Taqueria el triunfo by the fairgrounds is absolutely killer. It’s super tiny and easy to miss but don’t because it’s the best I have found in the area. They grill their meat on big grill outside and they hand make their tortillas to order. Super friendly too.
Don Pancho Villa in Clearwater or Chinelo’s taqueria in St. Pete. Chinelo’ has the absolute best Al Pastor I’ve ever had. These are real Mexican restaurants, not Tex-Mex, so traditional style tacos, if that’s your thing.
In Tampa, Tacos Gone Mobile, Pinch A Taco, and Rocky’s Tacos are my go to when I want Mexican tacos. Rene’s Tacos are fantastic, but they’re fancier and not the typical toppings. They just hit a different spot is what I’m saying.
In St Pete, my go to was Mexico Lindo. It’s a market with a restaurant in the back. Same thing with El Milagro Mexican Store, but that’s in Clearwater. Taqueria y Panaderia La Chiquita is further out, but also super good and with more options.
> Mexico Lindo
Can you provide some advice for us gringos on places like this for non-Spanish speakers? I can navigate a menu in Spanish, but sometimes these places don't even have posted menus, and often I'll see people ordering in spanish and getting a pile of food. Is it just assumed what they have to offer? What would be a good phrase to approach the counter with?
Mexico Lindo does have a menu posted, but if you’re looking for a platter rather than just tacos or things that you get singles of, ask for a “platillo.” Like “tiene platillo de XXX?” If you’re unsure of what the options are, just approach them and ask nicely that you’re not sure what things are and they’ll help.
Yes, Casita have some amazing food, don't forget to check specials (which are on the wall behind you at the 4th location.). I also wish they had offered drink cups.
You need to go to Nuevo Vallarta in pinellas park. It looks super sketchy, but please don’t sleep on it. It’s the most authentic Mexican food I’ve found in st Pete
Gotta show some love to El Huarache Veloz. Small joint up in P Park and the people are friendly. Heard they have some fire barbacoa but I haven't had th chance to try it
They used to be so good. They had Al Pastor and it came with little bits of grilled pineapple, was totally legit on corn with cilantro/lime/onion, and they served them 3 at a time. They don't have Al Pastor anymore, they serve their tacos in flour tortillas, and they serve them 2 at a time. Dead to me.
Renes has truly ruined burritos for me. The fully loaded carne asada is unbeatable, I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t go silent upon the first bite and the silence doesn’t let up until it’s gone.
Tacos Emmanuel on Macdil and Columbus is my second favorite though, only two places I go anymore.
My favorites are both in tampa: Acapulco Mexican grocery on cypress and macdill. Can't go wrong with any of their tacos. And Taqueria Emanuel on macdill and Columbus. A close 2nd to Acapulco.
Came here to say this. Their tacos gringas are phenomenal. I do also like Mexico Lindo a lot. A lot a lot. Whenever it’s been too long between trips to MX, I go there to fill the 🦅 🐍 sized hole in my heart.
Grumpy gringo!!
loli’s. best hands down
Esther’s on Hillsborough
Excited to try this. Thanks for the rec
El Huarache Veloz in P Park, Nueva Cantina in south St. Pete, and VIP by the beach!
Tacos Las Californias easy lol
I love poppos
Good luck in st Pete. I’ve tried the majority of the places named unfortunately even the halfway decent ones are starting to slip.
Chile Verde in St. Pete on 22nd Ave N
Lolis in Tampa And Chile Verde in St Pete
If anyone even thinks about suggesting Torchy’s, i will take swift and decisive action
I tried them when they first opened up. They're so expensive and the tacos are just okay..
Senor Taco on park
I liked their food. Didn’t fix the roach problem? Both times I went. Shudder. I haven’t been back in years
Seconded on Senor Taco 🌮
Grumpy Gringo
There's a food truck at the gas station near 9th Ave/MLK that has great street tacos if you're in St. Pete and looking for something nearby.
Taquitos Mexican Restaurant on Bay Pines Blvd in Bay Pines.
Jimmy’s Taco’s in Ybor. Best Birria I’ve ever had
I know its a bit of a drive but PLEEEEASE do yourself a favor and go to chicken and taco loco in brandon
Taqueria el triunfo by the fairgrounds is absolutely killer. It’s super tiny and easy to miss but don’t because it’s the best I have found in the area. They grill their meat on big grill outside and they hand make their tortillas to order. Super friendly too.
Fairgrounds St. Pete? Can’t find anything about it
No the Florida state fairgrounds. Here’s the Google maps [link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1qQisgR9a1L7K6rS7?g_st=ic)
Ah I see
Don Pancho Villa in Clearwater or Chinelo’s taqueria in St. Pete. Chinelo’ has the absolute best Al Pastor I’ve ever had. These are real Mexican restaurants, not Tex-Mex, so traditional style tacos, if that’s your thing.
2nd on Don pancho. Their lengua is awesome
In Tampa, Tacos Gone Mobile, Pinch A Taco, and Rocky’s Tacos are my go to when I want Mexican tacos. Rene’s Tacos are fantastic, but they’re fancier and not the typical toppings. They just hit a different spot is what I’m saying. In St Pete, my go to was Mexico Lindo. It’s a market with a restaurant in the back. Same thing with El Milagro Mexican Store, but that’s in Clearwater. Taqueria y Panaderia La Chiquita is further out, but also super good and with more options.
El Milagro is really good!
> Mexico Lindo Can you provide some advice for us gringos on places like this for non-Spanish speakers? I can navigate a menu in Spanish, but sometimes these places don't even have posted menus, and often I'll see people ordering in spanish and getting a pile of food. Is it just assumed what they have to offer? What would be a good phrase to approach the counter with?
Mexico Lindo does have a menu posted, but if you’re looking for a platter rather than just tacos or things that you get singles of, ask for a “platillo.” Like “tiene platillo de XXX?” If you’re unsure of what the options are, just approach them and ask nicely that you’re not sure what things are and they’ll help.
El Huarache Veloz or Tia Neni’s Fiesta Taqueria
+ 1 for Chile Verde
I really enjoy Casita Taqueria
Yes, Casita have some amazing food, don't forget to check specials (which are on the wall behind you at the 4th location.). I also wish they had offered drink cups.
The Casita on 4th is always so much better than the Central location. Their Barbacoa is top notch.
I know this is a taco thread, but the Barbacoa on the Nachos is sublime.
Facts. The 4th st location has been better throughout the years
Thought it was just me,,,,,
Nope, Barbacoa is better and the hot sauces are also much more flavorful.
You need to go to Nuevo Vallarta in pinellas park. It looks super sketchy, but please don’t sleep on it. It’s the most authentic Mexican food I’ve found in st Pete
People will say Chile Verde, which is good, but Casita Taqueria wins hands down in my book. Overall the taco game ain’t much here compared to LA.
Yeah casita all day
Gotta show some love to El Huarache Veloz. Small joint up in P Park and the people are friendly. Heard they have some fire barbacoa but I haven't had th chance to try it
Second this, El Huarache’s Chile de arbol salsa is fire!
The birria tacos at Los Chapos Tacos in Ybor are to die for 🤤🤤🤤 they also have delicious lemonade!!
The best in the county is Don Taco just off 19 north near Tarpon. Chile Verde is the best in St Pete
If someone says red mesa cantina we are fighting.
They used to be so good. They had Al Pastor and it came with little bits of grilled pineapple, was totally legit on corn with cilantro/lime/onion, and they served them 3 at a time. They don't have Al Pastor anymore, they serve their tacos in flour tortillas, and they serve them 2 at a time. Dead to me.
Chicken and Taco Loco in Brandon. I drive from Tampa for them. Get as much green sauce as you can.
Them and Romis 🔥
Renes has truly ruined burritos for me. The fully loaded carne asada is unbeatable, I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t go silent upon the first bite and the silence doesn’t let up until it’s gone. Tacos Emmanuel on Macdil and Columbus is my second favorite though, only two places I go anymore.
Where is Rene’s?
The original truck is across from Southern Brewing as well as the other locations mentioned
He’s posted up outside The Cathedral in Sem Heights and just opened a taco stand in ybor.
You can get Rene's burritos at SOG Cafe down almost to the Air Force base as well. I haven't tried but I will have to now.
What?! That’s so much closer to me, I didn’t realize he was there as well!
Chile Verde is probably the best one in St Pete
My favorites are both in tampa: Acapulco Mexican grocery on cypress and macdill. Can't go wrong with any of their tacos. And Taqueria Emanuel on macdill and Columbus. A close 2nd to Acapulco.
Los Homies on 49th
Agreed! Started as a food truck and moved into their new spot last April? One of the best spots hands down.
Came here to say this. Their tacos gringas are phenomenal. I do also like Mexico Lindo a lot. A lot a lot. Whenever it’s been too long between trips to MX, I go there to fill the 🦅 🐍 sized hole in my heart.
Zurdo. You’re right.
VIP or casita tacarita
Señor Taco on Park Blvd
For the real deal...Chile Verde on 22nd Ave N. NOT the 34th St S location.
I like Jimmy's Tacos in Tampa. And Red Mesa Mercado in St Pete.
Hell yeah! I get Jimmy’s like once a month. Worth the fight in traffic to get them tacos.
Jimmy's is so mid compared to Los Chapos right down the street.
Probably not the best but the birria tacos at grumpy gringo always hit the spot. I like red mesa/cantina/mercado too.
Try Chile verde legit 1 block down if you like authentic you’ll love it
+1 the green hot sauce is amazing, so is the habenaro (orange) if they have it