Bobby Dre's will blow your socks off.
If there’s anything good to come out of 2020, it’s got to be the slew of new dining destinations, cafes and bars that have decided to call Geelong home.
Now, a super fresh restaurant and bar paying homage to the Cali/Mex dining scene is going to be gracing the river end of Pakington Street with its taco and burger-heavy presence very soon.
Can we get a “hell yeah”?
Named Bobby Dre’s, the restaurant was originally formed to bring Melbourne a Mexican and burger fusion, inspired by owner Luis Olivia’s Mexican and Californian family heritage.
Growing up eating his mother’s authentic tacos (with handmade tortillas) and with strong ties to his families’ restaurants in California, Luis has always wanted to give Melburnians authentic style tacos like his mum’s – the kind he couldn’t find anywhere else. Teaming up with co-owner Helen Witton, Bobby Dre’s was born and opened in North Melbourne last year.
Closing in July this year due to the coronavirus restrictions, the venue has decided to pack up and move to regional Victoria with a brand-new home on Pakington Street in Geelong.
Taking over the previous Picket Fence Café (or The Cottage for the older folk), you’ll find some of the tastiest tacos in the region, with tortillas made fresh using the best Mexican corn flour.
Bobby Dre’s menu is chockers with contrasting dishes from both sides of the border that are guaranteed to give you food envy no matter what you order. If you’re feeling cheerful Mexican, the tacos come with pico de gallo, coriander, Mexican cheese and lime with your choice of Chipotle chicken, crispy chicken, chilli beef or halloumi. The Nachos and the chilli beef bowl also look pretty damn endearing for just $13.
If you’re feeling burgers, there’s a long list to choose from spanning beef, chicken and vegetarian. Keep it simple with the affectionately named Dr Dre (beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, tomato sauce), or step it up with the Baconator or the chilli dancer – both very self-explanatory.
If loaded chips are your jam, you’re going to love this place with their American loaded chips with mustard, tomato sauce, cheese, bacon and spring onions.
They also do desserts (hello waffle sticks and donut balls) and for those that love a cheeky meal deal, Taco Tuesday will see $4 tacos and happy hour drinks all night – and who doesn’t love that?!
Perhaps the best part of all is that it’s cheap and cheerful to boot. Most items are sitting around $12-13 and there’s nothing on the menu above $14.50, unless of course, you decide to add in a whole lot of extras.
As for the drinks, you’ll find a decent selection of beers, wine, cider, non-alcoholic drinks, hot drinks, and basic spirits on offer, alongside a couple of our favourite cocktails. We’re talking espresso martini, lime or strawberry margarita, Aperol Spritz or Chambord Bellini. There’s also mocktails, smoothies and milkshakes, literally catering to every taste.
We’re not exactly sure of the opening date just yet, but keep your eyes on their socials for the big reveal.
We’ve got all the good feels about this one. Time to get excited, peeps!
Bobby Dres is located at 359 Pakington Street, Newtown. Visit the website here.
