Mi Corazon

The look: South-of-the-border chic - fiercely orange walls, Day of the Dead paraphernalia, adobe banquettes and a giant Virgin Mary. Although, the sombrero wearing cactus verges on parody.
The great outdoors: A bright blue rear courtyard which leads on to the saloon-style rest rooms.
To drink: More than 30 different tequilas, including fine aged varieties. And Mi Corazon also demonstrates that Mexico has at least seven more beers to offer the world besides Corona. Meanwhile, unleaded cocktails like the Virgin Mojito ($4) keep designated drivers happy.
To eat: Mexican, what else were you expecting? Try a plate of fajitas or the traditional chicken mole verde ($16 each). The crowd: student twenty-somethings after a bit of a change from the same-old, same-old.
Best for: Cheering yourself up in the midst of mid-winter. If the colour therapy doesn’t work, a chilli laced hot chocolate will.

By Marinella Padula

Address: 462 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Phone: 9384 6153
Open: Daily, except Tuesday.