The Heights District Just Got A Lot Spicier With Xochitl

TAMPA, FL — The developers of The Heights District, the 50-acre mixed-use district along the Hillsborough River, just got a lot spicier with the introduction of Xochitl Cocina Mexicana.

The 2,500-square-foot Xochitl (pronounced So-Chill), is Xochitl’s first location and occupies the street-level retail space beneath the Pearl Apartments at 307 W. Palm Ave.

“We are thrilled to add another restaurant to this area of The Heights District - and to the Tampa Bay Area,” said Chas Bruck, co-developer for The Heights District and Armature Works. “We are equally excited to be part of Xochitl’s origin story. We believe they will be a staple for authentic and local Mexican cuisine for years to come.”

Xochitl features freshly made tortillas using heirloom corn from Oaxaca, frijoles borrachos from Oaxaca, 20-ingredient Mole Poblano, hand-crafted tacos and other chef-inspired creations. Xochitl also uses locally sourced ingredients. Its full liquor bar will serve specialty margaritas and a wide selection of tequilas.

Xochitl is the brainchild and passion project of Jacqueline Gonzalez who looks forward to bringing a modern flare to some of her family’s authentic recipes.

Xochitl was named after the Aztec goddess Xocitlquetzal. The name Xochitl means flower in the ancient language of the Aztecs. A spectacular mural of Xochitl welcomes guests into the restaurant. The concept was born of the idea of serving handcrafted modern Mexican cuisine in an upscale environment with an infusion of recipes passed down through many generations in her family.

“I am beyond excited to bring my family’s authentic recipes to the Tampa Bay area,” said Gonzalez. “I’m also very happy to be part of a true live, work, play district that will help define the Tampa Bay area.”

The new restaurant serves guests daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday.

The Heights is a 50-acre mixed-use urban district located along the Hillsborough River, on the north edge of Downtown Tampa. When completed, The Heights District will include hotels, apartments, condos, office buildings, restaurants, retail stores, green spaces, parking garages and more.

The Heights District is anchored by the award-winning Armature Works, a 73,000-square foot historic warehouse reimagined as the premier food and entertainment destination in the Tampa Bay area.

The Riverfront Lawn, south of Armature Works, includes The Pier, a 14,000-square-gathering area, 28 boat slips and various green spaces. Additionally, and along the waterfront, is Stones Throw, a waterside seafood restaurant and bar and Urban Kai, a kayak and paddle board shop. One of Tampa’s most ambitious community projects, the Riverwalk, extends to Armature Works connecting The Heights District to the downtown core.

Once a maintenance and storage warehouse for TECO (Tampa Electric Company) trolleys more than a century ago, Armature Works is now a fully restored mixed-use building that breathes new life into the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood. Armature Works includes the Heights Public Market - a variety of restaurants and bars, more than 30,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space and “Bay 3,” an 11,000-square-foot co-shared workspace. In addition, Armature Works hosts more than 500 private events and more than 200 public events annually.

Join Xochitl Dec. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. for a star -studded line-up of divas for Boozy Drag Queen Bingo. Enjoy $5 Margaritas, Mojitos Sangria and more. Ten Dollars gets you 10 tames.

Reservations are suggested. Visit the website at www.ILoveXochitl.com.