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Name: Mixteco Grill
Address: 1601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613
Telephone: (773) 868-1601
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.95

Mixteco Grill

1601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613

(773) 868-1601
Store is closed

Mixteco Grill Menu

Entremes

Tacos Ensalada

Uchepos Gratinada

Empanadas De Camaron

Ceviche De Pescado

Sopa Azteca

Calamares Al Ajillo

Guacamole

Sopes De Chilorio

Queso Fundido

Ensalada A La Cabra

Gazpacho
Platos Fuertes

Cochinita Pibil

Pollo En Tiatonile

Borrego En Mole Negro

Dorado Tik'n Chik

Chuleta En Manchamanteled

Camarones Enchipotlados

Carne Asada En Salsa De Guaje

Enchiladas Vegetarianas

Tortitas De Lentejas

Enchiladas En Mole Negro
Sides

White Rice

Guacamole

Black Beans

Plantains

Extra Chips

Habanero Salsa

Moles

Mashed Potatoes

Healthy Meal suggestions for Mixteco Grill

Entremes

Tacos Ensalada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Uchepos Gratinada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanadas De Camaron [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceviche De Pescado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa Azteca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamares Al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopes De Chilorio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Queso Fundido [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada A La Cabra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gazpacho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Platos Fuertes

Cochinita Pibil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo En Tiatonile [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Borrego En Mole Negro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dorado Tik'n Chik [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chuleta En Manchamanteled [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones Enchipotlados [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carne Asada En Salsa De Guaje [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Enchiladas Vegetarianas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortitas De Lentejas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Enchiladas En Mole Negro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

White Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Black Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plantains [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Extra Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Habanero Salsa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Moles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Erin C.

Great food and a fun atmosphere. Went on a double date and we all loved our meals. I especially loved the fish taco app and my husband was all over the queso fundito (of course). We are definitely going back asap. Make a reservation early-after Wednesday you may have to try another weekend!
(5)
Christopher S.

I went with friends due to all the great reviews.... It was nothing special. The menu is small with entires that average about $18.00+... The unanimous agreement amongst us was that the entrees were "ok"... Certainly nothing worth the price. BYOB is a nice perk. Lastly.... They have a policy of no more than 2 credit cards per group... A turn-off at the end of our meal that won't have us coming back.
(2)
Lori S.

Always really good - BYOB a huge plus. Fish & seafood dishes are really great. Casual atmosphere, nice staff. My only complaint is that the open kitchen leaves your hair a little grill-smelly.
(5)
Shaaru R.

Had a really good time here. I wanted a no fuss but good food kind of place for my anniversary and this was exactly that. I went with the intention of ordering that snapper wrapped in banana leaf that someone had uploaded a photo of, but the fish of the day was mahi mahi wood grilled and it was good. I think it was on a cilantro sauce base. The Husband had the steak which he said was pretty well done & I went with the pork chop. The fried bananas are always great in latin american places and this place was no different. The service was really good too. We got a friendly waiter who was ready to explain stuff & kept our glasses filled. The star of course was the flan. So creamy and moist- should have had two! I do think its a good idea to make reservations though.
(4)
Becky H.

So delicious! I hadn't been back to this place in a while and was reminded how good it is when I went back with friends on a Friday night. The food is so flavorful and the staff was super friendly and helpful. I ordered the Cochinita pork and it was amazing...super tender and the pickled onions on top are a great compliment. They even brought frosted beer mugs for the people in our group that were drinking beer (it's the little things!). I recommend getting a reservation for weekend nights. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Steph T.

Best Mole I have ever had and BYOB! I love to bring people here. Just wish the space was bigger.
(4)
Bernadette L.

I went here for dinner and I was not blown away. This place is overpriced for sure. The food is not bad at all. I love the tangy green salsa they serve with their tortilla chips. I poured this sauce on my entree as well. I ordered the veggie enchiladas and while the veggies had amazing texture, it was missing something. That thing was cheese. For me, they were low on the queso. They used a dark green sauce, I believe tomatillo sauce, which was rich in flavor, but not $17 worth, that's for sure. I love Mexican food, but I can name quite a few restaurants with the same, if not better caliber, for a price that's easy on the pockets. I think the biggest hype about this place is BYOB.
(3)
HRH J.

One of my favorite restaurants. The food is authentic with their dishes tasting just like back home. The ambient is very lively and friendly and the decoration is beautifully colorful. The staff was accommodating though I would recommend they walk the floor more often. I like that it is BYOB and that is why I always have it as my Go To when people want delicious and authentic Mexican food with decent prices at a well decorated restaurant.
(5)
Arthur M.

Besides Frontera Grill, this is my go-to place for huevos motulenos. And since Frontera Grill is closed on Sundays this is definitely the best place for a Sunday brunch of huevos motulenos. The yucatan style dish balances the richness of an egg over easy, salty spicy chorizo, earthy black beans, sweet fried plantains and smoky grilled zuchini, with the bright acidity of roasted tomato sauce. I add a few drops of habanero salsa and I'm ready for Sunday. On a recent visit the garnachas with crab filling and sweet corn tamales were very good starters. A chocolate orange tart with candied chiles was a very good ending. The service was very good.
(5)
Dave S.

I heard the owner used to work with Rick Bayless and was known for his mole' so we checked it out. Brought the kids, there was enough on the menu for them to find something they liked. Our entrees were delicious, very creative "upscale mexican" The service was good and food came out hot and fresh. Delicious deserts, decent atmosphere, a little loud which may have bothered me a little if it was a date night, but we have well behaved yet slightly loud kids so it was all good. Semi-upscale, clean and classy and lights could be a bit dimmer but overall we really enjoyed it.
(4)
Marco H.

Every time I walk by this place on friday or saturday, it's packed! So naturally I was intrigued and stopped in to eat here. Well, I still don't know why it's packed. Mixteco seems to like to put lots of citrus juices in/on their dishes. The citrusy tasting green salsa dip with the crunchy hard chips wasn't working for me. The (fried) fish tacos were overwhelmed by too much citrus juice (I thought I ordered tacos, not ceviche?) I then tried the chicken mole with beans: it was a beautiful looking dish, but just okay. I wanted to love this place....Sigh.
(3)
Tracie D.

A solid 3 1/2 stars in my book. Very nice dinner...I have to be honest...I have high standards for moles after eating at the Red Iguana in SLC. The mole I had was good but just kinda poured on top of my white chicken. White chicken, as in grilled plain, no seasoning, and drizzled with mole. To me, a good mole dish appears as if the meat has been simmered all day, infusing whatever is in the mole with it's mole goodness. Sat near regulars who confirmed some dishes are spectacular and others ok. We did enjoy our dinner overall. The BYOB option is nice but we were laying low that night...
(3)
Kelly S.

The three hundred forty-fifth reviewer, what can I say about Mixteco that has not already been said? It is very good. Brunch is good, (huevos motulenos are a particular favorite of mine) and the coffee has a pleasant orange flavor. Dinner is also, in my opinion, quite enjoyable. The moles are amazing, as is the chips and guacamole. I also like the tres leches cake. It's very good Mexican food and a reasonable price. I'm a fan.
(4)
Annie R.

What could possibly be better than great Mexican food at a great, easily accessible BYOB? Good for any event from dates to parties.
(5)
Catherine C.

I'll confess: I saw the sign go up months ago and didn't think much of it. And what I *did* think was something along the lines of, "Why do restaurant owners not get that font choice matters?!? I give that place six months." Hopefully you are less of a graphic design snob than I, and will look past the admittedly generic sign to realize that this place is a terrific addition to the neighborhood. My friend and I met for brunch this past weekend and were charmed immediately upon our arrival, when we were warmly greeted by Raul, the owner. We were given plenty of time to choose from the extensive brunch options, eventually landing on the scrambled eggs with chorizo (for my companion) and the Huevos Motulenos (for me). Pitch perfect, the both of them, and quite reasonably priced in comparison to some of the fancier brunch spots nearby (both were under $8). True, any breakfast that involves fried plantains is going to make me pretty happy, but this is definitely the best egg dish I've had in the last year. And the coffee? Goodness, the coffee. Raul explained to us that where he is from in Mexico, the coffee is often prepared with orange peel, cinnamon, and "the tiniest bit of brown sugar" mixed in with the grounds. It is my new obsession, this coffee of his. Upon leaving, I asked if they had a takeout menu (I live around the corner and am already trying to work at least one meal a week from there into my budget). They didn't have any specially printed, but it didn't prevent Raul from handing me one of the brunch menus and one of the dinner menus. That's just the kind of owner he is, and the kind of place this is. It deserves to be hugely popular--just don't try to get in between me and one of those cups of coffee.
(5)
Liz T.

I'm going to start out by saying that I'm definitely giving this place another try soon. That said, here's what went down... We arrived shortly before our 6pm reservation (the only reservation they had available when I called Thursday morning) and the place was already half-full. We were promptly seated and brought piping hot tortilla chips, right out of the fryer and delicious tomatillo salsa. The salsa, which was really cold, and the chips, which were hot, were the perfect pair and a great way to start the meal. Mixteco is BYOB. We didn't bring alcohol since we were both coming from work, but I ordered the agua fresca del dia, which was cantaloupe. Now, I don't really like cantaloupe, but drink was light and refreshing and not overly-sweet, so it made the perfect compliment to my spicy food. For appetizers we ordered the chicken tamales and the ceviche. Both were exceptional. Entrees were the carne asada and the mahi mahi. I had the mahi mahi and it was cooked perfectly. It was prepared veracruzana style and was very good, but a little spicy. B had the carne asada and said the steak was "a big fatty mess." Now, he's really picky about his meat, so I'm fairly certain he ordered the wrong thing. His steak came with some guacamole that was delicious and had jicama, which added a really nice crunch. I loved it! For dessert we tried the tres leches cake and it, too, was very good. Next time I will definitely try something different since I didn't love my entree. And, honestly, B and I talked about going back and just eating appetizers. They were truly spectacular. 2 important notes... 1) Reservations, I think are a must. They were turning people away left and right 2) Lots of tables were rocking margarita mix in tupperware pitchers. Since I was immediately jealous, that's what I'll be doing next time. I'm looking forward to going back!
(3)
Virginia T.

I am so in love with Mixteco. My mother wanted to go to someplace special for her birthday and we'd been wanting to try this place out....it was early so we thought we might be able to get in even without a reservation, and we were right but barely. We got there at 6pm on Sat and were seated immediately but at a table which had a 7:30 reservation-the hostess (who I think was also co-owner?) seemed to be really pained to limit us to an hour and half for dinner, but otherwise would have had to turn us away for lack of reservations. The service was great, attentive but not pushy. Love the fact that it's BYOB and the food was amazing. They accommodated our request to make the guacamole without onions-and we were very impressed, it was unique and delicious! It had julienne radish, cucumber, and jimica which was unexpected and tasty. I had chicken in mole with rice, grilled asparagus and grilled prunes. My mother had pork in mole with plaintains, pineapple, and mashed sweet potatoes, and my husband had the carne asada with black beans and (more) guacamole. It was all amazing. The flavors were deep and complex. The presentation was gorgeous. We also had the crepes with goat milk, pecans, and fresh fruit (pineapple, plantains, strawberries) and a cup of coffee and both lived up to the high praise I gave the rest of the meal. I can't wait to go back and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mixteco to anyone.
(5)
Chad D.

I ate here with a friend and had the enchilades in the red mole sauce, very delicious, especially with the very spicy habanero salsa. While we waited for a table to open up BYOB'd wine from the liquor store at the corner which was also a pretty good idea. The place typically has a wait, and when we went at around 7 on a Sunday night, they told us 30 minutes. We decided to wait, but it in fact took less than 10 minutes for the table to open surprisingly. Food was excellent and I want to go back again to try more of the menu. Definitely worth checking out!
(4)
Marissa D.

The service was great last night! We went in with a large group and closed the place out. The food was excellent and the habanero sauce was fire! I love the bright contrasting paintings. The fact that this place was BYOB saved us some cash and we ended up ordering a lot more. The staff was friendly and had great suggestions. This place is not near my usually hang out spots but I will certainly be back!
(5)
Rachel K.

Went to Mixteco for dinner with my boyfriend and had a great time. The staff was helpful and attentive. Price is great and BYOB is fantastic. Food was delicious. The only reason I left off a star was because we smelled like a grill when we left, even my hair. It stuck in my coat for days. It won't stop us from going back but something to keep in mind.
(4)
Wayne H.

I have passed by this place many times and brushed it off b/c of its shitty sign and odd-looking decor. After looking on yelp for a new BYOB place to try, it popped up and I was quite shocked it was reviewed so high. We decided to give this place a try on our next group date. I had the Borrego en Mole Negro, lamb chops with mole, and it was delicious. The lamb was cooked to a very desirable tenderness and the flavor was excellent. The couple we were with, both loved the Camarones al Morita, grilled black tiger shrimp. This restaurant is the very definition of "don't judge a book by its cover". I can still say the decor is just okay and the sign is god awful, but the food is amazing and I will definitely come back.
(4)
Nick M.

***UPDATE*** After going there last week, and reading all the great reviews we headed back again last night. It was jut as good, or better than last time. We're going to end up going here once a week at this pace! There are still so many things to try on the menu. I just hope it isn't too packed to get in! The place was almost full on a Tuesday night at 6:45! Great addition to the neighborhood. My wife and I stopped in this new Ravenswood Mexican Grill today to "check it out"...I'm glad we did! As with most Mexican Grills they started us with some homemade chips and salsa. The chips were very fresh and had a squeeze of lime that made them better than average. We then tried a smaller dish "Uchepos Gratinados" which was amazing. The menu description reads: "two corn tamales with creamy poblano sauce, monterey dry cheese and esquites"...a great vegetarian option for my herbivore wife... I'll put it out there before my review of my main entree; I am a whore for Mole Sauce. The Enchiladas Rojas (tortillas filled with chicken in red mole, served with a small mixed salad and queso fresco) was very, very good. Some of the best Mole I've had in a while...the salad was more than an afterthought which was nice. The homemade salad dressing was fantastic! All in all we had a fantastic and inexpensive meal. The place is new and working out some kinks (the music was very random radio). It wasn't very busy when we were there but the service was friendly and prompt. The decor was nothing special, but not horrible. I could see their eat in/take out ratio being 50/50. Mixteco Grill is also BYOB, and Rayan's is right across the street. I know that next time we'll be bringing some Corona's or Margaritas for sure! We're looking forward to heading back, and hope that people will give it a shot!
(5)
David M.

The spell is broken! I've lived in the immediate neighborhood Montrose/Ashland for 6+ years. Restaurants have come and gone. On the spur of the moment, J and I headed over on a Friday *afternoon* about 5:45. No reservations. While the place was full with a few others trickling in behind us, the host was very welcoming and seated us right away since the 5:30s hadn't shown. J had the pork chop with mole. Let me just say that one stolen sample from J's plate convinced me that Mixteco puts the holy in mole! Day-um! I can't even get that mole sauce out of my mind long enough to remember what I ordered! Whatever it was, it was fantastic. The service is laid back, attentive and unpretentious. Now that I say that, I don't think you can get away with pretentious on Montrose at Ashland. Why would you even try with this gem in the neighborhood. Dessert was oh so good. We were half a block away, when I heard someone calling my attention. One of the servers had my umbrella that I'd left. My "oh, thank you!" was greeted with a big smile and "I hope you'll come back again." I definitely will.
(4)
Jeff K.

Lynn M and I got there at about 9PM on a Friday, without reservations, and had to wait about fifteen minutes to get a table. Nice, intimate room. Service was great, chips and salsa were tasty and fresh. Small menu, sans the usual taqueria fare -- just the good stuff here. Entrees were fantastic. I had the pork that others have already explained, and their 'hot' sauce is indeed hot. This probably isn't news, but the chef is from Topolobampo and several other great restaurants, and apparently much of the staff is ex-Frontera. Get reservations, because this place is going to explode.
(5)
Brad F.

Fresh Mexican + BYOB = Happy Customer Get a reservation, grab your favorite bottle of tequila and enjoy. This place serves some of the freshest Mexican fare around. Everyone seems to have great home-made Guacamole these days, and this place is no exception. They also serve some of the best Ceviche - fresh and tasty. The slow cooked pork is juicy, and the accoutrements are equally satisfying. I went back and tried the tilapia tacos - WOW ! That is some good stuff. My wife loved the grilled chicken and the tiger shrimp she got. I think good tequila is the finest way to celebrate, but I can't afford top-shelf all night long. Thanks to the friendly BYOB advantage I can make my drinks just the way I like. I tell all my friends to check this place out. I love it.
(5)
Elizabeth L.

Very flavorful and inventive Mexican food. None of your chimichangas or super burritos here. I had the Pollito (chicken breast only) and was very, very pleased with the flavor. Sampling all of the other dishes at the table led me to believe that there is probably nothing bad on the menu. Prices range a little higher than a typical taqueria-style restaurant, but the BYOB feature keeps the cost of the entire meal to a reasonable level. Oh, for half star rating capabilities! Alas, since I cannot - I will weight the food score higher and just let you know why points would be deducted: Service on the night we went was hardly attentive. A friend and I stood in the doorway for nearly 5 minutes without anyone acknowledging our presence. We finally just decided to sit ourselves down at an empty table. Also, because of the small size and the open kitchen, I left with my clothes and hair reeking of tortillas and oil. Mind you, that's not the most unpleasant smell in the world to me - but they really need to get some better hoods for their grill because it just wouldn't go away! Not after a shower (for my person) and an airing out (for my jacket). All in all - I would definitely go again. Check it out!
(4)
Amy M.

I would comfortably say that this is some of the BEST Mexican food I have ever had - period. And FANTASTIC SERVICE, too. I went there for lunch on a Saturday and they had a great brunch-ish menu (mostly savory items - one pancake dish that looked really good). The soup (Sopa Azteca) was OUT OF THIS WORLD. Honestly - you could tell that a lot of work went into this dish to give it such a beautiful and complex flavor. Highly recommend the soup. I also had the Enchiladas Vegetarianas (yum!!) with a FANTASTIC, smoky tomatillo sauce. My friend had a poached egg/sopes dish with a green mole made with poblanos. His dish was also outstanding. Really interesting, thoughtful and well-prepared food. Our server was wonderful (not sure if he was chef/partner Raul Arreola). Very concerned that we liked our food - and man, oh, man...did we ever. He was such a sweet, polite and friendly man - gladly describing any dish that we had questions or compliments about. You can tell that a lot of thought and work and love goes into this food. All-around great experience. BYO - which is also a nice plus. Can't wait to go back for dinner. : )
(5)
Melissa B.

Really amazing food! Soo much mole!!!! I had the mahi mahi-which was cooked to perfection and my dining companion had the enchiladas. We split the empanadas appetizer and the flan of the day (coconut-my favorite!). Everything was really great. Now, my only complaint about this place is how small it is. We had a 7:30 reservation and waited about 15 minutes to be seated. When we were seated, we were asked if we minded sitting at a 4 person table and when a 2 person opened up we would be moved. Ok-fine; no biggie-they moved everything for us. Then at one point there were chairs going over our heads to be moved to another table. Last, but certainly not least, the waiter for the table next to us dropped one of the credit cards for that table under our table-causing everyone to help look for this credit card. The card was found and no harm done, but just kind of sums up the experience of total chaos going on inside this tiny restaurant. The food is fabulous and worth the craziness in my opinion and I will be back.
(4)
Mr. T.

Really great! INCREDIBLY friendly staff made us feel very welcome. If they just upped the concept a bit, this could be Frontera Grill!
(5)
Pam W.

Great service and killer mole sauce
(5)
Johnny A.

I am excited about finding a new place! Starting with the chips, every single item we ate was special and wonderful- and it might be worth adding that we ordered over half of the menu. Guacamole, Gazpacho, the shrimp with Poblano sauce (literally the best grilled shrimp ever), cheese cake and Chocolate all wonderful! Bring friends and share everything. Service is friendly and helpful and the kitchen is see-thru, so you know exactly what you are getting. BYOB right now, but I hear that may change and the dining room is soon expanding.
(5)
Jay M.

I would have given this place 5 stars, the food is great , service friendly and fast, but the hostess all three times we were there was rude to us. I expect a wait with no reservations, but last time we sat in the cold for 30- 4o min, while two tables sat empty for 20 min. Then they sat us by the door and every time someone came or went in came a blast of cold. I hope they fix these small things that stop people from returning , especially when the "new" place isnt that new anymore.
(3)
Tom F.

Food adn service couldn't be better, like Frontera but BYOB. Place is cramped and a bit drafty as people stand at the door waiting. It's worth it but know what you are getting into.
(4)
Kristen S.

Been here a handful of times and awesome experience and fantastic food every time. Plus- BYOB which is an added bonus. Not your "traditional" Mexican food of tacos/burritos, but everything here is wonderful and the staff is very friendly. I suggest sitting at the bar if you can - great time talking to the cooks. Also, make reservations because on a Thursday/weekend- you'll likely wait, but it's worth it!
(5)
Lilia B.

I am always happy with this restaurant. Start with guacamole, fresh orange juice, huevos a la diabla...everything is excellent.
(5)
Little T.

It was a beautiful day yesterday in Chicago - I wish Mixteco Grill had an outdoor patio! If I could describe Mixteco Grill in three words, they would be: friendly, bustling and flavorful. We went for a birthday and were glad we had a reservation. Lots of people seemed to have the same idea we did for the evening. We brought white wine and they provided a wine bucket. Awesome. The guacamole was delicious. The grilled calamari looked good and everyone gobbled it up. Not for me, but certainly a hit with others. One diner got the chicken with mole sauce and loved it. The rack of lamb looked perfectly cooked. The salmon with fruit salsa looked awesome. Note on the camarones (shrimp dish). When it says garlic it REALLY means garlic. I think the dish had probably an entire head of garlic in it. They basically quarter each clove. I thought it was hearts of palm. Not so much. Really bright and festive art, and some of the friendliest servers around. Fun place. Can't wait to go back. Oh, and...if you have wine left over - they'll bring you a cork if yours has gone missing. SMART!
(4)
Megan T.

I had heard good things about Mixteco Grill and it did not disappoint. For starters I tried the corn masa boats and trio of empanadas. Both were extremely tasty. For an entree I ordered the mahi mahi and the green mole sauce that it was served with was excellent. The prices were fair, the service was friendly and prompt. I would highly recommend this restaurant and can't wait to return to try more menu items.
(4)
Marisa V.

I wish I could review the food, but we couldn't even get past the trouble we had with our reservation. I made reservations over a week in advance for a party of 6. When I called to change it 8 people the day before we came in due to a last-minute addition to our party, the hostess said it would be "hard to accommodate such a large party." We decided to keep the reservation anyway with hopes of arriving the next evening and being able squeeze in our extra two. Sure enough, the hostess told us she would not be able to accommodate us. What kind of management does not allow for a very minor change to a reservation? With walk-ins being accepted, how is it possible we could not be accommodated with just 2 extra people? We were not doubling the size of our original reservation. Needless to say, that left a bad tast in our mouth (without even eating any of the food) so we went elsewhere to eat. I refuse to support a business that does not want mine.
(1)
dia m.

This place bit. I read all the glowing reviews so i decided to go for my b'day. It's small no problem. We get seated and our server comes over. He must have had a bad day because he never cracked a smile said hello or explained a damn thing to us (we r seasoned diners). Sorry!!! prices too high for UPtown or west Lakeview. Bland food small servings. Just boring. No flavor no soul. They are obviously trying to cater to an undereducated diner (not a hint of ethnicity or authenticity in the food). So many have come and gone in the same spot maybe they will too. I hope they change if they stay. Ehhh what do i care I'm not going back.
(2)
Anuj S.

Mixteco is a nice Mexican place which I'd recommend for a nice change of pace. Their food is more authentic than most places. The veggie enchiladas on the menu are... not really enchiladas as far as I could tell. The menu does describe them, though, as tortillas dipped in sauce and topped will all sorts of veggies - mostly potatoes. It was an OK entree. Better than that were the lentil patties. Pretty flavorful and unique. Lastly, I tasted some cheese enchiladas which we ordered off menu. I asked them to use the same sauce as the veggie enchiladas, but they must have mixed it up, because they brought them out with the green salsa we had with the chips. It was a bit strong for the enchiladas, I think. The tres leches cake was good. Overall, service was good. The waiter was patient with us as I asked a lot of questions about veggie this and veggie that. Unfortunately, it's the type of place that despite their relatively high prices, tends to nickel and dime you. Like they have a rule about only 1 re-fill on soft drinks. If you ask for more chips and salsa, they actually charge for that. Things like that put a damper on the experience for me. Not the end of the world, the waiter was nice enough to give me an extra refill on one of my coke's but I still had to sit there and ration it, which I'm so not used to doing at a restaurant. Probably better for my health that I do... :)
(3)
Savannah M.

Went here for Cinco De Mayo and all I can say is WOW. I had the pulled pork and it had all the right combinations of spice & flavor. Now I understand why this place is always packed! Oh and the bonus BYOB was like the cherry on top of a great dinner
(5)
Natalie P.

So, pretty much one vegetarian option on the menu. Our friend was RAVING about this place so we made the haul in the snow up Lake Shore from the West Loop. Sorry folks, not worth it. The guacamole was average, all the dead-thing eaters enjoyed the ceviche, but my vegetarian dinner was average at best...maybe even two stars. Don't be fooled, the mole sauce is made with lard so vegetarians beware! Hubby had the quail special (which I blocked from my vision with a box of beer), and friends had the carne asada and I had the enchiladas a la plaza, which were just meh. The potatoes on the inside of the dish were luke warm at best, some were actually cold. Everyone else liked their meal but no one was raving. It's kind of cool that this place is BYOB, but kinda not. On the one hand, it makes your meal that much cheaper. On the other hand, no margaritas! A Mexican restaurant without margaritas? Blasphemy. So I'm torn on the BYOB deal. (FYI, there is no corkage fee.) I don't think I'll be back. Honestly, I think it's overpriced for what you get, I make better guac at home, and there are so many better Mexican restaurants in Chicago that are cheaper and closer to me!
(3)
Max P.

Conforming to American standards by reinventing authentic Mexican cuisine isn't even the saddest part of this review. I walk in to what I thought was delicious authentic Mexican food , but come to find that I've stumbled upon a generic Rick Bayless restaurant . We ordered the Chicken Tamales and the enchiladas de negro , quite possibly the grossest thing I've tasted . The enchiladas were cold and the beans tasted old and undercooked . The tamales had a weird sour seasoning which complicated not complimented a simple dish. The salsa that came alongside the one free bowl of stale chips was the first and last enjoyable thing our meal had to offer.
(1)
Elle M.

This place was awesome. I'm super into BYOBs right now and Mixteco was high on my list of places to try. My lovely friend and I started with the tacos al pastor, which, I shit you not, reminded me of Mexico. I felt like I was back there and eating somewhere on the beach. And then I looked out the window and I was still in Ravenswood. Wah wah. But the taco with the pineapple- so delicious. For my main I had the trout cooked in the banana leaf and it was ah-mazing. So moist. So flavorful. The tomatillo sauce was tangy and perfect with the fish and the veg. And the teensy little potatoes went perfectly with it all. I don't even usually order fish, but I'm so glad I did. Service was great. Our waiter was super friendly, but not overwhelming. I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Nektaria R.

I attended a private event earlier this month and was so sad that I didn't know about this place sooner! The food was very good, they are BYO, servers and staff are very nice and attentive. For a private event, the food was not family style or set menu per say... we had choices and they were amazing! Chips, salsa and guac was so good, didn't want to eat anything else! Appetizers were family style: ceviche de pescado, veggie empanadas and chicken tacquitos (didn't have this one but my group loved them) 1st entrÃ©e was Camarones enchipotlados - my breakfast - so good! I could of ate this one all day! 2nd entrÃ©e was mahi-mahi, also very good. Just when we thought the food orgy was over, they brought dessert. Probably the best flan I have ever had. So perfectly caramelized and smooth. oh so good. It was a little slow when there was a mix-up with one portion of my meal, but heck, it was an awesome breakfast the next day. I would definitely go back, soon!
(4)
Mellie M.

I want to give Mixteco four stars because the food was good, but the poor service left me feeling so annoyed that the food didn't make up for it. The good: -The food was very good. The brunch menu contains huevos dishes that I don't think I've seen on any other menu. We were all very happy with what we ordered. The coffee was really yummy, too. My only advice is to ask the server about the spiciness of the food since the menu doesn't really spell out if a dish is spicy. -Portion size was good. -The restaurant itself is cute and clean. -Everyone working there was very friendly and good-natured (unfortunately, that doesn't equal efficient service). The bad: -We never got our appetizer. The server just... forgot. I mean, we saw him write it down when we ordered. I have no idea if he ever put the order in. -I wish they had been better about refilling drinks. My coffee was only topped off once. -We had to wait forever to find our server in order to flag him down for the check. We were waiting so long (long enough than is reasonable and with half a cup of cold coffee) and were bored so we didn't bother ordering any dessert, lest we prolong our stay. I honestly don't think anyone would have noticed if we dined and dashed. Other stuff: -It's BYOB -It can get loud -Family-friendly I'm willing to give Mixteco another try, probably for dinner instead of brunch. I'm just disappointed that we never got our appetizer and that we opted to get outta there versus stick around for dessert.
(2)
mike b.

The food here is amazing. There isnt a better mexican place in town (aside from frontera/topo). Service was very good. My beef is with the atmosphere. BYOBs attract a different type of clientele on fri/sat nights. We had 2 tables of idiots just screaming and pounding the table right next to us. Its good they were having such a good time but at some point other people's rowdiness infringes on our ability to have a good time as well and these idiots were way over that line. The waiter apologized to us but said it was out of his hands. I'll never come back here on a weekend, but would definitely consider on a tuesday night when its not full of dipshits. Get a liquor license to keep the riff raff out and watch your profits go through the roof.
(2)
Omar F.

Im only giving 3 stars because the service was good and the food tasteless.. My wife orderd the shrimp with some redchilli sauce and was mediocre i ordered the mahi mahi and it was mediocre as well ,the guac was the only that we really liked ,it was fresh and it tasted very good, i will give this place another try within 6 months and i hope they give some good Sazon to their food.
(3)
Rhea G.

this place is super cute and has delicious food and attentive waitstaff who really know what they're talking about. i was undecided on what to order and my waiter, juan, was like if you like steak you should definitely get the steak. and boy am i glad i listened to him. i had the carne asada which was a rib-eye instead of skirt steak (whcih you'll get at most mexican places) and was possibly one of the best steaks i've eaten in chicago. it's really crowded, the tables are all on top of each other and the ambiance isn't for everyone. but the food is excellent (which is what my rating is really based on).
(5)
Rob B.

To call Mixteco a neighborhood spot does not do it justice. I will call it a neighborhood spot, but I'll add that they do not get any better than this. The tilapia taco appetizer wins every time, but the newly added tacos el pastor (pork) may have overtaken them. Fresh ingredients and spectacular flavors. Visit this place, but not too often. I don't like waiting for reservations.
(5)
Rohan S.

Disappointing after the high Zagat review, however we went on valentines day where the menu was fixed so maybe the normal menu is better. Food was still solid, especially the ceviche. Steak and mahi mahi were eh.
(3)
Angela D.

My husband and I have been coming to Mixteco for brunch for a few years now. The service and quality of food have kept us coming back. We almost always have the same server who bends over backwards to make our meal top notch. I always get the huevos al bajio. I wish I could put that poblano sauce over everything- so good! I like to get a side of plantains with my meal. My husband mixes it up with getting either Huevos Mexicanas or Huevos Divorcidas or something else. He always enjoys the meal. Oh, and make sure to get coffee. It's a perfect compliment to the meal. Thank you Mixteco! Please continue to serve weekend brunch!
(5)
Gabriel G.

Great Fish tacos. The rest of the menu was better than expected. But please do not leave without a round of Fish Tacos. BYOB is a plus as well. Enjoy
(4)
Hannah H.

I was ecstatic to try this place out. This is a BYOB joint, packed, and people seem to be having a grand ol' time. Once you sit down, you get a glass of tap water as well as some chips and tomatillo salsa. The chips were quite salty and crunchy, and the side of the green tomatillo salsa was not that cilantro-like - I was quite impressed. Tangy, a bit sour. My friend and I started off with the Empanadas, which comes with 2 of the most crispiest and flakiest crust ever, filled with beef picadillo and another filled with sauteed vegetables. Comes with a side of avocado tomatillo salsa (very cilantro-y) . The empanadas themselves were flavorful as it is on their own - absolute yum! The other appetizer we ordered were the Sopes, and these came with three corn masa boats - one filled with shredded chicken in red mole; another one with pork in tomatillo salsa; and, third, with mushrooms and pasillachile sauce. They were all good - not that bland, but not that extremely flavorful either. The one with the pork didn't have an overpowering cilantro taste, and the flavor of the pork was actually focused rather than the sauce. I had the Chuleta en Mole Negro, which was grilled sliced pork chop (usually comes medium, but I specifically asked for well-done - it was set on top of black mole sauce (not too sweet and great with the charbroiled meat) and a side of roasted mashed sweet potatoes (quite sweet and could be a dessert item). The pork with the mole sauce, it was quite nice. My friend had the Carne Asada, and this was the wood grilled ribeye steak served with refried black beans and tomatillo serrano salsa. The meat itself was perfectly grilled, quite a few fatty parts, but overall, a great dish. The refried beans, I didn't particularly cared for, and there were two grilled scallions on top (interesting, since the scallions basically turn into a slimy mess if you grill it like that). Her dish, I thought, was quite tasty. For dessert, we had the crepe-like filled with goat's milk caramel (quite pungent, as far as goat cheese goes), and the Tres Leches cake - this was a good sized cake that tasted like cakes you find in the Korean bakeries - it was a wet sponge-y type of cake and it was not too sweet or too bland - it was actually refreshing. It was topped with a whipped topping, and that was tasty, too. The prices are average and the place can get cramped and extremely loud. However, the service was efficient and the food tasted great - I will oh-so come back for their empanadas, the Carne Asada, and my Chuleta dish! +Empanadas +Carne Asada +Chuleta en Mole Negro +Tres Leches Cake
(4)
C X.

Food: 3 star Service: 2 star Food: We ordered grilled calamari with arugula, the calamari was chewy and the dressing overwhelmed with citrus juice. Pork chop is tough and over cooked in the pork chop mole entree I ordered. Service: Salsa that comes with chips and salsa for the table is not spicy at all. We asked the waiter if we can have a spicier sauce instead. He gave us two choices and we picked habanero sauce. There was no mention of extra charge for the sauce at all. When the bill came, we saw the charge for the sauce and asked the waiter about it. Instead of being apologetic for forgetting to mention there is extra charge, he become defensive and argumentative, saying that it's on the menu.
(2)
Ivy T.

Love love love. Unpretentious delicious food. Their baked crepe with corn fungus and oxaca cheese was delicious. It wasn't too rich despite the creamy green sauce. The watercress garnish was a nice touch to balance the dish with a very light, subdued bitterness. For our entrees, we had the veggie enchiladas and the wood grilled mahi mahi with mashed potatoes. They were both out of this world. The enchilada had a bigger kick than I would have thought, which I didn't mind. Definitely downed a bit of water but I may just be a weakling. The mahi mahi was cooked so well. Normally most restaurants offer overcooked mahi mahi. I really don't think I've had a better prepared mahi mahi. Part of me wonders if I'm overly impressed by them. Honestly, their food was just that good. We were way too full for dessert but don't think I wasn't tempted to stuff myself silly.
(5)
Julia R.

Went here on a Saturday night recently for a birthday celebration with friends. I made the reservation for 7:00 a week earlier using Open Table. We got there right at 7 and the table was ready! This itself is deserving of 5 stars, as the place was bumpin. We got the guacamole and ceviche to start, both very good. Both my girlfriend and I got the special, which was paella. I really enjoyed the flavor and abundance of seafood, all of which was fresh and delicious. My friend enjoyed hers but had hoped for more spiciness. My boyfriend is a vegetarian so the minor downside is that there is only really one vegetarian option (Enchiladas) but the creamy tomatillo sauce that came on them was delicious! Love that this place is BYOB, atmosphere is great and service was attentive without being annoying. One thing to BEWARE of is their credit card limit, which is fine as long as your large party can plan ahead and bring cash. Considering I got paella at a Mexican restaurant, I will definitely be returning to try one of the more traditional dishes.
(4)
Michael P.

Good. That's the best word to describe this place. There is nothing remarkable, and there is nothing to complain about. We were a group of 13 (including a couple people of the Hispanic persuasion who love their native fare), and everyone walked out basically saying "That was good." They did a good job accommodating our large group. They were patient as people trickled in over a 15-20 minute period. The service was good. Water glasses were filled as they were emptied, plates were cleared in short order, requests were politely accommodated. The food was good. Everything came out together, and everything was warm and none of it has the appearance of having sat under a heat lamp for any period of time. Meats were cooked to order. The mole was good. Portion size was good. Good good good good good good good good. For all I had heard about this place, I wanted to walk out thinking that was DAMN good, and I didn't. There were no flavors that grabbed you, nothing that got your attention. It was all, well, good. So, if you want to go somewhere you know you won't be let down, where you'll walk out satisfied, not complaining about service, etc., for Mexican food Mixteco is as good as any other place. If you want to really have some bold, interesting food that will leave an impression, I'd go elsewhere.
(4)
Erica C.

I liked this place. Solid Mexican food. But the reason I'm writing a review is because my friend ordered the most insanely weird menu item here I have ever received. The menu description for this salad was pretty vague, maybe even with a bit of language barrier going on. Here's what it was: Beets Jicama (stained Pepto pink from beet juice) Chopped peanuts Mandarin oranges... And... Rainbow sprinkles!!! It was quite the sight. We all marveled over it, giggling, for about 15 minutes. Most of us tried it and it was surprisingly tasty, just very off-putting in appearance. Like something on the show "Chopped." My poor pregnant friend that ordered it was very turned off by it though. I feel her pain. Been there, done that. Shocked no one else has mentioned it before. I googled it and apparently it's a Mexican Christmas dish. But no recipe I saw online mentions the infamous rainbow sprinkles.
(4)
Mary T.

I'm going to drop a big fat 'meh' on Mixteco. When an old roommate invited me out to dinner at Mixteco I was excited, it was on my list of places to try for ages and I briefly considered it for my birthday dinner. My excitement waned a bit once I perused my friends when I noticed a decided split between those who loved it and those who thought it was just ok. I highly recommend a reservation if you plan on dining here, the place has a steady flow of people. The setting is intimate; tables are very close to each other which can make for a loud dining experience. For us, it was like being seated next to a table full of that person on the bus on their cell phone. You know the one, they shout into the phone like it's a megaphone, oblivious to those around who pray for their battery to die or anything really that will shut them up. Service was spot on. As soon as we were seated, our server cracked two beers for us and put the rest on ice. He also uncorked the other half of our party's wine. We each ordered an appetizer to start; me and my partner in crime got the ceviche, I forget what my friends ordered. The ceviche was good and different than most you will find in Mexican restaurants. The smoky chipotle gave it a nice kick rather than the tart acidity usually dominant from the lime. It's possible this would have been a 4 or 5 star review had we taken our server's recommendations. But alas, we did not. I forget what the rest of table ordered, but I went with the Dorado Zarandeado, wood grilled Yucatan-style mahi. The presentation was nice and the portion was very generous, but something about the dish was missing. The best way to describe it was slightly tart from the tomatillo and overall kind of boring. Of the four of us, only one really loved their dish - not a great batting average. I'm glad I've finally crossed Mixteco off my list. Unfortunately, I don't see myself being a repeat customer; it's not that I didn't like it, it's just that there are plenty of other places I like better. It's worth noting, if you are spice (aka heat) averse, there are plenty of options here.
(3)
Gwen D.

Two thumbs up to an upscale Mexican BYOB! Chatting with friends for hours over guacamole, queso fundido and fish tacos is my idea of a perfect night. And if you want a bigger meal, I recommend the mole hands down. After trying their delicious chicken mole enchiladas, I decided to make my own mole--which somehow made at least 15 servings. After so much mole, I don't know when I'll want to eat it again, but I do know I'll go to Mixteco Grill to break the fast. One of my friends, who considers herself an expert in chips and salsa, said the chips were a little thick for her liking. All the better to scoop salsa and guac!
(4)
Richard S.

Mixteco Grill is where my wife and I had our first date, so it holds a special place in our hearts. It's a truly lovely little intimate, authentic BYO Mexican place that's as good as any other upscale Mexican restaurant in Chicago (I'm looking at you Bayless), and better than many of the nicer places I've visited in Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel. Their Borrego en Mole Negro is simply my favorite dish in the city - a wood-grilled rack of lamb in complex, rich and spicy oaxacan mole negro sauce over garlic mashed potato. Sweet jeebus. So we decided to have our rehearsal dinner here for 34 people, including quite a few folks in from out of town who were completely unfamiliar with the cuisine. In every way did they exceed my already high expectations. The servers were excellent at explaining the food to our guests, friendly and funny, and incredibly helpful at opening and pouring drinks for a very happy, hungry crowd. We were able to order anything off the menu for one reasonable fixed price, which allowed us to try a wide variety of really spectacular items, including quite a few things I'd never had before. My mother was ecstatic about her Tamal de Chile Relleno, a beautiful and complex take on the traditional chile relleno, and our adorable 4 year-old niece even really loved the first bite of tentacled calamari she'd ever tried from the delicious Calamares al Ajillo. The food was so plentiful and delicious that we had forgot about the desert (which was included), but when that came out the moans were audible across the room. The Pastel de Tres Leches and Navado de Chocolate were stupendously good. When we were all ready to wrap up, Osvaldo, the Manager who helped coordinate everything, apologized if anything was slow or unsatisfactory that night, as they had just finished catering another giant culinary event and had just received a much deserved Michelin Bib Gourmand award that very night, so things were especially busy. I laughed and told him that we literally couldn't be happier. If what we experienced at our wedding rehearsal was Mixteco on an off night, I wonder how good it will be when we come back for an on night? Can't wait to find out.
(5)
Kelly A.

I love this place! It has a neighborhood restaurant atmosphere, but with food is exceptionally delicious. I love that it showcases that Mexican cuisine can be more than just tacos, burritos and nachos. Everything we had was quite tasty and if you go on the early side (we ate at 6 on a Saturday) it's easy enough to get a table right away. We didn't take advantage of the BYOB last time, but definitely will in the future. I thought it was especially awesome that they will put your beer in their refrigerator to keep it cool. It's a very hospitable touch.
(5)
Salil G.

Vegetarian selection was a bit limited. The staff was very accomodating and we were able to create different types of enchiladas using their other sauces. All were really good. I'd definitely come back again.
(4)
maurice s.

This places benefits substantially from its location. A perfectly solid Mexican restaurant, but there are 100 just like it across the city. I guess Chicago is lucky in that respect. It seems that the flavor (certainly the heat) is dialed back to make benefit the largely gringo clientele.
(3)
Adam K.

Great Mexican food, that is a step above the norm. Good dinners, steaks, veggie dishes, good for the family also. Will return.
(4)
Colleen C.

Holla! Mixteco has brunch :) Freakin' good brunch, too. With no line (though I did mosey in around 12:30pm, so hey) on a Saturday. It kills me to share this secret, but I shall in the interest of valor and goodwill, y'all. It's a small, thoughtful lunch/brunch menu. We had the pancakes with goat cheese, and they were sprinkled with fresh pineapple and strawberries and drizzled with carmel. Be still my sweet little heart, these were cakes 'o heaven. We also split the Mutelanos (forgive the butchering), which were eggs served on tostadas with black beans, plantains and some heavenly red sauce of sorts. So.damn.good. The portions are great for the money. Pancakes were under $7, and just the right size, same with the egg dish. We ordered some crepes to split for dessert (yeah, I am a competitive eater, ok? back off) and they were very much like the pancakes, so perhaps I'd try something else on a return trip. Oh hellllll yes, there'll be a return trip. The service was quite good, even with our diehard drink order: 2 waters, 2 diet cokes, 2 coffees. They managed to stay on top of it...even though I never expect that. Tis why I order 3 drinks...to sustain me. This place is a gem, it's gonna fill up fast...I suggest you get there to try it...BYOB, as if it couldn't get any better...it just did. :)
(5)
Scott V.

What can I say about Mixteco that hasn't been said? This place exceeded all expectations. Went here for dinner last night after years of telling myself I would try it. We started off with the ceviche, which was spot on. I had the pork chop and, as a true blood Filipino, I attest to the pork's awesomeness. It's served in a dark mole sauce with sweet potato mash and, since it's already sliced, you can make tacos. Fiyah. The gal pal ordered the tiger shrimp and it too was awesome. Capped off the night with a lemon flan and excellent coffee. All in all, while I've only been there once, it was probably one the best meals I've had in long time.
(5)
D Mike K.

Definitely a great "upscale Mexican" experience. Service was attentive and very friendly all night. It is BYOB. We went on a Sunday the day after some serious boozing, so it was a non-factor for us. The other tables all seemed to be enjoying the policy. One table had 3 bottles of Margarita mix and a bottle of Petron. Fun! Everyone loved their food. The empanadas were decent. I had the Tiger Shrimp entree with a fantastic sauce and well cooked shrimp. We all split the chocolate cake desert and te banana custard desert. Both were a great ending to dinner. A great meal any day of the week!
(5)
Leanne A.

I'm happy they seem to be constantly crowded, but get a waiting area! It's now cold outside and we're jammed by the host desk, practically on top of peoples' plates! But that's okay, I guess. It seemed to me that the waiters here were unusually cute. Like, all of them. Maybe they were brothers? Great eye candy :) We had great service. Good food. I shared the enchiladas and taquitos with my sister. Pretty staple entrees, but they were unique. The taquitos had a totally different flavor than I've ever had. I also liked watching all the waiters and the cooks running around in this small bustling little place. It was an exciting yet cozy atmosphere.
(4)
Annette M.

Everything looked delicious. You have to get the mole! It's a BYOB!
(4)
Meatdowntown C.

I'm only rating lunch not dinner. I ordered the chilecrelleno escabeche which was a hit despite the overwhelming chorizo flavor. It sounds like all dishes for brunch have either chorizo, eggs or chicken. I ordered the enchiladas suizas and my friend the enchiladas verdes. The suizas had grilled chicken inside which was kind of odd. I was expecting shredded chicken not grilled chicken sliced with no flavor whatsoever. The enchiladas verdes were very tasty and the vegetarian mix inside was pretty decent (zucchini, mushroom, corn, bell peppers). I'm unsure how this restaurant can be Michelin star because the food, service and accommodations are not exactly at that level. Maybe I need to go to dinner but the bland chicken made me run away from this place.
(2)
Stephanie C.

I was just linking to this page and decided to write my own review...This is our go-to spot for brunch on the weekends! Pluses: no-wait brunch, great service, VERY good with our toddler, and the food minuses...the only thing I would say is DON'T order any of the 'standard' fare - taco, enchilada, etc. It is standard. If you want to be wowed, order something like the Huevos Al Bajio or the Huevos Motulenos. Each time we go, they get the plantains out quick for the kiddo and don't bat an eye when we need to get up and walk him around. Overall, stellar.
(5)
Rachel O.

I give Mixteco five stars because we had such a great experience with nothing that could take point away. From before we set foot in the restaurant, I knew it would be a great experience. I called on Wednesday for a Friday reservation and the hostess said that the couldn't guarantee a great table. I suggested we wait until sunday for the best experience and she agreed. They gave us a great window spot and I imagine the hustle and bustle was far more quiet than on Friday night. We started with the Ceviche de Jaiba which was spectacular. Order an app right away to stay away from all the tortilla chips. The chips are even so good that you can easily finish the whole damn basket. The food is so tasty and filling that there is no reason to scarf down a pile of chips. For entrees we tried the Camarones and Salmon which were both great choices. The sauces were perfect complements to the seafood and the grilled flavor just brought out the spices. Even though the Ceviche already had us satisfied we were able nearly clean our plates and opt for dessert. We are big flan fans and theirs definitely passed the test. Served with a nice helping of fresh fruit its a great finale to a excellent meal. Its perfect to share. We've only been one time but guarantee we'll be back soon to check out more dishes. We HIGHLY recommend it!! Living nearby is definitely a plus! As is the fact its a BYOB
(5)
Sara D.

Rewind: I called to make reservations two days in advance for a Saturday night. The hostess was very polite and offered us a table by the window. The meal was delicious - we had the empanadas as an appetizer, they are served with the most delicious dipping sauce ever! I had the slow roasted pork, which was served with black beans and pickled onions. My date had the chicken in mole sauce which was fantastic. It seemed to have a very strong hint of cinnamon, but was very flavorful. Our waiter was polite and like all the other reviews, offered to place our wine and extra beer in the refrigerator. I definitely want to come back - the menu has many other offererings to try (mahi-mahi, shrimp, etc.) As a sidenote, to cap off this memorable evening, as we were leaving a 1/2 mile long bicycle protest ride was going by, complete with a karaoke machine!
(4)
Melissa R.

Growing up in Arizona, I have unintentionally become picky about Mexican food. But, when other Arizona natives suggested this place for dinner I was all in. I was not totally blown away by this place, but I will say that it had good food and great service. I came craving two things: guacamole and tres leche cake. Those two items were alright with me. For apps we had chips and salsa (I ate approximately 2 baskets myself), guacamole (fresh and delicious), queso fundido (new to me, but there's nothing not to like about melted cheese with chorizo). I ordered the enchiladas en mole negro and was pleased with my selection. I had never had mole sauce before but after I tasted how rich and flavorful it was while chicken enchiladas swam in it...I am now a fan. I tried a bite of someone's seafood tamale thingy and was not impressed...it only made me happier with my entree. And who doesn't need dessert after shoveling your mouth for two hours with lots of food? Not this girl. I "shared" the tres leche cake, and by "shared" I mean that I made my boyfriend say he would split it with me then nearly stabbed him with my fork each time he tried to take a bite. The service was so great. Two of our party were about 45 minutes late but they still let us sit and enjoy the appetizers without getting pissy or pushy; our waiter was nice and super fast. Overall, it was a good meal...especially for Mexican food in Chicago.
(3)
RJ W.

The back room is ridiculously crowded and I frankly do not have a clue how a fire inspector does not come in and close it down... I truly felt as if there were a fire, I would be trapped... The food was good, albeit it on the 'pequeno" side. We liked that it was BYOB so it made the dinner very reasonable.. and the service was ok... not overwhelmed by any means.. and I would NEVER again accept seating in the backroom, particularly if you are with a group...
(3)
Richard O.

I like that the design seems kind of DIY and unpretentious but the food didn't really seem to come together for me. It's possible that it's just a lot better for meat eaters than vegetarians but even the meat eater I was with said the only thing he'd come back for was the Sopa de Azteca he started off with. The vegetable empanadas were decent, but the vegetarian entree on the menu is basically a winter vegetable medley in a nice presentation, but neither satisfying nor particularly fresh-tasting. The service was all right, although once a large party got seated the service more or less evaporated, which is understandable but, well, you know. I guess I found myself sitting there wondering whether I even like Mexican food.
(2)
Kortney M.

VERY SOLID! The food and my experience were both amazing! We went with the boyfriends parents, which is always a win because of a) them paying, and b) we order a ton of apps and share them all! We ordered the calamari, chicken tamale, and the peppers. They were all amazing, and I did not want to share at all! All of the mole and sauces that they use are unforgettable, out of this world! Between everyone at the table I tried all of the entrÃ©es, I must say the steak IS HUGE and worth it! The seasoning and mole with it is to die for, not mentioning that you will have enough for dinner tomorrow. The hand made tortillas that they bring to the table are so tasty, and we opted to get the special salsa which really is as hot as they warn you. All in all, this place is amazing, I really haven't been excited about a Latino style restaurant in a while. Youve restored my faith Mixteco!
(4)
Katie S.

A pretty big group of us, 13, had dinner at Mixteco two nights ago for my birthday. I chose Mixteco based on the rave reviews and I have to say that I definitely was not disappointed. As far as service goes, there were no complaints. They accommodated our group at one long table which was great. Our server was attentive and had a sense of humor which is always nice. We ordered several apps and of those, I tried the queso fundido. However, we also ordered the ceviche which I couldn't eat, but my friend devoured it. We also had some guacamole and the soup. The fundido was good - it came with chorizo that had some great flavor and fresh tortilla shells. As with any fundido, it was best eaten fresh and hot. I also topped it with the house habenero salsa which made me break into a sweat, and I love my food spicy. It was perfect, with a slightly lemony aftertaste. I couldn't stop eating it! For my main dish, I ordered the enchiladas with the negro mole and beans. WOW. I knew I wanted to order something with the mole and I'm so glad I did. Had I not gotten so stuffed at the end, I would have licked my plate clean. Instead I asked our server to box my last 'chada and "don't forget the mole!" so it came home with me. I may or may not have eaten my leftovers for breakfast this morning (I may have). The chicken inside was so tender and juicy and the mole on the plate, which had a sweet/smoky flavor to it, was enough to spoon up. Another friend of mine ordered the pork and it was a little slice of heaven. I had a bite and it was cooked perfectly, juicy, and the tomatillo sauce was delicious and there definitely was not a lack of it on the plate. Another friend had the venison empanadas and raved about those as well. I also tried a bite of the mahi, and dare I say, it was probably the most excellently cooked pieces of fish I'd had in a while. The radishes added a fantastic crunch to it (same goes for the enchiladas). Basically, everyone walked out saying how much they each loved their own dish. Despite the fact that I was packed to the gills with yummy enchiladas, I ordered the chocolate cake (you need cake on your birthday!). It was a warm, undeniably decedent, rich and moist flourless cake drizzled with chocolate syrup, that came with chopped fruits and a sorbet. I am not a sweets person, but I wanted to cry at how amazing this was. The place is rather loud and has a very lively atmosphere which was perfect for us. I roll with a pretty boisterous crowd, so it was alright for us to laugh and talk over one another and not worry about everyone around us. Even with our big group, I didn't feel like the back room was THAT overcrowded, but obviously that's just my opinion. The biggest thing that I wish I'd known (although I can't say it really affected our group) is that they only allow so many credit cards per table. I can't remember the exact number, but it was something like 1 card for every 3 or 4 people? Luckily we had cash so it wasn't an issue. I didn't see that mentioned anywhere online, so if you have a large group, you may want to call ahead and confirm that. All in all, I was definitely impressed with Mixteco. I'm moving out of state in a couple of months and I hope to go back once more!
(4)
Molly L.

Who has two thumbs and loves brunch? This Girl! This place is one of my favorite places to go in Chicago for brunch. Forget Orange, M Henry, Toast...Mixteco puts them to shame. Why is that? Because not only is it creative, it is also DELICIOUS and not hoity toity. I really really love brunch. I think I have tried all of the main spots in Chicago. And I find that...after all the hype, I tend to leave feeling like it wasn't all that it was ...um..cracked up to be (egg pun intended). Also, you can always get a seat here...there is something not right about having to wait 1+ hours for a plate of eggs. Mixteco, on the other hand, serves up a hearty brunch of creative Mexican egg dishes, mostly. The sauces are awesome, the food is actually hot (not been sitting under a heat lamp) and the waitstaff is very attentive. The coffee is also fantastic. If i remember correctly, they put cinnamon in it, which I love! The bottom line is, I don't think I could go home and recreate what I ate here, which I feel I can do with many-a-brunch.
(5)
Ethan H.

Read my friend, Catherine C.'s comments. I'm a HUGE typography snob but didn't have the same negative reaction she did to their choice in font. Nor did I walk away with such a glowing review - I want Catherine's experience! Unfortunately, the whole experience was just plain bad. I can't remember if we had a waiter or if food was simply put on our table by whomever happened to walk by. The appetizer looked like something straight out of "Betty Crocker: Cook like you're stuck in the 1950s." The sauce was pink and there were marshmallows involved. Knowing the chef had studied under Rick Bayless, we opted for what Rick is known for: Pollo con Mole. The Mole drowned the chicken and was so sweet you thought it belonged on ice cream. Rather than a deep, rich flavor that speaks of hours upon hours of cooking - the mole tasted like it had hit the pan 10 minutes prior and was dressed up for a sugar party. Colors, flavors, and service: great for an gelato store. not for mexican.
(2)
Elizabeth E.

Decent food and service, but over priced for what it is, I don't think I'll be re-visiting Mixteco.
(3)
Emily S.

Love Mixteco. The mole is out of this world and the food is sooo good. It's BYOB, and they really take care of everything. We brought beer in and they refrigerated it for us. I would definitely recommended Mixteco to a friend.
(4)
Kathleen O.

I was soooo excited to go here after hearing all of the great reviews, but I was not impressed. The service was great, but the food was not so good. We wanted the taco appetizer with chicken (it comes with Tilapia) and they said they could not accomodate (weird), so we went with the corn tamales that were ok. Very bland. We also did the sopes and they were also ok. I am not a big mole fan though. We split the chicken dish in tomatillo sauce. It had way too much rosemary (weird combo in a Mexican dish) and was not soo good. The best thing we had was the warm chocolate cake with ice cream. I am on the fence if I will go back, but was very dissapointed in my first visit here. :(
(2)
Karen P.

With all the hype, and difficulty to get a reservation, we were all psyched to finally get in to try Mixteco. For a party of seven, we arrived at 5 pm on a Sunday evening and the place was empty. (The Bulls were playing in the play offs so that may have affected the turn out for the evening.) For a BYOB, it is very clean and pleasantly decorated and the service was good. The chips and salsa were also good. I ordered the guacamole but had to order two separate bowls to feed the table. It was good, but not the best I have had. (Adobo Grill still has the lead in guacamole!) I also ordered a Mexican melted cheese dish for an appetizer. It was delicious with the chips. Then, we had the entrees. The diablo shrimp was definitely the star plate. Two of us ordered the mole pork, which was moist but had very little flavor. It was supposed to come with black beans with cheese but there was maybe a tablespoon of beans and a tiny sprinkle of cheese--like it was an after thought for a decoration. It needed more cheese, for sure. The stuffed zuchhini, a vegetarian dish, looked interesting but did not tempt my appetite. The scallops also appeared delicious and I forgot to ask how they were. I would probably order that, also, if we ever come back. Maybe we were there on an "off" night? We brought our own Mexican Beer and two of us ordered Coca Cola's. For dessert, we should have ordered the traditional Mexican flan or tres leches cake. However, one ordered the crepes and berries-which were mediocre. The crepes were almost over cooked and it was a dark looking, murky plate of smooshed berries. My husband ordered the pineapple upside down cake and it came out completely different from the version I make. It was cut in a triangle, with caramel sauce on top and strawberry ice cream, with pieces of pineapple surrounding it. It was good and definitely outside the box so to speak but it was terribly sweet. So, if you have a real sweet tooth, this would fit the bill. My daughter lives in the neighborhood so we might end up back but I will not make a reservation for this kind of a place. Plus, the two hours we were there, there were open tables all over the place. I just do not understand or "get" the hype. Chicago has a wealth of Mexican Restaurants and I am still seeking......... I think other Mexican restaurants are better so that is why the 2 star rating. It IS a neighborhood gem, however. Close to walk to and like I said it is clean, pleasant atmosphere and all right decent Mexican food.
(2)
Amy H.

I recently came here for dinner with a good friend and a better bottle of wine (just kidding, this friend is cool). We made last-minute reservations on a Friday for around 9 p.m. and were seated immediately. The decor is very simple, clean and colorful. It was pretty packed, but we found the service to be extremely friendly and quick. I ordered the mahi-mahi, which was really outstanding. I'd definitely order it again. The fresh salsa atop the fish was especially great. My dining companion had enchiladas in black mole, since I'd heard Mixteco made a brilliant sauce. The enchiladas were also delicious, but very INTENSE. The dish was extremely heavy for a 80+ degree summer night. Overall, I'd definitely return.
(4)
Jen B.

Mixteco is a charming BYOB spot for tasty Mexican cuisine in Lakeview. It definitely has that "neighborhood favorite" vibe to it like a lot of places in this area -- not flashy, just a comfortable place for a nice meal with friends. We scored a reservation for eight on a Saturday night. I'm glad we got the rezzie since the place was packed pretty much all night. They wouldn't seat us until our entire party arrived, and there was no space to wait in the restaurant so were relegated to waiting on the street. Luckily it wasn't too cold and our friends showed up within 15 minutes. Once we sat down, our server immediately sought out the "leader" of the group and asked him about appetizers and corking our wine. I get why that would be helpful, but it was kind of weird to call someone out like that. Our "leader" didn't seem to mind, though. The mole was highly recommended, but since no vegetarian dish had it, I ordered the cheese quesadillas with a side of mole. I'm glad I did, it was really, really good. The flavors were strong and had a lot of depth. The quesadillas were more like cheese empanadas and were room temperature by the time they got to me. The mole was very warm, so I made do dunking the cheese nuggets in the sauce. Even though the quesadillas were an appetizer, I expected the portion to be bigger given the price. I was glad that I'd ordered a side of black beans but they were really nothing special and also seemed overpriced. Other standouts at the table were the pumpkin soup, the calamari appetizer and the pork entree. Everyone seemed happy with what they got, though another diner echoed my opinion that the prices were high for what was really pretty standard Mexican food. I would recommend stopping by for the mole if you are in the area, but this place probably isn't worth making a special trip up to Lakeview.
(3)
Jen A.

Mixteco was a disappointment. We came here for a friend's birthday who was feeling really down the last few weeks since she was laid off from her job. We thought great Mexican food and BYOB would cheer her up. The service seemed really slow, especially for a Wednesday night. It was really busy, so it took a while for our water to be refilled and for our dishes to come out. The appetizers were decent...there was a queso and chorizo dip that was the highlight of the meal. Everyone seemed really disappointed in their meals, especially the birthday girl. She ordered a seafood dish that sounded like it would be amazing-- scallops, mussels and whitefish. What came out was a seafood meatloaf. It did not look appetizing. It was a grey brick of seafood with a tomato sauce all over it. Everyone's food actually came out with too much mediocre sauce, and not enough actual entree on the plate. I was the only person satisfied with what I ordered-- I went with 2 appetizers, the fish tacos and these tiny corn discs filled with a yummy bean and cheese paste. The last straw was the dessert. The flan was absolutely terrible. It tasted like scrambled eggs with caramel sauce. The texture was definitely off-- I've had many flan desserts in my day (I'm Filipino), and that was not right.
(2)
Leigh R.

Hol-e mole. Let me preface this by saying that as a resident of this neghborhood, I had high expectations for this place since the awning went up. Those expectations? Exceeded by at least Big Brown's winning five lengths. The service was fantastic. ALL the food (and we ate A LOT, so much that I am embarrassed to actually write it) was delicious. I am ecstatic that it is literally a block away and I will so be back to try the rest of the menu. Soon.
(5)
Cliff E.

Sometimes I'm of the mind that senior citizens have it down pat. Point-in-case: today's dinner took place at 5 PM because The Sadie and I were standing outside of Mixteco Grill at 4:45 PM drooling over the menu taped to the window. Comments of "Did you see...?" and "Oooh, look..." flew as our eyes wandered. And having heard the rave reviews of Chef Raul Arreola, and how crowded the place gets in the evening, we decided to wait until the doors opened at 5 PM, and try to get seated without a reservation. Which wasn't a problem. And while we did have to wait for a few minutes while the hostess and 3 waitstaff sat a party of six (a bit of the WTF? since only two of the party had arrived), once the hostess gave us her attention, we were seated quickly and the chips and salsa arrived. While the chips were completely servicable fried tortillas, the salsa verde bordered on the sublime. Cool, tart, and sour, the limes, cilantro, and tomatillos took centerstage. This is the kind of salsa you sit in your backyard during a cookout and enjoy with a couple of beers. After that came the Sopes de Tinga de Pollo, small boats of masa filled with shredded chicken in a roja mole sauce, crema, and crumbled cheese. The chicken was moist and in the roja mole reminded me of Brunswick Stew, a delicious slow cooked Southern stew of pork, chicken, and tomatoes. The crema and cheese cool the flavors and bring a smoothness to the mouthfeel. The masa, for being as dense as it was, had a light cornbread flavor that completed the dish with a nice earthiness. For the entrees we had the Carne Asada and the Cochinta Pibil. The Carne Asada was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Grilled with scallions, the sear had a wonderful spring flavor that complemented the char. And the Pibil was stunning. I'm a huge fan of the fruit of the swine, so slow roasted chunks of pork served in a zippy annatto (or achiote) sauce was heaven. Soft and succulent, the chunks fell apart with but a twist the fork. The pibil is served with a side of Habanero Salsa that's fruity, sweet, and hotter than Georgia asphalt in August. To use all of it would be suicidal, but it was so tasty that I was willing to brave the heat in order to add 4 drops to my pork. Since Mixteco Grill is is BYO, I'd heartily recommend skipping across both Montrose and Ashland to Rayan's Discount Liquors and picking up a couple of bottles of beer. For the meal I had, I'd recommend something lighter like Pacifico or Sol. Negra Modelo might work too, but it's about as heavy as I'd want to go. Leave the Corona for the backyard cook out. All in all this was a wonderful meal to end the weekend on. I would definitely recommend making reservations, as when we were leaving two patrons that didn't have reservations were getting angry because the hostess couldn't seat them. 6pm on a Sunday night, the place was packed, and had patrons waiting outside, so Mixteco is doing something very right. I would like to see some drapes or wall coverings added to absorb some of the noise, but once the food arrives you'll forget about everything else!
(5)
Ali D.

Good food ... Awesome service.
(4)
Tom M.

If you can get past the decor, or rather the dirty floors, walls, etc., the food is pretty good. Also, we recently had lunch on a Sunday afternoon and it took forever for get a taco. Clean up the place, maybe a fresh coat of paint would help.
(3)
Todd M.

After several co-workers raved about Mixteco I decided I needed to give it a try. Everyone told us to be sure to make a reservation. Though, when I called Saturday morning for Saturday night reservations we were told they had been booked since Tuesday but to stop in around 6pm and the wait would not be long. Sure enough at 6:30 when we arrived we were seated immediately. Though we noticed after that people started waiting outside so we got there just in the nick of time. The service was great. We also enjoyed the food. We tried the Queso Fundido as an appetizer and then I had the Enchiladas Suiza for the main course and they were delicious. I look forward to returning and sampling the rest of their menu in the future. Also enjoyable was the reasonable price that often comes with BYOB establishments. I recommend you give it a try!
(4)
Janis W.

I think all the people who are giving this place 5 stars are just happy that a decent restaurant has opened up in their area. And that's fine, as long as those of us with plenty of good places in our neighborhoods know that this place is just pretty good, not a 5 star experience and not worth waiting in line for or otherwise inconveniencing ourselves for. That said, I liked the chicken soup, the guacamole was bland and the pork dish my boyfriend had was really good. Don't go expecting Frontera. All the people who worked there seemed genuinely happy to be there, except the host who seemed stressed out. Our waiter, Damien, was great.
(3)
Keri H.

I too wanted to try this place because of all the great reviews but I wasn't really all that impressed. We went on a Wednesday night around 8. My two friends and I walked right in and were seated immediately. We knew it was a BYOB which is really nice but we weren't in the mood to drink that night. The chips were standard tortilla chips but I liked the verde salsa. We decided to split the ceviche. That was pretty yummy. It had a lot of flavor. My two friends each had the enchiladas rojo and I had the chicken mole. I spent three more dollars and they were essentially the same meal. They had a side salad as a side and I had mashed potatoes. The mole sauce itself left more to be desired...it didn't really have the depth of flavor I am used to in a mole. The chicken was tender though. The service was attentive and the staff was very friendly however the food was just alright. The girls and I all agreed that it would be a nice place to go back and try for appetizers only...or possibly try the fish entrees.
(3)
Ade Z.

Ok Ok ...so my ladies and I went to this joint about two weeks ago It was a treat and the service was good. It was a little cramp and the AC wasn't working or there was none. Dont wanna be in there now! The food was good but not amazing. I love home cooked- real authentic mexican food. Mexican food is something that i love to eat when its made authentically. I had a shrimp dish with beans and what not...it was ok I could have made it at home. My friends felt the same way- they liked it but from what i understood not CRAZZZy about it. We BYOB and that saved some money on bill - since we paid a good amount for not so amazing food. The dessert was our favorite part. Our waiter was super nice and earned his tip :) hahaha All in all im glad i tried it- im glad my ladies and I went and had a good time. But i cant say i will remeber the place and jump to go again. And oh yea... go with time to spare cause even though you have a reservation that doesn't seem to mean much to them when they have a packed place. Just go there and get ready to wait a bit. Bon Appetit*
(3)
Ron S.

Went there last night. A good thing, too, since it was reviewed by Pat Bruno today. It'll be that much harder to get in now. In a word, delicious. For appetizers, we had the Tacos Ensanada (fish tacos) and sopes. Pico de gallo on the tacos had a nice zing to it and the pork, chicken and mushroom sopes all had tasty moles and salsas. Dinner for me was the Cochinita Pibil, marinated slow roasted pork. I'm still thinking about it; it was that good. Unless you want your mouth on fire, use the habanero salsa sparingly. Fortunately, I didn't finish it all, and can't wait to have it for lunch in a day or two. My wife had the Camarones Poblanos, the grilled tiger shrimp. As she described it, just excellent flavor. We split the chocolate lava cake w/ ice cream for dessert. No need to say any more. (Bruno loved it, too.) Wish we had tried the guacamole, but that just gives us a reason to go back. Don't know how long they'll remain BYOB, but at least for now, you can get an excellent meal and not come close to breaking the bank. ($55 for two before tip.) Great job, Mixteco!
(4)
Aaron K.

Nothing at Mixteco is "fancy" but everything is excellent. The kitchen is rather small and dominated by a wood grill. Hence over half the menu is wood-grilled something-or-other. Don't let that fool you. The smoke from the fire provides a glorious base for the moles and sauces. While a few on here have said the portion sizes are small, I've actually found the opposite to be true. At most restos I will have a full 3 courses, where at Mixteco I am stuffed on an entrÃ©e and a shared dessert. As a BYOB with a liquor store across the street it's hard to have a bad time.
(4)
Balam M.

My girl and I really dig Mixteco. The food is delectable. The attention to detail, within this very regional Mexican cuisine, is incredible. The mole is outstanding. The tortillas are homemade---many people won't really know what this means, so try them!!! The appetizers are varied, colorful, and delicious. It's also BYOB, awww snap. Where some would say it gets really crowded at Mixteco, I'll say the space is well-used. Hey, they're drawing business and minimizing waste (material and energy). I gotta say that our waiter on one occasion was a little aloof, but that would be my only bad thought.
(4)
Sarah V.

I've been to Mixteco a few times and every time has been sublime. The food is top notch, they take reservations (and actually seat you on time despite the crowds that flood into this place on weekends), and it's BYOB! There is a liquor store conveniently located across the street, so you can make a pit-stop on your way to dinner. Enjoy!
(5)
Casey E.

DELICIOUS! Cool, intimate atmosphere, incredibly delicious food, and wonderful service!! BYOB or Wine always a plus. Love this place.
(5)
Billy D.

Affordable and delicious! I had the slow roasted pork entree for dinner and the ceviche for an app. Both were amazing. To top it all off it's BYOB. I'll be there again!
(5)
Erika A.

I am half Mexican and eat traditional Mexican food quite often. Needless to say, I was VERY disappointed with the lack of traditional cuisine offered at Mixteco. I think it is pretty unheard of for a restaurant to not offer tacos...I mean really. I understand the "elegance" of a specialty menu, but I had a truly difficult time deciding what to order purely because nothing sounded particularly good and was extremely overpriced. I ended up ordering the enchiladas in mole sauce and wished I hadn't. My mom ordered the sopes, which were pretty good. All around, nothing to write home about. I would prefer eating at a more authentic lower end restaurant in the future. Mixteco was a sad disappointment.
(2)
Nicole C.

The best fish tacos I've had. I was here right after they opened. It was a while back, so I can't remember anything else that I had, but the tilapia tacos I will never forget. I do remember that it was summertime and the restaurant was really hot, but hopefully they've fixed that. I'm so happy to see they're doing well and hope to make a trip back next time I'm up on the north side.
(5)
Beast B.

So far I've tried their grilled shrimp, tamales, pork loin & fish tacos... I think their food is great & perfectly seasoned..
(5)
Char Y.

We waited and made a last minute reservation on a Sat night. We were told that we'd only have the table for 1 hour until the next reservation. We ordered lamb, fish, and beef with different moles. Their mole is AMAZING, even though the portion sizes are small. It was quite satisfying.
(3)
Krisanthi N.

I went here once with a pretty big group. Luckily, we didn't wait long for a table. We all tried different dishes, as well as some apps. Everyone liked their food. However, it was a bit pricey, even though we didn't get drinks!
(4)
MaryAnne M.

Wow. This place is amazing. I'd wanted to try it for some time when a certain lovely Yelper put a dinner group together. In typical gluttonous fashion I am the only person out of 6 ordering an app. Great. Appetizer: Two corn masa boats one filled with chicken in red mole another with pork in tomatillo salsa. Two of these plus the chips and salsa would MAYBE be enough for your meal. But not mine. EntrÃ©e: Wood grilled rack of lamb with Oaxaca black mole served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Okay, here's where it goes from 4 to 5 stars in a few easy steps. 1) Medium. So many restaurants have no bloody idea what medium means for meat. Pink throughout. Lamb was perfect. 2) Mole. I usually don't care for mole but this was scrumptious. I may like mole now. 3) Corn tortillas. I think we can all agree flour tortillas are B & B. Bland and bullshit. Dessert: Tres Leches. Beautiful presentation and delightful. Our server was attentive and pleasant. Placed my beer in their cooler, checked on us often. Even put salt on the drinking glasses for my dining companions who brought a handle, yes a handle of margaritas. And reasonable. This is probably my new favorite Mexican joint. BYOB. Liquor store across the street.
(5)
Elizabeth B.

We visited Mixteco for the first time last night and were very pleased. I liked the decor and our waiter was very helpful. It's BYOB with a liquor store just across the street. My boyfriend had the carne asada and I had the Mahi Mahi. We both loved our dishes and will be going back again soon.
(4)
Jeff R.

Yes, all the hype and good reviews are true. Great food for good value AND byob. Loved the mole, the fish tacos, guacamole and choc brownie dessert. I could go on but I'll just say go try it for yourself.
(5)
Thomas A.

I am told Oaxaca is beautiful this time of year- anytime of year, in fact. Despite my Spanish being a little rusty (nonexistent) and the risk of being kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel (I assume they would perceive me as a possible threat), I would go in a heartbeat. And no, not because Salvia is now illegal in Illinois, please, I would never touch the stuff- sounds scary. No, the real reason I want to go is because it contains beautiful rainforests, mountains, and a unique indigenous people and culture. Who am I kidding- I want the food! Problem is, I have recently depleted my travel budget, and it doesn't look like it is going to be replenished anytime soon. Thank God there is Mixteco. Now, is Mixteco a Oaxacan restaurant? I honestly have no idea, but I did notice Oaxacan moles on the menu, and I believe I have managed to order every one currently on the menu. Usually there is not enough food to absorb all the mole on the plate, not to say the portions are skimpy, they just cover the plate in mole. And I am so happy they do. I spend the last ten minutes of a meal at Mixteco scooping up the excess mole with a fork, or if there any left, the corn tortillas that are pressed in house. The moral of the story is, maybe you shouldn't go to Mixteco with me, but you should go. Along with Wholly Friijoles and Chilam Balam, Mixteco has has given me a great appreciation for the complexity, richness, and unique qualities of Mexican cuisine that I had no idea existed eating tacos and burritos all my life (and usually bad ones at that). I shouldn't have written this review on an empty stomach....
(5)
Steven W.

This place is excellent, reasonably priced and BYOB. Everything we ate here was delicious. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Andrew K.

We checked this out over mother's day weekend. This place is truly a diamond in the rough. From the outside the place looks almost uninviting - one may think its another post midnight burrito place. Once inside the atmosphere starts improving. We were greeted like family by the hostess and we met the chef. They clearly take pride in what they serve. And thats where the diamond is, its the food. Fantastic, delicious and authentic. The spices arent dumbed down to the average american palate. Every item that we tasted had a five star presentation and a five star taste. Highly recommended!
(5)
Elias H.

This place is easy to describe. Frontera grill north.
(4)
Heather H.

Does this place really need it's 73rd review? Probably not, but I will give one anyway. I 100% agree with Eric K (reviewer below). I had the grouper special and it was bland. I doused mine in the extremely hot sauce. We waited for 45 mintues to be seated even though we arrived 15 minutes early. That's what we get for trying to go somewhere with 7 people on a Friday night in a place that seats 38. However, I would go back again b/c I liked some of the other entrees that I sampled.
(3)
Tim N.

I really enjoyed this place. The dining room is small and as I understnad it, they don't take reservations. Rather than wait 15 min. to be seated, my wife and I sat at the bar (accomodates 4 people). The place is BYOB and the servers are very helpful in keeping your beer or wine in the refrigerator for you. The kitchen is hot near the bar area so be warned. The food is great. I cannot pronounce what we oredered, but they were these tamale type things filled with beef. They are really yummy. We also had some very good Mole Chicken Enchilladas. The tres leches cake looks awesome but I was too full to endulge. I will be back.
(4)
K H.

Tasty higher end Mexican - lots of great ambience and creative dishes.
(4)
Jason C.

Food was great - excellent flavors. The sopa was to die for. We just got a handful of starters which was enough to fill us. The server seemed a bit unhappy that we were just ordering starters which explains my 4 stars vs. 5. Overall, I would go back for the food and BYOB.
(4)
Kyle P.

My wife and I were looking for a place to eat and decided to stop in on a whim. I don't know if it was because we were expecting something else, but we did not like the food at all. If you're looking for tacos or burritos, this is not the place...It's more of a mexican twist on everyday food (like pork chops, sea food, etc). Both of us ordered the enchiladas (because it was the only thing that was close to what we wanted), and they had a weird sauce that tasted like burnt BBQ sauce. Needless to say, we will probably not go back again.
(2)
Jennifer A.

We liked Mixteco. Had the calamari appetizer and loved it. Liked the ceviche also. One person had lamb in mole, which was a bit of a sweet mole, but good with the lamb. Carne Asada was also very fine. Two of us had the mahi mahi, however, and it was bland. Just a regular brown gravy. We were disappointed. But the deserts also were unique - especially the pineapple upside down cake - something you don't see every day. The atmosphere is open and boisterous. But not overwhelming. It's BYOB, which everyone seems to do, and they immediately brought frosted mugs for our beer and glasses all around for the wine. Would have given it 5 stars, except for disappointment on the entree. Definitely will return and try to order better.
(4)
Rebekah H.

Last night was the third time I've been there and yet again it was beyond delicious. The service is wonderful, the food is outstanding, and it is BYOB!! I had the lentils cakes last night in the verde sauce -- they were phenomenal. We also ordered the guacamolre and queso fundido, and all were so, so good. I highly recommend this place for great, upscale Mexican food.
(4)
Daniel M.

Just a short review- Ive been here many a time and the service has always been spot on. My taste in booze is pretty specific so I love that they offer byob. They kindly brought my 6 pack of 'lu fin du monde' to the back where they kept it mighty chilled and served us frozen (thats right), frozen beer glasses.. Me nor my date's mugs were ever empty (A+). The entrees are always great but I do however wish the appetizers would get more interesting. They get a solid meh. Stop in if youve never been, its a reliable spot.
(4)
Ervin M.

There had been raving and ranting of this so place so I decided to finally go. Three things, overpriced, bad table service, and the food was cold. The only thing going for them is that they have nice mural painting hung in a room that if not busy you cant even sit in. Overall, this place is a very weak attempt at providing authentic Mexican food. It's like a generic version of Frontera Grill with a similair ticket price.
(2)
Mateo S.

Holy wow. Is the chef here single? Under one roof, he manages to feature the finest highlights of Mexico's staggeringly rich culinary heritage: the best moles I've had outside of Oaxaca City; the Yucutan's legendary cochinita pibil; luscious grilled meats, Guerrero style; and the classic sauces of Puebla. The plating is drop dead gorgeous, worthy of Chicago's priciest fine dining rooms. Service was excellent. Fosted mugs were delivered for our BYO beer and a plate of limes was provided. Call well in advance for reservations... they are often fully booked and the hostess was quoting an hour and a half wait for a walk-in two-top ahead of me in line. They waited. Because that is how good this place is.
(5)
Christine M.

I am so glad that we have such a great restaurant on our corner! From the outside, it doesn't look like much. And it is one of the smallest places that I've ever been in (they are opening another room in about a month). But the food here is just amazing! My husband and I have been here a few times and are never disappointed with the food - it's always wonderful. I have learned to ask how spicy a dish is going to be! Yes, we have to make a reservation and then maybe wait a few minutes to get our table, but it is always great!
(5)
April M.

Went here for a date, after reading reviews on Yelp! It was packed on a Tuesday night at 8pm, and the place was buzzing with good atmosphere! It's just around the corner from my new apartment also! The food was good, I had the pork (don't remember the official name) it came with black beans and was cooked just right! Although the date was just ok and I may not see him again, I will for sure go back to Mixteco Grill in the near future!
(5)
Elise K.

Delish, delish, it makes quite a dish. The guac was good, the chile reillieno was fantastic, and the fruity flan was quite lovely. Service was mixed, but overall a great meal. Was a bit put off by the way they asked if we had a reservation even though the place was half empty....
(4)
Missy M.

Wow!!! The waiter had to practically pry me away from my plate, I wanted to lick it clean. I had pork with oaxacan mole, mango and mashed potatoes and ate every last drop on my plate. You can make reservations, the prices are affordable and its BYOB. My perfect restaurant! I will definitely be back.
(5)
Adam G.

I am a fan! Finally went last week with a friend to grab dinner. Awesome chips and salsa. Our waiter was awesome and really good at suggesting dinners for the wines that we brought. I had the carne asada, and my friend had the special of the night. Seared scallops with a mango salsa. We shared and both thought our dinners were great. I did make a last minute reservation and got stuck at a crappy table right by the hostess stand so it was a little crowded by us. The ambiance could be spruced up a bit but I don't always need my surroundings to help sell the food. Sometimes, the food itself is good enough to go back!
(4)
David R.

Mixteco serves fantastic Mexican favorites in a lively, friendly and casual atmosphere. The menu has an interesting selection of pork, fish, poultry, and meat entrees and starters. We ordered the talapia fish tacos and the skirt steak boats as starters, and moved on to the spicy marinated pulled pork and lamb mole. The mole was so good, my friend almost licked the plate to get every last drop. The BYOB policy is a plus and the reasonable prices make this a great weekend or weekday spot for excellent food.
(5)
Cindy D.

I went here with a group of friends and a bottle of wine, and the food was okay. I ordered something like an enchilada, but I was a bit disappointed with the scant cheese (I might be a vegetarian, but I love a cheesy enchilada). That's not a big problem though, just a difference in taste. The big problem is that as soon as we'd finished our meal, we were asked to leave so that they could use our table to seat another party. I don't know who thought kicking out a table was a good way to get repeat business, but despite Mixteco's status of closest-restaurant-to-my-house, I am still boycotting their mediocre food due to this unacceptable level of service.
(2)
Bev h.

mole sauce and i have issues. it seems as though i would like it- i love things that are semisweet and salty or savory at the same time. but it seems like everywhere i go, the sauce is so sweet it ruins the meal. not mixteco! this is one of the few mole sauces that i have truly enjoyed. about half of our group arrived on time for our dinner reservation. they sat us no problem, and we had water and chips/salsa within seconds. our waiter was perfect- took my 6pack to the fridge right away, and even brought me a frosty mug! grade A service continued all night. the guacamole was a little too bland for me- i wanted more cilantro and onions and less cucumber and radish?! the enchiladas en mole negro were perfection, and i snuck a bite of the bday boy's dessert- very tasty. i'll be back for sure.
(4)
Mark M.

The service is bad. I have been to Mixteco 3 times and I have had bad service all 3 times. I will not be going back to this restaurant, which is unfortunate because the food is really good. The first time the hostesses didn't want to seat us and they ignored us. That was not a good first impression. We were finally seated after an hour wait. The second time the waiter forgot to put our food order in and we waited over an hour for our food. We asked to speak to the manager and the manager would not speak to us... he sent someone from the kitchen to talk with us. The third time the waiter was somewhat short with us and not very attentive. In addition he got upset with us when we asked for new wine glasses. They had 3 chances, and now I will not go back. If the management changed and the wait staff changed this would be a much better restaurant.
(1)
Eric X.

Grrrreeeaeat food and no charge on the BYOB. Easily accessible via the #78 Montrose bus, the CTA Brown line, and plenty of bike parking.
(4)
erika g.

Possibly the best BYOB restaurant I've been to in a long time! From the outside, you would never guess this place is as amazing as it is! The empenadas and queso fundido were fabulous appetizers! Every person at our table was in love with their entrees. The mole sauce served alongside the lamb and pork chop was out of this world - it's a must-try! For dessert, the sopas frutas, flaan and tres leches cake were all absolutely delicious. With appetizers, entrees, and dessert, the bill came to about $30 a person, which is a steal considering the high quality of our meals. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Patricia M S.

I live in the neighborhood and began frequenting Mixteco as soon as soon as it had opened. I've been there very often, including last night, January 28, 2010. I had an awful experience due to the idiot who takes reservations and seats customers. GET A NEW PERSON AT THE FRONT! The Tres Leches, which was excellent a while back, is no longer worthy of ordering. The quality of food has gone downhill; the staff needs better training.
(2)
Nicole V.

Need to give a little background before I dive into my review....I have driven past Mixteco approximately 1 million times. Every time I think to myself, "self, you need to go to this place...it is always crowded...it is said to be delicious." A couple of weeks ago when my dad was in the city visiting he asked if there was a place near my hood I wanted to check out. At first I thought of all my standard parental approved places, but then I had a moment of clarity....MIXTECO! Yes, we were on our way with no reservation but lots of enthusiasm. Upon arrival the place was packed as usual, but the staff was super nice and allowed us to wait for a table to open. Everything floating past our noses looked and smelled superb! Upon being seated we decided to start out with the grilled calamari. The flavor was fantastic...smokey and delicious and the texture was perfect! For dinner I went with the mango mole and I was absolutely in heaven. I was worried it would be too sweet and it was not. The mixture of the sweet and the spice was unlike any mole I had ever tasted. My taste buds were in love. My dad went with a fish dish that was also quite good, but my mole was the clear winner. If you go...try the mole! We finished the evening with dessert and I had the flan and my dad went with the lime cheesecake. Both were good, but the lime cheesecake won out hands down. Overall, I feel Mixteco is definitely one of the best high end (yet affordable) Latin American restaurants in the city. If you are looking for some fresh and delicious Mexican, this is no brainer....and make sure to TRY THE MOLE!
(4)
Brandon H.

Too loud, too dark, and too expensive. And I am only 26 years old.
(2)
Karl K.

Great food is found here at this mid range mexican restaurant. This is not Uncle Julios fare but instead more upscale traditional mexican with great moles and energetic combinations! With the current BYOB situation you can even pair your favorite wines and drinks with the food but this is sure to end as soon as their license arrives so go quickly! I had the mahi mahi with green mole and it was fantastic. Tried the calamari (fantastic), the scallops (great sauce), and the skirt steak which was wonderful along with the Macmurray Pinot I brought along (great $20 wine). Defintely recommend this place. Only drawback was the interior, but if you have ever eaten in mexico this location would be a ritz carlton compared to some of those place down there. Good food trumps decor every day of the week!!
(4)
Erik M.

I live in Sheridan Park, only 4 blocks away, and I give this wonderful place a 5 star ranking because it has excellent food, friendly service, and reasonably priced. My brother teaches cooking at Cordon Bleu/CHIC downtown and I have been fortunate to visit many great restaurants in Chicago, i.e. Tru, Everest, North Pond Cafe, Charlie Trotter's, but one can't afford to go to these places all the time. You also need to have the neighborhood restaurant that does a fantastic job and doesn't drain your bank account. I love good Mexican food, and this is a value/BYOB version of Frontera Grill downtown. Frontera and it's excellent chef is still better, but for the price it is hard to beat Mixteco. I have always had friendly service there and the deco is fairly simple tables and chairs, not high end, but very comfortable. GREAT TIP: if it is your first time dining here and your not sure which mole sauce you might like, ask for a little taste sample. They will usually bring over a little ramekin of mole sauce for you to taste, so you kind determine which is best for you. Again, fantastic food and value, great place to go with a group of friends and plenty of wine...:) Love all the food but particularly love the Conchita Pibil dish at the top of the menu. Enjoy your next meal there, if you love Mexican food and mole sauce's, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Ro A.

Excellent food! The menu changes often, but the scallop entree is amazing!
(5)
Joe L.

The salmon mole was so good I wanted to cry; but it was so salty I couldn't make tears. The BYOB-with-no-corkage thing is mostly awesome, but sometimes cheap drinks in small restaurants means you have to scream across the table. Maybe not great for clients... or grandma. Some entrees were forgettable, but I forgot what they were. The ones I remember were amazing. Overall, it's one of the best restaurants in the area.
(4)
Never M.

Has anybody tried their trio of empanadas?! I would kiss a green line crackhead RIGHT NOW for some of those!
(5)
Zoe W.

Service was relatively good (one star) and my entree was good (other star). Other than that I can't recommend this place. The menu is very limited and the price is not worth what you end up with. Sorry Mixteco!
(2)
Rachel Y.

I have heard over and over again that I need to go to this restaurant. I finally did and I can't believe it took me so long! Everything we had was absolutely amazing - and BYOB was the cherry on top.The server had fantastic suggestions, the atmosphere was very cute and simple and comfortable. It is now a regular spot on my go-to list.
(5)
Judy L.

Another great BYOB Mexican restaurant! The only difference with Mixteco is that the atmosphere isn't as cramped and dark as most other BYOB Mexican eateries. It reminds me of a cute and colorful cafe. The sauce for all its dishes is amazing. Various types of salsa to go along with each dish. If you plan to eat there, call far far in advance because it seems that the phone rings throughout the day but no one picks up. When you finally do get through to someone they usually tell you the restaurant is already entirely booked. Service isn't spectacular but they do their job bring your food out to you on time as well as fill water glasses.
(4)
Steve K.

I am a mole junkie, so I was eager to try Mixteco's. It was definitely interesting and nuanced, but too sweet for my tastes, and there was an unusual ingredient that I still can't put my finger on. Nutmeg? The problem was the chicken that accompanied it. I had my dining companion try it and he said, "Yesterday's chicken." Yeah, it definitely wasn't fresh. He had carne asada. It was an impressively large chunk of meat, but I didn't care for the flavor. The black refried beans on our plates were zzzzzzz. And no rice? C'mon, that's a staple! The decor was blah, with mismatched chairs and typically garish colors, and it was kind of warm. Our bill was $45 for two main courses (no appetizer) and two Cokes, so this is pricey for Mexican food. The service, however, was excellent. But I will definitely not go back.
(2)
Martha-Victoria D.

I loved this place...authentic Mexican.....no stereotypical cookie cutter Mexican food here. The emphasis is clearly on sauces...awesome, rich, complex, delicious. I had the chuleta con mole manchamanteles and it was awesome, my boyfriend had the enchiladas en mole negro and it was fabulous too. I thought the salsa verde and the guacamole could have used more kick but that's a matter of taste so it's understandable. The service was great and BYOB is always good...the place was 90% full on a Tuesday night!
(5)
Alex N.

What can I say that hasn't been said already?! Great food, local, BYOB, and GREAT FOOD! MMMMM. Can like 3/4 of you stop going...just so I can go without having to make a reservation. Kidding. I love this place and hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy it. I hope they're not too successful and decide to upgrade to a larger, farther away location. Damn I'm selfish!
(5)
Joel S.

Man I hate leaving a two-star review on a place that Yelp loves, because I know I'll be Ã¼ber-scruitinized. See? Right there, ton of yelpers just said, "Did he just write Ã¼ber? And use umlauts!?! F this guy!" Anyway, went to Mixteco last night and had an 8pm reservation. No doubt that you need a reservation to go to this place, even on a Sunday at 8. Noticed two things right away. One, they really pack 'em in here for such a small place. Two, more than half the place was taken up by two parties of 8-10 people. When your restaurant holds maybe 40 people, why would you fill your place with two tables that take forrrrrrrrrrrever to turn over? I wouldn't mention or complain about the big parties, but I am pretty sure that the big parties were the reason we had to wait and wait - they have more than four 2-tops otherwise, right? Even with a reservation, we ended up getting a table a little shy of 30 minutes after our reservation - and we got there 5 minutes early. They should have seated us at the 4-top that remained unfilled until almost the end of our meal, around 9:30... ugh I hate thinking about stuff like this. I just want to sit and relax, not think about restaurant logistics and how the restaurant manager doesn't know how to do her job. Kind of lame and it always sucks to start a meal that way. The tables are arranged poorly and it's too cramped inside. There is no waiting area at all, and a guy at one of the party tables must have been one relaxed dude, because he kept doing the gangsta lean into me while he was sitting and I was trying to wait. One table appeared to be directly in a hallway walkway, and we were warned not to sit another table that become available at the same time as ours; the leaving party complained of being freezing sitting next to the window (in that same hallway). The meal was ok, but overrall didn't live up to my expectations. I was bummed to get salsa verde instead of salsa. Salsa verde sucks to eat with chips!!! The ceviche appetizer was the highlight of the meal, fresh and delicious. I had one of the best meals of my life at a cool Mexican place in Phoenix recently, and I've been searching for a Cochinita Pibil to match that delciousness. Although Mixteco's wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything special. Due to the Yelp hype, I was really expecting something more. The habenero sauce it was served with was necessary to add some flavor to the dish. Also tried one of the chicken encheladas in mole. You know how some people have chocolate fountains at their weddings? I have one of mole. I drink the stuff by the gallon after exercising to cool down. I mix the stuff with coke and I call it mole-cola. I drink mole when I bowl. Anyway, you get it, I have mole frequently, and this mole sucked! Maybe I just caught a bad batch or an off night. Hard to say, but disappointing to say the least. Just a pretty bland batch of mole, and no I don't like the too-sweet mole either so that's not the issue here. Also $16 is too much for enchiladas! I'd rather continue to explore taquerias up on Clark in Rogers Park or down in Pilsen than come back to this place. I'd really be wary of a place adhering to their reservation times when they allow the place to fill up with large parties. The combo of just ok food, feeling way too packed inside and the wait due to poor seating planning leaves me unable to give more than two stars.
(2)
kirstin j.

I was taken to Mixteco a few weeks ago, while visiting Chicago. It came highly recommended and did not disappoint! We had the Queso Fundido which was glorious and included brilliant homemade corn tortillas. We also had the Crepas de la huitlacoche. They were exotic and delicious. Huitlacoche is a kind of mushroom. It was served with a nice salsa verde. My main was the Mole Enchiladas, which is normally done with chicken, but they did for me with cheese. It was amazing. Our waiter was very proud of their mole, and told me it had 30 spices in it. I believe him. My fellow diners had a scallops dish and some kind of meat based burrito, which they also loved! Mixteco is BYOB, so definitely bring your own. We brought a nice organic Malbec, which went great with the food! I live in the San Diego area and WISH that we had fine Mexican food like this!
(5)
Reid B.

Walked in without a reservation (around 7pm) and was seated within 15 minutes. Food was delicious, portions were perfect, and service was prompt. Wonderful authentic Mexican food that wasn't "over-cheesed" or smothered in refried beams. A little loud, and a bit crowded (we sat up front near the hostess stand), but delightful nonetheless.
(4)
Matt B.

I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. First off, the owner of the restaurant stands by the front door of his clean, cozy sanctuary for delicious homemade cooking. Being a former waiter, busboy, dishwasher, etc. I always appreciate the owner who is not above his employees, this guy was running food to tables, making sure everything arrived hot and fresh. He was also wiping down tables too, this guy obviously cares about his restaurant and it shows in the food, too. I had the fish of the day, Mahi-Mahi, and my girlfriend had the trout. The entrees were $17 and $18 respectively... The value is incredible, I would have paid $27 for what I ate and still thought it was worth every penny. They serve the fish dishes with homemade corn tortillas, best I've ever had, and gladly bring you "free refills" without an air of frustration. We also had the ceviche and sopes for an appetizer, they were so reasonably priced, $6.50 and $6 respectively. This place could charge way more for the food... Best dining experience I've had since I went to Naha a year and a half ago. The dessert was outstanding too, banana mousse, and the coffee was laden with orange peel flavor and cinnamon. It cost $1.50 and they were generous with refills. Man, the total for 2 entrees, 2 apps, 2 coffees and a dessert was $62! I am being redundant, but this meal was easily worth over $100... Please check it out, this is a true gem. It's small and clean, great experience... They even take reservations!
(5)
johnny b.

So so at best. I could see how some people might like it but I won't be back.
(2)
Mary Jo M.

I recently went here for a birthday celebration, there were six of us and lots of wine, so perhaps my memory is a bit faded. I enjoyed almost everything that came out, and I believe except for one person in the group who is a "meat and potato person" did as well. The calamari app is to die for, I would order that as my meal. I ordered the Shrimp dish which is very garlicky, but delicious. I tried the mole from the lamb dish, and it was really amazing. The restaurant was full at 9 which was when we could get a reservation, but we were seated in the back which seems a bit quieter than the front. Great service, great food, good night.
(5)
Steven A.

This place has been many things in the last few years...burger joint, diner, and who-knows-what. None of them ever lasted very long. From my first visit at Mixteco last Sunday, I think the restaurant is going to buck the trend. First off, it's nearly always busy as I pass by. Sunday evening was no exception, with just a couple of tables open (in addition to some cute spaces at the "counter," which is obviously a hold over from the diner days). Even though we were asked if we had a reservation (we didn't), we were seated immediately. The excellent waitstaff immediately went to work, pouring our BYOB beers in chilled mugs and taking the rest of the 6-pack to the cooler. Our server then set down a basket of chips and instead of the usual pico de gallo salsa, a bowl of tangy, fresh salsa verde. The appetizers were delicious. The sopas were served with three different fillings, pork, chicken, and mushroom. The pork had a nice chipotle flavor while the mushrooms had an earthy, smoky texture. The chicken was a little disappointing because I was looking for more tomatillo flavor (as described in the menu). It ended up being a little bland. The ceviche, however, hit the mark; fresh and citrusy with a hint of heat from the chili. After much debate, M and I chose fish entrees; trout for her, mahi mahi for me. The trout was a large portion and came wrapped in a banana leaf. The poblano cream sauce was an excellent compliment to the fish. My order was cooked perfectly, tender and flaky with grilled flavor. It was served with thin, julienned roast vegetables and little masa dumplings...all swimming in a tasty green tomatillo sauce. Unfortunately, we were too full to try any desserts, but the appetizers, entrees, and excellent waitstaff guarantees we'll be back for more.
(4)
Beth H.

WOW! I had a great experience at Mixteco. We went on a saturday night without a reservation. We were seated right away and brought out tortilla chips-mmm. We didn't know much about mole, but one of the guys working was really nice and brought us samples of each mole. What interesting flavors they were. We ended up ordering the Queso Fundido, Azteca soup, carne asado ( steak with black beans and guacamole), and Chuleta Almendrada. We did not have to wait too long, maybe fifteen minutes, before the food came out. All was fantastic! The carne asada was ordered medium well done and came out perfect. The meat was juicy and melted in my mouth, and the sauce complemented it very well. Overall, a wonderful dinner. The only downside is that this place is pretty pricy, with entrees costing from $18-$21.
(5)
Kapan S.

The mister and I were so glad that a real restaurant opened up within walking distance. We have liked pretty much everything we've ordered. I tend to favor the shrimp or scallop entrees but one of the best dishes I think was the pork tenderloins. The BYOB thing is great. They seem to still be doing very well which is great. The only bad is that it can be so LOUD. Fun for eaves dropping though ;)
(4)
Kristin M.

At well over 200 reviews, there probably isn't much that I can say that someone else hasn't already said. But its pretty simple why anyone would love Mixteco: 1) Mole 2) BYOB
(5)
Jen D.

Yup-yup! I checked out this place on a "freeze ur arse off" evening in Chi-town. Loved that it was a BYOB with a liquor store kitty-corner. NOTE: on cold nights - sit at the bar!! I had super-duper dish with scallops that was FAB. Now, I generally detest corn tortillas but when they served the freshly-made-in-house corn tortillas, well, what can I say, when in Rome (or Mixteco) - had 4 thank you! The chips and salsa was actually noteworthy as well. My friend had some sort of pork thing going on with black beans (I know - sounds wrong, right?) that I had to have 3 bites of. Very affordable but crowded. Actually, cold or not, I think eating at the bar is the best seat in the house!! Will be back!
(4)
Anne M.

The good: BYOB, chips and tomatillo salsa, my companion's lamb mole entree, BEST tres leches cake ever, decent value. The bad: NOISY as hell, crowded all the time, pork mole entree was dry and tough. I would definitely go back and try a different entree.
(4)
Gonka D.

Delicious, delicious, delicious! Everything we ordered was fabulous (except the dessert but that was our fault for ordering when we weren't really taken with any of the options). We got there early and had no wait what so ever. Once we started eating it got really crowded and then a little unbearable when a family with 3 small kids came in...not the place for that. It is a tiny dining room with no room for kids to be "expressive". Regardless of the size of the place the food was great and we will def be back! We didn't BYOB but will do so next time. There is a liquor store across the street which makes it really convenient. We saw a couple come in with premixed margaritas...novel idea!
(4)
Eldiva S.

Solid mexican food with a gourmet twist. The guacamole was different( chunks of veggies in it not tradionally found in guacamole) but fresh & tasty. The pork with mole was flavorful. I am still looking for my go to mexican in Chicago...this is not quite it for me - but still a good try...
(3)
Scott S.

I am so surprised by the overwhelming positive reviews of this restaurant. Seven of us went to dinner here on September 15. We ordered 7 different items, yet they all looked the same. Each item sitting in a pool of different sauce and topped with radish. The mole was good, but not when your enchilada is both soaked in it, and sitting in it. We ordered 2 desserts for the table, and a 3rd was given to us for a birthday we were celebrating. The chocolate mousse was great, but not one person would take a second bite of the crepe. While I would never go so far as to accuse a restaurant of giving me food poisoning or having an unsanitary kitchen, the two other people I have spoken to and myself both spent the next two days sick.
(1)
Jessica M.

Actually went here about a year ago - but absolutely loved every bite! I drove by again yesterday and can't wait to go back! I split the cochinita pibil, which was mouthwatering, tender and flavorful... I don't know if I will be able to try anything else at this restaurant, because that is why I am going back! They also had a scrumptiously deadly habanero sauce for dishes, chips, whatever - very good but not for the weak. And my all-time favorite part, BYOB baby! The only reason I do not give 5 stars, is because it was a while ago, and I will update this once I go more recently.
(4)
Mary L.

Wow! what a fantastic place. it's only 1/2 block from my house!!! i will go back!! It was packed on a Thursday night, i had the mahi mahi and it was amazing!! You need to go!
(5)
James M.

The mole sauce is awesome. I had the enchilada's and they were good. The tamale's were pretty good. The guacomole was average. It's BYOB and there is a decent amount of street parking. Our server was really slow, but all the other servers looked to be more attentive.
(4)
Jasmine D.

Really delicious, and reasonably priced.
(4)
Dave S.

Best Mexican I have had in Chicago. Period. The servers are attentive. Food is delicious. BYOB. Perfect.
(5)
C. B.

I did enjoy this restaurant, but it was not as amazing as I was expecting. After about an hour long wait we were seated. Our server was fairly attentive but couldn't really give us any input on what good menu choices would be. He said the menu changes too often for him to make recommendations. I really appreciated the thoughtful flavor combinations on the menu. We had the fish tacos for an appetizer. They were very good. For the main course I got a pork dish with black beans. The flavor was very interesting. The serving sizes were fairly small, so don't be afraid to order apps or desert! I absolutely would go back here, but it isn't a place that I am constantly craving.
(3)
Katie C.

YUUUUMMMMM! So good. Just make sure to make a reservation or you could be waiting awhile. There is a tiny bar but it fills up quickly and there aren't any bars around. Just great food and BYOB! Can't beat that!
(5)
Paul D.

Absolutely loved this place, oddly enough, recommended by several friends (not known to each other), the same week. Opened up a whole palate of surprises I hadn't known - I am guessing many arcane ingredients (to those unable to eat of materials sourced directly from Mexico) that popped wonderful nuances everywhere, and I will have to go back again and again to tease out the many layers of flavor I had in this finely, finely crafted food. (One example only - the habanero salsa, honestly hot, but with a wonderful, floral note that comes from an adjunct spice or aromatic unique, if I understood it correctly, to southern Mexico). I'm at a rare loss for words, it was this good - difficult to say in print, because the mastery is so subtle, but an incredible balance in what we had, wonderful depth of flavor, beautiful marriages across the palate. Their menu promises much more, and we look forward to returning. Pibil, thou art my siren.
(5)
Jason W.

Pretty impressed. The food was quite good, the service was awesome. We ordered 4 apps and shared an entree. BYOB is a plus. The mole was super tasty, and I enjoy they switch up the menu every month. Will return next time I require Mexican without the flat top grease.
(4)
Kendrah R.

I just didn't see what the big deal was that causes lines out the door. Service was fine. Food was okay. Maybe my expectations were too high or I don't understand Mexican food enough, but it really didn't do anything for me. Guacamole was bland, empanadas had little flavor, fish was fine. Nothing to write home about.
(3)
Dawn A.

The Great: Service was welcoming and attentive The Good: Mole sauces and plating of the entrees The Bad: Overly charred vs wood grilled shrimp and veggies. Yuck. The Ugly: Painfully noisy dining. Think your HS cafeteria volume x 10 Try Los Nopales on Western....much, much better.
(2)
Courtney P.

LOVE this place!! And apparently so does everyone else....you can't get in on a weekend without a reservation. Fantastic food. BYOB with great service (my friend brough bottled mojitos and they muddled mint and lime into our glasses with ice!!) It does get pretty darn loud, so don't take Grandma there. Awesome!
(4)
Duff B.

I'm no expert on Oaxacan cuisine. Not even a novice, really. I can say that I was very impressed with the meal I had here, though. Had a special that had moist grilled scallops under a pile of avocado and beans and all sorts of good stuff. Just rolled all that up in a tortilla and went to town. Amazing appetizers as well, and super courteous and helpful waitstaff make this one of the better new restaurants I've seen.
(4)
Moe f.

Best value in town. Went on Sunday night w/out reservations and was packed but only waited 10 minutes. They were out of the empanadas I read so much about so we opted for the ceviche which was spot on. The wife had a nicely prepared carne asada. I went with the lamb in mole which was perfectly cooked. Wasn't impressed with the tres leches. The portions are niced sized and I could have easily eated my own app, entree, and desert. I don't think anything was over $20. Throw in BYO and perfect place. The only issue is the size. Need to expand already. And quite a few large parties who each brought a bottle of wine/person and were hanging out all night. Not that you have to rush thru dinner but it's a bit rude so head back to someones house and finish up all that booze. Update 2-26, we pass on our reservation to Dave Burke's Primehouse on restaurant week(as I read mixed reviews and it was raining) and come back here. The tamale app was amazing. I then tried the Mahi-mahi which was as good as any piece of fish you'll find in the city. The sife went with the slow roasted pork which had a very unique sauce. Again, I love this place.
(4)
j d.

Mixteco is an excellent restaurant. The service is fantastic: prompt waitstaff--very attentive, polished service that includes high-end touches like preset silverware before each course. The food was great: everything we had (four apps and one entree) was extremely well-executed, great flavors, perfect temperatures on the steak. Not you standard Americanized Mexican fare. Every dish was perfect and the menu is small enough to be accomplished very professionally. Overall, I would say that this is one of the best restaurants in Chicago. If you are looking for combo plates and fajitas, go to Los Napoles (also fantastic)...this is more high-end and inventive. BYOB....they only serve coffee, tea, sodas, and water.
(5)
Ann M.

This is my favorite new restaurant in town. The food is flawless, the service quite good. The ambiance is not much but it's getting better. I love that it's BYOB! Try the mole, I swear.
(5)
Em K.

I have been going to Mixteco since it opened, I made my 20th (or so) visit there this past Friday and everything that I loved from day one was still amazing. The MOLE is second to none. The BYOB is a great addition, but trust me, its all about the MOLE. For appetizers, go with the corn tamales, queso fundito, empanadas. If you do not like MOLE, I have had their steak and pork that is cooked in an orange juice based sauce, both are amazing.
(5)
laurie s.

Showed up Sunday night no reservations and got a table next to the BIGGEST fan in the world- as in object moving air- a little woried but the food and service more than made up for it- great graphic paintings as decor- excellent mole (with lamb) for the boys I was with- as the sole vegetarian I was please I had choices as in more than one entre- had the bean cakes with an amazing red sauce- still Mole was the winner! Coming back in 3 weeks with out of town guests cause the BYOB makes it a great price point,
(4)
Michael J. A.

I was somewhat leery when we first entered Mixteco. It looked cramped, load and not well organized. We were seated quickly and the cramped notion became apparent. seated with my back against the wall I had just enough room to get into the seat and take shallow breaths. The noise level began to crescendo and I found myself speaking louder and louder for my table mates to hear me. For these two points I took away one star. Then the food came and the noise level and cramped quarters weren't so bad. We had a couple of orders of the guacamole, which was excellent. Just spicy enough to have a bite, but not so much as you couldn't enjoy the flavors. I had the Carne Asade; the meat was tender and juicy throughout the entire cut of meat and the sauce was amazing rich and well seasoned. Other people at my table raved about the Salmon and vegetarian dishes as well. Well then we had to try the deserts. The Chocolate molten cake was rich, and very satisfying. I heard others rave over the shortcake as well. If you have the chance stop in and try Mixteco. The food, service and deserts are well worth the noise and seating. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Bree L.

Mixteco is soooooooooooooo wonderful! I give it 10 stars. On the way out the door I was already planning my next trip. The calamari salad, empanadas, salsa, shrimp, porkchops, and brownie a la mode are to die for. My favorite restaurant in the city BY FAR.
(5)
Jeff G.

Had the sister's family in (along with younger niece and nephew) and our first plan for dinner was foiled (Glenns Diner with an hour wait). I've always wanted to try Mixteco as it's always packed and caught an empty evening just at the 5pm open on Sunday. Without a reservation, we were able to get 5 seated which was great....super salsa, great guac, VERY tasty pork mole dish...I understand the menu changes each month....great attentive service...I started out at 4 stars but after reading my own freakin' review, I say what the heck, I'll go 5...
(5)
Darlene L.

This is the third time I have dined at Mixteco and it is a charm. As always, the salsa was spot on with fresh chips. We ordered the guacamole and tamales both of which we loved. In fact the tamales are just bursting with flavor inside a soft and delicate cornmeal exterior. Our main dishes included chicken, shrimp, and two types of enchiladas this time. All four of us were extremely satisfied. Great service too. Remember to bring a hearty red wine that will stand up to these flavors.
(5)
Melissa S.

Looked forward to eating at the place after all the buzz about the mole sauce. The food is great, its nice that its byob however I sat down and was enjoying my appetizer when my waiter asked to move our table, not us. Thats right two employees literally picked up my table and moved it in front of the door with my food and drinks on it while my boyfriend and I stood and watched. The new table location was situated perfectly so I would get bumped into everytime someone entered and get a freezing kick of cold air. Good food but not worth the crappy rude service.
(2)
Maria R.

The food was pretty yummy, but I only gave it 3 stars because it really lacked in ambience. We were seated in the back room which had little personality and was a megaphone for sound. I recommend the fish tacos appetizer and the pork chops that were on the special. Big plus is BYOB.
(3)
Erin C.

Recently went to Mixteco with a friend and we both thought it was wonderful. Reservations are highly required!! We went on a Sunday evening with no reservation and got one of the last tables. Food was great ... I ordered the steak and highly recommend it. Service was very good too. And don't forget ... it's BYOB!
(4)
Kirsten A.

BYOB and best mole I've ever had. I ordered extra on the side so I could dip everything in it! This place has really amazing food and is consistently good.
(5)
Kelli J.

I just don't get all of the hype folks! We finally went to Mixteco last Sunday. I was so excited, dying to try this place out. It was good. It was by no means great. So crowded, which I was prepared for, but expecting something fabulous in return. Service was friendly, as was the hostess. Food - I had the pork, nothing spectacular. It was served with a habanero sauce that I just didn't get. I love hotness, but this was all habanero - there was no enjoyment to be had - what's the point? Hubby had the lamb in mole. Mole was really good. I honestly can't even remember what we had for apps. We had the coconut flan for desert, again, it was good, not great. Just as a side note to parents (I'm a mommy and always wondering, can I take my little guy here) -- there were a lot of kids there, I was really surprised. It's not very child friendly, it's loud. And when I say crowded, I mean really crowded. I would get a babysitter if you want to try out the restaurant. So again, nothing wrong with the food, but it doesn't stand out.
(3)
Kat M.

Absolutely delicious! Three of us went at 8pm on Friday without a reservation and only had to wait a few minutes for a table. Service was helpful and attentive, making sure to offer us more chips and the yummy green salsa. I had the tiger shrimp, my friends had the halibut and the prawns. Everything was fantastic. I will be a regular here, especially with the reasonable prices.
(5)
N N.

I heard so much about this place, saw the crowds of people waiting to get in, only to be disappointed. The food was average at best - and being Mexican, I know a thing or two about Mexican food. The service was not great - we waited almost an hour to be seated and that was WITH a reservation. The place was unbelievably, uncomfortably crowded. Nah, won't go there again.
(2)
Erin K.

Loved this place. The service and the food were great. Everything was really fresh and the presentation was wonderful.
(5)
Heather K.

I LOVE this place! What a great addition to the neighborhood. And the fact that it's BYOB is the icing on the cake. I've been there twice now and both times the service and food have been outstanding. My first visit I tried a shredded pork in a sour orange juice marinade - delicious! - and the second time I had lamb in a mole sauce. Wow. I haven't ever had Mexican food that resembles this style before outside of Topolobampo - an "upscale" Mexican vs. the standard burritos and enchiladas you usually find. Mixteco is right on par with Topolobampo, but at a fraction of the price. Expect to wait without a reservation. We live nearby and see people routinely standing outside waiting for tables (and waited quite awhile ourselves our first visit!) Our last visit though we made a reservation and had no problems walking right in.
(4)
Jason M.

Mixteco's brunch wowed me. It's 5pm and I am still full. This was a diamond in the rough in terms of a sweet find. My eggs were decadently served on a bed on corn cakes stuffed with black beans. Top it with creamy salsa verde and you have a dish that I will dream about from days to come.
(5)
David N.

Came here for the first time with a group of friends. I was excited to try this mexican restaurant, I had heard so many great reviews about it. We had reservations, which I'm glad we did, this place gets very crowded. The hostess and wait staff I give 5 stars too, they were very friendly and made sure we were well taken care of. The presentation of the food was amazing too. But I do have to say this was not my favorite Mexican restaurant I have tried. Being a vegetarian there were not a whole lot of choices to pick from. The food I thought did not taste that good. The Salsa they use, even had somewhat of a "fishy" taste to it. I was not impressed. Also the prices were very high. Very expensive for the kind of food you get. Not one of my favorite Mexican restaurants to go to.
(3)
Michael H.

I waited until my second visit to review this place to see if my first experience was too good to be true (sometimes things seem better when you have too much wine), and Mixteco delivered yet again! I love pork and Mexican/latin flavors, so cochinita pibil is a definite for me. I'm sure the rest of the entrees are just as amazing, but I wouldn't dare to stray away from perfection. The chips and salsa, appetizers, and deserts are also fantastic. And with byob, this is surely a near-perfect meal. Oh mamacita!
(5)
Tony M.

Great regional Mexican food! My brother-in-law suggested this place and I wasn't quite sure how good Mexican food is in Chicago. I was seriously impressed - these guys do a fantastic job. The special was salmon - perfectly, deliciously cooked with an incredible sauce (not mole, spicy, tomato-based as I recall). Next time I'm in Chicago I'd make a special trip to eat here again. They don't yet have a license to serve alcohol so you have to bring your own.
(4)
Jen H.

Just got home from a great dinner at this place. Not gonna lie, every time we drove by we thought it was some cheap late-night burrito place. Boy, were we surprised. This place was an upscale restaurant without any of the pretentiousness you would get from an upscale restaurant. The service was friendly, and I NEVER had to ask for my water to be refilled (which is shocking for this city). We ordered the guacamole which was very refreshing along with the taquitos. Both excellent and not heavy for a girl with a tiny appetite. I had the chicken enchiladas with mole sauce which is one of their signature dishes. It was very good and had a nice kick to the sauce. BYOB, but they will salt up a glass for you if you bring margarita's.
(4)
Ross F.

I put off Mixteco even though it is right around the corner from me. I am not a big fan of 'fancy' Mexican food- or at least I thought I wasn't! The delicious sauces here really bowled me over and the service was attentive without being annoying. We never felt rushed even tho our friends were late.
(5)
Kim I.

Highly disappointing. Spent ~$60 and still left hungry. Ordered the quesadillas, fish tacos, some kind of steak and a dessert. Sounds like more than it was. Overpriced, overcrowded and the food was just okay. Call me what you will but the tipping point was when the waiter picked up my straw from my half full glass of tea with his bare hands in the middle of the meal and moved it to another glass! I'm all for saving our resources but in this instance just give me a new straw or let me move it myself.
(1)
Karen K.

I can't really find anything at all to complain about this restaurant. The decor is adorable, service perfectly paced, and the food is just awesome. The empanadas were delicious with a flaky, almost buttery crust. I had the pulled pork and it was divine. Like pork candy -- plated adorably on a banana leaf with pink pickled onions. We didn't get dessert, and I'm still regretting it a week later. This will be on my regular rotation. Run, don't walk, to Mixteco.
(5)
Jennifer G.

I came in with really high expectations. The guacamole was pretty standard but came across as fresher than any I had ever had. The fish tacos were perfect. For our meals, we had the tamal chili relleno, which was delicious. I had the special which was a duck breast grilled in mole. It was good, just different for me. The combination of duck wtih mole just did not work that well for me, should have gone with the chicken in mole. The mole was sweet, chocolatey and spicy. The potatoes on the side were delicious. That being said, the meal, 2 appetizers, 2 dinners, byob and a coke, $49.00, can't beat that. The waitstaff was very attentive and even took special care to bring me ice for warm wine, without being requested and just added numerous touches that made it a special dinner. Highly recommended. Make reservations well in advance.
(4)
rachel p.

so i used to live right across the street, literally steps from mixteco's front door. i lived there to see one failing restaurant after the next set up shop in what i deemed to be the corner of doom. there was a hot dog place for bit, then a diner (lakeview grill) and then alone came mixteco. i thought anyone trying to run a pseudo-upscale mexican place from the corner of doom was out of their mind... clearly i was wrong. i've been about 3 times now and the fish tacos are some of the best i've had. the menu's got a fairly heavy emphasis on seafood, and they know what they're doing. i've tried quite a few dishes and the ONLY thing i've been disappointed with is the lamb which was significantly overcooked. the place is small so don't expect to have dancin' room, but the food is great and its byob with a liquor store just kiddy corner.
(5)
cyber t.

Food: excellent, especially the fact that everything revolves around a base of sauces. This place has some outstanding moles and other sauces. Decor: Decent, nothing out of this world, but that actually made me even happier. It's comfortable, hip and entirely non-pretentious. Ambiance: Not bad. A bit crowded, but that might actually be a good thing in a place like this. Service: Outstanding. There's almost nothing I can say bad about this place. It's very very good. I could write a lot more, but instead of reading this, just go eat at the damn place. You'll definitely enjoy it. Plus it's BYOB!!!
(4)
Grey T.

Tried this place largely on a whim because I felt like Mexican food and I heard it was Michelin recommended. Yay! I was able to get a table without a reservation on Saturday (granted I was there a little late). The staff was excellent and super friendly, and the food was great. I had the wood grilled shrimp dish - absolutely excellent. The grilled shrimp were delicious and covered with a light garlicky sauce and some chopped beans, avocado and onions. Even the white rice was great. My husband had the carne asada which he said was also excellent. It came with, among other things, tortillas which were made fresh. This is a great place to go if you feel like Mexican flavors but want something a little different and more interesting than the standard dishes. The menu is not huge, but almost everything on it sounds interesting, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. It's not cheap, but the prices are really fair, and it is BYOB (fyi, they do not sell alcohol, so if you want a drink, be sure to bring it with you).
(4)
David K.

I think the food is very good at Mixteco. Doesn't everyone? However, I have a huge problem with this restaurant. The reservation system. We made a reservation last week, when we got there they had lost our reservation. What made it worse is that they didn't apologize or try to accommodate us. We have had problems with reservations there before, leaving messages and not getting a return call. This time same thing. No return call from or message. We got through after a second call, and were given a confirmed time. Which they apparently lost, or didn't bother to write down. So go if you want, but have a back up plan. We went to Dorado on Foster and had a great meal.
(2)
Jillian D.

holy mole. the cuisine is phenomenal!! after trying (and failing) to get in with a group of four on a friday night (they could only seat us before 5 or after 9!), my boyfriend and i were finally able to check this place out by doing the early bird thing - we were one of the first tables seated. too bad it was 5:00 on a sunday. but i won't complain. the complimentary house made tortilla chips and salsa were so good, we nearly filled up on those - my weakness at every mexican establishment we visit. but we are eaters. so we persevered. ordered an appetizer of empanadas to share. delicious! for our entrees, my boyfriend ordered the mahi mahi and i ordered the pork chop. presentation was so beautiful, it was almost a shame to eat them! the flavors came through brilliantly. we ate as much as we could, wanting to save room for something sweet (the boy has a bit of a sweet tooth). i'm not much of a chocolate fan, but he convinced me to share the molten chocolate dessert with him. it was insanely rich and gooey, but quite good, especially when accompanied by the house coffee. i highly recommend trying the coffee - it has a touch of cinnamon and orange. really tasty, and a perfect way to stave off the food coma that is about to ensue :) i would give it 5 stars if they had a liquor license. (i would love some margaritas to accompany these to-die-for eats.)
(4)
Eddy C.

Don't you love it when a restaurant gets major love on Yelp and then actually lives up to the hype? Such was the case with Mixteco Grill. After reading all the rave reviews about the place on Yelp, I was eager to try it out with my fiancee and some friends. Mixteco ended up being absolutely fantastic! It reminded me a lot of Fonda del Mar, both in terms of the flavoring of their food and the fact that it's BYOB. But the food -- oh man, the food. Everyone absolutely loved what they ordered. Personally, I had the grilled pork chop (Chuleta En Mole Negro), which was cooked perfectly and came with a delicious black mole sauce. My fiancee also enjoyed her tiger shrimp (Camarones Poblanos), which were both plump and plentiful. But the highlight of the table was the slow roasted pork (Cochinita Pibil), which was tender, moist and full of flavor. The next time I go back to Mixteco Grill, I'm definitely ordering that. Oh and definitely save room for their desserts, especially the molten chocolate cake. Great way to end a meal! Along with the great food, the service was also top notch. A couple people in our party showed up about an hour late due to Brown Line issues and our server was very accommodating and understanding, despite knowing that there were lots of people waiting who probably could use our table (we tipped him well to show our appreciation). Service was attentive without being obtrusive and everyone went out of their way to make sure we enjoyed our meal. My only minor quibbles about the restaurant are that the appetizers are woefully tiny, which means you need to order a couple if you plan on sharing. Also, the restaurant is very small, so you're going to be waiting awhile if you don't have reservations. But other than that, I thought Mixteco Grill was fantastic and consider this one more rave review to add to what I imagine to be a continuously growing list on Yelp.
(5)
B K.

Very very good. I may have been more fond of the appetizers than the actual entrees. It helps that they are byob- that keeps the cost down. I I will say, they even made things taste good that I don't normally like, like pork. A lot of attention goes into the food. It was flawless when it arrived. Really talented chef....I can't wait to go again.
(5)
John M.

I have to agree with the earlier reviews, this place was great! We went around 6pm on a saturday and were lucky to get a table. We started with the Fish tacos, which had a lightly battered piece of tilapia and an avacodo/mayo sauce. Very light and flavorful. We also had a nice big bowl of guac that was equally good. My wife chose the slow roasted pork that came with tortillas. Man, this was a winning dish. The pork was so tender and had a great earthy taste to it. I went for the blackened tiger shrimp in a avacado mole. Wow oh Wow! Nice sized shrimp in one of the best moles I've had. It also had some incredble sauteed onions, potatoes and veggies in the middle. Needless to say, I was almost licking my plate by the end. The tres leche and chocolate cake looked awesome, but we were too stuffed to order. Definitely next time. Overall, a great addition to the Ravenswood neighborhood. Entrees are $12-$18 and $6 for apps. Great price point for what you get. BYOB, so pack up a few brews as well.
(5)
Jules W.

Mixteco lost our reservation last night and didn't seem the least bit concerned. No matter--my friends and I strolled down the block and had a great meal at Taqueria La Sierra which was also BYOB and had many vegetarian options which was a huge plus since 4 of our 6 diners don't eat meat.
(1)
Craig N.

I thoroughly enjoyed the food and service at this lovely neighborhood restaurant, but the space was truly noisy. Unfortunately, the owner and staff can't do much about that, but if you're in a group of five or more could you please consider not shouting to be heard over your companions? The food itself was excellent. We had three appetizers, crab salad, pulled pork sopas and grilled calamari. All were delicious, and the appetizers are probably this restaurant's strong suit. I had a very tasty Mahi Mahi in a verde sauce, and another diner had a dish with the mole which he described as outstanding. By report of two diners at our table, the shrimp was spicy, but they could be wimps. All in all, I'd go back. Just bring a bottle of great, flavorful red wine.
(4)
Peter V.

Tonight was our third time there and it was just as fantastic as the first two. What has impressed me most about this place, aside from the great staff and the amazing food, is that despite having a very small room they have been spot on with our reservation times all three times. No delays and no excuses, we have had a table waiting for us each time. So make a reservation. I also love the BYOB aspect and that they supply decent stemware for wine. But of course the food.... everything we have had from appetizers to dessert has been amazing. GO!
(5)
Steve C.

First time at Mixteco this week. The menu was varied and everything we ordered was well-prepared with a lively and interesting combo of flavors and textures. Definitely will be back.
(4)
Joe G.

Phenomenal. Great food (huevos al bajio and huevos motulenos) and very attentive service you'd expect only at the finest dining establishments. We loved our Saturday brunch! Kudos!
(5)
Cassie B.

We were really excited to try this place but was a disappointment. We came about 8:45 on a Friday (tried calling for reservations, but they never picked up their phone) and were told it would be a 1/2 hour. Okay, we said, is there a bar around here? Hostess looks out the window, vaguely says, "there's a liquor store across the street ..." Thanks. So we walked around (there isn't anything really close, fyi) until they called our cell to tell us our table was ready. When we came back, we sat at our table for 20 minutes with only water from the busboy, with our wine sitting unopened between us. There were two servers for the whole place, which wasn't unreasonable given the small number of tables, but they were not maintaining an appropriate pace at all (i.e., came back to other tables several times over and never even approached us. Big no-no). Finally, after trying to catch the eye of the two servers, with no luck, I went up to the hostess and said, "is there anyone who can at least open our wine?" She apologized and said someone would be right over. She spoke to one of the waiters and then came over to us, apologized again, said someone would be right over. Were her hands broken??? That flew in the face of every restaurant I've ever worked at. Everyone helps everyone else out. It was so weird the hostess couldn't even open our damn bottle of wine. SO, finally one of the servers came over to us and opened our wine, and told the busboy to bring us chips and salsa. WTF? Busboy needed to be told that? Seriously, I would have waited 30 minutes to take my order, no problem, if you seat me, open my wine, and bring me some damn chips. Sitting there with water and an unopened bottle of wine angers Cassie. Anyhoo, I was pretty crabby at that point. And the chips and salsa were not that good. We ordered the emapandas (three, one of each flavor - tasty and VERY hot - excellent) and the braised pork entree and baby chicken entree. Husband liked the pork a lot, but it had quite a few pieces of fat in it. I was not impressed with the baby chicken - ok, but not that flavorful. we passed on dessert so can't comment on that. However, the chef Raoul came out himself to present the dessert menus, which I loved - it was great to meet him and talk to him about his place. Finally, you sit right up against a wood-burning grill, so your clothes will smell of that - not a bad smell, in fact it's nice, but just FYI if you are going somewhere afterward. All in all, I will definitely try this place again - they obviously take great care in their restaurant, and i absolutely love Mexican/Latin/BYOB so close to my neighborhood, but the service really pissed me off.
(2)
Joseph M.

Mixteco is great for an affordable, but seemingly high-end atmosphere. I put it in the same category as a "Dorado" (Foster & Western) or the late "Think Cafe." I would like a few more more choices on the menu and we did get a dirty chair (which happens from time to time.) For the price it was a good BYOB spot. I could say if they want to improve a tad, I would expand the menu just a bit & add some lighter dishes. Even our chicken dish was in a pool of delicious, but heavier cream sauce.
(3)
Antoinette B.

My fiance and I were driving around after the original place we were going to go for dinner was closed for construction. I saw Mixteco Grill, and we decided to try it since it always seemed so busy. We went across the street to pick up some cervezas (byob...nice). And on a Friday night at 8:00 we waited about 30 minutes without a reservation (not bad). The food was wonderful!!! I have officially become a mole fan after dining at Mixteco! And what is even better is their homemade tortillas to sop up all of that wonderful sauce! The atmosphere is casual and unassuming. We will be returning again.
(5)
Daniel S.

I hesitate to say this is as good as it gets, but that basically is the case. The menu is innovative without being overdone, and the well prepared starters, entrees and deserts are a delight. This is the sort of place where you want to truly take the time to taste the food, as the textured flavors unfold. The service is attentive without being over bearing, and is willing to make thoughtful suggestions if asked. Dining here will require you to think a bit, and to make preparations as you'll never get in without an advance reservation.
(4)
Nas T.

Oh god this place was good, "the crab ceviche, man!" The mole which was like melted chocolate poured over chicken!
(5)
Dyan F.

Delicious food and very attentive service. Great value for the price, and it offers a step-above casual dining while still being a comfortable place to be.
(5)
Chuck L.

It was fine, but I expected better. Clearly they understand the concept of gringo-friendly service, with bright smiles and regular iced-tea refills. We were served by the owner/chef himself, who did not identify himself as such but apologized in advance for his poor waiting skills (in fact he was fine). The empanada and the fish taco appetizers were fresh but bland (not at all spicy, but also not very flavorful in any other way). The cochinita pibil (pork) was salty. The drunk shrimp was the best thing we are had, with a lively flavor and moderate heat that didn't linger and burn in the mouth. (Also too salty.) The shrimp wasn't cooked in the sauce, but grilled and placed on the sauce. But it was good. The desserts were fine but not worth any special comments, good or bad Certainly this place is a cut or two above refried-beans Mexican, but a bit expensive for what it is.
(3)
Gabrielle H.

Excellent mole enchiladas, you will not be disappointed! Love the guacamole and the fact that this place is byob. Reasonably priced delicious cuisine!
(5)
KC W.

Mixteco is fantastic! A group of nine of us went last night, and everyone enjoyed their meal. We had three diners with gluten allergies, and the chef himself came out and told them which dishes were safe for them. The waitstaff was great. They were there when we needed them, but not in our faces the whole meal. There are so many mediocre Mexican restaurants around that Mixteco is a breath of fresh air. The BYOB aspect only sweetens the deal! I cannot wait to return.
(5)
Kimba M.

I made a reservation on Thursday for Sunday night. My friends and I arrive all excited to try this place only to find that they "lost" our reservation. WTF? We were extremely disappointed and they didn't even attempt to rectify the situation. So we went down the block to another restaurant. On the way another disgruntled couple walked by and said the place had poor management. I assume they were also turned away or their reservation was lost as well.
(1)
M P.

We had the crabmeat ceviche, grilled calamari salad, carne asada and chile rellenos - it was all excellent! My favorite was the grilled calamari. They have a long list of amazing appetizers so you could even just order a bunch of those to try everything out. They are BYOB which is fantastic! The staff was super friendly - we will definitely be back!
(4)
Jared J.

They have great tap water.
(4)
Julie N.

All around, an outstanding experience. The hostess was so friendly and accomodating. Our waiter was so kind, funny and attentive (but not too intrusive -- just right.) The food was fantastic! My friend and I made 5:15 pm reservations on a Friday night for our annual Holiday dinner-date, but neither of us were very hungry when we got there, so we decided to order a couple appetizers instead of entrees. I had the corn tamales and a bowl of tomato crab bisque. The soup was very tasty, though a little too spicy so I couldn't devour it immediately as I wanted to. The tamales were divine -- so delicate and tasty. For dessert, we split the Tres Leches cake and it was AH-mazing. We groaned with delight through every morsel of that dish! I ordered the Carne Asada to-go for my husband back home and he was a big fan. He also loved the daily special dessert of Cherry Flan I picked up for him. Overall, the quality of the food is higher-end Mexican. The prices were extremely reasonable --- the most expensive item was the Carne Asada, at just $20. And with BYOB, this is the best deal in town. Almost every table was occupied, and although the dining room was small, I never felt "cramped". The waitstaff is really good about manuevering through the tables without bumping into people or invading your personal-body-space bubble. The word "cozy" comes to mind. I heard that they acquired the space next door and are working to convert it into a second dining room, which will be great. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Ed D.

Ok, this was good food! Many different types of food.
(4)
Eric K.

The only thing that really lived up to expectations was the 30 minute wait to be seated, despite showing up on time for our reservation. Some things on the menu are better than others. I had the grouper special (steamed in a banana leaf with some vegetables and potatoes). It was bland and came with insanely hot habanero salsa. I could go into details, but instead I'll just say, 'Move along people, nothing to see here'.
(3)
missallfun H.

fresh and deelish
(5)
chris h.

the lamb chobs in mole sauce is heavenly. upscale mexican doesn't slow you down.
(4)
Javier B.

Really should be 4.5 stars. The food is very good. I think the way to go is to order a bunch of appetizers and eat tapas style. Appetizers are very reasonably priced at between $6 and $7.50 and they have a good variety. The tilapia tacos are great as is the ceviche and the pork sopes. They bring you chips and salsa to start also which I don't remember having the first time I went. Bonus points! I had the mahi mahi and the fish tasted fresh and it was perfectly cooked. My wife had the lamb with dark mole and it was also great. I'm not a huge fan of the sweet mole, but it was very well done. The dessert was also very tasty. My only negative comment relates to the seating. Had a reservation for 2 and when we got there they sat us right away. Problem was the table they gave us was right by the ordering station for the waiters. We immediately asked if we could sit on one of like 5 other tables for two that were open and they tell us that those are reserved. Yeah right. I call bullshit on that one. Didn't want to make a big stink so we stayed where we were. Of course the tables were open through half of our meal and there is no way the people that sat there had requested those tables. What can I say? I don't like being treated like an idiot so you lose one star.
(4)
Lizzy G.

This restaurant was fantastic! Making reservations was difficult and so my boyfriend and I went as a walk-in on a Sunday evening. We were seated right away. I was surprised and impressed, although we did get there right after the restaurant opened to increased our chances of being seated. As we were seated the waitor took our beer to keep in a freezer and was back in moments with two frosty beer mugs for table service. All I expected an ice bucket but this was a wonderful touch. The salsa you receive with the fresh tortilla chips is completely addictive. My boyfriend had one of the cevice which he said was one of best he's had in Chicago. I'm a vegetarian and opted for their tamale appetizer and it was incredibly delicious. I think I could have made an entree out of two of them alone. For the entrees, the pork chop with mole negro that my boyfriend devoured looked and smelled delicious. I got a quick taste of the mole, it is definitely not the traditional mole I am used to but still extremely good. My dish of lentil cakes left a little to be desired in presentation but the flavors were rich and the dish tasted very good. As we dined the restaurant filled up very quickly but our service remained attentive and timely. Dessert could have been a little more authentic but at that point we were so full it didn't really matter. The mango flan could have been a little more intense in flavor but the consistency was perfect. At the moment I can't even remember the other dessert. This place is an absolute must!!!
(5)
Eric S.

Wow, this place is awesome. It's in a somewhat odd location, but making the journey over there is definitely worth it. The mole is really great and BYOB is a nice bonus. The meat is perfectly seasoned and the blend of flavors just sizzles in your mouth. This is more of an upscale Mexican joint, so if you're expecting cheap tacos and burritos, I'd look elsewhere. But if you're looking for an experience with some great flavors and perhaps more unique menu items, then check out Mixteco!
(5)
Quantas G.

I'll start with the negatives. Yes, it is small, crowded and, at times, hot. They can easily move into a bigger place to suit the crowds and provide some arctic chill with a bigger A/C. The positive were plentiful. 1) Some of the friendliest and most attentive service you can get anywhere. All of the waiters were personable and helpful. 2) Great value for the food and presentation. They really could charge more for some dishes. I would actually recommend going an getting 3 or 4 apps at $4 to $6 each to really get a chance to try a lot of the dishes and not 'commit' to an $18 entree. I recommend the guac, ceviche, and ensalada. I also ordered the sopes but I have a personal bias against mole. They were covered in mole and I'm not a fan of chocolate gravy. I tried my friend's trout and lamb dishes and they were pretty good. 3) BYOB. Great thing about Chicago restaurants. They kept our beer in their cooler and were served with frosted mugs. They happily kept pouring. Plus, there is a liquor store right across the street. 4) Open kitchen. makes you feel like your a part of the action...and the heat. 5) Handmade corn tortillas. I wasn't personally a fan of them but my friends were. It's a novel idea. The bottom line: check it out. expect to be a little squished. enjoy the service.
(4)
A S.

Hands down the best Mexican in Chicago. Reasonable prices. BYOB. you really can't beat it. Every single thing the 8 of us ordered was great.
(5)
Bill Q.

All I can say is reviewers give out five stars too easily. If this place is five stars what would they give Topolobampo, maybe eight? Mixteco is a great price/value restaurant. Reasonably priced and pretty good eats. Everyone loves a bargain and that is what you get. Service is adequate but certainly not outstanding. The one area that really needs work is the sound level. This place is like eating along side a jet engine, especially in the back room. The noise bounces off everything and everyone just keeps talking louder and louder, until you are almost shouting. Almost impossible to carry on a conversation
(3)
Demetrio P.

Tried Mixteco last weekend, and overall it's a good place for a more refined Mexican food. I had the carne asada, which was good,and the queso fundido for appetizer which was good as well. I really like their green mild salsa which was very tasty. Overall, good service, good food, okay prices.
(3)
Meredith H.

i too have driven by mixteco before and thought to myself "ew, another dirty gross mexican restaurant". however, i read the yelp reviews, the red eye reviews, the metromix reviews, etc etc etc (this place is getting tons of press) and decided to check it out. to put it simply, 4 diners shared 7 small plates for a cost of $15 each including tax and tip. our byobeers were served in frosty mugs and the chip basket was refilled promptly. this is no cheap joint that's only sorta good for the margaritas, this is a taste sensation people!!!
(4)
Dave H.

Try uchepos (tamales in a cream sauce with sweet corn), rack of lamb in mole, or the cochinita pibil. My table-mates had so-so reviews for the taco appetizers and the fish in green mole. The mole on the lamb was so good, though, that my jealous table-mates asked the waiter to bring them a small dish of it so that they could have some, too!
(4)
Kimberly B.

The food is delicious, but my party ended up thinking it was over-hyped and over-priced. We really enjoyed our meal but not enough to make it worth going again.
(3)
Emily B.

The food was amazing, everything super fresh. The fish taco starters were crisp, and had a great lime taste with the fish. Enchiladas suizas were crazy good - the sauce, super yummy. Service was excellent - extremely friendly and attentive. We can not wait to go back!
(4)
Jaclyn C.

I don't give out 5 stars really but this place deserves it. After I kept saying I have got to try this place I finally did. We made reservations a week in advance for a Friday evening. (highly recommended) We were seated promptly while the walk ins waiting patiently. As soon as we sat down, the water, chips and tomatillo salsa came. The salsa was great, not too hot and with a hint of lime. We since I'd heard so many good things about everything on the menu, I didn't want to miss anything. We started with the grilled calamari and the chicken tamales. The calamari was really refreshing and served like a salad with arugula and lemon. But the tamales had the Oaxacan black mole that I literally was scooping up with the chips it was so good. My husband had the pork chop with mole sauce, plantains and mashed sweet potatoes. He was literally ummm after every bite. It was really amazing. I had the grilled shrimp and it came with a green mole sauce and white rice. It was so delicious. Both sauces were really flavorful and had lots of complexity. We finished every last bite of our meals. We ere stuffed but I haven't seen tres leches on many menus in Chicago so I had to get it. It wasn't bad but definitely didn't stand out like everything else. It also BYOB and the table next to us brought a container with margaritas and just poured over ice, genius. The whole experience was so awesome we wanted to go the next day with some friends but without reservations, wait was too long. Booo! Can't wait to go back. PS..we totally forgot about the homemade corn tortillas they brought out with dinner but we used them to mop up every last bit of the mole on our plates, great idea.
(5)
Lauren M.

Although the menu is limited, the food is very good. The atmosphere and service, on the other hand, are not. If you don't make a reservation, you get shoved in the front room where the tables are so crammed together it feels like you're eating with the people next to you. I get that there's a simple solution to this - make a reservation - but I really don't think there should be half of a restaurant that's terrible and the other half good (we've made reservations too - the back area gets quite loud because tables are close there as well). But it's more than the atmosphere - the hostesses are rude, the manager is not customer service oriented, and, because it's a byob, the waitstaff tries to rush you out of there. We live in the area so we deal with it if we're in the mood for good Mexican, but I certainly wouldn't make a trip for it.
(3)
enrique t.

we have tried to go twice. last weekend we walked in on sunday night right after 9 and they were closed. our fault although the whole restaurant was full so i dont know why they couldnt make an exception. this sunday we tried to call for reservations and kept getting a voicemail. we drive over thier and its CLOSED. the ghetto sigh on the door had fell off so it wasnt even legable. you cant leave a voicemail message stating that you are closed for whatever reason? we still want to try it but we dont think it was meant to be. we did head over to adesso and had a great evening.
(1)
Britta M.

We read about this place on Yelp and were not disappointed. We had a reservation at 7:30, walked in at 7:34 and our table was ready for us. The best thing about the night besides the food was the service. Everyone was so nice and helpful from the hostess to the waiter to the busboys. The uchepos were AMAZING as was the azteca soup, the trout and pork were above average and the tres leches was really yummy. BYOB a great plus and the prices were reasonable. With 2 soups, an app, 2 entrees dessert and coffee it was a little over $65 with plenty of leftovers. We will be back
(4)
sandra m.

Negatives: A small air conditioner unit above the door, Very dirty ceiling fans that blow too hard when they are on, the chicken tamales had next to no chicken, the guacamole had a ton of hicima in it and hardly any avacado. Positive: BYOB, my husband ordered a custom meal that was good...chicken breast and mashed potatoes. The wait staff is very friendly. I went as I was told that the owner came from Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill. I'm a die hard Frontera fan and this was not comparable. Dishes need some work and what's up with the a/c?
(2)
Mrs. E.

The tamales were amazing, the service was attentive and really enjoyed the overall atmosphere - will definitely go back soon!
(4)
John E.

I love Mixteco! Great food and it's BYOB so you can't go wrong. I have never been dissapointed the few times I have been there. The only bad thing is that it is a very loud restaurant and the seating is kind of close...so not a great first date restaurant but if you go at off times I am sure it is not as loud.
(4)
olivia p.

i had heard a lot of great things about this place and was very excited to go. i originally wanted to go for my bday (halloween and a saturday this year) but apparently the lady on the phone was very rude to my friend because we had a party of 10. she wouldn't take a reservation for a party that large and basically said if we showed up, we wouldn't be seated. nice. nonetheless, i still thought i'd give it a try. salsa was good. this is where i saved the review and proceeded to forget about it. so i continue again almost a month later. i apologize for the rest of this review, but i'll do my best to remember. started with two appetizers that i cannot remember. one was a mole dish. i remember thinking i like fonda's mole better. the other was a three cheese dish, which for a cheese lover like me was great. i got the vegetarian tamales and was disappointed. felt like it was a pile of corn mush. didn't really have many vegetables and the tamale was too soft. but that's just me. my friend had it before and liked it. i usually comment on my friends' dishes that i tried, but now i can't remember. but i guess that tells u sumthin. okay, but don't think i'll be goin back.
(2)
Dan d.

The ceviche is the best I have ever had! We only ate starters. Had 5! Very fresh. Loved the calamari as well. Very light warm with greens. Super fast service. It was late on a Monday and service was smooth and friendly. You should try this place.
(5)
Thomas R.

Beware - I had the mole omelette on Sunday, Mother's Day, and got a severe case of food poisoning. I ate nothing else that day. It is Wednesday and I am only now getting back on my feet and starting to eat again. This was a very, very unpleasant experience.
(1)
Matthew D.

Carne asada was hands down one of the best I've ever had. Not a fan of byob. Chips and salsa were delicious. Not many options as the menu is limited, in regards to entrees, and apps/salads/soups. Ambience was nice, service was good. Will definitely return soon.
(4)
Melissa N.

Very cute little BYOB Mexican restaurant in Ravenswood. I had a great experience here. Service was friendly and prompt, food was outstanding, and prices were very reasonable. Menu favorites included the Sopes Nortenos and the Quesos Fundidos Del Mar. Everything else was fantastic. The Calamares al Ajillo was great but was lacking in actual calamare, which was a bit disappointing. Also, we really wanted the flan for dessert and all they had was coffee-flavored flan, which was kind of random, so we had the Pastel de Tres Leches instead, which was fabulous. All in all, it was a fantastic experience and I will definitely go back here.
(4)
Cesar M.

Sunday night + friend's B-day dinner + a few bottles of wine. Reservation was at 7:30, we were all late, not proud just stating the facts. We ended up at the table at 8:30 and they close at 9, but they were super nice and accommodating. The food is super good, I had the camarones enchipotlados and they were really good, they come grilled on a rich creamy chipotle sauce, with grilled zucchini and rice. I also tasted chicken en pasilla sauce and it was very good as well. We shared a few appetizers. Ochepos were the fav, delicious, flavorful and fresh, calamari on the other hand, not so much. My only complaint would be the portion sizes, specially the appetizers. The ochepo was this little thing on the plate. I know is fine dinning but don't push it. Portions are a little better on the entrees. It is BYOB, which is cool, specially because prices are a little higher than other places of the sort MG, good food, cool service, small portions
(4)
Luca P.

Cheap BYOB Casual Mexican Mixteco was able to accommodate our large group of people in one of their packed rooms. The atmosphere is very casual, but somewhat pictoresque. I enjoyed the freshness of the ingredients and the simplicity in the preparation of most dishes. Also, the bill was very reasonable. Recommended for large unpretentious dinners.
(4)
Claudia D.

Creative Mexican gourmet food, excellent service, warm welcoming ambience at the perfect price point for frequent visits. BYOB and takes credit cards. Easy street parking! Use Open Table to make a reservation. Mixteco is very busy. Brunch only on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner Tuesday thru Sunday.
(5)
Joe F.

Go here and eat amazing food. Corn tortillas made seconds before they're served to you. BYOB. Fish tacos that will knock your socks off. It's casual, it's loud and the flavors are outstanding. No Tex-Mex here, so don't expect a bigger-than-your-head burrito.
(5)
Kristin M.

Had a great experience as a first-time diner here. Went on a weekend evening with a reservation. There is a front and back dining area. The back was louder/more vibrant; whereas the front seemed better for a date or to be able to hear conversation better. We sat in the back area which we enjoyed. A great spot for groups, and there were several groups there celebrating various occasions. With the BYO option, I will definitely return! We had the lamb entree (mole was really good!!) and the tacos al pastor. Even though there are just two tacos, it is more than enough food and loaded with pork. They also give you chips and a good salsa upon sitting down for free. The experience was overall quite enjoyable and look forward to returning to this neighborhood spot.
(4)
Sarah Z.

This place has delicious food! My current new crush. Love Love Love Yes please More Thank you Can't wait to see you again!!
(5)
mark k.

Truly a cut above! This is not your typical Mexican restaurant serving the same menu you've seen over and over. The wood grill gives everything that comes out the kitchen a rich, distinctive flavor. Service is attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is colorful and lively.
(5)
Cynthia R.

How is it possible that I have been missing out on this gem for all this time? And byob to boot?? Great service...like really good, and delicious food ! Really nice vibe here as well. Our friends got a tamale, which was good. Nothing special, but good. They got the pork carnitas dish (I definitely am not calling it the correct name, but it's a menu staple that never leaves the menu although the other selections change monthly). They tore that meat up!!! It was so tender, flavorful and delicious! We got the shrimp, pineapple, mushroom cheesy appetizer, again the name escapes me, but WOW was it delicious!!! So super flavorful. I was really surprise at how packed with amazing delight it was! We also got the veggie enchiladas. I loved the verde sauce and the veggies were really fresh and tasty. For dessert we got tres leches and coffee flan. Money!! So delicious. So glad we paid Mixteco Grill a visit!
(4)
Eric G.

We went with a large party and the place was packed... It was loud, I've had more room at the movie theater for seating, the bathroom faucet was broken, the ceviche tasted old and off, the room was incredibly drafty where many were complaining about it, the service was very slow and inattentive, and it was the driest pork chop (hockey puck) I'd ever had. I really enjoyed the guac. I would try to find some place else unless you are just there for the guac.
(2)
George K.

Owner in the house - joy in the tummy. This guy cooks with love and passion. Chef rotates the menu frequently to keep things fresh and vibrant. They run a clean and professional place with some cool paintings on the wall. The best tamales in the city and the fish tacos are delicious. Did I mention it's BYOB? What are you waiting for?
(5)
Judi S.

Great food, great service. We had the calamari appetizer....it was so good we ordered another. The carne asada was perfect. Alfonso, our waiter was outstanding. Can't wait to go again.
(5)
Tia B.

Delicioso!! Love the atmosphere of this place and the food is delicious. The servers are very friendly and quick to offer suggestions of their favorite dishes. I'd suggest everyone in your party order something different and then share family style. The servings are generous so you'll have more than enough for everyone. Started off the night with some calamari. Not fried, it's legit. It was marinated in olive oil and lemon. Very good. We ordered trucha rellena and he borrego en mole negro (that's garlic marinated trout and wood grilled rack of lamb). So good. The lamb was cooked to perfection. You could slice it with a butter knife. The trout was stuffed with mushrooms, ricotta cheese and spinach. Sounds like an odd combo but it was very flavorful. I've saved the best for last. We shared the crepas de cajeta. Crepes with goat milk, caramel, pecans and plaintains. I think we practically licked the plate clean. Definitely order this! This restaurant loses one star because it took 3 days and multiple washings for the smoky grill smell to leave my clothes, jacket and hair. That's some strong smoke.
(4)
Bernard L.

I used to live about a block away from Mixteco and always thought it was a very expensive upscale Mexican restaurant. I have since been there about five or six times and I an safely say this is one of the best Mexican places in the city. My wife and I went for brunch and it was my first time being there for brunch. I was a little hesitant at first because I'm not usually in the mood for tacos and burritos in the morning. The menu was very diverse and wasn't simply tacos and burritos. I started out with the chorizo empanadas, which were AMAZING! They were golden brown and flaky while the ratio of chorizo to cheese was perfect (not too cheesy and not too much meat). The sauce was a perfect green salsa type of sauce that had a kick to it. My main course was a chicken enchilada. Most places drench the enchilada in cheese stuff some chicken in it and call it day. Mixteco has a perfect balance of cheese chicken and sauce that is not overpowering. Lastly, the service is always great at Mixteco. Every waiter is extremely nice and pleasant and never rushes you. For an upscale Mexican restaurant they sure know how to make you feel welcomed.
(5)
Jeannie A.

I love when restaurants use Open Table - it just makes the task of reservation making so much easier. Party of 12 for 6pm on a Saturday - perfect! They called me the day of to confirm - very nice. Our group showed up at different times, all within a 30-minute span. They sat us as we arrived, and didn't make us wait for the entire party to show up, which is good, because there really is no place to hang around and wait inside. I'll start with the very good. 1. Service. Service was spot-on. Our waiter (Juan) was amazing and attentive and friendly and just really great at his job. 2. BYOB and no corkage fee. We brought sangria, red and white wine, and margaritas. They gave us glasses and tons of ice, and a bucket to put our wine in. 3. Food. The food is really good. It is more modern Mexcian and you may think the price point is high, but really about $20 a dish. The quality and presentation is wonderful. 4. The smell. The incredible smells that hit you as soon as you walk in the door. The just o-kay. 1. The chips & salsa. Just not that great. 2. The acoustics. The place is loud - very, very loud. 3. They made it clear that they wanted us to leave as soon as the bill was settled. Which, I do get because it was after 8pm and they needed the tables. But we were still drinking and talking. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this restaurant and I will be back.
(4)
Justin B.

Tried the chicken enchiladas in the black mole sauce tonight...yessir! Chicken was done just right, sauce was thick and made me real happy-like. And BYO? And they take reservations on OpenTable? I wish Mixteco was a little closer to my home, but otherwise this was a solid outing! Kudos to the staff, very accommodating with my eight-month-old tonight. Sure, I showed up at 5:30 on a Wednesday, but still...
(4)
Lors T.

I am mexican and I love cooking and believe me, this is a really god mexican restaurant. I just have 6 months in Chicago, but I have tried 6 different mexican restaurants and this is my favorite by far!!
(5)
Margie L.

Came to Mixteco Grill for brunch on a Sunday. The atmosphere is warm and colorful with a soothing yellow and orange on the walls and a smell of a wood burning oven. The tables are covered with white table clothes and red napkins. The waiter was very attentive and explained the dishes from Mexico. After a long look at the delicious menu full of Huevos Mexicanas bajio, montuleÃ±os, chorizo, divorciados and diabla. I chose the Huevos al Bajio. Two poached eggs over easy served in a corn masa boats with bkack beans, creamy poblano sauce, chorizo, tomatoes and chopped cilantro. Everything here is made in a wood burning oven which gives it a wonderful smoke taste to the authentic Mexican qiusine this restaurant serves. The coffee is also out of this world which our waiter said is made with cinnamon and orange peels! !! I have to apologize I lost the picture that i took of my plate so your just going to have to come in and see it in person.
(5)
Gian C.

Went in an hour to closing and wasn't the last one in either. Had to ask to get water filled, only one card can be used, and service is a drag. Didn't even greet us on our way out. Food (queso and marinated pork) was good but service was not. Won't be coming back.
(2)
LeDub Z.

I want to eat every meal of every day at this place. Every dish I've tried is fantastic! BYOB, with a liquor store across the street is the icing on the cake.
(5)
Kristin M.

The word is out on this tasty BYOB spot, make a reservation! Best fish tacos in the city! Seriously. I came here once and had fish tacos, their refreshing cucumber guac and some kind of chorizo empanada. Sadly, the chorizo was not on the menu this time, but the fish tacos were and we placed several orders for the table. My table also enjoyed the shrimp empanadas, but I have an allergy so I can't attest to them. Queso Fundido is standard, but tasty. For dessert we had the warm chocolate cake, which was standard, but topped with DELICIOUS ice cream! I don't know where they get it, but we asked for a second scoop. We also got a Mexican version of tiraimisu which was good but not amazing. Service is spotty, and the only reason I can't give this a perfect rating (the food deserves it!) The first time they were welcoming and accomodating, the restaurant was full but they happily served us at the counter and kept us laughing. This time the restaurant is almost empty yet we had to keep flagging our server down to order/open bottles/ask for limes for the tacos. Then he seemed annoyed when we did. I will definitely return for the food and hope for a good service day.
(4)
Louie M.

This place is awesome! I was having a terrible day after dealing with that sorry excuse of transport a card, Ventra, and every restaurant was completely full and/or had long waits. Not Mixteco! They too were heavily busy but found space quickly to seat me and my guest. AMAZING SERVICE. I didn't get names, but the gentlemen working there are so friendly, nice and hospitable. The food was also really really good. Pricey, yes, but worth it! It didn't taste like traditional Mexican food, but nonetheless was really good. I'd recommend.
(5)
Kritika B.

Perfect place for a bowl of hot soup and tamales.. Since the arctic windchill started in Chicago all I craved was spicy Mexican food and a bowl of hot- some kind of -cream soup... I got both here ... And loved it.. There cream of mushroom was awesome... I think it's great price point AND a Byob...
(4)
Tosha J.

I went to Oaxaca over the summer and I was completely mesmerized by all of the amazing dishes that I had there. Obviously, when I heard about this place I had to go. I am so glad I did because this place is TRULY the real deal! The owner and staff were very kind and attentive. Major thanks to the owner for being patient with me trying to order in Spanish-LOL I had the Chilaquiles verdes with steak and my mom had the Camarones poblanos. Both entrees were incredibly delicious. The steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked and I'm still in awe how they were able to grill the camarones (shrimp). We both had the fruit tart for dessert which was insanely good as well. If it were socially acceptable to lick your plate in public, I would have because the blend of the caramel sauce, the pastry shell and fruits was just way too good. I will be back for sure to tackle all of the other dishes.
(5)
Rex H.

This place, by far, the BEST service I have ever had! Ever. Hands down. The food was amazing. The chef and the servers were SO understanding of my food allergies. I will def be going back, again!
(5)
scott v.

I used to think that most Mexican food was just different versions of a taco. But this place has changed my mind. Everything I ordered was not only good, but some of the best food I've had in some time. I had the grilled pork chop in mole sauce, with sweet mashed potatoes and diced mango. Yes. It was as good as it sounds. Everything I ordered from starters to dessert was excellent. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because of the tight quarters. You want to get there early on the weekends. It gets rather crowded with no place to really wait. Large parties of more than six, might be too much. But buy all means do walk, run here.!
(4)
Gina B.

Delicious! We did not have a reservation but were immediately seated at the bar with no wait even though the dinning room was full. The salsa verde and chips were great. Our "bartender" waiter was great and recommended the pumpkin mole to my BF which was flavorful without being too sweet. I got the cheese and spinach enchiladas. Mmm they gave peppers and mushrooms inside and a savory sauce. We also got guac which came with jicama and cucumbers. For dessert we had an amazing piece of tres leches cake. Our bill was around $50 and it's BYOB so we brought a bottle of wine. It's loud and somewhat chaotic, but I would definitely go Bach.
(5)
Claire Y.

Came here on a Saturday afternoon, seating was easy though we did call few hours before. Two of us picked two appetizers as entries sine they didn't many options on the platter menu. The fish tacos were pretty good. The corm masa boat was ok. It is more of a family/friends style restaurant and I liked the deco in there. Wish they have more taco options. I would avoid the grilled chicken platter.. I had a bite of it and it tastes like nothing and kinda overcooked.
(3)
Meredith K.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place before. I've come here a handful of times for what I think is the best fish taco in the city. Its a do-not-miss starter. The other food is great and seasonal so if you go back a few weeks later you'll find that they've changed the menu and the specials. That nice unless you've had dreams of those shrimp empanadas that you had there last time! I'm taking off a star because the service can be a little up in the air at times. We were asking some of the other people who work there for stuff like more water etc. But since the price is right and its BYOB I won't let that slow me down. I usually pass on dessert at Mexican places but this last time we were with a group. 5 splitting a dish isn't as hard on the waist. We loved the ice cream that came with it. I don't know if they make it there but it was some of the best vanilla I've ever had. Coming from a chocoholic that's saying a lot!
(4)
Vivian P.

Good food! Great fish tacos. This is authentic Mexican food, not Tex-Mex/American Mexico. We LOVED the fish tacos, sopes, and the flan! When we wanted our enchiladas smothered in melted cheese, they had no problem doing that for us. One down point. I need heat with my Mexican food. When I asked for some hot sauce, the friendly waiter asked if I would like habenero-yes please! He brought me a tiny side (maybe a tablespoon and a half worth) of sauce which helped my need perfectly. Sadly, when we saw the bill- they charged us for the sauce. Thumbs down. Condiments like sauce should never be charged for. The extra cheese on the enchi's was also charged, but we were told ahead of time, so I expected that. We didn't make a big stink about the extra charge b/c we liked the restaurant and the food, but it was a bummer. Overall- good experience!
(4)
Juan R.

Yup, the mole is good. Real good. Excellent BYOB spot. Will return soon.
(4)
Judith D.

We have been here for Sunday brunch twice in the last 6 weeks. The menu changes every month and we were very pleased with the variety and quality their dishes on each menu. We tried the corn tamales, queso fundido, empanadas, shrimp, charcoal grilled steak and chicken tacos, an egg dish, and even a unique version of French toast with a fruit compote and caramel sauce. The range and quality of the sauces on all their dishes is worth a visit to this restaurant. Also, the queso fundido was well elaborated and seasoned-- several steps above anything I have had before. Please book evening reservations in advance as we missed going there on a Saturday night because we waited till the last minute although there were still some early and some late table bookings available. We are planning to go back. Very helpful and attentive waiter .
(5)
Tania W.

I had the Mahi Mahi as it was Friday and I'm recognizing the Lenten season. Well, I've never had this fish before but it was very well seasoned and nicely presented. The wait staff was polite and very accommodating. It's BYOB, so the waiter opened a bottle wine for my friend. Overall, I was very pleased. Pleased with atmosphere and the service. I would go back.
(3)
Gracie G.

Hands down best mole in the City of Chicago! Don't go anywhere else, park your ass at a table and pop open that bottle of wine you brought with you because this place is BYOB! I live near Pilsen, and you would think that with all of the choices I have here for Mexican food that my favorite spot for Mexican food would be close by, NOPE! I get in my car and drive all the way to Mixteco because it's the best! When I'm craving mole, there's no stopping me, I'm a fiend! I buy gallons of the stuff for family parties. Mind you, my family of mole fiends, just like me. It's because of Mixteco that I have mole with mashed potatoes! Try it, it's delicious! I have tried other dishes that were also wonderful. A grilled calamari salad comes to mind. The calamari was really tender and they served it with arugala, omg arugala. Delish! I had a steak once and it was cooked perfectly. But that mole though! It's the best. Have the mole and taste a beautiful Mexican tradition rich with history.
(4)
Emmanuel R.

Disappointed and I know about Mexican cuisine and flavor. I've been in this place 2 times, first time was 2 years ago, I had a very good imprecision and satisfaction of food. The first time food was great teasteble, nice well done, great Mexican comdiments and spices. I triad 3 dishes one of them was cochinita, stake and fish, and some appetizers, service was ok, waiters alway have attitude but was not that bad, I could ignore that. I cold gave it a 4 stars. I want to go back again, and was a disaster, order 2 appataizers (seafood) no tasteless and over onion flavor. Entrees, I order mahi mahi(same Tasteless) taste like the fish just got steam with vegetables, my friend order stake also tasteless and hard to chew moreover service again with attitude and rushing. Not comenting about the price., Ridicous. Well, I guess if you consider to go a good Mexican restaurant and try great Mexican cuisine and great service you can go Lindo Michoacan(Larwrance and Kedzie), great food, is cheap and delicious or want something with patio great food and great service go to "El Nuevo Mexicano". One of the best, price mmmmh you pay for the flavor, delicious! ;)
(2)
DuSable Dining Club C.

Ratings are as follows (1-5...5 being best) Atmosphere: 3.5 Service: 4.7 Food: 4.8 Value: 4.7 Favorite thing tonight: Very good service Thank you, David! Friends, BYOB Excellent food Sweet home Chicago Love that it took me moving from the hood to try this place. Full house-we are all here! Byob! That chicken was incredible!!! Chuy carne asada Chocolate cake! BYOB Beck and the Jew both showed uo Value Great warmth for the frigid evening The gangs all here Chicken and steak David the waiter Chicken Best flan ever BYOB Company The mains were amazing Parking was easy even after a snow storm Everyone made it for once the arilines came through in a pinch David was fantastic Least favorite thing tonight: Snow, twinks and the commute This ain't River North Parking-not used to parking in snow banks! Location Weather and the commute Walking to the restaurant Falling in the snow Snow in general The water is not as good as Lake Geneva Snowy parking A little off the beaten path Overall assessment: Been here before, will come again for sure Great if Paul or Lindsay dag me to the suburbs Everyone in the group is here. Great place, great food, great people Great night!Always fun to hang with my "other" peeps! Great to all be together! Wonderful food and service-thanks! Great service-greatc ompany Far, but was nice to have the place to ourselves Great spot, always love the BYOB Fancy ballots, Molly! Chicken was fantastic So glad that Jeff could join us! Do they have grub hub? I want that chicken every week.
(4)
Sean K.

Never had a bad meal here. Doesn't look like much from the outside but great local find. Start off with a some homemade corn tortillas and ask for an assortment of moles. Make reservations if going on a weekend, the place surprisingly fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights after 6pm and you won't get a table if your party size is more than two people.
(5)
Storrey S.

What a wonderful place to grab some upscale Mexican. We started with the ceviche, I had the lamb in mole and my date had that tiger shrimp, both were perfectly cooked. The lamb was tender and the mole was the best I have ever had! I had a bite of the shrimp and they were flavorful and perfectly cook. Definitely will go back!
(4)
Kristin T.

It was so romantic. We brought our huge bottle of premade margaritas to share between the two of us [sic]. We love ceviche and wanted to try a few things so we ordered the ceviche and two kinds of tacos. I loved the pork, the tilapia, the chips, the green salsa, the ceviche. The food was incredible! For dessert, our waiter recommended the mexican dessert of an amazing warm chocolate cake with ice cream. I'm so glad we followed his lead! I'm still salivating! We really enjoyed our private time together and we really enjoyed the attention our waiter gave us. We were there on a Monday night before a concert at the Riviera so quite the evening. Perfect spot before a concert. We've been there other times and it was quite energetic and fun!
(4)
Anch D.

SO GOOD! Went here on a whim last night. Food was great. Tables a touch close for comfort. But otherwise a great find. Can't wait to go again.
(5)
Cindy R.

So I've been here twice but I only have one entree I can report to you on... the chicken with pumpkin seed mole... because the sauce is so good I had to order it again the second time. It's so good when I got home I started searching the internet for a recipe to make it myself. As far as BYOB, we really wanted to do tequila drinks. We asked the waiter if they have pineapple juice or anything like that to mix. he said people bring their own! So, everybody, BYO tequila & mixers and cowboy up! I wish I had known ahead of time but you can benefit at least. The only annoyance - we had 3 people & the waiter wouldn't run 2 credit cards. I'm sorry but what? We weren't asking for separate checks. He said minimum of 4 people before they will do that. Poor customer service and I was really irritated.
(4)
Sarah D.

I was here a few weeks ago for a girlfriend's birthday dinner. BYOB, which rocks, and the service was consistent and attentive. All of the food was really good, and the portions were generous. A free birthday dessert was an added bonus. The only thing I'll do differently when I go back is ask to sit in the back room. It's much cozier.
(3)
Stacie S.

I have been going to Mixteco Grill since the week it opened (so for over 3 years) and never once has it disappointed me. I can really appreciate a restaurant that puts some of the money it profits back into itself to make improvements. It has really come a long way since it's first few months with its cork board walls and only 15 or less tables crammed into one small room. But enough about how the place looks...the food is really incredible. I have never tasted anything like it anywhere that I have eaten. The smoke wood grill puts a flavor in each dish that just brings out the natural flavors in all of the ingredients. The mole sauces are so rich in depth, so savory, and compliment the rest of the components of the dish. I recommend anything and everything on the menu. Trust me once you eat there once you will want to go back and try more. Plus it is so nice that it is a BYOB. I'm always in favor of those. I would highly suggest making a reservation. I would also recommend it for a small group or a large group. It gets loud in there because it is close quarters but it just adds to the atmosphere.
(5)
Heather K.

Am I buggin'? This place is not that good. Okay, BYOB is sweet. Here's how I compared it: If Mexican is your favorite food and you're looking for a fancy dinner, go here. If you are craving Mexican and want a burrito suizo, some tasty salsa, and a margarita as big as your head -- you will NOT NOT NOT get it here. What a bummer... My chicken was done well and sure, the mole was good. There was a nice spin on the guacamole with Serrano peppers. The place seemed clean but the tables were so close together. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be returning.
(3)
Dan B.

Great flavors and service! Would def recommend and go back. Solid food for a good value.
(4)
Kara E.

I had heard so many good things about this place that I just had to try it. Good thing we had reservations because this place was packed! Very lively and loud atmosphere. We started out w/ the empanadas and the guacamole. The empandas were just okay, nothing earth shattering. I've had better. The guac was really good- very fresh and very addicting. I would've licked the bowl if it were socially acceptable. For entrees, he had the slow roasted pork- which I had a taste of and it was phenomenal. I went with the shrimp wrapped in bacon which sounded awesome on the menu but the bacon was really fatty and a bit undercooked for my taste. I was starting to wish I had ordered something else. This place is BYOB which is great and no corkage fee! I might be back for another visit, but will have to try another entree next time.
(3)
Terry L.

The wait is worth it. The stellar spot, has MOLE to die for. The owner came out to make sure we were having the best meal of the day, told us which dish was the best, and was so true. BYOB too!
(4)
Eric B.

This place is great! Been here quite a few times now, and was never disappointed. Seriously upscale preparations served in a comfortable setting. Focused menu makes deciding easier while leaving filler out. - Reasonable pricing for the EXCELLENT quality of the food. - Great service! - BYOB - Comfortable atmosphere. Go here, get used to going here. You're going to want to go back, I promise.
(4)
Jeremy J.

I've been to a lot of BYOB places, mainly thai places. But I have never once had our waiter ask if he could take our remaining beer that we weren't drinking and keep it cold in their fridge for us. This hands down already won me over. Oh yeah, the food is amazing too but I'm sure you already know that reading all the other reviews!
(5)
John B.

Last night's dinner at Mixteco was a mixed bag. No pun intended. The company was great, and we had plenty of booze, so there was enough camaraderie to make it a wonderful evening. But under other circumstances, I might have been a little cranked off. The good: The food. A wide range of mole sauces (dark, green, red), each paired with a different kind of meat make for an interesting menu. I had the duck breast with the dark mole, which was on special, and the mole was excellent. Rich and complex, a little sweet without being over the top, a bite of heat at the end. The other entrees looked equally appealing. And the tres leches cake was terrific. The service was very friendly and accommodating. The server kept our beers on ice, salted our margarita glasses, and the busser kept fresh ice and water coming. Plus the server was sweet as hell. The less good: The food. The duck breast came with a side of mashed potatoes and ... that's it. It was kind of a sad looking plate. The dish was a special, so I didn't realize the meat and potatoes was all there was. The food was good, but something was missing. After the dish came out, I asked the server if I could get a side vegetable. She was happy to oblige, but the side never came out. The annoying: We were a party of six, but we didn't have a reservation. More on that in a minute. Two of our party came in at the same time as another couple. The hostess seated them without asking us how many were in our party. Of course, she seated the couple at a four top right in the middle of where she would have put a party of six. She then asked how many were in our group, and when she found we didn't have a reservation, she seemed a little surprised and put out. Our host explained that she had called for reservations several times, but never got an answer. the host then said that they had been having problems with their phones. If you know you're having problems with your phones, dontcha think you want to be especially aware of walk-ins? Apparently not. Not a big deal, as they were able to find us a table fairly quickly, but it started the night out on a sour note. Overall, great food, but you need to be on your toes if you want a good experience. This is not a place where you can relax and expect the staff to take care of you. Which is a disappointment.
(4)
Tammy Q.

I've been wanting to try this place for some time. When I saw the prices on the menu, eyes popped out of its sockets. Average of $18 for a dish? *gulp* Authentic tacos are what -- $2-$3 each? Okay, whatever. I ordered the pulled pork while the husband got salmon and my friend mahi mahi. The consenus was that the food was okay - but we've had waaaaaaaay better food. The best part of the meal for me was definitely the chips and salsa, but i wouldn't wanna pay $18 for that.
(2)
Lee and Katey W.

Great atmosphere. Love a good BYOB. The food is interesting, unique and tasty! Very affordable and overall good mexican cuisine. We have had to call well in advance (days) to get a reservation as the place is small, but that just adds to the ambiance. We forget about this place due to the somewhat random location, but there is plenty of parking and its accessible by public transport. A great romantic din spot, or good for groups up to 4 in the north part of chicago!
(4)
Carolynne M.

Oh so Mixteco puts crack and LSD in its food. I mean they must, since it was so damned good, right? What other explanation is there for me stuffing my face like I hadnt eaten in 4 days. Here I am trying to diet and it is literally freaking impossible...see there's this mole sauce that was shrieking EAT ME! NO...EAT MORE! on the plate and I'm trying to oblige but then the habanero sauce shows up and is laughing at me and daring me to eat it too. And honestly, what choice do I have at this point? So after I stop the plate from taunting and mocking me I wipe my brow and think "whew, OK I am stuffed - THANKS PLATE" and what happens? This freak of nature crazy ass chocolate mousse something or other dessert shows up and is like "OK You are an idiot if you think you can just have a single taste of me". And I WAS an idiot, because I really did think one bite would suffice. Oh but for shame, for shame I ate most of that too! See, what did I tell you. It had nothing to do with the deliciousness of the food or my waning willpower - it was the DRUGS I tell you. The drugs made me do it!* *ok, i really cant confirm if Mixteco drugs their food or not. but I am still pretty sure something is going on...food is never that delicious on its own!
(4)
Matt B.

A decent neighborhood place, but not entirely thrilling. Went there with a group of eight on a Tuesday night. Got the Uchepos Gratinados appetizer, it was excellent. A nice touch of heat and great flavor. Most of the entrees feature a sauce, and they were well-received by everyone. Mole sauce was particularly good. Unfortunately, most of the dishes come swimming in sauce; much more moderation would go a long way. Two of us ordered the lamb, one cooked perfectly, one raw. Requested a refire to medium rare, came back medium well. Pork entree was a success. Tamal de Mariscos platter was a horrible disappointment. Bland, gray pieces of unidentifiable seafood, buried under a nest of fried potato strings and sauce. Dessert: flan, chocolate cake, almond cake. All were good, but nothing remarkable according to all who went. Price was about $35 per person with tax & tip, but of course it is BYOB, so there were no drinks on that bill. In the end, I would probably go back if I were in the area, but it's not something I would feel compelled to drive out of the way for.
(3)
Joseph H.

Awesome! Great BYOB with amazing Mexican food! Next time I want a double order of fish tacos for my dinner! Don't miss the mole sauce!
(4)
Erik J.

Glad to have Mixteco in the neighborhood! We've been coming here for several years and have never been disappointed. The tables are close together and the rooms are small and often packed, so if you really want to enjoy Mixteco, try weeknights or try to get there early. Last night we arrived with a well-chilled Torrontes in-hand and had the citrusy ceviche, and the smoky grilled mahi-mahi. It was a perfect combination for a beautiful spring night.
(4)
Lauren R.

Mixteco has given me possibly the best two meals of my life. I'm not exaggerating. I love mole. Love mole. And this place does it best. The most recent time I was there I ordered the pork chop--fantastic. My boyfriend ordered the lamb--amazing. We each licked our plates clean. The first time I went I had scallops--which were not on the menu the last time I went. Maybe it was a summer thing? I hope that they will make a return when the weather turns warm because those were the best scallops I've ever had. The only appetizer I've had is the tamales, which were (sorry for the broken record) fabulous. Also, the tres leches cake is to die for. And I don't even like cake that much. It's BYOB which is great; it makes you feel less guilty for spending the $20ish dollars or so on an entree. The service has always been good, but honestly, even if it was dismal it would still get 5 stars from me. Make a reservation or get there early to get a seat!
(5)
Deborah B.

I have been to Mixteco Grill on more than one occasion over the last year, and all I can say is that the honeymoon is over!! In the beginning I thought that the food was great, especially since I would normally order the Enchiladas con Mole Negro. YES-The Mole is fabulous, but as I began to try other items, I realized that much of the food is over-salted, oily/fatty, and-or just plain overpriced. Mind you, I have no problem with spending a little more when it is worth it, but you simply won't get anything worth it here. Average price for entrees of $18 is plain ridiculous and not justifiable in this case. Not to mention that the hostess is rather rude and does not know how to do her job efficiently. There were tables open for OVER AN HOUR while we ate dinner meanwhile, I watched as two older ladies standing during the entire duration of our meal, waiting to be seated in the front room. We left before they got a chance to sit, so not sure if they ever got a table. This place is over-hyped and overrated, and there are better, and less pricey options all over. So sorry, no thanks Mixteco, I'm over this place!! We will take our money and business elsewhere in the future!!
(2)
Caroline M.

Went here last night for dinner and was very impressed! The food was delicious - I had the mahi mahi. It came in a garlic broth over a bed of mashed potatoes. It was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. My boyfriend loved his carne asada - especially the mole sauce! The chips and salsa were very good and fresh. My favorite part was the homemade tortillas that came with our meal. They were really thin and delicious. Add in BYOB and this place is a solid 4 stars! We will be back!
(4)
Haley B.

Went here for a casual dinner with a girlfriend. Had a great experience at Mixteco. A few takeaways on my time there: - Seated immediately upon walking in for our reservation made day-of... always bonus points in my book. - SUPER friendly and courteous waitstaff. Waters constantly refilled, always checking on us to make sure we had all we needed. Went above and beyond to find an ice bucket for our 6-pack - Colorful, lively, interesting ambiance. -BYOB no corkage fee (yay!) - HUGE servings for the main plates. We split the guacamole, fish tacos and chicken enchiladas de mole... And it was MORE than enough between the two of us. Our whole bill was $31, which I thought was reasonable. -Worth the trek up there, would definitely go back!
(4)
natalie v.

I have been here once for dinner and once for brunch. Both were delicious, but I think brunch was the winner just by a little bit. One thing that rocks about Mixteco regardless of when you go - it's BYO with no corkage fee. For dinner, I went with full intention on getting chicken mole enchiladas and ended up getting sidetracked by the carne asada. I LOVE carne asada. It came with a 3-chile tomatillo sauce that was amazing. What was interesting was that their carne asada was a ribeye and not your typical flank or skirt steak. I'm a steak girl, plain and simple. This was a good steak. I don't believe that I shared a single bite with any of my dinner-mates. I was in meat heaven. Their guac is fantastic and not too salty. I don't like super-salty guac. I ordered guac at both dinner and brunch. The only complaint about dinner at Mixteco was how crowded it was, but that is because their food is fantastic. This complaint holds little weight. My suggestion is never go to dinner without first making reservations. Better yet, avoid going here on the weekend for dinner -stick to weekdays. Ok, brunch...brunch is my love. I like to go to brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. I love when I find a new brunch spot that is open on Saturdays. Not all places are. I went to brunch to catch up with a friend on a Saturday. We went at 11:30; we had the restaurant to ourselves. Here's what I had: Huevos Al Bajio - two poached eggs served in corn masa boats with black beans, creamy poblano sauce, chorizo, tomatoes and chopped cilantro. READ: CREAMY POBLANO SAUCE. This sauce may have had crack in it. I craved it for days after eating it. My friend had: Huevos A La Mexicana- mexican style scrambled eggs with tomatoes, serrano peppers, onions, cilantro and avocado served with black beans. Both dishes were wonderful. Both dishes were quickly consumed. I really hope Mixteco gets busier for brunch so they don't stop brunch. The only thing missing from brunch was a bloody mary, or michelada.
(4)
Katie H.

Oh how the mighty have fallen. While I can't bring myself to knock it down to 2 stars (the food, after all, is still tasty) I was far less impressed my second time around. So less impressed that I won't be back again. $20 for 5 little racks of lamb and a dollop of mashed potatoes. No thanks. Somehow my husband and I spent $40 for one appetizer, one entree, an extra order of chips and salsa, tax and tip. And now he's grilling a hot dog at home because he's still hungry. And that ain't right.
(3)
Tina W.

I went here on a Tuesday night. I thought my boyfriend was being silly when he insisted on making reservations, but somehow there was only one table left in the place by the time we called. Mixteco Grill sits on the grave of two separate failed diners, yet seems to be thriving! I had the lentil soup, which was spicy and hearty and yummy. My boyfriend had the sopa azteca, which I thought had too many flavors going on, but he says it grows on you and becomes delicious. Then I had the enchiladas with mole. The mole was too strong for me. I couldn't taste my enchiladas. I tasted my boyfriend's pork chops which I really liked and though they came with mole for dipping, they weren't entirely soaked in it. The service was good. Our waiter was attentive and friendly. The decor is nice, the atmosphere casual, yet festive. I'll come back and try something else next time.
(3)
Adam E.

I've been here twice now, once with a date and once with a meetup group for a thursday night. I've learned a couple of things. 1. The verde mole is amazing. At least to me. Highly recommend the Pork and Green Mole entree. It was more than I could finish. Plenty of meat, a delectable pyramid of rice, and crisp and tasty vegetables. Yes I said tasty and vegetables in the same sentence. 2. The Chips are extremely addictive 3. This only gets worse with the Guacemole. I'm not even a guacamole fan, I would never order it myself. A table mate ordered and told us to dig and I tried it. I was addicted. I might have to order guacemole sometime myself. Having survived 3 years in Austin without succombing to guacemole this has to say something 4. Avoid the lamb chop in black mole. The black mole while good, completely over powers the lamb. Worse is the four tiny lamb chops served with it and the miniscule scoup of mashed potato. No veg, no garnish.. and yet most expensive dish on the menu... This cost them a five star review. Seriously, wtf? 5. It's BYOB, and you can bring your own Tequila and Margarita mix.. It's a fabulous find, quiet, reasonably priced, and has a great atmosphere when its not packed by a mass of 20 people eating there together. For great authentic mexican, this is where to go.
(4)
Lover Of Food And Culture Z.

Was here last night for a quick dinner with my family BYOB yay! a def fan of that. Picked up a semi sweet reisling. Ordered the Venison empanadas for appetizers, loved the lean meat, lightly spicy appertizer, and the chips and guac, did not care for the guac at all. For the main course I ordered the Mole chicken enchiladas, outstanding! My husband ordered the green mole with fish and lima beans, just flavorful and enjoyable. Also tried the plaintains - very good. for dessert - lemon flan - loved it. All in all, the experience was great. great price, great service! Will go back.
(4)
Genevieve K.

5:30 pm last Saturday: Me: Hi, table for 3 please Hostess: Do you have a reservation? Me: Nope. Hostess: Actually, we don't have anything available, but you could eat at the bar. Me: [ looking around the 60% empty restaurant ] . . um, really? Hostess: Well, . . . we have tables, but we'd need them by 7:00 pm. Do you think you could be done by then? I WANTED TO SAY: I don't know, how bad is your service?!?! wtf?! Me: . . ahem. Yes. Not a very relaxing way to start the meal. HOWEVER, the pork chop in mole and the carne asada were both REALLY GREAT. For that reason I'm willing to give the service another shot. Maybe brunch? :)
(3)
Paul M.

'How long has the second room been open?' I asked. 'About a year, year and a half' replied the waiter. Has it really been a year and a half since I first went here? I guess. Well one thing is certain, the days of being turned away due to lack of seating are over. And another thing, the food is as good as ever. We started with the tacos ensenada with tilapia and a burst of fresh lime and the ceviche. I had the camarones mojo de ajo, which was wonderful. My companion had the lamb in mole sauce, which was a bit heavier, but tasty. Add in BYOB and you've got a great deal for not too much money.
(5)
Grumpus K.

Went there last Thursday at 8pm, pretty crowded, shouldn't have been surprised - Chicago is not only like the biggest foodie city in the country, it's also known for getting the weekend started on Thursday nights. Waited twenty minutes for a table, which wasn't too bad - the hostess was one of those people who actually seems to realize that her job entails a sincerely helpful and caring demeanor. She updated us every few minutes as to the status of the table she planned to give us, something I can't remember having ever before occurred in my restauranting experience, and when another table opened up right when ours did, she gave us the better of the two because we'd been waiting longer. They definitely pack you in there, though - if we hadn't been seated in the thoroughfare next to the window we'd have been bumping elbows with the folks next to us. I'd say the BYOB option is partly to blame. I've never seen BYOB at a place that makes $16 entrees, but apparently this translates to tables full of upper-middle class housewives sharing a bottle of Chardonnay and a pot of coffee for two hours. And because they pack so many people into such a modest space our food took quite a while - about two full baskets of chips worth, or about twice as long as you have patience for at a restaurant. I ordered a "faba bean torta," which in case you didn't know is the same thing as a "fava bean torta," but nothing at all like a torta de milanesa at your local taqueria - expecting a fancy mexican sandwich, I instead got a cakey island in a sea of mole sauce that tasted a hell of a lot better than a torta de anything at any kind of a taqueria, even taking into account the elevated levels of drunken satisfaction that usually accompany the consumption of taqueria tortas. A real chef's special kind of a treat that was worth the cost of the plate. I look forward to going again.
(3)
Katie T.

I really enjoyed this place. I love how your rice comes in a pyramid shape! I had a grilled shrimp dinner with a green sauce. So good! The shrimp had a great flavor, you know that kind you can't get enough of... That brownie dessert that everyone speaks of is so warm and delicious. The coffee is really good as well. I wish they had a bigger area for waiting because I felt like I was hovering...
(4)
Kerry M.

LOVE the food here. And before I begin, please take note.... a reservation, is the way to go. Otherwise, you will be squished inside inhaling all of the delicious smells, while you wait......and wait.... and wait. The portions are decent, and the food comes out very pretty looking. Not what you'd expect when you walk inside. The quality though, is outstanding. Everything I've tried here (from the grilled shrimp, to queso, to fajitas, to fish) was sooo good. My friend and I were uncomfortably full when we left, but it was well worth it. Oh! and the best part?! BYOB!
(5)
Matt K.

Saturday night, 8:30. We made reservations a week ahead and waited at the bar about 15 minutes with our BYOB Bohemia and fresh chips and salsa. Busy place, everyone seemed happy, lots of servers, packed a little tight but it smells amazing in there. Appetizers: the empanadas were OK. Guacamole great. Entrees: Potato cakes and mahi mahi. Fantastic. Great fish, vegetables. Lots of flavor. Big portions. Dessert: Tres leches, this is a dish that is hard to get wrong, but this version was very tasty. Service: A little slow, but are you really in a hurry?
(4)
Padraic S.

Over my years on Yelp! I've posted a couple of reviews with the same story, so we can just file this as 2010's version. As an annual tradition, my parents take their oldest family friends, their daughters and their husbands out to dinner to celebrate the holiday season. Affectionately referred to as my 'fake cousins', this crowd enjoys a good meal, a great drink and a long story. Needless to say, the BYOB aspect of Mixteco Grill stands out with a group like this. The staff was attentive with ice buckets, salt rimmed glasses for margaritas and wine openers. Personally, I had the enchiladas in black mole (knowing the chef trained under Rick Bayless). The mole was thick, rich and spicy but none of these characteristics were overpowering. The black beans were a nice complement with Mexican cheese sprinkled on them. The corn tortillas were right up my alley, although I would have liked them to be a touch bigger for enchiladas. Light onions and radishes were the perfect accouterments. My finance had the tamales while my parents had pork chops and lamb. Everyone at our table was pleasantly surprised with their meal. The guacamole and queso fresco were both unique as appetizers and the chips and green salsa were plentiful. While we are usually concerned about these holiday dinners that generally are a time of "real" celebration, the staff was patient and accommodating and had a few other tables that were enjoying themselves as much as we were - without be intrusive.
(4)
J D.

Pretty great mexican here. As somebody who is often disappointed in the food quality, this place is pretty excellent. Will be back no doubt. Had Salmon/Lamb, etc. This is AUTHENTIC for sure, something you might typically find in Mexico City. Not quite a 5 star restaurant however.
(4)
Emily T.

MOLE SAUCE is why you wait for 40 mins even if you have a reservation. So yeah, we had to wait even with our name on the list, but they gave us two free appetizers for the inconvenience ( and really it wasn't all that bad of a wait......we opened our byob). The food is worth the wait. You can taste every flavor that is on the plate. I had a dish that I will never be able to pronounce or spell if I tried, but it had MOLE sauce on sliced wood smoked porkchop with mashed sweet potato, and I feel like I now understand what heaven smells and taste like. If you are looking for atmosphere, not your place. It's very noisy and crowded and lacks the wow factor when you walk in. The BYOB is the bonus and did I mention the Mole sauce?
(4)
Stephanie H.

I think this place is great. When I want Mexican food, this is pretty much it for me. The food is really good...fresh ingredients, chips made when you walk in (!!!), and reasonably priced. I recommend the huevos rancheros and the enchilcada suizas. The plantains are good, also, but a little on the greasy side. I also really appreciate the waitstaff. The woman who seems to always be working on the floor (she must be an owner of some sort) is friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I've never had a problem getting a seat in here, but I think I've pretty much only gone in on weekend afternoons. Regardless, definitely check out Mixteco. You won't be sorry.
(4)
Emily Y.

Finally got a chance to try Mixteco!! I'd highly recommend making reservations for weekend nights - and perhaps even weeknights - as this place is hoppin'! And rightfully so - they are putting out beautiful plates of delicious Mexican fare. Our only complaint was the lack of spice - I expected a bit more kick out of you, Mixteco. We started with the ceviche, which I have to say, was not my favorite ceviche in the city. It wasn't bad, it just didn't have that kick of flavor that I've come to love in other restaurants' ceviches. The chips were dynamite though, as was the salsa - although strangely enough, not spicy enough for me, and usually I'm a big wimp when it comes to spicy. My porkchop, however, was absolutely divine. I loved the mole sauce - super sweet and rich with great depth of flavor. The accompaniments - sweet potato and plantains - matched perfectly with the mole sauce and added to the delicious flavor of the dish. My dining companions had fish and carne asada and were both really pleased with their meals. Dessert was tres leches and a pineapple upside down cake - both fantastic and presented beautifully. No disappointment there. Service was great, atmosphere is fun - a very pleasant experience was had by all. I don't think I'll be rushing back to have any particular thing I tried, but Mixteco will certainly make its way onto my rotation of Mexican-night-out hot spots. My only other complaint/problem - how do I transport a pitcher of margaritas into this place since it's BYOB and they have no mixers whatsoever? I seriously called one of my dining companions to see if they owned a thermos...
(4)
Megan S.

My boyfriend and I ventured out for a yummy mexican dinner last Sunday evening. Mixteco Grill was recommended by a fellow friend, so we thought we'd give it a try. Easy street parking, and no wait is always a plus !! The bold colored paintings on the wall, really give the restaurant a hipster meets yuppy vibe, rather than an authentic feel; which is alright !! Homemade tortilla chips, yum !! The salsa was very mild, and easy to indulge in. We were most excited to try their highly acclaimed mole sauce. This was a new concept for me, and I was greatly looking forward to giving it a try. We began our night with a house salad, with spring mix, feta cheese, and caramelized pecans, and topped with a light chile dressing. Very good salad, only wished the pecans were crunchy not sticky !! We continued with a grilled calamari salad. Chunks of calamari, garlic, corn and spring mix made for an interesting bite. I personally don't care much for wood grills, so the smokey flavor was a bit much for me, although my boyfriend truly enjoyed it !! We continued on with chicken enchiladas, which was great !! Soft shell, shredded chicken and swimming in a perfect amount of mole sauce !! What a treat :-) Lastly we topped things off with a plate of flaun, which was delightful !! Delicious chunks of pinapple and strawberry to accent our last few bits. Only suggestion is to use fresh fruit, not canned, or pre-sugared !! All and all, it was a great meal !! Byob alway is nice as well !! You don't have to worry about not enjoying what you order to drink, or jacked up prices ......
(4)
Oriana F.

The 1st time I went there - I LOVED this place. The 2nd time - the reception was so-so, but everything else was pretty good, particularly the enchiladas en mole negro & the tortilla soup. I left still diggin' it. The 3rd time (last week) - the host was rude, the service was not so good. Food still good. You definitely need a reservation because they are always full, and I wonder if that fact has allowed them to slack on service. Eventually good food is not enough in my book. I hope they can make the place a little warmer (the service and the feel of the room). In the meantime, there's a liquor store across the street to get your BYOB. A nice buzz will help you block out the line of guests eyeing your table, forget the brusque attitude at the host stand, & enjoy the mole. Check it out on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
(3)
Sage J.

Authentic , Authentic, authentic! No taco bell or cheesy tex-mex food here. I had the Enchiladas mole negro, YUM! The mole was fantastic! This is by far the best find in Chicago for the real deal!
(5)
B. S.

BYOB, did not know that til i got there and i simply walked across the street to the liquor store. Bought my woman a 40oz Corona for her Bday! it was hilarious, food was really good and would def return!
(4)
Scott H.

Mixteco was recommended to me my by realtor, and she said that this place was a must see in the neighborhood. I tried it out and thought that the food was pretty good, but not exactly worth the extremely high price tag. 5 stars for the atmosphere, 4 for the food, and 3 for the price.
(4)
Nancy V.

Mixteco Grill is dimly lit and unnecessarily loud. The acoustics in the restaurant are awful. I spent the majority of the night yelling to my company because no one can hear each other over all of the noise. Aside from the setup of the restaurant, the food was surprisingly unimpressive. Perhaps my expectations were too high. The food was mediocre and the prices were undeserved. Love it: Mole Loathe it: Everything else aside from the mole
(1)
Brian W.

The food I had here was great...BUT, in my opinion, way too expensive. When I go into a place like Mixteco and have to spend at least $15 on an entree, I'm second guessing my decision to eat mexican. The food was great, but will probably save my money and eat somewhere more representitive of market value...
(3)
Danielle T.

Pros: -Good food - we had the chips & guac (really good), a shrimp dish (just average - wouldn't get it again), and chicken mole (really yummy). And of course, we brought our own beer. -Service was really attentive and always done with a smile. -Atmosphere - I thought it was a pretty good sized place - you could easily have a large group there if you wanted. And it wasn't crowded when we went on a Thursday night. Cons: -None. Overall, it was a good place. I might try other Mexican places before heading back, but I wouldn't have a problem eating here again.
(4)
Kate C.

I have always wanted to try Mixteco, so I did. I had a girls date night with a pal of mine. We were kind of turned off by the ambience of the place. It's really bright, and cold feeling, tables are very small too. They bring out chips and salsa which was really good. The waiter rushed us through our meal though, which was annoying. We shared a meal because we didn't want to pay $20/dish - We both felt like the experience didn't warrant that kind of pricing (and the menu was really little - one page of about 8 apps and 8 main dishes & that's it)... It could use a little bit of an update inside. The food was good, we got some chicken enchiladas. There were 3 enchiladas on the plate (kind of small), and some black beans. That was $18. They were good, but the mole sauce was weird tasting to me. Once we were finished eating the waiter brought our bill, then stood there. While my friend and I were in the middle of a conversation he's waiting for me to pay... all because he wants us out asap or something (there were a lot of open tables). He brings back my card, and I sign. He comes back literally 2 minutes later and says, "OK anything else? Thanks and have a great new year" ....we laughed a little then kept talking...exactly 2 minutes later... "OK anything else? Thanks and have a great new year" ...Seriously? So we left... My boyfriend has been wanting to try Mixteco, but I told him we're better off going somewhere different...
(1)
Emma M.

D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! I had the seafood tamales, but also tried the pork chop and steak. Everything was awesome. They use a lot of mole sauce so i was a little nervous about that, but the mole was the best mole i have ever had. other things: 1. MAKE A RESERVATION!!! We waited for about 90 minutes on a Saturday night for a group of 4. 2. BYOB
(4)
Alysha P.

I gave Mixteco another chance this last Saturday.....mostly due to my friends calling the shots.....but in the end.....I'm glad I came back for round two.....and am updating my rating to 4 stars! I got the dish I wish I had gotten last time.....Carne Asada.....it was served with guacamole, refried beans and the yummiest salsa ever!! I was so pleased with this entree....thank god!! I will def get this again...yay! I also tried some of my bf's Pork Chops in some kind of mole served with mashed potatoes.....I liked it as well....but the mole is too rich (for me).....one bite was enough.....there's no way I could eat a whole entree of it......my bf on the other hand.....no problemo! We got the sopes as apps.....(steered clear of those gnarly empanadas this time).......they were doing a duet.....one filled with pulled pork.....the other with plantains.....kind of a sweet & savory effect. I liked the pulled pork.....but the plantains were too sweet for me....one bite and I moved on. Ohhhhh....and we got some of the habanero salsa......really really tasty.....but also really really hot....eat at your own risk! Service was good....friendly.....fast.....no issues! We also were some of the last people to leave the restaurant that night.....and they didn't rush us out or make us feel like we were over-staying our welcome....def props for that!
(4)
Deep D.

Went there for dinner last week after a long time. Food was amazing, so was the service. Definitely going back.
(5)
Lois A.

I was having such a crap day before coming to Mixteco. It was about 8:30pm when I decided I could stay home and continue to have a suck day or I could venture out and find a food heaven that could maybe turn my day around. Mission accomplished!!! It was after 9 when we got there and there was about a 30 minute wait to get in. I really didn't mind. We went across the street and got some fat tire...love BYOB's!! Then we stood in the front entrance way and watched other people getting their food for about 20 minutes. Everything looked amazing. I tried not to stare too much but I was getting very hungry! We were seated right next to where the food is cooked and they brought out chips and salsa right away....yum. It is pretty rare that I want to order EVERY SINGLE THING on a menu but Mixteco has such a menu. I had to get the pork chop with mango mole and mashed potatoes for my first Mixteco meal. It was totally insane in its goodness I could not stop eating it. My boyfriend got the scallops and these were heaven on a plate. We could not stop smiling and eating and smiling and eating more. Oh yeah... I almost forgot the sopes with pork and guacamole that we started with. The first bite of that was when my horrible day faded to a distant memory and the food bliss rainbow arrived over my head. After watching flan after flan leave the kitchen there was no freaking way I could leave without having some. I did not think there was any way we could eat it all but we devoured it like nobody's business. Yummy mango and strawberries made it extra perfect. While staring into Mixteco waiting for our table I'd noticed that no one was leaving with leftovers and I wondered if maybe the portions were smaller than they looked. NO! The food is just that good. That mango mole was sinfully amazing. I can't say enough good things about it. We ate every single bite of everything and I woke up this morning dreaming about that dinner. I've been having trouble deciding where to eat for my upcoming birthday and after a couple bites from here I don't even have to think about it.
(5)
Susan L.

Oh man this place is GREAT! I've been twice in one month--once for dinner and once for weekend brunch/lunch. Both times were delish. Fresh tortillas, fresh guac, delicious green salsa that is flavorful and that I end up putting on all of my food. BEWARE the innocuous-looking but head bashing white sauce. OMG. I had a DROP and my mouth/throat/soul was en fuego for 5 minutes. And on top of the spice was flavor flavor flavor. I also really like the decor--are the paintings for sale? I love them! If you haven't been or haven't noticed Mixteco, now is the time to head on over. Oh, and the price is sooooo right! Love this byob!
(5)
Viviana R.

I enjoyed it but I'm not going out of my way for this one. I had the mole which was quite good and the restaurant looked great inside. The thing is, I've had just as good at cheaper restaurants. While the food and service was all well done and they're reviews seem well earned, I don't see myself visiting this restaurant too often.
(4)
Erica T.

So I just moved to the area, and whenever I tell people, the number one thing that comes out of their mouths is, "Have you been to Mixteco Grill? OMG you have to go." So I went. I went with my husband on a Friday night; I don't get off work till late so it was probably around 9-9:30 when we got there. It seemed packed and I was nervous that we would have to wait for a table but we got one right off the bat. Oh and It's BYOB!!! And they take your beer and put it in the fridge for you - super cool. They serve the complimentary chips with salsa verde, which I am obsessed with. We ordered guac to start, which was really good - creamier than most and I think it had cucumbers in it which I had never seen before, but they added a crunch and freshness that was very enjoyable. For our entrees we ordered the chuleta (pork chop) and the carne asada (steak). I got the pork chop, which had a mole verde (which I got because it seemed oh so close to salsa verde which I am obsessed with; alas, they are not quite the same - more like totally different). The dish was all right - served with grilled zucchini and mashed potatoes, the pork chop was cooked well but had no flavor in the meat itself, while the sauce and the potatoes were so overloaded with salt that I couldn't really enjoy the other flavors. My husband got the carne asada, which was cooked well, served with a red sauce that had great flavors that were not overpowering, and some black beans and more of that amazing guac. I thought that dish kicked my dish's ass. My husband and I are also obsessed with tres leches cake, so of course we had to have some for dessert. Although not the best I have had, theirs is pretty good. Thus, 3 stars for now, but I will definitely be back one of these days to try some of the other appetizers and maybe their seafood and then update my review...!
(3)
Shonda D.

Dined at Mixteco with friends last night and if I can share anything useful with you, here are the top THREE things you must know: 1. Make a RESERVATION. They take them. The place is mad busy, especially on the weekend, and the city is doing some major construction in the area. Thus, parking is horrible. Avoid strolling in thinking you'll get a seat, unless its late in the evening like 930/10pm (they close at 11). 2. They know moles! Don't skimp on this, you will be doing yourself a disservice. 3. Its BYOB, so purchase in advance. There is a wine and spirit place across the street.. but as you can probably guess their prices aren't very reasonable. Ok now on to the details, I'm a vegetarian that has to eat fish. So, I had the fish tacos and a side of black beans and plantains. The talapia was cooked to perfection. My dining partners ordered the lamb and duck. Both entrees looked amazing. The lamb was so tender it fell off the bone! I was tempted to try it (NOT). But it definitely looked delish. My BFF and other dining mate couldn't stop talking about the moles sauce. For desert, we had the chocolate flan... I'm not really into flan, but I did have a small spoonful and it was good. To top off the evening, I ordered some Mexican coffee, which was just what the doctored ordered. It was a great Friday evening!
(4)
Melanie K.

If you want to read all the delightful things about Mixteco and the fact that it is BYOB, cute and colorful, perfect for any occasion, authentic and delicious, home to a lovely staff, etc. - please read other reviews. I concur with them (a solid 4 stars). My review has a singular purpose.... The promotion of Mixteco's fish tacos. (5-stars) The petite two-taco appetizer is not adequate to honor their glory. Perfectly light and delicate corn tortillas envelope a tender strip of tilapia. The crunch of the cabbage compliments the texture of the tortilla, sauce, and meat perfectly. And that sauce...spicy, tangy, delicious. You leave wanting more, yet assured that just one more order will leave you satisfied and refreshed, as opposed to overwhelmed and regretful. Mixteco's fish tacos are so perfect they should be an entree. Please acknowledge my petition to promote these divine morsels to entree status by voting below. The moment they become an entree - five stars in a heartbeat.
(4)
Samantha B.

I love Mexican (as you can tell by all of my Mexican restaurant reviews). I was excited to visit Mixteco because of all the fabulous reviews it receives. I think we made a mistake when we decided to head in on a Friday evening, the place was packed and it was after 9pm! The dÃ©cor didn't scream Mexican restaurant to me however I figured that might a good thing. To my surprise we only waited about 10 minutes and were sat by the sweetest hostess. It took a while for our server to come and even longer to receive water. As we reviewed the menu I was a little disappointed in the lack of vegetarian items however they had a chile relleno stuffed with veggies that was calling my name. My boyfriend decided to get the enchiladas with a Oaxacan style mole. My Chile Relleno was average but there was nothing average about their mole!! WOW! It was a dark peppery, smoky, chocolate, plate full of goodness. They could put their mole on an old show and it would be good. Amazing. Overall, I thought the experience was average but their mole was far above average and for that Mixteca Grill gets four stars. I would like to see more variety on the menu, maybe more vegetarian options. As a whole, Mixteca Grill is pretty darn tasty.
(4)
Erica I.

I'd never had mole before, so I wanted to try it here because of all the great reviews. I was expecting something close to heaven when I took my first bite, but was pretty disappointed. I got the chicken enchiladas in mole, which the server said was their best mole. It was good, but just not something I would think about ordering again, especially for the $16 price tag. Other than the average mole, the chips and salsa was excellent, and service was amazing! We made reservations, and they only had a 5:30 or 9:30, so I picked the 5:30, and sure enough there were only about 4 other tables in the whole place. So I guess they were saving the others for later reservations? But yeah, if I want mexican food, I don't think I'll choose to come back here.
(3)
Dan H.

I'd been hearing raves about this spot for a while, so I was thrilled when my dad invited me to join him and his friend there. Apparently, my friends aren't the only fans of Mixteco, because it was absolutely packed when we arrived at 7:30 on a Wednesday -- to the point that we had to wait 10 minutes for them to seat us for our reservation. The decor is nondescript. It looks like it used to be a mediocre diner that has been brightened by a few large paintings. Lots of windows for this corner location brightens things a bit more. Servers were quick to greet us as we sat at our table and waters were kept always more than half full, which was welcome to this thirsty guy. But while busboys are plenty, our waiter was nowhere to be found for quite a long time. We also had trouble flagging someone down to open our second bottle of wine. When we finally were served our food, it was absolutely amazing! I ordered the rack of lamb in black mole, which the house prefers to serve medium rare. It was cooked to perfection and the mashed potatoes it came with were great mixed in with the flavor-filled sauce. Appetizers for the table included the grilled calamari (a great grilled taste mixed with greens and many steps above your traditional fried calamari appetizer), sopes with pork (maybe the best bite of my meal) and ceviche (made with marlin, not overly citrus-y and probably the freshest and most satisfying I've ever had). I also dug into my dad's Camarones Borrachos (drunken shrimp), which are cooked in a flavorful beer sauce and tasted fantastic served with rice that absorbs the yummy sauce for a perfect flavor and texture. Moist, chewy tortillas were also served for everyone. As a side note, in the middle of our experience, the owner or manager or something came over to our table, crouched welcomingly down to our eye level and, "pretending" he was just a random guy off the street, checked in to see how our meal was. Funny and cool touch there. This place seems to be all about the food. Despite the blah decor and a few service issues, the meal was fantastic, and that was more than enough to leave me really satisfied walking back to my car. I highly recommend Mixteco Grill to anyone who likes unique dishes with strong flavors and a little punch of spice. Other notes: Entrees are mostly between $15-$20. BYOB. Walking distance from the Brown Line's Montrose stop.
(4)
Green T.

Delicious meals, pretty decor, and lovely service. The nice dishes and higher prices make me surprised by the number of families and hen parties present. It does get surprisingly noisy with just a few tables. Might be the acoustics. Our servers and hosts were very thoughtful, professional, and polite. In the front room you can watch some of your food being made: fresh grilling and in-house tortillas. The entrees were creative and tasty. Perhaps a tiny bit too oily for my taste, but the mole is not to be missed. Shrimp, lamb, and a seafood salad to remember. Plus cheery, colorful folk art. Hope to return soon.
(5)
Mark S.

Really good mole sauce - but disappointed that they wouldn't let us use both our cards on the same bill. This is 2014
(4)
Tina Y.

Pretty god food and service. Will go back.
(4)
Jim D.

Got reservations at this place on a Thursday. You know they're doing something right if this is even an issue. At first I had a bit of sticker shock when seeing the menu (everything is 15-20 bucks), but the end product was spectacular. Think Frontera Grill without all the Rick Bayless/Oprah pretension surrounding it. The food quality is equal to the prices, which is all you can ask for at what seems to be a much trendier place than I expected Pros: - BYOB and no service charge on the two bottles we brought - Waiters were super friendly and are water, nachos, and salsa were all plentiful throughout the night - As previously noted, the food kicked ass and the presentation was awesome (if that's your sort of thing). Had the salmon special with potatoes and asparugus covered in a spectacular salsa. All three of us had clean plates at the end of the meal and we managed to get a good buzz on, not much more you can ask for on a Thursday. Cons: - Lighting was a bit harsh with yellowish orange wallpaper and bright lights. My friends said it made everyone look attractive, but when you are a lightweight half a bottle deep, I'd imagine a lot seems attractive to you - It was NOISY. This went beyond crowded restaurant noisy, I was leaning in to listen at a four person table. If they're packing this place on a Thursday, they should have some cash to fix that issue I would absolutely go back, but never go in more than a group of four or else you won't hear each other. And bring your own booze because they aren't serving any.
(4)
Jennifer J.

I LOVE Mexican food but this was just ok. It's priced a little high for what it is and for the amount you get. I'm shocked at how great the reviews are for this place considering the whole group of friends that ate here thought the same thing as me. "Eh, I've had better." We go to different byobs once a month and this was our stop about 4 months ago. From the menu online, it looked great. While my dinner was good, it wasn't anything to write home about. (I think that's why it took me so long to actually write a review.) I had the enchiladas and they were ok. I guess I was more disappointed in the price vs food issue. I'm very willing to pay more for a nice meal, but only if I walk away feeling like it was worth it. Not the case here. And they charge for salsa after one round...and that round doesn't last long. I probably wouldn't go back and I definitely won't recommend that others go here. The last Mexican BYOB I really enjoyed was Estrella Negra in Logan Square. I highly recommend it! Happy eating wherever you may go though!
(2)
M. Medhat S.

Food is just OK. Very rushed service. Served 3 dishes in 40 minutes. Guacamole looked like it was prepared in a cuisinart and was very soggy. Ceviche just OK. Fish was not very fresh. Salsas come in an unappetizing little plates with stains on the outside. Food presentation is poor. They seem to stress big portions rather than quality portions. Also food has minimal heat for those who like spicy food. They can serve you Salsa but it is not the same. I think the place has potential if they improve the service and presentation and start making Mexican food that tastes like Mexican food.
(2)
Charlie B.

I love mole, and this place delivers some of the best mole ever. It's BYO, delicious and pretty darn cute on the inside. What's not to love. After just one visit, I want to return and work my way through the whole menu.
(5)
carolyn h.

Ok, so I went there with a group of 16 people on a Friday night . . . our reservation was for 7:45. Let me tell you, this place has their service down. They know how to treat people. It was great. It took a while for our party to trickle in and no one was pushy with is or even asked when the rest of the party would be joining. When we finally got everyone to the table they were patient while we ordered, answering TONS of questions (and even repeating themselves because the table was listening), the whole time being VERY nice and fun. The waiter was a lot of fun. Which is especially interesting because his tip was already being added to our bill. The food was fantastic. A few people in the group got the Borrego en Mole Negro (rack of lamb) and I tried a bite and it is definitely a winner. The them and they were perfectly cooked and the mole was amazing. I had the tamale de Mariscos. I love tamales. I have had them off the streets in Mexico, at a 5 star restaurant and then in the kitchen of my host family. I was excited about the variation (the seafood) to the traditional dish. They did a great job with it and incorporated every aspect of the traditional meal, but still made it fun and different. The steak Everyone cleared their plates and there wasn't anything left at the table. At the end of the day the bill was $26 a person which was amazing. Overall: Amazing mole, great atmosphere, Fantastic wait staff, every dish was loved,and at the end of the day it didn't break the bank.
(5)
Sarah L.

I finally made it to Mixteco! No wonder this restaurant made Chicago Magazine's top 22 new restaurants, I am in love! I came here with my husband for brunch on a Sunday morning. We arrived promptly at 10:00 because we are freaks and we want to eat without a wait. Well, we walked in and we were the first ones in! I thought for sure there would be a line. They gave us chips and salsa to start, doesn't really go with coffee but whatever. The chips and tomatillo salsa are to DIE for! I had to stop myself so I could enjoy my main meal. I had the scrambled eggs with fresh salsa, avocado and black beans. It was pure heaven, all the flavors went together really well! My husband had chicken enchiladas with mole. His was excellent too, heavy on the mole sauce! I cannot wait to go back for dinner. The staff is very friendly and attentive. This place is BYOB so make sure you bring the champagne for some killer mimosas. Mixteco's orange juice is fresh squeezed and to DIE for!!
(5)
Christian W.

3.5 Stars. Mixteco was able to accomodate 12 of us on a Sunday evening on short notice, which was great. Had the Enchiladas with Black Mole. The mole was good, but a bit too sweet for me. Thought the pulled chicken inside the enchiladas was a little bland. If I come back, I'll definitely have to try the seafood and a different mole.
(3)
Emily S.

OK, Mixteco, you slightly redeemed yourself by not making us wait in the rain or giving us serious attitude at the hostess stand. The food was good, not as good as the first two times. I had a salmon special with grilled zucchini and rice, which was good but salty. My vegetarian friend requested the enchiladas en mole with no chicken, just cheese. They came out with chicken, and by the time she got her correct entree, the rest of us were nearly done eating. Guac was good, but what is up with putting lettuce and radishes in it? No thanks. I'll go back because it's close, but I am not as impressed as I was initially.
(3)
Lauren M.

Quick and simple, Mixteco Grill has fantastic food, but the ambiance of the dining space can improve. Eight members of our monthly dinner club went to Mixteco with high hopes of great food. We were not disappointed in that regard. Everything from the Mahi Mahi (my choice) to the Scallop special was absolutely amazing. I would definitely suggest the Scallop special if it's on the menu when you go since they were probably the best cooked scallops I have ever had. But, if it's not available, go with the Mahi Mahi. A great blend of smoky flavors that puts a new spin on this fish dish. However, I would say that Mixteco has room to improve when it comes to it dining room. Although we had a reservation for eight people, our table was not ready and we needed to split up the group at first. They knew we were coming, but the only empty tables were spread out around the room. Second, it's pretty loud inside so having a conversation without raising your voice was pretty hard. If you are looking for a quiet, intimate dinner then Mixteco is not the place for you. Fortunately, our dinner club is pretty loud so we fit right in!
(4)
Julie B.

DELICIOUS!!!! I'm still dreaming of my meal from there - I went on Saturday night and it's Monday am. We started with the fish taco and tamale appetizers - I could have eaten an entire plate of both (does that make me sound like a complete piglet or what?). Then moved on to have the grilled tiger shrimp entree and the grilled pork tenderloin in an incredible mole sauce. Again, just fantastic! I eat out on a fairly regular basis and could not get over how genuine and friendly everyone was! I can't wait to return for my second visit!
(5)
Amanda Z.

I was super-excited when my friend told me she wanted to meet up at Mixteco for one of our not-nearly-regular-enough dinner sessions to catch up on things. I've been wanting to try this place forever. As I walked in, the smell of delightful carne asada started running through my senses...and I started to curse my decision to give up meat for Lent. (Yes, I am still whining about that!) I had hope that there would be ample non-poultry, pork (tears), or beef options. We BYO, of course, so my gal and I shared a lovely bottle of my fave wine and some chips and salsa while we gabbed. We started with the grilled calamari appetizer and it was frickin' fantastic. No chewiness here, just tender, flaky rings of goodness that were not fishy or tough, tossed in a mixed salad with corn...it was phenomenal. And know what? They have lots of options for non-meat-imbibers. I found JUST the ticket: lentil cakes. WHaaaa? Yeah, I'd never tried them before either, but they sounded fabu, and I was ravenous. My friend had the chicken enchiladas in mole sauce. They looked amazing, but I didn't get a chance to try them. She assured me they were quite delish, and I trust her. The service was friendly, and very unintrusive. We were able to catch up, not feel rushed, and enjoy our truly lovely meal. Our water glasses never made it past half-full before we got a refill. TIP: Make a reservation, even on a weeknight. Even with the addition of the larger dining room, this place was packed on a rainy Tuesday night. I can't wait to come back and try some of the other things on the menu.
(5)
Vanessa P.

I came here for dinner to help welcome Laurel P to Chicago. There were about 9 or so of us seated a bit cramped in the new part of the restaurant. Because everyone tended to come in a bit sporadically, the dinner itself started off slow. I think the server thought everyone should be there at once before we ordered. I assume this is why it took a rather long time for us to get our meals. But I'm not holding it against them. Onto the food. The chips and salsa were delicious. The salsa verde I could have eaten all day. It was that good. For dinner, I had the lentil cakes. They came with a spicy sauce, string potatoes as garnish and they were amazing. All of the flavors melded together nicely and the sauce had the perfect amount of kick. I will definitely be coming back to Mixteco, as there are quite a few other dishes I want to try. Oh, and it being BYOB definitely helps as well!
(4)
Carol J.

Sometimes its the place, sometimes its the food, sometimes its the company. Tonight it was all three. The trifecta of nice space, outstanding food and amazing companions. Warm, cheery environment (although a tad on the loud side, but hey, I would rather hear a boisterous laugh than a raging rant any day) with super attentive staff and beautifully prepared food. I opted for the carne asada which was not some low end flank steak but a giant rib eye drizzled (okay, drenched) in a delicious sauce. I was able to share with the rest of the table as the portion was HUGE! The mole I tried was fantastic and the food was gorgeously plated. BYOB service was really accommodating and attentive and from order to presentation, the service was quick and professional. I had to skip on dessert because they beefed me up with beautiful carne asada. Next time, I am so flanning.
(4)
Lbreeze Y.

Oh my gahd! I don't know how anyone can give this restaurant under 5 stars! I absolutely loved everything about it. I went here with my husband and my in-laws. We all left super pleased and with very full bellies. Also, any place that is BYO is a place to be! All four if us walked in there super hungry and brought 2 bottles of wine with us since we are wine geeks. We sat down and decided to order a few appetizers. We ordered the Tacos Ensenada, Sopes De Hongos, and the Uchepos Gratinados. All three were amazing flavorful and we definitely wanted more! As for the entrees, I loved loved my dish! Everyone at the table loved my dish. I ordered the Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo. It was tiger shrimp with a spicy garlic sauce mixed with black beans, avocado, cilantro, and green onion all topped on rice. It was such a big portion there was enough left over for me to enjoy the savory dish for lunch the next day. My hubby ordered the Borrego En Mole Negro. This is a lamb dish and my hubby might love lamb more than he loves me. He loved it and it was served with a black mole sauce. The dish was also served with some garlic mashed potatoes that I kept sneaking off his plate (I am a sucker for mashies). My mother in-law ordered the SalmÃ³n En Mole Amarillo. I love salmon and this is definitely the next dish I am going to enjoy there. The mole that was served with it was amazingly flavorful. Once the wine bottles were clear and our doggie bags sitting in the spot where we were just shortly stuffing our faces, we proceeded with the dessert. The coffee was delicious. It was Mexican coffee that had some cinnamon added and tasted perfect. We ordered the molten chocolate cake. Oh man....I could have died happy right then and there. I loved this restaurant and suggest you bring a few bottles of wine and try it out for yourself!
(5)
Jo W.

Forgive me, Rob L. The food was good. Really, really good. 4 stars right there. But many other elements knocked this down to 3 stars. I came here with a group of 11 on Thursday night to welcome Erin P's sister to our fine city. We had a reservation for 7, and our group trickled in over time. Our server asked if we wanted to order, but Erin said to wait on one more person, who arrived a couple minutes later. After that person arrived, our server didn't seem to notice and I finally flagged him down so we could order. Orders placed, we waited for what seemed like forever. Yes, I know we had a big group, but it just seemed like an unusually long wait. We didn't get our food until a little before 9pm. (Keep in mind most of us had been there since 7, and all but one of us skipped appetizers to get things moving.) Meanwhile, the room we were in was extremely loud (which is good, I guess... it means fellow patrons were having a good time), and our table was a little too close to the tables behind us. ALL NIGHT LONG my chair was bumped as employees and other patrons made their way past us. Getting bumped into every ten seconds was rather annoying. However, I will say that the busboys were totally on top of the water refills. I ended up drinking so much water thanks to them my poor little bladder hated me by the end of the night. :) The food was really, really good. I can't remember the name on the menu, but I had the wood-fired chicken with rice and asparagus. I asked if I could sub potatoes for the rice and was told yes, but they still brought me both (and charged me for a side of potatoes - only $2, but still. Doesn't "sub" mean "replace" to them?). I am not a fan of spicy food, but the chicken had more heat than spice, and it was the perfect amount of heat and I gobbled it up. The asparagus was perfectly cooked, while the potatoes left a little bit to be desired. (But I guess I shouldn't expect to get stellar potatoes at a Mexican restaurant, should I?) Erin P ate my rice and informed me it was yummy. Too bad I'm rarely in the mood for rice. Since it was getting so late, many of us didn't want dessert so we all skipped it. But when I came in I saw another table get the chocolate cake-looking thing, and I can't wait to come back and try it. 3 stars aside, I actually can't wait to come back here to give this another whirl, perhaps with a smaller group, and give this place the stars I'm sure they deserve.
(3)
Eleanor E.

One of the best meals I've had in ages. Fresh Mexican food. Really flavorful. (Not your typically heavy Mexican fare.) When I was undecided about a main dish, the waiter brought mole samples. They were all delicious -- chose the lamb. Utterly delectable. For desert, I had the chocolate flan. I typically detest flan, but this was more like a chocolate souffle. Really good!
(5)
Hijo d.

Based on review from 2009 that somehow was erased by Yelp: After reading that the Borrego con Mole was one of the best meals experienced by one of the Reader food critics in 2008 we thought it might be worth giving this place a try. The staff were very friendly and the service very good. However, the food was average. We ordered the Ceviche, Sopa de Huitlacoche, and Sopa Azteca to start with. Both sopas had too many grilled onions, which overwhelmed the rest of the flavors. The ceviche was bland, it was impossible to taste the fish over a over use of citrus. Finally, the mole was really flat. The only flavors that stood out were the chocolate and peanuts. The mole lacked the spicy element that usually is characteristic to moles in Oaxaca and Puebla. The mole was served with garlic mashed potatoes, which tasted like rancid butter and lacked even a hint of garlic. They were uneatable. Overall, the food was not worth the price and at best would be characterized as average.
(2)
John W.

I love Mixteco. I love the Queso Fundido. I think this place is better than Frontera without the $12 valet. Actually, I heard this was actually owned by former employees of Frontera. The only complaints is that there aren't a ton of choices and they really like Mole which I don't like and it seems to be part of every dish. I recently went there and my date was able to substitute the mole for green sauce on her enchiladas so that was nice. I always get the Carne Asada but there is always one other dish that they bring out that looks really good but I just haven't been able to figure out what it is. It is BYOB but there is a liquor store across the street but if you get there at peak hours there is really no where to wait. Sometimes I just go drink beer in my car. Shhh, don't tell anyone. UPDATE 8/10/09: They have some serious issues with their AC unit. Granted, it was 95 degrees outside and their kitchen is in the middle of the restaurant but it was almost unbearable inside this place this weekend. This is the first and only time this has happened but just a warning.
(5)
Rachael C.

Love Mixteco. We've been 6-7 times now, since they opened for brunch and for dinner. Reminds me of Fonda del Mar, and I like it as much in it's own way as all the Bayless restaurants. The lamb with black mole, salmon with yellow mole, the smoked squid salad, sopes, (all I can remember, but we've had more) are all tasty as hell. We've really enjoyed everything we've tried. Also, BYO, so no expensive drink costs. Even after they expanded, it's still always packed and you'll need a reservation (yes, on a Wednesday). The tables are all tight against each other and it's loud, but it's still worth it because of the food. Desserts are completely skippable though - we've tried several and they're not bad, but not in line with the rest of the menu. Get another appetizer instead. I've been harassing them to add champurrado (mexican hot chocolate) to the menu for dessert every time we go, cause I think it'd be more successful than the existing menu items.
(4)
Luis E.

So being from Mexico City originally, I am extremely picky about good traditional Mexican food. This place nails it. Sorry, Rick Bayless, true Mexican food is not supposed to be gourmet... Chef Raul Arreola left the foo-foo Mexican kitchen and brought it back to basics. The Sopa Azteca - nailed it. Delicious The Sopes - Authentic The Cochinita Pibil - even better than the one in Mexico City The Chuleta in Mole Negro - the mole just like the one you eat in Oaxaca The place was under-staffed the first time we went there and Chef Arreola served us personally. Does it get better than that? Needless to say, if you ever want to try true, authentic Mexican food, this is the place to go. Parking is fairly easy to find. I suggest making reservations although the two other times I did not we were seated in 20 mins or less. Nevertheless the place can get crowded. While people may wonder why 5 stars are given so easily, think about what prices you pay at Topolobampo and what you pay here. Bang for the buck.
(5)
Sid V.

They painted the ugly wall and expanded the space and the food is as good as ever. OK, one time the fish tacos were skimpy but every other thing I've had here has been excellent. This place is not slick, but it delivers where it counts and the wood grilled carne asada rules-don't insult it by bringing the fricking Yellowtail.
(5)
Becky W.

To celebrate a newcomer to Chicago, we took her and many friends to Mixteco. I had heard so much about this place, I had high expectations. And you know... they were met! Best things about Mixteco: -BYO. can't beat that! -homemade tortillas/chips -Salsa Verde. It was very fresh and limey, and delicious. I'd eat the whole dish if I could. -presentation of food was beautiful! I enjoyed the Tacos Ensenada, which was fried tilapia, serrano-pepper mayo, and cabbage. So Freaking GOOD! I also had the corn tamales, which were very good, but a little heavy. I ate so much for dinner I didn't have room for desert, but the tres leches cake looked amazing. So want some Mexican that is a little out-of-the box? maybe not so heavy with the traditional rice and beans? Or mexican that gives itself a name with the presentation and awesome flavors? Mixteco is the only place to go.
(4)
Brandon T.

If the ONLY thing that mattered to me was the quality of a restaurant's food I probably would have given Mixteco Grill a 4....maybe even a 5 star rating. The scallops I ordered were spectacular, coming in a coconut queso sauce that had a truly unique and delicious flavor. The problem I had with Mixteco Grill had to do with the space and the temperature. Its a personal pet peeve of mine when restaurant owners are so hungry for more customers that they decide to cram the restaurant full of more tables than it can support. I was so close to the tables to my left and right, that I felt like they were in one party. I could even hear the couple next to me bicker about their in law! The extremely high temperature in the restaurant was more or less due to the circumstances, but that doesn't make it any easier to enjoy a meal. Dining in an 85 degree environment is nobody's favorite thing to do!
(3)
Benjamin H.

This is really not one of those reviews where I have to pontificate on how orgasmic the food was at Mixteco. My first visit here pretty confirmed what every other review for this spot has already said; phenomenal Mexican cuisine, maybe some of the best in the city. The Carne Asada I had was outstanding. The smoky wood fire was intoxicating, the NY strip (no, not some nasty flank steak) was perfectly cooked. My girlfriend's sweet mole pork chop? Damn. One of the most intriguing things I had was the homemade chocolate flan. It was so intensely earthy...I cant imagine what kind of chocolate they used....or did they grind their own cacao? A great spot. I can't wait to go back. The kind of place you go when you want great Mexican 'cuisine.'
(5)
Chase F.

This place is very misleading from the outside. In fact, so misleading we haven't eaten here in the 3 years we've lived near Mixteco. By near I mean 1 block away. It wasn't until recently we heard that it was definitely a place to check out and to consider for a great meal. Well our sourse was absolutely 100% right. We were completely and utterly blown away by the food. As the reviews state, the mole sauce is absolutely amazing. I had the enchiladas which was nearly one of the best Mexican dishes that I've had here in Chicago. My boyfriend had the salmon which also had the same rants as mine. Neither of us wanted to share and that's a good thing. The service = awesome! BYOB I will recommend mixteco to friends and family and will look forward to dining with you again soon.
(4)
Chaim L.

Fantastic moles and the service was extraordinary. Fish tacos are the way to start - recommend against the ceviche. Very casual but great energy. The meats in the mole tended to be a bit dry which the fantastic mole really saves but if they could get the quality of the meats up or the cooking down - it would be amazing.
(4)
Kevin A.

I'M JUMPING THROUGH THE WINDOW If there's a fire, because there's no way I'd be able to exit through the front as Mixteco is packed to the rafters on any given night with droves of patrons enjoying their BYOB selections and Mixteco's refined Oaxacan fare. If you don't feel like jumping through the window, just stay and partake in the mole negro and tres leches cake that everyone else leaves behind as they flee the inferno. If you gotta go, you might as well go full, fat, and happy.
(4)
Diana R.

Yummy yum yum! I want to personally kidnap the cooks and take them home with me! This place is so good! I had the mole enchiladas and it was quite memorable. I can't place it over my moms homemade mole but it is definately in my Top 2! Oh and the sopes, smaller than what I'm traditionally used to but still scrumptious. Make a reservation though, it was packed! For dessert, tres leches cake hands down! So yummy. I believe they even make their own tortillas! Pick up the phone now!
(5)
Matt L.

Simply fabulous... which makes me think, if Mixteco were a rapper, he'd be Fabolous, and he'd hire Nate Dogg to go in to Frontera, Fonda Del Mar, Salpicon, Adobo, and Las Palmas and sing, "Y'all can't deny it, I'm a fuckin' rider, you don't wanna fuck with me." Seriously, don't fuck with Mixteco. This is on my "top 5 favorite restaurants in Chicago list" now, and in case you haven't noticed, I like to eat. At $20 and under per entree, it's also a good deal for food that borders on culinary badassedness. This is the best Mexican food I've ever had, and that includes meals I've eaten in Mexico. A couple other useful tidbits: They're going to be opening another dining room next door in the next few days, so don't get discouraged if you haven't been able to get in in the past. If you find something isn't spicy enough, ask for some habaÃ±ero salsa and grab your sack. You don't want to look like a gringo pussy, but you don't want to burn your piehole so bad it doesn't work. Ten cuidado. If you think you're full after your entree, tell your stomach to go have sex with itself, because YOU'RE GETTING THAT HOT CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH ICE CREAM. Even though I've tried this dessert at other restaurants, Mixteco's is the tastiest. Don't miss it.
(5)
Sarah B.

Oh Hell Yes! This was one of the best meals I have had in a long while. My date pulled some strings and got us a table for two at this joint..one I have been dying to try. We were so excited and Mixteco did not disappoint! Frosty mugs for our beer..yummy guacamole..empanadas that made my heart swoon..chicken in the best mole I have ever had and mouthwatering tamales. Yes! And to top it off...tres leches cake..yum. Loved every part of Mixteco.
(5)
Justin M.

This place is really 4.5 stars, but I have to save 5 stars for places that are super special. Mixteco Grill, at the very least is certainly special. We've been here three times and it is seriously good eating and great value for food of this calibre. It's very consistent, the service is great and is just a real pleasurable experience. Some may complain that this place is really busy or cramped but I feel they are real minor points. I've never had a problem making a reservation here so its all good. The food is great and its BYOB which is also great. Firstly, the mole dishes are wonderful. The lamb and Oaxacan dark mole especially - it is the one I judge every other mole by - its rich, yet smooth and flavorsome. Just delicious. I'd had mole at other places, but this is the yardstick. They put so much effort and variety into all of their sauces here - whether it is salsa, avocado tomatillo - really makes it interesting. Have also tried quite a few of the other small dishes - cerviche, guac, empanadas and they are all very good. The tres leches is a great dessert. In conclusion, I don't think you can go wrong here even if you dislike spicy food. Everything is simply flavoursome and I look forward to when I can return again.
(4)
Megan G.

Fine, I'll do it. I'm going to be a dissenting opinion in the Yelp-Mixteco lovefest. First the good. Mixteco does take reservations and yes, you need them. We tried walking into Mixteco a few months ago and were turned away. At the time I was peeved that Mixteco wouldn't take our names or let us wait, but in retrospect that's for the best. Mixteco is tiny (though I understand they're expanding) and there is no place for people to wait without crowding other patrons. This time we were seated immediately for our 7:30 reservation. Service was good across the board - from the hostess to the adorable little girl that took our coats to our waiter. The complimentary chips were good and the green salsa that accompanies them was fantastic. After a start like that and all the Yelp reviews, I was prepared for an amazing food experience. That's where I was let down. For appetizers we had the sopes, a serving of three - one chicken in red mole, one pork in tomatillo salsa and one mushroom in pasilla chile sauce. I don't like mole, so I was biased against the chicken sope but I wasn't overly impressed with the other two, either. We also had the empanadas, which were very good (the vegetable was my favorite). For an entree, I ordered the wood grilled scallops, a special for the evening. The wood grilled flavor was far, far too strong for something as delicate as a scallop. They just tasted burned. The sides were an okay asparagus and bland, uninspired white rice. I only ate about half of my entree and couldn't make myself finish it. I was very disappointed by my experience at Mixteco, but I wouldn't rule out a return visit. I'm hoping my entree was an aberration since everyone else seems to like Mixteco so much. However, based on this visit, I have to judge this place as totally overhyped.
(3)
Tim G.

I fear poor service at restaurants, so when I read other reviews that suggested such, I was a little put off. That was not our experience at all. The place was packed, late on a Wednesday night. They honored our reservation seating us well before others who had walked in and had been waiting longer. We thoroughly enjoyed ALL of our dishes. For apps, we loved the Ceviche - it was fresh, and each bite exploded in your mouth. The empanadas didn't sound as delightful as they tasted. The dough was out of this world, and the sauce was divine. I had a pork dish and the Mrs. enjoyed a seafood entree. Both were first rate. The service was fine. I have no complaints. The place was packed. The only issue we had was the noise. HOLY NOISY. I mean loud...loud, loud, sometimes had to shout to talk to my wife across the table. For me, that means, I would have to really be in the mood to go back, as conversation is vital to my nights out.. BYOB makes it reasonable, and street parking was plentiful. I think anyone who enjoys Mexican food needs to try Mixteco as it is one of Chicago's best places for Mexican food.
(4)
Amanda W.

Husband's and my friends were coming into the city for brunch. They gave the orders they wanted BYOB. Enter Mixteco and the conveniently located liquor store across the street. Two six-packs and a bottle of champagne later, we were seated with frosty mugs and champagne flutes. At 10:30 a.m. on a Sunday, the crowd mostly consisted of Latino and Hispanic families with young children (I take this for an excellent sign). Everything was delicious--the guacamole is served with chips, cucumbers, and jicama for dipping purposes. My enchiladas in mole were A-MAZ-ING. I had read about the tres leches cake and drooled before going there, so we definitely ordered that. It was so good--the flavor was subtle, and the texture was just right. We spent about 2.5 hours there with great service and great food. It is now our go-to place for authentic Mexican.
(5)
Malissa L.

Been looking forward to trying Mixteco and after swiming across Ashland (noting like 1.5 inches of sudden rainful) my dinner partner and I cared not that I looked like a drowned rat. Pros BYOB avoid the markup and bring what you know! Ever changing menu - keeps things fresh and a reason to come back early and often (isn't that the Chicago way!) Learned amazing new way to prepare garlic Garlic Shrimp entree - LOVED it! I want to bathe in the Salsa Verde (still drooling) Lamb was cooked to perfection - I want to give the mole another asI thought it actually was kinda eh. Eh's Why was there basil in and under the quac? Quac was overly creamy. Was there mayo in it? Texture of the Tamale was fluffy and I guess I like it be earthy less cakey Flourless chocolate cake was flavorless IMHO It was indeed loud and busy and congested but hey, iti's one of those hot places to eat so expect that kind of atmosphere.It's diner decor with fabulous food. IMHO its higher than diner prices are reflective of the highter quality food.
(4)
Donna J.

I wasn't blown away with my first trip here. It has good reviews and everyone is raving about it, but I just didn't get it this time around. We started with guacamole, which should be an easy hit, but it was flavorless. All 3 of us agreed that there was nothing that great about it- no heat, maybe missing some cilantro, and could definitely use more salt. We didn't even really want to finish it even though it was just an ice cream scoop sized portion. I got the Mahi-Mahi, one friend had the seafood tamale thing, and another friend had chicken enchiladas? Not sure about that third dish, but there was no comment from her regarding the food. I tried the tamales with seafood, but again was underwhelmed. The sauce that came on my mahi mahi was delicious and the mashed potatoes were SO good. Besides that, nothing exceptional. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I'm willing to go back one more time to give them a fair chance. The carne asada and porkchops sounded delicious and I want to try the soup appetizer as well. Maybe we'll do dessert too since we passed this time. It seemed like a case of "sounds better in the description on the menu" than it actually tasted. A solid 3 stars from me.
(3)
John O.

A fun and completely reasonable place to enjoy a meal. BYO without corkage - wine glasses aren't very good though if you are an oenophile. Food is good - a creative spin on Mexican classics. The mole here is justifiably famous, the only wow item I tasted. Service is good and timely. I was shocked at how small the bill was. Totally reasonable. Worth a visit for sure although don't expect any magic.
(3)
Stephanie F.

It is Sunday night at 7:15pm, and the place was buzzing. I get excited as sparkly Halloween decorations twinkle from the windows and tables full of smiling people greet me and my dining partner as we approach the door. As soon as one foot makes it through, the spicy, filling, and encompassing aroma takes over my body. You may be able to walk into this place and feel like you've eaten after merely inhaling the magnificently tasty smells. We were greeted immediately by the young and smiling hostess who was hoisted up on a tall stool behind her stand (I've worked as a hostess before, and I am so glad they let her sit down. Standing for 7 hours is bad for the lower back). We were seated right in the middle of the buzz and we loved it. We brought along a bottle of Malbec, which had spices that mixed perfectly with the chips and salsa that one of the backwaiters brought out. The chips have the right amount of corn taste in them; not like a frito, but not a tasteless flour tortilla chip. The salsa verde is not too spicy even though you can see some pepper seeds. It's actually quite a beautiful looking salsa! One star is missing from my review, because after the waiter expertly opened and poured our wine for us, he waited far too long to come back and get our order. We refrained from eating too many chips in order to save room for the empanadas as an appetizer. Great choice! I highly recommend them to share! Three different kinds come on a plate, and if cut in half, you don't feel too full for your meal. The cheese was amazing. The chorizo was very good, and the zucchini corn and mushroom was the best. But the most important aspect of the empanadas is the DOUGH. Just flaky enough on the outside but nice and moist on the inside and very flavourful. This cannot be replicated anywhere. I am in love with Mixteco's Empanada Dough. Also - the tomatillo and avocado dipping sauce is to DIE for. My date ordered the Enchaladas Rojas and I ordered the Enchiladas Vegetarianas (though I was not too entirely sure "vegetarianas" is an actual Spanish word...). Both came topped in and surrounded by wonderfully different moles. I liked both but honestly, I'm still thinking about the empanadas. My date finished his, but my stomach was too full of wine and empanadas to eat more than 1 of my 3 enchiladas. The waiter happily wrapped it up for me. My advice: Go to Mixteco. You'll have fun in this small and comfortable atmosphere. You may have trouble ordering, because everything on the menu looks to be enjoyable. Next time, I think I'll try the salmon plate.
(4)
Ashley V.

Another great meal with Mixteco. First, I have to point out that the service from the sweet girl who checks the coats to the excellent wait staff is always consistently great. My mom was visiting for the weekend and I decided to take her here for a Friday night meal. The menu had a ton of different dishes on it from my last visit. I was thrilled with the opportunity to try some new stuff. We tried the corn tamales for an appetizer and while I loved the spicy kick, there were way to many corn kernels in the dish for my taste. For entrees, I got the Lamb in a dark mole sauce with garlic mashed potatoes. I thought the mole was FANTASTIC. Very rich flavor but the sauce was light and complimented the lamb perfectly. My mom ordered a the pork chop dish that came with plantains, and mashed sweet potatoes in a lighter mole sauce. I had entree envy from the first bite of her food. I could barely get a few bites away from her. She loved it. Ordered the fantastic tres leches for dessert and washed it down with an excellent cup of coffee. Overall, another extraordinary meal from Mixteco. Mixteco Update: They have opened up a spacious cute backroom and completely re-done the bathrooms. Great Touch!
(5)
Matt D.

Had it last night for the first time, and this place was so worth the wait. reservations are tricky, but it's worth making time. From the appys (we tried the chili rellenos, calamari, and talapia tacos) to the main (we did the wood grilled duck breast) to the verde salsa at the onset with chips, it was great. The salsa. Geen, punchy, and literally the best I have had in recent memory. I was practically drinking it. The Chili Rellenos were amazing. The mole, wow. I've heard best in the city. It's up there for sure. The meat inside these bad boys was to die for. Tender, juicy, tasty with a little heat. The fish tacos, not bad. Flavors were nice, prolly wouldn't get again, but don't regret ordering them. And the calmari. It's served in its own ink, and they ringlets basically melt in your mouth. This had a kick to it as well. Not overpowering, but just as you think you're ready for your next bite. Pow. The duck. TENDER. Like, insane. And it's served with chilaquiles that are really good. The sauce, red and delicious. Desert? Not a chance after all that food, but what we saw coming out of the kitchen looked damn good as well. Go here.
(5)
Beth G.

Went to Mixteco last Sunday for a lil' bday party. We had a reservation for 5 and they were super laid back when #5 didn't show up until part way through the meal. The atmosphere is clean and simple, no frills. For apps we got the ceviche, empanadas, & queso fundido. Empanadas were the shining star of that course. We got an array of entrees and everyone was pleased. The table winner goes to the daily special: scallops. Desserts were a-ok, especially the tres leches. Overall it was a good meal, but what won me over was MOLE. Ya see, I am not a Mole-lover but our server, Pablo insisted that I try their "complex mole." It was absolutely delicious!!! It reformed my mole-hating heart. I hear it's a rotating menu, so I'll be back to try a new mole-laden delight soon!
(4)
Beth N.

I guess I don't get all the glowing reviews.... We went to Mixteco recently, and it was average. We had chips and guacamole, no complaints but nothing special. I had the chicken enchiladas with mole. The mole was way to sweet for my liking. My husband had a steak dinner (skirt steak? strip steak? I'm not a steak person, I don't remember). He said it was ok, but all you really tasted was the sauce it was swimming in. Not really worth $20. So, did we order the wrong things or is Mixteco just not for us? I'd be willing to give it another try, but I'm definitely not in a rush to do so.
(2)
Steffy W.

My sister-in-law took us there while we were visiting Chicago over the Christmas. Now, in San Francisco, we get TONNES of top grade Mexican food. So when she was all excited about Mixteco, I was rather skeptical. Boy, was i wrong!! First off, it's a BYOB, so you gotta run across the street to Rayan's Discount Liquor to pick up booze of your choice to compliment the awesome meal you're about to enjoy. Second, these people truly want you to ENJOY your food. Amazing service! Third, they've managed to expand into the store next door, so there's now a backroom to fit more people in to enjoy their yummy food. There are two pork dishes on the menu. BOTH are awesome. But one comes with this INFERNO habernero sauce that's going to burn off a couple yrs off your longivity. It's crazy hot, but so delish, you can't help but keep eating. We were so stuffed, yet, we still made room for their tres leches cake. It was THAT good. Can't wait to visit Chicago again just so we can come back!!
(5)
Jackie C.

I live a few blocks away and drive past here every day and have been meaning to go for ages. Having an A La Card $10 card about to expire in 2 wks was the final kick in the pants it took and I'm so glad I went. I called for a reservation the same day and asked for something around 7:30. They said they could do a table for 2 at 7 but we'd need to be out of the table by 8;30 - not the warmest welcome but I took it. We got there and of course brought our own bottle of vino - love the byob - and were delighted to find they had no corking fees. We were seated in a little table by the window (ladies - bring a sweater those windows are chilly!!) and our server was super fast with the chips, salsa, water and opening the wine. We split the fish taco appetizers - they were delicious - definitely order this!! And I had a scallop special and my husband the carne asada based on previous yelp reviews. Both were delicious and we had desert and coffee too. Food was great, service excellent - everything came so fast though it was a bit hard to enjoy/savor when the apps were there in less than 10 mins and the food in 20 etc. Better early than late though! We'll definitely be going back again - hopefully next time without a time limit on our table.
(4)
Deirdre L.

10am. Sunday. 1st ones there. Tasty chips. Eggs and really tasty chiorizo and refried black beans. Yum. Prompt service. Good coffee. Delicious warm chocolate cake. Didn't change my life, but certainly had a good experience. Will totally be back. Wish it was regular salsa with the chips rather than salsa verde.
(4)
Jozo B.

5 easy stars for Mixteco. The reasons are that they do what all restaurants should do, but a lot better. Our party arrived for a 9:00 reservation (Highly Recommended, as the restaurant only has about 10 tables). The server immediately adjusted and manipulated tables for our 6 person party. This was my first experience at a BYOB, so my expectations were pretty low, but I love pleasent surprises. The server quickly brought out water, frosty mugs, and wine glasses. Popped the tops, and poured perfectly. Immediately the entire party felt very relaxed. The server also went over the daily specials, and gave us plenty of time to decide for apps, and entrees. Upon deciding, all the food that was ordered was first notch. The empanadas were juicy and perfect. The guacamole had to have been prepared from very fresh ingredients because it is some of the best I ever had. The carne asada was also cooked to a perfect juicy masterpiece. Overall, glancing at other tables everything looked scrumptious. The lamb, steak, enchiladas, and desserts were all served in a perfect little harmony of goodness.
(5)
Temi C.

It's not you, it's me. This place wasn't my cup of tea. I knew that it wouldn't be prior to going. It's not that the food is bad, I just don't think it's my style because I'm not really a mole/chipotle fan. I'm more of a La Pasadita, Los Nopoles, and Mariscos El Veneno person. I had the chicken w/peanut sauce that came with green rice. The chicken was cooked and carved perfectly. I didn't think the green color added any extra flavor. The bf had the chicken enchiladas. He liked the mole, but would have preferred cheese in or on top of the enchiladas. If you're big on mole, you'll probably enjoy this place a lot.
(3)
Anne H.

I've been twice and both times were exceptional. Food is delicious and the service is impeccable. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Erin P.

I have had Mixteco on my bookmarks for over 4 months. I just never tend to make it up that far north. (I know- shame on me for for venturing out of my neighborhood!) I finally made it there last night and it lived up to its hype. Decently crowded on the Sunday, I called a head requesting a table for 4 and we were seated right away when we arrived. Parking was difficult but that is true of about 90% of restaurants in this city. Service was friendly and helpful. The menu was small but different. I was excited to see some more unique items that the usually Mexican options (I am a big fan of Mexican food, and would have been happy either way). I opted for something new and although I cannot remember the name I can tell you it was a salad of avocado, crab, carrots, potatoes and jicama in chipotle vinaigrette. It was amazing! To die for! I accompanied the salad with the Sopa Azteca which was similar to a tortilla soup and was in pure Mexican heaven. For the table we spilt the sopas and guacamole. The sopas came three ways and were very good. My only complaint was it was a little pricier than I had expected for a small Mexican joint between $6 and $7 for each the small portion or soup and salad). I'm sure it is just the Chicago influence, or that fact that their food is so good that they can charge more and people will still come!
(4)
Scott V.

I went to Mixteco for the first time last week. It was a mixed bag of great and disappointing experiences, hence the 3-star rating. I called around noon to make a reservation for 5:15pm and told the hostess that my guest was celebrating a birthday and I would like a special dessert. She read me the list of available desserts and I selected the flan. She then told me that a candle would not stand up in flan and I had better order something else (then why did she give me that choice to begin with). I ordered the chocolate cake and was told that it would be served without asking for it. When we arrived at the restaurant, there we no other customers. I told the hostess we had a reservation, she looked at her reservation book and then proceeded to seat us in the back of the restaurant next to the washrooms and service area! When we asked for another seat, she told us that there was a BIG party coming in, but we could have a window seat if we wanted it. Yes! Why would we want to sit at the worst table in the house when the entire restaurant was empty? In spite of the strange reception from the hostess, the waiter was top-notch and attentive. We ordered the guacamole (average), the empanadas (better) for appetizers. My pork chop entree was delicious and well-presented. My dinner guest's carne asada was based on a ribeye steak, which was unusual, but good. After dinner, we asked to see a dessert menu. The waiter brought us the menus and I could tell that he did not know that I had ordered a special birthday dessert. Sure enough, when I cornered him in the service area, he told me that the hostess had not mentioned the birthday. Bottom line: good food, but not great; excellent waiters, but spotty reception. There are SO many good restaurants in Chicago, I doubt that we will go back soon.
(3)
Michelle D.

This is the best higher-end Mexican food I've had. A group of 6 of us had a reservation last night for 8pm. They had no trouble seating us in the "loud" room. I loved the bright colors and interesting artwork. Our server was friendly and helped me pronounce my meal, which I thought was cute. I had the tiger shrimp in coconut sauce. Delicious! All of our meals were excellent but I think my boyfriend's was the best. He ordered the pork chops with mole sauce and plantains. SO good! The food took a little while to come out, but it was worth the wait. If you get dessert, you must get the Tres Leches. I'm Cuban, so I'm used to a slightly wetter and sweeter version, but Mixteco's is a bit lighter...and very good. We all agreed...we'll definitely be back.
(5)
Janna N.

I was really excited to try Mixteco because of the good reviews here on Yelp and since I just moved and some of my neighbors recommended this place, but I was not impressed at all, mostly because of the rudeness of the waitstaff and hostess! I won't be back because: 1. At least half the tables were empty, but the hostess gave us only two options of tables (both near the window where it was too cold -- I kept my coat on during dinner). Throughout the hour and a half that we were there, none of the tables filled up. 2. The guacamole wasn't mixed well -- I got a mouth full of something spicy and choked and had to down my whole water glass. Plus they put radishes on top and I didn't think the tastes went well together. 3. The bus boy tried to remove my plate while I still had my taco in my hand; it was obvious I wasn't finished. 4. Our waiter came over three times to see if we had paid our bill yet...we were still talking and enjoying our drinks and since there were still open tables, I didn't feel any need to leave quickly. The entries were delicious, but it wasn't anything I couldn't get at another Mexican restaurant.
(2)
Allison A.

So I had my birthday dinner here...I have to say, appetizers are absolutely the best. Ceviche, gaucamole, and the sopas are outstanding. The main dishes are also good, but I like a variety of appetizers combined to make a meal. The appetizers are almost as big as the main portions. The service is excellent, and great, very kind nice people. Too loud, though. You almost have to be hammered so that you lose your social graces and don't worry about screaming over dinner. At least, that was my impression of the loudest people in the restaurant. Still, fun place. Go early and get the semi-quiet early Saturday night vibe and eat!
(4)
Arnold L.

I had carry out Fish tacos on Saturday and they were so good, I had to return in the morning for brunch. However, a good friend of mine actually went there 3 consecutive days. The food is amazing and I can't stress that enough. I thrilled to see so many great places latin places pop up in the area. I live between this place and La Bahia so I hope to never be at a loss for some good latin food. Then again, I'm not...there is always mom's place.. Seriously, this really turned out to be a great find and a great turnaround for that corner.. We also talked to the the staff and it appears they have purchased the location next to them and are planning to expand.
(5)
Elizabeth H.

I'll admit that I had extremely high expectations when walking into Mixteco - the yelp reviews have been wonderful and I couldn't wait to try the food. We were seated right away (with reservations) at 7:00 p.m. on a Sunday. The place was hoppin' as to be expected. The tables are extremely too close to one another and it really was difficult moving around the place - good luck getting by if someone happens to be walking in your direction. We started off with the empanadas, which truly are delicious! The guacamole I was not so impressed with. The jicama is a nice touch but there was nothing spectacular about it to make me crave more. Also, we found the chips to be a little too salty. For dinner: the carne asada - good, but by no means "blow me away" good. I had the Chile Relleno and thought it too was good but not GREAT. I also ordered a side of plaintains - they were pretty delicious. The service was the reason that this is a 3 star review ... it was lacking (or should I say slacking) in a major way. The glasses for water and soda are very small, which means that they will need refilling often, especially with spicy food. We waited and waited and waited at least 20 minutes to get refills. The staff looked overwhelmed and the bus boy could not keep up with what was going on around him. At the end of the night my husband needed to break a $20 to leave a tip, the server gave him back a ten and two fives - no singles. You can only imagine what we needed when we asked for change ... singles. As a member of the food industry I cannot believe someone would change a large bill and not give dollars back unless he/she was trying to stack their tip. In this case it had the opposite effect and the tip suffered, something I rarely will do. All in all it was OK - I will give it another try. I just left with the feeling that it was good but not something that I would write home about. I was bummed.
(3)
Rebekka K.

Definitely not the best Mexican I've had, but certainly good. I think they over do it with the grill/smokey flavor. We started with the empanadas (smokey), I had the grilled shrimp (again, smokey flavor) and my dining partner had the carne asada (smokey, check). It was dang crowded on a Wednesday night at 7:30. This place also seems to attract women in groups of four who try to talk over one another as they split only two entrees and down a bottle of wine each in an already loud environment.
(3)
Franny S.

I went here on a date tonight for the first time and was very impressed. The decor is totally my taste, with bright, colorful artwork covering the walls. I especially loved the giant skull painting...so cool. As for the food, the chicken enchiladas in black mole were fantastic. Though the sauce was a bit spicy for a spice wimp like me, it was so good that I ate the entire thing though my mouth was increasingly en fuego. The pumpkin cheesecake dessert was unbelievably good as well. The only disappointment was the guacamole, which IMO wasn't half as good as the one at Los Nopales. Service-wise, the experience was a little strange. For some reason, the waiter really tried to discourage me from ordering the delicious enchiladas...I can only assume because it was the cheapest entree on the menu? He recommended the lamb and when I told him I don't eat meat other than chicken, he suggested the pork chop instead. Granted, that is the other white meat...but still, no. He also convinced my date to order the carne asada, which he thoroughly enjoyed, but it was coincidentally the most expensive item on the menu. Hm.
(4)
Eric V.

This place is fantastic. Our table started out with the Ceviche, Sopes, and Trio de Empanadas, all of which were outstanding. The Ceviche was very bright and fresh, a nice way to start the meal. The Empanadas came filled three different ways, buf if you ask me they were all filled with "yummy". For an entree my gf and I split the Salmon En Mole Amarillo. It was amazing. The Salmon was well cooked, and the mole had a nutty, smoky taste with a nice bit of heat at the end that wasn't too overpowering. To be honest I could eat that mole over a bowl of rice and be perfectly happy! The chef here is well known for his moles, and it shows. I can't wait to go back to try something new. It does get rather crowded, so I highly encourage a reservation. It's BYOB and relatively small space, so a lot of people tend to sit around till that last bottle of wine is done, even after finishing their meals. We had to wait 15-20 minutes even with a reservation, but it's well worth it.
(4)
Janet E.

I recommend making reservations before coming here. I made the mistake of not making reservations and ended up waiting 30 to 45 minutes. The wait was totally worth it though. Appetizers are sooo delicious. I think the appetizers are better than the entree dishes. I will have to come back to try some other dishes. Service was great and there is some street parking available. Great Mexican/Texan place to eat at.
(4)
Elizabeth H.

Awesome find! I went here last night and enjoyed great Mexican food for the first time in Chicago. This event was only 4 years in the making. I digress. The chips were tasty, the salsa was decent, and the appys rocked! I tried the beet salad with peanuts and the Uchepos Gratinados. I was a pretty happy camper let me tell you. For my entree I had the vegetarian enchiladas. I have to admit that those were only okay. I kind of wanted more appetizers and chips & salsa at this point, but I was getting pretty full. Of course, the night wouldn't be complete without dessert. I tried pecan pie for the first time ever - WOW! Pecan pie with chocolate? Count me in and may I please have seconds? You should check this place out! When you do, you will want to make reservations - even on a Sunday night. And you will also want the number of a cab company or to drive because it's freakin cold outside and it took about 10 minutes before an available cab was spotted.
(4)
Cheryl S.

I'm not really sure why this place gets such good reviews because my experience here was nothing special. The servers were friendly, but scarce. When we questioned them about different dishes, they didn't seem to know what was in them/how to describe them. AND they were out of TWO different dishes that people in my party tried to order. The food tasted good but I wasn't blown away by it either. My fianace and his mom asked for refills on their pop and the waitress completely forgot, which is understandable if they are busy but the place was dead. Maybe they were having an off night or something, but I can find much better Mexican food for a much better price. Not impressed.
(2)
Carol Ann D.

I know...really? I was very excited to be going to Mixteco Grill as of course, I enjoy Latin fare and my fellow Yelpers gave it such superb reviews. My boyfriend and I decided it would be best to try it out on weeknight as the reviews and drive-bys proved that it was always packed. The service was tremendous and I do wish that more restaurants/waitresses/waiters were just as attentive as she was to us...but perhaps that is where the two stars I give to this place come from, because the food was 'meh'. The appetizers that we had were the calamari salad and the egg soft tacos, which were fine, but nothing mind blowing. The calamari was hardly seasoned and quite bland, but the hard boiled egg soft tacos were pretty okay although served luke warm. The entree' that I had was the Wood Fired Sea Scallops in a chipotle cream sauce and then a chipotle glaze, with white rice. My boyfriend had the Pork Chop dish in mole and supposedly chirizo but we couldn't find that anywhere on his plate. My entree' was much more successful than his was, but I could have done with some more flavor variation, it seemed to live in chipotle land. The white rice was well done and the presentation of the dishes was nice (I did especially enjoy the crispy fried onion flare). The one thing that made me dislike the place even more is that the side of guacamole was 2 dollars, and it came in a small condiment cup, like what you would get if you ordered extra salad dressing. TINY, and they make you pay another 2 bucks for extra chips...uh...okay. The entrees were very expensive for what was produced as well, and is quite the turn off. I know that it's supposed to be more refined Latin cuisine, but I'd rather spend the hard earned cash on something else. Like a good solid carne asada burrito from La Pasidita...
(2)
Nick S.

My fiancee and I were walking around the neighborhood, and trying to decide on something to eat, and we figured on a whim, we'd see if Mixteco had a long wait, as from the reviews they seem to have. So at around 8pm we went in and were seated right away. We even asked if we could run across the street to the liqour store, and we did, came back and still were seated right away! (Just a note, the dress code seemed for guys at least, you should wear a button down. I was in a hoodie and tshirt, since we were just strolling around, and felt very underdressed.) The Salsa Verde they give you with the chips was amazing! Very limey. We loved it. For a main course we ordered the Chicken Mole and the Fish Tacos. Both were amazing and fantastic. The Fish Tacos were the best though. Would come back just for those. Two things stood out though besides the awesome food. The service was amazing! I didn't catch our waiter's name but he was very attentive, bringing out our beers, from the cooler, before I could even ask. The other was the value. I know we didnt get two full entrees, but including our booze, our whole meal was under 30 bucks. So impressed. Nice to know you can still get a bargain in this town!
(5)
Erik A.

Oh, mole!!!! Delicious, delicious, delicious. I went for a second trip last night and finally got a table at the window away from the cramped middle tables. I had the pleasure of having the same server who is amazing. She is so pleasant and courteous. The food = yummers! Every single thing I have tried here from the octopus, to the steak in cute corn bowls, to the lamb, to the steak, to the pork, to the dessert = all amazing. The mole sets this place apart. I have tried many o' mole in my days and it usually has a "burnt" or very dark flavor. The mole here is succulent and sweet. The best I have ever had. As stated above, there are a few too many tables in the tiny space, but the food makes up for it. They have also recently remodeled the room in the back and have added fabric and huge, beautiful paintings to the walls dampening the noise and adding to the vibe. The front room is now the louder of the two. Highly recommended.
(4)
Filip F.

Maybe my new favorite Mexican place in the city. Had a chicken dish with mole sauce and peanuts. It was very very tasty. Had a crepe for desert - very good. Good vibe, quick service and BYOB. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Christine F.

Mixteco Grill is my new favorite place. My fiance and I used to make fun of it when we drove by - it looked like a place that had cheap burritos, disco balls and strobe lights. The awning gives it a totally different vibe from what it's actually like. We heard about all the Mixteco raving, and well, we had just had to go. We came prepared - a bottle of pre mixed margaritas and some Dos Equis ("I don't drink beer all the time, but when I do, I drink Dos Equis!"). Very tight quarters in there. I'm going to echo was everyone else said - for pete's sake, get a reservation! There was not one empty table when we walked in. The service was swift to get glasses for our drinks. We started off with the Tres Empenadas and the Fish Tacos. On the Empenada plate there were 3 different types of Empenadas - smoked corn/mushroom, beef and cheese. OH GOD. The outsides of these little buggers were so crisp and flavorful - each bite was heaven. MMM. They came with a really good dipping sauce - it was kind of limey/tomatoey that really brought out a lot of good flavors. The fish tacos were good as well. They came in these delicious little tortillas (corn? flour? maybe a combo of both?) and they had fried tilapia, cabbage, avocado and a light chipotle mayo. Not the most authentic Mexican food, but it was SO GOOD. For our main courses, my fiance got lamb in mole sauce and I got grilled tiger shrimp with black beans, avocado, potatoes, cilantro and rice. OH MY GOD. It was so good. I couldn't stop eating. It was very fresh. At this point, I was also very drunk so I really can't talk about the specific flavors. My fiance's dish was good - I didn't try the lamb (I'm a vegetarian), but I tried the mole sauce. Very interesting flavors going on there. It also came with mounds of fluffy MASHED POTATERS. For dessert, we knew what we wanted. We knew what had to happen. THE TRES LECHES CAKE! Oh, my...it was very milky (obviously) and light. It was also garnished with strawberries and pineapple. We stumbled out of Mixteco drunk and full. If I could go back every day of the week I would. It was just a great place to go to on a summer evening.
(5)
Mark M.

What else is there to say, we go to their brunch a few times a month. Never had a bad time, a hidden gem, unlike their dinner service which can get crazy, the menu isn't as expansive as at night, however you also don't have to make a reservation earlier in the month.
(4)
Gregory L.

Mixteco is the kind of Mexican place that I would want to bring my Mexican friends to, and know that they will appreciate it. They are not trying to impress anyone with their decor, they just want to serve quality food. They just happened to be popular from doing such. I walked into Mixteco for my Hard to get thursday 6:30 reservation for two, and was seated 10 minutes later. It's odd, b/c on the phone, I asked if they would take a table for three, she said 5:00 or 9:00 was all they had. When we got there, they took a walk-in for 3. Oh well. While walking to our table, i peaked into the kitchen, only to find an elderly lady hand making masa dough for the tortillas. This is when I knew I was in for a treat. So we sit down, and are served the totopos (tortilla chips) and salsa verde. They were okay, could have grabbed the tortillas from a bag, and wouldn't have noticed the difference. The salsa verde was okay as well. We started with a couple apps; the ceviche and the sope boats with pork and green mole on top. The ceviche was bland, I wouldn't order it again. We didn't even finish it. However, the sopes were amazing. The fresh masa made a world of difference. They had to be made to order. Crispy and warm , yet very soft on the inside, and full flavor of the corn masa couldn't be described. It didn't matter how good the pork was, anything could've been stuffed inside these sopes. For the main dish, I ordered the Dorado (Mahi Mahi) and my friend ordered the scallops. The Dorado was so salty, my lips started to prune. The scallops were clearly previously frozen. They were a little bit on the rubbery side, but held a strong flavor from the wood grill. It is served with green rice, which is rice cooked with either cilantro and basil or epizote (not enough flavor to tell) We were served a basket of the tortillas made from the masa I mentioned earlier. These tortillas tasted like I was in Mexico. They were nice and soft, a little chewiness to them, and soaked up the different flavors very nicely. My guess is that we just ordered the wrong menu items. I know this place has more to offer. Just don't order what we did, except the sope boats. Those are a must!
(3)
Kelly C.

I have been to Mixteco 2x. The first time was good....good enough for me to return. The 2nd time was amazing!!! I am going to crave the meal I had - I can't wait to bring a friend or my parents to Mixteco next time they are in town. We started with the Tamale which was out of this world. My husband said "I think this is the best thing I've ever tasted...ever" They were really flavorful in a sweet, mild sort of way. Lots of gooey sauce and cheese and they were nowhere near dry. I had the lentil cakes for dinner - seriously unbelievable. They looked like 2 huge crab cakes but they were made of lentils, cheese and veggies. They were so good - they had an amazing sauce and crispy potato strings to garnish. We ordered a side of sweet plantains as well which added a lot to the dish as well. My husband got the pork chops that came sliced with sweet potatoes and he said it was really good. His dish was served with tortillas - but I used them on my dish too and they were really good. Everyone loves the fact that it is BYOB - there is even a liquor store across the street! The service is fantastic. We sat right at the "bar" because there was a long wait for tables. Our server and everyone else who walked by us was great.
(4)
Jessica M.

BYOB and amazing mole, what more could you ask for? Mixteco is so delicious. My husband and I went on a Friday night. Luckily we had reservations because the place is very tiny and a lot of people had to wait for tables. The restaurant gets a little loud so it is not the most romantic destination but the food makes you forget about the noise. We got the sopas for an appetizer and loved the thick corn tortillas. My husband got the pork chops and they were so good. I got one of the chicken mole dishes and could have liked my plate clean. We shared a tres leches for dessert. The cake was good but not the best I have had. Before we cleaned our plates we discussed our next visit. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jennifer Q.

We have been wanting to try Mixteco for quite some time. It was "date night" with my boy, and I had no idea where to go. All of the sudden -it hit me. "Why don't we go try Mixteco -it's still kinda early (7pm)." My boyfriend and I headed over there and scored some sweet free parking on Montrose. We went up to the desk and there was a 30 minute wait. No problem. This place is super busy so 30 minutes was a godsend compared to other times when it has been over an hour! We headed over to the liquor store so my man could get his Modelo. Then we grabbed a RedEye (and he grabbed an Hoy) and we sat in my car reading until it was our turn. 30 minutes later, we headed up to the front desk and were promptly seated in an available table by the front door. The hostess was even cool enough to ask us if we wanted to sit in the back once a table there opened up. She must have read my mind. It was "date night", after all, and I think she could sense we wanted something a little more cozy and romantic than a table near such a high traffic area. So we moved to the back. The place was buzzing. It is so great to see a business thriving during these economic times. This place is *always* busy so a reservation is recommended! We ordered the following: calamari al ajillo (a warm garlic calamari salad on real mixed greens -not boring iceberg), tamal de mariscos (seafood tamale) and the salmon encacahuatado (peanut crusted salmon). For dessert, we had the Flan del Dia (flan of the day -vanilla flavored). We absolutely loved everything with the exception of the tamal. No disrespect to the tamal, but it just wasn't our thing. I'm not sure we liked the combination of the mole sauce (which was delicious) and the seafood flavor. Plus, our favorite was the salmon, which was to die for. It trumped everything else we ate! Next time, I think we will each get that as our own entree! Everything else was delicious! I know they are known for their mole, so I would like to try more of that on my next visit. This place is really great, putting out some real quality, unique Mexican food. I can't wait until my next visit!
(4)
K. N.

I ate here a few weeks ago with my partner and we were pretty impressed. The guac and salsa was very nice and fresh. I had the vegetarian enchiladas while my partner had the shredded pork dish. Both were very flavorful and fresh without feeling heavy. However.....the prices. They're kind of high IMO. I can't really justify paying that much to go out at a neighborhood storefront place with the kitchen all out in the open (you end up smelling like oil here!). If everything was like 3-4 bucks cheaper, I'd totally be on board. I can just think of a good handful of places that have lower price points that provide a similar experience.
(4)
Ashley B.

Maybe I wouldn't have been as disappointed if my expectations hadn't been so high but I really don't get what all the fuss is about! I live across the street from Mixteco, and there are almost always people waiting in line for a table and the Yelp reviews are all great - so must be a pretty safe bet, right? Not so much. Atmosphere: Small, hot and crowded. I don't mind an intimate restaurant, but I *do* mind the tables being so close that waiters have to do the samba to avoid bumping your elbow as they maneuver the floor. Service: Crowding aside, the service was excellent. Prompt, friendly, knowlegeable but not pushy. Food: Meh. Good start with the appetizers: We had the guacamole (very good - light and fresh) and the soup (not to my taste, but everyone else loved it.) The main courses were beautifully presented but were a disappointment both in flavor and preparation. My father had the lamb (overdone to the point of toughness, despite the waiter explicitly stating "the chef recommends medium rare for the lamb!") I had the shrimp, also overdone and overwhelmed by an overly spicy, yet not actually flavorful, sauce. I don't recall what my mother or husband ordered, but my mom only ate 1/2 of hers and neither I nor my hub liked his dish. Overall, we all walked out thinking we'd paid too much money to have mediocre food in an uncomfortable environment.
(2)
Janice W.

I LOVE the mole. And I didn't think I even liked mole. But the waiter had me try it and WOW. It's amazing. The food overall is very very good. It's upscale mexican. My tamale loving husband thought theirs were too 'sweet'. I loved them though because I thought that was probably what they were meant to be like. The lamb chops in mole are outstanding. The steak was delicious. It's BYOB - can't beat that. The ONLY complaint is the noise level. It's loud loud. Ceramic floors and wooden tables - it's just deafening at times. (And the one time i went with 6 girlfriends, we contributed greatly to that noise). If they could find a way to sound proof it, I'd give it 5 stars.
(4)
Brian C.

354 prior reviews pretty much cover the turf. My bit is that I was pleasantly impressed with the quality of the cuisine. This is food that I don't want to smother with sauces. One main meal is enough to fill you up, which in my opinion makes up for the higher cost. The service was very friendly and accomodating. And the mole is pretty good.
(4)
Eliza M.

Freaking delicious! I still can't believe this Frontera-like restaurant is nearby. We tried going on a Friday and walked in to find an hour wait for 2 people. We went again last night (Tuesday) at 7:30 and it was busy but there were open tables. Make a reservation! Everything was delicious- the empanadas, fish in mole sauce, carne asada, and chocolate cake topped with ice cream and hot fudge. When I go out, I like to taste flavors that I could not whip up in my kitchen and Mixteco succeeded in this area. The seasonings in the fish dish were reminiscent of a dish I had at Frontera. When I went to bed that night I kept thinking about the flavors in the food. To me, this is the sign of a good meal. But of course Mixteco is not perfect. I wish the dining area was bigger. Also, my husband did not care for the black beans. They had a slight licorice taste, which I didn't mind. Oh, and service....needs a little work. Remember to bring your adult beverage of choice! I love BYOB.
(4)
Paige W.

Boy, oh boy. I've always thought you can tell a lot about a place by what's in the bathroom. It's often true for guys, and it's DEFINITELY true for restaurants. So when I entered Mixteco's one unisex bathroom and looked around -- deep red walls, a wrought-iron-framed mirror and a urinal, for god's sake -- I knew this was going to be a place with some real cojones. From a heavy helping of brotherly love to a habanero sauce that will truly put hair on your chest...I could go on and on and on with the man metaphors. All based on that urinal in the bathroom. But you came here to read a review, not marvel at my metaphorical prowess. So it goes. From the outside, Mixteco looks like a bare-bones taqueria in a neighborhood that really wouldn't benefit from one more of these places. But when Rob and I came inside out of the chilly, damp MAY AIR (grrr), we were met with a rush of warmth. The owner greeted us like family, and the decor was somehow spare and inviting all at once. The service throughout our meal really stood out. The owner, the server, even the chef treated everyone like brothers and sisters, which I like. (Some people like to be serrrrrrved, but I'd much rather get the down-home treatment.) The owner actually came over at one point after noticing us taking pictures of, um, everything, and poked fun at us about it. As a girl whose virgin empanada experience up to now was at On the Border (don't judge me), I was positively blown away by the food. It almost seemed impossible that such gorgeously presented and perfectly executed food could come out of such a hole in the wall. Surprises lurk around every damn corner in this town. Highlights for me included a glorious beef and potato empanada, part of a delicious trio; and my salmon, wood grilled to a perfect, seared medium rare and served in a smoky-sweet red mole. For a much better account of the food, you should probably just read Rob L.'s review. We were at the same table. To cap off our evening, the chef -- who apparently used to work at Frontera and Topo -- visited our table and asked us what we thought. And actually cared. And what was originally my ONLY complaint actually became endearing by the time we left. I seem to get seated at a wobbly table everywhere I go lately, and my luck was no different at Mixteco. But then I found out that, to save money and focus more on the really important parts of the operation, the staff had made the tables themselves. And suddenly it didn't matter so much to me that I had to keep my elbows on the table to anchor us.
(5)
Carly O.

Based on one visit to Mixteco on a Wednesday evening with a reservation for two at 7, I can't give this place any less than 5 stars. First, we were seated without a wait. Second, the frosted beer mugs for our Negro Modelo were a really nice touch. Third, service was spot on. OK, I don't want to make this a giant list. But seriously, from the chips and salsa to the sopes and empanadas to the entrees, all of the food was delicious. The flakiness of the empanadas was divine...not greasy, and not too thick. The mole sauce on the sopes was rich and flavorful. Boyfriend had the special: wood grilled scallops served with a kind of fresh salsa of black beans, squash and avocado. And I enjoyed my chicken enchiladas suizas, which came wrapped in tasty tortillas and topped with just the right amount of cheese and a green sauce. My boyfriend made the comment that you could really taste the quality of the ingredients and I couldn't agree more. There is an element of freshness that doesn't go unnoticed. Simplicity can be elegant. I'm planning a return trip to see if they can live up to my 5 star rating.
(5)
Peter F.

We ate at Frontera Grill, and then Mixteco Grill on successive Wednesdays. Frontera is great and I can confidently state that Mixteco is definitely on the same level, food-wise and creativity-wise (and at a better level price-wise). Great wait staff -- we were right next to the kitchen and one of the servers was noticing us marveling at the dishes coming out to various other customers, so he started naming them and commenting on what was on the plates as he passed by to bring them to the other tables. Fun stuff -- we enjoyed the playfulness. The food was outstanding -- nothing more I can say here that hasn't been said before. The atmosphere is definitely more "local gem" than slick & polished, but I found that to be a plus in most ways (though the bathroom setup leaves a bit to be desired for now). And with quality like this, BYOB-friendliness, and a bill that was half of what we paid at Frontera, I'd still have been satisfied if I was eating off of fold-up card tables in an unfinished basement. I notice that every single negative Yelp review has to do with issues with reservations and getting in. Otherwise it looks like Mixtecto would have close to a 5-star average rating. Our experience was perfect (6:30 PM on a Wednesday) and I'm sure they'll start to get things straightened out during busier periods. And if that's the type of thing that really gets to you, then maybe you should go somewhere else -- I'm sick of seeing 1-and 2-star reviews that rave about how great the food and service are, but somehow the person can't get over having to wait 15-30 minutes for a table. It's called patience, people. Good things come to those who wait.
(5)
David P.

Mixteco blew my mind. I really did not expect this good of food, this great of service, from such a small little place. But the cliche is true, sometimes good things come in small packages. We started with a cold appetizer with crab that was like ceviche, only, in my opinion, far, far better. For entree I had the Cochinita Pibil, a slow-cooked pork tenderloin. Wow. Never in my life have I had such tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious meat. I nearly cried. Amazingly, the guacamole was just okay. It tasted very green and fresh, but it lacked the spice that nearly everything else had. Strange. But that and the fact that our 7:30 reservation that we arrived 5 minutes late to was apparently given away (how about a grace period for lousy CTA trains? No matter, we were seated in 5 minutes when a table opened), it can't really subtract from how good a meal we had there. And the service, as stated above, was outstanding. I'll be coming here quite often, that is certain.
(5)
Karen L.

So I came back to Mixteco again and I will have to say that I thought it was overall a better experience than last time. First off, I think the expanded the restaurant, which was much better! It still has no waiting area in front which makes it a bit awkward for those who are waiting for a table. The nice thing is that it's still BYOB and that you can make reservations. Since our table wasn't ready and the people were taking longer than expected, the host moved a couple of diners and sat us since we had been waiting for awhile. I thought that was very nice of him. Mixteco's salsa and chips are pretty good... the salsa has a nice flavor and the chips are nice and fresh. I still really enjoy the tilapia tacos and that is still probably my favorite. I also tried the calamari, which was decent and another appetizer which I didn't care for. For the entrees, I tried the mole pork which was surprisingly good and a fish entree. I think that their flavors are what stand out. I am not a huge fan of mole but I believe that it is their specialty. I would definitely come back and try something else. They have good service and it is BYOB!
(4)
Libby R.

What a great place! We went there for dinner lastnight on a whim... and on a strong recommendation from Nick (the mole whore) M.... My boyfriend stopped by on his way home from work and put our name in for an hour later. We showed up for our 7:30 res, and I was so surprised by how busy this place was on a Tuesday! People were waiting outside (including us), but luckily we only had to wait about 15 minutes. Not bad at all... Sat down and we ordered ceviche as well as the corn tamales for appetizers. Both were excellent! Ceviche was nice and light, and the corn tamale had a great sauce! Onto dinner. Steve had the chicken enchiladas in red mole, and I had the fish of the day (it was a Cobia) in green mole. They were both excellent! Finally, we had to see a dessert menu. Ended up ordering the warm chocolate cake and 2 coffees. Now, I don't normally recommend any chocolate cake other than Tavern on Rush's 7 Layer chocolate cake; however, this cake (a more manageable portion) was pretty damn good. I hope to be back often. Go check it out!
(4)
Nathan S.

Yum, yum, YUM!!! Loved this joint top to bottom. Ultra friendly service, dope food, and nice cozy environment. Opened with the fish tacos, which were maybe the tastiest I've had. Also peeped the empanada plate which brought guitar solos to my mouth. Wife went with the Lamb, and was rewarded with a delicious mole sauce -- not too smoky, and a little sweet. Excellent, and I don't traditionally dig mole that hard. I had the Cochinita Pibil with achiote, sour orange juice, black beans, pickled onions, and super spicy habanero sauce. WILL BE BACK -- HOPEFULLY MANY TIMES.
(5)
D.J. P.

Just got back - we waited 45 min on a Sat night at 8:30 to get in. There's a reason why several friends have dubbed this one of their favorites. A must-go. Amazing.
(5)
Britt C.

This is a great semi-upscale place in the hood. Thoughtful food with lots of flavors, and good choices for vegetarians and fish people. Its good for when I want Mexican, but not necessarily plain old enchiladas. BYOB is always awesome for the pocketbook. Plus, they take reservations, so my parents will make the trek to the city for their 6:00 PM dinner.
(4)
Rick F.

I was supposed to meet my twin brother, for our birthday dinner! When we walked in, the back room was filled with 24 of our closest friends, screaming SURPRISE! Nearly passed out. I had no idea, completely surprised! I've been looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant that is affordable for 20 years in Chicago. I've found that place! Chips, guacamole and salsa were fresh. Empanadas off the chain delicious. Grilled Pork with the best tasting mole sauce I've ever had. Tres Leches just ok! The service was excellent! I learned that they never accept parties that large But since it was a Wednesday night they gave it a try. I'm happy they did! The manager was polite, gracious and helpful. The server made recommendations of which I took them all and loved it! Also its BYOB which I love! I'll be back in a few days with a party of two!
(5)
Verushka P.

This place makes the best lamb chops ever! I also enjoyed their Colombian coffee which had orange rind to add extra flavor! Great service and great food! Decor could be improved tho!
(5)
Eric K.

Every time I got there I am so impressed with how good the food is. Not expensive either. Great place for a table of friends to have dinner and it's BYOB too so super reasonable. Great place for sharing plated. The empanadas and fish tacos were excellent! I am definitely going back again!
(4)
Josh M.

Been here multiple times and never disappointed. The crane asada was perfectly grilled and the mole negro on the chicken enchilada was delicious. Plantain chips tasty as well.
(5)
Patrick C.

Finally made it in here for Brunch and it was OUTSTANDING. The service as always was great, and the food was amazing. The plates were beautiful, usually the plating for breakfast items are an after thought but these plates were gorgeous. We all got egg dishes and one got the tacos and we all walked away very happy for about 50 dollars. Will be back soon!
(5)
Mojo M.

Wonderful food, friendly and professional service, BYOB, great value: as good as it gets!
(5)
Kristin L.

I've dined at Mixteco several times, and because of the consistently good food, I chose the restaurant for a special occasion group dinner recently. While the food didn't disappoint, the service did. We had long waits when we asked for more chips and often had to ask more than one person. Service wasn't so bad that we would've stiffed on the tip, but it was not on par with the 20% service charge that was automatically added to our bill.
(3)
Sarah I.

Average food at best. Our server was not very attentive. I do not see what all the hype was about. Maybe I ordered the wrong entree? I had some chicken entree and the bf had mahi mahi. The chicken wasn't terrible, but not memorable. The mahi mahi was incredibly dry with a flavorless sauce. This place is BYOB which was nice. The noise level was insanely loud for a small restaurant. Don't expect to have a quiet romantic dinner here.
(2)
D B.

We went there to meet with a large party and were met with a cold shoulder. They gave our table a deadline to leave that was less than 30 minutes. We got an appetizer but were rushed. The waiter was pretty nice until he refused to split the bill for our 8 top. I'd go elsewhere.
(2)
Nick P.

We enjoyed this restaurant with my parents who are not always the most adventurous. We had the pork, the enchiladas, and the shrimp dishes. All had really sold flavor like nothing I've had before. My parents enjoyed the different Latin flavors compared to your everyday Mexican restaurant. The service was excellent. Our waitress brought us several samples of sauces so we knew what to expect upon ordering. The empanadas were great as an appetizer. While I didn't over the top love this place we will go back and try additional dishes.
(4)
Lorena A.

After reading some great reviews, I was exited to spend my husband's birthday with family at this restaurant. Shortly after being seated, our waiter introduced himself and explained a "special" fixed price menu. When we opted not to order this special, it seemed that little attention was given to us. The appetizers we ordered had a very good flavor and quite unique to those offered in other nearby Mexican restaurants. Appetizers finished; no waiter. When we were finally able to contact him and ask for him to come to our table, there was some attitude when he asked us whether WE were now ready to order. As we gave our order, he continued to give us blank stares and ask for clarification of the item we were ordering. This seemed a bit absurd, considering that he exhibited this same behavior for all 5 of us ordering. When our dinner plates came out, the smells and presentation were beautiful; the beans and sauce on one of our orders were served cold and under seasoned. Additionally, when making the reservation for dinner, I informed the restaurant that we were celebrating my husband's birthday and asked whether they would be able to do something special for this occasion; there was no acknowledgement of this nor even a candle placed on the dessert we ordered. All in all, if I were rating this restaurant on its food, presentation, and decor alone, I would give it a better one, yet it has quite some work to do with its service personnel.
(3)
Ramon O.

My fiance and I went to this restaurant on Friday (11/1) night for our six year anniversary. The staff was very accommodating and the food was great! We had the Uchepos Gratinados for an appetizer and it was great! The manager recommended it and we were very satisfied. We both had the same entree - the Borrego en Mole Negro. Their Mole Negro is amazing! The lambs were cooked just the way we asked for (medium rare). We had a window seat which made the night more romantic. We were very happy with our experience and cannot wait to go back to Mixteco again. A special thank you to the manager that night and our waiter Juan for both being amazing. And best of all - this place is BYOB (or BYOWine in our case) and no cork fee or any ridiculous "per person alcohol fees" like some other BYOBs. Love this place!
(5)
Johnny R.

Finally tried Mizteco Grille. Had the Chicken tortillas in black mole. I discovered that I'm not a huge fan of black mole sauce. :) I would suggest ordering a few appetizer to split between two people, maybe not even get one of the entrees. We only got guacamole which was very good, but I looked wistfully at the other appetizers that folks had ordered. Could end up having a nice small plates dinner. Don't base your dining decision on my reaction to the black mole sauce. :) The service was great the food was prompt, and I'd go again.
(3)
Cameron H.

After helping someone move, we were starving. Our first thought was Urban Vegan. But I wanted to do something new and Mexteco was next door. Byob. However, we were so dehydrated that all we wanted was H2O. We ordered guacamole with our chips. Pretty decent. For the main, I ordered seared scallops and my partner ordered mahi mahi. Both were amazing. So flavorful!!! The service was great, food came out timely, and reasonably priced. I can't believe I've never been to this place in all of my time in Uptown.
(5)
Jinah Y.

To be fair, the food was REALLY good so there's that. On a more important note, I have never been "kicked out" of a restaurant before in my life no matter HOW BUSY the place was. It's already pretty frustrating when you can tell a waiter is trying to rush you out of a place but I still can't wrap my head around the fact that our server literally told us we needed to get up and leave (sans our open alcohol) because there was a line. We made reservations for a party of 5 @ 6:30PM on a Friday, got there early, and were seated immediately (the place was at 20% capacity). After 6:45, it seemed the tables were filling up by the minute--to be expected for a 4-star BYOB Mexican joint. This is the point where our waiter was trying to pressure us in choosing our entrees even though we were still enjoying the apps. The food came out fairly quickly and within 10 minutes they were coming to clear the table. We told them we were still eating but the bus boy came back at least 3 more times within the next 10 minutes. We asked that they not come back for another 10--and SURPRISE! came 2 more times. We were noticeably annoyed but without a word our server printed out our check before asking if we wanted to see the dessert menu. Decided not to get anything so he gave us the check, did a quick sprint around the restaurant, and came back 30 seconds later for payment (mind you, we still had a wine bottle that was 75% full and a 8 bottles of beers left). We took our sweet time paying & signing the receipt. Our server FINALLY decided to address the big elephant in the room and apologized that he was rushing us as there was a wait but there was nothing he could do. 30 seconds later (presumably after seeing his 11% TIP) he came back and told us to get up & get out. Time: 8:00PM. I'm still in shock. I hope the next table enjoyed their gift of half consumed booze. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! NEVER AGAIN!
(2)
Frank B.

Walked in on a Friday evening after reading about the great food found here in Chicago Mag. It was packed at around 8pm so w/o rez the wait was only 20 mins. Just enough time to walk across the street and pick up some beer and come back. The east side room were we were seated is very noisy making it hard to hear my soft spoken dinner date. We had the Carne Asada and the Cochinita Pibil. Both dishes were outstanding! I loved the black beans, hands down the best I have ever had so far. It's nice to eat Mexican and not have a super warm plate overflowing with the typical refried beans and rice. The service here is also very good. I need to return and try having lunch when it isn't so loud.
(4)
Margaret R.

No-frills BYOB place. It took them a while to seat us, even with a reservation. Once seated, though, the food and service were excellent. The homemade tortillas are delicious; we enjoyed the pork chop and the carne asada, both delicious and perfectly grilled to order) , the enchiladas, and the guacamole. They're friendly too. Busy neighborhood place. We'll be back!
(5)
Ivan H.

Excellent food. Always interesting and exciting. The Oaxacan mole was fantastic. Always crowded on Saturday, but was seated promptly as we had reservations.
(4)
J M.

The food was really good and the service good as well. I had the slow roasted pork and my lady had the chicken. We both gobbled our food down. I love spicy, but be advised that the habanero salsa that comes with the slow roasted pork is no joke! Although we were both quite full, I could not resist ordering dessert when our waiter presented the menu to us. The warm chocolate cake was an EXCELLENT choice. Winning! It was small so we were able to finish it, and coupled with that vanilla ice cream and the strawberry drizzle, YUM. I want to go back right now because I am getting hungry just thinking about it. Also this place is BYOB. Which, why would anyone go anywhere that wasn't in this city. And if you don't feel like carrying your booze if you have to walk a few blocks, there is a liquor store with quite the selection right across the intersection. I do not live near this part of town, but I am quite certain I'll be back again. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because it's a little more than I'd like to pay, but I was ok with it (I believe plates range from about $18 to $27)
(4)
Caroline M.

I know I'm super late to join the Mixteco following, but here's what you need to know. +Get the lamb w/ oaxacan black mole sauce. It's only $21! Super flavorful mole and tasty lamb, cooked exactly to my liking of med-rare. Mashed tater side = yum! +BYOB :) +lovely service +lotsa CTA options to choose from +lotsa free parking (not to be combined with partaking of byob, of course) +did I mention the killer lamb!?!?!....mmmmm.
(4)
Viki N.

I used to live around the corner from this restaurant location and saw it go through various iterations of fast food grease pit before it became Mixteco Grill. Hallelujah praise the Lord that happened, because it has become my go-to place for a nice dinner ever since. Whenever friends visit from out of town or I want to celebrate something, I come here. There's just something about the place that makes me want to go there for a good time. The food is fresh and always better than what you'd get at an average Mexican place. The waitstaff and cooks all seem like they want to be there. It's just a place that is infused with passion, in my opinion. The staff is there because they want to be, not because they're punching a clock, and that means more to me than paying a low price for food. I think people that complain this place is too expensive are looking at the price of food as a commodity and ignore the ambiance and feel of the place. It's true you can get cheaper Mexican food at lots of other places, but you'll probably have to stare at a nice homeless man instead of brightly colored Mexican paintings on the wall and friendly nice waiters. The BYOB helps keep the overall price down, and they're super nice about bringing a bucket to chill your wine and special glasses for your booze without you asking. Plus there's no corkage fee, so it doesn't get better than that. So if you want well thought-out gourmet food without the snooty attitude and super high prices, this is the place to go!
(5)
Kerem Ã¶.

They had 4 star on yelp but it was a big disappointment for us. We were 4 people 2 of us didn't even finish their dinner. The place is nicely decorated but food is really bad. I definitely don't recommend this place .
(2)
Christine S.

Hellllllllllllllllllllo Mixteco! I came here this past Thursday with 3 of my very inappropriate girlfriends...we had "Lady Chats". The restaurant wasn't empty, nor was it super full at 7pm. The staff at Mixteco is super, super, super on top of their ish' and they are so nice! On to the food. The Guac is delish. The table salsa is so f'n good! All of us tried each of the others entrees and here's how that went down... Dorado: oven cook mahi-mahi, (breaded) in corn flakes, served in mole queretano, garlic-mashed potatoes. grilled asparagus and roasted red pepper (Very good) Carne Asada: wood grilled ribeye steak drenched in a three chiles sauce (tomatillos, guajillo, cascabel & morita) with grilled green onions, served with guacamole and black beans topped with cheese (the three chiles sauce was outta this world. The perfect combination of heat and flavor. This is not a pounded thin carne asada, this is a larger steak and it's perfect. This was my entree) Tamal De Chile Relleno: masa tamal, poblano pepper stuffed with zucchini, mushrooms, corn, tomatoes, onion and epazote, served with roasted tomatoes sauce, roasted red pepper, grilled zucchini, sour cream and queso fresco (although good, this was probably my least favorite. It was a bit too mushy for me) Enchiladas En Mole Negro: tortillas filled with chicken, doused in a complex black mole, garnished with onion, cilantro and radishes, served with black beans topped with cheese (Amazing. The mole was outta this world!) For desert we had the Tres Leches cake (deish) and the Empanadas with fruit served over strawberry ice cream (get it, you won't regret it) Mixteco is BYOB, which we all know I love! p.s. if you're lookin for the menu, here you go! chicago.menupages.com/reâ€¦
(5)
Arpana U.

Amazing service, never was our water not full or plate not whisked away. Food was quite good, not quite "blow your socks off" but definitely a "let's come back again!". There were 2 longs tables that were having a (very chill) rehearsal dinner there. It showed they were very accommodating to large groups. Street parking wasn't too bad to find, even on a Saturday night. I would come back and reccomend it.
(4)
Mary B.

Mixteco Grill has always been a favorite restaurant of ours. We have since moved out of the neighborhood but will make the trip to eat here. The formula for Mixteco is pretty simple, use good quality meats with tasty and unique sauces and top it off with homemade corn tortillas to sop up the wonderful sauce when you're done. Right there you got yourself a pretty awesome meal! Oh, did I mention it's BYOB, yeah that's pretty amazing too! And if you have room afterwards the tres leche cake is a great addition.
(5)
David M.

My wife and I arrange a birthday party here for ten people yesterday. They gave us a table in the back room that was quiet and had a good view of the street scape. The service was prompt. The server was knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. He asked if this was our first time at Mixteco. As it was, he offered on the house an appetizer of a tamale with green creamy poblano salsa on top. We expressed interest in the salsa so he brought out a creamy one and a non-creamy one for us to compare. It made the party there more fun. A lot of us had one of the two dishes he recommended. It was chicken enchiladas with green creamy poblano salsa. The chicken was cooked over a wood grill. It had a wonderful smoked flavor. We ordered one of each desert to share. Wonderful. We can't wait to go back.
(5)
Gina F.

Outstanding brunch & dinner! I finally got around to having dinner here, and in coming to update the review I was sure I posted for brunch, I am again surprised to find I'm not updating but rather writing the first review. It's entirely possible I'm getting the old-timers disease. Everything at Mixteco is well-prepared, fresh, & interesting. It's not one of those restaurants where "interesting" translates to crazy, over-complicated dishes garnished with weird foams or deconstructed dishes, but instead it's a modern twist on traditional dishes that just breathes life into them. In any event, my first Mixteco experience was of the brunch variety. After that, I was a believer & have been for brunch a few times. My go-to dish is the corn masa boats (hold the chorizo). Everything is perfectly cooked & beautifully presented. I've been there with a number of people, and everyone has walked away happy. I've been saying I want to go to dinner there for like 3-4 years, yet somehow whenever we'd try to decide where to eat it would slip my mind. It won't again, and even if it did, it wouldn't slip my husband's. When we finished, I said that I'd definitely come back for dinner. He said "I'd come back tomorrow!" He had the Slow Roasted Pork, which is served with pickled onions & tortillas. He said it was outstanding. He tried and also really liked my dish, the Tamal Chile Relleno. I loved it. It was one of 2 vegetarian entrees (thank you for great choices!) on the menu. Rather than deep-frying a stuffed pepper full of chees, they took a pepper, stuffed it with grilled vegetables like corn, zucchini, & mushrooms, and coated it in corn masa. It was amazing! They have 2 rooms and could easily accomodate a larger reservation, but it's also a great date spot for dinner. It's a little pricier and nicer, but the atmosphere is relaxed. And it's worth the price. When the bill came I looked at my husband and said "Worth it." He replied "Totally worth it." Highly recommend.
(5)
Partha A.

Small place. Flavorful food. Low key but attentive service. This is a review for a very old visit so I ve forgotten most of what I had except the goat with the black mole and the carne asada both of which were exceptionally well made. The gorditas were among the best i ve had. The tres leches cake is superb. I have actually ditched dessert while dining at another restaurant and slipped into mixteco for the tres leches. i would be happy to go back.
(4)
Kimberly S.

I wanted to love this place, I really did. We went here for a date night a couple of Saturdays ago and were rushed from the moment we sat down. I ordered the enchiladas, which were just okay. The food was just okay and I had to get the habanero salsa to spice things up. I really did like that this place was BYOB, but am not sure if I would abandon my favorite mexican places for that really being the only perk.
(3)
Rustygirl M.

The guac is fresh and delicious. I had the fish tacos. They were only ok to me. I got them based on the wonderful reviews on yelp, but the shells aren't my fav. They did have great flavor w/ some kick to it. The pork tamales were my fav. Spicy, filling, yum!
(3)
Ronald Noah K.

Went this past Saturday with a group of 15 for my birthday dinner. They couldn't of done anything better. Greeted by friendly staff as soon as we walked in and taken to our tables. Wine glasses & ice buckets were immediately brought to our table. As soon as the remainder of our party arrived, they had us start by ordering the appetizer course. AMAZING. Ceviche, Guacamole & corn tortillas were some of the highlights. Then they came around to order the entree (just the way it should be done!). The steak was amazing. As was the pork. YUMMO! For dessert, they brought a family style selection. We got to sample so many different yummy desserts. You can't ask for anything better for $30 per person! Thank you MIXTECO! You made my birthday very special.
(5)
Karen K.

I had not been here for a few years and I forgot how good it was. Went for brunch last week and was really impressed. Great chips and salsa, excellent coffee, and delicious brunch entrees. I had enchiladas suiza and DH had eggs divorcidaos (SP?) with carne asada. Small side of guac to start. While my love was bitching the entire way there (this place never has anyone there (not true), it looks terrible from the outside, the location is terrible - he was blown away after eating. Yay - partner has to eat words! Highly recommend. It did not break the bank and we are going back for dinner again, soon! Great for brunch as well.
(5)
Bella D.

this is the spot. seriously, byob and order all the appetizers. skip the entree for next time you visit and go straight to dessert. perfect tapas night. ;)
(5)
David R.

I am still underwhelmed by the food at Mixteco, but apparently I am still also in the minority, as both of their dining rooms were full to bursting on a Friday evening. In fact, we were probably lucky to get a table. When we replied "No" to "Do you have a reservation?" the hostess made a face and offered us our choice between a two-top right behind the hostess stand against the window or two seats at the bar. Lame. I wasn't happy about that, but at least our waiter was warm and likeable. The calamari was terrible. The calamari itself was bland and overcooked. Plus, between the vinaigrette and the greens, the entire dish was too bitter. I did enjoy the pork chop with pumpkin mole sauce: that was an interesting seasonal dish that was very well executed and tasted great. However, to serve it with boring old mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus was as lazy and uninspired as the pork chop and mole were compelling and delicious. I am teetering betwen "Meh, I've experienced better" and "A-OK," so I'm going to round up based on the unique, addictive green salsa that they serve before the meal. Enjoy it, because it might be the best thing that you get.
(3)
Emily Z.

I would like to take a star away for them not having a website, but that is not proper Yelp etiquette. Mixteco Grill who do you think you are, get with the times. Their menu was on the smaller side. Its been a few weeks so I don't remember exactly what I had other than i was a steak dish and delicious. My friend was in love with her mole. The tres leches cake was a little textured and dense compared to others I have tried but still good. I do know the service was good and the wine even better, Byob, the one law Chicago has gotten right! I have been known to be thrifty and it was totally worth the price!
(4)
Natalie S.

FINALLY checked this place out. I live in the neighborhood, drive by it every single day... but finally we tried it. It was a Wednesday night at 7:45... and when I told the hostess "we're 4" she was surprised we didn't have a reservation and wasn't sure if she could get us in. DAAAAAAANG! On a Wednesday??? Well, she got us at a table. The last free one in the place. We had the tamales in mole sauce to start with. Probably my favorite dish of the night... I could have had another tray of those things. I also had the dorado which was excellent. The sauce was scrumptious and I could have swam in those mashed potatoes. A couple complaints that ALMOST dropped this place to only a 3 star for me. The waitstaff was SLAMMED... on a Weds. We sat down and were asked within 2 minutes if we were ready to order... which of course we were not... and then he didn't come back for 20 minutes. On top of it, they REALLY need to do something about the noise level in there. We were dining with a friend of ours that does some decorating and he said that fabric on the walls could cut down on the noise. It was difficult to even hear the people at our four top... I can't even imagine how annoying that would be with a group. Good food... which is why I'm giving it a 4... but really, the service and the atmosphere were only 3 stars in my book. But I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Vanessa R.

There is a big possibility that we will be moving out of our neighborhood this year and in anticipation of this, we are on a mission to dine at as many area restaurants that have been on our radar. However, now that I've dined here, not so sure I want to move away! Atmosphere We had dinner here on a Friday evening - they only had 2 reservation time slots open. I got there and the place was half-empty, what the heck? However, it got packed at the seams really quickly. Words of advice: MAKE A RESERVATION! The place is great with two cozy rooms filled with vibrant artwork. Suitable for groups large and small. Service The service here was great - our waiter was extremely friendly & our food came out fairly quickly. Also, it's BYOB and no corkage fee - yes! Forgot your booze? No problem, there is a large liquor store conveniently located across the street. Eats You'll get complimentary chips with a smoky & tasty green salsa to start you off. As an appetizer, we ordered the guacamole. It's chunky and comes with tomato, cucumber, serrano peppers, cilantro, onion and lime juice. It was so refreshing and good! For dinner, I ordered the enchiladas en mole negro and hands down, they were the best enchiladas I have ever tasted outside of my mom's kitchen. Seriously. Usually the mole at places is either too sweet/chocolaty, and/or bland. Mixteco's mole was perfection with some spice - yes please! The chicken was also perfectly seasoned and moist. These tasty enchiladas were topped with onion & cilantro & I LOVED that they were topped with radishes, an authentic touch that is usually left off enchiladas elsewhere. The desserts looked delicious but I had gone to town on chips/salsa/guacamole and completely cleaned my dinner plate that I legitimately could not have another bite. Next time for sure. All in all, this place is AWESOME. Bummed it took us so long to get there. I'm secretly thinking I'll throw that list to the wayside and just go eat here as much as possible!
(5)
Julia J.

Headed here for a Friday night date. We made a reservation and our table was ready right away. We brought a 6 pack of beer with us, which was perfect. Chips and salsa were great- though if you're not a huge fan of cilantro like we are, you might not be a fan. For an appetizer, we ordered the ceviche which was fresh and delicious. I ordered the enchiladas with their mole sauce and it was delicious. I looooved the mole. It was chocolatey and had a kick to it. The side of black beans were great as well. The portion was big. I gave my husband at least a third of my plate and I was still full. My husband ordered the paella with shrimp, fish, mussels, crab meat, and calamari. He said that it was good- but not great. The seafood had a great grilled taste to it and everything tasted fresh, but he said it could have been spicier. He'd order it again but not before he tried other things on the menu (whereas I would come back to order the enchiladas again without trying something else first). We also tried two desserts. He had the flan which he really liked, but I thought was just so-so as the texture could have been smoother, and I had the fruit empanandas, which he loved, but I thought had a weird taste to them that I couldn't put my finger on and probably wouldn't order them again. Our service was fine. Our waiter always appeared when we needed him, our water was always full, and our table was cleaned and uncluttered when needed. The bus boys did get a little overzealous and tried to take away plates we weren't quite finished with, but I appreciated that they didn't grab the plate before asking. The atmosphere was loud and lively, which we both really enjoyed. All in all, it was a great night out. We really enjoyed our food, the atmosphere, and the BYO and we will definitely return.
(4)
SK R.

Vegetarian food used to be good but has declined in quality significantly. Please bring back the original menu.
(2)
Daniela A.

I tried this place for the first time last night. I had tried to make reservations in the past but they get pretty booked up. I learned why last night. The food was amazing, the ambiance was warm and inviting, and the service was perfect. We started of with chips, salsa, and guacamole. The chips were incredibly tasty. You could truly taste the corn in them. Next, I had the enchiladas with mole negro. The flavors in the mole were so balanced that for the first time ever at a Mexican restaurant, I finished my plate. My husband and my friend both got the carne asada and raved about it. Unlike most carne asadas, it was a thick juicy cut, with a wonderful grilled flavor throughout. For dessert, we shared the Tres Leches and Pan de Muerto. The tres leches was similar to most tres leches you can find at just about all Mexican restaurants, but the best the three of us has ever tried. As for the Pan de Muerto, it tasted like something you would find on vacation abroad. You could tell that recipe was not for an American palate. Both were incredible! Lastly, the service was impeccable. They brought chips, removed plates, and swapped out silverware without us noticing. We would look down and it was like a fresh bowl of chips just magically appeared. I think that is the sign of a well-organized service. Everything we needed was there before we needed it.
(4)
Gary B.

After passing this place many times and consistently hearing how good the food is we finally had the chance to experience it ourselves. Fortunately for us Natalie S was able to score us reservations for a Saturday night on very short notice which was surprising. The menu was well represented at our table with our appetizers consisting of queso fundido, ceveiche, and tamales. Our entrees were beef, pork, shrimp and lamb. Of course we needed more to eat so we ordered three desserts, Tres Leches, flan and the third I can't remember since I had eaten so much. The room can get a little loud and on that particular evening it was very warm inside. We will be back to try some more off the menu if that's possible.
(4)
Chrysa L.

I came here last night with a party of 6 to celebrate two friends' birthdays. We started out with the standard chips and salsa. LOVED them as they were thick with just a hint of lime. Thicker chips are better, in my opinion, because they stand up to endless salsa and guac dipping. Our server offered us a deal usually only reserved for parties of 10 or more. The prix fixe meal of one app, one entrÃ©e, and one dessert per person all for $30 per person. SOLD! Our group decided to select several different appetizers. Admittedly, I did not sample all of them as I was way too into my queso fundido. I sampled the guacamole and it was delicious. For my main course, I selected the enchiladas with mole negro. OHMYGOSH. I love a good mole and this hit the spot. Admittedly, it was a little rich. I could taste the chocolate and it was amazing. The chicken on the inside was cooked perfectly. I could not finish it (and now I'm kicking myself that I did not bring the leftovers home). I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since I left! I was feeling supremely full after all of this and so, sadly, I did not sample any of the desserts. Each member of our group selected a different one, including the tres leches cake and flan. All received rave reviews from my dining companions. The place is BYOB, which typically I am a fan of, but I was truly in the mood for a margarita and I was not about to lug several bottles of booze and a blender to the establishment. It is also a tiny space and felt a little bit cramped and loud. My understanding is that their menu changes frequently. I will definitely be back to sample more of the deliciousness that Mixteco clearly has to offer.
(4)
Anisha M.

The first time we went to mixteco, I liked both vegetarian entrees - lentil cakes were great and veggie enchilada was pretty good. This time they had changed the menu and the food was disappointing. The vegetarian tart was fine but the mixed veggie dish was terrible. A bunch of lightly grilled veggies in a mild sauce wrapped in paper. The veggies were undercooked and the paper kept disintegrating into the dish! Food too pricey for this quality. Please bring back the original veggie dishes. Guacamole was good and molten chocolate cake was excellent.
(2)
Big Z.

This spot is officially my favorite BYOB in the city and one of my favorite restaurants period.... The food here is fresh and all the sauces that accompany the quality meats & seafood are awesome plus the prices are right. I came here this past weekend w/ 3 friends and ordered two appetizers, 4 entrees, a desert + 2 coffees came out to $35/person including tax and tip. Service was also great as others have mentioned (this is what sets them apart from most of the other BYOB's in the area with similar food). This is a must try if you live in the area.
(5)
Erick N.

Mixteco Grill offers upscale Mexican cuisine at affordable pricing, especially factoring in that it is BYOB. The executive chef formerly worked under Rick Bayless and is quite talented. I dined here with a group of approximately 18 as part of a BYOB dinner club and it seemed like everybody enjoyed their food. The table shared a few appetizers and the ceviche was outstanding; some of the best I ever tasted. I recommend the emapnadas as well. A friend and I ordered two entrees to share; the enchiladas with mole sauce and a ribeye steak with guacamole and black beans. Both were also well above average. Be sure to order a side of plantains... they are so good! Mixteco Grill is quite popular (deservingly so), so I recommend making a reservation here unless you are dining very early or late. The ambiance is nothing fancy here, but the food is some of the best Mexican available in Chicago and the pricing makes this venue well worth a visit.
(4)
Angie M.

Apparently I decided to party like its 2008 last night. It looks like virtually all of my friends visited Mixteco back in 08 when they opened their doors and LOVED it. I suppose I'm just tardy for the party. I'm a little mad at myself that I didn't insist on going to Mixteco sooner. I mean, really... the food is outstanding. I now know why you used to never be able to get a reservation and the wait times were nuts. Mixteco is serving up damn good Mexican food at really reasonable prices. Add the BYOB factor and it's an absolutely perfect restaurant destination for anything from date night to girls night out to grabbing a bite with the family. My group of 10 gal pals started with the venison empanadas and guacamole. Admittedly, I was hesitant about the venison as I usually don't have the best experiences with that cut of meat since it's so lean and really needs to be prepared properly. No worries, though, at Mixteco. The group venison was perfectly harmonious with the Latin spices in the light-as-air empanada dough. Don't miss the spicy pepper sauce that goes along with it. The guac was good, too, but I honestly prefer a bit more kick in a guac. Big ups on the plentiful radishes decorating the top of the dish. They added a nice, crunchy bite. While pretty much everything looked great on the menu, from the pork chop (which I sampled and WAS amazing), to the scallops, to the mahi mahi to the chicken breast, I decided to go for broke and order the chicken enchiladas. Damn. Those were some slammin' enchiladas. Admittedly, it's not the prettiest presentation, but I have to think it's difficult to make tortillas stuffed with chicken and absolutely smothered in rich, deep, dark, luscious mole sauce that's so intense it's actually black, look awesome. Good thing I'm a gal who recognizes that the darker the mole, the more I'll probably like it so I dove in with gusto. And I cleared my entire plate. Well, except for the black beans on the side. Who needs beans when you have enchiladas??? If I had one itsy bitsy complaint, it would be that the chicken was little dry and it's probably because Mixteco uses white meat chicken and the enchiladas don't have any cheese, so you basically are left with shredded white meat chicken, tortilla, onions and cilantro smothered in that unbelievable mole sauce. I'm not going to split hairs, though. I probably got off a little bit easier on the diet tip without oodles of cheese on my plate. The price is right, too. My posse split the bill down the middle. We all had entrees and split some apps and with tax and tip we each owed $24. BOOM. Cheap and tasty. Mama like. Easy street parking.
(4)
Sarah M.

This place was good - wish I would have remembered it was BYOB. I thought we'd still be able to purchase an alcoholic beverage, but it wasn't to be. Oh well - the service was great - the place gets a little cramped when busy, but overall it was very good. I liked that their guac was a little different than most places - lighter and with a lot of cucumbers. I had the Mahi-Mahi, I will say it was ok, but maybe not as good as I expected it to be. My expectations may have been too high. My husband had the rack of lamb and he said is was delish. I would go back, but next time with a few bottles of wine - or a six pack and I'd try a different entrÃ©e.
(3)
Jennie T.

I was with a friend who had a car AND she speaks Spanish, so when she asked me what I would like for dinner, my automatic response was Mexican. I miss California's Mexican food so, so, so much! She said she knew just the place to take me. And viola, we arrived at Mixteco. I looked at the menu and there was nothing I recognized. Where were the burritos, the quesadillas, the flautas, the enchiladas, etc? You know, items I'm used to seeing at a Mexican taqueria place... Nevermind that, I decided to let her order and I'd try something new. She ordered the following: - Empanadas (De Picadillo? The description on Menu Pages doesn't quite fit what I remember about it) -- Delicious! When my friend told me that they use some kind of fermented corn, I was a little put off even though I know we use fermented beans and other fermented items in Chinese cuisine. I decided to give it a try anyway, and I loved it. Apparently this is the only restaurant she knows that carries this item. - Sopes (De Hongos? Again, same thing... Maybe I got the two items mixed up but I don't think so because I know what an empanada is) -- This was probably my favorite item. The pork was so juicy! - Camarones Veracruzanos -- This was delicious, except that I am lactose intolerant and I didn't expect so much cheese even though queso was mentioned in the menu. In the end, it ended up being my least favorite of the items we ordered. I enjoyed the grilled tiger shrimp, asparagus, and rice with the tortillas though. I'd love to come back to try other items on their menu. But next time we may want to make a reservation. Luckily we came here right before they got super busy.
(4)
Kate W.

I've really tried to like this place. It's cute, near my house, and the service is great. I've been twice, and both times the food was "meh." I can't go back. :(
(2)
Caroline M.

My friend says he wants to name his first born Mole after indulging in the dark mole Lamb dish. The waiter was unfazed and kindly obliged when he asked to get the remaining mole sauce on his plate in a tiny to go container. Midnight mole snack? Yes, please! Quite simply, if you don't like the food here at Mixteco, you probably can't ever be trusted.
(5)
Megan K.

I was really, really excited to come to Mixteco, and it sadly didn't live up to my high expectations. I'm not giving it a bad review, per se, it just wasn't as good as I had made it up to be. I'd like to give it around 3.5 stars, which obviously isn't possible. We had a reservation at 7:30 on a Friday and we were promptly seated in the hallway near the kitchen, which was a tight space to sit. Since it was BYOB we picked up a six pack of beer from across the street and they brought out two frosty mugs and poured us our beers, placing the remaining beers in the cooler. This was a nice touch as many places will just let your beer sit out through your entire meal. The atmosphere was typical of any sort of Mexican restaurant with the cheesy decor, but it was interesting sitting next to the kitchen. They had a little old lady cranking out handmade tortillas like it was no one's business! I loved seeing this as you knew all your tortillas and chips were made to order. Also, the place was PACKED (but no wait) so I'd highly recommend reservations. The food: 1) The guacamole: We started out with this, and I was really excited to see their take on guacamole. It had cucumbers and radishes in/on it, and it was incredibly refreshing! Although that being said, the avocados didn't taste very fresh and it was a little reminiscent of a wholly guacamole base. Wamp wamp. 2) The chicken mole enchiladas: My boyfriend and I are by no means "seasoned mole eaters" so this was a new venture for us. I've had my fair share of bad mole sauces in the past, which scarred me a bit, so we're just now venturing back into these. The mole was chocolatey and bitter, which took a bit to warm up to. Although, as you progress through the dish it becomes milder and very tasty. If mole is your thing, you have to check this out. 3) The roasted pork: This was very tender and delicious and it was served with a side of habenero sauce which was surprisingly mild. This entree came with four small tortillas that were perfect for wrapping up the pork with the pickled onions and a few black beans. I felt that it needed a bit more seasoning as it seemed a bit bland at times. Although, the black beans that came with both the enchiladas and the pork entree were incredible. The service: It started off top notch, but our waiter just seemed to disappear after the entrees came out. We sat around for about 15 minutes waiting for the dessert menu and/or the check and our waiter was MIA. This was a bit frustrating as the service seemed spot on up until then. We also had to remind him to get our remaining beers as we were leaving. All in all I am kind of surprised this is a Michelin restaurant. I'd rather go next door to La Sierra to be completely honest. I know that may be a bit harsh, but the food and service were much better and it's never as packed. Maybe it was just an off night, who knows. The one thing I will praise it for is that the food is very authentic and it serves up dishes you won't find elsewhere.
(3)
Jodee T.

The rest of our family went to Girl and the Goat and we got to go to Mixteco! We win. We totally enjoyed the (authentic) food, but even more, we enjoyed the friendly, professional, wonderful service. Everyone was so nice and so knowledgeable. We peppered them with questions about the homemade corn tortillas - and they answered all of them. We were there the day after Thanksgiving, early (5 p.m.) and had the place to ourselves. I had slow-roasted pork in sour orange juice for my entree and it was soooo good. The pork fell apart, but wasn't mushy. I also had ceviche, which was more like a salad than the soup-like dish I was expected and it was delicious.
(5)
Krishna A.

A bit of a trek, but well worth it. BYO - enough said. We started with the empanadas, ceviche and the guac. The empanadas were the unique highlight here. They are filled with baby spinach, squash, oaxacan cheese and served with arbol-peanut salsa. The peanut sauce is subtle yet a perfect compliment. I had the chicken mole de ciruela. Chicken was cooked to perfection. The mole sauce was on the sweet side, and plum flavored and the cilantro garnish was excellent. I ate every last bite. My buddy had the rack of lamb mole negro. His mole sauce was different from mine and absolutely amazing. Again, the meat was cooked to perfection. Dessert, we had the chocolate pecan pie, the tres leches cake and the nevado de chocolate. (Yes, 3 desserts sucka's). The Nevado de chocolate was the highlight here. It was like an old billionaire in Florida - sooo rich and warm. This place rocks. So delicious, so cheap and not pretentious at all. I'm definitely coming back.
(4)
Kirsten P.

Welp, just got done with a standard meal and was informed that since there were only two of us, we could only use one credit card. the explanation was that they don't serve drinks so....customer pays for that loss. Food was mmmmkay at best, as it had been for the last 3 times I was here. downward trend for sure.
(3)
Alicia M.

This is one of the best BYOBs I've ever been to! Do yourself a favor and go, but bring lots of wine/beer/other booze to keep yourself entertained. Oh yeah, and friends...take friends. I'm much more patient when I have a nice bottle of wine in front of me! I was with a huge party on a Friday night so the service, of course, wasn't lightning fast...that's why I suggest drinking a lot so you're having fun while you wait. They give you lots of chips and yummy salsa to munch on as well! The food is 110% worth the wait! Anything wood-grilled is amazing. The desserts were also incredible. The mole sauces are like, whoa. They will change your life :) I left feeling satisfied and happy, rather than full, bloated, and wanting to die (some places give you that feeling, I'm sure you know!). and PS- Our server was a sweetheart, and per our request he had the cook come out to our table so we could applaud him. Yes, it was so good we applauded him. It might have been because we were tipsy.
(5)
Coleman B.

I have only been here for brunch, but it has been incredible every every time. There really is not much to recommend for the ambiance. It is nice enough, there really is not a huge drink selection, but the food is Delicious and incredibly priced. Very simple, earthy flavors, yet fresh and hearty. I really cant recommend this place enough, one of my all time favorite places in the city. Top notch Mexican and very affordable prices. A true jewel! A GEM! GO!
(5)
Laila C.

Amazing as long as you're not dumb enough to eat a chipful of the habanero salsa. The ceviche is spicy and packs a punch! The grilled calamari with arugala is perfectly smokey and tender! The best entree of the night was definitely the lamb mole. My friend and her boyfriend literally licked the plate clean...and my bf was no less shameful. My pulled pork was good but it lacked the depth that the mole had. Ummm and holy hell I forgot how cheap everything is when you don't have to pay through the nose for alcohol! Seriously a full, delicious and boozy dinner for less than $80/ 2 people?! Is that even possible? God this place is awesome!
(4)
J D.

While the owners and chefs had pared down the menu considerably since my last visit, they continue to focus on what things they do best. A recent visit allowed me to sample their wonderful cochinita pibil: a smokey, flavourful slow roasted a shredded pork dish served with warm corn tortillas. Mixteco remains BYO and it's best to bring an inexpensive bottle of wine or beer as staff is not trained much in wine handling. This is to be expected and not a downfall or discredit to the restaurant at all. Keep up the wonderful job all!
(5)
Mahsa T.

I finally got a chance to pop in here for a late night dinner and I was so excited to try it because it had come highly recommended by a few friends, but for me, the food did not live up to expectations. The presentation was good, the ingredients were good, the menu choices were good, but what was desperately missing from the two dishes that I tried was flavor. Everything, even the mole, was bland. My friend and I shared the two dishes that our waiter recommended (the rack of lamb in mole sauce and the paella with shrimp, fish, mussels and calamari). The lamb was the stand out dish and it was done well but not the best lamb I've had (that honor goes to Gemini Bistro). The seafood paella was so incredibly bland--I couldn't quite figure out what it needed--salt, pepper, a bit of spice or some heat. Sapori Trattoria does a similar dish ten times better. The crepes we had for dessert were rubbery and beyond disappointing. The restaurant itself had a charming, warm and comfortable neighborhood vibe. They seemed to be handling large groups well, though it can get pretty loud in here. Added bonus that this place is BYOB. Service was friendly and attentive. My friend, who knows Mexican food extremely well, agreed that Mixteco was a let down. If you're looking for good, flavorful Mexican food, I would suggest that you go to Chilapan instead.
(3)
Arlene G.

wow! i came out of this place stuffed &ready to go to sleep! went here last week with my friends for a MS dinner/informational although i thought it took a while to get our food out, it was definitely worth the wait! plus we were a pretty big party so i realize it would take some time for our food to come out. we tasted 3 different appetizers, 2 different entrees & a dessert! empanadas & ceviche were both yummy! i had the mahi mahi in some types of sauce that i really like. then i also had pork in a mango mole sauce! wow! the flan ended this glorious meal &it was pretty good too. the service we received was phenomenal & i would DEFINITELY come back here to eat again!
(5)
Melissa M.

Mixteco is awesome! I have been there 3 times now and have not been dissappointed. My past 2 visits I had the woodgrilled calamari and arugula salad which is amazing. Between my husband and I we've had the slow roasted pork, enchiladas with mole, salmon, shrimp and lamb. Plates are presented nicely and everything is delicious. I would say this place ranks right up there with Frontera, but without the crazy wait and it's BYOB. The waiters are always super nice and helpful.
(5)
Diana L.

Five stars for food, service, and byob. My hubs and I came here because we are local and we were blown away by this establishment. We felt it was remarkable and were embarrassed we hadn't visited earlier. From the goat cheese appetizer to the entrees, the food and speedy service was lovely. I've never felt so taken care of than by our server. While describing the specials he grabbed our beers from the black bag from kitty corner liquor store and took the caps off while pouring into frosted mugs.. Seriously it was like watching Tom Cruise do the matchbook trick in Cocktail. It was effortless. We ate the appetizer and guacamole, the busser actually asked us if we'd like to keep the guac on the table to garnish our entrees before whisking off our small plates instead of stealing it away. Then, the actual entrees actually needed no added flavor. This is no Garcias. We both choose vegetarian options and kept stealing bits off each others plates. There was no favorite, both were equally saliva inducing creations. I love dessert, so much. I often value a restaurant on it. I passed. I was content and stuffed and so happy.
(5)
Rafael C.

It's been a while since my first visit to Mixteco Grill and I must say I'm glad to have made it back. This time I brought my GF and we decided to try a few of appetizers. The fish tacos were good as were the gorditas too. The tamales were very good and I just loved the Sopa Azteca which was their take on chicken tortilla soup. It was absolutely delicious and worth the trip back.
(4)
Ron W.

Our niece lives in neighborhood, so she suggested it for brunch. Fish tacos very good. Eggs Mexicana pleasant. Great service.
(4)
C W.

BYOB, so it's cheap. Seafood is great, carne asada is also. I wouldn't sit next to the kitchen though, gets kind of hot. Also kind of weird you have to walk through the kitchen to use the bathroom. I liked the food though, would go back.
(3)
Luan N.

I was never a fan of Mexican entrees until I discoteco with Mixteco. Yeah, that phrase doesn't make sense like most hip hop lyrics these days, but I felt like spitting a forced rhyme like Coinstaring nickels and dimes. Word on the street, get the chuleta and c. asada. Only dim wit fools order tres leches for ya.
(4)
Iman J.

BYOB, authentic, quality Mexican food... yep 5 stars! Started off with the chips and salsa...great salsa. For appetizers got the ceviche... again nailed it, damn good ceviche. For the main dish we got carne asada and a delicious pork dish, can't remember the name :( Perfectly made, tons of flavor, delicious homemade tortillas... I couldn't find a thing wrong with anything. We ended it with two desserts, tres leches cake and a chocolate dish that was oozing with awesomeness. This goes right up there with Tango Sur as best BYOB restaurants... for sure goes up there as one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Chicago... you've gotta go!
(5)
Ginny L.

Coming out of retirement for this review! Yep, it's been awhile. A friend and I decided to go here as it was one of the higher rated Mexican places between both of our apartments, plus a very high recommendation from another friend didn't hurt. I was seated right away, even though my friend had yet to arrive and the place was bustling, but moments after I sat down they brought over chips and salsa. Bonus points for not making me wait for either! My Spanish is very rusty, and my understanding of various sauces and dishes is even rustier, so once my friend had arrived and it was time to order I asked the waitress if the Camarones Borrachos was a spicy dish, and she said "Oh, no, not at all." Much to my dismay, not only was it very spicy to me, but it was even spicy to my friend who has a much bigger tolerance for that sort of thing. The dish was delicious, but the next time the waitress came by, I told her that for future reference if someone asks if it is a spicy dish, to tell them yes. She nicely offered to replace it with something else, which I declined since I had been enjoying it (just using as little of the sauce as possible), but said "Well, to ME, it's very mild spice." Okay, if you have to qualify it with a "to ME," because you're used to high spice dishes, it's probably worth a second thought when someone is concerned about a potential high spice level. Mild spice to some still equals some spice at all, and I would have preferred a non-spicy dish. When it came time to pay, the waitress was incredibly scarce and we kept trying to catch her eye. When she finally came over, we explained that we were putting part of the check on a card, with the remainder of the check in cash. I didn't have anything smaller than twenties so I put a couple down for my share. While the waitress was processing the bill, my friend and I chatted about waitstaff assuming all the cash was for them in past bad restaurant experiences, and joked about how she'd probably come back with zero change, despite the fact that if she didn't, it would come out to something like a 40% tip. Unfortunately lo and behold, she returned with only my friend's credit card, no change to be found, so again I had to flag her down, and her response was "Oh, you needed change? *sigh* Hold on..." So, quick summary - food was pretty good but spicy, so careful if you are sensitive to spice. Service was good at the beginning of the meal (by the hostess and people bringing chips, etc), but not so great when our actual waitress was involved. I'd like to go back and try more items, but next time I'll be praying for a more involved server!
(3)
Rachel R.

Great BYOB - they even bring ice to keep beer or wine cold which is a nice touch. Food is fantastic - everything I have ever tried is great - guacamole is very good. Just had the wood fired shrimp and its probably my favorite thing on the menu (lamb chops are also very good). Service is also great. If you don't like noisy/close table dining this is not the place for you though. I however love that type of atmosphere. Great place, highly recommend and they take reservations.
(5)
Stephen S.

A visit to Mixteco Grill necessitates comparison's to Rick Bayless for two reasons. One, Rick Bayless is more than a man, he's a product and his runs quite an empire of refined Mexican food in Chicago. Second, Mixteco is headed up by a team that honed their chops at Bayless' flagship Frotera Grill. So, how does Mixteco compare? I see a lot of similarities with the heavy emphasis at both places at cooking up some fantastic sauces. I shared two plates, the oven cooked trout and the enchilidas divorciadas, and ended up with three very different, very delicious sauces. The trout came accompanied by a creamy tomatillo sauce and the enchiladas were paired for both a black bean haberno and white bean sauce. The trout was phenomenal! The filling combination of the mushrooms, ricotta cheese, and spinach was awesome and the tomatillo sauce was creamy and complex. The enchilidas were a hit and a miss as the white bean sauce seemed quite plain next to the spicy black bean foe. Another big plus of Mixteco is it's BYOB so you end up with a much friendlier bill than you might see at a Mexican restaurant at a similar level. I'd love to come back and get the trout again but there's so much on the menu I didn't order I think I might have a hard time doing so. The dining room was a little loud so don't come expecting a nice quiet meal, but if you're looking for flavor, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Kyle H.

First off, I made a reservation on a Tuesday for a Friday night. The maitre d' said "we're absolutely empty so far". Walking into a full Mixteco with people out the door, a la Hot Doug's, we were walked around to the back room to a table RIGHT NEXT TO THE KITCHEN! WTF? Okay, maybe it was just me trying to impress a date with my preparedness and feeling like I got screwed- especially making the reservation so far in advance! The quick BYOB service and an offer to take our beer to the fridge took the edge off...but then we waited a long time without even being approached by our waitress, who seemed to need some waitressing training. She came to ask us for our order without telling us about the Specials for the night. The three specials didn't seem all that amazing so we went for two of the MOLES; which is truly a dish that separates the hombres from the ninos in Mexican restaurants! First we were brought some heavenly guacamole to enjoy while admiring the large Day of the Dead and Mythology-inspired artwork. The atmosphere is great. Good for a date or for groups up to six (but no more)! Then came the Enchiladas Moles, one Pork and one Chicken. The pork dish was okay, it had a slight warmth from spices that grew warmer the longer I ate it. The Chicken dish was out of this world! The mole sauce was complex, with hints of cinammon and other spices. YUM! I would be back for that dish alone! The food was good enough by itself to warrant the Four Star bump, and I would come back to Mixteco Grill despite the few hiccups in service.
(4)
Sofia L.

This place is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. I rarely like to dine at any Mexican restaurant because I feel that i can cook the same thing at home (being Mexican myself) but this place has taken Mexican food to a higher level. The menu caters to vegetarians and meat eaters. This is definitely not tacos, burritos, tortas type of restaurant. It is also BYOB! Absolutely NOTEWORTHY***
(5)
Adriane P.

For me, Mexican food is synonymous with awesome. Seriously, I could compose Pablo Neruda or Shakepearean-esque odes of love for Mexican cuisine and culture. And candidly, I must admit it could have fallen short of the high brow or other cool destinations, or killed the low brow choices; and I still likely would have loved it almost equally. Because I adore Mexican and was having fun already. Stepping outside of my personal lens that viewed the night; well the service, food, and atmosphere were amazing. Mixteco was all that and a bag of chips! Or better stated, all that and a bag of fresh made tortilla chips with delicious salsa and guacamole, served by delightful servers in an adorable environment. And that's just the start! Plus, it's BYOB! I got Mole Chicken Enchiladas, and as a Mole and Chicken lover, I feel bad for those who haven't enjoyed it yet. It was a sweet, thick sauce with cinnamon and spice infusions embracing a savory treat. After I cleaned my plate, I was impressed by the art adorning the walls and other patrons; I noted parties of friends, dates, and families enjoying themselves. Some modest criticisms; there was a lack of specials and a seemingly love of radishes as an omniscient adornment to most dishes. O-kay. When I asked my knowledgeable chum, he didn't think radishes were used that often in authentic Mexican dishes, thus we wondered if it was an executive or chef choice. I hate radishes, but it didn't distract from the guacamole or my entree. He liked his dinner, the lamb, but not as much as my meal when he tried it! See, I have good instinct/judgement! Go with someone cool and get ready for a meal made of win. I'm grateful I did!
(5)
Nicole G.

I don't get it. What's all the fuss about? This is the closest restaurant to my house and I still won't dine there. Maybe it's because I was expecting Mexican food. And this is more some type of fusion. I had a pretty gross chili rellano here, my friend had an unimpressive and overpriced steak, and our vegetarian friend had no luck finding a single vegetarian dish on the menu. Crazy. We'll stick with La Sierra which is delicious and on the same block. You can't beat their homemade chips, steak dishes, and large menu. I'd recommend to skip the lines, save yourself some bucks, and have a delicious Mexican meal at La Sierra.
(1)
Aaron N.

Solid neighborhood BYOB.
(4)
J A.

This place may lack ambiance, but they really deliver in the pork department. The cochinita pibil and chuleta en manchamanteles are unreal. Great mole sauce and those sweet potatoes are to die for. I love that it's BYOB-- in my neck of the woods, only Thai and some Japanese places are BYOB. It was great to see this at a nicer Mexican restaurant. I arrived at 6PM on a Saturday, which is basically senior citizen hours in Chicago. There were only a couple other tables of people seated. Service was attentive and friendly. Next time I'd like to come at a more booming hour because I sort of missed out on people watching. If this place was in River North, entrees would run you about $45 each + overpriced liquor and wouldn't nearly match the quality of the food at Mixteco. If you have your stretch pants on, head to Margie's for some ice cream afterward.
(4)
Rita W.

My BF and I happened upon this restaurant last weekend. We were looking for a sushi restaurant on our way to our friend's birthday party and found that the sushi restaurant we had looked up..well looked a little scary since no one was in there. We looked to our left and saw Mixteco, and it was happening! The place was full of people who looked pretty happy with their food so we decided to give it a whirl. We weren't super hungry so we shared the calamari appetizer and pulled pork entree. The calamari came in more of a salad form, we were expecting grilled octopus style with big pieces, instead there were little pieces of calamari topped on a bed of corn, argula, and garlic. It had great flavor, I loved the hint of citrus and argula that dressed the calamari. Our pulled pork came and it definitely looked like it had been treated with many hours of being slow cooked. It came with beans, thinly sliced red onions and corn tortillas. They also gave us this spicy sauce that went well with our pork and tortillas. Mixteco is BYOB as well. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is very warm and lively. The menu while not extensive, is unique enough that you wish you had a bigger stomach to try more entrees! I am looking forward to coming back here, this time I am coming with a bottle of wine!
(4)
Brian C.

The two stars are for the food which was decent. The service was horrid. Everything took forever and my girlfriend and I were barely acknowledged. We ate an entire basket of chips before we were even served water. Her meal was really good though and based on that I would consider going back eventually to give it another shot. But not anytime soon.
(2)
Erika G.

I finally came here, after obsessing for MONTHS. It was worth the wait, oh yes, my friends. Seven Star companion had friends in, where to eat? Here! And it turned out to be in one of our party's childhood neighborhood, double bonus pick on my part. Cut to the chase, the food. Calamari appetizer - I could have eaten the whole plate, as a salad. A generous amount of greens with unbreaded (Yum.) smoky-tasting calamari. If I'd have been alone, as I remarked to my peeps, I'd have been licking that plate. Guacamole - delicious and fresh tasting, with Jicama chips stuck in it - LOVED that. Two of us had the slow-roasted pork, and both commented on the pickled onions being delicious. It looks like a small portion, but packs a wallop, quite filling. Scallop entree - yummy sauce, juicy scallops and just the right amount of rice. The dessert . . . now, I am not a dessert girl, usually opting for another glass of wine. Not here! The Tres leches cake - YUM. While my dinner companions had the conversation I can't participate in - kids, kids, kids - I concentrated on devouring as much as I could of this milky, delicious and NOT overly sweet confection. Wow, I'd come back just for this. And BYOB makes this another one of my happy places. I'll be back, oh yes, my friends, I'll be back.
(4)
Crystal X.

menus change every month! appetizer: special- chicken crepes (great), empanadas, and calamari with greens dinner: carne asada, pork chop, lamb, scallops (special) all AMAZING with flavorful gravy!
(4)
Andrew T.

Six of us recently tried Mixteco, most of us for the first time, and I think everyone was really impressed. First of all, it's BYOB with no corking fee, which is nice for those of you who enjoy the fire water. Also, you should make reservations, as the place is really pretty small. It sounds like they hold two small tables for walk-ins, but there's always going to be a wait for those, apparently. Anyway - we started with queso fundido, guacamole, and a couple orders of their tilapia tacos. The queso was nice - the right rubbery texture and with good soft grilled peppers and onions, plus some decent chorizo. Corn tortillas were pretty standard - I like them to be really strong, and these were a bit milder. The guacamole was good - no or little onion, and the proper amount of salt. But those tacos - I don't remember the name, but I'm going to say these are about 8 star tacos. Piping hot, lightly battered fish, a nice crisp cabbage garnish, and a spectacularly tangy mayonnaise sauce. Just sensational. My entree was the pork chop in mole with fried plantains and almonds. It came already sliced, which was great, since I didn't have to hack around the bone, and swimming in a nice puddle of some pretty good mole. It was a little sweet for me - I would definitely not hold it up to New Rebozo's standard, but it was still good. The pork was perfectly cooked, still juicy and tender - all in all, a very good entree. Others had carne asada, which is much different from what you expect - a huge piece of steak in a delicious spicy tomato sauce. Not the normal carne asada, but really quite good. I want to go back and try the lamb in black Oaxacan mole - that sounds amazing. Dessert was kind of a misstep. Big points for Mixteco, who brought a complimentary slice of tres leches for a recent birthday girl in our group. But it was kind of boring tres leches - really kind of just white/yellow cake with whipped cream and some chopped fruit. Their flan del dia was mango...but it didn't have much mango flavor, and the texture of kind of grainy/airy - not silky smooth and dense like it should be. And the apple empanadas, which I did not sample, were reportedly dry. So I don't think I would order dessert here next time. All in all, another worthy Mexican spot. It's a little far from me to be a regular destination, but it's certainly on my list of places to hit up when I'm in the mood.
(4)
Andy M.

Hot Damn!!!!! This place is awesome. It was a great night, with great friends and a kick ass meal. Mixteco Grill is a upscale Mexican restaurant on the North side. The interior is beautifully decorated in a Southwestern style. Our server was incredibly nice. Mixteco is a BYOB establishment and our server iced down our beer and gave us glasses for the Margarita's that we brought. She did a fabulous job. The food was incredible. I ordered the Steak and it was fabulous. It was a $50.00 steak for $20.00. Carolynne r. had the Chicken Mole which was wonderful as well. I'm a total snob when it comes to Mole sauce, and Mixteco hit one out of the park with their Mole. The Bottom line is that Mixteco was a wonderful experience. It was a great time, spent with wonderful friends. After coming off of two straight weeks of working my ass off, it was exactly what was needed.
(5)
Wilda W.

The flavors took me right back to D.F., a city to which I took a short trip not long before my trip to Chicago. I live in San Diego and unfortunately Oaxacan cuisine is nowhere near as popular there as border cuisine. We walked in on a Saturday night without reservations (which is really quite stupid considering how packed the place was) but we got there at just the right time (around 6pm) and they fortunately had ONE table available for two. We glanced at the menu for two seconds and decided we had to take the plunge just based on other yelp reviews and how hopping it was. We had the sopa huitlacoche (corn fungus soup), which I've never had before...pretty interesting and complex flavors; the marlin ceviche which was good but not the best I've ever had, really nice guacamole, and the lamb with mole...GOODNESS GRACIOUS THAT WAS DELICIOUS. Lambchops cooked to a perfect medium rare (as per requested) sitting on a bed of mashed potatoes and a generous serving of slightly spicy rich black mole served with homemade corn tortillas...I could've sworn I was back in Mexico!! The lamb is an interesting twist on a classic. The hostess said it's her favorite dish after she heard us order it, and damn we definitely didn't go wrong. For dessert we had flan of the day, which was guava that day. Hmmmm! The texture was smooth and dense and it's full of flavor. We had decaf coffee with dessert and what a pleasant surprise--it was infused with cinnamon and clove and other spices typically associated with this cuisine. That was really nice attention to detail! The decor of this place is really charming and cheerful with colorful paintings adorning the walls, and a back dining room that looked super fun and cozy. We sat in the front dining room by the hostess station but I felt lucky we even got to sit. At the end of the meal, as I was paying, our server Pablo (whose two brothers own the restaurant) saw from my ID that I'm from San Diego and mentioned that they had considered opening their restaurant there. I tried very hard to convince him to have them do so. (Ingredients would be so much easier to acquire, after all.) Sorry Chicagoans, I'm crossing my fingers that they decide to move out of the cold. In the meantime, this place has inspired me to search out Oaxacan food in my area. Wish me luck!!
(5)
Mercy P.

Amazing and flavorful. From the salsa to the dessert all was yummy. The corn tamales are delicious and the catch of the day was light and scrumptious. BYOB is a huge plus!
(5)
Rosemary L.

Very disappointed in Mixteco. We went there last night and, upon arrival, noticed that there was one available table for four in the corner of the "non reservations" room. The hostess wouldn't let us have it, however, as there were only 3 of us. Instead she wanted us to take the terrible table by the door (for 4) as nobody sane wanted it on a freezing cold night. We left and went to Istanbul on Broadway where they let us have any table we wanted, still had BYOB, delicious food and the staff was wonderful.
(1)
Alena F.

Food was great, and we certainly wanted to go back, but were turned away. I tried to make a reservation for 12 for my friends bachelorette party dinner, and was told that they do not accept bachelorette parties. I would understand that rule at a bar in boys town, but for dinner? I got the feeling if I would have mentioned just a "Group" of people it would have been fine. No thanks. We went elsewhere, and had a great dinner. I won't be going back.
(1)
Cathy B.

The best meal I've had in Chicago, hands down. I took a party of four to this Ravenswood restaurant over the weekend and was able to leave proud -- each one of my guests felt that they had had the best dish at the table, and that's a good feeling. We shared common appetizers of the guacamole and the tamales. I'm not a huge fan of tamales, but I ate every bite of my share and looked around hopefully for someone else not intending to finish theirs (no such luck). The guacamole was fine, and (despite other reviews below) was complemented by the addition of radishes. But, the guac wasn't something I would particularly write home about, either. Now, the entrees, however, were a different story. Our table ordered the vegetarian enchiladas, the salmon, the chicken, and the beef. We had two mole options on the table, and two other sauces. All of us kept dipping our own entrees into other people's sauces because we couldn't decide which one was the best. Loved every bite. Oh, and the desserts -- we tried one of several from the menu. I've had better tres leches, but the other options were fantastic. Also, great customer service, from the process of making my reservation, to the settling of the bill. I phoned in my reservation on Monday, when the restaurant was closed, and immediately made a note to myself to call back the next day; I had assumed no one would actually check the machine. To my surprise, the next day, someone called to confirm my reservation, and the reservation was confirmed an additional time the day of the dinner. We were greeted at the door and our table was ready for us. Table service was helpful and unobtrusive. The only hiccup, if you can even call it that, was that there was a slight wait for claiming coats from coat check and, when you wait, you have to stand in between tables, just getting in the way of everybody. But, there isn't much that can be done about that. Go here. Or, better yet, don't. That way, I won't have to worry about whether or not I'll get a table next time.
(5)
Jane R.

This is my favorite restaurant in the city right now. The food is fresh and AMAZING. The staff is friendly and the service is fast. It's BYOB, so you can afford to pay more for the food :) If you want traditional American-Mexican food, don't come here. If you want pumpkin mole, make a reservation today.
(5)
Rachel L.

LAMB LAMB LAMB LAMB with MOLE MOLE MOLE MOLE MOLE!!! I was here yesterday for dinner and the food I had was just amazing. Food: 4/5 decor/atmosphere: 3.5/5 service:4/5 My bf had the RIB-EYE I had the LAMB the RIB-EYE was decent when you think about the price. It's 20-something dollars and comes with guacamole salad and refried black bean (I think it was beans...?). The LAMB was AMAZZZING. It was actually the first time I've tried the lamb (other than gyros) and I just fell in love. It was juicy, just the right amount of fat and tender. And as what other reviewers say, the MOLE! The dish consists of lamb, mole and mashed potatoes, and they were perfectly harmonized. The mole had just the right amount of sweetness and it was just so good with the lamb and mashed potatoes. I usually eat pretty small, most of time I never finish my dish if it's not like a tasting menu but this time, I literally finished the whole dish (except one piece I gave my bf). The atmosphere wasn't a top notch, but if you want a casual dinner with your date or family and don't want to spend too much money but want to slice something, go here!
(4)
Michael E.

I drove by this place FOREVER...and finally was able to partake of what some folks have described as some of the best Mexican around. The lines atest to those statements, but I had to find out for myself. My dinner mate and I had a couple of bottles of wine, though we thought we'd never finish them both off.......silly us *grin*. We actually had to wait a bit and Mixteco served our wine during our wait! It is BYOB...a big plus in these times. The food was everything I'd hoped it would be. guacamole appertizer and ceviche was outstanding. The entree I ordered was grilled prawns.....we call them shrimp where I come from....the mole sauce was just perfect...in fact the best I've every had!! Food was great as was the service, but reservations are a must.
(4)
Pascal M.

Bright, soulful, and full of Mexican flare. Mixteco delivers an array of great options while keeping your wallet in one piece. Their BYOB, so this is always a nice perk. The restaurant is large, so the wait is either non-existant or pretty short. Mixteco's food is bold, colorful, and has an appropriate level of heat. Their tamale appetizer is outstanding, but it may have been a special. Their ceviche is solid, I like that they use Marlin. A fish I'm not all too familiar with. Their Moles are outstanding. Moles typlically can be a turn off for most people, their complex and rich. I was not a huge fan when I was younger, but I've grown to really enjoy the diversity Moles can take on. Mixteco is a fine restaurant that will have you feeling like you walked away with a steal. Great food at overly generous prices.
(4)
Kennen M.

I had been looking forward to trying this place for years since hearing great reviews. The waitstaff was very patient when 2 of the 5 in my party was 40 minutes late. We munched on chips and salsa which were pretty good but anything is darn decent when starving. We started with the guacamole and calamari. The guac was good but not fantastic. The calamari was not memorable. I ordered the Cochinita Pibil (slow roasted pork) since the waiter recommended it after I couldn't decide over 3 other entrees. I was very disappointed in my dish as it was extremely soupy pork with some black beans. I wasn't sure how to eat it because it was too wet for tortillas and it didn't come with rice to soak up the liquid. The pork itself wasn't very flavorable or moist. I regretted ordering this and because of this dish, I am in no hurry to visit again. The others in my dinner party seemed to enjoy their food but no one raved about it. Of the 5 of us, only 2 finished their entrees and the rest of us didn't bother taking home the leftovers. I would rate this more of a 2.5 as I am still very disappointed in my meal for the price and the favorable build up before coming.
(3)
Jacob Y.

Ok...I went there for my second time this week...and I am still very much in love with this place...even for the encore performance. And to my surprise...we got the same waitresses, who was outstanding on both visits. Attentive, friendly, and always with a smile! Biggest update from last time...they have put up very colorful pieces of art on the walls...which was one of my concerns in that second room in the restaurant. I am sure that will help with the noise level down, especially when it's crowded. And this time, I tried new things on the menu. The carne asada (grilled steak) in a pastry like shell underneath with beans...STUPENDOUS!. The scallops...spicy, perfectly cooked, and very succulent. And to top it off, I tried the coffee tres leches and the chocolate cake. SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT...I know it's splurging...but sooooo worth it. Two thumbs up!
(5)
John B.

(oof thought this would follow original review. I'm referring to brunch - don't think a dinner party of four gets seated w/o a wait or reservations. Their brunch is just a well kept secret) redux: did it again with friends. Food was maybe(?) slow but kept in coffee while we waited. All entrees were fantastic; wife and I switched entrees, friend got huevos moltulenos, other friend got masa boat poached eggs, which kicked some ass. Chilaqulies verdes is great - is the salsa preparer still the sous chef? Either way, hats off. They're doing it right here. Best of all, (FOR NOW) you can get seated immediately. I hate telling anyone because I'm ruining the ease for myself, but it's great. Also if you're a drunk or you just couldn't close last night but some mimosas might do it - it's BYOB. I'm a terrible person to suggest closing the next morning. You missed the window. Deniro's yelling at you from Copland.
(5)
Rachel W.

I've only been here once, split several things w/my friends. Wasn't crazy about the food...everything was fried and wasn't labeled as fried, so we weren't aware when we ordered. Hence, it all tasted similar. It is great in that it's byo, reasonable, and a fun ambiance. I really wanted to love it, but I don't know that I'll be back.
(3)
Jeff W.

We went here last night and man was it phenomenal. First, it's BYOB, which we loved right off the bat. For some reason, I was expecting some kind of taqueria style menu - tacos, burritos, etc. Well, I was WRONG. This place is a Michelin star rated establishment. We started with the ceviche which was tart and light and super fresh along with some guacamole. I've pretty much given up making choices at local restaurants and instead go with what the waiter or waitress recommends. Our waiter recommended the lamb chops, the pork chops and the shredded pork. All were amazing. When I got back again, I'm definitely getting an order of the lamb chops just for myself. The mole was perfect and the lamb chops were fall off the bone tender. Oh and don't forget the banana pudding for dessert. Mmmmm.... And the presentation is equally artistic and eye-pleasing. Definitely worth a visit, both if you live in the neighborhood, but also as a destination dinner. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Pinaki S.

I love crowded places, and with a line out the door on a wintry Wednesday night, I was sure as hell glad to get a reservation (Yes! They take reservations). Usually when I go to ethnic restaurants I try to go as cheap as possible, and as authentic as possible (meaning, 'locals', crappy decor, big portions). This, obviously doesn't fit those places. But, it still is awesome. Breakdown: -Get the sopes, get the Tres Leches Cake, bring some wine. Get something with mole. -I got a pork/orange dish. The hot sauce on the side is SPICY. I think the mole would have been a better choice (not bad, though) You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Richie D.

I had been wanting to colonize Mixteco for quite some time because not only can never get enough Latin American food but also because it's always super busy so I thought I was missing out on something amazingly exotic. Jeeesh, for all the flocks of Caucasians I saw in here I figured there'd be a direct portal inside to a Puerto Vallarta beach. It was a mirror image when it came to Mexicans only being the employees, not customers. Although the mole is pretty damn tasty, along with the empanadas (story to go with it below), all the prices are set at a "tourist" level and the portion quantity is a bit sparing. The employees would bow down on their knees for their customers (or so they make it seem). Always smiley, helpful and...very apologetic in my case. I asked for the double empanada appetizer to be of only beef picadillo. When the dish was served, one was stuffed with cheese. Due to my lactose intolerance I mentioned it to the waiter who wrote it down. When the replacement came, that one too was stuffed with cheese. The other employee didn't seem to believe me til I cracked open the fried shell. The third one was finally beefy although it didn't come with the delicious avocado salsa like the first and second and they had taken my other two cups away. Oh well! The empanadas were piping hot and good and I finally left without being bloated. Where's the Nuevo Latino or Latin Fusion category for this place? I wouldn't necessarily consider it authentically Mexican. I think the crowds love it for the BYOB policy and Mixteco does take reservations which I would highly recommend! On that note, they have overstuffed the place with too many tables that its hard for the customers and workers to get around the labyrinth. Oh and don't believe the MenuPages menu because it's totally off and bring quarters for the expensive new meters.
(3)
Marc M.

Great, fresh, bright flavors. NOT typical Mexican-American covered in cheese. Authentic Mexican simple food, well prepared, and tastes DELICIOUS!
(4)
Marsha C.

Went here unexpectantly on Saturday night. Seated immediately but the place did fill up quickly. Had the fish tacos which were the best I have had. Very flavorful. Also loved their salsa verde and the black beans. Will definitely come again to try some other dishes. BYOB but there was no shortage of beer and wine in the restaurant, liquor store close by which makes it convenient. Good service.
(4)
Rajiv H.

This place is damn good. It's up there with Las Palmas and Los Nopales as my favorite Mexican places in Chicago. I'm thinking 4.5 stars, with that last half a star reserved to see how they do on my second visit. I expected good things from a restaurant opened by a Frontera alum, but Mixteco easily surpassed my expectations. It's at least my current favorite BYOB place in the city. Our server was an incredibly sweet lady that was very attentive. I ordered the Carne Asada En Salsa Roja. Like, woah. The quality of the meat is what blew me away. There are steakhouses in this city that don't match that quality, and only a handful that beat it. Add in some incredible, fresh guac and a great salsa roja and you've got an amazing meal. I don't think Mixteco pretends to be "authentic Mexican." It's slightly upscale fare like Las Palmas in WP. Still, you can get out of here easily for under $40pp.
(4)
Mavel M.

I can't believe myself for not writing a review sooner. I have been coming to Mixteco Grill for 2 years now and it has been awesome! They never fail. I live so close by and every time it is packed. They have the most amazing food, great wait staff and overall a great ambiance. I have been at Mixteco Grill for Brunch and Dinner. Its by far one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Chicago (besides Frontera Grill, Xoco and Topolobampo). I have had their Ceviche, Chuletas en Mole de Mango, Cochinita Pibil, Mole Poblano, Chilaquiles Tamales, Desert, coffee, and of course their salsa with chips that they give you when you are seated. Mixteco Grill is a great place to go out to eat with friends, for birthdays, celebrations, you name it. Their food is awesome, and their desert is to die for (BEST TRES LECHE CAKE EVER!!!!!). I love this place and I will be coming back for more of their amazing and delicious food. Oh yes it also BYOB!!!
(5)
Aaron B.

I have never liked mole, until I went here.... This place is a little gem among the many restaurants in Ravenswood/Lincoln Square. Whenever someone mentions Mexican food I immediately think of huge burritos and tacos with green salsa. This is not what you will find at Mixteco. A very refined menu with just enough options, but not too many to keep you wondering what you'll have. The food is fresh, inventive and damn tastie. Also they have great wait staff and are BYOB. Go try it and you'll never want margaritas and tortillas again when someone mentions 'Mexican Food" Thumbs Up
(5)
Matt T.

Eh, Mixteco has been so hyped up after reading reviews over the years that I had such high expectations. I gotta stop going to these places that I've had on my list to try for over a year because at that point it's doubtful the restaurant will live up to the hype. My wife and I came here for dinner last night to meet some friends and overall were not blown away. There's decent space inside and we did not wait at all for a table for four at 7:30. We dug the artwork on the walls and the space itself but the place was very loud. We had to almost scream at each other to talk. The chips and salsa that we received upon sitting down were good and for apps we tried the ceviche (last night featured crab) and the wood grilled calamari. Both were decent but nothing too exciting. the ceviche was nice and spicy but it wasn't real complex. The calamari was a bit of a disappointment. I liked that it came on a salad but would have preferred bigger chunks instead of small thin rings. BTW, Mixteco is BYOB which helps keeps costs down given the menu is a bit pricey. We brought some beer that they kept in the fridge and gave us frosty mugs; however, we when left they failed to give us the beer back. Not a big deal because it's on me for the most part to remember. I hope the servers like Oberon. For entrees my wife ordered the veggie enchiladas which came in a green tomatillo sauce. It was pretty tasty but again, nothing mind blowing. I ordered the cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork) which was good, but as one other reviewer stated accurately, "lacked depth." The pork was cooked well and had some good surface taste but there really wasn't much going on. The best part of the meal was the tres leches desert. That was an awesome piece of cake. Would I go back? Naw, I'd hit up another spot on my list first.
(3)
Dan G.

Just a superior Mexican restaurant. Not a traditional one by any means this food is kicked up an notch and is true Mexican cuisine. A restaurant in Ravenswood that is as good as it gets. It is BYOB as well so that just makes the whole thing that much better. The mole is definitely where a first time diner should go. Every color of mole in the rainbow. I suggest the pork chop in a mango mole and the rack of lamb in a black mole. Just phenomenal food. The appetizers are all great and the chips and salsa verde they bring out for you is almost the best part. Their verde is a mix of homemade and culinary art, very very good. The brunch on the weekends is also a delight. Killer chilaquiles. The Huevos Al Bajio is also tasty. Poached eggs with chorizo. On top of corn masa and black beans. All with some fresh squeezed orange juice makes for one of the best brunches in the city. So bravo, Mixteco. You have yourself multiple returning customer.
(5)
Jelena Z.

Yesssss, Mixteco is THAT good. I trekked on over to the little Mexican restaurant with 2 cousins, 1 brother and 2 amigos last Friday night. 5 bottles of vino and some Coronas also tagged along. Our server immediately greeted us with frosty mugs, wine glasses and a warm welcome. We started with the trio of empanadas and guacamole. While we enjoyed the beef and vegetable empanadas, the cheese empanada stole our hearts. We plotted that when we return we'll ask for all 3 to be the cheese-filled variety and will be more than happy to pay an upcharge. Obsession. The guacamole was also outstanding. Served very chilled and heavily textured with jicama, chiles, cilantro and a hint of lime. Not spicy, but full on flavor with a side of chips. For our main courses, we tried everything from the carne asada, enchiladas, the wood-grilled baby chicken (pollito envinado), and the scallops special. The meat and seafood were perfectly prepared, the dishes were beautifully presented and the sauces? To-die-for rich. Throughout our euphoria-inducing dinner, our server and his team kept our wine and water glasses full and our table free of empty plates. Coffee was definitely in order-- hot and robust with a nice spicy finish to it. We stretched the decadence and completed our meal with 2 shared deserts: the super indulgent rich and creamy flan and a flourless chocolate cake. I was cheating on the flan with the chocolate cake so I can't proclaim a clear-cut winner :) As always when trying a new restaurant with discerning out-of-towners, I was worried that Mixteco might not deliver on the hype. But on the contrary, we were blown away. FAR far away. There's a liquor store across the street so round up your friends, some vino, and eat and drink away the cold weather blues in the warm confines of Mixteco.
(5)
Veronica D.

I loved the veggie enchiladas! I went with a group of 7 and we were easily accommodated on a Thursday evening. Parking is difficult in the area, we parked about a block away. It is BYOB which is a plus. The desserts we had were amaxzing as well!
(5)
Carol K.

Funny how something sticks in your head and won't leave. Trying Mixteco Grill was just that thing. I had been wanting to try it but something else always came up. Finally had a chance the other night. Now why I thought that it wouldn't be crowded the night before Thanksgiving is beyond me- but we had reservations and only had to wait for about 15 minutes as this place was packed! That was okay, though- cuz the host cracked open one of the bottles of wine we had brought and served us wine as we stood and waited! Gotta love BYOB! We started with a range of appetizers, guacamole (with jicama and sweet apples) calamari (grilled and served with peppers and salad greens) and the ceviche. All were amazing. So on to the entrees. I couldn't decide between the special of the day (halibut) or the rack of lamb with garlic. I went with the lamb and my friend had the grilled prawns also with garlic. Both were served with warm tortillas and rested in a mole sauce for the lamb and a green sauce for the shrimp. A liberal use of garlic seems to be the name of the game at this place so don't go here if you are going to be breathing on people for the next couple of hours!! Yikes! For dessert we had the melted chocolate cake (my favorite) and the coconut flan (flavor changes daily) Other than it was a bit warm in the place, the experience was great. Service was spot on, and the food? The food is the shining star. So make a reservation, show up with some patience, and experience Mixteco Grill. It was definitely worth the wait.
(4)
Donna C.

Absolutely love this place. This place gets packed on a Saturday night so make sure you have reservations! Out of our group of four, the standout dish was the mahi mahi! The carne asada (a ribeye) was cooked perfectly to order. The cochnitia pibil... we've had better elsewhere. It is great that this place is BYOB. Unfortunately, they did set a time limit for our dinner, which I understand. The waiters were efficient, maybe a little rushed but that's understandable too. Don't miss their coconut cheesecake too. I've had better Tres Leches cake elsewhere (Oaxaquena, Azucar, etc)... it just wasn't moist enough. Quality of the food and value is way better than Los Nopales. Oaxaquena has better value but not quite the same quality. La Encantada used to be this good in quality and better in value but last time I went there, it just wasn't as good. Did I mention it's BYOB?!
(4)
S C.

The food at this place is fantastic, but is it worth all the drama??? We had a 7pm reservation on Sunday nite, and were not seated until 730p. Despite multiple apologies from the hostess, a manager never came to our table, and we were not offered anything for out trouble. In addtion we were charged an additional $2 for a basket of chips, after we polished off the first one. Really?? Maybe if we weren't so hungry, one would have been enough.....Although the food made up for some of the B.S., Going there is a stressful situation and not a relaxing dining experience.
(2)
searah d.

I had dinner with my family here last night. We were seated right away for our reservation. I thought the service was pretty good and the food was very yummy. I had a hearty piece of wood-fired fish that was cooked just right and had a nice char to it. My mom LOVED her mushroom sopes so much she gasped when she first bit into it. The desserts were pretty good too, esp. the chocolate cake. This is not a cheap restaurant for sure, but I would go back in a heartbeat!
(4)
Pete V.

So, this place gets pretty good reveiws and I can see why. Upscale Mexican food, good quality, fresh ingredients, and BYOB. How can you go wrong? I had high expectations going into my first visit to Mixteco...stopped by a bit late on a Saturday night, and we were seated immediately in the back seating area. Unforunately my appetite was immediately vanquished by the smell of the back side of a fully loaded port-a-potty sitting in the hot Texas sun all day. I don't know if they just left the bathroom door wide open, but it smelled FOUL. To top that off there were only about 3-4 other parties seated and it sounded like an elementary school cafeteria full of drunken 4th graders. I guess they were so drunk even their olfactory nerves were impaired. Well either that or someone just dropped a load and forgot to flush. As far as the food goes...well it was good, but not as great as people say. The grilled shrimp was fresh with great seasoning, and the mexican rice was certainly better than expected. I must say the mole negro they used was delicious and comparable to what I've had at other top Mexican restaurants in Chicago. The guacalmoe con chicharron appetizer was very good - the pork was roasted perfectly. Somehow I was able to get past the foul odor and 120+ decibel level to enjoy my dinner, but it would have been a much better time without. Bottomline: I'd go back, but only if I can sit in the front area or at the bar and on a Monday night when the drunken 4th graders are on curfew.
(2)
Kelly W.

This place is great and on my first trip here I learned the following: 1) Make reservations: This place gets crowded (especially Friday nights) and having a reservation is pretty key. Otherwise, you get seated when/where you can-- for instance, my friend and I took a seat at the "bar" aka a small "breakfast bar"-type with 4 seat, right in front of where they bus the dishes. This spot sort of makes it you feel like a 5 year old because the ledge is so high too. But c'est la vie.. I digress. 2) It's BYOB: Stop by the liquor store just across the street and be sure to take advantage of this.. it significantly helps bring the bill down! 3) It's delicious: They really know what they are doing food-wise here. I had this amazing pork/plantain/grilled pineapple situation. yumz. Note it.
(4)
Stephen G.

This place is very low key and tasty. I had one of the fish dishes, which was delicious. The mole is incredible. It tasted so good that I felt guilty having it before my dinner came along because it felt like having dessert before dinner. When all was said and done, I had filled up so much on chips, guac, and mole that I couldn't quite finish my entree, but no complaints here.
(4)
angela h.

The reviews for this place are spot on. It's yum, friendly, and dios mio! Delicious! I had the chicken, which I usually don't order because, hello? Bland much? But lately I've come to the conclusion that chicken is where a restaurant can show off just how good it can be. Well my friends, all I can say is "Order the damn chicken!" Oh, and get the flan, too. I'm of the same group that thinks Tango Sur ensnared and employed The Flan God. (Seriously, if you never have, you MUST... and then you can die.) But Mixteco? You've opened up a whole new altar for worshiping the Demigod of Flan. Have you ever heard of strawberry flan?!? Me neither, but it was slammin'!
(4)
Barry B.

Mixteco does a great job with Oaxacan cuisine. The food is superb. I cannot think of any other place to go to great authentic me
(5)
Brett F.

Mixteco, yet another fab Yelp find... as the last stop on the ' heading up North tasting tour' that Erin and I pummeled our way through on Sunday we clearly saved one of the best for last. A quaint restaurant with a shortage on booze and a abundance of personality, Mixteco makes up in delicious food for what they lack in Margaritaville. The BYOB factor I'm sure is exciting for most, but Mexican fare is usually so reasonably priced to begin with that I usually don't mind not cutting corners with a cadillac maggie or two... Bring-your-own-Coronas does the trick for now but I'd love to see them obtain a liquor license soon and swill me some patron. Fortunately, I'm easily distracted from complaining about my lack of tequila i.v. drip and it only took one look at their mouthwatering menu before I was back to giddy again. Your choices at Mixteco are a bit scaled back with only a few handfuls of selections... no combo dishes or platters here Chuy, think more rustic south of the border dishes like wood-fired shrimp, sopes, empanadas, baby chicken with guajillo and pulled-beef chile rellenos. Mucho Gusto! The dishes shared at the table were all fantastic... amazing crispy sopes (corn boats) filled with chicken, pork and mushrooms - the perfect starter for a small bite of all the fabulous flavors! My enchiladas suizas swimming in a tangy tomatillo beneath melty cheese and sour cream were a scrumptious delight without being even remotely heavy. A generous side of refried black beans and guacamole accompanied my little roll-ups of love perfectly. My Mom didn't really adore the Mole sauce that topped her chicken tamales - she said it was too chocolaty - but isn't that the point?? The mole was thick and rich with the perfect balance of sweetness and spicy cinnamon. I heart Mixteco Mole! The aroma was indescribable in the best way, I may bottle it and start pushing it on easy marks at Neiman Marcus... Eau De MolÃ© will make me rich some day, I'm coming for ya Ron Popeil! Wrap up this experience with friendly service in a warm tortilla and call it a day!! Mixteco takes reservations, so you may want to call ahead as it does get quite busy... this sweet secret was let out of the BYOBag some time ago.
(4)
Doug S.

Holy Mole (sorry, I had to)! I didn't even realize how good a mole could be until eating at Mixteco. I have been here 3 times, and each time the food has been excellent. I've always opted for a dish with a mole sauce ( I believe that has meant pork twice and lamb once). The meat has always been perfectly seasoned and cooked (meaning just a few seconds into medium rare territory) and the mole is always complex yet well balanced. And of course Mixteco is BYOB, so may I recommended a Edmund Fitzgerald porter? I don't have a sweet tooth but my dining companions have always raved about the desserts. Service is always friendly and professional. Finally, I've never had a problem making a reservation, but wouldn't want to risk showing up without one...
(5)
phil m.

Sometimes when 'ethnic' places are all the rave for non-native folk and their clientele is solely non-native of the food (no offense), I get a little skeptic. This place is hands down for their great tasting food! When I go out for Mexican food, I don't order the Mole because as a native myself, I've had the pleasure of having great home made sauces. This place is probably one of the places outside my home that can deliver that exquisite tasting Mole. The food is awesome and have been back many many times. I highly recommend it!!! Good luck getting in without a reservation...
(5)
Onur U.

I've been worried that since Raul Arreola left the place would go down hill. I'm happy to report it's as good as ever. The habanero salsa is REALLY hot. At first I wasn't paying attention and I got burned big time. My eyes were watering for five minutes while my tongue cooled off. But for some reason, after the initial shock, I was better able to tolerate the heat. The salsa has a wonderful bright flavor that highlights the flavor of the chili, with perhaps a hint of orange juice. It lent great flavor to all of the dishes (you don't need much) even if I was the only one eating it. Also the chips were better than usual, crunchy and light. Our group of 5 tore through three baskets. We started off with a handful of appetizers. The empenadas with huitlacoche were a particular standout. They have a nice crunchy, though not greasy shell with a generous amount of earthy mushrooms inside. The queso fundido was gooey and spicy as usual. For entrees we split the enchiladas in mole and the wood-grilled shrimp. The mole sauce was a little on the sweet side, though it had nice complexity, I balanced it out with the tomatillo salsa. The shrimp were fantastic. We brought some out-of-town friends whose eyes opened wide when the wood-grilled smell of the shrimp hit the table. If I have one criticism it's that the menu rarely changes. We've had nearly every dish on the menu 3-4 times, so we rarely go without people who have never been before. It'd be nice if there were more variety, but I am happy to say they are still executing their menu as well as they ever have.
(5)
Jeff G.

place is average, not all that great. and a bit expensive for the quality. for example, the carne asada was a thick steak with red chile sauce on it, rather than thin beef. my wife and i have made carne asada better than that numerous times. also, the chicken pipian was not all that. we've only ever had it at one other place, at veracruz in dallas, and their version was twice as good. mixteco's sauce for the pipian was just not exciting or good at all.
(3)
Kate s.

Yummm Yummm and Yummm... great food, it reminded me of being back in Mexico City. I'm taking away one star due to the service. The service was friendly but took forever. We waiting for over 10 minutes to get a drink order in - then he quickly left before we could order some guacamole... that was another 10 minutes, and finally about 30 minutes into sitting there, we were able to order our food. In one way it was nice because we weren't rushed at all and it's nice to slow down and enjoy a great meal. We also cracked open both bottles of wine we brought. ;) but w/ that said, we were there at 9:00 after their big dinner rush and we were starving! I've only been once, and can't wait to go back! If things change, I'll change my review to 5 stars!
(4)
Lara T.

One of my top BYOBs in Chicago. Wonderful flavors that come from a chef who is not afraid to play with Latin spices. Their mole is to die for and if you're a vegetarian, there are options that will knock your socks off. Do not pass up this place up - put it at the top of your list!
(4)
John G.

Solid and modern Mexican cuisine... The mole was great!
(4)
Andrea R.

These days I feel like I'm on a Mexican cuisine diet and despite the expanding waist line I'm kind of liking chips and salsa for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Brunch at Mixteco Grill- I like it!! I met 2 of my favorite yelpers (Colleen C and Rob L) for my favorite meal of the day (yep, that's brunch) this past Sunday morning. Rob was nice enough to book a reservation for us, but we didn't actually need it cause there were a few empty tables when we arrived. A brunch spot where you don't have to wait- I like that too!! The menu had plenty of tasty brunch options, but also other things like enchiladas if you're not in the brunch mood. I, always in the brunch mood, ordered the huevos rancheros. Rob and Colleen ordered some tasty looking tortilla soup to start off their meal, but i was happy munching on my chips and green salsa while waiting for my entree. And it was worth the wait- with the exception of having to pick out the ham (ick- don't recall the description saying there was ham in it!) it was very delicious! I've had lots of huevos rancheros in my life and have to admit this was one of the best I've had. The owner was missing some of his wait staff so he apologized over and over for the service being slow (he was waiting all the tables), but there really wasn't any need to apologize because I thought the pace of our meal moved along just fine. Rumor in yelpland is that Mixteco is a great spot for dinner and it's BYOB so I plan on continuing the Mexican cuisine diet here another time...
(4)
Danielle C.

Always the last to know... Well, in this case- one of the the last to yelp! I have heard raves about Mixteco for awhile but have not had the chance to check it out. Finally, a group of peps that I have not had the chance to see for quite some time gathered to celebrate a birthday! We had reservations for 8:30 on a Thursday night and proceeded to gather. Gather we did, and clog the entry way, the small bar area (tho they are BYOB) and other places too! Our table was not ready, and we proceeded to wait for approximately 30 minutes. Not too much of a problem for my friends, as wine was opened and poured, conversations were held, and the good times commenced! Once we were able to sit, we Mixteco began to weave their magic! They supplied us with guac, ceviche, chips, pico in massive amounts to make up for the wait. We got down to ordering! In essence- we ordered the menu! I had the wood smoked dorado with a peanut green chili mole, zucchini and roasted garlic mashed (amazing!), friends ordered the pork chops with a red mole and sweet mashed, pineapple and plantains (to die for), others had the slow roasted pork with achiote and sour orange juice, the seafood tamales, the grilled pork chops with black mole, the sopas (all 3) the calamari salad, the carne asada. It was ALL amazing!! We also (somehow) had a couple of desserts- the tres leche cake and one of the chocolate concoctions! All in all- Mixteco was pretty darn amazing! The staff bent over backwards to ensure that things were wonderful for us! While we had to wait- at a small BYOB place- what do you expect? I think I would be neglectful if I did not mention the noise level. This is not a quiet, intimate dining experience. Mixteco is noisy- and at times, flat out LOUD. Plan on it, and enjoy!
(4)
Philip B.

My fiancee and I came here a few days ago to celebrate the three year anniversary of the day we met. And it was a great choice! It was pretty early, around 7 on a Wednesday so there wasn't much of a crowd and probably didn't need a reservation. But wanted to be safe so had one anyway. We started with the queso fundido, which was just what we were looking for to warm up after walking four blocks from Damen. Warm and tasty with freshly made tortillas. I had the Mahi mahi with salsa veracruzana - excellent all the way around. I also ate some of the pork chops with mole my fiancee ordered, and that was probably even better which I didn't think was possible. We topped it off with the lemon flan. We were so full but that didn't matter, we ate away! Glad it was BYOB to keep cost down, but the price is definitely worth it. Next time I'll bring some friends or family along. Can't wait!
(5)
Mike P.

The one comment that my wife (100% Mexican decent) made that stuck out is that Mixteco served the type of food she was used to getting when she dines out in Mexico. So if you're looking for a wet burrito, you might want to try The Mayan Palace, where they serve the "safe" Mexican food we all know and love. Not to worry though, you'll recognize a lot of the menu. They have Carne Asada, and enchiladas. I'd recommend the Conchita Pibil. Which is roasted pork marinated in sour orange juice served with black beans and habanero salsa. The salsa is extremely hot, so be careful. Backing up, the appetizers were very good. We opted for the calamari and queso fundito. The calamari, served with endive and roasted garlic was good, but short on the actual amount of squid you receive. The queso was a hit though. Chorizo not too greasy. Don't touch the plate, though, it's hot. My wife enjoyed her carne asada, but mentioned it's not the best she had but was still quite good. Mixteco is a fun place, quaint and wonderfully positioned in the neighborhood. BYOB, with a liquor store kitty-corner. I'd definitely go back, but I'm not in a rush. If you've got a chance to dine with someone that's experienced more of the menu, it would probably help.
(3)
Hasan G.

I have Been there several Times. I always Have a great time there. Though it it can be a bit above average pricing, the food is Great, The Staff is Nice, The mole is the bomb, The Art work and decor is vivid to say the least and best of all it's BYOB! I will Go back for Sure!
(4)
Rob L.

Yes, I still love this place. After I have been here about a dozen times since my last review, I have brought friends, other yelpers and even my mom here, (her mother's day dinner). Many have shared my general happiness with Mixteco. For me it is surely a great BYOB place to share some food, break some tortillas, enjoy some company and have a good time. I never tend to linger, especially during diner, I wouldn't want others to lose out on trying this place. Also, they do have carry out, which I have had on a few occasions. I did try brunch today and had their chicken tacos and didn't leave disappointed. My lovely and gorgeous companions, Andrea R and Colleen C seemed to enjoy their huevos, although not the ham attack that Andrea got. The owner was the only one serving today, his server called in sick so he was really running the show today. He was apologetic for the delay and not being on top of everything, but when you have some lovely women to enjoy a meal with, I didn't notice. This is still a Mexican place that makes me leave with a smile on my face... even if it is cava enhanced.
(5)
grant s.

I came here solely on Yelper reviews. The food is certainly the draw and did not dissapoint. We came on a tues. at 7PM , so we did not wait. It is crowded and close, but I think that's part of the charm. The waiter and server was great, but for the refills and extras they were not that attentive. Clearly this is a restaurant and we came to eat. The pork almondine was head and pork shoulders above the best meal on the table (I'm getting it next time). The veggie enchiladas were good, and the carne asada was really good. The desserts of flan (interesting texture), and the chocolate cake ( this stuff is why people order dessert) topped of the meal real good. For all the people turned off by the "little things" go to an overpriced, posh, polished place and let us regular folks who like good food eat here! I like Mixteco Grill and I'll be back.
(4)
Erin B.

This is not your typical Mexican restaurant so don't come here if you're looking for chips, salsa and burritos but it's a great neighborhood find if you want higher end, authentic Mexican. I have been here for a few parties and a couple of times with 1-2 other people and it was delicious every time. The service can get a little backed up but it isn't anything shocking considering how popular/busy the restaurant is on weekends. The menu changes rather frequently, but I've tried multiple lamb, fish, scallop and steak dishes and they were all amazing so there isn't anything on the menu I wouldn't order and expect to be delicious. Enjoy!
(5)
j p.

I do love Mixteco Grill! Every time I eat at Mixteco, I find myself wondering why I don't eat there more often. The food is excellent. The salsa is very tasty! The service is always great! I do have to warn, as a vegetarian, the menu caters to the more omnivorous crowd. There is always at least one entree and a couple of appetizers that will definitely please my palate! It's a cozy place for a winter date. BYOB and a fine little liquor store across the street to pick up a drink. Go there. You won't be disappointed! :)
(5)
Kit G.

Excellent BYOB. I went with 9 friends. We had a 9pm reservation, but they were unable to seat us for 20 minutes simply because the previous group at our table would not leave. When they finally left the waiters had complimentary guac, and 3 serving of it, waiting for us. I thought that was very classy of them. The waitstaff is exceptional. They were so helpful, and even brought over lots of sliced limes for our beers. They also gave very insightful information on the menu. And the graciously accomidated a very picky eater that was with us. And the food was great. So good we couldn't stop eating even though the portions were large. All 10 of us were very happy!
(4)
Julie Z.

I know I'm gonna get a lot of flack about only giving this 3 stars. My friends can't believe I didn't like it more. Let me preface by saying for a good 7 years, I have eaten home cooked food from women who are from Panama, Columbia and Argentina so I'm particular and I feel like I have eaten the best. With that being said, the carne asada was not like any carne asada I have ever eaten. It was thick and not seasoned well. The empanadas were just ok. The rice was NOT good, however, I am a rice snob b/c of my previous years of eating the best rice and beans on the planet. It is BYO which is much appreciated and my bf loved it. Sooo, I think you should check this place out. I will be giving it a second chance as well. I'll keep you posted.
(3)
Bridget M.

I have been to Mixteco Grill 3 times now, having now tried 3 different dishes. The lamb with mole sauce is absolutely to die for-believe the hype! As much as I wanted to get that everytime, I kept an open mind and had the mahi mahi as well as the tiger shrimp.Both excellent dishes as well but I tell ya, that lamb will leaveyou dreaming sweet mole dreams. You get the standard chips and salsa to start but if you wanted to mix it up, the crab/seafood ceviche is delish. I have also sampled their empanadas which are good-just a little heavy to start with. The only slightly negative thing experience I have had there was when I went to dinner with a girlfriend a few weeks back. I ordered the tiger shrimp (and even showed and pointed to it on the menu for the waiter to see) but when our food came out, I was served the mahi mahi. No big deal, mistakes happen. I politely told him I had actually ordered the tiger shrimp. Clearly annoyed, he tried to tell me I had in fact ordered the mahi mahi. I was a little shocked-whatever happened to the customer is always right? I firmly told him no I said tiger shrimp and I even pointed to it on the menu. Even my friend agreed, she heard me loud and clear. He did NOT hide his exasperation and took my plate away and back to the kitchen. Whoa. Fortunately another waiter, or perhaps it was the manager, let me know my dish cooked quickly and would be out in only a few minutes, which it was. Honestly, even this incident couldn't make me knock off a star. The food is superb and it's a casual laid back atmosphere. Oh and did I mention BYOB? Bonus. I will still keep going back. I do reccomend sitting in the back room as the front room is right next to the kitchen so there is more hustle and bustle going on over there.
(5)
Elizabeth V.

Two women friends and I had an early dinner at Mixteco last evening. All in all, I would rate the experience as good. We didn't have a reservation, so the staff seated us at one of two tables right next to the door and host station, which naturally takes away from ambience, but then again, we could have made a reservation and scored a better seating arrangement. The food was good - my friend ate every last morsel of her mole, which is really saying something! We also had fish tacos, Taco Azteca (vegetarian lasagna, sort of) and the beet salad. Of the three, I must say the beet salad with mango was easily the best! That's where the Rick Bayless influence began to appear. The staff is great about opening and serving the BYOB's and naturally, that helps keep the price down. All in all, I would say good food at reasonable prices AND I recommend making a reservation. Provecho!!
(3)
Adele n.

Mission Impossible: the Mixteco edition. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to save room for dessert. I dare you. The first challenge you will encounter is the tortilla chips -- salty, crunchy, thick and delicious with amazing tomatillo salsa. I kept saying, "I have to stop eating these!" (I couldn't do it.) Next, you'll be confronted by appetizers. We had empanadas (one with meat for my guy, one with veggies and cheese for me). These came with a fresh, refreshing green sauce that would have been good all on its own. Now on to your entree. I had the vegetable enchiladas. The sauce, again, is a knock-out -- exploding with spice and flavor. The grilled zucchini was amazing. I had to take home leftovers. I LOVE dessert. But there was no way I could have ordered it after that meal. Good luck on your mission. Maybe you'll do better than I did. (I doubt it, though.)
(4)
Danika A.

My husband and I arrived at Mixteco at 4:50 pm on a Friday evening, and they let us come inside early, but then made us stand there staring at all the empty tables until 5:00 pm on the dot when the restaurant officially opened. That was a little strange, but food-wise this place is incredible. The chips' taste 100% reminded me of Fritos, you know, the curly corn chips you ate as a kid. Yum. We had the appetizer that is basically a dish of cheese (forgot the name) which you spoon into a mini-flour tortilla, which was very filling and tasty. I had the carne asada for en entree, which was perfectly done with an intense and good sauce. My partner had the shrimp and asparagus, which he said had heavenly rice, though the shrimp themselves were a bit bland. Good service at the table, fun times. Pretty pricey; our total for 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, no drinks was over $60, including tax and 20% tip. I'd go back, but only for a special occasion. The colorful huge paintings decorating the walls are beautiful!
(4)
Will S.

Ate here w/ 2 friends. I had the tilapi. My friends had the pork, the goat cheese salad and the calamari. It is BYOB (liquor store kitty corner to the restaurant on Ashland). Everything was excellent. The service was good. Atmosphere is pretty non-descript and it was crowded and a little noisy. Prices were high for Mexican (approx $20 entrees) but worth it.
(4)
cindy f.

We ordered ceviche, guacamole, pipian pollo, and dorado. The ceviche was mediocre, the guacamole was fresh but sort of insipid. The pollo and dorado didn't do much for me either. BUT...the TOMATILLO SALSA--among the best I've had. Despite being BYOB we managed to spend close to $80 with tip.
(3)
E C.

Great food, however, very very tiny portions. My lamb looked lost on my huge plate. Great service.
(3)
Bri W.

I don't know why all these amazing reviews even exist. Mediocre food and ambiance. The waitress forgot our appetizer, too. Eh. Kinda way over rated.
(2)
Jim F.

I've eaten here before and the food IS good. But the service kind of sucks. Last week I arrived behind a party of five, who left a name with the hostess and waited. Seeing two open two-top tables I didn't think it would be a problem seating my friend and me. But the hostess informed me she had reservations for both tables-- in ONE HOUR. When I pointed out that an hour is a long time from now and we were hungry she said we could have the table, but only if we finished in an hour! "Forget it," I said, and left. I should have said "Sure, if you guarantee service in 10 minutes." Too many good Mexican restaurants in this town for that kind of treatment.. My friend and I spent our $60 a few doors west.
(2)
Kate H.

Unremarkable steak. Dry tres leches (how is that even possible?). Price far exceeds the quality. Won't be going back.
(2)
James B.

Simply wonderful. Yes, its small, and yes its hot, but it has hands down the best Cochinitas Pibil I've had outside of the Yucatan. I'm told the garlic shrimp dish was good too, but my fiance finished hers before she realized I might like to try it. I was a little disappointed that they didn't have the Habenero salsa when we were there (they substituted a wonderful Jalepeno salsa, but it just doesn't pack the same punch), but I guess I'll just have to take another trip. Darn. Top notch food at a very reasonable price (the check could have been 50% higher and I wouldn't have blinked). I'll be back often.
(5)
Balki B.

I had good service when I went last week and no wait for 2 on Friday night. They kept the water full, the table clean, and the beers cold but our waiter was a little bit pokey. Liked the fact it was small and intimate, but is at a busy intersection which took away from the ambiance. Really enjoyed the ceviche. Slightly overpriced in my opinion and a limited selection (especially since my girlfriend can't eat mole because nobody seems to know if they make it with nuts or not), but BYOB kept the tab reasonable. Agreed though, probably not somewhere I'd come back to if we didn't live close bye.
(4)
John B.

I liked the atmosphere, but I didn't like waiting for 15 minutes in spite of having reservations. I don't know what they do when it's raining since everyone has to stand outside. The service was reasonably good, but I was disappointed with the mole. I expected too much, I guess. I expected that the mole would be as good as in Oaxaca, but sadly, not even close. I expected a deep, rich flavor, but it was thin and lacking complexity. Fortunately the place is BYOB so at least the bill wasn't over the top. I'm afraid I won't be going back.
(2)
Lulis W.

It pains me to write this review because I know that so many people love Mixteco Grill. Yes, people spill out into the street waiting for a table. Yes, the decor is simple but attractive. Yes, the people who work there are very friendly. However, when it comes to the food, I was so disappointed because everything we had was oversalted, almost to the point of inedible. Granted, we are a couple who does not use the salt shaker at any restaurant; however, we are not averse to salt used to prepare dishes. The chips that were brought to us were tasty, with not too much salt. We ordered the following appetizers: octopus, guacamole, huaraches capitalinos (corn boat masas filled with meat), and mushroom filled corn boat masas. Every single appetizer was salty. We could taste the freshness and quality of the ingredients below and were so bummed by the quantity of the salt. For main dishes, we had tamal de marisco (seafood tamal) and cochinita (slow roasted pork). Again, the flavors should have been allowed to just come out on their own. I could taste a hint of the orange juice my pork had been roasted in. I don't understand why there was a salt shaker on the table. The waitress was so lovely, we didn't have the heart to tell her everything should be sent back. We did not stay for dessert. For Mexican, we love El Cid on Milwaukee. Local Spanish-speaking people eat there and everything is fresh and not salty. We didn't order dessert. So disappointing. If you call and leave a message for a reservation, do not expect the call to be returned. The hostesss told us as much when we entered and said we had called and left a message. Young crowd, happy crowd. Won't be back. Sorry Mixteco Grill lovers!
(1)
Poppy C.

I love this option for BYOB. It is small, intimate, and very warm. I always love open kitchens, I think it adds lot of charm and aroma to the dining experience. For staters we had the queso con chorizo. It was not greasy and the chorizo had nice spice without being over the top. We also ordered the uchepos, which is a delicious sweet corn tamale, and an arugula salad with calamari, nice lite palate cleanser before the entrees. We ordered three entrees, the cochinita pibil which is a pulled pork dish that has nice citrusy flavors. It pairs nicely with a balanced habenero salsa and freshly made tortillas. We also had the mahi mahi which is steamed in parchment paper and served with an assortment of seasonal vegtables, very fresh and lite. Our last entree was the lamb chops with mole negro. The lamb was cooked perfectly and the mole had nice spice as well as notes of canela and dark chocolate. We brought two bottles of wine and actually sampled some tequila from the patrons sitting next to us. The restaurant fills up quickly and it seems there are always people waiting for a table.
(5)
BurtK D.

I loved this place! My husband and I went a few weeks ago for dinner, we have been wanting to go for such a long time since we saw it opened. We walked in, no reservations and luckily there was a table open. We ordered the sopas which were sooo good for appetizers and I got the salmon which I think was one of the best salmon's I have ordered in a restuaurant. My husband got a pork dish, which was good, but I liked my salmon better :) I would definitley go back as a couple or with a group...good for both!!!
(4)
Chris A.

Great place! The food was excellent, and the service was great...the waiter even turned our pre-mixed bottle of margaritas into a fancy concoction by mixing it with fresh fruit juice. The restaurant is pretty noisy when it's full, but I thought it just added to the energy of the place.
(4)
Steve B.

My wife and I went here accidentally, looking for another place to eat and stumbled upon this on a Sat. eve. After a short wait, we were seated and treated to an excellent meal. First off, it's BYOB, so that was a plus. Second, the food was fantastic. We had the empanadas (great), the guac (also great), and the enchiladas (fan-freakin-tastic). The enchiladas weren't the typical cheese-covered, mole/suiza drenched enchiladas, but something I can't even explain and they were awesome. The beans that accompanied it were just as impressive. The service here was excellent as well . . . all in all, this is our new fav place and we'll definitely be going back. BTW. . . we had to look up what the name meant when we got home: "Mixteco" is an indigenous tribe from Mexico.
(5)
J w.

Love this place. The staff is amazing! They put the effort in to make it feel like a 4 star restaurant. The dÃ©cor is ok but the emphasis is definitely on the food and service. The entrees have amazing flavor and being able to pair your favorite drink (BYOB) to the dish helps tremendously. It's a 4 star food with 2 star prices - even better with the BYOB. The place gets packed but moves quickly. This in no way means that they rush you. Make reservations. Sunday nights are easier to come without. And if you have leftovers you will make everyone jealous at the office the next day! Enjoy!
(4)

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Address : 1601 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL, 60613
Phone (773) 868-1601
Website https://www.mixtecogrill.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

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Mixteco Grill

1601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613

Mixteco Grill Menu

Entremes

Platos Fuertes

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Mixteco Grill

Entremes

Platos Fuertes

Sides

Erin C.

Christopher S.

Lori S.

Shaaru R.

Becky H.

Steph T.

Bernadette L.

HRH J.

Arthur M.

Dave S.

Marco H.

Tracie D.

Kelly S.

Annie R.

Catherine C.

Liz T.

Virginia T.

Chad D.

Marissa D.

Rachel K.

Wayne H.

Nick M.

David M.

Jeff K.

Brad F.

Elizabeth L.

Amy M.

Melissa B.

Mr. T.

Pam W.

Johnny A.

Jay M.

Tom F.

Kristen S.

Lilia B.

Little T.

Megan T.

Marisa V.

dia m.

Anuj S.

Savannah M.

Natalie P.

Max P.

Elle M.

Nektaria R.

Mellie M.

mike b.

Omar F.

Rhea G.

Rob B.

Rohan S.

Angela D.

Gabriel G.

Hannah H.

C X.

Ivy T.

Julia R.

Michael P.

Erica C.

Mary T.

Gwen D.

Richard S.

Kelly A.

Salil G.

maurice s.

Adam K.

Colleen C.

Scott V.

D Mike K.