Skip to main content
search

A Flash of Yellow on Hoddle Street

You may have spotted The Happy Mexicanβ€”then quickly dismissed itβ€”while idling in one of Hoddle Street’s infamous traffic jams. With its buttercup-yellow facade decked out in sombreros, maracas, and cartoonish cacti, it doesn’t exactly scream authenticity. But give it a shot.


The Story Behind the Flavour

Owner Julian Romero was born in Colombia and moved to Los Angeles at 16, making regular visits to Mexico City to see friends and family. What he brings to The Happy Mexican is a genuine, no-frills take on traditional Mexican fareβ€”reminiscent of the much-loved (and now-closed) Los Amates in Fitzroy, and still found at Kensington’s La Tortilleria, which supplies the tortillas here.


Taco Tuesdays and Beyond

The star of the show is the tacosβ€”especially on Tuesdays, when they’re half price. Standouts include the carnitas, made with pork marinated in orange juice and spices before being slow-cooked to tender perfection; the rich and fatty lengua (beef tongue), given depth with smoky pasilla chillies; and a vegetarian option that layers roast pumpkin with potato, capsicum, black beans, and guacamole.


California Style, Melbourne Bite

Fans of Cali-style Mexican should head straight for the burritos. Wrapped in flour tortillas the size of a Pringles can, they’re stuffed with green rice, corn, black beans, cheese, salsa, and your pick of roast chicken, slow-braised pork, or sautΓ©ed mushrooms.


More Than Just Tacos

There are also hearty tortas (Mexican sandwiches), filled with fried chicken or steak milanesa, layered with refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, and chipotle mayo.


A Warm and Welcoming Vibe

The bright yellow dining roomβ€”with its weathered wooden tables and vintage photosβ€”serves up tap beer, $10 margaritas on Fridays, and a solid selection of mezcal and tequila to round out the experience.

Features:

🍱 Eat & Drink

Pizza Pizza Pizza

The AgendaThe Agenda26 February 2025
+0
Please login to bookmarkClose

BOY & Co.

Maica GellMaica Gell21 June 2025
+0
Please login to bookmarkClose
🍱 Eat & Drink

Lagoon Dining

The AgendaThe Agenda26 February 2025
+0
Please login to bookmarkClose
Close Menu
AI Engine Chatbot
AI Avatar

Welcome to The Agenda! Ask me for recommendations like:

β€œWhere’s good for brunch in Fitzroy?”

β€œWhat’s a new wine bar in South Yarra?”

Just type your suburb or craving to get started 🍸