Taco Cartel - St. Petersburg

Had a wonderful private event experience at Red Mesa Cantina on the Cantinita Terrace. A rehearsal dinner, 26 guests. It was beautifully set up, food was amazing, all guests commented on that, had a candlelit romantic decor/vibe going, and the staff was wonderful to work with. Highly recommend.

I'm really glad we found this spot on Yelp while we were in St. Pete because it was fantastic. We sat outside in their beautiful outdoor patio area. We tried: Seafood Mofongo Sweet Potato Chorizo and Ahi Tuna Tacos Duck Quesadilla I really loved everything. The one dish that stood out as my favorite was the Seafood Mofongo. It was my first time trying the dish and it was wonderful. I loved the plantains. The seafood was fresh and I wanted to drink the sauce. I couldn't recommend this place more when you're visiting St. Pete!

Always a pleasure eating here. The food is well prepared and delicious. Staff is friendly and helpful. Plenty of outdoor seating love the outdoor patio, and the heated bar area is great when it's chilly. We've eaten here many times and it's been great every time. Pictured are Chicken Fernandez and Seafood Mofongo. The sauce on the chicken is a bit spicy, depending on your level of heat tolerance IMO it's but my family says it's not (I have a pretty low tolerance for heat. Lol). Their fries are delicious as are their veggies so tasty and tender/crisp. The Mofongo is amazing. Seafood is perfectly done, and so flavorful. 10 out of 10 for food, atmosphere, and service.

**Food (5 stars)**: The food was exceptional. We started our meal with sweet plantains and empanadas, followed by duck and steak tacos for appetizers. For our main courses, we enjoyed huevos rancheros and Palomilla. Every dish was delicious, and the portion sizes were just right—not too large and not too small—making for a perfectly satisfying experience. **Ambience (5 stars)**: The atmosphere was incredibly calming, enhanced by bamboo decor, soothing water features, and delightful music. It provided the perfect setting to relax and truly savor our meal. **Bonus**: Even on windy days, the outdoor seating is a wonderful option, thanks to a large brick building nearby that shields diners from the wind. **Cleanliness (5 stars)**: The restaurant was impeccably clean and very well-maintained. Overall, we had an amazing experience!

What initially appeared to be a modest spot turned out to serve some truly amazing food. I was very impressed with my seafood dish, and my friend couldn't stop praising the duck tacos. The prices were reasonable for the location, and they have a fantastic selection of tequila.