Mexicali Cocina & Cantina in Studio City (Score: 6)

I had walked by Mexicali Cocina & Cantina a lot when I used to live in Studio City a few years back, but for some reason I had never eaten there. So when we moved back to Studio City, and I had TWO separate people in one week tell me how good it was, I knew we had to check it out.

We sat inside and it felt like a totally different world from what I would've expected - despite not being able to see into the restaurant from the street, the inside felt super bright. There was a huge space, in fact, I didn't even see all of the inside (should've taken a walk to the bathrooms!).

We made a reservation but definitely didn't need one - not to say it wasn't crowded, there were people seated at the bar and all at every surrounding table - but there wasn't a wait either.

I got the cheese enchiladas, that's my regular when I go to Mexican restaurants. I love the way all the flavors mesh together - the tortilla, salsa, the spice and the salt, all while being tied together with my favorite thing...cheese! Luke ordered the chips and guac which I gotta say, was probably my favorite thing I ate that night. It was fresh and a decent portion size for two people. It's never my fave experience when you order guac and they give you like two spoonfuls.

The food came out at a good pace, not too slow but with enough time that we were able to chat and not feel rushed. When the enchiladas did come they looked incredddiblleee but they were just okay. No complaints about them, just nothing very memorable - not overly cheesy, not overly salty or spicy, just normal. That said, I definitely would still go back here! As someone who doesn't drink often, I didn't try the margaritas or any other drinks so I am open to trying it again - but given that I was told two extremely positive reviews in one week about this spot, I was slightly disappointed. But maybe that's on me for getting too excited and setting the bar too high.

Again, would go back and try it again, had a great time and positive experience but I can't say I've craved it anytime since going.