Say it with me, eeks’-tah. Yxta Cocina Mexicana (sister restaurant to Highland Park’s El Arco Iris) is located on the outskirts of downtown, a stones throw from the surging Historic Core, the shiny new South Park. and the office workers of bunker hill. But somehow people are still filling into this Mexican restaurant located in a mini mall next to the self proclaimed “L A’s Best Deli & Cafe”.
The cocina is bubbling with activity. Office co-workers enjoy Happy Hour specials, friends get together for Mexican beers or margarita’s made with a house made sour and couples are cozied up at the bar for fresh guacamole, authentic modernized Mexican food featuring handmade tortillas, slow-cooked carnitas and mole enchiladas, made with Salmon Creek natural pork and Shelton’s free range chicken.
The decor, designed by New York architect Poonam Khanna, compliments the neighboring warehouses. A large open space, with concrete walls, Mexican artwork, community dining and swirling lights. The service is decent, slow at times, but the food here is good, and affordable, which keeps people coming back for the fresh authentic dishes and family style cooking.
TIPS: Come by for happy hour 4-7pm, Monday through Saturday – $5 margaritas, $3 beers and $6 appetizers. $1 valet parking at lunch, free parking in the evening.
Chips and salsa with a house made margarita is the perfect end to a hard day at work.
The creamy gauc comes topped with lightly spiced pine nuts.
Not your typical empanadas, stuffed with your choice of meat. This one was stuffed with their delicious carnitas.
The Enchiladas Suizas with pulled chicken, roasted tomatillo sauce, cilantro lime rice, and frijoles olla.
Arrachera, a marinated skirt steak, mole cheese enchilada, mexican rice, and frijoles negros.
19. May 2010 at 12:30 pm
Hey, I’m going here with a friend for dinner tonight! (thank you Blackboard Eats) I’ve read a lot of mediocre reviews about it, but now I’m excited. Food looks great!
19. May 2010 at 6:48 pm
Let me know what you think!
20. May 2010 at 3:58 pm
Two words: Jamaica Margarita. ZOMG so good!!
And on the waiter’s recommendation I got the steak tacos which were also super tasty. Overall I thought it was great and will definitely be back to check out their happy hour.