26 July 2023

First Looks: Get the party started at Cabo

| Lucy Ridge
Cocktail in small Patron tequila bottle and shot glasses with salt rim

Sip on the Patron Paloma or try the Mini Maria shots at Cabo. Photos: Lucy Ridge.

There’s a new tequila bar in town bringing warm weather vibes and breezy coastal charm. Cabo has just opened on the corner of Northbourne and London Circuit to bring tequila, mezcal and South American snacks to the city.

The slogan for this venue is ‘for the love of tequila’ and there’s plenty to love about the tequila cocktails at Cabo!

Perch at a high top with friends and build your own margarita. Pick your tequila, pick your style, and then choose a colourful salt rim to complete the cocktail. We went for a spiced-up version of the classic margarita and tried the poblano chilli sal verde (green salt), pink hibiscus salt, and the habanero and chipotle salt.

There’s a menu of bar snacks like the moreish corn ribs, and grilled chorizo with olives and lemon. Tacos on freshly made flour tortillas can be ordered individually or as part of a taqueria platter. Don’t forget to order extra chicharrón: fried pork rinds dusted with tajin chilli, lime and salt seasoning.

Three colourful margaritas at Cabo

Build your own margarita at Cabo with a range of spirits and salts.

The drinks menu will take you on a journey through tequila and mezcal so good you’ll want to ditch the salt and lime.

Take the opportunity to read up on the differences between blanco and anejo tequila, and learn about the surprising ingredient of pechuga mezcal. Try a three-drink ‘flight’ to understand the variety within each tequila style. There are multiple pages of the different tequilas and mezcals available, with a stunning display of bottles behind the bar and a few other unusual agave-based spirits.

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If you’re really looking to get the party started there’s a menu of signature shots and cocktails. The Patron Paloma with grapefruit soda is deliciously quaffable, and the Ranch Water looks set to be a happy hour favourite. If you’re feeling adventurous try a Bloody Maria: as a highball or in a shot glass with an oyster!

Cocktail making station at Cabo

Cabo offers a range of signature cocktails and spirits focusing on tequila, mezcal, and other agave spirits.

Cabo also offers the Sangria Solstice on Sunday afternoons: a 90-minute session of bottomless sangria with snacks. The jugs of red and white sangria are made in-house, with a delightfully fruity mix of citrus and spice.

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Cabo is located directly underneath sister venue Highball, which is owned by the Lala Hospitality Group. Lala also owns neighbouring venues Molly, Bleachers Sports Bar and Amici, as well as 88mph down the road in Hobart Place.

Cabo menu with popcorn in the background.

The popcorn at Cabo is dusted with tajin (a Mexican chilli, lime and salt blend) as well as icing sugar for a sweet and salty snack.

In a media release, owner and director of marketing for Lala Hospitality Jessica Arena said:

“We are thrilled to unveil the final venue in the Lala collection, and we can’t wait for everyone to see the new space and spend their nights sipping on margaritas with us.”

Cabo is set to be another popular late-night venue, and it’s easy to see how the casual bar will fit into the broader mix of Lala venues in the Melbourne building.

Cabo is located at 27 Northbourne Ave, Melbourne Building. It is open from 4 pm to 12 am Sunday to Wednesday, and from 4 pm to 2 am Thursday to Saturday. Book online, and follow Cabo on Facebook or Instagram.

Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Riotact.

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