Looking for the perfect place for next week’s date night? Or simply want to try a new restaurant across Brisbane? If you’re fancying Mexican cuisine, drive all the way to the newly opened South Austin in Mt Gravatt.
This Tex-Mex Cantina is the latest project of Barbecue Mafia owners Gareth Dosser and Andrew Walliker, who drew much inspiration from the Tex-Mex restaurants they visited in the United States in 2018. After landing in the Top 10 at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, the duo decided to celebrate their win through this new business venture.
All dishes in South Austin are inspired by the tastes of Mexico and Central Texas, with items like handmade tortillas and smoked brisket. Everything, from the meat to the salsas are made inhouse. They smoke meat and hand-press tortillas everyday to ensure freshness. Chef Ryan Marstella, who’s also the head chef of Barbecue Mafia, makes the salsas, queso, and guacamole.
But the huge hit here is the beef birria taco – it’s smoked and braised beef shin and ribs in rich chili broth. The tortillas are dipped in the rich broth before grilling with melted cheese, onion, and coriander. It’s best paired with frozen mango and watermelon margaritas or locally made beers courtesy of Ballistic Beer Co and Stone and Wood.
If you’re vegetarian or want something gluten-free, Chef Marstella could serve roasted cauliflower taco blue corn tortilla. But if you’re okay with gluten, you can simply ask for their flour tortilla that’s also vegetarian and just as delicious and fresh as their blue corn tortilla.
South Austin Cantina is located at Cenzo’s Bar and Cafe and is open for dinner from Thursday to Saturday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. They have limited walk ups and takeaways, so bookings through https://southaustincantina.com.au/ are highly recommended.