Best Mexican Restaurants in St. Pete/Clearwater
Diners rave about this tiny, family-owned spot in Pinellas Park, El Huarache Veloz!
From tacos to tequila, these taquerias and cantinas dish out some of the best Mexican food in St. Pete/Clearwater. Use this list to plan out your weekly taco Tuesday outing, or to satisfy your everyday craving for some south-of-the-border flavor. Either way, every day’s a good day for sizzling, saucy Mexican cuisine.
Casita Taqueria, St. Pete
Casita Taqueria uses fresh produce and makes its corn tortillas in-house.
You know a restaurant is good when they have three successful locations in one city! Casita Taqueria is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant in St. Pete with an authentic and festive vibe. Everything is made from scratch with the freshest ingredients, including their corn tortillas and chips.
Grand Hacienda, St. Pete
It’s always a party at Grand Hacienda with its jumbo margaritas in an array of creatively spicy, sweet and savory flavors. Sip a festive drink while enjoying signature dishes such as house made tamales or pulled chicken with complex Poblano Mole sauce. The St. Pete location is on 11th Ave. N., but you’ll find two additional locations – one near Tyrone Square Mall and the other in St. Pete Beach.
Nitally's ThaiMex Cuisine, St. Pete
This bold fusion of Thai-Mex cuisine is what foodies dream of. Imagine delicious creations such as Chipotle Pad Thai, Panang mole curry served in a burrito, or tacos topped with peanut sauce. At Nitally's, many of these creative entrees can be made vegetarian or vegan friendly!
Nueva Cantina, St. Pete and St. Pete Beach
Nueva Cantina serves up exciting contemporary Mexican cuisine that is sure to impress any foodie’s palate. Everything is made fresh, in-house, from locally sourced ingredients. Even their guacamole is made fresh to order! Paired with a festive decor, it’s sure to provide the perfect Latin dining experience. Pro tip: Order a refreshing frozen margarita.
Poppo’s Taqueria, St. Pete
Poppo's Taqueria in St. Pete serves tasty tacos made fresh to order every time.
Using only fresh ingredients, Poppo’s Taqueria really stands out. Enjoy a classic Poppo's taco with your choice of protein, pico, slaw and delicious feta cheese. With hand-pressed corn tortillas made fresh for each order, you really can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu. Pro tip: Order an ice-cold horchata to complete the experience.
Red Mesa Cantina, St. Pete
Red Mesa Cantina in St. Pete offers perfect alfresco dining in the outside courtyard.
This is the perfect spot for a group gathering – Red Mesa Cantina is a modern Mexican taqueria and tequila bar, where social dining is a celebration. Enjoy the largest selection of tequila in the area, paired with an a la carte menu full of creative bites. You'll find two locations in St. Pete – Red Mesa Cantina in downtown St. Pete and Red Mesa Restaurant north of the downtown area, located on 4th St. N.
Red Mesa Mercado, St. Pete
Red Mesa Mercado in St. Pete is a fast-casual outdoor food spot with a full bar.
Not to be confused with its big brother and sister Red Mesa Cantina and Red Mesa Restaurant, Red Mesa Mercado is an iconic quick serve/outdoor eatery where Cali-Mex and old-world Mexican flavors meld. It’s located in St. Pete’s trendy Edge District and is a great local spot for mouthwatering street tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more.
Taco Dirty, St. Pete
St. Pete's Taco Dirty may have a funny name, but you'll love the food.
With an edgy name, Taco Dirty serves up some incredibly fresh and unique modern Mexican fare! You can find this Ciccio Restaurant Group concept in the newly opened On The Fly Food Hall on 4th St. N. in St. Pete, alongside its siblings - Better Byrd, Sweet Soul, and Fresh Kitchen. Tacos and bowls are their specialty, but mix-and-match with the other concepts to really level up your experience.
Casa Tina Mexican Grill, Dunedin
This vibrantly decorated Mexican restaurant known for hosting local fiestas can be found right in the heart of Dunedin. Sip on craft cocktails and enjoy a menu with all-natural selections, with many vegan/vegetarian options available. Pro tip: Don't miss Casa Tina's Cirque Show that happens in the restaurant every Saturday and Sunday.
Los Amigos Dos, Dunedin
Be sure to visit Los Amigos Dos, a family-run Mexican restaurant and supermarket in Dunedin.
This hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant and supermarket is considered one of Dunedin’s best-kept secrets. Los Amigos Dos goes back to the basics, with simple and authentic cuisine, great service and affordable prices. You'll find Mexican dishes of all varieties and flavors on their extensive menu.
El Huarache Veloz, Pinellas Park
Small, family-owned El Huarache Veloz in Pinellas Park is known for authentic Mexican food, including delicious tacos.
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, El Huarache Veloz is the spot to go (just read the reviews on Yelp and you'll see diners raving, "Wow... 100% legit" and "So delicious!" and "AMAZING food"). Located in an inconspicuous strip mall in Pinellas Park, this small, family-owned hidden gem serves up some of the best tacos you’ll find anywhere outside of Mexico. There's a take-out window, or you can dine inside the small restaurant.
Marina Cantina, Clearwater Beach
Enjoy gorgeous views of Clearwater Beach while dining al-fresco at Marina Cantina.
At Marina Cantina, dig into the freshest local seafood highlighted in authentic Mexican dishes. Enjoy rooftop views of Clearwater Beach, with a refreshing house-made margarita in hand. Pro tip: Elevate your experience by dining at sunset.
VIP Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, Treasure Island
It’s not uncommon for this local hot spot to have a line to get a table, but we promise it’s worth the wait. Come here for one of VIP Mexican's famous "wet burritos" smothered in sauce and melted cheese, washed down with a margarita.