BURLEIGH’S BRINGING A HOLA-LOT OF MEXICAN GOODNESS

Mex Cartel will guac-your-socks-off.

There are many things Mexico does best. And no, we’re not just talking about the guac-your-socks-off cuisine, or their impeccable penchant for creating iconic drinks.

onsider this our official petition to also adopt the practice of a mid-afternoon siesta and have it become as synonymous as a cheeky marg or gooey bowl of queso goodness #wewantnaps.

But until that glorious day comes and the underrated art of a cheeky mid-afternoon kip takes hold (we can dream, right?) we’ll have to settle for the former and make do with a figurative food coma and perhaps a margarita or three for good measure.

And as the GC is known for being both avid enthusiasts and consumers of every dish Mexican cuisine has ever bestowed upon us, we know you’ll join us in giving Burleigh newcomers Mex Cartel a welcome a hola-lot warmer than a mango chilli margarita.

With extensive experience in dishing up good times and even better nosh, owner Braedan Wayne Allen admits the hospitality bug has got him good. Whenever he’d considered hanging up his restauranteur hat, the call of a fresh new challenge has always proven irresistible for Mr Allen.

is passion flows through every aspect of the business, from being a staunch advocate of work life balance for his team, right through to his mission to provide incredible food that offers great bang for your buck.

The cheery interior is every bit as bold as the flavours with a street art style mural that spans the length of the wall providing a backdrop as vibrant as a stroll through the streets of Mexico. The visual fiesta continues with intricately patterned talavera style tiles transforming the bar to a work of art. Rustic timbers and brick walls complete the rela ed industrial fit out with a couple of customary cacti and skull decorations peppered about for good measure.

Head chef Martin has an impressively varied resume, taking his prior experience from hotels and islands the world over and squeezing it all in to the kind of menu that makes us want to say ‘one of everything, pls’. In something that resembles more of a wish list of every Mexican classic you’ve ever loved, you’re guaranteed to land on something delish.

To prove just how much we are not e ing around here, a moment of drool for just a few of the Small Bites suspects: Pulled Pork Taquitos, Jalapeño Poppers, Haloumi Fries, Tequila Salt + Pepper Calamari and of course the holy grail of cheesus bites, Queso Aderezo

You’re going to have to practice some restraint on the cheese coma because the Hand crafted tacos are comin’ in hot – with no less than eleven filling options including Carne Asada or Crispy Pork Belly. Yummo!

Or tackle a shared plate of Wood Fired Fajitas or Signature Birria Tacos, because what could be better than bonding with your ride or lime over your shared love of Mexican deliciousness? Oh, that’s right – washing it all down with a marg, of course.

Partake in a Passionfruit or Mango Chilli Margarita – but in this case we think the iconic and ever applicable panish proverb of our youth says it best: Por qué no los dos. (That’s ‘why not both’, for those who somehow escaped that particular feat of 90’s nostalgia.)

Whatever you choose, we think we can all agree the eats and sips on offer at Mex Cartel are worth raising a glass to. Salud!