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    Cactus Republic

    3.0 (29 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

    Cactus Republic Photos

    CACTUS REPUBLIC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Cactus Republic

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    Quesadillas (NO ONION - TOMATO ONLY)
    Fiona M.

    Much needed bite to eat after networking function next door so Mexican drew us in as we were looking for something tasty yet affordable. The staff member serving us was challenged to be accommodating as my friend can't have onion in anything! So the quesadillas it was for her (with tomato NO ONION) after lengthy conversation to ascertain she was originally charged for the TOMATO ONLY but when questioned thankfully the charge was removed - whew - mission achieved! I had the enchiladas with pork (as I can eat everything) which were nice & we enjoyed a Blue Tingle with our meals. It was a chilly spring night but apparently the burners had been removed so we sat inside but have to say it was still cold & noisy - perhaps that's why the music was turned up so loud?

    Smallest portion of nachos ever!
    Irene Iris F.

    Dined here after watching Wicked. We came with a huge appetite as well as high hopes for a nice meal, unfortunately it was not as we had expected. Despite having a nice location and cool mexican decor, the food was simply boring and overly priced. I ordered the meat nachos, which were surprisingly small, oily & bland. My partner ordered the chicken burrito; chicken tasted like boiled chicken, rice was bland & the guacamole was mock. Our search for rica mexican comida will be continued. Sigh.

    Laila C.

    Had a lovely lunch at cactus republic, quesadilla were awesome, nachos to die for but sadly the maxi burger was average bun wasnt the best.

    Jo A.

    I always look at this place when I'm walking around South Bank and say to myself, I'll have to stop here and have a bite to eat but for some reason or another I never have. Well I'm glad that finally changed on Saturday night. After spending an hour trying to decide what to have for dinner we eventually chose Cactus Republic and I was glad I did. I had the slow roasted beef cheeks with coleslaw on a bun with matchsticks ( polenta coated chips) one daughter had the fried chicken and another had nachos. We all enjoyed our meals and even though it was extremely busy we were served promptly and our food was bought out with not too much of a wait. Prices are fairly reasonable too and it looks like a great place to have a few drinks with friends.

    sloppy bland dogs breakfast

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    11 years ago

    Margaritas, tacos, and burritos were good (we've had better but these were decent) and the place is conveniently located.

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    Review Highlights - Cactus Republic

    Cactus Republic has been open for a little while at South Bank, across from Max Brenner and has to be one of my favourites.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Juan More Taco

    Juan More Taco

    4.6(5 reviews)
    1.1 kmCBD
    $

    Looking for authentic Mexican food? You need to track these guys down…read more Serving up soft tacos - four different types. Do opt for the queso (cheese, handmade!) Tacos are $6 each, or grab two for $10. Trust me, you can't just have one... they might have other 'especials' so look at what the board says. My husband and I shared two tacos between us (I know, I said you can't have just one... I still mean it), and an agua fresca. He had the Beef Juan/Beef Barbacoa, and I had the Tacos de Calabacitas/Veggie taco. Oh my goodness, the veggie taco was NOM-nom! It takes a lot to impress me with vegetarian Mexican stuff, but these guys were genius having those roasted peptides in the mix -- it gave it the whooop! Out front of the ordering/pick up window is a shelf of bottled hot sauces. Yes they have Tabasco, but please, please, don't pick that up. Try the Cholula, ok? Seriously, give them a go...

    Love it, love it, love it! If you're hesitating, DONT. I'm from California and I am used to the…read moretaco truck-style of tacos (which is amazing by the way). Since moving here I've been searching for a place that makes legit tacos. I am so happy that I found this place, and they have amazing prices (for Australia that is, I'm still getting used to the difference). AND they have Horchata, which is a delicious cinnamon rice water, and Jacaima, which is super refreshing. I ordered the Beef Juan, which originally came with pico de gallo and salsa verde, but substituted that for white onion, cilantro, and salsa roja (my favorite). The best part is that they even include a lime! You really can't have too much lime. After eating one taco I went for another. Can't wait to eat here again! I really really recommend this place. Best tacos around.

    Photos
    Juan More Taco - Delicious Beef Juan with an Horchata.

    Delicious Beef Juan with an Horchata.

    Juan More Taco - The Veggie Taco, with an overdose of the homemade chilli sauce (warning: it's HOT!)

    The Veggie Taco, with an overdose of the homemade chilli sauce (warning: it's HOT!)

    Juan More Taco

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    Los Villanos - Not ideal lighting to show you this tasty lunch. Mushroom, avocado and lettuce burrito. Enough zing to warm your mouth.

    Los Villanos

    2.3(16 reviews)
    1.7 kmCBD
    $$

    For Brisbaneites familiar with The Barracks, you'll notice that Cabiria has had a little facelift…read moreand transformed into a homage to the Mexican passions of tacos and tequila. It's bringing a seductive bar to the area with a menu to match. When I recently took myself on a date to the movies, I detoured to Los Villanos for lunch pre-movie. Outdoor seating has a fiesta vibe to it all with brightly coloured bunting and cactus decorations, but sitting at the bar is the real treat. Dark and brooding like their namesake, the red bulbs light up Day of the Dead knick knacks, tequila and I sat waiting half expecting Nachos Libre to storm into the bar. From the bar you get a direct view into the kitchen and appreciate what they're serving given the small prep area they're working with. The menu while large (taking up an A3 page) is a bar menu. It's not destined to leave you feeling like you've consumed a 10-course degustation. There's snacks, tostadas, tacos, quesadillas, burritos and tortas. For good measure there's dessert and a few sides as well. So sure, you could make a feast of ordering multiples of a few menu items, but at heart it's a few easy bites to pair with a drink. I ordered the mushroom burrito which in retrospect is the perfect size to have you walking away feeling just satisfied and not sick with regret. There's just enough kick to it to leave your mouth a little buzzed. I'm sure there's a bottle of hot sauce not too far away for those who prefer a real spice zing. I do regret not being a middle-of-the-day drinker and trying one of their cocktails or range of tequilas. Another time. This is as traditional Mexican as I've had in Brisbane (compared to similar Californian Mexican feasts) and a fresh offering for the area.

    I'm going to use the "O" word... Ordinary! There I said it. While the fit out is super cool and…read morefun, the food didn't live up to expectations which was pretty disappointing. We shared the Tostada platter and the ancient grain salad with pomegranate. The tostadas were fried and crispy which was great but the toppings unfortunately were bland. Surprisingly the mushroom tostada was the only topping out of the three ordered that had any flavour, both the chicken and the pork were so bland and uninspiring that I cried in the inside. Serving sizes were generous though, but ain't nobody wants a huge pile of bland meat. The salad was ok but nothing the write home about. The big plus of this place was the selection for vegetarians. I'd probably come here for drinks as the bar fitout was really well done, but alas I wouldn't recommend for food.

    Photos
    Los Villanos - Next to French Twist, there's a New Mexican in town

    Next to French Twist, there's a New Mexican in town

    Los Villanos - Menu

    Menu

    Los Villanos - This will give you an idea of the taco size. Still it was yummy.

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    This will give you an idea of the taco size. Still it was yummy.

    Guzman y Gomez

    Guzman y Gomez

    3.7(11 reviews)
    1.1 kmCBD
    $

    Used to be good but has lost its dedication to customer service. Long drive thru waits and poor…read morefood quality. Also refuse to refund ruined orders. Most recently ordered tacos, nachos and chicken bowl (+guac and extra chicken). Got neither paid for extra ingredients, no guac or cheese on the nachos making it inedible, and the tacos had minimal filling as well. Whole meal was awful. Requested a refund and was only given $20 in "Gomex rewards" and was told that "aligned with the guidelines and standards of Guzman y Gomez". Dont eat here.

    I'm an A-grade virgin (if there is such a thing!) when it comes to Mexican food. Thinking about it…read morenow remembering my trip to Guzman Y Gomez, I have to work on rectifying that actually. Before Guzman Y Gomez, the only Mexican that I have ever had (and I am literally kicking myself while writing this!) is Taco Truck, which is actually quite awesome... Anyway, as soon as I walked past Guzman Y Gomez, my mind was made up. I had to have lunch there. I was sort of excited about it actually. So we walked in a queued and all of a sudden it came to me - Hang on.. Mexican Food is spicy, right? Oh oh.. Kevin and Spicy DO NOT mix!.. Turn around and walk away mate.. before it's too late.. Non non.. I want Mexican.. I'm gonna be ok! So I got to the line and was greeted with a warm Hola by the waitress.. Awesome.. I went for the Chicken Guerrero Burrito (You promise it's not spicy yeah?!), which got to me pretty quickly and it was brilliant! - Love it! Love it! Love it! I also had a mandarin Jarrito - I don't know but I just thought it felt Mexican... I had to return and try the Barramundi Burrito before I left Brissie and so I did.. Ay, Caramba!!! Loved it again.. & of course I had another Jarrito because.. well you know why..

    Photos
    Guzman y Gomez
    Guzman y Gomez
    Guzman y Gomez - Spicy Chicken Burrito Bowl with brown rice & guac added

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    Spicy Chicken Burrito Bowl with brown rice & guac added

    Cactus Republic - mexican - Updated May 2026

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