Its name may be a reference to anything hailing from the Brazilian city of Rio, but Phuket Town’s Cariocas Bistro and Lounge (Baan Phu Anda Hotel, 371/22-26 Yaowarat Rd., Talat Yai, 076-218-403, www.fb.com/cariocaslounge) serves impressive Mexican bar food along with creative drinks from German mixologist Florian Niessing.

 

The cocktail list spotlights Twinings tea-infused concoctions and updated classics like aged negronis (B260) and Long Island Iced Tea (Burnetts gin, rum, tequila, Broken Shed vodka, Cointreau, cola and lime juice, B260).

 

Bites include nachos, quesadillas, pizza and fresh poached prawn ceviche. Try rhw char-grilled prawn tacos (B260), hot and spicy nachos served with salsa, sour cream guacamole, chesse, jalapenos roasted corn (B180) and slow-roasted beef quesadillas (B240).