When Chalco’s Cantina first opened up in Dubai Marina back in 2022 – a few of us residents got super excited. A licensed mexican bar, close to home! I remember meeting up with a mum for happy hour very shortly after and we loved the spot. It was cosy, it did amazing margaritas and best bit was – it was reasonably priced, considering its location in the heart of Dubai Marina.
If you haven’t been to Chalco’s as yet – here’s a little overview of what to expect.
Let’s start with the logistics.
Where is Chalco’s Cantina?
Chalco’s Cantina is located on the mezzanine level of Marina Gate 2 Building in what we now call the ‘Dubai Harbour end of Dubai Marina’. You can take the lift right next to Carrefour on Ground Level, or otherwise don’t be lazy – walk up the stairs!
How is the venue like?
The indoor area is cosy with exposed concrete flooring and brick walls, marble tabletops and fabric chairs of different shades of blue. There are mexican murals on the wall, neon letterings and a fabulous bar right at the end so you can see where all the magic happens.
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Is Chalco’s Cantina licensed?
Of course it is.
They do draft and bottled beer, wine, spirits, and as well as a proper tequila and mezcal selection. We’re talking from Jose Cuervo Silver, to Casamigos Tequila, to top shelf Glase Azul Mezcal.
Be aware though – that you do have to stay indoors when you are having a cheeky drink. Don’t walk outside with your margarita when you get a little too happy, as you are not supposed to be holding any alcohol in that area.
What is the menu like?
Chalco’s boasts itself as an authentic Mexican restaurant and bar – serving traditional Mexican cuisine by their Mexican chef.
Looking for taco’s? You’ll get all combinations – from classic veggie, chicken or beef circa 45 AED, to arrachera (skirt steak), birria (stew), killer fish tacos and baja shrimps around 60 AED.
There’s burritos, tortillas and fajitas around 60 AED, and mains like camarones a la diabla ( shrimps, cooked with garlic, onion, adobo spicy sauce ) and mar y tierra (the mexican version of surf and turf).
If you look at the menu – a lot of it is in mexican, and you have to read the description to know what’s in it. Most of the team working in Chalco’s are from that part of the world as well which just adds to the feeling of walking into a Mexican restaurant.
What are the offers at Chalco’s Cantina?
Throughout the week you’ll find an assortment of specials.
Pop in after opening at 11am on a weekday, and you get 30% off the entire menu. That’s – their business lunch special. That way you get to order whatever you like without being restricted to a set menu!
There’s offers every single day :
- 2 for 1 Mondays – Buy One Get One Free
- Taco Tuesdays – Unlimited Taco, Margaritas and Beers for 199 AED for 2 hours
- Gents’ Nights Wednesdays – Unlimited WIngs and Beers for 149 AED
- Ladies Night Thursdays – 3 Hours of free-flow Drinks for 99 AED
- TGIF Fridays – Beer and Prosecco for 21 AED
See our Best Breakfast Deals in Dubai Marina as well for Chalco’s All-You-Can-Eat Mexican Breakfast Offer!
Check their Instagram @chalcoscantina for specials like Taco and Karaoke Night Brunches and seasonal offers.
Is Chalco’s Cantina family-friendly?
The big question on everyone’s minds – can we bring kids to Chalco’s Cantina?
Yes – they welcome families! It opens at 11am everyday – so if you want to take the little one over after nursery pick up, by all means – do. Kids love mexican food ( well – at least ours do ), and you get 30% off from opening hours till 3pm so it’s an easy option for lunch.
Take note that we would not recommend kids in the evenings after 8pm.
Overall Thoughts
Having been to Chalco’s numerous times now – I’m happy that they’ve found a home in the Dubai Marina, close to ours. Its an easy option for lunch and dinner, especially with all the ongoing offers around. It can get a little crazy especially when they have their Taco and Karaoke Nights – which makes it a fun option for a date night. Best thing right when you can just cycle over for a quick date and come home after 😉 Pop on over if you haven’t yet been to Chalco’s!
- Chalco’s Cantina Dubai Marina
- Mezzanine Level, Marina Gate 2
- Call +971 52 112 8923 | Whatsapp here
- More details on chalcoscantina.ae