Vibrant late night taqueria & bar serving authentic Mexican streetfood in obscure Lan Kwai Fong lane
November 15th, 2013
As Mexican eateries have gained in popularity in Hong Kong in recent times, one of the more original concepts has been realised in the opening of Brickhouse in 2012. Taking its cue from the street food of Mexico City, Brickhouse embraces the vibrant late night street eating and drinking ethos with its deconstructed interiors and mis-matched furniture melding perfectly with the authentic renditions of Mexican staples such as tacos and tostadas, accompanied by copious servings of tequila and Mexican beers. Ensconced in a ground floor space, on a grungy unmarked lane in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong- the setting brings an element of unexpected discovery for first time visitors. Brickhouse was conceived by the same team behind the ultra-popular Blue Butcher restaurant and bar along Hollywood Road, and nightly attracts hordes of patrons- commencing with after-work drinks from the 6 pm opening time, through to a boisterous late night finish. And consistent with its street food ethos, Brickhouse has a no reservations / no service charge policy.
An eclectic, designer-grunge decor
Taking an irreverent approach to city dining, Brickhouse inhabits a deftly de-constructed space of raw brickwork, concrete floors, walls generously splashed with grafitti, and an eclectic, mis-matched decor of simple, rudimentary timber tables and chairs that channels its Mexico City street food vibe. An open layout features a sizeable bar at the front, with dining at either a large communal high table, or at various table and bench settings that spill out onto the open lane. The down-to-earth approach suffuses Brickhouse with a casual, homely atmosphere conducive to sociable and relaxed gatherings.
Mexican street food & drinks at Brickhouse
Offering an authentic rendition of Mexico City street food, the kitchen at Brickhouse serves up a combination of homemade authentic soft tacos, tostadas, vegetarian dishes, and Mexican snacks, and salads. Daily varieties of tacos are listed on chalkboards- taco platters with five varieties are popular for sharing- typically including fish, chicken, vegetables, and pork, plus daily specials. Other crowd favourites are appetisers such as Guacamole and Salsas– with freshly house-made guacamole and salsas served with organic stone ground corn chips; and the Mexican-style Street Corn– grilled sweet corn with chili, mayo, lime and queso. The single-sheet paper menu also includes selections of Ceviches, Tostados, and Salads- including the signature Bandéra di Mexico– a vegetable salad of organic tomatoes- green, red, yellow & black, smoked chipotle vinaigrette, pickled onions, queso fresco, avocado & fresh tortilla strips and crisp chili chips.
Complementing the Mexican fare, the bar offers a concise list of bold, innovative cocktails with a Mexican-inflection- utilising ingredients synonymous with Mexico, such as the jalapeño, pineapple, watermelon, and lime. Standout drinks include the Diabla– with Finlandia vodka, jalapeno, raspberries, pomegranate, lemon; and Cubano– tobacco infused reposado, mezcal, vanilla brandy, lemon, grilled pineapple, volcanic salt rim. Additionally, a large list of premium tequilas featuring reposado, blanco, and anejo varieties help fuel an exuberant late night vibe. Other drinks include USA craft beers on tap; a selection of Mexican beers; plus a compact list of wines and champagne- all served either by the glass or bottle.
(L) Top- the entrance to the secluded lane – next to “Italy Station “
(L) Bottom- Looking down D’Aguilar Street towards Central- lane way on the right
(R) Steps leading into Brickhouse- from both ends of the lane.
Inside Brickhouse
Re-cycled steel drums and barstools provide some rudimentary seating options on the pathway space in front of Brickhouse.
The front of Brickhouse opens up completely to the lane- a low timber counter opposite the bar provides face to face settings.
The bar at Brickhouse occupies a front corner space – the adjacent open kitchen extends towards the rear of the interior space.
Brickhouse offers a variety of table settings- including the centrally placed large solid timber communal table, and smaller tables that can be joined together for groups.
Looking across the communal high table towards the open kitchen and external lane.
The well-stocked bar specialises in robust cocktails, Mexican beers, and an impressive list of tequilas.
Selections from the Brickhouse kitchen & bar
Dos Chicas Ceviche- includes prawn, calamari, mango, pomegranate seeds, lime, coriander & burnt lime oil.
Bandéra di Mexico- vegetable salad of organic tomatoes- green, red, yellow & black , smoked chipotle vinaigrette, pickled onions, queso fresco, avocado & fresh tortilla strips and crisp chili chips.
Taco Platter- selections of rib-eye, fish, chicken, vegetable & pork.
Picante Verde- Hana Gin, cucumber, mint, jalapeno.
Diabla- Finlandia vodka, jalapeno, raspberries, pomegranate, lemon.
Cubano- tobacco infused reposado, mezcal, vanilla brandy, lemon, grilled pineapple, volcanic salt rim.
Brickhouse- Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Hong Kong
Address: G/F 20A D’Aguilar Street, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central
Reservations: +852. 2810 0560
Website: www.brickhouse.com.hk
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Brickhousehk
Opening Hours:
Monday to Wednesday 6:00 pm ~02:00 am
Thursday to Saturday 6:00 pm ~ 04:00 am
