A breezy oceanside bolthole that nods to Mexico’s festive culture with attitude, style and an impressive list of agave spirits.
Tacos, Margaritas and sunshine. It’s hardly uncharted territory, but few bars in WA commit to this winning proposition as successfully as El Grotto. The prime real estate fronting Scarborough Beach certainly helps, but a far-reaching focus on quality and execution belies the cruisy sand-between-the-toes vibe here.
The bright-eyed young team knows what’s what, but they’re equally happy to shake up an extra frothy gin sour humming with peach and pineapple should mezcal or tequila not appeal.
You’ll taste it in a Tommy’s Margarita that’s both sharper and more finely tuned than so many others of its kind. Or in a simple Siesta, which melds the mellow sweetness of reposado tequila with well-judged measures of Campari, grapefruit and lime. It’s there, too, in the rugged, pliable texture and pronounced flavour of the tortillas, made from locally grown corn.
Those who’d rather sink tinnies of Tecate while rocking out to live music can scratch that itch, but even they’d be remiss not to consider a nip from the eye-catching collection of agave spirits. The bright-eyed team knows what’s what, but they’re equally happy to shake up an extra frothy gin sour humming with peach and pineapple should mezcal or tequila not appeal. Much like everything about the place, it’s better than it has any right to be.
