Overview
For years, saying hola to a Mexican bite to eat at South Bank has meant visiting a colourful corner of Little Stanley Street. Mucho Mexicano's South Brisbane store might be no more, but Latin American cuisine will still be on the menu at the same abode from early spring 2024. This time, you'll be visiting Poca Madre, which is giving its site a pink-coloured and desert-themed makeover while keeping the focus on Mexican fare.
Alemré Hospitality Group remains at the helm, just refreshing the prime location by launching a new restaurant concept. The 200-seat space will even have the right drink to match its hues: Don Julio Rosado, a pink tequila that's been aged in ruby port wine barrels.
Getting sipping here is an attraction all of its own, complete with a standalone margarita bar — called The Margarita Bar — pouring piña margaritas, guava margarita and other cocktails. You can make a date solely with the watering hole, or enjoy beverages from it at Poca Madre. Also on the list at the latter: Mexican beers.
If you prefer agave, that's another highlight at the restaurant, with nine Mexican distilleries providing drops. Yes, there's tastings, whether you're keen to just give one a try of knock back a flight of three different kinds.
For diners with rumbling stomachs, Alemré Group Executive Chef Adam Starr has curated a culinary lineup that's all about the flavours that are synonymous with Mexican food. Across a menu that includes small plates, snacks, tacos and mains, must-try dishes include twice cooked slow-roasted brisket on corn tortillas with queso fresco and bone broth, pasilla chilli-marinated roasted chicken breast with confit tamale and a chicken jus, and wild mushroom tacos with porcini crema.
Or, start with jalapeño and manchego croquetas, give the prawn cutlets pan-roasted in sweet chilli miso tamarind butter a whirl, opt for rib-eye tacos, then try the salmon baked with an epazote crust. Churros are among the dessert picks, as are chocolate lava cake and fresh fruit to dip in chocolate.
Wondering about the name? It means "awesome" or "impressive", which is what the Alemré crew hope that Brisbanites will think of the venue.
Find Poca Madre at Shop 15, Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane, from early spring 2024 — operating 11.30am–9pm Sunday–Thursday and 11.30am–10pm Friday–Saturday. Head to the venue's website for more details.