Gold Coast-born Mexican-inspired eatery and bar Mexicali expanded north in 2024, opening a brand-new location on Oxford Street in Bulimba. Founded in Nobby Beach almost a decade ago by two surf-loving pals, Mexicali helped kick off the coast’s ongoing love affair of Mexican cuisine. Mexicali Brisbane features a large open-air rooftop space with operable blinds and retractable roof for when the weather becomes inclement, with the team recruiting some of Australia’s best-known artists to assist in bringing the space to life.

As for the menu, long-time fans of Mexicali’s offering will be pleased as punch to hear that the venue’s best-selling items are anchoring the offering – think beef birria quesatacos, crispy snapper pescadillas, tacos al pastor, Moreton Bay bug tacos, jalapeno poppers, and chilli-salt squid with chipotle mayonesa. Like its Nobby Beach sibling, Mexicali Brisbane is using 100-per cent nixtamal corn tortillas, free-range antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, fresh seafood and produce, and house-made marinades made fresh daily. The eatery’s cadre of Mexican-born and chefs are also keeping things interesting with a host of new dishes to keep an eye out for. Mexicali’s bar serves eight kinds of margarita (infused with 100-per cent blue agave tequila) alongside a suite of mezcals, cervezas, sangrias and micheladas.