Xiquita Restaurante y Bar — Restaurant in Denver

Coming from Texas and having every style of Mexican food under the stars prepared from awful to incredible, I was amazed to find a spot in Denver that had THE BEST interior Mexican food I've ever had. This is saying a lot when I'm comparing Xiquita in the same breath to some of the best and most award winning restaurants in the US and Mexico.

Food-- Nothing short of extraordinary! The traditional interior Mexican cuisine was not only prepared with love but also made with the same masa forward touch that one's abuela (grandmother) might have spent hours cooking. We're talking about masa that takes hours and hours to hand prepare and to grind down into the perfect dough for tortillas, sopes, etc.! The moles (prounced "mo-lays" ), are super flavorful, aromatic base sauces that accompany many of the dishes. All paired perfectly with whatever you are ordering. Proteins, depending on the rotating menu you received, may include braised beef, seared duck, picadillo (traditional Mexican style ground beef), Kanpachi (amberjack fish), and many more. It's a great variety and each one we tried was phenomenal! Please please please... Save room for dessert! The artistry and presentation of these, along with the flavors, are not only traditionally Mexican but also so delicious that you'll be wanting to bring some home to your family and friends.

Atmosphere-- From the moment you step in the door Xiquita is very clean, welcoming, modern with traditional touches, and laid out so that the incredible agave bar is right in the center. Clever considering that their selection of agave spirits is massive and full of the best there is to offer.

SERVICE!!-- This is where we thought Xiquita really separated itself from many other restaurants we've ever been to. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure our experience was special. Small touches like the ones we received at Xiquita were once par for the course in hospitality. Unfortunately, those little extra tastes and chef/owner visits are now a rarity. They truly got to know us and made us feel right at home.

Absolutely a five star experience for us and we'll be coming back again for sure! I've included the one picture managed to snap. It's of one of their desserts called Pan de Elote ("Bread of Corn") that is a sweet, corn based spice cake that includes touches of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon and is topped with some of the best Mexican chocolate ice cream I've ever had. Would've taken picture of the other dishes but we devoured them before we thought to take...

UPDATE: I received a kind response from “the owner” appreciating the honest feedback. Hoping I’ll come back. But still not providing a compelling reason to do so. Hmmm …. ———————-———

To be fair my husband and I are of the retired set. But that doesn’t change that we are huge food lovers and oficianados. What people call ‘foodies’ today. I go back to deep Latin and New Orleans creole food. We’re not the typical demographic. The place was loaded with Millennials who were having a grand time. We, however, were super disappointed. First, and important to note, that our hostess was delightful and sat us quickly. She was the best piece of our evening.

Everything went down hill from there. The acoustics were horrid and it was so so loud and hard to have a conversation with your dinner partners. I was SHOCKED to receive my taco de pato (duck taco) All by itself on the plate. This tiny thing for $14 with nothing on the side. Then the flavor - meh. Nothing to write home about. They bragged about their homemade tortillas but they were tough and chewy. Tortillas are not tough and chewy!! My husband ordered 2 small plates they call “masa” 1 of them was so hot that you couldnt taste the food bc the over-the-top level of heat took it all away. Mind you I’m from new Orleans and I also live in Mx. Food is not - and should not be - that hot! And when I told our server he shrugged his shoulders and said I’ll take note. Take note? What happened to customer service? Something like: I’m so sorry please let me offer you a dessert or a drink or a gift certificate or something to make up for our inedible plate. I’d like to add too that I found the server and another person to be somewhat snooty, assumptive and cocky. We noticed that at their sister restaurant Lucina as well. We enjoyed the food their better but the cocky servers left a bad taste in our mouths. That is a reflection of the owners and the culture they create. That and uncomfortable seating the poor loud noisy accoustics and skimpy portions especially for the prices they are charging. We won’t be back!! For Latin food Cuba Cuba cafe in the Golden Triangle is waaaay better. Great portions, excellent well prepared plates and nice friendly service and staff. We truly expected alot more. I think it’s a place to pretend and to be seen. Just...

WOW! What a fantastic experience! We came here for a mid week girls night, and of course we had to document the evening. Upon walking through the doors we were greeted by a smiling hostess and inviting atmosphere with lots of beautiful plants and glittering gold accents.

This restaurant isn't your local taco joint. This is an upscale, authentic, down to the roots, traditional Mexico City Experience! I can't emphasize the experience part enough, because not only is the food tremendously delicious, but the quality of the ingredients is of the highest scale - you're experiencing a true taste of authentic Mexico City.

We started the evening with agua frescas with melon juice, lavender and mint which were incredibly tasty and definitely refreshing - we had a couple of those (non-alcoholic). We were served fresh corn tortillas fried up into tostadas with three different fresh salsas to dip into! YUM. We ordered the Ostras which OMG these are SO GOOD - a must for date night. IYKYK!

There were three of us gals who got together for girls night, so we ordered a few things to share between us. We ordered the Tetela and Tlacoyo which are both incredibly delicious and satisfying vegan and vegetarian options. We also ordered the Hoja Santa, which was almost to beautiful to eat, the Taco de Pescado which is a full sized fish filet grilled to perfection - don't let those negative reviews sway you, they obviously don't appreciate the exquisite nature of this dish; and the Esalada de Jitomate. Which, again, was almost too beautiful to eat, but we definitely cleaned all the plates.

For dessert we decided on the Tezcalate. For the presentation alone, this dish wins. It's a Mexican hot chocolate ice cream in the shape of a corn cob! WHAT?! YES, and dusted with gold with caramelized white chocolate. While I am a huge fan of chocolate and ice cream, I really want to come back to try the other sweet options which each have a fruity emphasis.

When you go to Xiquita, come dressed to impress - your date, and bring your curiosity for the flavors you may not have had since Abuelita was cooking for you. Or, if you're like me, some of these dishes will be a completely new experience. Best advice, ask questions - the servers are impeccably knowledgable, and be...