1 / 67 Victoria Street West,
Auckland Central
Auckland,
(09) 373 2311
The ViewAuckland Review
3 out of 5 stars
Self promoted as the restaurant that ‘offers food, drinks, entertainment and atmosphere - something for everybody to enjoy and a place where people can just be themselves’, the Mexican Cafe hits its target well.
Located in an upstairs muddle of rooms across the road from Auckland’s SkyTower, the Mexican Cafe is celebrating its 25th birthday this year in style. Over one million customers have visited the bright, happening festival inside the cafe since 1983. There’s also a franchise in Christchurch.
The Mexican Cafe is the type of family restaurant best suited for special occasions, like 21st birthdays or large get-togethers with mates. There’s ample room, with 140 seats on offer, and staff have been known to serve more than 300 hungry and thirsty patrons in one night. There’s even an outside deck overlooking Victoria St West which is covered over in winter with gas heaters to keep you warm.
The atmosphere definitely compliments the cantina style bar which serves 80 different tequilas, 18 beers (including Mexican beers), 35 wines, an exciting house cocktail list, including, of course, margaritas. The hectic latino music is just audible above the ramblings of customers and staff, but loud enough to inspire you to head to a salsa bar later in the night. There’s live music every Monday and Wednesday nights and a DJ every Friday night ensuring customers soak up the unique Latin atmosphere.
On the menu is more than 40 Mexican and South American dishes from the typical tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and chimichangas – all filled with salsa, sour cream and cheese - to the not so typical like sirloin steak topped with spicy ranchero sauce. A lunch menu differs slightly and kids and vegetarians are catered for suitably.
The food prices are affordable, all around the $20 mark for mains with a dollar or two upgrade for different meat variations, beef, chicken or in some cases, sizzling prawn. The food is tasty but easy to replicate in your own kitchen. I would suggest ordering a side dish on top of mains to completely fill your empty belly as portion sizes are anything but grande.
Drinks are equally as affordable, and it’s hard to go past a bottle of Sol and wedge of lemon during happy hour (5-7pm every evening) to really set the Mexicana mood. And if that’s not enough the ‘Mex’ even offers its own merchandise to buy.
My recommendation, if you’re looking for a fun start to a big night, or a quick easy bite, start at the Mexican Cafe, it’s a safe bet.
Mexican Cafe has been reviewed by 24 users