This was an unplanned dinner visit found in a plaza. The restaurant wasn't packed so I figured the food and service would be quick. The only thing that came out quick were the salsa and chips. The servers were nice but everything took so long. This menu reflects TEX-MEX. Overall, the food was okay. I would come back to this location to try out their margarita pitcher which was fairly priced around $20. Looking forward to drinks that hit harder than my first impression! read more

Mexicali Grill - Grilled Chicken Street Tacos (w/ cilantro and onions) - Mexican Near Me - Brentwood, Tennessee

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Situated in small plaza next to Sonic on Carothers Parkway, Mexicali Grill is, at its core, your quintessential local Tex-Mex spot in Middle Tennessee. Nothing too special, but also nothing plain terrible. I popped in for lunch recently after wanting to enjoy a bit more than Moe's when the Mexican craving hit. I went to Yelp and ended up here. Sitting at the corner of the plaza, Mexicali Grill has a good sized interior dining room inclusive of a few sections and a bar, then outside they have a nice patio. I landed in one of the booths inside. Service was friendly and helpful. Not very attentive, but when she did stop by, she was pleasant. For lunch I started with a small queso to go along with the chips and salsa. Chips and queso were standard, and salsa had a bit of a kick to it. As I do most times at Mexican spots, I went with the tried and true chicken, cheese and rice, also known as the Mexicali Pollo here. It was sided with tortillas and I went with flour. The chicken was cut and cooked well and presented on a bed of rice then smothered in queso. The dish was okay. The chicken was under-seasoned, so the dish as a whole was a bit underwhelming. The menu is smaller than most Tex-Mex spots, but still offers a variety of house dishes along with the classics. While I understand we are in Brentwood, those prices...small queso ran me $7.50 and my meal was $16.99. Lunch, which included a water, ran me close to $30 before tip. Overall, based on value, Mexicali Grill was not worth it for me. While I will not actively avoid this place, I also will not go out of my way to eat here again. read more

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I had the shredded chicken burrito supreme and the bean dip. It was perfectly prepared. The chicken was tender and juicy. The bean dip was seasoned well. I'm glad I found this place. read more

Absolutely one of the best Mexican spots in Tennessee! They are so sweet and the food is fabulous! 10/10 check this spot out! read more

Mexicali Grill - Margaritas are amazing! - Mexican Near Me - Brentwood, Tennessee

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they was rude. Put the wrong stuff on bowls. It was messy and felt rushed. Dirty restaurant will not be back.

took them 2.5 hours to get us our food haven't seen our waiter in an hour. The food was also horrible leading me to leave this honest reciew

We were long time patrons of Mexicali Grill but quit going after the quality dipped. We decided to give it another try- and we are glad we did. New ownership has revamped the menu. Service and food were wonderdul. We will be back. read more

Ambiance was not pleasing because the floors were dirty, and the furniture seemed old... I don't think it's been updated in years, if ever... I ordered a Chalupa, Chile relleno, and Enchilada... The Chalupa was decent, so I ate it... The Chile relleno wasn't edible, tasted like it had been frozen... And, the enchilada, was stale and so covered with sauce, i couldn't taste the meat or the tortilla outside covering... Service was OK because she kept our drinks filled and only made me pay for the Chalupa, since I didn't eat the other stuff on my plate... Good thing, i kind of filled up on free chips and salsa, even though the chips tasted like they had been cooked in old grease... My husband and daughter weren't pleased with their food either... So, we will not be going back to Mexicali Grill. read more

I recently stumbled upon a hidden gem in Nashville, Tennessee. Let's start with the star of the show--the margaritas. If you're a fan, you're in for a real treat. The margaritas at this restaurant were exceptional, boasting a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. The salsa offered here had just the right amount of heat, providing a tantalizing kick without overwhelming the taste buds. Every bite was a burst of flavor, with fresh ingredients and a harmonious blend of spices. It was the perfect accompaniment to the warm tortilla chips that arrived promptly at our table. Speaking of promptness, the service at this restaurant was impeccable. Our waiter was sweet making our dining experience even more enjoyable. He was attentive to our needs, offered excellent recommendations. The food itself was amazing. I ordered the managers special which was delicious. I loved how cheesy the sauce was & a shrimp taco on the side which was so delicious. portions were generous, and fast! I found myself eating every bite. Overall, 10/10 and definitely will be back on my next visit. If you're looking for your new GO TO SPOT with outstanding food, delicious margaritas, and salsa this restaurant is an absolute must! read more

Excellent service and food! The staff had great energy and were very accommodating to our large group.

Truly awful. Everything was bathed in cheese sauce. Food was gross and our waiter was completely clueless.

I ordered the Mexicali Pollo (chicken, cheese, and rice). As many times as I've ordered this dish at a variety of Mexican restaurants, this by far has been the very best. There is something about the seasoning of the chicken and something a bit different with the queso that was fantastic. The quality and size of the happy hour house margarita was pretty great as well! Looking forward to returning on our next trip to the area. If you're expecting a fancy place, this isn't for you. Service and food is where it's at! read more

Mexicali Grill - House margarita - Mexican Near Me - Brentwood, Tennessee

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We love the food here. Ask for their spicy salsa, we love it. Our latest trip her we had the Chorri Pollo and Chicken Fundina. Good wholesome food. read more

This is my first time here. My colleagues spoke very highly of this place and we decided to go here for lunch. After finishing my lunch, I decided to write this review while my memory is fresh. So, here we go..... The parking for this place is not that big because it's located in a complex. I have this habit of checking into restaurants on Yelp the moment I walk in. So, the first thing I loved about this restaurant is that, they have 7% cash back to the linked card if you claim it on Yelp. And I did. The next thing I noticed was the music. Though it was loud, I liked it. The place had this vibe and I was instantly in love with this place. We were 8 of us and they had two spots for to choose from. They also have a bar. For food, I went with the Enchilada with rice and beans - lunch special. For $8.50, I got a decent size meal that tasted amazing. That's when I put this place on my top 3 Mexican places in my Nashville list. read more

Mexicali Grill - Chicken Enchilada with rice and beans - lunch special Enchilada, Rice & Beans - Mexican Near Me - Brentwood, Tennessee

Nothing special about this place. Food is subpar.... Even for the Mexican restaurant food mill concept. Just stopped on a whim and will not return. read more

Honestly passed this spot dozens of time but since it's tucked back in behind the Sonic, we didn't realize it was there. Looking one afternoon for a different Mexican restaurant and stumbled upon the Yelp reviews of Mexicali Grill. It was everything the Yelpers claimed...large portions, pleasant wait staff, huge beers and delicious margaritas. My husband had the combo fajitas and unlike most spots in this area the meat was cut a bit thicker, which we really like. I enjoyed a spicy burrito, but changed up the ingredients, which they had NO problem with! They were very accommodating, and the service as mentioned was swift and pleasant. Ingredients are fresh and the menu is massive. read more

Mexicali Grill - Big beers and this isn't even the largest lol - Mexican Near Me - Brentwood, Tennessee

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Love this restaurant and the service! It's such a great neighborhood "hidden jewel." Atmosphere is very pleasant and it's always wonderful to walk in. Spinach enchiladas are my absolute favorite. In my opinion, no one in Nashville/Brentwood even comes close. read more

ignore erik Q this place is wonderful love this place and the service is truly good, and the worker Yamil was awesome also everything tasted great read more

Currently sitting in the restaurant on a Friday and it's not crowded but also the ambiance isn't it. They are playing rap music with explicit words. No Spanish music. The service is good and ppl are nice but it's just not the vibe. The chips were fresh and the salsa was a little spicy for my liking. Margaritas are good. read more

We always have a good time at the Mexicalli Grill. A fun atmosphere, with great food, and great service. Enrique is our usual server there, and always takes good care of us. read more

Average. Large portions, mediocre flavor. I ordered the Mexicali Pollo (chicken, cheese, and rice) portion was large, but the queso came on the side in a 2oz container. Beer prices were higher than your typical Mexican restaurant. Service was friendly, but slow. I ordered an entree, cheese dip, and a dosxx and my bill was $26 BEFORE tip. Didn't experience anything to make we want to return a 2nd time. read more

Mexicali Grill - Mexican Near Me - Brentwood, Tennessee

We were visiting the area on vacation and stopped in for Cinco de Mayo. Attempting to find a parking spot was mission impossible! Even driving around back we were met with full spaces behind the restaurant! There were 2 cars taking up 2 spots each... We alerted the employees so the restaurant could take appropriate action for their customers' benefit. The employees informed us that it was the manager and that they were afraid of him so they would not talk to him about it!! We should have known at that point to turn and run! They weren't taking names for tables. The hostess said that she just remembered who was next... Luckily, we were 3rd in line and got seated quickly! I felt back for the people behind us who looked confused and concerned about the methodology! We finally were able to flag down the waiter to order the special margarita pitcher and our dinner, but before we could get the words out about food he took off... We finally flagged the waiter down again and he didn't seem to understand why we wanted dinner!! We were able to order, but there were 5 other tables around us that were seated after we were. Somehow, they received their drink orders after us... The food was actually ok... Our friend had the Fajitas and took home the leftovers since she enjoyed them so much. The boy had taco which were ok, but the meat was lacking in flavor. I had the seafood enchiladas which the menu didn't state what was actually in them, so I ended up taking most of the insides out. The shrimp and tilapia was cooked nicely though. It took another 30 min to get our bill as we kept trying to get the waiters attention... Meanwhile everyone that came in after us was long gone... We spent waaaaaaay too much time there for what we ordered and the time we intended to be there. Nobody cared about customer service. Our waiter went in order of where tables were and not when people came in. Stay away... If people are afraid of the management, it will come out in how they treat their customers... read more

Mexicali Grill - Cars taking up multi spaces on Cinco de Mayo turned out employees say belonged to management & they were too afraid of them to say something - Mexican Near Me - Brentwood, Tennessee

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I wanted to go get something other than what the chain restaurants in the area provided, so we decided to give this place a shot. I would give it 1 star but the servers were helpful and attentive. We went in for street tacos (meat, onion, cilantro...thats it)...and we walked out with a $35.00 bill!!!! We got one fountain drink also. But $35! GTFOH...They stated they were 2.50 / piece so I'm assuming they charged for chorizo. But at 35 - that made each one 4$ a pop plus tax.... What a rip-off I'm from here but I just moved back from San Diego and I never paid that much for street-style tacos in Chula Vista, OB, PB or Gaslamp etc. Considering that its Cali too and the cost of going out is quite a bit more asl well! I will not be back. Thanks but no thanks. read more

We had lunch today a Mexicali Grill. Great fish tacos and seafood chimichanga. Delicious. read more

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It's been a couple of years since I last visited. The grill is tucked away in the tail end of a tiny strip center that's dwarfed by a drive-in burger chain to the north, wedged by it's strip peers to the south, lacking adequate parking, and limited by access from Carothers Parkway that only regulars may easily navigate. It's been here for several years and seems to have a faithful following. It's also looking for helpful staff. The Monday lunch crowd was 15 deep at the cash register and on its way out as I dragged myself in looking for cool air, an icy glass, and protein. Two waiters and a manager (owner?) scurried between tables as the check-out line disappeared. My cold drink arrived quickly. The list of lunch specials is large enough that I had to waive the waiter off twice before nailing down what sounded as good as cool air and iced tea. I passed on more adventurous flavors by ordering a taco salad with chicken. The salad was a smaller lunch size. Lettuce lovers may shriek (even I did a double-take) thinking a mistake had been made because the amount of meat simply hid the other ingredients. Mistake or not, it was tasty. I should make it a point to visit again soon. read more

I've eaten at countless Mexican restaurants and this one is far and away the BEST of any of them. The service is quick and incredible. The prices are just as good as far inferior places. But the food is just next level. Seriously... If you're ever around here make a point to stop by. I rarely review any place but I was just so impressed all around I figured I would add to the praise. read more

Good, standard Mexican food. Quick seating and service. A little hidden and parking can be crowded.

Mediocre food and service. There are definitely some better Mexican places to eat in the area.

No fun on Sunday night anymore.Rodney, the magician who entertained children, made balloon animals, did magic no longer there.Same waiters there for years gone. No fun birthday celebrations, nothing the same. How sad so many of us loved the place. Just another place to eat, no family fun, nothing special anymore.9 read more

Food poisoning. Ate here. Watched the management who was clearly sick wiping his nose... i ended up in bed for 2 days. Do not eat this garbage if you value your health. They should be shut down. read more

Most overpriced cheap Mexican food in Nashville. The restaurant is also very run down. If I am going to spend this much on a kid and my meal, ill go to Uncle Julio's read more

Food was great margaritas were great. The owner was so friendly and kind. He let my boyfriend pick banana and Serrano peppers from the restaurant grounds to take home. Do yourself a favor and dine here. ALSO THEY LET OUR DOG ON THE PATIO read more

Go in w low expectations. Cheese dip like water. Food has no character and w other options in franklin area now, not sure why anyone comes here anymore. When the smell of pine sol is the dominant smell, somethings gotta be wrong, right? read more

We've been going here for 10 years, and almost always on my birthday. The food is good, the staff is great, and the Birthday celebration leaves you a little messy. I had the margarona to drink and it was delicious. We usually get fajitas which are always a good choice or the Mexicali Pollo - cheese, chicken, and rice, hard to go wrong there. read more

Fast seating for lunch. Good music vibe and its low lighting is very calming and serene with the music playing. Very clean as well which is always a plus! The food came out in 7 minutes and although it is a bit salty it was very delicious and well presented . read more

Mexicali Grill - Medicali Grill - Mexican Near Me - Brentwood, Tennessee

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Mexican food in Brentwood. Lots of choices at Brentwood prices.

Ask for Luis the Manager! And Jill sings on Saturdays! Went with work friends again tonight seating for large groups no problem, they had live music that was really good. Not my favorite chips and salsa but really good Carne Asada Tacos with tender, not-dried-out steak. Friends got the number 46 or 42...chicken dish that was yummy, great seasoning and tender. Best of all was the company...my handsome boss!!! Our server was good and of course Luis came by frequently to refill our Margarita's, and check to see if anyone wanted to dance with him. No takers in our group tonight, sorry Luis! read more

Mexicali was an anchor for it's former location further south on Carouthers. We visited there with friends and for lunch meetings since 2000 when it first opened. At the former location the service was outstanding, the two brothers that ran/owned it, were always there and things were efficient. It was also a friendly happy place. Only one member of the former staff seems to have made it to the new location. The service is now terrible and the staff is devoid of anything resembling hospitality. The food is still decent, but it was never any better than any of the other white-plate Mexican places, the draw was the service and atmosphere. The reason we'll never be back is that each time we've gone to the new location, maybe three times, there's been a table of 'friends of employees' sitting around looking at you waiting for the server to come back by to chat. It's like you're being stared at as soon as you walk in by a table of people that are obviously just there hanging out with employees. We never saw this once at the previous locale and no professionally managed business allows this. read more

We moved to Nashville from Arizona and have tried to find several places that can even come close to the amazing mexican restaurants we have in Az. Several have failed but I was pleasantly surprised by Mexicali. From the chips and salsa, which we could tell was homemade, to the fajitas and refried beans. The food was excellent and we look forward to going back many times. read more

The food is really good and it's really convenient. What truly sets this place apart though is that they have, quite possibly, the cleanest restrooms I've ever seen. Seriously it smelled like an indoor pool and everything was spotless. read more