Jalisco Tequila Bar - Melbourne

The end of Chapel Street closest to Windsor station is fast challenging its upstreet Prahran neighbours and establishing itself as one of Melbourne’s best food hubs, and with Jalisco entering the fray armed with an arsenal of Mexican culinary classics and margaritas you can murder the heat is on. The small terraced frontage at Jalisco is deceptive – inside the restaurant opens out into a space that can accommodate up to 140 people, with a big beer garden out back and a private dining room that is ideal for a celebratory dinner. As for the bar, it is stocked with a growing collection of tequilas – over 90 at last count – compelling cries of ¡Ay! and repeat reservations.

Nothing quite like heading to Jalisco’s after a hard day in the fields for one of Melbourne’s top-ranked margaritas on the rocks – or a straight up shot of mezcal if you’re a true vaquero – along with a simple Mexican street food-style corn on the cob seasoned with paprika, parmesan, chipotle mayo and lime. At this stage you’re very likely to be tempted to pillage Jalisco’s fine menu for more, with delectable tapas-sized bites like taquitos, stuffed jalapenos, corn chips and dips all at the vanguard of Windsor’s booming foodie hub down Chapel Street.

Beside’s Jalisco’s famed margaritas, colourful Mexican-esque cocktails like the Sourpuss and the Mexican Moon, plus a range of alcohol-free gaseosas can all be had from the fully-stocked bar that presides over Jalisco’s small-on-the-outside-capacious-on-the-inside Windsor alamo. On a fine Melbourne day grab yourself a Mexican street salad, a pile of enchiladas, nachos, burritos or fajitas and head out to the beer garden for a proper south of the border atmosphere. Lovers of Mexican food and drink, or just lovers of food and drink are, for one, advised to check out this superb cantina and, two, make a reservation – this joint is regularly hopping.