Good Cheap Mexican Food on Clearwater Beach
Finding a good spot to grab a bite to eat without paying inflated tourist prices along Clearwater Beach can be a challenge. I lucked out and found some good cheap Mexican Food right across from a spot that let me down last month.
Most of the best places to eat in Clearwater are far from the touristy spots along the beach. But right now Clearwater Beach the epicenter of Spring Break. And because of the Spring Breakers, it’s actually a good time to visit… not because of the drunken college kids. But the city of Clearwater brings back free downtown parking and a free shuttle over to the beach. Traffic and parking are the two biggest reasons I avoid Clearwater Beach the rest of the year. But when it comes time to eat, Clearwater Beach has a lot of duds and generally overly expensive menu prices. I was in the mood for some good (but cheap) Mexican food.
A few weeks ago, I shared my first experience at Hogan’s Hangout on Clearwater Beach. The burger was pretty good. The fries were ok. And the iced tea was just, eh, basic un-home made stuff you can buy in a bottle. So when the bill with tip, tax, and some weird 3% fee came to $40, I wasn’t Hulk’s biggest fan. Turns out I should have just gone across the street. I found some great Mexican food at a place with the most uninspiring name… Tacos, Tequila and Rum. I mean, I like all 3. But it’s just an odd name.
Not the most creative restaurant name or architecture. But the food is good. That’s what counts, right?
As for what day you should visit, I mean, Taco Tuesday seems to be the no brainer right? On Tuesdays, you can get their tacos for $1 with chicken, beef, refried or black beans. Grilled chicken or steak tacos are $2 each. If you’re visiting any other day of the week, their daily special is a 3 item combo for $13.75 with tacos, enchiladas and burritos.
There are over a dozen taco variations on the menu. They have shrimp, lengua (cow tongue), barbacoa (goat meat), fish, and even octopus tacos. If you like Chimichangas, they say their cheese sauce is homemade. They go for about $15.
If you want to visit Tacos, Tequila and Rum, they are at 490 Mandalay Avenue in Clearwater. It’s not a fancy place so don’t dress up or feel the need to make a reservation. But if you do want to call, their number is 727-953-3343. Their Yelp score isn’t mind blowing… a 4.2. Let me know what you think if you go.
Top 5 Places To Live Near The Beach In Florida Without Breaking The Bank
Jacksonville
According to our source, the median cost of a home in Jacksonville is about $293,000, which is well below the national average. You can even find 1-bedrooom apartments for around $1,200/month. Jacksonville was also named one of the best cities to live in the south. Plus, there are plenty of job opportunities.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral is going to be one of the most affordable cities in southwest Florida. Bonus perk is that it has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. It’s also known for its many canals and gorgeous landscapes. According to Property Club, the median home price here is $391,000, which is just below the national average.
