Celebrate National Taco Day At Tampa’s #1 Voted Taco Spot
It’s National Taco Day, and if you’re looking to celebrate in the Tampa area there are many viable options. There are a lot of places that claim to have the best, but there is only one place that is always in the mix for the best tacos in the bay. Everyone meet one of Creative Loafing‘s winners for the Best of the Bay Tacos category, Red Mesa.
Red Mesa
With 3 different locations, Red Mesa has become a staple in Saint Petersburg. Not only did they win the best tacos category in the Best of the Bay competition, but also the best margarita, sangria, guacamole, tequila bar and all-around restaurant. So even if you’re not in the mood for tacos, there’s a lot more customers can enjoy.
I paid a visit to the Red Mesa Restaurant and spoke with the manager Sergio to find out a little more about the chain. It was evident that his favorite part of the job was his interaction with the people that ate there. “I love seeing the smile on everyone’s faces when they leave here.” Sergio said. “I feel like I am helping people have a better day. We also have really good drinks to help if you are having a bad one.” I also got a little history about Chef Chris, who was the person who prepared my food. The Puebla, Mexico native has been working at the restaurant for 18 years and tries to add the flavor of his home in all of his dishes. Puebla is known for its culinary arts, and its safe to say I could taste it when eating I was eating.
Street Tacos
After asking all the employees what their favorite dish was on the menu, it was evident that I needed to try Red Mesa’s Street tacos. You can also choose between chicken or sirloin, but the bartender recommended that I tried the brisket. I’m so glad I took her suggestion because this taco hit the spot. The soft taco with brisket, encurtido, pickled red onions and cilantro was slappin’, but the chile guajillo sauce is what won me over. You HAVE to try it.
Crispy Taco
I was more than satisfied with the first taco, but I couldn’t go and just try one flavor! I also wanted to try one of their hard tacos, so I ordered the crispy taco. Since I already tried the brisket in the first taco, I ordered the chicken this time around to compare it to other tacos in the area. Red Mesa stood strong against the competition. The shredded chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo and monterey jack cheese was delicious, but the crispy taco is what set it off for me.