The Five Best Mexican Restaurants in Brisbane

At Concrete Playground we know that Mexican food can be really hit and miss. When it’s good, it is a flavour-packed and thrilling experience. When it’s bad, it’s a bit like eating plane food circa 1992 – mushy, saucy and you can’t really tell what’s in there.

So to make sure that all of your Mexican food experiences are positive ones, we have handpicked Brisbane’s top Mexican joints, all offering their own unique gifts.

Tuckeria

Tuckeria is your healthy Mexican option. With influences from the Cali coast, meals here are served fresh and vegetarian. With mostly outdoor seating, this is the perfect place for enjoying the sun. The Mexican Taco Salad is packed full of flavour and hearty enough to fill you up, leaving you comfortably satisfied.

421 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley; 07 3162 4823; www.tuckeria.com.au

Vinyl

Vinyl, the restaurant section of the Hi-Fi Bar in West End, offers some seriously satisfying Mexican food, namely tacos. With reasonable prices and flavour-explosions guaranteed, Vinyl is the perfect place for a casual bite to eat mid-week or before a concert.

Their tacos are special. Using contemporary combinations, but throwing back to the original Mexican flavours, we recommend the crispy pork belly with charred corn salsa and hot sauce in particular.

125 Boundary Street, West End; 07 3010 6301; www.thehifi.com.au

Dos Amigos

If you’d like a more Tex-Mex experience, then Dos Amigos is the place to go. Located in Taringa, Dos Amigos has been around since 1987. The ‘Tex’ contribution to Mex equals a hell of a lot of melted cheese and the delightful spice, cumin. This means that meals such as chilli con queso and fajitas are Tex-Mex and Dos Amigos specialties. Chili con queso is a spicy cheese dip that you eat with homemade chips, and is sinfully delicious. The fajitas come out with a sizzling plate with the meat of your choice, fresh ingredients and warm tortillas. These meals, served with a Dos Equis lager, are for those nights when you plan on rolling home.

185 Moggill Road, Taringa; 07 3870 8092; www.dosamigos.com.au

Guzman Y Gomez

Located in Fortitude Valley and on Albert Street in the City, the people of Guzman Y Gomez (GYG) know how to do quick and satisfying Mexican. This might be because most of the people who work there are Mexican. Greeted with an 'hola' as you walk in the door, if you dare you can test out your Spanish here.

Serving the Mexican basics – quesadillas, burritos, nachos, tequila – GYG is your best option for a quick-fix. The meals are so tasty they can be addictive. And with the option to take away you can also enjoy in your own home. If you are after some drinks with your food then sip on a frozen margarita and enjoy the fiesta vibe of GYG.

1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley; 07 3188 1701; www.guzmanygomez.com

La Quinta

For a night out with a group, head to La Quinta. Known for its party atmosphere, it is the perfect place for a boozy dinner with friends, and some good honest Mexican. Aiming to achieve genuine Mexican food rather than the hybrids of Tex Mex or Cal Mex, La Quinta serves up authentic, fresh and delicious meals. With a focus on crowd-pleasing, they have banquets on offer for those in a big group, as well as Mexican feast options. Try La Quintas' Ensalada for a fresh but filling option, with edible bowl and all.

1/189 Oxford Street, Bulimba; 07 3399 2800; www.laquinta.com.au