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Calexico - Park Slope
Master Critic Review
Calexico - Park Slope
7.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Happy Hour Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Calexico Park Slope is a casual Cal-Mex spot where burritos, bowls, and tacos meet a straightforward weekday happy hour of discounted beers and cocktails. It leans more toward fast-casual than polished restaurant, but the bar, sidewalk seating, and drink specials make it a reliable low-key meet-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja fish taco, Baja fish burrito, Carne asada fries with crack sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 6.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A Cal-Mex mini-chain location where weekday happy hour brings $5 beers and discounted cocktails alongside hearty burritos and tacos.
Who should go: Casual groups wanting drinks with burritos and fries
When to visit: Monday–Friday 4–6pm for drink and snack deals
What to order: Baja fish taco, carne asada fries, house margarita
Insider tip: Sit at the bar during happy hour—service is faster and it’s easier to extend into dinner without moving tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable before 5pm but tight after 6pm along 5th Avenue and side streets.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are the norm given the fast-casual format.
Noise level: Moderate during peak happy hour; conversational but slightly louder near the bar.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes for indoor or sidewalk tables depending on weather; bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—veg burritos, bowls, and quesadillas are easily customized.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—bowls and tacos can be made vegan with modifications; sauces vary so confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several bowls and taco fillings work gluten-free, but tortillas and chips may share fryers; ask for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual, low-stakes meet-up, but the fast-casual setup and bar-forward happy hour make it better for relaxed hangs than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typically needed. Walk-ins almost always find space, especially at the bar or sidewalk seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple plates, fries, and bowls work well, but happy hour crowds and bar energy may feel busy for toddlers during peak times.
Best For
Better for: Quick, customizable Cal-Mex meals paired with inexpensive happy hour drinks; easier seating than trendier Mexican spots nearby.
Skip if: You want polished cocktails, elevated Mexican plates, or a quieter sit-down experience—Fonda or Chela offer more refined alternatives.