On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Hicksville NY 11801
When you are craving sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, endless warm tortilla chips, and refreshingly tart margaritas in central Nassau County, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Hicksville NY 11801 offers a dependable and festive destination. Situated right by one of Long Island’s historic retail hubs, this location brings signature border-style Tex-Mex flavors to shoppers, local workers, and neighborhood families alike.
Whether you are planning a casual weeknight dinner, gathering with coworkers for happy hour, or picking up party platters for a celebration at home, knowing what to expect can elevate your dining experience. Here is everything you need to know about dining at this popular Hicksville eatery.
Visiting On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Hicksville NY 11801
This restaurant is conveniently located at 200 Broadway Mall (now known as Broadway Commons) in Hicksville, New York. Its positioning on the perimeter of the shopping complex makes it easily accessible without having to navigate through interior mall corridors.
For motorists traveling across Long Island, the location is simple to reach via several primary thoroughfares:
- Long Island Expressway (I-495): Take Exit 41S onto Route 106/107 South.
- Northern State Parkway: Take Exit 35S toward Hicksville.
- Public Transit: The Hicksville Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station is just a short drive or rideshare away, making it manageable for commuters stopping on their way home.
Because it shares the grounds of a major shopping center, parking is plentiful. You will typically find ample space directly in front of or adjacent to the restaurant entrance, even during busier weekend shopping hours.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Inside, the restaurant combines traditional Tex-Mex warmth with a vibrant, modern casual-dining feel. Earthy tones, rustic wood accents, and colorful Mexican-inspired decor create an inviting backdrop. The floor plan is divided into two distinct zones: a spacious main dining room and an active, high-top cantina area.
The main dining room features roomy booths and large tables that can easily accommodate families with small children or celebratory parties. Meanwhile, the cantina section draws sports fans and after-work patrons looking to unwind. Multiple flat-screen televisions line the bar area, broadcasting regional sports, playoffs, and major games.
Signature Menu Highlights
The culinary focus at On the Border centers on authentic border-style cooking, distinguished by mesquite wood grilling and bold seasoning blends. Here are the standout menu items that keep diners coming back.
Complimentary Chips and House-Made Salsa
Every dine-in meal starts with an order of thin, crispy tortilla chips delivered warm to your table, accompanied by mild, freshly blended tomato salsa. Many guests choose to upgrade their starter with Signature Queso—a smooth blend of melted cheeses, seasoned peppers, and spices—or fresh guacamole prepared with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.
Mesquite-Grilled Sizzling Fajitas
Fajitas are the cornerstone of the menu. Served on a piping-hot cast-iron skillet over a bed of sauteed bell peppers and sweet onions, these entrees arrive at your table with theatrical sizzle and aroma. Popular variations include:
- Classic Steak or Chicken: Marinated and seared over open mesquite wood flames for a distinct smoky flavor.
- Grilled Shrimp: Plump shrimp seasoned with Mexican herbs and garlic butter.
- The Ultimate Fajita: A combination of mesquite-grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, and tender carnitas.
- Portobello & Vegetable: A flavorful vegetarian choice loaded with sliced portobello mushrooms, zucchini, squash, and grilled peppers.
All fajitas are paired with Mexican rice, choice of black or refried beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and warm, freshly pressed flour tortillas.
Border Combos and Classics
If you prefer classic comfort staples, the menu features customizable combo plates allowing you to mix and match hand-rolled enchiladas (beef, chicken tinga, or cheese), crispy or soft tacos, and mini chimichangas. Specialty items like the Border Burrito and southwest-style quesadillas provide hearty, filling alternatives.
The Cantina: Margaritas and Drink Specials
A trip to the cantina is incomplete without exploring the beverage menu. On the Border is widely recognized for its diverse cocktail program, highlighted by tequila-forward specialties:
- Borderita: The brand's signature premium margarita, crafted with premium reposado tequila, Gran Gala liqueur, and fresh citrus juices.
- Fruit Margaritas: Available blended or on the rocks, infused with purees like strawberry, mango, or wild berry.
- Coronarita: An oversized frozen margarita topped with an overturned mini bottle of Coronita for a refreshing, slow-infusing twist.
- Cervezas: A full draft and bottled beer list featuring Mexican mainstays such as Modelo Especial, Dos Equis, and Corona, alongside domestic favorites.
The cantina regularly runs weekday happy hour specials featuring discounted small plates, draft beers, and select margaritas, making it a budget-friendly option for early evening gatherings.
Ordering, Takeout, and Catering Options
For diners looking to enjoy Mexican cuisine at home, the Hicksville location provides streamlined online ordering through their official website as well as third-party delivery platforms. Dedicated pickup spaces near the front counter help expedite curbside and to-go handoffs.
Hosting a game night, office luncheon, or family gathering? The restaurant's catering service provides complete fiesta kits. You can order build-your-own taco bars, sizzling fajita spreads, and gallon containers of tea or lemonade, fully supplied with serving utensils, chafing stands, and plenty of chips and salsa.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
To ensure a smooth outing at this Hicksville location, keep the following suggestions in mind:
- Plan Around Peak Times: Friday evenings, weekend afternoons, and major holidays (such as Cinco de Mayo or Mother's Day) see the heaviest crowds. Consider visiting slightly ahead of standard lunch and dinner rushes to secure a table quickly.
- Sign Up for Border Rewards: Regular diners can join the brand's digital loyalty program, which frequently provides perks such as free queso upon signup, points toward food discounts, and exclusive seasonal promotions.
- Check for Dietary Accommodations: The kitchen offers gluten-friendly and vegetarian options. Staff can swap out meat for grilled veggies, substitute corn tortillas for flour, or serve dressings and dairy on the side upon request.
- Combine with Shopping: Because the restaurant sits on the Broadway Commons property, it is an ideal spot to refuel before catching a movie at the nearby cinema or after running retail errands.
With its generous portions, friendly service, and approachable pricing, On the Border continues to offer a satisfying dining stop for Tex-Mex cravings in Hicksville.
