Happy Hour at Talavera Cocina Mexicana

Margaritaville on Giralda Plaza

Bringing a taste of Mexico to Coral Gables, Talavera Cocina Mexicana is a happy hour hotspot for tequila lovers. From 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, all margaritas, sangria, and wines are half off. We headed straight for the margarita section of the menu, the only way to go at an authentic Mexican restaurant. Here, their offerings are much more than just the classic or spicy; they also have kiwi, flor de passion and fresh blended lychee margaritas, to name a few. 

We started out with the Spicy Coconut, made with coconut cream, fresh lime juice and Mezcal, topped with coconut shavings, a chili pepper and a spicy salt rim. The sweetness of the coconut cream, the smokiness of the Mezcal and the spiciness of the salted rim complemented each other surprisingly well, making for one potent cocktail. Next up was the Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño. Made with triple sec, fresh lime juice, tequila, muddled pineapple and jalapeño slices and garnished with grilled pineapple, it was both spicy and sweet. 

Pineapple is also prominent in their white sangria. It’s not a commonly used fruit in sangria, but it really elevates the wine cocktail; a refreshing drink to enjoy al fresco in the springtime. They also have red sangria – by the glass or pitcher – for you red vino enthusiasts. 

Sadly, food isn’t discounted during happy hour, though they do put out chips and salsa on the table, the equivalent of bread at an Italian restaurant. We ordered a couple of the other appetizers to soak up the tequila. We got the guacamole, a staple at any Mexican restaurant, which was creamy and topped with cotija cheese, and accompanied by fresh tortilla chips for dipping. The standout, however, was the queso fundido clasico. Literally meaning “melted cheese,” the dish is a blend of cheeses with chorizo on top. It came with a side of warm, soft tortillas and pico de gallo for a build-your-own-taco experience. Talavera also has a queso fundido poblano, topped with mushrooms, roasted poblano peppers and epazote, an herb native to Mexico. 

There are great outdoor dining options where you can sit comfortably before the heat of summer is in full effect. With plenty of tables and umbrellas on the west end of Giralda Plaza, the atmosphere is as enjoyable as the food and drinks. 

Talavera Cocina Mexicana
2999 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
305.444.2955
talaveracocinamexicana.com