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Mixteca Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Mixteca Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar
Review Highlights
"...we received free Skittles and Gummy Bears with our check."
(in 3 reviews)
"Had a nice Margarita made with Don Julio and fresh juices."
(in 3 reviews)
"Mike and Claudia are great hosts and make you fell like..."
(in 5 reviews)
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Erin D.
1/29/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I can't say anything bad about this place at all. Except for the fact I didn't want to write a review because I kinda wanted to keep this place to myself but word seems to be spreading.......Ok, I'll say it......This by far is the GO TO for Mexican. As Larry B said, this place gets better and better.
We all seem to be searching for the best Mexican place to eat but mine stopped here. I know when I go, I'm getting outstanding service and a fantastic meal.
Their serrano salsa is outstanding. And their margaritas are dangerous. They average about $10 but well well worth the money. I get the blood orange one, so, so good.
Anything you get here is fantastic. Its fresh and worth every penny. -
Review from Lia L.
Woodstock, IL
Updated - 11/15/2011
My husband and I were too lazy to cook on a Saturday night but we didn't want to dine in at a restaurant, so we decided to order steak quesadilla appetizers and burritos to go. We paid $22 (we made additions to the burritos - made them "suizo" which is a pepper sauce and cheese on top and "bomba" which is lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and avocados added inside), took them home, and opened up a bottle of Smirnoff with lime and had the best take-out dinner of our lives. Our dinner was so good that were jokingly saying that we should do it Sunday night too. So we didn't do it two nights in a row, but it's on our minds to do it next Saturday too, haha.
Skip pizza or Chinese take-out and call up Mixteca when you want to take dinner home.
EDIT:
The next weekend we did it again and were charged $29. I guess they undercharged us the first time around. So it's not the super cheap deal as before, but it's still a REALLY good dinner.1 Previous Review:
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12/30/2010
The food can be amazing, but the service isn't consistent.
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Review from Patrick S.
Woodstock, IL
9/15/2011
My girlfriend and I decided to stop in here one night, since it's close to where we live. It was very busy, but we were seated right away.
We had great service immediately with 4 different people checking up on us throughout the night!
The bartender made great margaritas! Even giving my girlfriend almost a full second glass at no charge :) (good thing, 'cause they are a little pricey, but worth it)
Nothing out of the ordinary on the menu, but still good nonetheless. I ordered a chimichanga and was glad to see that it was full of steak. My girlfriend ordered the steak fajitas and enjoyed that dish as well. For dessert we chose the fried ice cream. I would have liked to have a few more dessert choices than just two (coconut cream pie was the other choice), but at least it did not disappoint us.
When they bring the check they also bring out a jar of Skittles and gummy bears. We both loved this idea :)
The atmosphere was intimate and dark, but not too dark so that you couldn't see your menu. We both really liked the light fixtures and wall hangings.
We will be going back with friends soon :) -
Review from Stalkerkitty B.
Grayslake, IL
10/24/2011 2 photos
We stopped for a late lunch, and we had the place to ourselves. The Halloween decor was interesting in a positive way. Loved the option of four salsas and a chip refill was offered without delay. The burrito was good and the enchilda resemembled the burrito, really couldn't visually tell the difference. There wasn't sauce on cheese on the top of the enchilada, which my burrito had because I ordered it suiza style. The prices seemed a little higher than other Mexican restaurants I've been to. Neither the burrito or enchilda included rice and beans. Some of the margarita prices seemed way to high, but I really don't know the going price for a fancy margarita. If I find myself nearby and hungry, I wouldn't mind stopping again.
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Review from Ljana M.
Woodstock, IL
5/25/2011
Affordable, good food, in a nice and clean restaurant. Only thing that is not good is the service is SLOW. Not talking about the food preparation, but the ordering, drink refills, receiving the check...not the best place if you're on a tight lunch schedule.
But if you're not in a rush, it's a great choice. And the portions are huge. Consider sharing a meal to save money. -
Review from Kristen F.
Woodstock, IL
8/2/2011
My husband and I refer to Mixteca as the "fancy" Mexican restaurant, as opposed to El Niagara with its $3 margaritas served in cactus glasses or Fast Taco's take-out menu. Is it the best place in the world for Mexican food? No. Is it the best place in Woodstock to get Mexican food? Yes.
Mixteca has delicious margaritas. Its premium margaritas are on the high-end for Woodstock, but they taste very fresh. The first time we went to Mixteca, my husband and I ordered the same margarita. I was surprised at how weak it was, but he was bright red and slumped over in his seat. He has a low tolerance, so I was laughing at him for reacting that way to such a weak drink, but then I tasted his drink and it was practically pure alcohol! I think they put all the alcohol in his drink and just served me some fancy lime juice. Besides that one incident though, the drinks have been great. The raspberry margarita is my favorite.
The second best thing about Mixteca is its variety of salsa. They bring out four salsas that range from a pepper-free roasted tomato to what I can only guess is simply pureed Thai peppers. It is spicy!
I once tried the tostadas when we ordered delivery and that was pretty good, but at the restaurant, I almost always get two vegetarian tacos with extra toppings sans cheese and sour cream. I then load them up with salsa, including one taco with the extra hot salsa. It makes me want to cry and forces me to suck on some ice from my margarita, but in a good way. I love that they do not use lard in their beans or meat broth in their rice.
They bring you a jar of skittles and gummy bears with your check, which is kind of unsanitary, but you're too drunk from the margaritas to care if a snotty kid reached into the jar with his hands. -
Review from Hillary S.
Naperville, IL
10/15/2011
Visited Mixteca for lunch today with my bf, another couple and their toddler. It was awkward when we went in, the other three tables patrons stared at us. Didn't think we looked out of place but whatever. We were seated but not given menus right away. Only one waitress working the dining room, it wasn't super busy but almost more than one could handle.
Everyone's favorite - the salsas! We were given several (I think 7 different) salsas to try - from mild (the toddler ate tons of it) to HOTTTT!
Food was ok, I had asada taco and a pork tamale, nothing special. Bf had a pastor burrito. The other couple had a burrito, couple of tacos and cheese quesadilla for the little one. We also asked for a side of rice and beans but were unsure of the sizes, the waitress told us a small would be enough for all of us - it was NOT. And the side didn't come out until we were almost done with our food. A small bowl of rice and beans, not worth $3 each. We didn't get refills on our drinks but the waitress did keep bringing us extra baskets of chips and an extra mild salsa.
This is not a place that is close to my house but we were up in the area for the apple orchard. Probably wouldn't try this again. -
Review from Kevin H.
Woodstock, IL
9/21/2011
The hidden gem of Woodstock! Nestled quietly in a nondescript strip mall on 47, I've passed it a hundred times before I finally decided to stop in tonight after several encouraging comments by friends. Good lord have I been missing out! A sincere and warm welcome by Manny our server got things off to a great start. Informative and genuinely glad to have us there he gave us the full tour of the menu and cocktail offerings. We settled on the Barbacoa and Enchiladas. Home made deliciousness followed, simple and fresh these dishes blew us away! Finished things up with Mamas Coconut Cream Pie. Then, just as we though the best had been devoured we received free Skittles and Gummy Bears with our check. Genius move Mama! We fell head over heels for Mixteca. We have a new favorite! A warm thanks to all of the friendly faces there at Mixteca, great work keep it up!
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Review from Laura M.
Lake in the Hills, IL
Going to have to go back and try again. It was ok but my carnitas tacos weren't very seasoned.
Overall, it's a nice little place. Much nicer than it looks on the street. Staff is very friendly. -
Review from Ron B.
Woodstock, IL
9/9/2010
This is, by far, our favorite restaurant of all time. All the drinks and food are made from natural ingredients, the staff is incredible and the owners are awesome. We're there, without fail in the non-summer months every Friday evening as a way to celebrate the end of the week with friends. This is the kind of environment that Claudia and Mike have created.
Just try it and tell me you don't love it there. -
Review from jason s.
Glendale, CA
1/17/2011
Great salsas, and Mexican beers on draft (Negra Modelo, Dos Equis). This made me happy.
Atrocious service, ho-hum guacamole, and so-so tacos left me wanting more. For the 'burbs, it's a probably a good spot. I suspect my living in LA has something to do with my displeasure, but nevertheless, they need to step up their game to please those of us with a better frame of reference.
Would I go again? Well, it's the best Mexican food in the area, so I suppose so... -
Review from jay h.
Chicago, IL
9/28/2010
If i lived in Woodstock, I probably would come here often. However, I live in Chicago, and less than a full block from much better Mexican fare.
The good: a cute space in a strip mall, an ambitious and creative menu, four types of salsa. Margarita was outstanding.
The OK: Menu did not fully deliver on its promise. Barbacoa dinner (stewed beef) was tender and tasty, but lacked a complex or smoky flavor to really set it apart. Carnitas (pork) much the same, and burrito as a whole was good but not great.
The bad: rice and beans were afterthoughts. Needed salsa boost for flavor.
Service was friendly.
So, nice place with solid and creative food, but not worth a special trip, in my opinion. -
Review from Ron L.
Crystal Lake, IL
8/31/2011
Been here several times and the food was so, so as well as the service. Had lunch there yesterday and they were out of Avocado's, Chorizo and Pork. And it was only noon! I will have to think twice about going there again.
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Review from Kathleen L.
Barrington, IL
3/2/2011
I can't find a single bad thing to say about this place. Me and a few girlfriends came here for margaritas and mexican food and we stayed there for ohhh...about 3 hours. The portions are huge and I think we all kept waiting for more room to be made in our stomachs so we could eat more. The food is truly amazing - fresh , flavorful , and so authentic. Nothing is frozen and they try to use organic I think when possible. Drinks are strong. Service is consistent. This place is just perfect and no mexican food you have after eating here will compare. Oh ya, and they serve you your own little jar of jelly beans after dinner! So freakin cute!
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Review from David C.
Woodstock, IL
9/13/2008
We entered close to 8PM and it was busy, but a table soon opened up and we were seated at a booth. We dove into the fresh chips and 4 different salsas, of which the hot lime green one is my favorite. Clean out that nose! Add two nice margaritas, rocks, salt. Mmmmm.
They have a large menu, but we tend to get the unusual specials. The special board had two items I never heard of, both containing a Venezuelan peanut sauce. I asked one of the tag-team servers (actually, I think she was one of the owners, whose mom cooks in the back) about it. She said the dishes were grilled pulled chicken with the sauce, with black beans and rice, and the Burrito Suizo was a chicken burrito with the same sauce (instead of my usual beef with red sauce). We ordered.
Wonderful. Thick sauce. Peanut flavor. Like Chicken Satay on a grand scale. Chicken done well. Brilliant. -
Review from Kevin M.
Lake in the Hills, IL
12/30/2010
Finally. I have lived in the northwest suburbs for more than a year now and had yet to find a Mexican joint that fits my taste preferences, until Mixteca. Had a nice Margarita made with Don Julio and fresh juices. Worth every penny. For dinner, I had a pork special that had an awesome smoky/spicy mole sauce with pineapple. Took home the coconut dessert because I was too full, thanks to the chips and salsa. When will I ever learn? The habanero salsa was mighty tasty and just at the edge of being too hot for me, which I like. Service was delightful and although the server was busy, he was still attentive enough to fill water regularly, which is definitely needed with all the heat in the meal. Will go back many times, I'm sure. Can't wait to try all their specialty drinks.
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Review from Jim B.
McHenry, IL
5/25/2010 2 photos
Very fresh food, tasty food. Some very creative dishes including lamb mole and shrimp chorizo tacos. Don't miss the enchiladas or fish tacos. The margaritas are very fresh, all fresh juices, no sweet/sour mix. Some unique ones like berry, blood orange, and watermelon. Service is prompt, friendly, and very informative. Small town feel with big city taste. Don't miss this this place... It's great!!
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Review from larry b.
Woodstock, IL
Updated - 6/30/2010
Mixteca just gets better and better. Some seasonal additions to the menu is all a welcome thing. Mike and Claudia are great hosts and make you fell like family. I hear they may start doing wine tastings soon which would be great!
Listed in: Top Restaurants, The Places I Go Out, Where is eat in Woodstock and…
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/8/2010
Mixteca is still open they are just closed on Sunday and Monday. Read more »
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Review from Kathie C.
Woodstock, IL
7/18/2009 1 Check-in Here
I affectionately call this "my mexican food place" and all of my friends and family know that it's Mixteca! Everything tastes homemade and the friendly staff helps with menu questions. Claudia (one of the owners) is usually there and always has a smile on her face! They have inside/outside seating and the mixed drinks from the bar ROCK.
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Review from susan s.
Woodstock, IL
7/27/2009
This place is THE BEST, margaritas are made with freshly squeezed juices, the food is made from family recipes. Highly recommend!
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Review from J R.
Woodstock, IL
3/22/2010
LOVE LOVE LOVE Mixteca.
Claudia & Mike are wonderful hosts who always greet you with a smile. The fish taco's are not to be missed and don't forget to have them hand make you a Margarita, best in town! -
Review from Elijah M.
McHenry, IL
7/27/2010
Had a superb lunch in a restaurant that was empty at 1:00 pm. The $10 martini was loaded with exceptionally fresh ingredients, well prepared and an excellent starter. We had a cheese and steak quesadilla that was mediochre, but the fresh tortilla chips and choice of four salsas that kept being refilled were superb, very homemade and fresh. When they say hot, they mean hot - lots of habenero in one. The others were excellent with bits of charred peppers and as fresh as they get. The enchiladas were served with a verde sauce that was fresh and outstanding. The chimichanga was served with a shredded pot roast like beef that was incredible. Fresh ingredients and obviously prepared with exceptional care and put into an awesome presentation. Attentive service by a server who knew the menu and preparation techniques well. The flan was mediochre, but still excellent. They serve a raspberry sweet tea and we were never asked if we wanted sweet or not, something unusual for this far north. Despite not being a sweet tea fan, this was excellent and acceptable. Prices were exceptionally reasonable for the quality and freshness. A great place for true Mexican food that has not been Americanized.
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Review from Ron J.
Crystal Lake, IL
10/18/2010
I love Mexican food and am always looking for a restaurant that is a little different from the usual. This is one of them! Yes, they serve the traditional fare of tacos, burritos, etc. (which they do very well since I tried the steak tacos a week later), but it is the daily specials that really are special. Their claim of always fresh and homemade are substantiated when presented with your menu choice. Flavorfully unique with their blend of spices and ingredients, it ravishes your tastebuds from the first bite. But first is the complimentary flight of salsas, four homemade salsas from mild to HOT, served with a bowl of homemade chips. Amazing! I then ordered the enchilada dinner special, four enchiladas with your choice of red or green mole. Red mole is one sauce that can often be bitter but not here. It is so well blended of spices that "flavorful" is the first thing that comes to mind. Next time I would like to try their green mole as it also is a pureed blend of savory ingredients which our waiter described well and included even pumpkin seeds. But wait. . . don't forget to order one of their specialty margaritas. Not just made with your choice of tequila, over 30 to choose from, but with an astonishing blend of real fresh juices, no bottled mixes. Lemon, orange, lime, cranberry, etc., all concocted to satisfy even the most discriminating mixologist. I can't say anything about the desserts because I could hardly walk out the door from being soooo full.
