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    Mexicali Rosa's

    2.7 (72 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Mexicali Rosa's Takeout or Delivery

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    MEXICALI ROSA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Mexicali Rosa's

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    Mexicali Rosa's New Location at Dusk
    Bethany J.

    Mexicali Rosa's, we hardly knew ye. At least, if things continue the way they are, that's what we'll be saying in all too short of a time. I'm a die-hard Mexi's fan; when they were located by Your Father's Moustache we would visit at least once every couple of months. For mexican food in Halifax, your options are really limited. That's enough said about that. Seems to me that when they moved premises to their current location upstairs at 5472 Spring Garden Rd, they lost the heart that used to be in their food and service. We entered about 5pm on a Saturday; meal-time but not outrageously so. The new Mexi's is "seat yourself" - so we did. It took 15 minutes for us to be noticed. It took another 15 minutes and some firm-yet-pleasant words with our new waiter to actually get drinks served. (Did I mention that our original waitress had disappeared? Yeah.) Our new waiter was attentive and on the ball; I can't fault him for anything having to do with service. The food, however. Just ... sigh. My boyfriend and not-father-in-law's dishes were to have been served with beans and rice as a side. Boyfriend got both - but the rice was cold and undercooked. Not-father-in-law only got a double portion of rice which was also undercooked. I had the Mexican Flag with fries, all of which was lovely and hot. During the meal, my boyfriend and his father both ordered another drink. Same story - it took ten minutes to bring my boyfriend his beer and almost 20 minutes for his father's drink. They're certainly not going to be turning over tables at that rate! All in all, I really struggled with the rating for this visit. I truly do love Mexicali Rosa's and they've stepped up the decor at this new location - terracotta and turquoise on the walls with clever lizards (fake!) distributed throughout the restaurant make a pleasant change from the dated southwestern atmosphere at the old restaurant. I have to give Mexicali Rosa's a 3-star rating this time, because I believe they can turn this around. I'll be back next month to see!

    Supreme Nachos with jalapeno
    Samiah A.

    We went to Mexicali Rosa's to try their nachos as I had heard great reviews about them. We went in the evening on Friday so the restaurant was busy and there was a little bit of wait to get seated. We got seated in a nice quiet corner towards the interior of the restaurant so it was worth the wait. The server recommended the Chipotle Chicken and Chicken wings nachos, but since we don't eat bacon or non-halal chicken, we ordered the Super Nachos topped with jalapenos with salsa on the side. The server brought the nachos with sour cream instead of salsa but upon mentioning he apologized and gave gave us both sides as complimentary. I thought the nachos were just okay and the quantity of both nachos and sauce was much smaller than other places I have tried. I guess their Chicken nachos maybe better options for those who are not vegetarian. I wish they would perhaps offer seafood options. The location is good if you are in downtown, but parking is hard to find. The restaurant is much more spacious than what it looks like from outside. The service is friendly and pleasant. An okay place to try out, but nothing special.

    Sangria pitcher
    Hilary G.

    2.5 stars. This review is solely for the sangria at Mexicali's. I am forever searching for good sangria and after studying in Spain for a semester, I am a bit picky about my sangria. A pitcher of sangria is $17 and includes wine, grape juice, some other juices, triple sec, and brandy. First off, I was excited to hear that they make a "real sangria" with liquor added (most places don't do that in the US/Canada). However, the fact that the bartender mentioned grape juice should have been a red flag.... The sangria did it's job and gave my friend and I a decent buzz but it tasted like GRAPE JUICE. I think sangria should taste like overly alcoholic wine, not grape juice. I like the decor of Mexicali's and would love to see the patio some day, but I don't think I would order the sangria again. On top of tasting like grape juice, the ratio of juice to wine was way too juicy so we had to stop by Shoppers to get some Zantac. That's never a good sign....

    Veggie fajitas.
    Sizuku Y.

    I used to think it was great, but no more now. I am so frustrated by the quality of food and service. I came in, there was a sign saying "please wait to be seated" so I waited. For 2 minutes. It was just awkward! Then finally, a waiter came and got me seated. Then I was about to order my food. I decided to try something special, I mean, something that can only be found there. So I ordered veggie fajitas with lettuce leaves. I really should have just ordered a burrito, it might have been better. I thought it should be tasty, but I was completely wrong After waiting for an infinite amount of time, the waiter finally came with my food. Everything just looked so plain, and the taste was even worse. I started eating. Then I suddenly realized... OMG, they didn't even wash the lettuce! I still saw dirts on the leaf! That was absolutely not okay! That was disgusting! Now I am feeling sick. I think I have a diarrhea. I will never go there.

    Ang M.

    I like Tex-Mex, so I go to Mexicali Rosa's a couple of times a year to satisfy that craving, but I have to say, I've probably never left there feeling entirely satisfied with the food. What I try to find on the menu every time I go there is a great big enchilada, stuffed with fresh shredded chicken and cheese, maybe a few nice beans ...but I always leave after having had some measly little tortilla with overly-salted chicken (processed?) and a side of cold black beans. I should really learn. Even the fajitas, which of course make a big show as they go sizzling by, don't really live up to all that flash. The chips and salsa they offer as an appetizer are pretty good, though.

    Krista L.

    Mexicali Rosa's specializes in Mexican cuisine and creates a unique experience with lively Mexican music and decor. The spacious restaurant offers warm service and a tantalizing menu that includes enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos and much more - with different specials every night of the week. Personal favorites are Margarita Mondays where you get one of many flavored Margaritas for $5, and Fajita Wednesdays where you save $5 off a single fajita meal, and $10 off a double. Mexi's has also built a reputation on its deep-fried ice cream. The restaurant also offers a cute little patio that overlooks busy Spring Garden Road. So if you haven't been there yet, you'll want to check it out. And when you do, Disfrute su visita (enjoy your visit)!

    chili con carne
    Rachelle B.

    Came here for lunch on a drizzly Tuesday in January with two coworkers and were seated right away at a table by the window. The overall layout is the same as it was when La Cucina was here prior, but obviously now with some nice Mexican decor. Large mural on the exterior is a nice touch. I'd say seating capacity for 50 or 60, including a few chairs at the bar. Friendly, attentive service. Free homemade chips & salsa brought to the table to tide you over. For the meal, I tried the Lunch Mexican Flag ("choice of two chicken vera cruz, braised pork, or cheese & onion enchiladas finished with jack cheese, enchilada sauce, jalapeno crema, avocado crema, topped with green onion, served with rice & beans" $14). It was a satisfying portion and not bad. It doesn't have the homemade feel to it, but overall was decent. One coworker had the Lunch Burrito Bowl ("rice, beans, shredded cabbage, sweet pickled onion, jack cheese, charred corn, guacamole fresco, pico de gallo, jalapeno crema, warm seasoned house chips with choice of protein" $15). She got the vegetarian chili as the protein and was happy with the dish and its size. The other coworker got the Chili Con Carne ("ground sirloin, tomatoes, corn, green pepper, kidney beans, onion, jack cheese, topped with sour cream & green onion, served with house chips" $14). When it arrived, it was presented with all the chips in a circle around the plate, mostly covering the chili, so at first glance looked like there was hardly any chili at all. But underneath there was more and it was a good lunch size. He could've eaten twice that, but this would be a healthier portion for sure. Didn't notice any kidney beans, but found the flavor overall to be good and a nice warming meal on a damp winter day. I'd definitely go back and try other things, including some of the frozen cocktails.

    Strawberry Daiquiri ...$8.99

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    13 years ago

    Pretty awful Mexican food if you know what real Mexican food tastes like.

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    11 years ago

    The food was terrible and it took 20mins just to get a drink. Overpriced and definitely not fresh.

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    11 years ago

    The food was superb but for me it was somehow pricey. The place was good though and the servers.

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    El Gallo Mexican Food

    El Gallo Mexican Food

    4.0(6 reviews)
    8.9 kmWaterfront, South End
    $

    Obviously, I love this city. Are we Toronto or Vancouver? No, but that's okay. We've got just about…read moreanything you could need or want but with better harbour views and less traffic. Suck on *that*, big cities. But, every now and then I'm reminded of one thing that we lack that hurts me to my very core: great Mexican food that isn't North-Americanized to death. Short of moving into Mexico Lindo in Fairview, I often times find myself in great need of a Mexican feed. And that's why the folks at El Gallo at the Seaport Market deserve a big giant hug. Their tostadas and tamales bring me to a whole new level of happiness every time I decide to indulge and a healthy selection of fresh salsas and sauces take my vision from black-and-white to rainbows of peppers, tomatos, avocados, and more. I'm serious about my love for Mexican, you guys. Can't find 'em? They're upstairs in their own lovely little corner so that you can enjoy your feast in peace without having to worry about someone knocking your tostada on the ground. Because, let's face it, that should be a punishable offense.

    One of my favorite Farmers Market vendors…read more Not only will they make you a delicious burrito to eat while you're out - you can also buy their products to take home! I really like their corn tortillas and I can't get enough of their guacamole and cilantro sour cream. Actually, I think it was their sour cream that finally turned me on to cilantro. While I'm still a huge fan of Burrito Jax - I think El Gallo is giving them a good run for their money.

    Bar Sofia - Brussel sprouts

    Bar Sofia

    3.6(20 reviews)
    8.4 kmWaterfront

    Our first time at Bar Sofia had us swinging by for a friend's birthday. There was a good dinner…read morecrowd although it ebbed before a switchover to the late night crowd. The interior design is fun and bright, with splashes of colour and fake plants, and on-brand for their target audience of millennial and Gen-Z women. The fully open kitchen is a nice touch, and I regret not having a view of it, but that's what happens when you show up last! The menu has an assortment of Latin American dishes like yucca fries, empanadas and tacos, as well as local/contemporary fare that gets a Latin touch like aguachile oysters, bravas Brussels sprouts and adobo-roasted cauliflower. My wife and I went for a mix of big and small plates, ordering the beef empanadas, Brussels sprouts, and the cauliflower. For an adult beverage, I had the Oaxaca old fashioned. It was adequate cocktail, although a smokier mezcal would have made it more memorable. Someone who I assume was a manager had spotted the gifts on the table and not only brought over a shot for the birthday girl and her partner, but for the whole table! While it was a low ABV liqueur, it was a lovely gesture and savvy business move. We must have arrived in between seatings, as despite a fairly full dining room, all our dishes came out surprisingly quickly and all together. I started out with the smaller plates. Some variation of fried Brussels sprouts has been a common sight on restaurant menus for a decade, but hey, it works! Bar Sofia's iteration gets a dose of savoury and tomato-y bravas sauce, and also gets topped with a colourful assortment of thinly sliced veg - radish, carrot, pickled red onion, jalapeno, and some sprigs of cilantro. The sauced-up sprouts lost a good bit of their crispness, but the bravas sauce was undeniably tasty, with a balance of richness and acidity. The veg accoutrements added welcome splashes of colour and texture. The empanadas come two to an order, so perfect for sharing with my wife! The hearty beef was cooked to perfection, and the olives and egg completed the traditional filling. The pastry itself was supple and flaky, with a golden brown and crisp exterior. When we swapped dishes, I was glad to get my hands on the cauliflower. The generous portion of half a head of roasted brassica came with rice, a cashew crema and the aforementioned veg toppings. The char of the cauliflower played well with the nutty sauce, and although a bit repetitive, the veg accoutrements brightened up the flavour profile. While Bar Sofia's origins as a Toronto-based restaurant company's idea to fill the commercial space at Queen's Marque isn't exactly a stamp of authenticity, they are bringing some dishes that aren't common in Halifax (other than the Brussels sprouts). I enjoyed my meal there and it's a fun vibe, but there was no 'wow' factor for me. I'm sure I'll tackle more of the menu and patio some day, but as I continue to catch up on the Halifax food scene, I'm not rushing back either.

    This review is the only one you need to read. Choosing a restaurant on the Halifax Waterfront isn't…read moreeasy. Lots of good choices. The vibe and reasonable prices are what drew me into Bar Sofia when I was walking the boardwalk to decide on a place to grab dinner. The restaurant was half full when I arrived and quickly filled up. I received excellent service from both the bartender, Lance, and one of the servers (or manager) who was making his way through the room offering constant help to his teammates. I ordered the mixed grill although it had a fancier Spanish name that I don't recall. It had a little bit of everything with the perfect amount of spice. When I return, do I get it again, or pick something new to try? It's a really tough decision. Might need to make multiple trips back! They have a great drink list. I landed on a local IPA which had a lovely flavour and I would order again.

    Photos
    Bar Sofia - The bar.

    The bar.

    Bar Sofia - Swordfish ceviche

    Swordfish ceviche

    Bar Sofia - Bravas Brussels sprouts

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    Bravas Brussels sprouts

    Verano Food Purveyors - Inside the pork empanada $9.25

    Verano Food Purveyors

    4.8(28 reviews)
    8.2 kmWaterfront, Downtown Halifax
    $$

    The best arepa I've ever had. WOW! The arepa itself is not too mealy, the "bun" is thin and…read morenicely grilled/crisped on the outside but still soft and moist enough on the inside. And both the beef and the pork fillings were oozing with flavor. The beef almost tasted like a french reduction or something, very rich. The pork was more traditionally flavored garlic, etc., but all the spices, sauces and such complemented each other and elevated the overall dish. GO HERE! Fast casual system is great, and prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of what you get.

    The Short Version: Venezuelan restaurant with tasty but…read moreexpensive food. Lunch cost $70 and we were still hungry. The Long Version: This place is highly rated and raved about on many platforms. It's only open for breakfast and lunch and is very popular with locals. We tried to go the last time we were in Halifax but they were closed for vacation or something we didn't expect. Anyway, I was excited to try it this time around for lunch. I got the Pabellon plate ($24.50) and my husband got 2 empanadas, a pork one ($9.25) and a beef one ($9.50). I got a bottle of water and my husband got a Jarritos (the mandarin flavour). I'm not sure how much the drinks were but with taxes and tip our lunch came out to $70, which I thought was expensive for what we got. So I later saw locals asking for a pre-chilled bottles of tap water behind the counter and they had clean empty glasses near the hot sauce bar. I wish I knew this before I paid for bottled water :/ Anyway, my plate looked like a lot of food, but it didn't really fill me up. It was white rice, black beans, queso, 4 pieces of plantain, 3 triangles of a cut up arepa and a pile of shredded beef. The beef was tender and full of flavour. The plantains were crunchy on the outside and a bit softer on the inside. The arepa pieces were a bit crispy on the outside. The rice was soft, as were the beans. I mixed the beans and cheese with the rice and it tasted good. My husband's empanadas were good (I had a bite). The outside was crispy and the inside had tender meat and melted cheese. They were small for the price. I'm used to paying up to $6-7 an empanada, which I thought was pricey already, so I found $9+ for an empanada very expensive. I'm guessing the drinks totalled $7-8, which is a high mark-up. I suppose the meal would have been more affordable if I got the bottled tapped water like the locals did. Wish I had known. You order at the counter and pay. They give you a sign with a number on it. You seat yourself and put your numbered sign on your table. When your food is ready, they bring it out to you. The place was packed. I know it was all locals because everyone was in business casual attire and had their work badges on, lol. (It was a Thursday lunch and the place is surrounded by office buildings) Service was pleasant and the wait for the food wasn't too long considering how busy they were. Street parking only. Review #125 (2026)

    Photos
    Verano Food Purveyors - Inside the restaurant

    Inside the restaurant

    Verano Food Purveyors - Inside the beef empanada $9.50

    Inside the beef empanada $9.50

    Verano Food Purveyors - Bottle of water and a Mandarin Jarritos (unsure of prices)

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    Bottle of water and a Mandarin Jarritos (unsure of prices)

    Mexicali Rosa's - mexican - Updated September 2026

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