James service was amazing! He was so fast and friendly it really made lunch amazing! So good!

5* Service 3.5* Food 4* Ambiance Established in 1995, this restaurant is well maintained and does not appear outdated. The first time I dined here was 1999. It is still clean and relevant. A Studio City staple, which requires a little attention to revamp it back to it's days of glory. The margaritas we ordered were average; the tajine rim had garlic and cumin which left a strong aftertaste. We ordered the tacos and carne asada. Both were flavorful and enjoyable. The carne asada was tough and dry. However, the tacos were spot on and delicious. We ordered one cripsy and one soft taco. Both perfectly prepared. Plenty of street and back alley parking, making this restaurant an easy, unpretentious cantina. read more

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I feel like it's kinda hard to screw up Mexican food - this one just didn't hit the mark. Maybe it was an off night ? We came as a large group for a business dinner and the consensus was the salsa and guacamole were good but food was meh. Their margaritas seem to be hit and miss (first round was good allegedly then second round was bad). I ordered the ahi tacos upon recommendation of our server - it was gross. It was totally raw with a funky sweet sauce I didn't like. I couldn't even stomach finishing it and coming home, my stomach is upset .... It was also hella warm inside - they definitely needed some AC cranking on a hot 95 degree day. Service was also not terribly attentive. I would've like a refill on my coke but no one ever came by to ask me or offer it. The only positives were plentiful free parking in the back and reasonable prices. But honestly there are so many good Mexican places, I would be hesitant to come back here. read more

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

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Sebastian was an amazing server! He was very patient, helpful, and took the time to make sure we had a great experience. He recommended the fish tacos, and they were delicious! We really appreciated his service and would definitely come back. read more

The reason I'm only giving this place 4 stars instead of 5 is because it's pretty pricey. If the price was lower, it would definitely get 5 stars. In fact, if there was a 4.5 stars, I would rank it as that. Let's get into the actual review, the staff were very nice and my rotisserie chicken quesadilla was delicious and decently portioned, I'll definitely be back at some point. I also thought the red chairs were pretty cool and the overall theming of the restaurant was very nice. My server kept checking on me to make sure everything was good which doesn't happen at too many restaurants that I go to so that was also really nice. read more

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This place never disappoints. Service is always good. Food is predictable. Love to rustic ambiance

My friends and I had lunch at Mexicali yesterday - it was so hot outside so we really appreciated the fans and the A/C inside the restaurant. We were greeted by their friendly staff who were nice and accommodating. Our waiter was Nate and he and the manager made sure we always had something to drink. I wish I had photos of my food, the verduras enchilada combo, but I ate it before I had a chance! The food was was delicious, the service was excellent and we will definitely come back for lunch or dinner soon! read more

Mexicali is a Studio City staple. Big portions of hearty Mexican food that will not disappoint. The guacamole is top notch. The margarita is strong. Flan is excellent. Service is very warm and friendly. We especially loved our server Devan. 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. We always sit at the bar and seats are comfy. The bathroom is trippy! Free parking in back. read more

The food is very good, the skinny margarita is very good! I suggested Mexicali after a scheduled lunch at Casa Vega was canceled due to an issue at the restaurant. I find Mexicali so much better, food wise and price wise. I had the Enchiladas Verde and it was so tasty, the Salas has just the right amount of kick. The service was excellent we had two servers anticipating our every need. We will be back! 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

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We love going to Mexicali it's been on Ventura Blvd forever in Studio City and it's soooo good. The service is absolutely amazing and the food is so good and I love the chairs!! The bar is lots of fun too!! read more

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

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

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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 the overall vibe is very pleasant. The salsa they serve as part of their complimentary chips and salsa is terrific! read more

Excellent food and environment We have been patrons since its opening and continue to go there for a reliably excellent meal,

Was my first time here and definitely will be back! The food was great and our server Paul was so awesome and attentive!

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

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

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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! Sitting at the bar is a lot of fun and the regulars are friendly and actually interesting. read more

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

**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. When I visited, the place was almost empty--just a few people were dining. 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. worst Ambiance ever 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** **Ambiance: Cold and disconnected** 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

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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

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 the atmosphere is fantastic! Otherwise why would we be here most every Friday night?! Come and enjoy! read more

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

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

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

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

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

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. Clean and comfortable. I would recommend. 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! 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. 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! That was the reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 star rating. Thanks! 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

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

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

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

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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

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

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