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Xixa
Master Critic Review
Xixa
8.6
Xixa is a chef-driven, wine-focused Mexican spot where happy hour overlaps with inventive small plates, serious cocktails, and a flexible tasting menu at the bar. Early evenings tilt more toward couples and friends splitting duck carnitas and elote over agave spirits before the room gets louder and more energetic later at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
1/2 Duck Carnitas, Foie Gras al Pastor, Buffalo-Style Elote
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Tasting-menu caliber Mexican cooking and deep wine list wrapped in a moody, candlelit bar setting.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting upscale Mexican and serious drinks.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour 4–7pm for cocktails before the crowd.
What to order: 1/2 duck carnitas, foie gras al pastor, buffalo-style elote.
Insider tip: Grab bar seats and build a mini tasting menu from the happy hour-eligible small plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm, ride-share recommended for weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine but most guests put in a bit more effort.
Noise level: Moderate early, loud later at night—easy to talk during happy hour, tougher after 8pm.
Weekend wait: 45–75 min without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a dinner and evening spot
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetable-driven small plates and elote-style preparations.
Vegan options: Limited - a few vegetable plates can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes - many naturally gluten-free dishes, especially corn-based plates and proteins.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially early evening. The candlelit room, creative small plates, and strong cocktails create a polished but still relaxed first-date energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly at the bar during early happy hour on weekdays. After 7pm, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for small kids. The menu, lighting, crowd, and later-night energy skew firmly adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: More inventive, chef-driven Mexican with serious wine and cocktail depth than typical Williamsburg taco or margarita bars.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-casual, fast tacos or a quiet, low-key dinner environment.