Xico serves vibrant regional Mexican cuisine: classic and inspired dishes with on our stone-ground in-house Masa, the non-GMO corn that is the basis for our hand-made tortillas, sopes, chips, and quesadillas. We use as many as 20 different chiles at a time to create a menu that will take you and your palate straight to Mexico, from Oaxaca to Michoacan.
The heart of Xico's bar is mezcal; a pit smoked agave spirit laced with smoke and perfect with chiles. Our classic Xico Margarita with fresh squeezed lime is unmatched.
Xico boasts a wine list carefully selected to pair with the flavors on the menu: Rieslings from Alcase, Germany, Italy and Oregon. The sparkling minerality, terroir and fruit of Italian Lambruschi. And Reds that span the globe.
"Kelly Myers says she has never done a professional brunch before this day. It's hard to believe, and if true, has done those of us who enjoy brunch a disservice. The food was spot on: the best chilaquiles I have ever had, amazing tortilla soup with pea shoots (I wish I had the recipe) and don't forget the sopapaillas filled with lime curd, yogurt and fresh honey. The coffee was a perfect accompaniment for the end of such an amazing meal."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, kid-friendly
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"Food, vibe and decor all just a little different, in a good way. Excellent service. The queso fuendo is to die for, and the margaritas not far behind."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We truly enjoyed everything about our meal at Xico. From the homemade chips and guacamole to the delicious desserts and every dish in between we had a wonderful dinner. I would definitely recommend Xico!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"The menu was their standard menu, but it was wonderful. Lots of creative, appealing choices, easy to tailor to varying tastes, and we loved everything we ate (the chef - Kelly - worked under Cathy Whims of Genoa/Nostrana fame). It's a fabulous space, light and airy, refined and still kid-friendly, with an outdoor patio that wasn't in use at the time but would be great on warm days and evenings. We'll be back for sure!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"The food was very well prepared and showed a nice blend of creativity with traditional preparation practices. And while the menu is not extensive, it offers a nice range of options, from seafood to Mexico's inland dishes. This is a very cozy little restaurant that is well-worth return visits."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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"We were shocked at the cost for the food. Good food, but it isMexican food. I never knew beans and rice could be so expensive. The setting is nice and we liked the decor. Waiter needed an attitude change."
Dined on 5/07/2013
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Review 8 for Xico
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
!Delicious! Sabroso! Bien Hecho!
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/05/2013
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I found my leftovers from xico today while I was putting away my groceries. It turned into a sit-down pig-out fest then and there. Everything was great at Xico. We went there with a group, this group included everyone from picky eaters (myself) to vegetarian foodies. But we all had dishes we were raving about and reaching across the table to taste. Have these: Mushroom cheese enchilada dish (masa-chipotle thing)! The steak entree! The coconut candy bar thing! The Pozole is fish-delish! But an entire fish comes on top of the soup (picky eaters, be forewarned!) I could eat a meal of their chips salsa and guac! But note that the chips are cooked (roasted or fried?) to order, so they come out slowly & warm. It's so all good! See you there!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"The chips are unique and well worth trying. The pollo asada was substantial and well prepared. This was out second time here and it is definitely and different type of mexican restaurant."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"Went to Xico for the first time for a fun Cinco de Mayo dinner. Restaurant is bright and engaging with an amazing outdoor patio area. Waiter, a wanna-be older hipster, came across as pretentious and brusque. Got the drink order wrong ... charged us for an appetizer we were told was a freebie because we weren't able to sit outside ... and forgot to enter our dinner orders — causing the owner (who was very nice) to visit our table after 45+ minutes and tell us the entrees were on the house. Food was AMAZING! Location, decor and vibe were GREAT! Owner and bartender were professional and friendly. But our waiter -- the one male waiter in the place -- was bad with a capital B. Definitely recommend, but steer clear of the waiter w/the goatee."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Every time we go here we are treated so well by all the staff, especially our usual server. We enjoy this place so much that we have added it to our short list for neighborhood favorites. The food is great, especially the tortilla and salsa plate with a side of guacamole and beans. The steak dish is really good too, and the flourless chocolate cake is lovely. We bring our kids too, and they are always welcome. They have a kids menu, which helps. Now they have the outside patio open, which looks nice and lush."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"Was expecting better. Presentation on the main meal was great, quantities was good but quality varied between plates. I had the flank steak which was very good but my son (25) had the same and his was undercooked and had a lot of gristle. Disappointing. My wife had the pasta and loved it. For appetizers we had the "variety" of sauces and chips. I felt that the portion of chips should have been larger for the price. Would I return? Portland has a great variety of "specialty" places and I think I would go find some of those before I will return. Music was too "Jimmy Johns" style for the atmosphere."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2013
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"The food was absolutely amazing! Everyone in our party of six ordered something different and everyone LOVED what they got! Incredible flavors and cooked to perfection. The homemade tortillas and salsa are to-die-for. Additionally, the service was friendly, prompt and the staff was knowledgeable. I will definitely be back."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Been here twice now. Food and service have always been great. Delicious margaritas! The green tacos are fabulous! Prices are a bit high but overall it was good."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"I have been twice and I probably won't go back. I wanted to love it so I gave it a second chance. The food is just OK and I think it's too expensive. Yes they make a good Margarita - but so do I and they charge way too much for theirs. Also, I kept hearing about how great the wine list was and I would have to disagree (at least the by the glass was very disappointing). I did like the chips and many salsa choices but that was it. Super excellent service- great wait staff."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2009
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"They had one can of IPAD left at 7pm......not good for a beer lover! Noise to loud to be able to carry on comfortable conversation. Food, otherwise great."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
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"The food was excellent. I had the pork and beef combination plate. The braised short ribs were tender and flavorful. The 3 chilli salsa was fantastic."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Delicious food, great margaritas and excellent services. Lovely space also. The menu was creative and everything that we ordered was so good. Prices somewhat high for serving sizes but justified based on quality and creativity. We can't wait to go back."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"We arrived just as they opened on a Friday, very low key, quiet. Margaritas are tart a lot of lime, good but definitely refreshing. Queso Fundido with chorizo and salsa was very tasty, and the homemade corn tortillas excellent; the waiter bought us a second bundle without our asking, very attentive, personable and friendly. He clearly likes the place and knows how the food is sourced etc. which in this town is a must, without being over the top. We were there for HH and I love hot dogs, the Sonoran dog was fabulous and $5; my companion had the flank steak. Reasonably priced glasses of white wine and dessert - the sopaipillas were light and fluffy pillows and the cocada was dense and what a candy bar should be. Lots of things to go back for."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Wonderful restaurant and just right down the street from my house. I highly recommend the Taco Salad, it's not a Taco Salad in the conventional sense. My only complaint is that it a tad on the expensive side especially if you order drinks with your meal."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Wow. Where to begin. Petite portions priced un-accordingly? Friendly wait staff v. too bothered to care (that be the range). Drinks priced like they were superior in some way? We four (both natives and Seattle visitor) had the full range from the evening menus and all commented on the pleasant and carefully prepared entrees. And the small portions. And between us we eat out over 20 times a week. In many cities. Nice exterior/interior rehab of an old two story though. Just walk across the street and be pleasantly surprised by your options in this ever expanding foodie neighborhood. We wish them good fortune. And maturity."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
Special Features: hot spot
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"As we had said after we visited the first time, that we would be back, we came for Valentine days. We really enjoyed our dinning experience very much."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"I really wanted to like it more. I have little doubt they use great ingredients and prepare meticulously, but the result is just not a standout at all...not in Portland. It tasted ordinary. The server was sweet and very nice, but in the end the service was clunky: serving my prix fixe dessert while my partner was still looking at his dessert menu, for instance. Given that I live in Portland, I probably won't return. Instead, for fancy, go to Nuesta Cocina; for cheaper, Por Que No."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic
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"Terrific addition to the Mexican food offerings in Portland. Classy, clean interior design. Excellent mezcal selection, to which I'd not previously been exposed, but will definitely learn more about (think single-malt scotch smokiness). The chicken mole and pork torta were terrific. The chocolate cake was good, though VERY rich. The waiter was very knowledgable, helpful and tolerant of our 1 year old child. We'll be returning soon.."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We'd had lunch at Xico, and went for a Valentine's Day dinner. We got the prix fixe dinner, which had two options for each course, and of course we got one of each and shared. The standout was the crab sopapilla appetizer--the grapefruit and orange salad was nice, but not exciting. The beef short ribs were excellent; my wife said they were too fatty, but that's short ribs for you. The mole chicken breast was cooked nicely, but the mole was so chocolaty that the subtle flavors of a good mole sauce got lost. The desserts--chocolate mousse and flan with orange sauce--were flawlessly executed, if not particularly striking. The service was very smooth and just attentive enough. There was a complementary cocktail (I learned I don't like mezcal)."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"2 words...cold food. Everything we ordered was cold by the time we got it. It's a shame because the place is cute and the food tasted like it might be good. But cold food that's supposed to be hot is gross."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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"Valentines Day was very special at Xico. We went with friends but Xico was new to all of us. We ordered many items to share. The waiter was happy to indulge us by bringing extra plates and making suggestions. We loved the Mole chicken on the valentines specials list. A highlight also on the specials was dessert, a flan scented with orange. The side dishes were flavorful and worth trying. Overall a happy experience we will repeat."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"A nice take on modern Mexican in a trendy atmosphere. My husband ordered the chicken mole and I was surprised to see besides tortillas the chicken came with nothing else. I had the beef short ribs which were delicious. The sopapillas with dessert caramel and chocolate sauces were outstanding."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
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"Not your typical mexican restaurant. The menu is different than most tex-mex restaurants. The food was extremely good. The chips on the appetizer menu were outstanding, though the citrus flavor was a little strong. The tacos were tremendous."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The food rivals what you would get in Oaxaca! It is savory and delicious and presented beautifully. The sauces they serve are varied and delightful and the corn tortillas the best I have ever eaten. It is a beautiful space with relaxed and attentive service."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Service made this dining a remarkable experience. Food was inventive - we loved the variety of salsas in the appetizer section. Just an overall wonderful dining experience."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"-Margaritas are tasty and their HH prices are reasonable; however the actual menu price of $9 for the same item is definetely too high, if it comes in the same glass.
-I feel if there are water pitchers/bottles placed on the tables, it will allow for the servers to spend less time with water refills and more time fulfilling orders."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Excellent food - and coming from a California girl that really appreciates great Mexican food - I would highly recommend Xico. They are well deserving of the Portland Monthly 'best new restaurant' category. The service was great across the board - hostess, waitress, food server etc. My only complaint is their cadillac margarita is $15 and the glass was filled to the top with ice - just too much of a difference between a house margarita at $9 and this at $15. Limited menu but everything they offer sounds great. We had the short rib quesadilla, an excellent citrus salad and yummy queso fundido."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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