Calexico: Your Go-To Spot for Authentic Mexican Cuisine on the Upper East Side

Calexico Introduce

In a city filled with diverse dining options, Calexico stands out as a vibrant and beloved destination for Mexican cuisine on the Upper East Side. Named for the California town on the Mexican border, this restaurant brings a unique "Cal-Mex" flair to the New York food scene, blending classic Mexican flavors with a fresh, modern twist. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, making it a perfect spot for everything from a casual lunch with friends to a lively dinner with a group. With a reputation for great cocktails, delicious food, and friendly service, Calexico has become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike who are looking for a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

The menu at Calexico is a celebration of fresh, flavorful ingredients. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a cozy ambiance and the promise of a meal that is both comforting and exciting. While the tacos and burritos are a definite highlight, the menu offers a much wider selection, including hearty bowls, cheesy quesadillas, and savory fajitas. Starters like the "Esquites" and "Chips & Guacamole" are often praised by customers for their fresh taste and quality. The restaurant also caters to a variety of dietary needs, with plenty of vegetarian, healthy, and small plate options available. This versatility ensures that every diner, no matter their preference, can find something to love on the menu.

Beyond the food, Calexico is known for its lively and welcoming environment. The staff is consistently described as "friendly" and the service as "fantastic" and "exemplary," which creates a positive dining atmosphere. The restaurant's bar is a major highlight, with a great selection of beer, hard liquor, and, most notably, cocktails. The "Traditional Margarita" is a crowd favorite, and the happy hour specials are a great way to enjoy a delicious drink without breaking the bank. The restaurant is popular for groups and college students, and the LGBTQ+ friendly environment makes it an inclusive space for everyone. While it can get busy and there might be a wait, customers agree that the experience is well worth it. Calexico truly offers a complete dining experience—great food, great drinks, and a great vibe.

Calexico is conveniently located at 1491 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA. Situated in the heart of the Upper East Side, it is easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. The restaurant offers a few different parking options, including free and paid street parking, as well as a paid parking garage nearby, making it a convenient destination for those traveling by car. For those using public transportation, the restaurant is easily reached by various bus routes and is within a reasonable walking distance from subway stations. The restaurant is also designed to be accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

Calexico offers a comprehensive range of services to suit the needs of its diverse clientele. Whether you want to enjoy a meal in the restaurant's trendy setting or prefer to dine at home, there's a service option for you. Here is a list of services provided:

Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in
Catering
Table service
Accepts reservations

Calexico's popularity is rooted in a number of key features that set it apart in the vibrant NYC dining scene. These highlights showcase its commitment to quality food, great drinks, and a positive customer experience. Here are some of the key features that make it a standout choice:

Fast service: Ideal for a quick bite or a meal on the go.
Great beer and cocktail selection: Known for its lively bar and delicious, handcrafted margaritas.
Happy hour food and drinks: Offers great deals on popular items during happy hour.
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with late-night food available.
Casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere.
Good for kids with a dedicated kids' menu and high chairs.
Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Offers healthy, vegetarian, and small plate options.

For any inquiries or to place an order, you can contact Calexico directly using the information below:

Address: 1491 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA

Phone: (347) 967-5955

Choosing Calexico is a fantastic decision for anyone in New York looking for a high-quality Mexican meal with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. What is truly worth choosing, as highlighted by numerous customer reviews, is the outstanding combination of flavorful food, exemplary service, and a great bar. One reviewer praised the food as "some of the nicest food I’ve had in a while," specifically mentioning the "unbelievable" esquites and "out of this world" surf and turf fajitas. The guacamole is also a major highlight, consistently described as "so fresh." The menu is full of dishes that deliver on flavor and quality, from the hearty "Barbacoa Burrito" to the classic "Baja Fish Taco." The vegetarian and vegan options, such as the "Ground Beet Burrito" and "Black Bean Taco," also receive positive feedback, making it a great choice for those with different dietary needs. A customer noted their gratitude for "the heat within the dish itself," indicating that the food is not bland and has a kick for those who appreciate it.

The bar and cocktail selection are another huge draw. The "special hibiscus strawberry frozen margarita" was described as "amazing," and the restaurant is frequently praised for its "delicious cocktails." The happy hour is a great opportunity to enjoy these drinks at a more affordable price. The availability of a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including Mexican Coke and Jarritos, further enhances the dining experience.

Finally, the service and ambiance are what truly set Calexico apart. Reviewers consistently use words like "exemplary," "fantastic," and "so friendly" to describe the staff. This level of service creates an atmosphere that is not only "delightful" and "cozy" but also makes you feel genuinely welcome. The restaurant's popularity means there can be a wait, but the friendly staff works hard to accommodate guests and make the experience a good one. Whether you're a college student, part of a large group, or a family with kids, Calexico offers a vibrant and inclusive space. The combination of its fresh, flavorful food, excellent drinks, and warm, friendly service makes Calexico a top choice for Mexican dining on the Upper East Side. It's not just about the food; it's about the entire experience.

Calexico Food & drink

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Rolled Quesadillas
Barbacoa Quesadilla $16.00
A toasted flour tortilla with melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Served with special sauce and sour cream on the side.
Cheese Quesadilla $13.00
A mix of Oaxacan, cheddar, and Monterey jack cheeses. (Vegetarian)
Gringo Quesadilla $15.00
Ancho-cumin ground beef.
Chipotle Pork Quesadilla $15.00
Slow-cooked chipotle pork and pickled red onions.
Vegetable Quesadilla $14.00
Peppers, onions, and grilled corn. (Vegetarian)
Black Bean Quesadilla $14.00
Seasoned black beans (Vegetarian)
Mushroom Quesadilla $14.00
Mushrooms, huitlacoche, and caramelized onions. (Vegetarian)
Pollo Asado Quesadilla $15.00
Grilled marinated chicken.

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - STARTERS
**NEW**Churros $12.00
6 pieces of cinnamon sugar churros filled with caramel and served with Nutella

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Burritos'
Pollo Asado Burrito $16.50
Grilled marinated chicken, pico de gallo, Jack and cheddar cheese, and crema.
Ground Beet Burrito $16.00
Tempeh and roasted beets served in a warm flour tortilla with rice, black or refined beans, pico de gallo, cashew cream (Vegan)
Bean Burrito $15.00
Black or refried beans, guacamole, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and special sauce. (Vegetarian)
Shrimp Burrito $17.00
Grilled marinated shrimp, black bean & corn salsa, Jack and cheddar cheese, creamy slaw, and chipotle vinaigrette.
Baja Fish Burrito $17.00
Beer-battered fried fish, spicy slaw, mango salsa, our special sauce.
Cali-Style Bean Burrito $15.50
Black beans, guacamole, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, special sauce, and chili-cilantro fries (no rice).
Chipotle Pork Burrito $16.50
Slow-cooked chipotle pork, pickled red onions, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema.
Gringo Burrito $16.50
Ancho-Cumin ground beef, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema.
Barbacoa Burrito $17.00
Slow cooked beef with chilies, citrus, and spices. Served with a spicy tomatillo salsa, cotija cheese, radish coins, caramelized onions, Mexican rice & refried beans.
Cali-Style Burrito $18.00
Barbacoa, guacamole, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream, and chili-cilantro fries (no rice).
Fried Chicken Burrito $17.00
Fried chicken, bacon, avocado, Jack and cheddar cheese, spicy pico de gallo, chipotle-buttermilk sauce and refried beans. (Cannot be Dairy Free).

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Protein Sides'
Barbacoa $6.00
Slow cooked beef with chilies, citrus, and spices.
Fish - Fried $6.00
Fish - Grilled $6.00
Pork $6.00
Bacon $2.00
Shrimp $7.00
Chicken $6.00
Gringo $6.00

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Drinks (Non-Alcoholic)
Coke Can $4.00
Sprite Can $4.00
Lemonade $4.00
Fresh made lemonade
Mexican Coke $5.00
Canned Sodas $2.50
Choose one can of soda
Jarritos $4.00
Choose one flavor of specialty sodas
Arnold Palmer $4.00
Half fresh lemonade, half fresh brewed, unsweetened iced tea
Iced Tea $4.00
Fresh brewed, unsweetened black Iced Tea
Arnold Palmer $5.00
Bottled Water $2.50
Poland Spring
Fresh Brewed Iced Tea $5.00
Strawberry - Basil Lemonade $6.00
Mexican Coke $4.00
Raw Cane Sugar
Water Bottle $3.00
Jarritos $5.00
Diet Coke Can $4.00
Fresh Mint Lemonade $5.00
Gingerale Can $4.00
Club Soda Can $4.00

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Sides'
Tortilla - Flour (Large) $1.00
Chipotle Buttermilk Ranch $1.00
Creamy Slaw $3.00
4oz side
Crema $1.00
Guacamole 8oz $12.00
Rajas $3.00
Peppers, onion and corn 4oz side
Hot Sauce Bottle $4.00
Special Sauce 8oz $8.00
Black Bean & Corn Salsa $4.00
4oz side
Cheese Sauce 8 Oz $8.00
8oz side
Spicy Slaw $3.00
With serrano peppers, 4oz side
Refried Beans $6.00
Garnished with Pico De Gallo and Cotija
Special Sauce 4oz $4.00
Guacamole $4.00
4oz side
Mango Salsa $3.00
4oz side
Pickled Jalapenos $3.00
4oz side
Pico De Gallo $3.00
4oz side
Brown Rice $6.00
with pico de gallo
Avocado $3.00
Rice And Beans $7.00
Mexican Rice and Black Beans garnished with pico de gallo
Tortilla - Corn (Small) $1.00
Tostada Vinaigrette $1.00
Special Sauce $2.00
Tortilla Chips $4.00
Union Vinaigrette $1.00
Cheese Sauce $4.00
4oz side
Mexican Rice $6.00
Garnished with pico de gallo
Cheese - Shredded $1.00
Spicy Pico $3.00
with serrano peppers. 4oz side
Red Enchilada Sauce $5.00
4oz side
Black Beans $6.00
topped with Cotija Cheese & Pico de Gallo
Tortilla - Flour (Small) $1.00
Cashew Crema $1.50
Green House Salsa $3.00
Green Tomatillo Sauce $5.00
Red House Salsa $3.00
Pickled Red Onions $3.00
4oz side

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Drinks (Alcoholic)
Underwood Pinot Gris $12.00
250ml 13% abv aromas and flavors of peach, grapefruit and pear.
Corona $7.00
Mexican American Lager / 12oz - 4.6% ABV
Cerveza Athletica N/A $7.00
Non-Alcoholic A refreshing Mexican Light Copper Lager. The brew has a light copper hue with an aroma and flavor balanced with light spicy and floral notes from the noble hop
Estrella Jalisco $7.00
4.5% ABV Estrella Jalisco is an authentic Mexican beer. It is a premium pilsner beer that pours with a pale golden color, has a refreshing and crisp flavor
Modelo Especial $7.00
Mexican Lager / 12 oz - 4.4% ABV
Traditional Margarita 16 Oz $20.00
100% Agave Tequila, Triple sec, Fresh lime juice. Pour over ice at home and enjoy.
Tecate $6.00
12oz can 4.5% ABV
Negra Modelo $8.00
12oz bottle 5.4% ABV
Underwood Rose $12.00
250ml 13% abv Golden raspberry, kiwi, rose blossom
Pacifico Bottle $7.00
Mexican Lager. 12oz, 4.4% ABV
Traditional Margarita 16oz $20.00
Makes 3 cocktails. 100% agave tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Talea Sun Up IPA $9.00
6.5% ABV Talea's first and flagship beer, has dominant island flavors of pineapple and passionfruit. Completely women owned- Brooklyn based.
Underwood Pinot Noir $12.00
250ml 13% abv Cherries, raspberries, and chocolate.
Corona Light $7.00
Mexican Lager Light / 12 oz - 4.1% ABV

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Salads'
Union Street $16.00
Romaine, roasted corn, goat cheese, avocado, tomato, cucumber, radish, sesame seeds, sherry vinaigrette.
Tostada Salad $16.00
Romaine lettuce, avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, roasted tomato salsa, black beans, roasted corn, pickled serrano chilis, tomato, and cilantro-lime vinaigrette. Served with a crispy tortilla matchsticks.

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Tacos'
Barbacoa Taco $7.50
Slow cooked beef with chilies, citrus and spices. Served with jalapeno and tomatillo salsa, radish coins & cotija cheese on warm corn tortillas.
Black Bean Taco $6.00
Seasoned black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, special sauce. Served on soft corn tortillas. (Vegetarian)
Gringo Taco $6.25
Ancho-cumin ground beef, cheddar and Jack cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Served in a crispy corn tortilla.
Fried Chicken Taco $7.50
Fried chicken, bacon, avocado, spicy pico de gallo, and chipotle buttermilk sauce. Served on a toasted flour tortilla.
Baja Fish Taco $7.50
Beer-battered fish with spicy slaw, mango salsa, and special sauce. Served on soft corn tortillas.
Pollo Asado Taco $7.00
Grilled marinated chicken, pico de gallo, and crema. Served on soft corn tortillas.
Ground Beet Taco (Vegan) $7.00
Tempeh, roasted beets, pico de gallo, lettuce, and cashew crema. Served in a crispy corn tortilla. (Vegan)
Shrimp Taco $7.25
Grilled marinated shrimp, black bean and corn salsa, creamy slaw, and chipotle vinaigrette. Served on a toasted flour tortilla.
Chipotle Pork Taco $7.00
Slow-cooked pork in chipotle sauce with pickled red onions, pico de gallo and crema. Served on soft corn tortillas.

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Fajitas'
Veggie Fajitas $20.00
Squash, leeks, broccoli, corn, onions with Green house salsa served with sauteed peppers & onions, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeno jam, spicy pico & flour tortillas served with Mexican rice & black beans
Chicken Fajitas $22.00
Citrus-glazed chicken served with sauteed peppers & onions, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeno jam, spicy pico & flour tortillas served with Mexican rice & black beans
Shrimp Fajitas $23.00
Citrus-glazed shrimp served with sauteed peppers & onions, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeno jam, spicy pico, & flour tortillas served with Mexican rice & black beans
Steak Fajitas $23.00
Citrus-glazed steak served with sauteed peppers & onions, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeno jam, spicy pico & flour tortillas served with Mexican rice & black beans
Combo Fajitas $25.00
Choice of Two, Citrus-glazed shrimp, steak or chicken served with sauteed peppers & onions, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeno jam, spicy pico & flour tortillas served with Mexican rice & black beans
Surf & Turf Fajitas $25.00
Citrus-glazed shrimp and choice of steak or chicken served with sauteed peppers & onions, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeno jam, spicy pico & flour tortillas served with Mexican rice & black beans

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Enchiladas'
Chicken Enchilada $18.00
Slow-cooked chicken with bacon, jalapeños, cheese, and sour cream in a red chili sauce served in corn tortillas.
Vegetable Enchilada $18.00
Grilled corn, squash, onions, leeks, cheese, and sour cream in a green tomatillo sauce served in corn tortillas.

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Bowls'
Shrimp Bowl $17.00
Grilled marinated shrimp, black bean & corn salsa, Jack and cheddar cheese, creamy slaw, and chipotle vinaigrette.
Cali-Style Veg Bowl $16.00
Chile-cilantro fries, black or refried pinto beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheddar, jack & cotija cheese, our special sauce (spicy) served in a bowl (no rice).
Chipotle Pork Bowl $16.50
Slow-cooked chipotle pork, pickled red onions, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
Bean Bowl $15.00
Black or refried beans, guacamole, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and special sauce. (Vegetarian)
Pollo Asado Bowl $16.50
Grilled marinated chicken, pico de gallo, Jack and cheddar cheese, and crema.
Baja Fish Bowl $17.00
Beer-battered fried fish, spicy slaw, mango salsa, special sauce, and cojita cheese.
Fried Chicken Bowl $17.00
Fried chicken, bacon, avocado, Jack and cheddar cheese, spicy pico de gallo, chipotle-buttermilk sauce and refried beans. (Cannot be Dairy Free).
Cali-Style Bowl $18.00
Barbacoa, guacamole, sour cream, served in a bowl with Chile-cilantro fries, black beans, jack & cheddar cheese and pico de gallo (no rice).
Barbacoa Bowl $17.00
Slow cooked beef with chilies, citrus, and spices. Served with a spicy tomatillo salsa, cotija cheese, radish coins, caramelized onions, Mexican rice & refried beans.
Gringo Bowl $16.50
Ancho-Cumin ground beef, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema.

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Starters'
Jalapeno Poppers $14.00
Spicy, cheesy croquettes served with buttermilk ranch sauce.
Barbacoa Fries $13.00
Chili-cilantro fries with slow cooked beef with chiles and citrus, caramelized onions, black beans, guacamole, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, and crema.
Chips & Guacamole $15.00
Chips & Salsa $9.00
tortilla chips with red and green salsa.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts $13.00
Brussels sprouts in a peanut-chili salsa with cotija cheese and radish.
Esquites $13.00
Grilled corn served off the cob with lime mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, crema, and cilantro
Smoked Queso Dip $14.00
With grilled corn and green chiles served with our house-made tortilla chips.
Nachos $16.00
Tortilla chips with guacamole, roasted corn, black beans, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and crema.
Crispy Rolled Tacos $15.00
Spicy pulled chicken with bacon and cheese. Served with buttermilk ranch dipping sauce.

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - 2Kids Menu
Kids Chicken Fingers $11.00
Breaded and fried chicken fingers served with french fries or rice and beans
Kids Cheese Quesadilla $11.00
Mini toasted flour tortilla with Jack and Cheddar cheese. Choice of French fries or Rice and beans.

Calexico Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly

Planning
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid parking garage
Paid street parking
Parking

Calexico Photos

Calexico Location

Calexico

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

1491 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075, USA

Calexico Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 1236 user reviews.

margaritashappy hourbowldeliverybrunchtequilabrussels sproutsappetizerstrawberryesquites

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Some of the nicest food I’ve had in a while. The esquites starter was unbelievable (I would’ve licked the plate if it was socially acceptable) and the surf and turf fajitas were out of this world. The guacamole was so fresh too. I’ve been before and so glad I brought a friend visiting me this time. I had the special hibiscus strawberry frozen margarita which was amazing. The staff were so friendly and their service was fantastic. 11/10 and will definitely be back
July 25 · cathy mangan
A delightful spot. Loved the ambiance. Exemplary service. Appreciated all the available hot sauces. Was also grateful for the heat within the dish itself.
June 08 · KandLelight LLC
Great place! I really enjoyed having dinner with my friends there. The interiors were cute, cozy and very comforting. It wasn't loud, so we could speak with each other. The food was good too, with the exception of sometimes very gooey pieces of beef. Staff was listening and helping us with everything all the way. I'd definitely come back again.
October 27 · Dmitry Loginov
Service was fine. Food was horrible. The queso is literally velveeta cheese with chilies in it. Atmosphere is cute but nothing special. There are too many amazing restaurants in NYC to waste your money here. Margarita was horrible.
April 08 · Giovanna H
Great spot for Mexican/Tex-Mex, quite reasonable prices, and really good with the expected margaritas and similar mixed drinks. In addition to all the standard fare - tacos, burritos, nachos - I especially like the esquites (street corn, off the cob) and the Brussels sprouts.The only knock I have is cleanliness. Our last trip we were seated at the window in a half full restaurant (the table was fully set), but the table was sticky, the chairs had crumbs, and old, crusty guacamole adorned the edge in one side.Aside from that though, the servers are awesome, the drinks strong, and the atmosphere convivial.
September 02 · David Witzel