Cafe Mexicali locations are fresh Mexican spots serving scratch-made food across multiple cities, with our very first location in Fort Collins, Colorado. A Cafe Mexicali location is a fast-casual restaurant where every sauce, meat, bean, and tortilla is made from scratch daily. If you searched for Mexican restaurants near me, here is exactly how to find us.
Where it all started: Fort Collins
Café Mexicali was established in 2005 with our first location in Fort Collins, Colorado. That original spot set the tone for everything we do: real Mexican genre food that is, as we like to say, "As Fresh As It Gets". If you live in or are visiting Fort Collins, you are standing on our home turf, and we would love to feed you.
From those Fort Collins roots, we have grown into multiple locations, and we are now franchising too. But the mission has not changed one bit. Everything we serve is still made from scratch using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, prepared daily. Whether you are grabbing lunch on a busy weekday or feeding a crowd on the weekend, the goal is the same: bold, balanced flavors and a smile every time.
Want the backstory on how a single Fort Collins cafe turned into a growing family of restaurants? We told the whole tale in The Cafe Mexicali Story: From Fort Collins to Franchise. And if you want a local's take on eating well in our hometown, check out Best Mexican Food in Fort Collins: A Local Guide.
How to find the Cafe Mexicali nearest you
The fastest way to find your closest spot is our locations page, which lists every Cafe Mexicali along with the details you need to plan your visit. When you are hunting for food near me and you want something fresh instead of the usual fast food, this is where to start.
- Head to our Locations page and browse all Cafe Mexicali spots.
- Pick the location that is most convenient for where you are right now.
- Check that location's hours before you head out or place an order.
- Choose how you want your food: dine in, pickup, delivery, or catering.
- Order and enjoy scratch-made Mexican food that is as fresh as it gets.
Because our hours can vary by location, we always point folks to the Locations page for the most accurate, up-to-date times. That way you are never guessing whether we are open when the craving hits.
Your ordering options at every location
No matter which Cafe Mexicali you choose, you have several easy ways to get your fix. Here is a quick comparison to help you pick the right one for your day.
| Option | Best for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Dine in | Enjoying your meal fresh and hot, right where it is made | Visit any location during its posted hours and order at the counter |
| Pickup | Grabbing food on the go without waiting in line | Order ahead online and swing by to collect it |
| Delivery | Staying put at home or the office | Order online and let us bring it to you |
| Catering | Feeding a group, team, or event | Plan ahead through our catering options |
Ready to eat? You can browse everything first on the full menu, then decide whether pickup or delivery fits your day better.
Why choose Cafe Mexicali when you search "near me"
When you type Mexican restaurants near me into your phone, you get a long list of options. Here is what sets us apart at every single location: absolutely everything we serve is made from scratch. Our goal with each recipe is to create a sauce, meat, bean, or tortilla that you would love to eat all by itself. That is a high bar, and we hit it fresh, every day.
This is the difference between fast food and fresh fast food. We break it down in Fresh Fast Food vs. Fast Food: What's Inside?, and we explain what scratch-made really means in What Scratch-Made Mexican Food Actually Means. The short version: we do the extra work so your meal tastes like it.
We also care a lot about the people on the other side of the counter. Our mission is to build lasting relationships with every visit, and we serve everyone a smile alongside flavors we are sure you will love. That community focus is not just talk. It shows up in the way we run each restaurant.
Feeding a crowd or hosting an event
If you are planning something bigger than lunch for one, we have you covered at our locations. Our catering makes it easy to bring fresh, scratch-made Mexican food to parties, offices, and gatherings. For the full walkthrough on portions and planning, read Mexican Catering: How Feeding a Crowd Works.
Groups, schools, and teams can also raise money with us through fundraising nights, one of our favorite ways to give back to the communities where our locations live. And if you love what we do enough to want your own Cafe Mexicali, our franchising page is the place to start that conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the original Cafe Mexicali located?
Our first location opened in Fort Collins, Colorado, back in 2005. That original spot is where our scratch-made approach and our "As Fresh As It Gets" promise began. We have since grown to multiple locations and are franchising too.
How do I find the Cafe Mexicali nearest me?
Visit our Locations page to see every Cafe Mexicali and choose the most convenient one. Each listing helps you plan your visit and pick your ordering method. We recommend checking the hours there before you head out.
What ordering options do you offer?
You can dine in at any location, order pickup, get delivery, or arrange catering for larger groups. Browse the full menu first, then choose whichever option fits your day. Everything is made from scratch daily no matter how you order.
Are your locations really all scratch-made?
Yes. Absolutely everything we serve is made from scratch using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients at every location. Our goal is for each sauce, meat, bean, and tortilla to be delicious enough to enjoy all on its own.
