Sanborns Mexicali
A Mexican institution since 1903 · Centro Cívico
About Sanborns Mexicali
Sanborns Mexicali is the city's only branch of one of Mexico's most iconic dining institutions, with more than 120 years of history dating back to 1903. More than just a restaurant, it is a complete concept: department store, pharmacy, bakery, candy shop and bookstore all under one roof, with the restaurant as the soul of the place. Its menu celebrates the classic Mexican dishes that have defined "eating at Sanborns" for generations: the iconic Enchiladas Suizas, freshly gratinated Molletes, Chilaquiles a la Sanborns with melted cheese, Pollo en Mole Rojo (chicken in red mole), Cochinita Pibil, Carnitas de Quiroga Michoacán and Tacos al Pastor. In the evenings, the atmosphere is rounded out with live music, and you always have access to their own Café Sanborns line (100% high-altitude medium roast) and freshly baked Mexican pan dulce — the concha, the cuerno, the oreja, the polvorón. Strategically located in Centro Cívico y Comercial Plaza Fiesta, it is a favorite stop for Mexicali locals and for American visitors who cross the border looking for traditional Mexican food with the Sanborns seal of quality.
Institution
Since 1903 — more than 120 years shaping Mexican dining tradition.
6 in 1
Restaurant, store, pharmacy, bakery, candy shop and bookstore under one roof.
Live Music
In the evenings, a pleasant atmosphere with live music for a relaxed dinner.
⭐ Iconic Sanborns Dishes
The classics that have defined the Sanborns experience for generations
Enchiladas Suizas
3 chicken-filled enchiladas bathed in creamy green salsa, gratinated with cheese and served with refried beans. Sanborns' flagship dish nationwide.
Molletes Sanborns
4 open bolillo rolls with refried beans and melted cheese, served with Mexican salsa. An iconic breakfast.
Chilaquiles a la Sanborns
300g of tortilla chips in green or red salsa, melted cheese, crema, onion and refried beans.
Café Sanborns
Their own 100% high-altitude medium-roast coffee blend. Served by the cup or sold in bags to take home.
🍽️ The Sanborns Menu
🇲🇽 Mexican Dishes
Pollo en Mole Rojo
Chicken breast bathed in traditional red mole with Mexican-style rice.
Cochinita Pibil
Yucatán style with red onion and refried beans. Available as tacos or a plate.
Tacos al Pastor
Marinated pork, pineapple, onion and cilantro in soft tortillas.
Carnitas de Quiroga Michoacán
Carnitas served with pickled vegetables, panela cheese, guacamole, chicharrón and frijoles charros.
Arrachera with Guacamole
300g with fries, guacamole and roasted chiles.
Mixed Grill (Parrillada Mixta)
Arrachera, chicken, chorizo, beef cecina and spicy pork, panela cheese, nopales and guacamole.
☀️ Breakfast
Hot Cakes
3 pieces with maple syrup or honey and butter. Includes juice/fruit and coffee/tea.
Huevos Rancheros
Mexican classics served with beans, tortilla chips and salsa.
3-Egg-White Omelet
Filled with spinach with tomato slices, nopal and panela cheese. A lighter option.
Biscuits with Butter
2 pieces with butter and jam — a Sanborns tradition.
Executive Breakfast
Includes coffee/tea, orange juice, main dish and pan dulce.
Everything you'll find at Sanborns
More than a restaurant — an all-in-one concept
A Mexican Institution
More than 120 years defining the dining experience in Mexico
Founding
Sanborns opens its doors for the first time in Mexico City — the start of a national tradition.
Casa de los Azulejos
The iconic Sanborns de los Azulejos in Mexico City is a Cultural Heritage site — an 18th-century building.
Grupo Sanborns
It is part of Grupo Sanborns (Carlos Slim), with a presence throughout Mexico.
About the Mexicali branch: Located in Centro Cívico y Comercial Plaza Fiesta, it is currently the only Sanborns branch in the city. There was previously a standalone location known as "Sanborns Café" that has since closed — this location keeps the full restaurant with all of the brand's services.
Tips for Your Visit
What you need to know before you go
Try the Enchiladas Suizas
They're Sanborns' flagship dish nationwide — you can't miss them. Gratinated with cheese and bathed in creamy green salsa.
Live music in the evenings
If you go for dinner, stay a while longer. The evening atmosphere with live music is part of the Sanborns experience.
Take pan dulce home
The Sanborns bakery sells individual pieces. Grab a bag of Mexican bread — concha, cuerno, cinnamon roll — for tomorrow's breakfast.
Café Sanborns in a bag
If you like their coffee, they sell it in 450g bags (100% high-altitude medium roast) or instant in a jar. A great gift or souvenir.
It's more than a restaurant
Make the most of your visit and stop by the pharmacy, browse the bookstore or shop for gifts — all under one roof.
Great for large groups
They have plenty of space and the option to reserve for groups. Very popular for weekend family gatherings.
U.S. visitors
They accept USD and the staff frequently attend in English. It's close to the border crossing and a common stop for tourists.
"Sabor y Salud" menu
If you're looking for lighter options, order from the "Sabor y Salud" (Flavor & Health) menu — they have light enchiladas suizas, egg-white omelets and salads.
⭐ What visitors say
“A Mexican classic. My mother would travel from Guadalajara to Mexico City every few months in the 1950s and 60s. She would always go to the Sanborns de los Azulejos. Every time I am in Mexico I try to visit one of these. Always impressed with the quality of the service and food. Thanks for being a staple of Mexican culture! ¡VIVA MEXICO!”
— Nostalgic visitor · Real review
“Very delicious and a very pleasant atmosphere. A full breakfast for $300-400 MXN per person. The food and service were excellent.”
— Tripadvisor · Breakfast · Real review
“If you want Mexican food, this place is good. Good breakfast buffet, clean and nice.”
— U.S. visitor · Real review
“The Mexican dishes are good quality. The enchiladas suizas have been my favorite since I was a kid. The service is always attentive. Recommended for anyone who wants traditional Mexican flavors.”
— Frequent customer · Real review
“Great variety on the menu, you can order anything from hot cakes to a mixed grill. The Café Sanborns is very good and you can take the pan dulce home in a bag. Live music in the evenings gives it a special touch.”
— Diner · Real review
“The food is just okay compared to newer restaurants, but the fresh juice was the best part. The menudo is decent but not outstanding. Still, it has that Mexican nostalgia that makes it worth it.”
— Critical customer · Real review
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sanborns Mexicali?
Where is it located?
What are the hours?
What are its most famous dishes?
Do they have live music?
Opening Hours
🎵 Live music in the evenings
Location
Calz. Independencia y Calle de la República
Centro Cívico y Comercial · Plaza Fiesta, C.P. 21000
Centro Cívico y Comercial Plaza Fiesta
Mexicali, B.C.
🛍️ More than a restaurant
At Sanborns you'll also find: