Calexico Park Slope: Authentic Mexican & Bar and Grill in Brooklyn, NY

Calexico Introduce

Calexico in Park Slope, Brooklyn, stands out as a vibrant and highly-regarded destination for New Yorkers seeking high-quality Mexican cuisine combined with the engaging atmosphere of a full-service bar and grill. This local gem has built a reputation on serving up fresh, well-seasoned, and delicious food that avoids the overly-oily or heavy feel often associated with some Mexican spots. It’s a perfect spot for locals and visitors alike looking for a lively dining experience, whether you're grabbing a quick lunch, settling in for a satisfying dinner, or meeting friends for happy hour.

The restaurant's core identity is a successful blend of traditional Mexican flavors and a Californian-inspired approach, resulting in a menu that is both familiar and exciting. Customers consistently praise the fresh ingredients and the perfectly balanced seasoning of the dishes, making staples like the nachos and tacos must-try items. The atmosphere is generally described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with music at a comfortable level that encourages conversation. Calexico's friendly and professional staff contribute significantly to the overall welcoming and lively vibe, ensuring an enjoyable visit for college students, families, groups, and tourists.

The menu selection is comprehensive, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, including robust vegetarian options. From classic street food to larger platter meals, the variety ensures there is something for everyone. The commitment to a great dining experience extends to accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly access and amenities.

Location and Accessibility

Calexico is conveniently located in the heart of the desirable Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. The address is 278 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. This prime location places it within a bustling section of 5th Avenue, making it easily accessible for Brooklyn residents.

For those planning a visit, the restaurant is designed to be accommodating:

Accessibility: It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patrons.
Parking: While located in a busy urban area, the vicinity offers both free street parking and paid street parking options.
Dining Times: Calexico is a destination for many meal periods, popular for lunch and dinner, and often features a brunch service on weekends at some of its Brooklyn locations, with enticing specials such as 2-for-1 Mimosas available on Saturdays and Sundays. Please check the Park Slope specific branch for its current weekend brunch hours. Based on available information, one can expect general operating hours that accommodate lunch through late evening dining, with daily pickup hours around 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM (specific daily dine-in hours may vary).

Services Offered

Calexico provides a full range of services to suit various needs, from quick bites to full dining experiences:

Dining Options: Dine-in with full table service, accommodating breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Off-Premise Services: Takeout, delivery, and a no-contact delivery option are available.
Bar Service: A full bar onsite serving alcohol, beer, wine, hard liquor, and signature cocktails.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is helpful for planning group outings or securing a table during peak hours.
Payment: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
Family Accommodations: Known to be good for kids, with high chairs available and a dedicated kids' menu.

Features / Highlights

Calexico is highlighted by its exceptional offerings and inviting atmosphere:

Exceptional Beverage Program: Known for a Great Beer Selection and Great Cocktails, including popular house margaritas like the smoky passion fruit or unique guava variations. They also offer "To Go Booze" options, such as the 16oz Traditional Margarita and various beers and wines like Underwood Pinot Noir and Estrella Jalisco.
Happy Hour Specials: Patrons can often enjoy Happy Hour Drinks and Happy Hour Food, making it an excellent choice for a post-work gathering or early evening snack. Their general happy hour is noted to feature deals like 2-for-1 margaritas.
Fresh & Flavorful Cuisine: Emphasizes fresh, well-seasoned food that is "not over seasoned or too oily," as noted by customers, with popular items including the fresh Chips & Guacamole and highly-rated Nachos.
Diverse Menu Options: Offers a wide array of choices including Halal food options, comfort food, quick bites, small plates, and a robust selection of Vegetarian options such as the Ground Beet Taco and Black Bean Quesadilla.
Menu Depth: Features full menu sections of Tacos (like Baja Fish and Barbacoa), Burritos (including the specialty Cali-Style and Fajita-Style Burritos), Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Fajitas, Salads (Tostada Salad, Union Salad), and Bowls.
Vibrant Atmosphere: Described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy with a Lively vibe, yet the music is at a level where you can "actually carry on a conversation without shouting."
Fast Service: Customers frequently praise the speed and quality of the service.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order, please use the following contact details for Calexico at the Park Slope location:

Address: 278 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone: (347) 254-7644

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Calexico, there are a number of dishes and experiences that consistently receive high marks and are worth prioritizing for your meal. The restaurant has clearly mastered its core offerings, making it a great destination for Mexican food lovers in New York.

Signature Tastes: The Nachos are a customer favorite and described as a "must order" for their fresh preparation. For a satisfying, customizable meal, any of the Burritos—particularly the Barbacoa Burrito or the special Fajita-Style Burrito—are excellent choices. The wide variety of Tacos, from the popular Baja Fish Taco to the unique Ground Beet Taco, allows for easy sampling of different flavors. Be sure to explore the Starters menu, which features inventive options like the Crispy Rolled Tacos, Esquites (grilled corn), and Crispy Brussels Sprouts, all praised for their freshness and seasoning.

Drinks and Specials: Calexico’s Margaritas are a highlight. Customers commend the strength and authentic fruit flavor of their specialty drinks, such as the passion fruit margarita. Taking advantage of the Happy Hour is a smart choice to sample their excellent cocktails and discounted appetizers. For a non-alcoholic treat, their in-house drinks like the Mint Lemonade or an authentic Mexican Coke are refreshing accompaniments to the meal.

Atmosphere and Convenience: Beyond the food, choosing Calexico means opting for a guaranteed lively and friendly environment. The combination of a comfortable, trendy setting, Fast Service, and the ability to Accept Reservations makes it a hassle-free and appealing choice for any meal occasion, from a solo lunch to a large group dinner in Park Slope. The availability of diverse dietary options and a dedicated Kids’ Menu also makes it a valuable spot for family dining.

Calexico in Park Slope offers New Yorkers a reliable and exciting option for Mexican cuisine, elevating the experience through fresh preparation, fantastic cocktails, and a welcoming bar & grill atmosphere.

Calexico Menu

Tacos
Gringo Taco $6.00
Ancho-cumin ground beef, cheddar and Jack cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and crema. Served in a crispy corn tortilla.
Nacho Taco $8.00
Ancho-cumin ground beef, pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos, cheese sauce, and sour cream. Served in a crispy corn tortilla, which is then wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
Chipotle Pork Taco $6.50
Slow-cooked pork in chipotle sauce with pickled red onions, pico de gallo and crema. Served on soft corn tortillas.
Barbacoa Taco $7.00
Slow cooked beef with chilies, citrus and spices. Served with jalapeno and tomatillo salsa, radish coins & cotija cheese on warm corn tortillas.
Ground Beet Taco $6.75
Tempeh, roasted beets, pico de gallo, lettuce, and cashew crema. Served in a crispy corn tortilla. (Vegan)
Fried Chicken Taco $7.00
Fried chicken, bacon, avocado, spicy pico de gallo, and chipotle buttermilk sauce. Served on a toasted flour tortilla. (Sauce contains honey)
Shrimp Taco $7.50
Grilled marinated shrimp, black bean and corn salsa, creamy slaw, and chipotle vinaigrette. Served on a toasted flour tortilla.
Pollo Asada Taco $6.75
Grilled marinated chicken, pico de gallo, and sour cream. 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)
Baja Fish Taco $7.50
Beer-battered fish with spicy slaw, mango salsa, and special sauce. Served on soft corn tortillas.

To Go Booze
Underwood Pinot Noir $11.00
250ml 13% abv Cherries, raspberries, and chocolate.
Underwood Rose $11.00
250ml 13% abv Golden raspberry, kiwi, rose blossom
Taco Tuesday Hard Kombucha $7.00
Jiant's Pineapple & Jalapeno Hard Kombucha! 12 Fl oz, 5% ABV. Delicious and gluten free!
Traditional Margarita 16oz $20.00
Makes 3 cocktails. 100% agave tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Estrella Jalisco $6.00
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
12oz can 4.4%ABV
Corona LIGHT $7.00
12oz bottle 4.0% 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
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 The Bubbles $11.00
250ml 11% abv aromas of lemon, pear, honeysuckle and a little tropical fruit
Negra Modelo $8.00
12oz bottle 5.4% ABV
Corona $7.00
12oz bottle 4.6% ABV
Underwood Pinot Gris $11.00
250ml 13% abv aromas and flavors of peach, grapefruit and pear.

To Go Drinks
Jarritos - Tamarindo $5.00
Jarritos - Pineapple $5.00
Jarritos - Grapefruit $5.00
Ginger Beer $4.00
Apple Juice $3.00
Jarritos - Fruit Punch $5.00
Sprite - Can $4.00
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Arnold Palmer $5.00
Lemonade $4.00
Mexican Coke $5.00
Jarritos - Limon $5.00
Mint Lemonade $5.00
Iced Tea $5.00
Coke - Can $4.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that america loves.
Strawberry Cucumber Lemonade $6.00
Water - Bottle $2.50
Ginger Ale - Can $2.00
Jarritos - Mango $5.00
Diet Coke - Can $4.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Jarritos - Mandarin $5.00
Club Soda - Can $4.00

Kids Menu
Kids Black Beans $6.00
Kids Rice & Beans $7.00
Black beans and Mexican Rice
Kids Refried Beans $6.00
Kids Mexican Rice $6.00
Kids Quesadilla $11.00
A mini jack cheese quesadilla served with french fries or rice and beans
Kids Chicken Fingers $11.00
Breaded and fried chicken fingers served with french fries or rice and beans
Kids Brown Rice $6.00

Burritos
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.
Gringo Ground Beef Burrito $16.00
Ancho-Cumin ground beef, black beans, Mexican rice, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
Pollo Asado Burrito $16.00
Grilled marinated chicken, black beans and Mexican rice, pico de gallo, Jack and cheddar cheese, and crema.
Bean Burrito $15.00
Black beans, Mexcian rice, guacamole, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and special sauce. (Vegetarian)
Fajita-Style Burrito $19.00
A sizzling fajita platter wrapped in a toasted tortilla. Citrus-glazed grilled chicken, blistered peppers and onions, guacamole, jalapeno jam, spicy pico de gallo, jack cheese, crema. (no rice or beans)
Ground Beet Burrito $16.00
Tempeh, roasted beets, black beans and Mexican rice, pico de gallo, and cashew crema and tortilla matchsticks (Vegan)
Cali-Style Burrito $17.00
Black beans, barbacoa, guacamole, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema, and chili-cilantro fries (no rice).
Fried Chicken Burrito $16.00
Fried chicken, bacon, avocado, Jack and cheddar cheese, spicy pico de gallo, chipotle-buttermilk sauce and refried beans and Mexican rice. (Cannot be Dairy Free, sauce contains honey).
Shrimp Burrito $17.00
Grilled marinated shrimp, black beans and brown rice, black bean & corn salsa, Jack and cheddar cheese, creamy slaw, and chipotle vinaigrette.
Chipotle Pork Burrito $16.00
Slow-cooked chipotle pork, black beans, Mexcian rice, pickled red onions, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, 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).
Baja Fish Burrito $17.00
Beer-battered fried fish, spicy slaw, mango salsa, our special sauce with Mexican rice and black beans.

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. **Dressing contains Avocado and Honey**
Union Salad $16.00
Romaine, roasted corn, goat cheese, avocado, tomato, cucumber, radish, sesame seeds, sherry vinaigrette. (dressing contains honey)

Quesadilla
Barbacoa Quesadilla $16.00
Slow cooked beef with chilies, citrus, and spices and caramelized onions
Mushroom Quesadilla $14.00
Mushrooms, huitlacoche, and caramelized onions. (Vegetarian)
Beet Quesadilla $14.00
Tempeh with roasted beets. (Vegetarian)
Black Bean Quesadilla $14.00
Seasoned black beans (Vegetarian)
Cheese Quesadilla $13.00
A mix of Oaxacan, cheddar, and Monterey jack cheeses. (Vegetarian)
Chipotle Pork Quesadilla $15.00
Slow-cooked chipotle pork and pickled red onions.
Veggie Quesadilla $14.00
Peppers, onions, and grilled corn. (Vegetarian)
Pollo Asado Quesadilla $15.00
Grilled marinated chicken.
Gringo Ground Beef Quesadilla $15.00
Ancho-cumin ground beef.

Protein Sides
Barbacoa $6.00
Slow cooked beef with chilies, citrus and spices
Fish - Grilled $6.00
Bacon $2.00
Chipotle Pork $6.00
Chipotle Shrimp $7.00
Beet/Tempeh $6.00
Fish - Fried $6.00
Gringo $6.00
Chicken $6.00
Fried Chicken $6.00

Enchiladas
Chicken Enchiladas $17.00
Slow-cooked chicken with bacon, jalapeños, cheese, and crema in a red chili sauce served in corn tortillas.
Vegetable Enchiladas $17.00
Grilled corn, squash, onions, leeks, cheese, and sour cream in a green tomatillo sauce served in corn tortillas.

Starters
Crispy Rolled Tacos $15.00
Spicy pulled chicken with bacon and cheese. Served with chipotle buttermilk ranch dipping sauce. (sauce contains honey)
Tortilla Chips $4.00
Chile Cilantro Fries $7.00
Esquites $13.50
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.
Calexico Wings $16.00
8 wings tossed in our house-made chipotle buffalo sauce served with buttermilk ranch
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.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts $14.00
Brussels sprouts in a peanut-chili salsa with cotija cheese and radish.
Jalapeno Poppers $14.00
Spicy, cheesy croquettes served with buttermilk ranch sauce. (sauce contains honey)
Churros $12.00
6 piecies of cinnamon sugar churros filled with caramel. served with nutella
Chips & Salsa $9.00
House-made tortilla chips with red and green salsas.
Chips & Guacamole $14.50
House-made tortilla chips with fresh daily made guacamole
Nachos $16.00
Tortilla chips with guacamole, roasted corn, black beans, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and crema

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 $20.00
Citrus-glazed 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
Shrimp Fajitas $22.00
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 $22.00
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

Sides
Tortilla - Flour (Large) $1.00
Cheese Sauce 8 Oz $8.00
8oz of our Nacho Cheese Sauce (contains Gluten)
Tortilla Chips $4.00
Fajita Veg $3.00
Onions and bell peppers
Pico De Gallo $3.00
4 oz side.
Union Vinaigrette $1.00
Tortilla - Flour (Small) $1.00
Tortilla - Corn (Small) $1.00
Hot Sauce Bottle $4.00
Tostada Vinaigrette $1.00
Creamy Slaw $3.00
4 oz side.
Special Sauce 4oz $4.00
Ketchup $1.00
Red Enchilada Sauce $5.00
4 oz side.
Brown Rice $6.00
With pico de gallo
Avocado $3.00
Side Of Tortillas $3.00
3 tortillas, corn or flour.
Refried Beans $6.00
With cotija cheese and pico de gallo
Green House Salsa $3.00
Crema $2.00
Guacamole $4.00
4 oz side.
Green Tomatillo Sauce $5.00
Special Sauce $2.00
Pickled Red Onions $3.00
4 oz side.
Pickled Jalapenos $3.00
Spicy Slaw $3.00
With serrano peppers, 4 oz side.
Spicy Pico $3.00
With serrano peppers. 4 oz side.
Cheese - Shredded $1.00
Mexican Rice $6.00
With pico de gallo
Black Bean & Corn Salsa $4.00
4 oz side.
Buttermilk Ranch $1.00
Contains honey
Cheese Sauce $4.00
4oz of our Nacho Cheese Sauce (Contains gluten)
Special Sauce 8 Oz $8.00
Red House Salsa $3.00
Mango Salsa $3.00
4 oz side.
Chipotle Buttermilk Ranch $1.00
Contains honey
Cashew Crema $2.00
Caramelized Onions $3.00
Guacamole 8 Oz $12.00
Black Beans $6.00
with cotija cheese and pico de gallo
Rice & Beans $7.00
With pico de gallo

Bowls
Gringo Ground Beef Bowl $16.00
Ancho-Cumin ground beef, black beans and Mexican rice, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema
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.
Pollo Asado Bowl $16.00
Grilled marinated chicken, black beans and Mexican rice, pico de gallo, Jack and cheddar cheese, and crema.
Baja Fish Bowl $17.00
Beer-battered fried fish, black beans and Mexican rice, spicy slaw, mango salsa, special sauce, and cojita cheese.
Cali-Style Veg Bowl $15.50
Black beans, guacamole, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, special sauce, and chili-cilantro fries (no rice).
Chipotle Pork Bowl $16.00
Slow-cooked chipotle pork, black beans and Mexican rice, pickled red onions, Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and crema.
Ground Beet Bowl $16.00
Tempeh, roasted beets, black beans and Mexican rice, romaine and cabbage blend, pico de gallo, and cashew cream, tortilla matchsticks. (VEGAN)
Bean Bowl $15.00
Black beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and special sauce. (Vegetarian)
Shrimp Bowl $17.00
Grilled marinated shrimp, black beans and brown rice, black bean & corn salsa, Jack and cheddar cheese, creamy slaw, and chipotle vinaigrette.
Fried Chicken Bowl $16.00
Fried chicken, bacon, avocado, Jack and cheddar cheese, spicy pico de gallo, chipotle-buttermilk sauce and refried beans and Mexican rice. (Cannot be Dairy Free).
Cali-Style Bowl $17.00
Barbacoa, black beans, guacamole, crema, served in a bowl with Chile-cilantro fries, black beans, jack & cheddar cheese and pico de gallo (no rice).

Calexico Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
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
Comfort food
Halal food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Calexico Photos

Calexico Location

Calexico

New York Kings County Park Slope 5th Avenue

278 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Calexico Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1155 user reviews.

margaritasdrinksbrunchhappy hourfish tacosburrito bowlbrussel sproutsmushroom quesadillafried chickencarne asada fries

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I can't say how many times I have passed this restaurant on 5th and never tried it until now. The atmosphere of the restaurant is lively, the music is not to loud and you can actually carry on a conversation without shouting. The staff is very friendly and professional . Now to the food everything tasted divine, it was well seasoned and fresh, the only complaint the esquite lacked a little salt but it still was delicious. I had the smoky passion fruit margarita it was strong and you can actually taste the passion fruit. My friend had the guava margarita and it tasted more like a really tart grapefruit drink. But overall this is a great Mexican place to dine in or take out
September 22 · Lili Cluster
One of the best mexican dining experiences I’ve had in the city. Everything was super fresh and not over seasoned or too oily like most places around. Loved the nachos, they’re a must order. The union street salad was great too. Will come back to try more tacos and burritos for sure. Great vibe and service, and excellent prices!
April 29 · Bianca Ritorto
The veggie enchiladas are so worth a try! I was a little scared about the corn in the enchiladas because I hate corn but man did I barely taste them!
August 15 · Karina K
I had an incredible dining experience at Calexico restaurant!The tacos were absolutely delicious, bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. The chicken and waffles were a delightful surprise, combining savory and sweet in a mouthwatering way.The restaurant's beautiful decor added to the overall ambiance, making it a fantastic place to enjoy a meal.I can't wait to go back and try more dishes!
September 21 · Wil Perez
I wish I could live in a vat of their cheese sauce. I always order a Union Salad although I wish they’d allow steak as a protein add on. Food was finger licking good!
September 14 · Liz Cadeaux