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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Tampa

Queso and tacos

Made for those who consider a generous serving of queso the mandatory partner to any taco.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated May 2026
01
Mari Mexican Tacos image 1
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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.

Queso here stands out for its rich flavor and pairs well with crispy chips. It consistently delivers a smooth, creamy texture that complements the snack perfectly.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic Mexican flavor and delicious steak asada options. Prices stay low while portions include beans and rice alongside chips and salsa.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and a great price."

"You have to try their queso; it's a must-try."

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.

02
Con Amor image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space combines open kitchen with garage-style doors that create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming with cozy lighting and elegant, industrial-chic decor. Offers authentic Mexican cuisine alongside a notable selection of tequilas and mezcals and fresh margaritas.

Queso stands out with a unique flavor that feels addicting. It pairs well with a salsa trio and fresh chips.

Chicken tacos stand out with rich flavor. Steak tacos come in an authentic smaller size that satisfies without overfilling. Al Pastor tacos offer a notably bold taste. An off-menu vegetarian taco caters to plant-based diets.

People are saying

"The Mexican food and margaritas here are delicious."

"You have to try the queso; it's addicting and they serve it hot."

"I found the steak tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

There is some parking behind the building, but it fills up fast.

2

Kids menus are available for families dining at the restaurant.

3

Dogs are allowed on the patio, making it pet-friendly.

03
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.

Creamy and flavorful queso stands out with red pepper flakes adding a spicy kick. It pairs well with tortilla chips and comes alongside salsa and guacamole in a sampler.

Al pastor tacos stand out with a great pairing of the hot sweet habanero sauce. Mild sauces like the Verde add nice flavor, while birria and tostada tacos also deliver solid taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"You have to try the birria tacos; they were amazing."

"You have to try the queso; it's creamy, flavorful, and amazing with red pepper flakes."

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.

04
Bahia Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with bright, colorful decor and authentic Hispanic art creates a homey, lively atmosphere. Live mariachi music adds to the vibrant, fun vibe. The space feels like a cozy, artsy spot with a strong cultural touch.

Queso comes in a creamy sauce and a Queso Blanco variety. It pairs well with fries and complements dishes like carnitas topped with onion and cilantro.

Tacos come with birria and cauliflower options, both very flavorful and fresh. Lunch specials include three tacos, chips, salsa, and a drink for under $35 for two people.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"These birria tacos are tender, flavorful, and absolutely delicious."

"I had to get the queso to start every meal."

Good to know

1

Two people could get lunch for under $35 with the lunch special.

2

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos.

3

The Colombian influence adds a unique twist to the menu.

05
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.

Queso stands out with its rich flavor and pairs perfectly with crispy nacho chips that hold sauce without getting soggy. The combination of queso and chips adds a satisfying touch to the meal.

Tacos here stand out for their birria and chicarron (pork belly) varieties, delivering rich and savory flavors. The tacos come with fresh tortillas and pair well with tortilla chips and cocktails.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here taste like they're straight from Mexico."

"You have to try the queso; it's out of this world."

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.

06
TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican style interior combines with cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and open, simple dining area. The place stays busy and lively, with tables close together and a relaxed, authentic vibe. Patio features older plants adding to the comfortable environment.

Queso comes with house-made tortilla chips and pairs well with dishes like shredded pork tacos and shrimp nachos. It has a perfect, delicious texture that complements the menu well.

Crunchy, overstuffed tacos stand out with carne asada and birria options consistently satisfying. Fish taco specials and chicken taco salad add variety to the authentic Mexican offerings.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best and unsurpassed."

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

"I thought the queso here was the best."

Good to know

1

TacoSon offers counter service only, so be prepared to order at the counter.

2

Expect to wait for your order to be prepared as they start cooking after you arrive.

3

Prices are reasonable, with burritos priced around $13 including rice and beans.

07
Muchachas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a food hall with assembly line ordering and food court seating both indoors and outdoors. Atmosphere feels lively and mall-like with a happy, fun vibe suitable for families. Known for exceptional birria tacos and flavorful dishes that stand out in casual dining.

Queso comes as a side option with bowls and tacos, adding a creamy touch. It appears in the trio grande with guacamole and salsa, served with chips.

Tacos feature a crispy outside with soft, tender meat inside and a cheesy filling. The birria tacos come with a flavorful consomรฉ and are perfectly seasoned, making them a standout for beef eaters.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos were the best I ever had."

"The staff's communication skills make it really Kid Friendly."

"The queso here was probably the best dish I ordered."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch and dinner rushes.

2

Prices for tacos start around $10, with some items exceeding $15.

3

A service charge of 15-25% is added to all bills at checkout.

08
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.

Chips come with a corny queso that stands out. A salsa bar adds variety alongside the queso and guacamole options.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavor and high quality ingredients. Options like carnitas and tongue tacos offer rich, satisfying tastes at reasonable prices.

People are saying

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

"I believed these were the best tacos I had ever had."

"I loved the queso, especially with the corn."

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.

09
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.

Chorizo queso stands out with its rich flavor. Queso fundido serves as a great appetizer, paired well with chips and other dishes like burritos and quesadillas.

Birria tacos stand out with packed flavor and a juicy, comforting feel like homemade. Brisket tacos also feature as a top menu item alongside street tacos with carnitas and various toppings.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and really fresh."

"I found the brisket tacos to be the best I ever had."

"The queso here is great and the service is super attentive."

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.

10
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.

Queso flameado stands out with its perfect seasoning and beautiful plating. Side items like guacamole and cowboy beans match the queso's quality.

Brisket tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Carne asada and fish tacos also deliver bold, fresh tastes that make the menu memorable.

People are saying

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

"The guacamole here is thick and chunky."

"The queso here is perfectly cheesy with a slight spice."

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.

11
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.

Corn and meat blend into a delicious queso served alongside birria tacos with consomรฉ. Queso prices hover just over $5, making it a notable part of the order.

Tacos come with authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions that go beyond hors d'oeuvre size. Options include carne asada, vegan beyond meat, fish, and birria with consomรฉ, all reasonably priced and full of flavor.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos to be amazing and flavorful."

"You have to try the corn and meat queso; it's delicious."

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.

12
Tacos El Primo - Authentic Mexican Grill image 1

Small Mexican grill tucked inside a convenience store offers authentic Mexican flavor with blue-collar decor and loud Mexican music creating a lively atmosphere. Locals gather here for flavorful tacos and burritos that deliver great value and genuine taste.

Chips come with fresh, clean queso that matches the quality of the rice and beans. The queso has a solid, enjoyable flavor that fits well with the meal.

Tacos come packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients and generous protein portions. Varieties like birria, shrimp, and steak tacos stand out for their great flavor and value.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be phenomenal and authentic."

"I found the tacos here to be great."

"I found the tacos to be supreme, packed with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The food counter is located in the back of a convenience store.

2

Expect to pay about $4 per taco, not $2.50 as advertised.

3

Food takes about 2 minutes to prepare, great for a quick meal.

13
Nueva Cantina - Downtown Tampa image 1

Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and stunning themed decor including a beautiful outdoor patio. Music ranges from lively reggaeton to live performances, creating fun and welcoming vibes. Popular for freshly made margaritas and standout dishes like fajitas and birria quesadilla pizza.

White queso stands out as a creamy dip paired with fresh chips. The queso is part of a dips trio that also includes guacamole and salsa, all served with chips.

Tacos here come with bold flavors and satisfying fillings. The birria tacos stand out as particularly delicious, and the Christmas Taco offers a unique twist.

People are saying

"I found the food and drinks to be yummy and great."

"The birria tacos here are amazing."

"I thought the queso was very good and tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 online margaritas and $7 in-person margaritas.

2

The place gets busy on weekends and during happy hour.

3

Taco Tuesday features special offerings worth checking out.

14
Guac n Cheese Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic dishes and flavorful margaritas creates a warm, fun atmosphere with spaced tables for easy conversation. The space is smaller and lively but maintains a happy vibe. It attracts those seeking genuine Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors in a casual setting.

Thick queso comes with beef and pairs well with beef flautas. It has a mild flavor, not spicy, and often serves alongside rice and beans.

Fish tacos stand out as a favorite here. The steak tacos also deliver solid flavor and satisfy well.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos here to be delicious."

"The queso here is thick and not spicy."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is available on the side of the building, but can be limited.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.

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