Did you know that the Mexican Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog? That’s why a Chihuahua makes the ideal handbag accessory. But despite their small stature, Chihuahuas often have whopping big personalities. So perhaps it’s no coincidence then how the little hole in the wall: Chihuahua Taqueria, Byron Bay got it’s name. The taqueria is small in size. It also has a short menu. But the food has loads of fresh, lively and punchy personality that will make you wish you had brought a doggy bag of a different kind to take some extra home with you!
Chihuahua Taqueria Byron Bay is tucked away in the Feros Arcade; an L shape thoroughfare connecting Jonson and Lawson Streets. The taqueria takes up a mid section of the arcade where small timber slatted tables for two are dotted along the vacant walls. There is enough space to seat about 20 people at a time. Some of the settings are in the sun, which could get warm on a Summer’s day, but they would be great at night under the stars. If there aren’t any free tables for dining in, my suggestion would be to take your meal away to Main Beach – just a four minute walk up Jonson Street – where you can sit on the grass and soak up the holiday atmosphere.
The menu at Chihuahua Taqueria Byron Bay is brief but big enough. Being a taqueria it’s all about tacos. There are six taco options on the menu – Pescado (Fish), Pollo (Chicken), Cerdo (Pork), Vegetale (Vegetable), Carne (Brisket) and Gamba (Prawn). The tacos all come served with house made slaw and a Pico de Gallo – which is a tasty, fresh salsa. The tacos are served on locally made Doña Cholita blue and white organic corn tortillas. You really can taste the corn and they give the tacos an another level of authenticity.
Mr GFAF and I have sampled most of the tacos at Chihuahua Taqueria Byron Bay and the Cerdo (Pork) is my hands down favourite. The taco is abundant with pulled pork meat which is balanced by a pineapple and roast pepper salsa and chipotle aioli. Plus, there is the added bonus of some crunchy crackling for garnish. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and what’s not to love?
Mr GFAF loves the Pescado (Fish) taco. The locally caught fish is beer battered and served with a charred corn and roast pepper salsa and some more of that smoky chipotle aioli.
I think the tacos are priced reasonably at $6.50 each ($7.50 for the fish or prawn varieties) or $12 for two ($14 for the fish and prawn). You need at least two for lunch and probably three for dinner. If that’s not enough to satisfy you there are side dishes to add to your tacos as well, including Corn Cob served with Oaxaca cheese, lime and salt, Totopos corn chips by Doña Cholita with Pico de Gallo and Guacamole or Mexico City Fries with cumin aioli.
All meals at Chihuahua Taqueria Byron Bay are made fresh to order and you can tell that a lot of time has gone into preparing the layers of ingredients. They use locally sourced free range meats in all of their dishes and the meat is hormone and antibiotic free.
Keep an eye out for the specials board as well. There are regular taco specials such as Snapper Ceviche or sometimes something fun like Jalapeño Poppers. We recently shared a special dish of Chilli Con Carne that was served with rice and totopos. Yum. There is a small selection of cold drinks available from the fridge.
For some tasty tacos away from the crowds, slip by Chihuahua Taqueria Byron Bay, where the food is fresh and authentic. Remember: you might want to bring your own doggy bag!
Chihuahua Taqueria, Byron Bay
Feros Arcade,Byron Bay
Price Range: $6.50 – $14.00
Open 7 days from 11am – 8pm
Dine In or Takeaway
I have walked past a couple of times thinking I must give it a go. Nice review. The crackling garnish is a winner anywhere.
I agree Mike! I usually head to Miss Margarita’s for a Mexican fix but this is a great alternative to escape the crowds and the Tacos are fantastic. Oh that Pork!!!!
Best place to eat in Byron, such great value and always appreciate great quality food prepared with attention to detail.
Well said, Nigel!