Loud in atmosphere and huge in personality, Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina is Auckland’s newest Cali-Mexican eatery, showcasing the best of California’s vibrant coast and LA’s street scene in a lively locale in Viaduct Harbour.
Inspired by the fictional character of Rosie — a traveller who landed on the West Coast and couldn’t bring herself to leave, Red-Hot is a cantina that buzzes with energy from lunchtime to late. Taking up residence in the iconic Viaduct corner location formerly home to Coops Corner Pub, the eatery boasts bold décor, indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping waterfront views, and a private function room for party people — complete with its own bar.
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With a menu that spans burgers to tacos (Birra included), chicken wings to ceviche, beers to frozen margaritas — the laid-back new eatery (which also has an outpost on Wellington’s waterfront) is an ideal spot to grab a bite and beverage with friends, leaving suitably satisfied every time.
On the food front, the white corn tortilla tacos are and essential order, with pork belly, baja fish, lamb, cauliflower, and cheeto chicken all on offer (the latter are a must-try for adventerous gastronomes, pairing schmaltz-dipped habanero tender with shredded cabbage, Calexican mayo, pickled daikon and, you guessed it — Flamin’ Hot Cheetos). On the sharing plates menu, you’ll find Rosie’s signature guacamole, the ‘best in town’ chicken wings — served with Calexican buffalo sauce, sesame, radish, and Xiannaise, and chilli con queso — a tasty melted cheese and chilli pepper dip.
While, on the drinks menu you’ll find many an ice cold beer, a few tap cocktails (and a few shaken classics, too) and a comprehensive wine list, but the real pièce de résistance (and reason alone for a visit) is the eatery’s frozen slushy margaritas. With an ever-changing rota of flavours, these convivial cocktails are sure to satisfy — particularly across the warmer months and are a must-try, pairing perfectly with the fresh and filling food on offer. Or, if it’s a more traditional riff you’re craving, you’ll find three margaritas available on the rocks too. There’s also sangria and troves of tequila — available as is, by the bottle, or as a tasting flight.
Ultimately Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina offers a lively and laid-back centre-city eatery in which friends or family can come together over great food and drinks, guaranteeing a good time.
Opening hours:
Monday — Sunday, 11.30am until late
instagram.com/rosiesredhotcantina.viaduct/
Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina
204 Quay Street
Viaduct Harbour
Auckland CBD
09 377 1200
