Mexican Specialities

This friendly, family-style cafe/restaurant serves up delicious Mexican fare in a casual atmosphere.  Having said that, the place can come across as a little exclusive at times. That’s not to say that Mexican Specialties is stand-offish or snobby by any stretch of the imagination.  However, the opening hours of lunchtimes only, and then only on three days per week (Thu/Fri/Sat), make visiting the cafe something to jot down in your diary.   The staff are laidback and easygoing, always quick to laugh and joke around.  The service is great, with the food coming out quickly from the kitchen out back.  Cutlery, cups and such are found at the front counter where you order your food. The venue itself has a really cool vibe, from the little skulls and ‘Day of the Dead’ style ornaments on one side of the room to the Virgin Mary and other religious artefacts on the other.  It really feels like you’ve travelled to a little piece of Mexico. I’ve been there three times now, and can’t go past the beef soft tacos.  With such fresh ingredients and a tangy barbecue flavour, they’re just so hard to beat.  That said, I think the salt on the dish, whilst deliciously moreish, has a touch of MSG flavouring to it, which is a bit of a put-off for me. All up, a four out of five from me.

This little cafe nestled into suburban Ellerslie is a locals best kept secret. This humble Mexican Cafe offers the best Mexican this side of the Pacific. Sugar skulls and crucifix's litter the walls and shelves stocked with everything from imported Mexican beans to Mexican tequila. The staff obviously love their jobs and treat customers as friends. Its only open Thursday-Saturday and always has a wait for a table, no matter what time of day. Don't leave without trying the soft taco's.