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Red Mesa Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Tex-Mex Mexican, Tex-Mex
4912 4th St NSaint Petersburg, FL 33703
(727) 527-8728
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Red Mesa Restaurant
Review Highlights
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49 reviews in English
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Review from jimi b.
Hoover, AL
Best description by someone else: "Best gourmet mexican food"
Awesome chips and salsa. Maybe the best I've ever had. Yes. I said it. Best I've ever had.
Santa Fe Chicken. YUMMY. I forget the description, but it came with spinach and pilaf, and it was maybe, the BEST CHICKEN I've ever had. Yes, I said it. Best I've ever had. Also, the spinach was amazing. I don't know how they made it taste so good. I don't remember clearly, but I think it said "tequila braised"
GF had some spicy shrimp of sorts. It was pretty awesome as well.
Price ranges from 12-15 for chicken dishes. 13-23 for seafood. They had many other items with steak meat/filet mignon/etc.
Great atmosphere. Crowded but roomy enough, waiters are attentive and professional.
It's one to revisit.
Free Valet. -
Review from Derek w.
San Francisco, CA
Even the raves of two beloved friends and trusted Tampa Bay food experts failed to adequately prepare me for the wide range of delights at Red Mesa. Everything here works wonders on the palate, and the culinary wizards here have blended creativity and comfort that's good to the last drop (of sangria, in my case).
Words to the wise: Don't be fooled by the lackluster appearance and setting - the interior hearkens back to a likely past-life as a Denny's or one of its kind; the exterior is anonymous fast-food box architecture, buried amidst a commercial strip in St. Pete.
The tamales on Red Mesa's special menu caught my eye first: hearty, meaty bundles of pork dipped in velvety homemade mole and sprinkled with queso fresco. Though a tad bit dry, the pork cubes were very flavorful, and I enjoyed alternating bits of tamale with bites of warm tortilla dunked in smooth guacamole and magnificently zesty salsa.
The chicken tortilla soup was to-die-for, a far cry from the pedestrian renditions at more run-of-the-mill spots. A carrot-onion sofrito and fresh avocado slices added special distinction to what could easily become, for me, a daily indulgence...especially during winter.
Most impressive to my girlfriend and me was the plate of crab and shrimp enchiladas we shared. The corn tortillas are dipped in chile, giving them a soft, light texture which pairs perfectly with the subtle spice and delicate richness of the seafood.
By this point in the meal I was floating a few feet above the table, but not far enough away that I couldn't sip the tremendous red sangria that washed down the meal. I am now considering starting a campaign to bring Red Mesa to the Left Coast. -
Review from Michelle M.
Tampa, FL
Best Mexican food in St. Pete... might rival the Mexican food in Tampa as well. If you have never been to Red Mesa you must! The guacamole and salsa are superb... I could eat their chips and salsa all night! The Roast Pork Verde and the filet mignon chimichurri are two of my favorite items on the menu.
Reasonable prices, great margaritas, friendly service are to be expected at Red Mesa. -
Review from Ray S.
St Petersburg, FL
I've had a number of dishes here and have never been disappointed. Food tastes great and wait staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Guacomole is terrific! My only complaint is they lack a full bar.
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Review from P L.
Honolulu, HI
Aloha from Hawaii! I can only review the customer service I received when ordering a gift card for my son who lives on St Pete Beach Florida. I emailed on a Tuesday morning and got a response within a couple of hours. The person on site who handles the gift cards was amazing! She made sure before hanging up, that everything was in order. She was pleasant, efficient and professional! I can't wait to visit my son in Florida and enjoy a night out at Red Mesa Restaurant!! Awesome customer service!! Mahalo Charisse!
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Review from Rod K.
St Petersburg, FL
Great place for Mexican food w/an up scale atmosphere The food is very good and the value is even better Mon through Fri till 6/pm is a fixed price special w/dinners, drink & desert We have been here few times w/friends and of the 8 dishes ordered ...everyone was very happy The service was very good too The only down side is they don't have a liquor license But has a nice beer & wine menu and wine margaritas (which were very good) A good place to eat.
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Review from Merry H.
Tampa, FL
This is my favorite restaurant in Florida! I've been here twice and the steaks are wonderful, the red wine sangria is delicious. It is expensive, but worth it!
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Review from Angela V.
St Petersburg, FL
Wonderful, creative, delicious, elegant.
These are my choice adjectives for Red Mesa cantina. You definitely want to go in M-F before 5:45pm to catch the sunset menu. It includes a choice of sangria, margarita or beer, chips & salsa, choice of entree, AND DESSERT for just $14 per person.
In this economy, this is by far the best value for such amazing food. There are about 10 options on the sunset menu, and I have only had 3, but plan on trying every one.
The Enchilladas Rez are tender shredded beef enchiladas in soft corn tortillas with homemade tomatillo sauce. The portions are the perfect size. The meat was super tender and the sauce had incredible flavor.
So far, my favorite is the Snapper al Tara. The snapper is only about 5 ounces, but is grilled to perfection. Caramelized on the outside but flaky and juicy in the middle. It is topped with a delicious mango chipotle sauce. YUM! -
Review from Thomas A.
Is there a better 'gourmet mexican' restaurant in St Pete? I think not! The level of pure, ecstatic, transcendant goodness is so high that it literally feels like a sensual release after eating here. I want to smoke, sleep, or even write poetry while basking in the post-dinner bliss delivered by Red Mesa to my soul-mouth.
If you are on Yelp right now, trying to decide where to eat, and you have not been here, put down your smartphone immediately and drive here without delay. I am deadly serious. This place is easily in my Tampa Bay Top Five, regardless of genre.
Favorite methods to achieve nirvana at RM:
Appetizer:
Chorizo Fundido - thick and spicy, served with warm, soft tortillas. Each bite melts in your mouth with a sizzle.
Crab Cake with Habanero Mayo - beware! The Habanero Mayo is HOT. This place pulls no punches. You might find it odd to find a crab cake at a mexican place...but they hit a grand slam home run with this, putting most seafood places I've been to in the Pit of Shame, weeping with envy.
Dinner:
If it's your first time, try the Enchilada Trio...a magnificent Holy Trinity of goodness which allows you to taste a full spectrum of what RM can do with enchiladas. Duck Enchiladas with raspberry Chipotle sauce!! Crab & shrimp enchilada with poblano cream sauce!!! Chicken enchilada with salsa roja!!!! You get one of each...and prepare to have your mind melted just like the delicate sauces on your plate! Did you hear me when I said Duck Enchiladas with raspberry Chipotle sauce?? Sweet Lord!!
NOTHING I have tasted at Red Mesa has been bad, bland, or common. They obviously take pride in flavor and character...I am actually ashamed that you are still reading this instead of heading to your car to eat here...
Oh, and by the way, they make a sangria which can make grown men weep. -
Review from Peter L.
New Port Richey, FL
Some friends had us join them for dinner here this past week. I am certainly glad that they did! It's not your gardener's Mexican. It is quite good in it's own right!
On this night we ordered the Cedar Roasted Salmon ($18), Roast Pork Verde ($14), Chihuahua Combinado ($13), and Sonoran Combinado ($17). The plates were cleaned, and everyone left smiling. The homemade Sangria was a hit as well.
The feel of the restaurant is upscale. The service was attentive. You might not find Pedro and Hector in the dining room, or a Speedy Gonzalez Combination Plate on the menu, but you will find a tasty dining experience. -
Review from Susan B.
Cape Coral, FL
Great brunch! Excellent food, prices + service by Teresa was terrific!
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Review from Michael Z.
St Petersburg, FL
Spot on reviews. Went for brunch and the meals were creative with terrific flavor. I'm looking forward to my next visit.
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Review from Geno K.
Riverview, FL
Best lunch I've had in St. Pete since moving here a couple months ago. I had the filet mignon burrito. I thought the description was a little rude: "Medium rare tips of filet mignon, jack cheese, poblano chile, red pepper, diced tomatoes and onion. As is, no exceptions." I'd never seen something like that on a menu. But they do it for a reason... it was INCREDIBLE. It tasted nothing like what I thought I was ordering, but in a very good way. When I think steak burrito, I think beef with some "other stuff." The other stuff makes this thing rock. Great staff. It was packed when I went around 12:30. Understandable. I'll be going back often.
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Review from Matthew M.
Hoboken, NJ
don't even bother looking at the menu......... just get the filet mignon burrito. thank me later
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Review from Machelle P.
Seminole, FL
This is my favorite restaurant. Try the shrimp fundido, red mesa salad and the cedar roasted salmon.
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Review from Crystal S.
St. Petersburg, FL
We went here after seeing that the Cantina has such high ratings among fellow downtowners, but one afternoon we happened to be closer to the Restaurant so we went there instead. We have since been to both, and while the Cantina has the lively atmosphere, the Restaurant in my opinion has the better food!!
I got a sirloin combination with seriously the best cheese enchilada and red sauce that I have ever, ever had the pleasure of tasting. Next time I go back, I'm seeing if I can get just enchiladas! The Cantina menu definitely seems to lean more toward a further south american rather than "mexican", which is fine. But there was lots of duck and chorizo and fish and fancy options, which is great and all, but sometimes a girl just wants some good ole carne asada. The restaurant does also have the fancier options as well, but the whole menu is bigger so there's enough to satisfy the hoity toity crowds, as well as those of us who are craving just the basic more standard mexican fare. Though it is anything but standard! From the not from a mix margaritas, to the yummy salsa, to the perfectly cooked meats, I was absolutely in taste bud heaven. Simple but high quality and expertly executed with really tasty side dishes that sometimes competed with the main course in tastiness. We will definitely be coming back here again and again!! -
Review from Meghan B.
Washington, DC
When I think of Red Mesa, I think of girls' night out. Sure this would be a great place for a date or special celebration, but the pitchers of pink sangria and delicious menu options will leave you wishing you had your elastic waistband pants rather than looking super cute. Please don't wear elastic waistband pants here, though...it's a little too nice for that.
I've tried a couple fish entrees, enchiladas, and their Chorizo Fundido appetizer (SO fun to say). All were great and made with quality and very fresh ingredients.
One tip -- if you're looking to save a little money, go between 4-5:45pm Monday through Friday for the Sunset Menu. You get chips & salsa, choice of beverage (soda, margarita, sangria, or draft beer), entree, and a special dessert all for $14.00!!!! Such an awesome deal. Go for the pink, go for the pink!! -
Review from Jenny C.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
This place has the most amazing gourmet Mexican food!!. Some of the best Mexican I've ever had. The presentation of the food was really beautiful. The dishes were full of color as Mexican food usually is. The music they played was a soft Spanish salsa. Very elegant, very first class cuisine. I love Mexican the only turn off was the price..........I mean there's a cap on how much you can charge for beans and rice..........I had an amazing dish.............3 cheese enchiladas!! It was my 21st birthday so it was kind of a big deal!! I was ordering Cosmos like it was my job.............Well the meal was amazing. So were the Cosmos............The ambiance in this spot is great too. The waitress was really great. Over-all it was a great experience.
PS : Mexican and Cosmos do NOT go together this horrible combination will make u sick do not try this at home!! -
Review from Jon W.
I think it's more seafood, nouveau American,french, tex-mex fusion than tex-mex. Which is a good thing. Whatever you call it they do a great job of it and the seafood is fresh and the sangria is fantastic.
I had the crab and shrimp stuffed grouper with some kind of quasi-Mexican sauce poured over it that came with fantasticly fresh and tasty grilled vegetables. My friend had a the chicken Santa Fe that was stuffed with Gouda cheese making it very rich and tasty. We had the beef shredded tacitos (ok well that was tex-mex) for an appetizer with the traditional chips and salsa. (very good salsa by the way).
The service was at a high level. I thought our waiter was very good. Nice local flair with a slight Mexican twist. I loved it!
I may go back for breakfast. -
Review from Jeff O.
Yeeeeeeeeah!
This charming restaurant has the feel of an "Indie Denny's" but it serves up some 3-4 star quality food in the Mexican tradition. A strange concept, but it works out nicely.
I went yesterday for brunch and found the place to be quite cozy. Soft Southwest colors and a "Goldielock's" layout--not too big or too small.
The menu features a bunch of tex-mex offerings, which sound delicious and seem to ALL have wonderful presentations when they come out. (I kept eyeing other people's dishes as they came out of the kitchen!) I ordered the special of the day; I'm unsure of the creative name, but it was scrambled eggs with a creamy cheese/hollandaise-y sauce that was yummy as hell. The potato wedges that fanned out across the plate were also just what da doctor ordered. My friends chose Huevos Rancheros and something called Divorcivas (sp?)--2 eggs "split" by opposing chili sauces. I thought everything looked amazing and tasted killer.
One drawback was our particular server. She was nonexistent and clueless on refilling my coke. The next time we go back we'll have to try the entrees, and sit in Lindsey's section. She's the cute blonde girl who DJ's in the area under an alias. -
Review from Ken C.
St. Petersburg, FL
It appears that I'm becoming the King of 5 Star Ratings. Truth is that I don't want to waste time giving bad ratings to businesses. As for Red Mesa ~~~ I love this place!
Wonderful food that is several notches above the normal Mexican fare. The sangria is great and the service is always very personable. I highly recommend! -
Review from Ed D.
Belleair Bluffs, FL
We've been coming here since it opened more than ten years ago. It has been consistently great over that time.
On our last visit, the ceviche was outstanding, the sangria wonderful and, while the menu items had changed a little since our last visit, were still delish. As always, there was a little wait for a table. -
Review from Dave T.
"Beeeeeeeessttt in the UNIVERSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" was the recommendation I got from a friend local to this place.
Not...exactly....but the pursuit of such things is admirable. They are definitely trying and succeeding at being more than a common Mexican restaurant.
You can tell that the place was converted from a breakfast type place from the past. If you notice that then you will notice that they made every effort to soften each and every corner of the place to make their own theme.
The food is creative. Many choice for breakfast including my two-tone eggs (green sauce on one egg, red on the other) with chorizo potatoes, and cactus thingys. A whole range of omelets, enchiladas, etc etc.
Try it
Dafe -
Review from Danesh I.
My wife and I recently went to Red Mesa during a brief stop in St. Pete. Though it looks unassuming from the exterior, and the interior is nothing to write about, the food here is amazing.
We tried the fried calamari as an appetizer, and I can't rave enough about the sauces which accompanied the perfectly fried calamari; both the chipotle and curry dipping sauces were divine.
My wife got some fried shrimp as her entree and I decided to go with a combination platter with a taco, enchilada, and empanada. Both our meals were PERFECT. The empanada crust could make anything taste good, it was simply delicious!
This restaurant is a must when stopping in St. Pete! -
Review from Charlie K.
St. Petersburg, FL
Update: gave this place another shot and was dissappointed once again. It took them 15 minutes to set an already clean table in a nearly empty restaurant and only managed to place out menus (no napkin or silverware). It seemed like they wanted to get rid of us the whole time we were there. At least the food was really good this time.
I'm not going to fight it if someone invites me here, but I'll continue skip this one and go to the Red Mesa Canteen location in downtown St. Pete. Slightly different menu (it's still all really good though) better service.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/9/2009
Let me preface this first: I don't know if it was just one poor experience as I hear mixed reviews… Read more »
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10/9/2009
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Review from Sandy H.
Nashua, NH
Went there for lunch today, and worried when we arrived that we'd have to wait, the lot was that full. We were seated right away, though, and our server promptly offered us drinks. We both ordered iced tea and, I have to say, it was fresh, cold, and actually tasted like tea...wonderful! That is unusual since many places serve watery or instant iced tea. My husband ordered the chicken quesadilla and loved it. He commented about its very nice ("unusual," to him) presentation. I had the cheese chili relleno and liked it very much, too. The red salsa was lightly and very pleasantly spicy -- not overwhelming. This dish was also well presented. The highlights of our visit were the freshness of the food, the iced tea, and the fact that the wait staff had smiles on their faces even when they were not waiting on customers!!!
I will definitely return because there were many other tempting dishes that I would like to try. -
Review from S C.
Bellevue, WA
Red Mesa is an very good Mexican restaurant -- and I would definitely recommend going there even if it's out of the way, as we did.
The menu is a mix of typical tex-mex items and some authentic and creative Mexican offerings. They had a spicy grouper special which really stood out. We had a large group and everyone was satisfied. I did try a sip of the sangria which was ok. They make their margeritas using agave wine, not tequila - and I found the drink palatable, though on the sweet syrupy side.
The service was good and friendly. One weird thing for a not-low-budget restaurant is their being sticklers about rationing 1 tray of chips and salsa per table with one free refill. That certainly seems out of place in an otherwise moderate-spendy type place. -
Review from Jeff L.
Culver City, CA
Pretty good, though not as good as some claim. Not sure how I would classify Red Mesa. It's 'based' on Mexican food, like Tex-Mex, but maybe somewhat more upscale version, I suppose. Get there before noon or after 1pm to avoid the long wait. It's become so popular that they now even have valet parking.
I personally like their Fish burritos and their Combination dishes (pork in green sauce). The prices are maybe 10-15% more than what I would normally pay, but there aren't many restaurants like it in St. Pete. The food here tastes pretty good and the portions are excellent.
Their service could be better. I'd give it 2.5-3 stars. I should mention that one time, i was served a glass of water with a large crack on the glass. Not sure if that's a reflection of their quality control or if it was a fluke. -
Review from Rob H.
Arlington, VA
Fairly clean flavors and a solid but not trendsetting menu.
The service was nice enough, and the place was very clean looking in the customer accessible areas. However, the food was decent, but not groundbreaking. Food seasoning was catering either to 'too spicy, heat without flavor' on the rare dish, or just bland with not a lot of depth on the other dishes. I rate this squarely above Chili's, which is not a huge compliment. -
Review from David G.
St. Petersburg, FL
This place is FANTASTIC!
Never had a bad meal here and its one of the best restaurants in Pinellas County.
We go here a lot and this is a must try if you have never been.
The service is excellent as well but it can get very busy...
Enjoy -
Review from Zach G.
St. Petersburg, FL
This restaurant is definitely one of the best St. Pete has to offer. It is up scale Mexican food with a very unique twist and fantastic presentation. Every food item they serve is top notch and is something you will not find anywhere else in the area.
I have had many different dishes at Red Mesa and all of them have been totally satisfying. Along with the great food is the great atmosphere; cool decorations, mood lighting, and festive music.
I know every time I go, I will have a good meal and will be treated well by the staff. It is certainly worth every penny.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/22/2010
This restaurant is definitely one of the best St. Pete has to offer. It is up scale Mexican food… Read more »
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1/22/2010
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Review from Dana V.
Sarasota, FL
The best Mexican food I've ever had. Simply awesome!! Get there early the place fills up quickly
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Review from Peter F.
Itasca, IL
Not your usual Mexican fare, semi nouvo. Very good. No liquor license, that's a shame. This restaraunt is making it on its great food alone.
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Review from Ryan B.
Lawrence, KS
Best Mexican inspired food I've had. We visited based on the Yelp reviews, and you guys came through for me again.
We started w/ the chips and salsa, and agreed that it had a fantastic and unique flavor. My brother got the chile relleno and loved it. They serve a cheese or meat version and he got the meat. I can't remember what kind it was, but I do remember that the flavor was very good. Not an incredible dish, but very solid and I'd be happy to have ordered it.
I got the Roast Pork Verde and it was outstanding. The pork was cooked almost perfectly, but a tiny bit on the dry side. The chile verde sauce was outstanding. I seriously think I could eat this dish every day.
Both dishes were served with a side of beans and rice that were excellent. Cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Very tasty, and I don't normally like rice dishes much. My bro also got both red and white sangria and raved about them. He preferred the red but liked both. I didn't try them.
The service was excellent. The server saw that one of our party was having trouble getting into a booth due to a health issue, and quickly offered to move us to a table without being asked. Nice job. He never interrupted our conversation with dumb questions like "do you want a refill". Overall, we never noticed him, which always indicates a good server in my book.
The decor was good for a Mexican place, however, the bar is admittedly pretty low. Subdued and lacking the ridiculous bold colors and sombrero hats. Refreshing.
Overall an excellent experience. I will make it a point to visit again when I'm back in St. Pete. -
Review from Kevin L.
Pound Ridge, NY
Ate lunch here today: ceviche sampler great...highly recommend the octopus. Very tender, which I didn't expect. El Gordo burrito huge and very tasty. Others had taquetos and raved as well as thumbs up on ahi tuna taco. Will make a regular stop when in st. Pete. Service was spot on and enthusiastic.
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Review from Tony O.
Nipomo, CA
This was my first time to Tampa/St. Pete. and I wound up with a couple of free days before flying out. Checked Yelp for some good Tex-Mex and Red Mesa was at the top of the list. Looked at the menu and the stuff shrimp sounded great. When I arrived there were three daily specials that sounded great too, but I stuck with my plan. The stuffed shrimp were great. The broccoli in the "fresh" vegetable side was a little on the weak side, but not enough to take a star away. I would have preferred a small bowl of black beans instead of the veggies. I will put Red Mesa at the top of my return list anytime I'm in the area in the future.
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Review from john h.
Winamac, IN
was skeptical for sure. have not seen a good mexican restaurant in st pete area.
wow was i impressed. chips came to the table. so so. they really could have used some salt. the salsa was good and smokey.
wasn't too hungry so i went with a cup of frijoles charro and the asada taco appetizer w a side of fresh jalapenos (of course).
the frijoles were HANDS DOWN thee best i have ever had. bacon chorizo, cilantro, onion. Thick, the beans cooked just right. I could have eaten a whole pot of them i am sure.
While i was trying to finish my cup o' beans, our dinners came out.
sizzling steak, chorizo, onion, cilantro, lime, seasoned well, cooked very well. the juices dripped down my wrist as i brought the corn tortilla wrapped goodness to my mouth.
My new favorite mexican/tex-mex/fusion (i guess) restaurant in the st. pete/clrwtr airpor area.
Captain Bob got a salad and it looked fresh and he said it was good, it seemed to me like a landslide of very good looking blue cheese tumbling down a greens mountain.
the rest of the entrees seemed kind of expensive but i bet they are good.....breakfast on sunday? i wish we were here to try it. maybe next time... -
Review from dave h.
Olney, MD
I was looking for good place to eat in St. Petersburg while I was traveling to Tampa on Spring break with the fam and this place came up as good with all you local Yelpers. And thank you for the tip.
Great mexican flavor and they are not afriad to spice it up, which is a good thing.
We went with a large group of 8 or so and 2 kids, they did a good job or getting us seated (once our whole party was there). The server did an excellent job of taking care of all of us and was able to split the bill.
The food was great, my carne asada was excellent, while my wife chicken dish had a great chipotle cream sauce on it that was well done.
Overall, thanks to the local yelpers for this recommendation, we were very pleased with the entire establishment. We were also impressed at how inexpensive it was; we were planning on paying a lot because it seemed like a up scale place, but the prices were very reasonable; $12-20/entree.
Only criticism is they only had 2 beers on tap, Dos XX Amber and Lager, i was hoping for a little more but when you are a Mexican restaurant, Dos XX is the good beer to turn too. -
Review from Georges L.
St. Petersburg, FL
*Awesome, try the three burrito combo.
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Review from erica p.
Tualatin, OR
The sangria was awesome, our food was delicious and not at all heavy like most places serving burritos, rice and beans. There was much more nuance to the flavors here than in many tex-mex styled restaurants, and I'm glad we put it on our list to try while on vacation. While you don't really come here for the atmosphere (it feels like any big-ish restaurant), the food is well worth the trip.
