Mezcal Tacos & Tequila

This place has a killer atmosphere however its a tight squeeze not only for staff but for customers. Cocktails are what this place should be known for its beverages. The food is good don’t get me wrong but the portions are appetizer size. Its definitely not a place to go for dinner if you expecting to eat. Its great for a bite to eat and a few fabulous drinks.

Tex-​mex food is one my favourite cuisines of all time, and having visited Texas (the motherland of Tex-​mex food), I’ve definitely been spoiled with some of the best spots ever. I’ve definitely had a hard time finding a place that can meet my high expectations, that is until I discovered Mezcal! Intimate, local and authentic are all perfect descriptors for this amazing spot. I’m actually sad I don’t live in Hamilton to be able to check out this spot more often.
We started off with the Guac N’ Chips and boy was I not disappointed! The guacamole was fresh and the chips seemed like they were freshly cooked. Upon my friend’s recommendation I decided to try their 3 tacos for $ 15 deal and I’m glad I did. They had a new feature taco, a crispy calamari taco which was spectacular! The sauce was great and the calamari was perfectly cooked. However, my favourite of the three was the pork belly taco which just had this heavenly sauce, that I could’ve had as a drink. Lamb tacos great as well, and they have some excellent presentation with the dishes.
The service was amazing and we had a great Spanish server who is very enthusiastic to tell us all about the menu. The presentation and the service makes this place very authentic and it’s usually hard to find a place like that. I definitely plan on going back here to try some of the other tacos and all highly recommend it to any of my friends and followers.

I went Friday night around 7 and had to wait 30 minutes for a table, I was hoping it was going to be worth the wait and it definitely was. We started with a pitcher of margaritas and ordered guacamole and empanadas as appetizers. While I am not a guacamole fan the others in my group said it was one of the best they’ve had. The empanadas were delicious. We all ordered 3 tacos each but we all ordered different so we could get a good sample. No one wanted to share they were all so tasty. We were all stuffed by the end and had no room for dessert. While I liked the music it was a little loud for my liking, you had to speak loudly to your other dinner companions to talk, but the younger crowd really enjoyed it.
I would definitely go again.

Went here twice in one week because the tacos were so good! Loved the atmosphere and the margarita was amazing. Small restaurant though so quite a long wait for tables on a busy night.

This restaurant was recommended by a friend. The décor was beautiful. Atmosphere was cool — great music! There was a bar wall to wall. There were only about 10 tables so I can see this place being super busy at night. *Note: they don’t take reservations*
I went for lunch and ordered the 3 for $ 15 tacos in baja fish, triple c chicken, and wild boar flavour. Wild boar was my favourite. I found the chicken a little tough. Be sure to try the little hot sauces on the table.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is in Hamilton.

Came here for lunch. Actually wanted to come a while ago but when we got there, there was a long wait so we just decided to go somewhere else that day. So glad we finally got to try this place!
Service was good, the servers really know their stuff with the features and what is in every taco.
There is a list of flavours for you to choose from and you can turn those flavours into tacos, burritos, or a sandwich that is available lunch only. We ordered 3 tacos for $ 15 and a side of chips and guac. We got two fish tacos and one of the features ones. I think it was pork. Anyways, I thought that the fish was really fresh and crispy, I really enjoyed it. The pork one was alright however. My friend thought the guac was too sweet but I actually preferred it sweeter so it depends on your preference.
Overall, I really did like this place. It is a small restaurant in Hamilton where I feel very hipster and cozy. I would definetely come back if i have the chance!

Came in on a Wednesday night and the place was decently packed. Luckily we were able to get seated. The music was a great mix of modern and old school hip hop. The burritos are filling and tasty as well as the churros. Overall a great place.

Mezcal, mezcal, mezcal — the talk of Hamilton. I’ll preface this review by saying that our meal lived up to all of the hype.
As a general warning: Mezcal is becoming exceedingly popular so be patient and expect a wait (it’s worth it!)
We stopped in for a late lunch around 3 pm and were fortunate enough to be seated right away 1 the dining room was full by 4 pm. We started with the Guac n’ Chips because, at least I believe, the true test of any Mexican restaurant (modern or traditional) is the Guac… Let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed. The chips were crispy and I could tell the Guac was fresh made. Oh! This reminds me: might I add that as you walk to the bathroom you (semi) pass through the kitchen and can catch a glimpse of the staff preparing the meals; not only did it smell amazing but it was nice to see «where my food was coming from.» Ok, back to my meal. Now comes tacos, otherwise known as Mezcal’s claim to fame (disclaimer: I’m always a bit confused about how many tacos I should order at new-​age taco bars, but I would suggest going for three if you can handle a decent meal). I ordered the Octo Taco, the Baja Fish and the Crispy Cauliflower — each was equally impressive.
I can’t say enough good things about Mezcal so I will end with three important points: take a minute to check out whizzing world of fresh food preparation as you walk the washroom; order at least three tacos; and, if you’re celebrating or want to try to forget about a bad day at work, order a margarita.
PS. I forgot to take photos of my meal but will return + update.

Great atmosphere. best authentic tacos and nachos I’ve had I’m a long time… fantastic tequila menu.

Great drinks, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Oh and…
The best tacos in Hamilton :)

Busy Saturday night with a standard 45minute wait, and we ended up at the bar for dinner. Not ideal initially, but we had a great experience chatting with the bartender and watching him deal out some inspired cocktails.
Enjoyed the food and was reasonably priced. We had the deep fried rice balls, nachos and 5 tacos between us. Everything tasted great and I’d recommend if you’re looking for hip Mexican dishes with some great cocktails.

Hipster feel Resto. Decently priced taco knowing how much effort goes into making the perfect taco! Love the ambience.

The atmosphere was great and so was the food. Very crowded and they couldn’t accommodate our group for a long time before a table was available. I realize the restaraunt is small but ads to the experience unfortunately. Loved the menus and would attend another location if that happens one day. Slthe bartenders were very nice as well.

My girlfriend and I came for a late lunch on Sunday and were excited because we had heard the food was amazing but unfortunately it was not in our case. This rating is based mostly on the quality of the food as the drinks, service and atmosphere were all amazing! We each had three tacos but had to wait about 35 mins for them to arrive and when they did they were warm but clearly from being under the heat lamp. We enjoy eating out in Hamilton quite a bit and I have to say this is one of the first places I haven’t enjoyed. Not sure if we will return but if we do we could likely try something else on the menu!

I was thrilled to see a hip Mexican place standing proudly in one of the main streets of Hamilton.
It is funny for me that places selling tacos in Canada try to be upscale, perfectly decorated, and almost asking for a jacket, when in Mexico most tacos joints are small places, with tacky to no decoration, drunk people, low prices, and no complications. You usually get them after la fiesta to satisfy alcohol munchies, avoid hang over, and end up a good night (of course you can get them anytime too).
The person who decorated this restaurant made an amazing job. I want to get every single skull they display beside the multiple tequilas and mezcales. For me to pay more attention to the crafts than to the alcohol was meaningful… I love Día de Muertos and most of the decoration was inspired for it, so I was just staring and analyzing every single corner.
We already had plans for lunch at The Ship, so we decided to just have appetizers in there. We got two mezcal drinks that were perfectly balanced and really tasty (must try), and some totopos with salsa. I was really curious of how their interpretation of salsa was going to be, and I think they can improve the recipe and seasoning for the salsa not to then to the Tex Mex dark side. The totopos were really crunchy tho.
Whenever I go to Hamilton I will stop for kinky mezcal drinks in here and I will give a chance to the tacos with no strings attached, after all, it is really flattering the effort they put in provide a close to Mexico vibe.

I went here tonight for dinner with a friend and was so satisfied! The restaurant has a warm atmosphere, with its wood tables, low lighting, and fun Mexican skulls on its full bar shelves (Tequila anyone?). My friend and I started with a cocktail, I grabbed the Pink Paloma and my friend the Hibiscus Mojito, both delicious with a nice hint of tequila. I ordered the taco salad and my friend the 3 for $ 15 tacos (3 tacos with your choice on the menu of fillings). My salad was awesome! It was a great size, had plenty of greens (lettuce), rice, beans, guac, tortilla, a bit of cheese and onions. I added the apple tomatillo, which is seasonal for fall, and complimented the salad. I finished it all. It was so good, nice mix, not spicy or anything. Then we decided to split the chirros (sp?), which were more than enough for us, it was 4 pieces crispy on the outside with sugar and spice, and soft on the inside, with a delicious orange chocolate dip. Mmmmm. Perfect end to the meal. I really can’t say nice things about the food, if I were to go back I would definitely go and do the 3 for $ 15 tacos. The cocktails ranged from $ 11 – 15. And then there was a huge list of just tequila brands on the other side. Not as many beers or wines, but this isn’t the place for a sit down beer, you want to go in and enjoy the nice Tequila mixes. They do offer non-​alcoholic drinks as well, there were a couple families with kids there, so definitely kid friendly. The servers were attentive, and shortly after we arrived the place got packed, but everyone managed and we were served accordingly and timely.

Love the décor and atmosphere of this place. Who ever designed the bar did a great job. Bartenders are great. Nice addition to Corktown.
I had the taco’s. They were OK, tasty but not worth the $ 18 for three price tag. I’m actually at a loss as to why these new «hip» Hamilton eateries insist on charging through the nose for everything. Its Hamilton. Everyone knows rent and real estate is cheaper there so whats with the big ticket prices on food and beverages?
A great place for a date and a better place to drink than eat IMHO. Some people don’t like having to cut through part of the kitchen to get to the washrooms but if you have ever been to NYC you would know that is fairly common in many places there and I find it only adds to the experience.

i went on a date there at about 7ish and the place was packed. there was seating at the bar and i was told the wait would probably be about 45 minutes for a table. we waited at the bar for close to two hours and never got a table so we left. they don’t take reservations, per se, but they do take a number to phone when a table opens, which is basically what happened — we waited for two hours while they phoned people who weren’t even at the restaurant to come in and get a seat whenever a table opened up. the straw that broke the camel’s back was when two tables opened up simultaneously and the waitress, who knew we had been waiting for almost two hours didnt even look at us (which is tough to do in so small a place) and immediately went to the phone and started calling people. i was furious and left for the plank in oakville (which is incredible btw, both in food and service).
as for the food and drinks, we did order an appetizer while we were waiting but it was just ok. we ordered the fritas and there was really nothing special about them, just fries with a white cheese sauce and mexican veg. we had a couple drinks each which were pretty good though. the smoked anejo old fashioned was INCREDIBLE. total bill for the 4 drinks and appetizer (not including tip) was $ 70. the bar staff was very attentive, its just too bad the servers/​hostess was so inattentive.
i wouldnt come back to this place for dinner in a million years, but if was hungry and happened to be passing by during the day and if it wasnt busy id probably go to try the tacos. if.

Mezcal’s tacos did not disappoint. My boyfriend and I went here for dinner and we both really enjoyed the food — we each got 3 tacos (crab, wild boar x 2, chicken, pork belly x 2) and they were all really tasty.
We were seated quickly at the bar and the service was fast.
We also ordered a pint of Mill Street Organic beer and a homemade mango margarita (on the rocks). The drinks were the only disappointment — the beer was quite flat and tasted like dirty bath water (surprising because it is usually a favourite) and the margarita was far too salty, even with the mango!
Overall, the meal was good and we left satisfied.

It’s unfair that Mezcal will be often compared to similar trendy taco places in Toronto, given that we have so few in our own city. But taste and ambiance-​wise, it stands on its own in the local food scene. Hamilton needs more places like this: casual with a great atmosphere and great food. We had chips and guacamole (guacamole was good, especially with the deliciously flakey, salty, and freshly baked chips) and then three-​for-​$ 15 tacos. Our three choices were all delicious: carnitas, crab, and boar. (Favourite was probably the carnitas. Crab was also delicious, the subtle flavour made more interesting with bits of bacon.)
With tip and with two drinks each, we spent about $ 90 – 100. (Cocktails were around the $ 10+ mark, so they add up quickly.)
All in all, it’s nice that there’s a new place in town we can add to our eating repertoire.