New Future Bars Tex-Mex opens
Authentic Tex-Mex and the biggest frozen margaritas in town are all on the menu in Queenstown’s latest restaurant offering.
Miss Rita’s Cantina opened last week in the hospitality precinct below the Skyline Gondola, the seventh venue brought to life by Future Hospitality Group.
The menu tips its hat to a lively mix of Texan and Mexican culinary traditions and recipes passed down through the generations, from the smoking grills of San Antonio to the bustling streets of El Paso.
It features tacos, sizzling fajitas, and Rita’s fried chicken.
For drinks, frozen ‘Super’Ritas’ come in six signature flavours and rotating options, along with Mexican bottled beer, refreshing twists on classic cocktails, local brews, and a tequila and mezcal line-up.
The new restaurant seats 145 inside, and 40 outside, with the interior featuring a stunning Wild West mural by renowned Wānaka artist Shane Walker, new lighting and colourways, and a bedazzling margarita wall next to the bar.
Rita’s Rituals include Nacho Average Monday, Taco Tuesday, Fried Chicken Wednesday and Texas Fold’em Thursday, all from 5pm. Lunch specials at $16 are on offer daily from 12-3pm and Happy Hours from 4-5pm.
James Ace, left, and Bert Haines co-founders of Miss Rita’s Cantina
Future Hospitality Group co-owners James Ace and Bert Haines predict Miss Rita’s Cantina will become a new favourite spot.
"It’s bright, it’s airy, and it’s all about having fun with your family or a group of friends, for a party or for no reason at all other than the sun is shining and we’re here to entertain you," Ace says.
"We’re delivering a turbo-charged Tex Mex-led menu and Queenstown’s biggest frozen margaritas, in size and selection.
"All the snacks, the quesadillas, burritos, fajitas and tacos have been developed, tried and tested for flavour punches by our kitchen team under the watchful eye of executive chef Matt Tobin of Margo’s and odd saint fame. It’s a combination of dishes that are great for sharing or enjoying solo.
"Our service style is attentive, fun and food centric, because we’ll tell you about each dish as we’ve tried them all. We can’t wait to open the doors on a summer of fun."
Founded in 2011, the Queenstown-based multi-award-winning Future Group is co-owned by Queenstowners James Ace and Bert Haines, with venues including Margo's, Little Blackwood, Queenstown Ice Bar, odd saint, Minus 5° ICE BAR and Little Mez.
