IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar

Mexican restaurant · East Village

IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar

Mexican restaurant · East Village

5

299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003

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IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null
IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar by null

Highlights

Experience the lively charm of Ixta on Bowery, where modern Oaxacan cuisine meets a vibrant atmosphere, complete with mezcal cocktails and occasional live music.  

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299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003 Get directions

ixtanyc.com
@ixtanyc

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299 Bowery, New York, NY 10003 Get directions

+1 917 732 4982
ixtanyc.com
@ixtanyc

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Last updated

Jul 6, 2025

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@eater

"If you are dying to see what happens to Mexican food in an effete clubstaurant setting, Ixta is your place. There’s a cocktail lounge in front, of course, and a beguiling dining room through curtains behind that. The menu is at least partially focused on Oaxacan food, as seen in dishes such as enchiladas with two moles, and even the birria tacos are distinguished, with a dipping broth you’ll want to drink as a soup at this expensive place." - Robert Sietsema

15 Top Mexican Restaurants in the East Village
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@eater

"The recently opened Ixta right on the Bowery is one of today’s modern clubstaurants, meaning the decor is glitzy and the music played at ample volume. That said, the Mexican food is terrific, with an emphasis on Oaxaca." - Robert Sietsema

Where To Eat for Restaurant Week in NYC 2023 - Eater NY
View Postcard for IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar
@eater

"Ixta focuses on Oaxacan fare, located in the old DBGB space on Bowery. The decor features rattan lampshades, tropical paintings, and pottery creating a formal atmosphere. The lunch menu includes excellent chilaquiles with fried eggs, while the dinner menu offers pan-Mexican dishes like Baja-style aguachile, papas bravas, enchiladas divorciadas, and exceptional birria tacos. Desserts include churros and tres leches cake." - Robert Sietsema

You Might Actually Want to Eat at These New NYC Clubstaurants - Eater NY
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@eater

"Taking over the former home of a French bistro from Daniel Boulud, Ixta is now open on Bowery. An online menu lists lesser-seen Mexican dishes in this stretch of Manhattan." - Emma Orlow

A Running List of New Restaurants That Opened in New York City, November 2022 - Eater NY
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@eater

"Ixta is a trendy, upscale, late-night Mexican restaurant and bar located inside the Avalon Bowery complex. The restaurant is owned by Mike Himani, who previously operated Ixta in Nomad from 2005 to 2007. The new iteration of Ixta features executive chef Francisco Blanco, who will offer a menu of southern Mexican and Oaxacan dishes. Mixologist Jenny Castillo will create tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails. The venue will have 165 seats, a 22-foot rectangular bar with 10 stools, and two televisions. The decor includes murals, handmade art, and Aztec touches, with a tropical wallpaper featuring monstera leaves and a tiger design. Ixta will operate from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sunday." - Caroline Shin

Someone’s Finally Taking Over Daniel Boulud’s DBGB Space in Downtown Manhattan - Eater NY
View Postcard for IXTA Cocina Mexicana + Mezcal Bar

Roze D

Google
I came here with a friend for just one drink but ended up staying for a couple of hours, trying a variety of cocktails. We sat at the bar, which had a very relaxed, chill vibe. The restaurant’s atmosphere is stunning and aesthetically pleasing. The bartender, Kevin, was fantastic—his cocktail expertise really shines. He even offered us a taste of some new drinks that will soon be added to the menu. We also ordered food and had the cod tacos, fried calamari, and cheese fondue truffle from the appetizer menu, all of which were absolutely delicious. The service was excellent, with friendly staff and a welcoming environment. The music in the background added to the overall great experience. I loved the drinks and the ambiance, and I’ll definitely be returning with more friends to explore the menu and try even more cocktails.

Michael Quijano

Google
a fantastic experience from start to finish. The restaurant boasts an impressive ambiance, inspired by indigenous decor that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The rich, authentic Mexican flavors are complemented by the vibrant music, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Each dish is crafted with care, reflecting both traditional techniques and modern twists. If you're looking for a place where excellent food meets a lively, culturally rich environment, this checks all the marks.

Ana Hernández

Google
Today was my first time trying out this restaurant and I have nothing but good things to say. Food was amazing and I love the vibes, such a beautiful place and clean. Loved the music everything was amazing. Also I’m so happy for the service we had me and my brother during dinner time, William was our server and he is amazing. Such a wonderful person being he was always making sure we were okay… he literally made our night and if you guys try this place out ask for him !!! Thank you so much William for such a great service you deserve the world 🤍.

Christina Hernandez

Google
A restaurant filled with beautiful & calm vibrations . I came here on a Friday night & the place was dimly lit & barely anybody. With a dimly lit place setting the tone for a cozy & warm night to the servers/people who take your orders being highly well mannered , friendly and highly attuned to your table in a respectful way. This place definitely tunes you out of what goes on in the outside world especially for those that get overstimulated this place is very tranquil. Now I only ordered the ceviche appetizer & while I will say it is delicious the portion is rather a bit small , especially for its price , I do understand quality though. The tortillas that come with the ceviche were very warm and fresh also. This is the type of place you can enjoy a private romantic date night out in the city without overcrowd, loud, and bright lights. The drinks were definitely a 10/10! I’m coming back for sure , you guys will see me again. Thank you IXTA for the hospitality that this restaurant and the people bring and thank you to the chefs back there and the staff that make this restaurant give such a cozy home and vibey feel ♥️. For those wondering how much would be spent , I ordered 3 drinks and an appetizer and everything came down to $80 , but the quality of the food, the ambience of this place , the drinks having a great amount of alcohol it’s well worth it all. Que ViVa Mexico 🇲🇽 .. also you guys should really consider playing some Mexican music every here and there it would really add the cherry to the cake for this place 😊!

Jane Allison

Google
Staff were lovely. The restaurant itself is STUNNING. We went in late, around 9:00 for a little snack and it was fantastic. ⚠️Highly recommend: Shortrib Birra Tacos. BEST. THING. EVER. They had a little bit of spice to them so if you are sensitive to spice I would say TRY THEM ANYWAY ITS WORTH IT. No, seriously as someone who usually doesn’t like spicy things, the little bit of kick was a little out of my comfort zone but no less delicious.The reason I’m giving atmosphere a 4 star is because in my opinion the music being played didn’t fit the vibe in my head of what kind of music objectively should be played in that restaurant but that’s just me. Highly recommend this restaurant.

Lindsey Price

Google
We sat at the bar with our bar tender Mia, and she is everything you could ever ask for in a bartender. The drinks were expertly crafted and she is a sweetheart. If you’re downtown in East Village, you will not be disappointed!

Melissa Holland

Google
The perfect meet up, the bartenders are knowledgeable and can customize the drinks for you, the servers are friendly and accommodating. I had the short ribs tacos, and 2 cocktails. Very trendy location. Very instagramable

diana colin

Google
So, I was walking down the street and came across this lovely restaurant. Mia with out hesitation was so nice and welcoming. She made my experience very pleasant and gave me good recommendations. Can’t wait to come back and visit my favorite bartender 🥰❤️

Kristie P.

Yelp
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?

Denise D.

Yelp
Ordered a few different appetizers, an entree, and drinks. Although the taste was great, the overall experience was tarnished due to poor service. The manager was pleasant; however, a lack of attentiveness from our waiter. We waited about 25 mins just for drinks to come, each time. Appetizers came out timely but the entree took over half an hour. We had ordered a dish that never came and at that point could not fathom waiting another 30 minutes. Ambiance wise, very chic. I went on a Saturday evening and there was a fire performer, which really complements their aesthetic. We sat in a booth and the light fixture was being kept dimly lit by a makeshift coffee filter which kept falling in our food several times. Although I appreciate their efforts in trying to fix the issue, that in itself took quite some time as well. Overall, food is worth visiting for but service is lackluster.

Tiffany H.

Yelp
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.

Julia P.

Yelp
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

Caroline C.

Yelp
I went to this place this past weekend for a birthday dinner. The restaurant to the eye is really cool and the food was pretty good, but the service was not great. We got sat in this cool booth, which we were initially excited about since it was cute. The booth ended up being so isolated we were forgotten about the whole night. The drinks took 30 minutes to come and it was so hard to flag anyone down to come over. I really wanted to like this place because the food was pretty good and it was in a great location, but really wish the service was better.

Victoria G.

Yelp
IXTA Food 6/10 The omelette I got was MASSIVE. Quite filling, but nothing to rave about. It was alright. Atmosphere 7/10 I thought it was incredibly strange that in a restaurant located downtown, we were the only two diners during prime brunch time. That was a bit offputting. The decor was nicely done and had clubby vibes, as there were a lot of mirrors and dark green tones. Service 7/10 Nice and not memorable service

Yvonne D.

Yelp
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!

Alan S.

Yelp
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.

Elizabeth F.

Yelp
This was super disappointing. I've been here before, but months ago. I had 3 different cocktails and they were all watery and very bland. The bartender was kind but not attentive. I had to ask several times for more water and was never checked on with my food order. Now, the food was amazing! I'd come back for the esquites alone. Unfortunately I don't find the final check worth the experience. Staff was kind but, I'd double check how they are making cocktails. So much potential here for an amazing experience.

Darlene T.

Yelp
We came here for a last minute date night and we were quite happily surprised at how delicious everything was! The vibe is very cute inside - the decor is tulum-ish. Lots of wood details and woven basket chandeliers. Started with the dia en la playa and it was yummy but honestly not very strong so I got a shot of tequila on the side to add to the drink. The food was soooooo good! For apps, we got the Tijuana Caesar Salad, Truffle Queso Fundido, and Pulpo Zarandeado. The Caesar was not overly dressed, which I love and the anchovy was delicately placed on the side of the plate. Now the truffle queso......if you get anything definitely get that it was ridiculously flavorful and corn tortilla was perfectly crispy that it was served with. The pulpo was also delicious - the almond Pasilla sauce with amazing with the cactus. For entrees, I got the lobster tail dish and my boyfriend got the steak. We devoured both. That stuffed lobster tail with crispy rice was one of the best things I had in a while!! We also got the esquites, which is a must for us anytime we see it on a menu and it did not disappoint. Our waiter was so helpful also! Really great at explaining the flavor details of the dishes and very attentive as well. Definitely recommend for the food overall! Took a star off for the drinks - for being $17 a pop, I shouldn't have to add a shot of tequila. Other than that we really enjoyed Ixta!!

Brianna B.

Yelp
Ixta is such a vibe! My friend and I were treated incredibly well from the moment we walked in. The atmosphere here? Incredible. They decorated so well and we couldn't stop taking photos and videos. Our waiter was more than happy to take our order which included multiple items-Diego is a star! Of course we had to try a million things: -Truffle Queso: as a truffle lover, this was a must. The truffle flavor wasn't overpowering-just right. Yum. -Nachos: these were perfect-I loved the ample toppings...black beans, cheese, pico, etc etc! -Fried Cauliflower: this was surprisingly my favorite dish of the night? Perfectly sauced, next time I'll order 2. -Equites: a delicious dish that had a lovely sweet/savory component. -Squash Blossom Taco: THANK YOU for having a meatless taco option that ISNT mushrooms or plain veggies. I loved this dish, and I love that you can order 1 at a time. We had some drinks as well, although I wasn't a huge fan of any of them, but maybe that's because I don't like tequila. The $75 Pesos was a decent choice for those who opt out of tequila. Overall, a fabulous experience. The atmosphere, the food, and the service were all on point. Hopefully one day I'll start to like tequila so that I could enjoy more of the beverages here!

Rich K.

Yelp
Service is great. Decor and ambiance is NYC. However, Drinks and food are WAY overpriced. For a drink where ice cube fills up 85% of the glass and for a main dish that looks like an appetizer - unlikely a comeback customer. Best tasting dish - nachos.

Sapna V.

Yelp
Excellent service, fun ambiance, and great food and drinks! We loved our experience and had a great time. The food was hot, tasty, and they had a good amount of vegetarian options. The drinks were fantastic and our server was very attentive and made sure we were well taken care of. Its giving Tulum vibes in the best way!

Jordan W.

Yelp
Came here with two buddies and had a great dinner. We started with the chips and guac and the ceviche. We then each got two tacos and shared the duck confit. Everything was delicious. I probably preferred the duck confit without the tortilla as the tortilla mashed the amazing flavor. The fish taco was amazing and could go toe to toe with any fish taco in Southern California. The ambiance was trendy but not too sceney. Service was a bit slow given they weren't very busy

Sucheta B.

Yelp
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!

James D.

Yelp
Came here in Friday night with friends , we were sitting at the front of the restaurant cuz we did not have a reservation, ( very disappointed ) But the night continues .. let's move to the food : it was awesome!! Birria tacos, octopus, guacamole, flor de calabaza, were amazing!! Ambiance: the front of the restaurant is fun. Back of it is more formal dining, they have a fire show very entertaining. Drinks: uff passion drink is great, margaritas are strong, mango cocktail is the start! Service: excellent all the recommendations from my server William were great and he was very enthusiastic and entertaining ! Thanks for a great dining experience! See you soon.

Ciarra L.

Yelp
I've seen this place on Tik Tok a bunch so we decided to come here to celebrate a friend's publication. We came on a Sunday evening and it was pretty empty. That meant service was great for us! The space is really beautiful, almost feels like you're being transported to a restaurant in Mexico. We ordered drinks and they came out pretty quickly. I had the Mucha Pasión because I'm a sucker for anything with passion fruit in it. I was expecting something sweeter, but it felt like it had more of a mild flavor to it aside from the strong tequila. My friend had the Buenas Vibras mocktail and thought it was delicious (must have been, she got 3!). The food: Flautas Durados: These were some of the most crispy flautas I've ever had. Chicken was moist and flavorful and the salsa had a nice kick to it. Easily the best thing we had all night! Truffle Tots and Cheese: Honestly, this was a very confusing dish. We thought it would be like tater tots topped with queso, but it was queso with potatoes and meat stuffed throughout. It wasn't bad but not great either. It also doesn't come with chips to dip in, you'll need to order this for an additional price. Oysters: Standard east coast oysters. A little pricy ($18). The sauce for topping was nice and spicy! Birria Tacos: These were tasty. The meat was tender and the consommé on the side was amazing. A little disappointed that it only came with two for the price. Pollo Rostizado: The chicken was a little dry but the mole sauce was really good. Elote: SO GOOD! They give a decent-sized portion. Would highly recommend as a side to share with the sable. Papas Bravas: We also really enjoyed these. They were well seasoned and came topped with a yummy sauce, just not enough sauce for the entire portion. We had churro-esque donuts for dessert. The caramel and dulce de leche ones were so good. We didn't enjoy the blueberry(?) one as much. Overall, this place is a little expensive for what you get. Not sure that I'll be returning but maybe for a drink and a little photo op ;)! Rating: 3.5/5.

Alvaro R.

Yelp
My Family and I came to Ixta for my daughter 15th birthday, everything was amazing as expected we started with Queso fundido , fresh Guacamole , Tomahawk was definitely my Top pick , tender and tasty , Cocktails to mocktails , and cherry on the cake Tres leches was deliciousssss I definitely recommend Ixta for any of your event , Cristian our server was very professional So as Joan Thank you for making our experience an amazing memory.

Carid S.

Yelp
Food was amazing!!!!! Krishen! Was phenomenal! The nachos were delicious and the cheese dip!

Li W.

Yelp
My friend and I went on a weekday evening, and ah the ambiance is so romantic and sweet! Felt like lots of first dates there. My friend and I both opted for the Restaurant Week menu (3 courses for $60/person) and got: 1. Guacamole - very good! 2. Ixta Salad - surprisingly delicious and quite large! 3. Pollo Rostizado - half the dish had a mole sauce and the other half just tasted like bland grilled chicken. Not sure what this dish was supposed to accomplish. 4. Enchiladas Divorciadas - The food wasn't hot when it got to us and it was just warm. The tortilla was somewhat hard so it felt like eating day-old tacos or something. Flavors were meh. 5. Mango Ice Cream - this was alright, not as mango-y as I'd like and it just tasted like cream 6. Tres Leches - I love tres leches generally but this was just sponge cake with whipped cream and some berries. Idk where the milk was supposed to be because this didn't have it. So yes, the appetizers were superb but then it all went downhill from there. I felt very disappointed given that it came out to $77/person post-tax and tip. The flavors just weren't there:( Portion sizes were good though, my friend and I were stuffed after everything. Our waiter, Christian, was kind and attentive.

Michelle Q.

Yelp
If you are looking for a classy but fun Mexican spot, look into IXTA. This place made me feel like I was in Tulum eating some amazing food. The portions were small, so it was the only downside. I did like the mezcal flights. Give it a try!

Navin M.

Yelp
Great food and ambiance. The decor is really nice inside and the tables are well separated. The mole in the enchiladas divorciadas is delicious. The squash blossom tacos consist of a squash blossom stuffed with cheese then fried in a tempura-like batter and paired with a slaw. The Al pastor sauce in the Brussels sprouts was tasty. Service was also on-point. They brought a clean set of plates, re-filled water and the waiter was quite courteous.

Akilah R.

Yelp
This place is physically beautiful, the staff are welcoming and accommodating, and the food is superb. Apps included the pulpo (octopus) which was perfectly cooked, the flavors were amazing and no, I don't have a pic because it looked good and we just dug in. The other app was the ceviche mixto (again no photo) and that was a treat, it came in leche de tigre, perfect blend of heat, citrus, and flavor. Entrees (pictured below) were the birria tacos and pollo rostizado were delicious. The goat and consume for the tacos were really good. The mole sauce with the roasted chicken was divine. I'll be back.

Jose C.

Yelp
Guacamole, birria tacos, and nachos were amazing!!!! Bartender was helpful and recommended tequila since there are plenty to choose from. Also good vibes, great for pictures for those who like to do that.

Alexandra S.

Yelp
The hostess AND waiter never told me it was happy hour when I came in, so I basically paid a third more on tacos and a cocktail while eating in the dining room, instead of sitting at the bar to order. This feels very dishonest. Why nickel and dime customers!? There's a reason they're always empty when I pass by and now I know why.

Arielle L.

Yelp
Amazing atmosphere! Krishin our server was perfect- with delicious recommendations. Definitely get the Ceviche and classic margaritas! 5/5 stars! Wonderful time!

Jonathan B.

Yelp
Went in to get a couple drinks before dinner at another bar. Randomly walked into this place and pleasantly surprised we did! The bar is aesthetically pleasing and the drinks we had were great. Definitely want to come back and try the food Next!

Rashad B.

Yelp
I see the vision but it leaves a lot to be desired. I like the large tables great for this type of cuisine. Mostly meh.

Craig K.

Yelp
Just miserable. Honestly one of the worst meals I ever had and extremely overpriced. If you ever want your night ruined, come here.

Chris K.

Yelp
Came here for a friends birthday dinner and was overall disappointed because there was no music nor a fun atmosphere that we were expecting (the manager did let us know the DJ cancelled last minute). Service and management was very friendly -- 5 stars! The food was pretty average, expected a lot more given the price tags. The drinks were excellent. Overall would recommend for a drink, not for a meal or dinner party based on our experience!

Mike M.

Yelp
Awesome atmosphere, music was awesome as well as the food. Would definitely come back. Highly recommend the short ribs and enchiladas

Dee S.

Yelp
IXTA was an extraordinary experience!! you must go & enjoy their food & drinks!! Everything was prepared with such detail!! The whole vibe transports you to Mexico! The drinks are just too good & it's hard to have just one!! A huge shout out to Kevin & Jean Pierre for taking such good care of us. They took very good care of us. My friends are so impressed & can't wait to go back!! The service is impressive!! I ate the Branzino & found it cooked perfectly! Everything was well prepared! My friends lived everything they ordered!! The appetizers were so delicious too! Overall, excellent Mexican food. For Dessert, the Tres Leches was moist & irresistible & the Churro balls were jyst WOW... I could go on...

David J.

Yelp
We went on a weeknight, and were pretty much the only customers in a place that is cavernous by Manhattan standards. The food, the decor, the service were all really good. Our friends immediately decided to order enough guacamole for the whole group. I usually don't get restaurant guacamole, since it's pretty easy to make at home, but am glad we got this, because it was unusually tasty. It had some vinegar-y flavor that was a nice contrast to the avocado. Big selection of mezcals, if that's your thing. The prices were on the high side, because the rent at such a prime location at Bowery and Houston must be insane. A mixed drink at $18 is just a sad fact of life in the big city. They have to get the money from somewhere, and nobody NEEDS alcohol to stay alive. Anyway, my partner and I got around the high prices somewhat by ordering a whole grilled branzino for $40 and sharing it. The fish was delicious; in fact, all the food was. I wonder if the fact that the location is so prominent maybe deters Mexican food fans; if the place were a tiny hole-in-the-wall with the same chef, it would be a huge hit. Definitely worth a try, for a special occasion.

BJ A.

Yelp
IXTA Cocina & Mezcal Bar is a true NYC gem in a city filled with good restaurants. The large space is tastefully decorated with authentic hand carved artifacts from Mexico; the bar area is stunning with a very sexy vibe. The cocktails are to die for with my personal favorite being the Santo Remidio which is mezcal based with basil and hoja santa (a South American herb from the peppercorn family). The food in my opinion is the best Mexican cuisine in all of the United States. The recipes are authentic and very unique and the quality of meats, seafood, and produce used comes shining through. Must have appetizers on the menu are the Pulpo Zarandeado (charred octopus with almond pasilla adobo) and Char Grilled Mayan Prawns (served with chilis, garlic, and onions). For the main course, we loved the NY Strip (served with guacamole, grilled spring onions, and pico de gallo) as well as the Whole Grilled Branzino (served with 2 salsas and furikake). Our vegetarian friends loved the Enchiladas Diovorciadas which was served with house made mole rojo and mole negro. For the sides, please don't miss the Esquites made with local corn, and the Zanahoria which is roasted baby carrots with a sherry piloncillo glaze. For dessert the tres leches as well as churro balls with ice cream are both outstanding. Bottom line is that we have been to IXTA twice this week already and cannot wait to go back again soon!

Margaret M.

Yelp
Food and service are great here. Chill ambiance. Surprised it's so empty. Awesome place to go to if you can't get last minute reservations.

Danielle W.

Yelp
Great service and food! The host was a bit off putting but easily ignored and forgotten once we were seated. Oysters, Branzino, corn, guacamole all were good and the Don Hemingway cocktail was amazing!

Katie G.

Yelp
One word: catfish. New to the city in 2023, after looking at Instagram I thought this place was going to be a fun brunch spot. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I was fooled by an Instagram promo video, lol. First of all, they play elevator music, I was there at noon on a Sunday, and it was totally empty, which is prime brunch time. The only reason I am giving a 2 star review is because of the way the place was decorated.

Romain T.

Yelp
I organized a business dinner with 40 people in the bar. Amazing food and cocktails. Great atmosphere and friendly bar tenders. The food is really good: tasty and original Mexican cuisine and the best desserts.

Joe O.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I stumbled into this place after a great sushi dinner, accompanied by a lot of saki. So take note, this was a "late night" stop-in (we're 40+ so "late" is usually 9PM ;) and we definitely didn't plan it. That said, from the ambiance to the bartenders, this place is awesome! We had a few specialty cocktails recommended to us by the bartender and were extremely happy. What did us in was the flight of Mezcal we had before leaving. As delicious as they all were, at 11PM, we were hammered! Regardless, if you like tequila and Mezcal, this is your spot!!

Lotika V.

Yelp
We hosted an event at IXTA in the city yesterday and it was absolutely phenomenal. We had about 50-60 guests. IXTA team did a fantastic job with the food and drinks They gave us so many delicious and flavorful vegetarian options for our guests ! The appetizers were served so beautifully and once again so many options. Great cocktails and wide selection of beers and wine and of course mezcal. Would highly recommend the place for hosting big or small events . The service is top notch

Mary R.

Yelp
10/10 amazing. Food, service (shoutout to Krishin) atmosphere, drinks, everything amazing!

Will C.

Yelp
New spot! Came across their social media and decided to bring a group of friends. We started off with a round of margaritas and Paloma's (the spicy margarita is VERY spicy). We ordered a bunch of appetizers and main and shared everything. The stand out the only dish with rib (chef kiss). The staff was very welcoming and gave us two extra desserts. The prices are high $20+ for two birria tacos. Overall it was a great experience.

Chris B.

Yelp
Former DBGB restaurant/bar, which has been unoccupied since 2017. Given the previous Boulud establishment, I had high hopes for IXTA. Service was lacking; it took over 20 minutes to receive drinks. The tables were too large for a group of 6; it felt spread out and awkward. Next time I would prefer a table instead of a booth. There are many Mexican options nearby; IXTA definitely has the highest price tag. The food was nothing special and small portions. They need to serve more than 3 large chips with the guac.

Ashley J.

Yelp
The cocktail menu is almost exclusively mezcal and tequila which is so fun jf you're a fan. There was one gin drink which was good. The bar appeared to have a decent selection of vodka and other options. For food we split the tuna tostada, esquites and birria tacos. Everything was incredible. The decor and scene here are also great. Can't recommend this place enough.

Shireen S.

Yelp
What a let down. The food was decent though the portions were small, but what really raised my hackles was that they charged $4 for a tablespoon of habanero sauce and another $4 for a few extra tortilla chips to go with the guacamole. All this on top of a very pricey menu. The $17 drinks (spicy margarita and Oaxacan Negroni) were also rather wimpy and evidently low on alcohol. Overall, we left both disappointed and annoyed with their nickel and dime attitude. If you're looking for a classy Mexican restaurant try Maya on the UES or one of the Rosa Mexicano locations. Of course there are many more cheaper and way more satisfying options around, including our recent go to place, Nina's Burrito, on the UWS.

Madison B.

Yelp
We went to Ixta on a Thursday night and started off with a spicy marg by the bar - 10/10. The aesthetic is on point and both the drinks and food were beyond delicious. The Birria tacos are an absolute must, however, the steak, duck tacos, guac, salsa trio and ceviche were close seconds!! I suggest sharing with friends so you can try it all. Will definitely be back!!

Karishma K.

Yelp
Ixta is a phenomenal new restaurant in town. The decor and ambiance gives Tulum x modern mexican and the drinks are delicious. To start we got the tuna tartare and the octopus. The tuna tartare is very good, a little creamy (exactly how I like it) and the octopus was one of the best dishes I've had in 2022. It melted in your mouth and was so flavorful. Next we got the "truffle tots" which was so good, perfect amount of truffle and cheese and then the full head branzino which was so refreshing. I highly recommend this place from their food and drinks to their vibes and artwork!

Sohail U.

Yelp
Ixta is one of the best new restaurants in NYC! I went there this past weekend with my wife and we had an incredible experience. You can tell right away when you walk in that every detail of the restaurant was well thought out, from the bar, artwork; the interiors were very refreshing and contemporary. Everything we had on the menu, including the cocktails were excellent. We would highly recommend the Guacamole, Ceviche, Birria Tacos, and the Prawns El Diablo. On top of the great food, the service was on point; with our server consistently checking in on us to see if we wanted anything else. Overall I highly recommend Ixta; whether it's for a date night or a night out with friends! The food, drinks, and service are all top-notch and we cannot wait to be back!

Steph L.

Yelp
Perf for night out with friends. Good ambiance and vibe. Guac, tartar, fish tacos all good