Wollongong’s new Mexican diner and tequila bar has $5 taco specials and 150 tequilas and mezcals

Bottomless margaritas on Saturdays, $5 taco specials, tostadas till midnight and 150 tequilas and mezcals are just a few of the things patrons can expect from a visit to Wollongong’s new Mexican diner and tequila bar.

The establishment is brought to the heart of the ‘Gong by Disco Dining Group co-owners Barry Pearson and Amy Boatwright, who are behind Thirroul’s modern Mexican restaurant Boveda.

Barry says the 40-seat Bar Cabron is the more affordable (and rowdier) brother to its northern suburbs sibling.

“It brings a boutiquey, grungier version of Bovedo into Wollongong,” he says. “We’re really enjoying what we’re doing with Mexican cuisine at Boveda and wanted to expand on that offering.”

Under the guidance of Barry and Bar Cabron head chef Beau Higbid – a rising star in the region of Crooked River Wines pedigree – the kitchen is turning out smart snacks and share plates using local produce and inspired by all regions of Mexico.

Scallop ceviche served in its shell with mango, pickled eschalot and a dash of tequila is already the diner’s most-ordered dish, but other favourites include crunchy tostadas topped with the raw local seafood, pickled jalapenos and tomatillo salsa and “pollo a la parrilla” – a boneless half-chook prepared sous vide, then cooked over fire and served with a spicy, tangy chilli and lime butter.

There’s also guacamole with pepitas and tomato oil, corn ribs covered in a shower of manchego, baked sweet and sour eggplant, Rangers Valley wagyu rump cap and margarita sorbet to finish.

You can also leave the fate of your meal in the experienced hands of the house and opt for one of the “feed me menus” for $69 or $89 per person.

“We brought over a couple of the favourites from Boveda, with some modifications, and added things like chipotle popcorn to suit the bar vibe,” Barry says.

“The food and beverage is designed to draw in that late-night dining and bar scene.”

Behind the bar, overseen by venue manager George Thurley-Hart, who has just returned to Wollongong after stints at Sydney’s Tio’s Cerveceria and Mary’s, there are 150 tequilas and mezcals, including a limited-edition six-year-old G4 Anejo – one of only 100 bottles imported into Australia.

You can sip these neat, shaken into one of five different margaritas or as a shooter, preceded by a bump of caviar or followed by a green-hued shot of verdita made with pineapple juice, jalapenos, coriander and mint.

There are Mexican and local beers, too, plus a concise list of lo-fi wines sourced from across the region and broader Australia.

A bright, blood-orange sign leads the way to this newcomer to Kembla Street, alongside much-loved locals’ speakeasy-slash-small bar The Black Cockatoo and Millers’ Local Bakehouse.

Patrons are greeted by a sombrero-wearing disco ball at the door. Inside, a wraparound bar plays centrepiece, complemented by graffiti, banquettes and shelves lined with tequila.

The art employs augmented reality technology. “Scan it on your phone, and it comes alive,” Barry says.

The design, guided by co-owner Amy, is inspired by the back-alley bars of Mexico.

Bar Cabron has an impressive range of specials available every night it’s open. There are $5 tacos on Tuesdays and happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm from Wednesday to Saturday, with $12 margaritas, $7 beers, $5 tostadas and 20 per cent off tequila.

There’s also a $49-per-person bottomless brunch on Saturdays with all-you-can-drink margaritas, prosecco and beer, plus $5 snacks.

Food is served all the way through till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bar Cabron is at 88 Kembla St, Wollongong, and open Tuesday to Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight.