Calexico – Mexican
Calexico channels the sun-soaked energy of the borderlands, where the laid-back charm of California meets the vibrant, soulful heat of traditional Mexican street fare. In a space buzzing with urban energy, the kitchen turns out plates bursting with color and contrast, from the smoky depth of slow-cooked meats to the bright, zesty crunch of fresh radishes and house-made salsas. It is a lively destination where the clink of margarita glasses and the aroma of toasted tortillas create an atmosphere of effortless, everyday celebration.
278B, 5th Avenue, NY 11215 +1-347-254-7644 https://www.calexico.com/location/park-slope/Rating: 4.3/5 (1167 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, aip, alkaline, tlc, volumetrics, lectin-free, macrobiotic
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners consistently praise this spot as a "no-brainer" for casual eats, celebrating its vibrant atmosphere, great music, and beautiful decor that accommodates large groups. Guests rave about the fresh, non-oily Mexican fare, highlighting standout dishes like the "must-order" nachos, flavorful tacos, Union Street salad, and unique chicken and waffles. Reviewers also commend the warm, friendly service—specifically mentioning staff members like Ana—and note that the consistent quality makes even a 40-minute drive worthwhile.
Menu
Starters & Snacks
- Chips & Salsa - $6: House-made tortilla chips with roasted tomato salsa and salsa verde Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced
- Guacamole & Chips - $13: Fresh avocado, onion, cilantro, lime, serrano chiles, served with house-made chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Queso Dip - $11: Melted cheese blend with roasted peppers and spices, served with chips
- Street Corn (Esquites) - $7: Grilled corn off the cob, cotija cheese, chipotle mayo, lime, chili powder Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Nachos - $14: Chips, black beans, queso sauce, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole
Tacos
Served on corn tortillas unless otherwise noted
- Pollo Asado Taco - $5: Grilled marinated chicken, avocado salsa, onion, cilantro Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Carne Asada Taco - $6: Grilled steak, avocado salsa, onion, cilantro
- Baja Fish Taco - $6: Beer-battered fish, spicy slaw, mango salsa, crack sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian
- Black Bean Taco - $4.5: Seasoned black beans, cotija cheese, avocado salsa, pico de gallo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Chipotle Pork Taco - $5: Slow-roasted pork shoulder, pickled red onions, sour cream
Burritos & Bowls
Served as a burrito in a flour tortilla or as a bowl with no tortilla
- Classic Burrito - $13: Rice, beans, cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, choice of filling Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Volumetrics
- Cali Burrito - $14: Carne asada, french fries, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo
- Chipotle Pork Burrito - $13.5: Slow-roasted pork, rice, beans, cheese, pickled onions, sour cream, crack sauce Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Veggie Burrito - $12: Roasted seasonal vegetables, rice, beans, cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Quesadillas
- Cheese Quesadilla - $10: Flour tortilla, melted cheese blend, served with sour cream and pico de gallo Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Chicken Quesadilla - $13: Grilled chicken, melted cheese blend, served with sour cream and pico de gallo Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Steak Quesadilla - $14: Grilled steak, melted cheese blend, served with sour cream and pico de gallo
- Mushroom Quesadilla - $12: Sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese blend, served with sour cream and pico de gallo Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Sides
- Rice & Beans - $5: Mexican rice and choice of black or pinto beans Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, Low-Cholesterol
- Side Guacamole - $4
- Side Salsa - $2
Drinks
- Mexican Coke - $4
- Jarritos - $4: Assorted flavors
- Agua Fresca - $5: Daily selection Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Calexico
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Side salsa, side guacamole, dinner salad bar, chipotle pork taco, and Brazilian flan provide vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb options.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Calexico features a casual, vibrant atmosphere with beautiful decor, great music, and urban energy suitable for large groups.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Diners consider this moderate ($$) restaurant a "no-brainer" for casual eats, citing consistent quality and a 4.3/5 average rating.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Calexico has an overall average rating of 4.3/5, which is supported by consistent praise from diners for its food.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking casual eats, vibrant music, and a lively atmosphere for large groups would enjoy this 4.3/5 rated restaurant.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- Diners celebrate the vibrant atmosphere, great music, and beautiful decor, giving this lively casual spot a 4.3/5 rating.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu includes 15 highlighted Mexican staples and caters to 35 dietary categories, featuring tacos, burritos, salads, and unique chicken and waffles.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include the "must-order" nachos, flavorful tacos, Union Street salad, and unique chicken and waffles as praised in customer reviews.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Calexico is family-friendly, offering specific children's rodízio menu options and a vibrant atmosphere that reviewers say accommodates large groups.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Calexico is unique for its California-Mexican fusion, "must-order" nachos, unique chicken and waffles, and accommodating over 35 different dietary preferences.
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