Q Mex is About to Rock Your World

We've been giddily anticipating Q Mex since we found out about it. Now that we've had a chance to try it, we're even more enthusiastic about it.

I don't know about you, but the lack of excellent Mexican food options in this city is the most common dining-related complaint that I hear from fellow Beijingers. (A deep phobia of gutter oil comes in at a close second, but let's not talk about it … ) With the arrival of Q Mex's combination of grandmotherly Mexican cooking and hospitality and a bar stocked with more than 70 kinds of tequila, I fully expect those complaints to become a thing of the past.

During our preview, we couldn't stop grinning as we devoured a scrumptious set of molé tostaditas, beef and chicken taquitos with a gratifying crunch and a couple plates of fish tacos that were fabulously tender. The real showstopper was a tender pollo al habanero on a bed of rice, beans and corn (pictured above) that was a veritable fiesta in my boca. The desserts we tried – churros and rice pudding, were a sublime cap to the meal. As of right now, exact pricing is still being worked out, but a plate of three fish tacos should be in the RMB 60 range.

With award-winning bartender Paul Mathew and Q Bar's Echo Sun teaming up on Q Mex's potent potables, the bar should have no trouble drawing a crowd on its own. They've put together flights of tequila that pair nicely with palate cleansers like sangrita (a blend of tomato and chilli), an avocado purée and a lime sugar syrup. The flights are designed to follow the current trend of sips rather than shots. Best of luck to them on that one.

As a bit of a side note, the nerd in me is thoroughly pleased by the chart they've put together that classifies drinks and cocktails according to their flavors. Quadrants, for the win!

Q Mex is going to make a great late night food option in Sanlitun. Located underneath the Kro's Nest in Courtyard 4, the kitchen will be open until 1am and snacks will be available until 3am. We're told that they've got plenty of events planned like tequila workshops and cooking classes, as well as plenty of old-fashioned parties.

If you're eager to get a jump on the party, Q Mex's official opening takes place this Thursday. They'll open the doors to the public at 9.16pm (in honor of Mexican Independence Day) and the festivities should go late into the night. You should thank them for planning it around Dragon Boat Festival so you can nurse your tequila hangover from your bed instead of your desk.

Q Mex
Daily 5pm - 3am (starting June 22, weekend brunches coming soon)
Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (below The Kro's Nest), Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北路4号院

Photos: Josh Ong, Marilyn Mai