The company says it plans to bring new life to the historic downtown St. Pete building while preserving its original character.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — About a month after Red Mesa Cantina abruptly closed its doors in downtown St. Petersburg, we’re learning what will take its place.
Atlanta-based hospitality group Rreal Tacos announced on Wednesday that it has acquired the entire three-story historic building at 128 3rd Street South. Home to Red Mesa Cantina for 16 years, the building features more than 16,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space, five bars, a rooftop, and “what locals widely regard as the finest patio courtyard in the city,” the group said.
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The new owners say they plan to keep all those features and maintain the building’s historic integrity as they move into the space.
“Rreal Tacos is known for coming into historic downtowns and historic buildings, and respecting the building — preserving and celebrating its original character rather than stripping it away,” the company wrote.
The company shared that it will bring in three distinct restaurant concepts, one on each level of the building.
The first floor will be the flagship Rreal Tacos taqueria, known for serving authentic Mexican food with homemade tortillas and fresh cuts of meat. This space will make use of the indoor bar, outdoor bar and beloved courtyard.
The top floor will be the Rreal Rooftop, a “bar- and mixologist-driven rooftop concept showcasing Mexican mixology and agave spirits.” The menu will be built around an extensive tequila and mezcal selection.
The middle floor will be a second full-service restaurant with two bars, but the company is keeping the details under wraps for now.
“The vision is a downtown destination where neighbors, visitors, and the whole St. Pete community can gather, eat, drink, and celebrate together for the next chapter of this building’s life,” Rreal Tacos wrote.
The company expects to employ more than 250 people once all floors are open. The ground floor is set to open in early 2027, with the group making an eight-figure investment in the acquisition and buildout.
“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, fill it with life and hospitality for the next chapter of its life,” Damian Otero, CEO of Rreal Tacos, said in a statement.
Founded in 2015, Rreal Tacos touts itself as the “fast-growing Mexican hospitality group.” The company says it’s known for bringing vibrant taquerias and bars into historic downtown buildings. Its first Florida restaurant is set to open in downtown Tampa in late 2026.