GREAT FALLS — After a year of planning and preparation, Xochitl Cocina & Tequila has finally opened its doors in Great Falls. It's pronounced "so-chill," according to staff.
The restaurant serves classic Mexican food with a modern twist, focusing on street tacos, artisan cocktails, and house-made desserts. Taco options include shrimp topped with Baja sauce and sirloin completed with avocado sauce, carnitas, chicken, and more. They also have a variety of vegetarian options.
Quentin Shores takes you inside - watch:
"We've been trying to get this project going for a year now," said Rudy Nunez, Xochitl's director of operations. "So we finally have got it open, and we're pretty excited to be here."
Inside, the restaurant combines speakeasy-style bar elements with classic and colonial Spanish architectural aspects, resulting in a welcoming atmosphere. Spanish guitar music plays around the room, adding to the atmosphere.
"I would 100% try our tableside guacamole, our handcrafted churros, and our tacos," Nunez told me. "And more importantly, the margaritas."
Xochitl's drink menu features a diverse assortment of beers and cocktails, with the house margarita and tequila quickly becoming staff favorites. One noteworthy dessert is the Pan de Elote, which is a homemade corn cake topped with huckleberry glaze and ice cream.
With a team of local and regional cooks and servers, Xochitl hopes to become a fixture in the Great Falls dining scene.
"We decided to join because we felt like Great Falls needed this," Nunez told me. "We wanted to be a part of the community. So, we're here, and we're happy to be here."
The restaurant is at 300 First Avenue South (former location of Bert & Ernie's restaurant).
Hours of operation are Sundays - Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Click here to visit the website; click here to visit the Facebook page.
