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Authentic Mexican food

You are looking for Mexican food that honors its roots instead of catering to a watered-down version of the cuisine.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Casa 28 mexican grill image 1
Casa 28 mexican grill image 2

Large restaurant with authentic decor and multiple seating rooms offers a joyful atmosphere with music at a comfortable volume. Guests enjoy inexpensive, well-made margaritas alongside standout Mexican dishes like tacos and guacamole. The vibe is welcoming and casual, suitable for relaxed meals.

Latin dishes come out cooked to order with a focus on authentic Mexican flavors. The menu stays true to traditional recipes, delivering a highly authentic taste experience.

Steak street tacos stand out with fresh Carne Asada and savory chori pollo topped with queso and curizio. Guacamole Mexicano pairs well with chips and salsa, while tortas and pork burritos offer hearty options.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, fresh, and steaming hot."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the fajita molcajete bowl."

"I found the Mexican food here to be super authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 2-6 PM.

2

The menu has a variety of options at great prices.

3

Fountain soda drinks do not have free refills.

02
Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg image 1

Mexican restaurant with modern Mexican murals and a small outdoor patio welcomes guests and their dogs. Mariachi band and Latin Pop music create a lively, fun atmosphere. Tableside margarita service adds a unique touch to the experience.

Dishes burst with authentic Mexican flavor and come well prepared. Walls feature authentic artwork, adding to the genuine atmosphere.

Mexican food here features sweet plantains with Birria that stand out. The menu offers options for both vegans and non-vegans, paired with consistently fantastic service.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is great, thanks to Jake's thoughtful recommendations."

"I found the food to be amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Monday is Margarita Monday, with house margaritas costing $6.25.

2

Happy hour runs all afternoon with great deals on drinks.

3

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos.

03
Sabor Mexicali image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco stand shares parking lot with gas station, creating a nondescript exterior. Atmosphere stays pleasant and casual, with affordable prices and generous portions. Tacos offer authentic flavors reminiscent of street tacos from major cities.

Tacos deliver authentic flavor, especially the verde sauce. The food reflects real Mexican quality throughout.

Authentic Mexican food shines with fresh tortillas, homemade toppings, and mozzarella quesadillas. Tacos like Al Pastor and carne asada come at a solid value, around three dollars each.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be authentic and really good."

"I thought the Mexican food here was authentic and phenomenal."

"I found the food to be very good and authentic."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs only $3, offering a great deal.

2

Parking can be difficult when busy, as it shares a lot with a gas station.

3

The portions served are generous.

04
Cybel - French Moroccan Fusion image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers cozy cafรฉ vibe with indoor and outdoor patio seating. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, like a family gathering, with BYOB policy and no corkage fee. Space is small but decorated with an authentic charm and good music, creating a unique dining experience.

Dishes offer a traditional Moroccan experience with authentic Mediterranean flavors. The atmosphere carries an authentic charm that complements the food.

Chicken tacos stand out with strong flavors. Burritos impress with rich fillings. Tacos blend French Moroccan fusion elements, offering a unique twist on Mexican staples.

People are saying

"The lamb tagine at these dinner spots was super tender."

"The French taco is massive, messy, and weirdly delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant allows BYOB and has no corkage fee.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's increasing popularity.

3

The restaurant does not serve alcohol but allows bringing beer or wine with a $20 corkage fee.

05
Tiki Timโ€™s Pub and Grill image 1

Bar offers live music and a spacious outdoor patio with an outdoor bar. Atmosphere feels lively and relaxed, attracting a friendly crowd. Known for excellent Bloody Marys and fresh seafood dishes like crab cakes.

Authentic Philly cheesesteak features imported cheese whiz and hand-cut fries. Crab cakes use sweet lump meat and come with fries, reflecting true Philly and Maryland flavors.

Fresh chips and salsa come with a daily-made pico, not store-bought. The pulled pork quesadilla uses tortillas larger than a head, making it a big meal.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so kind and attentive, making it a great date spot."

"I found the authentic crab cakes made with sweet lump meat."

"The chips and salsa are fresh, with pico made daily."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

Drag bingo takes place every Wednesday at 7pm; arrive early for good seats.

06
Poppo's Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with concrete floors and bare walls offers casual indoor and outdoor seating, including picnic tables. Atmosphere feels genuine and relaxed with bright, vibrant energy and happy, laughing people. Tortillas and chips are made fresh in front of guests, adding to the lively vibe.

Tacos come homemade and taste super authentic. Chips stand out as some of the best authentic ones around.

Tacos and burritos stand out with fresh tortillas made to order and quality ingredients. The food is consistently great, affordable, and offers double rice and triple chicken options for customization.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were amazing and fresh."

"I loved watching them make the fresh tortillas for the Mexican food."

"I loved the authentic flavor and blend of ingredients in the tacos."

Good to know

1

Order from the counter if you have a dog.

2

They make tortillas from scratch for every order.

3

Ingredients are sourced high-quality, non-GMO, and hormone-free.

07
Taquitos Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean space with a lively atmosphere and fun 90's music sets a welcoming tone. The crowd enjoys authentic Mexican dishes like barbacoa and quesabirria tacos, paired with top shelf margaritas. A unique meal ticket system supports those in need, adding a community-focused touch.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and homemade taste. Beans, rice, and steak tacos stand out for their genuine preparation.

Authentic Mexican dishes shine with pork belly tacos, quesabirria, and baja fish tacos standing out. Fresh chips, salsa, and guacamole complement flavorful items like pozole, birria tacos, and chicken enchiladas Verde.

People are saying

"I always came here for the delicious tacos."

"The food here is truly authentic and amazing."

"You've gotta try the birria tacos here for a great date spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers happy hour from 2-5pm on weekdays and a couple of hours on Saturday.

2

Expect to pay $4.50 for chips and cheese sauce; no free chips and salsa provided.

3

They charge $1.99 for an additional container of salsa when you run out.

08
Mi Carreta Restaurant & Bakery image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant combines authentic cuisine with live music and a festive atmosphere. Spacious interior features comfortable seating and tasteful decoration, creating a lively yet pleasant vibe. The place often hosts live singers, enhancing the experience with vibrant sounds.

Savory and rich elements combine in dishes that capture the essence of Colombian cuisine. The atmosphere and flavors offer a great local spot feel with authentic Colombian flavor throughout.

Fajitas stand out as a mouth watering and easy-to-serve option for couples. Other notable dishes include bandeja paisa, bean casserole, and steak with fried eggs.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and tastes homemade."

"The food here is so authentic and flavorful, it tastes homemade."

"The Mexican food, especially the fajitas, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Live music happens on weekends at night.

2

Lunch specials vary each day, so check the menu.

3

Parking can be very tight, so arrive early.

09
Guac n' Cheese Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican restaurant offers multiple seating options including bar, booths, and outdoor sidewalk dining. Atmosphere stays pleasant and lively with loud music at times and a friendly, warm vibe. Known for authentic cuisine and 5-star margaritas made with fresh ingredients.

Beef enchiladas, refried beans, and rice deliver authentic Mexican flavors. Margaritas complement the genuine Mexican food well.

Fresh Birria empanadas and perfectly seasoned enchiladas stand out here. Free chips and salsa set the tone, while flavorful chicken quesadillas and tasty tacos round out the authentic Mexican food.

People are saying

"The beef enchiladas here are super authentic."

"I found the Mexican food here to be pretty great."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials are available from 11am to 3pm, but not on Mondays.

3

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early during peak hours.

10
Grand Hacienda image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican decor with vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and live music. Seating includes a spacious patio and clean booths. Food and drinks feature fresh ingredients and large, tasty margaritas.

Fresh, flavorful dishes showcase authentic Mexican flavors with great attention to detail. The atmosphere includes authentic Mexican decor and a family-friendly vibe that complements the food.

Mexican food features great tamales, steak fajitas, and tacos with strong flavors. Salsa and guacamole stand out, alongside a chorizo queso dip and margaritas that avoid watered-down taste.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentic."

"You should ask for Maria when you get the Mexican food."

"Fernando always provided excellent, authentic service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday until 6 pm with 2 for 1 drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday is a lively event with special deals on tacos.

3

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome.

11
Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with authentic cuisine and live mariachi music creates a lively yet sometimes noisy atmosphere. Family-friendly vibe includes free chips and salsa and stiff margaritas served by the pitcher. Decor is neat and inviting, focusing on tables and chairs without a bar area.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like tamales that taste fresh and traditional. The ambiance matches the genuine Mexican vibe, creating a consistent and high-quality experience.

Fresh Mexican food features great enchiladas with good flavor and a perfectly balanced horchata. Chips come with salsa and white queso that stands out for its quality.

People are saying

"The food here is consistently great and satisfying."

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best in town."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of free parking available near the restaurant.

2

Portions are large, so bring your appetite.

3

Menudo is a unique dish offered here, hard to find elsewhere.

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St. Petersburg, Florida

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