Celebrate National Taco Day At Tampa’s #1 Voted Taco Spot

It's National Taco Day, and if you're looking to celebrate in the Tampa area there are many viable options. There are a lot of places that claim to have the best, but there is only one place that is always in the mix for the best tacos in the bay. Everyone meet one of Creative Loafing's winners for the Best of the Bay Tacos category, Red Mesa.

With 3 different locations, Red Mesa has become a staple in Saint Petersburg. Not only did they win the best tacos category in the Best of the Bay competition, but also the best margarita, sangria, guacamole, tequila bar and all-around restaurant.  So even if you're not in the mood for tacos, there's a lot more customers can enjoy.

I paid a visit to the Red Mesa Restaurant and spoke with the manager Sergio to find out a little more about the chain. It was evident that his favorite part of the job was his interaction with the people that ate there. "I love seeing the smile on everyone's faces when they leave here." Sergio said. "I feel like I am helping people have a better day. We also have really good drinks to help if you are having a bad one." I also got a little history about Chef Chris, who was the person who prepared my food. The Puebla, Mexico native has been working at the restaurant for 18 years and tries to add the flavor of his home in all of his dishes. Puebla is known for its culinary arts, and its safe to say I could taste it when eating I was eating.

After asking all the employees what their favorite dish was on the menu, it was evident that I needed to try Red Mesa's Street tacos. You can also choose between chicken or sirloin, but the bartender recommended that I tried the brisket. I'm so glad I took her suggestion because this taco hit the spot. The soft taco with brisket, encurtido, pickled red onions and cilantro was slappin', but the chile guajillo sauce is what won me over. You HAVE to try it.

I was more than satisfied with the first taco, but I couldn't go and just try one flavor! I also wanted to try one of their hard tacos, so I ordered the crispy taco. Since I already tried the brisket in the first taco, I ordered the chicken this time around to compare it to other tacos in the area. Red Mesa stood strong against the competition. The shredded chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo and monterey jack cheese was delicious, but the crispy taco is what set it off for me.

Last year we told you about the best Florida spots Guy Fieri visited for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Now we were wondering what new spots should the Mayor of Flavortown visit on his next trip to Florida for Triple D? We asked our listeners on social media what they thought and these were the most popular responses.

Whether you love to cook or not, it’s entertaining to see all of the local places get a national spotlight. So far, 81 Florida restaurants have been featured on Guy Fieri’s show and 15 of them are in the Tampa Bay area or a quick drive to Orlando. If you want to see a list of ALL the restaurants featured on the show, TVFoodmaps.com has the full list.

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives has been a staple Food Network show since 2007. 37 seasons and over 450 episodes later, it's one of the most popular Food Network shows out there and still making new episodes! Florida recently got a shoutout on the show on the newest season in March 2023. Guy's most recent trip to the Sunshine State was back in December of 2022. We didn't know it at the time but he visited Big Lee's BBQ in Ocala for what we thought was a normal day. Turns out he was filming for Triple D!

Not only does Guy feature a handful of Florida restaurants on Triple D. He also included a few Florida chefs on his game show Guy's Grocery Games. The chef and owner of one of our favorite food trucks made it on the competition TWICE. He's also featured chefs from Miami and Spring Hill!

Skipper's Smokehouse is a Tampa staple. You truly can't call yourself a local unless you've been here. They've been in business since 1980. Skipper's has been mentioned on other Food Network shows like Man vs Food Nation and Adam Richman's Best Sandwich. But we think Guy will love their menu!

From the outside, it looks like your average, hole in the wall diner. But the menu will keep you coming back for more. They serve everything you can think of from pizza, burgers, and all kinds of entrees. But the star of the show is the French Toast burger. We just think Guy will love this one!

Any Tampaian will tell you that Fo'Cheezy Twisted Meltz is one of (if not the) best food truck in the Tampa area! With more and more locations popping up each day, including 3 spots inside Tropicana Field, Guy should definitely consider paying a visit during his next FL trip.

If you're looking for some authentic greek food, Tarpon Springs is the place to go. You know Katerina's Taverna & Grill is the real deal because their entire menu is written in Greek.

It's hard to find a true authentic cheesesteak that's not Delco's. Many listeners told us to try Richie's Cheesesteak in Spring Hill and would be a perfect spot for Guy to visit!

The Shrimp Co has been a Tampa staple since 2009. They offer fresh seafood flavors and blends are inspired by Caribbean flavors and New Orleans Cajun spices.

If Guy ever makes it out to the Brandon area, our listeners tell us that he NEEDS to try Stein & Vine. One look at the menu will tell you everything you need to know. We bet he would love the Chicago Wagyu Dogs, Bayou Gator Tenderloin Po-Boy and the Farmers Ragu.

Across the bridge to Madeira Beach is The Angry Pepper. We think Guy would love this extensive menu with the best smoked meats and local cuisine.

This food truck based in Spring Hill looks too good for Guy to pass up!

This hole-in-the-wall pizza spot in Dunedin is to die for! They make the LARGEST pie in Tampa Bay and have weekly creative specials that are a MUST try! (So far our favorites are the crab rangoon pie and the Chick-Fil-A pie).

Tibby's brings that New Orleans flavor to the Sunshine State. We think Guy would LOVE their specials menu, especially the catfish and cheddar grits.

Located in St. Pete, this hidden gem has some of the best specialty burgers out there!

We know the Boozy Pig is technically a Butchery, not a diner. But we think it's totally worth the trip for Guy. Seriously some of the best meat we've ever tried and their Cuban sandwich is one of the bests we've had!