Spill the Beans at these 5 Taco Joints

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:

Eat, drink and love tacos at Melbourne’s Mexican wonderland, Si Senor Art Taqueria on Hampton Street in Hampton. As soon as you enter this new amigo on the block and sibling to Si Senor Balaclava, it is like stepping back into your Mexican holiday with large custom artwork on the wall and booth and table settings ideal for lazy afternoons with a Margarita in hand.

 

This fun and funky taqueria covers all cravings from tacos to chunky guacamole, burritos oozing cheese and mesmerising cocktails; say arriba to starters of Mexi chorizo, potato, corn and cheese croquettes with lime, feta and chipotle mayo, then chow down on soft shell corn tacos such as pulled beef brisket with caramelised onions, cheese, coriander, Spanish onion and tomato salsa. Vegetarians opt for Hongos tacos with grilled mushroom, caramelised onions, tomato and feta.

Find a dining experience with a heart deeply rooted in the Adelaide Hills and an imagination that embraces the flavours of the world at Miss Perez Kitchen & Bar on Druid Avenue in Stirling. Nestled on one of the prettiest tree-lined streets in the suburb, floor-to-ceiling windows grant stunning views of iconic oak trees, or you can sit under them on the outside deck to enjoy a classic Margarita with tequila, ambra limoncello, lime juice and triple sec.

 

Get the fiesta started with chilli caramel pork belly, spiced pineapple, pickled red cabbage, spring onion and roasted peanuts, then say gracias to gourmet fried chicken tacos with guacamole, kasundi, pico de gallo, gouda shreds, coriander and fresh lime; soy Panko crumbed mushroom tacos with kimchi soy glaze, garlic aioli, crispy shallots, coriander and lime tempt vegos, with gluten-free taco shells available on request.

Tex-Mex done right is what you’ll get on the plate at Carlos Cantina on Railway Road in Blackburn. From sizzling fajitas to classic cheesy nachos, the menu is a celebration of vibrant and diverse Mexican tradition, all served in fun and funky surrounds of recycled timber, glowing neon signage and brightly coloured striped banquette seating.

 

Meet amigos to don your sombrero and start the fiesta with beer-battered fish tacos, shredded cabbage, guacamole, chipotle aioli, fresh pico de gallo and lime; carnivores opt for tender birria beef folded in corn tortillas with melted cheese, onion, cilantro and consommé, or experience pure comfort with a bowl of housemade chilli con carne with minced beef, beans, mild chilli and melted cheese.

Established more than 30 years ago, The Big Mexican Rancho charms Gymea locals with honest and cheerful Mexican fare. Decked out with sombreros and paintings of Mexican desert scenes, this family-run Casuarina Road eatery offers a vibrant and relaxed vibe for a fun night out with family and friends.

 

In the brightly-painted dining room, prepare to indulge in a fiesta, beginning with deluxe nachos topped with beef, chicken or beans, served with mashed beans and sour cream; before specialties like prawns Yucatan – prawn tacos served with avocado salad and sour cream – or a burrito Azteca with chicken, sauce, melted cheese, rice, sour cream and avocado salad. Don’t go past Nutella quesadilla for dessert with banana, cream and ice cream.

Inspired by Mexican and Peruvian cuisine, Calle Rey on King Street brings innovative plant-based fare to Newtown. Grab a Margarita to whet the whistle from the restaurant's Diablo Pisco bar and settle in beside the vibrant Day of the Dead wall mural, among potted cacti and pendent globes glowing moodily overhead.

 

Encouraging the consumption of plant-based nutrition is the ethos behind an innovative menu, dishing up street food like grilled corn, Parmesan ‘cheese’, aji Amarillo mayo, chives and chilli flakes; then wrap your mouth around jackfruit smoked ‘chicken’ tacos, with salsa verde, habanero pico de gallo and tartar sauce, or fried ‘calamari’ with salsa verde, guacamole, classic aioli, cabbage, togarashi and chives. Dessert lovers salivate over churros with caramel and chocolate sauce, toasted coconut flakes and coconut vanilla ice cream.