Dingo Ate My Taco’s All-Day Texas Taqueria Opens In Abbotsford

Good news, taco-lovers: Melbourne’s best birria has a new northside home.

Dingo Ate My Taco has expanded its taqueria network with an all-day diner on Johnston Street, the former Range Brewing site. Warm red light, exposed brick and a long bar beckons the taco-lover to linger over Tex Mex flavours with fresh, hand-made tortillas and frosty Mexican lagers.

It’s the ideal spot for co-owners Kady Simkins and Paul Walcutt, not far from their former long-term popup at the The Mill Brewery, with a community that’s hot for tacos. 

“Laying down roots near all our OG spots and customers felt right,” Simkins said. “We love this area of Johnston Street—the local businesses have been very welcoming.”

Executive Chef Isaac Castellano oversees both this venue and Taquería sin Nombre, the hideaway bar in Chinatown, with former sous Matt Burg taking over as Head Chef of Abbotsford.

The all-day 'Texas taquería’ is made for casual drop-ins. Start the day with breakfast tacos (exclusive to this venue and the truck) and Proud Mary coffee. Settle in at the bar or high-top tables for a birria lunch, or kick off the night with a round of tacos topped with queso or juicy Texas brisket. Keep an eye out for taco specials and sweet treats like cortadillo: a cake topped with thick pink frosting and sprinkles—a beloved staple of Mexican bakeries.

The backbar is lined with local and imported Mexican beers and craft mezcals—perfect pairing for the Tex Mex feast. The cocktail menu heroes the noble agave spirit, which means many, many margs ahead. No alc? No problem. Agua Frescas are your friend, with Horchata and Jamaica on the go. 

The 60-person venue is open Friday to Sunday for now, but will be Wednesday to Sunday from 22 July. With branding by Austin-based Sauce Haus and the handpainted sign by local TJ Guzzardi, it has touches of authenticity without feeling gimmicky: just the playful spirit of the food truck with the comfort of bar seating. 

Imagery: Dingo Ate My Taco | Hayden Dib