Famed for serving up tacos so irresistible they require a booking weeks in advance, Hawthorne’s beloved Cartel Del Taco has some exciting news for northsiders—they’ve just opened a second outpost in New Farm. After years of loyal fans pleading for a north-of-the-river location, owners Marco Ramirez and Erick Martinez have finally answered the call, and they’re not holding back. This new spot is a chance to take things up a notch.
Perched on the corner of Brunswick Street and Merthyr Road, the New Farm location carries that same lively energy as the original, with bold red tiles, vibrant furnishings, and a glowing ‘taqueria’ sign above the open kitchen. Yet, this venue has a few surprises of its own—custom artwork splashed across the walls, a yellow-tiled ceiling, and some brand-new menu additions you won’t find in Hawthorne.
In a tasty twist, Cartel Del Taco New Farm will soon roll out a breakfast menu featuring lighter Mexican morning bites, paired with coffee from Canberra roasters ONA. Plus, they’re firing up a charcoal grill to deliver smoky, flame-kissed dishes, and even shucking oysters fresh at a dedicated oyster bar.
Exclusive to this location, must-try dishes include the show-stopping Senora Torre—a seafood tower stacked with kingfish, scallops, octopus, prawns, avocado, cucumber, onion, and a duo of house salsas, all served with crunchy corn chips. Also on the list: pulpo tacos loaded with wood-fired octopus, pineapple guajillo salsa, and creamy avocado. And yes, that charcoal grill gets put to work on plates like chargrilled prawns in clarified butter and a tomahawk steak finished with smoky chimichurri.
Of course, the classics are here too—spit-roasted pork, beer-battered fish, and slow-cooked beef brisket tacos, alongside street eats like gorditas stuffed with confit pork carnitas and their cult-favorite birria tacos.
And the drinks? Let’s just say you’re spoiled for choice. Expect over 15 kinds of margaritas, plus an impressive lineup of tequilas, mezcals, and Mexican beers. Feeling adventurous? Sip on the Espresso Martini Margarita or go for the Peachame!—a blend of Mezcal Metoro, peach, hibiscus liqueur, lime, egg whites, and grapefruit bitters.
If the Hawthorne spot is anything to go by, seats will be in hot demand. Book ahead via their website here. You’ve been warned.
Source: Urban List.
