Brian Nagele
When you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, Tampa Bay is the perfect place to be.
Not only is Tampa known for things like beaches and amusement parks, but also for its rich hispanic heritage that has played a huge influence on making it the beautiful city you see today.
Just like Tampa, this list has it all! Whether you’re craving some Mexican-American classics, or all the way authentic cuisine that will take you away on a trip south of the border, this list definitely has the place for you.
Thirsty? Look no further for the best margaritas to go with your chips and queso!
We’ve gathered up the ultimate list of must-try Mexican restaurants in all of Tampa Bay, so go ahead and bring your friends and family down to any of these spots for a food fiesta!
Doña Kitchen
4337 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
Phone: 813-442-4299
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The first spot on our list is one you definitely should not pass up. Doña Kitchen is charmingly small, but don’t let the size fool you!
These authentic dishes are absolutely packed with the flavors of Mexico.
Located in gorgeous WestShore Palms, Doña Kitchen offers one of the widest varieties of protein options for your meal with eight different choices to pick from.
Our recommendation? One of everything! Just don’t forget to leave room afterwards for some homemade horchata and flan.
Green Lemon
915 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-868-5463
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Green Lemon is a gorgeous, colorful restaurant that prides itself on its energetic, modern take on Mexican Food, and rightfully so.
This is a big place with an enormous menu where even the tortillas for their tacos and burritos are made fresh.
The food is as beautiful as the atmosphere at Green Lemon, and remember those margaritas we mentioned?
Green Lemon offers five of their own unique versions of a margarita, including one made with jalapeño-infused tequila and chile liqueur for those of us who like everything with a little kick.
TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill
7521 N 56th St, Tampa, FL 33617
Phone: 813-989-2080
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TacoSon’s motto is “never underestimate the power of an awesome taco”, and we could not possibly agree more.
Tracing its origins all the way back to Sonora, Mexico, TacoSon is a family-owned restaurant serving up recipes that have been passed down for generations and perfected over decades of practice.
Located right next to the South Terrace Plaza shopping center and just a stone’s throw from the Hillsborough River, TacoSon has the true Mexican favorites like tamales and pollo en mole.
Mekenita Cantina
6707 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Phone: 813-232-8226
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Taking their inspiration directly from Oaxacan traditions and using the freshest ingredients, Mekenita Cantina has some of the finest food and craft cocktails in the Tampa Bay area.
Mekenita Cantina is the perfect spot to hit when you’re looking for that bit of upscale Mexican fare that we all love.
The ambiance is dimly-lit and cozy, great for either a big family dinner, or a quiet, romantic night out.
Make sure to stop by and try one of their grande burritos with smoked ancho chile sauce. You’ll be needing a siesta when you’re done!
Los Comparres
5305 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
Phone: 813-850-1380
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Los Comparres is a must-visit, hole-in-the-wall with some of the greatest Mexican street food in Tampa.
There are no frills to Los Comparres, what you see is what you get, and what you get is unbelievably tasty.
The menu is small but mighty. We highly recommend grabbing a few tostadas with a cup of ceviche, a mandarin Jarrito, and kicking back on the patio to enjoy the beautiful, sunny Tampa weather.
Mangonadas Mexican Kitchen
6823 N Habana Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
Phone: 813-374-7705
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Mangonadas Mexican Kitchen is easily one of Tampa Bay’s most well-hidden gems.
Not only can you satisfy your craving for the best foods like tacos and tortas, but you can also beat that infamous Florida humidity with ice cream and deliciously sweet fruit cups.
Less than two miles from Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, Mangonadas Mexican Kitchen is a little ways off the beaten path, but it is 100% worth going out of your way for.
Xtreme Tacos Seminole Heights
5609 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Phone: 813-304-2639
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Xtreme Tacos in Seminole Heights is one of Tampa Bay’s newer Mexican-American fusion restaurants that has quickly made a name for itself.
The cuisine is all authentic, right down to the handmade tortillas and Pork roasting on a trompo behind the counter, yet Xtreme Tacos manages to add their own daring twists.
The massive menu has just about any meal you can imagine, and then some that will blow your mind like the stoner burrito that measures in at an intimidating one and a half feet long!
Taqueria Emmanuel
2800 N Macdill Ave E, Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813-453-5954
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With an unassuming exterior, Taqueria Emmanuel is easy to miss, so you’ll definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for this one.
Inside is a small, cafe-style eatery with beautiful hand-painted wall murals that give it a quaint atmosphere.
Located just North of gorgeous MacFarlane Park on the corner of West Columbus Drive and North Macdill Avenue, this taqueria is tucked away in the heart of West Tampa.
The gorditas here are stuffed to the brim, and you will be too when you finish eating at Taqueria Emmanuel!
Crazy Burrito Authentic Mexican Grill
2506 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813-304-0881
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There is nothing crazier in Tampa Bay than Crazy Burrito Authentic Mexican Grill.
After all, its signature crazy burrito is completely massive and comes with not just one or two, but THREE different meats inside of it, including steak, seasoned pork, and chorizo.
Like the name suggests, Crazy Burrito’s specialty is obviously burritos, but we think the birria beef and cheese tacos are also quite crazy in their own right.
Lorita’s
10278 Causeway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: 813-644-5652
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This next restaurant is perfect for the out-of-town visitors because it’s located directly adjacent to the lovely Hampton Inn and Suites Tampa, but really it’s perfect for anyone that just loves Mexican fare.
Lorita’s covered outdoor patio can’t be beat at 1200 square feet! It’s our absolute favorite spot to relax with some chips, queso, and a Corona.
Chiles Mexican Restaurant
3247 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813-354-8335
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If you’re looking for Mexican cuisine but you’ve had enough tacos and burritos, come check out Chiles Mexican Restaurant!
Chiles is heavily focused on a much more traditional style of food that is unrivaled anywhere else in Tampa Bay.
They offer a humongous variety of authentic Mexican plated dishes like chile verde and chile rellenos.
Loli’s Mexican Cravings
3324 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
Phone: 813-374-3164
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Loli’s Mexican cravings is a fixture of the Tampa Bay area that serves up a unique atmosphere and the most delicious, authentic food.
Everything here is as mouth-watering as it sounds.
Just a little over a mile from the scenic Ballast Point Park, Loli’s is the perfect place to go for all your tamale, taco, and torta needs!
Our favorite snack is the elote!
Miguel’s Mexican Seafood and Grill
3035 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
Phone: 813-876-2587
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Miguel’s Mexican Seafood and Grill has some of the best atmosphere of any restaurant on this list. With its upscale, modern style and expansive menu, Miguel’s is sure to satisfy.
Looking to host an elegant dinner party for your friends and family? How about a stunning and professional meeting over cocktails?
Miguel’s has a private outdoor dining courtyard that is sure to impress for any occasion, as will the food.
Taco Dirty
2221 W Platt St, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-314-7900
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We think it’s much easier to enjoy good food when we know that it’s made with all-natural ingredients, and that’s why we love Taco Dirty.
Right on the corner of West Platt Street and South Howard Avenue is Taco Dirty, Tampa’s home to Mexican food of the freshest quality, and with the most natural ingredients possible.
Vegan friendly, antibiotic and hormone-free meat, GMO-free frying oils, and non-gluten fry batter are just some of the healthy food attributes that make Taco Dirty so incredible, not to mention the scrumptious taste.
Miguelitos Taqueria Y Tequila
2702 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
Phone: 813-872-5600
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From the same owner of Miguel’s Mexican Seafood and Grill comes Tampa Bay’s newest and most upscale Mexican restaurant, Miguelito’s Taqueria Y Tequila.
Thirsty? Thirst no more at Miguelitos where happy hour is Monday-Friday, 2pm-6pm, mimosas are half-off at brunch on Saturday and Sunday, 11am-3pm, and they have over 40 tequilas to try including chilled shots from Tampa’s only -5 degree tequila tap.
How could you leave out Los Chapos, better than 3/4 of the spots you mentioned…. huge omission.