Kico's Mexican Food

Kico's Mexican Food Restaurant has been serving the community for over 40 years, and I have been coming here since the early 90s. The interior has not changed much, with decorations that take me back to my first visit. While the restaurant has definitely aged and could use some repairs and a remodel, the charm and nostalgia make up for it. Sure, the ceiling has some water stains, but the food and service have always been amazing. I stopped by for lunch recently and was reminded why I keep coming back. They started us off with complimentary chips, salsa, and bean dip. The salsa was just the right temperature, and the bean dip was packed with flavor. It was the perfect way to start the meal. I ordered the carnitas plate. The pork was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The dish also came with rice, beans, salad, and homemade flour tortillas. You can tell the tortillas are homemade because they are not perfectly round, which reminded me of my abuelita's saying. She used to say it does not matter if they are round since they do not roll down your stomach; as long as they are homemade, they taste just as good. As you can see in the picture, the salad is missing. I ate it before realizing I should take a picture, haha! Kico's is a place that feels like home with food that hits all the right notes. If you are looking for delicious Mexican food with a side of nostalgia, you have to give this place a try. Four stars for the amazing food, warm service, and all the good memories it brings back.

This past weekend we ordered catering (family to go order) from Kico's. We ordered rice, beans with no cheese, asada, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, guacamole, and chips. The rice and homemade tortillas were the only correct/good part. The beans came with a lot of cheese. When we opened the asada tray, it wasn't even cut; I had to cut all of the asada myself and it was very dry and bland. The chicken was grilled and diced and was inside of some type of enchilada sauce. When we started eating the chicken, it was SUPER fatty and hard to chew. We did not receive enchilada sauce separately. The chips were stale. The whole meal was about $190, plus tip. It could have fed 9-10 people, but it was just not good. 2 stars because our previous dine-in experiences were not bad (but also not great). The inside of the restaurant could use a makeover. I have not eaten dine in since 2023, but before the portions were a good size and the food was above average quality.

I've been going to Kico's most of my life, since it first opened in 1980. Even though I moved away from Sacramento years ago, it's still a spot we congregate in when I come to visit. It's still popular with my friends because its food is consistent and reasonably good.That said, the place really looks like it's changed little since 1980. It would do with a bit of a facelift and upgrade. Those who know it continue to go there, but it does little to attract new diners or the younger crowd. When we were there for lunch recently, for example, there were very few people in the restaurant. Time was that during lunch Kico's would have been loaded with people. Also, our large table was pretty rickety, making the eating experience "interesting." (We would have moved, but the table next to us was equally rickety.)Still, I like the food, as do many of my friends. Of a group of 5 of us, 3 of ordered their tacos, with various meats. They're hard tacos, so not necessarily traditional, but still yummy. The lunch plates come with rice and beans, and a salad (unfortunately, my least favorite of the sides). My girlfriend ordered their Enchilada Especial, with Cheese, which they made vegetarian for her, and gave her a side of whole beans. A friend of mine ordered their Taco Salad. We also ordered their Guacamole dip for the table, which was tasty and clearly freshly made. Since three of us wanted margaritas, we ordered the pitcher, which was a better deal than separate glasses of margaritas, especially since the waiter arrived with half-full glasses of margaritas along with a full pitcher. (That was really nice!)

Sort of divey feel, but comfortable. The workers were welcoming and the quick service was much appreciated. I loved the way they served my soda in a frosted glass! You could see many regulars there and for good reason. The portions are plentiful and terrific rice and beans. The combos came with homemade tortillas and my server was kind enough to send extras home, along with another helping of salsa. The beef that comes on their tacos wasn't shredded or ground beef, but rather very tender chunks of steak. The taco was delicious and I loved the crispy shell. The enchilada was good, although the sauce was unlike your typical red sauce. Still, I enjoyed it. Give them a try and don't judge a book by its cover (as they say). Oh, there's plenty of parking behind the restaurant.

I love this been around "50 years" Mexican spot! We get the best service, the food is bomb and we always leave with leftovers and a huge smile! I always forget to get pictures because when the food comes we just devour it. The last time I was there though I captured two of our plates. I order two things only, the camarones al mojo de ajo which is garlic shrimp and you can find it on the menu under "the best of the house". My other favorite are the fajitas. I get shrimp, chicken or both together, depends on how I'm feeling. My husband always orders the beef enchilada plate under the combos pick 3 and he adds a beef taco a la carte. If my son is with us he usually gets a pick 2 combo with beef tacos. The salad they serve you, the beans and rice, are all so darn good! The best, best, best thing they have though is their gravy. If you know you know! And if you have never tried it, I recommend ordering a side of it next time you eat there. It's almost like enchilada sauce but thicker. I put it on my fajitas, my burritos, I add it to my garlic shrimp plate because I make burritos out of the plate they give me. Trust me, you'll love it! Last but not least they have really good margaritas! I order the Cadillac or the Horni and get a shot of 1800 tequila on the side to throw in my glass or shoot it if I'm in the mood! I recommend Kicos to anyone who asks where I go for Mexican food.

Kico's has been opened for almost 50 yrs and I have been coming here for as long as my kids have been alive, over 3 decades...The food has always been consistent throughout the years with the same Family service from day 1. The Senior Kico is now near 80 yrs old & the original recipe has been passed down through out the years within the family.In our recent visit, we got a combo plates & both were delicious with the same tasteful gravy/sauce they specialize in that no other Mexican in town can match.See picsI will always praise this as the Best Mexican food in town. IMHO

10-29-2023In the area shopping with the son, before heading back over the hill..Called in the beef taco lunches and chips and salsa to go.I used to go to school with one of the guys back in the day.. so I would always eat here.Only place that has the chunky beef tacos! (Besides my favorite other in Stockton)..While waiting got some chips and salsa to snack on.

We came here because someone raved about how they are the best. The food is ok. Just ok though.The margaritas were amazing, and that's why they get 3 Stars. Salsa is not that great and the service was pretty slow. If you come during the day, they do not use lights so be ready for semi dark dining. Overall, we might return for drinks but that would be all.

Have been going to Kico's for many years. Everything is good, I especially love the refried beans with enchilada sauce and homemade tortillas. We buy takeout along with chips and salsa and bring them home and have a feast. Yummy!

My family has been coming to this restaurant for over 15 years. The food is made from scratch and is consistently delicious. The restaurant is family owned and they are all nice and sociable. Sometimes you can see grandma coming out of the kitchen with her apron. She said she still rolls out the tortillas. The portions are large and I always have leftovers for lunch the next day. Comfort foodI've found that this is the best Mexican restaurant in Sac as long as I don't order from Grub Hub or Uber Eats. The third party ordering just hasn't worked out at this location, always get the wrong food. Tip: I've called to check about Apple Pay. The gentleman on the phone said they don't take it but their machine takes tap, contactless payment so im pretty sure Apple Pay would work there as well.