Calexico: A Vibrant Mexican Restaurant and Bar on the Upper East Side

Calexico Introduce

Calexico: A Culinary Destination for Authentic Mexican Flavors and Fun

In the heart of the Upper East Side, Calexico stands out as a vibrant and essential destination for anyone with a craving for exceptional Mexican food and a lively atmosphere. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a bar and a social hub, perfectly blending a casual, cozy vibe with a trendy energy. The reputation of Calexico is built on its rave reviews, with customers consistently praising the quality of the food and the friendliness of the staff. One recent visitor called their meal "some of the nicest food I’ve had in a while," singling out the `esquites starter` as "unbelievable" and the `surf and turf fajitas` as "out of this world." These personal anecdotes speak volumes about the quality and care that goes into every dish. The bar side of the operation is equally praised for its "great cocktails," including an "amazing" special hibiscus strawberry frozen margarita that one reviewer couldn't get enough of. With its combination of fresh, flavorful food, a wide selection of drinks, and "exemplary service," Calexico has become a beloved spot for both residents and visitors alike. Its popularity is evident, as it's known to have a wait, but as many will tell you, the experience is more than worth it. It’s a place that fosters a sense of community and provides a fun, welcoming environment for a wide variety of crowds, from groups of friends to college students and the LGBTQ+ community, making it a true Upper East Side gem.

Convenient Location and Welcoming Accessibility

Calexico's location at 1491 2nd Avenue places it squarely in a prime Upper East Side location, making it a convenient choice for a wide range of customers. Situated on a bustling thoroughfare, the restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with numerous bus routes running along Second Avenue. While street parking can be a challenge in New York City, there are options for both paid street parking and paid parking garages nearby, offering a solution for those who choose to drive. One of the most significant and appealing features of Calexico is its outdoor seating. This is a coveted amenity in the city, providing a delightful option for diners who want to enjoy their meal and drinks al fresco during the warmer months. Beyond its prime location, Calexico is committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all its guests. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating. This comprehensive approach to accessibility is a thoughtful detail that ensures that everyone can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food with ease. This combination of a convenient location, coveted outdoor seating, and a commitment to accessibility makes Calexico a top-tier destination for anyone looking to enjoy great Mexican food on the Upper East Side.

Services Tailored to the New York Lifestyle

Understanding the needs of its diverse clientele, Calexico offers a variety of service options that provide flexibility and convenience for any occasion.

Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers a casual and cozy setting for a sit-down meal, perfect for everything from a quick lunch to a leisurely dinner. The addition of outdoor seating is a significant highlight, allowing guests to soak in the neighborhood's energy while enjoying their food and drinks.
Delivery and Takeout: For those who prefer to dine at home or are on the go, Calexico provides reliable takeout and delivery services, including a no-contact delivery option for added safety. This ensures that the restaurant’s fresh and delicious food is always just a phone call or a few clicks away, no matter where you are.
Reservations and Walk-ins: Calexico accepts reservations, which is a great option for planning ahead, especially for groups. However, the restaurant is also well-known for its lively atmosphere and is popular as a walk-in spot, though it is good to note that there is "usually a wait," a testament to its popularity. This is a great feature for both spontaneous outings and planned gatherings.
Late-Night Food and Happy Hour: Catering to the city’s round-the-clock schedule, Calexico offers both happy hour food and drinks, as well as late-night food. This makes it an ideal destination for an after-work get-together, a post-show snack, or a late-night craving, cementing its status as a versatile and go-to spot for any time of day or night.

Signature Features and Culinary Highlights

The menu at Calexico is designed to be both comprehensive and exciting, with a few key features that truly make it shine.

A Menu Filled with Fresh and Flavorful Dishes: The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of classic Mexican flavors with a creative twist. The `Surf & Turf Fajitas` were described as "out of this world," while the `esquites` starter was noted as "unbelievable." The "so fresh" guacamole is a must-try. The menu also includes a wide variety of tacos, burritos, and bowls, including popular options like the `Baja Fish Taco` and the `Cali-Style Burrito`. The dedicated `Ground Beet Taco` is a great vegan option that demonstrates the menu's modern and inclusive approach.
A Vibrant Bar Scene: Calexico is not just a restaurant; it’s a full-service bar. The highlight is the "great cocktails," which are highly praised by customers. A variety of beers are also offered, with a "great beer selection" that includes local and imported options. The availability of `Hard liquor` and `Wine` ensures that every type of drinker can find something they love. The special `Happy hour drinks` and `Happy hour food` also make it an attractive spot for a casual after-work get-together.
Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Calexico is described as `Casual`, `Cozy`, and `Trendy`. The restaurant is noted as being `LGBTQ+ friendly` and a great spot for `Groups` and `College students`, which points to a lively and welcoming environment for everyone. Additionally, the availability of a `Kids' menu` and `High chairs` makes it a fantastic destination for families.
Commitment to Customization and Authentic Flavors: One of the reviews highlighted the appreciation for "all the available hot sauces" and the "heat within the dish itself." This speaks to Calexico’s dedication to providing an authentic experience and allowing customers to customize their level of spice and flavor. The menu also offers a wide range of side sauces and additions, from `Guacamole` to `Special Sauce`, giving diners full control over their meal.

Contact Information

For more information, to make a reservation, or to place an order for delivery or takeout, you can contact Calexico directly.

Address: 1491 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075
Phone: (347) 967-5955

What is Worth Choosing

For a New Yorker looking for an exceptional Mexican food experience, Calexico is a premier choice that ticks all the boxes. It’s a place that effortlessly combines a fun, lively bar scene with a serious commitment to high-quality food. The menu is not only broad, with a variety of tacos, burritos, and specialty dishes, but it also caters to modern dietary needs with dedicated vegetarian and healthy options. The rave reviews from customers speak for themselves, highlighting the "unbelievable" quality of the dishes, the freshness of the ingredients, and the "exemplary" service. The restaurant's appeal is also in its accessibility, offering a rare combination of wheelchair access, outdoor seating, and a wide range of service options from delivery to dining in. Whether you are looking for a casual lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a late-night bite, Calexico provides a consistently fantastic experience. The fact that there is often a wait is a clear sign of its popularity, and as many satisfied customers will attest, the delicious food, great drinks, and friendly atmosphere make it a wait well worth it.

Calexico Food & drink

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Fajitas'
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
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
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
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
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

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Drinks (Alcoholic)
Tecate $6.00
12oz can 4.5% ABV
Corona Light $7.00
Mexican Lager Light / 12 oz - 4.1% 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
Underwood Rose $12.00
250ml 13% abv Golden raspberry, kiwi, rose blossom
Traditional Margarita 16 Oz $20.00
100% Agave Tequila, Triple sec, Fresh lime juice. Pour over ice at home 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.
Corona $7.00
Mexican American Lager / 12oz - 4.6% ABV
Underwood Pinot Gris $12.00
250ml 13% abv aromas and flavors of peach, grapefruit and pear.
Traditional Margarita 16oz $20.00
Makes 3 cocktails. 100% agave tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Modelo Especial $7.00
Mexican Lager / 12 oz - 4.4% ABV
Pacifico Bottle $7.00
Mexican Lager. 12oz, 4.4% ABV
Negra Modelo $8.00
12oz bottle 5.4% ABV
Underwood Pinot Noir $12.00
250ml 13% abv Cherries, raspberries, and chocolate.
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

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Rolled Quesadillas
Cheese Quesadilla $13.00
A mix of Oaxacan, cheddar, and Monterey jack cheeses. (Vegetarian)
Black Bean Quesadilla $14.00
Seasoned black beans (Vegetarian)
Vegetable Quesadilla $14.00
Peppers, onions, and grilled corn. (Vegetarian)
Pollo Asado Quesadilla $15.00
Grilled marinated chicken.
Gringo Quesadilla $15.00
Ancho-cumin ground beef.
Chipotle Pork Quesadilla $15.00
Slow-cooked chipotle pork and pickled red onions.
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.
Mushroom Quesadilla $14.00
Mushrooms, huitlacoche, and caramelized onions. (Vegetarian)

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

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Burritos'
Shrimp Burrito $17.00
Grilled marinated shrimp, black bean & corn salsa, Jack and cheddar cheese, creamy slaw, and chipotle vinaigrette.
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.
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).
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)
Cali-Style Burrito $18.00
Barbacoa, guacamole, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream, and chili-cilantro fries (no rice).
Gringo Burrito $16.50
Ancho-Cumin ground beef, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema.
Baja Fish Burrito $17.00
Beer-battered fried fish, spicy slaw, mango salsa, our special sauce.
Bean Burrito $15.00
Black or refried beans, guacamole, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and special sauce. (Vegetarian)
Chipotle Pork Burrito $16.50
Slow-cooked chipotle pork, pickled red onions, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema.
Pollo Asado Burrito $16.50
Grilled marinated chicken, pico de gallo, Jack and cheddar cheese, and crema.
Cali-Style Bean Burrito $15.50
Black beans, guacamole, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, special sauce, and chili-cilantro fries (no rice).

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

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.

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Salads'
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.
Union Street $16.00
Romaine, roasted corn, goat cheese, avocado, tomato, cucumber, radish, sesame seeds, sherry vinaigrette.

All Day Menu - Upper East Side - Tacos'
Shrimp Taco $7.25
Grilled marinated shrimp, black bean and corn salsa, creamy slaw, and chipotle vinaigrette. Served on a toasted flour tortilla.
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.
Ground Beet Taco (Vegan) $7.00
Tempeh, roasted beets, pico de gallo, lettuce, and cashew crema. Served in a crispy corn tortilla. (Vegan)
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.
Baja Fish Taco $7.50
Beer-battered fish with spicy slaw, mango salsa, and special sauce. Served on soft corn tortillas.
Black Bean Taco $6.00
Seasoned black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, special sauce. Served on soft corn tortillas. (Vegetarian)
Pollo Asado Taco $7.00
Grilled marinated chicken, pico de gallo, and crema. Served on soft corn tortillas.
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.

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

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.
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.
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).
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).
Gringo Bowl $16.50
Ancho-Cumin ground beef, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema.
Chipotle Pork Bowl $16.50
Slow-cooked chipotle pork, pickled red onions, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
Baja Fish Bowl $17.00
Beer-battered fried fish, spicy slaw, mango salsa, special sauce, and cojita cheese.
Pollo Asado Bowl $16.50
Grilled marinated chicken, pico de gallo, Jack and cheddar cheese, and crema.
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).
Bean Bowl $15.00
Black or refried beans, guacamole, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and special sauce. (Vegetarian)

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

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
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
I got the barbacoa quesadilla which was really delicious, the dipping sauce was nice. The pollo asada was nice too.It’s very loud inside the restaurant so I’d suggest their very nice outdoors seating.Neither of us like the mango and passion fruit margs but it’s cool
July 17 · Thy Pham