Cantina Ixtaccíhuatl — Restaurant in Portsmouth

Difficult name, but great food! We heard about this great Mexican restaurant on the local radio station a few weeks back and it’s become our favorite spot. But first things first: the name sounds like “Ecstasy Waddle”. You’ll need to know that when you go to tell your friends about this place.

Atmosphere: very open (even a dance floor) but also some private nooks and booths, but there’s also seating at the bar. The building still has its historic vibe and hasn’t been overdone with cliche Mexican decor. Also, since it’s new it’s not crowded or loud; no TVs blaring music or 20 different sports channels. You can actually carry on a conversation. While the building is older it is clean and everything but the front door seems ADA compliant. Parking is limited at the side of the building, but there is also on street parking. FWIW: after leaving here you don’t smell like you’ve been working a double shift in the kitchen.

Cantina Ixtaccíhuatl

I was less than a mile down the road and left a less than authentic Mexican experience at Sonora Mexican Grille. The bad margarita was more than too much. Upon arriving I was met by an eclectic ambiance. There is a retail space at the entrance. Clothes hang on a rack and a Christmas tree is in the corner that mists be 18 feet tall. It is bedeck in American flags and other red, white and blue ornaments. I was greeted by a young g man who felt like he was in his teens. Two small children sat at the bar, they climbed down to play after I was instructed to seat myself. They played on a scooter type toy. A pool table was the altar for a lone watermelon in another corner behind the wooden enclosure that felt like a living space. Not sure what it was, but a curtain covered the entrance to the enclosure. Ceiling fans whirling are moving air, but it is slightly warm - not uncomfortable, just noticeable. I informed Gilberto that I wanted an authentic margarita and we settled on a corona because the margarita is made with a mix. I wait for my food as I begin this review. The paper menu is still in development. This feels like an all-in-one restaurant. If ambiance is the goal, this is not your spot. I let Gilberto know that I am not in a hurry and I prefer well done fish. The fish is well done and seasoned. It was smaller than expected, but well done like I asked. The black beans are good. Everything was HOT! I had to wait a moment to let it cool. Well, I have eaten and the food was good enough to co we the check of a man who walked through the door to order to-go for himself and his wife. I sampled the margarita here as well. It was good — not overwhelmingly margarita mix. The restaurant feels like going to your grandma’s house and your little cousins are playing; abuela has all this stuff hanging out and family is everywhere. The little boy and girl playing make this feel like family for me. If you want a commercial dining experience, this is not the spot. If you want a family dining experience—home grown style, this is it. The food is good. Gilberto was attentive. The margarita was good. Should I find myself in/near Portsmouth again,...

We had the pleasure of dining here tonight, and I am so glad we chose this restaurant for a family outing — even though we had a bit of a toddler meltdown!

From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel comfortable right away. Our server was attentive and kind, even as our toddler began to get fussy. I couldn’t believe how patient and understanding the staff was with our little one, especially as things escalated and the cries became a bit louder.

The food was nothing short of spectacular.

Despite the chaos on our end, the food, service, and attention to detail made it a...