Mexicali Grill

Reviews

• Matthew C.

  star star star star star 1 July 2026

  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.

• David S.

  star star star star_border star_border 24 June 2026

  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.

• Sue C.

  star star star star star_border 20 June 2026

  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.

• E M.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 20 June 2026

  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?

• Audrey K.

  star star star star_border star_border 14 June 2026

  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.