Sink your teeth into nachos, tacos and tortas at this vibrant new Mexican restaurant at 313@Somserset
We’re not completely sure what it is about Mexican food that really gets us going. Is it the infinite variations of simple, hearty ingredients? That smoky, spicy heat? Or maybe the inevitably lively cantina-style restaurants that dish out this rustic, comforting cuisine? Mex Out’s latest Mexican venture at 313@Somerset checks all the boxes for us.
Barrio by Mex Out certainly sticks out among the mall’s more pedestrian offerings with its fairy lights, rustic earth tones, corrugated metal awnings, neon signs, and an assortment of Mexicana kitsch like plastic cacti. The fun décor is an invitation to the after-work crowd looking for a good time with company – and Mexican fare always tastes better with company.
The first order of business, befitting any good Mexican culinary excursion, was a massive sharing portion of Barrio’s burnt nachos ($13.60) topped with chilli con carne, cotija, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses along with generous portions of creamy guacamole and sour cream. Along with that, we were treated to Mexican street corn ($7.90), a quintessential unpretentious snack, char-grilled with butter and served with mayo and sprinkled with paprika, cotija cheese, coriander and oregano.
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Appetites whet, we sank our teeth into the mains. A trio of beef, pork and fish tacos made their appearances. While pulled pork ($15.50 for three) and carne asada (beef) are regarded as the classic taco fillings, the fish taco ($16.50 for three) impressed the most. The beer-battered sea bass was fresh, flaky and topped with pickled red cabbage, chipotle aioli, and pico de gallo for a little brightness in freshen things up. Thicker, cornier tortillas would have been the icing on top though.
Another highlight of the menu, is an unashamedly American-influenced fried chicken torta ($14.90). Buttermilk-marinated chicken is deep-fried in cold beer batter and paired with cool chipotle mayo and sweet corn. The softness of the brioche buns is a lovely backdrop to the crispy chicken. But if you prefer beef between your buns, opt for the gut busting chilli cheeseburger ($16.90) instead, with a house-made chilli con carne topped with guac, black beans and a homemade cheese sauce.
My steady companion throughout the meal also deserves mention: a perfectly mixed (not too sweet, not too sour) mason glass of tequila. If it weren’t the middle of the day on a Tuesday, you can bet I’d have had a couple more to wash down Barrio’s indulgent Mexican spread.
Barrio by Mex Out, 313 Orchard Road, 313@Somerset #01-14/15, Singapore 238895.