Cape Town Mexican Restaurants

Ecco

Ecco

Honorary Master
Joined
Jun 4, 2007
Messages
11,584
Reaction score
8,511
Cape town people which of the three Mexican restaurants below would you rate as the best

a. Fat Cactus - Gardens
b. Ponchos - Observatory
c. El Burro - Greenpoint

Looking for good food, great vibe, and reasonably prices drinks.
 
Last edited:
suburbs updated in the first post
 
The food is totally different...Fat Cactus feels more like the Spur of mexican food, while El Burro is a much more civilized, non-greasy affair. They both have a great atmosphere. El Burro has a real nice beer selection. Icebergs and margaritas are popular at Fat Cactus.

Dunno it depends what kind of mood I'm in really - it's hard to decide which is 'best'. They do both have a nice vibe to them.

Edit: Oh yeah - Panchos. Had nachos there and they sucked. They're like a poppadom texture and after all the cheese and cream they put on there it's a soggy mess very soon. I hear their other food is pretty good - but like the other two places it's almost impossible to get a table in the evening without booking.
 
Last edited:
been only at el burro and it was leka. the other ones are on my list. there is a fat cactus in mowbray as well.
 
Ah no - don't be concerned :). Maybe think of them as the way Spur was 10+ years ago when it was still a decent place to go for a well priced burger or a steak. As an example - the chilli poppers at fat cactus are (cheddar?)cheese filled and deep-fried with a batter. At El Burro there's no deep fry or batter - they're served in half, baked with melted cheese and a kind of smoky flavoring on them.
 
I went to San Julian (De Waterkant) for mexican and it was really good. Owned by Mexicans too.

Trouble is its a small place, and having been there I want to try something else.
 
Ecco said:
I went to San Julian (De Waterkant) for mexican and it was really good. Owned by Mexicans too.

Trouble is its a small place, and having been there I want to try something else.
Click to expand...

Having eaten at all of the above, I must say I was told great things about them all and they all matched or exceeded my expectations, barring San Julian which let me down. Some mates had the same view.

I was the most blown away by El Burro. I think mainly because I chose the prime rib - which was a special at the time and I think now part of the regular menu - and I never expected it to be better than many specialty steakhouses but clearly 3 years later I still remember it.
 
I am leaning towards el burro.

Is prime rib considered a mexican dish though?
 
Ecco said:
I am leaning towards el burro.

Is prime rib considered a mexican dish though?
Click to expand...
Cool - let us know what you think of it :).

Edit: Ah - I read that as 'heading towards el burro'.
 
Ecco said:
Yeah, still deciding :|
Click to expand...
Phone and book a table! They all get very busy. Go to El Burro I reckon - it has a little bit more of an authentic feel if that's what you're after.
 
El Burro - the Donkey - great restaurant. Try go their every time in down in cape town, food is amazing and service is great too.
 
El Burro's menu is way different compared to the other two. It's more stylish and very much pricier as well. Still trying to figure out if it's value for money.
Fat Cactus and Ponchos are on the same level for me; some of the menu is executed perfectly and some not at all, always bustling and not badly priced for what you get. Ensure you make a reservation before going to Ponchos, it is more of a requirement than a heads up.

biometrics said:
How about Mexican Kitchen just off Long Street?
Click to expand...
One of the worst places i've been to. Cheap tequila, dirty dishes, sub standard food and petty service. Sounds like the stereotypical hang out in Mexico...but no thanks. (Based on 3 separate occasions that I've tried them).
 
MrR said:
One of the worst places i've been to. Cheap tequila, dirty dishes, sub standard food and petty service. Sounds like the stereotypical hang out in Mexico...but no thanks. (Based on 3 separate occasions that I've tried them).
Click to expand...

Used to be awesome in the 90's. Oh well, times change.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X