I've enjoyed multiple experiences at Ixchel at this point. When you first walk in there's a really cute bar with swings. It's a great place to have a few drinks or even a meal. The dining room is well decorated and has nice vibes. I ordered the guac for the table which they make right in front of you adding for a fun experience. You can decide what you want in it. For a main course I've had the chicken enchiladas which were so good I can't stop getting them every time I go back. The sauce is just so good! The churros are a nice way to end the meal off. They're cooked well so they're properly crispy with the inside being slightly soft and it comes with a chocolate mousse on the side which is so good. Definitely plan to go back soon!

Beautifully decorated. Staff was very attentive. Good food that would have been given a great if not for the fact that the shrimp and scallops in the palenque stew were so overcooked that I couldn't eat them. Another main dish Kukulkan (salmon) was ordered medium rare and that, as well came to the table overcooked. I would love to give it another try, but I'd probably steer clear of any fish dish.

Everything was great, from the service to the beautiful bar area to the food and drink items. The tacos were tasty and filling. Complimentary chips and salsa, as well as rice and beans were really good. All drinks were tasty. Considering how packed this place is, everything came out super fast. The bar area is a beautiful date spot. The dining area is great for work dinners, and the booths that fit up to six people are perfect for a group of friends or family celebrating a special occasion. I definitely recommend making a reservation and familiarizing yourself with the menu before you go.

Excellent! Came here for Father's Day dinner. The atmosphere, staff and food was amazing. The sangria was also great. I highly recommend this place.

My family was visiting Long Island for a wedding and after an hour meet and greet for the rehearsal drinks we were starved. Came across Ixchel on yelp and we headed over. They were packed, a great sign, and did ask if we had reservations. It seemed that having a reservation for here was more the norm than just walking in, so the hostesses seemed a little surprised and was quick to assure us that they will seat us but it may take a little bit of time. Just a short 15-20 minutes that let us take in the beautiful decor of moss covered ceilings, Mayan masks and carpet, and this creative section of the bar that had swings (awesome place for photos). The inside was just as beautiful with wicker light cages and a mix of booth and chairs and tables. We got a back corner and had the best server, Carlos, who honestly made this night a delight. The salsa here is different than any we've ever had, being served warm and more of a marinara in texture and feel but with that same salsa taste you'd expect and served with a basket of blue and white corn chips. Naturally as native Californians we had to have the guacamole, the space was too tight for the rolling table to watch it be made but that was fine. Fresh and well seasoned it was a solid passing grade, but after talking to Carlos we got a side of their jalapeños which were not spicy at all but still brought in that specific taste and crunch, upped the dish up to A-. Take away here, if you like jalapeños, make sure to ask for extra. Our dishes were a range so let's go around the table at start with my sister-in-law who had the shrimp cocktail without octopus (yes that is a real question you will be asked). It was a beautiful presentation with a tall glass of cocktail over a bed of chips. Lots of shrimp and seasoned to be light with a kick. My brother had the chicken enchiladas; served in a bowl of green sauce that was more akin to a salsa verde the three enchiladas were decent. Chicken was well seasoned and flavorful, however there was a bit too much sauce. It helped to soak it up with the rice but my brother had noted it would have been better if it had been served on a flat dish with less sauce. A solid second option though should he ever revisit. My mother had the Poblano soup with corn and cheese. This is a soup and a good choice for someone not hungry enough for a full entree but needing something. Thick and creamy with excellent cheese pulls and lots of corn, this is a perfect light dish. My entree was the taco sanctuary, a trio of tacos of your choosing and I opted for two chicken and the fried fish. Fish tacos is a favorite of mine and I'm rather particular about the taste of them. This was a decent fish taco, breaded nicely to keep the crunch despite the sauce from both the chipotle sauce and cabbage moisture but left the fish still soft and flaky. I would not get this particular one again though, I feel the dressing just didn't match well and would have preferred a white sauce. The chicken tostadas however were excellent. Super messy though so be sure to use your napkin for a bib or risk your clothes. Tender chicken juicy and packed full on this flat shell with fresh lettuce that adds that bit of extra crunch and cotija cheese for sharp tang, smoothed out with a slice of avocado. No notes, this was a perfect taco. Mom and I shared a rice and beans that my brother also got with his entree. Refried black beans (if I'm not mistaken , and per our waiter are not cooked in meat) and seasoned soft rice that complimented each other and was lovely. Carlos, being the amazing waiter that he is, talked us into the dessert special that my brother and I split; two rolled crepes with Nutella and strawberries (can also get dolce de leche instead of Nutella and bananas or blueberries or all three!). We were pleasantly surprised to find these were like a waffle cone in taste and texture, the Nutella was just the right amount and rolled with strawberry pieces so each bite had a bit of everything. We were both happy to have gotten this one. All in all, this was a perfect dinner, and I'm honestly a bit sad we don't have one at home! If you head over make sure to say hello to Carlos!

Jim Simons once said that a successful leader would arm himself/herself with a group of smarter people. And this was exactly came into my mind after dining in here last night. The funny prelude to share. I did read reviews prior to going to the establishment. The tip given was parking across at the Apple Bank instead of the valet parking. So we followed the two cars ahead of us into the bank parking. Easy and empty since it was an early dinner at 5:30pm reservation. When we walked to the entrance of the restaurant, i could feel a dirty look from those guys at the valet parking. lol! How classy we were. Sorry guys. Then, a front desk hostess asked if we had a reservation and yes of course. That's what we often do. But I was telling myself I hoped this would not be the jinx mentioned by other patrons. Thanks God! Soon enough, the owner appeared seamlessly in one of the crispiest, whitest, sharpest, and above all meticulously ironed dressing shirt , to greet us. He was in great shape and scintillating. He gave my husband a warm hand shake, said hi to everyone with a nice smile. Then right after, his wife came up to greet us (I believe to every guess enters their restaurant) She was in a bodycon figure flattering black jumpsuit. Perfect silhouetted her sexy Latin shape in a passionate, strong-willed and cheerful style! Wow, I was thinking this place is for real! Then we were led by our waitress who was also in a genuine cheerful manner to a nice welcoming and clean well-set table. So far everything seemed promising. But not yet wait for all dishes to debut. My family was very efficient. Every one knew exact what they want. Fish: 10/10. I never let any whole fish slip my eyes and belly. I zeroed in for the grilled whole Bronzino but required oil on side and use as little oil to grill as possible. And the waitress knew exactly my preference. However I did think it was worthy of mentioning that the garlic olive oil sauce was very very rich in flavors. The fish was so good and baby butt tender, buttery and perfect seasoned and excited in many ways. The skin had no fishy tasty nor smell. Absolutely a knockout! What also impressive was the size of my fish. It was about at least 1.5 lbs if not much more! For the price we paid, it was the sweetest deal! The mini purple and yellow potatoes were also up there in terms of flavor with the leading role of my entrees. Under the potatoes there was a tiny spicy surprise. I thought how witty and special that was. Meat platter: 8/10 The chicken was very good. Again flavor was not even an issue here. Juicy inside with some very charming grilling marks. Mushrooms onions were well sautéed. Guacamole: 10/10 They had a guacamole lady pushing a cart/staion cart to each table. She made the freshest and cleanest guacamole. It was like a Dim Sum cart visiting every table for the house made chips dipping. Also very generous in portion! Salsa sauce: 11/10! Yes, it is not a typo! 11/10! It was the best salsa ever outside of Mexico I presume since I have never been to Mexico YET. lol. Seriously, the sauce was slight warm. As if it just oozed out from a mother's warm soothing hands with ONLY three freshest cleanest ingredients: tomato, onion and lime!!! Can I tell you that I even asked the waitress to give me one to take to go with my leftovers. She was so fabulous! Thank you! I am so going to drizzle some onto my dish to highlight it the following day The soup: per my son 10/10. He just simply told me:" Mama, sorry the soup is better than your miso soup! But I still love yours, OK? " He finished with his spoon scratching the bottom numerous times. The dessert: per my family excellent. I did not touch dessert. I liked the coconut cake by the look though. The only dish I would say needs more work was the seafood rice in pyramid. It was mushy and with little seafood but flavor was there. We left a big portion. The ambiance was very relaxing, homey and like a Mexican big family. The owners and waitress and service staff came by numerous times to make sure we had a good time and good food. The working staff were in nice simple uniform. They all really seemed liking and respecting their responsibility. I was certain the owners must be very experienced in restaurant business. They highlighted the restaurant with good product (quality and flavor), good price ( generous portion), place and promotion ( they did through by offering good service, well-trained staff). Wish them long-lasting blossom and add more creativity and innovation to the menu.

I've been coming here since it opening and food & cocktails are always a 10! Love, love, love this place. So happy they're open for lunch now.

Superb environment! Definitely plan ahead. Surprisingly there is valet service which is a rarity for Port Jeff. It seemed fancy. We did tip our valet, but I'd probably park somewhere else and walk-in next time. The place was packed with loads of people. Every seat in the restaurant was completely taken! The cocktails were pretty, I thought mine tasted ok, and the food was gorgeous, simple chicken enchilada and tasted good. I felt the presentation of the place. The churros were so authentic and delish! The service was fast, thanks Jake!

First time at Ixchel Mexican Cuisine and it pains me to give them 4 stars. This is our neighborhood restaurant. When it was the BBQ spot, we were here weekly, the chef (Chef Jeff!) came out and spoke to us, they made a cake for my wife on her birthday, it was a home town spot making great food that we enjoyed almost on a weekly basis. Now Ixchel Mexican Cuisine, a family business by owners Juan and Daphnee Munar. I'm excited to support a new spot and the menu looks solid with lots of higher end Mexican dishes. Here is where the madness happens. My wife & I walk in at 6:30 and ask for a table. We're told a 45 minute wait but we can eat at the bar. I ask for the table, we'll grab a drink and maybe a small bite before dinner. The bar? Is slammed with people who want to have a drink after work. We sit at the bar and my wife orders a White Sangria. I ordered a high end classic Margarita. The ingredients used to make these cocktails are fresh, so cocktails are on point. We ordered the "Pulpo Rojo Maya", Spanish grilled Octopus that can honestly say its been the best I had in a very long time. Very tender with a light charr, we're eating at the bar with all this craziness surrounding us, it was truly an exceptional dish. Now we're about hour 1:15 minutes at the bar. I get up and ask the hostess what is the status of our table? No one knows, the restaurant is mass chaos at this point. The bar? Slammed with people. The wait staff are practically running to tables, there is a lot of activity happening. At the bar was a group of woman behind us drinking. One woman, I woke up today with a headache, she had a loud laugh, like a fake cackle? Very loud and annoying. Our table is ready and we're seated. The dining room is packed to full capacity at this point. The cackler is seated a few tables behind us. Our waiter comes over and we refused the chips because we ate two baskets at the bar! (soooo good by the way) I ordered the "Arrachera Uxmal" grilled skirt steak and my wife order shredded pork. My steak was presented curled on the plate, very classy presentation. The table also comes with complementary Rice and Black Beans. The food was outstanding, the flavor of my steak with the black beans was a hearty dish. While I'm eating, the lady behind us is cackling. The dining room is loud and her laugh brought the evening to an unpleasant end. Check please, I have to end the evening. Folks, Ixchel Mexican Cuisine is serving amazing food and cocktails. Friday night at 6:30 was slammed and the restaurant is not on Open Table. Hopefully the restaurant will have a better reservation system but just winging it left us frustrated with the long wait.