Just say salud! We’ve found 15 of the best tequila bars around Australia!
Whether you like to lick, sip and suck or just sip on it straight up, tequila is always guaranteed to be a devilish fun time.
Sourced from the blue agave plant, tequila which is often mistaken as made from a cactus can take from up to seven years until it ends up in a bottle. And, much like Champagne, there’s even a city named ‘Tequila’ in Mexico where the majority of tequila is grown and then distilled. Also, ironically, if you drink pure, 100 percent blue agave tequila, it will not give you a hangover.
In celebration of one of the world’s most favoured spirits, we’ve poured together a list of the 15 best tequila bars around Australia that you need to visit. Get sipping!
The Best Tequila Bars in New South Wales
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Bar Patrón by Rockpool
One of the best tequila bars in Sydney, Bar Patrón, operated by the Rockpool Dining Group, is a famed oasis for the iconic spirit. Overlooking the famous Harbour Bridge, Rockpool Dining Group and Patrón united to create a venue housing the freshest cocktails all using one of the world’s most renowned tequila brands. Visitors can expect a range of delectable drinks, exquisite Mexican food and, of course, an iconic view. For your visit be sure to also try the Al Pastor & Pineapple ($16) tacos that’s filled with grill marinated pork.
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SoCal
Perched up above Neutral Bay is SoCal. Featuring hued décor; the outdoor dining and bar area provides guests with a sensation of freshness and warmness. Created by Applejack Hospitality, SoCal is heavily southern Californian inspired – from the Latin American spices, to the dangerous cocktails and the satisfying street food. Regardless of the season or time you visit, you’ll certainly feel the warmth and love through each sip and bite.
Photographed by Ash Edmonds. Image via Unsplash
Tios Cervecería
Hanging off Foster Street in Surry Hills, Tios Cervecería is arguably one of the best tequila bars in Sydney. Described as a northwestern Guatemalan bar, where bartenders are more commonly known as tequila experts or connoisseurs; expect your visit to Tio’s to consist of a good lesson about the iconic spirit, a lot of tequila and a handful of the best and spiciest popcorn in town. With over 120 different spirits available, Tios Cervecería has it all.
The Best Tequila Bars in Victoria
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Bodega Underground
Hidden underneath Bourke Street in Melbourne, there’s no doubt that Bodega Underground will feel like a haven hideaway. One of the most renowned Mexican restaurants in the precinct, Bodega Underground appreciates late night sips of mezcal that’s paired up with some of their delectable eats including Kingfish Ceviche $22 and Lamb Riblets ($24) to name a few. Whether you like it mixed in a cocktail or devilishly straight up, Bodega surely know their agave; hence their “Bible De Agave” available.
Photographed by Sara Cervera. Image via Unsplash
Los Hermanos Mexican Taquería
Move over Breaking Bad. Although Los Hermanos Mexican Taquería do love their chicken, they also do appreciate the taste and texture of a good tequila. Expect music, traditional Mexican food and scrumptious cocktails within the walls of the Brunswick-based Los Hermanos Mexican Taquería. With each sip and bite, the tradition is passed on through to visitors.
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Mamasita
Get ready to down this one. With over 100 tequilas shelved on Mamasita’s walls, any Melbournian or better yet, any Australian is silly to pass on an experience at Mamasita. Housing everything from Mexican beers, to wine, spirits and of course, the tequilas. Top off the perfect night with their fresh, traditional, mouthwatering menu featuring the likes of Chargrilled Corn (from $5.50), Macadamia and Cashew Nut Chorizo Tostaditas ($16) and Jackfruit Tacos ($14) to name a few. Definitely pack the stretchy pants for your visit.
Photographed by Sam Hojati. Image via Unsplash
Mezcalito Agave Bar
Sitting in the heart of Melbourne, Mezcalito Agave Bar is one of the Melbourne’s most celebrated and authentic tequila-praising venues. Stocking over 70 agave-based spirits directly shipped from Mexico; the vibrant and rustic feel to the bar will have guests feeling like they’re wandering through the backstreets of Mexico City. Whether you pop in for their famous Agave hour, a decadent dinner or simply just a cocktail to shake up the mood – Mezcalito Agave Bar will soon be a guaranteed favourite.
The Best Tequila Bars in Tasmania
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Pancho Villa
Named after a Mexican revolutionary General, Pancho Villa in North Hobart is one of Australia’s best tequila and agave bars. With plenty to appease your taste – from the atmosphere, to the mouth-watering street food and of course, their scrumptious cocktails topped with the finest ingredients – think of Pancho Villa as a one-stop-shop for the iconic spirit. While you’re here, don’t forget to treat your tastebuds with their Chargrilled Adobo Chicken ($33) and a side of Chorizo Potatoes ($14). “If you cringe at the sound of tequila, we can tell you now you’ve been doing it wrong. Let us show you how to do tequila right. With style.”
The Best Tequila Bars in South Australia
Photographed by Christopher Alvarenga. Image via Unsplash
Mexican Society
Winning 2017’s Award of Excellence for the Best National Mexican Restaurant, Mexican Society will surely make you feel like you’ve packed your bag and you’re sitting at a traditional bar in Mexico. With bartenders playing the part as tequila and mezcal connoisseurs, choosing the perfect drink to your preference will be easy here. Whether you enjoy the famous spirit smooth, spiced, chocolate flavoured or even infused with butterscotch – they have it all. And at Mexican Society, they’ll teach you to sip not shot. Don’t forget their renowned food menu. How does battered barramundi taco or chargrilled octopus with pickled jalapeño sound?
The Best Tequila Bars in Western Australia
Photographed by Kim Daniels. Image via Unsplash
El Grotto
Sitting on The Esplanade and overlooking Scarborough Beach, El Grotto is the perfect stop for authentic rich food – and obviously a tequila or two. And to add a bit of spice to your visit, this Mexican bar and taqueria praises their legendary sweet, diablo or double diablo chicken wings. Visitors can be guaranteed that a great feed and wild mex cocktails can be found here. With their cocktails featuring only the finest mezcal, making your way through the drinks list will be easy with the calibre of concoctions made here.
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Caballitos
The name translating to ‘little horses,’ Caballitos in central Perth is guaranteed to have you trotting back for more. Hosting everything from margarita nights to piñata smashing events and tequila masterclasses for you to learn and of course sample your way through a flight – Caballitos has it all!
Photographed by Dmitry Dreyer. Image via Unsplash
La Cholita
Resting on a corner in Northbridge, La Cholita is the perfect stop for some exquisite food paired with some iconic drinks. With a staggering 100 plus collection of tequilas filling up their bar, La Cholita is a must for any tequila lover out there wishing to sip their way through the best tequilas ever produced. If tequila isn’t your thing, then definitely pop by to work your way through their menu. Scallop and Cucumber Salsa ($10) taco or Wood grilled Angus Beef with chimichurri ($27)? Yes please!
Photographed by Kyryll Ushakov. Image via Unsplash
el Publico
With over 100 tequilas and mezcals available, don’t let the staggering amount deter you away from the excellence and quality of the liquor provided. Sourcing only the finest brands that use 100% agave, el Publico know the difference in taste, texture and smell within each tequila, mezcal and raicillas. If you’re not feeling the tequila vibe, El Publico also serve up a range of fresh meals using only the finest seasonal ingredients. Pair your visit with Chile Popcorn ($6) that’s topped with agave syrup.
The Best Tequila Bars in Northern Territory
Photographed by Ash Edmonds. Image via Unsplash
Hot Tamale
Located in Darwin City, Hot Tamale has previously won Australia’s Phil Bayly 2017 Award for Tequila Bar of the Year. With a title like this behind them, Hot Tamale must surely know how to spice things up. Whether you swing past for their picturesque, vibrant cocktails, a bite at their waterfront venue, or simply just sip one of their 300 plus agave spirit range; Hot Tamale is worth the visit. Despite having the largest collection of agave spirits in the Southern Hemisphere, the venue is also famous for their guacamole and tacos. We’ll cheers to that!
The Best Tequila Bars in Queensland
Photographed by Nikita Tikhomirov. Image via Unsplash
Cactus Republic
Nestled in South Brisbane, Cactus Republic surely knows how to spice things up with their Cal-Mex flavoured cuisine. From fresh, locally sourced ingredients in each of their dishes, to the Mexican sourced tequila in their frozen margaritas – Cactus Republic will definitely turn up the heat. As well as that, for those wanting to try something different, Cactus Republic also stock a wide range of Mexican beer from the likes of Sol to Pacifico, Negra Modelo and even Dos XX Lager.
Wanting to taste some tequila at home? Why not try making this Spicy Tabasco-infused Margarita Recipe. Or if you’re looking to shake up more creations at home, these are the 10 essentials you need for your home cocktail bar.
