Midtown Lunch

The upscale Mexican spot, Xochitl, is a little pricey for my liking. But Thursday nights are the time to go, when all food is 50% off (excluding desserts and the recently added tasting menu). Also, their delicious house margaritas are $5. This late night happy hour runs from 10pm-midnight. I was shocked at how few people were taking advantage of this. It is a great way to try out the creative menu without feeling like a moron for paying $13 for 3 tiny tacos.

While I would normally pout at paying $9 for a smallish plate of even the freshest guacamole, I can handle $4.5. Even better was the queso fundido, piping hot cheese with potent mushrooms, picked onions, and peppers served with warm tortillas. Seriously, the mushrooms were so so strongly mushroomy, I was impressed.

The congrejo (crab) ceviche was not available so I tried the tuna. While it was gorgeous, I preferred my friend’s scallop version because it had stronger flavors. I was hesitant to order the scallops for myself because even the slightest bit of unfreshness will ruin it. These were fresh,  we slurped up all the liquid.

Xochitl has a list of 6 different fancy pants tacos. As I mentioned before, each order comes with 3 and are on the small side. I was surprised by the chicken carnitas- it actually was quite reminiscent of pork carnitas. The crispy skin made all the difference.  And on Thursday nights- only $5. Also $5 are the calabacita tacos. The summer squash tacos are sure to please any vegetarian. I could not tell what was put into the mole verde sauce, but it was something special.  Not pictured were the delicious pork cheek tacos in walnut mole.

Though not half off, the peach crisp is a sweet end to your 1/2 off meal.

Look what day today is… Cancel your plans for tonight and go to Xochitl!

Xochitl, 408 S 2nd St (@ Pine St), 215 238 7280