Fast, Furious and Fun

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

Warning: Spontaneous bouts of salsa dancing are not unexpected at this venue! And who can blame the Leggy Lovelies putting their best foot forward? Don’t be fooled by the simple, scarlet walls and classic cafe metal seats and tables - this spacious, dog-friendly taqueria, with its chequerboard floor, relaxed ambience and swift service, has become the default Tex-Mex and Saturday salsa party spot for Manila’s cute crowd (and their pups).

Eschewing anything fried in favour of leaner, healthier grilled ingredients, Chihuahua uses solely USDA-certified beef and light sour cream for its straight-down-the-line menu of tacos, large burritos, salads and burrito bowls, which come in pulled pork, chicken or vegetable variations.

House specials include the accurately monikered Nacho Grande, with its veritable mountain of guacamole, jalapeños, chilli, cheddar and corn chips – sparrow appetites need not apply. And while some like it hot, some like it hotter. In an inspired move, Chihuahua offers not only a mini salsa bar with choices ranging from smoky chipotle to Scoville-melting habanero, but also a unique Hot Sauce ‘Library’ of over a 100 globally sourced tear-jerkers, with different brands made available to diners from week to week.

With nitrogen-cold, refreshingly unsweetened margaritas providing Dutch courage for the shy and not so shy, the toe-tapping and hip swivelling are but a heartbeat away.