Traffic across the Howard Frankland is picking up. Tampa star Streetlight Taco, which received Michelin’s Bib Gourmand status back in 2024, is opening a second location in Clearwater, developers announced today.
The new Streetlight Taco spot will be located in the historic and newly restored Peoples Bank Building in downtown Clearwater, located at Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue. The restaurant itself is known for its creative tacos served on house-made, nixtamalized tortillas and its craft cocktails and margaritas.
Photos via Streetlight Taco
Streetlight Taco is actually the second concept from the Tastes Pretty Good hospitality group to announce a Downtown Clearwater opening, after a new hot dog spot, Rippers, was revealed as part of the plans for the neighborhood. Streetlight Taco became a fast favorite when it opened in Tampa, and the mix of a casual atmosphere with high quality ingredients and creative recipes makes it a natural fit for Downtown Clearwater.
“Streetlight Taco brings a vibrant Mexican bodega,” said Nick Reader, CEO of Tastes Pretty Good Hospitality. “At night, there’s a party atmosphere. That energy is what we hope to bring to Cleveland Street—something that complements everything else that’s happening downtown.”
Developers say Streetlight Taco in Clearwater is envisioned as “a lively, street-facing destination with a central bar, warm wood finishes, artwork and design elements influenced by Mexican markets, street vendors and gathering places. The interior concept shown in the project renderings establishes a very different atmosphere from the building’s historic common areas while respecting the restored architectural setting.”
Rendering via Cleveland Street Alliance
Streetlight Taco earned its Bib Gourmand status from Michelin what felt like almost immediately after its Tampa debut, with the anonymous critics hailing the experience:
“This South Tampa taqueria certainly ups the style quotient on the typical taqueria,” wrote the inspectors. “From the black-painted, exposed ductwork to the tables lacquered with Mexican comics to the open kitchen, this fast casual spot delivers on contemporary flair, and Chef Michael Brannock’s food isn’t pulling any punches, either.”
Every corn tortilla begins with heirloom corn sourced from Mexico, cooked and milled in-house into fresh masa before being individually pressed and grilled. Meats are slow-braised or prepared over a wood fire, while sauces, condiments and salsas are made from scratch. The restaurant’s menu centers on tacos, including its signature brisket taco, along with chips and dips, tostadas, burritos, bowls, mercado sides, flan, tres leches and crafted drinks.
Chef-partner Michael Brannock developed the concept after years of studying Mexican cuisine and traveling throughout the country, visiting everything from street markets and family kitchens to acclaimed restaurants, all in an effort to understand the country’s ingredients, techniques and hospitality.
“Streetlight Taco is the taste of Mexico,” Brannock said. “At the end of the day, I want to make food that tastes like what I’ve had in Mexico and shared with Mexican families.”
No timeline has been set for an opening date. Stay tuned for more info.
