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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Tampa

Al pastor and salsa

You want al pastor that is properly seasoned and a salsa that actually brings the right heat.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Tachingón Tampa image 1
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Small, cozy restaurant combines hole-in-the-wall charm with a tiny market inside. Atmosphere feels authentic and homey, reflecting a family-owned vibe with homemade tortillas and salsas. Tacos, especially al pastor, stand out as some of the best in the area.

Tacos al pastor come with rotisserie-style meat cooked on a spike with pineapple. The flavor stands out as incredible and top-tier, often noted as the best tacos al pastor around.

Salsas here are made in house with authentic Mexican peppers, offering a spicy and flavorful kick. They pair well with tacos and come with a fresh, homemade touch.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Al Pastor tacos were the best I've ever tasted."

"The al pastor tacos are cooked on a traditional trompo."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is only open Thursday through Sunday.

2

Expect a small wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Prices are not listed on the menu, which may lead to surprises.

02
Tacos El Borracho image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tucked under trees with covered outdoor seating, this Mexican spot offers a romantic, breezy atmosphere. Family-run with authentic recipes and homemade tortillas, it serves some of the best tacos in the area. The setting is simple, located at a gas station, with a friendly vibe and quick service.

Tacos feature al pastor meat with a strong flavor. They come with marinated pork and are served in a traditional style. The taste is rich and satisfying.

Salsas bring a serious kick with a good balance of flavor and spice. Salsa verde stands out with its mild heat and tasty profile.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and worth the trip."

"The tacos were super flavorful and delicious."

"The Al Pastor tacos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advised for large orders to avoid long wait times.

2

The tacos cost $4 each, which is slightly higher than average.

3

The restaurant is located in a gas station parking lot.

03
Tacos Esthers image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos with handmade corn tortillas and generous portions. Atmosphere includes a Christian vibe with music that creates a welcoming energy. Prices stay reasonable, especially during Taco Tuesdays when tacos cost $2.50 each.

Tacos al pastor come out fresh and flavorful with a delicious taste that stands out among other options.

Homemade salsa picante and salsa verde stand out with fresh, balanced flavors. Chips come with these salsas, making a solid combo alongside tacos and guacamole.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing."

"The salsa here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the Al Pastor tacos to be very fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $2.50 each during Taco Tuesdays.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Expect a family-friendly atmosphere with no alcohol served.

04
Taqueria Emanuel image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, dated Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos with fresh, homemade flavors in a quiet atmosphere. Busy around lunchtime, it features affordable prices and accommodates vegans with clean, ready seating.

Al Pastor stands out with its very flavorful profile and is a must-try alongside carnitas. It appears often in tacos and burritos, paired with other meats like lengua and tripa.

Chips come with top tier salsa verde and other salsas that are consistently rated 10/10. The salsa stands out as one of the favorite ones in Tampa.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos with green sauce were the best."

"You have to try the Al Pastor tacos; they're really flavorful."

"The chorizo tacos were out of this world."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

The self-service kiosk displays prices and descriptions of menu items.

3

Expect busy hours between 11:45 AM and 1 PM, especially on weekdays.

05
Talkin' Tacos Temple Terrace image 1

Black lights and glowing tables with mandala designs create a vibrant, fun atmosphere. Neon signs and handmade art murals add unique visual appeal. Music plays a key role, enhancing the welcoming, family-friendly vibe.

Steak Al Pastor features grilled steak, pineapple, and pickled onions topped with Cotija cheese and avocado salsa. Tacos offer bold, unique flavors with a mix of savory and sweet elements.

Fresh made salsa comes from the kitchen on request, featuring an avocado salsa with balanced heat and flavor. Toppings like onions and cilantro blend naturally, not as an afterthought.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the food; it was delicious and came out hot."

"The Al Pastor tacos have tender pork with a sweet pineapple kick."

"The salsa here is rich and flavorful, perfect for dunking."

Good to know

1

Orders can only be placed via the vending machine.

2

The restaurant offers express dining with order at a kiosk and food brought out to me.

3

They have great deals for Taco Tuesdays with special pricing on all tacos.

06
Mari Mexican Tacos image 1

Small space offers a cozy, warm atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavors served in generous portions. Tacos, sopes, and tostadas stand out for their freshness and classic preparation. The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it a favored spot for genuine Mexican food.

Tacos feature classic Mexican style with cilantro and onions. The al pastor stands out alongside steak for its flavor.

Salsas here are homemade with a perfect heat level in the red salsa. Both options served with tacos come out fantastic and fresh.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best tacos I had in Tampa."

"I thought the homemade salsa was fantastic."

"I really enjoyed the Al Pastor taco with cilantro and onions."

Good to know

1

From 11am to 2pm, they offer a lunch special where you can choose any item from the menu for $10.

2

The lunch menu is very affordable with generous portions.

3

Expect fresh ingredients in every dish, as everything is homemade.

07
Lolis Tacos - Westshore image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a salsa and hot sauce bar offering multiple heat levels for self-service. The space is bright and open with a casual, cozy atmosphere that stays quiet during dinner hours. Patrons enjoy authentic, flavorful tacos in a clean, pleasant setting with an outside patio.

Al Pastor tacos come in various forms like tacos, quesabirria, and bowls. The flavor stands out as delicious and often leads to ordering more, showing strong appeal.

A salsa bar offers a wide range of options from mild to wild, making the meal more interactive and flavorful. All the salsas stand out and add a distinct kick to the dishes.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"I loved the variety of fresh salsas available."

"I always end up ordering more Al Pastor because it's so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday specials offer discounted tacos every Tuesday.

2

Expect to order at the counter; there is no table service.

3

Vegetarian options include Beyond products for plant-based diets.

08
EL SABOR DE MEXICO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican decor and a bar area playing Mexican music creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The space fills with a diverse crowd including families and locals, making it lively and a bit noisy. Tables are spaced to avoid feeling cramped despite the small size.

Tacos feature rich, flavorful al pastor meat with a delicious blend of spices. The tender texture stands out in every bite.

Fresh chips and salsa come free and taste amazing. The complimentary nachos with salsa appetizer adds a delicious touch.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is so good, I could eat the whole portion."

"I found the Al pastor tacos to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Parking is available, but it can be limited during peak hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

09
Nueva Cantina - Brandon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with holiday-themed decor and a covered outdoor patio creates a festive and inviting atmosphere. Music plays a key role, adding to the chill and fun vibe. Margaritas stand out with unique, flavorful options that complement authentic tacos and other dishes.

Tacos feature very flavorful al pastor with a mild Verde sauce and a hot sweet habanero sauce that pairs well. The al pastor tacos stand out as delicious and well-seasoned.

Chips and salsa stand out with great flavors and a simple, fresh approach. The salsa pairs well with queso and guacamole, making the chip platter a solid choice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The chips and salsa here were the best I had."

"The Al Pastor tacos were delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The Halloween pop-up event runs until the end of October.

2

The Cupids bar event on 10/10 features themed drinks and decorations.

3

Parking can be challenging on busy nights, so arrive early.

10
Lolis Mexican Cravings image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and calm, chill vibe offers a salsa bar labeled by heat and name and fresh daily tortillas. Decor adds to the unique feel while an app simplifies ordering ahead. The place draws those seeking authentic, flavorful tacos and fast, delicious Mexican food.

Al pastor shines with rich flavor in both tacos and bowls. The tacos stand out as a real highlight alongside fresh guacamole.

Salsa comes with clear labels by heat and name at the bar, making choices easy. The selection includes traditional options served with street tacos featuring just cilantro, onion, lime, and salsa, all priced under $3 for chips and salsa.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be great and fresh."

"I loved their salsa bar; it was amazing and labeled by heat."

"The Al Pastor meat had so much flavor."

Good to know

1

They offer happy hour until 6 pm.

2

Lolis Mexican Cravings is the area's best Taco Tuesday destination.

3

Chips and salsa cost less than $3.

11
Los Chapos Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers cozy family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating including a patio with life-sized games. Music selection adds to the inviting and upbeat vibe. Known for exceptional tacos and specialty margaritas, it attracts those seeking authentic flavors and a relaxed setting.

Trompo-roasted al pastor comes with grilled pineapple that adds a juicy, BBQ-like flavor. The tacos serve as a solid quality litmus test and pair well with a dip trio for extra taste.

Salsas come in small cups with salsa verde standing out as a favorite. They add just the right kick to authentic tacos with soft tortillas and juicy meats. Extra salsa can be requested easily.

People are saying

"I thought their tacos were the best I had in a while."

"The salsas here are amazing, especially the salsa verde."

"The Al Pastor tacos with juicy pineapple bites were perfection."

Good to know

1

You need to order in advance inside before selecting a table.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially on Friday nights.

3

Outdoor dining is available for those with pets.

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