sorry! read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - New friend at the bar! - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

Mexcali in Holden is and has been one of my favorite go-to's for many years now. Speaking from my experience, I usually sit at the bar or on that side of the establishment where my service is always exceptional. It's bright, colorful, and energetic. The staff is always response and friendly. Many of the people there have been there for years. They feel like family to me. I always enjoy the food and I find the drinks to be promptly served, reasonably priced, and of high quality. Oddly enough, I really love their chicken wings. I get them plain for maximum crispiness with Blue Cheese on the side. I usually get Queso with Chorizo and their Guacamole with Chips also. My go-to drink is a skinny spicy Margarita with lots of Jalapenos. I never go wrong. On Friday, July 26th 2024 I visited with my wife and another household member. As usual, everything was awesome. And I learned something new from the owner. I was shown the optimal way to experience and fully appreciate Tequila regardless of price! You may want to check this out: https://www.shortlist.com/news/how-to-drink-tequila-402493. With new knowledge in hand, I decided to try a top end Clase Azul Tequila. It was no surprise that they had it given the excellence of the establishment. I've always wanted to try one of these big bucks Tequila's. And I'm glad I enjoyed mine at Mexicali. I enjoyed it in support of that fine establishment and in celebration of my years of enjoyment there. So, I raised my glass to the owner, the management, and the entire staff that makes every day I walk in there a celebration! Thank you all! read more

Ordered several meals last night online takeout- easy process! First time there for me. Portions were large sized and I like how they separate some of the items e.g., tortilla chips, chicken and avocado for the soup in a separate container. Nachos were Very good with a lot of cheese (why else get them?!?). Only reason not a 5 is that we ordered 6 meals and a few appetizers and items weren't labeled. One sister ended up eating the other's chimichanga because they looked the same. Either label each item or allow labeling in the app. Thanks! read more

I like the menu but the food is bland. The service is always slow and they recently reduced the portion size. Even the salsa has no heat. Very disappointed in the fried ice cream this time. read more

We have been coming here for years. We waited 50 min after ordering for the food to be delivered. I bit into a large bone while tasting a bite of the chicken chimichanga (with boneless chicken breast). The entire plate was still cold. Overall quality seems decreased. The manager was not helpful. Not a great experience, we will not be returning. read more

Ordered a Sangria and got a glass full of ice and not much sangria Ordered a veggie burrito not very tasty hardly any sauce read more

Really decent service and was seated quickly. Time well spent with my friends and the food was good. I would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of going. read more

I found the service here to be friendly and prompt, and the food to be bluntly put overpriced and mediocre. My order of the seafood burrito was almost all rice and beans next to a tiny burrito. The burrito itself was quite small; it only had the premix seafood in it. That was literally the only thing rolled up inside the tortilla. I made a mistake by thinking my plate would have vegetable content which it had none. I did like that my complimentary chips and salsa was replenished multiple times, and my margarita was good. read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - Too much rice and beans not enough burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

I love this place. Great drinks and the food is so authentic it brings me back to Mexico. read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - Beware! - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

I eat here a lot, probably twice a month. EVERYTIME the prices are different and even if you show them the price in the menu, the servers get mad. The prices are constantly changing and the servers do not know what extras are included with menu options, even if you point to it on the menu. It is very frustrating. Food is pretty good for middle MA. Service is ok. They could be more attentive and informative. read more

I like this place. Great drink selection, good food, easy parking. Nice decor that reminds me of Mexico, friendly wait staff as well. I don't really know why it's getting a lower ranking than I expected cuz all my visits there have been very pleasant. I would definitely recommend the Guacamole Dip, they actually make it right in front of you into a stone bowl, which also offers u the opportunity to customize your own flavor. Also looks really fresh and authentic. read more

Mexicali Cantina Grill - Holden - Freshly Made Guacamole Dip! YUM! - Mexican Near Me - Holden, Massachusetts

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I was nervous trying this place with some of the negative reviews, but I believe management has definitely improved based on the feedback provided by users. I would say my experience here was great, with only a few minor things keeping it from five stars. We started off with warm chips and delicious salsa, we later ordered some Mexican cheese dip which was extremely addictive. I tried the shrimp wrapped in bacon entree, this was perfectly cooked and came with your option of two sides. I had Mexican rice and beans, the rice was tasty but the beans were lacking in flavor. Overall I really enjoyed my dish, especially since I ordered the roasted jalapeños on the side...yum! My friends had tasty dishes which users prior had commented saying they lacked flavor. (Fajita chimichanga & Mexicali chimichanga) They both really enjoyed their meals, and my gf really enjoyed the pork in her Mexicali, saying it was soft and packed with flavor. The only one other gripe I had was our server took a tad long on getting our final check, he was nice but I do feel like they should check in more often. I recommend this spot if you're looking for some filling Mexican food. Drinks were great too, Pina colada and the mudslide were both epic! read more

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Went last night and was not impressed. Started with the tex-mex eggrolls, which used to have corn, black beans, and cheese. Not sure what we got, but it had no corn, no black beans and a sweet aftertaste. I asked the server about this and she said they had changed the food vendor. Well, perhaps you want to update the menu, hmmm? I then got the chimichanga, lukewarm and bland. I think most of their food is frozen and then thrown into a microwave. Holden is finally getting some good restaurants, Mexicali may want to step up their game as they are not the only restaurant in town any longer! read more

I love this place SO much. You can't go wrong with a Presidenté Marg. Service is always awesome. Our faves include steak fajita quesadilla, avocado ranchero salad and the veggie rice bowl. So good! As regulars we appreciate that they've stayed open to serve the community during the pandemic so we ordered some takeout and were just as happy as always! When it's open again it's also a great place to bring the kids. read more

Once in a while in the past it was good. BUT take out lately is the worst ever. I think they throw your quesadilla together, hardly any chicken, disgusting and no lettuce or tomato. DONE with this restaurant! Go somewhere else for takeout! read more

The food its alright 7/10 its not the best or worst Mexican food of your life but it definitely doesn't have that authentic Mexican flavor at all. read more

Went to Mexicali the other day for lunch, pick up! lunch was good but I was missing a few items guacamole sour cream... ( I mean am I wrong who doesn't love sour cream and guac on there Mexican food) While I was waiting for my order I also heard they had messed up on another order. I probably should've checked but was just trying to get in an out on my lunch break. Hopefully they will take the time an try to catch simple mistakes! I will definitely give them another try because again the food was good read more

My favorite go-to place locally. Margaritas are strong and reasonably priced. Food comes out quick. Bartenders are attentive.

Sat on the patio and enjoyed a very good dinner! The chips and salsa were excellent. I really enjoyed the fresh cut scallions and cilantro in the salsa. I had the huge and very tasty Fiesta burrito with tender barbacoa. My wife enjoyed her chicken mole enchiladas and my son liked the Mexico City tacos. The wait staff was friendly, attentive and responsive. Overall a very delicious and satisfying meal! read more

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Not bad, but not special. I've eaten here a fair amount- convenient location, and satisfies the occasional craving. Service has been inconsistent; sometimes very earnest and helpful, other times you really need to work to get your server's attention. And not just when they're busy. Drinks are ok- margaritas are big, but a bit watery, with cheap sour mix. Chimichangas are fine, enchiladas ok- the corn tortillas tasted a bit stale on my last visit. Pricing reasonable for what you get. read more