One of downtown St. Pete’s most recognizable restaurant properties has a new owner.
Atlanta-based Rreal Tacos has purchased the former Red Mesa Cantina building at 128 3rd Street South, where it plans to open three restaurant and bar concepts under the Rreal Tacos brand.
The ground-floor restaurant is expected to open in early 2027, with the remaining concepts opening in phases.
Founded in Atlanta in 2015, Rreal Tacos is known for Mexican street food inspired by Mexico City, with a menu centered around tacos served on handmade tortillas pressed to order.
Guests can also expect burritos, quesabirria tacos, tortas, enchiladas, fajitas, ceviche, street corn, loaded fries, and house-made salsas, along with an extensive selection of tequila, mezcal, and craft margaritas.
The more than century-old building was originally constructed as St. Petersburg’s first fire station and most recently housed Red Mesa Cantina for 16 years before the restaurant closed in June.
“This building has watched over downtown St. Pete for more than a hundred years. We didn’t buy it to change what it is. We bought it to honor it and fill it with life and hospitality for the next chapter of its life,” CEO Damian Otero said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.