If you’ve ever wondered where you could possibly find the true taste of Mexico in Brisbane, without the travel, then you’ll just have to pay a visit to Mama Taco in West End. This cosy bar and eatery (brought to you from the team behind West End fave Luigi’s Italian), is a relatively new addition to Hardgrave Road, located inside the historic Rialto Theatre.

(Cover Photo Credit Mama Taco)

Cosy, with a welcoming pastel pink and gold aesthetic, the space is made for communal dining between friends. Long tables divide the space, of stools on one side, and booths on the other. Artworks and a collection of photos, posters and sombreros completes the atmosphere; which always feels like there could be a party here any day of the week.

Mama Taco draws inspiration from the taquerias and mezcal bars of Mexico, and aims to showcase true Mexican flavours through respecting traditional techniques, such as using charcoal in preparing the food, preparing mole (“mo-leh”) over two or three days, and hand-pressing corn tortillas. Whilst ingredients used are sourced locally and organic (where possible), there are certain chillies (to give that true Mexican flavour) that Chef Raffaele Persichetti sources direct from Mexican farmers which is mixed with these local ingredients, giving patrons a spectrum of flavours. The concise menu is made for sharing, offering options of Tacos, Platos (larger serving), Sides, and Bebidas (Drinks).

The stand-out Tacos and flavour bombs are the El Hongo (Vegan); of Smoked porcini, shiitake mushroom, truffle, guacamole, salsa verde, cilantro, walnut. The Mole de Pollo, of charcoal chicken, mole, chipotle, mayo, salsa verde, queso fresco, cilantro. The Platos that will have you mentally making plans to come back whilst you’re mouth is still full, is the Aguachile of Yellowtail, habanero, merkén, avocado, coconut, lime, cilantro, and raspberry. Light, fresh, and delicious! Complete your Mexican journey with the Mama Burrito of saffron arroz, frijoles, salsa roja, salsa verde, guacamole, pico de gallo,charcoal pimiento, and escabeche.

The other area where Mama Taco shines, is of course it’s bar. Aptly nicknamed the “Agave Cathedral” where head bar man Carlos Hurworth (the “pope”) will indulge you in the origins, and flavour profiles of the bar’s collection of top bottles, such as Siete Leguas, Hacienda Navarro, Bruxo, Arette, and much more.

If it’s too early for alcohol, or you’re in need of a detox from all the iso-drinking, the “Jugo” of freshly juiced pineapple, orange, lime and mint is just the perfect tonic.

Where:

4/59 Hardgrave Road, West End Brisbane.

Hours:

Wednesday - Sunday, 12pm till late.

Information correct at the time of publication