Now Open: Rumba Is Fortitude Valley's New Cuban-Inspired Venue From the Lina and Soko Crew
Now open in Evita's old St Paul's Terrace digs, this newcomer serves up tequila-heavy cocktails and does $25 all-you-can-eat tacos once a week.
After sending Brisbanites to great heights at Lina Rooftop and Soko Rooftop, and serving them Italian dishes at Mina as well, Potentia Solutions Leisure is now welcoming fans of Latin American cuisine into its latest venture. Meet Rumba, which takes inspiration from Cuba, was first announced back in January, and is now trading on St Paul's Terrace in Argentinian eatery Evita's old site.
It's a case of farewelling one favourite and welcoming in another for the hospitality group; new year, new focus, clearly. Rumba goes heavy on tequila cocktails and bites to share amid colourful but raw decor. The atmosphere: relaxed yet boisterous, and stripped back while soundtracked by Latin jazz. Azulejo prints and bright hues cover the place, and there's even the remnants of a car in a hole in the wall.
Vibe-wise, a roster of DJs and bands help set the mood, too, in the kind of space that's worlds away from Lina and Soko's luxe rooftops — but proves lively and enticing in its own way. On Fridays, that includes a mariachi trio, while a Columbian reggaeton night is also on the venue's roster.
Of course, the big drawcard is the food and drinks spread, which spans kingfish ceviche, tune poké tostadas, corn with chipotle mayo and spicy chicken wings among the smaller options. There's also guacamole platters for two; empanadas made with smoky ground beef, olives and chimichurri; grilled octopus with yellow beetroot; and beef brisket, battered fish and braised lamb tacos. And, for dessert, diners can tuck into a share spread of churros, dessert empanadas with mascarpone and apple, and lemon and tequila sorbet.
To wash all of the above down with, the 22-drink cocktail list features sangria jugs, rum and sparkling wine Cuban bowls, two fruity frozen options and pisco sours. Or, there's a small range of beer and wine, a larger spirits collection, and four options for bottle service.
Rumba also does a daily 5–6pm happy with $10 cocktails and $15 beer jugs, plus$25 all-you-can-eat tacos on Thursday nights. Feel like a night brunch? That's what it's dubbing its $69 Wednesday evening specials, which spans a five-dish banquet over two hours, plus wine and beer for the same period — and a slushie or spritz on arrival.
Find Rumba at 365 St Paul's Terrace, Fortitude Valley, open 5pm–late Tuesday–Saturday.
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