In an emergency…call 9 Juan Juan!
The origins of the taco are really unknown with many theories about where our favourite Mexican handful was actually first created.
One such theory is that tacos date back to the 18th Century and the silver mines in Mexico where the word ‘taco’ referred to the charges they would use to excavate the ore. These were pieces of paper that would be wrapped around the gunpowder and inserted into holes carved in the rock face.
When you think about it, a chicken taco with a really good hot sauce is kind of like a stick of dynamite!
Here are five joints to get a taco fix with amigos:
Mexican Beer & Tasty Tacos
From humble beginnings in a former kebab kiosk, Frankie’s Tortas and Tacos now occupies bigger premises on Johnston Street in Fitzroy – it’s got walls, but it still feels like the original with the extra space used to pump up the menu and get more serious about the drinks.
A red and white diner vibe with banquette seating and Coke bottles for vases awaits hungry foodies as they sip imported Mexican beer, a drop from a local natural wine list, or a cheeky cocktail; get the party started with kingfish tostadas with aguachile roja, then wrap your hands around Al Pastor Torta – grilled pork, Oaxacan cheese, refried beans, lettuce, pickled red onion, Frankie’s red hot sauce and salsa verde on a crusty baguette.
San Fran Mission District Vibes
Bringing San Fran Mexican to the shores of St Kilda is Bay City Burrito on Shakespeare Grove. Reflecting the restaurant's fresh, laidback charm is a rustic, vibrant fit out of colourful panelling, communal tables and an open kitchen, which creates a friendly vibe inside.
Born out of the Mission district of San Francisco, Bay City's menu boasts a compilation of traditional and modern flavours, wrapped tightly in burritos, tacos, sprinkled over nachos, small bites and salads. Sink your teeth into a starter of grilled corn on the cob and chipotle mayo, then say arriba to Tijuana-style fish tacos with cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo and pineapple salsa in a grilled corn tortilla.
Tex Mex Fare & Margaritas
Serving Townsville with Tex Mex fare and Margaritas for nearly 30 years, Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill on Palmer Street is a local favourite. With venues also in Cannon Park and Redcliffe, diners are transported to a world of wagon wheels, spurs, cacti and brass lanterns, while eyeing a mouth-watering menu from both sides of the border.
Photo credit: Jaimes Pool.
Tuck into Southern fried chicken crispers to start with sweet mustard dipping sauce and beer-battered fries, then wrap your mouth around tender pork ribs coated with housemade Louisiana watermelon glaze, served with crunchy slaw and matchsticks, or house specialty Aztec pie with chicken, corn and spring onions in a cream sauce, layered between tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and cheese.
Traditional Mexican Recipes
Glenunga amigos say hola to Mexican fare with flair at Cha Chi’s Mexican Cantina on Portrush Road. Step into a vibe of aqua and orange-coloured walls and accents, where sombreros, a rustic water feature and potted greenery add a zen-like touch and chandelier lighting sets the mood for inspired dining.
Every flavourful dish on the menu has been created using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, from fall-off-the-bone ribs to yummy sides and authentic desserts; start with chilli cheesy curly fries to whet the appetite, followed by zesty, lime prawn tacos, with pineapple salsa, mayo picante, Mexican cheese and lemon, or house specialty smoky pork ribs, with BBQ salsa, Mexican rice and red cabbage slaw.
Home of Mexican Flavour
The home of Mexican flavour in Airlie Beach can be found at Mika on the breezy Airlie Esplanade, just within reach of majestic Airlie Bay. A vibrant interior vibe of pink walls, a Day of the Dead mural and colourful mismatched stools sets the scene for catch-ups with amigos over tacos and tequila, or perch on a stool at the full glass frontage and take in a picturesque view of the tropical beach through swaying palms.
Say gracias to tempters such as tender green lip mussels with garlic sauce, charred salsa and Parmesan, or corn and zucchini fritters with avo, pickled onion and sour cream; for the main, share a Land Lovers platter of burnt carnitas, salted rump cap, steak strips, tajin chicken wings, corn riblets, housemade potato salad and cheesy garlic bread.
