My wife and I are at Mexicali Cocina & Cantina almost every Friday night! It's amazing! The service and the personalities of the two lead bartender/waiters - Quinn and Chris - are AMAZING! These guys are unbelievable! The food (we've ordered every single item) is wonderful, the drinks are great and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere is fantastic![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Otherwise why would we be here most every Friday night?! Come and enjoy! read more

Quinn is the best bartender in town! Incredible customer service, great drinks, serves you quick while still tending to every need. This place is lucky to have him!!!!!! read more

I recently visited this Mexican grill and overall it was a decent experience. The food was okay -- not bad, but not anything super memorable either. My husband loved his food. Everything tasted fine, just didn't really stand out. Now the drinks? Completely different story. They were outrageously strong (in a good way ). Definitely not watered down, and you could actually taste and feel the alcohol. If you're looking for a place with powerful cocktails, this is it. I'd probably come back more for the drinks than the food read more

See all

Worked hard in the service and got paid very little. This is the only restaurant in the country that takes care of their military, veterans, police, EMS for 50 % off the entire bill!! that's unheard of! I don't know any other restaurant facility establishment that offers such a big discount with absolutely delicious food! We moved to Puerto Rico, but we stay here four months of the year and this is our number one go to because the food is not the same in Puerto Rico :( read more

See all

This place is amazing, great bar tenders such as Christ is amazing person and always attentive and welcoming person!!! read more

Mexicali Cocina & Cantina - Amazing carne asada,mashed potatoes, and corn!!! Plus the drinks! - Mexican Near Me - Studio City, California

This is my favorite place, and has been for years! I always get the same thing (cheese enchiladas), but I know the rest of their food options are very good as well. The service is always top-notch, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the overall vibe is very pleasant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The salsa they serve as part of their complimentary chips and salsa is terrific! read more

Listen, their menu is almost entirely GF with a safe fryer for chips. It's good Mexican-American food, at good prices, with awesome bartenders and servers. Drinks are strong and tasty. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We always sit at the bar and seats are comfy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The bathroom is trippy![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Free parking in back. read more

Great food spot! Their skinny margaritas are "amazingly" good. The service was super friendly, [[HIGHLIGHT]]ambiance relaxing and pretty inside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and food very good. Highly recommended. read more

Mexicali Cocina & Cantina - Skinny - Mexican Near Me - Studio City, California

See all

Always great service and the food is great. They have these daily brunch specials that are out of this world. But you.need to order before four p m. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Hidden gem that's the best environment, welcoming, delicious.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] No wonder why it's been in business for so long! Speaks for itself. read more

My family and I came to try the Margaritas and they definitely did not disappoint! We also recived great service and everyone was very nice.

This place rocks. Is it hip and trendy? NO! Why? Because it's AUTHENTIC, where good people get great food and drinks at a price that is more than reasonable. Quinn (bartender) and Josh (waiter/bartender) are awesome and help make the place what it is. Ask for their recommendations. The braised beef burrito is amazing, and the asada and steak tacos (both ribeye steak) are fantastic. The queso fundito is a heart attack on a plate, but so worth it! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sitting at the bar is a lot of fun and the regulars are friendly and actually interesting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Had an amazing time at the bar![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Came in and Nate took great care for me. He recommended the artichoke and I really enjoyed it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very fun atmosphere and everyone is so nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'll be back! :) read more

We were welcomed and seated right away. The waitperson was very helpful with helping us with the menu. There are a lot of historical photographs throughout the restaurant. The food was good. We enjoyed the Fajitas. The chips were very yummy. read more

See all

**Unwelcoming experience and disappointing service.** As the owner of three creative studios nearby, I make it a point to try local restaurants so I know where to refer my clients. Unfortunately, Mexicali Cocina & Cantina left a bad impression in almost every way. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When I visited, the place was almost empty--just a few people were dining.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered their popular steak burrito and a glass of water with lemon. The server, who was polite and respectful, brought water but forgot the lemon. When I asked again, I received paper-thin slices that couldn't be squeezed. He apologized, saying that's all they had. When my food arrived--delivered by what appeared to be the manager--I noticed the burrito was cut in half. The first half had almost no meat, just beans and rice. Hoping it had all shifted to the second half, I tried it and found the meat was pink and undercooked, despite me clearly asking for it *well done*. It made me nauseous and dizzy. I politely asked for the manager again. When she approached, instead of trying to make things right, she said: *"I took it off, no worries--just next time don't go through half your plate before complaining."* I had eaten less than 25% of the food and was simply trying to give it a fair shot before raising a concern. I explained that I'm a business owner checking out local spots to support and recommend to clients. I shared my concerns about the lack of meat in the first half and the undercooked meat in the second. Before I could finish, she interrupted and said: *"I don't need to hear this, I already took it off--just leave."* No offer to remake the meal, no apology, no professionalism. [[HIGHLIGHT]]worst Ambiance ever[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] To be clear--I have no issue with anyone's race or background. But in today's climate, especially in a city like Los Angeles where racial and cultural tensions are very present, actions like this stand out. It's hard not to notice when a restaurant profits from a culture but doesn't show respect to the people who come from it. **Food: Below standard** **Service: Dismissive** **[[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance: Cold and disconnected[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]** I wasted 30 minutes and left feeling disrespected. This is not a place I can recommend--neither for the food nor for the experience. read more

See all

I've only been here for breakfast but the food is delicious and portions are generous! On weekends there is usually a wait but there's a place to sit if you decide to wait (worth it!). The service is always great no matter how busy they are. And they have a kids menu! read more

Love this place! Great food! Love the queso dip! One of my favorite house salsas in the area!!

Such a cute atmosphere and great service!! I ordered the ceviche which came with a side of flour or corn tortillas. The portion size was generous and the fish was very fresh. The ceviche had the perfect amount of citrus. Even took some home for leftovers the next day(: There's a large parking lot behind the restaurant! Will definitely come visit again to try more things on their menu! read more

Mexicali Cocina & Cantina - Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Studio City, California

The food is delicious. I love it. I recommend it to anyone this place is already from 1995. Everything is fresh and delicious. Thank you James read more

Mexicali Cocina & Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Studio City, California

What's this? A delightful CALIFORNIA TOSTADA salad enjoyed last night at Mexicali Cocina in Studio City. As described on their menu: A crisp flat corn tortilla topped with black beans, Mexicali rice and mixed lettuce tossed with our balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Topped with grilled onions, goat cheese, avocado, and tomatoes. Enjoyed of course with some warm tortilla chips, salsa, and their uniquely special creation, a Watermelon Margatini ™ . Hard to believe they are about to celebrate their 30th anniversary in a city like Los Angeles where restaurants are here today and sadly gone tomorrow. Best wishes to Bernadette, Glen and Allen who have kept this restaurant operating successfully for these many years where food quality and service have never wavered. Hope you continue to thrive in 2025 as one of Studio City's cherished restaurants! read more

Mexicali Cocina & Cantina - California Tostada salad. Yummy! - Mexican Near Me - Studio City, California

Went in around 8pm on a Wednesday. Able to be seated right away. Great drink selection with different types of margaritas, tequilas. Had a margarita Fresca which was silver tequila with muddled mint, jalapeño, basil with lime - kind of a mojito meets margarita. Delicious and not too spicy. Chips and salsa were very good and on the table right away. Ordered steak fajitas for one and my partner ordered the braised beef burrito. We both started with a first course (which were actually sides with our entree selections but I liked how they were served first). I had a side salad with blue cheese dressing. Super good! Fresh lettuce/cabbage/tomatoes tossed with blue cheese dressing. Tortilla soup was served in a nice white mug. Was thicker than broth and really tasty but a bit too salty in both of our opinions. Entrees came and looked great. Burrito was also pretty salty but a nice soft, shredded beef burrito served wet. The fajitas were sizzling on a platter. Got 3 flour tortillas. Comes with cheese, sour cream, guacamole. I also had rice. Really good! And price point was great for a nice sit down experience. Parking on street in meters. read more

The service was excellent and personalized. No rush and the food excellent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Clean and comfortable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would recommend. read more

Recently stopped by to have couple of drinks with the gf an hour before they closed. Normally bar tenders in other establishments are not the most positive friendly attitude, but not here at Mexicali, their bar tender Nate was the opposite real friendly, we never felt rush to leave and made the best margatini. We Will definitely be coming back here for drinks and food. read more

When my friend is in town we always go to Mexicali. The food is excellent, the people that work there are so friendly, and the portions are large. Quinn, our server, was every attentive and caring! [[HIGHLIGHT]]As my friend and I sat there enjoying our time together I kept hearing this banging sound. I thought, ok, it's a car outside that has their music up to loud and all we hear is the base. That constant banging. But, it kept going. So much so that it interrupted our visit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I asked Quinn what the noise was and he told me it was their soundtrack. I'm all for music in restaurants, but please pick another soundtrack![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] That was the reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 star rating. Thanks! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Food, drinks, and ambiance are pretty cool.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's definitely one of my favorites. Give it a try if you haven't already. read more

We went with family on a Friday night. Our server was a bit overwhelmed, but it was a very busy evening crowd. I ordered the steak Caesar salad. Mine was very good. my husband had the shredded chicken burrito which was huge and delicious and tender. It can be rather loud when they are busy, so maybe go during an off time. read more

The best thing about this cute place = the friendly bartenders. I've come here for over 10 years, and found that everything else, including the food, is consistently mediocre (for the price). Recently, we walked out after waiting 20 minutes at a table with zero service, not even water or a hello; that may not be surprising, as the staff turnover seems high. Good location, free parking is a plus, to be fair. read more

I was at Starbucks across the street and looked for restaurants near me. I decided to come here due to the good ratings. When I arrived I was a bit skeptical because it was a fancy Mexican restaurant, my experience with places like this the food is bland. I was pleasantly mistaken. Nice bar, nice dining room, the Mexican tile was beautiful. Sat at the bar and really wasn't feeling the service it so decided to sit outside. James my server was very friendly and recommended a few dishes. I went with the carnitas plate with rice, beans, guac and sour creme. Spanish Rice I always taste the rice first. It was fluffy and amazing flavor so I knew at that point the food would be good. Carnitas were delicious, had a flavor I could not identify, family secret right. Refried beans very good. The only think lacking were good flour tortillas. They tasted like store bought. I am sure someone in LA makes something that tastes homemade. Again James was great and the food overall was great. Top shelf spanish rice. read more

See all

We came here during the sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills because we had to evacuate both of our homes. We monitored the news from here and had a few cocktails while waiting to see the fate of our neighborhood. Nate served us and was simply wonderful. He did not charge us for two of our drinks and also did not take his tip that was put on the receipt. It's a beautiful restaurant. Very cozy atmosphere and nice TVs for the games. Returned home with my fur babies that were in carriers in in my car and thankfully, our homes were untouched. Prayers out to everybody affected by these horrible fires. read more

See all

Tamales, Margaritas, Service ( Jakob) are superb. One of our favorite restaurants in L.A. It never disappoints and it is an all around wonderful experience. Always celebrate my birthday here! read more

The food it's spectacular a taste so unique on its own. The waiter was friendly, attentive and went out if it's way to service our table. The ambiance it's spot on and I love it. Come visit you'll love just the same. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The only redeeming things about this restaurant are that it has clean restrooms and they give you free chips and salsa.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was absolutely terrible. The food was nowhere near authentic and the portions were small. I have no idea how they have a 4 star rating. read more

Love this place! The vibe is very relaxed, the staff is efficient and friendly. The restrooms are clean and private. There's plenty in parking. Ok now onto the food... My partner and I shared the fajitas for two (chicken and stake) my mom got the cali chicken and shrimp plate, and we shared the queso fundido with added shrimp as an app. Everything was delicious. The food was hot, seasoned perfectly, and the portions were generous. I also love their flan which is served with buñuelos, my god they're tasty! Definitely recommend. read more

See all

Quinn was incredibly professional and made my favorite cucumber drink perfectly. The food was excellent, and I highly recommend this place! read more

Mexicali Cocina & Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Studio City, California

We visit Mexicali at least once every few weeks for dinner and drinks. Last night I had the Rotisserie Chicken with Black Beans, Corn Succotash and was simply delicious ( I usually get the Steak Plate or two item combo with a Taco and Enchilada). I made my own tacos which I smothered with the Chipotle and Green salsas (and some Guac) shown in the picture (messy hands not shown). Tracy (Vegetarian boo...) had the Cheese Quesadilla with Guacamole which she highly enjoys (usually gets the bean burrito) and side salad. The chips are always fresh and crisp with the perfect sprinkles of salt (not to mention the flavorful salsa for dipping)! Nate was our bartender who made us quenching Watermelon Margaritas on this hot summer evening. It was another great escape from the apartment kitchen. Mexicali is such a local gem in Studio City. Bern, Glenn, Chris, Nate, Sandi and Quinn are delightful humans cranking the gears of this establishment. I have met and become good friends with many locals here the past 13 years sharing many fun/interesting conversations and experiences. read more

oh my goodness what can I say about Mexican Cali besides, it's been here for years. It's got the best food. The man the owner manager is fabulous. Service is amazing. I love artichokes but oh my God their artichoke is off the chart that's all. I gotta say I ate it. It's gone now. I brought half of it home so I have no pictures to show anybody, but I've got to suggest that artichoke the grilled artichoke with clarified butter in the center oh my God it's so freaking yummy that's it guys. Thank you so much for reading this. I highly suggested on a hot summer day. read more

Wanted some chips and salsa passed by here driving on the blvd. Stopped in during and placed our orders. James was our server, very hospitable and honest and was attentive. Not once was our drinks empty, just amazing service by James. Food was great too as we ordered the fundido and fajita and the prices were very reasonable. Will be back read more

Terrible food! Everything was drowning in cheese. The chicken was unidentifiable and tough as an old boot. Service was good, restaurant pleasant but the food!!! Inedible! I would not recommend this place. read more

AY caramba! This is one great Mexican restaurant. Love this place. It's one of those old fashioned Mexican restaurants, very simple, friendly, charming. It sits right on Ventura Blvd in Studio City so there is great people watching from the windows at the front. Their menu is more sophisticated than some Mexican places, with very interesting choices, not just tacos and burritos. My friend had the carnitas plate, shredded pork with black beans and rice. Simple but he said it was great, the meat was very tender and flavorful. I had the Mexicali Shrimp and Chicken dish and it was . . . FABULOUS! Often chicken comes out really dry but this chicken was terrifically juicy, paired with 2 huge shrimp, with some sauteed spinach at one side, and a bunch of nicely sauteed veggies, including parsnips! Who puts parnips on the plate? Very courageous choice, as some people may find them unappealing. I happen to LOVE parsnips and was so pleased to see them added to the other vegetables. Adds a particular flavor that ramps up the sauteed veggies. And then there was a side of black beans and delicious, soft, flavorful Mexican rice. A huge plate of food, but I managed to do pretty well, and took a chunk of the chicken home. The flan had a delicious taste, but it was a little soft and liquidy. I am used to flan that is more like custard that holds its shape. But oh well, it tasted great. The servers are so friendly, the place is fun, there's a full bar, and I'll bet it's hopping on weekends! I'll definitely be back. read more

See all

Their tortilla soup is excellent! James, behind the bar provides great service. I go out of my way to sit at the bar and have tortilla soup for lunch often. read more