MexiCali Bar Y Taqueria

Once upon a time in Mexico two fellas met, shared a vision, became business partners and their brainchild is Mexicali Bay Y Taqueria, located on the foodie strip of the Gold Coast Highway at Nobby Beach. 

Marked by the huge salmon, navy and white full-wall mural, this fun and happy establishment has been serving fresh Cali-style Mexican food and cocktails to a steady stream of revellers since 2014. 

Now a Nobby Beach institution, locals and visitors flock to Mexicali’s western facing deck for a killer feast, muchos margaritas and live tunes. What’s not to love, especially at sunset?

From the minute you climb the staircase of decorative Talavera tiles your emersed in the best of Mexico. The sign above the staircase argues in Tequilas defence reminding patrons that they’ve “done some dumb stuff sober too”! 

Atop you’ll find yourself greeted with a lively and colourful mosaic muraled bar with friendly barmen ready to sling you a tasty sangria or margarita, as you’re watched over by the two queens of Mexico adorning the walls, Frida Kahlo and the Virgin of Guadeloupe. There are seven types of margaritas to choose from (including the cheeky chilli margi pictured below), as well as plenty of Mexican beers on offer.

There are actually two decks covering views both west and east, with bar stools and tables aplenty, brightly lit with a combination of neon and festoon lights.    

And who doesn’t love a great Mexican feast? Mexicali serves all the favourites including half a dozen taco specials, three quesadilla options, loaded nachos and jalapeno poppers, but the stand outs would be the Baja fish taco (with red slaw, pineapple chutney, Chipotle mayonesa, cilantro, radish and fresh lime) and the chorizo quesadilla (with black beans, white onion, Buffalo mozzarella and Chipotle sauce). Yum!

The plant-based menu offers a heap of sides and at least half a dozen different house-made hot sauce flavours, including the Slow Burner and Hot Lips Habanero.