Taco Bill - Russell St — Restaurant in Melbourne

Not expecting the world, but when you walk into a fire trap - base of stairs crowded with full gas canisters, irony not lost as they also blocked access to fire hose reel and main riser/hydrant. You do not have to be a brain surgeon to know that is the start of serious news story. Climb up the stairs fine, then pleasant welcoming of nod of head, no real words. Sat at table where table should not be. I was directly next to the "pass" and everytime the food was ready my right ear was assaulted with the lound ring of the bell. That was quickly followed by my chair being kicked as the serving staff came to pick up the food. That along with if I learnt back my head and shoulder hit the shelf of the pass. It was busy and so some delays were to be expected, but being left in the corner, I think we were ignored, now unlike no-one putting baby in a corner, I ain't no baby, so 110kg hard to miss, but missed we were. At least I was kept entertained by the arguments between the kitchen and the servers as order mistakes or confusion increased delays and therefore pressure. I noted to other tables sat after us, get drinks, mains and one table even finished. The meals came out after 45 minutes or so, but no drinks. Eventually, the server apologised as the frozen margaritas had run out so more had to be made. When ours arrived, yes you've guessed it, not frozen - slushy machines are like that - you need to let the machine do its job, otherwise it's just a vaguely cool mango puree squash drink. Maybe my body language, or at least the slipped discs in my neck from having to sit all cockeyed, but when the bill was asked for, the server asked if I was angry. I choose not to answer as none of the experience tonight was her fault. The owner needs to stop and have a look at what service actually looks like. Wanting to get out before being caught in a blazing inferno, I didn't have the time or courage to use the toilet. Initial views were, as the rest of the restaurant not promising. Broken door, broken bins, broken tiles and paper towels strewn over the floor. So, if you want an experience of 3rd world Mexican based food, go to a bario in Mexico. The risk of kidnapping and ransoming much less than the migraine inducing posture requirements and time delays at minimum, this establishment will give. Seriously sort out the...

One word review: WoW

My dinner at taco bill, scratch that, EXPERIENCE at taco bill was something to write a review about. And that's exactly what I did.

Whether it was the incredible food, amazing staff, great vibes, or even the incredible food, I loved every second of my taco bill food extravaganza. The environment that the staff create lead to my total immersion in the journey to flavour that is taco bill. The art and vibrancy that is written on the walls of this venue engulf all they touch, enshrouding you in what can only be described as an air of aromas that quite literally drips from from the stunning eeves that support this fine establishment. There is something tangible and real about the food itself, as it tests the boundaries of delight while simultaneously exciting the senses with tales of flavour that are yet to be told.

I was initially timmid you come out for dinner, as it's currently Halloween, the spookiest time of the year (and I'm not talking about tax time teeheehee). But my concerns of being fully spooked by the regular gouls and goblins of Halloween quickly evaporated, replaced with the sweet scent of their Street Style Taco range.

I had a fishbowl to share and I tell you what, being a fish in that bowl would have been a true treat! The way the flavours came together in the same way the Mansfield Eagles Reserve team came together for their resounding win in the 2009 Golburn Valley Football League grand final is something to write home about.

In conclusion, my experience here is one I will never forget, both because of the amazing memories I have of it and the physical reminder that is the free hat they gave me. I highly recommend this restaurant to all who are interested in good venues, great food, and overall outstanding culinary experiences! Taco bill truely is a JOURNEY...

Lunch @TacoBillRussellSt for some Mexican fare at the original venue that is still going strong since 1979.

The street tacos looked appealing so I got 3:

1. Fish, battered with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle aoili
2. Chicken with house guacamole, topped with pico de gallo
3. Carne Colorado - slow cooked beef, house guacamole, topped with pico de gallo

Complimentary Corn chips and salsa are brought to the table which is a nice snack before mains.

After a squeeze of lime which makes all the difference, the fish is perfectly cooked encased by a lovely light golden brown batter, fresh pico de gallo and I like the chipotle aoili. Tasty but missing seasoning to elevate the fish. For the chicken, seasoning was again muted which detracted from the overall flavour of the taco once again. The shredded chicken in spices is delicious, tasty and enjoyable. The beef taco was the star, I loved the smoky char flavour on the beef which added a point of difference. Comfortably full but went for a dessert.

Death By Chocolate - layers of chocolate mousse and chocolate ice cream topped with crispy tortilla and whipped cream. Shared with my colleagues, despite having a sweet tooth this is too much for one person. Very chocolatey, lovely mousse, cool ice cream, love the whipped cream and a tasty dessert. Not sure what happened to the crispy tortillas but I don't think...