THE PLACE: Los Cabos
1 Sukhumvit 14, 02-653-3900. BTS Asoke
THE FOOD: Robb Vaughn, former partner of Great American Rib, grew up in San Diego and emphasizes frontera-style Mexican cuisine, so while the usual fajitas, burritos and tamales are on the menu, the focus here is on seafood like baked oysters (B225) and mesquite por ribs (B325 for
half rack).
THE DRINKS: Margaritas are cliché at this point, we know, but these are made from superior XXX tequila and you can taste the difference. Get a classic pitcher for B395, or a fancy one with primo Sauza Hornitos Reposado tequiila for B650.
THE VIBE: The 100-year-old teak house gets a mixed clientele comprising of suits, older farangs and their Thai escorts and large groups loading up on margaritas. The enormity of the space paired with the upstairs/downstairs and indoor/outdoor split can be a bit overwhelming.
THE PLACE: Charley Brown’s (RUNNER UP)
1/23 Sukhumvit 11, 02-651-2215
THE FOOD: Try the albondigas (B185), little meatballs packed with flavor. We also like the Yucatan taco salad (B230) with tender strips of pork, and of course, the nachos supreme (B190). For dessert, they are proud of their boozey ice creams, particularly the B-52 (B80).
THE DRINK: Excellent house sangria and margaritas (B150), a selection of premium tequilas and Australian wines. The brief but exciting cocktail list includes caipirinhas, mojitos, cosmopolitans and daiquiris (B160).
THE VIBE: It’s been a hit for well over a decade among expats, and it’s just had a makeover. The low ceilings and Warholesque portraits of Mexican celebs lend a hip feel. The crowd is pretty young, with the occasional family with kids in tow.
THE PLACE: Coyote
575 Sukhumvit Road, corner of soi 33, 02-662-3838
THE FOOD: Their firehouse chilli (B345) is a nod to authenticity, with tender beef chunks and very few beans—just like they do it in Texas. The tacos (B325-375) are a cal-mex mess, though, heaped with so much lettuce, tomato and sour cream that you miss the meat entirely.
THE DRINKS: The margarita menu (B185-795 per glass) is longer than the food menu, offering three levels of tequila quality and about 75 fruit flavors and non-fruit options like mint chocolate chip. You best not go with anything else.
THE VIBE: The décor here is bright party overkill. You’ll have to fight your way past the huge drinks menu and nightly promotions before you realize they actually serve food here. It’s great if you do want to end up dancing on the table by midnight.
THE PLACE: La Monita Taqueria (WINNER)
888/26, Mahatun Plaza, Phloen Chit Road, 02-650-9581
THE FOOD: Humble and delicious mexi-tacos—just well-flavored meat, onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime (B70-80). Try the Cuban rice topped with fried egg (B180) and the amazing choriqueso, a spicy dish made with Mexican chorizo and cheese. The quesadillas are a revelation.
THE DRINKS: Among the well-done standards is the interesting michilada (B150) a concoction of beer, lime juice, salt and chili. Not for everyone but a nice alternative to usual sangria and margaritas.
THE VIBE: Despite its tiny size, you could spot this bright, little place a mile away. Packed with large, convivial parties comprised of American and Latin friends in high spirits, the atmosphere is unpretentious and rollicking.
THE PLACE: Tacos and Salsa
422 Sukhumvit Road, near Washington Square, 02-663-6468
THE FOOD: While the food is only great on some nights, we appreciate the inclusion of authentic dishes like the frijoles charros (B90) and huevos rancheros (B120). We do wish, though, that they would use fresh, Mexican chorizo instead of the cured, Spanish kind.
THE DRINKS: We just can’t get over the super expensive Coronas (B210). We know they’re imported and all, but the ones at La Monita are just B150. Also we think their margaritas are a bit too sour, and make our teeth feel funny. But if that’s your thing, go for it.
THE VIBE: We overlook at lot on account of the adorable decor—the pink and orange walls, the wooden seating, the little second-floor mezzanine. On a Saturday nights, Tacos and Salsa fills up with boisterous groups of friends and imparts a festive sense of well-being.
THE PLACE: Senor Pico’s
Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit 18, 02-261-7100 ext. 7550
THE FOOD: Delicious appetizers like grilled shrimp with garlic and jalapenos (B350) and deep-fried cream cheese balls (B240). The entrees look impressive but are nothing to write home about. Standards like enchiladas (B350) come doused in a super cinnamony, unappealing red mole.
THE DRINKS: The complete joys and booze of all hotel bars, though there are some Pico-specific, tequila concoctions, like Pico’s punch (B210) and Pico’s margarita, with a raspberry and chili sherbert (B240). Or you could go for the classic margarita (B230).
THE VIBE: The big draw is the Cuban live band. Other than that, it feels like a hotel restaurant, and the clientele is comprised of long-time fans and hotel guests. The waitresses in flowing peasant dresses are charming if a touch corny.
THE PLACE: Sunrise Tacos
between sois 12 and 14, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-229-4851. BTS Asoke
THE FOOD: Forget the supermall branches—the rent hikes up the food prices. The flagship store makes instore tortillas, and their guacamole (B119 with chips) is the best, too—not pulverized, it’s nice and chunky and appropriately tangy. A slice of the homemade pecan pie (B79) is unmissable.
THE DRINKS: A small but great roundup of margaritas: lime, strawberry and mango (B140 with Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila). Also, they import Salitos (B149) a yummy lager with a shot of tequila and a hint of lime.
THE VIBE: The large windows and booth-style seating gives this place an American diner sort of feel, which in itself is fine, but the make-your-own-taco checklist at every table is a bit fast-foody.
