With Christmas just around the corner, a trip to the increasingly popular Mexican Café is sure to get anyone into the festive spirit. A celebration of the Mexican and Latin American cultures, what is also known as ‘Mex’ Café offers its patrons not only food and drink, but also entertainment and a unique cultural experience. Mex Café prides itself on being the only bar of its kind in Christchurch where no two nights are the same, and those looking for a fun night out are sure to get it.After constantly hearing “You’ve gotta go to Mex Café and try a flaming zombie”, I thought I would check this place out for myself. Although, I have to admit I was not game enough to try this alcoholic concoction, the sight of the bar going up in flames, alone, was worth the trip.
The bar is very new to the Christchurch scene, having only been opened for two years, however, its perfect location at the front of SOL Square has meant its cliental is continuously on the rise. The bar accommodates up to 250 patrons, making this trendy café a hot-spot for Saturday night entertainment.
When walking up the steps from Lichfield Street, you immediately step into a different world. The décor is what makes this bar a truly unique experience, giving the room a cultural atmosphere that cannot be matched including Mexican flags and collectors items as well as a phenomenal amount of bottles of liquor stacked behind the bar.
The bar offers patrons a Happy Hour each night from 5-7pm, a selection of Mexican and Latin American live music, and nights to celebrate particular South American traditions such as the “Days of the Dead”- a recognition of those before us, and a celebration of being alive.No other bar in Christchurch can beat the 172 different tequilas Mexican Café has on offer. Yes, 172. “Where do I even begin to know what to choose?” I hear you saying. Mexican Café has three different categories of tequila, the first being the purest form of tequila labelled Blanco, the second being the Reposado tequila which is aged between 60 days and a year, and the third being the Anejo tequila aged between a year and three years. The majority of the 172 on offer can be bought in a shot glass or added to your favourite mixer.
Mex Café also has over 20 margaritas and ‘Cocteles’ (cocktails) to choose from ranging from $8 to $12 per glass and $14 to $24 for jugs to share amongst your friends. A favourite of mine is the delicious ‘Ganador’ a concoction of Barcardi Rum, lime and cardamon shaken with cranberry juice and mango nectar.
The bar also has a large selection of wines on offer including Waipara Hills, Spy Valley and Kim Crawford ranging from $6 to $9.50 per glass, and $27 to $49 per bottle. Beers on tap include Export Gold and Tui Pale Ale at $5 with a range of bottled beer including a selection of Mexican beers as well as the popular Heineken, Steinlager and Becks from $6 to $8 a bottle. Check out this unique bar and restaurant for yourself today!
Upstairs, 110 Lichfield Street | (03) 3775515 | www.christchurch.mexicancafe.co.nz
By Amy Johnston - Christchurch
