Weekend Date Course Recommendation! Pro tips for ordering flawlessly at Mexicali, a popular restaurant at Achasan Station

Do you like tacos? These days, taco places are popping up everywhere, but it's surprisingly hard to find one that truly wows you from the first bite. If you're looking for a special and delicious dining out option this weekend, how about heading near Achasan Station? It's 'Mexicali,' famously known as one of Seoul's top 3 taco restaurants. The taste certainly lives up to its reputation, but it's so popular that if you go without a plan, you're in for a tough time. I'll tell you everything from how to handle the waiting to how to choose your menu. --- **🌮 Achasan Mexicali Basic Information and Parking Tips** First, let me tell you about its location. It's about a 5-minute walk from Exit 5 of Achasan Station on Subway Line 5, so public transport accessibility is excellent. The problem arises when you bring a car. While the restaurant does have its own parking lot, the space is incredibly cramped and complicated. If you're a novice driver, you're likely to panic as soon as you enter. Therefore, I strongly recommend parking your car comfortably at the **Children's Grand Park Rear Gate Public Parking Lot** and walking over. Even if it means a bit of a walk, that's the best way to save on parking fees. Private parking lots nearby tend to be quite expensive. * For reference, business hours are daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last order taken at 8:50 PM. A big advantage is that there's no break time, making it good to visit at off-peak hours. However, menu prices and times can change at any time, so it's a good idea to quickly check before your visit! --- **🌮 Weekend Open Run Strategy to Escape the Waiting Hell** The most important point here! Mexicali **absolutely does not allow remote queuing** through apps like Tableing or Catchtable. It's a 100% on-site waiting system where you must register your number directly at the machine in front of the store. If you go at a quiet time, like 8 PM on a Monday, there might be only about 4 teams ahead, and you can get in quickly in about 5 minutes. Weekend lunch is a different story. If you arrive 10 minutes before opening, the waiting line already exceeds 60 teams. The restaurant is spacious enough to accommodate approximately 45-48 teams in the first seating, but to be in this safe zone, you need to arrive and get a number **at least one hour before opening**. One thing to note is that even if you're on the list for the first seating, staff will admit guests in groups of 7 teams. While this might be to prevent congestion, having to stand and wait for another 15 to 30 minutes, even with an early number, can be quite exhausting. Oh, and also remember that takeout orders are not available on weekends. --- **🌮 Recommended Menu Items You'll Regret Missing and Honest Taste Comparison** Alright, if you've managed to get in after all that effort, it's time to enjoy your meal. Looking at the menu might make you ponder, but for your first visit, go with this exact combination. **Fish Tacos, Papa, Guacamole Nachos.** The fish tacos here are truly unique. They contain plump fried fish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, reminiscent of monkfish. The chewy taco shell combined with fresh vegetable sauce will make you exclaim in delight from the first bite. You absolutely must order it. Seriously. 'Papa' might be unfamiliar, but simply put, it's a Mexican-style potato gratin served on a hot griddle. It's packed with mashed potatoes, cheese, meat, and vegetables, making it a flavor everyone will love without much debate. And you can't miss the taste of crispy, plain nachos, freshly fried upon order, topped with 🥑guacamole and salsa. On the other hand, opinions are a bit divided on the beef quesadilla and beef tacos. The fillings are substantial, and the taste is familiar and good, but they might feel relatively ordinary compared to the unique and intense charm of the fish tacos. For drinks, pairing a sweet piña colada or a refreshing, icy draft beer 🍺 will perfectly cut through the richness typical of tacos, making you want to keep eating endlessly. --- **🌮 Restaurant Atmosphere and Things to Know When Visiting** The restaurant has expanded and relocated, so the interior is quite spacious and pleasant. Thanks to the colorful palette, it feels comfortable and exotic, like stepping into an old retro pizza house. It's great for a date or for enjoying a unique meal with family. The waiting area is well-arranged, and the staff are very friendly. However, one minor drawback is that there's no call bell in the restaurant. When it's crowded, like on weekends, the staff are so busy that it's hard to get their attention. Drink orders might occasionally be missed or service might be a bit slow, so a little patience is needed. Also, there's a huge ceiling fan spinning overhead, and if you sit for a long time, your eyes might feel a bit tired, so keep that in mind. --- **🌮 Fail-Proof Custom Order Guide by Number of People** Finally, I'll summarize two useful tips for ordering. First, Mexicali generally serves tacos without cilantro. If you like cilantro, be sure to request **"cilantro on the side, please"** when ordering. They'll serve it neatly in a small pot, so you can add it to your liking. Second, if two people visit, the set menu (combination) can be surprisingly large, potentially making you burst. You might be tempted to try everything after the tough wait, but I recommend starting with individual orders of fish tacos and papa, and then adding more tacos if you're still hungry. If you do order a set menu, since it already includes meat dishes (like papa or quesadilla), you should choose the seafood option, **shrimp tacos**, for your selected taco to avoid overlapping flavors and enjoy a more diverse meal. While the pressure of waiting is definitely there, the quality is undoubtedly satisfying for everyone, from beginners trying Mexican food for the first time to seasoned enthusiasts. This weekend, enjoy delicious tacos and an exotic atmosphere!