There’s no shortage of Mexican restaurants and eateries in London. And there’s definitely no shortage of places in Dalston serving up tacos and burritos for the clamouring masses. But standing out from the pack is Corrochio’s, which boasts a hefty backing of authenticity – and incredible food and drink.
Chef Patron, and founder, Daniel Corrochio, who grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, learned local cooking techniques interning at Yucatan hotels. He then left for the UK where he studied bartending and mixology, working across Shoreditch’s bustling nightlife. Following a 2-year stint running the iconic Dalston venue, Ruby’s, he re-discovered his love for cooking.
Daniel then joined forces with his partner (in business and life) Amy McQuarrie, to start a Taco Tuesday residency at Tottenham’s Bluecoat Arms. Off the back of their success there, the two opened Corrochio’s in November 2021. Fusing the craft and passion found in great cocktails and cooking, the focus is on regional Mexican dishes and cocktails made from Mexican spirits.
Located beneath the famous Dalston cinema sign (not to be confused with the one above Dalston’s Rio Cinema), Corrochio’s is a blink-and-you-miss-it spot that is not to be missed. The menu is a rotating showcase of the breadth and possibility of Mexican cuisine. Enchiladas and huaraches sit alongside tacos and taquitos and a never-ending bevvy of specials. Toppings and fillings range from grilled octopus to prawn, ox tongue, plantain, courgette flower, and much more.
They also have a Saturday brunch offering with chilaquiles, tortas ahogadas, gorditas, micheladas, and café de olla. It’s the kind of brunch that will have you up and raring to go – either from a hefty dose of spice or a jolt of caffeine.
Agave all day
Anchoring the whole affair is a particularly impressive drinks menu. They’ve got a selection of traditional drinks and contemporary twists on classics. Among others, there’s the historic Jalisco favourite Vampirito – which mixes up sangrita, tequila, citrus, and grapefruit juice – and one of the spiciest (if not the spiciest) margaritas in town. The Margarita a la Diabla adds a healthy dose of the house hot sauce into the mix for a scorching treat.
As well as their cocktails, Corrochio’s also stocks a selection of Mexican beers (particular favourite: Tecate!), as well as wines and non-alcoholic options. There’s also an extensive selection of spirits to sip on. Corrochio’s’ tequila and mezcal list could give any other tequila bar in London a run for its money.
But that’s not all! Guests can also try regional and lesser-known spirits such as sotol (similar to tequila but made with ‘desert spoon’ instead of agave) – and raicilla (a sweeter and fruitier alternative to mezcal). You can even try the only-recently-legalized (in 1992) bacanora – an appellation-protected agave spirit from the Mexican state of Sonora. How positively naughty!
Corrochio’s Cantina
Right next door to Corrochio’s (descend the stairs and turn right, instead of left), the restaurant has been complemented by Corrochio’s Cantina. It’s here where you’ll want to head for raucous taco-and-margarita-fuelled nights at their late-night Friday and Saturday.
With DJs taking to the decks, you can enjoy the tunes and the upbeat vibes with Mexican and South American inspired cocktails, Mexican beers, and a selection of Mexican bar classics. That means tacos, margaritas (obviously), snacks, special shots (you MUST try the Pico Back which sees you chase mezcal with a shot of jalapeno brine), and more.
Corrochio’s’ summer glow-up
Ahead of the (hopefully) warmer weather this Spring and Summer, Corrochio’s is undergoing a full-on renovation. It’s heading upstairs and transforming into an incredible 120-cover street-level bar and restaurant. The new space will be four sizes bigger than Corrochio’s’ current site, and will be the perfect place to enjoy Mexican food and drink throughout the day, and into the night. With a stunning dedicated al-fresco veranda, you’ll get the experience of the Mexican summer in East London. Head on down from May 5 to experience the new location!
They’re emerging from the dark to bring their incredible margaritas and tacos to even more Londoners. The food offering will remain an impressive and varied representation of authentic Mexican cuisine, and you bet they’re keeping the brunch going! They will also offer a new selection of bar snacks and nibbles, such as the Torta (a Mexican sandwich with a special bread called Telera, made by the South London Mexican bakery Sweet Nibble) and the mouth-watering Short Rib Birria Fries.
The original site will then transform into a new cocktail bar, Cinco. This will feature a handpicked menu of “five exceptional quality cocktails paired with five authentic regional Mexican small plates”.
So, grab a seat. Grab a margarita or a beer and order as much food as you think you can stand. You’re in good hands at Corrochio’s.