522640 Mon May 26 06:07:59 -0700 2008 37 10 Florida 0 3720745 I'm trying to find a good Mexican restaurant that hasn't diluted its menu with food that has been influenced by other cultures (i.e., Mexican-Cuban or Mexican-Spanish) in an effort to appeal to a broader customer base (since this area is so diverse). Before everyone answers with Carmelita's and/or La Teresita's...I've been to those and others (Miguel's in Tampa and others that I didn't even bother remembering the name of), and they are good in their own right. I thought that I had found a gem in Los Mariachis, both the one on Ulmerton in Largo and the one on Gulf Blvd in St. Pete Beach. The food was OK, the salsa and chips were GREAT, but the service at both locations was horrible, even after going multiple times just in case they were having an 'off' night or were short-staffed. I swore that I would never go back after sitting through an entire meal with no drink. Suggestions anyone? On a related note, I'm REALLY a fan of salsa that is basically tomatoes, jalapenos, and garlic salt, without cilantro or huge chunks of onions. There's just something about cold (but spicy) salsa and hot chips fresh out of the warmer...Mmmmmm!! To touch on real Mexican food, I've been to Mexico and spent LOTS of time with friends and (more or less) family there. I also worked in a Mexican restaurant for 10+ years and learned a lot from the guys in the kitchen. This coming week I'm going to El Taconazo, AKA The Taco Bus, for the first time and I've been told by many people that I'm going to love it. I certainly hope so!! Are there any other places that you Hounds would consider good enough to earn the title of authentic? Thanks, Matt Mon May 26 06:08:00 -0700 2008 195227 delfin1205 1 3721008 Hey delfin1205 - there's already lots of posts about this on the board - I suggest you search for 'Tampa Mexican'. Mi Mexico and Taconazo are the most common places named but you'll find lots of discussion of other places and their authenticity (or lack of it) too. Mon May 26 08:37:09 -0700 2008 3720745 63059 rebecca.kukla 1 3722083 i could barely choke my food down at carmelitas. i tried it twice and have now officially written it off. try el toro negro in kenneth city. pretty legit. im anxious to find this taco bus, this is news to me! thanks! Mon May 26 17:12:26 -0700 2008 3720745 90096 sarahew1 2 3725000 Algusto's on Kennedy Blvd across from UT(just west of dowtown). My Texas buddies swaer by it, very very fresh mexican. Tue May 27 15:38:25 -0700 2008 3722083 17583 rshally 1 3725767 There's a great little spot on Treasure Island called "The VIP". When you walk in, you'd think you're just in a dive bar, but the food is amazing. Not a jar or can in the kitchen (you can walk in it anytime) everything is fresh, and not a word of English being spoken on the line (not that that's a rarity I guess). The "wet" burritos are a thing of beauty. Tue May 27 19:36:01 -0700 2008 3720745 194336 matt21sz 1 3726042 Dude... Tue May 27 21:39:19 -0700 2008 3720745 10783 Mild Bill 1 3746710 Vallarta's is good, they have two locations, one on 56th street, and another on Dale Mabry. There's also Maya's, it's on Fletcher. Tue Jun 03 16:21:14 -0700 2008 3720745 176513 cgcollins 2 3780975 Vallarta's? you're kidding right? Tastes like dog food in a stale tortilla! Sat Jun 14 16:07:47 -0700 2008 3746710 147128 FrankC 1 3771230 I had fantastic chips and salsa at Red Mesa the other night! Just as you described. I know it's a contemporary Mexican/ Southwest hybrid but man, the meal I had the other night was really good. Wed Jun 11 13:18:11 -0700 2008 3720745 123887 loveinmytummy 1 3778954 I would second the recommendation for Algusto's on Kennedy - very tasty and the owners are great! The Fancy chimichanga is great and I their beef tacos - cubed not ground beed are also very good with the soft corn shells Fri Jun 13 15:52:33 -0700 2008 3720745 200589 kvg74 1 3779463 delfin1205: Have you been to the taqueria at the Acapulco Grocery on Macdill? I think laurie mentioned it in a thread a few weeks back, but I have not read anything else on it in any other thread. I think it's worth checking out, although I don't know exactly the type of experience you're looking for. (No chips and salsa at the Acapulco.) For what it's worth, I've been to the Acapulco twice and to the Taco Bus twice since I've moved to Tampa, and I think the Acapulco comes out on top (strictly for a taco experience). The Acapulco is nothing to look at, though: it's a counter in the back of a small grocery store, and they serve only tacos, maybe a menudo, and perhaps another stew for good measure. I've enjoyed their meats (tripe is excellent), and I've enjoyed their salsas immensely, too. I think their salsas are much tastier than the Taco Bus's (especially la salsa verde). I don't think you can argue that the Acapulco is not authentic, but if you want variety, you're looking in the wrong place. Noice Fri Jun 13 19:55:28 -0700 2008 3720745 60552 Noice 1 3779978 Matt, if you want really good Hidalgo-style tacos, sopes, and gorditas, try La Cabana del Tio on Drew St. in Clearwater. The owner is from Hidalgo, and the place caters to the area's Mexican immigrant population. Their homemade tortillas are to die for. This place is a true dive, but since you've traveled extensively in Mexico it should remind you of the sort of neighborhood joint common in Central Mexico. Bring cash and bone up on your Spanish before you go. Last time I was there I had to translate for an American couple trying to order at the counter for the first time. A place I was not at first fond of but now love is Casa Tina in Dunedin. Casa Tina recently expanded to a larger facility next to its original space and has decorated the place in a sort of artsy, off-beat Frida Kahlo-ish, San Miguel-ish style. I love their pozole and their enchiladas (both red and green). They recently started offering Guadalajara-style tacos (carne asada, carnitas, panela and chorizo, or rajas) served with three delectable sauces. This is pricier than your typical Mexican resto (the taco plate's 10 bucks and the enchiladas 13), but worth it in my estimation. An added benefit is that they use a healthier style of cooking (sans lard) than what you typically find at Mexican restaurants. Sat Jun 14 06:56:36 -0700 2008 3720745 13413 laurie 2 3788702 laurie: I just came from the Cabaña del Tio today and all I can do is rub my tummy and say, "Wow." How right you are about their tortillas -- I don't remember ever having better on the East Coast. The brain (I was surprised they were serving it) and the carnitas were exceptional, although the al pastor was a bit too "saucy" for me. My buddy had the sopes, and they, too, were outstanding. The Cabaña is much better, in my estimation, than the Acapulco or the Taco Bus (I haven't been to Casa Tina), and I will be in those bar stools sipping horchatas as often as possible. Thanks for the tip. Noice Tue Jun 17 14:28:39 -0700 2008 3779978 60552 Noice 3 3790044 I agree that Cabana is better than Taconazo- especially since the bus doesn't offer sopes. But Taconazo has more space for folks to sit and eat. Mmm, I'm dying to get to Cabana again- it's been too long. Though I haven't been since the update, I think Casa Tina is in a different category than Cabana. Wed Jun 18 06:00:40 -0700 2008 3788702 15121 rikkikm 4 3790502 Mi Mexico! Don't forget Mi Mexico! Wed Jun 18 08:24:12 -0700 2008 3790044 63059 rebecca.kukla 4 3825052 Totally agree that Casa Tina is in a different category. While it caters to an upscalish, American crowd, I have been impressed with how they pull off traditional dishes while eliminating the use of lard and keeping the grease to a minimum. Sun Jun 29 19:11:35 -0700 2008 3790044 13413 laurie 3 3825046 Glad you enjoyed it, Noice! Sorry you didn't enjoy the al pastor. They are my personal faves. Next time, also try the bistec con nopales. The straight bistec doesn't have a lot of flavor in my book, but the mix of bistec con nopales is awesome! Sun Jun 29 19:07:18 -0700 2008 3788702 13413 laurie 4 3859448 laurie: I must have passed over the bistec con nopales on the menu -- that's reason enough to go back this weekend! Thanks again. Noice Fri Jul 11 08:21:27 -0700 2008 3825046 60552 Noice 3 4078216 One of my favorite places on BOTH coasts. Today I had a carnitas tacos and a carnitas gordito, my friends had tacos pastor and quesadilla pollo...excellent, excellent. I could eat there every day. Thu Oct 02 18:00:24 -0700 2008 3788702 210245 abaesel 1 3823071 Agave on St Pete Beach is great. Also the very informal "mom and pop" called El Paso, on Heather Ridge Blvd in Dunedin is very tasty stuff. Red Mesa in St Pete, is a Southwest fusion style restaurant, but the food is really good. Sat Jun 28 20:21:44 -0700 2008 3720745 204859 zman0457 1 4061035 The only places I like are The Taco Bus, Red Mesa & Algustos. Vallartas, Estalas, & Miguels are nasty. I'd rather go to Tijuana Flats because even TF's fake mexican food tastes better and is cheaper. Thu Sep 25 09:54:16 -0700 2008 3720745 228457 lperez 1 4061732 we finally have something decent near USF on Fowler Avenue. Del Valle market has a kitchen, and their burritos keep me going all day long into the night (which is saying a lot). While it isn't the best mexican food i've had, it is hearty and flavorful. The quality of the meat tends to be better than Taconazo, and they often cook the meat and onions on a hot griddle, while brings a better seared flavor than Taconazo's stewed meats. At Taconazo, I've enjoyed the cochinita pivil (sp?), a smoked pork with citrus and spices--- an intriguing flavor. I enjoyed a nice nuevo Mexican lunch at Mariposa's in Land O lakes (?) recently, and their house made salsas area excellent--- especially the guajillo. Stay away form Vallarta's. Thu Sep 25 14:04:19 -0700 2008 3720745 13633 andy huse 2 4063985 Andy - where on Fowler is this? I drive the Fowler strip many times weekly and haven't noticed it. Thanks for the tip! Fri Sep 26 11:41:21 -0700 2008 4061732 63059 rebecca.kukla 3 4066894 right next door to Trang Viet Cuisine, in the same strip mall. Sat Sep 27 20:37:49 -0700 2008 4063985 13633 andy huse 4 4077068 Andy, thank you very much for the recommendation. I went to Del Valle for lunch and it was really good. I had three tacos (lengua, al pastor, and chorizo) and a torta (milaneza). The meats were excellent and the tortillas were thick and fresh. I am not sure that they were home made but they were certainly a notch above the standard tortilla. The green and red salsas were excellent, particularly the red. My only regret is that I did not see the menu until I went to pay. They also have tamales and huaraches. There is another item on the menu called a pambazo. I just googled it and that looks like a must try next time as well. I also like the market quite a bit. There was a different thread on Chowhound recently about huitlacoche (corn smut) and Flor de Calabaza (zucchini flowers). The market carries both. Well done, Andy. Thu Oct 02 10:48:45 -0700 2008 4066894 87905 CFishman 2 4085771 I got around to trying Del Valle for lunch. I only had pastor tacos, as the menu claimed that they don't allow choosing more than one meat in their three taco meal. I agree with Fishman above; the tortillas might not be in-house, but they are definitely better than what you get at El Taconazco (they use a product that I can buy at Publix.) The pastor was good, if a little dry, but they didn't skimp on portions. Tacos were topped with pico and avocado, with lime wedges on the side. The table sauces were red (tasted like chile and water, little other discernible flavor or texture) and green (fresh chile and avocado, I liked this one better.) The staff were very helpful and both the girl at the kitchen and the man working the tienda (the owner?) were very accommodating and my poor Spanish skills were not a problem (their English was superb.) Too soon yet to say how they stack up with Taconazco or everyone's favorite Pinellas taquerias, but I look forward to trying more of their menu. I'm thrilled to have a closer joint to the USF area to get my taco fix. Thanks (yet again) Andy. Mon Oct 06 12:31:03 -0700 2008 4061732 106932 Agent Orange 1 4062451 Edit: I once went to Vallarta's because Malena's was closed. Biggest disappointment. Salsa was store bought and I payed more money and was still hungry afterwards. Last time I went to Malena's I had to have a friend help me finish my meal. Thu Sep 25 19:00:38 -0700 2008 3720745 228591 cudnylon 1 4069236 There's a relatively new place in Clearwater on Drew just west of 19 called Pancho Villa. I've been just once, but I was impressed with my order (coctel de camarones, which is the Mexican version of shrimp cocktail) as well has DH's and DD's. DH had a whole fried snapper and while one side was a bit overdone, the fish itself was fresh and succulent. DD had a filet mignon with a dee-lish chimichurri-like cilantro-based sauce. DH has been several times for breakfast and swears by their huevos rancheros. It has a pretty extensive menu with both Mexican and TexMex offerings. Prices are reasonable for what you get. I plan to try it again in the near future and will report back. Mon Sep 29 06:33:51 -0700 2008 3720745 13413 laurie 2 4073334 Ok, inspired by my own post, we checked out Don Pancho Villa for dinner on Monday. DD and I both had the bistec a la Tampiquena, which was a perfectly seasoned and grilled skirt steak served with three enchiladas of your choice of either red or green sauce and guacamole. The enchiladas were Mexican style as opposed to the fat, overstuffed TexMex ones--three tortillas bathed in a chile ancho sauce, folded over and filled with a smattering of queso fresco. They were authentic and very good! But the steak is among the best of its type I've had, and reminded me of some of my fave meals I've had south of the border. They really know how to prepare steak, and at under 12 bucks, to boot. DH had the enchiladas especiales, a plate of 5 enchiladas in a rich tomato and chile sauce. They were quite good, and he was also very pleased with his order. The place was virtually empty the night we were there, a likely casualty of the economy and the slow season. I'd really like to see this place survive for selfish reasons, so please check it out if you are ever in the area. It's in Clearwater in the strip mall on the south side of Drew just west of U.S. 19, next to Savant. Tue Sep 30 19:10:57 -0700 2008 4069236 13413 laurie 3 4074453 I assume that this place is part of a chain, and that the Don Pancho Villa at Armenia Ave. and Tampa Bay Blvd. is part of the same chain? Wed Oct 01 09:47:55 -0700 2008 4073334 63059 rebecca.kukla 4 4075731 The waitress the other night told us that it is the same owner. My understanding is that this is the second of his restaurants. That's not quite what I think of as a "chain". Wed Oct 01 19:13:42 -0700 2008 4074453 13413 laurie 5 4076319 Good to know. The Armenia one certainly looks like part of a chain ... perhaps they have aspirations to chain-dom, though I agree that two doesn't count. I will try it now! It's right by my house but I have never been in there, precisely because it looked chain-like, even though I have been tempted. Thu Oct 02 05:39:14 -0700 2008 4075731 63059 rebecca.kukla 6 4076401 Great, let me know what you think. Of course I haven't (yet) sampled the menu extensively, but the fam and I have been consistently impressed by their steaks, especially for the price. Thu Oct 02 06:21:27 -0700 2008 4076319 13413 laurie 1 4072363 Guadalajara on Hillsboro has a menu that reads much more authentic than a tex-mex joint. My wife and I went on a Sunday evening and were one of only two tables of grengos in the restaurant. I had a sampler plate that was good, but included a barbacoa (braised beef cheek) taco that was awesome. I think that with repeat visits and better ordering a fantastic meal lies within. Tue Sep 30 10:47:54 -0700 2008 3720745 122789 yeah yeah 2 4351165 A great new edition is Cinco de Mayo on 7th and 20th in Ybor. They have some awesome tacos for the adventurous including goat, al pastor, and beef tongue. The breaded steak is also great, and the margs are strong and cheap. I'm also partial because the staff barely speaks english. Fri Jan 23 10:34:14 -0800 2009 4072363 122789 yeah yeah 3 4353258 Just moved to Tampa for San Antonio. Where can you find Barbacoa, the all meat kind? Sat Jan 24 06:38:00 -0800 2009 4351165 260017 wiskeygolf 4 4368085 They have barbacoa at the taco bus (Taconazo on Hillsborough and Nebraska.) It's the beef kind. It's the only place I've had barbacoa so I can't tell you how it compares to how they make it in San Antonio. Wed Jan 28 21:31:13 -0800 2009 4353258 106932 Agent Orange 1 5158112 Super Saver Supermarket, south side of Fletcher Avenue at N. 20th Street. In addition to the market, hot breakfast and lunch chafing dishes. Menudo (tripe soup) daily! Piles of chicharrones! Good stuff. Thu Nov 05 09:13:56 -0800 2009 3720745 1111606 jcmoore