Monday 4:30pm...welcomed us with friendly face, smile. Service was 10! He was on top of refilling drinks. Food was decent. read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - Mole burrito, incapable shrimp? - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

While visiting Quinnipiac, we tried Ixtapa for the first time for lunch. Cute place and friendly staff. The food portions were huge, but I would say overall the food was only good for all of us. Nothing outstanding or memorable. I tried huevos con chorizo and others Ixtapa tacos. read more

See all

We visited ixtapa and the service was good the restaurant mostly empty, however mid meal in a booth my husband had a roach come right up next to him on the seat, the staff came immediately over and moved us to another booth and took a broom to the booth. They brought us over free dessert but we paid the bill and left all our food behind totally grossed out. If they are in the dining room during the day I can imagine what it's like at night, and we then went home and stripped and washed on high heat worried to bring any critters home with us. read more

See all

Had a weird experience here and wanted to like it more. Our server spilled water all over the table (and my pants) and we helped clean it up but my pants were soaked for dinner. Had thought they'd move us to another table, but not so much. Ordered the food and it was good. Not too many people here but we also came early. When the bill came, I had expected to have something taken off the bill for the inconvenience (and my still wet pants)... nope. 2 margaritas, guacamole, and two of the more inexpensive entrees for just under $100. Quite pricey for a dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Doubt I'll be back. read more

See all

service was good and friendly, but the "Mexican food" was not it. The restaurant could have potentially if they would focus more on the authenticity of actual mexican dishes. it doesn't have to be 100% authentic but at least they could try. read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - The mole from the other picture was basically these frozen chicken cuts w/ mole that tasted like gravy. As a true Mexican, this was not it. - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

See all

Been a while since I got food from here so I stopped here for dinner. Waitstaff is always friendly and never flinches when you customize your order. Decor is nice and authentic. This is a legit Mexican restaurant with above average food. I got the Green Burrito and the veggie fajitas, all without cheese or sour cream. They cook their fajita veggies in butter by default, so vegans will need to ask for them to be cooked in vegetable oil instead. They gave me chips and salsa free with my order. Fajitas were excellent. Their seasoned rice, black beans, guac and veggies are all fresh and delicious. Very balanced flavor all around. The tortillas had a good bite to them as well. I liked everything about the green burrito except for the salsa verde. It was very salty and I couldn't taste much other flavor besides that. If I ever get this again I'm going to ask for the salsa on the side instead of it being drenched on top of everything. The chips were cooked fresh. Crispy and tasty; almost with a popcorn flavor to them. The salsa that came for dipping was mediocre for me; didn't have a lot of flavor and was also salty. I'm starting to see a trend. I liked my meal, but the salsas put a damper on my enjoyment. Still, all things considered, this is a very good restaurant and I'll be back eventually to try other dishes. read more

See all

I've been coming here for a very long time and my family and I always enjoy the food and service but today was and will be my last day ever coming here. I was a party of 4 and when I ask the young women who was I believe the hostess to bring me my check it comes up too $187 and some change , mind you that includes the 20% AUTOMATIC Gratuity I could understand the 15% but 20% on a party of 4 is insane almost 30 dollars of tip . When I asked the hostess why do you guys put automatic tip she says all orders over 100 is automatically 20% gratuity that's INSANE ! I can assure you I'll never be coming again to this place . read more

Great food, great service. I really had a good time until I saw $4 for a glass of pineapple juice.

Food is amazing, service is perfect and the atmosphere and comfortable. I love it here and the food is always spot on!

I used to be a regular at this very busy and reasonable restaurant....its no longer either. We went recently and got the cheese enchiladas and steak fajitas. The enchiladas were very cheesy and good, but the fajita meat was overcooked, dried out, and had very little flavor. The prices are too high for what you get (e.g. $27 for steak fajitas; $20+ for most other things on the menu) and I suspect that may be alienating some of their usual customers. Otherwise, nice atmosphere and fast service. read more

great portions and fair prices! Good drinks! Service is always kind and usually quick. Authentic Mexican food

Staff nice. Mexican decor was good. Margaritas were watered down. The tacos were not homemade tortillas. The salsa tasted like tomato sauce with zero spice. The best thing was the rice and beans. And the prices--crazy. I am all about supporting local, small business but there is no way I would go back for a $21 dollar burrito. Sorry read more

I've been going to Ixtapa for over a decade. They are always consistent and authentic. Just to start off you get a wonderful salsa and chips. I personally like a thinner picante style salsa so I'm a fan. What am I go to meals is the chicken avocado salad. I'm slightly obsessed with the the taco shell bowl. Sometimes I change up the chicken for grilled shrimp. I've also done the spicy shrimp quite often. Now, let's talk about the real shining stars....the drinks....specifically the margaritas! My hands down default is their blackberry. However, this time we tried their Mexican Flag Flight and it was a total win. I (think) my favorite of the bunch was their citrus/orange, but honestly it's a toss up and a win-win. The staff there is beyond kind and accommodating. This is a place worth returning to! read more

See all

False advertising Website states happy hour prices!! Bartender states website is wrong 12.50 cents for house margaritas 150.00 dollars for 2 dinners and drinks A total ripoff Could have gone to Ruth's Chri read more

All in all, it was an underwhelming experience. Everything I had was under seasoned and bland. The queso fundido was a pile of shredded cheese that was heated over jalapeño peores and chorizo. It did not taste like anything. You couldn't even taste the jalapeños. Our table wasn't the only table disappointed with this appetizer. The mole enchiladas were also under seasoned and bland. Usually mole has a strong taste profile, but this mole tasted watered down. The chicken inside the enchiladas were bland as well. The flan was the wrong consistency and was having a hard time staying together. The taste of the flan was bland so you couldn't even taste it over the chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, or the whipped cream on top. The best thing we had was house margarita. It was smooth and refreshing, though I couldn't really taste much of the alcohol. There are better Mexican restaurants that charge less for the quality of the food here. read more

See all

Great food an atmosphere, terrific service love coming here highly recommend it give it five stars

Stopped into Ixtapa for a bite to eat following an evening hike. Located on Whitney Ave, the restaurant is easy to find and has plenty of parking. Inside is bright and colorful with friendly staff welcoming you as you walk through the door. We were served complimentary chips and salsa to start. The chips were crunchy and fresh with the salsa being a nice accompaniment. The menu offers a large variety of choices of appetizers, entrees, and drinks. With it being "Taco Tuesday", I opted for the obvious choice. With so many options sounding delicious, I sought the recommendation from our waiter. He suggested the Birra tacos which is a corn tortilla filled with shredded braised beef and melted adobo cheese with a side of rice and beans. The portion was generous; three tacos with each bite packed with flavor. The meat was tender and juicy with the toppings of onions and cilantro adding the perfect amount of freshness. I look forward to returning to try out more items from their menu. read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

I love Ixtapa! I've never been at night to really know the night vibe. But it's been voted Quinnipiac students as one of the top restaurants on Grubhub so the food is good no matter what you get and I'm pretty sure that the vibe at night is even better because the music is great for dancing. The people are always so nice and smiley. I love coming in there even just for pick up and clean and gives authentic Mexican restaurant. Ixtapas food 10/10 | Vide 10/10 | Service 10/10 read more

Worst Mexican food I've ever eaten. The chips had no flavor. The guacamole was in a large bowl pushed around to make it look like a full portion but was very small. Had no flavor same exactly with the Queso dip. Didn't even look like the right color. The service was to say slow was giving them credit it was nonexistent. And it was a Tuesday night. We were one of three tables. Our server, possibly the owner or manager, was the only one who could take an order. Every time he came to the table I felt like he was mocking us. Made me very uncomfortable. Also expensive. $14 for a small tasteless bowl of queso DO NOT GO HERE read more

I've been eating at this family-owned neighborhood restaurant for years, and it never disappoints. They've updated their menu with new items, and I've taken a liking to the ribeye steak with shrimp. The steak is good, though the cut seems to vary from visit to visit, and although I ask for it to be cooked medium rare, it sometimes comes well done. Other than that, I have no complaints. I always leave the restaurant full and satisfied. The portion size is great and the extras, such as salad and guacamole, are a welcome addition. Ixtapa must have a secret ingredient they put in their salsa because it has a special taste I haven't experienced anywhere else. The waiters recognize me and are friendly and prompt in their service. as I mentioned, they're all family members, so they care about the ambience they provide. Ixtapa is colorfully decorated, which helps to lift the mood and makes the dining experience more fun. I like that there are comfortable booths, which afford you privacy while you dine. The restaurant recently celebrated 20 years of service, and if you haven't yet had the opportunity to dine at Ixtapa, I suggest you go. You too might become a regular. read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - Ribeye Steak and Shrimp - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

See all

Bar is dark and dingy. Overpriced drinks and food is just average. Happy hour prices not honored. No wonder the place was dead. Taco Bell is a better choice. read more

Good food, good service, clean restaurant, fun vibrant environment. We always order the Nachos with seasoned beef. read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

See all

This is my go to place. Fresh food. Rapid speed service and the best margaritas. I suggest the mango one! Also they put on quite the happy birthday parade! read more

Ordered nachos supreme through GrubHub. Paid $18 plus fees for about 15 tortilla chips with a light sprinkling of cheese and some chopped tomatoes. read more

After hearing good things about this place from a family friend we opted to give it a shot last night. We (party of two) arrived a little before 6PM on a Saturday evening and we were lucky enough to be seated by the hostess right away. Even better, she ushered us back to a cozy booth (bypassing the less intimate tables for two, along the way) - so kudos to her! Right from the get-go, the waiter was quick to offer us drinks and bring out warm chips and salsa. Chips were great, salsa was a bit runny--but that's just a matter of personal preference. For the main meal we opted for Cancun Chimichangas (ground beef)---delicious, especially the guacamole! Fish tacos--very generous serving (plan on bringing home leftovers). We passed on dessert because we were both full, and on our way out the line to get in was out the door. Miscellaneous: Easy spot to drive by due to subtle signage, but there's plenty of parking within the lot itself once you manage to find it. As of 4/13/2019 this establishment is still a Yelp Cash Back restaurant, so if you're signed up for that you can get 8% cash back which is even more incentive to splurge here. read more

See all

I was brought here by my family while I was visiting them and they told me how wonderful their food was and they were so right! The place is so inviting, clean and the staff was just awesome. The selections on the menu such a variety to choose from. I had the enchiladas they were beyond delicious. So, enjoyable and they give you a lot of food. This place is a must when visiting or if you live close by you sh try it. Este restaurante mucho bueno comida es delicioso! read more

So, so good! We've been looking for a good family Mexican restaurant, and this is it. The chips and salsa were delicious, and our meals were great too -- the portions of food were huge! I got a virgin strawberry margarita, which was a little on the sweet side, but still good. The customer service was also great -- our food came out so quickly! We'll definitely be back :) read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - Combination 1 (with cheese enchilada), and Steak Fajitas. Huge portions! - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

The restaurant was nice and spacious. Customer service was good, we didn't have to wait to be seated and immediately provided with complimentary chips and salsa! I had the birria tacos, they were very flavorful. I've had them 3 more times lol safe to say I'm a fan lol read more

This restaurant definitely exceeds its reputation! The food is delicious and is served quickly and fresh. I don't usually eat refried beans because they can have a pasty texture but these were creamy and delicious. The two gentlemen that served me were friendly and charismatic. I also ordered a blackberry frozen margarita. Yum! It definitely took a away the Monday afternoon blues. Can't wait to return to try other items on their large menu. Gina Fiorentino Hamden read more

amazing food. amazing drinks. great service. the employees are so nice and happy and on a friday night the atmosphere is great.

I've visited here many times and their Mexican food here never disappoints! They offer a wide selection of margaritas and flavor options. My personal favorite is the el presidente. Their menu offers various options of Mexican meals. I would highly recommend the taco salad, quesadillas, shrimp mango tacos (not sure of exact name on the menu), fish tacos, any of their shrimp entrees, or fajitas. Food portions are large leaving enough for leftovers. Lots of seating and friendly staff. Very fun to visit on cinco de mayo! Only complaint would be during peak time parking can be limited. read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - Taco Salad - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

See all

Excellent food, service and ambience. Ordering to-go margaritas during Covid lockdown was particularly genius.

Food is good but I agree with other posts, the ground beef could use a little more seasoning. Perhaps upgrade the menu.

This is my first visit to this quaint little Hispanic Restaurant in Hamden, CT. If you have read me reviews in the past then you know I find it difficult to find a Hispanic establishment that can hold their own to a southern Hispanic restaurant. This visit started off in typical fashion, lack luster salsa, Chile Con Queso Akon to cheese paste but the chips were fresh and made from scratch. Then the meal arrived and let me tell you... it... was... fantastic! The Chimichanga cooked to perfection, the refried beans seasoned oh so well, and the rice was amazing (and made correctly)! While I am usually over critical of guacamole the here is some of the best I've eaten in New England, perfectly seasoned with an equally proportionate ratio of tomatoes, onions, peppers, with chunks of avocado blended with avocado paste. If you ever find yourself in Hamden I recommend you tray this place out, but take my advice and don't order the Queso. Until next time, see you on the road. Mike read more

See all

Cozy Mexican spot brightened a chilly winter night. Food was delicious and waitstaff friendly.

I wanted very much to enjoy my dinner with my friends but unfortunately somethings fell short. The menu prices are not correct I need to be updated to the correct price that comes on the check. The food was very good but definitely could've used a little bit of flavor . The sangria was the best part of the meal end to me the alcohol usually is. read more

See all

First time here last night & I loved it! Not only are there tons of options on the menu, but everything we ordered was great! It was a pretty busy night yet it was obvious that the servers were hustling, the service was impressively fast & great. Very colorful & fun spot with fun ambiance as well read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - Combo 2: beef chimi, chicken tamale Other side: mole enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

The Birria tacos are the best I've ever had. The flan is absolute perfection. I will be coming back here as often as possible

I got the combo Nogales burrito and chimichanga with con quest instead of red sauce. It was excellent! read more

Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Hamden - Mexican Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

This is my favorite Mexican sit-in restaurant. Clean, friendly, great service. The food is very tasty, always served sizzling hot and delicious. They've got a good-sized menu with something to please anyone. My favorite is the Oceano Burrito, with a great mix of seafood. Don't neglect to pair your dinner choice with the right Margarita, they've got a good selection. They also run a great food truck of the same name on Long Wharf in New Haven, but that'll be the subject for another review. read more