Up until five years ago, Trippy Taco food stalls featured prominently at music festivals around town and beyond, becoming a staple at the Meredith grounds among others. But things evolve. Owner/director Simon Fischer opened his Smith Street shopfront in 2006, building a bustling clientele before moving onto the new Gertrude Street space.

Holding a tad more than double its original capacity, Trippy Taco’s new digs can effortlessly seat 45 punters when you include inside and kerbside spaces. With subtle variations on singular menu items like barbecued and char-grilled corn, fries will even take on a cheesier, chilli form.

A new liquor licence is just weeks away and Fischer says he’ll put more emphasis on the entertainment side of the equation at the new premises. “We are looking at, like, a few cocktails, beer and wine with some DJs and percussionists on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday afternoon or evening,” he says.

With the front windows to be reconfigured to open out onto the street, Fischer is enthusiastic about the radical Trippy Taco 2011 model. Situated on that vibrant Gertrude Street strip that aligns Fatto A Mano, Northside Records, Birdman Eating and Dr. Follicles, it seems all is well.

“Yeah, it is good actually,” he agrees. “It’s a good little vibe here, so all in all this new space will allow us to do a little bit more like extend the hours [to accommodate entertainment] and stuff like that really.”

The cantina will still serve all of its trademark Mexican tacos, quesadillas, burritos and taquitos, with vegetarian soy cheese options for vegans. Almost all of the menu is, or can be, made gluten free as well. For the sweetness and light dessert touch go the Columbian hot chocolate with Nutella melts or choc chilli melts.

Takeaway and phone orders welcome.

Trippy Taco
234 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
(03) 9415 7711

Hours
Mon-Tue 11.30am–4pm
Wed-Fri & Sun 11.30am–9pm
Sat 10am–9pm