Hot Tamale

Hot Tamale has likely been the launchpad for many adventures, and for us it was no different. We found this gem on our first day in Darwin. Like homing pigeons, we were drawn to the waterfront, looking for some heat – over and above the average 33 degrees you get most days in that city.

The venue is well placed location wise, overlooking the Darwin Waterfront and the menu stands out from the average Mexican restaurant offering you find outside the Americas. The ceviche, fish tacos, and elote con crema (Mexican street corn) were regular orders alongside classic margaritas and imported Mexican beer. The breakfast margarita was a favourite, perfect for the night after the morning after the night.

Their tequila and mezcal offering truly stood out. To this day, we’ve yet to encounter a restaurant or bar with such a thoughtfully curated agave spirit collection and it didn’t take long to find out why. The owner and manager had a genuine passion for agave spirits, reflected in their effort to bring out selected, limited-edition tequila and mezcal from Mexico to Australia and introduce them to uneducated nomads like us.

The part owner/manager at the time, Anneliese Grazioli, generously shared her knowledge around the tequila industry and went on to open two other bars in Darwin, Hanky Panky Lounge and Bar Kokomo. Anneliese was also recently named as part of the 2024 Top 25 Bartenders in Australia, for the fourth time. Of course she was!

Over the two-plus years we lived in Darwin, Hot Tamale was a regular stop for us. Whether it was an evening for two or twenty, we worked our way through their impressive Agave Bible and extensive tequila selection, learning some things, and forgetting others.

If you’re in Darwin, you have to visit. You’re going to get warmed up in this town, one way or the other, so you may as well make the most of it.

Hot Tamale

Juan Fifty

Right opposite the beach in Alexandra Headland on the Sunshine Coast, this casual Mexican cantina captures a little slice of the street food dining vibe.

The food is a solid support act for the main show, which for us is their classic margarita. Never fails to give you the Mexican tingle. They have a respectable selection of tequila considering the cozy “Beach Bar” cantina vibe of the space.

Food and drink wise, the freshness is evident in every bite. Freshly squeezed citrus, hand-smashed avocado, light, crispy calamari and your choice of grilled or battered fish tacos – among many other options on the menu.

The decor is interesting, there’s plenty to catch the eye with Mexican elements and artifacts displayed against a deliberately rough, cantina-style finish. What started as a new restaurant made to look a little rough and casual, now genuinely looks worn into its role. You wonder how many shootouts the place has seen.

There are two standouts for us at Juan Fifty (aside from their margs of course). The people that work there and the music. The warm, friendly staff – some of whom have been there since day one – create a sense of genuine hospitality. They’re either the owners, or they like the vibe there too. Either way, their long-time presence speaks volumes.

Then there’s the music. Exactly what you’d expect to find if you were in a little Mexican street café. For a moment you forget where you are, and how you will find the keys to your Chevy pickup truck before you head home for a siesta. Have a listen to La Llevo Al Cielo – Chris Jedi, Anuel AA, Chencho Corleone, Nengo Flow.

Got that?

Juan Fifty Kitchen & Bar

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Toky0 Taco

Not quite your traditional taco. I was asking about the soft-shell options before the concept behind the name actually dawned on me. Duh. It’s Japanese style tacos and I have to say, they are out of this world!

Settled on a bustling corner of Mooloolaba main strip, we watched many people walking past and fuzzling at the menu, uncertain about what was on offer. We watched while munching on a crispy nori seaweed taco shell filled with miso salmon, guacamole, jalapenos, Japanese mayonnaise and fiery broccoli.

I found this to be a healthy, different choice and I absolutely love the east meets west innovation. Delicious as hell.

No tequila options at this spot, but I plan to suggest they start offering Yuzu margaritas to make this place the hottest pit stop on the Sunshine Coast.