El Camino Cantina Has Opened a New Two-Level South Bank Joint with DJs and a Dance Floor
The 510-seat eatery serves up Tex-Mex cuisine, neon-lit hues and plenty of margaritas — all in Munich Brauhaus' former site.
Back in 2018, South Bank's Stanley Street became home to a two-level German joint that served up steins, schnitzels and pretzels. Now, however, that sprawling site will take your tastebuds to another part of the globe. It's a case of goodbye Munich Brauhaus, hello El Camino Cantina — with the Stanley Street spot getting a huge makeover and transforming into the latter chain's newest southeast Queensland location.
Brisbane isn't lacking in Mexican eateries. El Camino already operates two — in Bowen Hills and Chermside — and also opened an outpost in Robina earlier in 2020. But, as first announced back in October, the brand's Tex-Mex cuisine has definitely landed in the inner city, along with its colourful decor and unapologetically over-the-top vibe.
Both Munich Brauhaus and El Camino are part of Rockpool Dining Group, which also owns Sake, Beerhaus, The Bavarian and WingHaus, so this is really a case of a hospitality company rebranding one of its locations. Of course, if you've been to an El Camino casual dining joint before, you'll know that the revamp is quite noticeable. Think loud, bright and filled with giant cocktails, rock 'n' roll jukeboxes, free sombreros and other lively Tex-Mex fare.
The new El Camino holds 510 patrons, including in a 140-seat outdoor dining area filled with colourful umbrellas, a ground-floor diner area that can sit 120 people and an upstairs bar that can host 250 patrons. That top-level space is called Hotel Diablo, and it's where you'll find the site's dance floor. While the rest of the venue launched back on Friday, November 20, the club-style upper storey kicks into gear on Friday, November 27 — and will host DJs each weekend.
Slushie machines, a big feature at the chain's other venues, are part of the fitout as well. Cue big nights and brain freezes. El Camino's margaritas come in multiple sizes and renditions — such as a tropical Red Bull flavour, which really says it all. Other options include a host of beers from near and far, and a sizeable collection of mezcals and tequilas.
The food lineup is as fun and casual as the drinks, spanning fiery buffalo wings, sizzling fajitas, plump burritos, soft shell tacos loaded with punchy flavour combinations, and unlimited complimentary corn chips and salsas. The South Bank joint also boasts El Camino's signature specials, including $2 tacos on Tuesdays and ten-cent wings on Wednesdays.
And, until Sunday, January 3, the new spot is also hosting a margarita festival. Called Ritapalooza, it's serving up those frosty, boozy beverages in 15 different flavours.
El Camino Cantina is now open at 153 Stanley Street, South Brisbane.
Top image: Jared Vethaak.
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