Featuring a 2-person karaoke room, an emergency Tequila button and a nightly table roulette that will see lucky tables score a free round of shots.
Over the past few years, we’ve watched Sydney’s love affair with all things Mexican blossom to fruition. Now, not only can you find an authentic Mexican feed in most of our favourite suburbs, but the calibre and variety of agave spirits to be discovered in our city, is second only to Jalisco.
Finally joining Sydney’s Mexican food and bev scene this week, a collaborative bar venture from two of Sydney’s hospitality heavyweights. Claiming the ground floor space of Paddington’s Rose Hotel – currently owned and operated by Public Group – El Primo Sanchez is the fifth venue from The Maybe Group adding to their highly acclaimed lineup of award-winning bars and restaurants including; Maybe Sammy, Dean & Nancy on 22, Sammy Junior and Maybe Frank.
Entering from Paddington’s lively Oxford Street, World Pride bustle in full swing, we’re immediately transported to a colourful hidden gem, that could easily be found nestled down a Mexico City back street. A bold orange colour palette accented by royal blue details enwraps patrons in a late-night summer vibe that shows no signs of slowing down, and boy, are we here for it.
Much like El Primo’s sibling venues, hospitality reigns supreme. The floor staff had already spotted us and were pouring table water as we sunk into a perch for two, every need anticipated and delivered without hesitation.
It’s impossible to imagine that the evening won’t end up on the disco ball-lined dance floor, if not for a boogie then in passing as you make a beeline for the 2-person karaoke room tucked discreetly behind the DJ booth. Two cocktails deep and having decided the karaoke room was sufficiently soundproofed, it was our turn for a sing-a-long and despite some initial reservations, any mic shyness was immediately quelled with the aid of El Primo’s emergency Tequila button which saw Maybe Group’s own Stefano Catino promptly appear with two shots of agave-form liquid courage.
To lubricate those vocal cords a Sanchez Paloma was a perfect choice, a spritzy highball number featuring Ocho Blanco, mandarin soda, agave and lime – fresh with just the right amount of sweet – closely followed by a perfect serve of Horchata Colada comprised of Patrón Reposado, coconut milk, macadamia horchata, rice milk & lime.
Having been totally immersed in the Mexican party spirit, we failed to notice that outside the heavens had opened and despite naive intentions for a sensible bedtime, there was no way we’d be leaving anytime soon, but we weren’t mad about it. Making the most of El Primo’s comforting snack menu we devoured delicious bites of Roasted Corn served with lime mayo, chile ‘del que pica’, and salted ricotta, before moving onto the satiating Al Pastor Tacos with achiote marinated pork belly cooked over coals with pineapple, salsa verde and jardín.
It’s clear that El Primo have nailed the winning formula to a world-class food and beverage experience, and as the evening drew to a close, stepping back out onto Oxford Street felt like stepping back into real life after a fun-packed mini vacay, to which we can’t wait to return!