The Mexico Cafe Temecula — Restaurant in Temecula

3.5 out of 5 stars (My Personal Opinion)

This was my first time eating here. I was super excited to try this place even tho I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews. I wanted to form my own opinion and not just go by what other peoples taste buds say.

This place is really cute inside. I love the decor, it reminds me of a beautiful hacienda. The service is not bad (very friendly upbeat girl) but we had to keep asking and asking for side dishes that should have been served with our meals. So we had half of our food and kept having to remind her numerous times for the rest of our food. In addition to that we had to keep asking for a knife to cut our food because they only forgive you forks (the lady behind us got so frustrated with waiting for her silverware that she ended up getting up to get her own silverware because she didn’t wanna wait anymore, since she had asked numerous times too). I completely understand forgetting something and just a friendly reminder, but when you have to remind them every time they walk by about bringing stuff that should have had come with your meal, it gets a little old. I could see if they had been slammed and super buys, with just one or two people waiting on tables. But there really wasn’t a lot of people eating at the time we went and it was kind of dead inside because it was way after the lunch rush.

As for the food…. well, growing up with authentic home made Mexican made from scratch by my mom and grandmother spoiled me to where I now try to find that authentic taste that feels home made (I’ve ever only been to two places that made me feel that way here in So.Cal). So I decided to go with the Enmolada plate (because if those are made right, then you know the rest of the food will be amazing). So, I’m going to be super fair with my review and MY personal opinion.

The rice was made right, nice, fluffy and light with good flavor. The beans were nothing special, just your regular refried beans, a little too greasy for me, so next time I will try the frijoles de olla.

I was on the fence with the Enmoladas because they were sooooo, soooo, super greasy. Both the tortilla and the mole were super greasy. To the point where there was a little grease puddle that formed and I had to absorb it with my napkins. I kept burping up the grease from the mole and it was not a good taste. Also, it has way too much cinnamon and it overpowered the rest of the beautiful, spices and chiles that make this dish amazing. The sweetness was a good balance and the spice level was good too. But if they could scale back on the grease and cinnamon…. honestly, they could potentially have the best Enmoladas in town.

Over all the experience was pleasant. I’d go back to try the other dishes and I’d even try the Enmoladas again to see if maybe it was just a one time thing (different cooks different styles, IF made from scratch) or if it’s a consistent repeat.

Again, this is my opinion and others could see it in a...

This was not my first visit to this restaurant. My husband , family and I have been here several times . I just never left a review since I don’t tend to do that. Today, I felt it was necessary. My husband and I decided to have dinner and take advantage of the fabulous happy hour. We really like the decor and feel of this restaurant. Right when you get seated you’re served with chips and salsa from the busser. It took a long while before the waitress arrived. She was not very friendly and quite nonchalant to start off. We ordered 2 margaritas. My husband preferred to order a beer. And since the waitress was not around he ordered it with the busser. My husband ordered the shrimp enchilada plate and I as always ordered the two item combination plate of a beef taco and cheese enchilada. Both plates were yummy. We’ve had the menudo , albóndigas , shrimp fajitas, chile relleno on different occasions here and all pretty good. Grant it this place does not serve authentic Mexican food which we’re used to. It’s more like Tex Mex , Old Town San Diego kind of food. All in all , we come back because of the atmosphere, great service. Not today, not sure if the waitress does not care for Chicanos like us. I noticed she was quite friendly with other patrons. She brought us the check without asking if we wanted to order something else. My husband still wanted another beer. Which he had to ask the busser again. Both bussers working today Wednesday 8/21/24 gave excellent service. They were very attentive and kind. Thank you to them. Lastly, I had asked the waitress for a to go cup since my husband did not finish his margarita. And wanted to finish it at home. She refused and said she couldn’t since there were 2 margaritas still on the table. I didn’t finish mine since they were very large glasses. Both were very good by the way, great bartender. But she was quite rude about it. As we were exiting she never said anything, no goodbye, no thank you. Nothing . Very...

I've been to this location only five or six times but this is because I live 100 miles away from here, otherwise I'd just about live here! I make a point to eat here each time I'm down this way because THAT is how good their food is!

The moment you walk in this grande building, you are welcomed with a smile and a warm hello. The service is perfectly timed and the accuracy is impressive. Each server who I have interacted with has been very pleasant and professional. Their uniforms are clean and appropriate for the atmosphere.

I've had their perfectly delicious tacos, taquitos, enchiladas, and my all-time favorite, the fajitas! I special order half chicken and half steak. They are the best! The fajitas come to the table on a sizzling iron skillet and are piping hot - SUPER FRESH! Just absolutely delicious! The rice and beans are cooked to perfection, I'm NOT exaggerating! I only wish I had room left in my tummy afterwards for some deep fried ice cream - love it!

The prices are reasonable for the quality and the ample portion sizes; they serve enough for two to three ppl on one entree, I always take home leftovers for the next day, just as delicious too.

Their salsa is great, at a medium spice level, the chips are the perfect thickness and dropped warm at the table; might need a touch of salt.

They serve soft drinks and iced tea as well as alcohol; beer and cocktails from the bar. The atmosphere is casual and accommodates small to very large group seating, and provides a high chair, if necessary.

This place is conveniently located with ample parking.

I HIGHLY recommend The...