PJ’s Mexican Kitchen

I’ve always had a love affair with Mexico, their culture, their history, their architecture, but mostly their food.
There is so much more to Mexican food than tacos and salsa, but unfortunately most Mexican restaurants focus on these two staples. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good taco just like the next guy, but rarely do I find a taco that wows, and rarely do I find a Mexican restaurant in Melbourne that wows me as well.
I rate Mexican restaurants by BAD — GOOD — GREAT. Most fall in the range bad, with a few good and I’ve only rated two as great.
PJ’s Mexican Kitchen falls into the GOOD category. The fit out is pretty good, and is what you would expect from a Mexican Restaurant, rustic and colourful.
The menu is not bad, but is what you would expect. We ordered for entrée the trio platter, A selection of homemade dips: Chili con carne, guacamole and frijoles con queso served with corn chips. The Chili con carne was pretty good, and full of flavour. The frijoles con queso was ok but nothing special. The guacamole was a disappointment. It virtually had no flavour, it was basically just smashed avocado.
Next we ordered the Mexican charred corn, served with chipotle aioli and lime. This should have been a great dish, but I think the kitchen forgot to add the chipotle aioli and lime. It literally was just grilled corn and was rather dry.
For our main I ordered the Beef Colorado, Tender pieces of slow cooked beef with ground spices and onion, served with frijoles, Mexican rice and two flour tortillas. This was a good solid dish. Full of flavour and is what I would expect from a Mexican restaurant.
Look, overall it was a good experience with a couple of misses. The service, whilst friendly and quick, just needed a bit of polishing.
If in the area again I’d certainly return, and was certainly value for money.

I have to say that this place was pretty cool. I’m starting to develop a taste for Mexican food, and I’m glad that all of these Mexican restaurants are starting to appear around the place. I had decided to go for a wander around Thornbury one Friday evening, and when I walked past this place I instantly made up my mind where I was going to have dinner. I have to say that I am reall glad I did. The staff were super friendly, and the ensalada (which is what I believe it was called, though I could be wrong) was pretty coo. Basically it was strips of marinated beef on a green salad. I’d definitely come back here if I’m in the area.

Just ok. It’s a tad cramped and noisy inside. The food is just there acknowledging that Melbourne doesn’t do Mexican food that well. Service reasonable. Needs to lift its game substantially.

Great place for a Friday night. Choice on the menu, and lovely frozen margaritas. Friendly and attentive staff. Meals were lovely, and just the right size. I have often found Mexican restaurants served large portions and meal covered in too much cheese. Not this place. Can see this becoming a regular place for us. Great neighbourhood place and popular on a Friday night.

The food at PJ’s wasn’t bad at all but the reason I’m dishing out only 3 stars is because I feel it lacked in atmosphere.
To me it doesn’t look like it’s set up to be an intimate or romantic restaurant but the vibe just felt stagnant. It felt almost awkward to chat amongst ourselves in case the people sitting next to us were offended or thought we were too loud. I feel as though it’s trying to be fun but totally lacking in that buzz that draws people in.
Like I said, the food wasn’t bad. I had a mixture of soft tacos and tacquitos and was definitely happy with what I received but I’m just not sure that it’s enough to make me want to go back.