Nacho average Mexi-haunt

PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Gold Coasters, stop, guac and roll. There’s a brand new candlelit Mexican Bar nestled in the heart of Tweed Heads, and when they come out swigging swinging with a claim like ‘the best margaritas’ the Gold Coast has to offer, that, mis amigos, is a claim that requires immediate investigation (for science).

Nacho average mexi-haunt, the Southern GC’s newcomer Nacho Baby has positioned itself as specialty tequila bar, with a full suite of specialty bevvys and cocktail flavourites to sip and savour. This slick watering hole is a destination where drinks take centre stage, with a tightly curated offering of tapas style eats to complement. So long, #tacotuesday – we’d be sad, but we’re too busy sippin’ margs.

A project that has been three years in the making, the driving force behind Tweed’s new cool kid on the block is a super-hero style foursome of friends, with a shared entrepreneurial spirit and passion for slinging superb spirits. Co-owner Dan Hunjas says of the project “we’re offering an all-encompassing sensory experience. Here, every sense—sight, smell, touch, hearing, and most importantly, taste—is awakened.”

Located in the heart of Tweed’s burgeoning Bay Street strip, the lofty, industrial style space beckons you in from the street beyond. The brief for the space was to create “a sanctuary where your senses aren’t just engaged, they’re seduced” adds Dan. Consider us wooed by a knockout combo of exposed brick, rustic textured surfaces and natural timbers, all accentuated by the moody lighting of flickering candlelight.

Further inside you’ll find a backlit, pressed metal bar where all the mouthwatering magic happens. An impressive array of specialty spirits that adorn it do their best to steal the limelight, which is all perfectly framed by the monochrome take on Mexican inspired Talavera feature tiles.

On offer is a selection of small bites such as fresh smashed guac, salsa roja, totopos or house nachos to bring the crunch to complement all those smooth sips. The Nacho Bebe option is made with a slow braised Sierra beef, tequila-infused pineapple, salsa roja, queso sauce, guac… so maybe we are hungry after all.

The drinks menu (literally) boasts ‘the best classic Margarita in town’ making the Nacho Classic a must order in our books, while the Lil Chile Coco, chilli infused Arette Blanco Tequila, coconut pulp, lime & nacho spices, has well and truly piqued our interest, promising the perfect balance of heat and sweet #justhowwelikeit

As warmer weather returns, we have a hunch that the Blue Moon, a frozen marg with Batanga Tequila, creme de mure, orgeat, lime, blueberries & fresh mint will also be on high rotation. If margs are not your thing (we have so many questions) skip the lime-based libations with a Caught in the Rain, Mezcal, fresh pineapple, coconut pulp, orgeat, lime & bitters a tropicool tribute to the OG pina colada, or an Espresso Martinez never fails to get the fiesta started.

It’s safe to say the GC will be so ready for some of those aforementioned Chile margs and more to be jalapeño business.

Where: 28/30 Bay St, Tweed Heads
When: Wed – Sun, 5pm till late

Words by Kellie Leader.