Radio Mexico

11 Carlisle Street 
St Kilda, VIC 3182

http://www.radiomexico.com.au/

Sometimes the impromptu decisions are the best ones. After a pharmacy party that involved a cake the size of a small table, I decided that I couldn’t do our pre-planned burgers for dinner. And because I had Thai food just the previous week, I decided on my other go-to cuisine for when I’m feeling a bit bleh – Mexican.

One thing I love about working full time is the extra money I have to spend on food. Whilst Radio Mexico was on the slightly more pricey side just a few months back, it’s now almost pocket change. Like many reviews promised, the restaurant was buzzing, pumping, whatever you want to call it on a sunny Friday afternoon. There are plenty of food options on offer, but even more drinks, with margheritas and tequila taking centre stage. And all the Mexican beer you could chug (chug chug chug). 

The inside of Radio Mexico is more or less a restaurant-bar, but there’s a gorgeous deck outside that’s closer to a beer garden. It peers out onto one of the more colourful streets of St Kilda, and everyone is crammed shoulder to shoulder, jubilant with the end of the week. Everyone except us, because we were stuck at first aid training all weekend, but at least now we know what to do if someone chokes on their burrito. 

Guacamole ($9)

The Guacamole ($9) has received rave reviews all ‘round, but I love the green dip so much that I would’ve ordered it regardless. It turned out to be the best guacamole I’ve ever had, perfectly smooth with an immaculate balance of creamy and zesty, blended through with coriander and lime juice. The hand-cut chips on the side were worthy chariots for the avocado – thick, crunchy, and satisfying. 

Elotes ($6, 2pcs)

Elotes ($6, 2pcs)

Our beautiful guacamole dip was followed by a pair of the classic Mexican street snack – Elotes ($6, 2pcs), aka corn on the cob. There’s just the merest sprinkle of briny salt on top, but the juicy, charred sweetness of the corn was enough of a treat by itself. 

Potato and Chorizo Quesadilla ($9, 2 pcs)

Chris scoffed in indignation at the size of our Potato and Chorizo Quesadilla ($9, 2pcs), but I personally thought the two taco-sized pieces were the perfect size for sharing. Whilst not exciting, it was a sustaining mix of gooey cheese and soft potato. Shame about the microscopic flecks of chorizo. 

Barbacoa Taco/Carne Asada Taco ($6.5ea)

And of course, Tacos ($6.5ea). The Barbacoa Taco was true to its promise of slow-cooked lamb, the hunk of meat fall-apart tender and juicy. Unfortunately there wasn’t much else to the taco aside from the lamb and the faint bitterness of the purple cabbage. Our Carne Asada Taco was regrettably bland and disappointing; the steak was tough and chewy, and the shredded cheese on top seemed almost accidental. 

Pescado De La Casa Taco ($6.5)

Our final taco, the Pescado De La Casa Taco came out in a riot of colour, but the flavours once again fell flat. There was nothing wrong with the lightly grilled fillet of white fish, nor the black beans and corn salsa, but the entire concoction traipsed past light and fresh and into bland and dull. Overall the tacos were a bit of a disappointment, though we definitely couldn’t argue with the soft, sweet corn tortillas, nor the generous amount of topping. 

Overall, I would call Radio Mexican a definite success. The food may be a tad hit and miss, but it’s never too far from the mark, and you certainly can’t argue with the ambience, provided you didn’t get stuck on a little niche because a certain food blogger chose lighting over comfort.

Rating: 13.5/20 - #foodbloggerlyf.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.