South Cali Cantina is one of the most fresh additions to our local dining scene, and I am such a huge fan of this California meets Mexico food experience. I have eaten here so many times, but my favourite experience to date was ordering 5 options from the entree menu to share with a friend, was a full tastebud adventure. The jalapeño balls, the soft shell crab with pomegranate salad & the grilled corn options are a must-try from that menu. Wednesday nights feature the taco menu at $6 a pop, which is an awesome way to try a few different options - the pork taco & the cauliflower taco are to die for. If you're into a little heat on your palate like myself, get amongst the jalapeño infused tequila too! Decor is funky and fun, a cool soundtrack plays in the background while you enjoy the excellent food, & the staff are just as rad! Couldn't recommend this venue and it's food, vibe & people more �
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The only way to experience California used to be to spend $1000 and 14 hours flying over the Pacific Ocean – until now. Thanks to Ben Blomeley, owner of The South Cali Cantina (or SoCal to the locals), it’s now a bit easier to experience a little slice of southern California in Albury.
You’d be forgiven for walking past without realising. Other than some umbrella’d tables on Dean Street, the actual restaurant is hidden, as its name suggests, beneath the surface. The initial impression when one notices the black downward staircase under a single sugar skull is that you’re walking into something dark and dingy. But this isn’t the case. It’s light and spacious.
The vibe is relaxed and fun. Coloured party lights overhead give the feeling of a relaxed BBQ on a balmy summer evening that continues late into the night with people sipping cold drinks, relaxing back in director chairs & talking under the stars. The rusty red, turquoise green and yellow colours of Mexico also add to the mellow feel. The walls are decorated with the Californian State Flag, wall murals and Californian actors. It’s rustic, yet fresh and comfortable.
The service was flawless. Our wait-staff Ash and Emily were attentive without being invasive, friendly and fast, and were well versed in the menu.
Hats off to the head chef Jeremy, as the menu was clear, with a good selection.
With a dislike of incredibly spicy food, I cautiously ordered the Chilli Con Carne Sliders with the wait-staffs assurance that it wasn’t too hot – and they were right. The sliders were perfect – spicy & flavourful, without igniting the tongue. The Californian Chicken bites melted in the mouth, and the sriracha aioli added adjustable kick. Everything we ordered arrived hot, tasted delicious and was affordable with the most expensive meal at $20. The Churros with Maple Caramel Sauce was a perfect way to end the evening.
Their bar is well stocked with a full range of spirits, beers (including Mexican), wine, Tequila ($8-$12) and cocktails ($17); including a Margarita that packs a punch.
If you’re looking for a fancy wine bar, this isn’t the place for you. But if you’re after good honest tasty food, with great service in a relaxed atmosphere then look no further.
They do have a lift for those that don’t want to negotiate the steep stairs (just let them know when you book). The only downside is that you can’t book online, and they don’t state that they use organic or non-gm food, but that's just nit-picking. We had a great night.
If you’re in Albury, you should definitely make some time to dine at The South Cali Cantina.
This place is bossssss!! So much soul and personality in one atmosphere. Makes you feel comfortable to sit down and breathe it all in. The food is � on a scale of one to awsome and hit all Mexican taste buds. Well seasoned. Friendly staff and very reliable, made sure your table is being attended too regularly. Best tacos in town and presented with style. I Mexican and I mexiwill recommend SoCal ����
If there are nachos on the menu I usually go for it. These were the best nachos and tacos I have ever eaten. The liquid cheese was a game changer, topped with soft beef and good portioned chips.
Amazing! We were here for a wedding and was blown away by the absolute top quality of the food (pulled pork sliders!!), the variety, the down-to-earth awesome staff and the kitschy decor! Will definitely be back next time we're in Albury! Thankyou for an unforgettable night!
Great Cali mex food, fish tacos, smashed it. Cocktails ok, Pacifico on the menu sealed it for me. More buzz than most places in the area, worth a visit if you like a different and more tasty take on Mex/Tex/Cali food
We just had a massive family dinner 15 ppl had starters prepaid water and wine on the table ready. Service qas prompt. Food was great and everyone had a really good time.
Thanks to the Kitchen and Wait staff job well done. Only downer we didnt get our 2 serves of sweet potato fries.....maybe on my next visit.
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Loved everything about it . Great flavours , service but most of all the Best Classic margaritas . �. If hubby loved it then it must be good. He's a big critic. 10 out of 10 . Thanks .
The food was amazing! The cheeseburger in mine and my husbands opinion was the best burger we have ever had!( we have a quite a few) keep up the yummy fresh flavors! Definitely got return customers:)
Such great food!! So much flavour. Perfect punch of spice. Great service. And amazing quick service too! Good work guys �
This place was awesome. Not something we thought we'd find in little Albury. Wed taco night was fun & yum!
Amazing food, great price, and the best service and friendliest staff in town.
I kid you not. 👍🏼👍🏼
Service was good, Atmosphere was great, food was AMAZING! New favourite restaurant in Albury by far! Wednesday night taco night is a must!
What a hidden gem this place is! I wish i lived here so we could come all the time .awesome crew too .
First time I had been in tonight not only loved the atmosphere the food was nice service was spot on and enjoyed the all around experience will be back again
Wow! Totally blown away by this place. The atmosphere is so relaxing and we felt very welcomed tonight whilst dining with our three young children. Cauliflower tacos are amazing. Can't wait to come back and try some more delicious food. Thanks guys!
Sensational! Seriously the best food I've had in Albury for a long long time! Can't wait to come back �
Always love it at SoCal but dissapointed as that the sweet potato fries have been taken off the menu � also the pork buns? Some delicious favourites gone already
Delicious food. Good wine although over priced. Frendly helpful staff. Yummmm
Seriously... The food is amazing! Loved it! Best burrito I have ever had! Cocktails are awesome :) Cant wait to head beck in, great prices and the vibe and staff are awesome! Well done guys, massive thumbs up all round. South Cali Cantina #brilliant
Love the food here. Always fresh and yummy. The staff so friendly and Obliging. Can't wait to go back there.
Just had a great meal tonight, loved the fresh take on Mexican food , great service and nice atmosphere
I actually can’t fault this place really. The only thing I would say is that the water wasn’t cold at all. Apart from that we loved the atmosphere, the service and most importantly the food. We shared the nachos and because they were so yum we shared another bowl. They were amazing omg. Can’t wait to visit Albury again because this is where we’ll be going.😉
Good selection of imported beers and Tequila plus variety of Daiquiries and Margaritas. Menú is not too broad so it makes it easier to choose. Had a Socal Bowl and it is worth every cent. Good customer service too. Well done guys
absolutely beautiful food nice new revamped menu great place for a social gathering the chef Callum put a lot of love into his food and this place is most definitely worth a visit
My favourite place to eat in Albury. The food is amazing! I always eat their jalapeno poppers and hot wings.
Their drinks are also really nice too.
Give them a go, you won't regret it!
Food was delicious & it was beautifully presented.
There was a mix up with an order but the staff were very lovely & quick to fix it up.
We were seated in a corner with a very loud speaker & unfortunately could barely hear eachother talk, this was the only down side to a great dining experience.
Fantastic service, food was acceptable.
Great little hidden treasure in the heart of Albury. Chicken bites are my absolute fav! And their new Venue Manager Pat is always so welcoming. He whips up a mean cocktail too 🍹
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