Mexicali Rosa's

Dropped by on Friday @9:30 and it was definitely NOT open

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I brought my mom here for a paint night and dinner. Unfortunately we had to leave without finishing our food and without attending the paint night because our server ruined our night.
We recived our food, and we needed salt hot sauce water and extra jalapenos cause there wasn’t much flavor in food . We were the only people eating in the restaurant!
I made multiple eye contacts with our server but she ignored us. Our food was cold so we had to eat as much as we could. When we brought that up to her when we were done and wanted to pay, instead of apologizing she made an « I don’t care » face and said « this is paint night » Well then have only paint night and don’t serve food ..
I think I prefer to be served by older people who are more experienced and nicer to their customers. Shame that I brought my guest to here . We will never be back to that rudeness again attitude.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

2 stars instead of 1 because we had an incredible server, she was so kind and patient but unfortunately the food was really bad and not worth the money. I couldn’t even finish my meal, it was really not good. The inside of my quesadilla didn’t even look edible. The chicken didn’t even look or taste like chicken, same with the bacon. The fries had 0 salt or flavour. I’m disappointed because it wasn’t cheap! :(

This has been my favorite restaurant for 30 years. Always will be.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

No parking, terrible atmosphere, crappy food (fajitas are supposed to be served with peppers and onions, not just a giant pile of fried onions, beef was overcooked and bland, rice was cold…), beverages served in plastic cups for some reason..: no wonder the place is empty. Also, the view is NOT what you think it would be given the location.

There are much better Mexican restaurants in Ottawa, and for similar prices. Skip this one.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

The service was great and the food was amazing, no complaints there! The staff was friendly and attentive, and our meals were delicious.

However, there were a few things that really took away from the experience:

1. The light fixture above our table was filled with cobwebs and spiders, and it was very close to our food. This is something that could easily be cleaned.

2. The washroom wasn’t well maintained, with a few flies and unclean stalls.

3. We also noticed two mice, one near the main entrance and another that seemed to be coming and going from the kitchen area. I understand that it can be difficult to fully prevent mice, but setting up traps would help since it seemed like that mouse knew its usual route.

Overall, great food and service, but the cleanliness issues definitely need attention to make the experience more comfortable.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a large group eating due to a work function, but the service was still good, food warm, and all came out relatively close to the same time. They are not stingy with serving size or toppings.

My only argument was how cold it was inside. Like, absolutely FREEZING. Everyone was cold, so I know it wasn't just me.

I'd go back here - summertime and on the patio!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Horrible Service, Fake Management, and Scam Charges!

Our experience here was deeply disappointing. We ordered the vegetarian chili, which arrived without beans. When we raised this with our server, Jess, she insisted their chili does not come with beans. We asked for a menu to confirm, but she never provided one. My son eventually had to get the menu himself, and it clearly stated that the chili includes beans. When we showed this to Jess, she said she would call the manager — but no one came for over 30 minutes.

When someone finally did arrive, the situation became even more confusing. Jess had previously told us the manager was female, but instead a man appeared, claiming to be a co-manager. Eventually it became clear that Jess herself was also a “manager,” which only added to the inconsistency and frustration. Rather than resolving the issue, both were dismissive, and we were even told that we were being rude.

To make matters worse, Jess added a 20% tip to our bill without our consent. This is unacceptable and feels dishonest.

Overall, the service was unprofessional, the management was evasive, and the handling of a simple customer concern turned into an unpleasant and misleading experience. We would strongly recommend avoiding this establishment.

This place is run by people who don’t care about customers, have zero professionalism, and try to cover their mistakes with lies. Avoid this restaurant at all costs unless you want to be disrespected, ignored, and ripped off.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

service is always amazing! everyone is super friendly :) my boyfriend and i came and were the first customers of the day and everyone was so kind didn’t mind us being there at opening and still had great service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I wouldn’t even classify this as food.

Food: 1

I had to give the food to my dogs. Undercooked and not fresh. Chicken Caesar salad, beef beans chips and dip, chicken fajita and wings were ordered. Waitress disappeared for half an hour and we had no fork

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Karina was a fantastic server! The food and drinks made our day go from okay to olé! The patio is amazing on a nice sunny day - highly recommend stopping by :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Karina was a great server! Drinks were amazing and food was 🧑‍🍳💋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recently revisited for some drinks and nachos. It's been like 15 years but the Carne nachos still hit the bullseye for me. Dow's lake is currently next to some construction (Sept 2025) so be prepared to park over near Carling Ave for a quick stroll

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I ordered a double chicken fajita meal from a delivery service and was very disappointed with my meal. The main problem was that they did not send any tortillas, which is what the meal is centred around. Additionally, when I look up the menu and compare what I received, they missed additional standard items. All I received was a small plastic container with the chicken & onion / peppers, with a small side of sour cream & salsa. To give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt, I want to assume they accidentally sent a single portion instead of a double? (& forgot the tortillas). But this doesn’t explain why there was no cheese, guacamole, or the other standard sides pictured in their menu. For reference, a photo of their online menu & what I received. This was an extremely disappointing $50 (before taxes & delivery).

Food: 3

Service: 3