Mexican Restaurants
-
Mema's Alaskan Taco
The crispy and delicious pan-fried tacos at this funky Mexican hut (off Centennial Park) make a fun, quick meal. Try gator, chorizo and shrimp.
reviewed
-
Cantina Laredo
Maybe it's the margarita talking, but this atmospheric Mexican chain does everything right, with sharp service, low, romantic lighting, top-shelf tequila, Mexican beer on tap, and guacamole made fresh tableside. Contemporary updates of standard Mexican entrees are well executed and delicious: the camarones con Tocino (bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed shrimp) and poblano asado (steak-wrapped poblano pepper) are superb.
reviewed
-
Red Mesa Cantina & Lucha Bar
Rounding out St Pete's plethora of contemporary ethnic cuisine, Red Mesa dishes up tasty, updated Mexican entrees, plus a range of interesting ceviches and tacos. Its Lucha Bar specializes in high-end tequilas and strong margaritas; happy hour (3pm to 7pm Monday to Friday) promises good deals.
reviewed
-
Eduardo de San Angel
Dreamy upscale Mexican food full of romantic ingredients (squash blossoms! Chocolate-chili! Guava syrup!), served in a warmly elegant dining room full of Mexican folk art. The restaurant is north of downtown, nearly in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
reviewed
-
A
El Parador Cafe
Back in the day, the far-flung location of this Mexican stalwart (serving here since 1970) was much appreciated by philandering husbands. The shady regulars may have gone, but the old-school charm remains, from the beveled candleholders and dapper Latino waiters to the satisfying south-of-the-border standbys.
House classics include the mejillones al vino (mussels in red wine, cilantro and garlic, served with green chili corn bread), the Baja California fish tacos, and the signature mole poblano (chicken stewed in a rich, chili and chocolate-spiked sauce). End the night with a shot or three of the homemade pineapple tequila.
reviewed
-
B
Taco Taco
This brand new taquerÍa (taco stall) offers tasty Tex-Mex tacos, burritos and quesadillas filled with shredded chicken, slow-roasted short rib, pork al pastor (cooked on a spit), roasted veggies and battered mahi mahi.
reviewed
-
Rolsons
A bit out of town, but locals swear by this Mexican restaurant.
reviewed
-
C
Los Amigos
The English menu at Los Amigos announces a motley mix of Mexican and Thai food, lunch wraps and snacks that cater to North American tastes. Sounds like gringo central, right? Perhaps it is, but it fits perfectly in Jacó, and the pre-party atmosphere, wi-fi and cranked air-con feels just right. The food is nothing to write home about, but it comes in big portions and all the imports on the long beer list are a godsend for those who crave hops.
reviewed
-
D
El Gran Pavo de Don Neto
Big and bright, the Gran Pavo serves almost every Mexican dish imaginable. The birria, a spicy-hot soup of meat, onions, peppers and cilantro (coriander leaf), served with tortillas, is a meal in itself.
reviewed
-
E
Cactus Plaza
You can't miss this building, which looks a bit like a cross between a Christmas tree and a Mexican fruitcake. On the menu you'll find tacos, salbutes and panuchos (fried corn tortillas with fillings), as well as shrimp, sea-snail or mixed- seafood ceviches. Beware the habaneros! There are also plenty of good drinks including licuados con leche (milkshakes) and fresh fruit juices.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
F
Restaurant La Choza
An excellent and popular restaurant specializing in authentic regional cuisine. All mains come with soup. La Choza sometimes offers a comida corrida (M$100) in the afternoon.
reviewed
-
G
Costa Brava
Painted in bright, preschool primary colors, this casual place with its lovely Virgencita shrine has good prices on lobster dishes, chicken and shrimp.
reviewed
-
H
Taquería El Sitio
For scrump-diddily-umptious tacos and tortas, head over to El Sitio. It has fancied-up the canopy-covered eating area with a mural of a cruise ship and jumping dolphins. It’s two doors east of Hotel Edem.
reviewed
-
I
Cocina Mexicana Los Ríos
Ceviches, chicken and seafood: all simple and good. Red plastic furniture and Belafonte tunes are part of this cheap, clean café not far from the post office. Comida corridas are M$35 (a smokin’ deal), and get you a main, a soup, tortillas, soda or other nonalcoholic drink, and dessert.
reviewed
-
Restaurante Mahahual
Reasonably priced food at the north end of the pedestrian malecón. Refresh with a colossal limonada (lime with soda water) or have a meal. Service is on Mexican time.
reviewed
-
Doña Marí
Septuagenarian Doña Marí is tough as nails. She began digging out the day after the hurricane hit, and eventually moved her operation to the corner of Huchanango and Calle Sierra. Her restaurant still serves tasty fish fillets prepared in various styles, accompanied by beans and tortillas.
reviewed
-
Casa Hood
Named for owner Ray Hood, a long-standing gringo in residence, this excellent café has nourishing breakfasts, a $2 almuerzo (set lunch) and a menu of Thai, Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes. The Casa is a welcoming place to eat, exchange books, meet with friends, chill solito (alone), and even take yoga classes.
reviewed
-
Tortilla Factory
A delicious Mexican dive, serving homemade tamales for only $1.50, and a range of authentic classics such as shredded-beef tacos and huevos rancheros. Go to the front for take-out or traditional Mexican baked goods; the restaurant entrance and parking are in the back.
reviewed
-
J
Tee Pee Mexican Food
If you're at all snobby about Mexican food, you will not be happy at Tee Pee. If, however, you like piping-hot plates piled high with cheesy, messy, American-style Mexican food, with a side of friendly service, then grab a booth at this 40-year-old Phoenix fave. George W Bush ate here in 2004 and ordered two enchiladas, rice and beans – now called the Presidential Special. Dig in!
reviewed
-
Taqueria del Sol
Smoked pork or fried chicken tacos and to-die-for shrimp corn chowder are highlights of this Mexican–Southern marriage, a great value in a city that can overwhelm with both sides of that culinary coin otherwise.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Pica's Mexican Taqueria
Cheap and supremely satisfying, with Baja tacos wrapped in homemade corn tortillas or cochinita pibil (chili-marinated pork), served with Mexican sodas. Locals love this place; it's the best value around.
reviewed
-
Lola
Bringing costal Mexican to a landlocked town, LoLa pleases with fresh, smoky, chili-infused fare, best paired with a fantastic cocktail (try the hibiscus tea with citrus-infused tequila). Everybody loves the guacamole that's handmade at your table. To continue the party, check out the downstairs tequila bar. To get there, take 15th St past Confluence Park.
reviewed
-
K
Elote Cafe
Some of the best, most authentic Mexican food you'll find in the region. Serves unusually traditional dishes you won't find elsewhere, like the fire-roasted corn with lime and cotija cheese, or the tender, smoky pork cheeks. Reservations are not accepted, so if you want to eat at a reasonable hour, line up by 4:30pm or resign yourself to waiting with a white sangria.
reviewed
-
L
Taquería
You won’t find fresher, limper (they’re not supposed to be crispy!) tacos anywhere in London because they’re made on the premises. It’s a small casual place with a great vibe; Taquería is also a committed environmental establishment. The eggs, chicken and pork are free-range, the meat is British, the fish MSC certified and the restaurant only uses organic milk and cream.
reviewed
-
Lilly's Taquería
There's almost always a line, so be snappy with your order – locals fight over adobada (marinated pork) tacos.
reviewed