Best Hispanic/Latino restaurants in Tampa Bay?

April 8, 2008 6:02 PM

Living in Dunedin I know of Casa Tina, which I am not that impressed by. Besides The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City and Terra Sur what are some of the best places to get some good quality Hispanic/Latino food in the greater Tampa Bay area? It doesn't matter if its Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Peruvian, etc. This could also be a really fancy place or even a hole in the wall type of establishment (which can be the best).
posted by Number27 to food & drink (10 comments total)

Hmm, it's been a while since I've been there but I used to like La Teresita, in the West Shore area (3246 W Columbus Dr) - it was always crazy-cheap, and even my Cuban friends said it tasted pretty authentic ... I generally got takeaway rather than eating in so I can't comment a whole lot on the service, but they made some mighty tasty Cuban dishes.

Can't wait to see what other people suggest, I'll be down in Tampa myself in a few weeks ...
posted by zeph at 6:19 PM on April 8, 2008

La Teresita, either in West Shore or the one in Pinellas Park (on 66th St.) are both very good Cuban.

Vallartas on N. Dale Mabry is pretty good Mexican.
posted by tomierna at 6:27 PM on April 8, 2008 [1 favorite]

I always get cubans from The Silver Ring when I go "home" and for bolice that I bring home to cook myself I go to Cacciatore's.
posted by hollygoheavy at 6:29 PM on April 8, 2008

I'm also not really a fan of Casa Tina, though my sister loves it so we usually wind up there regardless.

La Cabana del Tio on Drew in Clearwater is great Mexican with fantastic homemade tortillas -- I haven't been in a while, but I think it's still open. Mi Tierra Columbiana is good (and sworn up and down to be authentic by a Columbian friend) south of Gulf-to-Bay on Highland, also in Clearwater.
posted by ThatSomething at 7:18 PM on April 8, 2008

I am a Tampa transplant originally from Houston, TX... it was priority to find good latin ( i am partial to Mexican) food shortly after we moved here...
some suggestions -
good quality mexican/southwestern cuisine try Red Mesa in St. Pete - 4912 4th St. N

Hole in the wall? or should I say BUS! - El Taconazo at 913 E Hillsborough Ave at Nebraska. pretty cheap and authentico!

heard good things about Rincon Catracho on N. Florida Ave but haven't been there...

and last but not least - Mema's Alaskan Tacos in Ybor. 1604 N 17th St.... doesn't sound mexican but it is... there is a story behind the name, but I will let you go explore it on your own.

have fun and keep the suggestions coming thanks for posting this question I never thought to ask
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 8:29 PM on April 8, 2008 [1 favorite]

Just came in here to suggest La Teresita and Vallarta's. If La Teresita is too busy, there's a place right nearby called Arco Iris that's pretty good. Also La Lechonera on Armenia north of Hillsborough for Puerto Rican.
posted by penduluum at 8:30 PM on April 8, 2008

God, how did I forget El Taconazo (aka "the taco trailer" in my house). Go immediately.
posted by penduluum at 8:32 PM on April 8, 2008

I am going to second Red Mesa in St. Pete. Man is the food there good! I don't live in Tampa Bay but have family down there.
posted by robinrs at 12:57 AM on April 9, 2008

Thirding Red Mesa.

Also, there's an awesome little casual Cuban place on East Bay called "Nearly Famous Tampa-Style Cubans"...

For what Americans traditionally think of as "Mexican food," the local Pinellas county chain Los Mariachis isn't bad. They've got a location on Cleveland, and another on Ulmerton.
posted by jbrjake at 6:27 AM on April 9, 2008

Nthing Red Mesa; I live about 30 seconds from there and it's a great place. Highly recommend reservations. Be sure and get the sangria.
posted by willmize at 6:51 AM on April 9, 2008