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Restaurant

Juana Taco

21 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Recommended by 8 people

Updated

Find Juana Taco

21 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9534 4200
HoursMonday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Juana Taco

Set directly across from the National Theatre, Juana Taco turns out street-style Mexican plates and cold drinks in an intimate, art-filled room. Patrons make it a routine stop for pre-curtain tacos or post-performance debriefs over margaritas. The kitchen anchors the menu with slow-braised birria—served in folded tortillas with bowls of spiced dipping consommé, with braised mushrooms on hand alongside tender beef. Plates arrive alongside char-grilled elote dusted in chili and chipotle, freshly fried corn chips, and tequila shots poured behind the bar.

  • Birria Tacos & Consommé: Served with bowls of rich dipping consommé, offered in slow-cooked beef or vegetarian mushroom variations.
  • National Theatre Neighbor: Positioned straight across the road from the National Theatre for casual meals before curtain call or drinks after the show.
  • Dietary-Minded Street Fare: Kitchen accommodates gluten-free and allergen requests, spanning naturally gluten-free jalapeño poppers to dairy-free orders.
RestaurantMexicanRestaurantBar

What's On at Juana Taco

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Juana Taco

Authentic Mexican flavours, craft drinks, and an ideal location opposite the National Theatre

  • Signature Birria Tacos & Consommé

    Slow-cooked tender meats and grilled mushrooms are folded into seasoned tortillas alongside rich dipping consommé, celebrated by diners for authentic depth of flavor.

    Honourable mention for the birria consomme that was one of the most flavoursome I've tasted. Good enough to drink.

    Coops WA

  • Attentive Dietary Accommodations

    Dedicated menu offerings accommodate guests with strict dietary requirements, including gluten-free tacos and appetizers alongside dairy-free adaptations.

    And thank you for accommodating my dairy free dietary needs. We will be back, guaranteed!

    Daniel Meissner

  • Effortless Pre-Theatre Dining

    Located directly opposite the National Theatre, it serves as a seamless spot to enjoy drinks and tacos before a curtain call.

    Best before or after THEATRE spot - went to a show at the national , and this was the ideal pre-show date spot

    Alex

  • Convenient Post-Show Drinks & Food

    The venue welcomes patrons exiting evening shows with late-night Mexican plates, spicy salsas, and craft cocktails right across the street.

    What a great little fins for a post theatre feed and drinkies. Just over the road from the National Theatre

    Coops WA

  • Vibrant Taqueria Ambience

    A cozy space decorated with playful kitsch and warm ambient lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere paired with classic Mexican street staples.

    Cute venue and well decorated to bring out those Mexicana vibes! The staff were friendly and attentive.

    samantha threadgold

  • Specialty Margaritas & Happy Hour

    Evenings feature standout cocktails and signature concoctions like Tommy's margaritas served during lively happy hours.

    Some of the best margs/tacos I’ve had in Melbourne. Went for happy hour and had $13 Tommy’s margs which were fab.

    Estella Corvini

House specialties and signature street-style mains

  • Birria tacos

    The birria tacos were perfectly seasoned and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

    TheMelbourneFoodiesInsta On Instagram

  • Carne asada tacos

    the tacos were really nice, especially the carne asada.

    Donald Yip

  • Chicken enchiladas

    The chicken enchiladas are also a must, the green tomatillo salsa tastes so natural.

    Diego Naranjo

  • Mushroom birria tacos

    had the mushroom birria tacos which were so good that I had to ask to take the consomé with me

    Estella Corvini

Other favorites

Starters, sides, and specialty drinks to complement your meal

  • Jalapeño poppers

    ordered the jalapeño poppers to start which honestly maybe the best I have ever had!

    samantha threadgold

  • Corn Elote

    We also couldn’t resist the Corn Elote—char-grilled corn seasoned with dried chili and chipotle.

    TheMelbourneFoodiesInsta On Instagram

  • Tommy’s margs

    Went for happy hour and had $13 Tommy’s margs which were fab.

    Estella Corvini

  • Chilaquiles

    Todo delicioso, las enchiladas y chilaquiles on point

    Emily Rivero

Beyond the menu

Memorable hospitality moments and personalized hospitality that go beyond standard taqueria service.

  • Extra Consommé to Take Away

    When guests loved the mushroom birria consommé, the waitstaff proactively packed it up to take home, topped up with an extra portion.

  • Custom House Shot Experience

    Waitstaff took the time to create and serve a custom signature house shot ('El Paigo') tailored personally for the table.

  • Proactive Allergy Communication

    Staff proactively contacted an ordering customer directly to flag that an item contained gluten and coordinated a safe substitution.

  • Welcoming Late-Night Accommodations

    Staff warmly accommodated guests walking in right before closing at 9:30 PM with full dinner service for enchiladas and chilaquiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dine here before or after a show at the National Theatre?

Yes. Juana Taco sits directly across the road from the National Theatre, making it a convenient pre- or post-show stop. Diners heading to a performance should allow extra time or notify staff, as ticketed patrons have occasionally experienced food wait times of 35 to 40 minutes during peak hours.

How does the restaurant accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?

The menu features extensive gluten-free dishes, including the jalapeño poppers. Staff proactively notify diners about gluten-containing items, such as certain pork fillings, to arrange safe substitutions. The kitchen also accommodates dairy-free and vegetarian requirements, with plant-based options like grilled mushroom tacos.

Is outdoor seating available?

Outdoor seating is available in the rear courtyard and on the street in front, offering comfortable open-air dining in warm weather alongside indoor booths and bar seating.

What are the house specialty dishes and drinks?

The kitchen is celebrated for its birria tacos served with rich dipping consommé, offering both tender meat and vegetarian mushroom variations. Other frequent customer favorites include the jalapeño poppers, carne asada tacos, fish tacos, and house margaritas.

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