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Tampa's best

Carnitas and salsa

You know exactly how the carnitas should be prepared and the salsa should be balanced.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated May 2026
01
EL SABOR DE MEXICO image 1
EL SABOR DE MEXICO image 2
EL SABOR DE MEXICO image 3
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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.

Carnitas tacos and entrees come with rich, tender meat. Options include birria and lengua alongside carnitas for variety.

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 carnitas tacos awesome."

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.

02
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 with carnitas here come out absolutely delicious and consistently excellent alongside other varieties like al pastor and pollo.

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 thought the carnitas tacos were absolutely 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.

03
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.

Juicy and perfectly cooked, the carnitas stand out in tacos served Mexican style. They come highly recommended alongside chicken tinga and asada, making them a favorite choice.

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."

"The carnitas were perfectly cooked and juicy."

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.

04
Mangonadas Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, unassuming Mexican restaurant with a homey atmosphere and lively music playing. The space feels clean and welcoming, offering an authentic dining experience with freshly baked chips and standout dishes like steak tacos and loaded chicken nachos.

Carnitas show up in several dishes like tacos, enchiladas verde, quesadillas, and burritos. The enchiladas verde stand out as especially flavorful, and the carnitas strips hold a solid, satisfying texture.

Chips come fried fresh from real tortillas, offering a crisp base for the complimentary salsa roja and salsa verde. Both salsas deliver a delicious flavor that pairs well with the chips.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so delicious and fresh."

"This burrito was large, hot, and incredibly fresh."

"The carnitas enchiladas verde were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 4 tacos for $6, making it a great deal.

2

Expect to pay higher prices compared to other Mexican restaurants.

3

The restaurant is located next to a gas station, which may be off-putting.

05
Tacos 4G & More image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos with homemade corn tortillas that stay intact through each bite. Atmosphere stays clean and quiet, creating a friendly, intimate vibe. Fresh ingredients and affordable prices draw steady interest despite a modest, tucked-away setting.

Fresh ingredients make the carnitas stand out with high quality in every bite. The combination of tortilla and carnitas delivers a delicious, satisfying flavor.

Salsa comes with a spicy kick and pairs well with chips and beans. It is not served automatically on the table and must be requested.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is fresh and delicious."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best in Tampa."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy dinner hours.

2

The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

3

Parking is limited; consider arriving early to find a spot.

06
Streetlight Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fast-casual Mexican restaurant with open kitchen and covered outdoor patio surrounded by plants. Atmosphere stays lively yet chill with excellent music and a fun vibe. Strong focus on exceptional margaritas and high-quality tacos creates a refreshing, food-forward experience.

Carnitas appear in a flavorful sope served on a corn tortilla shell. The sope stands out for its rich taste and unique presentation.

Warm, drunken salsa stands out with its memorable flavor. Chips come with a spicy avocado salsa that adds a nice kick. Chicken tacos feature tender meat paired with morita salsa for extra taste.

People are saying

"I thought the brisket taco was the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the salsa here was full of flavor."

"The carnitas tacos were perfectly seasoned with the right amount of heat."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; consider arriving early or using nearby lots.

2

Expect to pay around $11 for two tacos.

3

Happy hour runs from 2-5 PM with discounted prices.

07
Grand Hacienda image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with detailed cultural decor and a cozy, clean atmosphere. Music is fun and lively, creating a high noise level that energizes the space. Offers great margaritas and a patio with a beautiful view.

Juicy, well-seasoned pork with a crispy edge defines the carnitas here. Street tacos feature soft pork topped with fresh additions like guacamole for a classic flavor.

Fresh chips and salsa arrive quickly and stand out as a highlight. The salsa tastes great and ranks among the best in a while.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and really fresh."

"The salsa here is super fresh and amazing."

"The carnitas are juicy with just the right crisp."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2-6pm with 2 for 1 drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and is very popular.

3

Expect large crowds on free tequila days, especially during Taco Tuesday.

08
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.

Juicy carnitas tacos stand out with no pork fat and a clean flavor. The carnitas street taco and burrito both deliver consistent quality and pair well with sides like beans and rice.

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."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best I've ever had."

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.

09
Don Julio's Authentic Mexican Cuisine image 1

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with spacious outdoor seating under large oak trees and live Latin music that adds to a comfortable, authentic atmosphere. The vibe is peaceful and inviting, with a focus on excellent margaritas and standout dishes like table-side guacamole and birria tacos.

Pork carnitas come in generous portions and taste rich and savory. The carnitas appear in dishes like quesadillas and dinners, paired well with sides like Mexican corn and flan.

Chunky house salsa pairs well with crispy chips. It stands out for its fresh flavor and is often called the best tasted by those who try it.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and truly comforting."

"I thought the salsa was the best I had ever tasted."

"I really enjoyed the carnitas here; they were very tasty."

Good to know

1

Buy 2 get 1 tacos for Taco Tuesday and 20% off adult beverages during happy hour.

2

Happy hour can be loud, making casual conversation difficult.

3

Outdoor seating is available, and they accommodate pets with water and food.

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