Goodbye, Xico - Bridgetown Bites

I got the news in my inbox this week that Xico, a Mexican restaurant that has served Oaxacan food in kind of “relaxed bougie” surroundings, will close. Thursday, March 23 will be their final day of service.

I have good memories of eating at Xico pre-pandemic. Meals were eaten in pleasant surroundings; I liked eating on the back patio. I had a particularly good piece of salmon there once.

Then when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they offered a variety of things you could order and pick up in that whole no-contact setup that was pervasive during that time. I loved their Chicken and Mole Poblano meals, various salsas, and tamales. They all traveled well (unlike the serving of General Tso’s I got from a Chinese restaurant that was soggy by the time I got home). The food was pretty solid and dependable and they made good efforts to offer access to their food despite the various limitations forced by the pandemic.

The reason for closing? It’s this: “The decision to close was purely financial. After covid closures, snow days, chronic staff turnover, a brutal slow season, and rising costs, the time has come to move on.” Another one bites the dust, sadly.

As for their swan song, they are throwing a farewell party with a buffet and drinks from 5:30pm to 8pm Thursday (tomorrow)—or until the food and drink runs out. It will cost you $20 for the buffet, with $10 margaritas, $15 Mezcal flights, and 5 bucks for a single Mezcal pour. They request you bring cash to pay.

And you can simply drop by, as their reservation system is offline. No table seating will be available, but the party is a chance to mingle and mix with others who are there to say goodbye to Xico and celebrate the 11 years they were in business.

Bonus: The restaurant and property are for sale. Now that’s really something. So, if you or anyone you know are interested in this location, you can contact Chantal Agnot at Vacher Group or call at: 971-254-6839 (mobile).

All the best to the folks behind Xico. I’m sorry the pandemic and the weather was so damaging. I hope next steps for the owners and staff have only positive results.

Xico [closed March 2023]
3715 SE Division Street, Portland
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