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Algusto Tortilla & Salsa - CLOSED
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Algusto Tortilla & Salsa
Review Highlights
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"The extra hot salsa is to die for." In 3 reviews -
"Easily the best Mexican food in the Tampa Bay area." In 3 reviews
-
"Their mole sauces are outstanding." In 4 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle M.
Tampa, FL
8/17/2011
Used to love walking across the street to Algustos when I was attending the University of Tampa for inexpensive tacos and beer. Lots of healthy options on the menu; I love that everything is not smothered in cheese and refried beans. The hot salsa and homemade guacamole are awesome. I highly recommend the tortilla soup and the red enchiladas.
The service is a little slow so I would suggest getting your order to go if you are in a rush. -
Review from Sam Q.
If you are looking for a decent Mexican meal, Algusto will fit the bill. They have a variety of dishes, some of them even healthy looking, served in a nice atmosphere. Miguel's just down the road is also very good, but a bit more relaxed.
The guacamole is especially delicious here. They have some fancy dishes with stuffed peppers and some sauces that are sure to impress if you are the adventurous type.
Algusto is located right off Kennedy in a type of antique strip mall looking building and it's a bit tough to spot. You can drive by and pass it easily. Parking is a bit tough, but I would definitely bring out of town guests here if they told me they were in the mood for Mexican. I'd even bring business guests if I knew they enjoyed Mexican food.
If you are looking for a slightly more upscale setting to enjoy your burrito, Algusto is the place for you. -
Review from Mike S.
11/5/2011
As noted by the earlier reviewers, this was a fine Mexican restaurant and a regrettable loss to the area....that now just has a hot-dog joint on the block.
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Review from JEWELe M.
1/2/2011
So if you really want authentic Mexican food, DO NOT come here!
But if you want to stay healthy and try lard-free, Tex-Mex cuisine, this spot is for you!
Personally, I believe if you are going to eat Mexican food, be prepared to indulge on fat! Eating here, I felt like I ate a salad, despite ordering the sopa de pollo and the pork taco (which had no cheese, sour cream, nor any lettuce and tomatoes toppings)!
Also, they charge for chips and salsa, which I thought that was really non-traditional. Nevertheless, the chips were pretty crispy, light, & healthier! ;) LoL.
Despite the disappointment of the lack of fat in the Mexican dishes, if you want to stay healthy come here!
But if you want to indulge on some fatty Mexican goodness, let's hop on the Taco Bus!!! ;D :beep2: -
Review from prianka n.
St. Petersburg, FL
2/5/2010 19 Check-ins Here
Easily the best Mexican food in the Tampa Bay area. The extra hot salsa is to die for...I can eat it as a soup. Everything at Algusto's is fresh and homemade with clean, well-balanced flavors. I can't say anything bad about this place. It costs a little more than say, Chipotle, but remember, you are getting real food at Algusto's. I've literally been here hundreds of times and I have never had a single complaint about my meal, other than running out of room in my stomach. I need a regular burrito fix and this is the only place in the area that satisfies my craving.
My favorite items are the chicken soup, the farmer style burrito, and of course the extra hot salsa.Listed in: Best Spots in Tampa Bay
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Review from Carlos H.
8/22/2009
Took the Yelpers suggestion and came here tonight with the family. Horchata was tasty, a little too sweet, it isn't quite as sweet in the places that I have had it before, but still the closest I can get to it in the bay area. The waiter was friendly and very hospitable to us during our meal and the owner introduced himself to us and helped us with our first time eating there.
I ordered their Carne Asada, which was tasty but a completely different taste than what I was expecting. The refried beans were tasty, certainly not the kind you have in a can but also not the kind I was thinking of having either. The chips were good, but I anticipated a little more with all the raving in the reviews I read. I think that my family is not too used to Mexico City type of Mexican food so we were all a little confused with the tastes of our dishes, none were bad though. My Mom and Aunt had their flan which they said was a little too dense, but still good.
This restaurant takes a whole new twist on what you usually expect in Mexican, tastes good and has it's own originality which is cool.Listed in: Tampa Latin Flavor, Tampa Bay Mexican
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Review from Jaski K.
San Ramon, CA
8/9/2010
After reading the reviews on Yelp, I was very disappointed with my dining experience at Algusto. As soon as the waitress came over, we were given are menus and told to hurry our order because the restaurant would be closing. Within a minute or two, the waitress returned to take our order. Since I didn't have enough time to peruse through the menu, I ordered the same as my husband - a carne asada burrito. The burrito was filled with the same ingredients that came as sides - rice and refried beans and was pretty bland! The only thing I enjoyed was the
guacamole and hot salsa that we paid for when we ordered chips. Will
definitely not be returning! The search for good Mexican food in Tampa continues... -
Review from Michael B.
Brooklyn, NY
2/16/2008
Well look at you, Algusto, dishing out tasty Mexican food just off of downtown Tampa.
Some co-workers and I went for an early dinner and were pleasantly surprised. Our server, who was very nice and helpful, told us that the food is made fresh and as healthy as possible (olive oil, fresh ingredients, etc.). We ordered some guacamole and salsa for our chips. The guacamole wasn't too bad and the creamy looking salsa was very delicious. I had the Mole Enchiladas with Red Mole sauce. I wasn't aware there was another type of Mole sauce, but there is, and it's green mole. My co-workers had the Algusto Roll, which had the green mole and they said it was different at first, but once you started eating it, you really start enjoying it (just because it tastes different from traditional mole). My other co-worker had the Fancy Chimichunga and she gobbled it all up, so it seemed to satisfy.
The ambiance was nice and clean and the prices seemed pretty reasonable. I would for sure check it out if you're downtown! -
Review from Matt S.
Tampa, FL
1/18/2010
I've been here almost a dozen times and the food has never disappointed. Good location right at the beginning of Kennedy heading out of the city, parking isn't a problem with a fairly big lot in the back.
You never have to wait for a table and the service is quick. Their hot salsa is excellent... lots of pureed roasted red peppers. I have even bought some to go and used it on pasta in the past... it's a very unique salsa unlike any other I've had.
My favorite entree is the chile relleno, and I like their micheladas to drink, as well. Good option for Mexican in the area... a little cheaper than Miguel's and just as good, if not better, quality. -
Review from JR R.
Sanford, FL
2/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Ballers on a budget BEWARE.
So my wife and i go check this place out because of all the good Buzz on Yelp (thanks to all who wrote reviews.)
As we usually do, my wife and I ordered a couple of drinks (sangrias) and some chips. We ordered an entree to share and enjoyed the tastiest pork chimi changa EVER.
Then...when we got the bill we see it!!!
They actually charged us 50% more for our entree. C'mon, charging us extra to share the SAME amount of food you serve one person?
The economy is bad for ALL of us, you should be considerate of those of us "Ballerz on a Budget."
If i was just rating for the food, it would be a four star review...however -1 for "Shocking Bill" -
Review from Chris C.
Bellevue, WA
6/23/2008
Best Mexican restaurant in Tampa, HANDS DOWN! They even have the awards to prove it.
I started going to this place about 6 months after they opened. From the first time I went in, I knew this was going to be a place I'd be frequenting.
Best Mexican food, good service, courteous employees, immaculately clean. Only thing negative is the lack of parking (can't really be helped through due to location). -
Review from Akeem W.
Land O' Lakes, FL
4/21/2010
Did not like the food,neither did my girlfriend. Told the owner that I know what real mexican food taste like and that this is not legit. Food was bland nothing special hardly any flavor besides the guacamole.
I believe they charge you for chips also? ...i think that should be free -
Review from Zehl V.
St Petersburg, FL
4/21/2010 22 Check-ins Here
I remember driving by this place almost 8 years ago when it first opened. It is a known fact that I crave the best in "Fresh-Mex/Cali-Mex", so I popped in.
WOW.
Still after 8 years I have yet to find a better chicken burrito in the Greater Tampa Bay area. Not only is everything made fresh with the best ingredients, but they have some of the best salsa I have ever had ( I always go for the extra hot).
Do yourself a favor and stop in for excellent service and amazing food! -
Review from Barrett F.
Brookline, MA
6/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
After having read some of the reviews I decided to stop here as it was en route... I would agree that it's a pretty clean place. The food unfortunately was only so so.
None of the things which were ordered were boasted as "great" everything was just pretty good.
In short: not a date spot, at least not really. If it's on the way and you'd like some Mexican food from a place that's clean and pretty quick, this may be a good option though. -
Review from annie k.
Los Angeles, CA
3/30/2006
Superb. Probably the best Mexican restaurant in Tampa. I prefer the overall experience at Estela's on Davis Island, but the food is superior at Algusto. Everything is great here, from the horchata and Mexican Hot Chocolate to the mole enchiladas. Give it a chance!
4/7/07: Hmmm, I had probably a three star meal here. I may have just ordered the wrong thing (tinga poblana), but it was a mess. The liquid from the chicken stew flooded the rice and beans. It really didn't have much interesting flavor--tasted salty mostly. Not terrible, but maybe not even three stars. However, chips, salsas (especially extra hot), and guacamoles were exciting and exemplary. My parents' dishes looked better. -
Review from Occy V.
Tampa, FL
1/28/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Another Mexican restaurant i can eat at and actually like ! I might have to take back the not liking mexican restaurants thing.
Great beans and salsa very fresh and they keep it coming while waiting for your food. Everything i have ordered here has been delicious ! -
Review from Diana L.
Tampa, FL
1/30/2010
The first thing I noticed about this Mexican restaurant was the cleanliness compared to some of the others in the area.
I started by ordering a sangria. Was good...average. The waiter brought out the basket of chips with mild salsa (he had asked if we wanted mild, medium, or hot and we chose mild) and guacamole. The mild salsa was very mild and the guacamole was bland and had a creamy texture....different from other guacamoles that I have had. I wasn't fond of it.
I had the green enchiladas with chicken and my friend had the grilled chicken tacos. The enchiladas were very good. Didnt realize that the tacos would come with literally nothing on them but chicken. My friend asked for a side of shredded cheese and some sour cream. The water brought us the cheese but instead of sour cream, he brought us some more salsa. I guess he didn't hear us correctly.
All in all, the service and food was good. Would definitely go back. -
Review from Jenn B.
St Petersburg, FL
6/23/2011
I'm a totally shocked that anybody could like this restaurant!
From the moment my boyfriend and I arrived to the moment we left, it was a huge disappointment!
The chips tasted like cardboard, cold and flavorless. The hot salsa looked and tasted like spicy ketchup! Only good thing I would say is that the pico de gallo was very fresh and tasty. On top this they make you pay $5 for this "appetizer".
I didn't care for the service either. While taking our order our waiter
(the manager) was checking his phone, then came back to the table five minutes later to review our order and had nothing correct.
My boyfriend ordered the tostadas, one chicken and the other pork. I ordered chicken enchiladas. When the food arrived both of his tostadas were pork as were my enchiladas. When I said something to the waiter he tried to argue with me. I asked him if he was sure, as I have not eaten pork in five years. After saying they do not make pork enchiladas, he goes to talk to the cook. He then comes right back around to take my plate to exchange it. No apology! When he returned with a new plate it tasted totally different (like chicken)
On top of all that, the food had no flavor. I would have rather eaten at Taco Bell!
(somewhere I never eat)
I would never eat or recommend!!! Please save your stomach and wallet -
Review from Daniel S.
St Petersburg, FL
10/19/2010
Yes, the best Mexican in Tampa Bay. Recipes and ambiance directly from Mexico.
Do not miss the guacamole, made fresh every day from vegetables purchased locally by the owner.
Head out early for lunch, parking can be a bit dicey, and you will want a booth. -
Review from Bryan M.
Clearwater, FL
11/8/2010
This is the first online restaurant review I have ever written. I hope those of you that follow the advice of the rave reviews have a better experience than we did. Maybe it was like going to a movie with great reviews and then falling well short of your expectations, but even at that it was barely mediocre. In fact, Mexican food is often like pizza and sex, where even bad is still okay....just not the day we visited I guess.
Algusto proudly displays it's numerous awards which had me expecting better quality food and service. The Chicken Fajitas we ordered were actually quite bad to the point that I couldn't eat them. The chicken was oddly rubbery in texture and extremely salty. The chips, beans, rice, guacamole, and salsas are all pretty good. The salsa does not live up to all the hype. They are extremely proud of their salsa and even charge you for both chips and salsa. Honestly, this was the very first time I have ever paid extra for chips and salsa while eating dinner at a Mexican restaurant. The restaurant is very clean for a family owned Mexican restaurant and the service was tolerable.
In an area dominated by seafood maybe it is easier to rise above the absence of competition in Mexican food. However, there are still much better Mexican options within Tampa Bay, with Miguel's down the road being one of them. -
Review from Jason R.
Tampa, FL
5/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
Good, but not great Mexican food. Fresh ingredients, but lacking in flavor. Miguel's and Chihuahua are much better.
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Review from Chris C.
Lee's Summit, MO
7/13/2009
Good food. Would have gotten 4 stars but they nickel and dime you. I hate when Mexican places charge for chips and salsa and then cheese and sour cream for our fajitas.
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Review from Carl J.
Washington, DC
12/11/2009
Was in town for business and took the Yelp suggestion, so glad I did. This place was AWESOME!! The owner treated us like the only people in the restaurant after we told him that we were drawn in by Yelp. He was a super friendly guy, very nice.
The food was fairly authentic and very delicious. They have a good mix of different styles of Mexican food, as many regions differ. I had a combo platter, and everything was very good. They brought out 4 different salsas with our chips, from mild to very hot. All were house made and excellent. My buddy had a Margarita, I had a Sangria, and we both agreed they tasted hand-mixed from scratch. The Sangria wasn't too sweet, perfectly refreshing.
Overall, I have to say I was impressed! Coming from DC, I wasn't expecting much out of Tampa eateries, but this one hit the mark. Enjoy! -
Review from Marcus M.
Manhattan, NY
1/31/2010
I was pleased to find the food was well prepared and presented. Often I run into sloppy food at Mexican restaurants, a sure sign of no cultural influence.
The grilled chicken tacos resembled traditional street tacos, simple (only chicken) on small flour tortillas. Beans, guacamole and rice came on the side but no salsa, which was unfortunate.
I did get the guacamole, salsa and chips. I enjoyed the salsa. Hot, flavorful with a good amount of lime and cilantro. Guacamole was a little plain but no complaints.
All in all good food. I'm sure to return to try additional dishes. -
Review from Jim S.
Fairport, NY
3/6/2010
A very nice Mexican Restaurant that deserves a visit. The chip and salsa selection for an appetizer allowed for a taste of their 5 salsas. The two hot salsas were the best of the five. They were a pleasant hot and not meant to harm you. I had the chile relleno and it was loaded with cheese and accompanied by a rice mixture of rice and beans. Very Nice. My wife had a pork quesadilla that was served also with beans and rice and received rave reviews from my bride. The Tortilla soup was flavorful but was served warm not hot. It cooled down quickly and was a disappointment. This is a very good restaurant.
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Review from LaKesha C.
Tampa, FL
4/15/2010
I went there for lunch. I thought the food was good. The service was good. The owner came over to say hello and asked our opinions. I would go back here to eat.
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Review from Caitlin W.
Tampa, FL
6/21/2011
DELICIOUS, i mean AMAZING salsa selections....my mouth is watering just thinking about it. This isn't the most authentic or best mexican, but it is consistently good and pretty healthy...they don't cook with a lot of oils and you can really taste the difference when eating here. Chips are not greasy and overly salty like at some mexican places. Their guac is also great.
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Review from Danielle R.
Tampa, FL
3/28/2011
We're fans of Algusto! All the dishes we've gotten there have always been good. Their hot salsa is really good. The servers and owner have always been very friendly as well. Last time we dined there I got the green chicken mole and it was yummy!
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Review from M S.
Tarpon Springs, FL
4/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Another regular lunch spot. I have tried many of the entrees, and the food is totally fresh. Their mole sauces are outstanding. Most recently, I had the chicken breast in red mole sauce. Very good. Another of my regular orders is the tinga poblana with pork, which is a spicy dish, cooked with chipolte peppers. I have had pretty much all of their enchiladas, the chimichanga, and the burrito, and they are quite good. However, the best of the food, which is a bit outside the normal local Mexican restaurants, is the chicken in mole sauce and the tinga poblana. Service is generally good, although on occasion, it slows down. Their food prices for lunch are just a little on the high side, although it is clear they aim for high-quality, fresh food. One little complaint, they started charging for chips and salsa. At their lunch prices, it gave me pause, but I guess the economy has hurt them like everyone else, and they have not given up their quality at all. Parking is a problem, and if you don't get there early, you may find yourself heading elsewhere.
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Review from Tyson C.
Tampa, FL
11/3/2009
This place has the best Mexican food in Tampa. I recommend the Bonitas platter for a taste of everything and the fancy chimichanga is awesome as well. Probably the best guacamole around as well.
