Tequila Reef Cantina is undoubtedly one of the top Tex-Mex restaurants in Pattaya, serving tasty Texan BBQ and south of the border Mexican specialties, including probably the best frozen Margaritas in town.    If you are reading this on Saturday 26th March, then head down to Soi 7 off Pattaya Beach Road after 6pm and help Manager Khun Apinya Srisongpa (Gat) and her staff celebrate Tequila Reef’s 11th anniversary with a gala ‘all you can eat’ fiesta buffet for 395 baht pp.

We had a sneak preview and went along to try some of the dishes from the main menu.  Tequila Reef Cantina is certainly THE place to enjoy authentic Tex-Mex style dishes in a fun, comfortable and colourful atmosphere inside and outside on the front terrace. 
 
Tequila Reef is the creation of American restaurateur Darrell Woolley, who was inspired by the famous jet set Mexican resort Tequila Reef and its creator, the late 1969 gold medal Olympic surf winner, Nacho Suave, who was also a world authority on Margaritas and Martinis.

The menu offers a great assortment of Tex-Mex dishes, with Appetizers starting at 115 baht for Nacho Potato Skins, loaded with melted Cheese, Onions, Sour Cream and Chives to 245 baht for Sloppy Nacho Supreme (for 2+ persons) with Tortilla Chips smothered with, Chicken, Chili and Refried Beans, Cheese, Jalapenos, Olives, Sour Cream and Salsa.  

The wide variety of main course dishes will satisfy the hungriest of customers.  Try the house specialty, prepare at table, Sizzling Fajitas (345 baht), extremely tasty Tortilla that one fills with either BBQ Chicken, Pork or Beef, Cheese, Salsa, Beans, Rice and Sour Cream, wrap up and enjoy! Or go for the wonderful styles of extra large Burrito, Taco, Enchiladas and Chimichanga creations filled with Meat, Rice, Salsa, Cheese and Sour Cream, all around 250 baht or be creative and try the Build Your Own Combo, (from 245 baht).   They have an excellent selection of Burgers, Hoagie Sandwiches, and Hot Dogs with all the trimmings from 65-315 baht. 

Tequila Reef is noted for its St Louis style Rack of BBQ Ribs (295/435 baht for half/full rack) – flavorsome tender meat that literally falls off the bone.  Another house specialty is the prize winning Texas ‘Crash Burn’ Chili Con Carne at 135 baht a portion or 175 baht for a super large helping of this favourite dish.  Steaks are top quality such as Texas Rib Eye at 395 baht.   Other recipes include Cajun ‘Cluck & Quack’ – Blackened Chicken and Duck breasts and a similar Blackened Chicken & Dorado Fish combo (both 345 baht).   served with either Fries, Mash, Potato Salad or Baked Potato, Corn, Vegetables and Salad.  There’s also a decent selection of Thai dishes from 70 to 130 baht. 

There’s a fine range of beer, including Mexican Corona at 160 baht a bottle.   Italian and Californian Wine from 95 baht a glass, 230 baht a carafe or 600 to 740 baht a bottle.  One must not forget to mention the amazingly potent frozen Margaritas and Daiquiris, all shaken with attitude by bar staff for 130 baht a glass or 600 baht a Grande Glass or Pitcher.   There is a rumour that after your 10th Margarita, Nacho makes an appearance especially for you!  

Tequila Reef Cantina is well worth a visit for a great eating experience at affordable prices.  Adios Amigos!   Tequila Reef Cantina, located on Soi 7 off Pattaya Beach Road.  Open every day from 11.30am until midnight.  Prices quoted exclude Government Tax. Tel: 038 414 035.