Mexicali Cocina Cantina

Claim
marker

12161 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604

marker
(818) 985-1744
Incorrect info? Correct your listing
Photos
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Mexicali Cocina Cantina - Studio City, CA
Reviews
( 34 )
( 51 )
( 24 )
( 22 )
( 36 )

Best

Been a regular at Mexicali for over 8 years and have never had a bad meal or a bad drink...great in the spring or summer to sit outside with friends...a great place Pros: grea...

Worst

All I can say is ""meh""... Food is kinda bland. Not enough meat, drinks are expensive... Wait service was nice though... Pros: Nice atmosphere Cons: everything else

The food is good, the margatinis are awesome. Monday nig... 8/22/2007

The food is good, the margatinis are awesome. Monday nights they have 30% off all food. more
Reply | Report abuse |

The food is good, the margatinis are awesome. Monday nig... 8/22/2007

LuciMarzola Provided by Partner
The food is good, the margatinis are awesome. Monday nights they have 30% off all food. more
Reply | Report abuse |

this is a nice place to grab drinks and some appetizers w... 7/29/2007

this is a nice place to grab drinks and some appetizers with friends before going out. the food is... more
Reply | Report abuse |

this is a nice place to grab drinks and some appetizers w... 7/29/2007

Michelle Provided by Partner
this is a nice place to grab drinks and some appetizers with friends before going out. the food is medicore. sometimes they allow people to get too... more
Reply | Report abuse |

casual and fun atmosphere 7/24/2007

I've driven by this place numerous times and decided to stop in with my sister and 2 year old nephew for an early dinner around 5:30pm on a Monday. We were seated immediately in a corner booth, the staff were totally kid friendly and recommended great margaritas. The service was prompt and friendly (the waitstaff clearly seemed to be model types - all looked identical and certainly were more aspiring actors than professional high-end waiters but they were friendly enough). The food was very very reasonably priced and 30% off Mondays was a great surprise. The food was average - but good for the price. I don't recommend the queso appetizer - it's just a plate of hot, oily melted cheese! But the beef enchilada's were yummy. Not great rice, but the margaritas were stiff and tasty (try the watermelon margarita!). \r It was a pleasant and unpretentious surprise. I'll definitely go back. It was lively and fun. Pros: Ambiance, reasonable price, great Monday deals, watermelon margarita Cons: the waitstaff are more focused on being seen than service but they are friendly enough more
Reply | Report abuse |

casual and fun atmosphere 7/23/2007

I've driven by this place numerous times and decided to stop in with my sister and 2 year old nephew for an early dinner around 5:30pm on a Monday. We were seated immediately in a corner booth, the staff were totally kid friendly and recommended great margaritas. The service was prompt and friendly (the waitstaff clearly seemed to be model types - all looked identical and certainly were more aspiring actors than professional high-end waiters but they were friendly enough). The food was very very reasonably priced and 30% off Mondays was a great surprise. The food was average - but good for the price. I don't recommend the queso appetizer - it's just a plate of hot, oily melted cheese! But the beef enchilada's were yummy. Not great rice, but the margaritas were stiff and tasty (try the watermelon margarita!). It was a pleasant and unpretentious surprise. I'll definitely go back. It was lively and fun. Pros: Ambiance, reasonable price, great Monday deals, watermelon margarita Cons: the waitstaff are more focused on being seen than service but they are friendly enough more
Reply | Report abuse |

horrible 7/22/2007

waiter was a moron and didnt know how to course our food. as soon as we took a bite of our appetizer, our entrees came to the table. it was really annnoying with all the food on the table and it was difficult to enjoy any of it. SOOO OVER IT!!!!! \r \r oh, and when we told the manager what had happened, he actually had the audacity to ask us if we wanted him to put it under the heat lamp until we are ready for it. UM, NO!!!!!! how about be manager and do something about it, train your servers and lose some weight!\r \r ps. it's southern california people, eat mexican food somewhere else! this place doesnt even deserve ONE star! Pros: drinks Cons: bad service, dirty menus, lack of management more
Reply | Report abuse |

horrible 7/21/2007

waiter was a moron and didnt know how to course our food. as soon as we took a bite of our appetizer, our entrees came to the table. it was really annnoying with all the food on the table and it was difficult to enjoy any of it. SOOO OVER IT!!!!! oh, and when we told the manager what had happened, he actually had the audacity to ask us if we wanted him to put it under the heat lamp until we are ready for it. UM, NO!!!!!! how about be manager and do something about it, train your servers and lose some weight! ps. it's southern california people, eat mexican food somewhere else! this place doesnt even deserve ONE star! Pros: drinks Cons: bad service, dirty menus, lack of management more
Reply | Report abuse |

average as hell! 6/21/2007

The service was average and the food was decent. I was surprised at how good the entre was (a carnitas tamale and steak enchilada with rice and beans), I actually love mexican restaurants for the chips and salsa. However I wasn't fond of their salsa because it was diced up tomatoes, onions, and cilantro- not pureed salsa that you could dip a chip into. I was lucky if I could balance a piece of tomatoe on a chip long enough to get it to my mouth. The prices were a little more than what mexican food usually is. I got a fresh watermelon margarita and didn't like it too much cause it tasted like they used the watermelon rind instead of the fruit part, if I go back it will be for an entre and thats it. Pros: good main course meal Cons: bad salsa and the drink I tried wasn't all that more
Reply | Report abuse |

average as hell! 6/20/2007

The service was average and the food was decent. I was surprised at how good the entre was (a carnitas tamale and steak enchilada with rice and beans), I actually love mexican restaurants for the chips and salsa. However I wasn't fond of their salsa because it was diced up tomatoes, onions, and cilantro- not pureed salsa that you could dip a chip into. I was lucky if I could balance a piece of tomatoe on a chip long enough to get it to my mouth. The prices were a little more than what mexican food usually is. I got a fresh watermelon margarita and didn't like it too much cause it tasted like they used the watermelon rind instead of the fruit part, if I go back it will be for an entre and thats it. Pros: good main course meal Cons: bad salsa and the drink I tried wasn't all that more
Reply | Report abuse |

Best Restaurant ! 6/7/2007

I go to Mexicali on a weekly basis and I have had excellent food there every time. Most times there is a wait but I have always had wonderful service with a very attentive waiter every time I have been there. I recommend this restaurant to anyone who is hungry for mexican food. Great margaritas too! Pros: Lively. Great service, food and prices! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Best Restaurant ! 6/6/2007

I go to Mexicali on a weekly basis and I have had excellent food there every time. Most times there is a wait but I have always had wonderful service with a very attentive waiter every time I have been there. I recommend this restaurant to anyone who is hungry for mexican food. Great margaritas too! Pros: Lively. Great service, food and prices! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Worst Service in Town 3/19/2007

This is the third time I've been to Mexicali - and the result is always the same: cocky waiters who couldn't give a damn. If you like a cadre of frat guys handling your food and oggling your girlfriend, then good luck to you! EVERY encounter with the staff is like a confrontation. I'm here to eat drink, not to fight tooth-and-nail with an unemployed actor to get my beer order correct. He'll get to it, allright, just as soon as he's done undressing your date with his eyes. And the food? Take a wild guess . . . . . Cons: Cocky waiters, bad food more
Reply | Report abuse |

Worst Service in Town 3/18/2007

This is the third time I've been to Mexicali - and the result is always the same: cocky waiters who couldn't give a damn. If you like a cadre of frat guys handling your food and oggling your girlfriend, then good luck to you! EVERY encounter with the staff is like a confrontation. I'm here to eat drink, not to fight tooth-and-nail with an unemployed actor to get my beer order correct. He'll get to it, allright, just as soon as he's done undressing your date with his eyes. And the food? Take a wild guess . . . . . Pros: None Cons: Cocky waiters, bad food more
Reply | Report abuse |

Best Nachos in LA 3/5/2007

\r It's not completely ""authentic"" but, it's damn good! I've searched high and low for the best NACHOS in\r LA and this place keeps its #1 slot at the top of the charts. For under $7 and the right chef that night, two people can dine on this mountain of chips, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos and black beans and be done!! I avoid the meat - so, I can't say how the pollo or carne is.\r \r If you want to catch a quick buzz above and beyond a normal margarita.... The Margatini is the only way to go. One and half of those, you shouldn't drive for a while.\r \r Service is usually pretty good, it can be noisy.. but grab an inside booth.. have some cocktails... you'll be feeling good. Pros: Nachos, Margatini, Fun Cons: noisy, sometimes a wait more
Reply | Report abuse |

Best Nachos in LA 3/4/2007

It's not completely "authentic" but, it's damn good! I've searched high and low for the best NACHOS in LA and this place keeps its #1 slot at the top of the charts. For under $7 and the right chef that night, two people can dine on this mountain of chips, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos and black beans and be done!! I avoid the meat - so, I can't say how the pollo or carne is. If you want to catch a quick buzz above and beyond a normal margarita.... The Margatini is the only way to go. One and half of those, you shouldn't drive for a while. Service is usually pretty good, it can be noisy.. but grab an inside booth.. have some cocktails... you'll be feeling good. Pros: Nachos, Margatini, Fun Cons: noisy, sometimes a wait more
Reply | Report abuse |

Awesome 2/10/2007

I went to Mexicali about a week ago and had a great time. When I first arrived the hosttess let my friend and I know that the wait is a half hour, but I didnt mind because she was so attractive and kind about it. It ended up only being a fiffteen mineute wait and the hostess thanked us several time for being so patient. She not only was extremely attractive, but she also was the kindest person in the place. When we sat down our server was very cool, he said some jokes with us and then brought us our drinks promptly. I even had my birthday there a week later I really enjoyed it! I highly reccommend it! I had a great time and suggest anyone who likes a lounge expiernce with great mexican food to go! Pros: ambience,hostess more
Reply | Report abuse |

Awesome 2/9/2007

I went to Mexicali about a week ago and had a great time. When I first arrived the hosttess let my friend and I know that the wait is a half hour, but I didnt mind because she was so attractive and kind about it. It ended up only being a fiffteen mineute wait and the hostess thanked us several time for being so patient. She not only was extremely attractive, but she also was the kindest person in the place. When we sat down our server was very cool, he said some jokes with us and then brought us our drinks promptly. I even had my birthday there a week later I really enjoyed it! I highly reccommend it! I had a great time and suggest anyone who likes a lounge expiernce with great mexican food to go! Pros: ambience,hostess more
Reply | Report abuse |

Inconsistent 2/6/2007

My fiancee and I re-discovered Mexicali last week. We got the ceviche, citrus chicken and shrimp burrito, on top of the chips and salsa. All were yummy and full of flavor. To top it off, we found out that they have 30% off specials on Mondays! We couldn't wait to come back because we thought it was such a good deal! \r \r We went back yesterday. What a waste of money. This time, EVERYTHING we ordered had no flavor. The salsa was so bland it might as well have been paper. I ordered the chicken again and it was disgusting. And not even the guacamole and sour cream could liven up my fiancee's shrimp fajita. I mean, did they run out of salt and pepper that night? Easily the most bland meal I've had in recent memory. At the end of our meal a waiter accidentally tried to give me someone else's order of soup. I thought to myself, ""Not even if they paid me."" \r \r There are too many other good restaurants in LA and the valley. Don't give this one the time of day in the hopes that you'll catch them on a good day. Maybe go for drinks, the bar scene looks fun. Pros: Friendly service, Fun atmosphere Cons: Bland food, Cramped Tables more
Reply | Report abuse |

Inconsistent 2/5/2007

My fiancee and I re-discovered Mexicali last week. We got the ceviche, citrus chicken and shrimp burrito, on top of the chips and salsa. All were yummy and full of flavor. To top it off, we found out that they have 30% off specials on Mondays! We couldn't wait to come back because we thought it was such a good deal! We went back yesterday. What a waste of money. This time, EVERYTHING we ordered had no flavor. The salsa was so bland it might as well have been paper. I ordered the chicken again and it was disgusting. And not even the guacamole and sour cream could liven up my fiancee's shrimp fajita. I mean, did they run out of salt and pepper that night? Easily the most bland meal I've had in recent memory. At the end of our meal a waiter accidentally tried to give me someone else's order of soup. I thought to myself, "Not even if they paid me." There are too many other good restaurants in LA and the valley. Don't give this one the time of day in the hopes that you'll catch them on a good day. Maybe go for drinks, the bar scene looks fun. Pros: Friendly service, Fun atmosphere Cons: Bland food, Cramped Tables more
Reply | Report abuse |
< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next >
Menu for Mexicali Cocina Cantina


Summer SALE!!!:
15% OFF all yearly plans
Use year15 at checkout. Expires 1/1/2021
Editorial

  • In Short
    Dark wood, dim lighting and tables shoved close together make this cantina feel quite cozy. In the loud, crowded bar, 30-somethings sip margaritas. In the dining room, they nosh...

  • 3/31/2008 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Open daily 11:30am, dine till 1am & drink till 2am
  • Payments: Visa, American Express, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Studio City
badge