187 Cantina – The stylish Mexican eatery that’s taking over Lismore!

187 Cantina is an absolute hidden gem in Lismore. Tucked down an alley way you almost feel like you’re heading into a speak easy, but this place is no speak easy, it is welcome to anyone and everyone and provides exquisite Mexican fare, tantalising margaritas and a beautiful insta-worthy fit out. Dylan Clifford is the owner of this wonderful Lismore site and we had the chance to speak with him about 187 Cantina, read on to find out more!

Can you give me a little background on yourself and how you came to opening Cantina 187?

187 Cantina was born from a lack or options and wanting to bring life back to the Lismore CBD.

187 Cantina was always a dream until the devastating Lismore floods in 2022. In the following months a lot of businesses struggled to overcome the loss which led to there being limited options for dining. An opportunity to obtain one of Lismore’s more interesting venues arose and the rest is history.

Where did the name for Cantina 187 come from? 

The number 187 came from my previous occupation where I worked closely with one of my greatest friends. I decided that 187 Cantina would be a little reminder of the years we spent working together.

What is a menu favourite of your customers?

Our Baja Fish Taco is a huge hit with our customers, closely followed by our Nimbin Valley Dairy, Halloumi and Sweet Potato Taco.

What is a menu favourite of your own?

Carnitas Tostada. Who doesn’t love Pork and pineapple?

How has the Lismore community taken to your new restaurant?

The Lismore community has been amazing! We opened in a venue previously occupied by a fine dining restaurant, so we had enormous shoes to fill, but the amazing people of Lismore have been so lovely and accommodating. I couldn’t ask for a better response. We certainly feel like a part of Lismore already.

What is it that you like about using Diego’s for your restaurant?

Diego’s have a product for every dish we have created here at 187 Cantina. I love that they are a small family-owned business who are still close enough to call local. I replaced all other brands that we had previously used with Diego’s due to the quality and range they produce.