After we published our list of 15 places to get Mexican food around Tampa Bay, readers weighed in with suggestions, a little shock over some omissions, and praise.
Here’s what they had to say.
“Rene’s Mexican Kitchen (Nebraska, everything); Taqueria El Nopal (Dale Mabry, milanesa torta); La Fiesta Mexican Store (22nd Street, Carnitas on Saturdays),” R. Fisher said.
“Rene’s is awesome!!” C. Nank responded.
He later added: “I am delighted to be directed to a goat birria. Those are hard to find in Tampa.”
“Taqueria Tachingon, try the volcan!” L. Wilkerson added.
“Tacos el Flako!” said K. Petracek.
“No mention of Carmelita’s or Red Mesa,” asked T. Miller.
With brevity, P. Txulo suggested: “AGAVE.”
“I love this list, Evan! I’m a big fan of Los Chapos in Ybor. Very casual. It reminds me of places in Baja California that I’ve visited many times,” M. Katches weighed in.

“They left Carmelita’s off of this. Excellent food all around, fried ice cream and Taco Tuesday every week,” said R. Kaiser.
J. Beckman suggested Pepe’s Cantina, which has locations in St. Petersburg and Seminole: “Delicious drinks & food!”
“San Miguel Mexican Restaurant in New Port Richey is our family favorite,” C. Linkous said.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
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The Tampa Bay Times Food Hub launched in 2026, a four-person team covering Tampa Bay’s dynamic and expanding food scene. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here.
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