Philly is gaining a new destination for agave spirits, cocktails and contemporary Mexican cooking with Mixteca.
The fresh neighborhood bar and restaurant just opened its doors and marks the latest concept from partners Jeff Bell and Victor Lopez, along with Apres Cru Hospitality. An expansion of the original Mixteca the duo opened in New York City last year, the Philadelphia destination has upped the ante with a larger kitchen, outdoor patio and multiple spaces “designed for lingering.”
The restaurant was constructed with intention in every detail: The name references La Mixteca, the region spanning Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla — where Lopez is originally from — while also nodding to mixology. The concept then grew from the pair’s agave-focused Coachella pop-ups and took inspiration from its desert settings.
But Bell and Lopez first worked together behind the bar in New York (where they spent more than a decade on a team that earned the inaugural James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2012) before moving on to successful solo careers in the food and beverage world.
Philadelphia has also always been in mind for a Mixteca destination — Bell and Lopez first visited the City of Brotherly Love together in 2011 for a gin symposium, and they returned repeatedly over the years. As the owners say, when the East Kensington property became available, its high ceilings, generous patio and history as a neighborhood gathering spot immediately felt aligned.
“Philadelphia is a great drinking city, and Victor and I have been impressed by its bar scene since we first spent time here together more than a decade ago,” says Bell.
“This space already meant something to the community, and we’re excited, and honestly a little nervous, to become its next act. The welcome we’ve received so far has been incredible, and we’re so happy to have the opportunity to join the party.”
At Mixteca, the owners also say limes are squeezed fresh for every cocktail, corn tortillas are made to order and sauces and salsas are prepared in-house— just to paint you a picture of the emphasis on flavor.
The menu moves from starters and tacos to larger plates and sides, with dishes like hamachi ceviche with passionfruit and serrano chile, tuna tostadas with avocado and smoked jalapeño crema, and duck flautas with sweet corn and poblano crema. Tacos range from steak with chipotle roja, Yucatán shrimp with achiote glaze, and maitake mushrooms with a tamarind-pasilla glaze and salsa macha.
There are also dishes meant to be shared, including family-style pork belly al pastor served with warm handmade tortillas, limey cabbage, cilantro, onions, and lime, plus a whole branzino asado accompanied by a tomatillo, cucumber, and red onion salad with buttermilk ranch.
Locals can also pick on an assortment of desserts, late-night selections, happy hour offerings, and a kids menu.
As for the drinks? Tequila, mezcal, bacanora, and raicilla are front and center on the beverage list. Margarita options include a classic combination of blanco tequila, lime, and Cointreau plus eight variations built with housemade consommés (think strawberry, coconut, blackberry, watermelon, yuzu, guava, passionfruit, and pineapple, with the latter taking on a blue color from blue spirulina).
The cocktail menu also pairs familiar classics with agave-driven interpretations, including the Paper Plane-inspired Aeromex, tequila-based Carajillo, mezcal Penicillin, and savory Tomatonico. The program also features La Bandera, Micheladas, seasonal drinks, beer, wine, zero-proof options and Philadelphia-inspired takes on the Clover Club and Fish House Punch.
Designed by Post Company, the studio behind the original Mixteca in New York, the Philly space “draws inspiration from Puebla while balancing the energy of a cocktail bar with the warmth of a neighborhood gathering place.”
Programming will also take place here through Daily Margarita Hours, weekend gatherings, seasonal patio events, and Sunday football games on a retractable screen.
Mixteca (2113 E. York St.) is now open seven days a week, with service beginning at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are available through Resy; walk-ins are also welcome. For more information, visit cocteleriamixteca.com/philly
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Keywords
Mixteca,
East Kensington,
Philadelphia restaurants,
Mexican restaurants,
Philly restaurants,
Philadelphia bars,
agave spirits,
tequila,
mezcal,
cocktails
Dining and Cooking