It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures; eating Mexican and drinking margis so when Cinco De Mayo rolls around each year, we rejoice because we have an excuse to do just that (like we needed one).
For those who flunked history or have just wiped out too many braincells with said margaritas over the years, Cinco De Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 aaaand….we’ve lost you. Anyway, back to the margis (hello again), we have compiled a list of some of the Coast’s best Mexican restaurants that we love a whole enchiLOTa.
Goodness Gracias
A little (somewhat hidden) gem on the Gold Coast Highway is Goodness Gracias serving up plant-based Mexican eats that are some of the tastiest around. With some incredible menu items, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one dish. But if you ask us, regardless of which you choose you’ll be sure to have your sombrero knocked off, even if you aren’t vegan!
Where: 1A 1114 – 1116 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
El Camino Cantina
With shops across the country, we’re lucky to have ourselves one of these spicy little dens of Mexican magic here on the Goldy. Slip in and slip on a sombrero and let the endless fantastic food and de-lish cocktails flow. Positioned on the promenade waterfront dining precinct at Robina Town Centre you have the perfect place to enjoy al fresco dining with your gang. Their Carne Nachos deserve a special shout-out. Because, if you know, you know.
Where: 1009/1010 Level 1, 19-33 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Beach Burrito Company
The southern belle can be found overlooking the ocean in Coolangatta, usually packed with people and with all of the good vibes on offer. There are what feels like endless burritos on offer, and why not go all boujee and get the ‘Cali upgrade’, which means the beans and rice are replaced with hot chips! Yes my friends, you read that correctly, and yes, our mouths are watering!
Where: The Strand,Shop 25/26 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Montezumas Burleigh
After relocating from the beachside arcade to just off James Street, this family-friendly Mexican purveyor of good times sure can serve up the goods. The menu is quite extensive, so shall we suggest the Combination Plate? Because why not have a little bit of everything and give ’em all a go. Plus through in a Margarita for good measure! Because it wouldn’t be a Mexican fiesta without one!
Where: 1/19 Park Avenue In the Alleyway From James Street to Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Agave Rosa
Fresh, delish dishes with dashes of distinct oriental flavour (say that after a few tequilas), served Mexican style is what you’ll get in spades at Agave Rosa. It’s funky, bright and welcoming feels are perfectly complimented by their phenom menu mixing our two fave cuisines with finesse. And like any Mexican establishment worth its salt, their cocktails and margaritas slay!
Where: Shop 2/74 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta
Clay Cantina
With its cool, casual laneway dining outside and inviting, home-style dining inside (open kitchens are life!), this feisty Latina dishes up the best Mexican outside of the Motherland. And we’re not actually joking. Plus, you can transform into a Mexican Masterchef yourself with super fun classes using authentic ingredients and tools. This sage and terracotta-hued heavyweight can do no wrong.
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
La Diosa Mexicana
If you’ve got cheap but cheerful Mexi goodness on your mind (same) this one’s for you! Taco Tuesdays offer delish $4 tacos or if you’re down for an all-you-can-eat taco fiesta (SAME!), you can go gangbusters on these Mexican bad boys. Serving up all your traditional faves, it’s great for groups as the fit-out and vibe are a’pumpin.
Where: Circle on Cavil, Shop 11/3184 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Hail Mary
Boasting a fit out and décor to die for and a delish menu to match, Hail Mary is a standout. Serving up the freshest, flavoursome Mexican nosh, it’s a no-brainer. With specials like two tacos and a beer/wine or soft drink for $20 on weekends, what are you even waiting for? Ohhh and don’t miss their Burrito Wednesdays!
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Bonita Bonita
Eats institution Bonita Bonita (and little sister Bon Bon pouring mezcals and tequilas for pre or post-dinner party starters) is a long-standing fave. Its dimly lit, moody and ornate interior design never ceases to impress and create an intimate vibe. Enjoy the mouth-watering eats (the grilled corn…OMG) and don’t even get us started on the cocktails.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Mexicali
Always busy, the Cali meets Mexico feels of Mexicali have us coming back again and again. You can’t go wrong with a banquette if you’re in a group, and you even have the option of adding a bottomless drinks package (sold!). Sunset cocktails on the balcony never get old, and a snap under the ever-changing lightbox message above the stairs is mandatory!
Where: Level 1, 2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Frida Sol
Sibling to Bonita Bonita and Bon Bon, this texture-rich stunner pays homage to the almighty Frida Kahlo and oozes a delectably sultry vibe. With live DJs on Sundays from 1pm – 4pm and a divine modern Mexican menu, it’s a Mexi lovers home away from home. One of our FAVES.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Holy Jala
This fun-infused Cooly local serves up a juxtaposition of Mexican, Spanish and other Mediterranean flavours and the result is mexcellent! Offering a free food banquet on Saturday when you buy a drink (yes, you read that right), why wouldn’t you give it a whirl. It also has a food truck so if you’re looking for catering, you know who to call!
Where: 140 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
The Aztec
Kicking around since 1995, The Aztec Broadbeach…along with The Aztec Coolangatta…is a hit with the whole fam, boasting a fun-loving mixture of cosy booths, ultra-modern furnishings and an epic fluro bar. A colourful and upbeat venue, you’re spoilt for choice with all the Mexican goodies you’d hope to find. Insider tip; wear your oversized tee and order the loaded nachos.
Where: The Aria Building, Shop 11/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach & 152 Griffith Street (Twin Towns end), Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Hello, we love margaritas. They are, collectively, our favourite beverage and thus, we are experts on their sweet, salty goodness.
This is why, it gives us the greatest of pleasures to inform you that while Tuesday 22 February is Margarita DAY, we wish to celebrate Margarita MONTH and if you choose not to participate, we will particulate on your behalf, and ours.
In honour of the most important day (+month) of the year, we’ve collated a list of 11 spots to sip margaritas and yes, tried and tested (from north to south).
Hard Rock Cafe
It’s always a fun time up the rock n’ roll memorabilia laden stairs in Surfers Paradise and an even better time once you’re seated with a frosty margarita in hand. The Hard Rock Cafe margies are extremely delicious and you may choose from the Triple Platinum or the Exotic and they are very generous with their servings. A bit of live music and it’s happy days.
Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Montezumas / The Aztec
They of the family-friendly Mexican good times sure can shake up a tasty margarita and they’ll give you a big one too. It’s the perfect combination of salty and sweet and (trust us) one definitely won’t be enough. YUM.
Where: Montezuma’s: Aloha Building, 8 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise and The Aztec: Aria Building, 17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar & Dining
Ready to get fruity? Same. Aloha Bar & Dining is the spot to do exactly that while sipping on a tasty, tasty margarita or three. Theirs is a special one, aptly named Aloe-Ha Margarita; it’s got Tromba tequila, aloe vera, honeydew, elderflower, lime maraschino, kaffir lime leaf and cucumber and it’s an absolute party in your mouth.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach
Bonita Bonita
As you’d expect, from one of the most loved Mexi-venues around, Bonita Bonita’s margarita list is a goodie. You may choose from Tommy’s, Coconut, Bonita (with candied jalapeno’s – best), Raspberry and a Mexcal Margarita and why not have them all. The food is really quite great there too, order the banquet so you don’t miss out on any of the best things.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Mexicali
It’s margarita mania at Nobby’s fave Mexicali with seven varieties of margarita on offer PLUS three types of jugs. Best. Choose from Classic, Passionfruit, Chilli, Watermelon, Coconut, Skinny and the Scorched margarita if you’re on your own or there are Classic, Strawberry and Blueberry and Lychee jugs. There is nothing more we need from life, goodbye.
Where: Level 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Margarita Cartel
Located on the Lower Gold Coast Hwy in Burleigh, this little joint is the perfect delight for Mexi-loving locals. The list of margaritas, as you’d expect, has quite the variety on offer, from the Classic (made with orange liqueur), to Coconut, Watermelon (five please), Cucumber and Chilli, Smoky Pineapple, Grapefruit and El Patron and we obviously suggest sampling one of each.
Where: 2/1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Hail Mary
The little Burleigh beauty down a side alleyway is filled to the brim with delightful margarita flavours that’ll keep you busy all day long. There’s Coconut, Mango, Peach & Passionfruit, Mexcal, Chilli Mexcal, Szechuan Pepper & Pineapple and Tommy’s Margarita’s and every single one is the goods. It’s a sweet little space too so grab the gang and get down there.
Where: 6/26 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores
While it’s true that all cocktails consumed on a seat overlooking the ocean are the best you can hope for, the tipples at Rick Shores are that little bit more special because: a) Burleigh Heads beach and b) well, margaritas. Rick Shores is absolutely stunning and we highly recommend gathering the girls and making an afternoon session of it.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Frida Sol
Frida Sol brings a slew of margaritas to tantalise your tastebuds this sweet Margarita Month. We are quite (QUITE) partial to the Chilli and the Coconut Margaritas and throw in a pretty Palmy ocean view and you’ve got yourself a good ol’ time.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
The Collective
It’s always a sweet time at The Collective, on the highway in Palm Beach what with five food venues to choose from and a rooftop bar with bulk epic cocktails on offer. We vote for the speciality cocktail “TOMMY BATANGA”. 10/10 taste sensation.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
baskk
The stunning, naturally-inspired surrounds of baskk at Kirra Point are enough for us but, since it’s Margarita Month, we won’t go past a tasty tipple or two either. The margarita’s at baskk are next-level, as is everything on the menu. Line a few of those beauties up and order a couple of pizza’s and that’s pretty much the best time you can have.
Where: Shop 2, Beach House Plaza, 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Kirra Smith
We and the general public continuously crave Mexican food and who can blame us? Put simply; it’s one of the greatest and simplistic go-tos we think there has ever been, particularly when you’re tied between what food to grab with a bunch of people. One thing is for sure — it’s a crowd pleaser!
We’re encouraging and promoting the celebration of Cinco de Mayo after we couldn’t last year (since we have all learned to celebrate EVERYTHING!). But there are so many Mexican options to consider, right? True. Don’t fret, though. Our research has got you covered on the best GC places to enjoy some delicioso food — alongside a cheeky midweek margarita.
La Diosa Mexicana
This Surfers Paradise gem is an impressive venue that will cater for couples as well as large groups. There’s $3 Taco Tuesday if you feel inclined to celebrate early. Otherwise, you can grab some quesadillas, churros and burritos for a little taste of everything.
Where: Shop 11, Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise
Guzman y Gomez
Your favourite drive-thru Mexican mates are slinging the goods all day, every day, at their various Gold Coast locations. There are affordable burritos at every store and free delivery if you spend over $10 through Menulog — and if that’s not a reason to celebrate, we will eat our sombreros.
Where: Various locations.
Montezuma’s
It’s a Mexi-fiesta at Montezuma’s. Whether you find yourself at the Labrador, Surfers Paradise, Worongary, Burleigh Heads or Coolangatta venues with all their usual delicious eats up for grabs. Fill up on all of the nachos, chimichangas and (our fave) Queso Fundido, wash it down with some Sangria and that’s one night you won’t soon forget.
Where: Various locations.
Hail Mary
Aesthetically pleasing as they are charming, the Burleigh Heads side alley fave serves up exceptional mexi goodness you can get on the same page with. They’ve got every single delicious menu item you could possibly want and specials every day of the week. It just so happens Wednesday is Burrito night — Burrito Wednesdays….kinda has a ring to it, doesn’t it? We’ll pay it!
Where: 6/26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Bonita Bonita
One of the original players in the Gold Coast’s mini restaurant revolution, Mermaid’s beloved Mexi-eatery is a hive of the very best nachos, tacos and some of the most unsurpassed tasting cocktails around. Seating is intimate and dimly lit, so make sure you grab some friends and settle in for a night of Mexicana fused fun.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mexicali
The Nobby’s favourite is all about fresh, Cali-style Mexi eats, so you know whatever you order, it will be top-notch. From burritos to tacos and bowls, they’ve got every want and desire covered. You could hold off on the Cinco de Mayo celebrations until Thursday when all tacos are an unmissable $6 each. Winner!
Where: Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
Frida Sol
They’ve been on the Palm Beach scene for a little while now and, in doing so, have made quite the mark on those on the southern end of the Coast. Feel like Frida Sol is somehow familiar? Very intuitive of you. They are, in fact, the sister venue to Bonita Bonita; so, it goes without saying you can expect flavoursome food and astounding cocktails from its prime rooftop location in Palm Beach.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Holy Jala
Relatively new to the Griffith Street dining scene is the red hot and fun infused Holy Jala! The menu is a twist on Mexican beloveds by mixing in some Mediterranean flavours and significant Spanish influence. Bold flavours and great ambience is waiting for you at this new Coolangatta venue, with live music and specials plenty.
Where: 140 Griffith St, Coolangatta
The Aztec
You are always promised a good time at The Aztec in Coolangatta, consistently making delicious dishes day in, day out. That is if you can choose from the vast array of eating options you have to pick from on the menu. Get ready to settle in here folks!
Where: 152 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
