Xoco Reviews

Came here for lunch. We shared an order of soft tacos with chicken. The serving arrived with four tacos filled with chicken and avocados. It was spicy and tasty. We also had the churros with chocolate and peanuts. It was made fresh. Very good. The prices were reasonable. A good place to stop for a quick meal.

I chose the ajugado sandwich --a delicious pulled pork sandwich lightly resting in a delicious chile broth followed by the polverone cookie. I'll be back on my next trip to Chicago!

We stopped in late on Saturday evening. We were surprised at the number of options on the menu. We went with tacos and churros. The staff was friendly and helpful in recommending options. They even came out to our table to see if we needed anything else and then brought out our dessert before they closed. I would definitely go back.

Service was excellent and prices were very reasonable. I needed to eat quickly and they made sure my order came promptly. Food was wonderful and will return the next time I’m in Chicago!

Having loved Frontera Grill, I had high expectation for Xoco. However, I was disappointed in the food. The guacamole was sour with too much lime and cilantro. I ordered the Ahogada based on the recomenation of the cashier. She asked if I wanted it mild, medium or hot. I asked for medium and after one bite, my lips were on fire of a half hour. The bread was so hard I could not bite into it. I ate the meat out of the sandwich, and it tasted fair. Not worth $10 at all.

Excellent Mexican fusion food. Best I’ve had in Chicago. You order in line at the counter and they bring to food to your table. Excellent service

For such a small space they do come out with some good foods. We were greeted as soon as we entered, had to get in line to order this was a bit intimidated because it was our first time (lots of choices) and we had a line behind us moaning. Ordered some short rib tacos, posole, and guacamole with chips. The food was good but the corner high table we were put at was tight and it was uncomfortable to eat.

My siblings and I grew up watching One Plate at a Time. Rick introduced us to Mexican cuisine beyond the tacos and burritos that we knew. We admired not just his passion for the food but his love and respect for the culture. Needless to say, a siblings trip to Chicago would not be complete without a stop at one of Rick’s restaurants. We made reservations at Frontera because we wanted a full sit down experience. We had a full meal of appetizers, drinks, entrées, and dessert there. As stuffed as we were we couldn’t help but head to XOCO for some churros to end the night. While ordering we ended up getting a torta to share as well. The fact that we were so full and yet still enjoyed every last bite of our torta and churros should tell you how good it was. We wish we had more time in the city to have an actual meal here. We’ll just have to come back again.

There were long waits at some of the nearby breakfast spots, so we looked on the internet for options and Xoco had good reviews for breakfast. I never thought about Mexican food for breakfast, but it was delicious. You order at the counter and they bring the food out to you. I ordered the Enchiladas + Eggs and they were so good! The food came out quickly and the service was very good.

Very good tacos but a little on the spicy side. We also got a calamari salad and that was excellent! I loved that they tried to do everything on the healthier side.

The food was absolutely delicious and it was right across from our hotel. Unfortunately we didn’t decide to come here until our last morning but the menu for lunch and dinner looked just as yummy.

My wife and I have always enjoyed Rick Bayless' restaurants but on a holiday trip to Chicago today we stopped at XOCO for lunch. We were so happy with this trip that we had no desire to eat dinner. I had the Ahogada Torta which was Carnitas on a roll, cut in half and place in a bowl with the most luscious tomato arbol sauce one would want. I had the regular medium hot which I dought I could have taken any hotter, I also had an order of Chicharrones which was worth the whole visit. Now that I live in the Chicago suburbs I will be a regular.

I think maybe I am just used to a different flavor in Mexican food that this didn’t really hit the spot. It was a bit too spicy for me. I really like chorizo but the spice was just a bit over the top. We sat outside at the tables available. This was just okay. I probably wouldn’t go back because there’s so many other choices we liked more.

Really good way to experience a Rick Bayless restaurant without breaking the bank. Food and drinks as good as next door at the formal restaurant.

We ate lunch here. It was very good. I had chicken lettuce tacos. They were spicy and tasty. Others had beef and pork sandwich. They both liked their food. We ate inside. You can also eat outside. I recommend. It was busy, so be prepared to wait.

Too spicy for me, I took the shrimp tacos and changed to the pork sandwich. Fine, but the sandwich is soaked in tomato soup. At checkout, I was charged $3.50 more than my friend and I told them this mistake they rectified, monitor your bill.

We were taken here by family that have eaten here before and raved about the food. We were not disappointed. The food was delicious and the variety had something for everyone's taste, The guacamole was delicious as a starter and every item we tried was great.

Went here for lunch and there wasn’t a very long wait to order your food. After ordering, you were sat down at you table if you were eating in and they would bring you your food when it was ready. I got the chipotle chicken sandwich and it was great! I also ordered the churro cheesecake and it was phenomenal. The churro was warm and soft and the cheesecake was smooth and rich in flavor. If you have time to go here, I highly recommend it.

We liked Xoco so much we had breakfast here 2 days in a row. The avocado toast and smoky bacon mollete were favourites. Churros and their Authentic chocolate were also winners. Get their coffee in a press pot to wash it all down! This is not a full-service restaurant; you order and pay at the counter and they will give you a number to take back to your table. Service is friendly and if the place is busy, there can be a wait for your food. Bonus: Firecakes Donuts is just around the corner!

Tasty and quickly served Mexican food / subs soups. Not a fast-food type place though. A bit pricey. 13 dollars for a sub (a good one, enough for a meal).

A great spot to eat if you want to try Mexican food. Love the homemade salsas. I highly recommend that if you go to try one of the specials of the day, you will not be disappointed.

XOCO is a bold marketplace, River North, Mexican flavored eatery in a quick serve cafe styled format and proliferates the base of Mexico's beloved street food and snacks encompassing the likes of empanadas, signature churros, crusty tortas, the beloved frothy hot chocolate and the desserts that are hard to pass on ....I didn't. I guzzled down the 'meal in the bowl' caidos...........this stuff is crazy good food.

We had tacos, margaritas and churros! Everything was fresh and tasty and we would definitely return! Everything was freshly made. XOCO was recommended by a friend and I'm so glad we went!

We had churros (we love them anytime of the day), Saturday enchiladas and veggie tacos. My husband loved the Saturday enchiladas, I thought they were good, but I preferred the veggie tacos. Next time, pork enchiladas. They looked awesome. Classic chocolate is great too.

Freshly prepared to order using fresh ingredients and unique mexican seasons. Wood fired oven for sandwiches..Good soups too. Sort of a hip spot too.

But the whole seating thing was a little convoluted. There were three of us who presented here for a lunch during a conference. The host told us it would be a 10-15 minute wait, and every time I went back to him after ten minutes, it would be another 10-15 minute wait. Finally we asked him whether we could eat out of doors, and then we were allowed to be seated immediately, which we would have opted for had they made it clear at the start. However, the food is always wonderful, and this time was no exception.

We travel to Chicago a lot and this has become our go to spot for breakfast and/or lunch. It's very casual and generally pretty crowded, but line moves relatively quickly and food is very good.

We initially tried to grab a meal at Frontera Grill but the wait was too long and the hostess recommended Xoco which is next to Frontera. At Xoco, there was no wait, the food was excellent, and the service was quick.

Guac and salsa is awesome! Smaller inside than I expected, However, it was a littel chilly and we were right by the oven walking in so we stayed nice & warm. Churros are everywhere and smell & taste exactly how you'd expect: AMAAAAziiing.

As newbies, we were very confused by the process. Basically when you enter, they ask if you want takeout; when you say "no", they direct you to what feels like a line to order takeout - so we were very confused. Eventually we understand that this was really a line to wait for seating. At some point, you're assigned a table number, at which point you are allowed to place your order (you get menus to look over while you're waiting in line). Then you sit down and they bring your food when it's ready. The food was awesome! The mint chocolate iced drink was refreshing but dense. I had an appetizer for my lunch and my eyes popped when I saw how big it was. My partner had a salad. We both found the ingredients in our meal to be simple, yet combined in an interesting way that really popped. We were both extremely satisfied and would not hesitate to recommend or go again.

Thjis casual restaurant came highly recommended by many friends who travel to Chicago. We only had time to visit one of Rick Bayless" restaurants, and we were thrilled with our choice. You order at the counter and the food is delivered to your table. I had the crispy Chicken Milanese sandwich. It is easily the best sandwich i have ever eaten. I am still craving it a month later. My husband ordered tacos and guacamole. He loved his food as well. Will absolutely return on my next trip to Chicago.

Amazing place! The tacos, the desserts, the drinks... and THE staff! The place is clean, fast and authentic mexican food. can’t wait to go back

The food was mediocre at best. After all the glowing reviews, I was highly disappointed. The tacos were tasty, but not great and 5he portions extremely small. The guacamole was an extremely small dab and bland. I do not know what the hype is about, but save your time and don’t go.

Popular restaurant that offers Mexican food but with variations on the usual theme. Food was tasty, service good and reasonably priced. Don"t expect a quiet, romantic corner as it's all systems go.

Went in this evening as I am travelling alone I was a bit worried about dining on my own - staff friendly and efficient and food delicious.

Was pleasantly surprised with the fast food by Rick Bayless. Last time I was in Chicago, these fast food eateries did not exist yet. Had the xoco salad with carnitas. Food was well spiced and delicious. Only criticism is that the a different plate (flat long dish) versus a bowl should have been used. It was full to the brim so either lettuce or tortilla chips were falling out of the bowl. The fresh juice of the day was refreshing and the glazed churro with chocolate peanut sauce was tasty. I would suggest that when you order this do not wait until you finish your meal. They couldn’t coordinate this and it took my asking twice and 15 minutes later after finishing my meal to get this churro. Can’t visit Chicago without tasting Mexican by Rick Bayless.

Love the pozole. Also liked the breakfast enchiladas and loaded guacamole. Service good and quick, also good coffee. Nice stop in river north.

My wife and I went here for dinner on a Friday night and it was great. The space is small but the food was great! I had the torta de cochinita pibil and it was just like the ones I used to eat when I lived in Mexico. The sauce was even more spicy than I expected.

After trying to get into the wild berry with no luck (1.5hr wait). We decided to try this place after a couple from the night before told us all about it. It was fantastic. Very clean. Delicious food and excellent service

Our daughter brought us here for lunch. Food was remarkably fresh and flavorful. The wood smoked "pizzas" are fantastic.

Stumbled into this place for lunch. Didn't realize it was a Rick Bayless joint. I think by design it looks a little rough outside but dont be fooled the Tortas and Tacos are top notch. Had the Ahogada torta and the tomato Chile broth was quite tasty. Many interesting other items on the menu as well as breakfast I will try someday.

Enjoy original and delicious dishes made with local ingredients in a cozy space with superb views. The extensive menu, a well-stocked bar, and helpful service are the attractions. Terrace seating and a fireplace are also available, providing a romantic setting for late-night dining. ....

We were staying across the street and could smell the homemade chocolate being made there. I had a cuban, margarita and chocolate churro. The cuban had smoked meat which really made the sandwich delicious. The margarita wasn't cheaply made. It was a quality margarita that I would happily order again. and the Chocolate churro had us all wanting to lick the plate!

Stopped for lunch after morning session at Prop day. Got the Pozole and Chilaquiles. Both quite good. Never doubt Rick Bayless.

I’m definitely not a fan of Mexican foods but I must say the foods here are very tasty. Good service. Centrally located in downtown Chicago. Recommend everyone

This place is crazy busy and the seating is a mixed bag inside. I was super excited for some great hot chocolate and was disappointed that the drink was so bitter. I prefer a bit sweeter hot chocolate. The churros were good but overcooked the day I visited. My friend had to ask several times for dunking chocolate dip we ordered for our churros and by the time we were helped, the churros were essentially gone. It was definitely inconsistent in terms of food, and other people looked like they had great meals. Maybe it was just a bad day.

Things have changed since my last visit unfortunately. Most disturbing was told that a 15% automatic service charge (see attached receipt) was added to my bill. I was a solo diner. I can see adding a service fee on large parties. Unfortunately, this raised suspicion that I was being treated differently for being alone, for being over a certain age, for wearing glasses. Who knows. Also, the corn tortillas were not as fresh as before. I no longer recommend Xoco. I've moved on. Farewell.

Xoco is the most casual and most convenient of the rick Bayless restaurants in Chicago. It has great and convenient walk up food. The chips, guacamole and salsa are always made fresh and delicious. The avacado toast and the Cubano sandwich are personal favorites and the hot chocolate is to die for. If you can’t get into Fronterra or are looking for faster fare, this is as good as it gets. And now they deliver in downtown Chicago- even more convenient

Perfect spot for breakfast. Closed on Sundays and Mondays, we were fortunate to grab breakfast at this Rick Bayliss restaurant before we left town Tuesday. Staff was very friendly and accommodating, food was fantastic! Next time I come to Chicago I want to go to Topolobampo.

We visited Chicago for a weekend with our twin 6 year olds. Having always wanted to visit a Rick Bayless restaurant, we were excited by the chance to grab lunch at Xoco with our girls. The set up and ordering system is really chaotic for first-timers. But once we got settled with our food, we enjoyed a really nice lunch.

Xoco is an affordable, quick service member of Rick Bayless's local franchise. It focuses on sandwiches (torts), but soups and tacos are available, too. Many items are an interesting twist on standard Mexican fare but not as adventurous or expensive as Frontera. My dining companion wanted a more standard dish, so I did not get to sample the more unusual items this time. Don't miss the outstanding water hot chocolate (richer than the milk-based version). This is the only time that I did not need to wait on line. I went on a rainy Tuesday night, and the restaurant was busy but not crowded. When you enter you are assigned either a table or counter ("high top"). You then order your food at the counter, and it is brought to your table. If there are two or fewer in your party and you ask for a table, then you will be sharing it.

XOCO is always a must-visit when I go to Chicago once a year. I make it a point to get the Ahogada torta and the guacamole and chips every time, and I am never disappointed. The prices are a bit higher than I would like, and oftentimes there is a long line of customers, but it is worth the wait.

Not sure what I expected but I was pleasantly surprised. My group got there right before the crowd. I ordered the carnitas tacos and tried the short rib tacos. The carnitas were very good but I wished I ordered the short rib. Simply delicious. Better still, the price was right. Definitely worthwhile.

Came here for breakfast after the bust from Sunny Side Up mishaps...Rick Baylee’s made us happy as he usually does as we shared an order of Huevos Rancheros with Avocado and a Chorizo Empenado which was very good at a reasonable price. We also shared some tortilla chips at $3.50 that come with some incredibly tasty sauces...one very spicy but delicious. A little too early for the perfectly balanced margaritas that they have...nonetheless we will be back. Thanks Rick Bayless. Your place is great and your employees love you.

This was my second time at this amazing gem in Chicago! The first time I came here I went with a friend to buy churros and I have to say that they were amazing churros! Especially the chocolate & cajeta ones. You can feel the good vibes from the employees right away. They say hi to you as soon as you walk in the restaurant which is important since you're the first impression. This second time I went I tried a Tlayuda which is a typical dish from Oaxaca, my god it was delicious! You can add chicken or chorizo. Prices are very decent compared with the quality and flavor, but most of all the SERVICE! Nayeli was the host during 3/16/19 and she made an amazing job, always smiling and with the best attitude no matter the long hours she looked so fresh and happy doing her job. Miguel was also really nice and you could tell he was having a good time while at work. The buzzer was a very nice lady who I can't remember her name but I guess in general my experience was very pleasant. I will definitely come back and will recommend this place! Thank you Xoco. Eduardo Diaz.

if you loved Rick Bayless before, you’ll worship him after you try his breakfast! start with hot chocolate (get the Aztec with chile) and then dig in. The chilaquiles were spicier than we had in Mexico! the tortas were great. Don’t wait- Go there now!

We stumbled upon this because our Fairfield hotel was right across the street. We went there two days in a row because we are Rick Bayless fans and even saw him walk around the restaurant. We had breakfast one day and lunch the next. The sauces are really good. I enjoyed my scrambled eggs with all the fixins! The chips and also were yummy too. Good price for the food. Definitely recommend!

I wanted to try their Authentic hot chocolate (fresh-ground, chocolate & water) and their Aztec hot chocolate (fresh-ground chocolate, water, chile & allspice) AND I also wanted to try their Mexico City Think (champurrado, thick, rich) hot chocolate but because I could only choose one, I went with their Authentic hot chocolate. It's perfect for anyone who is lactose intolerant. It was very good and still rich tasting. I also had their Almost Naked Guacamole with 2 toppings of my choice: pumpkin seed and chicharron. While I thought their chicharron was in chunks, it's actually crushed, almost like a powder. With the very delicious chips and 2 salsas, it was a very satisfying lunch and I would go back for more. It was very busy by the time I got there (12:35pm) and if you want to dine in, they ask for your table number before they take your order. Someone goes to look for a table for you and assigns it to you. So I'm glad there was a system like that as it ensures no one's hogging a table if their food is not ready yet. Also works if you're a solo diner of course.

Went to Xoco on a friend's recommendation and was not disappointed. The place was busy on a Thursday evening. The reason? The food was fresh and delicious, and with a beer, even better. Service was friendly.

Effecient serving system, delicious food, friendly staff. My favorite is the milanesa torta. It is a nice environment, they give you samples when in line.

The food at Xoco was fine, but lacking a bit in taste. Visiting as a couple we both had carnitas and found them to be quite bland; the salsa lacked any real punch or freshness and the meat hadn’t been crisped so the texture was pretty stodgy. That said, the slow cooked pork and guac was still tasty, the beers cold, and the service friendly and efficient. I would go back if in the neighbourhood, but there are better quick-eats Mexican options in town.

This place was the best meal of our trip. Its a small restaurant with full service even though it looks like a walk up and order. We had the guacamole with housemade chips, spicy chicken churro sandwich, short rib tacos. OMG, everything was fantastic!!! Marg’s could be freshly made only thing from giving 5 stars. Highly recommend!! Wallet friendly too!

Visited as was reviewed as a great restaurant. Made aware of my dairy intolerance when placing my order took 3 attempts. Management lacked empathy and were very unapologetic.

Unfortunately we couldn't stay because of the bad treatment of the girl at the entrance who wanted to gave us the table. We spontaneously arrived to ask for a table for 4 and there were some people in front of us. It was a very sunny day. Well, she told us in a very rude way to wait outside. We did. Finally, our turn came and we saw that the place is very small. There were tables outside but the sun was shining directly on them. We asked about other options and she told us to eat near the windows inside the restaurant. The sun was very hot and they didn't have air conditioning. In the end, we didn't want to because we wanted something more like a family and to be able to interact in a table. When we were deciding what to do, the girl pressured us a lot and in the end we left because we didn't feel so welcome. After reflecting with my family about that situation, my advice is that the girl at the entrance put away customers. There is no good treatment, service and it doesn't feel like a comfortable environment to stay. When we turn around we saw a table of 4, less sun and was looking good, but for her we didn't stay. Such a shame.

Visited this Rick Bayless restaurant during our quick trip to Chicago. Tortas (sandwiches), tacos, salads and soups were the main offerings. Both outdoor and indoor seating were available but we came at a busy time and got seated at the counter facing a wall. Not a lot of space but functional for just eating. I tried the coachinita pibil torta with shredded suckling pig and picked onions. it was savory, tender and juicy. The side of green sauce was quite spicy. The guacamole appetizer twist came with bacon and chicharrones adding a nice crunch. One of the best we’ve eaten. Carnitas and barbacoa beef tacos were similarly tasty. Four tacos on each plate. Overall good food but on the pricey side especially with the mandatory tip (added automatically). No way to reduce if bad service.

Fast service. Friendly staff. Great food. I just ordered the sandwich that the lady at the register said was most popular and the classic hot chocolate. They were both sooo good! Plenty of food. Very rich chocolate.

Limited menu but everything is delicious and not too expensive at this counter service only restaurant.

I’ve been here several times over the last 8-10 years, or so. The food at Xoco is always excellent, and I look forward to visiting here when I’m in Chicago. The Torta Ahogada is outstanding, and it’s usually what I order. Guacamole was fresh, chips and salsa were good too. Cafe con leche and a churro are good way to finish. Rico y sabroso!

We waited for 20 minutes even though we were first in the line and there were clearly empty spots inside cause they let us in even though nobody came out. The waitress could barely understand us and could not answer even the simple questions about the food she serves. We did not get any cutlery or napkins until we asked for them. My drink (which was a simple coke) came 10 minutes after the food was served. Don't get me started on the food. Mediocre at best (the Churros are terrible, stay clear) if I am being generous. Prices are more reasonable compared to many places in Downtown Chicago but I'd say pay a little more and eat a decent meal.

YOU GUYS. GO HERE. I was in Chicago for only two days and ate here twice. It was that good! First I went for lunch and had the chicken tinga tacos - really excellent flavor! For breakfast on Saturday, I got the chorizo and egg breakfast enchiladas (pictured) and they were TO DIE FOR... I wanted to lick the plate. And to top it all off, the guy at the door even recognized me from the day before and greeted me as such. The prices are so reasonable for the price and quantity of food you receive. I can’t wait to go back and try some more goodies!

My wife and I decided to spend the day in the city and, on our way up to the Driehaus Museum (old school mansion from the gilded age), we decided to give this Rick Bayless "fast food" restaurant a try (we've been to the Frontera Grill next door and have always loved it) for breakfast. All I can say is "wow" overall, and had it not been for one small disappointment, I'd have given the place an "excellent" review. The place offers both seated service and a take-out line and, as we were hoping to eat in a nearby park, we grabbed a menu and took a look at what was available. There were so many good options, but the thing that caught my eye (my wife was only having coffee) was the Chorizo Empanada. Empanadas are puff pastry stuffed with whatever fillings are being offered, and this one included chorizo sausage, egg and spices, along with a green salsa. We also ordered two cups of Cafe de Olla, a spiced coffee drink we'd enjoyed many times at Revolution Coffee in downtown Portland (OR) when we lived there. We hadn't had it in over 2 years since moving to Chicago, so seeing it on the menu caused us to default to it immediately. We stood around for a few minutes while we waited for our food to go and stared jealously at some of the food plates walking past us to be served to those seated in the colorful indoor dining room but, at last, we were handed the cardboard box with the empanada in it and the two small paper cups of coffee. I opened the box briefly, smelled the heavenly scents wafting up from the pastry and decided to sit outside the restaurant and eat it immediately. Good choice - the pastry was PERFECT - so flaky and tasty, and the filling was just spicy enough to make my mouth very happy. I gave my wife a bite or two - she resisted, but after one taste, she was glad to have participated - and then greedily gobbled down the rest. I can't remember when I've had a better savory-filled pastry and can hardily recommend this (the also offer veggie and other options). Our only disappointment was with the coffee - it was freshly-made, but was lukewarm at best, and rather than the strong, thick cinnamon/clove-based flavors we were used to, we tasted mostly chocolate. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't what we were expecting... In any case, I'd eat breakfast here on a regular basis if only I didn't live 20 miles away. Job well done, Xoco folks.

We stopped by for dessert because Xoco was right by our hotel. I was excited for churros with chocolate sauce. The churros tasted like cardboard. I'm not exaggerating. They were just a disappointment all around. The chocolate sauce was not sweet enough so let much to be desired in a dessert. The churros were dry and the cinnamon sugar barely held on to them. The iced mint drink was the only thing exceeded my expectations. It was a light, minty drink which bits of chocolate that surprised me. It was an interesting drink that was surprisingly good. We didn't have any other food. If you do have any - skip the churros.

I had lunch at Xoco Saturday and ordered the Ahogada sandwich which is pork carnitas, black beans, and pickled onions on a wood fired oven baguette. The sandwich is served with a tomato Chile broth for dipping. It was fabulous and was $11. There were lots of other interesting things on the menu. I highly recommend Xoco.

This was my first visit to Xoco. It was located near my hotel, so it was convenient. The menu was interesting and different from other Mexican restaurants I’d visited. I had the pepino sandwich- short ribs, onions. it was delicious! I also had a chocolate cafe con leche. Mmmm! It was hard to pick a dish from that menu. Hope to go again.

This place is pretty good if you are looking for a Mexican fusion sandwich. They have some pretty flavorful meat sandwiches but somewhat salty for me. Churros are okay only. I would not recommend trying the sweet items.

What a unique restaurant by Rick Bayless - excellent! We went for lunch on a Saturday so it was very busy. Line was only 10 people but it moves fast. They greet you while you're in line to order and explain the menu. You get to the counter and order, then find a seat. They bring the food to your table. The Mexican styled food was prepared quickly and fresh - you can watch them do it if you choose. We ordered a little bit of everything including tacos. Both soups were to die for and hot seasoned, but just right. We would certainly go back! Well done Rick!

I saw all of the reviews on trip advisor so we had to stop and give the churros a try. We were recently in Mexico and had them quite often so we were ready to eat them again. They were warm and covered in cinnamon sugar but the churros here were just ok. They were very thin and not evenly fried so some parts were harder than other parts. They were good for a quick snack and since they were very busy we had to wait about 10 minutes to make them.

Dinner on the day I arrived in Chicago from Japan. I didn't have much to eat, so I made a soft landing at this restaurant. I enjoyed the tacos with a beer called Beer for Tacos.

Came here for breakfast for our first visit. Started out with a blueberry lime muffin, which was great. I ordered the egg scramble, and my wife ordered the huevos rancheros. Both were outstanding. Will likely come back again for breakfast on this trip, and will certainly not miss Xoco on future trips.

It's around the corner from two other Rick Bayless restaurants but it is just right if you are in a hurry, haven't made a reservation or want to pick something up on the fly. The tocos are always good and I enjoyed the Cuban at my last visit, accompanied by an already-made margarita that was so-so. The staff is very helpful and gets you in and out in good time. However, during rush hour on a Friday or Saturday the line can be out the door.

Service was horrible from the start. Hostess was rude and our server took our order and then never came back. We eventually, hunted down the manager, so we could get our bill and she was also pretty rude. The food was ok and not worth the poor service. Definitely, recommend going elsewhere.

We stopped in at Xoco for dessert. There is just something irresistible about a churros sundae. The sweet and creamy soft serve ice cream paired perfectly with chocolate sauce and churros!!

Love all of Rick Baylor’s’ restaurants, but this one is great for its simplicity. The carnitas are tops.

Was staying across the street and decided to try this place. The whole ordering and getting a table thing is kind of weird but once you get over that it is amazing food. Had a guac to start,bit creme than I would like but chips were solid and toppings (bacon and cheese) made this pretty tasty. Likely better to split for 2 people. Then had a carnita sandwich is some kind of soup. Not what I was expecting but I was blown away. Perfect amount of spice made this delectable. So many other things I would like to try will go back for sure.

I stopped in Chicago for a 2 day getaway. I had an hour and a half to kill before getting my ears lowered, so I had to try Xoco. I ate at Frontera Grill last time and wanted to see how it compared. I honestly like Xoco better. The person who greated us was friendly and helpful. We ordered right away and had a seats already chosen for us. We were able to people watch, which is always fun. I had the Short Rib Tacos. There were 4 of them and they were flavorful and just the right size for lunch. My mother had the Xoco Salad with mushrooms. Holy smokes. That was probably the best salad I've had. If you're in downtown Chicago and want a great meal, go to Xoco.

Being from California I wasn’t really excited about trying Mexican food in Chicago. Boy did I quickly change my perspective on good Mexican food outside of California. Rick Bayless is a famous Chef and his food lives up to his reputation. Without a doubt I would return to this restaurant for a casual lunch. I look forward to trying one of Rick Bayless’ other restaurants. The service we experience was exceptional as well.

I had no idea what to expect walking in. Apparently you are supposed to get a table number before you order, but you can also order first and they will assign you a table. The menu is extensive, and there are options for everyone! I saw families with small kids, business people and friends meeting for a drink when I arrived. I ordered too much for one person - short rib tacos (4 per order!), chips and guac, a Paloma (tequila and grapefruit), and a pistachio churro. I ended up taking half the tacos and churro to go. The Paloma was small, but that’s expected now for a drink unfortunately. Everything tasted and looked excellent, no issues to be found! I really enjoyed my experience. Staff was friendly and helpful! I’d come back again.

This is a great spot to get a quick bite mind you it runs on the spicy side for taste. It is little cramped inside but people leave fairly quickly. I would recommend this place to everyone.

Had a terrific lunch today. Have eaten at other Rick Bayless establishments and had the opportunity to check this one out today. I had the short rib torta and my wife had the carnitas in mole torta. Both had excellent flavor, but I preferred the short rib. The tomatillo salsa served with it was perfectly balanced. Service was good, not great. FYI: they add 15% gratuity to all bills.

Come for the service, tortas, and the lemonade!, we tried Guacamole, hot chocolate, churros, and they are also good. Can't go wrong at Xoco!!

The food is good but there were hardly 2 or 3 options for vegetarians..we ordered their vegetable soup and red chille taco They were good and tasty

They do things a little different here: You wait in line and order your food, pay and then you are seated to which your food arrives shortly afterwards. We got the almost naked guacamole (appetizer) - delicious and had just enough spiciness/flavor. The chips were super crunchy and fresh. For our entrees we got the chicken tinga taco - so good, nice amount of spiciness, the avocado in it helps to cool your mouth down! Carnita taco, very flavorful and a nice texture overall. Dessert - churro sundae - cinnamon dough in a sweet potato ice cream. Don't think about that, just eat it!

Move over Chipotle, there’s a better quick service Mexican place. La Cubana torta was perfection with its crunchy bread, smoked meat, and delicious condiment toppings. This was my first visit to Xoco as I was traveling from out of state, but my dining partners have visited before. They highly recommended the cubana and both had it as well. We had the naked guacamole which was simple, but freshly made and yummy along with their crunchy chips. I had the Paloma which was different than when I had it in Mexico, with a bit of a smoky flavor and not too sweet which was nice. We topped our meal off with churros and chocolate dipping sauce. In my opinion the churros needed no accompanying and were sheer perfection in their own right and a great way to end the meal. I would highly recommend Xoco.

Ok, there's good and there's good. Then there's Rick Bayless, winner of Top Chef Masters good. Rick Bayless is kind of the king, quite frankly. He opened Xoco, which is right next to Frontera Grill, to introduce the world to Mexican Street Food. What a wondrous introduction it is. Xoco has the most amazing "fully dressed" guacamole, most amazing torta sandwiches, great ceviche, geez, The bread is ridiculous. It has the best flavor and an amazing crispy crust. The Cubano here is absolutely the best Cubano in Chicago. I could go on, but I need coffee. It's an order at the counter restaurant, so there are no tips required. The space is a little tight, I cannot lie. It might be hard to navigate for families. This place is totally a way to taste the majesty of Rick Bayless at a reasonable price point. It truly is sublime. I guess you get the picture.

We didn't actually eat inside the restaurant (had their tacos while on a walking food tour), but would recommend this place based on that alone.

Xoco was next to my hotel during a weeklong business trip, and despite other good options in the area, I found myself coming back here for its happy hour, the deliciously bright flavors, the casual environment, and the lovely staff. In order, highlights include (1) Palomitas Picante (tajín-flavored popcorn), which is tart and spicy and addictive; (2) the Wednesday daily sandwich special, Cochinita Pibil (suckling pig, pickled onion, black beans) served in a roll; (3) the seasonal panna cotta, (4) the $6 HH margarita, and (5) the pistachio churro.

A local took us here for lunch and it was a fantastic experience. The place was packed (a great sign, right?) but the line moved fast. The serivce was super friendly. The food, though...oh, the food! Just so delicious. In the land of french fries and deep fry, it was such a treat to have bright flavors with a little kick. We had sandwiches, tacos, the pumpkin seed dip and fully loaded guac. Everyone loved their lunches. Highly recommend!

Went on a Sat. around 2:30 pm. Still had a wait. Took over 30 minutes to get carnitas tacos and cubana sandwich. The sandwich was cold and pretty sure the waitress gave my sandwich to another couple sitting next to us. They brought it back to her and she gave it to me. I rejected it. The spicy peppers were supposed to be left off but we’re not. They forgot to ring up our chips so we were unable to try them. There are many other places around that are much better.

-Some of the best fresh chips and guacamole I've ever had. -Love the homemade salsas--green and red. -Margaritas are great, but small for the price. -Tortas are fresh and delicious. Choriqueso is one of my favorites. They also have interesting daily specials including an awesome cochinita pibil on Wednesday! -Churros for dessert are delicious--especially the pistachio! -Staff is always warm and friendly. -They're always playing lively Latin music--it will cheer you up if you're down! -Rick Bayless has done it again!

We had an excellent lunch when the food finally arrived. Mine after 20 minutes and my wife's (salad) another 5 minutes after that (the couple seated to our left were served before us despite arriving well after us). We had to inquire about where the food was, and got no apology or explanation for the delay. Still, my chipotle shrimp sandwich was excellent, and the free sparkling water is a nice touch.

Chef and author Rick Bayless has a trio on restaurants side by side in downtown Chicago ranging from expensive, tasting menu to quick service. Xoco is the latter. The seating was strange sense it was a busy Saturday afternoon and a sudden rain shower came through. Our wait was longer than usual, but totally worth it. The Everything Guacomole was everything! The food has great taste and freshness. Real food. Wish I lived closer to Xoco!

Best breakfast within several blocks. We tried the French toast topped with bacon and the chilaquiles with pork belly. Just damn yummy!! Two breakfast entrees plus one small pot of coffee and a classic Mexican hot chocolate was $32 before tip. Worth every dime!

This place is so authentically Mexican it was hard to believe it’s so central in the city. Great flavour, fresh ingredients, authentic Mexican chefs.. perfect quick lunch spot, worth the queue

I went in for a Torta and man let me tell you I was blown away by the special they had on a Friday night. It was the best. Literally its the only thing I eat know when I go there. The Carne Asada torta with the salsa verde mojo, woodland mushroom, and homemade crema. I'm telling you its Fire!!!! Thank you for who ever made this!

Had a great fast lunch. Had carnitas soup that was just fantastic. Best guacamole ever. Friendly staff.

Enjoyed Rick Bayless' cuisine- had the chips and guac (yum!) and some sandwiches (the cuban and the mushroom sandwich). The outside seating area was very cute, adorned by flowers.

We drove to Chicago from Canada to celebrate my 50th birthday. While our main goal was to eat at Topolobampo (I highly recommend you check out this other Rick Bayless restaurant) we managed to eat at all three of Rick's restaurants. This was a great stop for a quick bite and some appetizers. During our visit we had some truly delicious food. The guacamole was excellent. The queso fundido was comforting and homey. The staff here is attentive and very friendly. Thank you for a great time and a good start to my 50th birthday celebration.

This place can get pretty busy at peak eating hours, but the line moves quickly. You can eat here or to go. The sandwiches and tacos are really flavorful and tasty.

Any of the many dishes served with a mug of this hot cholate is worth going ....we just stopped in and got in line for a great treat. Cholcolate lovers rejoice.

Street food done right. My husband suggested we try this spot since it was close to our hotel. They were busy when we arrived but we were able to get a spot in a corner. Our food arrived quickly. I ordered their sandwich special which was the suckling pig and pickled onions. I was glad the sauce came on the side because it was SPICY! My husband had beef tacos that were very tender and tasty. Service was as expected. Be prepared to order as soon as you arrive. Crowd seemed young. Music was loud. We would go again for the food.

Got churro's and flan to go. Tiny little place and definitely felt in the way waiting for our order. The churro's were very good. The flan had a cake-like base that tasted like gingerbread. I liked it my son did not. If in the area again I would stop by to try main menu.

Went there as a family of 5- we loved all the dishes, that we had- services is good and you can’t miss on the churros with Chocolate! Strongly recommended!!

All we had were churros with chocolate to dip, but they were fantastic! We tried to have breakfast there a day earlier, got there a few minutes before they stopped serving, but told us they had too many catering orders and couldn't do breakfast any more that day. So we were very disappointed, but went back the next day for the churros.

Restaurant is small bit worth the visit. Greeter finds your seat while you order your food. The cashier made a suggestion that was spot on. The Ahogada was unique and tasty. Margaritas were very good.

Fast food , but superb, the breakfasts are amazing, especially the huevos rancheros! You order at the till then they bring it to your table. The chocolate cafe con leche is to die for. Beware, they stop serving breakfast promptly 10. Amazingly good value for money, staff helpful and very pleasant. We ate there three times!

I've come to Chicago on business at least 10 times, and I always run straight for XOCO after I drop my suitcases off at the hotel! Everything is so good, but my favorite is the Ahogada sandwich, the petite salad with jicima, loaded guacamole and of course the housemade CHURROS! They are life changing. LOVE this place so much.

We loved having churros dipped in chocolate in Madrid and stumbled upon this place while strolling in River North. Unfortunately, the churros here are coated with sugar and were way too sweet. The chocolate shot for dipping was very rich and delicious. We won't be back.

I loved the food here..im mexican, a "foodie" and i can tell you this is good! We had chips and salsa, guacamole "full dressed", chicharrones, i had the pozole my bf had the baja chicken torta . It was delicious! The pozole was good, the broth was very good, my bf's chicken torta was so flavorful. The bread(bolillo) was crispy and delicious! For dessert we had the churros con chocolate. Oh and i had a "michelada" thas was "muy buena".. is a great reataurant. I liked it better than his sister "Frontera".. if u come to chicago stop and eat at Xoco

We had different chocolates with churros on a cold afternoon. The xocolate was excellent. Looking forward to test the food....

The food here was nice, but the hot chocolate was amazing. Thick and a little bit spicy, more like a dessert than a drink. Loved it.

I know Chicago is about Mexican ffood, but you must visut this one. Specual pizza. Cannot miss. Well presented. Try the vegetable torta

Delicious and fresh short-rib soft tacos did not disappoint! Exactly what I needed to fill me up on a chilly night out in Chicago. Fast and friendly service. Total 5-star management. 👍👍👍👍👍

A great option for lunch down-town! Although most of the things they offer are spicy you can feel in each bite the good quality of products they put in them. We love the vegeterian tacos (with juicy mushrooms and aubergine), the goat sandwich and the soups! We also enjoy a very good red grapefruit-and-honey cocktail along with the spanish-speaking latin pop music, this place has a really nice vibe! Thank you lonely planet for the hint!

We did take out for lunch as the place was quite busy for seating. We tried the beef short rib and ahogada tortas, carnita tacos and churros for dessert! We got 4 tacos in one order and it was filled and tasty. The short ribs were good. The ahogada torta came with a tomato dipping sauce which helped soften the very crispy bread.

We began with the Tlayuda, and immediately knew this was going to be an amazing meal. Tlayuda is like a giant tostada and the best black bean nachos you ever ate had a love child. The Shortrib Red Chile Soup was excellent, especially the broth. Sadly the Ahogada Torta was too salty, but the Milanesa Torta was heaven, crispy yet light a fun marriage of flavors. The Churros & Dipping Chocolate were the best churros I’ve had, perhaps ever. Yes you can’t really go wrong with fried dough, sugar, & chocolate, but these were so well crafted! Not overly sweet, the churros were excellent without the chocolate, but the chocolate sauce on the side was incredible. Just the right hint of spice, the perfect consistency for dipping. I would order almost everything again! A fantastic meal!

This is our second visit to Chicago, and our second stop at Xoco. Everything is great, freshly made. Salsas for the tortas are amazing. Our cafe de hoya was delicious but a bit pricey ($4 a cup, no refills). Great service, highly recommended.

This food in this restaurant was so good, we started and ended our trip to Chicago with it! Great selection, price, location and atmosphere!

We went during happy hour, so drinks were cheaper! I got tacos al pastor, which is their Wednesday special. And boy was it! Three tacos, however, was not enough. Both in terms of being filling and that they were $4 each and small. But very good! My wife got the very filling and equally delicious Milanese chicken sandwich. For dessert we'd heard the churros and house made chocolate were a must. They were. And they didn't last long! Will definitely go back, and am eager to try his other restaurants.

Came here for dinner craving some Mexican food. Very casual but friendly place. Decor pretty uninspiring. Was surprised that you order your food at the bar rather than at the table. You can sit on high chairs or share low tables with others if there are two of you. I felt like something healthy and had a vegetable caldo. The broth was very salty (and I'm a salt lover) but it tasted very fresh and included vegetables such as zucchini, jicama, avocado and black beans. Saw other customers tuck into extremely tasty looking sandwiches. Good value.

This fast food version of Rick Bayless' restaurant is great. The food was all very tasty and the service was fast. The staff are organized and make sure you have a table while you are waiting in line to order and pay.

Awesome margaritas, spicy chicken sandwich with churro bun & churros with house made chocolate sauce! Wish I lived here so I could go there every week!

The menu is extensive offering a wide variety of options. They could not accommodate our first vegetarian choice because they were out of the ingredients! The second option of lettuce and black beans was tasty but nothing to get excited about. Service was quick. Restaurant is noisy.

We were staying across the street, and I love Frontera grill, so we decided to give this a try for lunch. Everything looked insanely good but we settled on two different tortas, chips and guac with salsa, and drinks. Everything was amazing, and the coconut horchata was fantastic. The service was fantastic and the employees were all kind, helpful, and courteous. Can't wait to come back and try more!

My husband and I had a great breakfast at Xoco on our recent trip to Chicago. I had the Scrambled Egg Enchiladas and my husband had the Huevos Rancheros. I'm usually not a huge scrambled egg fan, but on the enchiladas they were delicious! The sauce was great. I did find the corn tortillas to be a little thick for my taste, but that was a minor detail. My husband raved about his Huevos Rancheros the entire trip, and even picked this as his favorite meal of the whole trip! I tasted the sauce on his dish, and I also thought it was great. We both ordered the hot chocolate - traditional for him and Aztec for me. I felt that both were very "chalky" tasting, but he really loved his. The churro I tried was great! Good/easy/fast service with really tasty food. Would definitely stop by here again when/if we're in the city again.

I got to Chicago and needed to eat. Frontera grill was my first choice, but it’s closed from 2-5:30 pm. Xoco has tortas and a few other options. The drinks looked amazing. I had some “naked guacamole”, basically you pick two toppings for your guacamole. It came with a giant bowl of chips and two salsas. My Cuban sandwich was fantastic. A little different from a standard Cubans, it had a bit of of spicy kick. Great option!

The churros is the definitely the highlight. The texture and the sauces are fantastic. The other highlight was the guacamole topped with bacon and pork rinds with chips. The flavors were spot on. The tacos and sandwiches were just average. I think the ones from Los Angeles better.

If you can't get in to one of Rick Bayless' sit down restaurants, this is a great option. "Fast casual" atmosphere, with the same attention to detail and flavor as his more expensive alternatives. The food is amazing and won't disappoint.

Our family walked 4 blocks here from the AC Hotel and loved it. We wish we could take it home. I had the Tuesday special which was unreal. Our kids ate 3 orders of churros for breakfast. They have beautiful Mexican art on the walls and Juanes music playing.

Great spot. Warm welcome right from the front door. Attentive service. Fresh ingredients. Food served hot. Great use of seasoning. I ordered and enjoyed the Mahi fish tacos with mayo on the side. Also, enjoyed great coffee and one Churro after the meal. Will return.

Xoco was one of the restaurants that were suggested to us by coworkers on our trip to Chicago. We tried it last night, and can I say...WOW! The food was amazing. The guacamole was perfectly crafted and the tacos were some of the best I've had in years. On top of that, the flavor in the dessert was fantastic!

You need to stop looking around for places to eat and get yourself over to Xoco. GO! This was quite possibly the BEST meal I had in Chicago. We visited around 5:30 on a Saturday and there was no wait and tables available. It started to pick up when we left around 6:30. The place is small, so expect to sit elbow to elbow with strangers, especially if you visit during busy hours. Now let's get down to business, the food...I had the carnitas tacos and my husband had the Mexican chicken sandwich. Those tacos....whoa. The meat was so incredibly juicy and flavorful, there aren't enough words to describe what it was like for my taste buds! My husband and I were supposed to split our dishes, but I got carried away and ate 3/4 of my tacos and 1/2 of his sandwich. The chicken sandwich was to die for! I loved whatever sauce they put on it. The bread--perfection. But wait, there's more...DESSERT. You would be a moron to go here without ordering one of their desserts, diet or no diet, get a dessert! We split the churros and berry soft serve. HOLY WOW. Wear your stretchy pants, expect a food baby, and enjoy this place!

Great, convenient place for a quick bite to eat if you don’t want the hassle of going to a more traditional restaurant. My wife and I stopped in for a couple of sandwiches - a crispy chicken option and the sandwich of the day which was shrimp. Both very tasty, especially the salsa that accompanies the sandwiches.

Only made it here for an early pick-me-up on the way elsewhere, but I will absolutely not miss out on the rest of the menu next time. Everything looked and smelled amazing & I love their little outdoor seating area. Will definitely be a top spot on my next visit!

We stopped here after dinner because we heard the churros were amazing. It was extremely busy when we got there and we had to stand outside for about 10 minutes after ordering for the churros to come out. They were very skinny, unlike any churro I've seen and they didn't seem to be fried very evenly, making them hard and over done in some areas. I did not think they were very good and would not return for more.

Come here for breakfast instead of eating that free awful hotel food. Come here and enjoy awesome food. Closed Sunday and Monday!

Let me start this by saying I really liked the food overall. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the food, with the quality or the taste. The staff was cordial and really helpful in making a decision. Now comes the bad part -- this was my second time here and I just felt like it just didn't hit the spot for me. of course, this is a very personal review, and coming from texas (and by no means am I an expert of mexican food at all!) there have been instances where mexican street food style food has just blown me away. This just could not do that for me. Maybe it was my off day when my tastebuds were revolting, maybe it was the restaurant's... Will I give these awesome people another chance when I get back to the windy city? Of course!! And so would I recommend, give them a shot, make your own decision. Who knows you might find it AMAZEBALLS!

Sandwich-taco shop by a leading chef. I suspect the food and flavors were authentic. Be ready for spicy. OK, but not exciting.

This was an easy walk from our hotel and the service was fast and friendly. I got the XOCO salad and it was delicious. My son got the fish tacos and thought they were very good as well. They went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. Would definitely come back!

First timers. People outstanding. Very friendly and helpful. Food was good. Thought would be exceptional. Guacamole amazing. Chips were stale tried 3 baskets all stale. Bummer

Great taco selection - I tried the vegetarian tacos and wasn't disappointed. Good flavors and textures. One of THE choices on the near north for a small bite for lunch.

if you loved Rick Bayless before, you’ll worship him after you try his breakfast! start with hot chocolate (get the Aztec with chile) and then dig in. The chilaquiles were spicier than we had in Mexico! the tortas were great. Go there now!

Was staying at a hotel across the street and needed a quick bite since my dinner was going to be after 9pm. Ran across the street to Xoco. I was very grateful and thankful that the guys at Xoco could make my taco exactly how I like it and forget about all the fancy stuff that they normally put on it. They made me carnitas tacos with just cilantro, onion, and cheese, and then gave me a side of salsa. It was plain, it was simple, it was delicious! OMG the pork was so tender and the tortillas were so fresh. The churro with the chocolate shot was about the best thing I've ever eaten. This hearty snack was expensive at $17 for the carnitas tacos and the churro with chocolate shot, but it was so very good and so very worth it.

I have eaten in once before, so over the weekend we decided to order since we were craving Xoco! The food was great still even on delivery. We had the almost naked guac (we chose fresh tomatoes and crispy pork skin as our toppings) and chips with salsa. I had the ahogada sandwich that comes with a Chile broth (has a kick), and this worked out great because I couldn’t decide between soup or a sandwich! The pork was delicious and the sandwich bread was crispy on the outside but perfectly soft as you bit through the crunchy outside. Also, you must try the hot chocolate! It is not extremely sweet which is how I personally like it because I am a dark chocolate lover. Everything is fresh, delicious and reminiscent of authentic Mexican flavors with a contemporary flare.

Loved our dinner to sister restaurant, Frontera, so we decided to try Xoco for breakfast. It was so good, we went twice. The avocado toast is a life changer. Same amazing flavors as Frontera. Highly recommend.

Best mex in Chicago! Great food. Great service. Reasonably priced. Great drinks. Only problem: not many tables. But perfect for lunch or dinner. Go and enjoy!

I’d heard so much about this place that I thought I’d try it while downtown one day. It so lived up to the hype. I love the almost cafeteria-like feel of ordering the food. Making your way down the counter with your number after ordering and paying to find a seat somewhere. I also like how friendly all the staff was, including the wait-staff who brought out the food. I had ordered the Chilaquiles with chicken and the chocolate cafe con leche. The cafe was so good, I longed for a piece of pan dulce to enjoy with it. As for the dish, I swear I was transported back to Saturday mornings when I was a kid and my dad made this for us for breakfast. I hadn’t tasted anything as delicious as that in a while. It’s the kind of dish that rides a fine line, usually too soggy but could also be too dry. This was perfect!!!! I didn’t get the chance to learn how to make this dish from my father before he passed but I have definitely found the place to go when I’m ready to enjoy it again!!!

We stopped here for lunch. Service was fast. Food was great. I ordered Cubana the pork sandwich which was delicious. Great place to stop for lunch

Stopped for a quick snack after going to the Aviary. Seated quickly and enjoyed a classic margarita, loaded guac and entree. Good, quick and very reasonably priced.

I was dying to try fresh churros when we walked by Xoco. We came back for breakfast and I met my personal heaven! The churros were melt in your mouth delicious and the chocolate cafe con leche was my heaven in a cup!! My hubby had their breakfast empanada and ate in about two minutes. Their service was amazing, the food was fresh & delicious. I will miss the chocolate cafe con leche when I get home! When we revisit Chicago Xoco will be my first stop!!!

This is a very interesting set up. You enter and the host assigns a table to you (just the table number). You go to the counter and order your food and beverage (they only have bottle soda). They have margaritas, beer and agua fresca. If you order dessert, you go back and tell them you are ready. They then bring it out. You then find your table. They have a food runner that brings the meal. The food selection has a good variety. I did not have soup, but the bowls are huge (more a meal). I had the Chicken Tinga Tacos. One order brings 4 tacos. My wife had the Short Rib Tacos. Both had avacado slices on the tacos. The salsas were different. I did not use the salsa. I like my tacos with just a hit of lime. The chicken had a hint of smokey flavor. I noticed they have a wood oven. These tacos were really authentic ( I lived in Dallas for 10 years. I worked with a lot of Mexicans) I am very picky about my Mexican Food. This was really good. I just wished they have Al Pastor every day. As well, they offered the conchinita Pibil on tacos.

Went in the evening when it wasn't too crowded to order a late night dessert. The place was upbeat when we arrived. We ordered and waited for our churros. It seemed like it took quite some time for just churros to arrive and our table was near the front so we watched an employee buried in their phone the entire time we waited. How the employees spend their time is not my business, and they may have been on break; but I would insist they are off the floor if they aren't working and in their phones as it sends the wrong message to the patrons. In addition, we had an incident with our credit card which was left at the counter and was then used later that night. Most places lock up a left card so the whole experience was very disconcerting. The general manager was the nicest she could be to look into the problem, but in the end, the employee "got away" with it as the inquiry yielded no results. Bottom line, we didn't have a great experience on all counts and had much higher expectations going in. We will likely try a different Bayless property to see if we have a better experience, but we won't be back to Xoco. The wasn't any part of our visit that was good enough to want to repeat it.

I went there with very high expectations, but unfortunately nothing!! We had been to Spain and ate an amazing churros there. The same one offered at Xoco - the one you dip on the chocolate. Since it is from Rick Bayless I was expecting something at the same level. The churros were very oily. I did not like it at all. Would not let my kids eat it.

We came here late, barely minutes before closing the kitchen. The staff took care of us without making us feel hurried. We ordered churros and tacos (to go), it took less time for the tacos than the churros to come, and angst built up, we were ready to go without them... one of the waitresses noticed that and explained to us that churros are made to order, like from scratch, that the dough is made right there and then. She also said, you are going to love them. And that's what happened, we LOVED them, just like the best churros in Mexico City or Spain. We had ordered ours with a small serving of rich bitter amazing chocolate. Two bites, and we ordered churros to go too. Price quality...these churros are a STEAL!!!!

One of the biggest rip offs of all time. The host was rude form the beginning and I should have left, but decided to stick it out. He told us to wait outside, there was no place inside to wait and it was 95 degrees out. When we were finally sat the AC was not working in the interior Or they needed to turn it down. Its not a very big room and it took forever to be greated and to bring us water. The sever was unengaging. We ordered Chips and Salsa ($7) that should have been free and Guac that was ($15) it was one small scoop . The price were extreme for the food quality an portion size. I ordered a salad that was good but not for ($18). My son's shrimp tacos were loaded with a watery slaw and there were very little shrimp. My husbands enchaladas were flavorless and were the size of an appetizer. The server was an order taker. He never came back to check on us and we had to ask the bus boy for water. We sat with dirty dishes around us for at least 15 minutes for him to come up with his computer and ask us to pay. They include a 15% gratuity which is a huge mistake because the server did not care about serving. He was ok with order taking and collecting 15%. Truly disappointing experience. I would have written them a private email instead, howeve there is no contactd information on their webiste.

We ate here multiple times. The breakfast Scramble was soooo good. My husband go the huevos rancheros, which he loved (it was a little spicy, so be warned if spicy isn't your thing). The quac was great, so was the pina colada cheesecake. The sikil pak was awesome too - it reminded me of guac without being made of guac. My spouse tried multiple hot chocolates and loved the Mexico City Thick one the most - he said it melted on your tongue in this really interesting way. Can't wait to go back here some day!