Calico Jack’s Cantina
“The dj kept the music spinning and people were in there getting their dance on.”
“They get the crowd involved by having fishbowl drinking contests and what not.”
“Went into McFadden's next door but it was a little stuffy and we were looking for a fun happy hour…”
Calico Jack’s Cantina
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Good For Dancing: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Just stopped in for a couple beers and some chips and salsa, so I can't review the food. At 3pm on a rainy Sunday afternoon this place was completely empty of patrons or staff to the point where we weren't sure they were open, which wasn't a good sign. Sure enough, this place was pretty pathetic. Even with no other customers it took forever for anyone to come over to us, and each stage of the process, including getting chips and salsa, our beers, and the check, was slow as molasses. They even ran out of Negro Modelo after our first round! The space itself has no ambiance whatsoever, it seemed like the kind of place college kids would come to get drunk on cheap margaritas. I never have high expectations for midtown Manhattan, but this place managed to disappoint anyway.
Came here last Saturday.
Couldn't stand more than 10 minutes in there.
This is one of those Midtown bars that charge you $5 (cash) to get in for no reason.
Go to Turtle Bay for that, seriously. At least you can get to the bar there and have fun.
Bar/club area was crowded as hell. I couldn't even get to the bar, due to the inevitable amount of creepos.
Restaurant area was relatively well lit compared to the other half of the establishment. Eh.
The fishbowls – which are what they are supposedly known for besides the girls dancing on the bar – are just ice and food coloring.
This is not a place I would ever choose to visit again.
I didn't even wanna go there in the first place.
I came here for happy hour after work a few times because people kept winning drink deals for groups on Thursdays. It's got a pretty fun vibrant atmosphere with loud top 40 music. People hang out around the bar and then the restuarant is off to the back, closed off by rope and a wall. It is slightly uncomfortable to be all pushed to the front by the bar where it is narrow and roudy. The drinks during the happy hour specials are cheap. I would recommend this place but just know it's nothing fancy.
Dear Calico Jacks, I regret to inform you , you are not a lounge. You are a Mexican restaurant. You are a lame midtown spot that people only go to because they work in the area and you have drink specials. Your are not some meat packing district hot spot.
I've never been in a Mexican restaurant that you can't wear boots in. My friend who was dressed fashionably, coming from his job in a Manhattan Museum was turned down because of his boots. You heard me right, boots are forbidden in a Mexican restaurant l!? Oh but wait, they are not so forbidden, because we saw a less melanated person walk out to smoke wearing similar boots and walk right back in! Just more of the same discriminatory profiling that I expect in this part of town. Needless to say, I won't be back.
Only came here because a friend won one of their daily Happy Hours, so all our drinks were half off. On an early Thursday night the bar side was PACKED, literally PACKED. You had to fight your way through all the drunken young professionals, like fighting for the last spot on a subway car. The customers and overall vibe reminded me of college bars where fresh 21 year olds are getting completely sloshed, and there's dancing of all sorts going on… at 8pm.
My friend and I got situated at a standing counter where we just wanted have a few beers and catch up. Because of all the drunks walking around we were constantly getting shoved and having people run into us. Not to mention practically yelling at each other to have a decent conversation.
Needless to say, this will be my first and only time here. Didn't try the food, but don't want to chance coming back here again. If you're looking for a loud, rowdy, college-esqe night, this is the place for you. It'll be an unforgettable night. Or, perhaps a forgettable night… depending on the number of Monsteritas you consume.
I really enjoy going to calico jacks for their drinks specials and long nights of dancing with friends. However, this establishment needs to do a better job at serving their guests at the bar. There is no way you can only have 2 bartenders with a full crowd of people on a Saturday night! It took me 20 minutes to get the attention of the bartender to order a drink.
Came in on New Year's Eve during the day for lunch and drinks. This place really never disappoints. I got the chicken quesadilla with fresh sour cream and pico de gallo. I wish guacamole was an option but nevertheless it was still a great meal.
I know it's just quesadillas but I love Mexican food. Their margaritas are really good as well. The waitress fumbled a bit and ended up breaking the glasses all over the counter and apologized by offering us free drinks which always patches my wounds. Haha *not that I actually had any!*
Anyway, if you're in the area, skip the typical trip to McFadden's and stop by this location. It's also a great place to bring your coworkers or employees if you're looking for an after work spot to hang out and drink. Cheers!
It was rather dead when my coworkers and I decided to celebrate our accomplishments this year with our teens! Woohoo!
Anywho, it was definitely not jam packed, a few of my coworkers had on sweats and sneakers- so clearly it's a laid back kinda spot.
Wednesday happy hour was decent, bartender made the drinks strong, but wasn't really interested in serving our group, which you'd think with a medium to large group you'd want to be somewhat interested in our drink orders.
The bartender also had trouble answering questions. Every answer that came out her petite mouth was, "idk". Which was super freaking annoying.
Would I come back? Slim chance. But I suggest going to experience yourself. Maybe I came on the wrong day. *shrugs*