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We were around the area at the Botanic Gardens and found this spot on Yelp. Located in a cute little area, this is a nice local restaurant. We arrived very early at a random time, probably right after opening. Everyone was so nice and service was great. The table started with the cornbread, moist and warm. Not as sweet as I personally like (I can't help it I'm southern) but delicious nonetheless. The eggplant hummus wasn't that great to me, loved the bread it came with but I think I would prefer typical chickpea hummus instead. Brussels were so good, probably the favorite thing I tried. For my entree I had a kale salad with added salmon. I liked the crunch and the light vinaigrette. My husband had the seafood risotto which was slightly undercooked. All and all a positive experience and I'd definitely go back if I was in the area.
Went to try the new menu! Loved the hummus! And corn bread! Fun to hang around at the bar. The restaurant was busy as always such a town gem. Love how the ingredients are freshly sourced.
My husband and I recently went to dinner here on a Friday night. We have been wanting to try Pixca for a while, and we are SO glad we did! You walk in and the restaurant is quaint and decorated so bright and lively! I love the cookbooks on the shelf above the kitchen. The service was awesome! Everyone was so friendly and they were so good at checking in on us, filling up our water, and even changing out our silverware and plates between courses. My husband and I started with the burrata appetizer which was delicious! Then we split the pork schnitzel for our entree and the crispy brussel sprouts and popcorn cauliflower for our sides. The schnitzel was perfectly crispy and the sauce delicious! It was decadent, but perfect for us to split! We both liked the brussel sprouts, but some were a bit charred and a bit bitter. The popcorn cauliflower had awesome flavor! We 100% plan on going back to Pixca to try more off the menu!
Just had amazing brunch at Pixca. The ambience and service was superb, but the food was beyond amazing for a neighborhood restaurant. The Tres Leches French Toast was a gourmet delight, having the custard type texture that is unique amongst restaurant French toast. Other special things on the menu include banana oatmeal pancakes, uniquely served avocado toast, huevos rancheros and any of the entrees served with crispy, sharply seasoned roasted potatoes. Brunch here is a gourmet, fairly priced experience in a lovely setting with friendly and very attentive wait staff. Treat yourself!
Came here for drinks -- it's always hit-or-miss and Sunday night was a miss. Service was polite and prompt. TAMARIND MEZCAL-RITA and OAXACAN OLD FASHIONED - nothing to write home about. did they salt the rim like yesterday? nothing was removing that CRISPY BRUSSEL SPROUTS - tangy POPCORN CAULIFLOWER - fine SALT ROASTED HEIRLOOM BEET, Belgian Endive, Pickled Onion, Gorgonzola, Walnut, Walnut Vinaigrette -- tangy. it was fine. 2/5 - VERONICA'S BROWNIE, Vanilla Ice Cream, Salted Caramel, Powdered Sugar -- they always put cold ice cream onto a warm dessert which becomes a mid goop. Brownie was old and dry.
This is a seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant in Highland Park. "Pixca" means harvest in the Maya language and they work with local farmers to bring fresh foods to the plate. We stopped in, day after Xmas, the small, cozy restaurant was fairly empty. We made a reservation but it turns out we did not need one. The ambience was warm and festive with candles in the table and lights above the bar/kitchen area. Disclaimer: we had drinks and snacks at a friend's house prior to this. We started with cornbread and butter, which came in a skillet and was warm, toasty golden. I ordered the vegetarian cassoulet which was a very flavorful and savory rich stew with roasted seasonal vegetables and halloumi. The broth was very rich and well seasoned and reminded me of the scene from the animated little chef movie when the exacting French food critic tastes the simple rustic dish and is transported to memories of his childhood. Now I'm not French and I didn't grow up eating this dish but the very name Pixca means harvest and that's exactly what this dish was. A bounty of the best harvest at its peak. My companion enjoyed their salad as well. Several dishes caught my eye for a return visit. Hope to come back to enjoy the best of the harvest soon.
Everything we've tried here has been delicious. The service is responsive, the prices reasonable given the location and quality. We've been twice and will return.
Our favorite restaurant on the North Shore. Menu changes based on what's in season keeping things interesting. Cocktails are creative and delicious with generous pours. Try the Mezcal Old Fashioned. Can't say enough about the food. We love the calamari and mussels. You can't go wrong with any of the entrees but standouts are the whitefish, prime burger and duck. They also have some nice vegetarian options like the popcorn cauliflower. Definitely recommend making a reservation as the place fills up fast on certain days. Ambiance is like a typical bistro; tables are close together but very cozy. All the staff treat you like family once you walk in. There is an open kitchen concept which makes it fun to sit at the bar to see the action. The restaurant is close to Ravinia Festival and Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Great spot with delicious food! Every single thing we ordered was delicious. Can't go wrong with steak frites, the lamb was tasty as was the pasta dish we chose. And don't skip the cauliflower side dish either. My fermented pineapple martini was interesting and the service was very attentive, almost too attentive
I'm honestly still not sure what kind of restaurant this is trying to be. It calls itself an "American cuisine" restaurant, but the menu leans heavily Mexican -- plus, the quality of the dishes seem to be like all dishes you'd expect from a solid taquería or food truck. The problem? They don't even come close. The food has minimal flavor, like it's mimicking something authentic without understanding what makes it great. It tastes like a watered-down version of meals you could get for half the price from a quality food truck, made with more care and soul. And yet, the prices are sky-high, almost laughably so considering the plating looks rushed, unbalanced, and straight off someone's amateur food blog. There's zero finesse -- just an attempt to look elevated without actually being elevated. The atmosphere adds to the confusion. Music jumps between country, moody indie, and random Top 40 hits, making it impossible to know whether you're supposed to relax, party, or dine quietly. The seating only adds to the identity crisis -- tiki stools next to white-linen tables, booths next to lounge chairs. It's like they threw a Pinterest board into the room and hoped it would work. Is this a casual drinks spot? A fine dining experience? A brunch café? Not even the staff seem sure -- and that uncertainty bleeds into every part of the experience. The staff are part of the positive yet still struggle to make it a quality place to eat as they rush but still seem to forget you're at a table waiting to order. Additionally cover your little one's ears if they speak Spanish as they consistently argue with each other and not in a joking way but more so very awkward. In short: confusing concept, bland execution, and overpriced food that pretends to be something it's not. You're better off grabbing a bite at a real food truck -- at least there, you'll get flavor and authenticity. $15 for a good cocktail but $30+ for a small and tasteless dish makes it so difficult to feel like this isn't your nieces pretend kitchen.
Pre-meal: Reservations needed for prime time. Street parking and public lots nearby. Room: Inside is nice - bar, banquettes and tables. Outdoor sidewalk seating. Picture-taking: Ok. Beverages: Small cocktail and WBTG list. Manhattan made with amaretto was too sweet for my taste. Menu: This place says it's a "Seasonal American Bistro" but the menu isn't very "American." And we were told that this the "summer" menu - not sure what is so summery about it. "Vegetarian cassoulet" - what's the point of that? Cassoulet is essentially a rustic French bean casserole with meat and this vegetarian one doesn't even say there's beans. Food: Just ok. Calamari was freshly fried and crispy but there was too much other stuff - zucchini, squash, lemons - not enough squid. My burger was ok but was a real mess - all the toppings came gushing out like ... sorry can't be too descriptive, after all this is a family friendly review! The pork chop and whitefish entrees were reportedly good. The Mexican street corn was not good - the corn was sweet but the Mexico was missing. The desserts did not sound exciting so we didn't order any. Service: Great. Attentive and friendly. Price: Moderate Value: Average Summary: Friendly place with uneven food in search of an identity.
I am not an H.P. local - but I stopped in mid July, 2024 for a pre Ravinia concert bite. Really wanted to love this place, but sorry guys, it just didn't work out that way. Asked for a dirty Gin martini - oops! No Gin! And no, I do not drink mezcal, tequilla, etc. Have to deduct points for that. Ordered a beer instead - my drink of last resort. Tried the Risotto di Mare, - ok, never had this, so let's check it out, especially since I know what a pain it is to do risotto just right. Sorry, but I fail to see how a riffed Italian dish, could wind up in a seasonal Mexican-Mayan inspired cafe (?) The lemon gelato-sorbet was spot on, but the espresso was spot off - no crema ,over extracted., got a lemon slice instead of a lemon rind peel 'ya, I know, picky, picky' Good points - As organic and fresh with locally sourced ingredients, as you can get. Attentive wait staff The locals seem to love this place, and are greeted by name upon arrival. But...I do believe there are better places in downtown H.P. i.e. Norton's, Bella Via, et al
3 days ago
17 days ago
10 months ago
We stopped in at Pixca on a Friday night for dinner. When we arrived many tables were open but when we asked for a table for two the host paused like he wasn't sure he could fit us in. He did find a table and during the course of our meal there were non-stop arrivals with a few heading straight to the small bar so I'm thinking perhaps it has a strong flow of regular customers. The service was efficient and the dining room has a cozy bistro feel to it. The menu is seasonal. Nothing was calling out to me so I went with the burger and fries. Both were good. Overall we are glad we gave Pixca a try. Before we go again we'll make a reservation and check the menu to see what the current options are. read more
We were around the area at the Botanic Gardens and found this spot on Yelp. Located in a cute little area, this is a nice local restaurant. We arrived very early at a random time, probably right after opening. Everyone was so nice and service was great. The table started with the cornbread, moist and warm. Not as sweet as I personally like (I can't help it I'm southern) but delicious nonetheless. The eggplant hummus wasn't that great to me, loved the bread it came with but I think I would prefer typical chickpea hummus instead. Brussels were so good, probably the favorite thing I tried. For my entree I had a kale salad with added salmon. I liked the crunch and the light vinaigrette. My husband had the seafood risotto which was slightly undercooked. All and all a positive experience and I'd definitely go back if I was in the area. read more
1 month ago
My husband and I recently went to dinner here on a Friday night. We have been wanting to try Pixca for a while, and we are SO glad we did! You walk in and the restaurant is quaint and decorated so bright and lively! I love the cookbooks on the shelf above the kitchen. The service was awesome! Everyone was so friendly and they were so good at checking in on us, filling up our water, and even changing out our silverware and plates between courses. My husband and I started with the burrata appetizer which was delicious! Then we split the pork schnitzel for our entree and the crispy brussel sprouts and popcorn cauliflower for our sides. The schnitzel was perfectly crispy and the sauce delicious! It was decadent, but perfect for us to split! We both liked the brussel sprouts, but some were a bit charred and a bit bitter. The popcorn cauliflower had awesome flavor! We 100% plan on going back to Pixca to try more off the menu! read more
5 months ago
Just had amazing brunch at Pixca. The ambience and service was superb, but the food was beyond amazing for a neighborhood restaurant. The Tres Leches French Toast was a gourmet delight, having the custard type texture that is unique amongst restaurant French toast. Other special things on the menu include banana oatmeal pancakes, uniquely served avocado toast, huevos rancheros and any of the entrees served with crispy, sharply seasoned roasted potatoes. Brunch here is a gourmet, fairly priced experience in a lovely setting with friendly and very attentive wait staff. Treat yourself! read more
Came here for drinks -- it's always hit-or-miss and Sunday night was a miss. Service was polite and prompt. TAMARIND MEZCAL-RITA and OAXACAN OLD FASHIONED - nothing to write home about. did they salt the rim like yesterday? nothing was removing that CRISPY BRUSSEL SPROUTS - tangy POPCORN CAULIFLOWER - fine SALT ROASTED HEIRLOOM BEET, Belgian Endive, Pickled Onion, Gorgonzola, Walnut, Walnut Vinaigrette -- tangy. it was fine. 2/5 - VERONICA'S BROWNIE, Vanilla Ice Cream, Salted Caramel, Powdered Sugar -- they always put cold ice cream onto a warm dessert which becomes a mid goop. Brownie was old and dry. read more
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Fernando A.
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6 months ago
This is a seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant in Highland Park. "Pixca" means harvest in the Maya language and they work with local farmers to bring fresh foods to the plate. We stopped in, day after Xmas, the small, cozy restaurant was fairly empty. We made a reservation but it turns out we did not need one. The ambience was warm and festive with candles in the table and lights above the bar/kitchen area. Disclaimer: we had drinks and snacks at a friend's house prior to this. We started with cornbread and butter, which came in a skillet and was warm, toasty golden. I ordered the vegetarian cassoulet which was a very flavorful and savory rich stew with roasted seasonal vegetables and halloumi. The broth was very rich and well seasoned and reminded me of the scene from the animated little chef movie when the exacting French food critic tastes the simple rustic dish and is transported to memories of his childhood. Now I'm not French and I didn't grow up eating this dish but the very name Pixca means harvest and that's exactly what this dish was. A bounty of the best harvest at its peak. My companion enjoyed their salad as well. Several dishes caught my eye for a return visit. Hope to come back to enjoy the best of the harvest soon. read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
Everything we've tried here has been delicious. The service is responsive, the prices reasonable given the location and quality. We've been twice and will return. read more
1 year ago
Our favorite restaurant on the North Shore. Menu changes based on what's in season keeping things interesting. Cocktails are creative and delicious with generous pours. Try the Mezcal Old Fashioned. Can't say enough about the food. We love the calamari and mussels. You can't go wrong with any of the entrees but standouts are the whitefish, prime burger and duck. They also have some nice vegetarian options like the popcorn cauliflower. Definitely recommend making a reservation as the place fills up fast on certain days. Ambiance is like a typical bistro; tables are close together but very cozy. All the staff treat you like family once you walk in. There is an open kitchen concept which makes it fun to sit at the bar to see the action. The restaurant is close to Ravinia Festival and Chicago Botanic Gardens. read more
Great spot with delicious food! Every single thing we ordered was delicious. Can't go wrong with steak frites, the lamb was tasty as was the pasta dish we chose. And don't skip the cauliflower side dish either. My fermented pineapple martini was interesting and the service was very attentive, almost too attentive read more
1 year ago
I'm honestly still not sure what kind of restaurant this is trying to be. It calls itself an "American cuisine" restaurant, but the menu leans heavily Mexican -- plus, the quality of the dishes seem to be like all dishes you'd expect from a solid taquería or food truck. The problem? They don't even come close. The food has minimal flavor, like it's mimicking something authentic without understanding what makes it great. It tastes like a watered-down version of meals you could get for half the price from a quality food truck, made with more care and soul. And yet, the prices are sky-high, almost laughably so considering the plating looks rushed, unbalanced, and straight off someone's amateur food blog. There's zero finesse -- just an attempt to look elevated without actually being elevated. The atmosphere adds to the confusion. Music jumps between country, moody indie, and random Top 40 hits, making it impossible to know whether you're supposed to relax, party, or dine quietly. The seating only adds to the identity crisis -- tiki stools next to white-linen tables, booths next to lounge chairs. It's like they threw a Pinterest board into the room and hoped it would work. Is this a casual drinks spot? A fine dining experience? A brunch café? Not even the staff seem sure -- and that uncertainty bleeds into every part of the experience. The staff are part of the positive yet still struggle to make it a quality place to eat as they rush but still seem to forget you're at a table waiting to order. Additionally cover your little one's ears if they speak Spanish as they consistently argue with each other and not in a joking way but more so very awkward. In short: confusing concept, bland execution, and overpriced food that pretends to be something it's not. You're better off grabbing a bite at a real food truck -- at least there, you'll get flavor and authenticity. $15 for a good cocktail but $30+ for a small and tasteless dish makes it so difficult to feel like this isn't your nieces pretend kitchen. read more
2 years ago
Pre-meal: Reservations needed for prime time. Street parking and public lots nearby. Room: Inside is nice - bar, banquettes and tables. Outdoor sidewalk seating. Picture-taking: Ok. Beverages: Small cocktail and WBTG list. Manhattan made with amaretto was too sweet for my taste. Menu: This place says it's a "Seasonal American Bistro" but the menu isn't very "American." And we were told that this the "summer" menu - not sure what is so summery about it. "Vegetarian cassoulet" - what's the point of that? Cassoulet is essentially a rustic French bean casserole with meat and this vegetarian one doesn't even say there's beans. Food: Just ok. Calamari was freshly fried and crispy but there was too much other stuff - zucchini, squash, lemons - not enough squid. My burger was ok but was a real mess - all the toppings came gushing out like ... sorry can't be too descriptive, after all this is a family friendly review! The pork chop and whitefish entrees were reportedly good. The Mexican street corn was not good - the corn was sweet but the Mexico was missing. The desserts did not sound exciting so we didn't order any. Service: Great. Attentive and friendly. Price: Moderate Value: Average Summary: Friendly place with uneven food in search of an identity. read more
I am not an H.P. local - but I stopped in mid July, 2024 for a pre Ravinia concert bite. Really wanted to love this place, but sorry guys, it just didn't work out that way. Asked for a dirty Gin martini - oops! No Gin! And no, I do not drink mezcal, tequilla, etc. Have to deduct points for that. Ordered a beer instead - my drink of last resort. Tried the Risotto di Mare, - ok, never had this, so let's check it out, especially since I know what a pain it is to do risotto just right. Sorry, but I fail to see how a riffed Italian dish, could wind up in a seasonal Mexican-Mayan inspired cafe (?) The lemon gelato-sorbet was spot on, but the espresso was spot off - no crema ,over extracted., got a lemon slice instead of a lemon rind peel 'ya, I know, picky, picky' Good points - As organic and fresh with locally sourced ingredients, as you can get. Attentive wait staff The locals seem to love this place, and are greeted by name upon arrival. But...I do believe there are better places in downtown H.P. i.e. Norton's, Bella Via, et al read more
2 years ago
Good place Good food and accommodation to the food inquiry was perfect Ambiance too load Service outstanding read more
1 year ago
Nice small cozy spot. Prompt, and good service. The calamari we ordered for appetizer felt like the squid to onion ratio could have been better (not enough squid). The skirt steak with chimichuri and the skinny potato sticks with Parmesan was excellent! The burger with onion jam was also very good. Multiple waiters recommended the strawberry shortcake for dessert, however it was not like the traditional cake, instead it was more like a flaky biscuit with cream and strawberry topping. It could have been because of the hype but I think I would've like the fried ice cream better... or maybe if the shortcake was ala mode? read more
9 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
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10 months ago
11 months ago
Came here on a Thursday night for the first time with two friends to celebrate a birthday. Luckily we make reservations in advance however the indoor dining never got crowded but their outdoor sidewalk seating did. Ample parking all around downtown Highland Park at this time after regular business hours and it is free. We ordered a salad and appetizer two sides three entrées and two desserts for three adults we also had a bottle of rosé a bottle of rioja and two glasses of Sambuca. Considering that this is downtown Highland Park the portions are pretty fair although it is not cheap to eat here. The service was extremely friendly and generous and helpful. Her name was Sandy and she was such a good sport considering that the people I have dinner with can be difficult and have an odd sense of humor. What makes this place great is that everything is made fresh for your order nothing is sitting around prepared ahead of time so when it gets to your table it truly is hot off the stove or hot out of the oven. The menu is eclectic with hints of Latin influence or fusion which I truly appreciate. I would definitely come back here even for lunch but this would be a great place to bring guests or even locals. read more
4 years ago
It's a small modern restaurant with an inviting atmosphere featuring American and Mexican cuisine We had a martini, margarita, a chicken sandwich, and enchiladas. The espresso martini was well balanced and enjoyable with the exception of several crunchy coffee beans sprinkled on top. The chicken sandwich was very tasty and the enchiladas pleasant comfort food. The service was prompt and attentive. We stopped on a Saturday afternoon featuring a brunch menu. That was unexpected as our visit was a result of viewing Yelp photos of what was their dinner menu. Despite our miscalculation, our visit was a pleasant one read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
The last few times that we have been in town, this place has been recommended. We finally got around to trying it last night and wow -- it was delicious! The place looks small when you drive by, but it's cute and homey inside. For the sake of ease, we decided to call it in for takeout. The menu is smaller than we expected. The prices are a little on the pricier end but not outrageous. We ordered the skirt steak, horseradish white fish, and roasted cauliflower. The food was done in 15 minutes! Sometimes food isn't great when it's taken home to eat vs eating in the restaurant, but I can say with confidence that the food was fantastic. It was extremely flavorful. The fish was fresh. The service was great. Overall, this place is definitely worth the try and worth the money. read more
Sunday brunch! Great atmosphere, food, and service. Highly recommend. We ordered the Chilaquiles, Cobb Salad, Banana oatmeal pancakes, and omelette. Every dish was cooked to perfection. Pancakes were my favorite and I am a pancake girl. Make reservations as it can get pretty busy. Located on the main strip and plenty of people watching and stores for window shopping. read more
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