When it comes to heartfelt and delicious food with little fuss, we imagine most people will find themselves siding with Mexican as one of their all-time favourite cuisines. What is there not to love?

Montezuma’s Mexican restaurant in its former spot in the Theatre Arcade of Burleigh was, well, a bit of an institution. For a little over 40 years, they were the go-to spot for many people’s taco and guacamole fix. When the proposed demolition of the arcade began to do the rounds not so long ago, most Montezuma fans began to shed a tear. But the owners had other plans…

Find yourself in the back lanes of Burleigh and you will come across the reincarnated venue, occupying a prime position on the corner as you come out of the Big B arcade and head up towards Park Avenue. You really cannot miss it!

Being perpetually drenched in the afternoon sun, this could very well be your new place to grab tacos (with margaritas of course) for a lunchtime treat.

The interior remains true to the spirit of Montezuma’s with a groovy Aztec/Mexican feel which is by no means cheesy; certainly not as cheesy as their Queso Fundido dip boasting a blend of melted cheeses, onion, peppers and a stack of toasted corn chips. Perfect for sharing.

Once the ball is rolling, we recommend you tackle yourself a combination plate, or better yet a taco platter all with the freshest ingredients and tender as they come meats for you to choose from. Even that always-hungry friend will be satisfied.

For all you vegans and gluten-free folks out there, fear not, these guys have you well and truly covered with a great selection of dishes such as gluten-free tortillas, vegan nachos and the list goes on. Not just the standard one or two picks for you to choose from! Hallelujah!

Keeping yourself hydrated is a serious job, so we highly suggest you try one of the array of margarita’s on offer there, which include: traditional, frozen or blended and a long list of flavours to choose from including bubble gum — yep that’s right. Warning, you may have more than just the one though.

For a refined Mexican experience with a dose of sunshine and genuine hospitality, be sure to check these guys out next time you’re in Burleigh Heads.

LOCATION: 1/19 Park Avenue (in the alleyway from James Street to Park Ave), Burleigh Heads
HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday – Lunch from 11.30am – 2pm and Dinner from 5.30pm – 8.30pm

Feeling hungry? Science proves that you might in fact be thirsty and what better remedy exists than the holy grail of liquid love, the margarita. This rings especially true on International Margarita Day on Saturday 22nd February which, side note, may just be the greatest day ever created.

Here’s our roundup of THE places to sip THE drink famous for making us go weak at the knees (quite literally….).

Franc Jrs
This joint can do no wrong. Delivering more than just a carb coma with their iconic mouthwatering pizzas, this cult fave also whips up a mean – and strong – frozen margi. And believe you me, nothing says happiness like a ten-outta-ten pizza washed down with an icy take on ‘Me-hi-co’s’ national treasure. No frills here but that’s part of the charm and bonus, you can sink one on the footpath while you’re waiting for your takeaway.
Our pick: Frozen margarita
Where: Shop 2/32 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

Cooly Breeze
The fare here is *chef’s kiss* but let’s talk the business; their epic cocktail selection, particularly their signature sip which just happens to be a margarita #obvi. If you’re not already acquainted with Cooly Breeze Rooftop and Bar, it’s time to be. Sitting (very) pretty on the 13th floor, it’s the Coast’s only fine dining rooftop restaurant with spectacular views to the southern coastline and the Tweed River surrounds. Bliss!
Our pick: Cooly Breeze Margi – tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and homemade pineapple jalapeno syrup
Where: Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Siblings
With some of the most exotic and creative margi’s we’ve ever seen (and, umm, sunk), rita-lovers unite at Siblings. Their expansive cocktail menu is the real McCoy, but in our humble opinion, the ‘Margarita Obsession’ section is pure Pegasus-material. Combined with the heritage-listed beachfront location, 1950’s Miami beach vibe fit-out, and a menu to dine for, marg our words – just go.
Our pick: Sex in an Hour – blueberry infused Olmeca Altos Plata, 100% agave tequila, Joseph Cartron Watermelon liqueur, fresh watermelon juice, a touch of Philippe De Bourgogne Crème de Cassis & Fiorente Elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice, Herradura agave nectar, pink Himalayan salt, & sugar rim
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Kirra

Veladora
This senorita needs a margarita (and we have the shirt to prove it, shout out to Sabbi Clothing) and where better than Veladora at The Star, Gold Coast. This Mezcal-inspired speakeasy bar with an extensive range of signature cocktails, Mexican beers, and unique snacks, serves up THE OG margi to beat all margis. Bonus incoming; there’s live music on Fridays and Latin-inspired beats on Saturdays. Salud (on repeat).
Our pick: The Margarita! Herradura Plata, orange liqueur & fresh lime juice
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Kirra Beach House
Margi’s land different here so don’t walk, run. With immersive panoramic views of Kirra Beach, a Mediterranean-style grazing menu, and an exceptional selection of world-class cocktails perfection mode is activated.
Our pick: Kirra Beach House Tommy’s Margarita – tequila, agave, fresh lime, & coastal salt
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Tommy’s Taco Bar
The crew behind Tommy’s Italian have gone full Mexi-mode with Tommy’s Taco Bar, bringing bold flavours and good vibes to Currumbin. With top-notch tacos, a killer drinks list, and a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to sip, snack, and settle in for a fiesta.
Our pick: Cilantro Margi, coriander infused Arette Blanco, chilli, agave and lime
Where: 140 Duringan Street, Currumbin

JuJu
Level up your nights at JuJu, the hotspot in Nobby Beach that brings upscale dining and a European-inspired after-party vibe. JuJu is all about keeping the energy high, even after dinner. Expect playful decor, delicious dishes like Pollo Ballotina and a 1kg wagyu tomahawk (yep, named after the one and only Tom Tate), plus cocktails that will have you partying like you’re in Mykonos. So whether you’re here for the food or the late-night fun, JuJu is your new fave spot for both.
Our pick: Jalapeno Kiss,1800 tequila, triple sec, jalapeno, cucumber and fresh lime juice.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Costa Taco
Bringing the bold flavours of Mexico straight to the GC, Costa Taco is all about authentic eats made with top-notch local ingredients. What started as a humble market stall is now a three-location sensation, with their newest spot in Broadbeach dishing up next-level tacos, tostadas, and chilaquiles. The laidback, beachy vibe makes it the perfect spot to roll in, grab a bite, and pretend you’re in Baja.
Our pick: Try the ever-changing Margarita Special.
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach, 1136 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach and 20 Jonson St, Byron Bay

Bonita Bonita
As you’d expect from one of the most loved Mexi-venues around, Bonita Bonita’s margarita list is off the chain good. As is the chow and the vibe, hence why it continues to pull a sizeable crowd year after year. If you’re going to line your belly coz #tequila, go with the banquet and get the best of everything this GC fave has to offer.
Our pick: Tom-Yum Margarita – 1800 coconut tequila, fresh lime, habanero, lemon grass & ginger syrup, grapefruit juice, & a salt rim
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Palm Springs Burleigh
Palm Springs Burleigh is a Southern Californian-inspired café, eats and drinks heaven on earth. With All.The.Things you’d expect from somewhere with Palm Springs in the name, you’ll find arches, cacti, Slim Aarons, plenty of green, mint and white hues and of course, M.A.R.G.I.S! A tried and tested Burleigh fave, extra points awarded for the get-in-my-belly-good nosh.
Our pick: Chilli Margarita – chilli infused 1800 silver tequila, Cointreau & fresh lime juice
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Nude Amigos
With three locations serving up fresh, modern Mexican, Nude Amigos is all about bold flavours, quality ingredients, and margaritas that hit just right. Say adiós to basic Tex-Mex and hola to authentic eats, top-tier tequila, and vibes that’ll transport you straight to the beaches of Acapulco.
Our pick: Cool as a Cucumber – Patron tequila, Triple Sec, agave, house-made cucumber syrup, fresh squeezed lime & a sea salt rim
Where: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, Shop 25/80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta and 60 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Mexicali
It’s always margarita mania at Nobby’s Mexicali! Served on the rocks and made using fresh fruit and house infused tequilas, all margis are crafted using 100% Blue Agave tequila or mezcal, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave syrup. Choose from classic, watermelon, strawberry, passionfruit, chilli, cucumber & jalapeno, mezcal, and coconut. And we’ll take the lot #thx.
Our pick: Passionfruit Margarita
Where: Level 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach

El Camino Cantina
Big, bold, and brimming with tequila-fuelled fun, El Camino Cantina is serving up legendary margaritas with a side of Tex-Mex goodness. Their famous Rita Paddles let you sample four flavours in one go, or level up with a Cadillac Margarita for the ultimate upgrade. Pair it with tacos, wings, or sizzling fajitas, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a fiesta.
Our pick: Blueberry Margi
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Pablitos
Nested in Sanctuary Cove, you’ll find this intimate quintessential modern Mexican cantina with a slight Caribbean influence and srsly, what more could one ask for?! Think terracotta, venetian walls, exposed concrete, Virgin Mary statues, and a cactus at every turn. The house tequila is made with wild agave and they only use organic, freshly squeezed lime in all their cocktails…including their iconic ritas. Gimme gimme!
Our pick: Watermelon Margarita
Where: Sanctuary Cove, 39 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Exhibitionist Bar
We can tell you first-hand (far too many times over) that the resident Margi at Exhibitionist Bar (unpacked below) is one of the best. Sitting high atop the striking HOTA Gallery, this artsy watering hole delivers great flavours and explosions of tastes you won’t forget in a hurry…both in edible and drinkable varieties. Whether you want a light lunch with friends, a cocktail at sundown or a nightcap, this is where it’s at.
Our pick: House Hot Marg – Herradura Blanco tequila, marionette orange, lime & house made hot sauce
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, Top Level, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

The Collective
Margarita Month has landed at The Collective, and it’s a tequila lover’s dream! Sip your way through their iconic marg menu plus three limited-edition flavours, from the refreshing Strawberry & Mint to the ultra-luxe Millionaire’s Margarita. Until Friday 28th February grab a Margarita Passport, collect stamps, and score some muy bueno prizes—because who knew tequila could be this rewarding?
Our pick: Mango & Chilli Margarita – Patrón Blanco, mango, chilli & lime
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Words by Bianca Trathen.

If, like us, you’ve long dreamed of a quick little jaunt in Tulum, Mexico but spend way too much money on things you definitely don’t need (same), your life is about to change in a big way.

No, we’re not sending you all to Tulum (sorry) but we are letting you in on something even better, a little slice of the far away paradise right here in our own backyard.

It can be found at Frida Sol in Palm Beach and yes, we know you’ve been there already to drink bulk Coconut Margaritas and take a million Insta-snaps, but where you haven’t been is the newly opened upstairs section that we are here to introduce you to.

The fitout is the work of Morgan Walsh, owner of FuFu Chinese Diner and Poke Poke in Mermaid Beach and, as you’d know from her work there, she’s quite the eclectic interior design extraordinaire.

After opening (and designing) five restaurants over the course of the past five years, she has decided to dedicate more of her time to projects such as the fitout of Frida Sol and we are pretty excited about it.

So, obviously, Frida Sol is a Mexican venue (owned by one Ryan Renwick) and the design is extremely reflective of that with giant succulents and cactuses planted throughout, brightly coloured artworks and copper adornments to bring the space to life and textured tables and walls giving it an authentic Mexi-feel but in Palmy (yay). It’s all whites and greens and rattan furniture and the vibes are high there. Love it.

In the new upstairs area, the sophisticated, earthy vibe is the same but the space has been absolutely transformed from it’s previous 8th Ave Terrace life.

It’s an intimate space, inspired by the beachside location, with louvered windows opening out to 180 degree views of the pretty Palmy ocean and while it’s an extension of the downstairs area, it’s also got a few fun little additions.

The floors are polished wood and offset by concrete-esque high tables that all back onto rendered, highly textured walls that look like they would be quite the challenge to make (for people who have no idea how to make things i.e. us). The entire space has a stunning sandy, seaside cave-like feel but it’s refined and beautifully lit and we would like to move in.

The bar looks like it belongs on a balmy Mexico beach with shaggy grass sprouting out the top into the room and giant cactuses and succulents (that we would like for our house please) are placed into planters along the side walls and through the middle of the space while the prettiest round pendant lights hang from above.

Morgan has used polystyrene that she chipped away to give the appearance of a natural rock formation on the walls and honestly, how does she come up with this stuff.

There are also water features along the back wall and quirky little touches that you’ll recognise as Morgan’s unique touch throughout.

The space can be hired for your next party and it’ll also be open for sunset drinks and a little plate of Mexi-goodies or two with the gang. It’s casual but also fancy and perfect for any good times you might be planning in the future.

It’s a real stunner gang, get in there and prepare to be amazed.

LOCATION: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
HOURS: Open nightly from 5pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith