Known for Mexican comfort food classics, Señor Taco used to be the place to get the closest representation of authentic Mexican food since 2009 with their wide range of tacos, quesadillas, botanas and specialities from the different regions of Mexico. With the Clarke Quay outlet closed indefinitely, the CHIJMES outlet became the new stronghold. Coincidentally, all that buzz about February’s World Margarita Day had alluded and resurfaced our fervent cravings of the dynamic duo; Mexican food and Margaritas.
The fairly new location boasts a fun yet laidback atmosphere that is accompanied by airy alfresco seatings, bodacious music, vibrantly coloured furniture, cultural adornments and motifs all around the space. With the surrounding trees lighting up in neon veins after sun-down, the entire place turns into a dreamy set for lovebirds or casual diners alike. One of the best reasons to dine here is that fresh produce and chillies from Mexico, as well as freshly-made tortillas right here on our shores, are used daily – reminds many of their abuela’s cooking. For us, there were hits and then there were misses, read more to find out about them.
HITS Kickstarting our own little fiesta is the delightfully bright ceviche ($18) that saw chunks of fish marinated in lime, tossed with an in-house pico de gallo and avocados to deliver a creamy bite contrasted with subtle spice and tang. Tacos are aplenty in here – the signature Al-Pastor ($10) with succulent well-seasoned pork lived up to its street cred while the beef taco ($13) featured melt-in-your-mouth wagyu and creamy guacamole with pickled onions to round off each moreish bite with a nice acidic tang.
Instead of the popular Baja fish taco, we opted for the grilled fish taco ($11) which became our highlight of the evening. Expect to be treated by liberal chunks of juicy red snapper, tangy pico de gallo, smoky chipotle mayo accompanied by crunchy shishito pepper and fried onions. To us, this was the definition of a party in your mouth.
Housemade guac’ and chips ($10) were as addictive as they come. Ain’t nothing better for the munchies than thin corn crisps that are perfectly salted and paired with creamy avocados that had a nice zing to contrast.
Of course, the fiesta isn’t complete without margaritas! Wash all that nosh down with boozy frozen margaritas ($18.80) or the underrated refresher of spice savoury micheladas ($13.80). Happy hour ($9.90) starts from 5pm and ends at 7pm every Sunday to Thursday so knock off early for a few rewarding swigs till sundown.
MISSES The Mexican Sweet and Spicy Pork Ribs ($18) came highly recommended boasting a signature confit preparation but arrives dry and leathery with tongue-curing levels of salt. While the lauded chimichanga ($28) – a comfort food staple – failed to comfort as the fried burrito overloaded with mushy beans and red sauce tasted flat altogether. Accompanied with bone dry pieces of grilled chicken, this is one to miss.
All in all, street cred don't lie and Señor Taco still holds true to their taco making speciality. Perhaps the misses we had could have been better on a good day but we're sure you'll find better versions elsewhere. Coupled with boozy party drinks and an inimitable alfresco vibe, the spot is ideal for casual evenings over Taco Tuesdays to satisfy that taco craving you've been thinking about over the weekend.
Time Out Singapore reviews anonymously and pays for all meals. Read our restaurant review policy here.
What the stars mean:
★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional
