Behind the neon
The bar at Xclusive.
A full wall of agave, handcrafted cocktails, and a room built for a long table. True taste of Mexico, poured.
I · The Idea
Authenticity and diversity, with a cocktail in hand.
Xclusive Mexican Kitchen is inspired by the authenticity and diversity of Mexican cuisine, complemented by handcrafted cocktails. The room is warm, friendly and inviting, paired with the kind of service that makes a table want to stay.
It is, in their words, just like life: a working mix of old and new approaches, but in the culinary business. Fresh, local, organic, sustainable and seasonal ingredients run through the whole menu, from the cold-case mariscos to the volcanic-stone molcajete to the fine cuts.
II · The Room
Pull up a stool.
The neon hums, the wall is stocked, the booths are deep.
One reviewer called it a perfect date-night room. Another, the best low-key spot in Mission Viejo. Either way, the bar is where the night starts.
III · The Agave Wall
From blanco to smoke.
-
Blanco
Bright, peppery, unaged. Straight from the still.
Herradura7 LeguasEl CristianoLaloTequila OchoDon FulanoMandalaFortalezaClase Azul -
Reposado
Rested in oak. Rounder, a little honeyed.
Dame MásHerradura7 LeguasEl CristianoDon FulanoTequila OchoMandalaFortalezaClase Azul -
Añejo
A year or more in barrel. Vanilla, dried fruit, warmth.
HerraduraDon Fulano7 LeguasTequila OchoMandalaFortalezaEl Cristiano -
Extra Añejo
Aged the longest. The pours we keep up high.
Dame MásAsombrosoJose Cuervo Reserva de la FamiliaMandalaKomosPartidaClase Azul -
Mezcal
Smoke and earth. Espadín, Tobalá, Cuishe, and ensambles.
VictoriosoMadreOjo de TigreNosotrosMontelobosPechuga
IV · Handcrafted
Built by hand.
“Biggest variety of seafood, steak and Mexican. Family owned, they always take care of you.”
Eric H. · Google
V · How they run it
Three things they hold to.
- 01
Fresh, local, seasonal
Their words: a working mix of old and new approaches, using fresh, local, organic, sustainable and seasonal ingredients across the menu.
- 02
Handcrafted at the bar
Cocktails built on premium tequilas, fresh citrus juices and unique flavor combinations. Specialty drinks, margaritas, beer and wine.
- 03
Family owned, warmly run
A warm, friendly and inviting room with exceptional service. Regulars say it plainly: family owned, they always take care of you.
VI · Come In
Start at the bar.
A cocktail, the molcajete, and a long table.
