Kayla was AMAZING and we would come back based on her service alone Now to the food... The highlight of "Texican" food restaurants is always the chips and salsa, but unfortunately that was not the case here. The chips were cold, unsalted, and a little stale, and the salsa was extremely watery to the point of not even having a tomato taste. My husband ordered the Carnitas Burrito and I ordered the shrimp fajitas. The carnitas tasted like unseasoned pork- the meat was very tender but other than that there wasn't much flavor. The shrimp fajitas on the other hand were well seasoned and very good taste and value, all things considered! I ordered the strawberry mezcal margarita and I wish I hadn't. One sip and it was enough for me; would not recommend a mezcal drink from here, but that might have been my mistake in not reading the room. This is a clear tequila place and they have a LOT of options for tequila lovers. Thankfully, Kayla took it off of our check as I didn't drink it. The menu was very odd and included several white washed menu items from different cuisines- they offered red snapper, ground beef tacos, soup, and enchiladas. Also something called "Latino chopped salad"??? That much variety is rarely a good sign. TLDR; overall, if what you're looking for is a big burrito, cheesy enchiladas, or a tequila flight, this is a great spot for you. If you're used to street tacos or authentic Mexican food, I would not recommend it. Also, once again, the service was great, so if you come here be sure to tip your server well!! read more

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Wait staff was not knowledgeable on the menu...she was alone with 10 tables and overwhelmed. Food was adequate.

Red Mesa is a casual dining experience with a fun and friendly atmosphere. The place seems popular with the locals - but also seemed to be a prime stop for tourists as well. Indoor/outdoor seating was accessible to handicapped individuals, and dogs were welcomed in the outdoor seating area. There was ample parking in the back, and we had a short wait for a table. Our server was excellent. She was very obviously a veteran waitress, and I appreciated her efficiency. She got our order right away, and even helped speed up the seating process. We were seated outside and our party of seven had everything we ordered within about 25 minutes. The food was not bad. The restaurant was on par with Chi-Chi's or Don Pablo's; big chain stores that have a sort of set menu and clientele. The generic menu produced generic food, though. Again, not bad, but there were no taste revelations here, just a general Tex-mex experience, which they did well enough. If you're in Traverse City or the Grand Traverse area of Michigan, Red Mesa is worth a try. Don't expect anything too glorious, but when it comes to Tex-mex food, you could do worse. read more

Came in with my cousin on a Sunday around 7pm and they were super busy. It took about 45 mins for us to be seated after checking in. Not an authentic Mexican restaurant. Chips & salsa - was okay, you're better off buy some tortilla chips and salsa at the store. Mango margarita- was interesting. It tasted okay but not something I would order again. Enchilada meal - comes with 3 enchiladas. I tried the chicken, shredded beef and pork. All of them was lacking flavor and came out dry. Chicken fajitas - chicken was not seasoned Elote - corn was not cooked on the other side, and again it was lacking flavor. I will not be coming here again. I love Mexican food and this place just didn't do it justice. read more

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Our server wasn't very attentive, but I don't rate restaurants based on one person on a given day. Bottom line, if I were a local, I'd keep looking for a better Mexican restaurant. Very meh. read more

It's getting 3 stars because my husband said the margarita was really good. To his credit the manager noticed we hadn't been helped and made our drinks but then didn't take an food order. We finally got the bartender's attention and ordered. She was very nice. We ordered chimichanga and chicken fajitas. Not a ton of flavor just not great. read more

Red Mesa Grill - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

It isn't a usual occurrence that I would ever complain about food. Red Mesa has a menu that is appealing and sounds great. Good coming out looked decent. Ordered the blackened red snapper. It was inedible - I took a few bites and couldn't eat it. Turning to veggies I hope for salvation but alas those were awful as well. The only redeemer was the chips and salsa. The waitress cover my meal which I appreciated (hence the 2 star). With al the options in Traverse I suggest removing bad items from the menu- read more

We were a group of 4(3 adults, 1 kid) on a fairly busy night. Quoted 30 minute wait so two of us tried to get a margarita at the bar. The bartender, Colby, gave us no acknowledgement for 15 minutes. We finally got her attention only for her to tell us that she was too busy and we'd have to wait, which was no big deal, but then she immediately asked the lady next to us if she needed anything, also wouldn't have been a big deal but she had half her drink still in front of her. Maybe she was just busy and harebrained because of it. Finally got our drinks and then were pretty immediately seated. The waitress was much better than the bartender but the food was just okay - flavorful, but not at all authentic or 'regular' American Mexican - they tried to be too fancy. Also, the menu is terrible - written in all different directions so you have to flip the menu all kinds of ways to read it. If I was a tourist in this town again, I would NOT visit. Maybe for a local, it's better? read more

We had our dog with us, so say outside on their lovely patio. The server was so knowledgeable and friendly! The food was delicious and the portions were plentiful! read more

Red Mesa Grill - Enjoying all the hot sauces! - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Whenever in TC, no matter how long our stay, we go to Red Mesa every night for dinner. My mom and I are vegetarians so we appreciate the non - meat options (though we miss the old separate vegetarian menu). Free chips and salsa are served. The staff is friendly and service is fast. Great food, and big portions! Great margaritas (especially the cherry and strawberry - but if you are not a big drinker, ask for a little less tequila). Not a lot of signage from the road, blink and you might miss the lizard logo sign. it's next to the old Calypso restaurant. In winter, it's super cozy to sit near the fireplace! read more

Red Mesa Grill - Cherry margarita and the red rice & black bean burrito! - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

This week was "Maize week" at Red Mesa. The special was corn encrusted baked Walleye in the husk using Michigan corn. The fish was cooked perfectly and was moist, flavorful and tender. The black beans were cooked just right, not too soft. Also, soda fans, order any of the Northwood soft drinks. Northwood is a local bottler. The diet cola was way better than any National brand. I hear the root beer is fantastic. Friendly and prompt service read more

Red Mesa Grill - Corn breaded Walleye in the husk with rice and black beans - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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They got rid of ground beef in their entrees. Will not be back until they change this

Food was amazing. Had the Caribbean Shrimp Tacos. Unique and very flavorful. The beans and rice were excellent as well. Our server Jasmine rocked! She recommended the Shrimp Tacos and was perfectly attentive to what we needed. read more

My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday dinner since he knows my favorite cuisine is Mexican. We came here on a Saturday night. It was pretty darn busy but luckily for us it was just a party of 2 we were able to get seated within a few minutes. Summer ( our waitress) was super nice and attentive. I ended up getting a cherry margarita while my boyfriend just got a miller lite. They give you a complimentary basket of chips and salsa free of charge. Believe it or not there are some Mexican restaurants that charge for chips and salsa. The salsa was chunky, but mild which is to my liking. I ordered 2 shredded beef tacos and my boyfriend had the chicken fajitas. It really didn't take too long for the food to arrive. Let me tell you, the portions were very generous! When we come back up to TC count us on dining here again! read more

The fact you stopped serving chips and salsa with any meal is a deal breaker. limit one serving per table, period. Plenty of restaurants that don't charge extra for these items. We don't recommend eating here. read more

I wasn't horribly hungry but wanted something before I hit the sack. This restaurant was right by my hotel so I thought I would check it out. I was immediate greeted by great staff. Since I was alone I sat at the bar. Kayla was fantastic!! She engaged in a pleasant conversation about the area since it was new to me. She even helped me with an iPhone issue. I ordered the wings. Holy moly were they ever good!! Nice size too. Fun atmosphere! I can't wait to be assigned to traverse city again for work! read more

This is my second time here and I was pleased again. The food is not only very fresh and well cooked but the service is great too. I had three enchiladas...one chicken, two cheese and my husband had a giant burrito. Which was great. Loved the black beans with it. Good quality for a good price. read more

Red Mesa Grill - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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Always great staff and big portions just wish the did bigger portions of rice but amazing job in the kitchen and all staff from the time we arrived to time we left. 5*****'s. Great Time & Iob everyone tonight. read more

In town for the weekend decided to try based on the reviews on yelp... The food was delicious. While it was very busy it did not take long once you ordered and between the salad with chicken, and the shrimp with rice dish, very delicious. Good recommendation if you'd like good Mexican food and friendly service. read more

What happened? Used to love coming here. They changed their menu and food quality went way down. We ate less than 1/4 of our food and left. Bummer. read more

Ordered their birria tacos and queso dip on DoorDash a few nights ago and they were delish! Decided to come in a few days later with some friends for drinks and food. When we walked in we waited for at least 5 minutes for someone to even acknowledge us. Once we were seated service was good and so were the drinks. I decided to order a beef burrito and was unimpressed. The side of rice and beans for each entree is also pitiful and is about the serving size for a toddler. Overall it wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad. read more

After wintering in Flalaland our first stop up north is Traverse City which is flush with great restaurants and grandchildren. First eating stop is a favorite on the Acme side of US 31: The Red Mesa Grill which is part of a small, well managed eateries that are well worth finding. Always delightful the food is South American themed, there are over 70 varieties of tequila and the chef usually experiments with some different foods that are placed on the blue menu while he fine tunes them. We enjoyed a delightful lunch of Twisters (not on the menu but ask and it will be presented) served with chicken, shrimp or pork and a special dipping sauce. I had the very generous taco salad with chicken and our daughter had a gluten free casadea all of which had leftovers to take home. A real treat was the chef's take on the traditional tres liches, a graham cracker crust tres liches cheese cake dribbled with a caramel topping served with fresh whipped cream all made in house. It was on the blue menu and we voted to recommend moving to the full menu. It was delicious! Traveling to/thru TC this summer get a reservation and enjoy a delightful, reasonably priced meal; you won't be sorry. Almost failed to mention our server Libby. A delightful recent Hope College grad working this summer while getting ready for a teaching job in Chicago in the fall. Prompt, pleasant and professional service. read more

We cannot go to Traverse City without eating at the Red Mesa Grill! We have never ever had a bad meal or service! You will find the manager out on the floor helping out whenever he can! This most recent time we shared the fajitas and deep fried ice cream with chocolate habenero sauce THE BEST! Do yourself a favor and eat at Red Mesa Grill!! read more

Packed but lots of seating. Tons of decorations to look at. We were very happy with our food. Tried the Armadillo Eggs and the asparagus flautas. Carnitas taco was good. Beef tacos were too salty. The plantain taco tasted good but presentation wise it was kind of like eating a banana hotdog. Wonderful especially since they were so busy. read more

Brought the family over from pirates cove to enjoy some nice patio seating and a quick meal. Red mesa grill did not disappoint. We had Carolina and Gloria who were both friendly and accommodating to our needs and complimented our boys- very nice of them. We enjoyed some great dishes as well. I ordered the chicken and steak fajitas and everything was cooked perfectly. The steak melted in my mouth each bite, so good, and when I added all the fixings of pico and guacamole and peppers and cheese the rush of flavor was fantastic'! My wife raved about her fish tacos as well and said whatever sauce was on the bottom was fabulous. Just a perfect sunny day and enjoying a great lunch on the patio: highly recommend! read more

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This restaurant stood out as its across the street from my hotel. The menu is great with a lot to choose from. We chose carryout but the patio looked great also. We went for lunch but the portions were large especially the burrito. The cod taco was good but likely was better with the spicy sauce. I'm unable to tolerate spicy stuff so I just put salsa over it. The drink menu is extensive so that would be fun on future visits read more

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Been multiple times. Have not been disappointed in a menu item yet. Fajitas, enchiladas, and guacamole are some faves. The tequila drinks are great too! read more

If you're looking for some good Mexican, the. I would give this place a try. The food was fresh and they were not shy with the salsa and chips. The food portions are more than you will be able to eat. The only caution is the chicken enchilada has jalapeños, which was not clear when we ordered. It was good but a bit spicy. The waitress was exceptional! She definitely help make the experience very pleasurable. Service will make or break a place. read more

Red Mesa Grill - Chicken Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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Amber was an excellent bartender/server. Knowledgeable about the menu and beers. Very helpful. The service outstanding! The food was excellent. We got tostadas for an appetizer which was also $3 special. Delicious, double decker tostada with all the good stuff on it. Salsa was fantastic and homemade. Fajitas were smothered with perfectly made green peppers and onion with grilled chicken. The special stash of hot sauces were an experience that I now know normal hot is good for me. The ice cream treated me immediately. read more

Had high hopes for this place. Staying in TC for vacation. The atmosphere is cool but service and food was lacking. Our waiter walked by our table 3 times with our empty glasses on the very edge before I had to flag him down for refills. Ordered the blackened tuna. Very bland. There was a small dollop of green sauce that came with I could of used more of to help but the waiter never came back till I was finished eating. The only reason why I ate it all is cause I was starving. The vegetables accompaniments were raw. But I guess that's what I get for not ordering a "normal" Mexican dish like a taco or burrito. Free chips and salsa are a plus but they were also bland. My husband ordered the chicken burrito and he said it was good but not great. Typical. Found it odd that they gave him a side of refried beans and black pinto beans when there was beans in his burrito. Something else I noticed that bothered me. We were sat next to a very large table of 20 people. I watch the server take great care of them and was very smiling and pleasant. Their food was delivered by three other servers on large trays and they just dropped it off left them there and walked away while he wasn't there. That is a huge no-no!! Serving 101: you do not leave a tables hot food unattended like that! I almost got up to serve it to them. Were the other servers not taught teamwork? After about a minute, The server quickly ran up and delivered the food with no help at all! I really hope that table gave him a huge tip. As I said I live im in town on vacation so I won't be back regardless. read more

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not what they use to be. executive chef messed up on this one. first of all menu is printed in ten different directions wtf. second you use to get chips and salsa. was told no they aren't free you have to order them? since when. my favorite is kiss ground beef good buy. got a burrito expecting ground beef. nope we don't have that. seriously the least expensive thing you get tif. so if you want tacos or a burrito with ground beef expect something else. what a shame this was our favorite place to go in TC. what a horrible decision they've made. I'm done here I'll find some place else. might also explain why they had 10 tables in use at prime dinner time on a Saturday. do better red Mesa do better. good luck to whoever you got running your kitchen what a shame. read more

Red Mesa is one of our family's favorite spots close to our house. The food is always amazing, the staff is always very friendly and welcoming. Our food always comes out so quickly. I honestly can't believe how fast they are. read more

Super friendly and helpful staff. Food was good, get fewer stars as margaritas tasted like were pre-made or from a mix. With such an awesome looking bar & price point, expect handmade. Also table, menus and all I touch felt sticky which cost atmosphere a star. Deep clean could help (in and lot outside.) read more

This is a good little spot to grab dinner if you are in the area! A lot of the food, while very good, is the stuff every Mexican restaurant offers. That being said, there were also some unique menu items that were special to Red Mesa. The N/A Mojito was fine, not the best I have ever had, but it was definitely drinkable. The salsa though, oh goodness. I saw a review that another person left, and they said they could have "drank the salsa". Let me just say, I agree. It was really good! The tortilla soup was fantastic, some of the best I've had. Our server was very friendly as well. I have a dairy allergy, so I can be a little high maintenance (if anyone has a food allergy you know what I mean), but our waitress was more than happy to check with the kitchen on several items. The decor was cool! Whether you have kids, or are just a kid at heart, the Wiki Stick statue will make you want to add your own art onto it. Overall, it was a nice place to eat a relaxing family dinner! Thanks Red Mesa! read more

Expensive and not worth the money. The fajitas were majority onions with very little meat, taste wise it tasted like onions. The shrimp enchiladas were OK and it was mixed with ground beef (half shrimp half ground beef). We spent $80 on 3 entrees and 2 appetizers. read more

Red Mesa Grill - Steak fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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We always have a positive experience eating here and last night was no exception. It was a dinner for two birthdays we were celebrating so the desserts were an added plus. I called two weeks ago regarding a coupon and spoke with Allison who remembered talking to me which surprised and pleased me. Our server Michael was also great. I have never been disappointed with anything here which as locals makes this one of our favorite places to eat. After having lived in Phoenix, AZ for 25 years and traveled a lot you find that everyone has a different idea of "Mexican food." But good food and good service is what matters and this place delivers. read more

Had an amazing dinner here tonight. I had the smoked salmon tacos with cherry salsa and a delicious cheese empanada. Also had great margaritas, my favorite was the champagne one. Great service and cute place. read more

Red Mesa Grill - Wonderful champagne margarita - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Visiting the Traverse City area and decided we wanted Mexican so we stopped by the Red Mesa Grill. As a family of five, we were seated immediately and our server came up quickly for drink orders. Even after ordering our food- it came very quickly! As parents of an 11 year old autistic daughter and a 4 year old - we were very grateful for the quick service and friendly wait staff! Our oldest realized the Mac and cheese on the kids menu was basically Kraft and decided she wanted some (she can be quite particular about her sensory food issues) and the waitress quickly put her order in for us. They really were wonderful and fantastic! I ordered tacos and holy cow- they were yummy and very filling! I ordered two and could only finish one! Hubby had fajitas which he said were delicious. I didn't love the guac as much as the rest of the meal- not that it wasn't good. It was just a sweeter guac so if you prefer that, then it's right up your alley! The decor was cool- lots to look at and spark the interest of our three kids. The kids menu comes with crayons to color with and Wiki Stix to entertain. How cool is that?? Would absolutely go back! read more

Always a hit, especially because there are ample vegetarian selections. The cherry sauce that comes with a different dish is an awesome extra to ask for on the side with any meal but especially good on the black bean patties!!! read more

Red Mesa Grill - Black Bean cake appetizer with added hot cherry sauce. - Mexican Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Excellent chips & guacamole - we had tacos and margaritas Great way to end a beautiful fall day. Fabulous manager & staff, they were all super attentive and they had smiles for everyone in the room. read more