Welcome to IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar
At IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar, located in New York's vibrant Bowery, culinary tradition meets contemporary flair. Inspired by the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine, IXTA features a diverse menu ranging from flavorful tacos to creative brunch offerings. Dishes like the birria tacos and chorizo scramble showcase bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The ambience exudes a cozy, lively energy reminiscent of Tulum, making it perfect for gatherings. With a focus on mezcal, the bar presents an array of curated cocktails, enhancing the dining experience. Join IXTA for a taste of authentic Mexico, where vibrant culture blends with innovative gastronomy.
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299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003 Hotline: (917) 732-4982
Welcome to IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of New York's Bowery at 299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003. This establishment beautifully marries traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, creating an inviting atmosphere that echoes the rich cultures of Mexico. As your food reviewer from Restaurant World, I'm excited to dive into what makes IXTA a must-visit destination for food lovers and mezcal enthusiasts alike.
The moment you step inside IXTA, you'll be captivated by its cozy decor and Aztec-inspired ambiance. The space is perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings, whether you're celebrating with friends or enjoying a serene evening. The ambiance enhances the dining experience, encouraging guests to unwind and savor the flavors that await them.
Menu Highlights
At IXTA, the menu is a delightful exploration of Mexican flavors. The Taco selection showcases a range of tantalizing options:
- Pescado Taco: Crispy cod paired with salsa macha and jicama slaw for a refreshing bite at just $10.00.
- Carne Asada Taco: Pasilla-rubbed steak accompanied by avocado mousse and caramelized spring onion for a mere $10.00, demonstrating a commitment to both quality and bold flavors.
- Short Rib "Birria" Taco: A standout dish featuring slow-cooked short rib served with consommé for dipping, offered at $21.00 for those looking to indulge.
Beyond tacos, IXTA presents an array of Large Plates that invite exploration. The IXTA Chicken & Waffles, served with a zesty lemon habanero honey, offers a playful twist on a classic favorite, while the Rancheros, featuring fried eggs and refried beans, captures the essence of traditional Mexican breakfasts.
Tasting Experience
Feedback from visitors reflects a strong appreciation for the atmosphere and certain standout dishes. One diner remarked on the birria tacos as "amazing," highlighting their depth of flavor and the satisfying dipping experience. Additionally, the truffle queso and freshly made churros were noted as delightful treats that could easily compete with any dessert offering in the city.
However, it’s also important to note the mixed reviews on the entrees, with some guests feeling that certain dishes could benefit from more robust flavors. Yet, IXTA's extensive cocktail menu featuring mezcal and expertly crafted drinks, coupled with a chic aesthetic, certainly entices guests to return. One reviewer particularly praised Arturo, the mixologist, for his skills, indicating that the drink experience is as significant as the food.
Final Thoughts
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar represents a fusion of culture and culinary creativity. While some dishes hit the mark more than others, the overall experience—from the inviting ambiance to the spirited cocktail offerings—makes it a worthwhile destination. As this vibrant spot continues to grow in popularity, it promises to be a delightful addition to the New York dining scene. So gather your friends, indulge in tacos, and explore the rich world of mezcal at IXTA!
For reservations, you can reach them at (917) 732-4982. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the flavors of IXTA—it might just become your new favorite spot in the city!
We booked the day before for a go away party for 13 people and they were able to accommodate us! The ambience and decor was very cozy and Aztec vibes. The drinks and appetizers (guac, truffle queso, calamari, nachos) were delicious! However, the entrees lacked flavor (steak and duck breast). Since we had such a large party, they kept suggesting that we get a taco platter which can come in 12,16, or 32 but most people wanted entrees instead. Tacos seem overpriced for only 1 in an order. Will probably come back to try other drinks and have appetizers but not for dinner. For dessert we had tres leches and freshly made churros donuts, both were delish!
Came here for a girls dinner Friday night and was honestly so surprised with how empty it was when we got there, and when we left. We ordered a number of different things off the menu and everyone liked all the dishes. The drinks were good but I will say, they are pretty weak. Service was super attentive all night and the music was also good. Really unsure of why it was so empty? The vibe was nice and I know weak drinks are not enough to turn away a crowd... or are they?
Attended the 6th annual creole fest which was held at IXTA! Amazing opportunity to sample the flavors of the Caribbean, Filipino/hawaiian, Nigerian chefs, music, dancing and amazing drinks. I will come back next year
Taco Tuesday all day ! The birria taco is amazing! Comes w side of soup you dip the Tacos. So much flavor, I wanted to take the soup home n put ramen w it! I love the decor, very chic. I think this will our new taco tequila therapy Tuesday place. Arturo is an amazing mixologist ! It was awesome to watch him make our cocktails! Service w a smile.
IXTA is beautiful-- definitely gives tulum vibes. Went for dinner on a Friday night around 6 and the place was fairly empty but did get more crowded once we were leaving. Wait staff was friendly and attentive! We tried the fish tacos, birria tacos, flautas and truffle queso-- which were all delicious. Finished up with their spin on churros and the sauces were so tasty! I had the only mocktail on the menu-- tasted just like a pina colada and came in a pretty tiki class!
Solid option for fun but not too authentic Mexican in spacious environs on the LES. My highlights were the vegetarian enchiladas and the esquites. I'm not sure whose idea it was to add a ton of haldi to esquites, but honestly this weird fusion corn curry was super delicious. The enchiladas had a very rich mole sauce, which I find too few restaurants offer as a pairing with a vegetarian option, so I was pleased they did so here.
Always love trying new Mexican restaurants! Came on a Sunday night, it's a very large and well decorated space but was almost empty. Probably because it's still pretty new. Idk if their heater was broken that day but it was FREEZING. Even the staff was wearing jackets. Temperate aside, the food was all very good. Standouts were the Elote and the birria tacos. First time trying goat meat tacos and they did not disappoint. Extensive cocktail list, their spicy marg is actually spicy! The portions are pretty tiny for the price though which less than ideal. But surprisingly all their cocktails are under $18 which seems to be a rarity in nyc. Worth trying before this place becomes IG popular, just be warned you'll be spending a pretty penny!