This Mexican cantina and bar knows how to stir up boisterous fiestas. The killer margaritas are sensational and the fiery tequila shots are accompanied by twin shots of tomato juice.
A fresco on the wall is emblazoned with the words "canta, no llores" ("sing, don't cry"). This sentiment warms you up as you arrive at Cafe Pacifico. Sure, this Mexican cantina is first and foremost a restaurant. But the bar hold its own and draws in plenty of guests who come purely for the tequila - and the tequila alone.
Cafe Pacifico serves up more than 90 varieties of tequila, many of which have been sourced exclusively for the venue. It may seem daunting at first, but when the barman flings together an extremely smart margarita with panache, somehow you just know it'll be a good night.
The barman crashes a large cymbal which rings in tequila time and a hanging parrot brandishing a Corona watches over you. Retro adverts for everything Mexican cover the walls and despite being softly lit, bright oranges and fervent reds give the room plenty of robust energy. Latin tunes samba around your ears as you sip away.
Owner Phil Bayly is a tequila expert and is nearly always somewhere behind the bar, wearing a distinctively tilted hat. Give him a wave if you want an educational crash course in tequila appreciation.
On weekends, this chilled yet scintillating restaurant-bar can be booked out well in advance, so phone ahead if you fancy the full dining experience and a table to call your own. Expect cocktails and scrumptious eating. A Fajita main will set you back around $22 and cocktails are priced at around the $13.50 mark and up. A variety of Latin beers are also available, as well as wine by the glass.
But ultimately, Cafe Pacifico is really all about the punchy margaritas (by the jugful) and the tequila shots teamed with twin tomato juice chasers. You might have a sore head the next day, but that's what you expect from fiesta fever.
Darren Mara & Andrea Tomaz
