Café Pacifico

Boy do we have some fond memories of this Riley Street oldie. Café Pacifico was pushing an interesting aesthetic long before the small bar revolution made it standard to do so, and while some of the Mexican nic nacs are a little naff, the lofty hanger-style ceiling, exposed beams, and warehouse garage frontage give the joint a good dose of cool. Getting to the bar for just a drink can pose a few difficulties as Café Pacifico is technically a restaurant, but if you order some chips and dips, you should be good to go. When you are, order a Margarita. There’s an epic selection of tequilas – 90 or so – and the bartenders will shake the classic any which way you choose. There is a decent range of Mexican and Latin beers available by the bottle, and we recommend asking for a Michelada, sort of like a spicy Red Eye (beer, lime, tomato juice and spices), if you’re already nursing a tequila hangover from the night before. The boys behind the bar are swift and a little cheeky, and the place is popular with large groups, so there’s always good energy in the room. This is a solid weekend pre game option, and worth a look in if you can’t get a spot at the newly opened Hazy Rose around the corner.