Some people read wine lists. Others vibe with the drinks menu purely by instinct and unhealed trauma. But when it comes to tacos, cocktail pairings are criminally underrated. Because nothing elevates the best tacos in Fitzroy like a drink that knows what it’s doing.

The Classics

Let’s start with the classic: the margarita. Clean, salty, zingy. She’s like your boldest friend who never overstays her welcome. If you’re having anything with guacamole or house crema—say, the chicken tacos or that sneaky-good achiote tofu—this is your go-to. A Tommy’s marg cuts through the richness and keeps it feeling fresh. Like, annoyingly fresh.

Now, if you’ve got barbacoa beef or Peruvian-style pork, lean into something smokier. The mezcal negroni is a bit of a curveball, but in the best way. It’s brooding. Complex. Slightly untrustworthy, in a hot way. You take a bite, you take a sip, and suddenly you’re thinking about quitting your job and moving to Oaxaca.

The Spicies

Fish taco on your plate? Mango, strawberry, chilli? The answer is a Paloma. Grapefruit, tequila, lime. It’s got that breezy holiday energy. Like someone handed you a taco and said, “Don’t worry about your inbox.”

Weirdly, the churro espresso martini pairs brilliantly with the carnitas pork. Something about the cinnamon sugar and slow-cooked meat just… works. It shouldn’t, but it does. Like pineapple on pizza. Or texting your ex after two cocktails.

And if you’re going full veg? The mandarin margarita is the sleeper hit. Bright, citrusy, and a little left of centre. Just like you, probably.

The truth is, there’s no perfect formula. Pairings are personal. Emotional. Unhinged, occasionally. Maybe you want to drink a jalapeño margarita with a tofu taco and let your taste buds spiral into chaos. That’s valid.

But if you’re looking to get the most out of the best tacos in Fitzroy, let your cocktail carry some of the weight. It’s not just about taste—it’s about mood. Tempo. That weird little buzz you get when the flavours all line up and you think, God, I love it here.