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Xicote Cocina Mexicana
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Xicote Cocina Mexicana
8.1
Family-run kitchen a block off Locust with scratch sauces, birria, and a weekday happy hour. The room is intimate enough for relaxed catch-ups while tacos and cocktails stay front and center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos with consomé, Enchiladas tinga (as a taco add-on night), Fresh guacamole with warm chips
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Scratch-made moles and birria anchor a true taco-friendly HH.
Who should go: Casual diners wanting hearty plates
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–5:30 pm window
What to order: Birria tacos; enchiladas tinga; guacamole
Insider tip: Window tables often see quicker service during early HH.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along Bonanza and nearby Locust, but it fills quickly after 6 pm; free public lots sit one block east behind Main Street businesses.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and casual dresses fit fine, but locals often lean polished for downtown evenings.
Noise level: Moderate—bar chatter builds near happy hour but dining tables remain conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins often accommodated earlier than 6 pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating turns quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several tacos, enchiladas, and sides can be prepared meatless on request.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 dishes can be adjusted if you skip crema and cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most corn-based tacos and mains are naturally GF; staff familiar with cross-contact precautions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate lighting, upbeat but not loud ambiance, and a strong margarita list make it a relaxed first-date spot that feels casual but intentional.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays, especially before 6 pm. Weekends can back up, so booking online or calling ahead is smart for dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids; staff is accommodating and portion sizes work for sharing. Limited high chairs and compact space make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: More personal service and scratch flavor than larger cantinas nearby—ideal when you want house-made sauces and a quieter vibe.
Skip if: You’re chasing a boisterous bar scene or bottomless margaritas—try La Ezkina or Bar Camino instead.
Xicote Cocina Mexicana
8.1
Family-run kitchen a block off Locust with a focused cocktail list and a weekday happy hour. Scratch sauces and birria anchor a menu built for shareable plates and relaxed catch-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos with consomé, Enchiladas tinga, Guacamole with warm chips
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Scratch cooking and cocktails with a dedicated weekday happy hour.
Who should go: Casual diners wanting hearty plates
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–5:30 pm for HH bites
What to order: Birria tacos; enchiladas tinga; guacamole
Insider tip: Window tables often see quicker service during early HH.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Bonanza and Locust; limited public lot behind Main Street Cinemas within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top fit right in; avoid gym wear if dining inside.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during happy hour but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except during peak happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several plates like veggie enchiladas and guacamole tostadas.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify select dishes to remove cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and most proteins are gluten-free; staff can advise on cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting and cocktails create an inviting tone without being too formal; best for relaxed midweek evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally yes—walk-ins are accepted, but small parties may wait 15–20 minutes during prime happy hour slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids; casual service and approachable plates make it manageable before 7 pm.
Best For
Better for: Handmade sauces, birria depth, and balanced margaritas set it apart from larger downtown cantinas.
Skip if: You’re seeking a rowdy late-night bar scene—Xicote leans more toward early evening and dinner crowds.
Xicote Cocina Mexicana
8.0
Small, family-owned kitchen a block off Locust serving scratch sauces and stews with a focused taco selection. Portions are fair and pacing suits relaxed catch-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria plate with tacos, Enchiladas tinga (taco add-on), Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Family-run operation emphasizing scratch-made moles and guisos with tacos.
Who should go: Casual diners wanting hearty plates
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7 pm to skip waits
What to order: Birria with tacos; enchiladas tinga; guacamole
Insider tip: Window tables tend to get quicker service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bonanza and Locust is available but tight after 6 pm; the Locust Street Garage is the most reliable option within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and a nice top fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation but can rise during peak family hours.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during peak 12–1 pm window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like mushroom tacos, guacamole, and enchiladas verdes are available.
Vegan options: Limited—most sauces contain dairy, but tacos can be customized upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and several plates are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than formal dates—intimate but lively, with friendly service and cozy tables.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most diners walk in, but weekends after 7 pm can require a short wait; calling ahead helps for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—welcoming to families with kids over 6; staff are accommodating with mild dishes and quick service.
Best For
Better for: Authentic scratch-made sauces and a relaxed, family-run atmosphere that beats out larger chains nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for a bar scene or modern cocktail program—this is more about comfort and flavor than nightlife.
Xicote Cocina Mexicana
7.8
Small, family-owned kitchen serving home-style plates and shareable bites just off Locust. Portions are fair, flavors are focused, and pacing suits casual catch-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tinga enchiladas, Birria plate, Molcajete for two
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Family-run operation emphasizing scratch sauces and stews.
Who should go: Casual diners wanting hearty plates
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7 pm to skip waits
What to order: Birria plate; enchiladas tinga; guacamole
Insider tip: Slide into the window tables for quicker service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available on Bonanza and Locust, but fills up quickly after 6 pm; nearby public lots on Locust and Mt. Diablo usually have spaces after dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top work fine; many diners come straight from downtown shopping or casual drinks.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are comfortable at smaller tables, though it livens up around peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups larger than four.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including enchiladas, veggie tacos, and guacamole starters.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and modified dishes can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn-based items and many stews are naturally gluten-free; ask the server for confirmation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual first date if you’re after low-key conversation and comfort food; less ideal if you want an upscale or romantic vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are fine on weeknights; weekends can back up after 6:30 pm, so aim early or call ahead for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are welcoming to families, and the menu includes mild dishes and shareable plates suitable for ages 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Better for homestyle stews, friendly service, and casual family meals than trendier Mexican spots downtown.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for nightlife energy or extensive cocktail options—go to 5 Tacos & Beers instead.
Xicote Cocina Mexicana
8.4
Small, family-owned cocina offering polished plates and agave-forward cocktails a block off Locust. It’s the Mexican option when you want a sit-down dinner that can stretch into late evening on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil, Camarones a la diabla, Mole enchiladas
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Refined regional plates with an agave-centric bar program.
Who should go: Date-night diners craving Mexican classics
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 8:30 pm for a linger-worthy pace
What to order: Cochinita pibil, mole enchiladas, spicy shrimp
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu mezcal pours; they rotate weekend selections.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bonanza and Locust can fill quickly after 7 pm; nearby public garages on Locust and Cypress are the best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine but most guests lean polished for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat buzz from the bar, but still easy to hold a conversation at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes without a reservation after 8 pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait — lunch service is steady but rarely full.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dishes like enchiladas verdes and mushroom tacos can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegetable-forward plates can be adjusted on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — most mains can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas and careful prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — dim lighting, upscale décor, and relaxed pacing make it an excellent first-date choice without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — bar seats and patio tables open up between 8 and 9 pm, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the atmosphere leans adult with a cocktail-forward bar and smaller dining room better suited for couples or groups.
Best For
Better for: Elevated presentation, service, and mezcal selection — perfect for a refined Mexican dinner.
Skip if: You’re looking for fast-casual tacos or a quick bite before a movie.