First things first, I would like to congratulate Mexicali. They started me on my Mexican escapade and god dang, they have done some good things for Mexican food in this godforsaken city. They have probably helped thousands of us take Mexican food seriously, and given us all another good option when it comes to eats.
They offer a range of different Mexican foods (burritos, quesadillas, tacos, taco salad and nachos) and several versions of our friend the burrito. I went for 'Macho' – the big one. I asked for a spicy one and the burrito attendant enthusiastically nodded and asked me if I wanted extra spicy with a great big grin. He twisted my arm and I agreed. Thus I was disappointed to find it wasn't. Burrito retailers take note: this is something you should get right.
The burrito itself was good. Put it this way, if I had a friend who had never tried a burrito (technically then he wouldn't be a friend) I would suggest Mexicali as a place to start, but I would warn him that it was a little pricey.
If I had one word it would be, 'efficient'. It is set up similar to a Subway, but as the place gets really busy this is a good thing.
The Viaduct store is an amazing location. There is a great area for sitting outside with a direct view of the party central/cloud thing. The place was busy at lunch without being packed and hummed nicely. It's an eat and run sort of place but only if you want it to be – they sell buckets of Corona and you don't feel like you have to leave straight away, but I always do. It is a welcoming environment and the place is fitted out nicely.
Please note, review was conducted by ABR in August 2011. Image from foodandbeveragetoday.co.nz