Modern Mexican flavours, top-tier margaritas, and South Bank’s signature style all come together at this lively new dining spot.
The Brisbane Travel Guide acknowledges the Turrbal and Yuggera people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Poca Madre is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
If you’ve been searching for bold flavours, a fun vibe, and seriously good margaritas in South Bank — Poca Madre is calling your name.
This vibrant Mexican restaurant has quickly made its mark with a playful and refined menu, delivering modern takes on traditional dishes in a setting that’s as stylish as it is welcoming.
With its own dedicated Margarita Bar and a prime spot along Little Stanley Street, Poca Madre brings a fresh energy to Brisbane’s dining scene — and we couldn’t wait to check it out.
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The Vibe
Poca Madre, nestled in the heart of South Bank, offers a vibrant and contemporary take on Mexican dining.
The venue boasts a desert-inspired aesthetic with pink earthy tones and hand-painted murals by Brisbane’s own Lisa-Marie Vecchio, creating an inviting atmosphere that blends casual comfort with stylish flair. It strikes that perfect balance between casual and cool — a place that feels just as suited to Friday night drinks as it does to a long, lazy weekend lunch.
Poca Madre leans into its Mexican roots with confidence, but without being cliché. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet clearly puts a lot of care into creating an enjoyable and memorable experience.
With seating for over 200 guests, including a private dining room, it’s an ideal spot for intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
The Menu
Crafted by Executive Chef Adam Starr, the menu at Poca Madre celebrates modern Mexican cuisine, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and innovative.
Whether sharing small plates with friends or indulging in a hearty main course, the offerings are designed to satisfy various tastes.
The full menu can be seen here.
Entrees
The entrée selection, encompassing ‘Botanas’ (snacks) and ‘Antojitos’ (small plates), sets the stage with a variety of flavourful options.
Highlights for me included the Chido Guacamole, featuring crushed avocado with pickled onions, coriander, Tajín, and olive oil, served with warm corn totopos. The Jalapeño & Manchego Croquetas perfectly combine spicy and creamy, complemented by an ancho red pepper ketchup.
Seafood enthusiasts might opt for the Tuna Ceviche, hand-diced tuna loin marinated with chilli, lime, orange, and radish, accompanied by corn chips.
For those seeking something hearty, the Lamb Cutlets, marinated in mirasol chilli, smoked paprika, and roasted garlic, provide a robust flavour profile.
Tacos
Each serving of tacos at Poca Madre includes two generously filled tacos, making them ideal for sharing (or keeping to yourself).
Menu highlights include the Confit Pork Belly with burnt pineapple and achiote salsa, offering a perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy. The Battered Snapper taco is another crowd-pleaser, brightened with mango chimichurri and crisp iceberg lettuce.
Vegetarians aren’t left behind either — the Grilled Wild Mushroom taco is a vibrant, umami-rich option elevated by guacamole, pickled shallots, and pops of pomegranate.
Mains
The ‘Comidas’ section offers substantial dishes that continue the theme of bold flavours and shared enjoyment.
The Matambre features a 350g S. Kidman flank steak, 120-day dry-aged grain-fed Queensland beef, served with confit red peppers and onions, smoky mezcal jus, and warm flour tortillas.
Another standout is the Birria Quesataco, comprising slow-roasted brisket, shredded and stuffed into corn tortillas with queso fresco and a sticky bone broth or the pollo y maíz, featuring roasted chicken breast paired with a confit tamale and rich chicken jus.
Seafood lovers might appreciate the Salmón Cocido, salmon baked with an epazote crust and green pilaf rice and salsa de esquites.
Desserts
To conclude the meal, the dessert offerings provide a sweet finish with a Mexican twist.
The Churros, dusted with cinnamon-spiked Okinawa brown sugar and served with dulce de leche, offer a classic choice. The Chocolate Lava Cake, accompanied by vanilla ice cream and piloncillo caramel, delivers a rich and indulgent experience for chocolate aficionados.
Alternatively, the Hunted + Gathered dessert presents a 55% Dominican Republic chocolate dip served with fresh fruit, catering to those seeking a lighter yet satisfying end to their meal.
The Drinks
Poca Madre’s drinks menu is an impressive selection of agave spirits sourced from nine Mexican distilleries, including 17 tequilas and mezcals.
The dedicated Margarita Bar showcases an array of classic and inventive margaritas crafted with premium tequilas and fresh ingredients. Signature creations like the Smokey Piña, blending mezcal, pineapple, and charred pineapple, and the Guava Margarita, featuring Cointreau and guava, provide refreshing twists on traditional favourites.
Agave enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals. Poca Madre offers exclusive pours such as Don Julio Rosado, the world’s first pink tequila aged in ruby port wine barrels, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Teremana Agave.
Beyond agave spirits, the drinks menu features a curated selection of wines, including varietals from Australia, Spain, and Italy and a range of Mexican and Australian beers.
For non-alcoholic options, the menu includes mocktails, soft drinks, and juices.
Whats On
Whether you’re a tequila enthusiast, taco aficionado, or simply looking to spice up your social calendar, there’s always something happening at this South Bank hotspot.
Margarita Mondays
Kick off your week with Margarita Mondays, where from 5 PM, you can enjoy a selection of Casa Margaritas for just $16 each. From the classic Traditional Margarita with Teremana Blanco and a sea salt rim to the fiery Pico Rico featuring house-made jalapeño syrup and a Tajín rim.
Pair your drinks with bottomless corn chips for just $5 per person and let the good times roll.
Bottomless Taco Tuesdays
Every Tuesday from 5 PM, indulge in 90 minutes of bottomless tacos for just $40 with any drink purchase. Feast on a rotating selection of mouth-watering creations, including Grilled Wild Mushrooms, Confit Pork Belly, Roasted Dry-Aged Ribeye, and Battered Snapper.
La Taco Vida Lunch Special
Escape the ordinary lunch break with the La Taco Vida lunch special, available weekdays from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
For $30, enjoy your choice of three tacos paired with any tap beer, cider, or house wine. Feeling festive? Upgrade your lunch with a refreshing Casa Margarita for an extra $10.
Tequila & Tacos Hour
Spice up your afternoons with Tequila & Tacos Hour, running Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 5 PM. Dive into delicious bites like tuna ceviche, chargrilled chicken tacos, and elotes chingón, all best enjoyed with a classic margarita or a bucket of Coronas.
Monthly Tequila Masterclasses
Poca Madre hosts monthly masterclasses led by Carlos Hurworth from the Church of Agave for those looking to deepen their appreciation of agave spirits. These sessions offer a deep dive into tequila, featuring guided tastings, cocktail crafting, and insights into agave’s rich history and culture.
Getting There
Located at Shop 15, Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane, Poca Madre is easily accessible by public transport, with the South Bank train station and ferry terminals nearby.
Street parking and South Bank Parklands’ undercover paid parking are available for those driving.
Bookings
Open daily from 11:30 am until 9 pm Sunday to Thursday and until 10 pm Friday to Saturday.
To make a booking, visit the Poca Madre website or call 07 3846 5555.
Enjoy Poca Madre
Hopefully, you found this review of Poca Madre helpful.
Why not check out some of our other reviews of great restaurants and bars in Brisbane, such as the Agnes, The Beaumont or the Doo Wop Bar.
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