Carmen

Carmen Tequileria is a stunning Mexican-inspired restaurant and lounge bar from Potentia Leisure, the team behind some of Brisbane’s other hottest nightlife spots, Lina and Soko. Landing on James Street (underneath Sage Hotel), Carmen takes its inspiration from the sophisticated, boho vibes of Tulum, featuring curved archways, whitewashed walls and neutral tones, the perfect background for sipping on tequila and agave cocktails. 

Don’t expect to find your typical Mexican eats here—while dishes like guacamole and tacos are on the menu, it’s more about elevated Mexican fare than burritos and enchiladas. Start your meal with bites like watermelon with goats cheese, Mexican haloumi and charred corn riblettes, before moving on to larger plates of kingfish ceviche, pulled beef tacos and beef short ribs barbacoa. 

Hopefully you’ve sampled a number of cocktails by the time you get to the mains, because some kind of creative tequila concoction is a must-order here. Signature sips include the Puerto Escondido, featuring Patron Silver Tequila, Fino Sherry liqueur, housemade spicy syrup, strawberry puree and lime, and our pick, the Tijuana, a mix of Patron Reposado, grapefruit bitters, agave and dehydrated grapefruit. 

For those seeking a good dinner deal, Carmen has two on offer worth getting out on a weeknight for. On Tuesdays, you can score a four-course set menu with a drink on arrival for $49pp and a monthly changing menu. Thursdays are even easier on the wallet—just $59 (per couple) will get you a three-course shared menu AND a one litre jug of margarita, with six flavours to choose from. The Tijuana Thursday menu will change monthly too, but right now involves guacamole and chips, a taco each and wagyu stead crudo taquitos. 

Image credit: Supplied