Pixca Seasonal American Bistro — Restaurant in Highland Park

Pixca in Highland Park, Illinois, is a charming seasonal American bistro that offers an exceptional farm-to-table dining experience with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The name “Pixca,” meaning “harvest” in the ancient Mayan language, reflects its commitment to seasonal menus crafted from the best local produce, changing every season to showcase the freshest flavors. The ambiance at Pixca is cozy and inviting, with a bright, lively décor that includes thoughtful touches like cookbooks displayed above the kitchen, creating a warm and festive atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners or casual gatherings. The service is consistently praised for being friendly, attentive, and professional, enhancing the overall dining experience. Pixca’s menu, though not extensive, is carefully curated to offer a variety of dishes that appeal to diverse tastes. Popular items include the burrata appetizer, pecan-crusted pork chop, skirt steak, whitefish with beurre blanc and horseradish crust, and a flavorful vegetarian cassoulet featuring seasonal vegetables and halloumi. Sides like crispy Brussels sprouts and popcorn cauliflower are well-liked, though some find occasional slight char on the Brussels sprouts. The kitchen excels in balancing rich, decadent flavors with fresh, seasonal produce, making each dish memorable. The restaurant also offers a well-selected wine list and creative cocktails, including non-alcoholic options, catering to various preferences. Outdoor dining is available seasonally, providing a pleasant setting for enjoying meals in warmer weather. Overall, Pixca stands out as a refined yet unpretentious spot in Highland Park, ideal for those seeking elevated American cuisine with a farm-to-table ethos. It is highly recommended for both locals and visitors looking for quality, seasonal food served in a welcoming environment. In summary, Pixca is a hidden gem that combines fresh local ingredients, thoughtful seasonal menus, and excellent service to deliver a delightful dining experience in Highland Park. It’s a place worth returning to explore new dishes with each...

I am thinking more of a 2.5. I wanted to support the business so we gave it a go. The ambiance is nice, but I think it was family night, kids were sitting at the bar with their toys and the parents were at the table, with the constant swearing. I say they were friends and family because they were comfortable in going up to the kitchen window.

The server tells us the specials, we order one, and he comes back and tells us they are out, not a big deal, it happens.

Instead we ask for a Caesar salad, WAIT FOR IT....There is no option to make it an entree with protein, with the exception of chicken. We asked to add on steak. Waiter asks the chef and the chef said NO, that he could make us a filet mignon with a side caesar salad for $42. I'm shocked and asked why, the server in all of his infinite wisdom said that they would have to throw out the other half. Obviously the chef is not a numbers guy. Charge 12 bucks for the add-on of steak! It will cover your cost and on a slow night this is your chance to take care of guests, come out introduce yourself and build clientele. Your competition around the corner at Norton's sells a Caesar salad that you can add steak to!

The burger, I ordered was medium, came out mid-well, it was still good, but really small (like shake shack), Fries are good here. I hate to say it chef, but on your day off go get a burger at Nortons. Fish N' Chips ok, nothing special. I would recommend you take a hard pass on that one.

Lastly, get rid of the filet mignon, it's overrated. Serve a ribeye or NY strip. It's not a steak house. On your menu, offer chicken or steak upgrade on the salad and make some money. Get some nicer cheese and make some money, a place as nicely decorated as yours should not just offer American or...

I’m a little bummed that I can only give four stars to Pixca. I have wanted to come here ever since they opened, and I heard and read a lot of good things about the place and the chef, so maybe my expectations were set a little too high. First the good: the service here is really nice, both the hostess and our waitress were attentive and friendly. We came on a Saturday night and the restaurant was packed. Definitely make a reservation. The decor is nothing to call home about. It’s a small space and the tables are so close to each other that the waitress had to move our table when the people next to us were leaving (and even then the backside of the gentleman squeezing through was rubbing on the side of our table, about 6 inches from my chicken). As a result it’s incredibly loud. Definitely not for first dates. The food was really good, I had the chicken, my friend had the burger, and we had a side order of the coffee glazed carrots - this was really tasty. However, I was not a fan of the plating at all. Dark table, dark plates and on my plate the roast chicken with mushrooms had no bright colors to contrast or pop. There was a sad slice of citrus on top - reminding me of all the missed opportunities to make the dish look pretty. It tasted good though. The burger also didn’t look great (although my friend said it tasted fantastic). The coffee glazed carrots also weren’t dressed up at all - they were delicious for sure but not the least appetising visually. I will return to try other dishes and I heard the brunch is where...