Xochitl, New Mexican Tequila Bar, is Tops in Philadelphia

Xochitl, (pronounced so-cheet, meaning "flower") was the Queen of Tollan and the legendary creator of pulque, a fermented juice that would one day give birth to tequila. Even though it's not the first name I'd pick for an upscale tequila bar due to the phonetic difficulty, its clearly time the lady got her due; restaurant Xochitl, the recent addition to Headhouse Square, is a fine bearer of the name. It serves not only the finest tequila selection in Philly, but some incredible food that compliments the stock of spirits, as well.

If your nerves are jangling after a long workday, then we suggest you follow our lead and immediately down one of the Xochitl signature margaritas. The blends come in three variations: Blanco: lighter sweeter, Reposado: mild with light kick, and Anejo: stronger with a bit of bite. Each of the three can be prepared with a multitude of tequila choices, all 100% pure agave tequila mixed with fresh squeezed lime juice. Be sure that one of these amazing sippers will make you a true tequila lover for life.

Xochitl's cozy interior is Mexican inspired but remains subdued and pleasant; whether sitting in the intimate dining room, or ponied up to small but gorgeous tiled bar, you'll feel welcome.

While enjoying our first of many margaritas, we dove into two delicious appetizers. The Sopa Azteca, ($6) a soup with fried tortilla pasilla pepper, crema, avocado, and Chihuahua cheese and served with the crunchy side in a bowl, the soup in a pot, keeping our tortillas crisp. The Ensalada Xochitl ($6) is a light plate of perfectly mixed jicama, avocado, papaya salad with a tequila vinaigrette.

Before our main courses, we indulged in a second round of appetizers, sopes, ($8) which were spicy portions of chorizo, duck breast and goat cheese on crips totillas with back beans and cotija cheese. Alongside these delights, we ordered the tostadas de ceviche ($11), an incredible selection of shrimp, octopus and Spanish mackerel ceviche with onion, cilantro, tomato, jalapeno, and avocado.

My companion completely enjoyed his Pechuga de Pollo Rellena, ($19) a sesame encrusted chicken breast stuffed with a warm cheese and a guajillo pepper sauce where the crunchy exterior of the chicken hid the warm, moist center. Having a serious date with a square-cut on the 4th of July, I tried the "lighter" recommendation of the Chiles en Nogada, ($16) apoblano pepper stuffed with spicy beef, dried fruit and nuts, bathed in a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate.
After three terrific courses, we had to decline to get dessert, but the impressive selections on Xochitl's menu inspire us to come back. And if you're not hungry for incredible Mexican food, Xochitl has enough premium tequilas to satisfy the driest of happy hour mouths.

Xochitl, $$, 408 South St, 215-238-7280, xochitlphilly.com