Top 5 Mexican

1 Agave
Agave, the plant from which tequila is made, is a new Surry Hills restaurant. The service is super-friendly and they take the time to explain to you what you're eating. Guacamole with tortilla chips is a great way to start the meal. We love the sopa azteca: a soup made with tortillas on a tomato and chilli broth, it's incredibly restorative. There's a big range of tequilas on offer and the brightly decorated room is a great spot for Friday night fun. 406 Crown St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9326 9072).

2 Guzman y Gomez
It may look like little more than a fast food joint, but it ain't so. This is some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city. From the soft shell tacos filled with black beans, cheese and pork to the huge range of hot sauces to the chubby burritos filled with rice, cheese, salsa and your choice of meat (we love the chipotle pork or DF steak and onion), it's perfect beer food and will keep you fuelled through the most serious of benders. Kings Cross, Australia Square, Newtown, Bondi Junction, MLC Centre. (www.guzmanygomez.com.au). 

3 Mad Mex
Rafael Nazario (the man who helped bring Guzman y Gomez to Sydney) has branched out onto Crown Street, offering Margaritas and burritos made on the spot in front of you. It's a bit more experiential than your regular Mexican: you're in the driver's seat the entire way. Choose your weapon (quesedilla, burrito, taco, nachos), choose your filling and tell 'em how hot you want it. Check out the ceiling sculpture hanging in the middle of the tiny room made from empty Corona bottles. Double plus yay for the $4 Margaritas just for Time Out readers, too. 2/241 Crown St, Darlinghurst 2010. (02 9331 7788 www.madmex.com.au).

4 Beach Burrito Company
These tacitos served smack bang on the shores of Bondi Beach are heaven in a basket. They're stuffed with cheese, pulled beef, chipotle chicken or chilli-roasted pork, then rolled, flash-fried and topped with lime and chilli salt. Their tacos 'n' beer deal is $6 Mon-Fri 3-6pm, but if you're happy to settle in, you could order a longy of Coopers Sparkling or Pale or a frozen Margarita. They even do a bucket of beers (five Arribas) for $25.95. 252 Campbell Pde, Bondi Beach 2026. (www.beachburritocompany.com).

5 Tomatillo
Owner/chef Bill Komoroski makes his own hot sauce. And oh my, it's hellfire hot. A good sprinkling of this over your nachos made with house-cooked tortillas and plenty of guacamole, and a Mexican beer or Margarita on the side, and your guts are south of the border (in a good way). They pump out motown so loud that if you close your eyes you'll think the Rhondels are shimmying and shooping right at your table. Both the nachos with extra hot sauce and the burritos are equally awesome. 40 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross 2011. (02 9326 0900).

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