Mexicali Border Cafe

Reviews

• Jeff S.

  star star star star star_border 5 June 2026

  Since the date for taking The Kid to the Kansas Point of Know Return concert had finally arrived, and it was at the Brady Theater, The Wife suggested we drop into Mexicali Border Cafe for dinner, and just keep everything close by.
  Note to self: I should really listen to her more often.
  We arrived well in advance of our show time to a moderately busy restaurant, but were seated almost immediately.
  Menus were offered, and drinks and app orders were taken.
  Servers were smiling, cheerful, and the place had a fun, Friday night in downtown Tulsa vibe kinda going on.
  Apps were the white queso and a large guacamole (for me). Both arrived quickly with plenty of saucers for sharing.
  The queso was a pleasingly creamy concoction with nice pieces of pepper floating around, and just the right amount of subtle heat. Definitely not too hot for The Kid, she tore into it like a bird on a june bug. I must confess I did equal justice to the guac. Obviously freshly made, chunky and just a little rich. Perfectly seasoned with onion and cilantro, it was a great start to the meal.
  The Kid went with beef nachos for her entree, and The Wife went lighter with the Mexican Casserole (1/2 chicken and 1/2 beef) with a side of beans and rice. I decided to try the Enchiladas Verde, understanding that these aren't your traditional 'chile verde' fare.
  The Kid's nachos were well executed, with plenty of toppings and well seasoned.
  The Wife's casserole was decadently rich, bursting with fillings and well plated by the server at tableside.
  My enchiladas were outstanding. Crispy pork carnitas meat treated to a splash of well seasoned and tangy chile verde sauce, and rolled in tortillas, all smothered with the white queso. Flavorful, well executed and a definite treat. The burracho beans were almost, if not slightly better. Deeply flavorful, packed with pico de gallo, they would be a welcome meal all on their own, with a big chunk of jalapeno cornbread. The rice was also very well done, being simple and tasty.
  Service throughout the meal was top notch, with our server noting our concert tickets peeking out of my shirt pocket, and keeping us on time without hurrying us.
  Overall, it was a great meal experience, and I found myself wondering why we don't make the effort to make the trek downtown more often.
  Mexicali Border Cafe has stood the test of time in Tulsa, and continues to deliver a great dining experience and value.
  And THAT'S not something you can say lightly anymore.

• Tuan H.

  star star star star_border star_border 4 June 2026

  Mexicali Border has been in the Art district for a while and sometimes I wonder how it can sustain being n there because the food is really not great, or at least very overpriced for the quality of it. There a many smaller taco joints in town offering more flavorful tacos for a fraction of the price.
  
  Margaritas are okay, but not sure they are worth the price either. The food tastes like regular Tex-Mex chain food with a huge mark up in price. We've been there several times and the place is often empty. My wife had the steak tacos and although it wasn't bad, there was nothing exceptional about them and the $13 price tag for two tacos was hard to digest.
  
  After trying Mexicali several times we probably won't return for the food. It might be an okay place to stop by and grab a drink in order to get a coveted parking spot in the art district but beyond that the value of the food is not there for us.

• Eric F.

  star star star star star_border 1 June 2026

  When we are spending the day in the art district this is one of the places we like to grab some quick food.  We always eat at the bar because of the bartenders, Kris is one of the best in Tulsa at making you welcome.
  
  Food is okay, not as consistent as in the past but hey go out of their way to help Andra and her vegetarian/vegan restrictions.  The place is a little aged but to us it is perfect to escape the rest of the bar scene and the hot sauce and chips always make everything better.
  
  There is better Mexican food out there but no one better than Kris and when bar hoping the location is perfect.

• Cathy B.

  star star star star star_border 27 May 2026

  Great food and atmosphere.   Cool place to hang out with friends or have Margaritas on the patio on a nice evening. I really enjoyed the white queso and chips.  The chips were thin, fresh & crispy.

• Brett H.

  star star star star_border star_border 27 May 2026

  I would say everything here is just average. The drinks weren't anything special. The entree was served in a timely fashion and was hot but again nothing special. Prices were reasonable and service was good.