Libre

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

MondayClosed.

Tuesday4:00 – 9:00 pm.

Wednesday4:00 – 9:00 pm.

Thursday4:00 – 9:00 pm.

Friday4:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday4:00 – 10:00 pm.

SundayClosed.

9 George Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North

06 222 3555

As soon as you enter this restaurant, the colourful fitout, Frida Kahlo mural, twinkly tequila bottles behind the bar and energetic atmosphere will give you the sense that you’re not in Palmerston North anymore, but rather in a Mexican cantina or Los Angeles taco bar. The open format offers plush nooks and booths for you to enjoy, as well as bar leaners and long low top tables for larger parties. Whether you’re after a true Mexican feast with mates or a quick margarita after work, this is the place.

On the menus, you’ll find classics that other Mexican spots in New Zealand often overlook. Elote, for example, is chargrilled and topped with a dash of mayo, cotija cheese, a bit of chilli and a whole lot of lime. It’s a snacker you didn’t know you needed in your life and pairs perfectly with any of the tacos on offer.

The taco list at Libre covers all the bases when it comes to fresh ingredients, slow cooked meats, punchy homemade salsas and the right balance of traditional flavours and modern accompaniments.  The chipotle beef cheek comes served with pickled onion, coriander and pico de gallo or salsa borracha. House favorite, De Pastor, is made with pork shoulder that is marinated in chile and spices before being slow cooked, grilled and combined with pineapple. It takes time and care to prepare, but the deep, rich flavours make it all worth it. Every component is made fresh in house and served on a soft corn tortilla. The price point makes it easy to try a bunch.

Libre rounds out the food offerings with enchiladas, nachos, quesadillas, burritos and postre (sweets). One favourite, the vegan nachos, are topped with mushroom mince, walnuts, charred corn and black bean salsa.

Pair whatever you order with a tipple from the beer, sangria, margarita, cocktail or rum lists and you’ll be on your way to what feels like a mini Mexican vacation in no time flat. Libre’s got the classics like Corona and Mexican lager as well as three different types of sangria - the blanco, for one, is made with white wine, hibiscus rose tea, citrus honey syrup, orange and cranberry. The margita menu is full of both shaken and stirred options.

Last, but not least, Libre offers carefully curated tequila and mezcal lists. Mezcal, like tequila, is made with agave but features distinctive smoky flavours as a result of the cooking and distillation process. If you already love it, or are curious, chat to the team about what’s pouring.

There’s a lot to discover at this vibrant local spot when it comes to food, drink and events. Check their social media for what’s on. Past events have included tequila and mezcal education nights.

Words by Olivia Sisson & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

9 George Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North

Nearby Places

Café Cuba

Behind the counter at Cafe Cuba.
Place Palmerston North
Cafes key icon.

Located on (you guessed it) Cuba Street, Café Cuba is one of Palmerston’s most popular and long standing cafés and eateries. There’s something for everyone here and the cabinet alone is enough to entice even the most conscientious eaters.

Nero

A cosy nook of the restaurant with blue tile.
Place Palmerston North
Restaurants key icon.

Nero, a family-owned modern bistro, has made a name for themselves in Palmerston North over the last twenty years with consistently great food and service.

Ebony Coffee Roasters

A man roasting coffee.
Place Palmerston North
Goods key icon.

Ebony Coffee has been roasting coffee in Palmerston North since 1996. Their Featherston Street roastery, espresso bar and barista school represent and celebrate every stage of the coffee brewing process - even growing.

Snail’s Artist Run Space

An artist's studio full of painted works of art.
Place Palmerston North
Galleries and museum key icon.

If you’re seeking the creative heart of Palmerston North, just look for the snail.

Similar Places

Brew Union Brewing Co

Customers sitting on bench seats.
Place Palmerston North Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

Longtime mates Murray and Jules spent years planning and designing exactly what they thought epitomised the perfect concept, and this shines through at Brew Union, Palmerston North’s downtown brew pub and eatery.

Little Savanna

The interior of Little Savanna.
Place Palmerston North
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Little Savanna’s expert fit-out gives this South African-inspired restaurant a unique visual identity on the Palmerston North dining scene. With strong food and drink offerings to match, it’s a complete lunch or dinner destination in the heart of the city.

Coffee on Ascot

The exterior view of Coffee on Ascot with two people sitting outside.
Place Palmerston North
Cafes key icon.

Coffee on Ascot is a warm and welcoming neighbourhood cafe offering organic, fair-trade coffee and home baked snacks, raw slices and healthy treats.

Mouthwater Coffee Company

A man in denim ordering at a red caravan.
Place Palmerston North
Cafes key icon.

A familiar and very welcome sight in Palmerston North, Mouthwater Coffee Company is out to prove that there’s more to food and drink carts than quick, grab-and-go...