LOVE this place. Been several times and the food is always on point. The tuna tacos are so freaking amazing your life will be forever changed!!! This place has it all from a nice dining room. Awesome courtyard and even a few tables outside the wall of courtyard that are dog friendly! Last time we had a group of friends, all order different things so we could kinda share...no words spoken. Only serious chewing and grazing happened once those plates hit the table. And they make all the plates look so pretty, swirls and sauces smears. Perfection. Although we had a very sub par server that night, but in the end the tuna tacos made up for that!!
(5)
Connie J.
This place hit all the marks. The courtyard seating area was the perfect spot for four of us to sip margaritas made with great tequila. I ordered the pulpo ceviche which was yummy, just spicy enough, and plated really nicely. Thank you to our server Andrew for the great recommendations and super friendly service. The prices were super reasonable too. Oh and they serve homemade corn tortillas.
(5)
David W.
I prefer Mexican restaurants that provide complimentary chips and salsa, but the ones you pay for here were great. Their food was beyond amazing. Everyone in our party was overly impressed with the food. We got things from apps to different main dishes. The margaritas were terribly weak. For this placing touting they have a great tequila selection, I was sorely disappointed. I only ordered 1 margarita, as I regretted the purchase. I will go back again, but plan on skipping the overpriced margaritas.
(4)
Brenda M.
Had a wonderful dinner tonight. The food, drinks and atmosphere was great! Our waitress, Rachel, was fabulous!! She was very attentive, and very knowledgable about the menu and drinks. What a pleasant evening.
(5)
Nick S.
Extraordinary.
(5)
Mauricio C.
Ok place, I have been in better Mexican restaurants, the bill does not reflect their food quality, overpriced and bottom grade meat.while on the bar I asked for a particular brand of scotch on the rocks and twice the added water and of course wasn't the brand I asked, on top of that I got charged for the drinks even after complaining and not drinking them . Not coming back.
(2)
Dennis B.
Love this place. Have been many times with coworkers and zero complaints. Unique and interesting menu, fabulous tacos. Atmosphere both inside and out is fun, and makes this a great hang out as well as restaurant.
(5)
Holly H.
One star for the Spanish-style courtyard, complete with fountains where we enjoyed our dinner. A major plus that we didn't see any ashtrays during happy hour so I don't think they allow smoking in this setting, which would have ruined our experience. Another star for the food! I had the seafood mofongo, (includes shrimp, mini-scallops, calamari and a little mound of carnitas mixed with plantain and yuca) which was perfectly balanced with savory and sweet flavors. Hubby loved his filet burrito. Chips and queso were top notch. One star goes to the waiter who had a great personality, the rare type that could make a career of waiting tables. Wish I could remember his name :( Pricing seems on par for the area. Least impressive part of our meals were the drinks. Only Guinness for their stout selection, which is a big letdown for husband and I. The sangria was tasty but seemed alcohol deficient. I had to follow up with a Marg to get a proper happy hour buzz. With food, service and ambience being the major keystones of our restaurant experience, we'd definitely come back! We'll bring friends as well!
(3)
ZANNE K.
We were visiting St. Petersberg and Red Cantina happened to be next to the shop we were at. The building and surroundings are unique, but the food portions are tiny, everything is ala carte. The chips and salsa are extra and not cheap. The alcoholic drinks also low on alcohol, high on price. Tacos were bland and so were the chips and salsa! I will try another restaurant, next time I visit.
(2)
Kim M.
Red Mesa is about to become a part of my birthday ritual! Last year I came to St. Pete from Orlando on a whim, during my birthday weekend, and I ended up at Red Mesa and loved it! The food, the drinks, the mexican chocolate brownie with tequila-soaked strawberries. This past weekend (a little after my birthday but close enough), I came here again and, once again fell madly in love with the contents of my plate. I had the seafood chimichanga, the cucumber margarita, and the strawberry mint margarita. By far, the cucumber margarita was my favorite. My friend ordered the filet tips burrito, and she couldn't stop gushing over how delicious it was. Aside from the food, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the live music coming in from outside. (The ONLY thing I would say was not awesome, which is through no fault of the restaurant, was the drunk people at the table next to us who decided to have a 5 minute conversation standing in the 12-inch gap between us and them, with their asses mere inches away from our faces. That part, I could have done without. But I won't deduct points for that, since I know Red Mesa can't control people's asses.)
(5)
Ivan P.
Really good food and great service. Visiting st. Pete for the day and it was great choice for brunch. The new only thing that was not very good was my son meal (from the kids menu). The breakfast burritos and chilaquiles are recommended!
(4)
Tulio Z.
Went here for my brother's graduation and they attended our party of 14 very quickly. Food was delicious, I had the El Gordo. Atmosphere was great. Definitely going back!
(5)
Jen C.
My SO and I have come here dozens of times -- brought friends and family and referred many friends here. Red Mesa is a staple in our restaurant rotation, and we loved it. Until we went Friday night. I'll skip the details and just they the hosting staff forgot to seat us and left us waiting for an hour when tables were open after 10 minutes. And instead of being apologetic and saying, ya know, it happens -- the manager came over and basically accused us of fabricating a story and how we were the ones who were wrong, making us out to be these awful people. The reality was, we didn't care if they seated us late... People make mistakes, it's fine. But to have the manager come to our table and making us out to be these moochers who just wanted free stuff was totally inappropriate. Not only was the manager unbelievably rude, the the waitress had an attitude and everyone treated us poorly from then on. As a result of the bad vibes and the fear that someone's saliva would end up on a duck taco, we asked our waitress for a check on just our drinks and we left. They really ruined what should have been a great experience. We won't be coming back. I have several coworkers and friends who will be moving to st pete in the next few months and I'll be strongly discouraging them from going here. Treat your customers better, guys.
(1)
Katrina P.
I was able to try Red Mesa on a quick dinner before bachelorette shennanigans - I want to go back when we're in the St Pete area! I have one line of this review: EAT THE DUCK TACO that is all ;)
(4)
Deb R.
Delicious from start to finish!!! Cucumber margarita is refreshing, the oyster shooter has several oysters and is fresh, the ceviche sampler is the way to go for sure and they were all wonderful... Loved the duck taco but not the corn soft taco it was on as it fell apart ohhhh and the corn is a must the star of the night! We also had the brownie and chipotle choc gelato the brownie was more cake like but mixed with gelato very good
(5)
Kateryna K.
I ordered ceviche sampler for 24 dollars and one of the samplers ceviche on the plate had no seafood in it at all!!! Just chopped up veggies and fruit. The service is bad. Hostesses do not try to accommodate customers' requests and just say "no".
(1)
Frank T.
Amazing from the chips and salsa to the burgers, enchiladas and duck!!! Will be back again!
(5)
Matt P.
Long wait. Horribly slow service. Never even got a napkin. Food was wrong and took over 40 min to get 3 tacos. Wait staff wouldn't take the time to even stop to get the bill right. Not worth your time. Seems like there are way to many places in this area to waist time here.
(1)
Callie O.
Red Mesa Cantina is a Mexican restaurant that leans more high-end tex-mex than anything. The food, drinks and staff are unbelievably fantastic as is the atmosphere of Red Mesa. There are two floors and tons of seating area outside. This place was booming even for Sunday brunch, which is when I went along with a group of geeks for a monthly Geek Brunch. Not only was I in the company of fantastic people, but I also had the most delicious pancakes I've ever had in my life. They came served alongside two sausages, which I passed on to my boyfriend since I am vegetarian. The sweet-potato pancakes were dense but still fluffy, flavorful and filling. The maple syrup wasn't any of that corn-syrup laden junk, it was the real deal, unless my tastebuds fooled me! Price wise, this place is moderate. It was $6.50 for two-large pancakes and two-large sausage links. That's not so bad, especially when you weigh quality and quantity alongside other restaurants that serve brunch. You really get what you pay for. Service was a bit slow, but we had a huge table! Overall, we were only there for 2 hours during an extremely BUSY time, and much of that time was spent chit-chatting anyway. I also had my very first mimosa here. It was delightful with the passion-fruit flavor. I didn't drink an entire one, but I shared with my boyfriend. My coffee however, was easily 10 times better than Starbucks with robust flavor. Now, it's time to give credit to the server who made this experience incredible. If I remember correctly, George was our server who served roughly 13 people at a table. He was incredibly efficient at getting everyone's order, dividing them accurately and then refilling and making sure we were all happy. This man is a super-star, and he deserves a lot of credit for handling the table so well. I was thoroughly impressed! I can't say I've ever seen a waitstaff member do a job so well, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I was very appreciative of his work and dedication to making sure we loved our food, and loved the food I did! I will certainly be back to Red Mesa. I hope I can find some tasty vegetarian bites on their lunch or dinner menu, or possibly something vegan. I had a great experience, and I truly hope that you will go in and have a similar one!
Not bad. Table ordered a pitcher of margaritas (wine based), not bad, but just not the same as with tequila. Chips and salsa with quite tasty. I had the crab enchiladas, they were different but good. I really enjoyed the beans and rice that was served with it. My husband at the duck enchiladas, also very different but good. Their food menu is very different. If you are looking for traditional type Mexican food, this is not the place to go, but perfect for expanding your food horizons.
(3)
Julia F.
I came here with my husband for lunch. We ended up sitting inside since there was a wait for outside seating. The atmosphere was nice and the building is pretty. I ordered a Seafood Mofongo and it was delicious! It was slightly sweet. The server said that it is only on the lunch menu. Service was really good. The only thing I would change is for them to not charge for chips and salsa.
(5)
Meg R.
Having returned to Cantina on a couple different occasions, it's quickly moved up my "Favorite Spots in DTSP" list, especially because of the large outdoor patio and bar. Once I tried a few other dishes on the menu, I found what I liked most, and it's apparently not the tacos (while delicious, Cantina offers many other items that far surpass them). My favorites are the pulled pork enchiladas, any of the quesadillas, and the mahi mahi ceviche. I love Cantina's guacamole, especially because the serving size is decent, unlike some other Mexican restaurants I've been to that charge $7 for tablespoons of guac. This place serves up an excellent brunch, with innovative Mexican-inspired dishes and $3 mimosas.
(4)
Iyesha C.
There aren't enough good things I can say about this place. Sit outside if the weather is tolerable, because they have a great outdoor dealing arrangement! The wait staff was awesome with suggestions on drinks, and helpful in deciding on entree orders. Now let me get down to the food . . . Just great! the chicken taquitos were delicious! There was an ample amount of chicken, and the garnish is not meant to just look pretty on the plate. It definitely integrates into the dish. I do not know mush about guacamole, but there is nothing bad I can say about it. I'm not one for avocado, but I was pleasantly surprised, and enjoyed every bit. My main course of duck quesadillas was so delicious. It was light and a great outdoor summer meal selection. My husband enjoyed the seafood chimichanga, which was heavier, and gave off a real down home comfort food type feel, which was so good! And the white wine sangria was the suggestion of adding brandy (per waitress), was right on point. To end, the apple empanada with ice cream was honestly the end to a great night. I literally left pleasantly stuffed, Hands down, a must in the Burg!
(5)
Michelle J.
My husband and I have eaten here for dinner many times and it is delicious! But today we went for brunch and were equally as impressed. Many people don't realize they do brunch on Sautrday and Sunday. Get the shrimp burrito it is to DIE FOR.
(5)
Carissa F.
Traye went above and beyond to make our night a memorable one. His smile is genuine and made us feel right at home! The environment is gorgeous and it was perfect for my friends and I to enjoy some drinks with dinner after a long day of work! I would highly suggest this cantina!!
(5)
Tammy S.
Saturday late lunch 3pm. Menu is refreshingly unique! Cerviche was top notch! Chips and dips was loved by all including my picky 8 and 5 yr olds! No kids menu is a bummer so we ordered them a simple steak taco. They did not like it much I think because it was in a corn tortilla rather than flour. My steak quesadilla was good and hubby's burrito was huge! My youngest ordered chocolate milk and I'm not sure what they used to make it chocolate but it wasn't good, like they put a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder in it instead of confessing they didn't have any. Service was pretty good to start but slowed when we asked for more chips and they never came. I guess overall not a family place if your kids are young and picky. But I betcha they have great margaritas if you visit with your adult friends!
(4)
D P.
I went here because if the reviews. Food was ok, but nothing extraordinary. Had the duck taco, fish taco, and seafood chimichanga (spelling??). Everything was average, nothing stood out. Ultimately I'll forget about it. Servers were attentive and it was a nice environment.
(3)
Maggie V.
Very good food! We decided to do tapas style and choose many delicious appetizers - including ceviche that was outstanding! The sangria was very tasty, too.
(4)
Sarah M.
Can't go wrong with any of the burritos. The shrimp tacos and tofu tacos. Don't forget to try the chips and appetizer.
(4)
JT H.
This would have had been one more star if the waitress did not take my food away from me before i was done... I looked back and it was gone i didn't even put my fork or napkin on top it was just gone. You cant do that to a fat guy and just get away with it. At least ask me for a to go box so i can scarf the rest down at midnight so no one is watching me... I order some hot spicy damn burrito thing(cant remember the name didn't get to finish it). That was very good and until it was violated before being finish. The rice and bean combo side was good but no flavor like the "hsdbt". They had a three dips for the chips but requested something more tomatoeee and it was good had a bit of a kick to it but nothing like the "hsdbt". I'll probably be back but next time fork in hand and guarding my food.
(3)
Jim H.
Loved the food and the atmosphere. Great place for a first date. Food was presented very well and the prices are pretty decent. It's been awhile and I need to come back!! The service has always been pretty fast and friendly. Sometimes you have to wait for a table, but well worth the wait.
(5)
Wendy F.
Excellent find in downtown St. Pete! Interesting bldg and if you love the cool weather take advantage of the outdoor eating option - no heat lamps for the thin blooded. Variety of marguerita drinks made with pride. Dinner was worth waiting for as the house guacamole was some of the tastiest ever and the steak and shrimp tacos were fresh and delicious. Sweet plantains cooked perfectly. Make sure you save energy for the upstairs party beginning at 10p on the rooftop.
(5)
Theresa L.
Food was delicious and service was quick and polite. Would definitely go again.
(4)
Larry C.
Great food and service! This is my second time here and everything I've ordered has been great. Definitely recommend the Churrasco if you like steak.
(5)
Katie C.
Mexican food is perfect just the way it is, so really, there's no need to make it fancy. My shrimp burrito at Red Mesa Cantina was, let's say, "deconstructed," with the rice and beans on the side. Without rice in the burrito to balance/soak up the chipotle sauce, the tortilla itself was soggy, the burrito fell apart, and eating was messier than it should have been. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
(3)
Ekta N.
My husband and I had our first date here over a year ago. This is our favorite place to take people not only because it means something to us but also because the food and atmosphere is fabulous! The outdoor courtyard is gorgeous and perfect for the Florida winter weather. This last visit we took my sister in law who is vegetarian. The chef was accommodating as they replaces the black bean chorizo on the nachos with a the black bean salsa from one of their salads. The nachos were absolute heaven. So fresh and delicious! My sister in law ordered the taco salad and raved about it all weekend! It came with perfectly ripe avocados and a delicious dressing. My husband ordered the shrimp tacos which is his all time favorite. I ordered the chicken taquitos for the first time and I have to say it's my favorite dish there so far. They taquitos are perfectly crispy and the sauce they came with is packed with flavor!
(5)
Maddie M.
I really enjoyed my dinner at the Red Mesa.... The chips and salsa hit the spot. My entree was awesome. My friends enjoyed his too. The waitress Mackenzie, was very friendly. She came with our refills of soda before we even asked. I would definitely come again.
(5)
Dani I.
I'm sorry to say I've been here so many times to keep trying this place and give it the benefit of the doubt. It tastes bland and it's way overpriced.
(3)
Heather B.
Great lil place outside atmosphere is relaxing with the sound of water falling. Tapas are amazing! My favorite is the shrimp and crab quesadilla served open faced- absolutely amazing! Love it here!
(5)
Rob H.
This is the best value in St Pete, hands down. Five stars for that combo. Been here six times, their brunch is delicious, fresh, and creative. The eggs benedicto and the something Oaxaca are strong. Burritos here are not filled with garbage like other Mexican places, cheese is fresh, spice is there and not overpowering. Dessert - chipotle chocolate gelato? Really interesting and delicious. Service is generally good but inconsistent; I find they don't really know or care about the food. Bottom line is that someone there does, and it makes for a fantastic place to appreciate food. If you don't agree I'll put on one of the luchadores' masks and hit you from the turnbuckle mas alto!!
(5)
Nathan L.
Awesome service and food - can't beat this spot !!! Ask for Rachel(sp) she's a great bartender !!
(5)
Amie S.
I had the mushroom quesadilla, shrimp cheese dish that came with a tortilla shells, both from the appetizer menu and the chicken tortilla soup. All was amazing!!! Was recommended by the front desk at our hotel. Glad we went!
(5)
Michael D.
This place is pretty awesome. We started off with a few cocktails which were very nicely done. They were also pretty spicey which I love, though after a long sunburning day, the chile salt made lips feel like they were on fire. Though the lime juice from the Ceviche probably didn't help too much either. Holy flaming lips. The ceviche was excellent. It tasted just like my peruvian friend's mom used to make. Though there only seemed to be one type of seafood in the appetizer, I could only wish there were different types included. The tacos were spot on and made for a light and airy dinner. Combine this with the great outside patio with running water and you have yourself a great dinner spot for the hotter days.
(4)
Lisa P.
One of my favorite places to meet up with my daughter and our mutual friends. Service is great and they always accommodate my daughter's vegan diet. Food is very good and it's a nice atmosphere.
(4)
Ben V.
This place is great! Everything from our drinks to our meal was so good. We sat at the outdoor bar and our bartender was Chance. He made our margaritas and mojitos well ( I recommend the cucumber margarita). He was also helpful with the menu. We ordered the fried sweet plantains, the mahi mahi ceviche and the regular mofongo. The ceviche tasted so fresh. The mofongo which comes as a plate of three scoops is enough as a meal than an appetizer and leaves you cleaning your plate off-its that good. Its kind of like a pork like stuffing but way better. Everything we had was perfect and delicious. Had the churros for dessert- came with three churros that were a little heavy handed with the cinnamon sugar- but who's complaining? This was one of our best dining experiences on our regular visit to the tampa area. We will definetly be back!
(5)
Loren F.
Amazing food, amazing location! Love this place
(5)
Ashley E.
Out hotel recommended this place since we were looking for Mexican food. Absolutely loved it! I'm definitely coming back next time I'm in St Pete's. Our server was friendly, and made some recommendations to us to help us new-comers chose. Ended up ordering some type of pulled pork appetizer called Mofongo. It was very different in taste, and VERY delicious. served with chips. Then we split a giant steak burrito. The jalapeño cream sauce on top made it so rich in flavor! We ended it all with some churros to go - which were a delicious snack later on. The decor inside was unique and stylish. We didn't sit outside because it was too hot but the decor and ambience out there looked beautiful. On top of it all, it was very reasonably priced. Would recommend to anyone!
(5)
Julie R.
Red Mesa Cantina is always consistent in their great service, food and drinks. If you're not ordering the Duck Quesadilla, then you're messing up.
(5)
Brian M.
Mackenzie was the best server ever! Super attentive and informative while remaining friendly(we were pretty drunk) lol. But make sure to ask for her, food is always good here and the bottle service is exceptionally affordable.
(5)
William N.
Red Mesa Cantina is best described as Wonderful. I have been to this restaurant perhaps 20 times or more this year and have yet to have a single disappointment. Red Mesa Cantina has earned 5/5 stars because of the following: Atmosphere Red Mesa Cantina sits on the ground floor of a two-story brick building. The top floor hosts "Push Ultra Lounge" and the second of three bar serving areas at Red Mesa. Outside is a courtyard with water features and plenty of shade. The courtyard is a lovely setting for a meal at any time of the day. The inside is a different mood and gives off an energetic vibe. It is easy to get lost in conversation here as the whole world seems to melt away when you are here with someone else. Bar seating is available with television behind a glass partition and shifts nicely from restaurant to bar feeling. Atmosphere gets 5/5 stars. Food Let's face it, we are going out to eat at most restaurants. Luckily, Red Mesa Cantina has many delicious options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. This place is a self-described "modern Mexican taqueria" and is confirmed by the food. I try to get something different each time I visit and must say I still have many more choices to go. Not to mention daily special meals (e.g. Sweet potato pancake sandwich). There are so many wonderful flavors available here for vegans and carnivores alike. The quality of my meals have always ranged from good to amazing. A short list of my favorites: yuca fries /w chipotle ketchup, Duck quesadilla, Cuban torta, churros, ceviche sampler, Baja fish tacos, plantains (hard to find good ones!), taco salad, and my absolute favorite is actually their gallo pinto. The seasonings on these meals are always right. I love it. It's the main reason I come here. Food gets 5/5. Beverages This place features three full service bars (roof bar only open at night) with a variety of Wonderful drinks. For brunch, try a passion fruit mimosa or mocha cafe (non-alcoholic). This destination features a large tequila list and knows how to make a margarita. Try their mojitos as well! Service I've been here during various busy periods of the day and the most I have ever waited for a dish was less than 20 minutes. Meals come out looking, smelling , and tasting delicious. I've never had to send a plate back and am always greeted with a smile. During a lunch rush your waitperson will still pop in on you to see if you need anything. Waitstaff are friendly and personable. Service gets 5/5 stars Price You get what you pay for. Considering what was described above, I'd say the value of what you pay is fairly good. Most plates range from $6-14 and are well worth it. They have pretty good specials as well. I usually get out for less than 15 for lunch including 20% gratuity. Price gets 5/5 stars Overall: this is a great place for a casual lunch, date, or to have a drink with friends. The food is good and it's a pretty rad place. I recommend getting a seat overlooking the fountain.
(5)
Morgan C.
Red Mesa is my favorite restaurant in Saint Pete. It has a great atmosphere whether you go for lunch or dinner. It is always busy but rarely has a wait. I have taken my parents there and go regularly with my friends it is a great place for everyone of all ages. The staff is also great and always tentative to the customers. It has has live music on the weekends which is a plus.I love to sit outside near the outside fountain it is nice and relaxing. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who comes to Saint Pete.
(5)
Christina C.
I really enjoy this place. Whenever someone suggests going to Red Mesa Cantina I am always in. I like sitting outside, because it is gorgeously lit and sometimes there is live music. This place can be a pretty romantic place for a date. Their drinks are pretty good. I've tried their sangria and margaritas. Unfortunately, I do not remember the margarita, because it was at the end of a night, but I know that it is huge. I love everything they have that has duck in it. Duck taco, duck quesadilla, it is all delicious. I would suggest getting a couple of tacos, because they are not large. Everyone I have ever eaten here with has loved the food. Watch out for the last table in the back outside area by the bar (the one closest to the stairs). We sat there at first and there was a fan blowing directly at my face, which was really annoying. We ended up moving. If the fan is on, don't sit there. The inside is beautifully decorated. This really is a great place for a date!
(5)
Jim K.
kicka** food good drinks fun to go to this place chips and salza is the bomb wait stalff was very atenttive and we had a large group
(5)
Jackie N.
Okay, I probably wouldn't confess this to anyone, but I like your pineapple taco! Yum! All joking aside, the tofu taco was phenomenal. The combination of grilled tofu, poblano peppers, jack cheese and pineapple was unique and seemingly Asian inspired (very sweet and sour vibes happening). With the exception of the ensalada menu, there aren't too many other vegetarian options, but i would definitely dive into this taco again!
(4)
Danny G.
The chicken enchilada was great, lemonade delicious, mofongo awesome, service was amazing.!! I would definitely come back to this Restuarant. :)
(5)
Tiffany B.
I went here so long ago and totally forgot to review it! My favorite part about this place is the decor and outdoor area- other than that, I don't recall being blown away by anything. Their menu is fairly small and I had a hard time finding anything that sounded good to me, and I'm not a picky eater. The portions are also pretty small- not worth it for the price of the food, in my opinion. I do recall the service was quite slow and a few drinks went empty in our party. Maybe I'll have to go back a second time to fully get the hype, because after one visit I'm not getting what everyone is seeing in this place!
(3)
Bethany M.
Do you like fancy Mexican? If you do and like to pay high dollar for it go here. The outdoor patio is a serene experience at night; tables are reachable by bridge, and nestled amongst eclectic decorations and a trickling fountain. Located on the top floor is Push Ultra Lounge, making your night out an all-in-one experience of dinner, drinks and dancing. Très chic. The menu selection was vast and varied - great for the vegetarians and picky eaters. The "Chips & Dips" appetizer, baja fish tacos and sangria were delicious. Overall my friends and I were pleased with the food and environment. I will definitely be back, but it's a bit too pricey to make it a regular spot.
(4)
H L.
This has truly been a favorite restaurant of mine for a few years now. When I lived in downtown St Pete area, I went here all the time. I once actually went here both Saturday AND Sunday for brunch in the same weekend. (sweet potato pancakes are soo good) Any time I had friends/family in town, this is where I took them. Since moving to Tampa this year, we only go every couple months when we come into downtown St Pete. But here comes my "CON" and why they don't have a higher rating from me.. and that is the cost (it feels like 'nickeling and diming'). But I guess the thought is 'why not if business is good'?! My companions have usually criticized them charging for chips and salsa (& they charge for refills too). I have defended it saying "I get it, they're not your typical Mexican place". But the last time we were there, it seemed like the cost was getting worse. I asked for a margarita with 1800 tequila which I usually get (I know the 1800 costs more but the house tequila gives me a horrible headache.) I believe the cost was around $10-$12. However, this time it came out in an obviously smaller glass than it has in the past. Someone shrunk their glasses! Plus all the ice cubes in it, and there wasn't much drink to it. Disappointing. We ordered chips and guac. $7.50. That is a bit much. Then add on top of it, we later asked for salsa and were charged a few bucks for that too. (It might have been the full $4 charge) So not sure I can talk my boyfriend into going anymore (though I always love my food, his choices have been hit or miss and he's not as big of a fan). PROs: Excellent ambiance, especially outside. Menu is tasty (so much better than the 4th St location food. You'd think it would be the same, but I have been disappointed with the other location) And here's a big one for me-- tofu option! As a vegetarian this is rare in this area. I love that they offer that. I used to always get the tofu gordo burrito, which was tasty but very indulgent. I have moved over to the tasty tofu tacos (which oddly sometimes are extremely spicy and other times mild.. never sure what to expect).
(3)
Leslie G.
Sangria??... Umm yes... Tasty.. Josh and chance are great.. Friendly and fun. It's my first time here and even though I'm not eating all the food surrounding me looks delicious! I may give in and get something.
(4)
Andriana Z.
Don't believe the local hype DONT GO HERE. Asked for the best Mexican restaurant in the area an was directed here. Unfortunately this was a huge disappointment. This is not Mexican nor would I even call this tex mex. The salsa tasted like it came out of a can and the "guacamole" was crap. Perhaps being from Texas my Mexican resultant bar is set high but nonetheless this was overpriced themed crap. Maybe to the locals this is great but if you want Mexican or tex mex, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
(1)
Casey M.
Great atmosphere, good service, and decent food. I had high expectations for Mexican seafood given a recent experience in Tucson, and while this place was beautiful, the food was not quite as good. Duck taco was very tasty, but the civiche was better at other places I've tried. Great place to hang out and drink hibiscus margaritas.
(4)
Alicia G.
One of the more popular spots in St. Petersburg (obviously) since it took us quite a long time to get a table. We were able to enjoy some drinks at the outside bar while we waited for a table indoors. They have a nice outdoor patio but on this particular evening, it was a touch too chilly to eat outdoors. The sangria was okay. We were a fairly low-maintenance 6-top but since our server would disappear for semi-long periods of time, when she would reappear, we'd have a lot of requests. Like trying to get 6 drink refills or order a single basket of chips and salsa. Which by the way- the chips and salsa you have to pay for. Hm okay. Most places at least give you the first basket for free but that is not the case here. I had the duck torta with yucca fries. Pretty delicious actually though I kind of wished I had gotten the duck tacos instead. The insanely strong (but awesome) strawberry and pineapple caipirinha was also great. Everyone else seemed pretty happy with their food options. We were just very unimpressed with the service.
(3)
Courtenay L.
I just want to sit out in the courtyard all day and drink mimosas and eat guacamole and tacos! Beautiful ambiance, staff is relatively friendly and food is killer. Good vegan options too!
(5)
Tiffany H.
I'm sort of conflicted about Red Mesa. I love the location and the outdoor patio seating (especially with nice weather). I've had pretty good service both the times I went. The food was on the better end of the scale, but I honestly don't think it warrants the price for some of their menu options. I tried both the duck taco and duck quesadilla, some kind of beef burrito, and chips & dip. First of all, the prices for tacos (between $4 and $5) are per single taco. Most people would need at least two to make a meal. I know dudes that would need four. There's also no substitutions, which really kind of sucks. I ordered my duck minus the goat cheese and liked the flavor it had. The beef burrito was good but nothing extraordinary. If you need to figure out if something is gluten-free (which I've become a little more aware of these days), the "gluten-free menu" is a hot mess. Instead of having a list of whatever is actually GF it's like a giant list of things that have gluten in them (or have been cross-contaminated or something because even the corn chips were on there). Basically, there's probably 4 or 5 things that are safe on the menu, and instead of saying that, it feels like the special menu is trying to deceive you into thinking you have more options. Needless to say, if you have very very strong sensitivities to gluten, skip it. My friend was okay with the corn chips and brunch thing she had (can't remember what it was exactly) but that might not be the case with people who can't function with cross-contamination at the very least. Last but not least, they serve hibiscus iced tea instead of plain ol' black. This was a pleasant surprise and got me on a hibiscus kick (I stopped at Cedar Market on the way home just to get tea bags).
(3)
Ashlee B.
I would never recommend this place. Our waitress had absolutely no personality and the food was very mediocre and over priced. Not to mention they have a frozen drink advertised on the menu and they don't have a blender to make them. Huge disappointment.
Came in on 1/2 price fajita wednesday for dinner. The service was good once we were seated. We had the steak fajita's which were nicely spiced, tender and a decent portion. Also had a duck taco which was very good with an interesting taste combination. No chips and salsa ($4.00 extra) was a disappointment. Think they'd serve more drinks if they had free chips and salsa like most good Mexican places. Cool building and bar area. Overall a good meal but a li
(3)
Andy S.
Everything here always tastes good. However, the service is pretty much always crappy. It seems like they have a really high turnover rate for servers and a lot of people don't seem to know what the heck is going on. This ceviche is always good, there are several different varieties. D quacamole and salsas are very good and taste very fresh. This is a good spot to have dinner before going out in downtown St Petersburg. I usually get the chorizo burger which is huge and very filling. I also like the fried yuca sticks. If the food was any less good I would have given this place a 3. If the service from the servers was anything decent I would have given this place a 5. Don't hesitate to go, just don't be surprised if you have to beg and plead for your server to show up or come back to the table.
(4)
Lewis U.
Good quality Mexican cuisine that I would recommend to anyone who has an appetite for Latin American food
(4)
Jen G.
I've been here several times on my forays into downtown St. Pete. They never disappoint. But, don't get this one confused with Red Mesa. They are two separate places. This is the one located in the same building as Push Ultra Lounge on 3rd St. The first couple times I went with girlfriends for a girls night out, so we stopped in for a bite to eat and a quick drink before heading upstairs to Push for Magic Friday. The chicken nachos are delicious! My friends also raved about the duck tacos. The margaritas were decent, as was the sangria. Last night I went with my man, and we ate chips and guacamole which were perfect! Just the right amount of garlic, salt, and cilantro. So delectable. They also made my cocktail just as I wanted. I prefer to sit in the outdoor bar/patio area, which has an awesome ambiance. The bartenders are fun and social, and the live music there is great, although the place seemed to shut down rather early, before 1am. I love the way they light up the outside with patio lights, it gives it a great Florida feel on a February night. We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Andee A.
Our group of 5 -- newcomers from Stockholm and St. Louis -- walked here from the Dali Museum and we were happily sated. Tasty, friendly, excellent salsa. Try the pork enchiladas! Great service, too!
(5)
Anna K.
Went there with my parents, including my dad who doesn't like Mexican food at all. But we all left extremely happy! The fajitas are awesome and the ahi tuna tacos are a must-have. Service was wonderful and the food came out quickly.
(5)
Angela A.
From the name, I expected far less than I received. More than Mexican, they offer many Latin American options. The mofongo is delicious though served in an untraditional way. Enjoyed also the empanada, gallo pinto, and ceviche. All in all, definitely worth the trip!
(4)
Paul V.
Being from Texas we were excited about trying this place out. Totally different than what were used too. Not even sure how to explain what we encountered here. It's hard to screw up Nachos, however it happened, cold beans and Parmasan cheese on chips was just not a good combo. In Texas salsa comes with your meal for free. Here we had to pay. Service was good.
(3)
Mark F.
I've been to all the red Mesa chains and this is by far my favorite! Margaritas are always delicious and the food never disappoints! I recommend this place to all my friends and family when they come in town. Will definitely be back, probably sooner rather than later!
(5)
Emma R.
This place is phenomenal. I highly recommend the brunch, especially the breakfast quesadilla and the mimosas. Nice outdoor ambience. Service is always quick and attentive.
(5)
Stephanie E.
Food and services was phenomenal!!
(5)
Randy H.
Duck tacos!!
(4)
Lisa H.
Bad experience here. Took them 20min to serve the chips and another 40min passed our main dish was not even there. The table next to us that got here later than us got their food and the waiter did not even stop by and say sorry.
(2)
Kelly H.
Excellent food, service, atmosphere and price. If you're lucky, you'll have Daniel as your waiter-- he's the best! Attentive, friendly and hilarious. Danny's family loves him! :)
(5)
Scott M.
Listed on a "top 50 in Tampa list" this eatery deserves its mention. In downtown St Petersburg, located in a refurbished fire house, Red Mesa sports a great bar, unique inside sitting arrangements and a courtyard with a pond and bridge Atmosphere 90 Miles away from downtown St Petes Service 85 Polite, quick and friendly Food 85 Upscale Mexican cuisine Value 85 A sound solid combination Worth the trip even if you are not in St Petes. .
(4)
Ashlee R.
This place is fantastic, awesome atmosphere! Love the outdoor seating area and was so glad we stumbled upon in during our time in St. Pete. I ordered the chicken tacos which were a perfect portion and delicious. We also got an order of the chips and salsa, salsa had the perfect kick of spice. And those margaritas were to die for...yum! Can't go wrong at this place, great reggae music playing, friendly employees and great food!
(5)
Yoandy H.
Really good food and the worst customers service thas what i think about them ...some budy show me the table and told me "somebody will be with you soon" i was waiting for about 30 minutes watching how they ask to a lot of people that came after us me and my wife...
(1)
Stuart F.
Red Mesa Cantina has a good menu and nice location downtown. I went recently with a large group and Josh was just an outstanding server! He was 5 stars. The food is consistently good, although I do wish they had more vegan options (and vegan labeling, so you know what is vegan or can be made vegan), and wish they would turn the music a little lower so it was easier to have conversations. Other than that, great place. I do wish they would abolish tipping though, just read this paragraph: Studies have shown that tipping is not an effective incentive for performance in servers. It also creates an environment in which people of color, young people, old people, women, and foreigners tend to get worse service than white males. In a tip-based system, nonwhite servers make less than their white peers for equal work. Consider also the power imbalance between tippers, who are typically male, and servers, 70 percent of whom are female, and consider that the restaurant industry generates five times the average number of sexual harassment claims per worker. And that in many instances employers have allegedly misused tip credits, which let owners pay servers less than minimum wage if tipping makes up the difference. Citations for those claims can be found here: washingtonpost.com/blogs…
(4)
Raisa B.
Very casual dinning experience. I recommend the oyster shooter with the fresh touch of cilantro. The pulpo is hell of a deal...a good size plate of tender pulpo with kalamata olives and avocado.
(4)
Elizabeth K.
i love this place. its delicious, consistent, and a wonderful atmosphere. i recommend to everyone who has never been and always take visiting guests there for dinner. keep doin' you
(5)
Jaclyn V.
Had a delicious dinner here tonight. Great service, great food, great drinks. Outdoor seating. I had the Cucumber Margarita, and I highly recommend it!
(5)
Kelly F.
There was a lot of hype for this restaurant. The food was a solid 3.5 -4. My chicken dish was a little dry. The table chips were cold and the house salad was okay. My dad got the pork ribeye, probably one of the best pieces of meat I have ever had. The chopped pico de gallo was good
(3)
Thomas A.
This is one of my go-to spots. I live nearby so the location is very convenient. The food here never disappoints and nothing on the menu is really pricey. The duck tacos are fantastic if you want to try something a little different. The pork enchiladas are more traditional but they are also excellent. Come during happy hour for $3 margaritas! Make sure you get the chips and dip sampler. The black bean dip and queso are great.
(5)
Bob B.
This is a great place to get your grub on before heading up to Push Ultra Lounge. The outdoor space is really nice and the food is tasty. This is more modern mexican so don't go in thinking otherwise. The benedict for brunch is extremely tasty and you can't ever go wrong with duck tacos, they have great flavor and are juicy. The prices are on the high side but the food is quality for sure.
(4)
Jose G.
I was here with a group last Saturday night. And I knew walking up, seeing the line of people, that they were busy. Our server was phenomenal, we sat in the back Lucha Bar. I think our servers name was Cara. But the reason this is a four star, was the little hostess that was at the front. We were greeted by her, she almost looked like she was going to break down. Half way through her struggling to come up with the wait time, a host came up, and took over. He was able to get us on the wait right away, and was able to explain to us about the Lucha Bar, which where we ended up seating, and having a wonderful time. He did a good job in my book, but it looked like that hostess needed a Xanax. Btw, to recommend, the duck torta is phenomenal, and the dessert chimichanga was amazing, and mouth watering. Hope to be back for the same this weekend.
(4)
Stephen J.
After a disappointing 1st night in St Petersburg we were so hapoy here. Fast service and great food. Oyster tacos were my favorite followed by the pulled pork sandwich...which is not on the menu. Dont miss this place if you are in town.
(5)
Jean M.
I have never had so many bartenders and servers ignore me at the same time. We are walking out after fifteen minutes of waiting for someone to at least acknowledge us. There were about five bartenders just chatting with no intention of working... And it's a Sunday afternoon. It's not even busy.
(1)
Brock G.
Although I'm not a huge Mexican cuisine fan I absolutely loved Red Mesa. We sat in the courtyard which is very nice and relaxing. I tried the cucumber margarita and the hibiscus margarita, both were delicious. We had the guacamole for an app and I ordered the chicken quesadilla for my meal. The food was amazing, came out quickly and the service was great. Will be returning soon!
(5)
Ronald T.
The atmosphere is Awesome!. The ambiance is so cool makes you want to have lunch there everyday. The food its allright....I had the enchiladas and there was any chicken in there. The wife ordered tacos and they were blend. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel welcome.
(3)
Joseph K.
I would not consider this place authentic Mexican cuisine, but more of a mix of Tex-Mex and other Mexican dishes. The quality of the food is top and everything seems fresh. I recommended the Trio dip and chips to start. The ambiance is great outside, they surprisingly have decent ceviche. Drinks are good but a little pricey.
(3)
Steve L.
Duck Taco was very delicious. Sweet plantains were good. Great atmosphere. Good service. Walking distance from anywhere downtown. Very affordable. Four ate for less than $50.
(4)
Colleen M.
Great food, prompt service and fun atmosphere. My husband and I split an order of queso and an El Gordo chicken burrito. Both were delicious and it was more than enough food for two. The service was quick and attentive and the atmosphere was fun and unique. Will definitely come back when we are in town. It was cold when we were here, but would love to sit on their patio in warmer weather.
(5)
Daniel K.
Yeah I am a fan. First, I must say that up until this year this rating would have been a 3. Much has changed in the last year. Better organization in the front of the house, better quality of food, better service, I just had a great time overall. If you have read enough of my reviews you know I really want to sit outside, middle of july no problem, shade provided and portable coolers. A bit loud but mission accomplished. The food was really great, had the same dish again, Carne Asada, wow what a nice updgrade to the dish from a year ago. Sauces, the corn on a stick, the steak cooked perfect from the sear to the seasoning, just a great dish; One that I will be going back to enjoy again. I want to thank the management. Feedback does work folks!!
(4)
Brittany J.
Love the outdoor area...definitely an island vibe. They have water fountains n errthang. Salsa was delish (Im picky about salsa), frijoles churros Mmmm, and the steak tacis were yum too. The meat itself coulda used a little more flavor/seasoming but overall great place.
(4)
Calvin M.
Amazing food. My favorites are the Borado ceviche, the mofongo, duck and mahi tuna tacos.
(5)
Jeff E.
I've been coming to the St Pete Clearwater area for years and am shocked that I only recently discovered this place. Food is superior, service is good, there was a good energy to the place even though it was a rainy wed and the place has character.
(5)
Timothy O.
Great lunch, server Lindsey was quick, food prep was quick and loved all we had to eat. Thanks for another great meal Seafood Quesadilla is a must!!
(5)
Kristen P.
Just had chips and guacamole but it was good. Outside ambiance is nice...plan to return soon!
(5)
Xamlinnette D.
We got here by mistake looking for Mesa Restaurant but it was a good experience after all. Love the mofongos! We ate different small tacos, my boyfriend had the chicken, pork and steak and me the shrimp and fish overall they were ok. It's a nice place to just to hang out.
(4)
Alex A.
Great food and ambiance to enjoy. Must try the sangria.
(5)
Sara I.
We were in the area visiting the Dali museum, and stopped at this restaurant for lunch based on the yelp reviews. The service was good for a lunch service. The place was pretty much empty, maybe 3 other tables in the inside dining room, definitely more on the outside patio. The waitress was helpful, and the menu was simple. Definitely high priced. We would compare these prices to New York City lunch prices. The chips were crunchy, not oily and I enjoyed the salsa, though it was loose, not texturally appealing, and seemed bottled. The guacamole portion was a good size but I thought it lacked some salt and was a bit slimy. But my husband liked it, so maybe just a preferential thing for me :) He had the duck tacos which were very sweet, and I thought the meat was a little dry. He also had the Baja fish taco, which felt more sweet than savory, as the sauce kind of buried the flavors. The steak quesadillas were good, but they really weren't special. The corn salsa on the side enhanced the flavor, but again, was pretty sweet. We had plantains on the side which were yummy but came with an unnecessary crema dipping sauce. The sauce was good but did nothing for the plantains. Overall, the place was okay. If you're looking for a Mexican food fill and not authenticity or memorable flavors, they will do the trick. Their happy hour prices were affordable and they had a lot of tequila choices. I probably wouldn't go back, maybe dinner is better, but it wasn't worth a $40 lunch.
(2)
Mark T.
Seriously great food - Chicken Fernandez is always awesome. Speciality drinks are also really good - they have a hibiscus margarita that's great. This place has a great atmosphere as well.
(5)
Gretchen C.
Can you say MOFUNGO? Best top shelf margarita in the Burg! Crab Shrimp quesadilla is phenomenal!
(4)
Rebecca D.
Excellent food, great environment, family-friendly. If you can sit outside, it is one of the most lovely outdoor dining experiences in St. Petersburg. Just AVOID for Sunday brunch. We were there for Mother's Day at 11:30 and waited over an hour for our food and several longer than acceptable intervals for drinks and other service. Our waiter and the kitchen were clearly NOT prepared for the Mother's Day brunch rush and there was no excuse for that.
(3)
Andy F.
The location is amazing. You can sit outside in a lush courtyard. There are a lot of beautiful people that eat here, whether you're inside, outside, or at the bar. I had the octopus appetizer, which was done with a spicy southwest flair. They have a great beer selection here, which includes many crafts. For dinner, I had a duck taco, which was made with goat cheese and a chili jelly... delicious! I also had the Mofongo. This was amazing. Three huge lumps of pork carnitas, plantains, yucca, and a green chili oil. A lot of food for $6. I also tried the ahi tuna wrap, which was very tasty with a horseradish sauce. The service can be a bit slow due to crowd, but the servers are very friendly. Definitely a delicious upscale meal at a more than fair price in a lively, beautiful atmosphere.
(5)
Meg M.
Service + Atmosphere + Mexican Food = WINNING! Dad and I went to Red Mesa for lunch after the Dali Museum and a walk around St Petersburg. I swear they treated us like celebs! Granted the place wasn't packed for lunch but all the staff greeted us as we came in and the hostess let us have our pick of tables in the pretty outdoor dining area. She even turned the fan down for me so that it wasn't directly facing us throughout the meal! Our waiter hooked us up with beers and waters from the beginning. Dad tried the Drifter beer (I think it was a lager) and although the waiter wasn't really sure how to describe it, we both really enjoyed it! I ended up ordering the gordo burrito with tofu and dad ordered the crab and shrimp quesadilla. Both were based on the waiter's recommendation and man, he was spot on! (I just have to reiterate the TOFU is a choice for a burrito filling here! Vegetarians, rejoice!) Dad's quesadilla was open-face and smothered in cheese. It tasted really good with the fresh seafood and had a delicate but spicy sauce on it that he loved. It was the perfect size for a lunch plate. ... But then I had him help me finish my burrito! My meal was AWESOME. Definitely not the healthiest but, hey, I had worked out this morning AND and on vacation so I was all over that jalapeno cream sauce! the burrito was huge- about the size of my forearm- but I managed to devour half of it in record time! The tofu was great and the burrito had a great balance of beans, rice, tofu, salsa and cheese. The sauce on top was delish and the salsa on the side was fresh and made with lots of cilantro- just the way I like it! I would totally recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual lunch spot with excellent service... the Mexican fare hit the spot for us!
(5)
Quincy C.
I went there tonight for dinner. I had the Baha fish tacos. The tacos were perfect. I got two because one is not enough. I like the trendy atmosphere. It was super busy inside. The service was quick with our food. The only thing was the bathroom line situation. I had to wait in line to use the bathroom, however I met some interesting people.
(4)
Felix A.
Just had an awesome lunch. The service was great; our waiter was very attentive to our large group. As always, the shrimp al mojo was delicious except the veggies were a little tough. I'm really feeling that Iced Tea. It's one of my favorites! Thanks for the great lunch experience!
(4)
Michael W.
Best tacos I have ever eaten! Duck taco with goat cheese and chili jelly was perfect, Baja Fish taco was light and fresh, and the steak taco was fantastic. The Duck was far and away my favorite. Service was excellent and the atmosphere was abuzz live music and a great downtown crowd. We sat in the outdoor courtyard that features a unique waterfall with a small river that runs through it. As a side note, we were here on a Sunday night so parking meters were off (free).
(5)
Jenny S.
Such a great place to go eat. The ahi tuna tacos are incredible and the ceviche is amazing. It's not your run of the mill Mexican joint so don't expect that. It's a higher quality and a bit outside the box which really makes it fun. In the heart of downtown St. Pete it's a must! Inside and outside seating with a great courtyard.
(4)
Lauren S.
Overall: Decent tex-mex, nice atmosphere.... don't order the house margarita. Food: We started with chips and queso and no one had trouble going back to the bowl chip after chip. It's thicker than what some mexican restaurants try to pass off as cheese dip - and I like it better this way! The quesadillas weren't anything to write home about very cheese and the meat was fine... would have preferred a little zip. Maybe some onions/peppers? Drinks: We ordered a pitcher of the house margaritas, each poured a glass, took a sip, and immediately looked at each other and said "is there tequila in here?" We finished half the pitcher before asking our server "is it possible the bartender was distracted and forgot to add the tequila?" She said no, but admitted the house ones are pre-mixed and stored in a giant container. Apparently the "hand crafted" margaritas are the way to go. Oh well, live and learn! Service/Atmosphere: We had a little trouble tracking down our server in the beginning, but eventually found her and after that all was fine. The outdoor courtyard was nice (despite the fact it was 115 degrees with 100% humidity.)
(3)
Kia G.
Let me just say that the service on the patio sucks. Which I already knew going in so it wasn't a big deal. The atmosphere outside at night is beautiful and perfect for date night. the tequila selection is amazing, and they carry don Julio which is my favorite next to patron. We tried the oyster shooters first and they were spicier than expected, but had a really great flavor and the portion was perfect for a starter. I had the cantinita ceviche and my date had the duck taco and the ahi taco. we shared both items and they were delicious. I would recommend this place, but don't go in expecting great service...
(4)
John M.
Jason is always a great bartender. Perfect cucumber margaritas. And the food is outstanding. Ceviche, tuna tacos, and shrimp tacos were what was for dinner tonight and I was stuffed. Great atmosphere and the perfect temperature helped to make for a very nice night outside at the bar.
(5)
Sam S.
Amazing food. Mahi ceviche and duck tacos were great! Cocktails were also very good. Large margarita selection
(5)
Kim R.
First let me start by saying that the food here is delicious. I ordered guacamole, taco salad, salsa and a mimosa at Geek breakfast today and it was all amazing! This review would have gotten a 4 or 5 star if it wasnt for the ridiculous service we received once our bill came. #1 we ordered queso asking in advance if there was meat in it. Our waitress said no, but upon receiving it realized that there was indeed chorizo in it. They were going to take it away, but one person in our party (of 15) asked if they were going to dump it and if so just leave it, someone might eat it. No one ended up touching it, by the way. #2 when asking about checks they asked who was paying for the queso... Uhhh it wasnt what we ordered so why are we paying $7 for it?! After a semi-heated argument and her eluding that they wouldnt have left it because they dont..... Basically sounds like they were going to dump it back in the giant pot of simmering queso or give it to the next table that ordered queso... According to the manager "we don't give away food for nothing", "we don't waste". I sure hope my other food wasn't recycled!!!!!!!! #3 the waitress knew she was guaranteed a tip because of the large party we sat with so on top of a $7 waste for something that was not eaten I also paid almost $6 tip. I wasted $13 on top of the gas on the drive over from the Tampa side only to be told by the manager that "That's not what he was told" and "we don't do things like that" (in reference to leaving something that was ALREADY SITTING ON A TABLE WITH A CHIP IN IT). #4 Your prices online are not the same as your prices at your restaurant. It may not be that big of a deal, but let's go back to the money I've wasted so far on this adventure. Your mimosas for example are incorrect online. #5 in ordering our meals my friend asked if she could get a dish minus tomato (allergies) and was told it was in the pico. When asking to hold the pico she was told that the chef doesnt do custom dishes because they are too busy.... This experience saddens me because the food is really really great, but I can't see myself going back to an establishment where the manager shrugs off a potentially serious situation and the chef only wants to make his life easy not satisfy a food allergy.
(3)
Michael Angelo R.
Great every time. Best salsa! Blackened chicken salad for lunch was amazing,fresh and abundant. Barely could eat dinner. Great sangria. Will always be back!
(5)
Melissa G.
Fantastic dinner all around with a great atmosphere in the courtyard! We were in town on vacation and checked this place out on a whim. Loved everything about it and our waiter made some great recommendations in both food and drink departments! We will definitely be back on our next trip!
(5)
Rae S.
I have been to Red Mesa countless times, because somehow it has designated itself as THE place to go for group gatherings and girls nights. I fucking hate it. The food is definitely hit or miss - mostly miss. It is not Tex-Mex, or mexican - it is a yuppie place with a theme. Sometimes the tacos are delightful, other times they are sloppily made and tasteless. The burritos are better everywhere else. Chips and dips are a highlight, and that is saying something. If you can afford to eat here, you can afford the gas to go somewhere better. I have been overcharged on several occasions, with items sneaking on to my receipt that I didn't order or consume more than once. I am definitely not the person to complain or mention this to the waiter - though one time, there was a $2.00 surcharge for "rocks" in a drink (rocks = ice). We were joking about it as a table and the waitress heard, so we asked about it (friendly, wasn't her policy or fault). The manager came over with a bull shit excuse, was rude and unhelpful, and made us glad that he didn't have the opportunity to spit in our food. I will say the service is great, and the wait staff is ALWAYS friendly and helpful. One redeeming quality in an otherwise over-hyped over-priced mediocre restaurant.
(1)
Jennifer C.
I love love love this restaurant! My favorite thing to the order is the Mofongo, but I also love all the duck dishes, especially the duck quesadillas. I just had the Seafood Mofongo (only available for lunch) for the first time and it was amazing. It was just one ball of delicious fried plantains, yucca and carnitas, which is so good all on its own but then they sat in a bowl of sauteed shrimp, scallops and calamari in a tequila lime butter sauce. It was one of the best things I've ever eaten. I only wish it were slightly bigger. So the food is spectacular but the service is pretty darn good every time we go, no matter if it's a slow weekday lunch or a busy weekend dinner. Local celebs like it too. I was there yesterday and terry Bolea, AKA Hulk Hogan, was on the other side of the dining room eating lunch like everyone else. As for the atmosphere, it's kind of sweet and romantic outside with it's tall bamboo blocking out the 3rd Street traffic and the fountain and waterfall bubbling quietly in the courtyard. I like that the tables have umbrellas for shade and shelter from the regular afternoon showers. The inside is a bit more hip. I love the floors and and the modern but comfy white chairs. It's fun getting to watch the kitchen from your seat too. This is a place we love to bring our out of town friends and family too, as well as a favorite lunch/dinner date destination. My only complaint is the lack of parking. On a busy day, we sometimes have to park several blocks away and walk to the restaurant, but it's worth it!
(5)
J T.
I was just here with my girlfriend and ended up walking out after fifteen minutes of being completely ignored by the five bartenders standing around chatting, even after making eye contact. We have never had such a hard time getting service on a sunday afternoon when it's not busy. We won't be back.
(1)
Dimi B.
Excellent tofu tacos (ask for fresh habanero peppers on the side). Cara was a fantastic server. Wonderful ambience sitting outside in the fountain area. Will definitely visit again. Very scant vegetarian menu, or I would've given it 5 stars.
(4)
Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I had no complaints! --- --- --- I had visited Red Mesa a couple of years ago but I actually couldn't remember much about it. That is a rarity, but it wasn't so bad after all, as it gave me an excuse to visit again. We had the chips sampler that came with queso, guacamole and salsa - which were all great. For my meal I went with the good ole' appetite satisfier - The Steak Burrito. It wasn't authentic close to Mexican food, but it tasted great. That's all I needed, something that tasted great. I'll save my authentic snobiness for another night. Whatever kind of cheese was spread out over the top, it was am-fan-az-tas-ing-tic. Yep, that word hurt my brain to type, but that's how great it was. Our food came out very quickly and our servers were very friendly (we had a veteran and a trainee.) I will return to Red Mesa, it's a rare find to come across a great spot in St. Pete, I haven't had much luck.
(4)
Ryan A.
I don't understand the hype. The food is average and service is awful, unless you're at the bar. Apparently, everything in the kitchen is pre portioned and heated in the microwave, so there's a strict 'you-get-it-the-way-we-serve-it' policy (I asked for spinach to be added to a quesadilla, which was absolutely out of the question). And according to the staff, their chef is a complete dick, so they're scared to even ask for substitutions. It's unfortunate because that's a beautiful space.
(1)
Regina C.
Red Mesa cantina is a Mexican infused Restaurant with great flavor and a fun atmosphere. The food is fantastic and the drinks are great as well. For the sangria lovers, I recommend the white one. The mojito is very refreshing and tasty. The dishes I have tried have all been delicious. For the meat lovers, I recommend the carne azada and the churrasco. The empanadas the tacos are awesome as well.
(5)
Julie S.
My husband and I had dinner here for the first time. Our waiter was great, he was always right there when we needed something. We ordered the Cadillac Margaritas and they were sooooo small and just mediocre. The food is just OK. Now I admit I am picky with my Mexican food as I grew up in California and then lived in Arizona. Needless to say I finished dinner still craving some good Mexican/ tex-mex.... I'm not saying I won't go back but I won't think of the restaurant while craving Mexican!
(3)
Rachel T.
Red Mesa can fit so many occassions. I've gone in my summer dress for an afternoon bloody mary in the outside bar area, to have my first meeting with my beloved wedding planner, with friends in casual night wear for dinner inside, and all dolled up for night drinks and the amazing new years party. I have to say, I can't pick a favorite. The place is large enough that you will fit in somewhere, hiding or flaunting it off. The New Years on the roof was fairly epic with lounge seating, dancing, and debauchery outside on the street...so you know it was a proper new years adventure. The food is great -- you can bring your family and sit inside. The drinks are awesome and I highly recommend their bloody mary.
(5)
Amanda C.
I absolutely love Mexican food and Red Mesa did not disappoint. I can't believe how long it has taken me to eat here but I am so glad I finally got the chance. To start I had the La Roseangel margarita which was spicy, strong and perfect! I also tried the house hibiscus margarita which was alright, not that great but pretty much what you expect for a house margarita. For an appetizer a friend and I shared the guacamole. There were so many choices on the menu that looked appetizing, but for my lunch entree I chose the duck quesadilla. Orange braised duck with jack cheese, goat cheese and pineapples with a honey chipotle vinaigrette. What a delicious explosion of flavors in my mouth! I'm excited for my next visit so I can try something new on the menu!
(4)
Carrie S.
If I could give this place negative stars, I would. 6 margaritas with no buzz? Puh-lease. On the 4th margarita, I started ordering a side of tequila just to get a buzz. What did they mix their lime juice with - water? Pathetic! I'm sure other bartenders are better. Just don't visit the outside bar... Unless you plan on spending an insane amount of money.
(1)
Scott W.
I'm surprised this place has such good reviews. We ordered a few appetizers and they were so bad we went somewhere else. The nachos don't come with any cheese!
(2)
Felicia B.
I love this place! I've been here several times with friends and family and they've all loved it. I've had the Ceviche, Mofongo, El Gordo, Fried Yuca, and many more dishes and I loved them all. My only complaint is that the waitresses sometimes forget to check on you.
(4)
Dylan R.
My wife and I ate here while visiting St. Petersburg for a night. We sat in the courtyard and the atmosphere was great. The hostess sat us immediately and our server (Angie) was right there and took good care of us. The food was amazing. We got the chips and dip for an appetizer, my wife ordered the chicken quesadilla, and I ordered the mofongo, which I never had before and loved. The prices were very reasonable for the quality provided. I would definitely recommend this place and wished it wasn't so far away from my home!
(4)
John S.
Red Mesa kicked off a week of great dining experiences in St. Petersburg. We went for an early lunch after touring Old Tampa Bay and the pier. There is a wide selection of beers on tap and the bartenders know how to make complicated spring and summer drinks to refresh the weary traveler. For starters we had the guacamole, cheese, beans with cilantro trio. Served in a connected bowl there was just enough of each for the three of us. They weren't the best of these I've ever had, but they were unique. One of the interesting notes of some of the appetizers and entrees was the latent heat. I don't like spicy food very much. One, I can't handle it, and two, it is usually a gimmick that replaces quality food with crap and hot sauce. The latent heat in many of Red Mesa's dishes came after the initial flavor hit your mouth then lingered just briefly. This is to me exactly what a moderate spicy flavor should add to a meal. For lunch I had the pork belly quesadilla special. It was good and comes with a heart bypass--or should. My amigos had the steak fajita tacos with fresh avocado, and the shredded beef enchilada. Both were good.
(5)
Beth S.
Yesterday, while driving back to Tampa from Sarasota, I was craving Mexican food. My boyfriend suggested Red Mesa and we were both practically drooling by the time we parked as we were both pretty hungry. The hostess had us wait until a table was cleared and I took the opportunity to head to the restroom. I stood in line for the restroom about 5-6 minutes (people were taking a long time in there) and saw my boyfriend sit down. I got to the table and no one had come by with menus or to take a drink order. The boyfriend and I watched servers wait on the tables around us but not one of them even looked our way. We were both really hungry and it was so nice out that we decided to wait a bit longer. About 10 minutes passed since I had sat down when we started to realize that no one was coming. Another couple nearby had empty drinks. We saw one server go back to another table no less than 3 times but appeared to see only that table. It was very strange. I waited tables for a very long time, from 18-25, and I just don't understand how every server in our vacinity ignored us completely. After another few minutes we decided to leave. Hungry, thirsty, and very disappointed. As we walked out we passed the manager and let him know we'd never been greeted, much less had a drink order taken. He apologized and we could have stayed but at that point we just felt it was best for us to move on. I'm not sure I'd go back to a place with such little teamwork and for lack of a better term, no service.
(1)
Cheryl M.
3.5 - very good food - the crab and shrimp quesadilla was great! Guac was very good, that's my measure of great mexican food. The ambiance was great - unfortunately, it rained and we had to move inside - I would have preferred to be outside, but alas, Mother Nature did not cooperate.
(4)
Patty D.
I've been to Red Mesa Cantina a couple of times, and I always leave there full and happy. Brunch on Sundays are my favorite! Love the menu and price is very reasonable!
(4)
Natalie Y.
omg omg omg this is too delicious LOVE IT.
(5)
Susan B.
The food is good. Service very spotty. At the end of the meal and the night at the restaurant our server left the bill and disappeared with most of the staff. After waiting a long time with no one in site. We went to the hostess and got a manager. No apology. Seems amazing to have the staff disapear most likely on a smoke break
(2)
Mr. X.
Some of the most bland Mexican food I've had. Unacceptable for the price.
(2)
Doug N.
Well I had brunch here this past Sunday and I was very impressed. I had one of the best bloody marys I've had, and I also tried their 'Michelada' drink which was delicious as well. My food was excellent (I had the Plato Oaxaca and then the churros with hot chocolate for dessert) , the service was good, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Recommended! I will be going back for sure.
(5)
Patrick O.
The Ahi Tuna Tacos were the best I've ever had!
(4)
Seamus M.
Tl;dr review: Hostess sat us in an unattended section, no appetizer plates, hair in appetizer, and left before meal came out. I'm never going back. I've been to this location several times in the past and the service has been hit or miss, but the food has always been good. The last time we were here a few months back, we were sat in an unattended section and sat for a good 15-20 minutes before someone realized we were there. The waiter was very apologetic and offered us a free appetizer and completely turned us from being disgruntled to happy guests over the course of dinner. I chalked this one experience up to an honest mistake as we've had good service here in the past. We decided to go back last night because my girlfriend and her friend wanted sangria and tacos. We were promptly greeted by hostess and were seated in the first available section. She sat us inside, by the bar. I realized we were in an unattended section after about 10 minutes of staring at each other wondering where our waiter/waitress was. About 15 minutes in, a couple of people came by to ask if we were being helped and our order was taken. Cool, we can start drinking and eating, right? Nope. Our drinks and appetizer came out several minutes after we ordered and we were told our appetizer would be comp'd by the house, which was a nice gesture, but not something we had requested. We were expecting someone to come by with appetizer plates as there were 3 people at the table and we were sharing. My GF had to get up and request the plates after about 5-7 minutes of unsuccessfully trying to get someone's attention. OK, we have everything we need and we can finally enjoy our dinner, right? Nope. After having a few bites of the appetizer, our friend pulls a long black hair out of the food that was not any of ours. My girlfriend and her friend both had blonde hair and I have short black hair. At that point, we had lost all hope of having a pleasant experience at this establishment. My girlfriend politely notified one of the wait staff that was helping us that we were no longer interested in having dinner before we left. The young woman (waitress) and manager were both very apologetic and offered the already prepared food to-go, but we no longer wanted to take any more chances with the food. We left for another restaurant close by that had excellent service and food. In summary, the restaurant is hip, food is good, but service is very hit or miss. Based on my previous experiences with this restaurant, I'll gladly take my money elsewhere.
(1)
Tracy W.
We stopped here again in Jan. 2015 and were not disappointed. It was as good as we remembered. It was a chilly day and we arrived a little after noon and were told it would be a 25 minute wait, but we could eat outside (too chilly) or we could eat in the outside bar area. It was a little less exposed and the overhead heating warmed it enough that we were very comfortable. The whole bar area was being serviced by the bartender only! But she was good and our food was not slow in coming. But she must be exhausted at the end of her shift. And - she was good humored about it. We really like this place and will definitely come again when we are passing through.
(4)
Jonathan G.
They forgot to tell us our table was ready. All the host staff apologized for forgetting about us. Then the manager came over to tell us that it was normal to wait an hour at 11pm on a Friday to eat dinner, meanwhile the place was a ghost town. Accused us of lying and was very unsocial and disrespectful. Check out casita taqueria a few blocks up. Cheaper and better tacos with awesome service.
(1)
Will C.
I really like going to Red Mesa the wife and I have eaten here a few times but most recently just before christmas while we had some friends in town. I really enjoy the food that they serve here but I think they do a poor job when it comes to the size of a cocktail. My wife and our friends all ordered the margarita and it was fairly small for the price. They all ended up ordering beers to chase the drinks because they were weak and small. The food portions are also small but they are a la carte so when you order the tacos you are ordering a taco not a meal of tacos. On my most recent trip I ordered the ahi tuna tacos and I was not disappointed they were light and flavorful. If the weather is nice this is a great place to visit they have a very nice courtyard where you can sit outside and enjoy the weather while not sitting on a sidewalk while everyone walks by you.
(5)
John P.
Back again after a year! The service was good, food excellent, and I will return again. Try the fish tacos.
(4)
Tamara B.
I don't normally write reviews but in this instance I was so disappointed I had to. I arrived with plenty of time in advance for my friends bachelorette party because they don't take reservations even for a party of 15. I was told that our party would be seated in an hour.... Over two hours later we were seated. I expressed my concern to the manager and he seemed uncaring that we had an unpleasant experience. Working in the restaurant business myself I know how important service is and this situation was not handled properly.
(2)
Fernanda M.
Long waiting (about 40 minutes) to get the food, but overall the service and the food were great!
(4)
Erron S.
My family and I had dinner for the first time tonight at thr Red Mesa Cantina. The food and service were great! I highly recommend the Mofongo, El Gordo Burrito and the Apple Empanada. We live in Bradenton and we will definitely be going back!
(5)
Cam B.
Delicious! Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine - give RMC a try. You won't be disappointed. Started with combo appetizer plate - any little bit of this and a little bit of that. Good choice. Ordered fresh grouper which came with Fresh toppings, home made salsa - "off the chart" flavor. wife ordered shrimp - seasoned perfectly with rice. We didn't order Margaritas, but they looked delicious. Service was equal to any fine dining steakhouse such as Fleming's or Charlies. Nice staff! Last, super Kudo's to kitchen staff serving it all up. Our dish not only tasted delicious but looked great as well! Nice work!!!! Owners have a diamond here.... Build one in Spring Hill! Thanks
(5)
Arlene Z.
Outstanding! Great Ceviche and red Sangria. No one in our group was disappointed. Definitely Not your typical Tex-Mex slobbered in velveeta.
(4)
Chris M.
Odd place. Really nice ambience. Small waterfalls surround a courtyard where outdoor diners can enjoy themselves. The chips and dip taste good, but they look like Velveeta and canned beans, which doesn't fit how nice your surroundings are here. It seemed like such a strange pairing. The Shrimp al Mojo however is excellent. Great presentation, delicious - fits the expectation set upon walking in. I got the: Baja fish taco: Delicious, would get again Chicken taco: kinda boring I'd definitely come back to show off St Pete on a nice day. I'll be picky about the menu.
(4)
Jennifer B.
We dined here on a Saturday night recently and had a really nice experience. The wait without a reservation was only 20 minutes at prime dinner time. I think we got lucky because it was packed! The staff was efficient & courteous. We had the Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Taquitos & Carne Asada. All very good & light...which left plenty of room for the Passion Fruit Margarita's, which were also delicious! Beautiful outdoor seating area. Great place for a date!
(4)
Christina G.
We were visiting St. Pete for the first time and checked out Yelp to see where we might want to land for dinner. I love me some good Mexican food so the Red Mesa Cantina sounded like a good place. We arrived and saw quite a few people waiting outside so I was a little concerned. We walked up to the hostess stand (seemed like there was 4 or 5 girls standing there) and were "greeted" quite curtly. "How many?" "Just two of us." "Two. Inside." She threw two menus at one of her minions without even a look and were shown inside. On the way we walked past a beautiful courtyard, but I guess we weren't even given the option to wait for a seat out there if we wanted. So inside it was. And inside was LOUD. I'm not old and I'm not beyond a rowdy place. But the decibels weren't matching the dimly lit decor. Our waiter was very nice, prompt, and checked on us the appropriate amount of times. We ordered a couple drinks and chips and salsa (which at 99% of Mexican restaurants are free, but not here, and it's extra for refills). I ordered two tacos, the duck and the beef. Both were good but almost $10 for two pretty simple tacos? My husband ordered the seafood mofongo (although I wouldn't call it a traditional mofongo). He really enjoyed it and it was the perfect amount. We also got the churros for dessert. Perhaps it was just a SUPER busy night. Perhaps the stars just weren't aligned for us. But at this time I can't justify the price and the initial rudeness we encountered.
(3)
Rachel P.
My co-worker and I went for lunch. The service was fast and the waiter was friendly. I had Tofu Tacos and my co-worker had the Pork Enchiladas, both delicious!! We ordered desert the Apple Empandas and the Plantain Chocolate Chimichanga. Both of these desserts came with a delicious Gelato, which was so good. The inside is very trendy decorated with amateur wrestling masks. Would definitely come back to this place!!
(4)
Ashley S.
--- Short Synopsis --- Good food and atmosphere!! It can get warm and humid in here during the summer though. I really enjoyed the flavorful ahi tuna taco, the juicy duck torta, and the tasty seafood mofongo!!! Unfortunately, the duck taco (meat) was real
(4)
Thomas A.
A top-qual Sunday Brunch! The grill-kissed chorizo breakfast burrito was outstanding, as was the Mexican Coffee (half Mexican hot chocolate, half coffee). Nice bustling atmosphere with a laid back vibe. Prices were amazingly fair for downtown St Pete! What took it over the top was the special "extra hot" orange-ish salsa they made for me. I forget the name of it, but my face was melting by the time I finished my meal. As with most Mexican restaurants in Florida, you have to ask specifically for the extra hot stuff. I think I could pretty much live solely on food from the three Red Mesa incarnations around town.
(4)
Gerald M.
Red Mesa Cantina is a nice escape. Had the soft fajita taco which was really good. That and chips with assortment of dips filled me up. Great for lunch or an evening with friends.
(4)
Natasha D.
I really like Red Mesa Cantina! It has the best patio in St Pete and off the beaten path of Central Ave so it's not so obnoxious. They serve decent Mexican style food. I wouldn't call it authentic but they have a decent selection of dishes. I LOVE the duck taco, it's one of the best menu items. My mother gets the empanada when she is in town. It's a little small but good she says. The trio of dips is really good! The Shrimp al Mojo is excellent. Had the Chicken Fernandez and was not impressed, it was very bland. On the brunch menu, the vegetarian bowl is awesome and served with fresh fruit. And if you come on Saturday or Sunday before 2pm, they have flavored mimosas for $4. To me the food is OK. It's not real Mexican so I'm not thrilled, but close enough. I wish these restaurants would serve free chips and salsa! The happy hour specials are great with half off wells, house margaritas, and house wines. Good happy hour! Bartenders are super friendly and staff is welcoming. I come here to unwind a lot after work. Very nice place! I always recommend this place to out of towners.
(4)
Kaley C.
Red Mesa Cantina (not to be confused with Red Mesa down the street) was great. Our party of six had to wait about 40 minutes for a table, but the bar was easily accessible and there were high tops on the sidewalk outside, so the wait went very quickly. We sat outside in the patio area which was nice, until it started to rain. The team's response to the rain was very good. At the sight of sprinkles, team members came out of the restaurant with big umbrellas to cover all the tables. It wasn't perfect and we did have to huddle to stay dry, but it was far better than having our meal ruined on account of typical Florida weather. They have many different types of margaritas. I went with the Cadillac margarita and it was great. I ordered the mofongo as an appetizer and loved the taste. I liked how it was served in appetizer form. Perfect for sharing. I ordered two of the tacos- ahi tuna and baja fish. The baja fish was by far my favorite. I was a little disappointed with the texture of the tuna. Other people at my table who ordered the same shared this opinion. My boyfriend really liked the tofu tacos and was happy there were easy veggie options. Overall, everyone was satisfied. Margaritas were great. The price was a little steep, but it was a nice night out. Would visit again.
(4)
Raymond G.
Great environment to have some fun. Its been a while since i've been to a place with such a great outdoor area. I'm excited to come back here on first Fridays and to some of their other events. Any time you mix good drinks, a live band, and a good group of people, you're in for a good time. I haven't had an extensive amount of food here but from what I have had, some things I really like, and some things I'm just ok with. But the one thing I know is that whatever it is they are making, they make it well. Thats the great thing about places like this, you feel free to explore the menu, and the rest is just up to taste. You learn from experience and this place will leave you with a good one. The only down side on my part was the pricing, but I guess they have good reason for that. All in all, great experience and will come back!
(4)
Enit S.
With all the people waiting outside, I thought this restaurant was going to be a real goldmine but I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Don't get me wrong, it's ok, but that's about it. As stated before, there was a bit of a line just to check in and the whole patio was taken up because it was a really nice evening and the views of a rocky fountain they have look pretty nice so we opted to eat inside where there was no wait time. I will say this, food and drinks came out promptly, and our waitress was attentive. I ordered a seafood mofongo priced at $11 I thought was a steal, but when I think mofongo, I think traditional green plantains, mojo, pork and they use sweet plantains here. It was still good, and they were not stingy with the seafood I just prefer traditional mofongo. One of my dining companions however was over the moon with the use of sweet plantains. I think it literally blew his mind to such a degree that he ordered another plate of it. Again, it's up to your own preference but be aware that it's not traditional mofongo and it's really up to the individual's taste. I tried my friends vegan tofu taco, I thought it was great and also sampled another friends pulled beef burrito and that was good but nothing really stuck out for me here.
(3)
Denise A.
I was here during Saturday brunch and it was pretty crazy. Very busy but the service was spot on. The patio looked really nice but it was pouring rain so... I had a margarita and it was generously poured and flavorful. The two people I was with and I all ordered off of the brunch/breakfast menu. My scrambled eggs and beans with corn tortillas were pretty ordinary, but the SAUCE (chile verde)!! Oh yeah, a great sous chef can make everything yummy! Friends gave a big thumbs up for the sweet potato pancakes and scrambled egg burrito. I loved the weird art selection and funny Mexican wrestling posters too.
(4)
Christian H.
I thought it was pretty good. I had some tasty ceviche and a fish taco. The chicken quesadilla was ok, nothing crazy. And the churros was lovely. Get here before 6 pm.
(4)
Jessica S.
Red Mesa continues to provide the best food! We were there this weekend and enjoyed the mofongo and ahi tuna salad. Always fresh. Always fantastic service. Can't rave enough about the hibiscus margaritas!!
(5)
Coty S.
My Mom loves Mexican food, so I thought that she would like Red Mesa Cantina's $84.00 breakfast. That does not include tip... Because everyone likes to feel special sometimes. Even if it comes with a Red Mesa price tag. The food is fresh and flavorful, but I have had the same quality from a taco truck. Ceviche was also nice, but I have had better at restaurants that specialize in ceviche dishes. My favorite items at this cantina are: 1. Mexican style grilled corn on the cob, covered in crumbled salty Mexican cheese. 2. Mofongo- it is an interesting interpretation of mofongo, but mouthwatering nonetheless. 3. Chips with Dip Trio- the price is not that ridiculous on this snack. 4. Cucumber Mojito- it is overly expensive, but just order it already. Hence their name being "cantina, " I recommend skipping the brunching crowd and sit at the gorgeous patio bar, hand the bartender your life savings, drink yummy drinks, and snack until your heart is content. Sitting inside if for the birds.
(3)
Boon C.
We were near the St. Pete downtown and my colleagues suggest the red Mesa for lunch. I was here before and I was having dinner last time. This is the first time I having lunch. The location is convenient for the downtown St. Pete. They have the outside and inside sitting area. Today is heavy pollen time with the oaks tree is blooming, sitting out is not a good idea. The setting is very modern. It may be a good place lunch bite get on the way to work. The food came out quick for this restaurant during lunch time. I have order three taco. The duck, steak, and ahi tuna taco. The ahi tuna is seared and mix with green, wasabi and soy sauce. I feel that the tuna is not well season. They did not seared long enough to allow fish burn taste. The steak taco is mixed with Rajas and jack cheese. I am not a fan. The duck taco duck is orange duck. By adding the goat cheese, it destroys the beauty taste of the duck orange sauce. Sometime thing should not mixed together and this one of the example. Overall the serving is great and the food came out fast make they deserve 3 star.
(3)
Mailoha A.
My friend and I were not having the best luck finding a place to have dinner on MLK. Who knew that so many restaurants would be closed for MLK?? Well we obviously had no idea. Anyway, after some Yelp browsing we came across Red Mesa. It's on the corner of 3rd St N and 2nd Ave S. As soon as you walk up their is someone outside to greet you. You have the option of sitting outside in a patio or inside. The night was cold when we went so we chose to sit inside. Our waiter was very friendly. He came over right away and greeted us. We were really hungry so after he took our drinks order we asked him for recommendations. He did of course give us the "everything on the menu is great" line but we finally got him to give us a few of his favorites. We ordered a few tacos, the mofongo and the bombas. My favorite was the mofongo. Ask for extra sauce. Just trust me. I also really enjoyed the plantain dessert. Note, this is not your typical tex mex. You will realize this as soon as you walk inside to be seated. You will also find that their menu options are very different from what you are used to seeing. I didn't mind that. I always like seeing restaurants put a twist on things :) We had a great time and really enjoyed the food.
(4)
Ally S.
Their Civiche was delicious. The only part i hate is that we couldn't take reservation. So my party of 8 had to wait an hour. Now that I think of it, probably their trick for us to buy drinks at the bar. One of their bathroom was stalled up. So there was only two down stairs. Big line and only one toilette. But the the food was good. A little pricey. I would only show up for dinner for special occasions.
(3)
Josh N.
On my first venture into downtown St. Pete I'm very happy to have found this little gem. From the moment we walked in the staff was very pleasant, helpful and outgoing we ordered the chips and dip "antos" we ordered was absolutely delicious. I'm not normally a tofu person but these tacos were absolutely delicious and I genuinely enjoyed not getting any pressure from any member of the staff to order quickly or dessert or any of the extras I'm wholly satisfied with my visit and would recommend it
(5)
Amara G.
Are there spices that remain at the tip of our tongue? Are there spices that dive in right into the back of our throats? Which spices just make you cry? We pondered about such existential depths yesterday at Red Mesa Cantina. I don't know if we got too deep because the service took so long, or because when the agave margaritas finally arrived we were just giddy out of low blood sugar levels. We had parked way far and faraway. I mean fa-arrrr. Very much away from the cantina. It was a beautifully hot sunny and sweaty day to walk around downtown St. Pete wearing all black (even if in short shorts) and platform high heels. I admit I can go from fashionista to fashion victim often. No bueno! I looked like one of those storks that one sees lost and confused amidst the landscaped divider of a very busy street. Only the storks have longer necks. Come to really think of it... yes, the skinny long legs are exactly the same. The bony knees too. A lower body that can barely sustain its upper torso. Drops kept falling down my cheeks under the Ford black sunglasses. I kept drying the sweat drops away, emotionally unstable, like a crazy widow. I needed those margaritas fast. Parched and starved, I become high maintenance. I tapped my French manicured nails on the table as I tried to block out Bon Jovi "Living on a Prayer." Why do I dislike Mexican restaurants that play rock and roll music? I secretly wished all Ruth Chris, Olive Garden and Berns started surprising patrons with mariachi bands more often. Maybe some flamenco too? I know... I can be such a pain. The agave margaritas did the trick. Two of those tart babies in twenty minutes. A six-dollars-a piece mental spa. Did I mention the service was slow? Ten more minutes to anticipate the appetizers: Bean dip and chips, mofongo and carne frita with chimichurri sauce. I found the bean dip runny and rather flavorless. Rather unappealing in presentation. There was a hint of cumin and cilantro among the blandness. It needed substance and whole lot of more queso fresco. The mofongo and carne frita (why was that on the menu if that is a classic Puerto Rican dish? Never mind, it was great!) Consisted of three balls of deliciousness worth a fork fight. Salty and sweet, crunchy and tender. Memorable. Since the green-eyed foodie possesses the delicate and tender touch of a Great Dane puppy, she managed to spill an entire water glass that cascaded down onto laps (refreshingly Fifty Shades of Gray), pooled on the concave white chairs and dripped onto the floor. We all stood up in unison rambunctious and chaotic. The five paper napkins were certainly not enough to stop our own Watergate scandal. Did I mention the service was slow? Eventually this really cute guy helped us out with a cloth towel. After five minutes of infamous notoriety, we sat down for our main dishes. Chicken enchiladas with salsa verde, Pork enchiladas with tomato havanero sauce, Beef tacos, Yucca Frita and Chipotle filet burrito. Beautiful presentation. Big plates. Big spice where we never thought of. The green enchiladas were the spiciest, and I had asked the level of spiciness because of my Angelina Jolie lip propensity. I was told they would be mild. The joke was on me. The servers must had seen me tapping that table in exasperation and gotten even. The tomato with havanero sauce we had expected to be cooked in hell's cauldron. It had no spice. So the green-eyed Dalmatian traded with me. It was good food. By the time we left, the place was packed. I guess it is quite popular. Would I return? No. Would I recommend it? Yes, for the agave margaritas and the mofongo. But I make better organic margaritas and an even better mofongo. And I am faster at it too.
(3)
Donna N.
This is my first visit and it won't be my last. I ordered the Eggs Benedicto. Just delicious...2 gorditas topped with guacamole, tomato slice, crispy bacon, poached eggs, chipotle cream sauce and quest fresco served with fresh fruit consisting of cantaloupe, honey dew melon and strawberries. Best brunch ever!j
(4)
Tari K.
Nice atmosphere but extremely overpriced. Paid $24 for one lunch. Two fish tacos will cost you $9.90!!! And they weren't even that flavorful. Staff kept staring awkwardly at me and my friend. I guess we didn't fit into the mold of the other pretties there. Pretty place, pretty people, fake personas.
(2)
Holly S.
White sangria was so good! I had the pork tacos which were a bit salty, but I guess that's what you get with pork. I still give this 5 stars for the service, atmosphere, and sangria!
(5)
Ryan S.
I just love this place. Food is consistently awesome!! Party of four today had pulled pork tacos, fish and shrimp tacos, empanadas, guacamole, and a pitcher of margaritas. Server was amazing and brought a virgin margarita for my pregnant sister w/o asking. The gesture made her whole day! The guacamole is the best I've had anywhere in Florida. If you are in DTSP then stop in here for lunch you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Rachel O.
Delicious every time we go! They have SIN night on Sunday's (service industry night) 1/2 off for every person in the service industry with proof of pay stub. Resa (spelling?) waited on us last time we went and she was awesome! The chicken taquitos and beans and rice are my favorite and I get them every time we go! My husband always gets the duck sandwich which he claims is the best thing he had eaten since we moved here! Try them out!
(5)
Franklin A.
I always come here for brunch when my family visits, it is visually appealing, quick and friendly. It is always guaranteed to taste great!
(4)
Ethan C.
Love this place! Although it's often very busy in the evenings, the customer service is still very good. They have a great happy hour with inexpensive and tasty house margaritas and plenty of food specials. The salsa is excellent and fresh, and the queso is also good. The steak burrito is one of my favorites, although it's a little spicy, so beware if you favor less spicy food. For dessert, don't forget to check out the churrrrrrrroooooos! They arrive nice and warm with two dipping sauces and are delicious.
(5)
E F.
Take a cheap flour tortilla, chewy squares of tasteless chicken, cheap white cheese, put in oven/microwave for 5 minutes. Serve with hunk of cheap ranch and guac....and you get Red Mesa's chicken quesadilla. This was the most pathetic lazy nasty quesadilla I've ever been served. Worse than AppleBees quality. Awful
(1)
Bill D.
I had the pleasure of attending a Yelp! event here as a guest of Anna M., a '15 elite mega-star and gracious friend. This was my first Yelp meet-up. The event was PACKED! Was a bit warm outside but owner and staff provided a great experience all the same. Plenty of ice water to go with the generous margaritas and tasty sangria (red was better than the white today). The ownership's pride in product and head chef's commitment to serving consistent quality was evident both in food, and the descriptions provided before each course. An under-whelming P.A. system coupled with a boisterous, well-lubed crowd meant some were unable to hold their attention for every word, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of tonight's event. I hope others feel the same... The opening course of tamalitos de rajas featured a tasty, lightly spiced tomatillo sauce atop a nice tamales. The tamales alone would have been a bit dry, but the delicious and obviously made in-house tomatillo salsa tied everything together well. Very nice. Next came the tostada de chile colorado. The pork was good but the spicy (and delicious!) chipotle chile really stole the show. A fantastic combination of heat and flavor that i'd absolutely go for again. The pork was well coated, not drowning in sauce. Just right. Medium spiciness...not for those adverse to a lil' kick... The ceviche de mero was great. Probably my favorite of all the dishes. Incredibly fresh and very well done. All the flavors worked well together without one overpowering the others. The seafood here was perfect. Ceviche is a balancing act....let the fish sit too long in the citrus and it becomes tough, chewy....get the blend of ingredients wrong and the flavors won't play nice in the sandbox. Neither was an issue here. These guys know what they're doing. Again, all very fresh...that's important when dealing with citrus-cooked seafood (obviously). I wouldn't order ceviche from just anywhere but i'd order it from Red Mesa without hesitation. The tacos de pato was good and the duck was very well prepared (not easy to do), but the combination of the 4 other ingredients didn't really do it for me. Duck is kinda mild, and easily overpowered. That was the case here. The consistency was on point however. As with every other dish the ingredients were incredibly fresh. Fideo verde appeared at first to be your average pasta-with-parmesan blend....appearing more Italian than home-cooked Mexican....but you can't judge this book by it's cover. The flavors really popped and I realized (after reading the menu) that the grated cheese on top was actually cotija. I've never heard of cotija cheese before. Shame on me. It's awesome. The shrimp was great. Well made, not over-cooked. This one looks Italian, tastes Mexican. There's a terrible ex-girlfriend joke in there someone...but i'm gonna let it go..... :-) The final dish was lomo en mole negro. I'm not a black mole fan at all so I passed on this one. I'm told the mole is made in house by their head chef, a Oaxaca native. If you're into mole, give it a try. Fair warning though....traditional mole is not a flavor that the American palate takes to easily. You'll either love it, or pass entirely. Though i'm not a fan it's clear the mole that comes out of this kitchen is legit, home-style Mexican goodness. Cheers to the Red Mesa team...this is about as authentic as it gets!
(5)
Chris E.
Are you kidding me? This place is phenomenal!!! We sat outside where there is a quaint fountain and bridge to set a great atmosphere. In addition, the service was quick and cordial, the food phenomenal and the prices are definitely reasonable. Make sure you hit this place up when in town.
(5)
Jarrod S.
Huge Tequila and Mezcal selection. Ceviche was very good. Awesome patio. Selection of margaritas, tried two, both good and not too sweet. Great service!
(5)
Richard K.
I must say I am extremely disappointed by the recommendations of both yelp and the Tampa times on trying this restaurant. We only went here before the Dali museum because it relieves such strong recommendations. The decor was very cheesy at best. We started with the dips which tasted like store bought salsa, guacamole, and cheesy dip. We ordered a bunch of food for brunch including the burger (not medium rare), breakfast sandwich (the bun was stale), and tacos (meat was tough). Service was good else I would have given it one star. Come on Tampa/St Pete...there must be better Mexican food (this coming from a New Yorker).
(2)
Michael F.
The ambiance is great. The location is great. The staff was super friendly. The food was pretty good, not the best I have had, but it's a great place if you are looking for some fast food and a good drink. I did try their duck taco... I can see why people like it, but a little too sweet for my taste. I wish they had incorporated a little more spice into it to cut down on the sweet sauces and cheese. I ordered all the tacos, and they were all exceptionally good. I wouldn't say this is anything close to a Mexican restaurant, I would say this is more of an American take on Mexican style food. But all said and done, I love the place. I definitely will be coming back for more (if it wasn't always so busy lol). Every time I come, they are always slammed busy and at least a 20 minute late.
(4)
K W.
The food is decent for the most part but overpriced for what it is. Their outdoor space is great, though.
(3)
John R.
The food is pretty good. But be ready to pay for every little thing. Want lettuce on your kids tacos? $1 per taco. Want a little extra sour cream for your burrito? $1. Want a refill on the chip basket for the unused salsa? $2.50. Oh and the staff won't tell you. They just add it to the bill. Just seems deceptive. Why not just raise the price of the entre? Won't be going back.
(2)
Sarah M.
Has become one of my favorite spots in downtown St Pete. Great atmosphere, fun outside dining. Fabulous Mexican food. Huge portions and a very nice menu to select from. Friendly, courteous and helpful staff. Prices very reasonable. The best fried sweet plantains. Love the fresh salsa and chips as well.
(4)
Ryan H.
Out of all the meals we had during the week, this was the highlight of our trip. The food here is incredible. Not much more to say on that topic. They claim to be a slightly classier restaurant and according to multiple different literatures that we read, dress jeans are suggested for dinning here. Well, considering how sticky the tables are and how trashy the bathrooms were. I wouldn't take that dress code too seriously.
(5)
Marinda H.
Super neat outdoor patio and servers working this day were full of tattoos and piercings - me likey. Ordered Chicken Enchiladas - one enchilada topped with salsa roja, one with salsa verde, both finished with queso fresco, cilantro-onion and crema. served with black beans and rice. Was not super impressed with the enchiladas although the beans were great. Very small portion size. Seemed very pricy for the portion size (and they could have thrown some chips & salsa in for the price). I did not know this but you have to ASK for chips or they won't offer them. 2 stars for food, 4 stars for service and atmosphere
(3)
Sheri Jo B.
Easily one of my favorite places in DTSP! The food is awesome and they have great entertainment outside. The patio area is beautifully landscaped and is a great place to dine when the weather permits. Excellent, signature margaritas! The inside is very inviting and a fun atmosphere all around.
(5)
David G.
This place has the best brunch in DTSP the menu is extensive from breakfast to Tex-Mex it's been all good every time! Today we got a seat by the fountain under cover and beautiful out. They sat us before even 11 talk about great service. My crab and shrimp quesadilla was delicious and came out quickly. The El Bombero is pink, my fave color, and packs a punch :) highly recommend having brunch here
(5)
Addison P.
Great time, excellent tequila, amazing atmosphere. Had a blast with a group of 10 on the patio. Server gave excellent recommendations for tequilas.
(5)
Stephanie Y.
Found Red Mesa of course off the Yelp app for a pre-flight meal and it was a great decision. The place is super spacious and pretty cool with a great outdoor space in downtown St. Pete. We sat in the outdoor bar space and it was quite lively on a Sunday afternoon with football playoffs on. Service was wonderful and we opted for an order of ceviche, guac and chips and a taco salad topped with fresh mahi mahi and steak. The guac was regular although those chips and salsa was on point. The salsa had subtle heat and chips were freshly fried. The ceviche was delicious, also served with freshly fried chips. We ordered the Huachinango which consisted of snapper, shrimp, calamari, blue crab, chile arbol oil, orange, tomato, onion and cilantro. It was spicy, like really spicy which I liked (and the waitress did warn), it was a tad bit too soupy. More fish and less sauce, please. The two taco salads with the additional cost of steak and fish were good. Not authentic by any means, but really nice portions of protein. I would suggest the fish over the steak as the steak could have used a bit more seasoning, or any seasoning at all. The fish was fresh and cooked perfectly. Prices were great, service and ambiance perfect, I'd definitely recommend Red Mesa for a fun and casual night or day out!
(4)
Amy A.
I come here for lunch from work regularly as the prices are good, the service is fast, and I have literally watched them get an entire department in and out within 40 minutes. It is not the best Mexican I have ever had but it is good. They have an extensive ceviche menu, I really like their specials and I dream about day drinking at the outside bar while watching a marathon of sports on TV. It is in easy walking distance to other spots. The tacos are good and there are some interesting combinations. I have never left here unhappy. The menu is varied and if you are stress eating or disciplined and want healthy, they can accommodate your craving!
(4)
Jessie S.
We love red Mesa. The ahi tuna salad is my favorite. The drinks are reasonably priced. I dig sitting outside in the patio. I love the atmosphere although it's really noisy inside.
(5)
Amanda W.
Duck taco - juicy meat paired well with the cheese Open faced shrimp quesadilla - perfection, just a few less tomatoes needed Yummy mimosas! The fruit starter is not worth it!!!! $5 for a mini side of melon and 2 grapes. Sit outside (next to the cute fountain) under a big umbrella.
Love the outside seating area. Boyfriend and I went for our Anniversary dinner and we got seated near the little fountain, it was really romantic! Great place for a date!
(4)
Virg M.
Can I say amazing Hibiscus martini and food!! Service was excellent and welcoming! Food looked fantastic and tasted even better!! Can't wait to go back! Outdoor seating is the best!
(5)
Michaelle W.
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in St Pete's because of their Duck Tacos! Yes, one single dish will make this a five star, well, that and the outdoor seating. :) I've been to this location now twice, and have enjoyed it immensely both times. As the waiter told us on my second visit, you can get super cheap drinks after 7pm. He then waited till 7pm to put our order in so we could get the discount. The chips and triple sampler of dips was delicious. The queso and guacamole were my favorites dips, the black bean was tasty but not my thing. They will bring refills of course which makes them amazing. I've had sangria and wine as well. I've had their steak quesadilla and duck tacos, and duck quesadilla. I just want to say that the sweet sauce on the duck taco and quesadilla was amazing. Wow! The duck was tasty and delicious especially when swirled in the sauce. I would go back each time just for that. The atmosphere outdoors is great as well. Both times I've gone it has been sunny out, yet the outdoor area is shaded for the most part which makes it quite enjoyable. It's not too loud on week nights, and parking is easy right there on 3rd or 2nd. Thumbs up guys, and I'll be back!
(5)
Neal B.
Such an incredible atmosphere and great filet burrito
(4)
Gregg W.
Brilliant food. Great chicken quesadilla. Steak Taco was perfect. The sangria is good and decently priced as well. Really loved this joint. Don't get the taco salad though. It's garbage. Everything else is Fleek
(5)
MickeyBlue I.
So many positive things to say about this place. For starters don't be fooled by the building, it's huge! Kinda has a an American feel to it, minus the Mexican Wrestling theme. This place has some serious Mexican cooking going on in the kitchen! I was seated close enough to hear the activity in the kitchen and it was perfection! The chef calling out orders (in Spanish) had everything under control. The food speaks for itself, fresh, authentic and delicious. Starting off with the Queso dip w/fresh hot and crispy chips. We couldn't stop eating it. I tried 3 Tacos (a pork,duck & steak) the pork being my favorite! All 3 were cooked perfectly and delicious. My Bae reluctantly ordered the Pork Mofongo, not expecting much being that it's a typical Puerto Rican dish. I'm going on the record and saying it was the BEST Mofongo I've ever had! You must must try it. The service was friendly and although it was lunch time it was not crowded at all. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Shane B.
Love this place, especially for brunch after a long night out! I had the Breakfast El Gordo burrito and my wife had the Eggs Benedicto and they were excellent as always. Also enjoyed a spicy Bloody Mary while sitting in the courtyard. Service was quick and friendly. Great bar area next to the courtyard. Highly recommend.
(5)
Christine L.
Ehh. Descent food, but nothing impressive. The outdoor patio and live music seemed to be the main attractions.
(3)
Kathie D.
Friday's Lunch is a must! This is the only day that they serve Chicken and yellow rice! Sides are black beans and onions, which are very tasty and fried plantains which are delicious! The serving is more than enough, I always seem to take half home! If you do not get there early for lunch on a Friday you might miss out if this most scrumptious dish, they only make one large batch. Service was very good and quick, enough time to enjoy and get back to work.
(5)
Gladys C.
The BEST brunch in St Pete!! The passion fruit Mimosa is outstanding!! Food and service impeccable!! If you get Rachel for your server you win the lottery! Highly recommend!!!
I am obsessed with their Mufungo (sp?). It's listed as an app, but is enough for a meal. At first glance, it does not look the most appetizing. It is served in three large scoops of pulled pork, sweet plantains and amazingly garlic chorizo sauce. One bite and your are hooked! The queso con carne is a bit pricy, but too yummy to pass up. It is a white, creamy queso with small chunks of beef. If weather permits, I strongly recommend outdoor seating. They have their patio fixed up quite cute with fountains and mosaics. Great place for happy hour too!
(5)
Chris S.
Went for lunch got duck and fish taco. Duck was good and different fish was ok. Wife got the shrimp burrito she say it was average nothing more. The best thing from their that day was the red sangria, i love sangria and they have a good one. I'm being very generous with giving three more like a 2.5. Dont thing I'll return.
(3)
Hans E.
Two words: duck tacos! If you're not into duck, no worries. Lots of other super delectable morsels. We love this place. My wife and I are regulars. We drive down from Clearwater on "date night" and it's our place to relax and finish the convos our 5 kids keep interrupting. Their mixed drinks are plentiful and abundant as are the flavors in their tasty food creations. HUGE sipping tequila menu, by the way--in every price range. RMC also has great ambiance. We like to sit outside whenever we can. Highly recommend!
(5)
Aleema A.
This is a cute Mexican place in downtown St. Petersburg. I have eaten here several times and it has never disappointed. What I found the most fascinating about here is the amount of tequila they have on display. There's a unique story to all of them and the bartenders will answer any question you have about it. While we were waiting for my friend to show up, I ended up ordering a margarita that was poured out of a tap! I had never seen that before and it was a quality margarita as well! We had a rather large party and they staff was very accommodating and the service was excellent. Can't wait to return and try everything else they have on the menu!
(4)
Laura G.
I have been to red Mesa Cantina before, and usually like it very much. However, I had lunch with my friend today and it wasn't good. Red Mesa Cantina used to have fresh fish, the mahi-mahi I ate for lunch was frozen, tasted awful.
(2)
Scott F.
Must try the Nacho Sanchez w/ Chicken. Best nachos ever! Great service from Kristine!
(5)
Heidi P.
I was out of town visiting friends from Tampa and we came here for the late night menu. The drinks were hit or miss. The late night menu was limited and the service was okay. We went up stairs to the rooftop deck and it was nice but a really random bunch of people. This place was fun for visiting but I wouldn't return back to this place.
(2)
Becky T.
Delicious! We stopped by here with a large party to celebrate just being together. It was a busy night, but we had a reservation and got a table no problem. Fajitas were the special so most of us ordered those and they were tasty-pretty normal tex mex fare. The drinks were worth trying too as they had several twists on the traditional Mexican libations. The service hit one hitch with a drink not showing up but the server removed that from the bill, but still brought the drink. The server also did a good job putting in late order and having it out just after the people arrived. The extra nice surprise was a birthday treat just for me. Would definitely stop here again!
(5)
Melissa Z.
I could not have been more happy with my meal here if The Most Interesting Man in the World was serving these heavenly tacos to me. (Well, my boyfriend is the most interesting man in the world, but you know who I mean.) I'm Latin, so if anyone is going to be super critical about tacos it is me. This is more Cali-Mexican to me but whatever you want to label it, I loved every slapping bit. I ordered the fish taco and the shrimp taco. Sufficient amount of protein and the fish tasted very fresh. Fish tacos have a tendency to be a little bland, but not here. The spices cooked on the fish/shrimp combined with the other Mexican stuffing in the taco came together beautifully for a super flavorful punch in each bite. It could have been better with some fresh cilantro to bring some brightness to the dish. The drinks are delicious. I had the strawberry mint cocktail and I could have had three. It was like liquid adult candy. They are a little on the weak side though. And I love the layout here. Huge outdoor patio teaming with energy, a little indoor area that has a really trendy-lounge vibe to it and a vast bar area.
(4)
Jerry H.
I didn't think this location was as good as the mother ship on 4th Street, but it was OK. The guacamole was strangely bland and the chips were pedestrian. The two shredded beef tacos were pretty good, nothing special. The shrimp taco was also decent. Very young, hip atmosphere, but the food seems to be almost an afterthought. The service was excellent. Value so-so.
(3)
Melissa M.
I really like this place - the food is so freaking good. We started with empanadas. It's obvious that everything on the plate matters to Red Mesa. The sauces and garnishes are all very flavorful. The burritos are ridiculously huge and are delish. My 8 & 10 year old split one and were stuffed. I had the chicken diner this time. Not your typical grilled chicken and rice. Everything was flavorful and stood out on its own. Citrus, cilantro, onion, some kind of amazing cream sauce. Wow. Studsband had tacos: duck, beef, and pork. His favorite was pork but he seemed to enjoy them all the same - clean plates all around! :)
(4)
Hannah P.
My family and I went here for the first time on Sunday after the Rays game and it was fantastic! The waitress suggested amazing drinks and the food had great flavor. It was a little too dark in the dining room, so the next time we go back I would definitely want to try sitting outside.
(4)
Corinne K.
We went for lunch as a family day out and had a wonderful lunch. I had the Red Sangria and it was okay - opt for the additional Brandy - it is worth it. We ordered the guacamole as an appetizer and it was good. My husband got an oyster shooter and it was a mini-meal in a glass. We were both blown away by the taste and the size. My son had the chicken quesadilla, I had the shrimp los cabos ceviche and my husband has the duck, puled pork and steak tacos. The duck was absolutely AMAZING!!! We also got a side of the fried sweet plantains. Very Good!!! With the amount of food that we ordered there was no room for dessert and we had a ton to take home. The server that we had was great. The food came out incredibly fast and our server was very accommodating and attentive (and they were packed). I will return to Red Mesa and have recommended it to friends.
(4)
Erin C.
First visit here was on July 18th and we quickly returned. The array of margaritas were wonderful. The ceviche is out of this world, we sampled 4 different kinds, I highly recommend the octopus with olives. Some of us tried the duck quesadilla (excellent), while two of us tried different burritos. We sat outside near the bar and loved the motif. A great mid-point between the more formal Red Mesa on 4th and the window service of Mercado.
(4)
Chris V.
The duck confit is AMAZING! The Ahi Tuna is great too! Very nice location, ambiance is cool but not pretentious. Great bar and selection of tequilas. Great place!
(5)
Brad S.
Ripoff. 2.50 for salsa. And tiny tacos. Omg. For drunk kids only. This was on a First Friday when downtown St. Pete is staggering with drunks, so I guess the thought here is to take advantage of the situation. The tiny little duck taco came on a cold tortilla, and the bartender at first refused to provide any salsa. He actually said, "This isn't Taco Bell." When I asked him if the customer was always right, he stared at me. "So who is right? You or the customer?" That sent him to the kitchen for the salsa, but he then charged for a teaspoon of it, and refused to refill. Lame joint. Honestly, maybe Taco Bell is better.
(1)
Eric R.
Great place for a business lunch, a nice dinner, or an evening drink. The food is great and there are plenty of Mexican dishes to choose from. They have your typical tacos and burritos, but also amazing traditional Mexican meals.
Yumtown 2014. I hadn't been to Red Mesa in years and I was happy to come back for a friend's birthday dinner. We sat at the bar before dinner and enjoyed a DELICIOUS pitcher of sangria (add the brandy, it's worth it). It was pretty crowded when we were here but the service was still really good. I went for a shrimp dish with veggies (diet life) but my friends all got traditional Mexican dishes and really enjoyed them. I want to come back for brunch!
(4)
Ryan C.
Awesome authentic Mexican food. Outside patio is great. My favorite is Sunday Brunch - more than enough food and a decent price.
(5)
Stephanie D.
Wow, service is awesome here! Try the margaritas too! I had beef fajitas and they were great. I would recommend this place to everyone, they have ambiance, great food and great staff. If you are at the Hilton it's a short walk and worth it!!
(5)
Amanda R.
My husband and I ate at red Mesa cantina for lunch and we were impressed. I had the duck tacos and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed them. Our food and drinks came out in a timely manner and our server Kathryn was awesome!
(5)
Todd W.
I go out in downtown St. Petersburg about as often as the Rays sellout a home game, but really wanted to meet a friend who works in Bradenton for Happy Hour on a weekday and this was a geographically convenient place for us to do so. Next time, this will be a destination as I had a very good first impression overall. Enjoyed sitting outside without feeling too hot or cramped and the bartender was a really good guy who worked for many years at the old Dan Marino's. Just had a couple rounds of drinks this time, but liked the look of the menu and look forward to coming back to taste a few things that others have raved about here on Yelp. Parking on the street nearby was absolutely no issue and was free after 6pm on weekdays.
(4)
Billy E.
Unique, inspired Tex-Mex in a classy atmosphere. The food is always good and you have the option to dine inside or out. This is one of our default restaurants to take out of town guests. To top it off the Margaritas are excellent.
(5)
Rhonda P.
I always go to the 4th St N location and the food is phenomenal. Great unique recipes. Not your ordinary Mexican restaurant!
(5)
Sabrina L.
Can we say $3 Margaritas for Happy Hour?!! Yes.....Glory be to the happy hour specials after work :) Food options are fantastic too, authentic flavors and excellent choice options...love the salsa :)
(5)
Jamie L.
Pleasant place, perfect for a social setting. They have a nice bar for night life. On a nice sunny day, you could sit outside in their Spanish style patio/courtyard to enjoy your meal. Service was prompt and server was nice and friendly. I really like their appetizers. The bombas, made like hush puppies with a side of habanero aioli sauce are expertly made. Taste delicious, if you're into fried foods. I also ordered the empanada which also taste good, had a tomato and beef base sauce on top. Thought it tasted a bit salty and spicy - that's just in my honest opinion.
(4)
Carey F.
The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and the menu describes some tasty sounding dishes, but unfortunately the food wasn't all that great. We ordered chips with three kinds of dip. None of the dips had much flavor or any heat to them. After that we tried a few of the tacos and found they were sadly inadequate and mostly bland. The worst of the bunch was the Steak Fajita taco which is comprised of one strip of steak, a strip of onion and a strip of green pepper glued together with a lot of melted cheese. That's it. No seasoning or salsa of any kind...yuck! Although I'd rate the food a two, I'm giving an extra point for good service and atmosphere.
(3)
Brady S.
I am not someone who hands out a lot of Five star ratings. However, I truly believe this place deserves one. The food is great, always fresh and tasty. I love the variety of items on the menu and the fusion between Mexican/Spanish classics mixed with non-traditional, new ideas. An example is the "Filet" al Chipotle burrito. It is a steak burrito worthy of mention and capable of causing spontaneous moments of love and happiness in your stomach. The food presentation is well-done and not sloppy. I personally do not find that a plate with beans and rice slopped into a flat, shapeless pile, next to a burrito that is buried below a lava flow of sauces, to look very appetizing. Red Mesa isn't like a French restaurant with their presentation but, at least they put in a little bit of effort and show your plate of food some love. The ambiance is great, both inside, where there is a tequila bar with over 300+ tequilas from around the world, and also on the outside. Their outside area is an absolutely gorgeous, walled-in and huge patio. The outside also has a Lucha bar, which is a very cool homage to famous Mexican Lucha Wrestlers. So back to the tequila bar... I cannot think of another place that has one? And especially not one with over 300 different bottles of "just tequila." This place is the St. Pete Mecca for tequila enthusiasts. The Red Mesa Cantina is a lot of fun and a favorite of my family and I. The food, drinks and ambiance are all top-notch. I would highly recommend to anyone that they give it a whirl, with only one exception, someone who does not like Mexican/Spanish food at all.
(5)
Steven L.
I love this place. I recently moved to downtown St Pete and I have made Red Mesa my happy hour joint. The food is great the service is amazing. The bartenders are friendly and are quick to offer drink and food suggestions. Jason and Rachel are amazing bartenders and offer great drink suggestions. Definitely a place to visit!
(5)
Rosemary N.
Love this place! Quick, filling, and tasty! Lots of room. All outdoor seating. Some is covered seating and some open air. My husband and I have been eating at Red Mess since it opened its first restaurant on 4Th Street in St. Pete. Red Mesa always creates AWEOME restaurants. Each with a different vibe and fills different needs.
(4)
Dharam K.
These folks know how to cook tofu! And that is really rare! The el Gordo with tofu was amazing and filling. The rice was actually a tasty component. Usually it's just taking up space, but it was yummy! The tofu tacos with pineapple were delicious. I could eat 3 orders for lunch probably. Definitely going to remember this spot!
(5)
Sarah J.
I can't say enough about the Duck Quesadillas... Seriously delicious. Sat outside with the great weather and had Rachel, who was the sweetest server. Great food, great atmosphere and great service.
(5)
Kait A.
Went expecting a regular menu and got brunch menu. The menu did not include beans and rice anywhere, which I think of as a staple item for Mexican restaurants. My margarita tasted like salt was dumped into it but then I switched to a mimosa and it was much better. The food portions were quite small; we ordered tofu tacos and an appetizer, but still. Chips and salsa aren't free. All in all, this place is clearly billed as an upscale Mexican spot and the food is pretty good, but it's not exactly what I expect when I think Mexican.
I went with some girlfriends for drinks and appetizers. It is a cute spot downtown. The food was great and we enjoyed hanging out on the patio.
(4)
John C.
Great food, great servIce and great atmosphere! We definitely will return soon and bring the family.
(5)
Tori N.
Awesome, awesome food and great service. We were waited on by Kaitlyn who was very friendly and told us a couple cool places to go in the area since we're from Tampa. I cleaned my entire plate and was so stuffed lol. The red sangrias were awesome too.
(5)
Wanda P.
Margaritas are delicious! Loved the strawberry margarita--not too sweet-- muddled strawberries. Duck taco was amazing as was the ahi taco Shredded beef Barbacoa was outstanding,served with rice and beans not too spicy but very flavorful. Eat on sidewalk, courtyard or inside. Friendly staff, excellent service. They brought the dog at the table beside us
(4)
Holly C.
This is one of my most favorite places to dine. I would wait in line for their Raspberry Tea. I love their fish tacos. You should definitely go! I have always left happy.
(5)
Valerie F.
What a great atmosphere! My boyfriend and I were visiting St Pete from out of town and saw this place on Yelp. We didn't really know what expect. But this place is a great find. Luckily for us, it was happy hour and I got a classic margaritas on the rocks for half off. For an app, we got the Cantinitas ceviche. It was really meaty with a little bit of heat. Yum! My boyfriend ordered the Seafood Mofongo and I ordered three tacos: duck, ahi tuna, and the Baha fish. The Mofongo was excellent... A myriad of flavors. I loved the sweetness of the duck taco and the Asian influence of the ahi tuna but I felt the Baha fish lacked flavor. Overall, it was a great find.
(4)
Nina M.
The place is more Tex-Mex than anything. I like that they have "a la carte" items and their guacamole is to die for. I also liked their Mexican coffee/chocolate brunch drink. The wait isn't usually too long even wen it's busy. Service is prompt and friendly. I love both the indoor and outdoor atmosphere with the fountain and the bar area. I would have given the place another star, but my issue is consistency. The same taco I had one time was not the same taco I had another time. It tasted relatively the same, but some of the flavors were watered down and the presentation wasn't great. It's happened on more than one occasion. Worth the $4 for the taco? Not really. When it's all said and done, it's a good place for decent Tex-Mex style food and good for drinks with friends. Don't come here expecting authentic Mexican food because you won't find it here.
(3)
Robert F.
Let me say the flavor of the tacos I ate were amazing and in particular the Ahi Tuna taco blew my mind. FRESH! A little Heat! And Perfect corn tortilla! This would be a 4 or maybe even a 5 star review if it wasn't for the fact each taco was just under $5. The Ahi was worth that but the rest.... Not so much.
(3)
Kelly F.
Excellent Sunday Brunch. Great vegetarian selections for brunch or dinner/lunch. Fabulous mimosas. It's a bit noisy inside and the bathrooms are awkward my placed and limited. Highly recommended, I would go back.
(5)
Cody R.
Overpriced, small portion sizes. My wife got two beef tacos for 9$ the margarita was the same price. Nothing wrong with the taste of the food. Loud atmosphere, hard to hear each other. Not the best place to a date night. But Friday night with friends would work better. Will not return. Remember... Date your wife. God bless
(3)
Christian M.
Wow is this the best Tex Mex restaurant in St Pete or what? The margaritas are excellent and the pork enchiladas and crab and shrimp quesadilla are amazing. The service is also excellent. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for a la carte and smaller portions, that's the only drawback but it is definitely worth the experience at least once.
(5)
Crosby H.
The Ceviche was 5 star! 6 or 7 flavor options with multiple seafood choices and the sampler platter (you pick 4) was a beautiful presentation, huge portions and some of the best I have ever had and there are two Miami restaurants competing for my palate when it comes to ceviche. My friends filet burrito I think it was called was excellent, very tender well flavored beef, not your typical burrito. The only reason it was not a total 5 star is that although my tacos were good the steak taco was a little bland and the soft shells were corn and I tend to like the wheat personally. Great ambience, server very nice, hostesses disinterested.
(4)
Dorene M.
My favorite local restaurant,I always have a good meal here. My friends and I had dinner at the Cantina last night to celebrate my birthday, We had a table of 11 people and as always the service was great. For the table we ordered the chips with sampler and chip with salsa. The guacamole was really good and the queso had great flavor. The black bean dip was ok, nothing stood out about it. A couple of us ordered the duck tacos and duck quesadillas, As always they were delicious, great flavor. A friend ordered the mahi sandwhich with mango, she said it was very good. Everyone's meal was delicious. If you go there and you are a duck fan, definitely get there duck torta or duck taco, they both sooo good. About half way into dinner a band started playing they were really good but it was a just little too loud. They were good but we couldn't hear each other. SO if you want to have a conversation you should probably sit in the courtyard. Don't forget duck torta or duck taco, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jami N.
First of all, the place just looks cool. The exposed brick and the twinkle lights on the outside patio make for a great ambience and atmosphere. We sat in the cocktail area at the outside bar which was connected to the patio. Pricilla took care of us and she was very nice, helpful and patient with my slight indecisiveness. I got the Cucumber Margarita, it was phenomenal and I don't even really like margaritas. David got a handmade margarita which he liked very much as well. We just had chips and three dips. They were decent. We didn't stay for dinner as we had already planned on going elsewhere but there were several menu items that sounded good so we will probably try it next time we are in town. As we were leaving there was a person setting up outside to play live music which is always a plus!
(5)
Sean C.
Great spot, the tacos were phenomenal and white wine sangria light and refreshing. the amazing fountain in the middle sets the tone.
(5)
Tim W.
Not bad. Good staff and very quick service. Food is good but not much more than that. I haven't had any other Mexican in St Pete so I don't have much of a comparison for this place. The outdoor area was nice and relaxing - you can probably do better food wise though.
(3)
april s.
Came here at 6pm on a Tuesday for drinks and a bite to eat with my friend. We sat outside in the courtyard. The setting was both chic and comfortable, and I was surprised to see that they had a good number of people seated already, even though it was early. We ordered margaritas (hibiscus and passion fruit to start, and two classics for round two), and they were ON POINT. They use real juice in their margaritas...none of that concentrated mix crap. If it weren't for the fact that we were sticking to the happy hour menu (and that I would have passed out in the courtyard fountain), I could have tried every specialty cocktail on the menu, because they looked awesome. The food menu was similar to the drinks menu: everything caught my eye. We ordered the bombas and the huachinango (sp?) ceviche to start. The ceviche was excellent. The bombas were also really good...maybe the best croquetas I've ever had, actually. When we got close to the end of our starters, we ordered the mofongo (straight up--not the seafood one), which was also delicious. But, by the time I started eating it, I was two margaritas in and feeling pretty full. If I lived closer to St. Pete, I would come back to try so many things (all of the ceviches, the duck taco, the seafood mofongo, the pulpo...I can't remember what else was on the menu, but it was all very enticing). I almost forgot to mention the service. I wish I remembered our server's name, because I'd give him a proper nod on here. He knew the menu really well, and he was attentive without being pushy. Shout out to the kitchen and bar, too--our food and drinks came out in good time.
(5)
Maher E.
Food and drink is very good and I have been to Red Mesa on more than one occasion and I like going there but the service is not good in my opinion. I was seated at a table with no silverware. Waiter obviously not familiar with menu at all. guacamole and chips arrive, still no drinks, no water, no silverware. Guacamole and chips eaten, still no drinks, no water, no silverware. General disregard for customer service from staff. Overall, I think I am done with this place, the service really is lacking and not something I care to experience while trying to enjoy an evening out.
(2)
Jason C.
Great food! My friends and I shared the mixed ceviche combination and some tasty tacos. The food tasted fresh and was very shareable. We also had margaritas. Their flavored margaritas were quite good. I would have preferred mine a bit less sweet, but that's a frequent malady of mine with most food and beverage items. The service was generally attentive and the outdoor seating was quite comfortable.
(4)
David D.
A chain restaurant basically. Owned by a St Pete conglomerate. The food was less than mediocre I would encourage your opinion. I found it had NO Mexican authenticity. Designed to be a gathering place for drinks only. Go elsewhere, this is a forgettable dining letdown.
(2)
Michelle B.
This was the first restaurant we ate at when we moved to St. Pete. It's delicious. Absolutely delicious and a really satisfying atmosphere. Our first server was amazing and I wish I could remember her name to give her a shout out. Our subsequent servers have been adequate but not as committed and fun as our first experience. If you're just looking for delicious and affordable Mexican food, head here!
(5)
Hillary V.
This place is pretty cool. The majority of the seating is outdoors, whether that be in the bar area or on the patio. The decor is pretty cool too. Over the weekend there's a lot going on like live bands. They've also got TVs, so it's a good place to watch games. Food wise, I only had a chicken quesadilla, but I loved it. Normally when I go, I have drinks at the bar. There are lots of options, but the tequila choices are on point. And finally, the staff is always very nice. I'm a fan.
(5)
Jen R.
This is our very favorite restaurant in St. Pete! The service is good, the food is AMAZING, in our opinion, and the atmosphere of the outdoor garden is pretty & fun! Try the duck quesadillas & the chips & dip trio (queso, black bean drip, & guac).
(5)
Jack S.
I love Red Mesa but this place seems to be trying to compete w/ Taco Bus. They failed. Even though I am no longer a huge fan of Taco Bus since they changed their refried beans and got rid of tamale weekends (please bring back those awesome, big tamales), I think this place is just kind of a fancied up casual dining that is a bit over priced. The food is good, tacos are pretty tasty but they charge you $5 for corn on the cob (Esquites), which is good and has a pretty nice cheese/spice topping but really, $5 corn? I haven't had much of the specialties so I will probably give this another try but for now, 3 stars for overpriced corn.
(3)
Jessica P.
I have been frequenting this place since it's opening. At some points more frequently than others; like my "I'm single and can drink margaritas all day on a Saturday if I want to!" days. No matter when I come, it never disappoints. Consistency is important and an awesome trait in a restaurant, and this place has nailed it. My favorites include: Margaritas (duh!) Breakfast shots on the weekend ( see note about single days) Duck tacos Chorizo burger Ceviche Anything you order is going to be awesome!
(5)
Vanessa M.
My husband and I had been told we need to visit here while in St. Pete. We were spending the day there, so when we walked by earlier in the day around 2, we asked if we could make reservations for that evening, but were told that they don't do reservations on the weekends. However, the very nice hostess said if we came back around 6 we shouldn't have a problem getting in. We decided we would definitely do that! The building looked so awesome. Very unique dark brick and we saw there were beautiful patio lights. We returned that evening at 5pm- we were hungry! They had a table for two outside available for us, and as soon as we walked in we were both smitten! The outdoor area had lots of greenery, lights, and a beautiful waterfall/water fountain thing coming from two different directions, with a little bridge you can walk across. Truly enchanting! The mexican wrestling theme was awesome. We would've given 5 stars had the food been better.. That shows how amazing the atmosphere is! We each had a quesadilla, one chicken and one steak! Both pretty good, but nothing crazy amazing that made us say, "this is the best Mexican food ever!" The portions were smaller than we expected. We also had the chips and homemade salsa.. Good but pretty average for Mexican restaurant. We were disappointed they weren't complimentary, like most places. We definitely say Red Mesa Cantina is worth your time if you're looking for a really fun place with a great atmosphere! Expect good but average food.
(4)
Allie P.
Service here was horrible. Bottom line. I yelped this place and decided to take my parents here because of the photos showing the atmosphere of sitting outside. Upon arrival, the host was insanely cranky with us for no reason, and said it would be a 30+ minute wait to sit outside... At 3:30pm... With 5+ open tables visibly open outside... We waited much longer than that due to the host putting our buzzer number in the system incorrectly. The bartender Dan was our only saving grace. I watched people walk in and get seated outside and was pretty irate. After being seated we had to ask for chips and salsa. And the salsa never arrived, just plain chips. Then we ordered and we never received one of our 4 dishes, which then arrived after we asked where it was. I am embarrassed to have had such poor service with my parents. I won't come back, unless it's for a beer and Dan is the bartender.
(1)
Jenn H.
Stumbled upon this restaurant while on our way to the movies. Loved the ambience, empanadas were to die for and nachos with the refried beans and jalapeños were delish! My son had the pulled pork tacos but didn't really enjoy it. Not what he was used to. Sangria was good, and our server was very attentive.
(4)
Virginia G.
The only thing good about this place is the tequila selection, which I have to assume my fellow Yelpers imbided in plenty of in order to leave such raving reviews as they had. They ONLY reason I'm giving it 2 stars is because of the drinks. THe food here, well, it just sucks. I've been here twice in the last couple months and I'm not sure which visit was worse. From the black bean dip, to the guac loaded with onion, the queso that has hamburger in it, ceviche marinated so badly you can hardly chew it, let's not forget that disgusting thing they call a burrito with that formed mound of dry brownish rice on the side. How do they stay open serving this stuff? Dinner companion fared a little better with his chili rubbed salmon dish. It looked quite good, it tasted too fishy. So we tried a second time. It can't be that bad and I do love me some tequila. WRONG..it's that bad. The hostess can barely stop talking long enough to seat us, we have toa sk for silverware, napkins etc and once again the food is terrible! Just plain terrible. I'd go here for drinks, never the food, not even after a belly full of tequila. Nope, just don't do it!
(2)
Stacy N.
The outdoor patio is rich with ambience. Service started slow with a wait for our first visit but our server was pleasant and engaging and attentive after that. Chips and salsa were addicting. Duck tacos were surprisingly delicious. Mofongo (sp?) was crazy good. And don't miss the sangria.
(4)
Joseph P.
Not super stoked on Red Mesa. They seated us suuuuuper fast, which was nice. The food wasn't awesome. The descriptions weren't helpful, and our meals were average. Nothing terrible, just sort of "meh."
(3)
Amy D.
Calling all fans of Nacho Libre. If you're in St. Pete, this is a fun spot with great ambience, food and close to local bars. If the weather is nice, the outside area is the place to eat. Enjoy the fresh air with a margarita and some duck tacos. The only downside is, no flour tortillas. If you're like me, I'm not a fan of the corn tortillas so I just dig forthe goodness inside. Bartenders are always great outside too. You can tell (I could be wrong) that they enjoy working there and always have the best suggestions whether you're looking for a refreshing beverage or grub.
(4)
Clinton F.
Mediocre Mexican food by southwestern standards, but decent for downtown St Pete. Nice atmosphere outside, including the outdoor bar. Not great for healthy eaters unless you come on fajita night (Wednesday). The chicken fajitas are great even if you skip the sour cream and cheese.
(4)
Kerry J.
I love coming here on a sunny day for brunch or a late lunch. The outdoor patio/courtyard area is beautiful and relaxing. You can't go wrong with their tacos. My favorites are the duck tacos and fried oyster tacos. I've also had excellent ceviche at Res Mesa. If you're feeling adventurous, try the octopus ceviche! As far as drinks go, it's easy to spend hours here just enjoying their cocktail and tequila menu...they have an incredible tequila selection and great margaritas. It's not unusual to be seated near boisterous tables who have clearly enjoyed the beverages. Service has always been outstanding for me, too. Drawbacks are that you're not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown St Pete, so if you want to sit outside and people watch, this isn't the place to go. This feels more like a hidden oasis.
(4)
Bryant W.
I will start off by saying that I have been in the Tampa Bay Area for a week now and I have been twice this week. I usually don't like to do repeat visits on trips but Red Mesa Cantina was that good! I will give fair warning that I got the cheeseburger tacos which were on special and aren't on the regular menu but they should be as they are hands down the best tacos I've ever had in my life. However the portions weren't very big so I ordered a side of the steamed veggies as well which were also really good. And prices aren't bad as those two together were only $12 which for quality food isn't bad. Margaritas are great! The atmosphere is great although I ate outside both times and actually never saw the inside but the outside bar is really cool. The wait staff both times were great. Are you noticing a theme here? I did also want to add that I had guacamole which was good but not great and one of my parents got the Duck Tortas sandwich which was about as good as my tacos. I will absolutely vist Red Mesa Cantina every time I come to this area.
Had a great lunch here. Really enjoyed the Ahi Tuna Tacos and crab and shrimp quesadilla
(5)
D B.
My favorite restaurant in Saint Petersburg! I LOVE the duck quesadillas, duck tacos, ahi tuna salad, ahi tuna tacos, sangria, and Dos Equis on tap. The outside bar area has a really great atmosphere and the bartenders are chill. Minor Negatives: I ate in the inside restaurant area once, but didn't enjoy my experience as much. It's a little too dark for me and kind of depressing. I am not a big enchiladas fan, but tried the chicken enchiladas; and I am still not a big enchiladas fan. I can only blame myself for that decision. :-) Overall, I love this place, and when I bring friends/family out to eat, they have loved it too.
(5)
Food C.
Fresh w/ a dash of quality in the mix. Simple menu, never disappointed. Ask for #glutenfree options like a halved avocado or a side of beans (no sauces) for an extra protein boost! Eat healthy my friends! #AskAVO #AVOknows #AVOtampa #AVOstpete #AVOnola #AVOboston #AVOnyc #AVOmiami
(4)
Bubba Y.
Excellent food and atmosphere. The Shrimp burrito was amazing. Right at the edge of being too hot but never crossed that line! One of the best burritos I have ever had!
(5)
Kit V.
Not much to write that isn't already on here, so I'll keep it simple. Yes, the margaritas are the best! Hibiscus & the cucumber drinks are amazing and the local beer selection is extensive. Had the chip & dip trio appetizer and all three were very good. While my shrimp burrito was perfect (and spicy!), my hubby's taco trio was surprisingly bland (fish, steak & pork). We will chalk it up to a bad night and try again soon! Atmosphere is fun and romantic and now that the weather is cooler, wait for a table outside, it is spectacular. As for the service, our waiter was clearly having an off night but as we watched the other servers be attentive to their guests, we realized that the service is good, just not this particular person. Will be back soon to try new things & I suggest you add this to your downtown St. Pete hot spots for great food & drinks!
(4)
Danielle R.
We had a group of 20 and the staff was extremely hospitable and accommodating to us. CJ, one of the hosts, was happy to utilize his resources to find room for our large party in the already crowded restaurant on a Saturday night. The food was Tex Mex with a twist and extremely flavorful. The atmosphere was trendy Latino and the music was upbeat. Our server was energetic and gracious, she was patient in serving our large party and skilled at her job. Highly recommend Red Mesa Cantina to all interested.
(5)
S S.
Great outside seating area surrounding a very large water feature/fountain. The Margarita deals are good on Thursdays after 7 (1/2 off). The tacos were good and so are the nachos. The burrito was a major miss for me and my gf. Service was kind of crappie the first time but the second time our server was one of the best I've had this year... so it kinda saved them from a 3 star rating from me. The 4 stars is for the outside seating, nachos, and fingers crossed for a good server.
(4)
Zenny R.
i dont even know where to start with this place. absolutely mind-blown. this was my fav spot during my trip to FL. sit outside for beautiful sighting of the decor and all the greenery. staff is amazing and super attentive. now lets get to the good stuff.. the FOOD! AH! amazinggggggg flavors! mm mm mmm the mofongitos are the best thing you could order. the mix of sweet plantains, yuca, and pork are to die for. chicken taquitos were yummy and the sauce on top is freshly made (you can taste the freshness) and totally eatable on its own. outside seating is near the bar and tv's so games are watchable from outside.
(5)
Steve M.
Have come here a number of times and always loved it. The servers have always been friendly and engaging. Of course the food is fabulous. It is Mexican food turned up by several notches. The mixologists know their stuff too!! Will be coming here again and again.
(5)
Lisa R.
Nice outdoor seating area; nice outdoor bar. Ordered steak and chicken tacos. Quick service and delicious.
(4)
Lauren B.
One of the best Mexican restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I ended up going there multiple nights in a row. It's a little pricey for Mexican food, but the quality is worth it in my opinion. Whether you're dining inside or out, the eclectic aesthetic is great. Solid drink menu, love their margaritas,and Caribbean mojitos. I suggest splitting the ceviche sampler as a first course, lots of flavors and it's quite filling. Can't wait to go back again and again.
(5)
Madalyn R.
I'd give this place a 3.5 if I could but decided to go with 4 because their brunch is top notch. Go with the passion fruit mimosa and I forget what it was called but the brunch tostada was out of this world. Lunch tacos are good, boyfriend didn't really enjoy the duck quesadilla because there wasn't much duck and it was missing from many bites.
(4)
Siri G.
Love red mesa! Good food, gorgeous ambience and love when they have live music. I would call it some sort of Spanish fusion, it's definitely not your typical texmex.
(4)
Emmanuel R.
Enjoyed our Dinner. Service was pleasant and very quick. Food was on point.. The Seafood Mofongo is superb. The chicken Flauta has the perfect spice to it.
(5)
Celeste M.
I've always wanted to try this place. The ambiance was great. We sat out side on the patio next to a waterfall. We had the filet la chipotle burrito (spicy) , steak quesadilla, chicken taco and Cadillac margarita. The prices are fair and affordable. The food came out really fast and tasted really fresh. Can't wait to go back! Ps- only street parking or a garage around the same block ($5 on the weekend)
(5)
Crystal H.
I love the location, decor and style of the Red Mesa Cantina. It is very trendy and inviting with nice outdoor and indoor seating options. I also love Push which is attached to it, but that is another review. We arrived for lunch starving because we had been up for about 8 hours without food. We decided to order a grilled steak quesadilla to split. Our quesadilla was unfortunately lacking in flavor. It needed some spice or grilled onions/peppers for flavor. It was just a mild cheese and some steak. While it wasn't bad, it left us wanting. For our meals we ordered Pork Verde and Shredded Beef Barbacoa Burritos. The burritos were amazing. They had so much flavor and the meat was incredibly tender. Both burritos were covered in a delicious sauce. The Pork Verde had a nice spice to it with the peppers. Both burritos were served with a sort of dirty rice that had beans in it. Neither of us cared for the rice, but we didn't care because the burritos were so good. We both agreed that we were surprised that a restaurant that could produce such an amazing burrito would have a bland quesadilla. The burritos were 6 stars whereas the quesadilla was a 2, so I am giving the restaurant 4 stars. We will definitely be back to Red Mesa Cantina to try more. I just recommend skipping the quesadilla. Order the Pork Verde or Barbacoa!
(4)
Todd M.
Great spot. Excellent ceviche. I had a trio of tacos and they were super. Try the Cadillac margarita.
(4)
Maria R.
Nice little lit up casual place at night. Service is good. Food is great. House margaritas are delicious too! Love this place!
(5)
Ryan M.
Priscilla and Rachel are, hands down, the absolute best bar staff in the entire city. Not only do they listen, and put every ounce of care into your drink order, but they do it with an irresistible charm that makes you want to order more. I would return in a heartbeat if I lived here regularly. But every time I visit, I always go back. Priscilla has always taken good care and Rachel is a worthy apprentice.
(5)
MaryAnn C.
Service was very good and wait staff attentive. Food was just ok. We ordered guacamole, which was fine, but the basket of chips served with it were all cracked small pieces. I had 2 chicken tacos and the chicken was cold. They served no salsa with it. They were ok, but, Taco Bell is tastier. The restaurant played very loud music and conversation was difficult. I can't recommend this place.
(1)
Yana W.
Love love love this place! Been here on multiple occasions and have never been disappointed. It is a very popular place with many of my friends as well, so we do go there a lot. I'd say, the best brunch in town. $3 mimosa and $4 Bloody Mary, specials every Saturday and Sunday. Steak and eggs are excellent! I just couldn't believe how inexpensive they were, being that good... If I'm in the mood for a more "carby" dish, I go for the sweet potato pancakes. Duck quesadillas are also amazing and are available for lunch and dinner as well. They are not very big, so if you are really hungry, get something else in addition to them. My favorite dinner dish would be empanadas as appetizer and el grande burrito as the main dish. Warning! The burrito is huge and is humanly impossible to be consumed by just one person. Great for sharing!
(5)
Lauren K.
No matter how good the food is, terrible customer service trumps all. I tried to make a reservation for a party of 15 for a birthday dinner and was told they couldn't as it would displace other patrons. As a local who has frequented this restaurant many many times I am very disappointed at their lack of accommodations for such a large party. What a great way to make money, turn away 15 guests before they even walk in!
(1)
Tammy P.
I don't get the hype about this place but they get 3 stars for effort because it looks neat inside and is a cool place to hangout. The tacos were okay, they tried to be creative with items like duck and tuna tacos, however my tortilla wasn't heated up all the way, which is almost like eating stale cereal! My fave dish on my visit was the shrimp ceviche, and that's because I rarely eat ceviche to begin with so it was a new taste.
(3)
Kate R.
My number one restaurant in St. Pete: unique, consistently delicious, fun atmosphere. We take everyone here, and go on our own too, for brunch, dinner, desserts, happy hour. If you have time for only one meal in St. Pete, this is where you should eat.
(5)
Brittany N.
Went to this place early Sunday afternoon and had a great experience. The layout of the resturaunt inside and outside was super nice. Went to the resteraunt without reservations and it was about a 30 minute wait in which we sat at the bar. I had a margarita, and it was delicious! I am not a regular margarita-er, but i enjoyed every sip. The drinks were pretty pricey for the amount, but good. The service at the bar was excellent. We had a party of 8 and they accommodated us very well, even when we got a buzzer we said 6 people. I got a crab and shrimp flat bread for my meal and it was good. This place is a great atmosphere and great items with great taste, just a little pricey for the quantity.
(4)
Barry C.
Breakfast on Sundays at Red Mesa is the best. I have never had sweet potato pancakes as good as theirs, just a quality breakfast and their dinner menu is just as awesome. Always good food and great servers.
(5)
Jim M.
Great night at the cantina because of Rachael!! She is the best. Great service from a very nice lady!!!
(5)
Stacy G.
I usually love this place but FYI don't make a reservation. We asked for a specific table. Got to the restaurant 2 minutes early. They just sat someone at it. Party if seven people... How hard is it to actually keep a reservation? Fail.
(3)
Bobby Barbeque O.
Chips and dip....steak quesadillas....steak fajita tacos..... It seems anything on this menu is great!!! Must go back ASAP!!!
(5)
Ryan N.
This place has a very cool atmosphere with a great looking outdoor patio and bar. I only wish the weather was a little better and it wasn't a weekday when I was there so I could have enjoyed both more! Good food, everything was very fresh; good service and great Cadillac margarita. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Anuj S.
Awesome. I've never had any Mexican food quite like Red Mesa's El Gordo burrito. It was really delicious. As a vegetarian, I'm used to just having beans as a substitute for meat at Mexican places. Well, Red Mesa uses tofu. It caught me off guard when I was looking through the menu. I mean, usually you get tofu on various Asian dishes, but I'd never had it for Mexican. Anyway, it was awesome. Usually, I go for strong impacting flavor... POW. I don't think the burrito had a strong taste, but the blend of various subtle flavors just made it great. I could tell even more because I had a side of rice and beans and I could tell that's where the flavor was coming from. Plus, the tofu in the burrito of course. I'd say the food came out a little on the pricey side. Without any drink, it was a $20 check; not including tip. Well, if I'm in the area again, I'll definitely be back. There were plenty of other interesting options on the menu.
(5)
Manuel M.
Consistently delicious food, excellent pozole soup. Great outdoor courtyard, good service. One of my favorite spots in downtown St Pete.
(4)
Stacey K.
Tasty food and great service. The chicken taquitos were yummy. I love the Mexican wrestling decor!
(4)
EJ P.
I have eaten at this place twice, and at the other restaurant once. Neither of these restaurants are very good. These restaurants would get 1 or 2 stars west of the state of Louisiana. However, since so many people in Tampa Bay have never actually had great Mexican or Tex-Mex food, they think this is the best Mexican food they've ever had. And that's because it is, because they haven't eaten Tex-Mex in San Antonio, TX, for example. Where they make tortillas that melt in your mouth But back to Red Mesa. I think I have found an accurate way to describe Red Mesa: The food that you get here tastes no better than the (Tex-Mex) food you would get at a Mex chain like Chili's, but Red Mesa fancies up the menu descriptions and jacks up the prices and adds a little hip restaurant decor in order to make you think the food is better than it really is. It's just bland, mediocre Tex-Mex style food that can be had at Chili's for much less money. Advice: If you are going to eat here, stay away from the appetizers and side dishes and the tacos which are outrageously priced. (In Texas they would laugh you off the street if you told someone you paid 5 dollars for a taco, like Red Mesa charges.) Try to order a "combination" platter that has 1, 2 or 3 items for one price. Stay away from the guacamole, which is NOT WORTH 7 dollars. Just try to fill yourself up with the chips and get a combo dish. Desserts are also mediocre.
(3)
Angela S.
I went here the first time last week with family, a large group. The only negative was the wait time. We were told 45 minutes, but waited over an hour. However, the happy hour made up for the wait! This has to be the best happy hour in town. The $3 margaritas were huge and delicious. They also has specials on beer, wine, sangria and wells. When we did sit down the service was very good, and everyone enjoyed the food. I had a ceviche dish, which was awesome. I will definitely be back, especially for the happy hour.
(4)
Brandon S.
A friend and I selected Red Mesa Cantina because we wanted to try some local seafood while so close to the ocean but we didn't feel like going to a seafood specialty restaurant. We wanted to visit downtown St. Petersburg and a quick search online we found this establishment. Walking up to it the area was busy with plenty of walkers and the restaurant was very active and you could tell right off the bat that this place would be a lot of fun. One of the first things we noticed on the menu was their oyster shooters. My friend and I had never had one so we quickly ordered one each. The shooter was good, but I thought that it had more of a salsa flavor rather than focusing on the flavor of the oyster. Dinner was good, I had their chicken quesadilla and we order some fried plantains to share. The quesadilla was pretty good and it was exactly what I expected when I ordered it. That being said, the fried plantains were very good and very enjoyable. Unfortunately the night that I was there also was the night that every bachelorette party in St. Petersburg decided to come this establishment. The parties were having a blast and enjoying themselves, as any bachelorette party should but the multiple parties became a distraction and took away from the dinner experience. The atmosphere inside was more of a party atmosphere rather than a nice dining one. I think that the inside dining area lost its aura because the restaurant was lost in weather it was a bar, or a restaurant. Although the food was good, and the atmosphere was great...for a bar, but I was looking for a nice restaurant and it cost me some enjoyment during my dinner. I would go back, but I would now know that I would go back if I was looking for a bar rather that a restaurant.
(3)
Martie P.
I absolutely love this place for brunch. Sadly, I haven't made it for dinner or drinks any other time. There are plenty of seating options - bar, outside patio with a great fountain view, or inside. On to the nitty gritty...DRINKS! They have a fabulous selection of champagne drinks for brunch, including the traditional mimosa, hybiscus mimosa & passion fruit mimosa. A friend of mine had a bloody mary on my last visit. She said it was spicy, but delicious. The food is good and service is great!
(4)
Lindsay A.
Good food, huge portion sizes. It's Americanized Mexican food, so it's hard to mess up... and they do it right. Their drinks are pretty good, too. I've never been disappointed on a visit here. Not the cheapest place to eat, but you are definitely paying for a little nicer atmosphere. The servers are usually friendly and give good recommendations. I've been here with large groups numerous times, and they've always been very accommodating. This would be a good spot for a first date, or taking your girlfriends before going out downtown. The courtyard is cute and has a great vibe. Outdoor bar service, and they often have good live music. Be aware if you sit outside later in the evening, a lot of people will be traipsing through on their way upstairs to the club.
(4)
Jason K.
For whatever reason, lately i have had a bad run of luck with waiting unreasonable periods of time to get into restaurants. Perhaps this holiday season has turned me into a Grinch, but i simply detest waiting over an hour to be seated. Red Mesa is no exception to this general rule. I have eaten here a few times during the day and found the eatery to be sparsely populated and a quick meal. However, in my my recent dinner adventure, i was told that i would wait 45 minutes for a table and ended up waiting an hour and 15 minutes. The entire time we waited there was a large dinner table that could have accommodated my party that sat empty. Once we were served, I can say that the food was good. I and a few others in my party had the Sangria which was $3.25 during happy hour. I thought it was good, but it got mixed reviews in my group. The happy hour prices were very reasonable. As for the food, the portions were large. I had the taco which was on par with what you would expect..
(2)
Rebecca K.
Love the food here and better yet is the garden seating area. We eat here regularly and the wait staff is always on top of their game. The food is consistently tasty and boasts the bold flavors their sister restaurant is famous for. Our favorite time to come is brunch. Good draft beers too!
(4)
Jon M.
Ok. Food is tasty but a bit over seasoned -- too salty too sweet. Seems like a fun place to drink and pick up chicks. Especially if you are a frat boy. Open real late -- which is good.
(3)
Michael Z.
Delicious assortment of ceviche, tacos, and other small plates; drinks hit the mark as well. Patio seating is unique and aesthetically pleasing - a real winner in downtown St. Pete.
(4)
A Z.
We keep coming back here over and over whenever we're in St Pete entertaining friends or just by ourselves. It's easily our favorite restaurant in the area and a solid choice for atmosphere and great food/tequila cocktails. The last time we went was the day of the Pride Parade. That day was memorably hot. I thought sitting outside on their beautiful patio would be off the table, but they had set up multiple, industrial sized fans to cool everyone. Spot on!
(5)
Shawna K.
One of my favorite patios I've discovered so far! We drove almost an hour because we heard it was above par! And Red Mesa definitely did not disappoint! The vibe and charm are rockin' at this joint! The fact that the food was great and we all licked our plate was just an extra treat since the ambience can't be beat! We enjoyed our Sunday Brunch as slowly as we could And I probably had one too many drinks more than I should Just so we could stay and chill at their place basking in the sunshine with a smile on my face!
(4)
Sherry T.
Great variety of delicious Latin inspired foods. Decent service, very busy location. Desperate need for more bathrooms.
(4)
Cristo P.
Everything we had was delicious. We started with the mofongo, made from pork carnitas, sweet plantain and yuca. All this dressed with chimichurri sauce. Surprisingly awesome flavor. We followed with a taste of the appetizer tacos. The mahi and the seared tuna were not that impressive. The pulled pork with guacamole was extremely comforting. The one I liked best was the steak taco with jalapeño and grilled onions. The. Mehta Modelo was a good pairing for all the food.
(5)
Mike S.
A very excellent place........top of the line Mexican. The setting is polished without being fussy, the service is very effective, the menu has all the standards and some interesting variations (duck taco), and the quality of food is superior. Many other reviewers and commercial food rating services give the place high rankings, and I agree. Prices are a bit higher than an average beans 'n taco joint, but worth it here. It has been a few years ago since we ate there (in a foreign County), but I still remember the fine salsas, tasty refried beans and marvellous chilies rellenos...and these are my 3 "test" dishes for comparing Mexican restaurants. Also see they have nice drink specials and a good selection of Mexican & domestic beers. The location is handy for easy in-and-out on N. 4th Street. I would visit more but fear my passport/visa for visiting Pinellas may have expired.
(4)
Lisa C.
Yum!!
(4)
Rachel A.
We were a little skeptical walking up to the door but inside it was packed with people. We decided to sit outside in the courtyard which had lots of greenery and water fountains (great scenery for pics!). Got this amazing grilled corn on the cob - not ideal for a girl's night out but it sounded so good on the menu - had this spicy sauce that came drizzled on it, mm mm good. Got the shrimp tacos which were also very flavorful and had a spicy kick to it - very opposite to the sometimes bland entrees you can get at a Mexican place! Drinks were also very good - we each got a different kind of mojita - very creative and tasty! We did have some service problems initially (had been seated for 15 minutes without anyone coming to get our drink orders!) but she picked it up once we had to go tell the hostess we had not been served yet!
(4)
Deidre S.
The duck tacos are amazing :) so glad our waiter recommended them. We have had great food here and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Good place to go in downtown St. Pete, only complaint is I wish they had more authentic Mexican food.
(4)
Susie S.
I love the food here. Very tasty and fresh items. The Mexican dishes have flair. I've had brunch and dinner here and I've always been pleased but, the service and management is terrible. Terrible. So terrible that I will never go back.
(3)
Steve M.
I don't get to go here too often, but when I do, it's always terrific. Had the Ceviche and duck tacos yesterday and they were "beyond the thunder dome" awesome!! The outside courtyard is a perfect spot for dining or simply enjoying a libation or 3.
(5)
Diane S.
Food plentiful. Standard Mexican fare. Chips. We're extra crisp. Atmosphere excellent
(4)
Sharon B.
This place is so good! The specials are amazing and so is the brunch! Great prices for a lot of great food!
(5)
Kris M.
Great food, great service. Queso, duck tacos, seafood quesadilla... You can't go wrong with anything on the menu!
(5)
Selina K.
Saint Pete staple... LOVE the Sunday Brunch
(5)
Rose S.
Best brunch spot in St. Pete. I am a regular here! Great servicae and the quality of food is amazing! $3.50 Mimosas and Bloody Mary's at Brunch. Prices on the food are very reasonable, and I always have leftovers.
(5)
Dawn D.
I've never had a bad meal at this place! The wait staff is always extremely knowledgeable , attentive and properly social. You really need to try the Duck quesadillas! It's exception with the goat cheese and pineapple. Last night we tried the mahi mahi ceviche and the octopus ceviche both were incredible! The octopus was cut into bite size pieces and very tender. The ahi tuna tacos lived up to reputation as well. They have an excellent Melbec wine which is my go to drink at this spot. I'll come back again and again!!
(5)
Michael S.
We were in town for a wedding and called some local friends to see if they were available for lunch. Luckily they were and they suggested the Red Mesa. Everything we had was at least good except for the first round of beers, which were not cold enough and the duck taco, which was a bit disappointing. I am a bit of a ceviche snob and usually don't order it outside of a good Peruvian restaurant but I must say that the simple fish ceviche I had was one of the better versions I have sampled. My fish tacos were also good but not quite the Baja original. The second round of beers was nice and cold when we finally got them. The service was a bit slow and disjointed at times even though the place was not close to full.
(4)
Greg M.
As good as any legit Mexican food in NY. This place really impressed me. Strong drinks, excellent authentic and addictive food!
(5)
Don P.
Overpriced, no mui autentico, but hit the spot. Negra Modelo on tap is worth a half-star alone. Snapper ceviche was very tasty and the chicken tamales were good, if a little small. But it is definitely "gringo" Mexican. Nice space with patio seating.
(3)
J L.
Cantina Ceviche was soooo good - Top 2 on my list of Ceviche places now. Shrimp Al Mojo was delicious (a little too oily though), so was Cuban Torta. Wish I weren't too full to try their banana split... Looks amazing. Loved the decor as well - we sat by the fountain.
(5)
Lisa C.
I have been to Cantina too many times to count. I don't think I have ever walked out of there with a bad experience. Always great service and always a lively crowd. The price point can be steep but it's fresh and I don't mind paying for quality fresh food. I have them as a "like" on my facebook page and out of the blue for my birthday they posted a wonderful note. It was way better than any coupon I have ever received. They enticed me to come back in for either a free pitcher of margaritas or a free pitcher of sangria. Wow.. that is a $25.00 value. I was sort of shocked and thought maybe it would be a watered down version. Well as I am typing this, I can attest it wasn't ;) Now the food you ask... what about the food. Their chips are house-made and their salsa is wonderful. They actually changed their chips and I used to like them a ton more but the ones now aren't bad, they are just comparable to other places. Salsa and guacamole are chock full of cilantro, fresh ingredients and large bowls. Things I would highly recommend: First off... Mofongo. WOW. Seriously, WOW. Three large mounds of amazing mofongo with crispy pork, yuca and plantano drizzled with a light EVOO and fresh herbs. It will make anyone moan. Their mini tacos are always flavorful and add variety to any meal. I have tried the Ahi Tuna, The Fish Taco and the Duck Confit. Duck is definitely my favorite out of the three. It has Roast duck, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, cilantro, red chile jelly. Does Not Suck! The crab and shrimp quesadilla is surprising. I have ordered it twice and it is really like a large tostada versus the traditional quesadilla. Not complaining about that at all actually. I actually like it much better being crispy and open faced full of lump crab meat and plump shrimp. I have tried all of the ceviches and my favorite if the cantinita. It has a light kick but the orange segments and pickled red onion really made a pop in the mouth. Lots of fresh seafood and a good size bowl to share. Favorite salad is the Spinata - Spinach Salad with goat cheese. I was surprised someone mentioned it was a small salad as it typically fills me up. I have added shrimp and fish in the past and that definitely makes it more filling. Desserts I haven't had a lot of exploring because we are always so full. Tonight we decided to share homemade churros which was big, full and heavy with cinnamon. They are served hot with warm Mexican chocolate sauce and dulce sauce. Wow! Cocktails are unique and they serve quality tequilas. For many years, tequila and I broke up. We used to have a love affair and then one day, well... it was ugly. It has taken me many years to enjoy the Mexican elixir. I am happy to say, that the margaritas here are divine and so are the cocktails in general. My favorite is the La Rose Angel complete with a jalapeño slice & chile salt rim. Need I say more?? Mmmm I have yet to come in for lunch but I did manage to pop in a few times for brunch. The best take on eggs benedict I have EVER found. Their version comes as guacamole topped with a gordita, smoked bacon, poached eggs, chipotle cream sauce & queso fresco. The also provide a nice side of fresh fruit. Pair that with a mimosa and I am a happy girl. I am not sure if Red Mesa is the best Mexican I have ever had but it's very close to some of the places I have found when I have traveled to Mexico in the more family upscale joints. The vibe here is very Nacho Libre with Mexican fighting masks, a killer outdoor area and bar with bright colored lanterns and a huge wooden Day of the Dead looking Skeleton. Good vibe every time. If you go, ask for Jorge (Hore-Hay). He is always my favorite!!
(4)
Adam Y.
We were showing out of town family St. Petersburg on their last day in town and we all got hungry at the same time. Walking down Central trying to find something interesting I bumped into a work colleague who recommended Red Mesa Cantina. 5 minutes later we were seated inside and happy. Our service was excellent, and the food was terrific. Everyone enjoyed their food (3 of us ordered taco's and one a quesadilla). The chips were very good and I loved the salsa. Others preferred Guacamole and while I am not a fan, everyone else enjoyed it. Probably the only thing that I would warn people about is that unlike the 'real' Red Mesa up on 4th street, this place really can whip a bill on you. Complimentary chips and salsa? Nope (although refills are free if you ask). Guac was $7. The taco's were $4.50 per and candidly, tiny. I'm not a big person but would need at least 3 to feel full. Somehow spending $13.50 on taco's seems excessive to me even though they are very tasty. If I was downtown, I'd have no problem going back here or recommending it, but the actual Red Mesa is so much better that anyone looking for a great Mexican meal should just stop on 4th Street and not give it a 2nd thought.
(3)
Chris T.
Great Spot! There's another Red Mesa in St. Pete which is a really good lunch spot. Have the ...... Well, everything is good. This spot? Same owners, but the menu at this location is more expansive. For the record.....it is NOT tex mex or Mexican. I would classify it as "Latin American". They have Mofongo, which is a Puerto Rican Dish. They also have, Carne Asada...Mexican. And a Cuban Sandwhich..,,we'll call it Cuban! Duck Quesadillas? Yep!!!! Amerexican!? Whatever dude! The food is fantastic and you need to go there! Enjoy!
(4)
Blaire O.
I hardly ever have a bad taco, I mean, it's a pretty standard dish, and as long as you season, and respect, your ingredients, you shouldn't go wrong (unless you are me, three years ago... IMPOSTER!) That said, tacos are constantly being reworked, reinvented, taken back to their roots, brought into future, and merged with other culinary conditions. I mean, these things have more personalities than Sybil. And with all that time spent in different restaurants, with different chefs, the neighbors are starting to talk... All images of coquettish tacos aside, I usually prefer traditional, authentic tacos, but with time, I've learned to accept the newest generations of tacos, like nephew Pickled-Vegetables-On-Top (Mmmmm). This acceptance has now been uprooted, and transformed into adoration by Red Mesa Cantina in St. Petersburg... (continued at blog)
(4)
Pamela M.
I've partied upstairs at Push often however today my friend and I decided to see what the place looked like downstairs during the day on a Saturday afternoon. We were very happy! The little gourmet tacos here are divine. And at about $4 a piece for lunch, 2 or three will fill you up and go easy on your wallet. My friend and I shared some fried plantains as well. Almost as good as my Jamaican husband cooks them! And finally we shared the apple empanada desset.....nummy! The apple empanada is made from scratch on premises and definitely shows the wonderful home made quality. It came with a healthy scoop of Dulce de leche ice cream, a big dollop of whip cream and then everything was covered with a drizzle of caramel. If this sounds good just wait until you taste it. Enjoy!
(4)
Brett M.
Having just moved to St. Petersburg you hear a lot of Hype about Red Mesa. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed walking in. Perhaps I had been tricked! Red Mesa looks like a very typical Mexican joint just very clean. We were served immediately upon sitting down (which was great because we were starving). Bottom line was our server was great. He took time to really go through the menu --- not just ask us if we had any questions. He focused on each portion of the menu and not just his personal favorites. He also addressed our preference for spicy Mexican and adapted his presentation to our feedback. We had the Shrimp Quesadilla's which were great and ordered our entree. My date had the combo enchiladas which were authentic with flair and I enjoyed some steak and shrimp. Lot's of flavor and excellent service. I will be back. My soda was never half empty and we plowed through two servings of warm tortilla trips. We had plenty of food to take home but I promise --- it didn't last long in the fridge.
(5)
Omaira D.
Ate here for New Years, place was packed! Red Mesa adds a touch of sophistication usually missing from Mexican food. Great ambiance, food, crowd..this place is awesome and I'd definitely be back.
(4)
John B.
We were told there was a 10 min wait.......there were at least 10 tables open. Our table was dirty when we arrived. Our waiter dropped my drink napkin on the floor, he picked it up and put it on the table. That was even before we had our drinks. Despite my husband telling me to blow this joint.... we stayed. Chips and salsa are better at chili's. I had the pork enchiladas.....they were ok. My husband paid 5$ for a duck taco..... which he wasnt sure was actually duck. And the yuca fries were served with ketchup. Yuck! Our yuca fries we make at home are way better. I love lynard skynard.... but not expected at a mexican place. This place is a waste of money and palate. Will never go here again..... once is one trip too many.
(1)
Jim B.
so, i'm a huge fan of Mexican / Tex-Mex food and drink, and admittedly opinionated about both. Everyone, from the hostest(s) to the waitress, everyone was wonderful. Upbeat and knowledgable, and just enough attentive. The patio around the fountains is a perfect setting to drink and talk and eat. The crab and shrimp, open face quesadillas, are AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL. The salsa is fresh and spicy. Quacamole is bland. Premimum maragaritas are small and over-priced, but good. House margarita is forgettable.
(4)
Lisa J.
Had a great time, sat outside which was a beautiful night in St. Petersburg. The service & food were great. Was there catching up with friends and didn't feel rushed to leave when we were done eating. Around 9pm they had a band which was nice. Overall had a great experience and would go back again.
(3)
Karen F.
This is my 3rd time eating at this restaurant, and I have enjoyed myself each and every time. Due to the rain potential, we sat inside, which is a bit noisy but nevertheless fine. In nice weather - sit outside by the fountain, it is so relaxing! Our server was outstanding this evening. Very attentive, but not irritatingly instrusive. We started with cocktails (of course). It seems that they have been experimenting with drinks, so I had one of their specials - a cucumber margarita, and it was wonderful. Food-wise we started with guac/chips/salsa. I really think their guacamole is consistently some of the best I've had, nice and creamy. For my meal I had a spinach salad with goat cheese - very tasty, although the dressing was a bit oily for my taste, and the scallop ceviche. I think the ceviches are really what shine at this restaurant-fresh and tasty and interesting in every bite. The other item raved about at our table was the duck torta. No dessert because I ate too many chips. We'll be back!
(5)
Paul K.
Super cool, lots of pretty people, and great margaritas. As to food, the tacos left me wanting a lot more. Think they have 7 or 8 different ones that, are unique or standard fills with interesting sauces. I had the duck (awesome), ahi and shredded pork. Can get very busy, and i dont think they do reservations - not surprised, they do not need to!
(4)
Drew G.
My first time dining at this place...food was spectacular. The best mofongo I have ever tasted. Why three stars, then? The hostess left a bad taste in my mouth that couldn't be overcome by the great food and good service. I was meeting a friend for lunch around 1:30. After the lunch rush. Hostess stuck me at a table outside that was in the glaring sunlight. I saw an open table under some shade and asked if I could have that one. "Oh, I'm sorry...that table is reserved for a party of 3 or 4." Ok, I get that in the lunch rush you want to reserve the 4-tops for parties of 3 or 4. However, there were several open tables. The server greeted me and immediately said "would you like to move to a table out of the sun?" I told him I would love to, but the hostess seemed dead-set against the idea. He scoffed at that and moved me, much to the hostess' consternation. I saw her approach him and they had words. Honey, just hand out the menus, smile and look pretty, and leave the thinking to those better equipped to do so. Again, great meal...but that really ticked me off.
(3)
Maelyn L.
I loved entering through the courtyard. I wish I ate out there because a large party was seated right after I was and it was distracting. I had a wonderful waiter. You know the type... works there and eats there and loves the place. Even with a large party he managed to keep my drink full and suggest desert. Yes I did have desert. The seafood chimi was wonderful. I was not expecting to love it. Desert was better than good. They had a Wednesday multicourse special but I thought it would be too much food. Highly recommend!!!
(4)
Amanda R.
Nice bar outside, had some yum margaritas on special. I took a chance with a mofongo entree and that was terrible but the chips and guac and duck taco i had were tasty.
(3)
Ali C.
This place never lets me down. Went today for Sunday Brunch because its Father's Day and Mark requested it. We like the fact that they have outdoor seating that is shaded and by the outdoor bar they have tv and fans. We each tried a new menu item today - chorizo sausage gravy over biscuits with a fried egg and shrimp & crab cake benedicts. They were both wonderful. The prices are right especially at brunch we had two entree's, 3 beers and a bloody mary and the bill was only $35. The staff is friendly and overall they do a good job.
(5)
Heather B.
Great Food and ambiance. Food Prices were good, drinks were high. We will definitely visit again.
(4)
Michael W.
I ordered the nachos, and they were tasty. The toppings were sparse, so I quickly ran out of chips with anything on them. With over half of the chips left dry, a friend of mine asked if they could send over just a little more bean sauce to dip the chips in, or at least some salsa. They offered to sell me another nachos instead. (at the listed price) The food is good, but it is overpriced for the small portions. It feels like the restaurant is trying to nickel and dime me. Be careful! If you ask for more chips and salsa, it will be on your bill. I gave it only a one star because the manager was really frowny and made me feel unwelcome. I think her name was Carolyn.
(1)
Brian D.
This is a go-to restaurant and bar for my circle of friends. I've been here for lunch, dinner and drinks - and it's always hopping. Event Tues 6:30pm dinner has a crowd! I like to try something new every time I go because the flavors always wow me, and there are a lot of a la carte small items you can mix & match. The special the last time I went was duck taquitos with mole sauce. I love duck and mole, but not fried foods, so I got the duck taco with roast duck, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, cilantro, red chile jelly - and asked for a side of the mole sauce. The sauce was AMAZING and well worth the $1 she charged me for it without mentioning the charge. Someone ordered the Chips & Dip for the table, with white and blue Tortilla chips & 3 a trio of dips - chile cheese, fresh guacamole and black bean chorizo dip. The cheese dip was very fake football game cheesy, but the guac and black bean dips were great. The black bean had a smokey flavor to it, almost like chipotle. I also ordered Fried Sweet Plantains served with crema, which was a larger portion than I expected. They were sticky, with a chewy outside and mushy center, and quite delicious. And I had a side of Fried Yuca with chipotle ketchup 4. They were 4-6 thick cut steak fries of yucca with salt and seasoning on the outside for flavor. Everything was delicious, and the atmosphere is always fun but you can still hear your friends talk. Unless you are outside when they have live music... then it's harder to hear. Above the Cantina is Push nightclub, so it is fun to come here for dinner first and then head upstairs for a longer night.
(4)
Kelly P.
So much fun! I arrived with a very large group of girls on a Friday evening without reservations. Not a single person at Red Mesa batted an eye and they made sure we were comfortable at the bar while we waited for our table. They did a great job putting a large table together for us. They service was fantastic and they did a great job keeping every ones orders correct. Of course we ALL required separate checks. Such a pain. Sorry Red Mesa. But instead of getting attitude from our servers we got free pitchers of sangria and margaritas!!! What a special treat. Thank you Thank you!! You really made my friends birthday special. It is easy to find great places for 2-4 people but finding one that excels at service to large groups is tough. Red Mesa goes above and beyond. I will be back!
(4)
Tammy B.
I ordered their special for lunch on Valentine's Day, a crabcake salad. It was wonderful! Two crabcakes without much filler, with greens, candied walnuts and gorganzola cheese crumbles. The presentation made it almost too pretty to eat.
(5)
J B.
The atmosphere was hip and trendy. Not snooty or stuffy, but the drink prices were crazy! Yes, the duck tacos were delicious but again $4.95 each was way too high...if you want to spend a lot of money on non-traditional Mexican then this is your place. I had a lot of other food items there, but read somebody else's review on other items...
(3)
Paul R.
Love this restaurant, can't really recommend one thing Over another ... it's all good.
(4)
Art A.
Damn, this place rocked it! Will definitely be back soon!
(5)
Yani J.
This place is my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in the Tampa bay/St Pete area. The food is delicious. They have an outside bar and great patio area to relax in if you prefer the outdoors. If that is not your thing, you can hang inside. They have a bar in there too. Love the decor and they usually have some live music on the weekends. Great place to chill with friends and enjoy great food and beverages. Ahi tuna tacos are amazing. Love their guacamole.
(5)
Chad U.
Come here for brunch and sit on the patio. I don't highly recommend eating indoors, it feels really cramped and cold inside. The outdoor bar and patio is like a different world. The patio is my second favorite place to eat outdoors in St. Pete (Moon Under Water being the first - I know you really wanted to know that!). I'm too lazy to tell you why the patio is awesome, you'll have to just believe me on this. Service has always been solid, not extraordinary. It's in downtown, so you'll have to pay for parking and walk a block or two. But the food is always tasty. Drinks always cold. You should go.
(4)
Kelsi R.
Our first choice when it comes to "date night". Great food, fabulous sangria! When it's the two of us, we do try to get there before the 6:00 rush. Also used to come with a work group (15+ people) a few times a year, and it was always a hit for our out of towners.
(5)
John C.
It was really good and the outside bar atmosphere was really cool. Food was great and different from the traditional Tex Mex. However, it was not kid friendly at all so avoid this place if you have little ones in tow.
(4)
Karla K.
This place is amazing! First of all, the atmosphere is so neat. If you can, sit outside. The lights strung across the patio in combination with the fountains is just beautiful at night. Everyone was extremely friendly from hostess to bartender to our waiter, Jim. The food was so delicious. I highly recommend their chips and salsa, their guacamole is good, but the salsa is where its at! And the chips...perfectly salty and crispy. I could not stop eating them...I even ate the crumbs. I was also very impressed because they really know how to prepare tofu. I had the tofu soft tacos and they were really yummy. Sometimes I get vegan food at a restaurant that is not really known for their vegan entrees and am disappointed, but here I was super happy! Others in my party had a large burrito, an empanada, mofongo, chicken francesco, and a torta. They gobbled down their food and said it was fantastic. We did not try dessert because we were super stuffed, but the dessert at the table next to us looked like I would die and go to heaven with one bite. We went for dinner, but it also seems like a cool place to go and grab a few drinks after work.
(5)
Louis A.
The tacos are better than the margaritas, but they aint bad either. I've only been twice, but the location, the atmosphere and the food are all good. When down town St. Pete this would be one of my top choices.
(4)
Tommy H.
Bad service. Awful food. What a drag of a place. Never again.
(1)
Jenni H.
The Best Mexican food i have came across in Pinellas County so far! Its a classy place great food, I love the salsa! great bar, great drink! A huge selection of handmade margaritas I will say the Cucumber Margarita is a must on a hot day it is super refreshing!
(5)
D J.
The best food experience on a recent trip to the Tampa area. Sunday brunches are supposed to taste even better on a vacation but even with that higher reference point Red Mesa catered wonderfully to both the palette and the purse.Loved the ambiance - a nice outdoor patio space with landscaping and waterscaping as the center piece and tables studded all around it. With fountains as the backdrop, a passion fruit mimosa to toast the day, and a healthy,light mexican omelet sprinkled with goodness - it was a perfect way to get ready to soak up the artistic delights of Dali! The good dining destinations seem to be few and far between in St Petersburg but Red Mesa is certainly one of them.
(3)
G H.
Good mexican food with excellent sauces. Had the beef barbacoa buritto and it was delicious. Lovely patio seating with great water features. Very peaceful dining and excellent service.
(4)
Yuki J.
Red Mesa is my go-to restaurant when I want guaranteed great food, service, and ambiance. Its located in a beautiful, historic-looking red brick building in the heart of downtown St. Pete. The entire place is designed with such cool charm. I recommend the outdoor seating if you are there on a warm day. Every waiter who I've ever had there is very friendly, fast and accommodating. Every dish I've ever eaten there is delicious--my favorite thing to do is to try a few different types of tacos they have. Also the bombas appetizers are wonderful fried little balls, sooo good!
(5)
Matthew S.
Went on a Sunday Funday and the food was amazing and the atomosphere was perfect. It was pouring down rain but that didn't stop our server from still providing excellent service.
(5)
Kim S.
Absolutely sold on the outdoor seating and the atmosphere the fountains just invoked. They have a wonderful Mimosa, and the Red Sangria is pleasant to someone who may not like Sangria at all. Was not impressed with the food, for the price I was just not seeing the justification. All in all I had a good time and enjoyed myself. Will have to go again to see if my review might change.
(4)
Randy C.
After walking out of Z Grill, I walk into the Red Mesa. Nice people, Good food, Good Service. Not as crowded. Love the Guac.
(4)
Stephie S.
Great atmosphere but the food is better at the 4th St. location. This location is great for drinks and socializing though!
(3)
Pierre C.
I like this place for drinks, enjoy it immensely for dinner, and absolutely love this place for brunch. My girlfriend swears by the duck taco, I live and die by the black bean dip. If you're in the neighborhood you should definitely give it a try.
(5)
Michele H.
Had the corn appetizer, the guacamole and pulled pork tacos. All the food was excellent... Until they started cleaning the air vents with a swifter while people were eating!! I almost died. Please ask the staff to wait unit patrons have lefts before doing this type of cleaning.
(3)
Gabriela D.
Not bad food and the atmosphere is awesome. Good place for a date :)
(4)
Katie S.
Delicious! My husband and I took advantage of their "sunset menu". (Early bird menu) It's offered weekdays from 3-6. For $14 you get a drink.. margarita, sangria or beer...a Mexican salad, an entree and a dessert! I ordered the shredded beef enchiladas and my husband ordered Puntas de Filete: Filet tips, rajas, chipotle chile, jalapeños, tomatoes, queso fresco. Wow! Each bite was more amazing than the last. Each entree came with gallo pinto, which was the most flavorful rice/ beans I've ever eaten with an amazing chimichurri sauce on top! GO! You won't regret it... :)
(5)
Brittney H.
Ok, here's the deal....I'm just gonna be honest....I'm addicted to Mexican food...and Margaritas (mexican or not). I recently moved to St.Pete and have been scouring the city in search of the best Mexican and/or Tex Mex known to the Tampa Bay area....Everyone I talk to about my Mexican food Qeust has said to me, "Oh, you have to go to Red Mesa Cantina, it's the best!".....and the truth is, well, I have a love/hate relationship with this place. My heart and stomach are in a harrowing battle about this place. I WANT to LOVE it...but I don't know if, in good faith, I can do that....For my own emotional well being, I've decided to create an objective pros and cons list of my Red Mesa Cantina experiences....I hope this helps you as much as it does me..... Pros: Great Margaritas Fab locale Pretty good salsa Fresh ingredients Muy excelente corn on the cob Impressive usage of Chihuahua cheese Black Beans that make me cry tears of joy Modern and cool atmosphere. (It walks that fine line between awesomeness and douchiness...that's a great place to be) Fabuloso outdoor patio Good lunch specials ($10) Cons: EXPENSIVE Teensy, tiny tacos that cost $4 (you have to have 2-3 to feel remotely satisfied) No complimentary chips and salsa ($4) (WHAT THE WHAT!? Free chips and salsa is one of the best things about Mexican restaurants...why would you take that away from me?) Lunch menu leaves MUCH to be desired for my vegetarian belly The salads offend me. They're "side" salads in substance, but "meal" salads in price.... Whew! Ok, well I think this has been an enlightening exercise for me....All in all, I'm led to feel that Red Mesa Cantina deserves 3-4 stars...so I'm going to give it 4 because I go there too often to give it any less. Es bueno, pero no es fantastico. (like that? I'm too legit to quit.)
(4)
Dana U.
Honesty is the key, and to be 100% honest with you, this place is not as good as everyone says. After reading the reviews, I expected to be blown away by the yumminess that is Red Mesa Cantina. However, for the portions and quality of food you get, it is just not worth it. Let me start off with 1 pro of the day... $3 Mimosa. Woo! I ordered guacamole w/chips and two tacos. The guacamole was good but when I asked for a side of salsa, I was shocked to see that they upcharged me $2.50 for a small cup of salsa. I guess I'm just jaded by the unlimited salsa and chips that I get at EVERY other mexican restaurant. For my meal... I ordered two tacos. I was told by one of my friends that it didn't come with a side of rice or beans. For the price of $4.50 and above per taco I expected the tacos to at least be pretty decent in size. Sadly, I was mistaken. I got a tiny plate with two measly little tacos. One taco was a steak fajita (mediocre) and the other taco was ahi tuna (cooked good but wayyyy too much sauce, which overpowered it). Don't get me wrong, I am one of those people that will pay any amount of money for a good, satisfying meal. However, I left Red Mesa Cantina unsatisfied and wanting more. If you want good mexican food, stick with Taco Bus or probably any other "authentic" mexican food place.
(3)
Lenore S.
Food is amazing!! But the service is awful. Been here 4 or 5 times and service is usually pretty awful. It's also very noisey. But food is so good we keep coming back.
(3)
Paul M.
Good food, good service, below average drinks. First of all, we reserved online and were called right away to say that there are no reservations at the weekend - peculiar since their site allows it. The restaurant is really nice inside. The bar where we waited for a table was nice, the bartender was really friendly and helpful. I tried the orange-rita which was pretty good, my companion had the mojito which was very sweet. The food was great, the duck taco starter was dekicius and the pork burrito was very tasty. Portions are generous so i would recommend going easy on appetisers. Our waiter was excellent, very attentive without hovering. I tried a house margarita with dinner and it was not good. All ice and margarita mix, no real taste. I would go back here but only for the food. It was disappointing that the margaritas were so poor for a Mexican place.
(4)
Katie M.
One of my fav places in St. Pete. The service can be hit or miss (took about a half hour to get the check one time), but they have consistently great food. I would describe it as affordable gourmet Mexican. The menu is inventive and plays off of both authentic dishes as well as American favorites. I can't get enough of their tortas. The pork torta and the chorizo burger are at the of my list for favorite menu items. When with a group the dip trio (with queso, bean dip and gauc) is always a good choice. Their margaritas are pretty good too! If you're a big eater (like me), then stay awake from the tacos. They're good, but don't come with anything and don't really fill you up. This place is good for both dinner and brunch. Just arrive before peak hours cause they fill up fast! Especially the courtyard on a beautiful day/night.
(4)
Misa C.
Excellent food, yummy magaritas. Brunch is the best in St. Pete. Can get a bit loud, but I like that! The courtyard is gorgeous. I'm a regular!
(5)
Tina N.
One of the best restaurants in downtown St Pete. I have not been disappointed with anything I have ordered after many meals here. Tonight I had my favorite, the duck tacos with goat cheese. Also had a pomegranate margarita which was delish. For desert had the chocolate brownie with chocolate gelato, very good. You can't go wrong with anything you have at the Cantina or the 4th St Red Mesa. The outdoor seating/bar area at the Cantina is very nice and awesome to sit outside when it's not too hot.
(4)
Aaron K.
A combination of great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, and great service made this place one that I will be likely to return to when I get back to St. Pete. In addition, I misplaced a receipt that I needed to be reimbursed for a business meal, and the staff, including Chris (a manager there), were very helpful in getting the receipt to me. Definitely check out the duck tortas.
(5)
Richard N.
The best place ever! Almost every Sunday our friends gather for brunch outside by the fountain. The food is great, employees are friendly and the prices are good!
(5)
Erin S.
The food here is very good and they conveniently provide awesome options for a variety of pallets and appetites. Such a unique and delicious twist on traditional Mexican food. The atmosphere was beautiful- my only complaint was with the service. The hostesses were not at all friendly or welcoming and our waitress left us feeling neglected and unimportant; strange, given the significant number of drinks and entrees we ordered.
(4)
Phil C.
This is not real Mexican food if you are looking for authentic Mexican do not come here. I order the duck cascades and it was good but it was more or less an appetizer. I had to go get something other to eat after. Also chips and salsa were not free and salsa was definitely not fresh.
(1)
Kendall T.
The food overall is pretty good here. The ambiance is really what we came for, because the outdoor fountains, waterfalls, sculptures and music is all really lovely. Staff is friendly, and the only food item I don't recommend is the cactus & portabella taco. The shrimp and chicken tacos were very yummy, and so was the burrito. The major downfall was that our second visit here was on First Fridays so they had a live band in the bar area (which was fine) but it meant there was a big crowd. The two small bathrooms they have were both changed over to female only, and there was still a ridiculous line, and males have to go out & use a port-a-potty in the alley (srsly?). I had to wait 15 minutes to use the bathroom at dinner! That seems crazy to me. I think we will still go back to Red Mesa again, only not on a First Friday for dinner.
(4)
JizzerJittery F.
I love everything about this place. The atmosphere, the food, the drinks. They have their ish together and it's not like other places that aren't chain restaurants that can't tell their head from their ---, the servers flow well throughout the restaurant and food gets delivered fresh and hot and customers don't slip through the cracks. The margaritas are awesome. Overall it's awesome... Ooohh try their desserts... hmmm fat kid status.
(5)
Daniel Q.
Oh boy. Well to make it short the food here has been bad. My girlfriend and I have been here twice. The first time was about 6 months ago and the food was passable. I had the tacos and other than the steak they were mostly forgettable. Last night my girlfriend and I gave it another shot and were quite disappointed. First we had the chips and dip. The beans tasted like onions, the cheese dip tasted like it came out of a can, and the guacamole was very mediocre. For our main course I had the carne asada burrito. It was bad. There's really no other way to put it. My girlfriend had some chicken that she said was over cooked. At this point I can't see ever eating here again. The sad part is Red Mesa is so damn good, and Red Mesa Cantina....has been horrible. On the upside the patio is very nice as well as the interior of the restaurant.
(2)
Brett R.
Went there for dinner. Arrived what I thought was early, but the place was filling up quickly. The service was good, but a little inexperienced. The entrees were served literally within minutes of the appetizer. There was no room on the table for everything. I ordered the sangria and there was so much ice that I was lucky to get 3 sips before the glass was all ice. Those issues aside, the food was excellent. The carne asada was cooked perfectly and the flavors melded well. The beans that came with it were extraordinary. Although I didn't try it, I was told the burrito was very good as well. So the inexperienced service causes me to give it fewer stars.
(3)
Leslie F.
I've heard mixed reviews about Red Mesa, but I refuse to be swayed. Their food has always been fresh, fun and flavorful. The ambiance is awesome too. During the day, one can opt to relax on their patio where live music is sometimes an occurrence. At night, it is high energy with loud music and lively crowds as it is the bottom floor neighbor to the hip nightclub, Push. Their ceviche, Ahi tuna tacos, malfongo are all superb but whatever you do, be sure to try the duck taco. It is sweet and savory nirvana. Their hand-muddled margaritas and caipirinhas aren't too shabby either.
(4)
Peter P.
We were seated immediately upon arrival. Very nice setting. Our waitress took our drink orders immediately. The ceviche was excellent. However, they sprinkle cayenne pepper over the ceviche which gives it a nice kick. The main courses were fresh and flavorful. However, they also had a sprinkle of cayenne. And to top it off, we had the mexican brownie with the chocolate raspberry gelato. Guess what? The gelato was infused with red pepper. The irony is that If they did not splash all their items with red pepper, the food would stand on its own and be delicious. I would come here again on my own. But not with my family.
(3)
K S.
We really enjoyed our dinner at Red Mesa a couple months ago. Our waitress, Amber Rose, was very attentive, funny, and gave great recommendations about the St Pete area. We mentioned that we're new to the area and she gave us lots of places to visit and try. I highly recommend the shrimp tacos en cazuela. The sauce was fabulous with a hint of heat! It was a large portion that I couldn't eat and shared with my family. My hubby and son are fans of their tacos. The margarita without salt was quite tasty. We'll definitely return. We also loved the beautiful outdoor patio.
(4)
Kitty H.
Red Mesa is AMAZING! The service was great. The hostess greeted us right away. Our waiter was very funny and personable. He refilled our drinks on time all through the meal. I had a fajita taco which was just okay, and a pulled pork taco that was fabulous. I also ordered a side of plantains, which were excellent. Prices are very reasonable. We will return when traveling to St. Pete again.
(4)
Kevin M.
My Favorite Place! They have it all. Great Food, Fun Staff, Great Atmosphere, and of course, Fair Prices. :)
(5)
Stefanie R.
Overall great place! If you are looking for a new place to try with an awesome atmosphere this is the place! Outside area is great and the food and drinks are really good. Great experience every time! A fun place to go while downtown St. Pete.
(4)
Michele B.
When I lived in St Pete 4 years ago, Red Mesa on 4th Street was one of my favorite places. A recent weekend trip to St Pete and it was definitely on the list to eat at. I checked the website and learned there was a new location in downtown St Pete and gave it a go for Sunday Brunch. The food was delicious as always. I had Eggs Benedicto and a side of fried plantains. The food came out simply presented, modern. Great portion size, not too big, but just enough. I was stuffed. A nice selection of fruit mimosa's and bloody mary's for $3.50. Our server, however promt, was not knowledgable of the menu item's. When asked about a few recommendations or which dish over the other was better, she simply said "I work the brunch hours so I've never had the brunch." Of course not her fault, the restaurant should have the servers try the menu so they can better talk with questioning customers. Overall, another great job from the Red Mesa crew. The menu is well rounded and everything was delicious!
(4)
Ryan W.
Boss ahi tacos and margs!
(4)
Vanessa V.
Love the Saturday and Sunday brunch! with a $3 Bloody Mary and $3 Mimosas it is just perfect. The food menu is a limited in the brunch side, but good enough for everyone to enjoy!
(5)
Nolan R.
I was here for a Ruleta Wednesday! I didn't manage to call the right color, so my drink wasn't free...ehh 50/50 chance for a free drink. I had the chicken and rice and sat out in the patio area. There are two huge PORTA-COOLER fans outside to keep the masses cool on the patio. The margarita I had wasn't too bad...a little too much triple sec for my liking, but the food made up for the drink I had. If I was in downtown St. Pete again I would definitely come here again. Nice vibe and very attentive staff.
(4)
Diana A.
We finally made it to Red Mesa and wish we had been earlier. The service was great - everyone was so nice and so helpful with suggestions. We've been twice now and our favorite is their rotating ceviche. I've never been a fan since the ceviche I've had sits in a tomato juice/soup. With theirs they let the fish and the veggies do the work - it has been so fresh and so wonderful both times. The swordfish was the best. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
michael s.
The El Gordo burrito is chocked full of grilled steak and other goodies..too much for me to finish. The Fish Taco was an nice appetizer, one oblong piece of grilled fish on a soft taco with minimal trimmings. The guac is outstanding, the Steak Empanada was done just right so the steak had moisture. Loved Jennifer, our wait person. She was very helpful and knew the dishes. Quite enjoyable on a Sunday eve..no loud crowds nor long waits for the bathroom.
(4)
Shanna D.
Red Mesa really helped propel the scene on the south side of Central Ave. The restaurant has a modern and sophisticated (duck taco anyone?) take on Mexican food and is great when wanting to do a dinner with a little more pizzazz. When cooler weather allows, I prefer to sit outside with the fountain, lucha libre prints and metal mariachi sculptures. Saturday evenings have live music outside which is another bonus. I order one of the house made ice teas and eat the steak quesadilla, with a side of plantains for dessert. Service has always been really fast and intelligent-- even at really high traffic times. The crowd at Red Mesa is pretty trendy, but the vibe doesn't take itself too seriously, dining here is a fun night in a "grown-up" kind of way.
(4)
Kunal M.
Ordered the Shrimp Fajita Burrito. It was great, everything on the menu looked good, had a tough time deciding. Co-worker tried the pork enchiladas, he said were great. Service was good, and atmosphere is fun.
(5)
J. Daniel B.
Perfect Mexican.
(5)
Emmie S.
Party of 2 for lunch on Saturday. Service was great! Ambiance in the outdoor courtyard was great! Love it!
(5)
Thomas R.
Red Mesa Cantina is an upscale Mexican themed establishment that offers innovative and classical menu items prepared using fresh ingredients. Beyond food, Red Mesa Cantina features a hip atmosphere and a wide array of quality alternative seating options. Personally, I stopped into Red Mesa Cantina for lunch and found a pack house. There was a quality mix of both professional and casual customers enjoying the lunch service. Our experience at Red Mesa was ideal. We were promptly seated, experienced continually attentive service, and enjoyed all of the food. For lunch we started with chips and dips/salsa. The chips were hot and crispy. The dips featured black bean, queso, quac, and we ordered an additional option of salsa. All of the dips were flavorful and complemented each other well. My personal favorite was the black bean but each was very tasty. For our lunch entrees we had a Cantina Salad, a Baja Taco, and the Mahi stack. The Cantina Salad was very hearty and featured a wealth of quality ingredients. The highlights of the salad was the flavorful gorgonzola cheese and the super fresh tomato. Overall the salad was very tasty. The Baja Taco was fantastic and literally burst with both familiar and new flavors. Finally, the Mahi Stack was beyond expectations. The fish was fresh and featured great grilled flavors. All of the components of this dish (fried yuca, tomato, guac, pickled onions, and habanero aioli) worked beautifully together and created fantastic flavors. Personally, I loved the habanero aioli and it really added to the overall flavor profile of the dish. In closing, I was happily surprised with Red Mesa Cantina. The food was good, the service was on par, and the environment was comfortable.
(4)
Rodney R.
Amazing service, Awesome food and atmosphere. Thanks Jerrod and Kevin for making every visit better than the last.
(5)
Lora P.
During a visit to the Tampa area, I had the good fortune of speaking with a native to the area and she suggested that my husband and I visit the St. Petersburg area. She also enthusiastically endorsed Red Mesa Cantina. With some extra time on our hands and empty stomachs, we took Stephanie's advice and headed across the bridge and on to Red Mesa. The atmosphere reminded us a great deal of a place we'd find in Seattle (our hometown). While it was really early - 4:30 pm - and there were few people in the restaurant, the modern/edgy feel of the place drew us in. We were seated in a small booth and served immediately. Others have commented on stressed out servers. The young woman who was our waitperson was friendly, helpful and chatted with us quite a bit. Voila! Within moments we had two yummy and happy-hour priced ($3) margaritas. Our enthusiastic server suggested that we review their new early-bird type menu - available between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. Unlike a simple happy hour deal-e-o, this is 3 courses, including a drink (!) for $14.99. Such a bargain! The drink alone is worth $6 during prime time. The wonderful sundown menu was extensive and it wasn't tough to find what your heart desires. I ordered a yummy marinated steak, sitting on building blocks of fried plantains and potato sticks. My husband ordered fish - both were delicious! This is not your typical Mexican restaurant (we were told that the Cantina leans towards Peruvian) in that the food is edgier and more creative. You will NOT see a free basket of chips and salsa, nor gross pools of refrieds and rice. Chips must be ordered with 3 sauces (guac, queso, bean) and we were surprised at the price $9.00...almost as much as our bargain meal. Also, we ended up surprised at the $2.50 charge for a small (s-m-a-l-l) cup of pico de gallo. The manager kindly heard me out as I expressed disappointment at the charge. He kindly explained that each item in the restaurant is homemade, which is the reason for the extra charge. So...be aware: aside form the killer happy hour and sun-down meal deal, everything else you may want is a bit pricier. For those of you planning a visit to St. Petersburg, RMC is a good choice - especially if you have the flexibility to arrive early. For you locals: thanks to Stephanie for the terrific advice! She was spot-on.
(4)
Jeremy B.
I had the Mahi Tuna dish on Plantains. It was great. The house Margarita was strong and taste good. The restaurant has a great vibe and I wish I had ate outside. you can't go wrong here.
(4)
Blair H.
My first time in St Petersburg for a conference. Found Red Mesa Cantina through Yelp. Totally worth it. Amber Rose was my server. She was super knowledgeable but not pushy. Had the tacos en cazuela (shrimp) and a great margarita. Can't comment on the dining room because I ate in the courtyard. Very nice experience.
(4)
Crys C.
Trendy mex with a survey of good brews. Small portions but very tasty. Great for dates, wonderful ambiance and passion fruit mimosas to die for.
(4)
Jim B.
At lunch I had the Huachinango ceviche. Red snapper, spicy Peruvian aji amarillo with red onion, cilantro and lime juice. My wife had the fish tacos. The ceviche was awesome. The spiciness lived up to its description much to my delight. The Baja Fish tacos were delicious. The restaurant was crowded and where we were seated the outside humidity was uncomfortable. Although a bit pricy, we will be back.
(4)
Felipe G.
Infrequently does a sequel outdo the original, more often than not you're left disappointed. Case in point Caddyshack 2. But in rare cases that axiom doesn't hold true, and when it comes down to it I feel like Red Mesa Cantina is superior to the original Red Mesa on 4th street. The ambiance of the old location is a little lacking, while the Cantina is slick, fun, modern, and something to look at. The refinement of the menu to include more small à la carte options heightens the flavor/taste of the food. Sometimes more straightforward dishes that are concise in their execution taste that much better, and the tacos at Red Mesa Cantina are a great example of this. Every seafood taco they have from the ahi tuna, shrimp, and mahi are out of this world good. The tuna is Asian style with a great soy/wasabi flavor, the shrimp tastes Caribbean with a curry mustard zing, and the baja is the most straightforward and traditional but also very yummy. I am a huge fan of everyone one of those tacos, and also of the excellent vegetarian menu options that they feature. The tofu tacos are available individually or as a larger platter you assemble with your own tortillas. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will find them very delicious. The fried yucca sticks are also very good but I wish there were more dipping sauces available as the chipotle ketchup is pretty tame. The only negatives that come to mind are the fact that the acoustic sound damping inside is very poor resulting in it being very loud when the place is full. It can be a hindrance when wanting to have a conversation. Secondly, there is a dire need for more bathrooms as there are only two downstairs and they seem to have a perpetually long line. However, you are rewarded for the wait thanks to one of the more interesting bathrooms I have seen. The walls are covered in extremely cool framed posters featuring Mexican Lucha Libre wrestlers. Overall, I think that the folks at Red Mesa have really pulled off a great restaurant and concept. Downtown St Petersburg is made better, and to be honest it really is one of the better Mexican options out there for all of Pinellas County.
(5)
Tony Z.
4.5 stars Red Mesa is a hotspot in St Pete and I went on a wednesday night and the place was packed, which is a good sign to me. We started off with the chips with Guacamole, Queso and black bean dip. They were all good but the guacamole was very impressive. For the meal, I opted for the Beef tacos, it was a huge plate that came with 5 tortillas, a bowlful of shredded beef, cheese and pico de gallo. It was great, the beef was juicy and had a bit of spice, but the fresh cheese and tortillas made the tacos come together. Overall, Red Mesa has great food, good service and everything else. just not quite good enough for the 5 stars.
(4)
Food Jerk X.
Jeez, all these people raving about the duck tacos, you need to get to NYC someday. I mean, they were OK, but semi-ruined by the pineapple and other toppings. Ahi tuna was in fact fully ruined by sauces (HEAVY soy). Too bad in both cases, as they could have been great (duck tender, ahi very fresh). These dishes symbolize the failure that too often is fusion cuisine. On the other hand, the Cantinita ceviche was excellent--superbly fresh, light, citrusy, and with the perfect amount of heat.
(3)
Logan A.
Great food here. The service was a bit slow on Saturday night, Jan. 8, 2011. The reviews are pretty spot-on. I was surprised that the dips served with the chips come with cheese dip, guacamole and black bean dip. The only vegetarian-friendly one was the guac -- the others both have chorizo mixed in. I didn't think the black beans needed it, and it would have been nice to have one more option for my vegetarian friend at the table. I had the mahi with mango slaw and fried plantains, and it was fantastic! The entrees are surprisingly reasonably priced. One frustration was that the address on Yelp mobile said this place is on Third Street North. It's actually on Third Street SOUTH, so we walked several blocks out of our way just to see it was two blocks from our hotel! Get there early if you want to be seated quickly. The place filled up by 7:30.
(3)
Kevin F.
The food and Sangria were really good here. The atmosphere, though, wasn't my style. I don't mind a bit of noise now and then, but it was jam-packed with people and the music was practically deafening. For people going out to celebrate, party, or get smashed, it's probably just what you're looking for. For me, I think it would've been better to just do take-out instead.
(3)
Bryan E.
One of the best spots in St. Pete. Food is great, try the tacos! Very reasonably priced. Head up to the roof deck at PUSH for a drink afterwards, you won't regret the view!
(5)
Strauss H.
Duck, steak and shrimp tacos were great. The guacamole was average
(4)
Kyle M.
Great place for groups- food was good! Atmosphere even better!
(5)
Carolyn M.
The atmosphere is hip. The vibe is serene. The food is superb. The drinks are delicious. The experience was excellent. I will be back to Red Mesa Catina! If you read my reviews, you know every restaurant I have has to be fit for a Vegan... and Red Mesa Cantina is no different. But not only did it exceed my expectations with the Alambres Tofu - it exceeded that of my meat eating guests. All three of us cleared our plates and commented on what an amazing restaurant it was. The two cons - 1. the wait staff isn't the best. Friendly and knowledgeable - yes! But overworked (or under staffed) and not as attentive as I would have liked. (we had to track them down to fill our water... TWICE) 2. One female bathroom stall for the whole joint. Seriously Wrong. Especially with all that Sangria we will be drinking! (and don't even believe the sign "more bathrooms upstairs." Three women and I went looking for this mysterious other bathroom only to be led to a sketchy second and third story ghost town. (The roof deck was cool though... just no bathroom). Happy Vegan Dining. Carolyn
(5)
Stacy K.
Red Mesa was amazing. We sat in the patio/courtyard on a cool winter's evening and enjoyed duck quesadilla's, chicken fernandez, chile relleno, and the amazing mexican brownie w/ cinnamon and peppers - sososo delicious! The food was portioned well, and tasted excellent. Service was excellent, and the food came quickly. Many faceted flavors abounded in the food at Red Mesa - can't wait to try lunch or brunch sometime. Quite a few veg. options - even with tofu. Great food, ambiance, and service!
(5)
Rob R.
A bit of good and bad with this place. We were seated by the host and promptly forgotten about. Lucky for RMC, I really wanted to try the place since it was recommended by a good friend. After waiting 15 minutes for a waiter to acknowledge my existence, I went back to the host stand and let them know that I was ready to order. After that hiccup, things went smoothly. The problem with me when I go to a place like this is that I want to try a little bit of everything! Every item on the menu looked tasty. I decided on a mahi salsa verde ceviche and a roast pork torta, and my wife ordered a skirt steak torta. Everything was delicious. Note to other customers: if you plan on ordering a torta, don't order anything else.... it was huge! The outdoor seating is very nice. Prices reasonable. Service is good once you get it! Recommend!
(4)
Gerry B.
The atmosphere was great. A decent sized dining room and outside patio area with fountain. The menu was impressive, and you could tell that it was not standard Mexican fare. If I was hungrier I would have gotten a torta, which is a Mexican sandwich. I decided to go with an appetizer, so I had the ceviche platter which includes a choice of 4 ceviches out of a list of 6-7. I had Ahi Tuna, shrimp and two snapper ceviches. They were delicious, served with tortilla chips. I would definitely go back to this place and try more items on the menu. Excellent!
(4)
Charlie K.
Red Mesa Cantina is one of my favorites in The Berg. It's perfect if you're not in the mood to eat a whole lot, but still want a satisfying meal. Generally when I go (3 times so far) I order tapas style and get a few small items from the menu. Everything I've tried is really good (even the ketchup has an added chipotle flavor). *Edit: Removed address change suggestion since it finally got updated!
(4)
Marie-Noelle C.
I've been here several times and have enjoyed the food for the most part (I had the duck tacos one time and they were a little on the dry side). Other than that, other items I've tried have been pretty good. I usually start with the mofongo and then have a main course if I'm hungry, but if not then I'll just stick to the mofongo. The mofongo is sweeter than other preparations I've had, but it's still really delicious. The crispy, salty pork is nicely balanced with the sweetness of the plaintain. And top that off with the chimichurri sauce and it's insanely good. The atmosphere is varied there depending on the day and time you go. The weekends are usually packed with people later in the evening. It's really nice if you can sit outside in the brick courtyard with the water feature and bamboo plants that create this little hideaway.
(4)
David G.
The decor is fantastic, the tapas are excellent and the sangria is amazing! We have been here numerous times and have had a great experience each and every time! The wait staff is good (not great) but they are friendly with a little bit of an air of arrogance (every time). Either way, they get the order right, come back numerous times to check on you and are friendly for the most part. Great place to get together with friends, a first date or even a romantic late lunch /early dinner or just the two of you...
(4)
Renee W.
I went here with 3 other people on my birthday about a week ago.. It was a Monday, so needless to say we were one of two tables inside. The food was..good. I got the steak quesadilla and a duck taco. We also got guacamole, scallop ceviche, and mofongo (pork carnita, etc). The only thing I really LOVED was the duck taco. But I'm a sucker for anything duck. :) The mofongo (which was recommened to us by the waiter) was good at 1st, but quickly got so overwhelmingly garlicky. Between the three of us, we ate about 1/3 of it. Still..I was happy. The only thing that made me a little pissed at this place was when the time came to pay the bill. Our waiter dropped off our checks..then sat down at the table right next to us and proceeded to eat his own dinner. So rude. We had to practically flag him down to come cash us out. Oh, and he somehow ended up charging my friend twice. I still wanna give this place another chance. There is a a lot of stuff on the menu that looks so yummy. I just don't have the
(3)
David C.
I found a whole new establishment when I went back to the Cantina for dinner, like the shy girl who opens up the second date and gets wild. It was somebody's birthday, and that called for Sangria. Pitchers of it. Sweet, tart, fruity, and plentiful. A good mix. Started with a ceviche sampler - tried the Caribe (creamy coconut and ginger dressing with Ahi Tuna), the Pacifico (Swordfish with an olive/caper/chili blend), The Vera Cruz (Mahi in a smoky chipotle blend), and the Oriental (Salmon, orange, soy, ginger, edamame). Of those, the Oriental and the Vera Cruz were the stand outs - both spicy and unique. Our server was super friendly, but would not sell me one of the awesome luchador shirts he was wearing. Apparently, they're for staff only. Apparently, I may try to get a part time job, just for the shirt. I ate a fat duck quesadilla and a baja fish taco, both succulent and gorgeously plated. Tried nibbles of roasted grouper, a fruity gazpacho, and a trio of chip dips (guac, queso, refried beans). Everything was vibrant, bold enough to keep up with the intensity of the decor and the cool tang of the Sangria. Left full, smiling, warm. Good work, RMC. Maybe there'll be a third date.
(4)
L. D.
Actual visit was on 1/11/12. I had the Baja Fish Tacos - grilled mahi, salsa blanca, salsa roja, cabbage slaw, lime. Esquites - Mexican style roasted corn on cob, chipotle aioli, cotija cheese, lime. Chip dips - guac, black bean chorizo, chile cheese. The guac had way too much onion. I enjoyed my entire meal and I loved that Mexican corn on the cob.
(4)
Rob L.
Awesome place! Tuna Tacos have a unique flavor. So good I went two days in a row while on a biz trip in St Pete!
(5)
Alexis A.
We visited on a Saturday night so it was super busy but Red Mesa managed to accommodate our large party (like 20 people large) pretty efficiently. Delicious food and beverages. Definitely has that umcha, umcha cantina feel rather than your classic Mexican restaurant feel. We didn't have the chance to appreciate it, but outside there was a jamming band and nice bar.
(4)
Mike D.
One consistency that I found during my limited stay in St. Petersburg was the atmosphere, design and overall relaxed atmospheres of the restaurants I visited. The other consistency had to do with food that was good on paper but sub-par in execution and flavor. This place attracted us immediately with it's outdoor patio and menu items but after a tapas sampler, we quickly decided to save some cash and head home to cook a dinner instead. We started with a pitcher of sangria to wind down a long weekend filled with biking and running. The sangria was rather juice-like so we decided to add a shot of tequila to it which evened it out a bit. I think this could be a great spot to go out to but in terms of enjoying well executed food, I am still on a mission in St. Pete.
(2)
Donald H.
Probably the best of Mexican cuisine in all of the Tampa Bay area...! Upscale, fine dining with quality ingredients...! Wonderful service....! All-in-all an excellent p;lace to enjoy the food of another culture..!
(5)
Chanel S.
Stopped here on our way home from the airport. Duck tacos and salsa were awesome. Atmosphere was super cool.
(4)
Boriana P.
Very nice place- cozy courtyard! Service was fantastic, food was exquisite - small portions, excellent presentation and even better taste. I had the mahi mahi with plantains and mango salsa. Hands down that was the best mahi I have ever had! It melted in my mouth. everything was so pretty, creative and tastefully set on my plate- I felt like a judge on Chopped! I can't wait to I back!
(5)
Suzanne S.
Wow! Fresh, well prepared and a very reasonable price. I had the ceviche of the day as an app but was really torn between ordering one of the daily specials or from the regular menu. I was eating at the bar (dining alone) and everyone around me, including the bartender and kitchen staff, were raving about the beef with chimichurri so that is what I did. It was very good but I don't think I could have made a bad choice regardless of what I ordered. I highly recommend this place. Be aware that they only serve beer and wine. The sangria is excellent.
(5)
John A.
Much better than the restaurant in my opinion, although there are times when service is a little- meh (though not as bad as the restaurant, that's for sure!) I really dig at atmosphere too. very hip and modern.
(4)
Andras C.
Great shrimp and crusted fish. Margharita was nice too. Pleasant outside seating, courteous service. Main lunch courses around 10 bucks.
(5)
Tami S.
Two things I always end up having . . . the Mahi Stack and the duck tacos. The Stack is on the lunch menu, but they'll make it for you at dinner if you ask. What an unbelievable combination of flavors - mahi stacked on avocado, candied red onion, tomato (I'm sure I'm forgetting something) on a bed of yucca logs with a tangy aioli sauce. The only downside is that it's a bit noisy - a challenge with many of our downtown restaurants with lots of hard surfaces inside - they're gorgeous but acoustically challenged. No matter, Cantina is a happening place, so why should they be quiet about it?!
(4)
Holly S.
My beau and I decided to make a trip down to St. Petersburg for a mini getaway and to see the Dali museum. Our first night we decided on Mexican food and I am thrilled we did. Entering Red Mesa was pleasing to the eye. The restaurant has a dark and modern yet, Mexican feel. I loveeee a great atmosphere! We sat in a comfy booth and were greeting right away by a 'too cool for school' waiter. He was trying to be friendly while keeping his 'dude facto'r to a high level..ugh. We first ordered red sangria and the queso dip and chips as an appetizer. The sangria was refreshing and delicious! The queso dip was good and unique. It had the perfect amount of spice with chorizo. At first I wasn't too fond with the balls of sausage in my cheese dip but, it grew on me. For dinner, my lover has the 'fat' burrito. He loved it!.. and that's all he said about it... so i'm sure it's delicious! I had the open faced crab and shrimp quesadilla. It was almost like eating shrimp and crab on a cracker. It was very delicious, but definitely not what I was expecting. The tortilla was crispy and I ate it like a pizza. Overall, we had a great time and would recommend this classy Mexican restaurant. :)
(4)
David F.
We went to the Red Mesa on a Sunday a little bit after noon before going to the Dali Museum. I would easily recommend this restaurant. I actually wish we had one in my hometown so I could go more often. We started our meal with some ceviche, I had a bowl of Posole, and a round Bloddy Mary's. All were excellent. For my meal I wanted tacos and chose three different ones: Ahi Tuna, Baja Fish, and the Duck. The Duck tacos are superb. The ambience is great as we sat outside with the waterfalls around us and the bamboo growing around the property to provide privacy while dining. Our server was Jon who new the menu inside and out and was very attentive.
(5)
Edgar R.
Excellent place, awesome set up, perfect atmosphere. Highly recommended, worth every penny they charge!!
(5)
Tiffany D.
Nice atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly staff. One of the best! Four stars because our server was a bit slow, but the atmosphere and food made up for it.
(4)
AJ W.
came here for lunch and was pleasantly suprised. The tacos were delicious (I had the tuna and the duck) very unusual combos...but very yummy. For lunch I though it was decently priced. I would like to check it out in the evening. The bar menu seemed quite nice. I will mention the eye candy there wasn't bad either :) Very attractive waitstaff...yeah, kinda pushy...but not obnoxious!
(4)
Julie T.
I've eaten here for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For romantic dates also work lunches. You get the idea. Last time was just a few weeks back for lunch on a Wednesday. Got there before the lunch crowd, didn't get my check till after the lunch crowd. Don't know what gave my server the idea I had plenty of time to kill because I didn't and I got a parking ticket.... 2.5 hours for a weekday lunch is uncool for us working folks. Yeah the food is always great, especially for st. pete standards. It gets packed and you may have to wait. Decently priced for the quality and the staff are really nice.
(4)
P G.
I have gone to this restaurant several times for lunch. They are able to accommodate large groups and their service is quick. They have great daily specials and the food has always been fresh and tasty. My favorite is the Ahi Tuna roll. The staff and presentation of the food is great. I would recommend this for lunch or dinner.
(4)
Kelly S.
Since margaritas are some what of a passion of mine (mainly drinking them), I hold very high standards. The Red Mesa did not disappoint. I especially like that you pick your tequila (dirty to rich) and then the 'mix'. The food was more upscale Mexican but they have an amazing and super large outdoor patio, great for big parties. This is the place to go for margaritas if you find yourself in downtown St Pete.
(3)
Kylin B.
I love this place!!! There is so much here to satisfy everyone. Yummy food. Great drinks. Cools live music. And an outdoor bar area that is amazing!!! Thanks Cantina.
(5)
Kyle G.
YUM! This place is surely one of my favorites in the Downtown St. Pete area. I was here again last night with a group of friends, and decided to try their ahi taco, as well as the tofu burrito. The ahi taco was fantastic, a little on the small side, but the fish was proportionately appropriate for ~$4 (as an appetizer). The tofu burrito was surprisingly good - the tofu was flavorful, and the burrito itself was huge (and packed with fresh ingredients). In the past, I've also tried the guacamole, the duck taco, and the steak quesadilla - and all were excellent. Also, try their red sangria. I don't know if it's homemade, but it's tasty and does the trick...
(5)
Linda M.
Great food, great drinks. More of a family place so if you are looking for quiet, this isn't it. But we loved it and our server Jackie was very helpful and welcoming. Wish there was a location in our part of Florida :(
(4)
Linda B.
Not a fan of Mexican but I really liked this place. Went with a group of about 15 and service was fabulous. Just had the nachos but later wished I'd ordered an entree when I saw others coming out. Next time! This would be a good place to dine al fresco once the humidity drops. Only negative was the restroom. Not that great and it was a Monday. Not sure I'd want to see it on a Friday! Our server Mike was awesome.
(4)
Donnie A.
Don't come if you want some cheap authentic Mexican food. If you want very good expensive pseudo Mexican this place is awesome ($5 a taco $4 chips and salsa with no refills). Great food and amazing atmosphere. Try their Bombas appetizer its like an Indian samosa but with chorizo and shrimp.
(4)
Tracey H.
Fun, hip dinner before (or after) you hit the nitelife. My husband and I have been going to the original Red Mesa since its conception so we were delighted that it now has a trendy "younger sis" downtown. We have only visited during a late dinner and loved it. The atmosphere was hopping but not pretentious. The waitstaff was a little slow but personable. The menu is smaller and slightly diferent than the original restaurant but we find that a plus especially if you are going out afterwards. Heading downtown? Give it a try! If you want the traditional, more filling Red Mesa--drive 3 mi. North.
(4)
MIKE V.
FIRST OFF - THE RED MESA CANTINA IS AT 128 3rd St S it is owned by the same RED MESA at 4912 4th St N ***The address is listed incorrectly at Google too.... Food is good, but a bit pricey for the portions. I requested extra spicey and they are far too cautious with the heat. Another reviewer was amazed with the Brownie dessert - honestly?? - the Chipotle Chocolate gelato was the best part of the dessert and as stated above very pricey for the portion.
(4)
Alex R.
From what I was told from friends that frequent it, this restaurant is much better as a dinner venue. I went for lunch and did enjoy myself. There is indoor seating in a dining area and an outdoor patio area with dinning as well as wet bars. Unfortunately the tortilla chips I had heard soo much about had been recently replaced with a new style of chips. These were well below average as far as taste and freshness. On the bright side the wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
(3)
Vanessa L.
Best Mexican food in Florida! Love the patio and the fruit gazpacho. Food is spicy and flavorful and the ambiance is killer.
(5)
Jason R.
The outdoor seating is nice. This is a great place to people watch. My only complaint is the service is very slow! Bring a book when eating here.
(2)
May M.
So good! I love the food and Mojitos here! THey run great happy hour specials as well!!!
(5)
Theo H.
Great music, slick bartender and delicious bean soup! Loved this place so much, that I came here three nights in a row when I last visited St. Pete!
(5)
Renee L.
This place is absolutely wonderful, my sweetheart and I took my daughter (who was visiting from California) here. We all loved it, this will be a regular for us. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious.
(5)
Bob C.
Our favorite St. Petersburg restaurant. The food is creative, fresh and as spicy as you care for. The staff is friendly and attentive. The menu is like no other in town. For example, you want fries? You get Yucca fries and they are simply great. If you want a hamburger, theirs has a hint of Mexican chorizo and is routinely recognized as the best burger in town. The Saturday and Sunday brunch is also the best in town. Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and uniques spicy egg dishes. The restaurant features popular outdoor seating in an enclosed courtyard, as well as comfortable indoor seating.
(5)
Vanessa B.
This was fantastic!! We spent the afternoon in St. Pete to visit the Dali Collection and the Chihuly Collection and we stopped in here for lunch. What a treat! The service was fantastic and all of our dishes were delicious. The white sangria was sweet and refreshing and the banano split was phenomenal! Highly recommend.
(4)
Lady F.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. Some of my faves include the duck quesadillas, and the lunch special of pork verde burrito. The plantains are delicious, but I don't much care for the cream sauce they are served with. Gallo pinto is a great side dish, with rice, red beans and a cilantro pesto sauce that really makes it pop. Also, they have a late night menu that serves a small midnight menu until 1 am! Perfect for when you need to take a break from partying at Push upstairs!
(4)
Jake D.
Hate to say this. Went there today and really looked forward to it. Ordered drinks, flights of tequila, and mofango. Mofango was excellent. Drinks never showed up. We watched the manager eye us and never come over. Everybody in our group had restaurant experience and were appalled by the service. All they had to do was come over and talk to us.
(1)
James H.
well, first and foremost, i always have to determine how vegan-friendly a restaurant is. with only a few potentially vegan options on the menu i can't go the extra mile and give them the 4th star even if the dish i did try warranted it. for starters there are no vegan options on the menu, but the vegetarian ones can be made vegan with the easy elimination of the cheese. i opted for the tofu scramble, made with pineapple, marinated tofu, onions and peppers. the tofu was very good and the tamarind mojito marinade was nice and tangy and a perfect complement for the pineapple in the dish. the red beans and rice, which were coated in a great chimmichurri were excellent as well. there is definitely a happening vibe in the joint and some great people watching. it's loud, so not the best place for an intimate conversation. also the tables and booths are all wide open, so don't really expect any privacy. i'd go back, just wish they had a few more veg-friendly options on the menu.
(3)
Patricia S.
Everything about the Cantina is on point! The food is amazing. The ambiance is perfect, and the service is definitely unbeatable! Specifics: the duck, qasadilla or taco, the guac, Yucca fries - OMG.. You name it, we've tried it, and we've never left disappointed. Not to mention an amazing out door bar (the lucha bar) with live music on the weekends! Go... Try it... Now! You will love it!
(5)
Stew B.
A group favorite. The menu items do not sound that great at first glance so I always have my wife order for me. I always love the food. A lot if our friends like it too. Just get a dart board and aim for the menu to make your decision bc its all good stuff.
(5)
Machelle P.
The food is amazing plus it has a great atmosphere! It is one of my favorite places to eat.
(5)
Dawn B.
Mojitos are not good, but Sangria is great!
(4)
Zach W.
This is the place in St. Pete you would take your out-of-town friends to. Great food (try the totopos, duck or shrimp tacos, chicken fernandez, and/or the churrasco), great drinks (best margaritas in town, good selection of beers), great atmosphere (bar and tables inside, bar and tables outside, a courtyard with a fountain, awesome live music often, TVs and all the sports package), and great service (Pete, the manager, is the man). In sum, there are plenty of reasons why I come here 3 or 4 times a week!
(5)
Robert F.
The atmosphere is authentic. The food was delicious. It was spicy but not overly hot. The filet was tender and perfectly cooked. The pablano was still mildly tender. Overall a wonderful meal and would recommend to anyone.
(5)
Tiffany H.
I'm sort of conflicted about Red Mesa. I love the location and the outdoor patio seating (especially with nice weather). I've had pretty good service both the times I went. The food was on the better end of the scale, but I honestly don't think it warrants the price for some of their menu options. I tried both the duck taco and duck quesadilla, some kind of beef burrito, and chips & dip. First of all, the prices for tacos (between $4 and $5) are per single taco. Most people would need at least two to make a meal. I know dudes that would need four. There's also no substitutions, which really kind of sucks. I ordered my duck minus the goat cheese and liked the flavor it had. The beef burrito was good but nothing extraordinary. If you need to figure out if something is gluten-free (which I've become a little more aware of these days), the "gluten-free menu" is a hot mess. Instead of having a list of whatever is actually GF it's like a giant list of things that have gluten in them (or have been cross-contaminated or something because even the corn chips were on there). Basically, there's probably 4 or 5 things that are safe on the menu, and instead of saying that, it feels like the special menu is trying to deceive you into thinking you have more options. Needless to say, if you have very very strong sensitivities to gluten, skip it. My friend was okay with the corn chips and brunch thing she had (can't remember what it was exactly) but that might not be the case with people who can't function with cross-contamination at the very least. Last but not least, they serve hibiscus iced tea instead of plain ol' black. This was a pleasant surprise and got me on a hibiscus kick (I stopped at Cedar Market on the way home just to get tea bags).
(3)
Ashlee B.
I would never recommend this place. Our waitress had absolutely no personality and the food was very mediocre and over priced. Not to mention they have a frozen drink advertised on the menu and they don't have a blender to make them. Huge disappointment.
Came in on 1/2 price fajita wednesday for dinner. The service was good once we were seated. We had the steak fajita's which were nicely spiced, tender and a decent portion. Also had a duck taco which was very good with an interesting taste combination. No chips and salsa ($4.00 extra) was a disappointment. Think they'd serve more drinks if they had free chips and salsa like most good Mexican places. Cool building and bar area. Overall a good meal but a li
(3)
Andy S.
Everything here always tastes good. However, the service is pretty much always crappy. It seems like they have a really high turnover rate for servers and a lot of people don't seem to know what the heck is going on. This ceviche is always good, there are several different varieties. D quacamole and salsas are very good and taste very fresh. This is a good spot to have dinner before going out in downtown St Petersburg. I usually get the chorizo burger which is huge and very filling. I also like the fried yuca sticks. If the food was any less good I would have given this place a 3. If the service from the servers was anything decent I would have given this place a 5. Don't hesitate to go, just don't be surprised if you have to beg and plead for your server to show up or come back to the table.
(4)
Lewis U.
Good quality Mexican cuisine that I would recommend to anyone who has an appetite for Latin American food
(4)
Jen G.
I've been here several times on my forays into downtown St. Pete. They never disappoint. But, don't get this one confused with Red Mesa. They are two separate places. This is the one located in the same building as Push Ultra Lounge on 3rd St. The first couple times I went with girlfriends for a girls night out, so we stopped in for a bite to eat and a quick drink before heading upstairs to Push for Magic Friday. The chicken nachos are delicious! My friends also raved about the duck tacos. The margaritas were decent, as was the sangria. Last night I went with my man, and we ate chips and guacamole which were perfect! Just the right amount of garlic, salt, and cilantro. So delectable. They also made my cocktail just as I wanted. I prefer to sit in the outdoor bar/patio area, which has an awesome ambiance. The bartenders are fun and social, and the live music there is great, although the place seemed to shut down rather early, before 1am. I love the way they light up the outside with patio lights, it gives it a great Florida feel on a February night. We'll definitely be back!
(4)
Andee A.
Our group of 5 -- newcomers from Stockholm and St. Louis -- walked here from the Dali Museum and we were happily sated. Tasty, friendly, excellent salsa. Try the pork enchiladas! Great service, too!
(5)
Anna K.
Went there with my parents, including my dad who doesn't like Mexican food at all. But we all left extremely happy! The fajitas are awesome and the ahi tuna tacos are a must-have. Service was wonderful and the food came out quickly.
(5)
Angela A.
From the name, I expected far less than I received. More than Mexican, they offer many Latin American options. The mofongo is delicious though served in an untraditional way. Enjoyed also the empanada, gallo pinto, and ceviche. All in all, definitely worth the trip!
(4)
Paul V.
Being from Texas we were excited about trying this place out. Totally different than what were used too. Not even sure how to explain what we encountered here. It's hard to screw up Nachos, however it happened, cold beans and Parmasan cheese on chips was just not a good combo. In Texas salsa comes with your meal for free. Here we had to pay. Service was good.
(3)
Mark F.
I've been to all the red Mesa chains and this is by far my favorite! Margaritas are always delicious and the food never disappoints! I recommend this place to all my friends and family when they come in town. Will definitely be back, probably sooner rather than later!
(5)
Emma R.
This place is phenomenal. I highly recommend the brunch, especially the breakfast quesadilla and the mimosas. Nice outdoor ambience. Service is always quick and attentive.
(5)
Stephanie E.
Food and services was phenomenal!!
(5)
Randy H.
Duck tacos!!
(4)
Lisa H.
Bad experience here. Took them 20min to serve the chips and another 40min passed our main dish was not even there. The table next to us that got here later than us got their food and the waiter did not even stop by and say sorry.
(2)
Kelly H.
Excellent food, service, atmosphere and price. If you're lucky, you'll have Daniel as your waiter-- he's the best! Attentive, friendly and hilarious. Danny's family loves him! :)
(5)
Scott M.
Listed on a "top 50 in Tampa list" this eatery deserves its mention. In downtown St Petersburg, located in a refurbished fire house, Red Mesa sports a great bar, unique inside sitting arrangements and a courtyard with a pond and bridge Atmosphere 90 Miles away from downtown St Petes Service 85 Polite, quick and friendly Food 85 Upscale Mexican cuisine Value 85 A sound solid combination Worth the trip even if you are not in St Petes. .
(4)
Ashlee R.
This place is fantastic, awesome atmosphere! Love the outdoor seating area and was so glad we stumbled upon in during our time in St. Pete. I ordered the chicken tacos which were a perfect portion and delicious. We also got an order of the chips and salsa, salsa had the perfect kick of spice. And those margaritas were to die for...yum! Can't go wrong at this place, great reggae music playing, friendly employees and great food!
(5)
Yoandy H.
Really good food and the worst customers service thas what i think about them ...some budy show me the table and told me "somebody will be with you soon" i was waiting for about 30 minutes watching how they ask to a lot of people that came after us me and my wife...
(1)
Stuart F.
Red Mesa Cantina has a good menu and nice location downtown. I went recently with a large group and Josh was just an outstanding server! He was 5 stars. The food is consistently good, although I do wish they had more vegan options (and vegan labeling, so you know what is vegan or can be made vegan), and wish they would turn the music a little lower so it was easier to have conversations. Other than that, great place. I do wish they would abolish tipping though, just read this paragraph: Studies have shown that tipping is not an effective incentive for performance in servers. It also creates an environment in which people of color, young people, old people, women, and foreigners tend to get worse service than white males. In a tip-based system, nonwhite servers make less than their white peers for equal work. Consider also the power imbalance between tippers, who are typically male, and servers, 70 percent of whom are female, and consider that the restaurant industry generates five times the average number of sexual harassment claims per worker. And that in many instances employers have allegedly misused tip credits, which let owners pay servers less than minimum wage if tipping makes up the difference. Citations for those claims can be found here: washingtonpost.com/blogs…
(4)
Raisa B.
Very casual dinning experience. I recommend the oyster shooter with the fresh touch of cilantro. The pulpo is hell of a deal...a good size plate of tender pulpo with kalamata olives and avocado.
(4)
Elizabeth K.
i love this place. its delicious, consistent, and a wonderful atmosphere. i recommend to everyone who has never been and always take visiting guests there for dinner. keep doin' you
(5)
Jaclyn V.
Had a delicious dinner here tonight. Great service, great food, great drinks. Outdoor seating. I had the Cucumber Margarita, and I highly recommend it!
(5)
Kelly F.
There was a lot of hype for this restaurant. The food was a solid 3.5 -4. My chicken dish was a little dry. The table chips were cold and the house salad was okay. My dad got the pork ribeye, probably one of the best pieces of meat I have ever had. The chopped pico de gallo was good
(3)
Thomas A.
This is one of my go-to spots. I live nearby so the location is very convenient. The food here never disappoints and nothing on the menu is really pricey. The duck tacos are fantastic if you want to try something a little different. The pork enchiladas are more traditional but they are also excellent. Come during happy hour for $3 margaritas! Make sure you get the chips and dip sampler. The black bean dip and queso are great.
(5)
Bob B.
This is a great place to get your grub on before heading up to Push Ultra Lounge. The outdoor space is really nice and the food is tasty. This is more modern mexican so don't go in thinking otherwise. The benedict for brunch is extremely tasty and you can't ever go wrong with duck tacos, they have great flavor and are juicy. The prices are on the high side but the food is quality for sure.
(4)
Jose G.
I was here with a group last Saturday night. And I knew walking up, seeing the line of people, that they were busy. Our server was phenomenal, we sat in the back Lucha Bar. I think our servers name was Cara. But the reason this is a four star, was the little hostess that was at the front. We were greeted by her, she almost looked like she was going to break down. Half way through her struggling to come up with the wait time, a host came up, and took over. He was able to get us on the wait right away, and was able to explain to us about the Lucha Bar, which where we ended up seating, and having a wonderful time. He did a good job in my book, but it looked like that hostess needed a Xanax. Btw, to recommend, the duck torta is phenomenal, and the dessert chimichanga was amazing, and mouth watering. Hope to be back for the same this weekend.
(4)
Stephen J.
After a disappointing 1st night in St Petersburg we were so hapoy here. Fast service and great food. Oyster tacos were my favorite followed by the pulled pork sandwich...which is not on the menu. Dont miss this place if you are in town.
(5)
Jean M.
I have never had so many bartenders and servers ignore me at the same time. We are walking out after fifteen minutes of waiting for someone to at least acknowledge us. There were about five bartenders just chatting with no intention of working... And it's a Sunday afternoon. It's not even busy.
(1)
Stephanie Y.
Found Red Mesa of course off the Yelp app for a pre-flight meal and it was a great decision. The place is super spacious and pretty cool with a great outdoor space in downtown St. Pete. We sat in the outdoor bar space and it was quite lively on a Sunday afternoon with football playoffs on. Service was wonderful and we opted for an order of ceviche, guac and chips and a taco salad topped with fresh mahi mahi and steak. The guac was regular although those chips and salsa was on point. The salsa had subtle heat and chips were freshly fried. The ceviche was delicious, also served with freshly fried chips. We ordered the Huachinango which consisted of snapper, shrimp, calamari, blue crab, chile arbol oil, orange, tomato, onion and cilantro. It was spicy, like really spicy which I liked (and the waitress did warn), it was a tad bit too soupy. More fish and less sauce, please. The two taco salads with the additional cost of steak and fish were good. Not authentic by any means, but really nice portions of protein. I would suggest the fish over the steak as the steak could have used a bit more seasoning, or any seasoning at all. The fish was fresh and cooked perfectly. Prices were great, service and ambiance perfect, I'd definitely recommend Red Mesa for a fun and casual night or day out!
(4)
Amy A.
I come here for lunch from work regularly as the prices are good, the service is fast, and I have literally watched them get an entire department in and out within 40 minutes. It is not the best Mexican I have ever had but it is good. They have an extensive ceviche menu, I really like their specials and I dream about day drinking at the outside bar while watching a marathon of sports on TV. It is in easy walking distance to other spots. The tacos are good and there are some interesting combinations. I have never left here unhappy. The menu is varied and if you are stress eating or disciplined and want healthy, they can accommodate your craving!
(4)
Brenda M.
Had a wonderful dinner tonight. The food, drinks and atmosphere was great! Our waitress, Rachel, was fabulous!! She was very attentive, and very knowledgable about the menu and drinks. What a pleasant evening.
(5)
Nick S.
Extraordinary.
(5)
Mauricio C.
Ok place, I have been in better Mexican restaurants, the bill does not reflect their food quality, overpriced and bottom grade meat.while on the bar I asked for a particular brand of scotch on the rocks and twice the added water and of course wasn't the brand I asked, on top of that I got charged for the drinks even after complaining and not drinking them . Not coming back.
(2)
Dennis B.
Love this place. Have been many times with coworkers and zero complaints. Unique and interesting menu, fabulous tacos. Atmosphere both inside and out is fun, and makes this a great hang out as well as restaurant.
(5)
Ashley B.
LOVE this place. Been several times and the food is always on point. The tuna tacos are so freaking amazing your life will be forever changed!!! This place has it all from a nice dining room. Awesome courtyard and even a few tables outside the wall of courtyard that are dog friendly! Last time we had a group of friends, all order different things so we could kinda share...no words spoken. Only serious chewing and grazing happened once those plates hit the table. And they make all the plates look so pretty, swirls and sauces smears. Perfection. Although we had a very sub par server that night, but in the end the tuna tacos made up for that!!
(5)
Connie J.
This place hit all the marks. The courtyard seating area was the perfect spot for four of us to sip margaritas made with great tequila. I ordered the pulpo ceviche which was yummy, just spicy enough, and plated really nicely. Thank you to our server Andrew for the great recommendations and super friendly service. The prices were super reasonable too. Oh and they serve homemade corn tortillas.
(5)
David W.
I prefer Mexican restaurants that provide complimentary chips and salsa, but the ones you pay for here were great. Their food was beyond amazing. Everyone in our party was overly impressed with the food. We got things from apps to different main dishes. The margaritas were terribly weak. For this placing touting they have a great tequila selection, I was sorely disappointed. I only ordered 1 margarita, as I regretted the purchase. I will go back again, but plan on skipping the overpriced margaritas.
(4)
Tracy W.
We stopped here again in Jan. 2015 and were not disappointed. It was as good as we remembered. It was a chilly day and we arrived a little after noon and were told it would be a 25 minute wait, but we could eat outside (too chilly) or we could eat in the outside bar area. It was a little less exposed and the overhead heating warmed it enough that we were very comfortable. The whole bar area was being serviced by the bartender only! But she was good and our food was not slow in coming. But she must be exhausted at the end of her shift. And - she was good humored about it. We really like this place and will definitely come again when we are passing through.
(4)
Jonathan G.
They forgot to tell us our table was ready. All the host staff apologized for forgetting about us. Then the manager came over to tell us that it was normal to wait an hour at 11pm on a Friday to eat dinner, meanwhile the place was a ghost town. Accused us of lying and was very unsocial and disrespectful. Check out casita taqueria a few blocks up. Cheaper and better tacos with awesome service.
(1)
Will C.
I really like going to Red Mesa the wife and I have eaten here a few times but most recently just before christmas while we had some friends in town. I really enjoy the food that they serve here but I think they do a poor job when it comes to the size of a cocktail. My wife and our friends all ordered the margarita and it was fairly small for the price. They all ended up ordering beers to chase the drinks because they were weak and small. The food portions are also small but they are a la carte so when you order the tacos you are ordering a taco not a meal of tacos. On my most recent trip I ordered the ahi tuna tacos and I was not disappointed they were light and flavorful. If the weather is nice this is a great place to visit they have a very nice courtyard where you can sit outside and enjoy the weather while not sitting on a sidewalk while everyone walks by you.
(5)
John P.
Back again after a year! The service was good, food excellent, and I will return again. Try the fish tacos.
(4)
Tamara B.
I don't normally write reviews but in this instance I was so disappointed I had to. I arrived with plenty of time in advance for my friends bachelorette party because they don't take reservations even for a party of 15. I was told that our party would be seated in an hour.... Over two hours later we were seated. I expressed my concern to the manager and he seemed uncaring that we had an unpleasant experience. Working in the restaurant business myself I know how important service is and this situation was not handled properly.
(2)
Fernanda M.
Long waiting (about 40 minutes) to get the food, but overall the service and the food were great!
(4)
Erron S.
My family and I had dinner for the first time tonight at thr Red Mesa Cantina. The food and service were great! I highly recommend the Mofongo, El Gordo Burrito and the Apple Empanada. We live in Bradenton and we will definitely be going back!
(5)
Holly H.
One star for the Spanish-style courtyard, complete with fountains where we enjoyed our dinner. A major plus that we didn't see any ashtrays during happy hour so I don't think they allow smoking in this setting, which would have ruined our experience. Another star for the food! I had the seafood mofongo, (includes shrimp, mini-scallops, calamari and a little mound of carnitas mixed with plantain and yuca) which was perfectly balanced with savory and sweet flavors. Hubby loved his filet burrito. Chips and queso were top notch. One star goes to the waiter who had a great personality, the rare type that could make a career of waiting tables. Wish I could remember his name :( Pricing seems on par for the area. Least impressive part of our meals were the drinks. Only Guinness for their stout selection, which is a big letdown for husband and I. The sangria was tasty but seemed alcohol deficient. I had to follow up with a Marg to get a proper happy hour buzz. With food, service and ambience being the major keystones of our restaurant experience, we'd definitely come back! We'll bring friends as well!
(3)
ZANNE K.
We were visiting St. Petersberg and Red Cantina happened to be next to the shop we were at. The building and surroundings are unique, but the food portions are tiny, everything is ala carte. The chips and salsa are extra and not cheap. The alcoholic drinks also low on alcohol, high on price. Tacos were bland and so were the chips and salsa! I will try another restaurant, next time I visit.
(2)
Kim M.
Red Mesa is about to become a part of my birthday ritual! Last year I came to St. Pete from Orlando on a whim, during my birthday weekend, and I ended up at Red Mesa and loved it! The food, the drinks, the mexican chocolate brownie with tequila-soaked strawberries. This past weekend (a little after my birthday but close enough), I came here again and, once again fell madly in love with the contents of my plate. I had the seafood chimichanga, the cucumber margarita, and the strawberry mint margarita. By far, the cucumber margarita was my favorite. My friend ordered the filet tips burrito, and she couldn't stop gushing over how delicious it was. Aside from the food, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the live music coming in from outside. (The ONLY thing I would say was not awesome, which is through no fault of the restaurant, was the drunk people at the table next to us who decided to have a 5 minute conversation standing in the 12-inch gap between us and them, with their asses mere inches away from our faces. That part, I could have done without. But I won't deduct points for that, since I know Red Mesa can't control people's asses.)
(5)
Jen C.
My SO and I have come here dozens of times -- brought friends and family and referred many friends here. Red Mesa is a staple in our restaurant rotation, and we loved it. Until we went Friday night. I'll skip the details and just they the hosting staff forgot to seat us and left us waiting for an hour when tables were open after 10 minutes. And instead of being apologetic and saying, ya know, it happens -- the manager came over and basically accused us of fabricating a story and how we were the ones who were wrong, making us out to be these awful people. The reality was, we didn't care if they seated us late... People make mistakes, it's fine. But to have the manager come to our table and making us out to be these moochers who just wanted free stuff was totally inappropriate. Not only was the manager unbelievably rude, the the waitress had an attitude and everyone treated us poorly from then on. As a result of the bad vibes and the fear that someone's saliva would end up on a duck taco, we asked our waitress for a check on just our drinks and we left. They really ruined what should have been a great experience. We won't be coming back. I have several coworkers and friends who will be moving to st pete in the next few months and I'll be strongly discouraging them from going here. Treat your customers better, guys.
(1)
Katrina P.
I was able to try Red Mesa on a quick dinner before bachelorette shennanigans - I want to go back when we're in the St Pete area! I have one line of this review: EAT THE DUCK TACO that is all ;)
(4)
Deb R.
Delicious from start to finish!!! Cucumber margarita is refreshing, the oyster shooter has several oysters and is fresh, the ceviche sampler is the way to go for sure and they were all wonderful... Loved the duck taco but not the corn soft taco it was on as it fell apart ohhhh and the corn is a must the star of the night! We also had the brownie and chipotle choc gelato the brownie was more cake like but mixed with gelato very good
(5)
Kateryna K.
I ordered ceviche sampler for 24 dollars and one of the samplers ceviche on the plate had no seafood in it at all!!! Just chopped up veggies and fruit. The service is bad. Hostesses do not try to accommodate customers' requests and just say "no".
(1)
Frank T.
Amazing from the chips and salsa to the burgers, enchiladas and duck!!! Will be back again!
(5)
Matt P.
Long wait. Horribly slow service. Never even got a napkin. Food was wrong and took over 40 min to get 3 tacos. Wait staff wouldn't take the time to even stop to get the bill right. Not worth your time. Seems like there are way to many places in this area to waist time here.
(1)
Callie O.
Red Mesa Cantina is a Mexican restaurant that leans more high-end tex-mex than anything. The food, drinks and staff are unbelievably fantastic as is the atmosphere of Red Mesa. There are two floors and tons of seating area outside. This place was booming even for Sunday brunch, which is when I went along with a group of geeks for a monthly Geek Brunch. Not only was I in the company of fantastic people, but I also had the most delicious pancakes I've ever had in my life. They came served alongside two sausages, which I passed on to my boyfriend since I am vegetarian. The sweet-potato pancakes were dense but still fluffy, flavorful and filling. The maple syrup wasn't any of that corn-syrup laden junk, it was the real deal, unless my tastebuds fooled me! Price wise, this place is moderate. It was $6.50 for two-large pancakes and two-large sausage links. That's not so bad, especially when you weigh quality and quantity alongside other restaurants that serve brunch. You really get what you pay for. Service was a bit slow, but we had a huge table! Overall, we were only there for 2 hours during an extremely BUSY time, and much of that time was spent chit-chatting anyway. I also had my very first mimosa here. It was delightful with the passion-fruit flavor. I didn't drink an entire one, but I shared with my boyfriend. My coffee however, was easily 10 times better than Starbucks with robust flavor. Now, it's time to give credit to the server who made this experience incredible. If I remember correctly, George was our server who served roughly 13 people at a table. He was incredibly efficient at getting everyone's order, dividing them accurately and then refilling and making sure we were all happy. This man is a super-star, and he deserves a lot of credit for handling the table so well. I was thoroughly impressed! I can't say I've ever seen a waitstaff member do a job so well, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I was very appreciative of his work and dedication to making sure we loved our food, and loved the food I did! I will certainly be back to Red Mesa. I hope I can find some tasty vegetarian bites on their lunch or dinner menu, or possibly something vegan. I had a great experience, and I truly hope that you will go in and have a similar one!
Not bad. Table ordered a pitcher of margaritas (wine based), not bad, but just not the same as with tequila. Chips and salsa with quite tasty. I had the crab enchiladas, they were different but good. I really enjoyed the beans and rice that was served with it. My husband at the duck enchiladas, also very different but good. Their food menu is very different. If you are looking for traditional type Mexican food, this is not the place to go, but perfect for expanding your food horizons.
(3)
Julia F.
I came here with my husband for lunch. We ended up sitting inside since there was a wait for outside seating. The atmosphere was nice and the building is pretty. I ordered a Seafood Mofongo and it was delicious! It was slightly sweet. The server said that it is only on the lunch menu. Service was really good. The only thing I would change is for them to not charge for chips and salsa.
(5)
Ivan P.
Really good food and great service. Visiting st. Pete for the day and it was great choice for brunch. The new only thing that was not very good was my son meal (from the kids menu). The breakfast burritos and chilaquiles are recommended!
(4)
Tulio Z.
Went here for my brother's graduation and they attended our party of 14 very quickly. Food was delicious, I had the El Gordo. Atmosphere was great. Definitely going back!
(5)
Meg R.
Having returned to Cantina on a couple different occasions, it's quickly moved up my "Favorite Spots in DTSP" list, especially because of the large outdoor patio and bar. Once I tried a few other dishes on the menu, I found what I liked most, and it's apparently not the tacos (while delicious, Cantina offers many other items that far surpass them). My favorites are the pulled pork enchiladas, any of the quesadillas, and the mahi mahi ceviche. I love Cantina's guacamole, especially because the serving size is decent, unlike some other Mexican restaurants I've been to that charge $7 for tablespoons of guac. This place serves up an excellent brunch, with innovative Mexican-inspired dishes and $3 mimosas.
(4)
Iyesha C.
There aren't enough good things I can say about this place. Sit outside if the weather is tolerable, because they have a great outdoor dealing arrangement! The wait staff was awesome with suggestions on drinks, and helpful in deciding on entree orders. Now let me get down to the food . . . Just great! the chicken taquitos were delicious! There was an ample amount of chicken, and the garnish is not meant to just look pretty on the plate. It definitely integrates into the dish. I do not know mush about guacamole, but there is nothing bad I can say about it. I'm not one for avocado, but I was pleasantly surprised, and enjoyed every bit. My main course of duck quesadillas was so delicious. It was light and a great outdoor summer meal selection. My husband enjoyed the seafood chimichanga, which was heavier, and gave off a real down home comfort food type feel, which was so good! And the white wine sangria was the suggestion of adding brandy (per waitress), was right on point. To end, the apple empanada with ice cream was honestly the end to a great night. I literally left pleasantly stuffed, Hands down, a must in the Burg!
(5)
Michelle J.
My husband and I have eaten here for dinner many times and it is delicious! But today we went for brunch and were equally as impressed. Many people don't realize they do brunch on Sautrday and Sunday. Get the shrimp burrito it is to DIE FOR.
(5)
Carissa F.
Traye went above and beyond to make our night a memorable one. His smile is genuine and made us feel right at home! The environment is gorgeous and it was perfect for my friends and I to enjoy some drinks with dinner after a long day of work! I would highly suggest this cantina!!
(5)
Tammy S.
Saturday late lunch 3pm. Menu is refreshingly unique! Cerviche was top notch! Chips and dips was loved by all including my picky 8 and 5 yr olds! No kids menu is a bummer so we ordered them a simple steak taco. They did not like it much I think because it was in a corn tortilla rather than flour. My steak quesadilla was good and hubby's burrito was huge! My youngest ordered chocolate milk and I'm not sure what they used to make it chocolate but it wasn't good, like they put a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder in it instead of confessing they didn't have any. Service was pretty good to start but slowed when we asked for more chips and they never came. I guess overall not a family place if your kids are young and picky. But I betcha they have great margaritas if you visit with your adult friends!
(4)
D P.
I went here because if the reviews. Food was ok, but nothing extraordinary. Had the duck taco, fish taco, and seafood chimichanga (spelling??). Everything was average, nothing stood out. Ultimately I'll forget about it. Servers were attentive and it was a nice environment.
(3)
Maggie V.
Very good food! We decided to do tapas style and choose many delicious appetizers - including ceviche that was outstanding! The sangria was very tasty, too.
(4)
Sarah M.
Can't go wrong with any of the burritos. The shrimp tacos and tofu tacos. Don't forget to try the chips and appetizer.
(4)
JT H.
This would have had been one more star if the waitress did not take my food away from me before i was done... I looked back and it was gone i didn't even put my fork or napkin on top it was just gone. You cant do that to a fat guy and just get away with it. At least ask me for a to go box so i can scarf the rest down at midnight so no one is watching me... I order some hot spicy damn burrito thing(cant remember the name didn't get to finish it). That was very good and until it was violated before being finish. The rice and bean combo side was good but no flavor like the "hsdbt". They had a three dips for the chips but requested something more tomatoeee and it was good had a bit of a kick to it but nothing like the "hsdbt". I'll probably be back but next time fork in hand and guarding my food.
(3)
Jim H.
Loved the food and the atmosphere. Great place for a first date. Food was presented very well and the prices are pretty decent. It's been awhile and I need to come back!! The service has always been pretty fast and friendly. Sometimes you have to wait for a table, but well worth the wait.
(5)
Wendy F.
Excellent find in downtown St. Pete! Interesting bldg and if you love the cool weather take advantage of the outdoor eating option - no heat lamps for the thin blooded. Variety of marguerita drinks made with pride. Dinner was worth waiting for as the house guacamole was some of the tastiest ever and the steak and shrimp tacos were fresh and delicious. Sweet plantains cooked perfectly. Make sure you save energy for the upstairs party beginning at 10p on the rooftop.
(5)
Theresa L.
Food was delicious and service was quick and polite. Would definitely go again.
(4)
Larry C.
Great food and service! This is my second time here and everything I've ordered has been great. Definitely recommend the Churrasco if you like steak.
(5)
Katie C.
Mexican food is perfect just the way it is, so really, there's no need to make it fancy. My shrimp burrito at Red Mesa Cantina was, let's say, "deconstructed," with the rice and beans on the side. Without rice in the burrito to balance/soak up the chipotle sauce, the tortilla itself was soggy, the burrito fell apart, and eating was messier than it should have been. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
(3)
Ekta N.
My husband and I had our first date here over a year ago. This is our favorite place to take people not only because it means something to us but also because the food and atmosphere is fabulous! The outdoor courtyard is gorgeous and perfect for the Florida winter weather. This last visit we took my sister in law who is vegetarian. The chef was accommodating as they replaces the black bean chorizo on the nachos with a the black bean salsa from one of their salads. The nachos were absolute heaven. So fresh and delicious! My sister in law ordered the taco salad and raved about it all weekend! It came with perfectly ripe avocados and a delicious dressing. My husband ordered the shrimp tacos which is his all time favorite. I ordered the chicken taquitos for the first time and I have to say it's my favorite dish there so far. They taquitos are perfectly crispy and the sauce they came with is packed with flavor!
(5)
Maddie M.
I really enjoyed my dinner at the Red Mesa.... The chips and salsa hit the spot. My entree was awesome. My friends enjoyed his too. The waitress Mackenzie, was very friendly. She came with our refills of soda before we even asked. I would definitely come again.
(5)
Dani I.
I'm sorry to say I've been here so many times to keep trying this place and give it the benefit of the doubt. It tastes bland and it's way overpriced.
(3)
Heather B.
Great lil place outside atmosphere is relaxing with the sound of water falling. Tapas are amazing! My favorite is the shrimp and crab quesadilla served open faced- absolutely amazing! Love it here!
(5)
Rob H.
This is the best value in St Pete, hands down. Five stars for that combo. Been here six times, their brunch is delicious, fresh, and creative. The eggs benedicto and the something Oaxaca are strong. Burritos here are not filled with garbage like other Mexican places, cheese is fresh, spice is there and not overpowering. Dessert - chipotle chocolate gelato? Really interesting and delicious. Service is generally good but inconsistent; I find they don't really know or care about the food. Bottom line is that someone there does, and it makes for a fantastic place to appreciate food. If you don't agree I'll put on one of the luchadores' masks and hit you from the turnbuckle mas alto!!
(5)
Nathan L.
Awesome service and food - can't beat this spot !!! Ask for Rachel(sp) she's a great bartender !!
(5)
Amie S.
I had the mushroom quesadilla, shrimp cheese dish that came with a tortilla shells, both from the appetizer menu and the chicken tortilla soup. All was amazing!!! Was recommended by the front desk at our hotel. Glad we went!
(5)
Michael D.
This place is pretty awesome. We started off with a few cocktails which were very nicely done. They were also pretty spicey which I love, though after a long sunburning day, the chile salt made lips feel like they were on fire. Though the lime juice from the Ceviche probably didn't help too much either. Holy flaming lips. The ceviche was excellent. It tasted just like my peruvian friend's mom used to make. Though there only seemed to be one type of seafood in the appetizer, I could only wish there were different types included. The tacos were spot on and made for a light and airy dinner. Combine this with the great outside patio with running water and you have yourself a great dinner spot for the hotter days.
(4)
Lisa P.
One of my favorite places to meet up with my daughter and our mutual friends. Service is great and they always accommodate my daughter's vegan diet. Food is very good and it's a nice atmosphere.
(4)
Ben V.
This place is great! Everything from our drinks to our meal was so good. We sat at the outdoor bar and our bartender was Chance. He made our margaritas and mojitos well ( I recommend the cucumber margarita). He was also helpful with the menu. We ordered the fried sweet plantains, the mahi mahi ceviche and the regular mofongo. The ceviche tasted so fresh. The mofongo which comes as a plate of three scoops is enough as a meal than an appetizer and leaves you cleaning your plate off-its that good. Its kind of like a pork like stuffing but way better. Everything we had was perfect and delicious. Had the churros for dessert- came with three churros that were a little heavy handed with the cinnamon sugar- but who's complaining? This was one of our best dining experiences on our regular visit to the tampa area. We will definetly be back!
(5)
Loren F.
Amazing food, amazing location! Love this place
(5)
Ashley E.
Out hotel recommended this place since we were looking for Mexican food. Absolutely loved it! I'm definitely coming back next time I'm in St Pete's. Our server was friendly, and made some recommendations to us to help us new-comers chose. Ended up ordering some type of pulled pork appetizer called Mofongo. It was very different in taste, and VERY delicious. served with chips. Then we split a giant steak burrito. The jalapeño cream sauce on top made it so rich in flavor! We ended it all with some churros to go - which were a delicious snack later on. The decor inside was unique and stylish. We didn't sit outside because it was too hot but the decor and ambience out there looked beautiful. On top of it all, it was very reasonably priced. Would recommend to anyone!
(5)
Julie R.
Red Mesa Cantina is always consistent in their great service, food and drinks. If you're not ordering the Duck Quesadilla, then you're messing up.
(5)
Brian M.
Mackenzie was the best server ever! Super attentive and informative while remaining friendly(we were pretty drunk) lol. But make sure to ask for her, food is always good here and the bottle service is exceptionally affordable.
(5)
William N.
Red Mesa Cantina is best described as Wonderful. I have been to this restaurant perhaps 20 times or more this year and have yet to have a single disappointment. Red Mesa Cantina has earned 5/5 stars because of the following: Atmosphere Red Mesa Cantina sits on the ground floor of a two-story brick building. The top floor hosts "Push Ultra Lounge" and the second of three bar serving areas at Red Mesa. Outside is a courtyard with water features and plenty of shade. The courtyard is a lovely setting for a meal at any time of the day. The inside is a different mood and gives off an energetic vibe. It is easy to get lost in conversation here as the whole world seems to melt away when you are here with someone else. Bar seating is available with television behind a glass partition and shifts nicely from restaurant to bar feeling. Atmosphere gets 5/5 stars. Food Let's face it, we are going out to eat at most restaurants. Luckily, Red Mesa Cantina has many delicious options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. This place is a self-described "modern Mexican taqueria" and is confirmed by the food. I try to get something different each time I visit and must say I still have many more choices to go. Not to mention daily special meals (e.g. Sweet potato pancake sandwich). There are so many wonderful flavors available here for vegans and carnivores alike. The quality of my meals have always ranged from good to amazing. A short list of my favorites: yuca fries /w chipotle ketchup, Duck quesadilla, Cuban torta, churros, ceviche sampler, Baja fish tacos, plantains (hard to find good ones!), taco salad, and my absolute favorite is actually their gallo pinto. The seasonings on these meals are always right. I love it. It's the main reason I come here. Food gets 5/5. Beverages This place features three full service bars (roof bar only open at night) with a variety of Wonderful drinks. For brunch, try a passion fruit mimosa or mocha cafe (non-alcoholic). This destination features a large tequila list and knows how to make a margarita. Try their mojitos as well! Service I've been here during various busy periods of the day and the most I have ever waited for a dish was less than 20 minutes. Meals come out looking, smelling , and tasting delicious. I've never had to send a plate back and am always greeted with a smile. During a lunch rush your waitperson will still pop in on you to see if you need anything. Waitstaff are friendly and personable. Service gets 5/5 stars Price You get what you pay for. Considering what was described above, I'd say the value of what you pay is fairly good. Most plates range from $6-14 and are well worth it. They have pretty good specials as well. I usually get out for less than 15 for lunch including 20% gratuity. Price gets 5/5 stars Overall: this is a great place for a casual lunch, date, or to have a drink with friends. The food is good and it's a pretty rad place. I recommend getting a seat overlooking the fountain.
(5)
Christina C.
I really enjoy this place. Whenever someone suggests going to Red Mesa Cantina I am always in. I like sitting outside, because it is gorgeously lit and sometimes there is live music. This place can be a pretty romantic place for a date. Their drinks are pretty good. I've tried their sangria and margaritas. Unfortunately, I do not remember the margarita, because it was at the end of a night, but I know that it is huge. I love everything they have that has duck in it. Duck taco, duck quesadilla, it is all delicious. I would suggest getting a couple of tacos, because they are not large. Everyone I have ever eaten here with has loved the food. Watch out for the last table in the back outside area by the bar (the one closest to the stairs). We sat there at first and there was a fan blowing directly at my face, which was really annoying. We ended up moving. If the fan is on, don't sit there. The inside is beautifully decorated. This really is a great place for a date!
(5)
Jim K.
kicka** food good drinks fun to go to this place chips and salza is the bomb wait stalff was very atenttive and we had a large group
(5)
Jackie N.
Okay, I probably wouldn't confess this to anyone, but I like your pineapple taco! Yum! All joking aside, the tofu taco was phenomenal. The combination of grilled tofu, poblano peppers, jack cheese and pineapple was unique and seemingly Asian inspired (very sweet and sour vibes happening). With the exception of the ensalada menu, there aren't too many other vegetarian options, but i would definitely dive into this taco again!
(4)
Danny G.
The chicken enchilada was great, lemonade delicious, mofongo awesome, service was amazing.!! I would definitely come back to this Restuarant. :)
(5)
Tiffany B.
I went here so long ago and totally forgot to review it! My favorite part about this place is the decor and outdoor area- other than that, I don't recall being blown away by anything. Their menu is fairly small and I had a hard time finding anything that sounded good to me, and I'm not a picky eater. The portions are also pretty small- not worth it for the price of the food, in my opinion. I do recall the service was quite slow and a few drinks went empty in our party. Maybe I'll have to go back a second time to fully get the hype, because after one visit I'm not getting what everyone is seeing in this place!
(3)
H L.
This has truly been a favorite restaurant of mine for a few years now. When I lived in downtown St Pete area, I went here all the time. I once actually went here both Saturday AND Sunday for brunch in the same weekend. (sweet potato pancakes are soo good) Any time I had friends/family in town, this is where I took them. Since moving to Tampa this year, we only go every couple months when we come into downtown St Pete. But here comes my "CON" and why they don't have a higher rating from me.. and that is the cost (it feels like 'nickeling and diming'). But I guess the thought is 'why not if business is good'?! My companions have usually criticized them charging for chips and salsa (& they charge for refills too). I have defended it saying "I get it, they're not your typical Mexican place". But the last time we were there, it seemed like the cost was getting worse. I asked for a margarita with 1800 tequila which I usually get (I know the 1800 costs more but the house tequila gives me a horrible headache.) I believe the cost was around $10-$12. However, this time it came out in an obviously smaller glass than it has in the past. Someone shrunk their glasses! Plus all the ice cubes in it, and there wasn't much drink to it. Disappointing. We ordered chips and guac. $7.50. That is a bit much. Then add on top of it, we later asked for salsa and were charged a few bucks for that too. (It might have been the full $4 charge) So not sure I can talk my boyfriend into going anymore (though I always love my food, his choices have been hit or miss and he's not as big of a fan). PROs: Excellent ambiance, especially outside. Menu is tasty (so much better than the 4th St location food. You'd think it would be the same, but I have been disappointed with the other location) And here's a big one for me-- tofu option! As a vegetarian this is rare in this area. I love that they offer that. I used to always get the tofu gordo burrito, which was tasty but very indulgent. I have moved over to the tasty tofu tacos (which oddly sometimes are extremely spicy and other times mild.. never sure what to expect).
(3)
Leslie G.
Sangria??... Umm yes... Tasty.. Josh and chance are great.. Friendly and fun. It's my first time here and even though I'm not eating all the food surrounding me looks delicious! I may give in and get something.
(4)
Andriana Z.
Don't believe the local hype DONT GO HERE. Asked for the best Mexican restaurant in the area an was directed here. Unfortunately this was a huge disappointment. This is not Mexican nor would I even call this tex mex. The salsa tasted like it came out of a can and the "guacamole" was crap. Perhaps being from Texas my Mexican resultant bar is set high but nonetheless this was overpriced themed crap. Maybe to the locals this is great but if you want Mexican or tex mex, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
(1)
Casey M.
Great atmosphere, good service, and decent food. I had high expectations for Mexican seafood given a recent experience in Tucson, and while this place was beautiful, the food was not quite as good. Duck taco was very tasty, but the civiche was better at other places I've tried. Great place to hang out and drink hibiscus margaritas.
(4)
Bethany M.
Do you like fancy Mexican? If you do and like to pay high dollar for it go here. The outdoor patio is a serene experience at night; tables are reachable by bridge, and nestled amongst eclectic decorations and a trickling fountain. Located on the top floor is Push Ultra Lounge, making your night out an all-in-one experience of dinner, drinks and dancing. Très chic. The menu selection was vast and varied - great for the vegetarians and picky eaters. The "Chips & Dips" appetizer, baja fish tacos and sangria were delicious. Overall my friends and I were pleased with the food and environment. I will definitely be back, but it's a bit too pricey to make it a regular spot.
(4)
Morgan C.
Red Mesa is my favorite restaurant in Saint Pete. It has a great atmosphere whether you go for lunch or dinner. It is always busy but rarely has a wait. I have taken my parents there and go regularly with my friends it is a great place for everyone of all ages. The staff is also great and always tentative to the customers. It has has live music on the weekends which is a plus.I love to sit outside near the outside fountain it is nice and relaxing. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who comes to Saint Pete.
(5)
Alicia G.
One of the more popular spots in St. Petersburg (obviously) since it took us quite a long time to get a table. We were able to enjoy some drinks at the outside bar while we waited for a table indoors. They have a nice outdoor patio but on this particular evening, it was a touch too chilly to eat outdoors. The sangria was okay. We were a fairly low-maintenance 6-top but since our server would disappear for semi-long periods of time, when she would reappear, we'd have a lot of requests. Like trying to get 6 drink refills or order a single basket of chips and salsa. Which by the way- the chips and salsa you have to pay for. Hm okay. Most places at least give you the first basket for free but that is not the case here. I had the duck torta with yucca fries. Pretty delicious actually though I kind of wished I had gotten the duck tacos instead. The insanely strong (but awesome) strawberry and pineapple caipirinha was also great. Everyone else seemed pretty happy with their food options. We were just very unimpressed with the service.
(3)
Courtenay L.
I just want to sit out in the courtyard all day and drink mimosas and eat guacamole and tacos! Beautiful ambiance, staff is relatively friendly and food is killer. Good vegan options too!
(5)
Drew G.
My first time dining at this place...food was spectacular. The best mofongo I have ever tasted. Why three stars, then? The hostess left a bad taste in my mouth that couldn't be overcome by the great food and good service. I was meeting a friend for lunch around 1:30. After the lunch rush. Hostess stuck me at a table outside that was in the glaring sunlight. I saw an open table under some shade and asked if I could have that one. "Oh, I'm sorry...that table is reserved for a party of 3 or 4." Ok, I get that in the lunch rush you want to reserve the 4-tops for parties of 3 or 4. However, there were several open tables. The server greeted me and immediately said "would you like to move to a table out of the sun?" I told him I would love to, but the hostess seemed dead-set against the idea. He scoffed at that and moved me, much to the hostess' consternation. I saw her approach him and they had words. Honey, just hand out the menus, smile and look pretty, and leave the thinking to those better equipped to do so. Again, great meal...but that really ticked me off.
(3)
Maelyn L.
I loved entering through the courtyard. I wish I ate out there because a large party was seated right after I was and it was distracting. I had a wonderful waiter. You know the type... works there and eats there and loves the place. Even with a large party he managed to keep my drink full and suggest desert. Yes I did have desert. The seafood chimi was wonderful. I was not expecting to love it. Desert was better than good. They had a Wednesday multicourse special but I thought it would be too much food. Highly recommend!!!
(4)
Amanda R.
Nice bar outside, had some yum margaritas on special. I took a chance with a mofongo entree and that was terrible but the chips and guac and duck taco i had were tasty.
(3)
Ali C.
This place never lets me down. Went today for Sunday Brunch because its Father's Day and Mark requested it. We like the fact that they have outdoor seating that is shaded and by the outdoor bar they have tv and fans. We each tried a new menu item today - chorizo sausage gravy over biscuits with a fried egg and shrimp & crab cake benedicts. They were both wonderful. The prices are right especially at brunch we had two entree's, 3 beers and a bloody mary and the bill was only $35. The staff is friendly and overall they do a good job.
(5)
Heather B.
Great Food and ambiance. Food Prices were good, drinks were high. We will definitely visit again.
(4)
Michael W.
I ordered the nachos, and they were tasty. The toppings were sparse, so I quickly ran out of chips with anything on them. With over half of the chips left dry, a friend of mine asked if they could send over just a little more bean sauce to dip the chips in, or at least some salsa. They offered to sell me another nachos instead. (at the listed price) The food is good, but it is overpriced for the small portions. It feels like the restaurant is trying to nickel and dime me. Be careful! If you ask for more chips and salsa, it will be on your bill. I gave it only a one star because the manager was really frowny and made me feel unwelcome. I think her name was Carolyn.
(1)
Brian D.
This is a go-to restaurant and bar for my circle of friends. I've been here for lunch, dinner and drinks - and it's always hopping. Event Tues 6:30pm dinner has a crowd! I like to try something new every time I go because the flavors always wow me, and there are a lot of a la carte small items you can mix & match. The special the last time I went was duck taquitos with mole sauce. I love duck and mole, but not fried foods, so I got the duck taco with roast duck, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, cilantro, red chile jelly - and asked for a side of the mole sauce. The sauce was AMAZING and well worth the $1 she charged me for it without mentioning the charge. Someone ordered the Chips & Dip for the table, with white and blue Tortilla chips & 3 a trio of dips - chile cheese, fresh guacamole and black bean chorizo dip. The cheese dip was very fake football game cheesy, but the guac and black bean dips were great. The black bean had a smokey flavor to it, almost like chipotle. I also ordered Fried Sweet Plantains served with crema, which was a larger portion than I expected. They were sticky, with a chewy outside and mushy center, and quite delicious. And I had a side of Fried Yuca with chipotle ketchup 4. They were 4-6 thick cut steak fries of yucca with salt and seasoning on the outside for flavor. Everything was delicious, and the atmosphere is always fun but you can still hear your friends talk. Unless you are outside when they have live music... then it's harder to hear. Above the Cantina is Push nightclub, so it is fun to come here for dinner first and then head upstairs for a longer night.
(4)
Kelly P.
So much fun! I arrived with a very large group of girls on a Friday evening without reservations. Not a single person at Red Mesa batted an eye and they made sure we were comfortable at the bar while we waited for our table. They did a great job putting a large table together for us. They service was fantastic and they did a great job keeping every ones orders correct. Of course we ALL required separate checks. Such a pain. Sorry Red Mesa. But instead of getting attitude from our servers we got free pitchers of sangria and margaritas!!! What a special treat. Thank you Thank you!! You really made my friends birthday special. It is easy to find great places for 2-4 people but finding one that excels at service to large groups is tough. Red Mesa goes above and beyond. I will be back!
(4)
Tammy B.
I ordered their special for lunch on Valentine's Day, a crabcake salad. It was wonderful! Two crabcakes without much filler, with greens, candied walnuts and gorganzola cheese crumbles. The presentation made it almost too pretty to eat.
(5)
J B.
The atmosphere was hip and trendy. Not snooty or stuffy, but the drink prices were crazy! Yes, the duck tacos were delicious but again $4.95 each was way too high...if you want to spend a lot of money on non-traditional Mexican then this is your place. I had a lot of other food items there, but read somebody else's review on other items...
(3)
Paul R.
Love this restaurant, can't really recommend one thing Over another ... it's all good.
(4)
Art A.
Damn, this place rocked it! Will definitely be back soon!
(5)
Yani J.
This place is my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in the Tampa bay/St Pete area. The food is delicious. They have an outside bar and great patio area to relax in if you prefer the outdoors. If that is not your thing, you can hang inside. They have a bar in there too. Love the decor and they usually have some live music on the weekends. Great place to chill with friends and enjoy great food and beverages. Ahi tuna tacos are amazing. Love their guacamole.
(5)
Chad U.
Come here for brunch and sit on the patio. I don't highly recommend eating indoors, it feels really cramped and cold inside. The outdoor bar and patio is like a different world. The patio is my second favorite place to eat outdoors in St. Pete (Moon Under Water being the first - I know you really wanted to know that!). I'm too lazy to tell you why the patio is awesome, you'll have to just believe me on this. Service has always been solid, not extraordinary. It's in downtown, so you'll have to pay for parking and walk a block or two. But the food is always tasty. Drinks always cold. You should go.
(4)
Kelsi R.
Our first choice when it comes to "date night". Great food, fabulous sangria! When it's the two of us, we do try to get there before the 6:00 rush. Also used to come with a work group (15+ people) a few times a year, and it was always a hit for our out of towners.
(5)
John C.
It was really good and the outside bar atmosphere was really cool. Food was great and different from the traditional Tex Mex. However, it was not kid friendly at all so avoid this place if you have little ones in tow.
(4)
Karla K.
This place is amazing! First of all, the atmosphere is so neat. If you can, sit outside. The lights strung across the patio in combination with the fountains is just beautiful at night. Everyone was extremely friendly from hostess to bartender to our waiter, Jim. The food was so delicious. I highly recommend their chips and salsa, their guacamole is good, but the salsa is where its at! And the chips...perfectly salty and crispy. I could not stop eating them...I even ate the crumbs. I was also very impressed because they really know how to prepare tofu. I had the tofu soft tacos and they were really yummy. Sometimes I get vegan food at a restaurant that is not really known for their vegan entrees and am disappointed, but here I was super happy! Others in my party had a large burrito, an empanada, mofongo, chicken francesco, and a torta. They gobbled down their food and said it was fantastic. We did not try dessert because we were super stuffed, but the dessert at the table next to us looked like I would die and go to heaven with one bite. We went for dinner, but it also seems like a cool place to go and grab a few drinks after work.
(5)
Louis A.
The tacos are better than the margaritas, but they aint bad either. I've only been twice, but the location, the atmosphere and the food are all good. When down town St. Pete this would be one of my top choices.
(4)
Tommy H.
Bad service. Awful food. What a drag of a place. Never again.
(1)
Jenni H.
The Best Mexican food i have came across in Pinellas County so far! Its a classy place great food, I love the salsa! great bar, great drink! A huge selection of handmade margaritas I will say the Cucumber Margarita is a must on a hot day it is super refreshing!
(5)
D J.
The best food experience on a recent trip to the Tampa area. Sunday brunches are supposed to taste even better on a vacation but even with that higher reference point Red Mesa catered wonderfully to both the palette and the purse.Loved the ambiance - a nice outdoor patio space with landscaping and waterscaping as the center piece and tables studded all around it. With fountains as the backdrop, a passion fruit mimosa to toast the day, and a healthy,light mexican omelet sprinkled with goodness - it was a perfect way to get ready to soak up the artistic delights of Dali! The good dining destinations seem to be few and far between in St Petersburg but Red Mesa is certainly one of them.
(3)
G H.
Good mexican food with excellent sauces. Had the beef barbacoa buritto and it was delicious. Lovely patio seating with great water features. Very peaceful dining and excellent service.
(4)
Yuki J.
Red Mesa is my go-to restaurant when I want guaranteed great food, service, and ambiance. Its located in a beautiful, historic-looking red brick building in the heart of downtown St. Pete. The entire place is designed with such cool charm. I recommend the outdoor seating if you are there on a warm day. Every waiter who I've ever had there is very friendly, fast and accommodating. Every dish I've ever eaten there is delicious--my favorite thing to do is to try a few different types of tacos they have. Also the bombas appetizers are wonderful fried little balls, sooo good!
(5)
Matthew S.
Went on a Sunday Funday and the food was amazing and the atomosphere was perfect. It was pouring down rain but that didn't stop our server from still providing excellent service.
(5)
Kim S.
Absolutely sold on the outdoor seating and the atmosphere the fountains just invoked. They have a wonderful Mimosa, and the Red Sangria is pleasant to someone who may not like Sangria at all. Was not impressed with the food, for the price I was just not seeing the justification. All in all I had a good time and enjoyed myself. Will have to go again to see if my review might change.
(4)
Randy C.
After walking out of Z Grill, I walk into the Red Mesa. Nice people, Good food, Good Service. Not as crowded. Love the Guac.
(4)
Stephie S.
Great atmosphere but the food is better at the 4th St. location. This location is great for drinks and socializing though!
(3)
Pierre C.
I like this place for drinks, enjoy it immensely for dinner, and absolutely love this place for brunch. My girlfriend swears by the duck taco, I live and die by the black bean dip. If you're in the neighborhood you should definitely give it a try.
(5)
Michele H.
Had the corn appetizer, the guacamole and pulled pork tacos. All the food was excellent... Until they started cleaning the air vents with a swifter while people were eating!! I almost died. Please ask the staff to wait unit patrons have lefts before doing this type of cleaning.
(3)
Gabriela D.
Not bad food and the atmosphere is awesome. Good place for a date :)
(4)
Brittney H.
Ok, here's the deal....I'm just gonna be honest....I'm addicted to Mexican food...and Margaritas (mexican or not). I recently moved to St.Pete and have been scouring the city in search of the best Mexican and/or Tex Mex known to the Tampa Bay area....Everyone I talk to about my Mexican food Qeust has said to me, "Oh, you have to go to Red Mesa Cantina, it's the best!".....and the truth is, well, I have a love/hate relationship with this place. My heart and stomach are in a harrowing battle about this place. I WANT to LOVE it...but I don't know if, in good faith, I can do that....For my own emotional well being, I've decided to create an objective pros and cons list of my Red Mesa Cantina experiences....I hope this helps you as much as it does me..... Pros: Great Margaritas Fab locale Pretty good salsa Fresh ingredients Muy excelente corn on the cob Impressive usage of Chihuahua cheese Black Beans that make me cry tears of joy Modern and cool atmosphere. (It walks that fine line between awesomeness and douchiness...that's a great place to be) Fabuloso outdoor patio Good lunch specials ($10) Cons: EXPENSIVE Teensy, tiny tacos that cost $4 (you have to have 2-3 to feel remotely satisfied) No complimentary chips and salsa ($4) (WHAT THE WHAT!? Free chips and salsa is one of the best things about Mexican restaurants...why would you take that away from me?) Lunch menu leaves MUCH to be desired for my vegetarian belly The salads offend me. They're "side" salads in substance, but "meal" salads in price.... Whew! Ok, well I think this has been an enlightening exercise for me....All in all, I'm led to feel that Red Mesa Cantina deserves 3-4 stars...so I'm going to give it 4 because I go there too often to give it any less. Es bueno, pero no es fantastico. (like that? I'm too legit to quit.)
(4)
Dana U.
Honesty is the key, and to be 100% honest with you, this place is not as good as everyone says. After reading the reviews, I expected to be blown away by the yumminess that is Red Mesa Cantina. However, for the portions and quality of food you get, it is just not worth it. Let me start off with 1 pro of the day... $3 Mimosa. Woo! I ordered guacamole w/chips and two tacos. The guacamole was good but when I asked for a side of salsa, I was shocked to see that they upcharged me $2.50 for a small cup of salsa. I guess I'm just jaded by the unlimited salsa and chips that I get at EVERY other mexican restaurant. For my meal... I ordered two tacos. I was told by one of my friends that it didn't come with a side of rice or beans. For the price of $4.50 and above per taco I expected the tacos to at least be pretty decent in size. Sadly, I was mistaken. I got a tiny plate with two measly little tacos. One taco was a steak fajita (mediocre) and the other taco was ahi tuna (cooked good but wayyyy too much sauce, which overpowered it). Don't get me wrong, I am one of those people that will pay any amount of money for a good, satisfying meal. However, I left Red Mesa Cantina unsatisfied and wanting more. If you want good mexican food, stick with Taco Bus or probably any other "authentic" mexican food place.
(3)
Lenore S.
Food is amazing!! But the service is awful. Been here 4 or 5 times and service is usually pretty awful. It's also very noisey. But food is so good we keep coming back.
(3)
Paul M.
Good food, good service, below average drinks. First of all, we reserved online and were called right away to say that there are no reservations at the weekend - peculiar since their site allows it. The restaurant is really nice inside. The bar where we waited for a table was nice, the bartender was really friendly and helpful. I tried the orange-rita which was pretty good, my companion had the mojito which was very sweet. The food was great, the duck taco starter was dekicius and the pork burrito was very tasty. Portions are generous so i would recommend going easy on appetisers. Our waiter was excellent, very attentive without hovering. I tried a house margarita with dinner and it was not good. All ice and margarita mix, no real taste. I would go back here but only for the food. It was disappointing that the margaritas were so poor for a Mexican place.
(4)
Katie M.
One of my fav places in St. Pete. The service can be hit or miss (took about a half hour to get the check one time), but they have consistently great food. I would describe it as affordable gourmet Mexican. The menu is inventive and plays off of both authentic dishes as well as American favorites. I can't get enough of their tortas. The pork torta and the chorizo burger are at the of my list for favorite menu items. When with a group the dip trio (with queso, bean dip and gauc) is always a good choice. Their margaritas are pretty good too! If you're a big eater (like me), then stay awake from the tacos. They're good, but don't come with anything and don't really fill you up. This place is good for both dinner and brunch. Just arrive before peak hours cause they fill up fast! Especially the courtyard on a beautiful day/night.
(4)
Misa C.
Excellent food, yummy magaritas. Brunch is the best in St. Pete. Can get a bit loud, but I like that! The courtyard is gorgeous. I'm a regular!
(5)
Tina N.
One of the best restaurants in downtown St Pete. I have not been disappointed with anything I have ordered after many meals here. Tonight I had my favorite, the duck tacos with goat cheese. Also had a pomegranate margarita which was delish. For desert had the chocolate brownie with chocolate gelato, very good. You can't go wrong with anything you have at the Cantina or the 4th St Red Mesa. The outdoor seating/bar area at the Cantina is very nice and awesome to sit outside when it's not too hot.
(4)
Aaron K.
A combination of great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, and great service made this place one that I will be likely to return to when I get back to St. Pete. In addition, I misplaced a receipt that I needed to be reimbursed for a business meal, and the staff, including Chris (a manager there), were very helpful in getting the receipt to me. Definitely check out the duck tortas.
(5)
Richard N.
The best place ever! Almost every Sunday our friends gather for brunch outside by the fountain. The food is great, employees are friendly and the prices are good!
(5)
Katie S.
Delicious! My husband and I took advantage of their "sunset menu". (Early bird menu) It's offered weekdays from 3-6. For $14 you get a drink.. margarita, sangria or beer...a Mexican salad, an entree and a dessert! I ordered the shredded beef enchiladas and my husband ordered Puntas de Filete: Filet tips, rajas, chipotle chile, jalapeños, tomatoes, queso fresco. Wow! Each bite was more amazing than the last. Each entree came with gallo pinto, which was the most flavorful rice/ beans I've ever eaten with an amazing chimichurri sauce on top! GO! You won't regret it... :)
(5)
Erin S.
The food here is very good and they conveniently provide awesome options for a variety of pallets and appetites. Such a unique and delicious twist on traditional Mexican food. The atmosphere was beautiful- my only complaint was with the service. The hostesses were not at all friendly or welcoming and our waitress left us feeling neglected and unimportant; strange, given the significant number of drinks and entrees we ordered.
(4)
Phil C.
This is not real Mexican food if you are looking for authentic Mexican do not come here. I order the duck cascades and it was good but it was more or less an appetizer. I had to go get something other to eat after. Also chips and salsa were not free and salsa was definitely not fresh.
(1)
Kendall T.
The food overall is pretty good here. The ambiance is really what we came for, because the outdoor fountains, waterfalls, sculptures and music is all really lovely. Staff is friendly, and the only food item I don't recommend is the cactus & portabella taco. The shrimp and chicken tacos were very yummy, and so was the burrito. The major downfall was that our second visit here was on First Fridays so they had a live band in the bar area (which was fine) but it meant there was a big crowd. The two small bathrooms they have were both changed over to female only, and there was still a ridiculous line, and males have to go out & use a port-a-potty in the alley (srsly?). I had to wait 15 minutes to use the bathroom at dinner! That seems crazy to me. I think we will still go back to Red Mesa again, only not on a First Friday for dinner.
(4)
JizzerJittery F.
I love everything about this place. The atmosphere, the food, the drinks. They have their ish together and it's not like other places that aren't chain restaurants that can't tell their head from their ---, the servers flow well throughout the restaurant and food gets delivered fresh and hot and customers don't slip through the cracks. The margaritas are awesome. Overall it's awesome... Ooohh try their desserts... hmmm fat kid status.
(5)
Daniel Q.
Oh boy. Well to make it short the food here has been bad. My girlfriend and I have been here twice. The first time was about 6 months ago and the food was passable. I had the tacos and other than the steak they were mostly forgettable. Last night my girlfriend and I gave it another shot and were quite disappointed. First we had the chips and dip. The beans tasted like onions, the cheese dip tasted like it came out of a can, and the guacamole was very mediocre. For our main course I had the carne asada burrito. It was bad. There's really no other way to put it. My girlfriend had some chicken that she said was over cooked. At this point I can't see ever eating here again. The sad part is Red Mesa is so damn good, and Red Mesa Cantina....has been horrible. On the upside the patio is very nice as well as the interior of the restaurant.
(2)
Brett R.
Went there for dinner. Arrived what I thought was early, but the place was filling up quickly. The service was good, but a little inexperienced. The entrees were served literally within minutes of the appetizer. There was no room on the table for everything. I ordered the sangria and there was so much ice that I was lucky to get 3 sips before the glass was all ice. Those issues aside, the food was excellent. The carne asada was cooked perfectly and the flavors melded well. The beans that came with it were extraordinary. Although I didn't try it, I was told the burrito was very good as well. So the inexperienced service causes me to give it fewer stars.
(3)
Brock G.
Although I'm not a huge Mexican cuisine fan I absolutely loved Red Mesa. We sat in the courtyard which is very nice and relaxing. I tried the cucumber margarita and the hibiscus margarita, both were delicious. We had the guacamole for an app and I ordered the chicken quesadilla for my meal. The food was amazing, came out quickly and the service was great. Will be returning soon!
(5)
Ronald T.
The atmosphere is Awesome!. The ambiance is so cool makes you want to have lunch there everyday. The food its allright....I had the enchiladas and there was any chicken in there. The wife ordered tacos and they were blend. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel welcome.
(3)
Joseph K.
I would not consider this place authentic Mexican cuisine, but more of a mix of Tex-Mex and other Mexican dishes. The quality of the food is top and everything seems fresh. I recommended the Trio dip and chips to start. The ambiance is great outside, they surprisingly have decent ceviche. Drinks are good but a little pricey.
(3)
Steve L.
Duck Taco was very delicious. Sweet plantains were good. Great atmosphere. Good service. Walking distance from anywhere downtown. Very affordable. Four ate for less than $50.
(4)
Colleen M.
Great food, prompt service and fun atmosphere. My husband and I split an order of queso and an El Gordo chicken burrito. Both were delicious and it was more than enough food for two. The service was quick and attentive and the atmosphere was fun and unique. Will definitely come back when we are in town. It was cold when we were here, but would love to sit on their patio in warmer weather.
(5)
Daniel K.
Yeah I am a fan. First, I must say that up until this year this rating would have been a 3. Much has changed in the last year. Better organization in the front of the house, better quality of food, better service, I just had a great time overall. If you have read enough of my reviews you know I really want to sit outside, middle of july no problem, shade provided and portable coolers. A bit loud but mission accomplished. The food was really great, had the same dish again, Carne Asada, wow what a nice updgrade to the dish from a year ago. Sauces, the corn on a stick, the steak cooked perfect from the sear to the seasoning, just a great dish; One that I will be going back to enjoy again. I want to thank the management. Feedback does work folks!!
(4)
Brittany J.
Love the outdoor area...definitely an island vibe. They have water fountains n errthang. Salsa was delish (Im picky about salsa), frijoles churros Mmmm, and the steak tacis were yum too. The meat itself coulda used a little more flavor/seasoming but overall great place.
(4)
Calvin M.
Amazing food. My favorites are the Borado ceviche, the mofongo, duck and mahi tuna tacos.
(5)
Jeff E.
I've been coming to the St Pete Clearwater area for years and am shocked that I only recently discovered this place. Food is superior, service is good, there was a good energy to the place even though it was a rainy wed and the place has character.
(5)
Timothy O.
Great lunch, server Lindsey was quick, food prep was quick and loved all we had to eat. Thanks for another great meal Seafood Quesadilla is a must!!
(5)
Kristen P.
Just had chips and guacamole but it was good. Outside ambiance is nice...plan to return soon!
(5)
Sara I.
We were in the area visiting the Dali museum, and stopped at this restaurant for lunch based on the yelp reviews. The service was good for a lunch service. The place was pretty much empty, maybe 3 other tables in the inside dining room, definitely more on the outside patio. The waitress was helpful, and the menu was simple. Definitely high priced. We would compare these prices to New York City lunch prices. The chips were crunchy, not oily and I enjoyed the salsa, though it was loose, not texturally appealing, and seemed bottled. The guacamole portion was a good size but I thought it lacked some salt and was a bit slimy. But my husband liked it, so maybe just a preferential thing for me :) He had the duck tacos which were very sweet, and I thought the meat was a little dry. He also had the Baja fish taco, which felt more sweet than savory, as the sauce kind of buried the flavors. The steak quesadillas were good, but they really weren't special. The corn salsa on the side enhanced the flavor, but again, was pretty sweet. We had plantains on the side which were yummy but came with an unnecessary crema dipping sauce. The sauce was good but did nothing for the plantains. Overall, the place was okay. If you're looking for a Mexican food fill and not authenticity or memorable flavors, they will do the trick. Their happy hour prices were affordable and they had a lot of tequila choices. I probably wouldn't go back, maybe dinner is better, but it wasn't worth a $40 lunch.
(2)
Mark T.
Seriously great food - Chicken Fernandez is always awesome. Speciality drinks are also really good - they have a hibiscus margarita that's great. This place has a great atmosphere as well.
(5)
Gretchen C.
Can you say MOFUNGO? Best top shelf margarita in the Burg! Crab Shrimp quesadilla is phenomenal!
(4)
Meg M.
Service + Atmosphere + Mexican Food = WINNING! Dad and I went to Red Mesa for lunch after the Dali Museum and a walk around St Petersburg. I swear they treated us like celebs! Granted the place wasn't packed for lunch but all the staff greeted us as we came in and the hostess let us have our pick of tables in the pretty outdoor dining area. She even turned the fan down for me so that it wasn't directly facing us throughout the meal! Our waiter hooked us up with beers and waters from the beginning. Dad tried the Drifter beer (I think it was a lager) and although the waiter wasn't really sure how to describe it, we both really enjoyed it! I ended up ordering the gordo burrito with tofu and dad ordered the crab and shrimp quesadilla. Both were based on the waiter's recommendation and man, he was spot on! (I just have to reiterate the TOFU is a choice for a burrito filling here! Vegetarians, rejoice!) Dad's quesadilla was open-face and smothered in cheese. It tasted really good with the fresh seafood and had a delicate but spicy sauce on it that he loved. It was the perfect size for a lunch plate. ... But then I had him help me finish my burrito! My meal was AWESOME. Definitely not the healthiest but, hey, I had worked out this morning AND and on vacation so I was all over that jalapeno cream sauce! the burrito was huge- about the size of my forearm- but I managed to devour half of it in record time! The tofu was great and the burrito had a great balance of beans, rice, tofu, salsa and cheese. The sauce on top was delish and the salsa on the side was fresh and made with lots of cilantro- just the way I like it! I would totally recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual lunch spot with excellent service... the Mexican fare hit the spot for us!
(5)
Quincy C.
I went there tonight for dinner. I had the Baha fish tacos. The tacos were perfect. I got two because one is not enough. I like the trendy atmosphere. It was super busy inside. The service was quick with our food. The only thing was the bathroom line situation. I had to wait in line to use the bathroom, however I met some interesting people.
(4)
Felix A.
Just had an awesome lunch. The service was great; our waiter was very attentive to our large group. As always, the shrimp al mojo was delicious except the veggies were a little tough. I'm really feeling that Iced Tea. It's one of my favorites! Thanks for the great lunch experience!
(4)
Lauren S.
Overall: Decent tex-mex, nice atmosphere.... don't order the house margarita. Food: We started with chips and queso and no one had trouble going back to the bowl chip after chip. It's thicker than what some mexican restaurants try to pass off as cheese dip - and I like it better this way! The quesadillas weren't anything to write home about very cheese and the meat was fine... would have preferred a little zip. Maybe some onions/peppers? Drinks: We ordered a pitcher of the house margaritas, each poured a glass, took a sip, and immediately looked at each other and said "is there tequila in here?" We finished half the pitcher before asking our server "is it possible the bartender was distracted and forgot to add the tequila?" She said no, but admitted the house ones are pre-mixed and stored in a giant container. Apparently the "hand crafted" margaritas are the way to go. Oh well, live and learn! Service/Atmosphere: We had a little trouble tracking down our server in the beginning, but eventually found her and after that all was fine. The outdoor courtyard was nice (despite the fact it was 115 degrees with 100% humidity.)
(3)
Kia G.
Let me just say that the service on the patio sucks. Which I already knew going in so it wasn't a big deal. The atmosphere outside at night is beautiful and perfect for date night. the tequila selection is amazing, and they carry don Julio which is my favorite next to patron. We tried the oyster shooters first and they were spicier than expected, but had a really great flavor and the portion was perfect for a starter. I had the cantinita ceviche and my date had the duck taco and the ahi taco. we shared both items and they were delicious. I would recommend this place, but don't go in expecting great service...
(4)
John M.
Jason is always a great bartender. Perfect cucumber margaritas. And the food is outstanding. Ceviche, tuna tacos, and shrimp tacos were what was for dinner tonight and I was stuffed. Great atmosphere and the perfect temperature helped to make for a very nice night outside at the bar.
(5)
Sam S.
Amazing food. Mahi ceviche and duck tacos were great! Cocktails were also very good. Large margarita selection
(5)
Kim R.
First let me start by saying that the food here is delicious. I ordered guacamole, taco salad, salsa and a mimosa at Geek breakfast today and it was all amazing! This review would have gotten a 4 or 5 star if it wasnt for the ridiculous service we received once our bill came. #1 we ordered queso asking in advance if there was meat in it. Our waitress said no, but upon receiving it realized that there was indeed chorizo in it. They were going to take it away, but one person in our party (of 15) asked if they were going to dump it and if so just leave it, someone might eat it. No one ended up touching it, by the way. #2 when asking about checks they asked who was paying for the queso... Uhhh it wasnt what we ordered so why are we paying $7 for it?! After a semi-heated argument and her eluding that they wouldnt have left it because they dont..... Basically sounds like they were going to dump it back in the giant pot of simmering queso or give it to the next table that ordered queso... According to the manager "we don't give away food for nothing", "we don't waste". I sure hope my other food wasn't recycled!!!!!!!! #3 the waitress knew she was guaranteed a tip because of the large party we sat with so on top of a $7 waste for something that was not eaten I also paid almost $6 tip. I wasted $13 on top of the gas on the drive over from the Tampa side only to be told by the manager that "That's not what he was told" and "we don't do things like that" (in reference to leaving something that was ALREADY SITTING ON A TABLE WITH A CHIP IN IT). #4 Your prices online are not the same as your prices at your restaurant. It may not be that big of a deal, but let's go back to the money I've wasted so far on this adventure. Your mimosas for example are incorrect online. #5 in ordering our meals my friend asked if she could get a dish minus tomato (allergies) and was told it was in the pico. When asking to hold the pico she was told that the chef doesnt do custom dishes because they are too busy.... This experience saddens me because the food is really really great, but I can't see myself going back to an establishment where the manager shrugs off a potentially serious situation and the chef only wants to make his life easy not satisfy a food allergy.
(3)
Michael Angelo R.
Great every time. Best salsa! Blackened chicken salad for lunch was amazing,fresh and abundant. Barely could eat dinner. Great sangria. Will always be back!
(5)
Melissa G.
Fantastic dinner all around with a great atmosphere in the courtyard! We were in town on vacation and checked this place out on a whim. Loved everything about it and our waiter made some great recommendations in both food and drink departments! We will definitely be back on our next trip!
(5)
Rae S.
I have been to Red Mesa countless times, because somehow it has designated itself as THE place to go for group gatherings and girls nights. I fucking hate it. The food is definitely hit or miss - mostly miss. It is not Tex-Mex, or mexican - it is a yuppie place with a theme. Sometimes the tacos are delightful, other times they are sloppily made and tasteless. The burritos are better everywhere else. Chips and dips are a highlight, and that is saying something. If you can afford to eat here, you can afford the gas to go somewhere better. I have been overcharged on several occasions, with items sneaking on to my receipt that I didn't order or consume more than once. I am definitely not the person to complain or mention this to the waiter - though one time, there was a $2.00 surcharge for "rocks" in a drink (rocks = ice). We were joking about it as a table and the waitress heard, so we asked about it (friendly, wasn't her policy or fault). The manager came over with a bull shit excuse, was rude and unhelpful, and made us glad that he didn't have the opportunity to spit in our food. I will say the service is great, and the wait staff is ALWAYS friendly and helpful. One redeeming quality in an otherwise over-hyped over-priced mediocre restaurant.
(1)
Jennifer C.
I love love love this restaurant! My favorite thing to the order is the Mofongo, but I also love all the duck dishes, especially the duck quesadillas. I just had the Seafood Mofongo (only available for lunch) for the first time and it was amazing. It was just one ball of delicious fried plantains, yucca and carnitas, which is so good all on its own but then they sat in a bowl of sauteed shrimp, scallops and calamari in a tequila lime butter sauce. It was one of the best things I've ever eaten. I only wish it were slightly bigger. So the food is spectacular but the service is pretty darn good every time we go, no matter if it's a slow weekday lunch or a busy weekend dinner. Local celebs like it too. I was there yesterday and terry Bolea, AKA Hulk Hogan, was on the other side of the dining room eating lunch like everyone else. As for the atmosphere, it's kind of sweet and romantic outside with it's tall bamboo blocking out the 3rd Street traffic and the fountain and waterfall bubbling quietly in the courtyard. I like that the tables have umbrellas for shade and shelter from the regular afternoon showers. The inside is a bit more hip. I love the floors and and the modern but comfy white chairs. It's fun getting to watch the kitchen from your seat too. This is a place we love to bring our out of town friends and family too, as well as a favorite lunch/dinner date destination. My only complaint is the lack of parking. On a busy day, we sometimes have to park several blocks away and walk to the restaurant, but it's worth it!
(5)
J T.
I was just here with my girlfriend and ended up walking out after fifteen minutes of being completely ignored by the five bartenders standing around chatting, even after making eye contact. We have never had such a hard time getting service on a sunday afternoon when it's not busy. We won't be back.
(1)
Dimi B.
Excellent tofu tacos (ask for fresh habanero peppers on the side). Cara was a fantastic server. Wonderful ambience sitting outside in the fountain area. Will definitely visit again. Very scant vegetarian menu, or I would've given it 5 stars.
(4)
Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I had no complaints! --- --- --- I had visited Red Mesa a couple of years ago but I actually couldn't remember much about it. That is a rarity, but it wasn't so bad after all, as it gave me an excuse to visit again. We had the chips sampler that came with queso, guacamole and salsa - which were all great. For my meal I went with the good ole' appetite satisfier - The Steak Burrito. It wasn't authentic close to Mexican food, but it tasted great. That's all I needed, something that tasted great. I'll save my authentic snobiness for another night. Whatever kind of cheese was spread out over the top, it was am-fan-az-tas-ing-tic. Yep, that word hurt my brain to type, but that's how great it was. Our food came out very quickly and our servers were very friendly (we had a veteran and a trainee.) I will return to Red Mesa, it's a rare find to come across a great spot in St. Pete, I haven't had much luck.
(4)
Ryan A.
I don't understand the hype. The food is average and service is awful, unless you're at the bar. Apparently, everything in the kitchen is pre portioned and heated in the microwave, so there's a strict 'you-get-it-the-way-we-serve-it' policy (I asked for spinach to be added to a quesadilla, which was absolutely out of the question). And according to the staff, their chef is a complete dick, so they're scared to even ask for substitutions. It's unfortunate because that's a beautiful space.
(1)
Regina C.
Red Mesa cantina is a Mexican infused Restaurant with great flavor and a fun atmosphere. The food is fantastic and the drinks are great as well. For the sangria lovers, I recommend the white one. The mojito is very refreshing and tasty. The dishes I have tried have all been delicious. For the meat lovers, I recommend the carne azada and the churrasco. The empanadas the tacos are awesome as well.
(5)
Julie S.
My husband and I had dinner here for the first time. Our waiter was great, he was always right there when we needed something. We ordered the Cadillac Margaritas and they were sooooo small and just mediocre. The food is just OK. Now I admit I am picky with my Mexican food as I grew up in California and then lived in Arizona. Needless to say I finished dinner still craving some good Mexican/ tex-mex.... I'm not saying I won't go back but I won't think of the restaurant while craving Mexican!
(3)
Rachel T.
Red Mesa can fit so many occassions. I've gone in my summer dress for an afternoon bloody mary in the outside bar area, to have my first meeting with my beloved wedding planner, with friends in casual night wear for dinner inside, and all dolled up for night drinks and the amazing new years party. I have to say, I can't pick a favorite. The place is large enough that you will fit in somewhere, hiding or flaunting it off. The New Years on the roof was fairly epic with lounge seating, dancing, and debauchery outside on the street...so you know it was a proper new years adventure. The food is great -- you can bring your family and sit inside. The drinks are awesome and I highly recommend their bloody mary.
(5)
Xamlinnette D.
We got here by mistake looking for Mesa Restaurant but it was a good experience after all. Love the mofongos! We ate different small tacos, my boyfriend had the chicken, pork and steak and me the shrimp and fish overall they were ok. It's a nice place to just to hang out.
(4)
Alex A.
Great food and ambiance to enjoy. Must try the sangria.
(5)
Amanda C.
I absolutely love Mexican food and Red Mesa did not disappoint. I can't believe how long it has taken me to eat here but I am so glad I finally got the chance. To start I had the La Roseangel margarita which was spicy, strong and perfect! I also tried the house hibiscus margarita which was alright, not that great but pretty much what you expect for a house margarita. For an appetizer a friend and I shared the guacamole. There were so many choices on the menu that looked appetizing, but for my lunch entree I chose the duck quesadilla. Orange braised duck with jack cheese, goat cheese and pineapples with a honey chipotle vinaigrette. What a delicious explosion of flavors in my mouth! I'm excited for my next visit so I can try something new on the menu!
(4)
Carrie S.
If I could give this place negative stars, I would. 6 margaritas with no buzz? Puh-lease. On the 4th margarita, I started ordering a side of tequila just to get a buzz. What did they mix their lime juice with - water? Pathetic! I'm sure other bartenders are better. Just don't visit the outside bar... Unless you plan on spending an insane amount of money.
(1)
Scott W.
I'm surprised this place has such good reviews. We ordered a few appetizers and they were so bad we went somewhere else. The nachos don't come with any cheese!
(2)
Felicia B.
I love this place! I've been here several times with friends and family and they've all loved it. I've had the Ceviche, Mofongo, El Gordo, Fried Yuca, and many more dishes and I loved them all. My only complaint is that the waitresses sometimes forget to check on you.
(4)
Dylan R.
My wife and I ate here while visiting St. Petersburg for a night. We sat in the courtyard and the atmosphere was great. The hostess sat us immediately and our server (Angie) was right there and took good care of us. The food was amazing. We got the chips and dip for an appetizer, my wife ordered the chicken quesadilla, and I ordered the mofongo, which I never had before and loved. The prices were very reasonable for the quality provided. I would definitely recommend this place and wished it wasn't so far away from my home!
(4)
John S.
Red Mesa kicked off a week of great dining experiences in St. Petersburg. We went for an early lunch after touring Old Tampa Bay and the pier. There is a wide selection of beers on tap and the bartenders know how to make complicated spring and summer drinks to refresh the weary traveler. For starters we had the guacamole, cheese, beans with cilantro trio. Served in a connected bowl there was just enough of each for the three of us. They weren't the best of these I've ever had, but they were unique. One of the interesting notes of some of the appetizers and entrees was the latent heat. I don't like spicy food very much. One, I can't handle it, and two, it is usually a gimmick that replaces quality food with crap and hot sauce. The latent heat in many of Red Mesa's dishes came after the initial flavor hit your mouth then lingered just briefly. This is to me exactly what a moderate spicy flavor should add to a meal. For lunch I had the pork belly quesadilla special. It was good and comes with a heart bypass--or should. My amigos had the steak fajita tacos with fresh avocado, and the shredded beef enchilada. Both were good.
(5)
Michael W.
Best tacos I have ever eaten! Duck taco with goat cheese and chili jelly was perfect, Baja Fish taco was light and fresh, and the steak taco was fantastic. The Duck was far and away my favorite. Service was excellent and the atmosphere was abuzz live music and a great downtown crowd. We sat in the outdoor courtyard that features a unique waterfall with a small river that runs through it. As a side note, we were here on a Sunday night so parking meters were off (free).
(5)
Jenny S.
Such a great place to go eat. The ahi tuna tacos are incredible and the ceviche is amazing. It's not your run of the mill Mexican joint so don't expect that. It's a higher quality and a bit outside the box which really makes it fun. In the heart of downtown St. Pete it's a must! Inside and outside seating with a great courtyard.
(4)
Beth S.
Yesterday, while driving back to Tampa from Sarasota, I was craving Mexican food. My boyfriend suggested Red Mesa and we were both practically drooling by the time we parked as we were both pretty hungry. The hostess had us wait until a table was cleared and I took the opportunity to head to the restroom. I stood in line for the restroom about 5-6 minutes (people were taking a long time in there) and saw my boyfriend sit down. I got to the table and no one had come by with menus or to take a drink order. The boyfriend and I watched servers wait on the tables around us but not one of them even looked our way. We were both really hungry and it was so nice out that we decided to wait a bit longer. About 10 minutes passed since I had sat down when we started to realize that no one was coming. Another couple nearby had empty drinks. We saw one server go back to another table no less than 3 times but appeared to see only that table. It was very strange. I waited tables for a very long time, from 18-25, and I just don't understand how every server in our vacinity ignored us completely. After another few minutes we decided to leave. Hungry, thirsty, and very disappointed. As we walked out we passed the manager and let him know we'd never been greeted, much less had a drink order taken. He apologized and we could have stayed but at that point we just felt it was best for us to move on. I'm not sure I'd go back to a place with such little teamwork and for lack of a better term, no service.
(1)
Cheryl M.
3.5 - very good food - the crab and shrimp quesadilla was great! Guac was very good, that's my measure of great mexican food. The ambiance was great - unfortunately, it rained and we had to move inside - I would have preferred to be outside, but alas, Mother Nature did not cooperate.
(4)
Patty D.
I've been to Red Mesa Cantina a couple of times, and I always leave there full and happy. Brunch on Sundays are my favorite! Love the menu and price is very reasonable!
(4)
Natalie Y.
omg omg omg this is too delicious LOVE IT.
(5)
Susan B.
The food is good. Service very spotty. At the end of the meal and the night at the restaurant our server left the bill and disappeared with most of the staff. After waiting a long time with no one in site. We went to the hostess and got a manager. No apology. Seems amazing to have the staff disapear most likely on a smoke break
(2)
Mr. X.
Some of the most bland Mexican food I've had. Unacceptable for the price.
(2)
Doug N.
Well I had brunch here this past Sunday and I was very impressed. I had one of the best bloody marys I've had, and I also tried their 'Michelada' drink which was delicious as well. My food was excellent (I had the Plato Oaxaca and then the churros with hot chocolate for dessert) , the service was good, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Recommended! I will be going back for sure.
(5)
Patrick O.
The Ahi Tuna Tacos were the best I've ever had!
(4)
Rebecca D.
Excellent food, great environment, family-friendly. If you can sit outside, it is one of the most lovely outdoor dining experiences in St. Petersburg. Just AVOID for Sunday brunch. We were there for Mother's Day at 11:30 and waited over an hour for our food and several longer than acceptable intervals for drinks and other service. Our waiter and the kitchen were clearly NOT prepared for the Mother's Day brunch rush and there was no excuse for that.
(3)
Andy F.
The location is amazing. You can sit outside in a lush courtyard. There are a lot of beautiful people that eat here, whether you're inside, outside, or at the bar. I had the octopus appetizer, which was done with a spicy southwest flair. They have a great beer selection here, which includes many crafts. For dinner, I had a duck taco, which was made with goat cheese and a chili jelly... delicious! I also had the Mofongo. This was amazing. Three huge lumps of pork carnitas, plantains, yucca, and a green chili oil. A lot of food for $6. I also tried the ahi tuna wrap, which was very tasty with a horseradish sauce. The service can be a bit slow due to crowd, but the servers are very friendly. Definitely a delicious upscale meal at a more than fair price in a lively, beautiful atmosphere.
(5)
Cam B.
Delicious! Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine - give RMC a try. You won't be disappointed. Started with combo appetizer plate - any little bit of this and a little bit of that. Good choice. Ordered fresh grouper which came with Fresh toppings, home made salsa - "off the chart" flavor. wife ordered shrimp - seasoned perfectly with rice. We didn't order Margaritas, but they looked delicious. Service was equal to any fine dining steakhouse such as Fleming's or Charlies. Nice staff! Last, super Kudo's to kitchen staff serving it all up. Our dish not only tasted delicious but looked great as well! Nice work!!!! Owners have a diamond here.... Build one in Spring Hill! Thanks
(5)
Arlene Z.
Outstanding! Great Ceviche and red Sangria. No one in our group was disappointed. Definitely Not your typical Tex-Mex slobbered in velveeta.
(4)
Christina G.
We were visiting St. Pete for the first time and checked out Yelp to see where we might want to land for dinner. I love me some good Mexican food so the Red Mesa Cantina sounded like a good place. We arrived and saw quite a few people waiting outside so I was a little concerned. We walked up to the hostess stand (seemed like there was 4 or 5 girls standing there) and were "greeted" quite curtly. "How many?" "Just two of us." "Two. Inside." She threw two menus at one of her minions without even a look and were shown inside. On the way we walked past a beautiful courtyard, but I guess we weren't even given the option to wait for a seat out there if we wanted. So inside it was. And inside was LOUD. I'm not old and I'm not beyond a rowdy place. But the decibels weren't matching the dimly lit decor. Our waiter was very nice, prompt, and checked on us the appropriate amount of times. We ordered a couple drinks and chips and salsa (which at 99% of Mexican restaurants are free, but not here, and it's extra for refills). I ordered two tacos, the duck and the beef. Both were good but almost $10 for two pretty simple tacos? My husband ordered the seafood mofongo (although I wouldn't call it a traditional mofongo). He really enjoyed it and it was the perfect amount. We also got the churros for dessert. Perhaps it was just a SUPER busy night. Perhaps the stars just weren't aligned for us. But at this time I can't justify the price and the initial rudeness we encountered.
(3)
Rachel P.
My co-worker and I went for lunch. The service was fast and the waiter was friendly. I had Tofu Tacos and my co-worker had the Pork Enchiladas, both delicious!! We ordered desert the Apple Empandas and the Plantain Chocolate Chimichanga. Both of these desserts came with a delicious Gelato, which was so good. The inside is very trendy decorated with amateur wrestling masks. Would definitely come back to this place!!
(4)
Ashley S.
--- Short Synopsis --- Good food and atmosphere!! It can get warm and humid in here during the summer though. I really enjoyed the flavorful ahi tuna taco, the juicy duck torta, and the tasty seafood mofongo!!! Unfortunately, the duck taco (meat) was real
(4)
Thomas A.
A top-qual Sunday Brunch! The grill-kissed chorizo breakfast burrito was outstanding, as was the Mexican Coffee (half Mexican hot chocolate, half coffee). Nice bustling atmosphere with a laid back vibe. Prices were amazingly fair for downtown St Pete! What took it over the top was the special "extra hot" orange-ish salsa they made for me. I forget the name of it, but my face was melting by the time I finished my meal. As with most Mexican restaurants in Florida, you have to ask specifically for the extra hot stuff. I think I could pretty much live solely on food from the three Red Mesa incarnations around town.
(4)
Gerald M.
Red Mesa Cantina is a nice escape. Had the soft fajita taco which was really good. That and chips with assortment of dips filled me up. Great for lunch or an evening with friends.
(4)
Natasha D.
I really like Red Mesa Cantina! It has the best patio in St Pete and off the beaten path of Central Ave so it's not so obnoxious. They serve decent Mexican style food. I wouldn't call it authentic but they have a decent selection of dishes. I LOVE the duck taco, it's one of the best menu items. My mother gets the empanada when she is in town. It's a little small but good she says. The trio of dips is really good! The Shrimp al Mojo is excellent. Had the Chicken Fernandez and was not impressed, it was very bland. On the brunch menu, the vegetarian bowl is awesome and served with fresh fruit. And if you come on Saturday or Sunday before 2pm, they have flavored mimosas for $4. To me the food is OK. It's not real Mexican so I'm not thrilled, but close enough. I wish these restaurants would serve free chips and salsa! The happy hour specials are great with half off wells, house margaritas, and house wines. Good happy hour! Bartenders are super friendly and staff is welcoming. I come here to unwind a lot after work. Very nice place! I always recommend this place to out of towners.
(4)
Kaley C.
Red Mesa Cantina (not to be confused with Red Mesa down the street) was great. Our party of six had to wait about 40 minutes for a table, but the bar was easily accessible and there were high tops on the sidewalk outside, so the wait went very quickly. We sat outside in the patio area which was nice, until it started to rain. The team's response to the rain was very good. At the sight of sprinkles, team members came out of the restaurant with big umbrellas to cover all the tables. It wasn't perfect and we did have to huddle to stay dry, but it was far better than having our meal ruined on account of typical Florida weather. They have many different types of margaritas. I went with the Cadillac margarita and it was great. I ordered the mofongo as an appetizer and loved the taste. I liked how it was served in appetizer form. Perfect for sharing. I ordered two of the tacos- ahi tuna and baja fish. The baja fish was by far my favorite. I was a little disappointed with the texture of the tuna. Other people at my table who ordered the same shared this opinion. My boyfriend really liked the tofu tacos and was happy there were easy veggie options. Overall, everyone was satisfied. Margaritas were great. The price was a little steep, but it was a nice night out. Would visit again.
(4)
Raymond G.
Great environment to have some fun. Its been a while since i've been to a place with such a great outdoor area. I'm excited to come back here on first Fridays and to some of their other events. Any time you mix good drinks, a live band, and a good group of people, you're in for a good time. I haven't had an extensive amount of food here but from what I have had, some things I really like, and some things I'm just ok with. But the one thing I know is that whatever it is they are making, they make it well. Thats the great thing about places like this, you feel free to explore the menu, and the rest is just up to taste. You learn from experience and this place will leave you with a good one. The only down side on my part was the pricing, but I guess they have good reason for that. All in all, great experience and will come back!
(4)
Enit S.
With all the people waiting outside, I thought this restaurant was going to be a real goldmine but I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Don't get me wrong, it's ok, but that's about it. As stated before, there was a bit of a line just to check in and the whole patio was taken up because it was a really nice evening and the views of a rocky fountain they have look pretty nice so we opted to eat inside where there was no wait time. I will say this, food and drinks came out promptly, and our waitress was attentive. I ordered a seafood mofongo priced at $11 I thought was a steal, but when I think mofongo, I think traditional green plantains, mojo, pork and they use sweet plantains here. It was still good, and they were not stingy with the seafood I just prefer traditional mofongo. One of my dining companions however was over the moon with the use of sweet plantains. I think it literally blew his mind to such a degree that he ordered another plate of it. Again, it's up to your own preference but be aware that it's not traditional mofongo and it's really up to the individual's taste. I tried my friends vegan tofu taco, I thought it was great and also sampled another friends pulled beef burrito and that was good but nothing really stuck out for me here.
(3)
Denise A.
I was here during Saturday brunch and it was pretty crazy. Very busy but the service was spot on. The patio looked really nice but it was pouring rain so... I had a margarita and it was generously poured and flavorful. The two people I was with and I all ordered off of the brunch/breakfast menu. My scrambled eggs and beans with corn tortillas were pretty ordinary, but the SAUCE (chile verde)!! Oh yeah, a great sous chef can make everything yummy! Friends gave a big thumbs up for the sweet potato pancakes and scrambled egg burrito. I loved the weird art selection and funny Mexican wrestling posters too.
(4)
Christian H.
I thought it was pretty good. I had some tasty ceviche and a fish taco. The chicken quesadilla was ok, nothing crazy. And the churros was lovely. Get here before 6 pm.
(4)
Jessica S.
Red Mesa continues to provide the best food! We were there this weekend and enjoyed the mofongo and ahi tuna salad. Always fresh. Always fantastic service. Can't rave enough about the hibiscus margaritas!!
(5)
Coty S.
My Mom loves Mexican food, so I thought that she would like Red Mesa Cantina's $84.00 breakfast. That does not include tip... Because everyone likes to feel special sometimes. Even if it comes with a Red Mesa price tag. The food is fresh and flavorful, but I have had the same quality from a taco truck. Ceviche was also nice, but I have had better at restaurants that specialize in ceviche dishes. My favorite items at this cantina are: 1. Mexican style grilled corn on the cob, covered in crumbled salty Mexican cheese. 2. Mofongo- it is an interesting interpretation of mofongo, but mouthwatering nonetheless. 3. Chips with Dip Trio- the price is not that ridiculous on this snack. 4. Cucumber Mojito- it is overly expensive, but just order it already. Hence their name being "cantina, " I recommend skipping the brunching crowd and sit at the gorgeous patio bar, hand the bartender your life savings, drink yummy drinks, and snack until your heart is content. Sitting inside if for the birds.
(3)
Boon C.
We were near the St. Pete downtown and my colleagues suggest the red Mesa for lunch. I was here before and I was having dinner last time. This is the first time I having lunch. The location is convenient for the downtown St. Pete. They have the outside and inside sitting area. Today is heavy pollen time with the oaks tree is blooming, sitting out is not a good idea. The setting is very modern. It may be a good place lunch bite get on the way to work. The food came out quick for this restaurant during lunch time. I have order three taco. The duck, steak, and ahi tuna taco. The ahi tuna is seared and mix with green, wasabi and soy sauce. I feel that the tuna is not well season. They did not seared long enough to allow fish burn taste. The steak taco is mixed with Rajas and jack cheese. I am not a fan. The duck taco duck is orange duck. By adding the goat cheese, it destroys the beauty taste of the duck orange sauce. Sometime thing should not mixed together and this one of the example. Overall the serving is great and the food came out fast make they deserve 3 star.
(3)
Amara G.
Are there spices that remain at the tip of our tongue? Are there spices that dive in right into the back of our throats? Which spices just make you cry? We pondered about such existential depths yesterday at Red Mesa Cantina. I don't know if we got too deep because the service took so long, or because when the agave margaritas finally arrived we were just giddy out of low blood sugar levels. We had parked way far and faraway. I mean fa-arrrr. Very much away from the cantina. It was a beautifully hot sunny and sweaty day to walk around downtown St. Pete wearing all black (even if in short shorts) and platform high heels. I admit I can go from fashionista to fashion victim often. No bueno! I looked like one of those storks that one sees lost and confused amidst the landscaped divider of a very busy street. Only the storks have longer necks. Come to really think of it... yes, the skinny long legs are exactly the same. The bony knees too. A lower body that can barely sustain its upper torso. Drops kept falling down my cheeks under the Ford black sunglasses. I kept drying the sweat drops away, emotionally unstable, like a crazy widow. I needed those margaritas fast. Parched and starved, I become high maintenance. I tapped my French manicured nails on the table as I tried to block out Bon Jovi "Living on a Prayer." Why do I dislike Mexican restaurants that play rock and roll music? I secretly wished all Ruth Chris, Olive Garden and Berns started surprising patrons with mariachi bands more often. Maybe some flamenco too? I know... I can be such a pain. The agave margaritas did the trick. Two of those tart babies in twenty minutes. A six-dollars-a piece mental spa. Did I mention the service was slow? Ten more minutes to anticipate the appetizers: Bean dip and chips, mofongo and carne frita with chimichurri sauce. I found the bean dip runny and rather flavorless. Rather unappealing in presentation. There was a hint of cumin and cilantro among the blandness. It needed substance and whole lot of more queso fresco. The mofongo and carne frita (why was that on the menu if that is a classic Puerto Rican dish? Never mind, it was great!) Consisted of three balls of deliciousness worth a fork fight. Salty and sweet, crunchy and tender. Memorable. Since the green-eyed foodie possesses the delicate and tender touch of a Great Dane puppy, she managed to spill an entire water glass that cascaded down onto laps (refreshingly Fifty Shades of Gray), pooled on the concave white chairs and dripped onto the floor. We all stood up in unison rambunctious and chaotic. The five paper napkins were certainly not enough to stop our own Watergate scandal. Did I mention the service was slow? Eventually this really cute guy helped us out with a cloth towel. After five minutes of infamous notoriety, we sat down for our main dishes. Chicken enchiladas with salsa verde, Pork enchiladas with tomato havanero sauce, Beef tacos, Yucca Frita and Chipotle filet burrito. Beautiful presentation. Big plates. Big spice where we never thought of. The green enchiladas were the spiciest, and I had asked the level of spiciness because of my Angelina Jolie lip propensity. I was told they would be mild. The joke was on me. The servers must had seen me tapping that table in exasperation and gotten even. The tomato with havanero sauce we had expected to be cooked in hell's cauldron. It had no spice. So the green-eyed Dalmatian traded with me. It was good food. By the time we left, the place was packed. I guess it is quite popular. Would I return? No. Would I recommend it? Yes, for the agave margaritas and the mofongo. But I make better organic margaritas and an even better mofongo. And I am faster at it too.
(3)
Chris M.
Odd place. Really nice ambience. Small waterfalls surround a courtyard where outdoor diners can enjoy themselves. The chips and dip taste good, but they look like Velveeta and canned beans, which doesn't fit how nice your surroundings are here. It seemed like such a strange pairing. The Shrimp al Mojo however is excellent. Great presentation, delicious - fits the expectation set upon walking in. I got the: Baja fish taco: Delicious, would get again Chicken taco: kinda boring I'd definitely come back to show off St Pete on a nice day. I'll be picky about the menu.
(4)
Jennifer B.
We dined here on a Saturday night recently and had a really nice experience. The wait without a reservation was only 20 minutes at prime dinner time. I think we got lucky because it was packed! The staff was efficient & courteous. We had the Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Taquitos & Carne Asada. All very good & light...which left plenty of room for the Passion Fruit Margarita's, which were also delicious! Beautiful outdoor seating area. Great place for a date!
(4)
Mailoha A.
My friend and I were not having the best luck finding a place to have dinner on MLK. Who knew that so many restaurants would be closed for MLK?? Well we obviously had no idea. Anyway, after some Yelp browsing we came across Red Mesa. It's on the corner of 3rd St N and 2nd Ave S. As soon as you walk up their is someone outside to greet you. You have the option of sitting outside in a patio or inside. The night was cold when we went so we chose to sit inside. Our waiter was very friendly. He came over right away and greeted us. We were really hungry so after he took our drinks order we asked him for recommendations. He did of course give us the "everything on the menu is great" line but we finally got him to give us a few of his favorites. We ordered a few tacos, the mofongo and the bombas. My favorite was the mofongo. Ask for extra sauce. Just trust me. I also really enjoyed the plantain dessert. Note, this is not your typical tex mex. You will realize this as soon as you walk inside to be seated. You will also find that their menu options are very different from what you are used to seeing. I didn't mind that. I always like seeing restaurants put a twist on things :) We had a great time and really enjoyed the food.
(4)
Ally S.
Their Civiche was delicious. The only part i hate is that we couldn't take reservation. So my party of 8 had to wait an hour. Now that I think of it, probably their trick for us to buy drinks at the bar. One of their bathroom was stalled up. So there was only two down stairs. Big line and only one toilette. But the the food was good. A little pricey. I would only show up for dinner for special occasions.
(3)
Josh N.
On my first venture into downtown St. Pete I'm very happy to have found this little gem. From the moment we walked in the staff was very pleasant, helpful and outgoing we ordered the chips and dip "antos" we ordered was absolutely delicious. I'm not normally a tofu person but these tacos were absolutely delicious and I genuinely enjoyed not getting any pressure from any member of the staff to order quickly or dessert or any of the extras I'm wholly satisfied with my visit and would recommend it
(5)
Donna N.
This is my first visit and it won't be my last. I ordered the Eggs Benedicto. Just delicious...2 gorditas topped with guacamole, tomato slice, crispy bacon, poached eggs, chipotle cream sauce and quest fresco served with fresh fruit consisting of cantaloupe, honey dew melon and strawberries. Best brunch ever!j
(4)
Tari K.
Nice atmosphere but extremely overpriced. Paid $24 for one lunch. Two fish tacos will cost you $9.90!!! And they weren't even that flavorful. Staff kept staring awkwardly at me and my friend. I guess we didn't fit into the mold of the other pretties there. Pretty place, pretty people, fake personas.
(2)
Leslie F.
I've heard mixed reviews about Red Mesa, but I refuse to be swayed. Their food has always been fresh, fun and flavorful. The ambiance is awesome too. During the day, one can opt to relax on their patio where live music is sometimes an occurrence. At night, it is high energy with loud music and lively crowds as it is the bottom floor neighbor to the hip nightclub, Push. Their ceviche, Ahi tuna tacos, malfongo are all superb but whatever you do, be sure to try the duck taco. It is sweet and savory nirvana. Their hand-muddled margaritas and caipirinhas aren't too shabby either.
(4)
Peter P.
We were seated immediately upon arrival. Very nice setting. Our waitress took our drink orders immediately. The ceviche was excellent. However, they sprinkle cayenne pepper over the ceviche which gives it a nice kick. The main courses were fresh and flavorful. However, they also had a sprinkle of cayenne. And to top it off, we had the mexican brownie with the chocolate raspberry gelato. Guess what? The gelato was infused with red pepper. The irony is that If they did not splash all their items with red pepper, the food would stand on its own and be delicious. I would come here again on my own. But not with my family.
(3)
K S.
We really enjoyed our dinner at Red Mesa a couple months ago. Our waitress, Amber Rose, was very attentive, funny, and gave great recommendations about the St Pete area. We mentioned that we're new to the area and she gave us lots of places to visit and try. I highly recommend the shrimp tacos en cazuela. The sauce was fabulous with a hint of heat! It was a large portion that I couldn't eat and shared with my family. My hubby and son are fans of their tacos. The margarita without salt was quite tasty. We'll definitely return. We also loved the beautiful outdoor patio.
(4)
Kitty H.
Red Mesa is AMAZING! The service was great. The hostess greeted us right away. Our waiter was very funny and personable. He refilled our drinks on time all through the meal. I had a fajita taco which was just okay, and a pulled pork taco that was fabulous. I also ordered a side of plantains, which were excellent. Prices are very reasonable. We will return when traveling to St. Pete again.
(4)
Kevin M.
My Favorite Place! They have it all. Great Food, Fun Staff, Great Atmosphere, and of course, Fair Prices. :)
(5)
Stefanie R.
Overall great place! If you are looking for a new place to try with an awesome atmosphere this is the place! Outside area is great and the food and drinks are really good. Great experience every time! A fun place to go while downtown St. Pete.
(4)
Michele B.
When I lived in St Pete 4 years ago, Red Mesa on 4th Street was one of my favorite places. A recent weekend trip to St Pete and it was definitely on the list to eat at. I checked the website and learned there was a new location in downtown St Pete and gave it a go for Sunday Brunch. The food was delicious as always. I had Eggs Benedicto and a side of fried plantains. The food came out simply presented, modern. Great portion size, not too big, but just enough. I was stuffed. A nice selection of fruit mimosa's and bloody mary's for $3.50. Our server, however promt, was not knowledgable of the menu item's. When asked about a few recommendations or which dish over the other was better, she simply said "I work the brunch hours so I've never had the brunch." Of course not her fault, the restaurant should have the servers try the menu so they can better talk with questioning customers. Overall, another great job from the Red Mesa crew. The menu is well rounded and everything was delicious!
(4)
Ryan W.
Boss ahi tacos and margs!
(4)
Vanessa V.
Love the Saturday and Sunday brunch! with a $3 Bloody Mary and $3 Mimosas it is just perfect. The food menu is a limited in the brunch side, but good enough for everyone to enjoy!
(5)
Nolan R.
I was here for a Ruleta Wednesday! I didn't manage to call the right color, so my drink wasn't free...ehh 50/50 chance for a free drink. I had the chicken and rice and sat out in the patio area. There are two huge PORTA-COOLER fans outside to keep the masses cool on the patio. The margarita I had wasn't too bad...a little too much triple sec for my liking, but the food made up for the drink I had. If I was in downtown St. Pete again I would definitely come here again. Nice vibe and very attentive staff.
(4)
Diana A.
We finally made it to Red Mesa and wish we had been earlier. The service was great - everyone was so nice and so helpful with suggestions. We've been twice now and our favorite is their rotating ceviche. I've never been a fan since the ceviche I've had sits in a tomato juice/soup. With theirs they let the fish and the veggies do the work - it has been so fresh and so wonderful both times. The swordfish was the best. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
michael s.
The El Gordo burrito is chocked full of grilled steak and other goodies..too much for me to finish. The Fish Taco was an nice appetizer, one oblong piece of grilled fish on a soft taco with minimal trimmings. The guac is outstanding, the Steak Empanada was done just right so the steak had moisture. Loved Jennifer, our wait person. She was very helpful and knew the dishes. Quite enjoyable on a Sunday eve..no loud crowds nor long waits for the bathroom.
(4)
Shanna D.
Red Mesa really helped propel the scene on the south side of Central Ave. The restaurant has a modern and sophisticated (duck taco anyone?) take on Mexican food and is great when wanting to do a dinner with a little more pizzazz. When cooler weather allows, I prefer to sit outside with the fountain, lucha libre prints and metal mariachi sculptures. Saturday evenings have live music outside which is another bonus. I order one of the house made ice teas and eat the steak quesadilla, with a side of plantains for dessert. Service has always been really fast and intelligent-- even at really high traffic times. The crowd at Red Mesa is pretty trendy, but the vibe doesn't take itself too seriously, dining here is a fun night in a "grown-up" kind of way.
(4)
Kunal M.
Ordered the Shrimp Fajita Burrito. It was great, everything on the menu looked good, had a tough time deciding. Co-worker tried the pork enchiladas, he said were great. Service was good, and atmosphere is fun.
(5)
J. Daniel B.
Perfect Mexican.
(5)
Emmie S.
Party of 2 for lunch on Saturday. Service was great! Ambiance in the outdoor courtyard was great! Love it!
(5)
Lora P.
During a visit to the Tampa area, I had the good fortune of speaking with a native to the area and she suggested that my husband and I visit the St. Petersburg area. She also enthusiastically endorsed Red Mesa Cantina. With some extra time on our hands and empty stomachs, we took Stephanie's advice and headed across the bridge and on to Red Mesa. The atmosphere reminded us a great deal of a place we'd find in Seattle (our hometown). While it was really early - 4:30 pm - and there were few people in the restaurant, the modern/edgy feel of the place drew us in. We were seated in a small booth and served immediately. Others have commented on stressed out servers. The young woman who was our waitperson was friendly, helpful and chatted with us quite a bit. Voila! Within moments we had two yummy and happy-hour priced ($3) margaritas. Our enthusiastic server suggested that we review their new early-bird type menu - available between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. Unlike a simple happy hour deal-e-o, this is 3 courses, including a drink (!) for $14.99. Such a bargain! The drink alone is worth $6 during prime time. The wonderful sundown menu was extensive and it wasn't tough to find what your heart desires. I ordered a yummy marinated steak, sitting on building blocks of fried plantains and potato sticks. My husband ordered fish - both were delicious! This is not your typical Mexican restaurant (we were told that the Cantina leans towards Peruvian) in that the food is edgier and more creative. You will NOT see a free basket of chips and salsa, nor gross pools of refrieds and rice. Chips must be ordered with 3 sauces (guac, queso, bean) and we were surprised at the price $9.00...almost as much as our bargain meal. Also, we ended up surprised at the $2.50 charge for a small (s-m-a-l-l) cup of pico de gallo. The manager kindly heard me out as I expressed disappointment at the charge. He kindly explained that each item in the restaurant is homemade, which is the reason for the extra charge. So...be aware: aside form the killer happy hour and sun-down meal deal, everything else you may want is a bit pricier. For those of you planning a visit to St. Petersburg, RMC is a good choice - especially if you have the flexibility to arrive early. For you locals: thanks to Stephanie for the terrific advice! She was spot-on.
(4)
Jeremy B.
I had the Mahi Tuna dish on Plantains. It was great. The house Margarita was strong and taste good. The restaurant has a great vibe and I wish I had ate outside. you can't go wrong here.
(4)
Felipe G.
Infrequently does a sequel outdo the original, more often than not you're left disappointed. Case in point Caddyshack 2. But in rare cases that axiom doesn't hold true, and when it comes down to it I feel like Red Mesa Cantina is superior to the original Red Mesa on 4th street. The ambiance of the old location is a little lacking, while the Cantina is slick, fun, modern, and something to look at. The refinement of the menu to include more small à la carte options heightens the flavor/taste of the food. Sometimes more straightforward dishes that are concise in their execution taste that much better, and the tacos at Red Mesa Cantina are a great example of this. Every seafood taco they have from the ahi tuna, shrimp, and mahi are out of this world good. The tuna is Asian style with a great soy/wasabi flavor, the shrimp tastes Caribbean with a curry mustard zing, and the baja is the most straightforward and traditional but also very yummy. I am a huge fan of everyone one of those tacos, and also of the excellent vegetarian menu options that they feature. The tofu tacos are available individually or as a larger platter you assemble with your own tortillas. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will find them very delicious. The fried yucca sticks are also very good but I wish there were more dipping sauces available as the chipotle ketchup is pretty tame. The only negatives that come to mind are the fact that the acoustic sound damping inside is very poor resulting in it being very loud when the place is full. It can be a hindrance when wanting to have a conversation. Secondly, there is a dire need for more bathrooms as there are only two downstairs and they seem to have a perpetually long line. However, you are rewarded for the wait thanks to one of the more interesting bathrooms I have seen. The walls are covered in extremely cool framed posters featuring Mexican Lucha Libre wrestlers. Overall, I think that the folks at Red Mesa have really pulled off a great restaurant and concept. Downtown St Petersburg is made better, and to be honest it really is one of the better Mexican options out there for all of Pinellas County.
(5)
Thomas R.
Red Mesa Cantina is an upscale Mexican themed establishment that offers innovative and classical menu items prepared using fresh ingredients. Beyond food, Red Mesa Cantina features a hip atmosphere and a wide array of quality alternative seating options. Personally, I stopped into Red Mesa Cantina for lunch and found a pack house. There was a quality mix of both professional and casual customers enjoying the lunch service. Our experience at Red Mesa was ideal. We were promptly seated, experienced continually attentive service, and enjoyed all of the food. For lunch we started with chips and dips/salsa. The chips were hot and crispy. The dips featured black bean, queso, quac, and we ordered an additional option of salsa. All of the dips were flavorful and complemented each other well. My personal favorite was the black bean but each was very tasty. For our lunch entrees we had a Cantina Salad, a Baja Taco, and the Mahi stack. The Cantina Salad was very hearty and featured a wealth of quality ingredients. The highlights of the salad was the flavorful gorgonzola cheese and the super fresh tomato. Overall the salad was very tasty. The Baja Taco was fantastic and literally burst with both familiar and new flavors. Finally, the Mahi Stack was beyond expectations. The fish was fresh and featured great grilled flavors. All of the components of this dish (fried yuca, tomato, guac, pickled onions, and habanero aioli) worked beautifully together and created fantastic flavors. Personally, I loved the habanero aioli and it really added to the overall flavor profile of the dish. In closing, I was happily surprised with Red Mesa Cantina. The food was good, the service was on par, and the environment was comfortable.
(4)
Rodney R.
Amazing service, Awesome food and atmosphere. Thanks Jerrod and Kevin for making every visit better than the last.
(5)
Logan A.
Great food here. The service was a bit slow on Saturday night, Jan. 8, 2011. The reviews are pretty spot-on. I was surprised that the dips served with the chips come with cheese dip, guacamole and black bean dip. The only vegetarian-friendly one was the guac -- the others both have chorizo mixed in. I didn't think the black beans needed it, and it would have been nice to have one more option for my vegetarian friend at the table. I had the mahi with mango slaw and fried plantains, and it was fantastic! The entrees are surprisingly reasonably priced. One frustration was that the address on Yelp mobile said this place is on Third Street North. It's actually on Third Street SOUTH, so we walked several blocks out of our way just to see it was two blocks from our hotel! Get there early if you want to be seated quickly. The place filled up by 7:30.
(3)
Kevin F.
The food and Sangria were really good here. The atmosphere, though, wasn't my style. I don't mind a bit of noise now and then, but it was jam-packed with people and the music was practically deafening. For people going out to celebrate, party, or get smashed, it's probably just what you're looking for. For me, I think it would've been better to just do take-out instead.
(3)
Bryan E.
One of the best spots in St. Pete. Food is great, try the tacos! Very reasonably priced. Head up to the roof deck at PUSH for a drink afterwards, you won't regret the view!
(5)
Strauss H.
Duck, steak and shrimp tacos were great. The guacamole was average
(4)
Kyle M.
Great place for groups- food was good! Atmosphere even better!
(5)
Carolyn M.
The atmosphere is hip. The vibe is serene. The food is superb. The drinks are delicious. The experience was excellent. I will be back to Red Mesa Catina! If you read my reviews, you know every restaurant I have has to be fit for a Vegan... and Red Mesa Cantina is no different. But not only did it exceed my expectations with the Alambres Tofu - it exceeded that of my meat eating guests. All three of us cleared our plates and commented on what an amazing restaurant it was. The two cons - 1. the wait staff isn't the best. Friendly and knowledgeable - yes! But overworked (or under staffed) and not as attentive as I would have liked. (we had to track them down to fill our water... TWICE) 2. One female bathroom stall for the whole joint. Seriously Wrong. Especially with all that Sangria we will be drinking! (and don't even believe the sign "more bathrooms upstairs." Three women and I went looking for this mysterious other bathroom only to be led to a sketchy second and third story ghost town. (The roof deck was cool though... just no bathroom). Happy Vegan Dining. Carolyn
(5)
Stacy K.
Red Mesa was amazing. We sat in the patio/courtyard on a cool winter's evening and enjoyed duck quesadilla's, chicken fernandez, chile relleno, and the amazing mexican brownie w/ cinnamon and peppers - sososo delicious! The food was portioned well, and tasted excellent. Service was excellent, and the food came quickly. Many faceted flavors abounded in the food at Red Mesa - can't wait to try lunch or brunch sometime. Quite a few veg. options - even with tofu. Great food, ambiance, and service!
(5)
Blair H.
My first time in St Petersburg for a conference. Found Red Mesa Cantina through Yelp. Totally worth it. Amber Rose was my server. She was super knowledgeable but not pushy. Had the tacos en cazuela (shrimp) and a great margarita. Can't comment on the dining room because I ate in the courtyard. Very nice experience.
(4)
Crys C.
Trendy mex with a survey of good brews. Small portions but very tasty. Great for dates, wonderful ambiance and passion fruit mimosas to die for.
(4)
Rob R.
A bit of good and bad with this place. We were seated by the host and promptly forgotten about. Lucky for RMC, I really wanted to try the place since it was recommended by a good friend. After waiting 15 minutes for a waiter to acknowledge my existence, I went back to the host stand and let them know that I was ready to order. After that hiccup, things went smoothly. The problem with me when I go to a place like this is that I want to try a little bit of everything! Every item on the menu looked tasty. I decided on a mahi salsa verde ceviche and a roast pork torta, and my wife ordered a skirt steak torta. Everything was delicious. Note to other customers: if you plan on ordering a torta, don't order anything else.... it was huge! The outdoor seating is very nice. Prices reasonable. Service is good once you get it! Recommend!
(4)
Gerry B.
The atmosphere was great. A decent sized dining room and outside patio area with fountain. The menu was impressive, and you could tell that it was not standard Mexican fare. If I was hungrier I would have gotten a torta, which is a Mexican sandwich. I decided to go with an appetizer, so I had the ceviche platter which includes a choice of 4 ceviches out of a list of 6-7. I had Ahi Tuna, shrimp and two snapper ceviches. They were delicious, served with tortilla chips. I would definitely go back to this place and try more items on the menu. Excellent!
(4)
Charlie K.
Red Mesa Cantina is one of my favorites in The Berg. It's perfect if you're not in the mood to eat a whole lot, but still want a satisfying meal. Generally when I go (3 times so far) I order tapas style and get a few small items from the menu. Everything I've tried is really good (even the ketchup has an added chipotle flavor). *Edit: Removed address change suggestion since it finally got updated!
(4)
Marie-Noelle C.
I've been here several times and have enjoyed the food for the most part (I had the duck tacos one time and they were a little on the dry side). Other than that, other items I've tried have been pretty good. I usually start with the mofongo and then have a main course if I'm hungry, but if not then I'll just stick to the mofongo. The mofongo is sweeter than other preparations I've had, but it's still really delicious. The crispy, salty pork is nicely balanced with the sweetness of the plaintain. And top that off with the chimichurri sauce and it's insanely good. The atmosphere is varied there depending on the day and time you go. The weekends are usually packed with people later in the evening. It's really nice if you can sit outside in the brick courtyard with the water feature and bamboo plants that create this little hideaway.
(4)
David G.
The decor is fantastic, the tapas are excellent and the sangria is amazing! We have been here numerous times and have had a great experience each and every time! The wait staff is good (not great) but they are friendly with a little bit of an air of arrogance (every time). Either way, they get the order right, come back numerous times to check on you and are friendly for the most part. Great place to get together with friends, a first date or even a romantic late lunch /early dinner or just the two of you...
(4)
Renee W.
I went here with 3 other people on my birthday about a week ago.. It was a Monday, so needless to say we were one of two tables inside. The food was..good. I got the steak quesadilla and a duck taco. We also got guacamole, scallop ceviche, and mofongo (pork carnita, etc). The only thing I really LOVED was the duck taco. But I'm a sucker for anything duck. :) The mofongo (which was recommened to us by the waiter) was good at 1st, but quickly got so overwhelmingly garlicky. Between the three of us, we ate about 1/3 of it. Still..I was happy. The only thing that made me a little pissed at this place was when the time came to pay the bill. Our waiter dropped off our checks..then sat down at the table right next to us and proceeded to eat his own dinner. So rude. We had to practically flag him down to come cash us out. Oh, and he somehow ended up charging my friend twice. I still wanna give this place another chance. There is a a lot of stuff on the menu that looks so yummy. I just don't have the
(3)
David C.
I found a whole new establishment when I went back to the Cantina for dinner, like the shy girl who opens up the second date and gets wild. It was somebody's birthday, and that called for Sangria. Pitchers of it. Sweet, tart, fruity, and plentiful. A good mix. Started with a ceviche sampler - tried the Caribe (creamy coconut and ginger dressing with Ahi Tuna), the Pacifico (Swordfish with an olive/caper/chili blend), The Vera Cruz (Mahi in a smoky chipotle blend), and the Oriental (Salmon, orange, soy, ginger, edamame). Of those, the Oriental and the Vera Cruz were the stand outs - both spicy and unique. Our server was super friendly, but would not sell me one of the awesome luchador shirts he was wearing. Apparently, they're for staff only. Apparently, I may try to get a part time job, just for the shirt. I ate a fat duck quesadilla and a baja fish taco, both succulent and gorgeously plated. Tried nibbles of roasted grouper, a fruity gazpacho, and a trio of chip dips (guac, queso, refried beans). Everything was vibrant, bold enough to keep up with the intensity of the decor and the cool tang of the Sangria. Left full, smiling, warm. Good work, RMC. Maybe there'll be a third date.
(4)
L. D.
Actual visit was on 1/11/12. I had the Baja Fish Tacos - grilled mahi, salsa blanca, salsa roja, cabbage slaw, lime. Esquites - Mexican style roasted corn on cob, chipotle aioli, cotija cheese, lime. Chip dips - guac, black bean chorizo, chile cheese. The guac had way too much onion. I enjoyed my entire meal and I loved that Mexican corn on the cob.
(4)
Rob L.
Awesome place! Tuna Tacos have a unique flavor. So good I went two days in a row while on a biz trip in St Pete!
(5)
Mike D.
One consistency that I found during my limited stay in St. Petersburg was the atmosphere, design and overall relaxed atmospheres of the restaurants I visited. The other consistency had to do with food that was good on paper but sub-par in execution and flavor. This place attracted us immediately with it's outdoor patio and menu items but after a tapas sampler, we quickly decided to save some cash and head home to cook a dinner instead. We started with a pitcher of sangria to wind down a long weekend filled with biking and running. The sangria was rather juice-like so we decided to add a shot of tequila to it which evened it out a bit. I think this could be a great spot to go out to but in terms of enjoying well executed food, I am still on a mission in St. Pete.
(2)
Donald H.
Probably the best of Mexican cuisine in all of the Tampa Bay area...! Upscale, fine dining with quality ingredients...! Wonderful service....! All-in-all an excellent p;lace to enjoy the food of another culture..!
(5)
Chanel S.
Stopped here on our way home from the airport. Duck tacos and salsa were awesome. Atmosphere was super cool.
(4)
Boriana P.
Very nice place- cozy courtyard! Service was fantastic, food was exquisite - small portions, excellent presentation and even better taste. I had the mahi mahi with plantains and mango salsa. Hands down that was the best mahi I have ever had! It melted in my mouth. everything was so pretty, creative and tastefully set on my plate- I felt like a judge on Chopped! I can't wait to I back!
(5)
Suzanne S.
Wow! Fresh, well prepared and a very reasonable price. I had the ceviche of the day as an app but was really torn between ordering one of the daily specials or from the regular menu. I was eating at the bar (dining alone) and everyone around me, including the bartender and kitchen staff, were raving about the beef with chimichurri so that is what I did. It was very good but I don't think I could have made a bad choice regardless of what I ordered. I highly recommend this place. Be aware that they only serve beer and wine. The sangria is excellent.
(5)
John A.
Much better than the restaurant in my opinion, although there are times when service is a little- meh (though not as bad as the restaurant, that's for sure!) I really dig at atmosphere too. very hip and modern.
(4)
Andras C.
Great shrimp and crusted fish. Margharita was nice too. Pleasant outside seating, courteous service. Main lunch courses around 10 bucks.
(5)
Tami S.
Two things I always end up having . . . the Mahi Stack and the duck tacos. The Stack is on the lunch menu, but they'll make it for you at dinner if you ask. What an unbelievable combination of flavors - mahi stacked on avocado, candied red onion, tomato (I'm sure I'm forgetting something) on a bed of yucca logs with a tangy aioli sauce. The only downside is that it's a bit noisy - a challenge with many of our downtown restaurants with lots of hard surfaces inside - they're gorgeous but acoustically challenged. No matter, Cantina is a happening place, so why should they be quiet about it?!
(4)
Alexis A.
We visited on a Saturday night so it was super busy but Red Mesa managed to accommodate our large party (like 20 people large) pretty efficiently. Delicious food and beverages. Definitely has that umcha, umcha cantina feel rather than your classic Mexican restaurant feel. We didn't have the chance to appreciate it, but outside there was a jamming band and nice bar.
(4)
Tony Z.
4.5 stars Red Mesa is a hotspot in St Pete and I went on a wednesday night and the place was packed, which is a good sign to me. We started off with the chips with Guacamole, Queso and black bean dip. They were all good but the guacamole was very impressive. For the meal, I opted for the Beef tacos, it was a huge plate that came with 5 tortillas, a bowlful of shredded beef, cheese and pico de gallo. It was great, the beef was juicy and had a bit of spice, but the fresh cheese and tortillas made the tacos come together. Overall, Red Mesa has great food, good service and everything else. just not quite good enough for the 5 stars.
(4)
Food Jerk X.
Jeez, all these people raving about the duck tacos, you need to get to NYC someday. I mean, they were OK, but semi-ruined by the pineapple and other toppings. Ahi tuna was in fact fully ruined by sauces (HEAVY soy). Too bad in both cases, as they could have been great (duck tender, ahi very fresh). These dishes symbolize the failure that too often is fusion cuisine. On the other hand, the Cantinita ceviche was excellent--superbly fresh, light, citrusy, and with the perfect amount of heat.
(3)
Holly S.
My beau and I decided to make a trip down to St. Petersburg for a mini getaway and to see the Dali museum. Our first night we decided on Mexican food and I am thrilled we did. Entering Red Mesa was pleasing to the eye. The restaurant has a dark and modern yet, Mexican feel. I loveeee a great atmosphere! We sat in a comfy booth and were greeting right away by a 'too cool for school' waiter. He was trying to be friendly while keeping his 'dude facto'r to a high level..ugh. We first ordered red sangria and the queso dip and chips as an appetizer. The sangria was refreshing and delicious! The queso dip was good and unique. It had the perfect amount of spice with chorizo. At first I wasn't too fond with the balls of sausage in my cheese dip but, it grew on me. For dinner, my lover has the 'fat' burrito. He loved it!.. and that's all he said about it... so i'm sure it's delicious! I had the open faced crab and shrimp quesadilla. It was almost like eating shrimp and crab on a cracker. It was very delicious, but definitely not what I was expecting. The tortilla was crispy and I ate it like a pizza. Overall, we had a great time and would recommend this classy Mexican restaurant. :)
(4)
David F.
We went to the Red Mesa on a Sunday a little bit after noon before going to the Dali Museum. I would easily recommend this restaurant. I actually wish we had one in my hometown so I could go more often. We started our meal with some ceviche, I had a bowl of Posole, and a round Bloddy Mary's. All were excellent. For my meal I wanted tacos and chose three different ones: Ahi Tuna, Baja Fish, and the Duck. The Duck tacos are superb. The ambience is great as we sat outside with the waterfalls around us and the bamboo growing around the property to provide privacy while dining. Our server was Jon who new the menu inside and out and was very attentive.
(5)
Edgar R.
Excellent place, awesome set up, perfect atmosphere. Highly recommended, worth every penny they charge!!
(5)
Tiffany D.
Nice atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly staff. One of the best! Four stars because our server was a bit slow, but the atmosphere and food made up for it.
(4)
AJ W.
came here for lunch and was pleasantly suprised. The tacos were delicious (I had the tuna and the duck) very unusual combos...but very yummy. For lunch I though it was decently priced. I would like to check it out in the evening. The bar menu seemed quite nice. I will mention the eye candy there wasn't bad either :) Very attractive waitstaff...yeah, kinda pushy...but not obnoxious!
(4)
Julie T.
I've eaten here for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For romantic dates also work lunches. You get the idea. Last time was just a few weeks back for lunch on a Wednesday. Got there before the lunch crowd, didn't get my check till after the lunch crowd. Don't know what gave my server the idea I had plenty of time to kill because I didn't and I got a parking ticket.... 2.5 hours for a weekday lunch is uncool for us working folks. Yeah the food is always great, especially for st. pete standards. It gets packed and you may have to wait. Decently priced for the quality and the staff are really nice.
(4)
P G.
I have gone to this restaurant several times for lunch. They are able to accommodate large groups and their service is quick. They have great daily specials and the food has always been fresh and tasty. My favorite is the Ahi Tuna roll. The staff and presentation of the food is great. I would recommend this for lunch or dinner.
(4)
Kelly S.
Since margaritas are some what of a passion of mine (mainly drinking them), I hold very high standards. The Red Mesa did not disappoint. I especially like that you pick your tequila (dirty to rich) and then the 'mix'. The food was more upscale Mexican but they have an amazing and super large outdoor patio, great for big parties. This is the place to go for margaritas if you find yourself in downtown St Pete.
(3)
Kylin B.
I love this place!!! There is so much here to satisfy everyone. Yummy food. Great drinks. Cools live music. And an outdoor bar area that is amazing!!! Thanks Cantina.
(5)
Kyle G.
YUM! This place is surely one of my favorites in the Downtown St. Pete area. I was here again last night with a group of friends, and decided to try their ahi taco, as well as the tofu burrito. The ahi taco was fantastic, a little on the small side, but the fish was proportionately appropriate for ~$4 (as an appetizer). The tofu burrito was surprisingly good - the tofu was flavorful, and the burrito itself was huge (and packed with fresh ingredients). In the past, I've also tried the guacamole, the duck taco, and the steak quesadilla - and all were excellent. Also, try their red sangria. I don't know if it's homemade, but it's tasty and does the trick...
(5)
Linda M.
Great food, great drinks. More of a family place so if you are looking for quiet, this isn't it. But we loved it and our server Jackie was very helpful and welcoming. Wish there was a location in our part of Florida :(
(4)
Linda B.
Not a fan of Mexican but I really liked this place. Went with a group of about 15 and service was fabulous. Just had the nachos but later wished I'd ordered an entree when I saw others coming out. Next time! This would be a good place to dine al fresco once the humidity drops. Only negative was the restroom. Not that great and it was a Monday. Not sure I'd want to see it on a Friday! Our server Mike was awesome.
(4)
Donnie A.
Don't come if you want some cheap authentic Mexican food. If you want very good expensive pseudo Mexican this place is awesome ($5 a taco $4 chips and salsa with no refills). Great food and amazing atmosphere. Try their Bombas appetizer its like an Indian samosa but with chorizo and shrimp.
(4)
Tracey H.
Fun, hip dinner before (or after) you hit the nitelife. My husband and I have been going to the original Red Mesa since its conception so we were delighted that it now has a trendy "younger sis" downtown. We have only visited during a late dinner and loved it. The atmosphere was hopping but not pretentious. The waitstaff was a little slow but personable. The menu is smaller and slightly diferent than the original restaurant but we find that a plus especially if you are going out afterwards. Heading downtown? Give it a try! If you want the traditional, more filling Red Mesa--drive 3 mi. North.
(4)
MIKE V.
FIRST OFF - THE RED MESA CANTINA IS AT 128 3rd St S it is owned by the same RED MESA at 4912 4th St N ***The address is listed incorrectly at Google too.... Food is good, but a bit pricey for the portions. I requested extra spicey and they are far too cautious with the heat. Another reviewer was amazed with the Brownie dessert - honestly?? - the Chipotle Chocolate gelato was the best part of the dessert and as stated above very pricey for the portion.
(4)
Alex R.
From what I was told from friends that frequent it, this restaurant is much better as a dinner venue. I went for lunch and did enjoy myself. There is indoor seating in a dining area and an outdoor patio area with dinning as well as wet bars. Unfortunately the tortilla chips I had heard soo much about had been recently replaced with a new style of chips. These were well below average as far as taste and freshness. On the bright side the wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
(3)
Vanessa L.
Best Mexican food in Florida! Love the patio and the fruit gazpacho. Food is spicy and flavorful and the ambiance is killer.
(5)
Jason R.
The outdoor seating is nice. This is a great place to people watch. My only complaint is the service is very slow! Bring a book when eating here.
(2)
May M.
So good! I love the food and Mojitos here! THey run great happy hour specials as well!!!
(5)
Theo H.
Great music, slick bartender and delicious bean soup! Loved this place so much, that I came here three nights in a row when I last visited St. Pete!
(5)
Renee L.
This place is absolutely wonderful, my sweetheart and I took my daughter (who was visiting from California) here. We all loved it, this will be a regular for us. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious.
(5)
Bob C.
Our favorite St. Petersburg restaurant. The food is creative, fresh and as spicy as you care for. The staff is friendly and attentive. The menu is like no other in town. For example, you want fries? You get Yucca fries and they are simply great. If you want a hamburger, theirs has a hint of Mexican chorizo and is routinely recognized as the best burger in town. The Saturday and Sunday brunch is also the best in town. Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and uniques spicy egg dishes. The restaurant features popular outdoor seating in an enclosed courtyard, as well as comfortable indoor seating.
(5)
Vanessa B.
This was fantastic!! We spent the afternoon in St. Pete to visit the Dali Collection and the Chihuly Collection and we stopped in here for lunch. What a treat! The service was fantastic and all of our dishes were delicious. The white sangria was sweet and refreshing and the banano split was phenomenal! Highly recommend.
(4)
Lady F.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. Some of my faves include the duck quesadillas, and the lunch special of pork verde burrito. The plantains are delicious, but I don't much care for the cream sauce they are served with. Gallo pinto is a great side dish, with rice, red beans and a cilantro pesto sauce that really makes it pop. Also, they have a late night menu that serves a small midnight menu until 1 am! Perfect for when you need to take a break from partying at Push upstairs!
(4)
Jake D.
Hate to say this. Went there today and really looked forward to it. Ordered drinks, flights of tequila, and mofango. Mofango was excellent. Drinks never showed up. We watched the manager eye us and never come over. Everybody in our group had restaurant experience and were appalled by the service. All they had to do was come over and talk to us.
(1)
James H.
well, first and foremost, i always have to determine how vegan-friendly a restaurant is. with only a few potentially vegan options on the menu i can't go the extra mile and give them the 4th star even if the dish i did try warranted it. for starters there are no vegan options on the menu, but the vegetarian ones can be made vegan with the easy elimination of the cheese. i opted for the tofu scramble, made with pineapple, marinated tofu, onions and peppers. the tofu was very good and the tamarind mojito marinade was nice and tangy and a perfect complement for the pineapple in the dish. the red beans and rice, which were coated in a great chimmichurri were excellent as well. there is definitely a happening vibe in the joint and some great people watching. it's loud, so not the best place for an intimate conversation. also the tables and booths are all wide open, so don't really expect any privacy. i'd go back, just wish they had a few more veg-friendly options on the menu.
(3)
Patricia S.
Everything about the Cantina is on point! The food is amazing. The ambiance is perfect, and the service is definitely unbeatable! Specifics: the duck, qasadilla or taco, the guac, Yucca fries - OMG.. You name it, we've tried it, and we've never left disappointed. Not to mention an amazing out door bar (the lucha bar) with live music on the weekends! Go... Try it... Now! You will love it!
(5)
Jessie S.
We love red Mesa. The ahi tuna salad is my favorite. The drinks are reasonably priced. I dig sitting outside in the patio. I love the atmosphere although it's really noisy inside.
Love the outside seating area. Boyfriend and I went for our Anniversary dinner and we got seated near the little fountain, it was really romantic! Great place for a date!
(4)
Virg M.
Can I say amazing Hibiscus martini and food!! Service was excellent and welcoming! Food looked fantastic and tasted even better!! Can't wait to go back! Outdoor seating is the best!
(5)
Michaelle W.
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in St Pete's because of their Duck Tacos! Yes, one single dish will make this a five star, well, that and the outdoor seating. :) I've been to this location now twice, and have enjoyed it immensely both times. As the waiter told us on my second visit, you can get super cheap drinks after 7pm. He then waited till 7pm to put our order in so we could get the discount. The chips and triple sampler of dips was delicious. The queso and guacamole were my favorites dips, the black bean was tasty but not my thing. They will bring refills of course which makes them amazing. I've had sangria and wine as well. I've had their steak quesadilla and duck tacos, and duck quesadilla. I just want to say that the sweet sauce on the duck taco and quesadilla was amazing. Wow! The duck was tasty and delicious especially when swirled in the sauce. I would go back each time just for that. The atmosphere outdoors is great as well. Both times I've gone it has been sunny out, yet the outdoor area is shaded for the most part which makes it quite enjoyable. It's not too loud on week nights, and parking is easy right there on 3rd or 2nd. Thumbs up guys, and I'll be back!
(5)
Neal B.
Such an incredible atmosphere and great filet burrito
(4)
Gregg W.
Brilliant food. Great chicken quesadilla. Steak Taco was perfect. The sangria is good and decently priced as well. Really loved this joint. Don't get the taco salad though. It's garbage. Everything else is Fleek
(5)
Amanda W.
Duck taco - juicy meat paired well with the cheese Open faced shrimp quesadilla - perfection, just a few less tomatoes needed Yummy mimosas! The fruit starter is not worth it!!!! $5 for a mini side of melon and 2 grapes. Sit outside (next to the cute fountain) under a big umbrella.
(4)
MickeyBlue I.
So many positive things to say about this place. For starters don't be fooled by the building, it's huge! Kinda has a an American feel to it, minus the Mexican Wrestling theme. This place has some serious Mexican cooking going on in the kitchen! I was seated close enough to hear the activity in the kitchen and it was perfection! The chef calling out orders (in Spanish) had everything under control. The food speaks for itself, fresh, authentic and delicious. Starting off with the Queso dip w/fresh hot and crispy chips. We couldn't stop eating it. I tried 3 Tacos (a pork,duck & steak) the pork being my favorite! All 3 were cooked perfectly and delicious. My Bae reluctantly ordered the Pork Mofongo, not expecting much being that it's a typical Puerto Rican dish. I'm going on the record and saying it was the BEST Mofongo I've ever had! You must must try it. The service was friendly and although it was lunch time it was not crowded at all. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Shane B.
Love this place, especially for brunch after a long night out! I had the Breakfast El Gordo burrito and my wife had the Eggs Benedicto and they were excellent as always. Also enjoyed a spicy Bloody Mary while sitting in the courtyard. Service was quick and friendly. Great bar area next to the courtyard. Highly recommend.
(5)
Christine L.
Ehh. Descent food, but nothing impressive. The outdoor patio and live music seemed to be the main attractions.
(3)
Kathie D.
Friday's Lunch is a must! This is the only day that they serve Chicken and yellow rice! Sides are black beans and onions, which are very tasty and fried plantains which are delicious! The serving is more than enough, I always seem to take half home! If you do not get there early for lunch on a Friday you might miss out if this most scrumptious dish, they only make one large batch. Service was very good and quick, enough time to enjoy and get back to work.
(5)
Gladys C.
The BEST brunch in St Pete!! The passion fruit Mimosa is outstanding!! Food and service impeccable!! If you get Rachel for your server you win the lottery! Highly recommend!!!
I am obsessed with their Mufungo (sp?). It's listed as an app, but is enough for a meal. At first glance, it does not look the most appetizing. It is served in three large scoops of pulled pork, sweet plantains and amazingly garlic chorizo sauce. One bite and your are hooked! The queso con carne is a bit pricy, but too yummy to pass up. It is a white, creamy queso with small chunks of beef. If weather permits, I strongly recommend outdoor seating. They have their patio fixed up quite cute with fountains and mosaics. Great place for happy hour too!
(5)
Chris S.
Went for lunch got duck and fish taco. Duck was good and different fish was ok. Wife got the shrimp burrito she say it was average nothing more. The best thing from their that day was the red sangria, i love sangria and they have a good one. I'm being very generous with giving three more like a 2.5. Dont thing I'll return.
(3)
Hans E.
Two words: duck tacos! If you're not into duck, no worries. Lots of other super delectable morsels. We love this place. My wife and I are regulars. We drive down from Clearwater on "date night" and it's our place to relax and finish the convos our 5 kids keep interrupting. Their mixed drinks are plentiful and abundant as are the flavors in their tasty food creations. HUGE sipping tequila menu, by the way--in every price range. RMC also has great ambiance. We like to sit outside whenever we can. Highly recommend!
(5)
Aleema A.
This is a cute Mexican place in downtown St. Petersburg. I have eaten here several times and it has never disappointed. What I found the most fascinating about here is the amount of tequila they have on display. There's a unique story to all of them and the bartenders will answer any question you have about it. While we were waiting for my friend to show up, I ended up ordering a margarita that was poured out of a tap! I had never seen that before and it was a quality margarita as well! We had a rather large party and they staff was very accommodating and the service was excellent. Can't wait to return and try everything else they have on the menu!
(4)
Laura G.
I have been to red Mesa Cantina before, and usually like it very much. However, I had lunch with my friend today and it wasn't good. Red Mesa Cantina used to have fresh fish, the mahi-mahi I ate for lunch was frozen, tasted awful.
(2)
Scott F.
Must try the Nacho Sanchez w/ Chicken. Best nachos ever! Great service from Kristine!
(5)
Heidi P.
I was out of town visiting friends from Tampa and we came here for the late night menu. The drinks were hit or miss. The late night menu was limited and the service was okay. We went up stairs to the rooftop deck and it was nice but a really random bunch of people. This place was fun for visiting but I wouldn't return back to this place.
(2)
Becky T.
Delicious! We stopped by here with a large party to celebrate just being together. It was a busy night, but we had a reservation and got a table no problem. Fajitas were the special so most of us ordered those and they were tasty-pretty normal tex mex fare. The drinks were worth trying too as they had several twists on the traditional Mexican libations. The service hit one hitch with a drink not showing up but the server removed that from the bill, but still brought the drink. The server also did a good job putting in late order and having it out just after the people arrived. The extra nice surprise was a birthday treat just for me. Would definitely stop here again!
(5)
Melissa Z.
I could not have been more happy with my meal here if The Most Interesting Man in the World was serving these heavenly tacos to me. (Well, my boyfriend is the most interesting man in the world, but you know who I mean.) I'm Latin, so if anyone is going to be super critical about tacos it is me. This is more Cali-Mexican to me but whatever you want to label it, I loved every slapping bit. I ordered the fish taco and the shrimp taco. Sufficient amount of protein and the fish tasted very fresh. Fish tacos have a tendency to be a little bland, but not here. The spices cooked on the fish/shrimp combined with the other Mexican stuffing in the taco came together beautifully for a super flavorful punch in each bite. It could have been better with some fresh cilantro to bring some brightness to the dish. The drinks are delicious. I had the strawberry mint cocktail and I could have had three. It was like liquid adult candy. They are a little on the weak side though. And I love the layout here. Huge outdoor patio teaming with energy, a little indoor area that has a really trendy-lounge vibe to it and a vast bar area.
(4)
Jerry H.
I didn't think this location was as good as the mother ship on 4th Street, but it was OK. The guacamole was strangely bland and the chips were pedestrian. The two shredded beef tacos were pretty good, nothing special. The shrimp taco was also decent. Very young, hip atmosphere, but the food seems to be almost an afterthought. The service was excellent. Value so-so.
(3)
Melissa M.
I really like this place - the food is so freaking good. We started with empanadas. It's obvious that everything on the plate matters to Red Mesa. The sauces and garnishes are all very flavorful. The burritos are ridiculously huge and are delish. My 8 & 10 year old split one and were stuffed. I had the chicken diner this time. Not your typical grilled chicken and rice. Everything was flavorful and stood out on its own. Citrus, cilantro, onion, some kind of amazing cream sauce. Wow. Studsband had tacos: duck, beef, and pork. His favorite was pork but he seemed to enjoy them all the same - clean plates all around! :)
(4)
Hannah P.
My family and I went here for the first time on Sunday after the Rays game and it was fantastic! The waitress suggested amazing drinks and the food had great flavor. It was a little too dark in the dining room, so the next time we go back I would definitely want to try sitting outside.
(4)
Corinne K.
We went for lunch as a family day out and had a wonderful lunch. I had the Red Sangria and it was okay - opt for the additional Brandy - it is worth it. We ordered the guacamole as an appetizer and it was good. My husband got an oyster shooter and it was a mini-meal in a glass. We were both blown away by the taste and the size. My son had the chicken quesadilla, I had the shrimp los cabos ceviche and my husband has the duck, puled pork and steak tacos. The duck was absolutely AMAZING!!! We also got a side of the fried sweet plantains. Very Good!!! With the amount of food that we ordered there was no room for dessert and we had a ton to take home. The server that we had was great. The food came out incredibly fast and our server was very accommodating and attentive (and they were packed). I will return to Red Mesa and have recommended it to friends.
(4)
Erin C.
First visit here was on July 18th and we quickly returned. The array of margaritas were wonderful. The ceviche is out of this world, we sampled 4 different kinds, I highly recommend the octopus with olives. Some of us tried the duck quesadilla (excellent), while two of us tried different burritos. We sat outside near the bar and loved the motif. A great mid-point between the more formal Red Mesa on 4th and the window service of Mercado.
(4)
Chris V.
The duck confit is AMAZING! The Ahi Tuna is great too! Very nice location, ambiance is cool but not pretentious. Great bar and selection of tequilas. Great place!
(5)
Brad S.
Ripoff. 2.50 for salsa. And tiny tacos. Omg. For drunk kids only. This was on a First Friday when downtown St. Pete is staggering with drunks, so I guess the thought here is to take advantage of the situation. The tiny little duck taco came on a cold tortilla, and the bartender at first refused to provide any salsa. He actually said, "This isn't Taco Bell." When I asked him if the customer was always right, he stared at me. "So who is right? You or the customer?" That sent him to the kitchen for the salsa, but he then charged for a teaspoon of it, and refused to refill. Lame joint. Honestly, maybe Taco Bell is better.
(1)
Eric R.
Great place for a business lunch, a nice dinner, or an evening drink. The food is great and there are plenty of Mexican dishes to choose from. They have your typical tacos and burritos, but also amazing traditional Mexican meals.
Yumtown 2014. I hadn't been to Red Mesa in years and I was happy to come back for a friend's birthday dinner. We sat at the bar before dinner and enjoyed a DELICIOUS pitcher of sangria (add the brandy, it's worth it). It was pretty crowded when we were here but the service was still really good. I went for a shrimp dish with veggies (diet life) but my friends all got traditional Mexican dishes and really enjoyed them. I want to come back for brunch!
(4)
Ryan C.
Awesome authentic Mexican food. Outside patio is great. My favorite is Sunday Brunch - more than enough food and a decent price.
(5)
Stephanie D.
Wow, service is awesome here! Try the margaritas too! I had beef fajitas and they were great. I would recommend this place to everyone, they have ambiance, great food and great staff. If you are at the Hilton it's a short walk and worth it!!
(5)
Amanda R.
My husband and I ate at red Mesa cantina for lunch and we were impressed. I had the duck tacos and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed them. Our food and drinks came out in a timely manner and our server Kathryn was awesome!
(5)
Todd W.
I go out in downtown St. Petersburg about as often as the Rays sellout a home game, but really wanted to meet a friend who works in Bradenton for Happy Hour on a weekday and this was a geographically convenient place for us to do so. Next time, this will be a destination as I had a very good first impression overall. Enjoyed sitting outside without feeling too hot or cramped and the bartender was a really good guy who worked for many years at the old Dan Marino's. Just had a couple rounds of drinks this time, but liked the look of the menu and look forward to coming back to taste a few things that others have raved about here on Yelp. Parking on the street nearby was absolutely no issue and was free after 6pm on weekdays.
(4)
Billy E.
Unique, inspired Tex-Mex in a classy atmosphere. The food is always good and you have the option to dine inside or out. This is one of our default restaurants to take out of town guests. To top it off the Margaritas are excellent.
(5)
Rhonda P.
I always go to the 4th St N location and the food is phenomenal. Great unique recipes. Not your ordinary Mexican restaurant!
(5)
Sabrina L.
Can we say $3 Margaritas for Happy Hour?!! Yes.....Glory be to the happy hour specials after work :) Food options are fantastic too, authentic flavors and excellent choice options...love the salsa :)
(5)
Jamie L.
Pleasant place, perfect for a social setting. They have a nice bar for night life. On a nice sunny day, you could sit outside in their Spanish style patio/courtyard to enjoy your meal. Service was prompt and server was nice and friendly. I really like their appetizers. The bombas, made like hush puppies with a side of habanero aioli sauce are expertly made. Taste delicious, if you're into fried foods. I also ordered the empanada which also taste good, had a tomato and beef base sauce on top. Thought it tasted a bit salty and spicy - that's just in my honest opinion.
(4)
Carey F.
The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and the menu describes some tasty sounding dishes, but unfortunately the food wasn't all that great. We ordered chips with three kinds of dip. None of the dips had much flavor or any heat to them. After that we tried a few of the tacos and found they were sadly inadequate and mostly bland. The worst of the bunch was the Steak Fajita taco which is comprised of one strip of steak, a strip of onion and a strip of green pepper glued together with a lot of melted cheese. That's it. No seasoning or salsa of any kind...yuck! Although I'd rate the food a two, I'm giving an extra point for good service and atmosphere.
(3)
Brady S.
I am not someone who hands out a lot of Five star ratings. However, I truly believe this place deserves one. The food is great, always fresh and tasty. I love the variety of items on the menu and the fusion between Mexican/Spanish classics mixed with non-traditional, new ideas. An example is the "Filet" al Chipotle burrito. It is a steak burrito worthy of mention and capable of causing spontaneous moments of love and happiness in your stomach. The food presentation is well-done and not sloppy. I personally do not find that a plate with beans and rice slopped into a flat, shapeless pile, next to a burrito that is buried below a lava flow of sauces, to look very appetizing. Red Mesa isn't like a French restaurant with their presentation but, at least they put in a little bit of effort and show your plate of food some love. The ambiance is great, both inside, where there is a tequila bar with over 300+ tequilas from around the world, and also on the outside. Their outside area is an absolutely gorgeous, walled-in and huge patio. The outside also has a Lucha bar, which is a very cool homage to famous Mexican Lucha Wrestlers. So back to the tequila bar... I cannot think of another place that has one? And especially not one with over 300 different bottles of "just tequila." This place is the St. Pete Mecca for tequila enthusiasts. The Red Mesa Cantina is a lot of fun and a favorite of my family and I. The food, drinks and ambiance are all top-notch. I would highly recommend to anyone that they give it a whirl, with only one exception, someone who does not like Mexican/Spanish food at all.
(5)
Steven L.
I love this place. I recently moved to downtown St Pete and I have made Red Mesa my happy hour joint. The food is great the service is amazing. The bartenders are friendly and are quick to offer drink and food suggestions. Jason and Rachel are amazing bartenders and offer great drink suggestions. Definitely a place to visit!
(5)
Seamus M.
Tl;dr review: Hostess sat us in an unattended section, no appetizer plates, hair in appetizer, and left before meal came out. I'm never going back. I've been to this location several times in the past and the service has been hit or miss, but the food has always been good. The last time we were here a few months back, we were sat in an unattended section and sat for a good 15-20 minutes before someone realized we were there. The waiter was very apologetic and offered us a free appetizer and completely turned us from being disgruntled to happy guests over the course of dinner. I chalked this one experience up to an honest mistake as we've had good service here in the past. We decided to go back last night because my girlfriend and her friend wanted sangria and tacos. We were promptly greeted by hostess and were seated in the first available section. She sat us inside, by the bar. I realized we were in an unattended section after about 10 minutes of staring at each other wondering where our waiter/waitress was. About 15 minutes in, a couple of people came by to ask if we were being helped and our order was taken. Cool, we can start drinking and eating, right? Nope. Our drinks and appetizer came out several minutes after we ordered and we were told our appetizer would be comp'd by the house, which was a nice gesture, but not something we had requested. We were expecting someone to come by with appetizer plates as there were 3 people at the table and we were sharing. My GF had to get up and request the plates after about 5-7 minutes of unsuccessfully trying to get someone's attention. OK, we have everything we need and we can finally enjoy our dinner, right? Nope. After having a few bites of the appetizer, our friend pulls a long black hair out of the food that was not any of ours. My girlfriend and her friend both had blonde hair and I have short black hair. At that point, we had lost all hope of having a pleasant experience at this establishment. My girlfriend politely notified one of the wait staff that was helping us that we were no longer interested in having dinner before we left. The young woman (waitress) and manager were both very apologetic and offered the already prepared food to-go, but we no longer wanted to take any more chances with the food. We left for another restaurant close by that had excellent service and food. In summary, the restaurant is hip, food is good, but service is very hit or miss. Based on my previous experiences with this restaurant, I'll gladly take my money elsewhere.
(1)
Rosemary N.
Love this place! Quick, filling, and tasty! Lots of room. All outdoor seating. Some is covered seating and some open air. My husband and I have been eating at Red Mess since it opened its first restaurant on 4Th Street in St. Pete. Red Mesa always creates AWEOME restaurants. Each with a different vibe and fills different needs.
(4)
Dharam K.
These folks know how to cook tofu! And that is really rare! The el Gordo with tofu was amazing and filling. The rice was actually a tasty component. Usually it's just taking up space, but it was yummy! The tofu tacos with pineapple were delicious. I could eat 3 orders for lunch probably. Definitely going to remember this spot!
(5)
Sarah J.
I can't say enough about the Duck Quesadillas... Seriously delicious. Sat outside with the great weather and had Rachel, who was the sweetest server. Great food, great atmosphere and great service.
(5)
Kait A.
Went expecting a regular menu and got brunch menu. The menu did not include beans and rice anywhere, which I think of as a staple item for Mexican restaurants. My margarita tasted like salt was dumped into it but then I switched to a mimosa and it was much better. The food portions were quite small; we ordered tofu tacos and an appetizer, but still. Chips and salsa aren't free. All in all, this place is clearly billed as an upscale Mexican spot and the food is pretty good, but it's not exactly what I expect when I think Mexican.
I went with some girlfriends for drinks and appetizers. It is a cute spot downtown. The food was great and we enjoyed hanging out on the patio.
(4)
John C.
Great food, great servIce and great atmosphere! We definitely will return soon and bring the family.
(5)
Tori N.
Awesome, awesome food and great service. We were waited on by Kaitlyn who was very friendly and told us a couple cool places to go in the area since we're from Tampa. I cleaned my entire plate and was so stuffed lol. The red sangrias were awesome too.
(5)
Wanda P.
Margaritas are delicious! Loved the strawberry margarita--not too sweet-- muddled strawberries. Duck taco was amazing as was the ahi taco Shredded beef Barbacoa was outstanding,served with rice and beans not too spicy but very flavorful. Eat on sidewalk, courtyard or inside. Friendly staff, excellent service. They brought the dog at the table beside us
(4)
Holly C.
This is one of my most favorite places to dine. I would wait in line for their Raspberry Tea. I love their fish tacos. You should definitely go! I have always left happy.
(5)
Valerie F.
What a great atmosphere! My boyfriend and I were visiting St Pete from out of town and saw this place on Yelp. We didn't really know what expect. But this place is a great find. Luckily for us, it was happy hour and I got a classic margaritas on the rocks for half off. For an app, we got the Cantinitas ceviche. It was really meaty with a little bit of heat. Yum! My boyfriend ordered the Seafood Mofongo and I ordered three tacos: duck, ahi tuna, and the Baha fish. The Mofongo was excellent... A myriad of flavors. I loved the sweetness of the duck taco and the Asian influence of the ahi tuna but I felt the Baha fish lacked flavor. Overall, it was a great find.
(4)
Nina M.
The place is more Tex-Mex than anything. I like that they have "a la carte" items and their guacamole is to die for. I also liked their Mexican coffee/chocolate brunch drink. The wait isn't usually too long even wen it's busy. Service is prompt and friendly. I love both the indoor and outdoor atmosphere with the fountain and the bar area. I would have given the place another star, but my issue is consistency. The same taco I had one time was not the same taco I had another time. It tasted relatively the same, but some of the flavors were watered down and the presentation wasn't great. It's happened on more than one occasion. Worth the $4 for the taco? Not really. When it's all said and done, it's a good place for decent Tex-Mex style food and good for drinks with friends. Don't come here expecting authentic Mexican food because you won't find it here.
(3)
Robert F.
Let me say the flavor of the tacos I ate were amazing and in particular the Ahi Tuna taco blew my mind. FRESH! A little Heat! And Perfect corn tortilla! This would be a 4 or maybe even a 5 star review if it wasn't for the fact each taco was just under $5. The Ahi was worth that but the rest.... Not so much.
(3)
Kelly F.
Excellent Sunday Brunch. Great vegetarian selections for brunch or dinner/lunch. Fabulous mimosas. It's a bit noisy inside and the bathrooms are awkward my placed and limited. Highly recommended, I would go back.
(5)
Cody R.
Overpriced, small portion sizes. My wife got two beef tacos for 9$ the margarita was the same price. Nothing wrong with the taste of the food. Loud atmosphere, hard to hear each other. Not the best place to a date night. But Friday night with friends would work better. Will not return. Remember... Date your wife. God bless
(3)
Christian M.
Wow is this the best Tex Mex restaurant in St Pete or what? The margaritas are excellent and the pork enchiladas and crab and shrimp quesadilla are amazing. The service is also excellent. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for a la carte and smaller portions, that's the only drawback but it is definitely worth the experience at least once.
(5)
Crosby H.
The Ceviche was 5 star! 6 or 7 flavor options with multiple seafood choices and the sampler platter (you pick 4) was a beautiful presentation, huge portions and some of the best I have ever had and there are two Miami restaurants competing for my palate when it comes to ceviche. My friends filet burrito I think it was called was excellent, very tender well flavored beef, not your typical burrito. The only reason it was not a total 5 star is that although my tacos were good the steak taco was a little bland and the soft shells were corn and I tend to like the wheat personally. Great ambience, server very nice, hostesses disinterested.
(4)
Dorene M.
My favorite local restaurant,I always have a good meal here. My friends and I had dinner at the Cantina last night to celebrate my birthday, We had a table of 11 people and as always the service was great. For the table we ordered the chips with sampler and chip with salsa. The guacamole was really good and the queso had great flavor. The black bean dip was ok, nothing stood out about it. A couple of us ordered the duck tacos and duck quesadillas, As always they were delicious, great flavor. A friend ordered the mahi sandwhich with mango, she said it was very good. Everyone's meal was delicious. If you go there and you are a duck fan, definitely get there duck torta or duck taco, they both sooo good. About half way into dinner a band started playing they were really good but it was a just little too loud. They were good but we couldn't hear each other. SO if you want to have a conversation you should probably sit in the courtyard. Don't forget duck torta or duck taco, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jami N.
First of all, the place just looks cool. The exposed brick and the twinkle lights on the outside patio make for a great ambience and atmosphere. We sat in the cocktail area at the outside bar which was connected to the patio. Pricilla took care of us and she was very nice, helpful and patient with my slight indecisiveness. I got the Cucumber Margarita, it was phenomenal and I don't even really like margaritas. David got a handmade margarita which he liked very much as well. We just had chips and three dips. They were decent. We didn't stay for dinner as we had already planned on going elsewhere but there were several menu items that sounded good so we will probably try it next time we are in town. As we were leaving there was a person setting up outside to play live music which is always a plus!
(5)
april s.
Came here at 6pm on a Tuesday for drinks and a bite to eat with my friend. We sat outside in the courtyard. The setting was both chic and comfortable, and I was surprised to see that they had a good number of people seated already, even though it was early. We ordered margaritas (hibiscus and passion fruit to start, and two classics for round two), and they were ON POINT. They use real juice in their margaritas...none of that concentrated mix crap. If it weren't for the fact that we were sticking to the happy hour menu (and that I would have passed out in the courtyard fountain), I could have tried every specialty cocktail on the menu, because they looked awesome. The food menu was similar to the drinks menu: everything caught my eye. We ordered the bombas and the huachinango (sp?) ceviche to start. The ceviche was excellent. The bombas were also really good...maybe the best croquetas I've ever had, actually. When we got close to the end of our starters, we ordered the mofongo (straight up--not the seafood one), which was also delicious. But, by the time I started eating it, I was two margaritas in and feeling pretty full. If I lived closer to St. Pete, I would come back to try so many things (all of the ceviches, the duck taco, the seafood mofongo, the pulpo...I can't remember what else was on the menu, but it was all very enticing). I almost forgot to mention the service. I wish I remembered our server's name, because I'd give him a proper nod on here. He knew the menu really well, and he was attentive without being pushy. Shout out to the kitchen and bar, too--our food and drinks came out in good time.
(5)
Maher E.
Food and drink is very good and I have been to Red Mesa on more than one occasion and I like going there but the service is not good in my opinion. I was seated at a table with no silverware. Waiter obviously not familiar with menu at all. guacamole and chips arrive, still no drinks, no water, no silverware. Guacamole and chips eaten, still no drinks, no water, no silverware. General disregard for customer service from staff. Overall, I think I am done with this place, the service really is lacking and not something I care to experience while trying to enjoy an evening out.
(2)
Jason C.
Great food! My friends and I shared the mixed ceviche combination and some tasty tacos. The food tasted fresh and was very shareable. We also had margaritas. Their flavored margaritas were quite good. I would have preferred mine a bit less sweet, but that's a frequent malady of mine with most food and beverage items. The service was generally attentive and the outdoor seating was quite comfortable.
(4)
David D.
A chain restaurant basically. Owned by a St Pete conglomerate. The food was less than mediocre I would encourage your opinion. I found it had NO Mexican authenticity. Designed to be a gathering place for drinks only. Go elsewhere, this is a forgettable dining letdown.
(2)
Michelle B.
This was the first restaurant we ate at when we moved to St. Pete. It's delicious. Absolutely delicious and a really satisfying atmosphere. Our first server was amazing and I wish I could remember her name to give her a shout out. Our subsequent servers have been adequate but not as committed and fun as our first experience. If you're just looking for delicious and affordable Mexican food, head here!
(5)
Sean C.
Great spot, the tacos were phenomenal and white wine sangria light and refreshing. the amazing fountain in the middle sets the tone.
(5)
Tim W.
Not bad. Good staff and very quick service. Food is good but not much more than that. I haven't had any other Mexican in St Pete so I don't have much of a comparison for this place. The outdoor area was nice and relaxing - you can probably do better food wise though.
(3)
Hillary V.
This place is pretty cool. The majority of the seating is outdoors, whether that be in the bar area or on the patio. The decor is pretty cool too. Over the weekend there's a lot going on like live bands. They've also got TVs, so it's a good place to watch games. Food wise, I only had a chicken quesadilla, but I loved it. Normally when I go, I have drinks at the bar. There are lots of options, but the tequila choices are on point. And finally, the staff is always very nice. I'm a fan.
(5)
Jen R.
This is our very favorite restaurant in St. Pete! The service is good, the food is AMAZING, in our opinion, and the atmosphere of the outdoor garden is pretty & fun! Try the duck quesadillas & the chips & dip trio (queso, black bean drip, & guac).
(5)
Jack S.
I love Red Mesa but this place seems to be trying to compete w/ Taco Bus. They failed. Even though I am no longer a huge fan of Taco Bus since they changed their refried beans and got rid of tamale weekends (please bring back those awesome, big tamales), I think this place is just kind of a fancied up casual dining that is a bit over priced. The food is good, tacos are pretty tasty but they charge you $5 for corn on the cob (Esquites), which is good and has a pretty nice cheese/spice topping but really, $5 corn? I haven't had much of the specialties so I will probably give this another try but for now, 3 stars for overpriced corn.
(3)
Jessica P.
I have been frequenting this place since it's opening. At some points more frequently than others; like my "I'm single and can drink margaritas all day on a Saturday if I want to!" days. No matter when I come, it never disappoints. Consistency is important and an awesome trait in a restaurant, and this place has nailed it. My favorites include: Margaritas (duh!) Breakfast shots on the weekend ( see note about single days) Duck tacos Chorizo burger Ceviche Anything you order is going to be awesome!
(5)
Vanessa M.
My husband and I had been told we need to visit here while in St. Pete. We were spending the day there, so when we walked by earlier in the day around 2, we asked if we could make reservations for that evening, but were told that they don't do reservations on the weekends. However, the very nice hostess said if we came back around 6 we shouldn't have a problem getting in. We decided we would definitely do that! The building looked so awesome. Very unique dark brick and we saw there were beautiful patio lights. We returned that evening at 5pm- we were hungry! They had a table for two outside available for us, and as soon as we walked in we were both smitten! The outdoor area had lots of greenery, lights, and a beautiful waterfall/water fountain thing coming from two different directions, with a little bridge you can walk across. Truly enchanting! The mexican wrestling theme was awesome. We would've given 5 stars had the food been better.. That shows how amazing the atmosphere is! We each had a quesadilla, one chicken and one steak! Both pretty good, but nothing crazy amazing that made us say, "this is the best Mexican food ever!" The portions were smaller than we expected. We also had the chips and homemade salsa.. Good but pretty average for Mexican restaurant. We were disappointed they weren't complimentary, like most places. We definitely say Red Mesa Cantina is worth your time if you're looking for a really fun place with a great atmosphere! Expect good but average food.
(4)
Allie P.
Service here was horrible. Bottom line. I yelped this place and decided to take my parents here because of the photos showing the atmosphere of sitting outside. Upon arrival, the host was insanely cranky with us for no reason, and said it would be a 30+ minute wait to sit outside... At 3:30pm... With 5+ open tables visibly open outside... We waited much longer than that due to the host putting our buzzer number in the system incorrectly. The bartender Dan was our only saving grace. I watched people walk in and get seated outside and was pretty irate. After being seated we had to ask for chips and salsa. And the salsa never arrived, just plain chips. Then we ordered and we never received one of our 4 dishes, which then arrived after we asked where it was. I am embarrassed to have had such poor service with my parents. I won't come back, unless it's for a beer and Dan is the bartender.
(1)
Jenn H.
Stumbled upon this restaurant while on our way to the movies. Loved the ambience, empanadas were to die for and nachos with the refried beans and jalapeños were delish! My son had the pulled pork tacos but didn't really enjoy it. Not what he was used to. Sangria was good, and our server was very attentive.
(4)
Virginia G.
The only thing good about this place is the tequila selection, which I have to assume my fellow Yelpers imbided in plenty of in order to leave such raving reviews as they had. They ONLY reason I'm giving it 2 stars is because of the drinks. THe food here, well, it just sucks. I've been here twice in the last couple months and I'm not sure which visit was worse. From the black bean dip, to the guac loaded with onion, the queso that has hamburger in it, ceviche marinated so badly you can hardly chew it, let's not forget that disgusting thing they call a burrito with that formed mound of dry brownish rice on the side. How do they stay open serving this stuff? Dinner companion fared a little better with his chili rubbed salmon dish. It looked quite good, it tasted too fishy. So we tried a second time. It can't be that bad and I do love me some tequila. WRONG..it's that bad. The hostess can barely stop talking long enough to seat us, we have toa sk for silverware, napkins etc and once again the food is terrible! Just plain terrible. I'd go here for drinks, never the food, not even after a belly full of tequila. Nope, just don't do it!
(2)
Stacy N.
The outdoor patio is rich with ambience. Service started slow with a wait for our first visit but our server was pleasant and engaging and attentive after that. Chips and salsa were addicting. Duck tacos were surprisingly delicious. Mofongo (sp?) was crazy good. And don't miss the sangria.
(4)
Joseph P.
Not super stoked on Red Mesa. They seated us suuuuuper fast, which was nice. The food wasn't awesome. The descriptions weren't helpful, and our meals were average. Nothing terrible, just sort of "meh."
(3)
Amy D.
Calling all fans of Nacho Libre. If you're in St. Pete, this is a fun spot with great ambience, food and close to local bars. If the weather is nice, the outside area is the place to eat. Enjoy the fresh air with a margarita and some duck tacos. The only downside is, no flour tortillas. If you're like me, I'm not a fan of the corn tortillas so I just dig forthe goodness inside. Bartenders are always great outside too. You can tell (I could be wrong) that they enjoy working there and always have the best suggestions whether you're looking for a refreshing beverage or grub.
(4)
Clinton F.
Mediocre Mexican food by southwestern standards, but decent for downtown St Pete. Nice atmosphere outside, including the outdoor bar. Not great for healthy eaters unless you come on fajita night (Wednesday). The chicken fajitas are great even if you skip the sour cream and cheese.
(4)
Kerry J.
I love coming here on a sunny day for brunch or a late lunch. The outdoor patio/courtyard area is beautiful and relaxing. You can't go wrong with their tacos. My favorites are the duck tacos and fried oyster tacos. I've also had excellent ceviche at Res Mesa. If you're feeling adventurous, try the octopus ceviche! As far as drinks go, it's easy to spend hours here just enjoying their cocktail and tequila menu...they have an incredible tequila selection and great margaritas. It's not unusual to be seated near boisterous tables who have clearly enjoyed the beverages. Service has always been outstanding for me, too. Drawbacks are that you're not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown St Pete, so if you want to sit outside and people watch, this isn't the place to go. This feels more like a hidden oasis.
(4)
Bryant W.
I will start off by saying that I have been in the Tampa Bay Area for a week now and I have been twice this week. I usually don't like to do repeat visits on trips but Red Mesa Cantina was that good! I will give fair warning that I got the cheeseburger tacos which were on special and aren't on the regular menu but they should be as they are hands down the best tacos I've ever had in my life. However the portions weren't very big so I ordered a side of the steamed veggies as well which were also really good. And prices aren't bad as those two together were only $12 which for quality food isn't bad. Margaritas are great! The atmosphere is great although I ate outside both times and actually never saw the inside but the outside bar is really cool. The wait staff both times were great. Are you noticing a theme here? I did also want to add that I had guacamole which was good but not great and one of my parents got the Duck Tortas sandwich which was about as good as my tacos. I will absolutely vist Red Mesa Cantina every time I come to this area.
Had a great lunch here. Really enjoyed the Ahi Tuna Tacos and crab and shrimp quesadilla
(5)
D B.
My favorite restaurant in Saint Petersburg! I LOVE the duck quesadillas, duck tacos, ahi tuna salad, ahi tuna tacos, sangria, and Dos Equis on tap. The outside bar area has a really great atmosphere and the bartenders are chill. Minor Negatives: I ate in the inside restaurant area once, but didn't enjoy my experience as much. It's a little too dark for me and kind of depressing. I am not a big enchiladas fan, but tried the chicken enchiladas; and I am still not a big enchiladas fan. I can only blame myself for that decision. :-) Overall, I love this place, and when I bring friends/family out to eat, they have loved it too.
(5)
Food C.
Fresh w/ a dash of quality in the mix. Simple menu, never disappointed. Ask for #glutenfree options like a halved avocado or a side of beans (no sauces) for an extra protein boost! Eat healthy my friends! #AskAVO #AVOknows #AVOtampa #AVOstpete #AVOnola #AVOboston #AVOnyc #AVOmiami
(4)
Bubba Y.
Excellent food and atmosphere. The Shrimp burrito was amazing. Right at the edge of being too hot but never crossed that line! One of the best burritos I have ever had!
(5)
Kit V.
Not much to write that isn't already on here, so I'll keep it simple. Yes, the margaritas are the best! Hibiscus & the cucumber drinks are amazing and the local beer selection is extensive. Had the chip & dip trio appetizer and all three were very good. While my shrimp burrito was perfect (and spicy!), my hubby's taco trio was surprisingly bland (fish, steak & pork). We will chalk it up to a bad night and try again soon! Atmosphere is fun and romantic and now that the weather is cooler, wait for a table outside, it is spectacular. As for the service, our waiter was clearly having an off night but as we watched the other servers be attentive to their guests, we realized that the service is good, just not this particular person. Will be back soon to try new things & I suggest you add this to your downtown St. Pete hot spots for great food & drinks!
(4)
Danielle R.
We had a group of 20 and the staff was extremely hospitable and accommodating to us. CJ, one of the hosts, was happy to utilize his resources to find room for our large party in the already crowded restaurant on a Saturday night. The food was Tex Mex with a twist and extremely flavorful. The atmosphere was trendy Latino and the music was upbeat. Our server was energetic and gracious, she was patient in serving our large party and skilled at her job. Highly recommend Red Mesa Cantina to all interested.
(5)
S S.
Great outside seating area surrounding a very large water feature/fountain. The Margarita deals are good on Thursdays after 7 (1/2 off). The tacos were good and so are the nachos. The burrito was a major miss for me and my gf. Service was kind of crappie the first time but the second time our server was one of the best I've had this year... so it kinda saved them from a 3 star rating from me. The 4 stars is for the outside seating, nachos, and fingers crossed for a good server.
(4)
Zenny R.
i dont even know where to start with this place. absolutely mind-blown. this was my fav spot during my trip to FL. sit outside for beautiful sighting of the decor and all the greenery. staff is amazing and super attentive. now lets get to the good stuff.. the FOOD! AH! amazinggggggg flavors! mm mm mmm the mofongitos are the best thing you could order. the mix of sweet plantains, yuca, and pork are to die for. chicken taquitos were yummy and the sauce on top is freshly made (you can taste the freshness) and totally eatable on its own. outside seating is near the bar and tv's so games are watchable from outside.
(5)
Steve M.
Have come here a number of times and always loved it. The servers have always been friendly and engaging. Of course the food is fabulous. It is Mexican food turned up by several notches. The mixologists know their stuff too!! Will be coming here again and again.
(5)
Lisa R.
Nice outdoor seating area; nice outdoor bar. Ordered steak and chicken tacos. Quick service and delicious.
(4)
Lauren B.
One of the best Mexican restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I ended up going there multiple nights in a row. It's a little pricey for Mexican food, but the quality is worth it in my opinion. Whether you're dining inside or out, the eclectic aesthetic is great. Solid drink menu, love their margaritas,and Caribbean mojitos. I suggest splitting the ceviche sampler as a first course, lots of flavors and it's quite filling. Can't wait to go back again and again.
(5)
Madalyn R.
I'd give this place a 3.5 if I could but decided to go with 4 because their brunch is top notch. Go with the passion fruit mimosa and I forget what it was called but the brunch tostada was out of this world. Lunch tacos are good, boyfriend didn't really enjoy the duck quesadilla because there wasn't much duck and it was missing from many bites.
(4)
Siri G.
Love red mesa! Good food, gorgeous ambience and love when they have live music. I would call it some sort of Spanish fusion, it's definitely not your typical texmex.
(4)
Emmanuel R.
Enjoyed our Dinner. Service was pleasant and very quick. Food was on point.. The Seafood Mofongo is superb. The chicken Flauta has the perfect spice to it.
(5)
Celeste M.
I've always wanted to try this place. The ambiance was great. We sat out side on the patio next to a waterfall. We had the filet la chipotle burrito (spicy) , steak quesadilla, chicken taco and Cadillac margarita. The prices are fair and affordable. The food came out really fast and tasted really fresh. Can't wait to go back! Ps- only street parking or a garage around the same block ($5 on the weekend)
(5)
Crystal H.
I love the location, decor and style of the Red Mesa Cantina. It is very trendy and inviting with nice outdoor and indoor seating options. I also love Push which is attached to it, but that is another review. We arrived for lunch starving because we had been up for about 8 hours without food. We decided to order a grilled steak quesadilla to split. Our quesadilla was unfortunately lacking in flavor. It needed some spice or grilled onions/peppers for flavor. It was just a mild cheese and some steak. While it wasn't bad, it left us wanting. For our meals we ordered Pork Verde and Shredded Beef Barbacoa Burritos. The burritos were amazing. They had so much flavor and the meat was incredibly tender. Both burritos were covered in a delicious sauce. The Pork Verde had a nice spice to it with the peppers. Both burritos were served with a sort of dirty rice that had beans in it. Neither of us cared for the rice, but we didn't care because the burritos were so good. We both agreed that we were surprised that a restaurant that could produce such an amazing burrito would have a bland quesadilla. The burritos were 6 stars whereas the quesadilla was a 2, so I am giving the restaurant 4 stars. We will definitely be back to Red Mesa Cantina to try more. I just recommend skipping the quesadilla. Order the Pork Verde or Barbacoa!
(4)
Todd M.
Great spot. Excellent ceviche. I had a trio of tacos and they were super. Try the Cadillac margarita.
(4)
Maria R.
Nice little lit up casual place at night. Service is good. Food is great. House margaritas are delicious too! Love this place!
(5)
Ryan M.
Priscilla and Rachel are, hands down, the absolute best bar staff in the entire city. Not only do they listen, and put every ounce of care into your drink order, but they do it with an irresistible charm that makes you want to order more. I would return in a heartbeat if I lived here regularly. But every time I visit, I always go back. Priscilla has always taken good care and Rachel is a worthy apprentice.
(5)
MaryAnn C.
Service was very good and wait staff attentive. Food was just ok. We ordered guacamole, which was fine, but the basket of chips served with it were all cracked small pieces. I had 2 chicken tacos and the chicken was cold. They served no salsa with it. They were ok, but, Taco Bell is tastier. The restaurant played very loud music and conversation was difficult. I can't recommend this place.
(1)
Yana W.
Love love love this place! Been here on multiple occasions and have never been disappointed. It is a very popular place with many of my friends as well, so we do go there a lot. I'd say, the best brunch in town. $3 mimosa and $4 Bloody Mary, specials every Saturday and Sunday. Steak and eggs are excellent! I just couldn't believe how inexpensive they were, being that good... If I'm in the mood for a more "carby" dish, I go for the sweet potato pancakes. Duck quesadillas are also amazing and are available for lunch and dinner as well. They are not very big, so if you are really hungry, get something else in addition to them. My favorite dinner dish would be empanadas as appetizer and el grande burrito as the main dish. Warning! The burrito is huge and is humanly impossible to be consumed by just one person. Great for sharing!
(5)
Lauren K.
No matter how good the food is, terrible customer service trumps all. I tried to make a reservation for a party of 15 for a birthday dinner and was told they couldn't as it would displace other patrons. As a local who has frequented this restaurant many many times I am very disappointed at their lack of accommodations for such a large party. What a great way to make money, turn away 15 guests before they even walk in!
(1)
Tammy P.
I don't get the hype about this place but they get 3 stars for effort because it looks neat inside and is a cool place to hangout. The tacos were okay, they tried to be creative with items like duck and tuna tacos, however my tortilla wasn't heated up all the way, which is almost like eating stale cereal! My fave dish on my visit was the shrimp ceviche, and that's because I rarely eat ceviche to begin with so it was a new taste.
(3)
Kate R.
My number one restaurant in St. Pete: unique, consistently delicious, fun atmosphere. We take everyone here, and go on our own too, for brunch, dinner, desserts, happy hour. If you have time for only one meal in St. Pete, this is where you should eat.
(5)
Brittany N.
Went to this place early Sunday afternoon and had a great experience. The layout of the resturaunt inside and outside was super nice. Went to the resteraunt without reservations and it was about a 30 minute wait in which we sat at the bar. I had a margarita, and it was delicious! I am not a regular margarita-er, but i enjoyed every sip. The drinks were pretty pricey for the amount, but good. The service at the bar was excellent. We had a party of 8 and they accommodated us very well, even when we got a buzzer we said 6 people. I got a crab and shrimp flat bread for my meal and it was good. This place is a great atmosphere and great items with great taste, just a little pricey for the quantity.
(4)
Barry C.
Breakfast on Sundays at Red Mesa is the best. I have never had sweet potato pancakes as good as theirs, just a quality breakfast and their dinner menu is just as awesome. Always good food and great servers.
(5)
Jim M.
Great night at the cantina because of Rachael!! She is the best. Great service from a very nice lady!!!
(5)
Stacy G.
I usually love this place but FYI don't make a reservation. We asked for a specific table. Got to the restaurant 2 minutes early. They just sat someone at it. Party if seven people... How hard is it to actually keep a reservation? Fail.
(3)
Bobby Barbeque O.
Chips and dip....steak quesadillas....steak fajita tacos..... It seems anything on this menu is great!!! Must go back ASAP!!!
(5)
Ryan N.
This place has a very cool atmosphere with a great looking outdoor patio and bar. I only wish the weather was a little better and it wasn't a weekday when I was there so I could have enjoyed both more! Good food, everything was very fresh; good service and great Cadillac margarita. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Anuj S.
Awesome. I've never had any Mexican food quite like Red Mesa's El Gordo burrito. It was really delicious. As a vegetarian, I'm used to just having beans as a substitute for meat at Mexican places. Well, Red Mesa uses tofu. It caught me off guard when I was looking through the menu. I mean, usually you get tofu on various Asian dishes, but I'd never had it for Mexican. Anyway, it was awesome. Usually, I go for strong impacting flavor... POW. I don't think the burrito had a strong taste, but the blend of various subtle flavors just made it great. I could tell even more because I had a side of rice and beans and I could tell that's where the flavor was coming from. Plus, the tofu in the burrito of course. I'd say the food came out a little on the pricey side. Without any drink, it was a $20 check; not including tip. Well, if I'm in the area again, I'll definitely be back. There were plenty of other interesting options on the menu.
(5)
Manuel M.
Consistently delicious food, excellent pozole soup. Great outdoor courtyard, good service. One of my favorite spots in downtown St Pete.
(4)
Stacey K.
Tasty food and great service. The chicken taquitos were yummy. I love the Mexican wrestling decor!
(4)
EJ P.
I have eaten at this place twice, and at the other restaurant once. Neither of these restaurants are very good. These restaurants would get 1 or 2 stars west of the state of Louisiana. However, since so many people in Tampa Bay have never actually had great Mexican or Tex-Mex food, they think this is the best Mexican food they've ever had. And that's because it is, because they haven't eaten Tex-Mex in San Antonio, TX, for example. Where they make tortillas that melt in your mouth But back to Red Mesa. I think I have found an accurate way to describe Red Mesa: The food that you get here tastes no better than the (Tex-Mex) food you would get at a Mex chain like Chili's, but Red Mesa fancies up the menu descriptions and jacks up the prices and adds a little hip restaurant decor in order to make you think the food is better than it really is. It's just bland, mediocre Tex-Mex style food that can be had at Chili's for much less money. Advice: If you are going to eat here, stay away from the appetizers and side dishes and the tacos which are outrageously priced. (In Texas they would laugh you off the street if you told someone you paid 5 dollars for a taco, like Red Mesa charges.) Try to order a "combination" platter that has 1, 2 or 3 items for one price. Stay away from the guacamole, which is NOT WORTH 7 dollars. Just try to fill yourself up with the chips and get a combo dish. Desserts are also mediocre.
(3)
Brandon S.
A friend and I selected Red Mesa Cantina because we wanted to try some local seafood while so close to the ocean but we didn't feel like going to a seafood specialty restaurant. We wanted to visit downtown St. Petersburg and a quick search online we found this establishment. Walking up to it the area was busy with plenty of walkers and the restaurant was very active and you could tell right off the bat that this place would be a lot of fun. One of the first things we noticed on the menu was their oyster shooters. My friend and I had never had one so we quickly ordered one each. The shooter was good, but I thought that it had more of a salsa flavor rather than focusing on the flavor of the oyster. Dinner was good, I had their chicken quesadilla and we order some fried plantains to share. The quesadilla was pretty good and it was exactly what I expected when I ordered it. That being said, the fried plantains were very good and very enjoyable. Unfortunately the night that I was there also was the night that every bachelorette party in St. Petersburg decided to come this establishment. The parties were having a blast and enjoying themselves, as any bachelorette party should but the multiple parties became a distraction and took away from the dinner experience. The atmosphere inside was more of a party atmosphere rather than a nice dining one. I think that the inside dining area lost its aura because the restaurant was lost in weather it was a bar, or a restaurant. Although the food was good, and the atmosphere was great...for a bar, but I was looking for a nice restaurant and it cost me some enjoyment during my dinner. I would go back, but I would now know that I would go back if I was looking for a bar rather that a restaurant.
(3)
Martie P.
I absolutely love this place for brunch. Sadly, I haven't made it for dinner or drinks any other time. There are plenty of seating options - bar, outside patio with a great fountain view, or inside. On to the nitty gritty...DRINKS! They have a fabulous selection of champagne drinks for brunch, including the traditional mimosa, hybiscus mimosa & passion fruit mimosa. A friend of mine had a bloody mary on my last visit. She said it was spicy, but delicious. The food is good and service is great!
(4)
Lindsay A.
Good food, huge portion sizes. It's Americanized Mexican food, so it's hard to mess up... and they do it right. Their drinks are pretty good, too. I've never been disappointed on a visit here. Not the cheapest place to eat, but you are definitely paying for a little nicer atmosphere. The servers are usually friendly and give good recommendations. I've been here with large groups numerous times, and they've always been very accommodating. This would be a good spot for a first date, or taking your girlfriends before going out downtown. The courtyard is cute and has a great vibe. Outdoor bar service, and they often have good live music. Be aware if you sit outside later in the evening, a lot of people will be traipsing through on their way upstairs to the club.
(4)
Angela S.
I went here the first time last week with family, a large group. The only negative was the wait time. We were told 45 minutes, but waited over an hour. However, the happy hour made up for the wait! This has to be the best happy hour in town. The $3 margaritas were huge and delicious. They also has specials on beer, wine, sangria and wells. When we did sit down the service was very good, and everyone enjoyed the food. I had a ceviche dish, which was awesome. I will definitely be back, especially for the happy hour.
(4)
Jason K.
For whatever reason, lately i have had a bad run of luck with waiting unreasonable periods of time to get into restaurants. Perhaps this holiday season has turned me into a Grinch, but i simply detest waiting over an hour to be seated. Red Mesa is no exception to this general rule. I have eaten here a few times during the day and found the eatery to be sparsely populated and a quick meal. However, in my my recent dinner adventure, i was told that i would wait 45 minutes for a table and ended up waiting an hour and 15 minutes. The entire time we waited there was a large dinner table that could have accommodated my party that sat empty. Once we were served, I can say that the food was good. I and a few others in my party had the Sangria which was $3.25 during happy hour. I thought it was good, but it got mixed reviews in my group. The happy hour prices were very reasonable. As for the food, the portions were large. I had the taco which was on par with what you would expect..
(2)
Rebecca K.
Love the food here and better yet is the garden seating area. We eat here regularly and the wait staff is always on top of their game. The food is consistently tasty and boasts the bold flavors their sister restaurant is famous for. Our favorite time to come is brunch. Good draft beers too!
(4)
Jon M.
Ok. Food is tasty but a bit over seasoned -- too salty too sweet. Seems like a fun place to drink and pick up chicks. Especially if you are a frat boy. Open real late -- which is good.
(3)
Michael Z.
Delicious assortment of ceviche, tacos, and other small plates; drinks hit the mark as well. Patio seating is unique and aesthetically pleasing - a real winner in downtown St. Pete.
(4)
A Z.
We keep coming back here over and over whenever we're in St Pete entertaining friends or just by ourselves. It's easily our favorite restaurant in the area and a solid choice for atmosphere and great food/tequila cocktails. The last time we went was the day of the Pride Parade. That day was memorably hot. I thought sitting outside on their beautiful patio would be off the table, but they had set up multiple, industrial sized fans to cool everyone. Spot on!
(5)
Shawna K.
One of my favorite patios I've discovered so far! We drove almost an hour because we heard it was above par! And Red Mesa definitely did not disappoint! The vibe and charm are rockin' at this joint! The fact that the food was great and we all licked our plate was just an extra treat since the ambience can't be beat! We enjoyed our Sunday Brunch as slowly as we could And I probably had one too many drinks more than I should Just so we could stay and chill at their place basking in the sunshine with a smile on my face!
(4)
Sherry T.
Great variety of delicious Latin inspired foods. Decent service, very busy location. Desperate need for more bathrooms.
(4)
Cristo P.
Everything we had was delicious. We started with the mofongo, made from pork carnitas, sweet plantain and yuca. All this dressed with chimichurri sauce. Surprisingly awesome flavor. We followed with a taste of the appetizer tacos. The mahi and the seared tuna were not that impressive. The pulled pork with guacamole was extremely comforting. The one I liked best was the steak taco with jalapeño and grilled onions. The. Mehta Modelo was a good pairing for all the food.
(5)
Mike S.
A very excellent place........top of the line Mexican. The setting is polished without being fussy, the service is very effective, the menu has all the standards and some interesting variations (duck taco), and the quality of food is superior. Many other reviewers and commercial food rating services give the place high rankings, and I agree. Prices are a bit higher than an average beans 'n taco joint, but worth it here. It has been a few years ago since we ate there (in a foreign County), but I still remember the fine salsas, tasty refried beans and marvellous chilies rellenos...and these are my 3 "test" dishes for comparing Mexican restaurants. Also see they have nice drink specials and a good selection of Mexican & domestic beers. The location is handy for easy in-and-out on N. 4th Street. I would visit more but fear my passport/visa for visiting Pinellas may have expired.
(4)
Lisa C.
Yum!!
(4)
Rachel A.
We were a little skeptical walking up to the door but inside it was packed with people. We decided to sit outside in the courtyard which had lots of greenery and water fountains (great scenery for pics!). Got this amazing grilled corn on the cob - not ideal for a girl's night out but it sounded so good on the menu - had this spicy sauce that came drizzled on it, mm mm good. Got the shrimp tacos which were also very flavorful and had a spicy kick to it - very opposite to the sometimes bland entrees you can get at a Mexican place! Drinks were also very good - we each got a different kind of mojita - very creative and tasty! We did have some service problems initially (had been seated for 15 minutes without anyone coming to get our drink orders!) but she picked it up once we had to go tell the hostess we had not been served yet!
(4)
Deidre S.
The duck tacos are amazing :) so glad our waiter recommended them. We have had great food here and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Good place to go in downtown St. Pete, only complaint is I wish they had more authentic Mexican food.
(4)
Susie S.
I love the food here. Very tasty and fresh items. The Mexican dishes have flair. I've had brunch and dinner here and I've always been pleased but, the service and management is terrible. Terrible. So terrible that I will never go back.
(3)
Steve M.
I don't get to go here too often, but when I do, it's always terrific. Had the Ceviche and duck tacos yesterday and they were "beyond the thunder dome" awesome!! The outside courtyard is a perfect spot for dining or simply enjoying a libation or 3.
(5)
Diane S.
Food plentiful. Standard Mexican fare. Chips. We're extra crisp. Atmosphere excellent
(4)
Sharon B.
This place is so good! The specials are amazing and so is the brunch! Great prices for a lot of great food!
(5)
Kris M.
Great food, great service. Queso, duck tacos, seafood quesadilla... You can't go wrong with anything on the menu!
(5)
Selina K.
Saint Pete staple... LOVE the Sunday Brunch
(5)
Rose S.
Best brunch spot in St. Pete. I am a regular here! Great servicae and the quality of food is amazing! $3.50 Mimosas and Bloody Mary's at Brunch. Prices on the food are very reasonable, and I always have leftovers.
(5)
Dawn D.
I've never had a bad meal at this place! The wait staff is always extremely knowledgeable , attentive and properly social. You really need to try the Duck quesadillas! It's exception with the goat cheese and pineapple. Last night we tried the mahi mahi ceviche and the octopus ceviche both were incredible! The octopus was cut into bite size pieces and very tender. The ahi tuna tacos lived up to reputation as well. They have an excellent Melbec wine which is my go to drink at this spot. I'll come back again and again!!
(5)
Lisa C.
I have been to Cantina too many times to count. I don't think I have ever walked out of there with a bad experience. Always great service and always a lively crowd. The price point can be steep but it's fresh and I don't mind paying for quality fresh food. I have them as a "like" on my facebook page and out of the blue for my birthday they posted a wonderful note. It was way better than any coupon I have ever received. They enticed me to come back in for either a free pitcher of margaritas or a free pitcher of sangria. Wow.. that is a $25.00 value. I was sort of shocked and thought maybe it would be a watered down version. Well as I am typing this, I can attest it wasn't ;) Now the food you ask... what about the food. Their chips are house-made and their salsa is wonderful. They actually changed their chips and I used to like them a ton more but the ones now aren't bad, they are just comparable to other places. Salsa and guacamole are chock full of cilantro, fresh ingredients and large bowls. Things I would highly recommend: First off... Mofongo. WOW. Seriously, WOW. Three large mounds of amazing mofongo with crispy pork, yuca and plantano drizzled with a light EVOO and fresh herbs. It will make anyone moan. Their mini tacos are always flavorful and add variety to any meal. I have tried the Ahi Tuna, The Fish Taco and the Duck Confit. Duck is definitely my favorite out of the three. It has Roast duck, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, cilantro, red chile jelly. Does Not Suck! The crab and shrimp quesadilla is surprising. I have ordered it twice and it is really like a large tostada versus the traditional quesadilla. Not complaining about that at all actually. I actually like it much better being crispy and open faced full of lump crab meat and plump shrimp. I have tried all of the ceviches and my favorite if the cantinita. It has a light kick but the orange segments and pickled red onion really made a pop in the mouth. Lots of fresh seafood and a good size bowl to share. Favorite salad is the Spinata - Spinach Salad with goat cheese. I was surprised someone mentioned it was a small salad as it typically fills me up. I have added shrimp and fish in the past and that definitely makes it more filling. Desserts I haven't had a lot of exploring because we are always so full. Tonight we decided to share homemade churros which was big, full and heavy with cinnamon. They are served hot with warm Mexican chocolate sauce and dulce sauce. Wow! Cocktails are unique and they serve quality tequilas. For many years, tequila and I broke up. We used to have a love affair and then one day, well... it was ugly. It has taken me many years to enjoy the Mexican elixir. I am happy to say, that the margaritas here are divine and so are the cocktails in general. My favorite is the La Rose Angel complete with a jalapeño slice & chile salt rim. Need I say more?? Mmmm I have yet to come in for lunch but I did manage to pop in a few times for brunch. The best take on eggs benedict I have EVER found. Their version comes as guacamole topped with a gordita, smoked bacon, poached eggs, chipotle cream sauce & queso fresco. The also provide a nice side of fresh fruit. Pair that with a mimosa and I am a happy girl. I am not sure if Red Mesa is the best Mexican I have ever had but it's very close to some of the places I have found when I have traveled to Mexico in the more family upscale joints. The vibe here is very Nacho Libre with Mexican fighting masks, a killer outdoor area and bar with bright colored lanterns and a huge wooden Day of the Dead looking Skeleton. Good vibe every time. If you go, ask for Jorge (Hore-Hay). He is always my favorite!!
(4)
Michael S.
We were in town for a wedding and called some local friends to see if they were available for lunch. Luckily they were and they suggested the Red Mesa. Everything we had was at least good except for the first round of beers, which were not cold enough and the duck taco, which was a bit disappointing. I am a bit of a ceviche snob and usually don't order it outside of a good Peruvian restaurant but I must say that the simple fish ceviche I had was one of the better versions I have sampled. My fish tacos were also good but not quite the Baja original. The second round of beers was nice and cold when we finally got them. The service was a bit slow and disjointed at times even though the place was not close to full.
(4)
Adam Y.
We were showing out of town family St. Petersburg on their last day in town and we all got hungry at the same time. Walking down Central trying to find something interesting I bumped into a work colleague who recommended Red Mesa Cantina. 5 minutes later we were seated inside and happy. Our service was excellent, and the food was terrific. Everyone enjoyed their food (3 of us ordered taco's and one a quesadilla). The chips were very good and I loved the salsa. Others preferred Guacamole and while I am not a fan, everyone else enjoyed it. Probably the only thing that I would warn people about is that unlike the 'real' Red Mesa up on 4th street, this place really can whip a bill on you. Complimentary chips and salsa? Nope (although refills are free if you ask). Guac was $7. The taco's were $4.50 per and candidly, tiny. I'm not a big person but would need at least 3 to feel full. Somehow spending $13.50 on taco's seems excessive to me even though they are very tasty. If I was downtown, I'd have no problem going back here or recommending it, but the actual Red Mesa is so much better that anyone looking for a great Mexican meal should just stop on 4th Street and not give it a 2nd thought.
(3)
Chris T.
Great Spot! There's another Red Mesa in St. Pete which is a really good lunch spot. Have the ...... Well, everything is good. This spot? Same owners, but the menu at this location is more expansive. For the record.....it is NOT tex mex or Mexican. I would classify it as "Latin American". They have Mofongo, which is a Puerto Rican Dish. They also have, Carne Asada...Mexican. And a Cuban Sandwhich..,,we'll call it Cuban! Duck Quesadillas? Yep!!!! Amerexican!? Whatever dude! The food is fantastic and you need to go there! Enjoy!
(4)
Blaire O.
I hardly ever have a bad taco, I mean, it's a pretty standard dish, and as long as you season, and respect, your ingredients, you shouldn't go wrong (unless you are me, three years ago... IMPOSTER!) That said, tacos are constantly being reworked, reinvented, taken back to their roots, brought into future, and merged with other culinary conditions. I mean, these things have more personalities than Sybil. And with all that time spent in different restaurants, with different chefs, the neighbors are starting to talk... All images of coquettish tacos aside, I usually prefer traditional, authentic tacos, but with time, I've learned to accept the newest generations of tacos, like nephew Pickled-Vegetables-On-Top (Mmmmm). This acceptance has now been uprooted, and transformed into adoration by Red Mesa Cantina in St. Petersburg... (continued at blog)
(4)
Pamela M.
I've partied upstairs at Push often however today my friend and I decided to see what the place looked like downstairs during the day on a Saturday afternoon. We were very happy! The little gourmet tacos here are divine. And at about $4 a piece for lunch, 2 or three will fill you up and go easy on your wallet. My friend and I shared some fried plantains as well. Almost as good as my Jamaican husband cooks them! And finally we shared the apple empanada desset.....nummy! The apple empanada is made from scratch on premises and definitely shows the wonderful home made quality. It came with a healthy scoop of Dulce de leche ice cream, a big dollop of whip cream and then everything was covered with a drizzle of caramel. If this sounds good just wait until you taste it. Enjoy!
(4)
Greg M.
As good as any legit Mexican food in NY. This place really impressed me. Strong drinks, excellent authentic and addictive food!
(5)
Don P.
Overpriced, no mui autentico, but hit the spot. Negra Modelo on tap is worth a half-star alone. Snapper ceviche was very tasty and the chicken tamales were good, if a little small. But it is definitely "gringo" Mexican. Nice space with patio seating.
(3)
J L.
Cantina Ceviche was soooo good - Top 2 on my list of Ceviche places now. Shrimp Al Mojo was delicious (a little too oily though), so was Cuban Torta. Wish I weren't too full to try their banana split... Looks amazing. Loved the decor as well - we sat by the fountain.
(5)
Brett M.
Having just moved to St. Petersburg you hear a lot of Hype about Red Mesa. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed walking in. Perhaps I had been tricked! Red Mesa looks like a very typical Mexican joint just very clean. We were served immediately upon sitting down (which was great because we were starving). Bottom line was our server was great. He took time to really go through the menu --- not just ask us if we had any questions. He focused on each portion of the menu and not just his personal favorites. He also addressed our preference for spicy Mexican and adapted his presentation to our feedback. We had the Shrimp Quesadilla's which were great and ordered our entree. My date had the combo enchiladas which were authentic with flair and I enjoyed some steak and shrimp. Lot's of flavor and excellent service. I will be back. My soda was never half empty and we plowed through two servings of warm tortilla trips. We had plenty of food to take home but I promise --- it didn't last long in the fridge.
(5)
Omaira D.
Ate here for New Years, place was packed! Red Mesa adds a touch of sophistication usually missing from Mexican food. Great ambiance, food, crowd..this place is awesome and I'd definitely be back.
(4)
John B.
We were told there was a 10 min wait.......there were at least 10 tables open. Our table was dirty when we arrived. Our waiter dropped my drink napkin on the floor, he picked it up and put it on the table. That was even before we had our drinks. Despite my husband telling me to blow this joint.... we stayed. Chips and salsa are better at chili's. I had the pork enchiladas.....they were ok. My husband paid 5$ for a duck taco..... which he wasnt sure was actually duck. And the yuca fries were served with ketchup. Yuck! Our yuca fries we make at home are way better. I love lynard skynard.... but not expected at a mexican place. This place is a waste of money and palate. Will never go here again..... once is one trip too many.
(1)
Jim B.
so, i'm a huge fan of Mexican / Tex-Mex food and drink, and admittedly opinionated about both. Everyone, from the hostest(s) to the waitress, everyone was wonderful. Upbeat and knowledgable, and just enough attentive. The patio around the fountains is a perfect setting to drink and talk and eat. The crab and shrimp, open face quesadillas, are AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL. The salsa is fresh and spicy. Quacamole is bland. Premimum maragaritas are small and over-priced, but good. House margarita is forgettable.
(4)
Lisa J.
Had a great time, sat outside which was a beautiful night in St. Petersburg. The service & food were great. Was there catching up with friends and didn't feel rushed to leave when we were done eating. Around 9pm they had a band which was nice. Overall had a great experience and would go back again.
(3)
Karen F.
This is my 3rd time eating at this restaurant, and I have enjoyed myself each and every time. Due to the rain potential, we sat inside, which is a bit noisy but nevertheless fine. In nice weather - sit outside by the fountain, it is so relaxing! Our server was outstanding this evening. Very attentive, but not irritatingly instrusive. We started with cocktails (of course). It seems that they have been experimenting with drinks, so I had one of their specials - a cucumber margarita, and it was wonderful. Food-wise we started with guac/chips/salsa. I really think their guacamole is consistently some of the best I've had, nice and creamy. For my meal I had a spinach salad with goat cheese - very tasty, although the dressing was a bit oily for my taste, and the scallop ceviche. I think the ceviches are really what shine at this restaurant-fresh and tasty and interesting in every bite. The other item raved about at our table was the duck torta. No dessert because I ate too many chips. We'll be back!
(5)
Paul K.
Super cool, lots of pretty people, and great margaritas. As to food, the tacos left me wanting a lot more. Think they have 7 or 8 different ones that, are unique or standard fills with interesting sauces. I had the duck (awesome), ahi and shredded pork. Can get very busy, and i dont think they do reservations - not surprised, they do not need to!
(4)
Stew B.
A group favorite. The menu items do not sound that great at first glance so I always have my wife order for me. I always love the food. A lot if our friends like it too. Just get a dart board and aim for the menu to make your decision bc its all good stuff.
(5)
Machelle P.
The food is amazing plus it has a great atmosphere! It is one of my favorite places to eat.
(5)
Dawn B.
Mojitos are not good, but Sangria is great!
(4)
Zach W.
This is the place in St. Pete you would take your out-of-town friends to. Great food (try the totopos, duck or shrimp tacos, chicken fernandez, and/or the churrasco), great drinks (best margaritas in town, good selection of beers), great atmosphere (bar and tables inside, bar and tables outside, a courtyard with a fountain, awesome live music often, TVs and all the sports package), and great service (Pete, the manager, is the man). In sum, there are plenty of reasons why I come here 3 or 4 times a week!
(5)
Robert F.
The atmosphere is authentic. The food was delicious. It was spicy but not overly hot. The filet was tender and perfectly cooked. The pablano was still mildly tender. Overall a wonderful meal and would recommend to anyone.
(5)
Bill D.
I had the pleasure of attending a Yelp! event here as a guest of Anna M., a '15 elite mega-star and gracious friend. This was my first Yelp meet-up. The event was PACKED! Was a bit warm outside but owner and staff provided a great experience all the same. Plenty of ice water to go with the generous margaritas and tasty sangria (red was better than the white today). The ownership's pride in product and head chef's commitment to serving consistent quality was evident both in food, and the descriptions provided before each course. An under-whelming P.A. system coupled with a boisterous, well-lubed crowd meant some were unable to hold their attention for every word, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of tonight's event. I hope others feel the same... The opening course of tamalitos de rajas featured a tasty, lightly spiced tomatillo sauce atop a nice tamales. The tamales alone would have been a bit dry, but the delicious and obviously made in-house tomatillo salsa tied everything together well. Very nice. Next came the tostada de chile colorado. The pork was good but the spicy (and delicious!) chipotle chile really stole the show. A fantastic combination of heat and flavor that i'd absolutely go for again. The pork was well coated, not drowning in sauce. Just right. Medium spiciness...not for those adverse to a lil' kick... The ceviche de mero was great. Probably my favorite of all the dishes. Incredibly fresh and very well done. All the flavors worked well together without one overpowering the others. The seafood here was perfect. Ceviche is a balancing act....let the fish sit too long in the citrus and it becomes tough, chewy....get the blend of ingredients wrong and the flavors won't play nice in the sandbox. Neither was an issue here. These guys know what they're doing. Again, all very fresh...that's important when dealing with citrus-cooked seafood (obviously). I wouldn't order ceviche from just anywhere but i'd order it from Red Mesa without hesitation. The tacos de pato was good and the duck was very well prepared (not easy to do), but the combination of the 4 other ingredients didn't really do it for me. Duck is kinda mild, and easily overpowered. That was the case here. The consistency was on point however. As with every other dish the ingredients were incredibly fresh. Fideo verde appeared at first to be your average pasta-with-parmesan blend....appearing more Italian than home-cooked Mexican....but you can't judge this book by it's cover. The flavors really popped and I realized (after reading the menu) that the grated cheese on top was actually cotija. I've never heard of cotija cheese before. Shame on me. It's awesome. The shrimp was great. Well made, not over-cooked. This one looks Italian, tastes Mexican. There's a terrible ex-girlfriend joke in there someone...but i'm gonna let it go..... :-) The final dish was lomo en mole negro. I'm not a black mole fan at all so I passed on this one. I'm told the mole is made in house by their head chef, a Oaxaca native. If you're into mole, give it a try. Fair warning though....traditional mole is not a flavor that the American palate takes to easily. You'll either love it, or pass entirely. Though i'm not a fan it's clear the mole that comes out of this kitchen is legit, home-style Mexican goodness. Cheers to the Red Mesa team...this is about as authentic as it gets!
(5)
Jim B.
At lunch I had the Huachinango ceviche. Red snapper, spicy Peruvian aji amarillo with red onion, cilantro and lime juice. My wife had the fish tacos. The ceviche was awesome. The spiciness lived up to its description much to my delight. The Baja Fish tacos were delicious. The restaurant was crowded and where we were seated the outside humidity was uncomfortable. Although a bit pricy, we will be back.
(4)
Holly S.
White sangria was so good! I had the pork tacos which were a bit salty, but I guess that's what you get with pork. I still give this 5 stars for the service, atmosphere, and sangria!
(5)
Ryan S.
I just love this place. Food is consistently awesome!! Party of four today had pulled pork tacos, fish and shrimp tacos, empanadas, guacamole, and a pitcher of margaritas. Server was amazing and brought a virgin margarita for my pregnant sister w/o asking. The gesture made her whole day! The guacamole is the best I've had anywhere in Florida. If you are in DTSP then stop in here for lunch you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Rachel O.
Delicious every time we go! They have SIN night on Sunday's (service industry night) 1/2 off for every person in the service industry with proof of pay stub. Resa (spelling?) waited on us last time we went and she was awesome! The chicken taquitos and beans and rice are my favorite and I get them every time we go! My husband always gets the duck sandwich which he claims is the best thing he had eaten since we moved here! Try them out!
(5)
Franklin A.
I always come here for brunch when my family visits, it is visually appealing, quick and friendly. It is always guaranteed to taste great!
(4)
Ethan C.
Love this place! Although it's often very busy in the evenings, the customer service is still very good. They have a great happy hour with inexpensive and tasty house margaritas and plenty of food specials. The salsa is excellent and fresh, and the queso is also good. The steak burrito is one of my favorites, although it's a little spicy, so beware if you favor less spicy food. For dessert, don't forget to check out the churrrrrrrroooooos! They arrive nice and warm with two dipping sauces and are delicious.
(5)
E F.
Take a cheap flour tortilla, chewy squares of tasteless chicken, cheap white cheese, put in oven/microwave for 5 minutes. Serve with hunk of cheap ranch and guac....and you get Red Mesa's chicken quesadilla. This was the most pathetic lazy nasty quesadilla I've ever been served. Worse than AppleBees quality. Awful
(1)
Chris E.
Are you kidding me? This place is phenomenal!!! We sat outside where there is a quaint fountain and bridge to set a great atmosphere. In addition, the service was quick and cordial, the food phenomenal and the prices are definitely reasonable. Make sure you hit this place up when in town.
(5)
Jarrod S.
Huge Tequila and Mezcal selection. Ceviche was very good. Awesome patio. Selection of margaritas, tried two, both good and not too sweet. Great service!
(5)
Richard K.
I must say I am extremely disappointed by the recommendations of both yelp and the Tampa times on trying this restaurant. We only went here before the Dali museum because it relieves such strong recommendations. The decor was very cheesy at best. We started with the dips which tasted like store bought salsa, guacamole, and cheesy dip. We ordered a bunch of food for brunch including the burger (not medium rare), breakfast sandwich (the bun was stale), and tacos (meat was tough). Service was good else I would have given it one star. Come on Tampa/St Pete...there must be better Mexican food (this coming from a New Yorker).
(2)
Michael F.
The ambiance is great. The location is great. The staff was super friendly. The food was pretty good, not the best I have had, but it's a great place if you are looking for some fast food and a good drink. I did try their duck taco... I can see why people like it, but a little too sweet for my taste. I wish they had incorporated a little more spice into it to cut down on the sweet sauces and cheese. I ordered all the tacos, and they were all exceptionally good. I wouldn't say this is anything close to a Mexican restaurant, I would say this is more of an American take on Mexican style food. But all said and done, I love the place. I definitely will be coming back for more (if it wasn't always so busy lol). Every time I come, they are always slammed busy and at least a 20 minute late.
(4)
K W.
The food is decent for the most part but overpriced for what it is. Their outdoor space is great, though.
(3)
John R.
The food is pretty good. But be ready to pay for every little thing. Want lettuce on your kids tacos? $1 per taco. Want a little extra sour cream for your burrito? $1. Want a refill on the chip basket for the unused salsa? $2.50. Oh and the staff won't tell you. They just add it to the bill. Just seems deceptive. Why not just raise the price of the entre? Won't be going back.
(2)
Sarah M.
Has become one of my favorite spots in downtown St Pete. Great atmosphere, fun outside dining. Fabulous Mexican food. Huge portions and a very nice menu to select from. Friendly, courteous and helpful staff. Prices very reasonable. The best fried sweet plantains. Love the fresh salsa and chips as well.
(4)
Ryan H.
Out of all the meals we had during the week, this was the highlight of our trip. The food here is incredible. Not much more to say on that topic. They claim to be a slightly classier restaurant and according to multiple different literatures that we read, dress jeans are suggested for dinning here. Well, considering how sticky the tables are and how trashy the bathrooms were. I wouldn't take that dress code too seriously.
(5)
Marinda H.
Super neat outdoor patio and servers working this day were full of tattoos and piercings - me likey. Ordered Chicken Enchiladas - one enchilada topped with salsa roja, one with salsa verde, both finished with queso fresco, cilantro-onion and crema. served with black beans and rice. Was not super impressed with the enchiladas although the beans were great. Very small portion size. Seemed very pricy for the portion size (and they could have thrown some chips & salsa in for the price). I did not know this but you have to ASK for chips or they won't offer them. 2 stars for food, 4 stars for service and atmosphere
(3)
Sheri Jo B.
Easily one of my favorite places in DTSP! The food is awesome and they have great entertainment outside. The patio area is beautifully landscaped and is a great place to dine when the weather permits. Excellent, signature margaritas! The inside is very inviting and a fun atmosphere all around.
(5)
David G.
This place has the best brunch in DTSP the menu is extensive from breakfast to Tex-Mex it's been all good every time! Today we got a seat by the fountain under cover and beautiful out. They sat us before even 11 talk about great service. My crab and shrimp quesadilla was delicious and came out quickly. The El Bombero is pink, my fave color, and packs a punch :) highly recommend having brunch here
(5)
Addison P.
Great time, excellent tequila, amazing atmosphere. Had a blast with a group of 10 on the patio. Server gave excellent recommendations for tequilas.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Ashley B.
LOVE this place. Been several times and the food is always on point. The tuna tacos are so freaking amazing your life will be forever changed!!! This place has it all from a nice dining room. Awesome courtyard and even a few tables outside the wall of courtyard that are dog friendly! Last time we had a group of friends, all order different things so we could kinda share...no words spoken. Only serious chewing and grazing happened once those plates hit the table. And they make all the plates look so pretty, swirls and sauces smears. Perfection. Although we had a very sub par server that night, but in the end the tuna tacos made up for that!!
(5)Connie J.
This place hit all the marks. The courtyard seating area was the perfect spot for four of us to sip margaritas made with great tequila. I ordered the pulpo ceviche which was yummy, just spicy enough, and plated really nicely. Thank you to our server Andrew for the great recommendations and super friendly service. The prices were super reasonable too. Oh and they serve homemade corn tortillas.
(5)David W.
I prefer Mexican restaurants that provide complimentary chips and salsa, but the ones you pay for here were great. Their food was beyond amazing. Everyone in our party was overly impressed with the food. We got things from apps to different main dishes. The margaritas were terribly weak. For this placing touting they have a great tequila selection, I was sorely disappointed. I only ordered 1 margarita, as I regretted the purchase. I will go back again, but plan on skipping the overpriced margaritas.
(4)Brenda M.
Had a wonderful dinner tonight. The food, drinks and atmosphere was great! Our waitress, Rachel, was fabulous!! She was very attentive, and very knowledgable about the menu and drinks. What a pleasant evening.
(5)Nick S.
Extraordinary.
(5)Mauricio C.
Ok place, I have been in better Mexican restaurants, the bill does not reflect their food quality, overpriced and bottom grade meat.while on the bar I asked for a particular brand of scotch on the rocks and twice the added water and of course wasn't the brand I asked, on top of that I got charged for the drinks even after complaining and not drinking them . Not coming back.
(2)Dennis B.
Love this place. Have been many times with coworkers and zero complaints. Unique and interesting menu, fabulous tacos. Atmosphere both inside and out is fun, and makes this a great hang out as well as restaurant.
(5)Holly H.
One star for the Spanish-style courtyard, complete with fountains where we enjoyed our dinner. A major plus that we didn't see any ashtrays during happy hour so I don't think they allow smoking in this setting, which would have ruined our experience. Another star for the food! I had the seafood mofongo, (includes shrimp, mini-scallops, calamari and a little mound of carnitas mixed with plantain and yuca) which was perfectly balanced with savory and sweet flavors. Hubby loved his filet burrito. Chips and queso were top notch. One star goes to the waiter who had a great personality, the rare type that could make a career of waiting tables. Wish I could remember his name :( Pricing seems on par for the area. Least impressive part of our meals were the drinks. Only Guinness for their stout selection, which is a big letdown for husband and I. The sangria was tasty but seemed alcohol deficient. I had to follow up with a Marg to get a proper happy hour buzz. With food, service and ambience being the major keystones of our restaurant experience, we'd definitely come back! We'll bring friends as well!
(3)ZANNE K.
We were visiting St. Petersberg and Red Cantina happened to be next to the shop we were at. The building and surroundings are unique, but the food portions are tiny, everything is ala carte. The chips and salsa are extra and not cheap. The alcoholic drinks also low on alcohol, high on price. Tacos were bland and so were the chips and salsa! I will try another restaurant, next time I visit.
(2)Kim M.
Red Mesa is about to become a part of my birthday ritual! Last year I came to St. Pete from Orlando on a whim, during my birthday weekend, and I ended up at Red Mesa and loved it! The food, the drinks, the mexican chocolate brownie with tequila-soaked strawberries. This past weekend (a little after my birthday but close enough), I came here again and, once again fell madly in love with the contents of my plate. I had the seafood chimichanga, the cucumber margarita, and the strawberry mint margarita. By far, the cucumber margarita was my favorite. My friend ordered the filet tips burrito, and she couldn't stop gushing over how delicious it was. Aside from the food, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the live music coming in from outside. (The ONLY thing I would say was not awesome, which is through no fault of the restaurant, was the drunk people at the table next to us who decided to have a 5 minute conversation standing in the 12-inch gap between us and them, with their asses mere inches away from our faces. That part, I could have done without. But I won't deduct points for that, since I know Red Mesa can't control people's asses.)
(5)Ivan P.
Really good food and great service. Visiting st. Pete for the day and it was great choice for brunch. The new only thing that was not very good was my son meal (from the kids menu). The breakfast burritos and chilaquiles are recommended!
(4)Tulio Z.
Went here for my brother's graduation and they attended our party of 14 very quickly. Food was delicious, I had the El Gordo. Atmosphere was great. Definitely going back!
(5)Jen C.
My SO and I have come here dozens of times -- brought friends and family and referred many friends here. Red Mesa is a staple in our restaurant rotation, and we loved it. Until we went Friday night. I'll skip the details and just they the hosting staff forgot to seat us and left us waiting for an hour when tables were open after 10 minutes. And instead of being apologetic and saying, ya know, it happens -- the manager came over and basically accused us of fabricating a story and how we were the ones who were wrong, making us out to be these awful people. The reality was, we didn't care if they seated us late... People make mistakes, it's fine. But to have the manager come to our table and making us out to be these moochers who just wanted free stuff was totally inappropriate. Not only was the manager unbelievably rude, the the waitress had an attitude and everyone treated us poorly from then on. As a result of the bad vibes and the fear that someone's saliva would end up on a duck taco, we asked our waitress for a check on just our drinks and we left. They really ruined what should have been a great experience. We won't be coming back. I have several coworkers and friends who will be moving to st pete in the next few months and I'll be strongly discouraging them from going here. Treat your customers better, guys.
(1)Katrina P.
I was able to try Red Mesa on a quick dinner before bachelorette shennanigans - I want to go back when we're in the St Pete area! I have one line of this review: EAT THE DUCK TACO that is all ;)
(4)Deb R.
Delicious from start to finish!!! Cucumber margarita is refreshing, the oyster shooter has several oysters and is fresh, the ceviche sampler is the way to go for sure and they were all wonderful... Loved the duck taco but not the corn soft taco it was on as it fell apart ohhhh and the corn is a must the star of the night! We also had the brownie and chipotle choc gelato the brownie was more cake like but mixed with gelato very good
(5)Kateryna K.
I ordered ceviche sampler for 24 dollars and one of the samplers ceviche on the plate had no seafood in it at all!!! Just chopped up veggies and fruit. The service is bad. Hostesses do not try to accommodate customers' requests and just say "no".
(1)Frank T.
Amazing from the chips and salsa to the burgers, enchiladas and duck!!! Will be back again!
(5)Matt P.
Long wait. Horribly slow service. Never even got a napkin. Food was wrong and took over 40 min to get 3 tacos. Wait staff wouldn't take the time to even stop to get the bill right. Not worth your time. Seems like there are way to many places in this area to waist time here.
(1)Callie O.
Red Mesa Cantina is a Mexican restaurant that leans more high-end tex-mex than anything. The food, drinks and staff are unbelievably fantastic as is the atmosphere of Red Mesa. There are two floors and tons of seating area outside. This place was booming even for Sunday brunch, which is when I went along with a group of geeks for a monthly Geek Brunch. Not only was I in the company of fantastic people, but I also had the most delicious pancakes I've ever had in my life. They came served alongside two sausages, which I passed on to my boyfriend since I am vegetarian. The sweet-potato pancakes were dense but still fluffy, flavorful and filling. The maple syrup wasn't any of that corn-syrup laden junk, it was the real deal, unless my tastebuds fooled me! Price wise, this place is moderate. It was $6.50 for two-large pancakes and two-large sausage links. That's not so bad, especially when you weigh quality and quantity alongside other restaurants that serve brunch. You really get what you pay for. Service was a bit slow, but we had a huge table! Overall, we were only there for 2 hours during an extremely BUSY time, and much of that time was spent chit-chatting anyway. I also had my very first mimosa here. It was delightful with the passion-fruit flavor. I didn't drink an entire one, but I shared with my boyfriend. My coffee however, was easily 10 times better than Starbucks with robust flavor. Now, it's time to give credit to the server who made this experience incredible. If I remember correctly, George was our server who served roughly 13 people at a table. He was incredibly efficient at getting everyone's order, dividing them accurately and then refilling and making sure we were all happy. This man is a super-star, and he deserves a lot of credit for handling the table so well. I was thoroughly impressed! I can't say I've ever seen a waitstaff member do a job so well, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I was very appreciative of his work and dedication to making sure we loved our food, and loved the food I did! I will certainly be back to Red Mesa. I hope I can find some tasty vegetarian bites on their lunch or dinner menu, or possibly something vegan. I had a great experience, and I truly hope that you will go in and have a similar one!
(5)Kimberly F.
Incredible meal!!! Quick service, delicious food, great music! Highly recommend! !!
(5)Blake H.
Not bad. Table ordered a pitcher of margaritas (wine based), not bad, but just not the same as with tequila. Chips and salsa with quite tasty. I had the crab enchiladas, they were different but good. I really enjoyed the beans and rice that was served with it. My husband at the duck enchiladas, also very different but good. Their food menu is very different. If you are looking for traditional type Mexican food, this is not the place to go, but perfect for expanding your food horizons.
(3)Julia F.
I came here with my husband for lunch. We ended up sitting inside since there was a wait for outside seating. The atmosphere was nice and the building is pretty. I ordered a Seafood Mofongo and it was delicious! It was slightly sweet. The server said that it is only on the lunch menu. Service was really good. The only thing I would change is for them to not charge for chips and salsa.
(5)Meg R.
Having returned to Cantina on a couple different occasions, it's quickly moved up my "Favorite Spots in DTSP" list, especially because of the large outdoor patio and bar. Once I tried a few other dishes on the menu, I found what I liked most, and it's apparently not the tacos (while delicious, Cantina offers many other items that far surpass them). My favorites are the pulled pork enchiladas, any of the quesadillas, and the mahi mahi ceviche. I love Cantina's guacamole, especially because the serving size is decent, unlike some other Mexican restaurants I've been to that charge $7 for tablespoons of guac. This place serves up an excellent brunch, with innovative Mexican-inspired dishes and $3 mimosas.
(4)Iyesha C.
There aren't enough good things I can say about this place. Sit outside if the weather is tolerable, because they have a great outdoor dealing arrangement! The wait staff was awesome with suggestions on drinks, and helpful in deciding on entree orders. Now let me get down to the food . . . Just great! the chicken taquitos were delicious! There was an ample amount of chicken, and the garnish is not meant to just look pretty on the plate. It definitely integrates into the dish. I do not know mush about guacamole, but there is nothing bad I can say about it. I'm not one for avocado, but I was pleasantly surprised, and enjoyed every bit. My main course of duck quesadillas was so delicious. It was light and a great outdoor summer meal selection. My husband enjoyed the seafood chimichanga, which was heavier, and gave off a real down home comfort food type feel, which was so good! And the white wine sangria was the suggestion of adding brandy (per waitress), was right on point. To end, the apple empanada with ice cream was honestly the end to a great night. I literally left pleasantly stuffed, Hands down, a must in the Burg!
(5)Michelle J.
My husband and I have eaten here for dinner many times and it is delicious! But today we went for brunch and were equally as impressed. Many people don't realize they do brunch on Sautrday and Sunday. Get the shrimp burrito it is to DIE FOR.
(5)Carissa F.
Traye went above and beyond to make our night a memorable one. His smile is genuine and made us feel right at home! The environment is gorgeous and it was perfect for my friends and I to enjoy some drinks with dinner after a long day of work! I would highly suggest this cantina!!
(5)Tammy S.
Saturday late lunch 3pm. Menu is refreshingly unique! Cerviche was top notch! Chips and dips was loved by all including my picky 8 and 5 yr olds! No kids menu is a bummer so we ordered them a simple steak taco. They did not like it much I think because it was in a corn tortilla rather than flour. My steak quesadilla was good and hubby's burrito was huge! My youngest ordered chocolate milk and I'm not sure what they used to make it chocolate but it wasn't good, like they put a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder in it instead of confessing they didn't have any. Service was pretty good to start but slowed when we asked for more chips and they never came. I guess overall not a family place if your kids are young and picky. But I betcha they have great margaritas if you visit with your adult friends!
(4)D P.
I went here because if the reviews. Food was ok, but nothing extraordinary. Had the duck taco, fish taco, and seafood chimichanga (spelling??). Everything was average, nothing stood out. Ultimately I'll forget about it. Servers were attentive and it was a nice environment.
(3)Maggie V.
Very good food! We decided to do tapas style and choose many delicious appetizers - including ceviche that was outstanding! The sangria was very tasty, too.
(4)Sarah M.
Can't go wrong with any of the burritos. The shrimp tacos and tofu tacos. Don't forget to try the chips and appetizer.
(4)JT H.
This would have had been one more star if the waitress did not take my food away from me before i was done... I looked back and it was gone i didn't even put my fork or napkin on top it was just gone. You cant do that to a fat guy and just get away with it. At least ask me for a to go box so i can scarf the rest down at midnight so no one is watching me... I order some hot spicy damn burrito thing(cant remember the name didn't get to finish it). That was very good and until it was violated before being finish. The rice and bean combo side was good but no flavor like the "hsdbt". They had a three dips for the chips but requested something more tomatoeee and it was good had a bit of a kick to it but nothing like the "hsdbt". I'll probably be back but next time fork in hand and guarding my food.
(3)Jim H.
Loved the food and the atmosphere. Great place for a first date. Food was presented very well and the prices are pretty decent. It's been awhile and I need to come back!! The service has always been pretty fast and friendly. Sometimes you have to wait for a table, but well worth the wait.
(5)Wendy F.
Excellent find in downtown St. Pete! Interesting bldg and if you love the cool weather take advantage of the outdoor eating option - no heat lamps for the thin blooded. Variety of marguerita drinks made with pride. Dinner was worth waiting for as the house guacamole was some of the tastiest ever and the steak and shrimp tacos were fresh and delicious. Sweet plantains cooked perfectly. Make sure you save energy for the upstairs party beginning at 10p on the rooftop.
(5)Theresa L.
Food was delicious and service was quick and polite. Would definitely go again.
(4)Larry C.
Great food and service! This is my second time here and everything I've ordered has been great. Definitely recommend the Churrasco if you like steak.
(5)Katie C.
Mexican food is perfect just the way it is, so really, there's no need to make it fancy. My shrimp burrito at Red Mesa Cantina was, let's say, "deconstructed," with the rice and beans on the side. Without rice in the burrito to balance/soak up the chipotle sauce, the tortilla itself was soggy, the burrito fell apart, and eating was messier than it should have been. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
(3)Ekta N.
My husband and I had our first date here over a year ago. This is our favorite place to take people not only because it means something to us but also because the food and atmosphere is fabulous! The outdoor courtyard is gorgeous and perfect for the Florida winter weather. This last visit we took my sister in law who is vegetarian. The chef was accommodating as they replaces the black bean chorizo on the nachos with a the black bean salsa from one of their salads. The nachos were absolute heaven. So fresh and delicious! My sister in law ordered the taco salad and raved about it all weekend! It came with perfectly ripe avocados and a delicious dressing. My husband ordered the shrimp tacos which is his all time favorite. I ordered the chicken taquitos for the first time and I have to say it's my favorite dish there so far. They taquitos are perfectly crispy and the sauce they came with is packed with flavor!
(5)Maddie M.
I really enjoyed my dinner at the Red Mesa.... The chips and salsa hit the spot. My entree was awesome. My friends enjoyed his too. The waitress Mackenzie, was very friendly. She came with our refills of soda before we even asked. I would definitely come again.
(5)Dani I.
I'm sorry to say I've been here so many times to keep trying this place and give it the benefit of the doubt. It tastes bland and it's way overpriced.
(3)Heather B.
Great lil place outside atmosphere is relaxing with the sound of water falling. Tapas are amazing! My favorite is the shrimp and crab quesadilla served open faced- absolutely amazing! Love it here!
(5)Rob H.
This is the best value in St Pete, hands down. Five stars for that combo. Been here six times, their brunch is delicious, fresh, and creative. The eggs benedicto and the something Oaxaca are strong. Burritos here are not filled with garbage like other Mexican places, cheese is fresh, spice is there and not overpowering. Dessert - chipotle chocolate gelato? Really interesting and delicious. Service is generally good but inconsistent; I find they don't really know or care about the food. Bottom line is that someone there does, and it makes for a fantastic place to appreciate food. If you don't agree I'll put on one of the luchadores' masks and hit you from the turnbuckle mas alto!!
(5)Nathan L.
Awesome service and food - can't beat this spot !!! Ask for Rachel(sp) she's a great bartender !!
(5)Amie S.
I had the mushroom quesadilla, shrimp cheese dish that came with a tortilla shells, both from the appetizer menu and the chicken tortilla soup. All was amazing!!! Was recommended by the front desk at our hotel. Glad we went!
(5)Michael D.
This place is pretty awesome. We started off with a few cocktails which were very nicely done. They were also pretty spicey which I love, though after a long sunburning day, the chile salt made lips feel like they were on fire. Though the lime juice from the Ceviche probably didn't help too much either. Holy flaming lips. The ceviche was excellent. It tasted just like my peruvian friend's mom used to make. Though there only seemed to be one type of seafood in the appetizer, I could only wish there were different types included. The tacos were spot on and made for a light and airy dinner. Combine this with the great outside patio with running water and you have yourself a great dinner spot for the hotter days.
(4)Lisa P.
One of my favorite places to meet up with my daughter and our mutual friends. Service is great and they always accommodate my daughter's vegan diet. Food is very good and it's a nice atmosphere.
(4)Ben V.
This place is great! Everything from our drinks to our meal was so good. We sat at the outdoor bar and our bartender was Chance. He made our margaritas and mojitos well ( I recommend the cucumber margarita). He was also helpful with the menu. We ordered the fried sweet plantains, the mahi mahi ceviche and the regular mofongo. The ceviche tasted so fresh. The mofongo which comes as a plate of three scoops is enough as a meal than an appetizer and leaves you cleaning your plate off-its that good. Its kind of like a pork like stuffing but way better. Everything we had was perfect and delicious. Had the churros for dessert- came with three churros that were a little heavy handed with the cinnamon sugar- but who's complaining? This was one of our best dining experiences on our regular visit to the tampa area. We will definetly be back!
(5)Loren F.
Amazing food, amazing location! Love this place
(5)Ashley E.
Out hotel recommended this place since we were looking for Mexican food. Absolutely loved it! I'm definitely coming back next time I'm in St Pete's. Our server was friendly, and made some recommendations to us to help us new-comers chose. Ended up ordering some type of pulled pork appetizer called Mofongo. It was very different in taste, and VERY delicious. served with chips. Then we split a giant steak burrito. The jalapeño cream sauce on top made it so rich in flavor! We ended it all with some churros to go - which were a delicious snack later on. The decor inside was unique and stylish. We didn't sit outside because it was too hot but the decor and ambience out there looked beautiful. On top of it all, it was very reasonably priced. Would recommend to anyone!
(5)Julie R.
Red Mesa Cantina is always consistent in their great service, food and drinks. If you're not ordering the Duck Quesadilla, then you're messing up.
(5)Brian M.
Mackenzie was the best server ever! Super attentive and informative while remaining friendly(we were pretty drunk) lol. But make sure to ask for her, food is always good here and the bottle service is exceptionally affordable.
(5)William N.
Red Mesa Cantina is best described as Wonderful. I have been to this restaurant perhaps 20 times or more this year and have yet to have a single disappointment. Red Mesa Cantina has earned 5/5 stars because of the following: Atmosphere Red Mesa Cantina sits on the ground floor of a two-story brick building. The top floor hosts "Push Ultra Lounge" and the second of three bar serving areas at Red Mesa. Outside is a courtyard with water features and plenty of shade. The courtyard is a lovely setting for a meal at any time of the day. The inside is a different mood and gives off an energetic vibe. It is easy to get lost in conversation here as the whole world seems to melt away when you are here with someone else. Bar seating is available with television behind a glass partition and shifts nicely from restaurant to bar feeling. Atmosphere gets 5/5 stars. Food Let's face it, we are going out to eat at most restaurants. Luckily, Red Mesa Cantina has many delicious options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. This place is a self-described "modern Mexican taqueria" and is confirmed by the food. I try to get something different each time I visit and must say I still have many more choices to go. Not to mention daily special meals (e.g. Sweet potato pancake sandwich). There are so many wonderful flavors available here for vegans and carnivores alike. The quality of my meals have always ranged from good to amazing. A short list of my favorites: yuca fries /w chipotle ketchup, Duck quesadilla, Cuban torta, churros, ceviche sampler, Baja fish tacos, plantains (hard to find good ones!), taco salad, and my absolute favorite is actually their gallo pinto. The seasonings on these meals are always right. I love it. It's the main reason I come here. Food gets 5/5. Beverages This place features three full service bars (roof bar only open at night) with a variety of Wonderful drinks. For brunch, try a passion fruit mimosa or mocha cafe (non-alcoholic). This destination features a large tequila list and knows how to make a margarita. Try their mojitos as well! Service I've been here during various busy periods of the day and the most I have ever waited for a dish was less than 20 minutes. Meals come out looking, smelling , and tasting delicious. I've never had to send a plate back and am always greeted with a smile. During a lunch rush your waitperson will still pop in on you to see if you need anything. Waitstaff are friendly and personable. Service gets 5/5 stars Price You get what you pay for. Considering what was described above, I'd say the value of what you pay is fairly good. Most plates range from $6-14 and are well worth it. They have pretty good specials as well. I usually get out for less than 15 for lunch including 20% gratuity. Price gets 5/5 stars Overall: this is a great place for a casual lunch, date, or to have a drink with friends. The food is good and it's a pretty rad place. I recommend getting a seat overlooking the fountain.
(5)Morgan C.
Red Mesa is my favorite restaurant in Saint Pete. It has a great atmosphere whether you go for lunch or dinner. It is always busy but rarely has a wait. I have taken my parents there and go regularly with my friends it is a great place for everyone of all ages. The staff is also great and always tentative to the customers. It has has live music on the weekends which is a plus.I love to sit outside near the outside fountain it is nice and relaxing. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who comes to Saint Pete.
(5)Christina C.
I really enjoy this place. Whenever someone suggests going to Red Mesa Cantina I am always in. I like sitting outside, because it is gorgeously lit and sometimes there is live music. This place can be a pretty romantic place for a date. Their drinks are pretty good. I've tried their sangria and margaritas. Unfortunately, I do not remember the margarita, because it was at the end of a night, but I know that it is huge. I love everything they have that has duck in it. Duck taco, duck quesadilla, it is all delicious. I would suggest getting a couple of tacos, because they are not large. Everyone I have ever eaten here with has loved the food. Watch out for the last table in the back outside area by the bar (the one closest to the stairs). We sat there at first and there was a fan blowing directly at my face, which was really annoying. We ended up moving. If the fan is on, don't sit there. The inside is beautifully decorated. This really is a great place for a date!
(5)Jim K.
kicka** food good drinks fun to go to this place chips and salza is the bomb wait stalff was very atenttive and we had a large group
(5)Jackie N.
Okay, I probably wouldn't confess this to anyone, but I like your pineapple taco! Yum! All joking aside, the tofu taco was phenomenal. The combination of grilled tofu, poblano peppers, jack cheese and pineapple was unique and seemingly Asian inspired (very sweet and sour vibes happening). With the exception of the ensalada menu, there aren't too many other vegetarian options, but i would definitely dive into this taco again!
(4)Danny G.
The chicken enchilada was great, lemonade delicious, mofongo awesome, service was amazing.!! I would definitely come back to this Restuarant. :)
(5)Tiffany B.
I went here so long ago and totally forgot to review it! My favorite part about this place is the decor and outdoor area- other than that, I don't recall being blown away by anything. Their menu is fairly small and I had a hard time finding anything that sounded good to me, and I'm not a picky eater. The portions are also pretty small- not worth it for the price of the food, in my opinion. I do recall the service was quite slow and a few drinks went empty in our party. Maybe I'll have to go back a second time to fully get the hype, because after one visit I'm not getting what everyone is seeing in this place!
(3)Bethany M.
Do you like fancy Mexican? If you do and like to pay high dollar for it go here. The outdoor patio is a serene experience at night; tables are reachable by bridge, and nestled amongst eclectic decorations and a trickling fountain. Located on the top floor is Push Ultra Lounge, making your night out an all-in-one experience of dinner, drinks and dancing. Très chic. The menu selection was vast and varied - great for the vegetarians and picky eaters. The "Chips & Dips" appetizer, baja fish tacos and sangria were delicious. Overall my friends and I were pleased with the food and environment. I will definitely be back, but it's a bit too pricey to make it a regular spot.
(4)H L.
This has truly been a favorite restaurant of mine for a few years now. When I lived in downtown St Pete area, I went here all the time. I once actually went here both Saturday AND Sunday for brunch in the same weekend. (sweet potato pancakes are soo good) Any time I had friends/family in town, this is where I took them. Since moving to Tampa this year, we only go every couple months when we come into downtown St Pete. But here comes my "CON" and why they don't have a higher rating from me.. and that is the cost (it feels like 'nickeling and diming'). But I guess the thought is 'why not if business is good'?! My companions have usually criticized them charging for chips and salsa (& they charge for refills too). I have defended it saying "I get it, they're not your typical Mexican place". But the last time we were there, it seemed like the cost was getting worse. I asked for a margarita with 1800 tequila which I usually get (I know the 1800 costs more but the house tequila gives me a horrible headache.) I believe the cost was around $10-$12. However, this time it came out in an obviously smaller glass than it has in the past. Someone shrunk their glasses! Plus all the ice cubes in it, and there wasn't much drink to it. Disappointing. We ordered chips and guac. $7.50. That is a bit much. Then add on top of it, we later asked for salsa and were charged a few bucks for that too. (It might have been the full $4 charge) So not sure I can talk my boyfriend into going anymore (though I always love my food, his choices have been hit or miss and he's not as big of a fan). PROs: Excellent ambiance, especially outside. Menu is tasty (so much better than the 4th St location food. You'd think it would be the same, but I have been disappointed with the other location) And here's a big one for me-- tofu option! As a vegetarian this is rare in this area. I love that they offer that. I used to always get the tofu gordo burrito, which was tasty but very indulgent. I have moved over to the tasty tofu tacos (which oddly sometimes are extremely spicy and other times mild.. never sure what to expect).
(3)Leslie G.
Sangria??... Umm yes... Tasty.. Josh and chance are great.. Friendly and fun. It's my first time here and even though I'm not eating all the food surrounding me looks delicious! I may give in and get something.
(4)Andriana Z.
Don't believe the local hype DONT GO HERE. Asked for the best Mexican restaurant in the area an was directed here. Unfortunately this was a huge disappointment. This is not Mexican nor would I even call this tex mex. The salsa tasted like it came out of a can and the "guacamole" was crap. Perhaps being from Texas my Mexican resultant bar is set high but nonetheless this was overpriced themed crap. Maybe to the locals this is great but if you want Mexican or tex mex, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
(1)Casey M.
Great atmosphere, good service, and decent food. I had high expectations for Mexican seafood given a recent experience in Tucson, and while this place was beautiful, the food was not quite as good. Duck taco was very tasty, but the civiche was better at other places I've tried. Great place to hang out and drink hibiscus margaritas.
(4)Alicia G.
One of the more popular spots in St. Petersburg (obviously) since it took us quite a long time to get a table. We were able to enjoy some drinks at the outside bar while we waited for a table indoors. They have a nice outdoor patio but on this particular evening, it was a touch too chilly to eat outdoors. The sangria was okay. We were a fairly low-maintenance 6-top but since our server would disappear for semi-long periods of time, when she would reappear, we'd have a lot of requests. Like trying to get 6 drink refills or order a single basket of chips and salsa. Which by the way- the chips and salsa you have to pay for. Hm okay. Most places at least give you the first basket for free but that is not the case here. I had the duck torta with yucca fries. Pretty delicious actually though I kind of wished I had gotten the duck tacos instead. The insanely strong (but awesome) strawberry and pineapple caipirinha was also great. Everyone else seemed pretty happy with their food options. We were just very unimpressed with the service.
(3)Courtenay L.
I just want to sit out in the courtyard all day and drink mimosas and eat guacamole and tacos! Beautiful ambiance, staff is relatively friendly and food is killer. Good vegan options too!
(5)Tiffany H.
I'm sort of conflicted about Red Mesa. I love the location and the outdoor patio seating (especially with nice weather). I've had pretty good service both the times I went. The food was on the better end of the scale, but I honestly don't think it warrants the price for some of their menu options. I tried both the duck taco and duck quesadilla, some kind of beef burrito, and chips & dip. First of all, the prices for tacos (between $4 and $5) are per single taco. Most people would need at least two to make a meal. I know dudes that would need four. There's also no substitutions, which really kind of sucks. I ordered my duck minus the goat cheese and liked the flavor it had. The beef burrito was good but nothing extraordinary. If you need to figure out if something is gluten-free (which I've become a little more aware of these days), the "gluten-free menu" is a hot mess. Instead of having a list of whatever is actually GF it's like a giant list of things that have gluten in them (or have been cross-contaminated or something because even the corn chips were on there). Basically, there's probably 4 or 5 things that are safe on the menu, and instead of saying that, it feels like the special menu is trying to deceive you into thinking you have more options. Needless to say, if you have very very strong sensitivities to gluten, skip it. My friend was okay with the corn chips and brunch thing she had (can't remember what it was exactly) but that might not be the case with people who can't function with cross-contamination at the very least. Last but not least, they serve hibiscus iced tea instead of plain ol' black. This was a pleasant surprise and got me on a hibiscus kick (I stopped at Cedar Market on the way home just to get tea bags).
(3)Ashlee B.
I would never recommend this place. Our waitress had absolutely no personality and the food was very mediocre and over priced. Not to mention they have a frozen drink advertised on the menu and they don't have a blender to make them. Huge disappointment.
(1)Jessica H.
I've been to Red Mesa twice, once with my friends another with my fiancé and had a great experience both times. The food was delicious, especially the menu items that include duck. Eating inside can be kind of loud.
(5)Brent N.
Came in on 1/2 price fajita wednesday for dinner. The service was good once we were seated. We had the steak fajita's which were nicely spiced, tender and a decent portion. Also had a duck taco which was very good with an interesting taste combination. No chips and salsa ($4.00 extra) was a disappointment. Think they'd serve more drinks if they had free chips and salsa like most good Mexican places. Cool building and bar area. Overall a good meal but a li
(3)Andy S.
Everything here always tastes good. However, the service is pretty much always crappy. It seems like they have a really high turnover rate for servers and a lot of people don't seem to know what the heck is going on. This ceviche is always good, there are several different varieties. D quacamole and salsas are very good and taste very fresh. This is a good spot to have dinner before going out in downtown St Petersburg. I usually get the chorizo burger which is huge and very filling. I also like the fried yuca sticks. If the food was any less good I would have given this place a 3. If the service from the servers was anything decent I would have given this place a 5. Don't hesitate to go, just don't be surprised if you have to beg and plead for your server to show up or come back to the table.
(4)Lewis U.
Good quality Mexican cuisine that I would recommend to anyone who has an appetite for Latin American food
(4)Jen G.
I've been here several times on my forays into downtown St. Pete. They never disappoint. But, don't get this one confused with Red Mesa. They are two separate places. This is the one located in the same building as Push Ultra Lounge on 3rd St. The first couple times I went with girlfriends for a girls night out, so we stopped in for a bite to eat and a quick drink before heading upstairs to Push for Magic Friday. The chicken nachos are delicious! My friends also raved about the duck tacos. The margaritas were decent, as was the sangria. Last night I went with my man, and we ate chips and guacamole which were perfect! Just the right amount of garlic, salt, and cilantro. So delectable. They also made my cocktail just as I wanted. I prefer to sit in the outdoor bar/patio area, which has an awesome ambiance. The bartenders are fun and social, and the live music there is great, although the place seemed to shut down rather early, before 1am. I love the way they light up the outside with patio lights, it gives it a great Florida feel on a February night. We'll definitely be back!
(4)Andee A.
Our group of 5 -- newcomers from Stockholm and St. Louis -- walked here from the Dali Museum and we were happily sated. Tasty, friendly, excellent salsa. Try the pork enchiladas! Great service, too!
(5)Anna K.
Went there with my parents, including my dad who doesn't like Mexican food at all. But we all left extremely happy! The fajitas are awesome and the ahi tuna tacos are a must-have. Service was wonderful and the food came out quickly.
(5)Angela A.
From the name, I expected far less than I received. More than Mexican, they offer many Latin American options. The mofongo is delicious though served in an untraditional way. Enjoyed also the empanada, gallo pinto, and ceviche. All in all, definitely worth the trip!
(4)Paul V.
Being from Texas we were excited about trying this place out. Totally different than what were used too. Not even sure how to explain what we encountered here. It's hard to screw up Nachos, however it happened, cold beans and Parmasan cheese on chips was just not a good combo. In Texas salsa comes with your meal for free. Here we had to pay. Service was good.
(3)Mark F.
I've been to all the red Mesa chains and this is by far my favorite! Margaritas are always delicious and the food never disappoints! I recommend this place to all my friends and family when they come in town. Will definitely be back, probably sooner rather than later!
(5)Emma R.
This place is phenomenal. I highly recommend the brunch, especially the breakfast quesadilla and the mimosas. Nice outdoor ambience. Service is always quick and attentive.
(5)Stephanie E.
Food and services was phenomenal!!
(5)Randy H.
Duck tacos!!
(4)Lisa H.
Bad experience here. Took them 20min to serve the chips and another 40min passed our main dish was not even there. The table next to us that got here later than us got their food and the waiter did not even stop by and say sorry.
(2)Kelly H.
Excellent food, service, atmosphere and price. If you're lucky, you'll have Daniel as your waiter-- he's the best! Attentive, friendly and hilarious. Danny's family loves him! :)
(5)Scott M.
Listed on a "top 50 in Tampa list" this eatery deserves its mention. In downtown St Petersburg, located in a refurbished fire house, Red Mesa sports a great bar, unique inside sitting arrangements and a courtyard with a pond and bridge Atmosphere 90 Miles away from downtown St Petes Service 85 Polite, quick and friendly Food 85 Upscale Mexican cuisine Value 85 A sound solid combination Worth the trip even if you are not in St Petes. .
(4)Ashlee R.
This place is fantastic, awesome atmosphere! Love the outdoor seating area and was so glad we stumbled upon in during our time in St. Pete. I ordered the chicken tacos which were a perfect portion and delicious. We also got an order of the chips and salsa, salsa had the perfect kick of spice. And those margaritas were to die for...yum! Can't go wrong at this place, great reggae music playing, friendly employees and great food!
(5)Yoandy H.
Really good food and the worst customers service thas what i think about them ...some budy show me the table and told me "somebody will be with you soon" i was waiting for about 30 minutes watching how they ask to a lot of people that came after us me and my wife...
(1)Stuart F.
Red Mesa Cantina has a good menu and nice location downtown. I went recently with a large group and Josh was just an outstanding server! He was 5 stars. The food is consistently good, although I do wish they had more vegan options (and vegan labeling, so you know what is vegan or can be made vegan), and wish they would turn the music a little lower so it was easier to have conversations. Other than that, great place. I do wish they would abolish tipping though, just read this paragraph: Studies have shown that tipping is not an effective incentive for performance in servers. It also creates an environment in which people of color, young people, old people, women, and foreigners tend to get worse service than white males. In a tip-based system, nonwhite servers make less than their white peers for equal work. Consider also the power imbalance between tippers, who are typically male, and servers, 70 percent of whom are female, and consider that the restaurant industry generates five times the average number of sexual harassment claims per worker. And that in many instances employers have allegedly misused tip credits, which let owners pay servers less than minimum wage if tipping makes up the difference. Citations for those claims can be found here: washingtonpost.com/blogs…
(4)Raisa B.
Very casual dinning experience. I recommend the oyster shooter with the fresh touch of cilantro. The pulpo is hell of a deal...a good size plate of tender pulpo with kalamata olives and avocado.
(4)Elizabeth K.
i love this place. its delicious, consistent, and a wonderful atmosphere. i recommend to everyone who has never been and always take visiting guests there for dinner. keep doin' you
(5)Jaclyn V.
Had a delicious dinner here tonight. Great service, great food, great drinks. Outdoor seating. I had the Cucumber Margarita, and I highly recommend it!
(5)Kelly F.
There was a lot of hype for this restaurant. The food was a solid 3.5 -4. My chicken dish was a little dry. The table chips were cold and the house salad was okay. My dad got the pork ribeye, probably one of the best pieces of meat I have ever had. The chopped pico de gallo was good
(3)Thomas A.
This is one of my go-to spots. I live nearby so the location is very convenient. The food here never disappoints and nothing on the menu is really pricey. The duck tacos are fantastic if you want to try something a little different. The pork enchiladas are more traditional but they are also excellent. Come during happy hour for $3 margaritas! Make sure you get the chips and dip sampler. The black bean dip and queso are great.
(5)Bob B.
This is a great place to get your grub on before heading up to Push Ultra Lounge. The outdoor space is really nice and the food is tasty. This is more modern mexican so don't go in thinking otherwise. The benedict for brunch is extremely tasty and you can't ever go wrong with duck tacos, they have great flavor and are juicy. The prices are on the high side but the food is quality for sure.
(4)Jose G.
I was here with a group last Saturday night. And I knew walking up, seeing the line of people, that they were busy. Our server was phenomenal, we sat in the back Lucha Bar. I think our servers name was Cara. But the reason this is a four star, was the little hostess that was at the front. We were greeted by her, she almost looked like she was going to break down. Half way through her struggling to come up with the wait time, a host came up, and took over. He was able to get us on the wait right away, and was able to explain to us about the Lucha Bar, which where we ended up seating, and having a wonderful time. He did a good job in my book, but it looked like that hostess needed a Xanax. Btw, to recommend, the duck torta is phenomenal, and the dessert chimichanga was amazing, and mouth watering. Hope to be back for the same this weekend.
(4)Stephen J.
After a disappointing 1st night in St Petersburg we were so hapoy here. Fast service and great food. Oyster tacos were my favorite followed by the pulled pork sandwich...which is not on the menu. Dont miss this place if you are in town.
(5)Jean M.
I have never had so many bartenders and servers ignore me at the same time. We are walking out after fifteen minutes of waiting for someone to at least acknowledge us. There were about five bartenders just chatting with no intention of working... And it's a Sunday afternoon. It's not even busy.
(1)Brock G.
Although I'm not a huge Mexican cuisine fan I absolutely loved Red Mesa. We sat in the courtyard which is very nice and relaxing. I tried the cucumber margarita and the hibiscus margarita, both were delicious. We had the guacamole for an app and I ordered the chicken quesadilla for my meal. The food was amazing, came out quickly and the service was great. Will be returning soon!
(5)Ronald T.
The atmosphere is Awesome!. The ambiance is so cool makes you want to have lunch there everyday. The food its allright....I had the enchiladas and there was any chicken in there. The wife ordered tacos and they were blend. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel welcome.
(3)Joseph K.
I would not consider this place authentic Mexican cuisine, but more of a mix of Tex-Mex and other Mexican dishes. The quality of the food is top and everything seems fresh. I recommended the Trio dip and chips to start. The ambiance is great outside, they surprisingly have decent ceviche. Drinks are good but a little pricey.
(3)Steve L.
Duck Taco was very delicious. Sweet plantains were good. Great atmosphere. Good service. Walking distance from anywhere downtown. Very affordable. Four ate for less than $50.
(4)Colleen M.
Great food, prompt service and fun atmosphere. My husband and I split an order of queso and an El Gordo chicken burrito. Both were delicious and it was more than enough food for two. The service was quick and attentive and the atmosphere was fun and unique. Will definitely come back when we are in town. It was cold when we were here, but would love to sit on their patio in warmer weather.
(5)Daniel K.
Yeah I am a fan. First, I must say that up until this year this rating would have been a 3. Much has changed in the last year. Better organization in the front of the house, better quality of food, better service, I just had a great time overall. If you have read enough of my reviews you know I really want to sit outside, middle of july no problem, shade provided and portable coolers. A bit loud but mission accomplished. The food was really great, had the same dish again, Carne Asada, wow what a nice updgrade to the dish from a year ago. Sauces, the corn on a stick, the steak cooked perfect from the sear to the seasoning, just a great dish; One that I will be going back to enjoy again. I want to thank the management. Feedback does work folks!!
(4)Brittany J.
Love the outdoor area...definitely an island vibe. They have water fountains n errthang. Salsa was delish (Im picky about salsa), frijoles churros Mmmm, and the steak tacis were yum too. The meat itself coulda used a little more flavor/seasoming but overall great place.
(4)Calvin M.
Amazing food. My favorites are the Borado ceviche, the mofongo, duck and mahi tuna tacos.
(5)Jeff E.
I've been coming to the St Pete Clearwater area for years and am shocked that I only recently discovered this place. Food is superior, service is good, there was a good energy to the place even though it was a rainy wed and the place has character.
(5)Timothy O.
Great lunch, server Lindsey was quick, food prep was quick and loved all we had to eat. Thanks for another great meal Seafood Quesadilla is a must!!
(5)Kristen P.
Just had chips and guacamole but it was good. Outside ambiance is nice...plan to return soon!
(5)Xamlinnette D.
We got here by mistake looking for Mesa Restaurant but it was a good experience after all. Love the mofongos! We ate different small tacos, my boyfriend had the chicken, pork and steak and me the shrimp and fish overall they were ok. It's a nice place to just to hang out.
(4)Alex A.
Great food and ambiance to enjoy. Must try the sangria.
(5)Sara I.
We were in the area visiting the Dali museum, and stopped at this restaurant for lunch based on the yelp reviews. The service was good for a lunch service. The place was pretty much empty, maybe 3 other tables in the inside dining room, definitely more on the outside patio. The waitress was helpful, and the menu was simple. Definitely high priced. We would compare these prices to New York City lunch prices. The chips were crunchy, not oily and I enjoyed the salsa, though it was loose, not texturally appealing, and seemed bottled. The guacamole portion was a good size but I thought it lacked some salt and was a bit slimy. But my husband liked it, so maybe just a preferential thing for me :) He had the duck tacos which were very sweet, and I thought the meat was a little dry. He also had the Baja fish taco, which felt more sweet than savory, as the sauce kind of buried the flavors. The steak quesadillas were good, but they really weren't special. The corn salsa on the side enhanced the flavor, but again, was pretty sweet. We had plantains on the side which were yummy but came with an unnecessary crema dipping sauce. The sauce was good but did nothing for the plantains. Overall, the place was okay. If you're looking for a Mexican food fill and not authenticity or memorable flavors, they will do the trick. Their happy hour prices were affordable and they had a lot of tequila choices. I probably wouldn't go back, maybe dinner is better, but it wasn't worth a $40 lunch.
(2)Mark T.
Seriously great food - Chicken Fernandez is always awesome. Speciality drinks are also really good - they have a hibiscus margarita that's great. This place has a great atmosphere as well.
(5)Gretchen C.
Can you say MOFUNGO? Best top shelf margarita in the Burg! Crab Shrimp quesadilla is phenomenal!
(4)Rebecca D.
Excellent food, great environment, family-friendly. If you can sit outside, it is one of the most lovely outdoor dining experiences in St. Petersburg. Just AVOID for Sunday brunch. We were there for Mother's Day at 11:30 and waited over an hour for our food and several longer than acceptable intervals for drinks and other service. Our waiter and the kitchen were clearly NOT prepared for the Mother's Day brunch rush and there was no excuse for that.
(3)Andy F.
The location is amazing. You can sit outside in a lush courtyard. There are a lot of beautiful people that eat here, whether you're inside, outside, or at the bar. I had the octopus appetizer, which was done with a spicy southwest flair. They have a great beer selection here, which includes many crafts. For dinner, I had a duck taco, which was made with goat cheese and a chili jelly... delicious! I also had the Mofongo. This was amazing. Three huge lumps of pork carnitas, plantains, yucca, and a green chili oil. A lot of food for $6. I also tried the ahi tuna wrap, which was very tasty with a horseradish sauce. The service can be a bit slow due to crowd, but the servers are very friendly. Definitely a delicious upscale meal at a more than fair price in a lively, beautiful atmosphere.
(5)Meg M.
Service + Atmosphere + Mexican Food = WINNING! Dad and I went to Red Mesa for lunch after the Dali Museum and a walk around St Petersburg. I swear they treated us like celebs! Granted the place wasn't packed for lunch but all the staff greeted us as we came in and the hostess let us have our pick of tables in the pretty outdoor dining area. She even turned the fan down for me so that it wasn't directly facing us throughout the meal! Our waiter hooked us up with beers and waters from the beginning. Dad tried the Drifter beer (I think it was a lager) and although the waiter wasn't really sure how to describe it, we both really enjoyed it! I ended up ordering the gordo burrito with tofu and dad ordered the crab and shrimp quesadilla. Both were based on the waiter's recommendation and man, he was spot on! (I just have to reiterate the TOFU is a choice for a burrito filling here! Vegetarians, rejoice!) Dad's quesadilla was open-face and smothered in cheese. It tasted really good with the fresh seafood and had a delicate but spicy sauce on it that he loved. It was the perfect size for a lunch plate. ... But then I had him help me finish my burrito! My meal was AWESOME. Definitely not the healthiest but, hey, I had worked out this morning AND and on vacation so I was all over that jalapeno cream sauce! the burrito was huge- about the size of my forearm- but I managed to devour half of it in record time! The tofu was great and the burrito had a great balance of beans, rice, tofu, salsa and cheese. The sauce on top was delish and the salsa on the side was fresh and made with lots of cilantro- just the way I like it! I would totally recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual lunch spot with excellent service... the Mexican fare hit the spot for us!
(5)Quincy C.
I went there tonight for dinner. I had the Baha fish tacos. The tacos were perfect. I got two because one is not enough. I like the trendy atmosphere. It was super busy inside. The service was quick with our food. The only thing was the bathroom line situation. I had to wait in line to use the bathroom, however I met some interesting people.
(4)Felix A.
Just had an awesome lunch. The service was great; our waiter was very attentive to our large group. As always, the shrimp al mojo was delicious except the veggies were a little tough. I'm really feeling that Iced Tea. It's one of my favorites! Thanks for the great lunch experience!
(4)Michael W.
Best tacos I have ever eaten! Duck taco with goat cheese and chili jelly was perfect, Baja Fish taco was light and fresh, and the steak taco was fantastic. The Duck was far and away my favorite. Service was excellent and the atmosphere was abuzz live music and a great downtown crowd. We sat in the outdoor courtyard that features a unique waterfall with a small river that runs through it. As a side note, we were here on a Sunday night so parking meters were off (free).
(5)Jenny S.
Such a great place to go eat. The ahi tuna tacos are incredible and the ceviche is amazing. It's not your run of the mill Mexican joint so don't expect that. It's a higher quality and a bit outside the box which really makes it fun. In the heart of downtown St. Pete it's a must! Inside and outside seating with a great courtyard.
(4)Lauren S.
Overall: Decent tex-mex, nice atmosphere.... don't order the house margarita. Food: We started with chips and queso and no one had trouble going back to the bowl chip after chip. It's thicker than what some mexican restaurants try to pass off as cheese dip - and I like it better this way! The quesadillas weren't anything to write home about very cheese and the meat was fine... would have preferred a little zip. Maybe some onions/peppers? Drinks: We ordered a pitcher of the house margaritas, each poured a glass, took a sip, and immediately looked at each other and said "is there tequila in here?" We finished half the pitcher before asking our server "is it possible the bartender was distracted and forgot to add the tequila?" She said no, but admitted the house ones are pre-mixed and stored in a giant container. Apparently the "hand crafted" margaritas are the way to go. Oh well, live and learn! Service/Atmosphere: We had a little trouble tracking down our server in the beginning, but eventually found her and after that all was fine. The outdoor courtyard was nice (despite the fact it was 115 degrees with 100% humidity.)
(3)Kia G.
Let me just say that the service on the patio sucks. Which I already knew going in so it wasn't a big deal. The atmosphere outside at night is beautiful and perfect for date night. the tequila selection is amazing, and they carry don Julio which is my favorite next to patron. We tried the oyster shooters first and they were spicier than expected, but had a really great flavor and the portion was perfect for a starter. I had the cantinita ceviche and my date had the duck taco and the ahi taco. we shared both items and they were delicious. I would recommend this place, but don't go in expecting great service...
(4)John M.
Jason is always a great bartender. Perfect cucumber margaritas. And the food is outstanding. Ceviche, tuna tacos, and shrimp tacos were what was for dinner tonight and I was stuffed. Great atmosphere and the perfect temperature helped to make for a very nice night outside at the bar.
(5)Sam S.
Amazing food. Mahi ceviche and duck tacos were great! Cocktails were also very good. Large margarita selection
(5)Kim R.
First let me start by saying that the food here is delicious. I ordered guacamole, taco salad, salsa and a mimosa at Geek breakfast today and it was all amazing! This review would have gotten a 4 or 5 star if it wasnt for the ridiculous service we received once our bill came. #1 we ordered queso asking in advance if there was meat in it. Our waitress said no, but upon receiving it realized that there was indeed chorizo in it. They were going to take it away, but one person in our party (of 15) asked if they were going to dump it and if so just leave it, someone might eat it. No one ended up touching it, by the way. #2 when asking about checks they asked who was paying for the queso... Uhhh it wasnt what we ordered so why are we paying $7 for it?! After a semi-heated argument and her eluding that they wouldnt have left it because they dont..... Basically sounds like they were going to dump it back in the giant pot of simmering queso or give it to the next table that ordered queso... According to the manager "we don't give away food for nothing", "we don't waste". I sure hope my other food wasn't recycled!!!!!!!! #3 the waitress knew she was guaranteed a tip because of the large party we sat with so on top of a $7 waste for something that was not eaten I also paid almost $6 tip. I wasted $13 on top of the gas on the drive over from the Tampa side only to be told by the manager that "That's not what he was told" and "we don't do things like that" (in reference to leaving something that was ALREADY SITTING ON A TABLE WITH A CHIP IN IT). #4 Your prices online are not the same as your prices at your restaurant. It may not be that big of a deal, but let's go back to the money I've wasted so far on this adventure. Your mimosas for example are incorrect online. #5 in ordering our meals my friend asked if she could get a dish minus tomato (allergies) and was told it was in the pico. When asking to hold the pico she was told that the chef doesnt do custom dishes because they are too busy.... This experience saddens me because the food is really really great, but I can't see myself going back to an establishment where the manager shrugs off a potentially serious situation and the chef only wants to make his life easy not satisfy a food allergy.
(3)Michael Angelo R.
Great every time. Best salsa! Blackened chicken salad for lunch was amazing,fresh and abundant. Barely could eat dinner. Great sangria. Will always be back!
(5)Melissa G.
Fantastic dinner all around with a great atmosphere in the courtyard! We were in town on vacation and checked this place out on a whim. Loved everything about it and our waiter made some great recommendations in both food and drink departments! We will definitely be back on our next trip!
(5)Rae S.
I have been to Red Mesa countless times, because somehow it has designated itself as THE place to go for group gatherings and girls nights. I fucking hate it. The food is definitely hit or miss - mostly miss. It is not Tex-Mex, or mexican - it is a yuppie place with a theme. Sometimes the tacos are delightful, other times they are sloppily made and tasteless. The burritos are better everywhere else. Chips and dips are a highlight, and that is saying something. If you can afford to eat here, you can afford the gas to go somewhere better. I have been overcharged on several occasions, with items sneaking on to my receipt that I didn't order or consume more than once. I am definitely not the person to complain or mention this to the waiter - though one time, there was a $2.00 surcharge for "rocks" in a drink (rocks = ice). We were joking about it as a table and the waitress heard, so we asked about it (friendly, wasn't her policy or fault). The manager came over with a bull shit excuse, was rude and unhelpful, and made us glad that he didn't have the opportunity to spit in our food. I will say the service is great, and the wait staff is ALWAYS friendly and helpful. One redeeming quality in an otherwise over-hyped over-priced mediocre restaurant.
(1)Jennifer C.
I love love love this restaurant! My favorite thing to the order is the Mofongo, but I also love all the duck dishes, especially the duck quesadillas. I just had the Seafood Mofongo (only available for lunch) for the first time and it was amazing. It was just one ball of delicious fried plantains, yucca and carnitas, which is so good all on its own but then they sat in a bowl of sauteed shrimp, scallops and calamari in a tequila lime butter sauce. It was one of the best things I've ever eaten. I only wish it were slightly bigger. So the food is spectacular but the service is pretty darn good every time we go, no matter if it's a slow weekday lunch or a busy weekend dinner. Local celebs like it too. I was there yesterday and terry Bolea, AKA Hulk Hogan, was on the other side of the dining room eating lunch like everyone else. As for the atmosphere, it's kind of sweet and romantic outside with it's tall bamboo blocking out the 3rd Street traffic and the fountain and waterfall bubbling quietly in the courtyard. I like that the tables have umbrellas for shade and shelter from the regular afternoon showers. The inside is a bit more hip. I love the floors and and the modern but comfy white chairs. It's fun getting to watch the kitchen from your seat too. This is a place we love to bring our out of town friends and family too, as well as a favorite lunch/dinner date destination. My only complaint is the lack of parking. On a busy day, we sometimes have to park several blocks away and walk to the restaurant, but it's worth it!
(5)J T.
I was just here with my girlfriend and ended up walking out after fifteen minutes of being completely ignored by the five bartenders standing around chatting, even after making eye contact. We have never had such a hard time getting service on a sunday afternoon when it's not busy. We won't be back.
(1)Dimi B.
Excellent tofu tacos (ask for fresh habanero peppers on the side). Cara was a fantastic server. Wonderful ambience sitting outside in the fountain area. Will definitely visit again. Very scant vegetarian menu, or I would've given it 5 stars.
(4)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I had no complaints! --- --- --- I had visited Red Mesa a couple of years ago but I actually couldn't remember much about it. That is a rarity, but it wasn't so bad after all, as it gave me an excuse to visit again. We had the chips sampler that came with queso, guacamole and salsa - which were all great. For my meal I went with the good ole' appetite satisfier - The Steak Burrito. It wasn't authentic close to Mexican food, but it tasted great. That's all I needed, something that tasted great. I'll save my authentic snobiness for another night. Whatever kind of cheese was spread out over the top, it was am-fan-az-tas-ing-tic. Yep, that word hurt my brain to type, but that's how great it was. Our food came out very quickly and our servers were very friendly (we had a veteran and a trainee.) I will return to Red Mesa, it's a rare find to come across a great spot in St. Pete, I haven't had much luck.
(4)Ryan A.
I don't understand the hype. The food is average and service is awful, unless you're at the bar. Apparently, everything in the kitchen is pre portioned and heated in the microwave, so there's a strict 'you-get-it-the-way-we-serve-it' policy (I asked for spinach to be added to a quesadilla, which was absolutely out of the question). And according to the staff, their chef is a complete dick, so they're scared to even ask for substitutions. It's unfortunate because that's a beautiful space.
(1)Regina C.
Red Mesa cantina is a Mexican infused Restaurant with great flavor and a fun atmosphere. The food is fantastic and the drinks are great as well. For the sangria lovers, I recommend the white one. The mojito is very refreshing and tasty. The dishes I have tried have all been delicious. For the meat lovers, I recommend the carne azada and the churrasco. The empanadas the tacos are awesome as well.
(5)Julie S.
My husband and I had dinner here for the first time. Our waiter was great, he was always right there when we needed something. We ordered the Cadillac Margaritas and they were sooooo small and just mediocre. The food is just OK. Now I admit I am picky with my Mexican food as I grew up in California and then lived in Arizona. Needless to say I finished dinner still craving some good Mexican/ tex-mex.... I'm not saying I won't go back but I won't think of the restaurant while craving Mexican!
(3)Rachel T.
Red Mesa can fit so many occassions. I've gone in my summer dress for an afternoon bloody mary in the outside bar area, to have my first meeting with my beloved wedding planner, with friends in casual night wear for dinner inside, and all dolled up for night drinks and the amazing new years party. I have to say, I can't pick a favorite. The place is large enough that you will fit in somewhere, hiding or flaunting it off. The New Years on the roof was fairly epic with lounge seating, dancing, and debauchery outside on the street...so you know it was a proper new years adventure. The food is great -- you can bring your family and sit inside. The drinks are awesome and I highly recommend their bloody mary.
(5)Amanda C.
I absolutely love Mexican food and Red Mesa did not disappoint. I can't believe how long it has taken me to eat here but I am so glad I finally got the chance. To start I had the La Roseangel margarita which was spicy, strong and perfect! I also tried the house hibiscus margarita which was alright, not that great but pretty much what you expect for a house margarita. For an appetizer a friend and I shared the guacamole. There were so many choices on the menu that looked appetizing, but for my lunch entree I chose the duck quesadilla. Orange braised duck with jack cheese, goat cheese and pineapples with a honey chipotle vinaigrette. What a delicious explosion of flavors in my mouth! I'm excited for my next visit so I can try something new on the menu!
(4)Carrie S.
If I could give this place negative stars, I would. 6 margaritas with no buzz? Puh-lease. On the 4th margarita, I started ordering a side of tequila just to get a buzz. What did they mix their lime juice with - water? Pathetic! I'm sure other bartenders are better. Just don't visit the outside bar... Unless you plan on spending an insane amount of money.
(1)Scott W.
I'm surprised this place has such good reviews. We ordered a few appetizers and they were so bad we went somewhere else. The nachos don't come with any cheese!
(2)Felicia B.
I love this place! I've been here several times with friends and family and they've all loved it. I've had the Ceviche, Mofongo, El Gordo, Fried Yuca, and many more dishes and I loved them all. My only complaint is that the waitresses sometimes forget to check on you.
(4)Dylan R.
My wife and I ate here while visiting St. Petersburg for a night. We sat in the courtyard and the atmosphere was great. The hostess sat us immediately and our server (Angie) was right there and took good care of us. The food was amazing. We got the chips and dip for an appetizer, my wife ordered the chicken quesadilla, and I ordered the mofongo, which I never had before and loved. The prices were very reasonable for the quality provided. I would definitely recommend this place and wished it wasn't so far away from my home!
(4)John S.
Red Mesa kicked off a week of great dining experiences in St. Petersburg. We went for an early lunch after touring Old Tampa Bay and the pier. There is a wide selection of beers on tap and the bartenders know how to make complicated spring and summer drinks to refresh the weary traveler. For starters we had the guacamole, cheese, beans with cilantro trio. Served in a connected bowl there was just enough of each for the three of us. They weren't the best of these I've ever had, but they were unique. One of the interesting notes of some of the appetizers and entrees was the latent heat. I don't like spicy food very much. One, I can't handle it, and two, it is usually a gimmick that replaces quality food with crap and hot sauce. The latent heat in many of Red Mesa's dishes came after the initial flavor hit your mouth then lingered just briefly. This is to me exactly what a moderate spicy flavor should add to a meal. For lunch I had the pork belly quesadilla special. It was good and comes with a heart bypass--or should. My amigos had the steak fajita tacos with fresh avocado, and the shredded beef enchilada. Both were good.
(5)Beth S.
Yesterday, while driving back to Tampa from Sarasota, I was craving Mexican food. My boyfriend suggested Red Mesa and we were both practically drooling by the time we parked as we were both pretty hungry. The hostess had us wait until a table was cleared and I took the opportunity to head to the restroom. I stood in line for the restroom about 5-6 minutes (people were taking a long time in there) and saw my boyfriend sit down. I got to the table and no one had come by with menus or to take a drink order. The boyfriend and I watched servers wait on the tables around us but not one of them even looked our way. We were both really hungry and it was so nice out that we decided to wait a bit longer. About 10 minutes passed since I had sat down when we started to realize that no one was coming. Another couple nearby had empty drinks. We saw one server go back to another table no less than 3 times but appeared to see only that table. It was very strange. I waited tables for a very long time, from 18-25, and I just don't understand how every server in our vacinity ignored us completely. After another few minutes we decided to leave. Hungry, thirsty, and very disappointed. As we walked out we passed the manager and let him know we'd never been greeted, much less had a drink order taken. He apologized and we could have stayed but at that point we just felt it was best for us to move on. I'm not sure I'd go back to a place with such little teamwork and for lack of a better term, no service.
(1)Cheryl M.
3.5 - very good food - the crab and shrimp quesadilla was great! Guac was very good, that's my measure of great mexican food. The ambiance was great - unfortunately, it rained and we had to move inside - I would have preferred to be outside, but alas, Mother Nature did not cooperate.
(4)Patty D.
I've been to Red Mesa Cantina a couple of times, and I always leave there full and happy. Brunch on Sundays are my favorite! Love the menu and price is very reasonable!
(4)Natalie Y.
omg omg omg this is too delicious LOVE IT.
(5)Susan B.
The food is good. Service very spotty. At the end of the meal and the night at the restaurant our server left the bill and disappeared with most of the staff. After waiting a long time with no one in site. We went to the hostess and got a manager. No apology. Seems amazing to have the staff disapear most likely on a smoke break
(2)Mr. X.
Some of the most bland Mexican food I've had. Unacceptable for the price.
(2)Doug N.
Well I had brunch here this past Sunday and I was very impressed. I had one of the best bloody marys I've had, and I also tried their 'Michelada' drink which was delicious as well. My food was excellent (I had the Plato Oaxaca and then the churros with hot chocolate for dessert) , the service was good, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Recommended! I will be going back for sure.
(5)Patrick O.
The Ahi Tuna Tacos were the best I've ever had!
(4)Seamus M.
Tl;dr review: Hostess sat us in an unattended section, no appetizer plates, hair in appetizer, and left before meal came out. I'm never going back. I've been to this location several times in the past and the service has been hit or miss, but the food has always been good. The last time we were here a few months back, we were sat in an unattended section and sat for a good 15-20 minutes before someone realized we were there. The waiter was very apologetic and offered us a free appetizer and completely turned us from being disgruntled to happy guests over the course of dinner. I chalked this one experience up to an honest mistake as we've had good service here in the past. We decided to go back last night because my girlfriend and her friend wanted sangria and tacos. We were promptly greeted by hostess and were seated in the first available section. She sat us inside, by the bar. I realized we were in an unattended section after about 10 minutes of staring at each other wondering where our waiter/waitress was. About 15 minutes in, a couple of people came by to ask if we were being helped and our order was taken. Cool, we can start drinking and eating, right? Nope. Our drinks and appetizer came out several minutes after we ordered and we were told our appetizer would be comp'd by the house, which was a nice gesture, but not something we had requested. We were expecting someone to come by with appetizer plates as there were 3 people at the table and we were sharing. My GF had to get up and request the plates after about 5-7 minutes of unsuccessfully trying to get someone's attention. OK, we have everything we need and we can finally enjoy our dinner, right? Nope. After having a few bites of the appetizer, our friend pulls a long black hair out of the food that was not any of ours. My girlfriend and her friend both had blonde hair and I have short black hair. At that point, we had lost all hope of having a pleasant experience at this establishment. My girlfriend politely notified one of the wait staff that was helping us that we were no longer interested in having dinner before we left. The young woman (waitress) and manager were both very apologetic and offered the already prepared food to-go, but we no longer wanted to take any more chances with the food. We left for another restaurant close by that had excellent service and food. In summary, the restaurant is hip, food is good, but service is very hit or miss. Based on my previous experiences with this restaurant, I'll gladly take my money elsewhere.
(1)Tracy W.
We stopped here again in Jan. 2015 and were not disappointed. It was as good as we remembered. It was a chilly day and we arrived a little after noon and were told it would be a 25 minute wait, but we could eat outside (too chilly) or we could eat in the outside bar area. It was a little less exposed and the overhead heating warmed it enough that we were very comfortable. The whole bar area was being serviced by the bartender only! But she was good and our food was not slow in coming. But she must be exhausted at the end of her shift. And - she was good humored about it. We really like this place and will definitely come again when we are passing through.
(4)Jonathan G.
They forgot to tell us our table was ready. All the host staff apologized for forgetting about us. Then the manager came over to tell us that it was normal to wait an hour at 11pm on a Friday to eat dinner, meanwhile the place was a ghost town. Accused us of lying and was very unsocial and disrespectful. Check out casita taqueria a few blocks up. Cheaper and better tacos with awesome service.
(1)Will C.
I really like going to Red Mesa the wife and I have eaten here a few times but most recently just before christmas while we had some friends in town. I really enjoy the food that they serve here but I think they do a poor job when it comes to the size of a cocktail. My wife and our friends all ordered the margarita and it was fairly small for the price. They all ended up ordering beers to chase the drinks because they were weak and small. The food portions are also small but they are a la carte so when you order the tacos you are ordering a taco not a meal of tacos. On my most recent trip I ordered the ahi tuna tacos and I was not disappointed they were light and flavorful. If the weather is nice this is a great place to visit they have a very nice courtyard where you can sit outside and enjoy the weather while not sitting on a sidewalk while everyone walks by you.
(5)John P.
Back again after a year! The service was good, food excellent, and I will return again. Try the fish tacos.
(4)Tamara B.
I don't normally write reviews but in this instance I was so disappointed I had to. I arrived with plenty of time in advance for my friends bachelorette party because they don't take reservations even for a party of 15. I was told that our party would be seated in an hour.... Over two hours later we were seated. I expressed my concern to the manager and he seemed uncaring that we had an unpleasant experience. Working in the restaurant business myself I know how important service is and this situation was not handled properly.
(2)Fernanda M.
Long waiting (about 40 minutes) to get the food, but overall the service and the food were great!
(4)Erron S.
My family and I had dinner for the first time tonight at thr Red Mesa Cantina. The food and service were great! I highly recommend the Mofongo, El Gordo Burrito and the Apple Empanada. We live in Bradenton and we will definitely be going back!
(5)Cam B.
Delicious! Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine - give RMC a try. You won't be disappointed. Started with combo appetizer plate - any little bit of this and a little bit of that. Good choice. Ordered fresh grouper which came with Fresh toppings, home made salsa - "off the chart" flavor. wife ordered shrimp - seasoned perfectly with rice. We didn't order Margaritas, but they looked delicious. Service was equal to any fine dining steakhouse such as Fleming's or Charlies. Nice staff! Last, super Kudo's to kitchen staff serving it all up. Our dish not only tasted delicious but looked great as well! Nice work!!!! Owners have a diamond here.... Build one in Spring Hill! Thanks
(5)Arlene Z.
Outstanding! Great Ceviche and red Sangria. No one in our group was disappointed. Definitely Not your typical Tex-Mex slobbered in velveeta.
(4)Chris M.
Odd place. Really nice ambience. Small waterfalls surround a courtyard where outdoor diners can enjoy themselves. The chips and dip taste good, but they look like Velveeta and canned beans, which doesn't fit how nice your surroundings are here. It seemed like such a strange pairing. The Shrimp al Mojo however is excellent. Great presentation, delicious - fits the expectation set upon walking in. I got the: Baja fish taco: Delicious, would get again Chicken taco: kinda boring I'd definitely come back to show off St Pete on a nice day. I'll be picky about the menu.
(4)Jennifer B.
We dined here on a Saturday night recently and had a really nice experience. The wait without a reservation was only 20 minutes at prime dinner time. I think we got lucky because it was packed! The staff was efficient & courteous. We had the Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Taquitos & Carne Asada. All very good & light...which left plenty of room for the Passion Fruit Margarita's, which were also delicious! Beautiful outdoor seating area. Great place for a date!
(4)Christina G.
We were visiting St. Pete for the first time and checked out Yelp to see where we might want to land for dinner. I love me some good Mexican food so the Red Mesa Cantina sounded like a good place. We arrived and saw quite a few people waiting outside so I was a little concerned. We walked up to the hostess stand (seemed like there was 4 or 5 girls standing there) and were "greeted" quite curtly. "How many?" "Just two of us." "Two. Inside." She threw two menus at one of her minions without even a look and were shown inside. On the way we walked past a beautiful courtyard, but I guess we weren't even given the option to wait for a seat out there if we wanted. So inside it was. And inside was LOUD. I'm not old and I'm not beyond a rowdy place. But the decibels weren't matching the dimly lit decor. Our waiter was very nice, prompt, and checked on us the appropriate amount of times. We ordered a couple drinks and chips and salsa (which at 99% of Mexican restaurants are free, but not here, and it's extra for refills). I ordered two tacos, the duck and the beef. Both were good but almost $10 for two pretty simple tacos? My husband ordered the seafood mofongo (although I wouldn't call it a traditional mofongo). He really enjoyed it and it was the perfect amount. We also got the churros for dessert. Perhaps it was just a SUPER busy night. Perhaps the stars just weren't aligned for us. But at this time I can't justify the price and the initial rudeness we encountered.
(3)Rachel P.
My co-worker and I went for lunch. The service was fast and the waiter was friendly. I had Tofu Tacos and my co-worker had the Pork Enchiladas, both delicious!! We ordered desert the Apple Empandas and the Plantain Chocolate Chimichanga. Both of these desserts came with a delicious Gelato, which was so good. The inside is very trendy decorated with amateur wrestling masks. Would definitely come back to this place!!
(4)Ashley S.
--- Short Synopsis --- Good food and atmosphere!! It can get warm and humid in here during the summer though. I really enjoyed the flavorful ahi tuna taco, the juicy duck torta, and the tasty seafood mofongo!!! Unfortunately, the duck taco (meat) was real
(4)Thomas A.
A top-qual Sunday Brunch! The grill-kissed chorizo breakfast burrito was outstanding, as was the Mexican Coffee (half Mexican hot chocolate, half coffee). Nice bustling atmosphere with a laid back vibe. Prices were amazingly fair for downtown St Pete! What took it over the top was the special "extra hot" orange-ish salsa they made for me. I forget the name of it, but my face was melting by the time I finished my meal. As with most Mexican restaurants in Florida, you have to ask specifically for the extra hot stuff. I think I could pretty much live solely on food from the three Red Mesa incarnations around town.
(4)Gerald M.
Red Mesa Cantina is a nice escape. Had the soft fajita taco which was really good. That and chips with assortment of dips filled me up. Great for lunch or an evening with friends.
(4)Natasha D.
I really like Red Mesa Cantina! It has the best patio in St Pete and off the beaten path of Central Ave so it's not so obnoxious. They serve decent Mexican style food. I wouldn't call it authentic but they have a decent selection of dishes. I LOVE the duck taco, it's one of the best menu items. My mother gets the empanada when she is in town. It's a little small but good she says. The trio of dips is really good! The Shrimp al Mojo is excellent. Had the Chicken Fernandez and was not impressed, it was very bland. On the brunch menu, the vegetarian bowl is awesome and served with fresh fruit. And if you come on Saturday or Sunday before 2pm, they have flavored mimosas for $4. To me the food is OK. It's not real Mexican so I'm not thrilled, but close enough. I wish these restaurants would serve free chips and salsa! The happy hour specials are great with half off wells, house margaritas, and house wines. Good happy hour! Bartenders are super friendly and staff is welcoming. I come here to unwind a lot after work. Very nice place! I always recommend this place to out of towners.
(4)Kaley C.
Red Mesa Cantina (not to be confused with Red Mesa down the street) was great. Our party of six had to wait about 40 minutes for a table, but the bar was easily accessible and there were high tops on the sidewalk outside, so the wait went very quickly. We sat outside in the patio area which was nice, until it started to rain. The team's response to the rain was very good. At the sight of sprinkles, team members came out of the restaurant with big umbrellas to cover all the tables. It wasn't perfect and we did have to huddle to stay dry, but it was far better than having our meal ruined on account of typical Florida weather. They have many different types of margaritas. I went with the Cadillac margarita and it was great. I ordered the mofongo as an appetizer and loved the taste. I liked how it was served in appetizer form. Perfect for sharing. I ordered two of the tacos- ahi tuna and baja fish. The baja fish was by far my favorite. I was a little disappointed with the texture of the tuna. Other people at my table who ordered the same shared this opinion. My boyfriend really liked the tofu tacos and was happy there were easy veggie options. Overall, everyone was satisfied. Margaritas were great. The price was a little steep, but it was a nice night out. Would visit again.
(4)Raymond G.
Great environment to have some fun. Its been a while since i've been to a place with such a great outdoor area. I'm excited to come back here on first Fridays and to some of their other events. Any time you mix good drinks, a live band, and a good group of people, you're in for a good time. I haven't had an extensive amount of food here but from what I have had, some things I really like, and some things I'm just ok with. But the one thing I know is that whatever it is they are making, they make it well. Thats the great thing about places like this, you feel free to explore the menu, and the rest is just up to taste. You learn from experience and this place will leave you with a good one. The only down side on my part was the pricing, but I guess they have good reason for that. All in all, great experience and will come back!
(4)Enit S.
With all the people waiting outside, I thought this restaurant was going to be a real goldmine but I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Don't get me wrong, it's ok, but that's about it. As stated before, there was a bit of a line just to check in and the whole patio was taken up because it was a really nice evening and the views of a rocky fountain they have look pretty nice so we opted to eat inside where there was no wait time. I will say this, food and drinks came out promptly, and our waitress was attentive. I ordered a seafood mofongo priced at $11 I thought was a steal, but when I think mofongo, I think traditional green plantains, mojo, pork and they use sweet plantains here. It was still good, and they were not stingy with the seafood I just prefer traditional mofongo. One of my dining companions however was over the moon with the use of sweet plantains. I think it literally blew his mind to such a degree that he ordered another plate of it. Again, it's up to your own preference but be aware that it's not traditional mofongo and it's really up to the individual's taste. I tried my friends vegan tofu taco, I thought it was great and also sampled another friends pulled beef burrito and that was good but nothing really stuck out for me here.
(3)Denise A.
I was here during Saturday brunch and it was pretty crazy. Very busy but the service was spot on. The patio looked really nice but it was pouring rain so... I had a margarita and it was generously poured and flavorful. The two people I was with and I all ordered off of the brunch/breakfast menu. My scrambled eggs and beans with corn tortillas were pretty ordinary, but the SAUCE (chile verde)!! Oh yeah, a great sous chef can make everything yummy! Friends gave a big thumbs up for the sweet potato pancakes and scrambled egg burrito. I loved the weird art selection and funny Mexican wrestling posters too.
(4)Christian H.
I thought it was pretty good. I had some tasty ceviche and a fish taco. The chicken quesadilla was ok, nothing crazy. And the churros was lovely. Get here before 6 pm.
(4)Jessica S.
Red Mesa continues to provide the best food! We were there this weekend and enjoyed the mofongo and ahi tuna salad. Always fresh. Always fantastic service. Can't rave enough about the hibiscus margaritas!!
(5)Coty S.
My Mom loves Mexican food, so I thought that she would like Red Mesa Cantina's $84.00 breakfast. That does not include tip... Because everyone likes to feel special sometimes. Even if it comes with a Red Mesa price tag. The food is fresh and flavorful, but I have had the same quality from a taco truck. Ceviche was also nice, but I have had better at restaurants that specialize in ceviche dishes. My favorite items at this cantina are: 1. Mexican style grilled corn on the cob, covered in crumbled salty Mexican cheese. 2. Mofongo- it is an interesting interpretation of mofongo, but mouthwatering nonetheless. 3. Chips with Dip Trio- the price is not that ridiculous on this snack. 4. Cucumber Mojito- it is overly expensive, but just order it already. Hence their name being "cantina, " I recommend skipping the brunching crowd and sit at the gorgeous patio bar, hand the bartender your life savings, drink yummy drinks, and snack until your heart is content. Sitting inside if for the birds.
(3)Boon C.
We were near the St. Pete downtown and my colleagues suggest the red Mesa for lunch. I was here before and I was having dinner last time. This is the first time I having lunch. The location is convenient for the downtown St. Pete. They have the outside and inside sitting area. Today is heavy pollen time with the oaks tree is blooming, sitting out is not a good idea. The setting is very modern. It may be a good place lunch bite get on the way to work. The food came out quick for this restaurant during lunch time. I have order three taco. The duck, steak, and ahi tuna taco. The ahi tuna is seared and mix with green, wasabi and soy sauce. I feel that the tuna is not well season. They did not seared long enough to allow fish burn taste. The steak taco is mixed with Rajas and jack cheese. I am not a fan. The duck taco duck is orange duck. By adding the goat cheese, it destroys the beauty taste of the duck orange sauce. Sometime thing should not mixed together and this one of the example. Overall the serving is great and the food came out fast make they deserve 3 star.
(3)Mailoha A.
My friend and I were not having the best luck finding a place to have dinner on MLK. Who knew that so many restaurants would be closed for MLK?? Well we obviously had no idea. Anyway, after some Yelp browsing we came across Red Mesa. It's on the corner of 3rd St N and 2nd Ave S. As soon as you walk up their is someone outside to greet you. You have the option of sitting outside in a patio or inside. The night was cold when we went so we chose to sit inside. Our waiter was very friendly. He came over right away and greeted us. We were really hungry so after he took our drinks order we asked him for recommendations. He did of course give us the "everything on the menu is great" line but we finally got him to give us a few of his favorites. We ordered a few tacos, the mofongo and the bombas. My favorite was the mofongo. Ask for extra sauce. Just trust me. I also really enjoyed the plantain dessert. Note, this is not your typical tex mex. You will realize this as soon as you walk inside to be seated. You will also find that their menu options are very different from what you are used to seeing. I didn't mind that. I always like seeing restaurants put a twist on things :) We had a great time and really enjoyed the food.
(4)Ally S.
Their Civiche was delicious. The only part i hate is that we couldn't take reservation. So my party of 8 had to wait an hour. Now that I think of it, probably their trick for us to buy drinks at the bar. One of their bathroom was stalled up. So there was only two down stairs. Big line and only one toilette. But the the food was good. A little pricey. I would only show up for dinner for special occasions.
(3)Josh N.
On my first venture into downtown St. Pete I'm very happy to have found this little gem. From the moment we walked in the staff was very pleasant, helpful and outgoing we ordered the chips and dip "antos" we ordered was absolutely delicious. I'm not normally a tofu person but these tacos were absolutely delicious and I genuinely enjoyed not getting any pressure from any member of the staff to order quickly or dessert or any of the extras I'm wholly satisfied with my visit and would recommend it
(5)Amara G.
Are there spices that remain at the tip of our tongue? Are there spices that dive in right into the back of our throats? Which spices just make you cry? We pondered about such existential depths yesterday at Red Mesa Cantina. I don't know if we got too deep because the service took so long, or because when the agave margaritas finally arrived we were just giddy out of low blood sugar levels. We had parked way far and faraway. I mean fa-arrrr. Very much away from the cantina. It was a beautifully hot sunny and sweaty day to walk around downtown St. Pete wearing all black (even if in short shorts) and platform high heels. I admit I can go from fashionista to fashion victim often. No bueno! I looked like one of those storks that one sees lost and confused amidst the landscaped divider of a very busy street. Only the storks have longer necks. Come to really think of it... yes, the skinny long legs are exactly the same. The bony knees too. A lower body that can barely sustain its upper torso. Drops kept falling down my cheeks under the Ford black sunglasses. I kept drying the sweat drops away, emotionally unstable, like a crazy widow. I needed those margaritas fast. Parched and starved, I become high maintenance. I tapped my French manicured nails on the table as I tried to block out Bon Jovi "Living on a Prayer." Why do I dislike Mexican restaurants that play rock and roll music? I secretly wished all Ruth Chris, Olive Garden and Berns started surprising patrons with mariachi bands more often. Maybe some flamenco too? I know... I can be such a pain. The agave margaritas did the trick. Two of those tart babies in twenty minutes. A six-dollars-a piece mental spa. Did I mention the service was slow? Ten more minutes to anticipate the appetizers: Bean dip and chips, mofongo and carne frita with chimichurri sauce. I found the bean dip runny and rather flavorless. Rather unappealing in presentation. There was a hint of cumin and cilantro among the blandness. It needed substance and whole lot of more queso fresco. The mofongo and carne frita (why was that on the menu if that is a classic Puerto Rican dish? Never mind, it was great!) Consisted of three balls of deliciousness worth a fork fight. Salty and sweet, crunchy and tender. Memorable. Since the green-eyed foodie possesses the delicate and tender touch of a Great Dane puppy, she managed to spill an entire water glass that cascaded down onto laps (refreshingly Fifty Shades of Gray), pooled on the concave white chairs and dripped onto the floor. We all stood up in unison rambunctious and chaotic. The five paper napkins were certainly not enough to stop our own Watergate scandal. Did I mention the service was slow? Eventually this really cute guy helped us out with a cloth towel. After five minutes of infamous notoriety, we sat down for our main dishes. Chicken enchiladas with salsa verde, Pork enchiladas with tomato havanero sauce, Beef tacos, Yucca Frita and Chipotle filet burrito. Beautiful presentation. Big plates. Big spice where we never thought of. The green enchiladas were the spiciest, and I had asked the level of spiciness because of my Angelina Jolie lip propensity. I was told they would be mild. The joke was on me. The servers must had seen me tapping that table in exasperation and gotten even. The tomato with havanero sauce we had expected to be cooked in hell's cauldron. It had no spice. So the green-eyed Dalmatian traded with me. It was good food. By the time we left, the place was packed. I guess it is quite popular. Would I return? No. Would I recommend it? Yes, for the agave margaritas and the mofongo. But I make better organic margaritas and an even better mofongo. And I am faster at it too.
(3)Donna N.
This is my first visit and it won't be my last. I ordered the Eggs Benedicto. Just delicious...2 gorditas topped with guacamole, tomato slice, crispy bacon, poached eggs, chipotle cream sauce and quest fresco served with fresh fruit consisting of cantaloupe, honey dew melon and strawberries. Best brunch ever!j
(4)Tari K.
Nice atmosphere but extremely overpriced. Paid $24 for one lunch. Two fish tacos will cost you $9.90!!! And they weren't even that flavorful. Staff kept staring awkwardly at me and my friend. I guess we didn't fit into the mold of the other pretties there. Pretty place, pretty people, fake personas.
(2)Holly S.
White sangria was so good! I had the pork tacos which were a bit salty, but I guess that's what you get with pork. I still give this 5 stars for the service, atmosphere, and sangria!
(5)Ryan S.
I just love this place. Food is consistently awesome!! Party of four today had pulled pork tacos, fish and shrimp tacos, empanadas, guacamole, and a pitcher of margaritas. Server was amazing and brought a virgin margarita for my pregnant sister w/o asking. The gesture made her whole day! The guacamole is the best I've had anywhere in Florida. If you are in DTSP then stop in here for lunch you won't be disappointed!
(5)Rachel O.
Delicious every time we go! They have SIN night on Sunday's (service industry night) 1/2 off for every person in the service industry with proof of pay stub. Resa (spelling?) waited on us last time we went and she was awesome! The chicken taquitos and beans and rice are my favorite and I get them every time we go! My husband always gets the duck sandwich which he claims is the best thing he had eaten since we moved here! Try them out!
(5)Franklin A.
I always come here for brunch when my family visits, it is visually appealing, quick and friendly. It is always guaranteed to taste great!
(4)Ethan C.
Love this place! Although it's often very busy in the evenings, the customer service is still very good. They have a great happy hour with inexpensive and tasty house margaritas and plenty of food specials. The salsa is excellent and fresh, and the queso is also good. The steak burrito is one of my favorites, although it's a little spicy, so beware if you favor less spicy food. For dessert, don't forget to check out the churrrrrrrroooooos! They arrive nice and warm with two dipping sauces and are delicious.
(5)E F.
Take a cheap flour tortilla, chewy squares of tasteless chicken, cheap white cheese, put in oven/microwave for 5 minutes. Serve with hunk of cheap ranch and guac....and you get Red Mesa's chicken quesadilla. This was the most pathetic lazy nasty quesadilla I've ever been served. Worse than AppleBees quality. Awful
(1)Bill D.
I had the pleasure of attending a Yelp! event here as a guest of Anna M., a '15 elite mega-star and gracious friend. This was my first Yelp meet-up. The event was PACKED! Was a bit warm outside but owner and staff provided a great experience all the same. Plenty of ice water to go with the generous margaritas and tasty sangria (red was better than the white today). The ownership's pride in product and head chef's commitment to serving consistent quality was evident both in food, and the descriptions provided before each course. An under-whelming P.A. system coupled with a boisterous, well-lubed crowd meant some were unable to hold their attention for every word, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of tonight's event. I hope others feel the same... The opening course of tamalitos de rajas featured a tasty, lightly spiced tomatillo sauce atop a nice tamales. The tamales alone would have been a bit dry, but the delicious and obviously made in-house tomatillo salsa tied everything together well. Very nice. Next came the tostada de chile colorado. The pork was good but the spicy (and delicious!) chipotle chile really stole the show. A fantastic combination of heat and flavor that i'd absolutely go for again. The pork was well coated, not drowning in sauce. Just right. Medium spiciness...not for those adverse to a lil' kick... The ceviche de mero was great. Probably my favorite of all the dishes. Incredibly fresh and very well done. All the flavors worked well together without one overpowering the others. The seafood here was perfect. Ceviche is a balancing act....let the fish sit too long in the citrus and it becomes tough, chewy....get the blend of ingredients wrong and the flavors won't play nice in the sandbox. Neither was an issue here. These guys know what they're doing. Again, all very fresh...that's important when dealing with citrus-cooked seafood (obviously). I wouldn't order ceviche from just anywhere but i'd order it from Red Mesa without hesitation. The tacos de pato was good and the duck was very well prepared (not easy to do), but the combination of the 4 other ingredients didn't really do it for me. Duck is kinda mild, and easily overpowered. That was the case here. The consistency was on point however. As with every other dish the ingredients were incredibly fresh. Fideo verde appeared at first to be your average pasta-with-parmesan blend....appearing more Italian than home-cooked Mexican....but you can't judge this book by it's cover. The flavors really popped and I realized (after reading the menu) that the grated cheese on top was actually cotija. I've never heard of cotija cheese before. Shame on me. It's awesome. The shrimp was great. Well made, not over-cooked. This one looks Italian, tastes Mexican. There's a terrible ex-girlfriend joke in there someone...but i'm gonna let it go..... :-) The final dish was lomo en mole negro. I'm not a black mole fan at all so I passed on this one. I'm told the mole is made in house by their head chef, a Oaxaca native. If you're into mole, give it a try. Fair warning though....traditional mole is not a flavor that the American palate takes to easily. You'll either love it, or pass entirely. Though i'm not a fan it's clear the mole that comes out of this kitchen is legit, home-style Mexican goodness. Cheers to the Red Mesa team...this is about as authentic as it gets!
(5)Chris E.
Are you kidding me? This place is phenomenal!!! We sat outside where there is a quaint fountain and bridge to set a great atmosphere. In addition, the service was quick and cordial, the food phenomenal and the prices are definitely reasonable. Make sure you hit this place up when in town.
(5)Jarrod S.
Huge Tequila and Mezcal selection. Ceviche was very good. Awesome patio. Selection of margaritas, tried two, both good and not too sweet. Great service!
(5)Richard K.
I must say I am extremely disappointed by the recommendations of both yelp and the Tampa times on trying this restaurant. We only went here before the Dali museum because it relieves such strong recommendations. The decor was very cheesy at best. We started with the dips which tasted like store bought salsa, guacamole, and cheesy dip. We ordered a bunch of food for brunch including the burger (not medium rare), breakfast sandwich (the bun was stale), and tacos (meat was tough). Service was good else I would have given it one star. Come on Tampa/St Pete...there must be better Mexican food (this coming from a New Yorker).
(2)Michael F.
The ambiance is great. The location is great. The staff was super friendly. The food was pretty good, not the best I have had, but it's a great place if you are looking for some fast food and a good drink. I did try their duck taco... I can see why people like it, but a little too sweet for my taste. I wish they had incorporated a little more spice into it to cut down on the sweet sauces and cheese. I ordered all the tacos, and they were all exceptionally good. I wouldn't say this is anything close to a Mexican restaurant, I would say this is more of an American take on Mexican style food. But all said and done, I love the place. I definitely will be coming back for more (if it wasn't always so busy lol). Every time I come, they are always slammed busy and at least a 20 minute late.
(4)K W.
The food is decent for the most part but overpriced for what it is. Their outdoor space is great, though.
(3)John R.
The food is pretty good. But be ready to pay for every little thing. Want lettuce on your kids tacos? $1 per taco. Want a little extra sour cream for your burrito? $1. Want a refill on the chip basket for the unused salsa? $2.50. Oh and the staff won't tell you. They just add it to the bill. Just seems deceptive. Why not just raise the price of the entre? Won't be going back.
(2)Sarah M.
Has become one of my favorite spots in downtown St Pete. Great atmosphere, fun outside dining. Fabulous Mexican food. Huge portions and a very nice menu to select from. Friendly, courteous and helpful staff. Prices very reasonable. The best fried sweet plantains. Love the fresh salsa and chips as well.
(4)Ryan H.
Out of all the meals we had during the week, this was the highlight of our trip. The food here is incredible. Not much more to say on that topic. They claim to be a slightly classier restaurant and according to multiple different literatures that we read, dress jeans are suggested for dinning here. Well, considering how sticky the tables are and how trashy the bathrooms were. I wouldn't take that dress code too seriously.
(5)Marinda H.
Super neat outdoor patio and servers working this day were full of tattoos and piercings - me likey. Ordered Chicken Enchiladas - one enchilada topped with salsa roja, one with salsa verde, both finished with queso fresco, cilantro-onion and crema. served with black beans and rice. Was not super impressed with the enchiladas although the beans were great. Very small portion size. Seemed very pricy for the portion size (and they could have thrown some chips & salsa in for the price). I did not know this but you have to ASK for chips or they won't offer them. 2 stars for food, 4 stars for service and atmosphere
(3)Sheri Jo B.
Easily one of my favorite places in DTSP! The food is awesome and they have great entertainment outside. The patio area is beautifully landscaped and is a great place to dine when the weather permits. Excellent, signature margaritas! The inside is very inviting and a fun atmosphere all around.
(5)David G.
This place has the best brunch in DTSP the menu is extensive from breakfast to Tex-Mex it's been all good every time! Today we got a seat by the fountain under cover and beautiful out. They sat us before even 11 talk about great service. My crab and shrimp quesadilla was delicious and came out quickly. The El Bombero is pink, my fave color, and packs a punch :) highly recommend having brunch here
(5)Addison P.
Great time, excellent tequila, amazing atmosphere. Had a blast with a group of 10 on the patio. Server gave excellent recommendations for tequilas.
(5)Stephanie Y.
Found Red Mesa of course off the Yelp app for a pre-flight meal and it was a great decision. The place is super spacious and pretty cool with a great outdoor space in downtown St. Pete. We sat in the outdoor bar space and it was quite lively on a Sunday afternoon with football playoffs on. Service was wonderful and we opted for an order of ceviche, guac and chips and a taco salad topped with fresh mahi mahi and steak. The guac was regular although those chips and salsa was on point. The salsa had subtle heat and chips were freshly fried. The ceviche was delicious, also served with freshly fried chips. We ordered the Huachinango which consisted of snapper, shrimp, calamari, blue crab, chile arbol oil, orange, tomato, onion and cilantro. It was spicy, like really spicy which I liked (and the waitress did warn), it was a tad bit too soupy. More fish and less sauce, please. The two taco salads with the additional cost of steak and fish were good. Not authentic by any means, but really nice portions of protein. I would suggest the fish over the steak as the steak could have used a bit more seasoning, or any seasoning at all. The fish was fresh and cooked perfectly. Prices were great, service and ambiance perfect, I'd definitely recommend Red Mesa for a fun and casual night or day out!
(4)Amy A.
I come here for lunch from work regularly as the prices are good, the service is fast, and I have literally watched them get an entire department in and out within 40 minutes. It is not the best Mexican I have ever had but it is good. They have an extensive ceviche menu, I really like their specials and I dream about day drinking at the outside bar while watching a marathon of sports on TV. It is in easy walking distance to other spots. The tacos are good and there are some interesting combinations. I have never left here unhappy. The menu is varied and if you are stress eating or disciplined and want healthy, they can accommodate your craving!
(4)Jessie S.
We love red Mesa. The ahi tuna salad is my favorite. The drinks are reasonably priced. I dig sitting outside in the patio. I love the atmosphere although it's really noisy inside.
(5)Amanda W.
Duck taco - juicy meat paired well with the cheese Open faced shrimp quesadilla - perfection, just a few less tomatoes needed Yummy mimosas! The fruit starter is not worth it!!!! $5 for a mini side of melon and 2 grapes. Sit outside (next to the cute fountain) under a big umbrella.
(4)Pyra-Danny V.
I took a regular Margarita. Something about the soft breeze from the outdoor seating, the soft splashing of the nearby fountain, the carefully positioned décor that makes your seat seem more personal yet welcoming, combined with the alcohol made me instantly love this place. Don't expect some abomination of Mexican or Tex-Mex food elevated to pricey standards. Instead enjoy the food as it is- a creative yet approachable and delicious variation on familiar foods. NOSHING ALONG THE LUCHA BAR Although the Ahi Tuna Salad looked drowned in sauces (not my appeal) the overall combination of various greens, tomato, and lightly-seared Tuna chunks were delicious. Other delicious plates have been the Seafood Mofongo and the Duck Quesadilla. Unfortunately, the Duck flavor didn't shine too much through the Quesadilla wrapper (which became more muted when added in the accompanying sweet sauce or Pineapple center). However the Seafood Mofongo was another excellent combo of soft seafood (excellent texture) and Butter Sauce nicely paired with the Mofongo center. All dishes were totally picture worthy. BUSY IN AND OUT This place is always busy with diners often streaming into the sidewalk. Watch your back or you may get smacked by a passing Server bustling about. Luckily service has always been swift, prompt, and friendly. Dine outside when you can because the scenery, outdoor sounds, and appearance doesn't feel as 'trapped.'
(5)Ally G.
Love the outside seating area. Boyfriend and I went for our Anniversary dinner and we got seated near the little fountain, it was really romantic! Great place for a date!
(4)Virg M.
Can I say amazing Hibiscus martini and food!! Service was excellent and welcoming! Food looked fantastic and tasted even better!! Can't wait to go back! Outdoor seating is the best!
(5)Michaelle W.
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in St Pete's because of their Duck Tacos! Yes, one single dish will make this a five star, well, that and the outdoor seating. :) I've been to this location now twice, and have enjoyed it immensely both times. As the waiter told us on my second visit, you can get super cheap drinks after 7pm. He then waited till 7pm to put our order in so we could get the discount. The chips and triple sampler of dips was delicious. The queso and guacamole were my favorites dips, the black bean was tasty but not my thing. They will bring refills of course which makes them amazing. I've had sangria and wine as well. I've had their steak quesadilla and duck tacos, and duck quesadilla. I just want to say that the sweet sauce on the duck taco and quesadilla was amazing. Wow! The duck was tasty and delicious especially when swirled in the sauce. I would go back each time just for that. The atmosphere outdoors is great as well. Both times I've gone it has been sunny out, yet the outdoor area is shaded for the most part which makes it quite enjoyable. It's not too loud on week nights, and parking is easy right there on 3rd or 2nd. Thumbs up guys, and I'll be back!
(5)Neal B.
Such an incredible atmosphere and great filet burrito
(4)Gregg W.
Brilliant food. Great chicken quesadilla. Steak Taco was perfect. The sangria is good and decently priced as well. Really loved this joint. Don't get the taco salad though. It's garbage. Everything else is Fleek
(5)MickeyBlue I.
So many positive things to say about this place. For starters don't be fooled by the building, it's huge! Kinda has a an American feel to it, minus the Mexican Wrestling theme. This place has some serious Mexican cooking going on in the kitchen! I was seated close enough to hear the activity in the kitchen and it was perfection! The chef calling out orders (in Spanish) had everything under control. The food speaks for itself, fresh, authentic and delicious. Starting off with the Queso dip w/fresh hot and crispy chips. We couldn't stop eating it. I tried 3 Tacos (a pork,duck & steak) the pork being my favorite! All 3 were cooked perfectly and delicious. My Bae reluctantly ordered the Pork Mofongo, not expecting much being that it's a typical Puerto Rican dish. I'm going on the record and saying it was the BEST Mofongo I've ever had! You must must try it. The service was friendly and although it was lunch time it was not crowded at all. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Shane B.
Love this place, especially for brunch after a long night out! I had the Breakfast El Gordo burrito and my wife had the Eggs Benedicto and they were excellent as always. Also enjoyed a spicy Bloody Mary while sitting in the courtyard. Service was quick and friendly. Great bar area next to the courtyard. Highly recommend.
(5)Christine L.
Ehh. Descent food, but nothing impressive. The outdoor patio and live music seemed to be the main attractions.
(3)Kathie D.
Friday's Lunch is a must! This is the only day that they serve Chicken and yellow rice! Sides are black beans and onions, which are very tasty and fried plantains which are delicious! The serving is more than enough, I always seem to take half home! If you do not get there early for lunch on a Friday you might miss out if this most scrumptious dish, they only make one large batch. Service was very good and quick, enough time to enjoy and get back to work.
(5)Gladys C.
The BEST brunch in St Pete!! The passion fruit Mimosa is outstanding!! Food and service impeccable!! If you get Rachel for your server you win the lottery! Highly recommend!!!
(5)Erin J.
After coming to the cantina a few times now I can say this place doesn't disappoint. Duck is not an easy meat to find and they have duck on multiple menu items. The chorizo burger is amazing. Their salsa is perfectly puréed. I hate chunky salsa so this salsa is a gem. Beautiful patio eating and a charming inside dining room.
(5)Caitie O.
I am obsessed with their Mufungo (sp?). It's listed as an app, but is enough for a meal. At first glance, it does not look the most appetizing. It is served in three large scoops of pulled pork, sweet plantains and amazingly garlic chorizo sauce. One bite and your are hooked! The queso con carne is a bit pricy, but too yummy to pass up. It is a white, creamy queso with small chunks of beef. If weather permits, I strongly recommend outdoor seating. They have their patio fixed up quite cute with fountains and mosaics. Great place for happy hour too!
(5)Chris S.
Went for lunch got duck and fish taco. Duck was good and different fish was ok. Wife got the shrimp burrito she say it was average nothing more. The best thing from their that day was the red sangria, i love sangria and they have a good one. I'm being very generous with giving three more like a 2.5. Dont thing I'll return.
(3)Hans E.
Two words: duck tacos! If you're not into duck, no worries. Lots of other super delectable morsels. We love this place. My wife and I are regulars. We drive down from Clearwater on "date night" and it's our place to relax and finish the convos our 5 kids keep interrupting. Their mixed drinks are plentiful and abundant as are the flavors in their tasty food creations. HUGE sipping tequila menu, by the way--in every price range. RMC also has great ambiance. We like to sit outside whenever we can. Highly recommend!
(5)Aleema A.
This is a cute Mexican place in downtown St. Petersburg. I have eaten here several times and it has never disappointed. What I found the most fascinating about here is the amount of tequila they have on display. There's a unique story to all of them and the bartenders will answer any question you have about it. While we were waiting for my friend to show up, I ended up ordering a margarita that was poured out of a tap! I had never seen that before and it was a quality margarita as well! We had a rather large party and they staff was very accommodating and the service was excellent. Can't wait to return and try everything else they have on the menu!
(4)Laura G.
I have been to red Mesa Cantina before, and usually like it very much. However, I had lunch with my friend today and it wasn't good. Red Mesa Cantina used to have fresh fish, the mahi-mahi I ate for lunch was frozen, tasted awful.
(2)Scott F.
Must try the Nacho Sanchez w/ Chicken. Best nachos ever! Great service from Kristine!
(5)Heidi P.
I was out of town visiting friends from Tampa and we came here for the late night menu. The drinks were hit or miss. The late night menu was limited and the service was okay. We went up stairs to the rooftop deck and it was nice but a really random bunch of people. This place was fun for visiting but I wouldn't return back to this place.
(2)Becky T.
Delicious! We stopped by here with a large party to celebrate just being together. It was a busy night, but we had a reservation and got a table no problem. Fajitas were the special so most of us ordered those and they were tasty-pretty normal tex mex fare. The drinks were worth trying too as they had several twists on the traditional Mexican libations. The service hit one hitch with a drink not showing up but the server removed that from the bill, but still brought the drink. The server also did a good job putting in late order and having it out just after the people arrived. The extra nice surprise was a birthday treat just for me. Would definitely stop here again!
(5)Melissa Z.
I could not have been more happy with my meal here if The Most Interesting Man in the World was serving these heavenly tacos to me. (Well, my boyfriend is the most interesting man in the world, but you know who I mean.) I'm Latin, so if anyone is going to be super critical about tacos it is me. This is more Cali-Mexican to me but whatever you want to label it, I loved every slapping bit. I ordered the fish taco and the shrimp taco. Sufficient amount of protein and the fish tasted very fresh. Fish tacos have a tendency to be a little bland, but not here. The spices cooked on the fish/shrimp combined with the other Mexican stuffing in the taco came together beautifully for a super flavorful punch in each bite. It could have been better with some fresh cilantro to bring some brightness to the dish. The drinks are delicious. I had the strawberry mint cocktail and I could have had three. It was like liquid adult candy. They are a little on the weak side though. And I love the layout here. Huge outdoor patio teaming with energy, a little indoor area that has a really trendy-lounge vibe to it and a vast bar area.
(4)Jerry H.
I didn't think this location was as good as the mother ship on 4th Street, but it was OK. The guacamole was strangely bland and the chips were pedestrian. The two shredded beef tacos were pretty good, nothing special. The shrimp taco was also decent. Very young, hip atmosphere, but the food seems to be almost an afterthought. The service was excellent. Value so-so.
(3)Melissa M.
I really like this place - the food is so freaking good. We started with empanadas. It's obvious that everything on the plate matters to Red Mesa. The sauces and garnishes are all very flavorful. The burritos are ridiculously huge and are delish. My 8 & 10 year old split one and were stuffed. I had the chicken diner this time. Not your typical grilled chicken and rice. Everything was flavorful and stood out on its own. Citrus, cilantro, onion, some kind of amazing cream sauce. Wow. Studsband had tacos: duck, beef, and pork. His favorite was pork but he seemed to enjoy them all the same - clean plates all around! :)
(4)Hannah P.
My family and I went here for the first time on Sunday after the Rays game and it was fantastic! The waitress suggested amazing drinks and the food had great flavor. It was a little too dark in the dining room, so the next time we go back I would definitely want to try sitting outside.
(4)Corinne K.
We went for lunch as a family day out and had a wonderful lunch. I had the Red Sangria and it was okay - opt for the additional Brandy - it is worth it. We ordered the guacamole as an appetizer and it was good. My husband got an oyster shooter and it was a mini-meal in a glass. We were both blown away by the taste and the size. My son had the chicken quesadilla, I had the shrimp los cabos ceviche and my husband has the duck, puled pork and steak tacos. The duck was absolutely AMAZING!!! We also got a side of the fried sweet plantains. Very Good!!! With the amount of food that we ordered there was no room for dessert and we had a ton to take home. The server that we had was great. The food came out incredibly fast and our server was very accommodating and attentive (and they were packed). I will return to Red Mesa and have recommended it to friends.
(4)Erin C.
First visit here was on July 18th and we quickly returned. The array of margaritas were wonderful. The ceviche is out of this world, we sampled 4 different kinds, I highly recommend the octopus with olives. Some of us tried the duck quesadilla (excellent), while two of us tried different burritos. We sat outside near the bar and loved the motif. A great mid-point between the more formal Red Mesa on 4th and the window service of Mercado.
(4)Chris V.
The duck confit is AMAZING! The Ahi Tuna is great too! Very nice location, ambiance is cool but not pretentious. Great bar and selection of tequilas. Great place!
(5)Brad S.
Ripoff. 2.50 for salsa. And tiny tacos. Omg. For drunk kids only. This was on a First Friday when downtown St. Pete is staggering with drunks, so I guess the thought here is to take advantage of the situation. The tiny little duck taco came on a cold tortilla, and the bartender at first refused to provide any salsa. He actually said, "This isn't Taco Bell." When I asked him if the customer was always right, he stared at me. "So who is right? You or the customer?" That sent him to the kitchen for the salsa, but he then charged for a teaspoon of it, and refused to refill. Lame joint. Honestly, maybe Taco Bell is better.
(1)Eric R.
Great place for a business lunch, a nice dinner, or an evening drink. The food is great and there are plenty of Mexican dishes to choose from. They have your typical tacos and burritos, but also amazing traditional Mexican meals.
(4)Shannan T.
This Mexican style cantina is located in downtown St Petersburg. When you walk up to the building it is very cool and eclectic feeling. They use the old doors and a lot of the unique Decour to their advantage. The staff at the front where helpful as was The waitress in the bar. She gave us some good inside tips of where not to have appetizers while we wait. The only table left in the whole bar was right next to where a band was going to set up moments after we got our appetizers. We had the chips and dip trio appetizer which included delicious guacamole, spot on salsa, and a bit too thick and rich for our taste cheese caso dip. We wolfed down the chips with the salsa and quac and had a couple of cocktails while we waited for our table. We sat in the bar area which is outside but covered. It has a large flat screen TV and a sunken brick patio that is right next to the bar. There are lots of couch like sofas in the patio area as well as café tables. A very good mix of comfort and style. When we went into the main restaurant it was much smaller than we imagined and the tables seemed a little close for our comfort to the next set of people. But the food was very good and we were very happy with the overall experience. I got the pork burrito which was excellent (especially for the price of nine dollars!) and my husband got duck tacos. We both preferred the pork burrito over the tacos. However, both were good one just was a little better than the other. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night they have a dance club in the upper back part of the restaurant. I'm not sure if it interferes with the eating situation but by the looks of it, it looks like a pretty sweet place! We will be back one day to see what that's all about..
(4)Katy S.
Yumtown 2014. I hadn't been to Red Mesa in years and I was happy to come back for a friend's birthday dinner. We sat at the bar before dinner and enjoyed a DELICIOUS pitcher of sangria (add the brandy, it's worth it). It was pretty crowded when we were here but the service was still really good. I went for a shrimp dish with veggies (diet life) but my friends all got traditional Mexican dishes and really enjoyed them. I want to come back for brunch!
(4)Ryan C.
Awesome authentic Mexican food. Outside patio is great. My favorite is Sunday Brunch - more than enough food and a decent price.
(5)Stephanie D.
Wow, service is awesome here! Try the margaritas too! I had beef fajitas and they were great. I would recommend this place to everyone, they have ambiance, great food and great staff. If you are at the Hilton it's a short walk and worth it!!
(5)Amanda R.
My husband and I ate at red Mesa cantina for lunch and we were impressed. I had the duck tacos and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed them. Our food and drinks came out in a timely manner and our server Kathryn was awesome!
(5)Todd W.
I go out in downtown St. Petersburg about as often as the Rays sellout a home game, but really wanted to meet a friend who works in Bradenton for Happy Hour on a weekday and this was a geographically convenient place for us to do so. Next time, this will be a destination as I had a very good first impression overall. Enjoyed sitting outside without feeling too hot or cramped and the bartender was a really good guy who worked for many years at the old Dan Marino's. Just had a couple rounds of drinks this time, but liked the look of the menu and look forward to coming back to taste a few things that others have raved about here on Yelp. Parking on the street nearby was absolutely no issue and was free after 6pm on weekdays.
(4)Billy E.
Unique, inspired Tex-Mex in a classy atmosphere. The food is always good and you have the option to dine inside or out. This is one of our default restaurants to take out of town guests. To top it off the Margaritas are excellent.
(5)Rhonda P.
I always go to the 4th St N location and the food is phenomenal. Great unique recipes. Not your ordinary Mexican restaurant!
(5)Sabrina L.
Can we say $3 Margaritas for Happy Hour?!! Yes.....Glory be to the happy hour specials after work :) Food options are fantastic too, authentic flavors and excellent choice options...love the salsa :)
(5)Jamie L.
Pleasant place, perfect for a social setting. They have a nice bar for night life. On a nice sunny day, you could sit outside in their Spanish style patio/courtyard to enjoy your meal. Service was prompt and server was nice and friendly. I really like their appetizers. The bombas, made like hush puppies with a side of habanero aioli sauce are expertly made. Taste delicious, if you're into fried foods. I also ordered the empanada which also taste good, had a tomato and beef base sauce on top. Thought it tasted a bit salty and spicy - that's just in my honest opinion.
(4)Carey F.
The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and the menu describes some tasty sounding dishes, but unfortunately the food wasn't all that great. We ordered chips with three kinds of dip. None of the dips had much flavor or any heat to them. After that we tried a few of the tacos and found they were sadly inadequate and mostly bland. The worst of the bunch was the Steak Fajita taco which is comprised of one strip of steak, a strip of onion and a strip of green pepper glued together with a lot of melted cheese. That's it. No seasoning or salsa of any kind...yuck! Although I'd rate the food a two, I'm giving an extra point for good service and atmosphere.
(3)Brady S.
I am not someone who hands out a lot of Five star ratings. However, I truly believe this place deserves one. The food is great, always fresh and tasty. I love the variety of items on the menu and the fusion between Mexican/Spanish classics mixed with non-traditional, new ideas. An example is the "Filet" al Chipotle burrito. It is a steak burrito worthy of mention and capable of causing spontaneous moments of love and happiness in your stomach. The food presentation is well-done and not sloppy. I personally do not find that a plate with beans and rice slopped into a flat, shapeless pile, next to a burrito that is buried below a lava flow of sauces, to look very appetizing. Red Mesa isn't like a French restaurant with their presentation but, at least they put in a little bit of effort and show your plate of food some love. The ambiance is great, both inside, where there is a tequila bar with over 300+ tequilas from around the world, and also on the outside. Their outside area is an absolutely gorgeous, walled-in and huge patio. The outside also has a Lucha bar, which is a very cool homage to famous Mexican Lucha Wrestlers. So back to the tequila bar... I cannot think of another place that has one? And especially not one with over 300 different bottles of "just tequila." This place is the St. Pete Mecca for tequila enthusiasts. The Red Mesa Cantina is a lot of fun and a favorite of my family and I. The food, drinks and ambiance are all top-notch. I would highly recommend to anyone that they give it a whirl, with only one exception, someone who does not like Mexican/Spanish food at all.
(5)Steven L.
I love this place. I recently moved to downtown St Pete and I have made Red Mesa my happy hour joint. The food is great the service is amazing. The bartenders are friendly and are quick to offer drink and food suggestions. Jason and Rachel are amazing bartenders and offer great drink suggestions. Definitely a place to visit!
(5)Rosemary N.
Love this place! Quick, filling, and tasty! Lots of room. All outdoor seating. Some is covered seating and some open air. My husband and I have been eating at Red Mess since it opened its first restaurant on 4Th Street in St. Pete. Red Mesa always creates AWEOME restaurants. Each with a different vibe and fills different needs.
(4)Dharam K.
These folks know how to cook tofu! And that is really rare! The el Gordo with tofu was amazing and filling. The rice was actually a tasty component. Usually it's just taking up space, but it was yummy! The tofu tacos with pineapple were delicious. I could eat 3 orders for lunch probably. Definitely going to remember this spot!
(5)Sarah J.
I can't say enough about the Duck Quesadillas... Seriously delicious. Sat outside with the great weather and had Rachel, who was the sweetest server. Great food, great atmosphere and great service.
(5)Kait A.
Went expecting a regular menu and got brunch menu. The menu did not include beans and rice anywhere, which I think of as a staple item for Mexican restaurants. My margarita tasted like salt was dumped into it but then I switched to a mimosa and it was much better. The food portions were quite small; we ordered tofu tacos and an appetizer, but still. Chips and salsa aren't free. All in all, this place is clearly billed as an upscale Mexican spot and the food is pretty good, but it's not exactly what I expect when I think Mexican.
(3)Molly D.
We were looking for a chill place to sit outside and enjoy a Friday evening with friends. We sat on the patio and enjoyed margaritas and calamari appetizer before dinner. Great atmosphere. Entrée order was good (trio of tacos and ceviche). Glad we were able to check this place out.
(4)Julio P.
Wow. Where to begin. I came here with my wife and 6 month old on a Wednesday afternoon. We were very warmly received by the hostess and promptly seated outside. I personally would have like to seat outside but it was hot and the baby was sleeping. But the outside seating area is really cool. Inside we ordered guacamole and chips as a starter. Service was very prompt and cordial. The guacamole was really good but the chips! The chips were out of this world. They were crispy but not oily. Felt really fresh. Very well seasoned they were some of the best chips I have ever had. I would come back just for them. For our main entrées I ordered the Mahi stack and my wife ordered chicken enchiladas. The food came out super fast but felt freshly made. The Mahi stack was amazing. A grilled fillet on stacked on top of fried yuca, avocado, tomatoes, mango and pickled onions. Food network stuff. My wife's enchiladas were just as good. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Alyssa S.
I went with some girlfriends for drinks and appetizers. It is a cute spot downtown. The food was great and we enjoyed hanging out on the patio.
(4)John C.
Great food, great servIce and great atmosphere! We definitely will return soon and bring the family.
(5)Tori N.
Awesome, awesome food and great service. We were waited on by Kaitlyn who was very friendly and told us a couple cool places to go in the area since we're from Tampa. I cleaned my entire plate and was so stuffed lol. The red sangrias were awesome too.
(5)Wanda P.
Margaritas are delicious! Loved the strawberry margarita--not too sweet-- muddled strawberries. Duck taco was amazing as was the ahi taco Shredded beef Barbacoa was outstanding,served with rice and beans not too spicy but very flavorful. Eat on sidewalk, courtyard or inside. Friendly staff, excellent service. They brought the dog at the table beside us
(4)Holly C.
This is one of my most favorite places to dine. I would wait in line for their Raspberry Tea. I love their fish tacos. You should definitely go! I have always left happy.
(5)Valerie F.
What a great atmosphere! My boyfriend and I were visiting St Pete from out of town and saw this place on Yelp. We didn't really know what expect. But this place is a great find. Luckily for us, it was happy hour and I got a classic margaritas on the rocks for half off. For an app, we got the Cantinitas ceviche. It was really meaty with a little bit of heat. Yum! My boyfriend ordered the Seafood Mofongo and I ordered three tacos: duck, ahi tuna, and the Baha fish. The Mofongo was excellent... A myriad of flavors. I loved the sweetness of the duck taco and the Asian influence of the ahi tuna but I felt the Baha fish lacked flavor. Overall, it was a great find.
(4)Nina M.
The place is more Tex-Mex than anything. I like that they have "a la carte" items and their guacamole is to die for. I also liked their Mexican coffee/chocolate brunch drink. The wait isn't usually too long even wen it's busy. Service is prompt and friendly. I love both the indoor and outdoor atmosphere with the fountain and the bar area. I would have given the place another star, but my issue is consistency. The same taco I had one time was not the same taco I had another time. It tasted relatively the same, but some of the flavors were watered down and the presentation wasn't great. It's happened on more than one occasion. Worth the $4 for the taco? Not really. When it's all said and done, it's a good place for decent Tex-Mex style food and good for drinks with friends. Don't come here expecting authentic Mexican food because you won't find it here.
(3)Robert F.
Let me say the flavor of the tacos I ate were amazing and in particular the Ahi Tuna taco blew my mind. FRESH! A little Heat! And Perfect corn tortilla! This would be a 4 or maybe even a 5 star review if it wasn't for the fact each taco was just under $5. The Ahi was worth that but the rest.... Not so much.
(3)Kelly F.
Excellent Sunday Brunch. Great vegetarian selections for brunch or dinner/lunch. Fabulous mimosas. It's a bit noisy inside and the bathrooms are awkward my placed and limited. Highly recommended, I would go back.
(5)Cody R.
Overpriced, small portion sizes. My wife got two beef tacos for 9$ the margarita was the same price. Nothing wrong with the taste of the food. Loud atmosphere, hard to hear each other. Not the best place to a date night. But Friday night with friends would work better. Will not return. Remember... Date your wife. God bless
(3)Christian M.
Wow is this the best Tex Mex restaurant in St Pete or what? The margaritas are excellent and the pork enchiladas and crab and shrimp quesadilla are amazing. The service is also excellent. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for a la carte and smaller portions, that's the only drawback but it is definitely worth the experience at least once.
(5)Crosby H.
The Ceviche was 5 star! 6 or 7 flavor options with multiple seafood choices and the sampler platter (you pick 4) was a beautiful presentation, huge portions and some of the best I have ever had and there are two Miami restaurants competing for my palate when it comes to ceviche. My friends filet burrito I think it was called was excellent, very tender well flavored beef, not your typical burrito. The only reason it was not a total 5 star is that although my tacos were good the steak taco was a little bland and the soft shells were corn and I tend to like the wheat personally. Great ambience, server very nice, hostesses disinterested.
(4)Dorene M.
My favorite local restaurant,I always have a good meal here. My friends and I had dinner at the Cantina last night to celebrate my birthday, We had a table of 11 people and as always the service was great. For the table we ordered the chips with sampler and chip with salsa. The guacamole was really good and the queso had great flavor. The black bean dip was ok, nothing stood out about it. A couple of us ordered the duck tacos and duck quesadillas, As always they were delicious, great flavor. A friend ordered the mahi sandwhich with mango, she said it was very good. Everyone's meal was delicious. If you go there and you are a duck fan, definitely get there duck torta or duck taco, they both sooo good. About half way into dinner a band started playing they were really good but it was a just little too loud. They were good but we couldn't hear each other. SO if you want to have a conversation you should probably sit in the courtyard. Don't forget duck torta or duck taco, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jami N.
First of all, the place just looks cool. The exposed brick and the twinkle lights on the outside patio make for a great ambience and atmosphere. We sat in the cocktail area at the outside bar which was connected to the patio. Pricilla took care of us and she was very nice, helpful and patient with my slight indecisiveness. I got the Cucumber Margarita, it was phenomenal and I don't even really like margaritas. David got a handmade margarita which he liked very much as well. We just had chips and three dips. They were decent. We didn't stay for dinner as we had already planned on going elsewhere but there were several menu items that sounded good so we will probably try it next time we are in town. As we were leaving there was a person setting up outside to play live music which is always a plus!
(5)Sean C.
Great spot, the tacos were phenomenal and white wine sangria light and refreshing. the amazing fountain in the middle sets the tone.
(5)Tim W.
Not bad. Good staff and very quick service. Food is good but not much more than that. I haven't had any other Mexican in St Pete so I don't have much of a comparison for this place. The outdoor area was nice and relaxing - you can probably do better food wise though.
(3)april s.
Came here at 6pm on a Tuesday for drinks and a bite to eat with my friend. We sat outside in the courtyard. The setting was both chic and comfortable, and I was surprised to see that they had a good number of people seated already, even though it was early. We ordered margaritas (hibiscus and passion fruit to start, and two classics for round two), and they were ON POINT. They use real juice in their margaritas...none of that concentrated mix crap. If it weren't for the fact that we were sticking to the happy hour menu (and that I would have passed out in the courtyard fountain), I could have tried every specialty cocktail on the menu, because they looked awesome. The food menu was similar to the drinks menu: everything caught my eye. We ordered the bombas and the huachinango (sp?) ceviche to start. The ceviche was excellent. The bombas were also really good...maybe the best croquetas I've ever had, actually. When we got close to the end of our starters, we ordered the mofongo (straight up--not the seafood one), which was also delicious. But, by the time I started eating it, I was two margaritas in and feeling pretty full. If I lived closer to St. Pete, I would come back to try so many things (all of the ceviches, the duck taco, the seafood mofongo, the pulpo...I can't remember what else was on the menu, but it was all very enticing). I almost forgot to mention the service. I wish I remembered our server's name, because I'd give him a proper nod on here. He knew the menu really well, and he was attentive without being pushy. Shout out to the kitchen and bar, too--our food and drinks came out in good time.
(5)Maher E.
Food and drink is very good and I have been to Red Mesa on more than one occasion and I like going there but the service is not good in my opinion. I was seated at a table with no silverware. Waiter obviously not familiar with menu at all. guacamole and chips arrive, still no drinks, no water, no silverware. Guacamole and chips eaten, still no drinks, no water, no silverware. General disregard for customer service from staff. Overall, I think I am done with this place, the service really is lacking and not something I care to experience while trying to enjoy an evening out.
(2)Jason C.
Great food! My friends and I shared the mixed ceviche combination and some tasty tacos. The food tasted fresh and was very shareable. We also had margaritas. Their flavored margaritas were quite good. I would have preferred mine a bit less sweet, but that's a frequent malady of mine with most food and beverage items. The service was generally attentive and the outdoor seating was quite comfortable.
(4)David D.
A chain restaurant basically. Owned by a St Pete conglomerate. The food was less than mediocre I would encourage your opinion. I found it had NO Mexican authenticity. Designed to be a gathering place for drinks only. Go elsewhere, this is a forgettable dining letdown.
(2)Michelle B.
This was the first restaurant we ate at when we moved to St. Pete. It's delicious. Absolutely delicious and a really satisfying atmosphere. Our first server was amazing and I wish I could remember her name to give her a shout out. Our subsequent servers have been adequate but not as committed and fun as our first experience. If you're just looking for delicious and affordable Mexican food, head here!
(5)Hillary V.
This place is pretty cool. The majority of the seating is outdoors, whether that be in the bar area or on the patio. The decor is pretty cool too. Over the weekend there's a lot going on like live bands. They've also got TVs, so it's a good place to watch games. Food wise, I only had a chicken quesadilla, but I loved it. Normally when I go, I have drinks at the bar. There are lots of options, but the tequila choices are on point. And finally, the staff is always very nice. I'm a fan.
(5)Jen R.
This is our very favorite restaurant in St. Pete! The service is good, the food is AMAZING, in our opinion, and the atmosphere of the outdoor garden is pretty & fun! Try the duck quesadillas & the chips & dip trio (queso, black bean drip, & guac).
(5)Jack S.
I love Red Mesa but this place seems to be trying to compete w/ Taco Bus. They failed. Even though I am no longer a huge fan of Taco Bus since they changed their refried beans and got rid of tamale weekends (please bring back those awesome, big tamales), I think this place is just kind of a fancied up casual dining that is a bit over priced. The food is good, tacos are pretty tasty but they charge you $5 for corn on the cob (Esquites), which is good and has a pretty nice cheese/spice topping but really, $5 corn? I haven't had much of the specialties so I will probably give this another try but for now, 3 stars for overpriced corn.
(3)Jessica P.
I have been frequenting this place since it's opening. At some points more frequently than others; like my "I'm single and can drink margaritas all day on a Saturday if I want to!" days. No matter when I come, it never disappoints. Consistency is important and an awesome trait in a restaurant, and this place has nailed it. My favorites include: Margaritas (duh!) Breakfast shots on the weekend ( see note about single days) Duck tacos Chorizo burger Ceviche Anything you order is going to be awesome!
(5)Vanessa M.
My husband and I had been told we need to visit here while in St. Pete. We were spending the day there, so when we walked by earlier in the day around 2, we asked if we could make reservations for that evening, but were told that they don't do reservations on the weekends. However, the very nice hostess said if we came back around 6 we shouldn't have a problem getting in. We decided we would definitely do that! The building looked so awesome. Very unique dark brick and we saw there were beautiful patio lights. We returned that evening at 5pm- we were hungry! They had a table for two outside available for us, and as soon as we walked in we were both smitten! The outdoor area had lots of greenery, lights, and a beautiful waterfall/water fountain thing coming from two different directions, with a little bridge you can walk across. Truly enchanting! The mexican wrestling theme was awesome. We would've given 5 stars had the food been better.. That shows how amazing the atmosphere is! We each had a quesadilla, one chicken and one steak! Both pretty good, but nothing crazy amazing that made us say, "this is the best Mexican food ever!" The portions were smaller than we expected. We also had the chips and homemade salsa.. Good but pretty average for Mexican restaurant. We were disappointed they weren't complimentary, like most places. We definitely say Red Mesa Cantina is worth your time if you're looking for a really fun place with a great atmosphere! Expect good but average food.
(4)Allie P.
Service here was horrible. Bottom line. I yelped this place and decided to take my parents here because of the photos showing the atmosphere of sitting outside. Upon arrival, the host was insanely cranky with us for no reason, and said it would be a 30+ minute wait to sit outside... At 3:30pm... With 5+ open tables visibly open outside... We waited much longer than that due to the host putting our buzzer number in the system incorrectly. The bartender Dan was our only saving grace. I watched people walk in and get seated outside and was pretty irate. After being seated we had to ask for chips and salsa. And the salsa never arrived, just plain chips. Then we ordered and we never received one of our 4 dishes, which then arrived after we asked where it was. I am embarrassed to have had such poor service with my parents. I won't come back, unless it's for a beer and Dan is the bartender.
(1)Jenn H.
Stumbled upon this restaurant while on our way to the movies. Loved the ambience, empanadas were to die for and nachos with the refried beans and jalapeños were delish! My son had the pulled pork tacos but didn't really enjoy it. Not what he was used to. Sangria was good, and our server was very attentive.
(4)Virginia G.
The only thing good about this place is the tequila selection, which I have to assume my fellow Yelpers imbided in plenty of in order to leave such raving reviews as they had. They ONLY reason I'm giving it 2 stars is because of the drinks. THe food here, well, it just sucks. I've been here twice in the last couple months and I'm not sure which visit was worse. From the black bean dip, to the guac loaded with onion, the queso that has hamburger in it, ceviche marinated so badly you can hardly chew it, let's not forget that disgusting thing they call a burrito with that formed mound of dry brownish rice on the side. How do they stay open serving this stuff? Dinner companion fared a little better with his chili rubbed salmon dish. It looked quite good, it tasted too fishy. So we tried a second time. It can't be that bad and I do love me some tequila. WRONG..it's that bad. The hostess can barely stop talking long enough to seat us, we have toa sk for silverware, napkins etc and once again the food is terrible! Just plain terrible. I'd go here for drinks, never the food, not even after a belly full of tequila. Nope, just don't do it!
(2)Stacy N.
The outdoor patio is rich with ambience. Service started slow with a wait for our first visit but our server was pleasant and engaging and attentive after that. Chips and salsa were addicting. Duck tacos were surprisingly delicious. Mofongo (sp?) was crazy good. And don't miss the sangria.
(4)Joseph P.
Not super stoked on Red Mesa. They seated us suuuuuper fast, which was nice. The food wasn't awesome. The descriptions weren't helpful, and our meals were average. Nothing terrible, just sort of "meh."
(3)Amy D.
Calling all fans of Nacho Libre. If you're in St. Pete, this is a fun spot with great ambience, food and close to local bars. If the weather is nice, the outside area is the place to eat. Enjoy the fresh air with a margarita and some duck tacos. The only downside is, no flour tortillas. If you're like me, I'm not a fan of the corn tortillas so I just dig forthe goodness inside. Bartenders are always great outside too. You can tell (I could be wrong) that they enjoy working there and always have the best suggestions whether you're looking for a refreshing beverage or grub.
(4)Clinton F.
Mediocre Mexican food by southwestern standards, but decent for downtown St Pete. Nice atmosphere outside, including the outdoor bar. Not great for healthy eaters unless you come on fajita night (Wednesday). The chicken fajitas are great even if you skip the sour cream and cheese.
(4)Kerry J.
I love coming here on a sunny day for brunch or a late lunch. The outdoor patio/courtyard area is beautiful and relaxing. You can't go wrong with their tacos. My favorites are the duck tacos and fried oyster tacos. I've also had excellent ceviche at Res Mesa. If you're feeling adventurous, try the octopus ceviche! As far as drinks go, it's easy to spend hours here just enjoying their cocktail and tequila menu...they have an incredible tequila selection and great margaritas. It's not unusual to be seated near boisterous tables who have clearly enjoyed the beverages. Service has always been outstanding for me, too. Drawbacks are that you're not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown St Pete, so if you want to sit outside and people watch, this isn't the place to go. This feels more like a hidden oasis.
(4)Bryant W.
I will start off by saying that I have been in the Tampa Bay Area for a week now and I have been twice this week. I usually don't like to do repeat visits on trips but Red Mesa Cantina was that good! I will give fair warning that I got the cheeseburger tacos which were on special and aren't on the regular menu but they should be as they are hands down the best tacos I've ever had in my life. However the portions weren't very big so I ordered a side of the steamed veggies as well which were also really good. And prices aren't bad as those two together were only $12 which for quality food isn't bad. Margaritas are great! The atmosphere is great although I ate outside both times and actually never saw the inside but the outside bar is really cool. The wait staff both times were great. Are you noticing a theme here? I did also want to add that I had guacamole which was good but not great and one of my parents got the Duck Tortas sandwich which was about as good as my tacos. I will absolutely vist Red Mesa Cantina every time I come to this area.
(5)Kristina W.
YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loved everything
(5)Jeffrey M.
Had a great lunch here. Really enjoyed the Ahi Tuna Tacos and crab and shrimp quesadilla
(5)D B.
My favorite restaurant in Saint Petersburg! I LOVE the duck quesadillas, duck tacos, ahi tuna salad, ahi tuna tacos, sangria, and Dos Equis on tap. The outside bar area has a really great atmosphere and the bartenders are chill. Minor Negatives: I ate in the inside restaurant area once, but didn't enjoy my experience as much. It's a little too dark for me and kind of depressing. I am not a big enchiladas fan, but tried the chicken enchiladas; and I am still not a big enchiladas fan. I can only blame myself for that decision. :-) Overall, I love this place, and when I bring friends/family out to eat, they have loved it too.
(5)Food C.
Fresh w/ a dash of quality in the mix. Simple menu, never disappointed. Ask for #glutenfree options like a halved avocado or a side of beans (no sauces) for an extra protein boost! Eat healthy my friends! #AskAVO #AVOknows #AVOtampa #AVOstpete #AVOnola #AVOboston #AVOnyc #AVOmiami
(4)Bubba Y.
Excellent food and atmosphere. The Shrimp burrito was amazing. Right at the edge of being too hot but never crossed that line! One of the best burritos I have ever had!
(5)Kit V.
Not much to write that isn't already on here, so I'll keep it simple. Yes, the margaritas are the best! Hibiscus & the cucumber drinks are amazing and the local beer selection is extensive. Had the chip & dip trio appetizer and all three were very good. While my shrimp burrito was perfect (and spicy!), my hubby's taco trio was surprisingly bland (fish, steak & pork). We will chalk it up to a bad night and try again soon! Atmosphere is fun and romantic and now that the weather is cooler, wait for a table outside, it is spectacular. As for the service, our waiter was clearly having an off night but as we watched the other servers be attentive to their guests, we realized that the service is good, just not this particular person. Will be back soon to try new things & I suggest you add this to your downtown St. Pete hot spots for great food & drinks!
(4)Danielle R.
We had a group of 20 and the staff was extremely hospitable and accommodating to us. CJ, one of the hosts, was happy to utilize his resources to find room for our large party in the already crowded restaurant on a Saturday night. The food was Tex Mex with a twist and extremely flavorful. The atmosphere was trendy Latino and the music was upbeat. Our server was energetic and gracious, she was patient in serving our large party and skilled at her job. Highly recommend Red Mesa Cantina to all interested.
(5)S S.
Great outside seating area surrounding a very large water feature/fountain. The Margarita deals are good on Thursdays after 7 (1/2 off). The tacos were good and so are the nachos. The burrito was a major miss for me and my gf. Service was kind of crappie the first time but the second time our server was one of the best I've had this year... so it kinda saved them from a 3 star rating from me. The 4 stars is for the outside seating, nachos, and fingers crossed for a good server.
(4)Zenny R.
i dont even know where to start with this place. absolutely mind-blown. this was my fav spot during my trip to FL. sit outside for beautiful sighting of the decor and all the greenery. staff is amazing and super attentive. now lets get to the good stuff.. the FOOD! AH! amazinggggggg flavors! mm mm mmm the mofongitos are the best thing you could order. the mix of sweet plantains, yuca, and pork are to die for. chicken taquitos were yummy and the sauce on top is freshly made (you can taste the freshness) and totally eatable on its own. outside seating is near the bar and tv's so games are watchable from outside.
(5)Steve M.
Have come here a number of times and always loved it. The servers have always been friendly and engaging. Of course the food is fabulous. It is Mexican food turned up by several notches. The mixologists know their stuff too!! Will be coming here again and again.
(5)Lisa R.
Nice outdoor seating area; nice outdoor bar. Ordered steak and chicken tacos. Quick service and delicious.
(4)Lauren B.
One of the best Mexican restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I ended up going there multiple nights in a row. It's a little pricey for Mexican food, but the quality is worth it in my opinion. Whether you're dining inside or out, the eclectic aesthetic is great. Solid drink menu, love their margaritas,and Caribbean mojitos. I suggest splitting the ceviche sampler as a first course, lots of flavors and it's quite filling. Can't wait to go back again and again.
(5)Madalyn R.
I'd give this place a 3.5 if I could but decided to go with 4 because their brunch is top notch. Go with the passion fruit mimosa and I forget what it was called but the brunch tostada was out of this world. Lunch tacos are good, boyfriend didn't really enjoy the duck quesadilla because there wasn't much duck and it was missing from many bites.
(4)Siri G.
Love red mesa! Good food, gorgeous ambience and love when they have live music. I would call it some sort of Spanish fusion, it's definitely not your typical texmex.
(4)Emmanuel R.
Enjoyed our Dinner. Service was pleasant and very quick. Food was on point.. The Seafood Mofongo is superb. The chicken Flauta has the perfect spice to it.
(5)Celeste M.
I've always wanted to try this place. The ambiance was great. We sat out side on the patio next to a waterfall. We had the filet la chipotle burrito (spicy) , steak quesadilla, chicken taco and Cadillac margarita. The prices are fair and affordable. The food came out really fast and tasted really fresh. Can't wait to go back! Ps- only street parking or a garage around the same block ($5 on the weekend)
(5)Crystal H.
I love the location, decor and style of the Red Mesa Cantina. It is very trendy and inviting with nice outdoor and indoor seating options. I also love Push which is attached to it, but that is another review. We arrived for lunch starving because we had been up for about 8 hours without food. We decided to order a grilled steak quesadilla to split. Our quesadilla was unfortunately lacking in flavor. It needed some spice or grilled onions/peppers for flavor. It was just a mild cheese and some steak. While it wasn't bad, it left us wanting. For our meals we ordered Pork Verde and Shredded Beef Barbacoa Burritos. The burritos were amazing. They had so much flavor and the meat was incredibly tender. Both burritos were covered in a delicious sauce. The Pork Verde had a nice spice to it with the peppers. Both burritos were served with a sort of dirty rice that had beans in it. Neither of us cared for the rice, but we didn't care because the burritos were so good. We both agreed that we were surprised that a restaurant that could produce such an amazing burrito would have a bland quesadilla. The burritos were 6 stars whereas the quesadilla was a 2, so I am giving the restaurant 4 stars. We will definitely be back to Red Mesa Cantina to try more. I just recommend skipping the quesadilla. Order the Pork Verde or Barbacoa!
(4)Todd M.
Great spot. Excellent ceviche. I had a trio of tacos and they were super. Try the Cadillac margarita.
(4)Maria R.
Nice little lit up casual place at night. Service is good. Food is great. House margaritas are delicious too! Love this place!
(5)Ryan M.
Priscilla and Rachel are, hands down, the absolute best bar staff in the entire city. Not only do they listen, and put every ounce of care into your drink order, but they do it with an irresistible charm that makes you want to order more. I would return in a heartbeat if I lived here regularly. But every time I visit, I always go back. Priscilla has always taken good care and Rachel is a worthy apprentice.
(5)MaryAnn C.
Service was very good and wait staff attentive. Food was just ok. We ordered guacamole, which was fine, but the basket of chips served with it were all cracked small pieces. I had 2 chicken tacos and the chicken was cold. They served no salsa with it. They were ok, but, Taco Bell is tastier. The restaurant played very loud music and conversation was difficult. I can't recommend this place.
(1)Yana W.
Love love love this place! Been here on multiple occasions and have never been disappointed. It is a very popular place with many of my friends as well, so we do go there a lot. I'd say, the best brunch in town. $3 mimosa and $4 Bloody Mary, specials every Saturday and Sunday. Steak and eggs are excellent! I just couldn't believe how inexpensive they were, being that good... If I'm in the mood for a more "carby" dish, I go for the sweet potato pancakes. Duck quesadillas are also amazing and are available for lunch and dinner as well. They are not very big, so if you are really hungry, get something else in addition to them. My favorite dinner dish would be empanadas as appetizer and el grande burrito as the main dish. Warning! The burrito is huge and is humanly impossible to be consumed by just one person. Great for sharing!
(5)Lauren K.
No matter how good the food is, terrible customer service trumps all. I tried to make a reservation for a party of 15 for a birthday dinner and was told they couldn't as it would displace other patrons. As a local who has frequented this restaurant many many times I am very disappointed at their lack of accommodations for such a large party. What a great way to make money, turn away 15 guests before they even walk in!
(1)Tammy P.
I don't get the hype about this place but they get 3 stars for effort because it looks neat inside and is a cool place to hangout. The tacos were okay, they tried to be creative with items like duck and tuna tacos, however my tortilla wasn't heated up all the way, which is almost like eating stale cereal! My fave dish on my visit was the shrimp ceviche, and that's because I rarely eat ceviche to begin with so it was a new taste.
(3)Kate R.
My number one restaurant in St. Pete: unique, consistently delicious, fun atmosphere. We take everyone here, and go on our own too, for brunch, dinner, desserts, happy hour. If you have time for only one meal in St. Pete, this is where you should eat.
(5)Brittany N.
Went to this place early Sunday afternoon and had a great experience. The layout of the resturaunt inside and outside was super nice. Went to the resteraunt without reservations and it was about a 30 minute wait in which we sat at the bar. I had a margarita, and it was delicious! I am not a regular margarita-er, but i enjoyed every sip. The drinks were pretty pricey for the amount, but good. The service at the bar was excellent. We had a party of 8 and they accommodated us very well, even when we got a buzzer we said 6 people. I got a crab and shrimp flat bread for my meal and it was good. This place is a great atmosphere and great items with great taste, just a little pricey for the quantity.
(4)Barry C.
Breakfast on Sundays at Red Mesa is the best. I have never had sweet potato pancakes as good as theirs, just a quality breakfast and their dinner menu is just as awesome. Always good food and great servers.
(5)Jim M.
Great night at the cantina because of Rachael!! She is the best. Great service from a very nice lady!!!
(5)Stacy G.
I usually love this place but FYI don't make a reservation. We asked for a specific table. Got to the restaurant 2 minutes early. They just sat someone at it. Party if seven people... How hard is it to actually keep a reservation? Fail.
(3)Bobby Barbeque O.
Chips and dip....steak quesadillas....steak fajita tacos..... It seems anything on this menu is great!!! Must go back ASAP!!!
(5)Ryan N.
This place has a very cool atmosphere with a great looking outdoor patio and bar. I only wish the weather was a little better and it wasn't a weekday when I was there so I could have enjoyed both more! Good food, everything was very fresh; good service and great Cadillac margarita. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Anuj S.
Awesome. I've never had any Mexican food quite like Red Mesa's El Gordo burrito. It was really delicious. As a vegetarian, I'm used to just having beans as a substitute for meat at Mexican places. Well, Red Mesa uses tofu. It caught me off guard when I was looking through the menu. I mean, usually you get tofu on various Asian dishes, but I'd never had it for Mexican. Anyway, it was awesome. Usually, I go for strong impacting flavor... POW. I don't think the burrito had a strong taste, but the blend of various subtle flavors just made it great. I could tell even more because I had a side of rice and beans and I could tell that's where the flavor was coming from. Plus, the tofu in the burrito of course. I'd say the food came out a little on the pricey side. Without any drink, it was a $20 check; not including tip. Well, if I'm in the area again, I'll definitely be back. There were plenty of other interesting options on the menu.
(5)Manuel M.
Consistently delicious food, excellent pozole soup. Great outdoor courtyard, good service. One of my favorite spots in downtown St Pete.
(4)Stacey K.
Tasty food and great service. The chicken taquitos were yummy. I love the Mexican wrestling decor!
(4)EJ P.
I have eaten at this place twice, and at the other restaurant once. Neither of these restaurants are very good. These restaurants would get 1 or 2 stars west of the state of Louisiana. However, since so many people in Tampa Bay have never actually had great Mexican or Tex-Mex food, they think this is the best Mexican food they've ever had. And that's because it is, because they haven't eaten Tex-Mex in San Antonio, TX, for example. Where they make tortillas that melt in your mouth But back to Red Mesa. I think I have found an accurate way to describe Red Mesa: The food that you get here tastes no better than the (Tex-Mex) food you would get at a Mex chain like Chili's, but Red Mesa fancies up the menu descriptions and jacks up the prices and adds a little hip restaurant decor in order to make you think the food is better than it really is. It's just bland, mediocre Tex-Mex style food that can be had at Chili's for much less money. Advice: If you are going to eat here, stay away from the appetizers and side dishes and the tacos which are outrageously priced. (In Texas they would laugh you off the street if you told someone you paid 5 dollars for a taco, like Red Mesa charges.) Try to order a "combination" platter that has 1, 2 or 3 items for one price. Stay away from the guacamole, which is NOT WORTH 7 dollars. Just try to fill yourself up with the chips and get a combo dish. Desserts are also mediocre.
(3)Angela S.
I went here the first time last week with family, a large group. The only negative was the wait time. We were told 45 minutes, but waited over an hour. However, the happy hour made up for the wait! This has to be the best happy hour in town. The $3 margaritas were huge and delicious. They also has specials on beer, wine, sangria and wells. When we did sit down the service was very good, and everyone enjoyed the food. I had a ceviche dish, which was awesome. I will definitely be back, especially for the happy hour.
(4)Brandon S.
A friend and I selected Red Mesa Cantina because we wanted to try some local seafood while so close to the ocean but we didn't feel like going to a seafood specialty restaurant. We wanted to visit downtown St. Petersburg and a quick search online we found this establishment. Walking up to it the area was busy with plenty of walkers and the restaurant was very active and you could tell right off the bat that this place would be a lot of fun. One of the first things we noticed on the menu was their oyster shooters. My friend and I had never had one so we quickly ordered one each. The shooter was good, but I thought that it had more of a salsa flavor rather than focusing on the flavor of the oyster. Dinner was good, I had their chicken quesadilla and we order some fried plantains to share. The quesadilla was pretty good and it was exactly what I expected when I ordered it. That being said, the fried plantains were very good and very enjoyable. Unfortunately the night that I was there also was the night that every bachelorette party in St. Petersburg decided to come this establishment. The parties were having a blast and enjoying themselves, as any bachelorette party should but the multiple parties became a distraction and took away from the dinner experience. The atmosphere inside was more of a party atmosphere rather than a nice dining one. I think that the inside dining area lost its aura because the restaurant was lost in weather it was a bar, or a restaurant. Although the food was good, and the atmosphere was great...for a bar, but I was looking for a nice restaurant and it cost me some enjoyment during my dinner. I would go back, but I would now know that I would go back if I was looking for a bar rather that a restaurant.
(3)Martie P.
I absolutely love this place for brunch. Sadly, I haven't made it for dinner or drinks any other time. There are plenty of seating options - bar, outside patio with a great fountain view, or inside. On to the nitty gritty...DRINKS! They have a fabulous selection of champagne drinks for brunch, including the traditional mimosa, hybiscus mimosa & passion fruit mimosa. A friend of mine had a bloody mary on my last visit. She said it was spicy, but delicious. The food is good and service is great!
(4)Lindsay A.
Good food, huge portion sizes. It's Americanized Mexican food, so it's hard to mess up... and they do it right. Their drinks are pretty good, too. I've never been disappointed on a visit here. Not the cheapest place to eat, but you are definitely paying for a little nicer atmosphere. The servers are usually friendly and give good recommendations. I've been here with large groups numerous times, and they've always been very accommodating. This would be a good spot for a first date, or taking your girlfriends before going out downtown. The courtyard is cute and has a great vibe. Outdoor bar service, and they often have good live music. Be aware if you sit outside later in the evening, a lot of people will be traipsing through on their way upstairs to the club.
(4)Jason K.
For whatever reason, lately i have had a bad run of luck with waiting unreasonable periods of time to get into restaurants. Perhaps this holiday season has turned me into a Grinch, but i simply detest waiting over an hour to be seated. Red Mesa is no exception to this general rule. I have eaten here a few times during the day and found the eatery to be sparsely populated and a quick meal. However, in my my recent dinner adventure, i was told that i would wait 45 minutes for a table and ended up waiting an hour and 15 minutes. The entire time we waited there was a large dinner table that could have accommodated my party that sat empty. Once we were served, I can say that the food was good. I and a few others in my party had the Sangria which was $3.25 during happy hour. I thought it was good, but it got mixed reviews in my group. The happy hour prices were very reasonable. As for the food, the portions were large. I had the taco which was on par with what you would expect..
(2)Rebecca K.
Love the food here and better yet is the garden seating area. We eat here regularly and the wait staff is always on top of their game. The food is consistently tasty and boasts the bold flavors their sister restaurant is famous for. Our favorite time to come is brunch. Good draft beers too!
(4)Jon M.
Ok. Food is tasty but a bit over seasoned -- too salty too sweet. Seems like a fun place to drink and pick up chicks. Especially if you are a frat boy. Open real late -- which is good.
(3)Michael Z.
Delicious assortment of ceviche, tacos, and other small plates; drinks hit the mark as well. Patio seating is unique and aesthetically pleasing - a real winner in downtown St. Pete.
(4)A Z.
We keep coming back here over and over whenever we're in St Pete entertaining friends or just by ourselves. It's easily our favorite restaurant in the area and a solid choice for atmosphere and great food/tequila cocktails. The last time we went was the day of the Pride Parade. That day was memorably hot. I thought sitting outside on their beautiful patio would be off the table, but they had set up multiple, industrial sized fans to cool everyone. Spot on!
(5)Shawna K.
One of my favorite patios I've discovered so far! We drove almost an hour because we heard it was above par! And Red Mesa definitely did not disappoint! The vibe and charm are rockin' at this joint! The fact that the food was great and we all licked our plate was just an extra treat since the ambience can't be beat! We enjoyed our Sunday Brunch as slowly as we could And I probably had one too many drinks more than I should Just so we could stay and chill at their place basking in the sunshine with a smile on my face!
(4)Sherry T.
Great variety of delicious Latin inspired foods. Decent service, very busy location. Desperate need for more bathrooms.
(4)Cristo P.
Everything we had was delicious. We started with the mofongo, made from pork carnitas, sweet plantain and yuca. All this dressed with chimichurri sauce. Surprisingly awesome flavor. We followed with a taste of the appetizer tacos. The mahi and the seared tuna were not that impressive. The pulled pork with guacamole was extremely comforting. The one I liked best was the steak taco with jalapeño and grilled onions. The. Mehta Modelo was a good pairing for all the food.
(5)Mike S.
A very excellent place........top of the line Mexican. The setting is polished without being fussy, the service is very effective, the menu has all the standards and some interesting variations (duck taco), and the quality of food is superior. Many other reviewers and commercial food rating services give the place high rankings, and I agree. Prices are a bit higher than an average beans 'n taco joint, but worth it here. It has been a few years ago since we ate there (in a foreign County), but I still remember the fine salsas, tasty refried beans and marvellous chilies rellenos...and these are my 3 "test" dishes for comparing Mexican restaurants. Also see they have nice drink specials and a good selection of Mexican & domestic beers. The location is handy for easy in-and-out on N. 4th Street. I would visit more but fear my passport/visa for visiting Pinellas may have expired.
(4)Lisa C.
Yum!!
(4)Rachel A.
We were a little skeptical walking up to the door but inside it was packed with people. We decided to sit outside in the courtyard which had lots of greenery and water fountains (great scenery for pics!). Got this amazing grilled corn on the cob - not ideal for a girl's night out but it sounded so good on the menu - had this spicy sauce that came drizzled on it, mm mm good. Got the shrimp tacos which were also very flavorful and had a spicy kick to it - very opposite to the sometimes bland entrees you can get at a Mexican place! Drinks were also very good - we each got a different kind of mojita - very creative and tasty! We did have some service problems initially (had been seated for 15 minutes without anyone coming to get our drink orders!) but she picked it up once we had to go tell the hostess we had not been served yet!
(4)Deidre S.
The duck tacos are amazing :) so glad our waiter recommended them. We have had great food here and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Good place to go in downtown St. Pete, only complaint is I wish they had more authentic Mexican food.
(4)Susie S.
I love the food here. Very tasty and fresh items. The Mexican dishes have flair. I've had brunch and dinner here and I've always been pleased but, the service and management is terrible. Terrible. So terrible that I will never go back.
(3)Steve M.
I don't get to go here too often, but when I do, it's always terrific. Had the Ceviche and duck tacos yesterday and they were "beyond the thunder dome" awesome!! The outside courtyard is a perfect spot for dining or simply enjoying a libation or 3.
(5)Diane S.
Food plentiful. Standard Mexican fare. Chips. We're extra crisp. Atmosphere excellent
(4)Sharon B.
This place is so good! The specials are amazing and so is the brunch! Great prices for a lot of great food!
(5)Kris M.
Great food, great service. Queso, duck tacos, seafood quesadilla... You can't go wrong with anything on the menu!
(5)Selina K.
Saint Pete staple... LOVE the Sunday Brunch
(5)Rose S.
Best brunch spot in St. Pete. I am a regular here! Great servicae and the quality of food is amazing! $3.50 Mimosas and Bloody Mary's at Brunch. Prices on the food are very reasonable, and I always have leftovers.
(5)Dawn D.
I've never had a bad meal at this place! The wait staff is always extremely knowledgeable , attentive and properly social. You really need to try the Duck quesadillas! It's exception with the goat cheese and pineapple. Last night we tried the mahi mahi ceviche and the octopus ceviche both were incredible! The octopus was cut into bite size pieces and very tender. The ahi tuna tacos lived up to reputation as well. They have an excellent Melbec wine which is my go to drink at this spot. I'll come back again and again!!
(5)Michael S.
We were in town for a wedding and called some local friends to see if they were available for lunch. Luckily they were and they suggested the Red Mesa. Everything we had was at least good except for the first round of beers, which were not cold enough and the duck taco, which was a bit disappointing. I am a bit of a ceviche snob and usually don't order it outside of a good Peruvian restaurant but I must say that the simple fish ceviche I had was one of the better versions I have sampled. My fish tacos were also good but not quite the Baja original. The second round of beers was nice and cold when we finally got them. The service was a bit slow and disjointed at times even though the place was not close to full.
(4)Greg M.
As good as any legit Mexican food in NY. This place really impressed me. Strong drinks, excellent authentic and addictive food!
(5)Don P.
Overpriced, no mui autentico, but hit the spot. Negra Modelo on tap is worth a half-star alone. Snapper ceviche was very tasty and the chicken tamales were good, if a little small. But it is definitely "gringo" Mexican. Nice space with patio seating.
(3)J L.
Cantina Ceviche was soooo good - Top 2 on my list of Ceviche places now. Shrimp Al Mojo was delicious (a little too oily though), so was Cuban Torta. Wish I weren't too full to try their banana split... Looks amazing. Loved the decor as well - we sat by the fountain.
(5)Lisa C.
I have been to Cantina too many times to count. I don't think I have ever walked out of there with a bad experience. Always great service and always a lively crowd. The price point can be steep but it's fresh and I don't mind paying for quality fresh food. I have them as a "like" on my facebook page and out of the blue for my birthday they posted a wonderful note. It was way better than any coupon I have ever received. They enticed me to come back in for either a free pitcher of margaritas or a free pitcher of sangria. Wow.. that is a $25.00 value. I was sort of shocked and thought maybe it would be a watered down version. Well as I am typing this, I can attest it wasn't ;) Now the food you ask... what about the food. Their chips are house-made and their salsa is wonderful. They actually changed their chips and I used to like them a ton more but the ones now aren't bad, they are just comparable to other places. Salsa and guacamole are chock full of cilantro, fresh ingredients and large bowls. Things I would highly recommend: First off... Mofongo. WOW. Seriously, WOW. Three large mounds of amazing mofongo with crispy pork, yuca and plantano drizzled with a light EVOO and fresh herbs. It will make anyone moan. Their mini tacos are always flavorful and add variety to any meal. I have tried the Ahi Tuna, The Fish Taco and the Duck Confit. Duck is definitely my favorite out of the three. It has Roast duck, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, cilantro, red chile jelly. Does Not Suck! The crab and shrimp quesadilla is surprising. I have ordered it twice and it is really like a large tostada versus the traditional quesadilla. Not complaining about that at all actually. I actually like it much better being crispy and open faced full of lump crab meat and plump shrimp. I have tried all of the ceviches and my favorite if the cantinita. It has a light kick but the orange segments and pickled red onion really made a pop in the mouth. Lots of fresh seafood and a good size bowl to share. Favorite salad is the Spinata - Spinach Salad with goat cheese. I was surprised someone mentioned it was a small salad as it typically fills me up. I have added shrimp and fish in the past and that definitely makes it more filling. Desserts I haven't had a lot of exploring because we are always so full. Tonight we decided to share homemade churros which was big, full and heavy with cinnamon. They are served hot with warm Mexican chocolate sauce and dulce sauce. Wow! Cocktails are unique and they serve quality tequilas. For many years, tequila and I broke up. We used to have a love affair and then one day, well... it was ugly. It has taken me many years to enjoy the Mexican elixir. I am happy to say, that the margaritas here are divine and so are the cocktails in general. My favorite is the La Rose Angel complete with a jalapeño slice & chile salt rim. Need I say more?? Mmmm I have yet to come in for lunch but I did manage to pop in a few times for brunch. The best take on eggs benedict I have EVER found. Their version comes as guacamole topped with a gordita, smoked bacon, poached eggs, chipotle cream sauce & queso fresco. The also provide a nice side of fresh fruit. Pair that with a mimosa and I am a happy girl. I am not sure if Red Mesa is the best Mexican I have ever had but it's very close to some of the places I have found when I have traveled to Mexico in the more family upscale joints. The vibe here is very Nacho Libre with Mexican fighting masks, a killer outdoor area and bar with bright colored lanterns and a huge wooden Day of the Dead looking Skeleton. Good vibe every time. If you go, ask for Jorge (Hore-Hay). He is always my favorite!!
(4)Adam Y.
We were showing out of town family St. Petersburg on their last day in town and we all got hungry at the same time. Walking down Central trying to find something interesting I bumped into a work colleague who recommended Red Mesa Cantina. 5 minutes later we were seated inside and happy. Our service was excellent, and the food was terrific. Everyone enjoyed their food (3 of us ordered taco's and one a quesadilla). The chips were very good and I loved the salsa. Others preferred Guacamole and while I am not a fan, everyone else enjoyed it. Probably the only thing that I would warn people about is that unlike the 'real' Red Mesa up on 4th street, this place really can whip a bill on you. Complimentary chips and salsa? Nope (although refills are free if you ask). Guac was $7. The taco's were $4.50 per and candidly, tiny. I'm not a big person but would need at least 3 to feel full. Somehow spending $13.50 on taco's seems excessive to me even though they are very tasty. If I was downtown, I'd have no problem going back here or recommending it, but the actual Red Mesa is so much better that anyone looking for a great Mexican meal should just stop on 4th Street and not give it a 2nd thought.
(3)Chris T.
Great Spot! There's another Red Mesa in St. Pete which is a really good lunch spot. Have the ...... Well, everything is good. This spot? Same owners, but the menu at this location is more expansive. For the record.....it is NOT tex mex or Mexican. I would classify it as "Latin American". They have Mofongo, which is a Puerto Rican Dish. They also have, Carne Asada...Mexican. And a Cuban Sandwhich..,,we'll call it Cuban! Duck Quesadillas? Yep!!!! Amerexican!? Whatever dude! The food is fantastic and you need to go there! Enjoy!
(4)Blaire O.
I hardly ever have a bad taco, I mean, it's a pretty standard dish, and as long as you season, and respect, your ingredients, you shouldn't go wrong (unless you are me, three years ago... IMPOSTER!) That said, tacos are constantly being reworked, reinvented, taken back to their roots, brought into future, and merged with other culinary conditions. I mean, these things have more personalities than Sybil. And with all that time spent in different restaurants, with different chefs, the neighbors are starting to talk... All images of coquettish tacos aside, I usually prefer traditional, authentic tacos, but with time, I've learned to accept the newest generations of tacos, like nephew Pickled-Vegetables-On-Top (Mmmmm). This acceptance has now been uprooted, and transformed into adoration by Red Mesa Cantina in St. Petersburg... (continued at blog)
(4)Pamela M.
I've partied upstairs at Push often however today my friend and I decided to see what the place looked like downstairs during the day on a Saturday afternoon. We were very happy! The little gourmet tacos here are divine. And at about $4 a piece for lunch, 2 or three will fill you up and go easy on your wallet. My friend and I shared some fried plantains as well. Almost as good as my Jamaican husband cooks them! And finally we shared the apple empanada desset.....nummy! The apple empanada is made from scratch on premises and definitely shows the wonderful home made quality. It came with a healthy scoop of Dulce de leche ice cream, a big dollop of whip cream and then everything was covered with a drizzle of caramel. If this sounds good just wait until you taste it. Enjoy!
(4)Brett M.
Having just moved to St. Petersburg you hear a lot of Hype about Red Mesa. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed walking in. Perhaps I had been tricked! Red Mesa looks like a very typical Mexican joint just very clean. We were served immediately upon sitting down (which was great because we were starving). Bottom line was our server was great. He took time to really go through the menu --- not just ask us if we had any questions. He focused on each portion of the menu and not just his personal favorites. He also addressed our preference for spicy Mexican and adapted his presentation to our feedback. We had the Shrimp Quesadilla's which were great and ordered our entree. My date had the combo enchiladas which were authentic with flair and I enjoyed some steak and shrimp. Lot's of flavor and excellent service. I will be back. My soda was never half empty and we plowed through two servings of warm tortilla trips. We had plenty of food to take home but I promise --- it didn't last long in the fridge.
(5)Omaira D.
Ate here for New Years, place was packed! Red Mesa adds a touch of sophistication usually missing from Mexican food. Great ambiance, food, crowd..this place is awesome and I'd definitely be back.
(4)John B.
We were told there was a 10 min wait.......there were at least 10 tables open. Our table was dirty when we arrived. Our waiter dropped my drink napkin on the floor, he picked it up and put it on the table. That was even before we had our drinks. Despite my husband telling me to blow this joint.... we stayed. Chips and salsa are better at chili's. I had the pork enchiladas.....they were ok. My husband paid 5$ for a duck taco..... which he wasnt sure was actually duck. And the yuca fries were served with ketchup. Yuck! Our yuca fries we make at home are way better. I love lynard skynard.... but not expected at a mexican place. This place is a waste of money and palate. Will never go here again..... once is one trip too many.
(1)Jim B.
so, i'm a huge fan of Mexican / Tex-Mex food and drink, and admittedly opinionated about both. Everyone, from the hostest(s) to the waitress, everyone was wonderful. Upbeat and knowledgable, and just enough attentive. The patio around the fountains is a perfect setting to drink and talk and eat. The crab and shrimp, open face quesadillas, are AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL. The salsa is fresh and spicy. Quacamole is bland. Premimum maragaritas are small and over-priced, but good. House margarita is forgettable.
(4)Lisa J.
Had a great time, sat outside which was a beautiful night in St. Petersburg. The service & food were great. Was there catching up with friends and didn't feel rushed to leave when we were done eating. Around 9pm they had a band which was nice. Overall had a great experience and would go back again.
(3)Karen F.
This is my 3rd time eating at this restaurant, and I have enjoyed myself each and every time. Due to the rain potential, we sat inside, which is a bit noisy but nevertheless fine. In nice weather - sit outside by the fountain, it is so relaxing! Our server was outstanding this evening. Very attentive, but not irritatingly instrusive. We started with cocktails (of course). It seems that they have been experimenting with drinks, so I had one of their specials - a cucumber margarita, and it was wonderful. Food-wise we started with guac/chips/salsa. I really think their guacamole is consistently some of the best I've had, nice and creamy. For my meal I had a spinach salad with goat cheese - very tasty, although the dressing was a bit oily for my taste, and the scallop ceviche. I think the ceviches are really what shine at this restaurant-fresh and tasty and interesting in every bite. The other item raved about at our table was the duck torta. No dessert because I ate too many chips. We'll be back!
(5)Paul K.
Super cool, lots of pretty people, and great margaritas. As to food, the tacos left me wanting a lot more. Think they have 7 or 8 different ones that, are unique or standard fills with interesting sauces. I had the duck (awesome), ahi and shredded pork. Can get very busy, and i dont think they do reservations - not surprised, they do not need to!
(4)Drew G.
My first time dining at this place...food was spectacular. The best mofongo I have ever tasted. Why three stars, then? The hostess left a bad taste in my mouth that couldn't be overcome by the great food and good service. I was meeting a friend for lunch around 1:30. After the lunch rush. Hostess stuck me at a table outside that was in the glaring sunlight. I saw an open table under some shade and asked if I could have that one. "Oh, I'm sorry...that table is reserved for a party of 3 or 4." Ok, I get that in the lunch rush you want to reserve the 4-tops for parties of 3 or 4. However, there were several open tables. The server greeted me and immediately said "would you like to move to a table out of the sun?" I told him I would love to, but the hostess seemed dead-set against the idea. He scoffed at that and moved me, much to the hostess' consternation. I saw her approach him and they had words. Honey, just hand out the menus, smile and look pretty, and leave the thinking to those better equipped to do so. Again, great meal...but that really ticked me off.
(3)Maelyn L.
I loved entering through the courtyard. I wish I ate out there because a large party was seated right after I was and it was distracting. I had a wonderful waiter. You know the type... works there and eats there and loves the place. Even with a large party he managed to keep my drink full and suggest desert. Yes I did have desert. The seafood chimi was wonderful. I was not expecting to love it. Desert was better than good. They had a Wednesday multicourse special but I thought it would be too much food. Highly recommend!!!
(4)Amanda R.
Nice bar outside, had some yum margaritas on special. I took a chance with a mofongo entree and that was terrible but the chips and guac and duck taco i had were tasty.
(3)Ali C.
This place never lets me down. Went today for Sunday Brunch because its Father's Day and Mark requested it. We like the fact that they have outdoor seating that is shaded and by the outdoor bar they have tv and fans. We each tried a new menu item today - chorizo sausage gravy over biscuits with a fried egg and shrimp & crab cake benedicts. They were both wonderful. The prices are right especially at brunch we had two entree's, 3 beers and a bloody mary and the bill was only $35. The staff is friendly and overall they do a good job.
(5)Heather B.
Great Food and ambiance. Food Prices were good, drinks were high. We will definitely visit again.
(4)Michael W.
I ordered the nachos, and they were tasty. The toppings were sparse, so I quickly ran out of chips with anything on them. With over half of the chips left dry, a friend of mine asked if they could send over just a little more bean sauce to dip the chips in, or at least some salsa. They offered to sell me another nachos instead. (at the listed price) The food is good, but it is overpriced for the small portions. It feels like the restaurant is trying to nickel and dime me. Be careful! If you ask for more chips and salsa, it will be on your bill. I gave it only a one star because the manager was really frowny and made me feel unwelcome. I think her name was Carolyn.
(1)Brian D.
This is a go-to restaurant and bar for my circle of friends. I've been here for lunch, dinner and drinks - and it's always hopping. Event Tues 6:30pm dinner has a crowd! I like to try something new every time I go because the flavors always wow me, and there are a lot of a la carte small items you can mix & match. The special the last time I went was duck taquitos with mole sauce. I love duck and mole, but not fried foods, so I got the duck taco with roast duck, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, cilantro, red chile jelly - and asked for a side of the mole sauce. The sauce was AMAZING and well worth the $1 she charged me for it without mentioning the charge. Someone ordered the Chips & Dip for the table, with white and blue Tortilla chips & 3 a trio of dips - chile cheese, fresh guacamole and black bean chorizo dip. The cheese dip was very fake football game cheesy, but the guac and black bean dips were great. The black bean had a smokey flavor to it, almost like chipotle. I also ordered Fried Sweet Plantains served with crema, which was a larger portion than I expected. They were sticky, with a chewy outside and mushy center, and quite delicious. And I had a side of Fried Yuca with chipotle ketchup 4. They were 4-6 thick cut steak fries of yucca with salt and seasoning on the outside for flavor. Everything was delicious, and the atmosphere is always fun but you can still hear your friends talk. Unless you are outside when they have live music... then it's harder to hear. Above the Cantina is Push nightclub, so it is fun to come here for dinner first and then head upstairs for a longer night.
(4)Kelly P.
So much fun! I arrived with a very large group of girls on a Friday evening without reservations. Not a single person at Red Mesa batted an eye and they made sure we were comfortable at the bar while we waited for our table. They did a great job putting a large table together for us. They service was fantastic and they did a great job keeping every ones orders correct. Of course we ALL required separate checks. Such a pain. Sorry Red Mesa. But instead of getting attitude from our servers we got free pitchers of sangria and margaritas!!! What a special treat. Thank you Thank you!! You really made my friends birthday special. It is easy to find great places for 2-4 people but finding one that excels at service to large groups is tough. Red Mesa goes above and beyond. I will be back!
(4)Tammy B.
I ordered their special for lunch on Valentine's Day, a crabcake salad. It was wonderful! Two crabcakes without much filler, with greens, candied walnuts and gorganzola cheese crumbles. The presentation made it almost too pretty to eat.
(5)J B.
The atmosphere was hip and trendy. Not snooty or stuffy, but the drink prices were crazy! Yes, the duck tacos were delicious but again $4.95 each was way too high...if you want to spend a lot of money on non-traditional Mexican then this is your place. I had a lot of other food items there, but read somebody else's review on other items...
(3)Paul R.
Love this restaurant, can't really recommend one thing Over another ... it's all good.
(4)Art A.
Damn, this place rocked it! Will definitely be back soon!
(5)Yani J.
This place is my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in the Tampa bay/St Pete area. The food is delicious. They have an outside bar and great patio area to relax in if you prefer the outdoors. If that is not your thing, you can hang inside. They have a bar in there too. Love the decor and they usually have some live music on the weekends. Great place to chill with friends and enjoy great food and beverages. Ahi tuna tacos are amazing. Love their guacamole.
(5)Chad U.
Come here for brunch and sit on the patio. I don't highly recommend eating indoors, it feels really cramped and cold inside. The outdoor bar and patio is like a different world. The patio is my second favorite place to eat outdoors in St. Pete (Moon Under Water being the first - I know you really wanted to know that!). I'm too lazy to tell you why the patio is awesome, you'll have to just believe me on this. Service has always been solid, not extraordinary. It's in downtown, so you'll have to pay for parking and walk a block or two. But the food is always tasty. Drinks always cold. You should go.
(4)Kelsi R.
Our first choice when it comes to "date night". Great food, fabulous sangria! When it's the two of us, we do try to get there before the 6:00 rush. Also used to come with a work group (15+ people) a few times a year, and it was always a hit for our out of towners.
(5)John C.
It was really good and the outside bar atmosphere was really cool. Food was great and different from the traditional Tex Mex. However, it was not kid friendly at all so avoid this place if you have little ones in tow.
(4)Karla K.
This place is amazing! First of all, the atmosphere is so neat. If you can, sit outside. The lights strung across the patio in combination with the fountains is just beautiful at night. Everyone was extremely friendly from hostess to bartender to our waiter, Jim. The food was so delicious. I highly recommend their chips and salsa, their guacamole is good, but the salsa is where its at! And the chips...perfectly salty and crispy. I could not stop eating them...I even ate the crumbs. I was also very impressed because they really know how to prepare tofu. I had the tofu soft tacos and they were really yummy. Sometimes I get vegan food at a restaurant that is not really known for their vegan entrees and am disappointed, but here I was super happy! Others in my party had a large burrito, an empanada, mofongo, chicken francesco, and a torta. They gobbled down their food and said it was fantastic. We did not try dessert because we were super stuffed, but the dessert at the table next to us looked like I would die and go to heaven with one bite. We went for dinner, but it also seems like a cool place to go and grab a few drinks after work.
(5)Louis A.
The tacos are better than the margaritas, but they aint bad either. I've only been twice, but the location, the atmosphere and the food are all good. When down town St. Pete this would be one of my top choices.
(4)Tommy H.
Bad service. Awful food. What a drag of a place. Never again.
(1)Jenni H.
The Best Mexican food i have came across in Pinellas County so far! Its a classy place great food, I love the salsa! great bar, great drink! A huge selection of handmade margaritas I will say the Cucumber Margarita is a must on a hot day it is super refreshing!
(5)D J.
The best food experience on a recent trip to the Tampa area. Sunday brunches are supposed to taste even better on a vacation but even with that higher reference point Red Mesa catered wonderfully to both the palette and the purse.Loved the ambiance - a nice outdoor patio space with landscaping and waterscaping as the center piece and tables studded all around it. With fountains as the backdrop, a passion fruit mimosa to toast the day, and a healthy,light mexican omelet sprinkled with goodness - it was a perfect way to get ready to soak up the artistic delights of Dali! The good dining destinations seem to be few and far between in St Petersburg but Red Mesa is certainly one of them.
(3)G H.
Good mexican food with excellent sauces. Had the beef barbacoa buritto and it was delicious. Lovely patio seating with great water features. Very peaceful dining and excellent service.
(4)Yuki J.
Red Mesa is my go-to restaurant when I want guaranteed great food, service, and ambiance. Its located in a beautiful, historic-looking red brick building in the heart of downtown St. Pete. The entire place is designed with such cool charm. I recommend the outdoor seating if you are there on a warm day. Every waiter who I've ever had there is very friendly, fast and accommodating. Every dish I've ever eaten there is delicious--my favorite thing to do is to try a few different types of tacos they have. Also the bombas appetizers are wonderful fried little balls, sooo good!
(5)Matthew S.
Went on a Sunday Funday and the food was amazing and the atomosphere was perfect. It was pouring down rain but that didn't stop our server from still providing excellent service.
(5)Kim S.
Absolutely sold on the outdoor seating and the atmosphere the fountains just invoked. They have a wonderful Mimosa, and the Red Sangria is pleasant to someone who may not like Sangria at all. Was not impressed with the food, for the price I was just not seeing the justification. All in all I had a good time and enjoyed myself. Will have to go again to see if my review might change.
(4)Randy C.
After walking out of Z Grill, I walk into the Red Mesa. Nice people, Good food, Good Service. Not as crowded. Love the Guac.
(4)Stephie S.
Great atmosphere but the food is better at the 4th St. location. This location is great for drinks and socializing though!
(3)Pierre C.
I like this place for drinks, enjoy it immensely for dinner, and absolutely love this place for brunch. My girlfriend swears by the duck taco, I live and die by the black bean dip. If you're in the neighborhood you should definitely give it a try.
(5)Michele H.
Had the corn appetizer, the guacamole and pulled pork tacos. All the food was excellent... Until they started cleaning the air vents with a swifter while people were eating!! I almost died. Please ask the staff to wait unit patrons have lefts before doing this type of cleaning.
(3)Gabriela D.
Not bad food and the atmosphere is awesome. Good place for a date :)
(4)Katie S.
Delicious! My husband and I took advantage of their "sunset menu". (Early bird menu) It's offered weekdays from 3-6. For $14 you get a drink.. margarita, sangria or beer...a Mexican salad, an entree and a dessert! I ordered the shredded beef enchiladas and my husband ordered Puntas de Filete: Filet tips, rajas, chipotle chile, jalapeños, tomatoes, queso fresco. Wow! Each bite was more amazing than the last. Each entree came with gallo pinto, which was the most flavorful rice/ beans I've ever eaten with an amazing chimichurri sauce on top! GO! You won't regret it... :)
(5)Brittney H.
Ok, here's the deal....I'm just gonna be honest....I'm addicted to Mexican food...and Margaritas (mexican or not). I recently moved to St.Pete and have been scouring the city in search of the best Mexican and/or Tex Mex known to the Tampa Bay area....Everyone I talk to about my Mexican food Qeust has said to me, "Oh, you have to go to Red Mesa Cantina, it's the best!".....and the truth is, well, I have a love/hate relationship with this place. My heart and stomach are in a harrowing battle about this place. I WANT to LOVE it...but I don't know if, in good faith, I can do that....For my own emotional well being, I've decided to create an objective pros and cons list of my Red Mesa Cantina experiences....I hope this helps you as much as it does me..... Pros: Great Margaritas Fab locale Pretty good salsa Fresh ingredients Muy excelente corn on the cob Impressive usage of Chihuahua cheese Black Beans that make me cry tears of joy Modern and cool atmosphere. (It walks that fine line between awesomeness and douchiness...that's a great place to be) Fabuloso outdoor patio Good lunch specials ($10) Cons: EXPENSIVE Teensy, tiny tacos that cost $4 (you have to have 2-3 to feel remotely satisfied) No complimentary chips and salsa ($4) (WHAT THE WHAT!? Free chips and salsa is one of the best things about Mexican restaurants...why would you take that away from me?) Lunch menu leaves MUCH to be desired for my vegetarian belly The salads offend me. They're "side" salads in substance, but "meal" salads in price.... Whew! Ok, well I think this has been an enlightening exercise for me....All in all, I'm led to feel that Red Mesa Cantina deserves 3-4 stars...so I'm going to give it 4 because I go there too often to give it any less. Es bueno, pero no es fantastico. (like that? I'm too legit to quit.)
(4)Dana U.
Honesty is the key, and to be 100% honest with you, this place is not as good as everyone says. After reading the reviews, I expected to be blown away by the yumminess that is Red Mesa Cantina. However, for the portions and quality of food you get, it is just not worth it. Let me start off with 1 pro of the day... $3 Mimosa. Woo! I ordered guacamole w/chips and two tacos. The guacamole was good but when I asked for a side of salsa, I was shocked to see that they upcharged me $2.50 for a small cup of salsa. I guess I'm just jaded by the unlimited salsa and chips that I get at EVERY other mexican restaurant. For my meal... I ordered two tacos. I was told by one of my friends that it didn't come with a side of rice or beans. For the price of $4.50 and above per taco I expected the tacos to at least be pretty decent in size. Sadly, I was mistaken. I got a tiny plate with two measly little tacos. One taco was a steak fajita (mediocre) and the other taco was ahi tuna (cooked good but wayyyy too much sauce, which overpowered it). Don't get me wrong, I am one of those people that will pay any amount of money for a good, satisfying meal. However, I left Red Mesa Cantina unsatisfied and wanting more. If you want good mexican food, stick with Taco Bus or probably any other "authentic" mexican food place.
(3)Lenore S.
Food is amazing!! But the service is awful. Been here 4 or 5 times and service is usually pretty awful. It's also very noisey. But food is so good we keep coming back.
(3)Paul M.
Good food, good service, below average drinks. First of all, we reserved online and were called right away to say that there are no reservations at the weekend - peculiar since their site allows it. The restaurant is really nice inside. The bar where we waited for a table was nice, the bartender was really friendly and helpful. I tried the orange-rita which was pretty good, my companion had the mojito which was very sweet. The food was great, the duck taco starter was dekicius and the pork burrito was very tasty. Portions are generous so i would recommend going easy on appetisers. Our waiter was excellent, very attentive without hovering. I tried a house margarita with dinner and it was not good. All ice and margarita mix, no real taste. I would go back here but only for the food. It was disappointing that the margaritas were so poor for a Mexican place.
(4)Katie M.
One of my fav places in St. Pete. The service can be hit or miss (took about a half hour to get the check one time), but they have consistently great food. I would describe it as affordable gourmet Mexican. The menu is inventive and plays off of both authentic dishes as well as American favorites. I can't get enough of their tortas. The pork torta and the chorizo burger are at the of my list for favorite menu items. When with a group the dip trio (with queso, bean dip and gauc) is always a good choice. Their margaritas are pretty good too! If you're a big eater (like me), then stay awake from the tacos. They're good, but don't come with anything and don't really fill you up. This place is good for both dinner and brunch. Just arrive before peak hours cause they fill up fast! Especially the courtyard on a beautiful day/night.
(4)Misa C.
Excellent food, yummy magaritas. Brunch is the best in St. Pete. Can get a bit loud, but I like that! The courtyard is gorgeous. I'm a regular!
(5)Tina N.
One of the best restaurants in downtown St Pete. I have not been disappointed with anything I have ordered after many meals here. Tonight I had my favorite, the duck tacos with goat cheese. Also had a pomegranate margarita which was delish. For desert had the chocolate brownie with chocolate gelato, very good. You can't go wrong with anything you have at the Cantina or the 4th St Red Mesa. The outdoor seating/bar area at the Cantina is very nice and awesome to sit outside when it's not too hot.
(4)Aaron K.
A combination of great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, and great service made this place one that I will be likely to return to when I get back to St. Pete. In addition, I misplaced a receipt that I needed to be reimbursed for a business meal, and the staff, including Chris (a manager there), were very helpful in getting the receipt to me. Definitely check out the duck tortas.
(5)Richard N.
The best place ever! Almost every Sunday our friends gather for brunch outside by the fountain. The food is great, employees are friendly and the prices are good!
(5)Erin S.
The food here is very good and they conveniently provide awesome options for a variety of pallets and appetites. Such a unique and delicious twist on traditional Mexican food. The atmosphere was beautiful- my only complaint was with the service. The hostesses were not at all friendly or welcoming and our waitress left us feeling neglected and unimportant; strange, given the significant number of drinks and entrees we ordered.
(4)Phil C.
This is not real Mexican food if you are looking for authentic Mexican do not come here. I order the duck cascades and it was good but it was more or less an appetizer. I had to go get something other to eat after. Also chips and salsa were not free and salsa was definitely not fresh.
(1)Kendall T.
The food overall is pretty good here. The ambiance is really what we came for, because the outdoor fountains, waterfalls, sculptures and music is all really lovely. Staff is friendly, and the only food item I don't recommend is the cactus & portabella taco. The shrimp and chicken tacos were very yummy, and so was the burrito. The major downfall was that our second visit here was on First Fridays so they had a live band in the bar area (which was fine) but it meant there was a big crowd. The two small bathrooms they have were both changed over to female only, and there was still a ridiculous line, and males have to go out & use a port-a-potty in the alley (srsly?). I had to wait 15 minutes to use the bathroom at dinner! That seems crazy to me. I think we will still go back to Red Mesa again, only not on a First Friday for dinner.
(4)JizzerJittery F.
I love everything about this place. The atmosphere, the food, the drinks. They have their ish together and it's not like other places that aren't chain restaurants that can't tell their head from their ---, the servers flow well throughout the restaurant and food gets delivered fresh and hot and customers don't slip through the cracks. The margaritas are awesome. Overall it's awesome... Ooohh try their desserts... hmmm fat kid status.
(5)Daniel Q.
Oh boy. Well to make it short the food here has been bad. My girlfriend and I have been here twice. The first time was about 6 months ago and the food was passable. I had the tacos and other than the steak they were mostly forgettable. Last night my girlfriend and I gave it another shot and were quite disappointed. First we had the chips and dip. The beans tasted like onions, the cheese dip tasted like it came out of a can, and the guacamole was very mediocre. For our main course I had the carne asada burrito. It was bad. There's really no other way to put it. My girlfriend had some chicken that she said was over cooked. At this point I can't see ever eating here again. The sad part is Red Mesa is so damn good, and Red Mesa Cantina....has been horrible. On the upside the patio is very nice as well as the interior of the restaurant.
(2)Brett R.
Went there for dinner. Arrived what I thought was early, but the place was filling up quickly. The service was good, but a little inexperienced. The entrees were served literally within minutes of the appetizer. There was no room on the table for everything. I ordered the sangria and there was so much ice that I was lucky to get 3 sips before the glass was all ice. Those issues aside, the food was excellent. The carne asada was cooked perfectly and the flavors melded well. The beans that came with it were extraordinary. Although I didn't try it, I was told the burrito was very good as well. So the inexperienced service causes me to give it fewer stars.
(3)Leslie F.
I've heard mixed reviews about Red Mesa, but I refuse to be swayed. Their food has always been fresh, fun and flavorful. The ambiance is awesome too. During the day, one can opt to relax on their patio where live music is sometimes an occurrence. At night, it is high energy with loud music and lively crowds as it is the bottom floor neighbor to the hip nightclub, Push. Their ceviche, Ahi tuna tacos, malfongo are all superb but whatever you do, be sure to try the duck taco. It is sweet and savory nirvana. Their hand-muddled margaritas and caipirinhas aren't too shabby either.
(4)Peter P.
We were seated immediately upon arrival. Very nice setting. Our waitress took our drink orders immediately. The ceviche was excellent. However, they sprinkle cayenne pepper over the ceviche which gives it a nice kick. The main courses were fresh and flavorful. However, they also had a sprinkle of cayenne. And to top it off, we had the mexican brownie with the chocolate raspberry gelato. Guess what? The gelato was infused with red pepper. The irony is that If they did not splash all their items with red pepper, the food would stand on its own and be delicious. I would come here again on my own. But not with my family.
(3)K S.
We really enjoyed our dinner at Red Mesa a couple months ago. Our waitress, Amber Rose, was very attentive, funny, and gave great recommendations about the St Pete area. We mentioned that we're new to the area and she gave us lots of places to visit and try. I highly recommend the shrimp tacos en cazuela. The sauce was fabulous with a hint of heat! It was a large portion that I couldn't eat and shared with my family. My hubby and son are fans of their tacos. The margarita without salt was quite tasty. We'll definitely return. We also loved the beautiful outdoor patio.
(4)Kitty H.
Red Mesa is AMAZING! The service was great. The hostess greeted us right away. Our waiter was very funny and personable. He refilled our drinks on time all through the meal. I had a fajita taco which was just okay, and a pulled pork taco that was fabulous. I also ordered a side of plantains, which were excellent. Prices are very reasonable. We will return when traveling to St. Pete again.
(4)Kevin M.
My Favorite Place! They have it all. Great Food, Fun Staff, Great Atmosphere, and of course, Fair Prices. :)
(5)Stefanie R.
Overall great place! If you are looking for a new place to try with an awesome atmosphere this is the place! Outside area is great and the food and drinks are really good. Great experience every time! A fun place to go while downtown St. Pete.
(4)Michele B.
When I lived in St Pete 4 years ago, Red Mesa on 4th Street was one of my favorite places. A recent weekend trip to St Pete and it was definitely on the list to eat at. I checked the website and learned there was a new location in downtown St Pete and gave it a go for Sunday Brunch. The food was delicious as always. I had Eggs Benedicto and a side of fried plantains. The food came out simply presented, modern. Great portion size, not too big, but just enough. I was stuffed. A nice selection of fruit mimosa's and bloody mary's for $3.50. Our server, however promt, was not knowledgable of the menu item's. When asked about a few recommendations or which dish over the other was better, she simply said "I work the brunch hours so I've never had the brunch." Of course not her fault, the restaurant should have the servers try the menu so they can better talk with questioning customers. Overall, another great job from the Red Mesa crew. The menu is well rounded and everything was delicious!
(4)Ryan W.
Boss ahi tacos and margs!
(4)Vanessa V.
Love the Saturday and Sunday brunch! with a $3 Bloody Mary and $3 Mimosas it is just perfect. The food menu is a limited in the brunch side, but good enough for everyone to enjoy!
(5)Nolan R.
I was here for a Ruleta Wednesday! I didn't manage to call the right color, so my drink wasn't free...ehh 50/50 chance for a free drink. I had the chicken and rice and sat out in the patio area. There are two huge PORTA-COOLER fans outside to keep the masses cool on the patio. The margarita I had wasn't too bad...a little too much triple sec for my liking, but the food made up for the drink I had. If I was in downtown St. Pete again I would definitely come here again. Nice vibe and very attentive staff.
(4)Diana A.
We finally made it to Red Mesa and wish we had been earlier. The service was great - everyone was so nice and so helpful with suggestions. We've been twice now and our favorite is their rotating ceviche. I've never been a fan since the ceviche I've had sits in a tomato juice/soup. With theirs they let the fish and the veggies do the work - it has been so fresh and so wonderful both times. The swordfish was the best. We'll definitely be back.
(4)michael s.
The El Gordo burrito is chocked full of grilled steak and other goodies..too much for me to finish. The Fish Taco was an nice appetizer, one oblong piece of grilled fish on a soft taco with minimal trimmings. The guac is outstanding, the Steak Empanada was done just right so the steak had moisture. Loved Jennifer, our wait person. She was very helpful and knew the dishes. Quite enjoyable on a Sunday eve..no loud crowds nor long waits for the bathroom.
(4)Shanna D.
Red Mesa really helped propel the scene on the south side of Central Ave. The restaurant has a modern and sophisticated (duck taco anyone?) take on Mexican food and is great when wanting to do a dinner with a little more pizzazz. When cooler weather allows, I prefer to sit outside with the fountain, lucha libre prints and metal mariachi sculptures. Saturday evenings have live music outside which is another bonus. I order one of the house made ice teas and eat the steak quesadilla, with a side of plantains for dessert. Service has always been really fast and intelligent-- even at really high traffic times. The crowd at Red Mesa is pretty trendy, but the vibe doesn't take itself too seriously, dining here is a fun night in a "grown-up" kind of way.
(4)Kunal M.
Ordered the Shrimp Fajita Burrito. It was great, everything on the menu looked good, had a tough time deciding. Co-worker tried the pork enchiladas, he said were great. Service was good, and atmosphere is fun.
(5)J. Daniel B.
Perfect Mexican.
(5)Emmie S.
Party of 2 for lunch on Saturday. Service was great! Ambiance in the outdoor courtyard was great! Love it!
(5)Thomas R.
Red Mesa Cantina is an upscale Mexican themed establishment that offers innovative and classical menu items prepared using fresh ingredients. Beyond food, Red Mesa Cantina features a hip atmosphere and a wide array of quality alternative seating options. Personally, I stopped into Red Mesa Cantina for lunch and found a pack house. There was a quality mix of both professional and casual customers enjoying the lunch service. Our experience at Red Mesa was ideal. We were promptly seated, experienced continually attentive service, and enjoyed all of the food. For lunch we started with chips and dips/salsa. The chips were hot and crispy. The dips featured black bean, queso, quac, and we ordered an additional option of salsa. All of the dips were flavorful and complemented each other well. My personal favorite was the black bean but each was very tasty. For our lunch entrees we had a Cantina Salad, a Baja Taco, and the Mahi stack. The Cantina Salad was very hearty and featured a wealth of quality ingredients. The highlights of the salad was the flavorful gorgonzola cheese and the super fresh tomato. Overall the salad was very tasty. The Baja Taco was fantastic and literally burst with both familiar and new flavors. Finally, the Mahi Stack was beyond expectations. The fish was fresh and featured great grilled flavors. All of the components of this dish (fried yuca, tomato, guac, pickled onions, and habanero aioli) worked beautifully together and created fantastic flavors. Personally, I loved the habanero aioli and it really added to the overall flavor profile of the dish. In closing, I was happily surprised with Red Mesa Cantina. The food was good, the service was on par, and the environment was comfortable.
(4)Rodney R.
Amazing service, Awesome food and atmosphere. Thanks Jerrod and Kevin for making every visit better than the last.
(5)Lora P.
During a visit to the Tampa area, I had the good fortune of speaking with a native to the area and she suggested that my husband and I visit the St. Petersburg area. She also enthusiastically endorsed Red Mesa Cantina. With some extra time on our hands and empty stomachs, we took Stephanie's advice and headed across the bridge and on to Red Mesa. The atmosphere reminded us a great deal of a place we'd find in Seattle (our hometown). While it was really early - 4:30 pm - and there were few people in the restaurant, the modern/edgy feel of the place drew us in. We were seated in a small booth and served immediately. Others have commented on stressed out servers. The young woman who was our waitperson was friendly, helpful and chatted with us quite a bit. Voila! Within moments we had two yummy and happy-hour priced ($3) margaritas. Our enthusiastic server suggested that we review their new early-bird type menu - available between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. Unlike a simple happy hour deal-e-o, this is 3 courses, including a drink (!) for $14.99. Such a bargain! The drink alone is worth $6 during prime time. The wonderful sundown menu was extensive and it wasn't tough to find what your heart desires. I ordered a yummy marinated steak, sitting on building blocks of fried plantains and potato sticks. My husband ordered fish - both were delicious! This is not your typical Mexican restaurant (we were told that the Cantina leans towards Peruvian) in that the food is edgier and more creative. You will NOT see a free basket of chips and salsa, nor gross pools of refrieds and rice. Chips must be ordered with 3 sauces (guac, queso, bean) and we were surprised at the price $9.00...almost as much as our bargain meal. Also, we ended up surprised at the $2.50 charge for a small (s-m-a-l-l) cup of pico de gallo. The manager kindly heard me out as I expressed disappointment at the charge. He kindly explained that each item in the restaurant is homemade, which is the reason for the extra charge. So...be aware: aside form the killer happy hour and sun-down meal deal, everything else you may want is a bit pricier. For those of you planning a visit to St. Petersburg, RMC is a good choice - especially if you have the flexibility to arrive early. For you locals: thanks to Stephanie for the terrific advice! She was spot-on.
(4)Jeremy B.
I had the Mahi Tuna dish on Plantains. It was great. The house Margarita was strong and taste good. The restaurant has a great vibe and I wish I had ate outside. you can't go wrong here.
(4)Blair H.
My first time in St Petersburg for a conference. Found Red Mesa Cantina through Yelp. Totally worth it. Amber Rose was my server. She was super knowledgeable but not pushy. Had the tacos en cazuela (shrimp) and a great margarita. Can't comment on the dining room because I ate in the courtyard. Very nice experience.
(4)Crys C.
Trendy mex with a survey of good brews. Small portions but very tasty. Great for dates, wonderful ambiance and passion fruit mimosas to die for.
(4)Jim B.
At lunch I had the Huachinango ceviche. Red snapper, spicy Peruvian aji amarillo with red onion, cilantro and lime juice. My wife had the fish tacos. The ceviche was awesome. The spiciness lived up to its description much to my delight. The Baja Fish tacos were delicious. The restaurant was crowded and where we were seated the outside humidity was uncomfortable. Although a bit pricy, we will be back.
(4)Felipe G.
Infrequently does a sequel outdo the original, more often than not you're left disappointed. Case in point Caddyshack 2. But in rare cases that axiom doesn't hold true, and when it comes down to it I feel like Red Mesa Cantina is superior to the original Red Mesa on 4th street. The ambiance of the old location is a little lacking, while the Cantina is slick, fun, modern, and something to look at. The refinement of the menu to include more small à la carte options heightens the flavor/taste of the food. Sometimes more straightforward dishes that are concise in their execution taste that much better, and the tacos at Red Mesa Cantina are a great example of this. Every seafood taco they have from the ahi tuna, shrimp, and mahi are out of this world good. The tuna is Asian style with a great soy/wasabi flavor, the shrimp tastes Caribbean with a curry mustard zing, and the baja is the most straightforward and traditional but also very yummy. I am a huge fan of everyone one of those tacos, and also of the excellent vegetarian menu options that they feature. The tofu tacos are available individually or as a larger platter you assemble with your own tortillas. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will find them very delicious. The fried yucca sticks are also very good but I wish there were more dipping sauces available as the chipotle ketchup is pretty tame. The only negatives that come to mind are the fact that the acoustic sound damping inside is very poor resulting in it being very loud when the place is full. It can be a hindrance when wanting to have a conversation. Secondly, there is a dire need for more bathrooms as there are only two downstairs and they seem to have a perpetually long line. However, you are rewarded for the wait thanks to one of the more interesting bathrooms I have seen. The walls are covered in extremely cool framed posters featuring Mexican Lucha Libre wrestlers. Overall, I think that the folks at Red Mesa have really pulled off a great restaurant and concept. Downtown St Petersburg is made better, and to be honest it really is one of the better Mexican options out there for all of Pinellas County.
(5)Tony Z.
4.5 stars Red Mesa is a hotspot in St Pete and I went on a wednesday night and the place was packed, which is a good sign to me. We started off with the chips with Guacamole, Queso and black bean dip. They were all good but the guacamole was very impressive. For the meal, I opted for the Beef tacos, it was a huge plate that came with 5 tortillas, a bowlful of shredded beef, cheese and pico de gallo. It was great, the beef was juicy and had a bit of spice, but the fresh cheese and tortillas made the tacos come together. Overall, Red Mesa has great food, good service and everything else. just not quite good enough for the 5 stars.
(4)Food Jerk X.
Jeez, all these people raving about the duck tacos, you need to get to NYC someday. I mean, they were OK, but semi-ruined by the pineapple and other toppings. Ahi tuna was in fact fully ruined by sauces (HEAVY soy). Too bad in both cases, as they could have been great (duck tender, ahi very fresh). These dishes symbolize the failure that too often is fusion cuisine. On the other hand, the Cantinita ceviche was excellent--superbly fresh, light, citrusy, and with the perfect amount of heat.
(3)Logan A.
Great food here. The service was a bit slow on Saturday night, Jan. 8, 2011. The reviews are pretty spot-on. I was surprised that the dips served with the chips come with cheese dip, guacamole and black bean dip. The only vegetarian-friendly one was the guac -- the others both have chorizo mixed in. I didn't think the black beans needed it, and it would have been nice to have one more option for my vegetarian friend at the table. I had the mahi with mango slaw and fried plantains, and it was fantastic! The entrees are surprisingly reasonably priced. One frustration was that the address on Yelp mobile said this place is on Third Street North. It's actually on Third Street SOUTH, so we walked several blocks out of our way just to see it was two blocks from our hotel! Get there early if you want to be seated quickly. The place filled up by 7:30.
(3)Kevin F.
The food and Sangria were really good here. The atmosphere, though, wasn't my style. I don't mind a bit of noise now and then, but it was jam-packed with people and the music was practically deafening. For people going out to celebrate, party, or get smashed, it's probably just what you're looking for. For me, I think it would've been better to just do take-out instead.
(3)Bryan E.
One of the best spots in St. Pete. Food is great, try the tacos! Very reasonably priced. Head up to the roof deck at PUSH for a drink afterwards, you won't regret the view!
(5)Strauss H.
Duck, steak and shrimp tacos were great. The guacamole was average
(4)Kyle M.
Great place for groups- food was good! Atmosphere even better!
(5)Carolyn M.
The atmosphere is hip. The vibe is serene. The food is superb. The drinks are delicious. The experience was excellent. I will be back to Red Mesa Catina! If you read my reviews, you know every restaurant I have has to be fit for a Vegan... and Red Mesa Cantina is no different. But not only did it exceed my expectations with the Alambres Tofu - it exceeded that of my meat eating guests. All three of us cleared our plates and commented on what an amazing restaurant it was. The two cons - 1. the wait staff isn't the best. Friendly and knowledgeable - yes! But overworked (or under staffed) and not as attentive as I would have liked. (we had to track them down to fill our water... TWICE) 2. One female bathroom stall for the whole joint. Seriously Wrong. Especially with all that Sangria we will be drinking! (and don't even believe the sign "more bathrooms upstairs." Three women and I went looking for this mysterious other bathroom only to be led to a sketchy second and third story ghost town. (The roof deck was cool though... just no bathroom). Happy Vegan Dining. Carolyn
(5)Stacy K.
Red Mesa was amazing. We sat in the patio/courtyard on a cool winter's evening and enjoyed duck quesadilla's, chicken fernandez, chile relleno, and the amazing mexican brownie w/ cinnamon and peppers - sososo delicious! The food was portioned well, and tasted excellent. Service was excellent, and the food came quickly. Many faceted flavors abounded in the food at Red Mesa - can't wait to try lunch or brunch sometime. Quite a few veg. options - even with tofu. Great food, ambiance, and service!
(5)Rob R.
A bit of good and bad with this place. We were seated by the host and promptly forgotten about. Lucky for RMC, I really wanted to try the place since it was recommended by a good friend. After waiting 15 minutes for a waiter to acknowledge my existence, I went back to the host stand and let them know that I was ready to order. After that hiccup, things went smoothly. The problem with me when I go to a place like this is that I want to try a little bit of everything! Every item on the menu looked tasty. I decided on a mahi salsa verde ceviche and a roast pork torta, and my wife ordered a skirt steak torta. Everything was delicious. Note to other customers: if you plan on ordering a torta, don't order anything else.... it was huge! The outdoor seating is very nice. Prices reasonable. Service is good once you get it! Recommend!
(4)Gerry B.
The atmosphere was great. A decent sized dining room and outside patio area with fountain. The menu was impressive, and you could tell that it was not standard Mexican fare. If I was hungrier I would have gotten a torta, which is a Mexican sandwich. I decided to go with an appetizer, so I had the ceviche platter which includes a choice of 4 ceviches out of a list of 6-7. I had Ahi Tuna, shrimp and two snapper ceviches. They were delicious, served with tortilla chips. I would definitely go back to this place and try more items on the menu. Excellent!
(4)Charlie K.
Red Mesa Cantina is one of my favorites in The Berg. It's perfect if you're not in the mood to eat a whole lot, but still want a satisfying meal. Generally when I go (3 times so far) I order tapas style and get a few small items from the menu. Everything I've tried is really good (even the ketchup has an added chipotle flavor). *Edit: Removed address change suggestion since it finally got updated!
(4)Marie-Noelle C.
I've been here several times and have enjoyed the food for the most part (I had the duck tacos one time and they were a little on the dry side). Other than that, other items I've tried have been pretty good. I usually start with the mofongo and then have a main course if I'm hungry, but if not then I'll just stick to the mofongo. The mofongo is sweeter than other preparations I've had, but it's still really delicious. The crispy, salty pork is nicely balanced with the sweetness of the plaintain. And top that off with the chimichurri sauce and it's insanely good. The atmosphere is varied there depending on the day and time you go. The weekends are usually packed with people later in the evening. It's really nice if you can sit outside in the brick courtyard with the water feature and bamboo plants that create this little hideaway.
(4)David G.
The decor is fantastic, the tapas are excellent and the sangria is amazing! We have been here numerous times and have had a great experience each and every time! The wait staff is good (not great) but they are friendly with a little bit of an air of arrogance (every time). Either way, they get the order right, come back numerous times to check on you and are friendly for the most part. Great place to get together with friends, a first date or even a romantic late lunch /early dinner or just the two of you...
(4)Renee W.
I went here with 3 other people on my birthday about a week ago.. It was a Monday, so needless to say we were one of two tables inside. The food was..good. I got the steak quesadilla and a duck taco. We also got guacamole, scallop ceviche, and mofongo (pork carnita, etc). The only thing I really LOVED was the duck taco. But I'm a sucker for anything duck. :) The mofongo (which was recommened to us by the waiter) was good at 1st, but quickly got so overwhelmingly garlicky. Between the three of us, we ate about 1/3 of it. Still..I was happy. The only thing that made me a little pissed at this place was when the time came to pay the bill. Our waiter dropped off our checks..then sat down at the table right next to us and proceeded to eat his own dinner. So rude. We had to practically flag him down to come cash us out. Oh, and he somehow ended up charging my friend twice. I still wanna give this place another chance. There is a a lot of stuff on the menu that looks so yummy. I just don't have the
(3)David C.
I found a whole new establishment when I went back to the Cantina for dinner, like the shy girl who opens up the second date and gets wild. It was somebody's birthday, and that called for Sangria. Pitchers of it. Sweet, tart, fruity, and plentiful. A good mix. Started with a ceviche sampler - tried the Caribe (creamy coconut and ginger dressing with Ahi Tuna), the Pacifico (Swordfish with an olive/caper/chili blend), The Vera Cruz (Mahi in a smoky chipotle blend), and the Oriental (Salmon, orange, soy, ginger, edamame). Of those, the Oriental and the Vera Cruz were the stand outs - both spicy and unique. Our server was super friendly, but would not sell me one of the awesome luchador shirts he was wearing. Apparently, they're for staff only. Apparently, I may try to get a part time job, just for the shirt. I ate a fat duck quesadilla and a baja fish taco, both succulent and gorgeously plated. Tried nibbles of roasted grouper, a fruity gazpacho, and a trio of chip dips (guac, queso, refried beans). Everything was vibrant, bold enough to keep up with the intensity of the decor and the cool tang of the Sangria. Left full, smiling, warm. Good work, RMC. Maybe there'll be a third date.
(4)L. D.
Actual visit was on 1/11/12. I had the Baja Fish Tacos - grilled mahi, salsa blanca, salsa roja, cabbage slaw, lime. Esquites - Mexican style roasted corn on cob, chipotle aioli, cotija cheese, lime. Chip dips - guac, black bean chorizo, chile cheese. The guac had way too much onion. I enjoyed my entire meal and I loved that Mexican corn on the cob.
(4)Rob L.
Awesome place! Tuna Tacos have a unique flavor. So good I went two days in a row while on a biz trip in St Pete!
(5)Alexis A.
We visited on a Saturday night so it was super busy but Red Mesa managed to accommodate our large party (like 20 people large) pretty efficiently. Delicious food and beverages. Definitely has that umcha, umcha cantina feel rather than your classic Mexican restaurant feel. We didn't have the chance to appreciate it, but outside there was a jamming band and nice bar.
(4)Mike D.
One consistency that I found during my limited stay in St. Petersburg was the atmosphere, design and overall relaxed atmospheres of the restaurants I visited. The other consistency had to do with food that was good on paper but sub-par in execution and flavor. This place attracted us immediately with it's outdoor patio and menu items but after a tapas sampler, we quickly decided to save some cash and head home to cook a dinner instead. We started with a pitcher of sangria to wind down a long weekend filled with biking and running. The sangria was rather juice-like so we decided to add a shot of tequila to it which evened it out a bit. I think this could be a great spot to go out to but in terms of enjoying well executed food, I am still on a mission in St. Pete.
(2)Donald H.
Probably the best of Mexican cuisine in all of the Tampa Bay area...! Upscale, fine dining with quality ingredients...! Wonderful service....! All-in-all an excellent p;lace to enjoy the food of another culture..!
(5)Chanel S.
Stopped here on our way home from the airport. Duck tacos and salsa were awesome. Atmosphere was super cool.
(4)Boriana P.
Very nice place- cozy courtyard! Service was fantastic, food was exquisite - small portions, excellent presentation and even better taste. I had the mahi mahi with plantains and mango salsa. Hands down that was the best mahi I have ever had! It melted in my mouth. everything was so pretty, creative and tastefully set on my plate- I felt like a judge on Chopped! I can't wait to I back!
(5)Suzanne S.
Wow! Fresh, well prepared and a very reasonable price. I had the ceviche of the day as an app but was really torn between ordering one of the daily specials or from the regular menu. I was eating at the bar (dining alone) and everyone around me, including the bartender and kitchen staff, were raving about the beef with chimichurri so that is what I did. It was very good but I don't think I could have made a bad choice regardless of what I ordered. I highly recommend this place. Be aware that they only serve beer and wine. The sangria is excellent.
(5)John A.
Much better than the restaurant in my opinion, although there are times when service is a little- meh (though not as bad as the restaurant, that's for sure!) I really dig at atmosphere too. very hip and modern.
(4)Andras C.
Great shrimp and crusted fish. Margharita was nice too. Pleasant outside seating, courteous service. Main lunch courses around 10 bucks.
(5)Tami S.
Two things I always end up having . . . the Mahi Stack and the duck tacos. The Stack is on the lunch menu, but they'll make it for you at dinner if you ask. What an unbelievable combination of flavors - mahi stacked on avocado, candied red onion, tomato (I'm sure I'm forgetting something) on a bed of yucca logs with a tangy aioli sauce. The only downside is that it's a bit noisy - a challenge with many of our downtown restaurants with lots of hard surfaces inside - they're gorgeous but acoustically challenged. No matter, Cantina is a happening place, so why should they be quiet about it?!
(4)Holly S.
My beau and I decided to make a trip down to St. Petersburg for a mini getaway and to see the Dali museum. Our first night we decided on Mexican food and I am thrilled we did. Entering Red Mesa was pleasing to the eye. The restaurant has a dark and modern yet, Mexican feel. I loveeee a great atmosphere! We sat in a comfy booth and were greeting right away by a 'too cool for school' waiter. He was trying to be friendly while keeping his 'dude facto'r to a high level..ugh. We first ordered red sangria and the queso dip and chips as an appetizer. The sangria was refreshing and delicious! The queso dip was good and unique. It had the perfect amount of spice with chorizo. At first I wasn't too fond with the balls of sausage in my cheese dip but, it grew on me. For dinner, my lover has the 'fat' burrito. He loved it!.. and that's all he said about it... so i'm sure it's delicious! I had the open faced crab and shrimp quesadilla. It was almost like eating shrimp and crab on a cracker. It was very delicious, but definitely not what I was expecting. The tortilla was crispy and I ate it like a pizza. Overall, we had a great time and would recommend this classy Mexican restaurant. :)
(4)David F.
We went to the Red Mesa on a Sunday a little bit after noon before going to the Dali Museum. I would easily recommend this restaurant. I actually wish we had one in my hometown so I could go more often. We started our meal with some ceviche, I had a bowl of Posole, and a round Bloddy Mary's. All were excellent. For my meal I wanted tacos and chose three different ones: Ahi Tuna, Baja Fish, and the Duck. The Duck tacos are superb. The ambience is great as we sat outside with the waterfalls around us and the bamboo growing around the property to provide privacy while dining. Our server was Jon who new the menu inside and out and was very attentive.
(5)Edgar R.
Excellent place, awesome set up, perfect atmosphere. Highly recommended, worth every penny they charge!!
(5)Tiffany D.
Nice atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly staff. One of the best! Four stars because our server was a bit slow, but the atmosphere and food made up for it.
(4)AJ W.
came here for lunch and was pleasantly suprised. The tacos were delicious (I had the tuna and the duck) very unusual combos...but very yummy. For lunch I though it was decently priced. I would like to check it out in the evening. The bar menu seemed quite nice. I will mention the eye candy there wasn't bad either :) Very attractive waitstaff...yeah, kinda pushy...but not obnoxious!
(4)Julie T.
I've eaten here for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For romantic dates also work lunches. You get the idea. Last time was just a few weeks back for lunch on a Wednesday. Got there before the lunch crowd, didn't get my check till after the lunch crowd. Don't know what gave my server the idea I had plenty of time to kill because I didn't and I got a parking ticket.... 2.5 hours for a weekday lunch is uncool for us working folks. Yeah the food is always great, especially for st. pete standards. It gets packed and you may have to wait. Decently priced for the quality and the staff are really nice.
(4)P G.
I have gone to this restaurant several times for lunch. They are able to accommodate large groups and their service is quick. They have great daily specials and the food has always been fresh and tasty. My favorite is the Ahi Tuna roll. The staff and presentation of the food is great. I would recommend this for lunch or dinner.
(4)Kelly S.
Since margaritas are some what of a passion of mine (mainly drinking them), I hold very high standards. The Red Mesa did not disappoint. I especially like that you pick your tequila (dirty to rich) and then the 'mix'. The food was more upscale Mexican but they have an amazing and super large outdoor patio, great for big parties. This is the place to go for margaritas if you find yourself in downtown St Pete.
(3)Kylin B.
I love this place!!! There is so much here to satisfy everyone. Yummy food. Great drinks. Cools live music. And an outdoor bar area that is amazing!!! Thanks Cantina.
(5)Kyle G.
YUM! This place is surely one of my favorites in the Downtown St. Pete area. I was here again last night with a group of friends, and decided to try their ahi taco, as well as the tofu burrito. The ahi taco was fantastic, a little on the small side, but the fish was proportionately appropriate for ~$4 (as an appetizer). The tofu burrito was surprisingly good - the tofu was flavorful, and the burrito itself was huge (and packed with fresh ingredients). In the past, I've also tried the guacamole, the duck taco, and the steak quesadilla - and all were excellent. Also, try their red sangria. I don't know if it's homemade, but it's tasty and does the trick...
(5)Linda M.
Great food, great drinks. More of a family place so if you are looking for quiet, this isn't it. But we loved it and our server Jackie was very helpful and welcoming. Wish there was a location in our part of Florida :(
(4)Linda B.
Not a fan of Mexican but I really liked this place. Went with a group of about 15 and service was fabulous. Just had the nachos but later wished I'd ordered an entree when I saw others coming out. Next time! This would be a good place to dine al fresco once the humidity drops. Only negative was the restroom. Not that great and it was a Monday. Not sure I'd want to see it on a Friday! Our server Mike was awesome.
(4)Donnie A.
Don't come if you want some cheap authentic Mexican food. If you want very good expensive pseudo Mexican this place is awesome ($5 a taco $4 chips and salsa with no refills). Great food and amazing atmosphere. Try their Bombas appetizer its like an Indian samosa but with chorizo and shrimp.
(4)Tracey H.
Fun, hip dinner before (or after) you hit the nitelife. My husband and I have been going to the original Red Mesa since its conception so we were delighted that it now has a trendy "younger sis" downtown. We have only visited during a late dinner and loved it. The atmosphere was hopping but not pretentious. The waitstaff was a little slow but personable. The menu is smaller and slightly diferent than the original restaurant but we find that a plus especially if you are going out afterwards. Heading downtown? Give it a try! If you want the traditional, more filling Red Mesa--drive 3 mi. North.
(4)MIKE V.
FIRST OFF - THE RED MESA CANTINA IS AT 128 3rd St S it is owned by the same RED MESA at 4912 4th St N ***The address is listed incorrectly at Google too.... Food is good, but a bit pricey for the portions. I requested extra spicey and they are far too cautious with the heat. Another reviewer was amazed with the Brownie dessert - honestly?? - the Chipotle Chocolate gelato was the best part of the dessert and as stated above very pricey for the portion.
(4)Alex R.
From what I was told from friends that frequent it, this restaurant is much better as a dinner venue. I went for lunch and did enjoy myself. There is indoor seating in a dining area and an outdoor patio area with dinning as well as wet bars. Unfortunately the tortilla chips I had heard soo much about had been recently replaced with a new style of chips. These were well below average as far as taste and freshness. On the bright side the wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
(3)Vanessa L.
Best Mexican food in Florida! Love the patio and the fruit gazpacho. Food is spicy and flavorful and the ambiance is killer.
(5)Jason R.
The outdoor seating is nice. This is a great place to people watch. My only complaint is the service is very slow! Bring a book when eating here.
(2)May M.
So good! I love the food and Mojitos here! THey run great happy hour specials as well!!!
(5)Theo H.
Great music, slick bartender and delicious bean soup! Loved this place so much, that I came here three nights in a row when I last visited St. Pete!
(5)Renee L.
This place is absolutely wonderful, my sweetheart and I took my daughter (who was visiting from California) here. We all loved it, this will be a regular for us. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious.
(5)Bob C.
Our favorite St. Petersburg restaurant. The food is creative, fresh and as spicy as you care for. The staff is friendly and attentive. The menu is like no other in town. For example, you want fries? You get Yucca fries and they are simply great. If you want a hamburger, theirs has a hint of Mexican chorizo and is routinely recognized as the best burger in town. The Saturday and Sunday brunch is also the best in town. Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and uniques spicy egg dishes. The restaurant features popular outdoor seating in an enclosed courtyard, as well as comfortable indoor seating.
(5)Vanessa B.
This was fantastic!! We spent the afternoon in St. Pete to visit the Dali Collection and the Chihuly Collection and we stopped in here for lunch. What a treat! The service was fantastic and all of our dishes were delicious. The white sangria was sweet and refreshing and the banano split was phenomenal! Highly recommend.
(4)Lady F.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. Some of my faves include the duck quesadillas, and the lunch special of pork verde burrito. The plantains are delicious, but I don't much care for the cream sauce they are served with. Gallo pinto is a great side dish, with rice, red beans and a cilantro pesto sauce that really makes it pop. Also, they have a late night menu that serves a small midnight menu until 1 am! Perfect for when you need to take a break from partying at Push upstairs!
(4)Jake D.
Hate to say this. Went there today and really looked forward to it. Ordered drinks, flights of tequila, and mofango. Mofango was excellent. Drinks never showed up. We watched the manager eye us and never come over. Everybody in our group had restaurant experience and were appalled by the service. All they had to do was come over and talk to us.
(1)James H.
well, first and foremost, i always have to determine how vegan-friendly a restaurant is. with only a few potentially vegan options on the menu i can't go the extra mile and give them the 4th star even if the dish i did try warranted it. for starters there are no vegan options on the menu, but the vegetarian ones can be made vegan with the easy elimination of the cheese. i opted for the tofu scramble, made with pineapple, marinated tofu, onions and peppers. the tofu was very good and the tamarind mojito marinade was nice and tangy and a perfect complement for the pineapple in the dish. the red beans and rice, which were coated in a great chimmichurri were excellent as well. there is definitely a happening vibe in the joint and some great people watching. it's loud, so not the best place for an intimate conversation. also the tables and booths are all wide open, so don't really expect any privacy. i'd go back, just wish they had a few more veg-friendly options on the menu.
(3)Patricia S.
Everything about the Cantina is on point! The food is amazing. The ambiance is perfect, and the service is definitely unbeatable! Specifics: the duck, qasadilla or taco, the guac, Yucca fries - OMG.. You name it, we've tried it, and we've never left disappointed. Not to mention an amazing out door bar (the lucha bar) with live music on the weekends! Go... Try it... Now! You will love it!
(5)Stew B.
A group favorite. The menu items do not sound that great at first glance so I always have my wife order for me. I always love the food. A lot if our friends like it too. Just get a dart board and aim for the menu to make your decision bc its all good stuff.
(5)Machelle P.
The food is amazing plus it has a great atmosphere! It is one of my favorite places to eat.
(5)Dawn B.
Mojitos are not good, but Sangria is great!
(4)Zach W.
This is the place in St. Pete you would take your out-of-town friends to. Great food (try the totopos, duck or shrimp tacos, chicken fernandez, and/or the churrasco), great drinks (best margaritas in town, good selection of beers), great atmosphere (bar and tables inside, bar and tables outside, a courtyard with a fountain, awesome live music often, TVs and all the sports package), and great service (Pete, the manager, is the man). In sum, there are plenty of reasons why I come here 3 or 4 times a week!
(5)Robert F.
The atmosphere is authentic. The food was delicious. It was spicy but not overly hot. The filet was tender and perfectly cooked. The pablano was still mildly tender. Overall a wonderful meal and would recommend to anyone.
(5)Tiffany H.
I'm sort of conflicted about Red Mesa. I love the location and the outdoor patio seating (especially with nice weather). I've had pretty good service both the times I went. The food was on the better end of the scale, but I honestly don't think it warrants the price for some of their menu options. I tried both the duck taco and duck quesadilla, some kind of beef burrito, and chips & dip. First of all, the prices for tacos (between $4 and $5) are per single taco. Most people would need at least two to make a meal. I know dudes that would need four. There's also no substitutions, which really kind of sucks. I ordered my duck minus the goat cheese and liked the flavor it had. The beef burrito was good but nothing extraordinary. If you need to figure out if something is gluten-free (which I've become a little more aware of these days), the "gluten-free menu" is a hot mess. Instead of having a list of whatever is actually GF it's like a giant list of things that have gluten in them (or have been cross-contaminated or something because even the corn chips were on there). Basically, there's probably 4 or 5 things that are safe on the menu, and instead of saying that, it feels like the special menu is trying to deceive you into thinking you have more options. Needless to say, if you have very very strong sensitivities to gluten, skip it. My friend was okay with the corn chips and brunch thing she had (can't remember what it was exactly) but that might not be the case with people who can't function with cross-contamination at the very least. Last but not least, they serve hibiscus iced tea instead of plain ol' black. This was a pleasant surprise and got me on a hibiscus kick (I stopped at Cedar Market on the way home just to get tea bags).
(3)Ashlee B.
I would never recommend this place. Our waitress had absolutely no personality and the food was very mediocre and over priced. Not to mention they have a frozen drink advertised on the menu and they don't have a blender to make them. Huge disappointment.
(1)Jessica H.
I've been to Red Mesa twice, once with my friends another with my fiancé and had a great experience both times. The food was delicious, especially the menu items that include duck. Eating inside can be kind of loud.
(5)Brent N.
Came in on 1/2 price fajita wednesday for dinner. The service was good once we were seated. We had the steak fajita's which were nicely spiced, tender and a decent portion. Also had a duck taco which was very good with an interesting taste combination. No chips and salsa ($4.00 extra) was a disappointment. Think they'd serve more drinks if they had free chips and salsa like most good Mexican places. Cool building and bar area. Overall a good meal but a li
(3)Andy S.
Everything here always tastes good. However, the service is pretty much always crappy. It seems like they have a really high turnover rate for servers and a lot of people don't seem to know what the heck is going on. This ceviche is always good, there are several different varieties. D quacamole and salsas are very good and taste very fresh. This is a good spot to have dinner before going out in downtown St Petersburg. I usually get the chorizo burger which is huge and very filling. I also like the fried yuca sticks. If the food was any less good I would have given this place a 3. If the service from the servers was anything decent I would have given this place a 5. Don't hesitate to go, just don't be surprised if you have to beg and plead for your server to show up or come back to the table.
(4)Lewis U.
Good quality Mexican cuisine that I would recommend to anyone who has an appetite for Latin American food
(4)Jen G.
I've been here several times on my forays into downtown St. Pete. They never disappoint. But, don't get this one confused with Red Mesa. They are two separate places. This is the one located in the same building as Push Ultra Lounge on 3rd St. The first couple times I went with girlfriends for a girls night out, so we stopped in for a bite to eat and a quick drink before heading upstairs to Push for Magic Friday. The chicken nachos are delicious! My friends also raved about the duck tacos. The margaritas were decent, as was the sangria. Last night I went with my man, and we ate chips and guacamole which were perfect! Just the right amount of garlic, salt, and cilantro. So delectable. They also made my cocktail just as I wanted. I prefer to sit in the outdoor bar/patio area, which has an awesome ambiance. The bartenders are fun and social, and the live music there is great, although the place seemed to shut down rather early, before 1am. I love the way they light up the outside with patio lights, it gives it a great Florida feel on a February night. We'll definitely be back!
(4)Andee A.
Our group of 5 -- newcomers from Stockholm and St. Louis -- walked here from the Dali Museum and we were happily sated. Tasty, friendly, excellent salsa. Try the pork enchiladas! Great service, too!
(5)Anna K.
Went there with my parents, including my dad who doesn't like Mexican food at all. But we all left extremely happy! The fajitas are awesome and the ahi tuna tacos are a must-have. Service was wonderful and the food came out quickly.
(5)Angela A.
From the name, I expected far less than I received. More than Mexican, they offer many Latin American options. The mofongo is delicious though served in an untraditional way. Enjoyed also the empanada, gallo pinto, and ceviche. All in all, definitely worth the trip!
(4)Paul V.
Being from Texas we were excited about trying this place out. Totally different than what were used too. Not even sure how to explain what we encountered here. It's hard to screw up Nachos, however it happened, cold beans and Parmasan cheese on chips was just not a good combo. In Texas salsa comes with your meal for free. Here we had to pay. Service was good.
(3)Mark F.
I've been to all the red Mesa chains and this is by far my favorite! Margaritas are always delicious and the food never disappoints! I recommend this place to all my friends and family when they come in town. Will definitely be back, probably sooner rather than later!
(5)Emma R.
This place is phenomenal. I highly recommend the brunch, especially the breakfast quesadilla and the mimosas. Nice outdoor ambience. Service is always quick and attentive.
(5)Stephanie E.
Food and services was phenomenal!!
(5)Randy H.
Duck tacos!!
(4)Lisa H.
Bad experience here. Took them 20min to serve the chips and another 40min passed our main dish was not even there. The table next to us that got here later than us got their food and the waiter did not even stop by and say sorry.
(2)Kelly H.
Excellent food, service, atmosphere and price. If you're lucky, you'll have Daniel as your waiter-- he's the best! Attentive, friendly and hilarious. Danny's family loves him! :)
(5)Scott M.
Listed on a "top 50 in Tampa list" this eatery deserves its mention. In downtown St Petersburg, located in a refurbished fire house, Red Mesa sports a great bar, unique inside sitting arrangements and a courtyard with a pond and bridge Atmosphere 90 Miles away from downtown St Petes Service 85 Polite, quick and friendly Food 85 Upscale Mexican cuisine Value 85 A sound solid combination Worth the trip even if you are not in St Petes. .
(4)Ashlee R.
This place is fantastic, awesome atmosphere! Love the outdoor seating area and was so glad we stumbled upon in during our time in St. Pete. I ordered the chicken tacos which were a perfect portion and delicious. We also got an order of the chips and salsa, salsa had the perfect kick of spice. And those margaritas were to die for...yum! Can't go wrong at this place, great reggae music playing, friendly employees and great food!
(5)Yoandy H.
Really good food and the worst customers service thas what i think about them ...some budy show me the table and told me "somebody will be with you soon" i was waiting for about 30 minutes watching how they ask to a lot of people that came after us me and my wife...
(1)Stuart F.
Red Mesa Cantina has a good menu and nice location downtown. I went recently with a large group and Josh was just an outstanding server! He was 5 stars. The food is consistently good, although I do wish they had more vegan options (and vegan labeling, so you know what is vegan or can be made vegan), and wish they would turn the music a little lower so it was easier to have conversations. Other than that, great place. I do wish they would abolish tipping though, just read this paragraph: Studies have shown that tipping is not an effective incentive for performance in servers. It also creates an environment in which people of color, young people, old people, women, and foreigners tend to get worse service than white males. In a tip-based system, nonwhite servers make less than their white peers for equal work. Consider also the power imbalance between tippers, who are typically male, and servers, 70 percent of whom are female, and consider that the restaurant industry generates five times the average number of sexual harassment claims per worker. And that in many instances employers have allegedly misused tip credits, which let owners pay servers less than minimum wage if tipping makes up the difference. Citations for those claims can be found here: washingtonpost.com/blogs…
(4)Raisa B.
Very casual dinning experience. I recommend the oyster shooter with the fresh touch of cilantro. The pulpo is hell of a deal...a good size plate of tender pulpo with kalamata olives and avocado.
(4)Elizabeth K.
i love this place. its delicious, consistent, and a wonderful atmosphere. i recommend to everyone who has never been and always take visiting guests there for dinner. keep doin' you
(5)Jaclyn V.
Had a delicious dinner here tonight. Great service, great food, great drinks. Outdoor seating. I had the Cucumber Margarita, and I highly recommend it!
(5)Kelly F.
There was a lot of hype for this restaurant. The food was a solid 3.5 -4. My chicken dish was a little dry. The table chips were cold and the house salad was okay. My dad got the pork ribeye, probably one of the best pieces of meat I have ever had. The chopped pico de gallo was good
(3)Thomas A.
This is one of my go-to spots. I live nearby so the location is very convenient. The food here never disappoints and nothing on the menu is really pricey. The duck tacos are fantastic if you want to try something a little different. The pork enchiladas are more traditional but they are also excellent. Come during happy hour for $3 margaritas! Make sure you get the chips and dip sampler. The black bean dip and queso are great.
(5)Bob B.
This is a great place to get your grub on before heading up to Push Ultra Lounge. The outdoor space is really nice and the food is tasty. This is more modern mexican so don't go in thinking otherwise. The benedict for brunch is extremely tasty and you can't ever go wrong with duck tacos, they have great flavor and are juicy. The prices are on the high side but the food is quality for sure.
(4)Jose G.
I was here with a group last Saturday night. And I knew walking up, seeing the line of people, that they were busy. Our server was phenomenal, we sat in the back Lucha Bar. I think our servers name was Cara. But the reason this is a four star, was the little hostess that was at the front. We were greeted by her, she almost looked like she was going to break down. Half way through her struggling to come up with the wait time, a host came up, and took over. He was able to get us on the wait right away, and was able to explain to us about the Lucha Bar, which where we ended up seating, and having a wonderful time. He did a good job in my book, but it looked like that hostess needed a Xanax. Btw, to recommend, the duck torta is phenomenal, and the dessert chimichanga was amazing, and mouth watering. Hope to be back for the same this weekend.
(4)Stephen J.
After a disappointing 1st night in St Petersburg we were so hapoy here. Fast service and great food. Oyster tacos were my favorite followed by the pulled pork sandwich...which is not on the menu. Dont miss this place if you are in town.
(5)Jean M.
I have never had so many bartenders and servers ignore me at the same time. We are walking out after fifteen minutes of waiting for someone to at least acknowledge us. There were about five bartenders just chatting with no intention of working... And it's a Sunday afternoon. It's not even busy.
(1)Stephanie Y.
Found Red Mesa of course off the Yelp app for a pre-flight meal and it was a great decision. The place is super spacious and pretty cool with a great outdoor space in downtown St. Pete. We sat in the outdoor bar space and it was quite lively on a Sunday afternoon with football playoffs on. Service was wonderful and we opted for an order of ceviche, guac and chips and a taco salad topped with fresh mahi mahi and steak. The guac was regular although those chips and salsa was on point. The salsa had subtle heat and chips were freshly fried. The ceviche was delicious, also served with freshly fried chips. We ordered the Huachinango which consisted of snapper, shrimp, calamari, blue crab, chile arbol oil, orange, tomato, onion and cilantro. It was spicy, like really spicy which I liked (and the waitress did warn), it was a tad bit too soupy. More fish and less sauce, please. The two taco salads with the additional cost of steak and fish were good. Not authentic by any means, but really nice portions of protein. I would suggest the fish over the steak as the steak could have used a bit more seasoning, or any seasoning at all. The fish was fresh and cooked perfectly. Prices were great, service and ambiance perfect, I'd definitely recommend Red Mesa for a fun and casual night or day out!
(4)Amy A.
I come here for lunch from work regularly as the prices are good, the service is fast, and I have literally watched them get an entire department in and out within 40 minutes. It is not the best Mexican I have ever had but it is good. They have an extensive ceviche menu, I really like their specials and I dream about day drinking at the outside bar while watching a marathon of sports on TV. It is in easy walking distance to other spots. The tacos are good and there are some interesting combinations. I have never left here unhappy. The menu is varied and if you are stress eating or disciplined and want healthy, they can accommodate your craving!
(4)Brenda M.
Had a wonderful dinner tonight. The food, drinks and atmosphere was great! Our waitress, Rachel, was fabulous!! She was very attentive, and very knowledgable about the menu and drinks. What a pleasant evening.
(5)Nick S.
Extraordinary.
(5)Mauricio C.
Ok place, I have been in better Mexican restaurants, the bill does not reflect their food quality, overpriced and bottom grade meat.while on the bar I asked for a particular brand of scotch on the rocks and twice the added water and of course wasn't the brand I asked, on top of that I got charged for the drinks even after complaining and not drinking them . Not coming back.
(2)Dennis B.
Love this place. Have been many times with coworkers and zero complaints. Unique and interesting menu, fabulous tacos. Atmosphere both inside and out is fun, and makes this a great hang out as well as restaurant.
(5)Ashley B.
LOVE this place. Been several times and the food is always on point. The tuna tacos are so freaking amazing your life will be forever changed!!! This place has it all from a nice dining room. Awesome courtyard and even a few tables outside the wall of courtyard that are dog friendly! Last time we had a group of friends, all order different things so we could kinda share...no words spoken. Only serious chewing and grazing happened once those plates hit the table. And they make all the plates look so pretty, swirls and sauces smears. Perfection. Although we had a very sub par server that night, but in the end the tuna tacos made up for that!!
(5)Connie J.
This place hit all the marks. The courtyard seating area was the perfect spot for four of us to sip margaritas made with great tequila. I ordered the pulpo ceviche which was yummy, just spicy enough, and plated really nicely. Thank you to our server Andrew for the great recommendations and super friendly service. The prices were super reasonable too. Oh and they serve homemade corn tortillas.
(5)David W.
I prefer Mexican restaurants that provide complimentary chips and salsa, but the ones you pay for here were great. Their food was beyond amazing. Everyone in our party was overly impressed with the food. We got things from apps to different main dishes. The margaritas were terribly weak. For this placing touting they have a great tequila selection, I was sorely disappointed. I only ordered 1 margarita, as I regretted the purchase. I will go back again, but plan on skipping the overpriced margaritas.
(4)Tracy W.
We stopped here again in Jan. 2015 and were not disappointed. It was as good as we remembered. It was a chilly day and we arrived a little after noon and were told it would be a 25 minute wait, but we could eat outside (too chilly) or we could eat in the outside bar area. It was a little less exposed and the overhead heating warmed it enough that we were very comfortable. The whole bar area was being serviced by the bartender only! But she was good and our food was not slow in coming. But she must be exhausted at the end of her shift. And - she was good humored about it. We really like this place and will definitely come again when we are passing through.
(4)Jonathan G.
They forgot to tell us our table was ready. All the host staff apologized for forgetting about us. Then the manager came over to tell us that it was normal to wait an hour at 11pm on a Friday to eat dinner, meanwhile the place was a ghost town. Accused us of lying and was very unsocial and disrespectful. Check out casita taqueria a few blocks up. Cheaper and better tacos with awesome service.
(1)Will C.
I really like going to Red Mesa the wife and I have eaten here a few times but most recently just before christmas while we had some friends in town. I really enjoy the food that they serve here but I think they do a poor job when it comes to the size of a cocktail. My wife and our friends all ordered the margarita and it was fairly small for the price. They all ended up ordering beers to chase the drinks because they were weak and small. The food portions are also small but they are a la carte so when you order the tacos you are ordering a taco not a meal of tacos. On my most recent trip I ordered the ahi tuna tacos and I was not disappointed they were light and flavorful. If the weather is nice this is a great place to visit they have a very nice courtyard where you can sit outside and enjoy the weather while not sitting on a sidewalk while everyone walks by you.
(5)John P.
Back again after a year! The service was good, food excellent, and I will return again. Try the fish tacos.
(4)Tamara B.
I don't normally write reviews but in this instance I was so disappointed I had to. I arrived with plenty of time in advance for my friends bachelorette party because they don't take reservations even for a party of 15. I was told that our party would be seated in an hour.... Over two hours later we were seated. I expressed my concern to the manager and he seemed uncaring that we had an unpleasant experience. Working in the restaurant business myself I know how important service is and this situation was not handled properly.
(2)Fernanda M.
Long waiting (about 40 minutes) to get the food, but overall the service and the food were great!
(4)Erron S.
My family and I had dinner for the first time tonight at thr Red Mesa Cantina. The food and service were great! I highly recommend the Mofongo, El Gordo Burrito and the Apple Empanada. We live in Bradenton and we will definitely be going back!
(5)Holly H.
One star for the Spanish-style courtyard, complete with fountains where we enjoyed our dinner. A major plus that we didn't see any ashtrays during happy hour so I don't think they allow smoking in this setting, which would have ruined our experience. Another star for the food! I had the seafood mofongo, (includes shrimp, mini-scallops, calamari and a little mound of carnitas mixed with plantain and yuca) which was perfectly balanced with savory and sweet flavors. Hubby loved his filet burrito. Chips and queso were top notch. One star goes to the waiter who had a great personality, the rare type that could make a career of waiting tables. Wish I could remember his name :( Pricing seems on par for the area. Least impressive part of our meals were the drinks. Only Guinness for their stout selection, which is a big letdown for husband and I. The sangria was tasty but seemed alcohol deficient. I had to follow up with a Marg to get a proper happy hour buzz. With food, service and ambience being the major keystones of our restaurant experience, we'd definitely come back! We'll bring friends as well!
(3)ZANNE K.
We were visiting St. Petersberg and Red Cantina happened to be next to the shop we were at. The building and surroundings are unique, but the food portions are tiny, everything is ala carte. The chips and salsa are extra and not cheap. The alcoholic drinks also low on alcohol, high on price. Tacos were bland and so were the chips and salsa! I will try another restaurant, next time I visit.
(2)Kim M.
Red Mesa is about to become a part of my birthday ritual! Last year I came to St. Pete from Orlando on a whim, during my birthday weekend, and I ended up at Red Mesa and loved it! The food, the drinks, the mexican chocolate brownie with tequila-soaked strawberries. This past weekend (a little after my birthday but close enough), I came here again and, once again fell madly in love with the contents of my plate. I had the seafood chimichanga, the cucumber margarita, and the strawberry mint margarita. By far, the cucumber margarita was my favorite. My friend ordered the filet tips burrito, and she couldn't stop gushing over how delicious it was. Aside from the food, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the live music coming in from outside. (The ONLY thing I would say was not awesome, which is through no fault of the restaurant, was the drunk people at the table next to us who decided to have a 5 minute conversation standing in the 12-inch gap between us and them, with their asses mere inches away from our faces. That part, I could have done without. But I won't deduct points for that, since I know Red Mesa can't control people's asses.)
(5)Jen C.
My SO and I have come here dozens of times -- brought friends and family and referred many friends here. Red Mesa is a staple in our restaurant rotation, and we loved it. Until we went Friday night. I'll skip the details and just they the hosting staff forgot to seat us and left us waiting for an hour when tables were open after 10 minutes. And instead of being apologetic and saying, ya know, it happens -- the manager came over and basically accused us of fabricating a story and how we were the ones who were wrong, making us out to be these awful people. The reality was, we didn't care if they seated us late... People make mistakes, it's fine. But to have the manager come to our table and making us out to be these moochers who just wanted free stuff was totally inappropriate. Not only was the manager unbelievably rude, the the waitress had an attitude and everyone treated us poorly from then on. As a result of the bad vibes and the fear that someone's saliva would end up on a duck taco, we asked our waitress for a check on just our drinks and we left. They really ruined what should have been a great experience. We won't be coming back. I have several coworkers and friends who will be moving to st pete in the next few months and I'll be strongly discouraging them from going here. Treat your customers better, guys.
(1)Katrina P.
I was able to try Red Mesa on a quick dinner before bachelorette shennanigans - I want to go back when we're in the St Pete area! I have one line of this review: EAT THE DUCK TACO that is all ;)
(4)Deb R.
Delicious from start to finish!!! Cucumber margarita is refreshing, the oyster shooter has several oysters and is fresh, the ceviche sampler is the way to go for sure and they were all wonderful... Loved the duck taco but not the corn soft taco it was on as it fell apart ohhhh and the corn is a must the star of the night! We also had the brownie and chipotle choc gelato the brownie was more cake like but mixed with gelato very good
(5)Kateryna K.
I ordered ceviche sampler for 24 dollars and one of the samplers ceviche on the plate had no seafood in it at all!!! Just chopped up veggies and fruit. The service is bad. Hostesses do not try to accommodate customers' requests and just say "no".
(1)Frank T.
Amazing from the chips and salsa to the burgers, enchiladas and duck!!! Will be back again!
(5)Matt P.
Long wait. Horribly slow service. Never even got a napkin. Food was wrong and took over 40 min to get 3 tacos. Wait staff wouldn't take the time to even stop to get the bill right. Not worth your time. Seems like there are way to many places in this area to waist time here.
(1)Callie O.
Red Mesa Cantina is a Mexican restaurant that leans more high-end tex-mex than anything. The food, drinks and staff are unbelievably fantastic as is the atmosphere of Red Mesa. There are two floors and tons of seating area outside. This place was booming even for Sunday brunch, which is when I went along with a group of geeks for a monthly Geek Brunch. Not only was I in the company of fantastic people, but I also had the most delicious pancakes I've ever had in my life. They came served alongside two sausages, which I passed on to my boyfriend since I am vegetarian. The sweet-potato pancakes were dense but still fluffy, flavorful and filling. The maple syrup wasn't any of that corn-syrup laden junk, it was the real deal, unless my tastebuds fooled me! Price wise, this place is moderate. It was $6.50 for two-large pancakes and two-large sausage links. That's not so bad, especially when you weigh quality and quantity alongside other restaurants that serve brunch. You really get what you pay for. Service was a bit slow, but we had a huge table! Overall, we were only there for 2 hours during an extremely BUSY time, and much of that time was spent chit-chatting anyway. I also had my very first mimosa here. It was delightful with the passion-fruit flavor. I didn't drink an entire one, but I shared with my boyfriend. My coffee however, was easily 10 times better than Starbucks with robust flavor. Now, it's time to give credit to the server who made this experience incredible. If I remember correctly, George was our server who served roughly 13 people at a table. He was incredibly efficient at getting everyone's order, dividing them accurately and then refilling and making sure we were all happy. This man is a super-star, and he deserves a lot of credit for handling the table so well. I was thoroughly impressed! I can't say I've ever seen a waitstaff member do a job so well, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I was very appreciative of his work and dedication to making sure we loved our food, and loved the food I did! I will certainly be back to Red Mesa. I hope I can find some tasty vegetarian bites on their lunch or dinner menu, or possibly something vegan. I had a great experience, and I truly hope that you will go in and have a similar one!
(5)Kimberly F.
Incredible meal!!! Quick service, delicious food, great music! Highly recommend! !!
(5)Blake H.
Not bad. Table ordered a pitcher of margaritas (wine based), not bad, but just not the same as with tequila. Chips and salsa with quite tasty. I had the crab enchiladas, they were different but good. I really enjoyed the beans and rice that was served with it. My husband at the duck enchiladas, also very different but good. Their food menu is very different. If you are looking for traditional type Mexican food, this is not the place to go, but perfect for expanding your food horizons.
(3)Julia F.
I came here with my husband for lunch. We ended up sitting inside since there was a wait for outside seating. The atmosphere was nice and the building is pretty. I ordered a Seafood Mofongo and it was delicious! It was slightly sweet. The server said that it is only on the lunch menu. Service was really good. The only thing I would change is for them to not charge for chips and salsa.
(5)Ivan P.
Really good food and great service. Visiting st. Pete for the day and it was great choice for brunch. The new only thing that was not very good was my son meal (from the kids menu). The breakfast burritos and chilaquiles are recommended!
(4)Tulio Z.
Went here for my brother's graduation and they attended our party of 14 very quickly. Food was delicious, I had the El Gordo. Atmosphere was great. Definitely going back!
(5)Meg R.
Having returned to Cantina on a couple different occasions, it's quickly moved up my "Favorite Spots in DTSP" list, especially because of the large outdoor patio and bar. Once I tried a few other dishes on the menu, I found what I liked most, and it's apparently not the tacos (while delicious, Cantina offers many other items that far surpass them). My favorites are the pulled pork enchiladas, any of the quesadillas, and the mahi mahi ceviche. I love Cantina's guacamole, especially because the serving size is decent, unlike some other Mexican restaurants I've been to that charge $7 for tablespoons of guac. This place serves up an excellent brunch, with innovative Mexican-inspired dishes and $3 mimosas.
(4)Iyesha C.
There aren't enough good things I can say about this place. Sit outside if the weather is tolerable, because they have a great outdoor dealing arrangement! The wait staff was awesome with suggestions on drinks, and helpful in deciding on entree orders. Now let me get down to the food . . . Just great! the chicken taquitos were delicious! There was an ample amount of chicken, and the garnish is not meant to just look pretty on the plate. It definitely integrates into the dish. I do not know mush about guacamole, but there is nothing bad I can say about it. I'm not one for avocado, but I was pleasantly surprised, and enjoyed every bit. My main course of duck quesadillas was so delicious. It was light and a great outdoor summer meal selection. My husband enjoyed the seafood chimichanga, which was heavier, and gave off a real down home comfort food type feel, which was so good! And the white wine sangria was the suggestion of adding brandy (per waitress), was right on point. To end, the apple empanada with ice cream was honestly the end to a great night. I literally left pleasantly stuffed, Hands down, a must in the Burg!
(5)Michelle J.
My husband and I have eaten here for dinner many times and it is delicious! But today we went for brunch and were equally as impressed. Many people don't realize they do brunch on Sautrday and Sunday. Get the shrimp burrito it is to DIE FOR.
(5)Carissa F.
Traye went above and beyond to make our night a memorable one. His smile is genuine and made us feel right at home! The environment is gorgeous and it was perfect for my friends and I to enjoy some drinks with dinner after a long day of work! I would highly suggest this cantina!!
(5)Tammy S.
Saturday late lunch 3pm. Menu is refreshingly unique! Cerviche was top notch! Chips and dips was loved by all including my picky 8 and 5 yr olds! No kids menu is a bummer so we ordered them a simple steak taco. They did not like it much I think because it was in a corn tortilla rather than flour. My steak quesadilla was good and hubby's burrito was huge! My youngest ordered chocolate milk and I'm not sure what they used to make it chocolate but it wasn't good, like they put a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder in it instead of confessing they didn't have any. Service was pretty good to start but slowed when we asked for more chips and they never came. I guess overall not a family place if your kids are young and picky. But I betcha they have great margaritas if you visit with your adult friends!
(4)D P.
I went here because if the reviews. Food was ok, but nothing extraordinary. Had the duck taco, fish taco, and seafood chimichanga (spelling??). Everything was average, nothing stood out. Ultimately I'll forget about it. Servers were attentive and it was a nice environment.
(3)Maggie V.
Very good food! We decided to do tapas style and choose many delicious appetizers - including ceviche that was outstanding! The sangria was very tasty, too.
(4)Sarah M.
Can't go wrong with any of the burritos. The shrimp tacos and tofu tacos. Don't forget to try the chips and appetizer.
(4)JT H.
This would have had been one more star if the waitress did not take my food away from me before i was done... I looked back and it was gone i didn't even put my fork or napkin on top it was just gone. You cant do that to a fat guy and just get away with it. At least ask me for a to go box so i can scarf the rest down at midnight so no one is watching me... I order some hot spicy damn burrito thing(cant remember the name didn't get to finish it). That was very good and until it was violated before being finish. The rice and bean combo side was good but no flavor like the "hsdbt". They had a three dips for the chips but requested something more tomatoeee and it was good had a bit of a kick to it but nothing like the "hsdbt". I'll probably be back but next time fork in hand and guarding my food.
(3)Jim H.
Loved the food and the atmosphere. Great place for a first date. Food was presented very well and the prices are pretty decent. It's been awhile and I need to come back!! The service has always been pretty fast and friendly. Sometimes you have to wait for a table, but well worth the wait.
(5)Wendy F.
Excellent find in downtown St. Pete! Interesting bldg and if you love the cool weather take advantage of the outdoor eating option - no heat lamps for the thin blooded. Variety of marguerita drinks made with pride. Dinner was worth waiting for as the house guacamole was some of the tastiest ever and the steak and shrimp tacos were fresh and delicious. Sweet plantains cooked perfectly. Make sure you save energy for the upstairs party beginning at 10p on the rooftop.
(5)Theresa L.
Food was delicious and service was quick and polite. Would definitely go again.
(4)Larry C.
Great food and service! This is my second time here and everything I've ordered has been great. Definitely recommend the Churrasco if you like steak.
(5)Katie C.
Mexican food is perfect just the way it is, so really, there's no need to make it fancy. My shrimp burrito at Red Mesa Cantina was, let's say, "deconstructed," with the rice and beans on the side. Without rice in the burrito to balance/soak up the chipotle sauce, the tortilla itself was soggy, the burrito fell apart, and eating was messier than it should have been. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
(3)Ekta N.
My husband and I had our first date here over a year ago. This is our favorite place to take people not only because it means something to us but also because the food and atmosphere is fabulous! The outdoor courtyard is gorgeous and perfect for the Florida winter weather. This last visit we took my sister in law who is vegetarian. The chef was accommodating as they replaces the black bean chorizo on the nachos with a the black bean salsa from one of their salads. The nachos were absolute heaven. So fresh and delicious! My sister in law ordered the taco salad and raved about it all weekend! It came with perfectly ripe avocados and a delicious dressing. My husband ordered the shrimp tacos which is his all time favorite. I ordered the chicken taquitos for the first time and I have to say it's my favorite dish there so far. They taquitos are perfectly crispy and the sauce they came with is packed with flavor!
(5)Maddie M.
I really enjoyed my dinner at the Red Mesa.... The chips and salsa hit the spot. My entree was awesome. My friends enjoyed his too. The waitress Mackenzie, was very friendly. She came with our refills of soda before we even asked. I would definitely come again.
(5)Dani I.
I'm sorry to say I've been here so many times to keep trying this place and give it the benefit of the doubt. It tastes bland and it's way overpriced.
(3)Heather B.
Great lil place outside atmosphere is relaxing with the sound of water falling. Tapas are amazing! My favorite is the shrimp and crab quesadilla served open faced- absolutely amazing! Love it here!
(5)Rob H.
This is the best value in St Pete, hands down. Five stars for that combo. Been here six times, their brunch is delicious, fresh, and creative. The eggs benedicto and the something Oaxaca are strong. Burritos here are not filled with garbage like other Mexican places, cheese is fresh, spice is there and not overpowering. Dessert - chipotle chocolate gelato? Really interesting and delicious. Service is generally good but inconsistent; I find they don't really know or care about the food. Bottom line is that someone there does, and it makes for a fantastic place to appreciate food. If you don't agree I'll put on one of the luchadores' masks and hit you from the turnbuckle mas alto!!
(5)Nathan L.
Awesome service and food - can't beat this spot !!! Ask for Rachel(sp) she's a great bartender !!
(5)Amie S.
I had the mushroom quesadilla, shrimp cheese dish that came with a tortilla shells, both from the appetizer menu and the chicken tortilla soup. All was amazing!!! Was recommended by the front desk at our hotel. Glad we went!
(5)Michael D.
This place is pretty awesome. We started off with a few cocktails which were very nicely done. They were also pretty spicey which I love, though after a long sunburning day, the chile salt made lips feel like they were on fire. Though the lime juice from the Ceviche probably didn't help too much either. Holy flaming lips. The ceviche was excellent. It tasted just like my peruvian friend's mom used to make. Though there only seemed to be one type of seafood in the appetizer, I could only wish there were different types included. The tacos were spot on and made for a light and airy dinner. Combine this with the great outside patio with running water and you have yourself a great dinner spot for the hotter days.
(4)Lisa P.
One of my favorite places to meet up with my daughter and our mutual friends. Service is great and they always accommodate my daughter's vegan diet. Food is very good and it's a nice atmosphere.
(4)Ben V.
This place is great! Everything from our drinks to our meal was so good. We sat at the outdoor bar and our bartender was Chance. He made our margaritas and mojitos well ( I recommend the cucumber margarita). He was also helpful with the menu. We ordered the fried sweet plantains, the mahi mahi ceviche and the regular mofongo. The ceviche tasted so fresh. The mofongo which comes as a plate of three scoops is enough as a meal than an appetizer and leaves you cleaning your plate off-its that good. Its kind of like a pork like stuffing but way better. Everything we had was perfect and delicious. Had the churros for dessert- came with three churros that were a little heavy handed with the cinnamon sugar- but who's complaining? This was one of our best dining experiences on our regular visit to the tampa area. We will definetly be back!
(5)Loren F.
Amazing food, amazing location! Love this place
(5)Ashley E.
Out hotel recommended this place since we were looking for Mexican food. Absolutely loved it! I'm definitely coming back next time I'm in St Pete's. Our server was friendly, and made some recommendations to us to help us new-comers chose. Ended up ordering some type of pulled pork appetizer called Mofongo. It was very different in taste, and VERY delicious. served with chips. Then we split a giant steak burrito. The jalapeño cream sauce on top made it so rich in flavor! We ended it all with some churros to go - which were a delicious snack later on. The decor inside was unique and stylish. We didn't sit outside because it was too hot but the decor and ambience out there looked beautiful. On top of it all, it was very reasonably priced. Would recommend to anyone!
(5)Julie R.
Red Mesa Cantina is always consistent in their great service, food and drinks. If you're not ordering the Duck Quesadilla, then you're messing up.
(5)Brian M.
Mackenzie was the best server ever! Super attentive and informative while remaining friendly(we were pretty drunk) lol. But make sure to ask for her, food is always good here and the bottle service is exceptionally affordable.
(5)William N.
Red Mesa Cantina is best described as Wonderful. I have been to this restaurant perhaps 20 times or more this year and have yet to have a single disappointment. Red Mesa Cantina has earned 5/5 stars because of the following: Atmosphere Red Mesa Cantina sits on the ground floor of a two-story brick building. The top floor hosts "Push Ultra Lounge" and the second of three bar serving areas at Red Mesa. Outside is a courtyard with water features and plenty of shade. The courtyard is a lovely setting for a meal at any time of the day. The inside is a different mood and gives off an energetic vibe. It is easy to get lost in conversation here as the whole world seems to melt away when you are here with someone else. Bar seating is available with television behind a glass partition and shifts nicely from restaurant to bar feeling. Atmosphere gets 5/5 stars. Food Let's face it, we are going out to eat at most restaurants. Luckily, Red Mesa Cantina has many delicious options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. This place is a self-described "modern Mexican taqueria" and is confirmed by the food. I try to get something different each time I visit and must say I still have many more choices to go. Not to mention daily special meals (e.g. Sweet potato pancake sandwich). There are so many wonderful flavors available here for vegans and carnivores alike. The quality of my meals have always ranged from good to amazing. A short list of my favorites: yuca fries /w chipotle ketchup, Duck quesadilla, Cuban torta, churros, ceviche sampler, Baja fish tacos, plantains (hard to find good ones!), taco salad, and my absolute favorite is actually their gallo pinto. The seasonings on these meals are always right. I love it. It's the main reason I come here. Food gets 5/5. Beverages This place features three full service bars (roof bar only open at night) with a variety of Wonderful drinks. For brunch, try a passion fruit mimosa or mocha cafe (non-alcoholic). This destination features a large tequila list and knows how to make a margarita. Try their mojitos as well! Service I've been here during various busy periods of the day and the most I have ever waited for a dish was less than 20 minutes. Meals come out looking, smelling , and tasting delicious. I've never had to send a plate back and am always greeted with a smile. During a lunch rush your waitperson will still pop in on you to see if you need anything. Waitstaff are friendly and personable. Service gets 5/5 stars Price You get what you pay for. Considering what was described above, I'd say the value of what you pay is fairly good. Most plates range from $6-14 and are well worth it. They have pretty good specials as well. I usually get out for less than 15 for lunch including 20% gratuity. Price gets 5/5 stars Overall: this is a great place for a casual lunch, date, or to have a drink with friends. The food is good and it's a pretty rad place. I recommend getting a seat overlooking the fountain.
(5)Christina C.
I really enjoy this place. Whenever someone suggests going to Red Mesa Cantina I am always in. I like sitting outside, because it is gorgeously lit and sometimes there is live music. This place can be a pretty romantic place for a date. Their drinks are pretty good. I've tried their sangria and margaritas. Unfortunately, I do not remember the margarita, because it was at the end of a night, but I know that it is huge. I love everything they have that has duck in it. Duck taco, duck quesadilla, it is all delicious. I would suggest getting a couple of tacos, because they are not large. Everyone I have ever eaten here with has loved the food. Watch out for the last table in the back outside area by the bar (the one closest to the stairs). We sat there at first and there was a fan blowing directly at my face, which was really annoying. We ended up moving. If the fan is on, don't sit there. The inside is beautifully decorated. This really is a great place for a date!
(5)Jim K.
kicka** food good drinks fun to go to this place chips and salza is the bomb wait stalff was very atenttive and we had a large group
(5)Jackie N.
Okay, I probably wouldn't confess this to anyone, but I like your pineapple taco! Yum! All joking aside, the tofu taco was phenomenal. The combination of grilled tofu, poblano peppers, jack cheese and pineapple was unique and seemingly Asian inspired (very sweet and sour vibes happening). With the exception of the ensalada menu, there aren't too many other vegetarian options, but i would definitely dive into this taco again!
(4)Danny G.
The chicken enchilada was great, lemonade delicious, mofongo awesome, service was amazing.!! I would definitely come back to this Restuarant. :)
(5)Tiffany B.
I went here so long ago and totally forgot to review it! My favorite part about this place is the decor and outdoor area- other than that, I don't recall being blown away by anything. Their menu is fairly small and I had a hard time finding anything that sounded good to me, and I'm not a picky eater. The portions are also pretty small- not worth it for the price of the food, in my opinion. I do recall the service was quite slow and a few drinks went empty in our party. Maybe I'll have to go back a second time to fully get the hype, because after one visit I'm not getting what everyone is seeing in this place!
(3)H L.
This has truly been a favorite restaurant of mine for a few years now. When I lived in downtown St Pete area, I went here all the time. I once actually went here both Saturday AND Sunday for brunch in the same weekend. (sweet potato pancakes are soo good) Any time I had friends/family in town, this is where I took them. Since moving to Tampa this year, we only go every couple months when we come into downtown St Pete. But here comes my "CON" and why they don't have a higher rating from me.. and that is the cost (it feels like 'nickeling and diming'). But I guess the thought is 'why not if business is good'?! My companions have usually criticized them charging for chips and salsa (& they charge for refills too). I have defended it saying "I get it, they're not your typical Mexican place". But the last time we were there, it seemed like the cost was getting worse. I asked for a margarita with 1800 tequila which I usually get (I know the 1800 costs more but the house tequila gives me a horrible headache.) I believe the cost was around $10-$12. However, this time it came out in an obviously smaller glass than it has in the past. Someone shrunk their glasses! Plus all the ice cubes in it, and there wasn't much drink to it. Disappointing. We ordered chips and guac. $7.50. That is a bit much. Then add on top of it, we later asked for salsa and were charged a few bucks for that too. (It might have been the full $4 charge) So not sure I can talk my boyfriend into going anymore (though I always love my food, his choices have been hit or miss and he's not as big of a fan). PROs: Excellent ambiance, especially outside. Menu is tasty (so much better than the 4th St location food. You'd think it would be the same, but I have been disappointed with the other location) And here's a big one for me-- tofu option! As a vegetarian this is rare in this area. I love that they offer that. I used to always get the tofu gordo burrito, which was tasty but very indulgent. I have moved over to the tasty tofu tacos (which oddly sometimes are extremely spicy and other times mild.. never sure what to expect).
(3)Leslie G.
Sangria??... Umm yes... Tasty.. Josh and chance are great.. Friendly and fun. It's my first time here and even though I'm not eating all the food surrounding me looks delicious! I may give in and get something.
(4)Andriana Z.
Don't believe the local hype DONT GO HERE. Asked for the best Mexican restaurant in the area an was directed here. Unfortunately this was a huge disappointment. This is not Mexican nor would I even call this tex mex. The salsa tasted like it came out of a can and the "guacamole" was crap. Perhaps being from Texas my Mexican resultant bar is set high but nonetheless this was overpriced themed crap. Maybe to the locals this is great but if you want Mexican or tex mex, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
(1)Casey M.
Great atmosphere, good service, and decent food. I had high expectations for Mexican seafood given a recent experience in Tucson, and while this place was beautiful, the food was not quite as good. Duck taco was very tasty, but the civiche was better at other places I've tried. Great place to hang out and drink hibiscus margaritas.
(4)Bethany M.
Do you like fancy Mexican? If you do and like to pay high dollar for it go here. The outdoor patio is a serene experience at night; tables are reachable by bridge, and nestled amongst eclectic decorations and a trickling fountain. Located on the top floor is Push Ultra Lounge, making your night out an all-in-one experience of dinner, drinks and dancing. Très chic. The menu selection was vast and varied - great for the vegetarians and picky eaters. The "Chips & Dips" appetizer, baja fish tacos and sangria were delicious. Overall my friends and I were pleased with the food and environment. I will definitely be back, but it's a bit too pricey to make it a regular spot.
(4)Morgan C.
Red Mesa is my favorite restaurant in Saint Pete. It has a great atmosphere whether you go for lunch or dinner. It is always busy but rarely has a wait. I have taken my parents there and go regularly with my friends it is a great place for everyone of all ages. The staff is also great and always tentative to the customers. It has has live music on the weekends which is a plus.I love to sit outside near the outside fountain it is nice and relaxing. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who comes to Saint Pete.
(5)Alicia G.
One of the more popular spots in St. Petersburg (obviously) since it took us quite a long time to get a table. We were able to enjoy some drinks at the outside bar while we waited for a table indoors. They have a nice outdoor patio but on this particular evening, it was a touch too chilly to eat outdoors. The sangria was okay. We were a fairly low-maintenance 6-top but since our server would disappear for semi-long periods of time, when she would reappear, we'd have a lot of requests. Like trying to get 6 drink refills or order a single basket of chips and salsa. Which by the way- the chips and salsa you have to pay for. Hm okay. Most places at least give you the first basket for free but that is not the case here. I had the duck torta with yucca fries. Pretty delicious actually though I kind of wished I had gotten the duck tacos instead. The insanely strong (but awesome) strawberry and pineapple caipirinha was also great. Everyone else seemed pretty happy with their food options. We were just very unimpressed with the service.
(3)Courtenay L.
I just want to sit out in the courtyard all day and drink mimosas and eat guacamole and tacos! Beautiful ambiance, staff is relatively friendly and food is killer. Good vegan options too!
(5)Drew G.
My first time dining at this place...food was spectacular. The best mofongo I have ever tasted. Why three stars, then? The hostess left a bad taste in my mouth that couldn't be overcome by the great food and good service. I was meeting a friend for lunch around 1:30. After the lunch rush. Hostess stuck me at a table outside that was in the glaring sunlight. I saw an open table under some shade and asked if I could have that one. "Oh, I'm sorry...that table is reserved for a party of 3 or 4." Ok, I get that in the lunch rush you want to reserve the 4-tops for parties of 3 or 4. However, there were several open tables. The server greeted me and immediately said "would you like to move to a table out of the sun?" I told him I would love to, but the hostess seemed dead-set against the idea. He scoffed at that and moved me, much to the hostess' consternation. I saw her approach him and they had words. Honey, just hand out the menus, smile and look pretty, and leave the thinking to those better equipped to do so. Again, great meal...but that really ticked me off.
(3)Maelyn L.
I loved entering through the courtyard. I wish I ate out there because a large party was seated right after I was and it was distracting. I had a wonderful waiter. You know the type... works there and eats there and loves the place. Even with a large party he managed to keep my drink full and suggest desert. Yes I did have desert. The seafood chimi was wonderful. I was not expecting to love it. Desert was better than good. They had a Wednesday multicourse special but I thought it would be too much food. Highly recommend!!!
(4)Amanda R.
Nice bar outside, had some yum margaritas on special. I took a chance with a mofongo entree and that was terrible but the chips and guac and duck taco i had were tasty.
(3)Ali C.
This place never lets me down. Went today for Sunday Brunch because its Father's Day and Mark requested it. We like the fact that they have outdoor seating that is shaded and by the outdoor bar they have tv and fans. We each tried a new menu item today - chorizo sausage gravy over biscuits with a fried egg and shrimp & crab cake benedicts. They were both wonderful. The prices are right especially at brunch we had two entree's, 3 beers and a bloody mary and the bill was only $35. The staff is friendly and overall they do a good job.
(5)Heather B.
Great Food and ambiance. Food Prices were good, drinks were high. We will definitely visit again.
(4)Michael W.
I ordered the nachos, and they were tasty. The toppings were sparse, so I quickly ran out of chips with anything on them. With over half of the chips left dry, a friend of mine asked if they could send over just a little more bean sauce to dip the chips in, or at least some salsa. They offered to sell me another nachos instead. (at the listed price) The food is good, but it is overpriced for the small portions. It feels like the restaurant is trying to nickel and dime me. Be careful! If you ask for more chips and salsa, it will be on your bill. I gave it only a one star because the manager was really frowny and made me feel unwelcome. I think her name was Carolyn.
(1)Brian D.
This is a go-to restaurant and bar for my circle of friends. I've been here for lunch, dinner and drinks - and it's always hopping. Event Tues 6:30pm dinner has a crowd! I like to try something new every time I go because the flavors always wow me, and there are a lot of a la carte small items you can mix & match. The special the last time I went was duck taquitos with mole sauce. I love duck and mole, but not fried foods, so I got the duck taco with roast duck, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, cilantro, red chile jelly - and asked for a side of the mole sauce. The sauce was AMAZING and well worth the $1 she charged me for it without mentioning the charge. Someone ordered the Chips & Dip for the table, with white and blue Tortilla chips & 3 a trio of dips - chile cheese, fresh guacamole and black bean chorizo dip. The cheese dip was very fake football game cheesy, but the guac and black bean dips were great. The black bean had a smokey flavor to it, almost like chipotle. I also ordered Fried Sweet Plantains served with crema, which was a larger portion than I expected. They were sticky, with a chewy outside and mushy center, and quite delicious. And I had a side of Fried Yuca with chipotle ketchup 4. They were 4-6 thick cut steak fries of yucca with salt and seasoning on the outside for flavor. Everything was delicious, and the atmosphere is always fun but you can still hear your friends talk. Unless you are outside when they have live music... then it's harder to hear. Above the Cantina is Push nightclub, so it is fun to come here for dinner first and then head upstairs for a longer night.
(4)Kelly P.
So much fun! I arrived with a very large group of girls on a Friday evening without reservations. Not a single person at Red Mesa batted an eye and they made sure we were comfortable at the bar while we waited for our table. They did a great job putting a large table together for us. They service was fantastic and they did a great job keeping every ones orders correct. Of course we ALL required separate checks. Such a pain. Sorry Red Mesa. But instead of getting attitude from our servers we got free pitchers of sangria and margaritas!!! What a special treat. Thank you Thank you!! You really made my friends birthday special. It is easy to find great places for 2-4 people but finding one that excels at service to large groups is tough. Red Mesa goes above and beyond. I will be back!
(4)Tammy B.
I ordered their special for lunch on Valentine's Day, a crabcake salad. It was wonderful! Two crabcakes without much filler, with greens, candied walnuts and gorganzola cheese crumbles. The presentation made it almost too pretty to eat.
(5)J B.
The atmosphere was hip and trendy. Not snooty or stuffy, but the drink prices were crazy! Yes, the duck tacos were delicious but again $4.95 each was way too high...if you want to spend a lot of money on non-traditional Mexican then this is your place. I had a lot of other food items there, but read somebody else's review on other items...
(3)Paul R.
Love this restaurant, can't really recommend one thing Over another ... it's all good.
(4)Art A.
Damn, this place rocked it! Will definitely be back soon!
(5)Yani J.
This place is my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in the Tampa bay/St Pete area. The food is delicious. They have an outside bar and great patio area to relax in if you prefer the outdoors. If that is not your thing, you can hang inside. They have a bar in there too. Love the decor and they usually have some live music on the weekends. Great place to chill with friends and enjoy great food and beverages. Ahi tuna tacos are amazing. Love their guacamole.
(5)Chad U.
Come here for brunch and sit on the patio. I don't highly recommend eating indoors, it feels really cramped and cold inside. The outdoor bar and patio is like a different world. The patio is my second favorite place to eat outdoors in St. Pete (Moon Under Water being the first - I know you really wanted to know that!). I'm too lazy to tell you why the patio is awesome, you'll have to just believe me on this. Service has always been solid, not extraordinary. It's in downtown, so you'll have to pay for parking and walk a block or two. But the food is always tasty. Drinks always cold. You should go.
(4)Kelsi R.
Our first choice when it comes to "date night". Great food, fabulous sangria! When it's the two of us, we do try to get there before the 6:00 rush. Also used to come with a work group (15+ people) a few times a year, and it was always a hit for our out of towners.
(5)John C.
It was really good and the outside bar atmosphere was really cool. Food was great and different from the traditional Tex Mex. However, it was not kid friendly at all so avoid this place if you have little ones in tow.
(4)Karla K.
This place is amazing! First of all, the atmosphere is so neat. If you can, sit outside. The lights strung across the patio in combination with the fountains is just beautiful at night. Everyone was extremely friendly from hostess to bartender to our waiter, Jim. The food was so delicious. I highly recommend their chips and salsa, their guacamole is good, but the salsa is where its at! And the chips...perfectly salty and crispy. I could not stop eating them...I even ate the crumbs. I was also very impressed because they really know how to prepare tofu. I had the tofu soft tacos and they were really yummy. Sometimes I get vegan food at a restaurant that is not really known for their vegan entrees and am disappointed, but here I was super happy! Others in my party had a large burrito, an empanada, mofongo, chicken francesco, and a torta. They gobbled down their food and said it was fantastic. We did not try dessert because we were super stuffed, but the dessert at the table next to us looked like I would die and go to heaven with one bite. We went for dinner, but it also seems like a cool place to go and grab a few drinks after work.
(5)Louis A.
The tacos are better than the margaritas, but they aint bad either. I've only been twice, but the location, the atmosphere and the food are all good. When down town St. Pete this would be one of my top choices.
(4)Tommy H.
Bad service. Awful food. What a drag of a place. Never again.
(1)Jenni H.
The Best Mexican food i have came across in Pinellas County so far! Its a classy place great food, I love the salsa! great bar, great drink! A huge selection of handmade margaritas I will say the Cucumber Margarita is a must on a hot day it is super refreshing!
(5)D J.
The best food experience on a recent trip to the Tampa area. Sunday brunches are supposed to taste even better on a vacation but even with that higher reference point Red Mesa catered wonderfully to both the palette and the purse.Loved the ambiance - a nice outdoor patio space with landscaping and waterscaping as the center piece and tables studded all around it. With fountains as the backdrop, a passion fruit mimosa to toast the day, and a healthy,light mexican omelet sprinkled with goodness - it was a perfect way to get ready to soak up the artistic delights of Dali! The good dining destinations seem to be few and far between in St Petersburg but Red Mesa is certainly one of them.
(3)G H.
Good mexican food with excellent sauces. Had the beef barbacoa buritto and it was delicious. Lovely patio seating with great water features. Very peaceful dining and excellent service.
(4)Yuki J.
Red Mesa is my go-to restaurant when I want guaranteed great food, service, and ambiance. Its located in a beautiful, historic-looking red brick building in the heart of downtown St. Pete. The entire place is designed with such cool charm. I recommend the outdoor seating if you are there on a warm day. Every waiter who I've ever had there is very friendly, fast and accommodating. Every dish I've ever eaten there is delicious--my favorite thing to do is to try a few different types of tacos they have. Also the bombas appetizers are wonderful fried little balls, sooo good!
(5)Matthew S.
Went on a Sunday Funday and the food was amazing and the atomosphere was perfect. It was pouring down rain but that didn't stop our server from still providing excellent service.
(5)Kim S.
Absolutely sold on the outdoor seating and the atmosphere the fountains just invoked. They have a wonderful Mimosa, and the Red Sangria is pleasant to someone who may not like Sangria at all. Was not impressed with the food, for the price I was just not seeing the justification. All in all I had a good time and enjoyed myself. Will have to go again to see if my review might change.
(4)Randy C.
After walking out of Z Grill, I walk into the Red Mesa. Nice people, Good food, Good Service. Not as crowded. Love the Guac.
(4)Stephie S.
Great atmosphere but the food is better at the 4th St. location. This location is great for drinks and socializing though!
(3)Pierre C.
I like this place for drinks, enjoy it immensely for dinner, and absolutely love this place for brunch. My girlfriend swears by the duck taco, I live and die by the black bean dip. If you're in the neighborhood you should definitely give it a try.
(5)Michele H.
Had the corn appetizer, the guacamole and pulled pork tacos. All the food was excellent... Until they started cleaning the air vents with a swifter while people were eating!! I almost died. Please ask the staff to wait unit patrons have lefts before doing this type of cleaning.
(3)Gabriela D.
Not bad food and the atmosphere is awesome. Good place for a date :)
(4)Brittney H.
Ok, here's the deal....I'm just gonna be honest....I'm addicted to Mexican food...and Margaritas (mexican or not). I recently moved to St.Pete and have been scouring the city in search of the best Mexican and/or Tex Mex known to the Tampa Bay area....Everyone I talk to about my Mexican food Qeust has said to me, "Oh, you have to go to Red Mesa Cantina, it's the best!".....and the truth is, well, I have a love/hate relationship with this place. My heart and stomach are in a harrowing battle about this place. I WANT to LOVE it...but I don't know if, in good faith, I can do that....For my own emotional well being, I've decided to create an objective pros and cons list of my Red Mesa Cantina experiences....I hope this helps you as much as it does me..... Pros: Great Margaritas Fab locale Pretty good salsa Fresh ingredients Muy excelente corn on the cob Impressive usage of Chihuahua cheese Black Beans that make me cry tears of joy Modern and cool atmosphere. (It walks that fine line between awesomeness and douchiness...that's a great place to be) Fabuloso outdoor patio Good lunch specials ($10) Cons: EXPENSIVE Teensy, tiny tacos that cost $4 (you have to have 2-3 to feel remotely satisfied) No complimentary chips and salsa ($4) (WHAT THE WHAT!? Free chips and salsa is one of the best things about Mexican restaurants...why would you take that away from me?) Lunch menu leaves MUCH to be desired for my vegetarian belly The salads offend me. They're "side" salads in substance, but "meal" salads in price.... Whew! Ok, well I think this has been an enlightening exercise for me....All in all, I'm led to feel that Red Mesa Cantina deserves 3-4 stars...so I'm going to give it 4 because I go there too often to give it any less. Es bueno, pero no es fantastico. (like that? I'm too legit to quit.)
(4)Dana U.
Honesty is the key, and to be 100% honest with you, this place is not as good as everyone says. After reading the reviews, I expected to be blown away by the yumminess that is Red Mesa Cantina. However, for the portions and quality of food you get, it is just not worth it. Let me start off with 1 pro of the day... $3 Mimosa. Woo! I ordered guacamole w/chips and two tacos. The guacamole was good but when I asked for a side of salsa, I was shocked to see that they upcharged me $2.50 for a small cup of salsa. I guess I'm just jaded by the unlimited salsa and chips that I get at EVERY other mexican restaurant. For my meal... I ordered two tacos. I was told by one of my friends that it didn't come with a side of rice or beans. For the price of $4.50 and above per taco I expected the tacos to at least be pretty decent in size. Sadly, I was mistaken. I got a tiny plate with two measly little tacos. One taco was a steak fajita (mediocre) and the other taco was ahi tuna (cooked good but wayyyy too much sauce, which overpowered it). Don't get me wrong, I am one of those people that will pay any amount of money for a good, satisfying meal. However, I left Red Mesa Cantina unsatisfied and wanting more. If you want good mexican food, stick with Taco Bus or probably any other "authentic" mexican food place.
(3)Lenore S.
Food is amazing!! But the service is awful. Been here 4 or 5 times and service is usually pretty awful. It's also very noisey. But food is so good we keep coming back.
(3)Paul M.
Good food, good service, below average drinks. First of all, we reserved online and were called right away to say that there are no reservations at the weekend - peculiar since their site allows it. The restaurant is really nice inside. The bar where we waited for a table was nice, the bartender was really friendly and helpful. I tried the orange-rita which was pretty good, my companion had the mojito which was very sweet. The food was great, the duck taco starter was dekicius and the pork burrito was very tasty. Portions are generous so i would recommend going easy on appetisers. Our waiter was excellent, very attentive without hovering. I tried a house margarita with dinner and it was not good. All ice and margarita mix, no real taste. I would go back here but only for the food. It was disappointing that the margaritas were so poor for a Mexican place.
(4)Katie M.
One of my fav places in St. Pete. The service can be hit or miss (took about a half hour to get the check one time), but they have consistently great food. I would describe it as affordable gourmet Mexican. The menu is inventive and plays off of both authentic dishes as well as American favorites. I can't get enough of their tortas. The pork torta and the chorizo burger are at the of my list for favorite menu items. When with a group the dip trio (with queso, bean dip and gauc) is always a good choice. Their margaritas are pretty good too! If you're a big eater (like me), then stay awake from the tacos. They're good, but don't come with anything and don't really fill you up. This place is good for both dinner and brunch. Just arrive before peak hours cause they fill up fast! Especially the courtyard on a beautiful day/night.
(4)Misa C.
Excellent food, yummy magaritas. Brunch is the best in St. Pete. Can get a bit loud, but I like that! The courtyard is gorgeous. I'm a regular!
(5)Tina N.
One of the best restaurants in downtown St Pete. I have not been disappointed with anything I have ordered after many meals here. Tonight I had my favorite, the duck tacos with goat cheese. Also had a pomegranate margarita which was delish. For desert had the chocolate brownie with chocolate gelato, very good. You can't go wrong with anything you have at the Cantina or the 4th St Red Mesa. The outdoor seating/bar area at the Cantina is very nice and awesome to sit outside when it's not too hot.
(4)Aaron K.
A combination of great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, and great service made this place one that I will be likely to return to when I get back to St. Pete. In addition, I misplaced a receipt that I needed to be reimbursed for a business meal, and the staff, including Chris (a manager there), were very helpful in getting the receipt to me. Definitely check out the duck tortas.
(5)Richard N.
The best place ever! Almost every Sunday our friends gather for brunch outside by the fountain. The food is great, employees are friendly and the prices are good!
(5)Katie S.
Delicious! My husband and I took advantage of their "sunset menu". (Early bird menu) It's offered weekdays from 3-6. For $14 you get a drink.. margarita, sangria or beer...a Mexican salad, an entree and a dessert! I ordered the shredded beef enchiladas and my husband ordered Puntas de Filete: Filet tips, rajas, chipotle chile, jalapeños, tomatoes, queso fresco. Wow! Each bite was more amazing than the last. Each entree came with gallo pinto, which was the most flavorful rice/ beans I've ever eaten with an amazing chimichurri sauce on top! GO! You won't regret it... :)
(5)Erin S.
The food here is very good and they conveniently provide awesome options for a variety of pallets and appetites. Such a unique and delicious twist on traditional Mexican food. The atmosphere was beautiful- my only complaint was with the service. The hostesses were not at all friendly or welcoming and our waitress left us feeling neglected and unimportant; strange, given the significant number of drinks and entrees we ordered.
(4)Phil C.
This is not real Mexican food if you are looking for authentic Mexican do not come here. I order the duck cascades and it was good but it was more or less an appetizer. I had to go get something other to eat after. Also chips and salsa were not free and salsa was definitely not fresh.
(1)Kendall T.
The food overall is pretty good here. The ambiance is really what we came for, because the outdoor fountains, waterfalls, sculptures and music is all really lovely. Staff is friendly, and the only food item I don't recommend is the cactus & portabella taco. The shrimp and chicken tacos were very yummy, and so was the burrito. The major downfall was that our second visit here was on First Fridays so they had a live band in the bar area (which was fine) but it meant there was a big crowd. The two small bathrooms they have were both changed over to female only, and there was still a ridiculous line, and males have to go out & use a port-a-potty in the alley (srsly?). I had to wait 15 minutes to use the bathroom at dinner! That seems crazy to me. I think we will still go back to Red Mesa again, only not on a First Friday for dinner.
(4)JizzerJittery F.
I love everything about this place. The atmosphere, the food, the drinks. They have their ish together and it's not like other places that aren't chain restaurants that can't tell their head from their ---, the servers flow well throughout the restaurant and food gets delivered fresh and hot and customers don't slip through the cracks. The margaritas are awesome. Overall it's awesome... Ooohh try their desserts... hmmm fat kid status.
(5)Daniel Q.
Oh boy. Well to make it short the food here has been bad. My girlfriend and I have been here twice. The first time was about 6 months ago and the food was passable. I had the tacos and other than the steak they were mostly forgettable. Last night my girlfriend and I gave it another shot and were quite disappointed. First we had the chips and dip. The beans tasted like onions, the cheese dip tasted like it came out of a can, and the guacamole was very mediocre. For our main course I had the carne asada burrito. It was bad. There's really no other way to put it. My girlfriend had some chicken that she said was over cooked. At this point I can't see ever eating here again. The sad part is Red Mesa is so damn good, and Red Mesa Cantina....has been horrible. On the upside the patio is very nice as well as the interior of the restaurant.
(2)Brett R.
Went there for dinner. Arrived what I thought was early, but the place was filling up quickly. The service was good, but a little inexperienced. The entrees were served literally within minutes of the appetizer. There was no room on the table for everything. I ordered the sangria and there was so much ice that I was lucky to get 3 sips before the glass was all ice. Those issues aside, the food was excellent. The carne asada was cooked perfectly and the flavors melded well. The beans that came with it were extraordinary. Although I didn't try it, I was told the burrito was very good as well. So the inexperienced service causes me to give it fewer stars.
(3)Brock G.
Although I'm not a huge Mexican cuisine fan I absolutely loved Red Mesa. We sat in the courtyard which is very nice and relaxing. I tried the cucumber margarita and the hibiscus margarita, both were delicious. We had the guacamole for an app and I ordered the chicken quesadilla for my meal. The food was amazing, came out quickly and the service was great. Will be returning soon!
(5)Ronald T.
The atmosphere is Awesome!. The ambiance is so cool makes you want to have lunch there everyday. The food its allright....I had the enchiladas and there was any chicken in there. The wife ordered tacos and they were blend. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel welcome.
(3)Joseph K.
I would not consider this place authentic Mexican cuisine, but more of a mix of Tex-Mex and other Mexican dishes. The quality of the food is top and everything seems fresh. I recommended the Trio dip and chips to start. The ambiance is great outside, they surprisingly have decent ceviche. Drinks are good but a little pricey.
(3)Steve L.
Duck Taco was very delicious. Sweet plantains were good. Great atmosphere. Good service. Walking distance from anywhere downtown. Very affordable. Four ate for less than $50.
(4)Colleen M.
Great food, prompt service and fun atmosphere. My husband and I split an order of queso and an El Gordo chicken burrito. Both were delicious and it was more than enough food for two. The service was quick and attentive and the atmosphere was fun and unique. Will definitely come back when we are in town. It was cold when we were here, but would love to sit on their patio in warmer weather.
(5)Daniel K.
Yeah I am a fan. First, I must say that up until this year this rating would have been a 3. Much has changed in the last year. Better organization in the front of the house, better quality of food, better service, I just had a great time overall. If you have read enough of my reviews you know I really want to sit outside, middle of july no problem, shade provided and portable coolers. A bit loud but mission accomplished. The food was really great, had the same dish again, Carne Asada, wow what a nice updgrade to the dish from a year ago. Sauces, the corn on a stick, the steak cooked perfect from the sear to the seasoning, just a great dish; One that I will be going back to enjoy again. I want to thank the management. Feedback does work folks!!
(4)Brittany J.
Love the outdoor area...definitely an island vibe. They have water fountains n errthang. Salsa was delish (Im picky about salsa), frijoles churros Mmmm, and the steak tacis were yum too. The meat itself coulda used a little more flavor/seasoming but overall great place.
(4)Calvin M.
Amazing food. My favorites are the Borado ceviche, the mofongo, duck and mahi tuna tacos.
(5)Jeff E.
I've been coming to the St Pete Clearwater area for years and am shocked that I only recently discovered this place. Food is superior, service is good, there was a good energy to the place even though it was a rainy wed and the place has character.
(5)Timothy O.
Great lunch, server Lindsey was quick, food prep was quick and loved all we had to eat. Thanks for another great meal Seafood Quesadilla is a must!!
(5)Kristen P.
Just had chips and guacamole but it was good. Outside ambiance is nice...plan to return soon!
(5)Sara I.
We were in the area visiting the Dali museum, and stopped at this restaurant for lunch based on the yelp reviews. The service was good for a lunch service. The place was pretty much empty, maybe 3 other tables in the inside dining room, definitely more on the outside patio. The waitress was helpful, and the menu was simple. Definitely high priced. We would compare these prices to New York City lunch prices. The chips were crunchy, not oily and I enjoyed the salsa, though it was loose, not texturally appealing, and seemed bottled. The guacamole portion was a good size but I thought it lacked some salt and was a bit slimy. But my husband liked it, so maybe just a preferential thing for me :) He had the duck tacos which were very sweet, and I thought the meat was a little dry. He also had the Baja fish taco, which felt more sweet than savory, as the sauce kind of buried the flavors. The steak quesadillas were good, but they really weren't special. The corn salsa on the side enhanced the flavor, but again, was pretty sweet. We had plantains on the side which were yummy but came with an unnecessary crema dipping sauce. The sauce was good but did nothing for the plantains. Overall, the place was okay. If you're looking for a Mexican food fill and not authenticity or memorable flavors, they will do the trick. Their happy hour prices were affordable and they had a lot of tequila choices. I probably wouldn't go back, maybe dinner is better, but it wasn't worth a $40 lunch.
(2)Mark T.
Seriously great food - Chicken Fernandez is always awesome. Speciality drinks are also really good - they have a hibiscus margarita that's great. This place has a great atmosphere as well.
(5)Gretchen C.
Can you say MOFUNGO? Best top shelf margarita in the Burg! Crab Shrimp quesadilla is phenomenal!
(4)Meg M.
Service + Atmosphere + Mexican Food = WINNING! Dad and I went to Red Mesa for lunch after the Dali Museum and a walk around St Petersburg. I swear they treated us like celebs! Granted the place wasn't packed for lunch but all the staff greeted us as we came in and the hostess let us have our pick of tables in the pretty outdoor dining area. She even turned the fan down for me so that it wasn't directly facing us throughout the meal! Our waiter hooked us up with beers and waters from the beginning. Dad tried the Drifter beer (I think it was a lager) and although the waiter wasn't really sure how to describe it, we both really enjoyed it! I ended up ordering the gordo burrito with tofu and dad ordered the crab and shrimp quesadilla. Both were based on the waiter's recommendation and man, he was spot on! (I just have to reiterate the TOFU is a choice for a burrito filling here! Vegetarians, rejoice!) Dad's quesadilla was open-face and smothered in cheese. It tasted really good with the fresh seafood and had a delicate but spicy sauce on it that he loved. It was the perfect size for a lunch plate. ... But then I had him help me finish my burrito! My meal was AWESOME. Definitely not the healthiest but, hey, I had worked out this morning AND and on vacation so I was all over that jalapeno cream sauce! the burrito was huge- about the size of my forearm- but I managed to devour half of it in record time! The tofu was great and the burrito had a great balance of beans, rice, tofu, salsa and cheese. The sauce on top was delish and the salsa on the side was fresh and made with lots of cilantro- just the way I like it! I would totally recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual lunch spot with excellent service... the Mexican fare hit the spot for us!
(5)Quincy C.
I went there tonight for dinner. I had the Baha fish tacos. The tacos were perfect. I got two because one is not enough. I like the trendy atmosphere. It was super busy inside. The service was quick with our food. The only thing was the bathroom line situation. I had to wait in line to use the bathroom, however I met some interesting people.
(4)Felix A.
Just had an awesome lunch. The service was great; our waiter was very attentive to our large group. As always, the shrimp al mojo was delicious except the veggies were a little tough. I'm really feeling that Iced Tea. It's one of my favorites! Thanks for the great lunch experience!
(4)Lauren S.
Overall: Decent tex-mex, nice atmosphere.... don't order the house margarita. Food: We started with chips and queso and no one had trouble going back to the bowl chip after chip. It's thicker than what some mexican restaurants try to pass off as cheese dip - and I like it better this way! The quesadillas weren't anything to write home about very cheese and the meat was fine... would have preferred a little zip. Maybe some onions/peppers? Drinks: We ordered a pitcher of the house margaritas, each poured a glass, took a sip, and immediately looked at each other and said "is there tequila in here?" We finished half the pitcher before asking our server "is it possible the bartender was distracted and forgot to add the tequila?" She said no, but admitted the house ones are pre-mixed and stored in a giant container. Apparently the "hand crafted" margaritas are the way to go. Oh well, live and learn! Service/Atmosphere: We had a little trouble tracking down our server in the beginning, but eventually found her and after that all was fine. The outdoor courtyard was nice (despite the fact it was 115 degrees with 100% humidity.)
(3)Kia G.
Let me just say that the service on the patio sucks. Which I already knew going in so it wasn't a big deal. The atmosphere outside at night is beautiful and perfect for date night. the tequila selection is amazing, and they carry don Julio which is my favorite next to patron. We tried the oyster shooters first and they were spicier than expected, but had a really great flavor and the portion was perfect for a starter. I had the cantinita ceviche and my date had the duck taco and the ahi taco. we shared both items and they were delicious. I would recommend this place, but don't go in expecting great service...
(4)John M.
Jason is always a great bartender. Perfect cucumber margaritas. And the food is outstanding. Ceviche, tuna tacos, and shrimp tacos were what was for dinner tonight and I was stuffed. Great atmosphere and the perfect temperature helped to make for a very nice night outside at the bar.
(5)Sam S.
Amazing food. Mahi ceviche and duck tacos were great! Cocktails were also very good. Large margarita selection
(5)Kim R.
First let me start by saying that the food here is delicious. I ordered guacamole, taco salad, salsa and a mimosa at Geek breakfast today and it was all amazing! This review would have gotten a 4 or 5 star if it wasnt for the ridiculous service we received once our bill came. #1 we ordered queso asking in advance if there was meat in it. Our waitress said no, but upon receiving it realized that there was indeed chorizo in it. They were going to take it away, but one person in our party (of 15) asked if they were going to dump it and if so just leave it, someone might eat it. No one ended up touching it, by the way. #2 when asking about checks they asked who was paying for the queso... Uhhh it wasnt what we ordered so why are we paying $7 for it?! After a semi-heated argument and her eluding that they wouldnt have left it because they dont..... Basically sounds like they were going to dump it back in the giant pot of simmering queso or give it to the next table that ordered queso... According to the manager "we don't give away food for nothing", "we don't waste". I sure hope my other food wasn't recycled!!!!!!!! #3 the waitress knew she was guaranteed a tip because of the large party we sat with so on top of a $7 waste for something that was not eaten I also paid almost $6 tip. I wasted $13 on top of the gas on the drive over from the Tampa side only to be told by the manager that "That's not what he was told" and "we don't do things like that" (in reference to leaving something that was ALREADY SITTING ON A TABLE WITH A CHIP IN IT). #4 Your prices online are not the same as your prices at your restaurant. It may not be that big of a deal, but let's go back to the money I've wasted so far on this adventure. Your mimosas for example are incorrect online. #5 in ordering our meals my friend asked if she could get a dish minus tomato (allergies) and was told it was in the pico. When asking to hold the pico she was told that the chef doesnt do custom dishes because they are too busy.... This experience saddens me because the food is really really great, but I can't see myself going back to an establishment where the manager shrugs off a potentially serious situation and the chef only wants to make his life easy not satisfy a food allergy.
(3)Michael Angelo R.
Great every time. Best salsa! Blackened chicken salad for lunch was amazing,fresh and abundant. Barely could eat dinner. Great sangria. Will always be back!
(5)Melissa G.
Fantastic dinner all around with a great atmosphere in the courtyard! We were in town on vacation and checked this place out on a whim. Loved everything about it and our waiter made some great recommendations in both food and drink departments! We will definitely be back on our next trip!
(5)Rae S.
I have been to Red Mesa countless times, because somehow it has designated itself as THE place to go for group gatherings and girls nights. I fucking hate it. The food is definitely hit or miss - mostly miss. It is not Tex-Mex, or mexican - it is a yuppie place with a theme. Sometimes the tacos are delightful, other times they are sloppily made and tasteless. The burritos are better everywhere else. Chips and dips are a highlight, and that is saying something. If you can afford to eat here, you can afford the gas to go somewhere better. I have been overcharged on several occasions, with items sneaking on to my receipt that I didn't order or consume more than once. I am definitely not the person to complain or mention this to the waiter - though one time, there was a $2.00 surcharge for "rocks" in a drink (rocks = ice). We were joking about it as a table and the waitress heard, so we asked about it (friendly, wasn't her policy or fault). The manager came over with a bull shit excuse, was rude and unhelpful, and made us glad that he didn't have the opportunity to spit in our food. I will say the service is great, and the wait staff is ALWAYS friendly and helpful. One redeeming quality in an otherwise over-hyped over-priced mediocre restaurant.
(1)Jennifer C.
I love love love this restaurant! My favorite thing to the order is the Mofongo, but I also love all the duck dishes, especially the duck quesadillas. I just had the Seafood Mofongo (only available for lunch) for the first time and it was amazing. It was just one ball of delicious fried plantains, yucca and carnitas, which is so good all on its own but then they sat in a bowl of sauteed shrimp, scallops and calamari in a tequila lime butter sauce. It was one of the best things I've ever eaten. I only wish it were slightly bigger. So the food is spectacular but the service is pretty darn good every time we go, no matter if it's a slow weekday lunch or a busy weekend dinner. Local celebs like it too. I was there yesterday and terry Bolea, AKA Hulk Hogan, was on the other side of the dining room eating lunch like everyone else. As for the atmosphere, it's kind of sweet and romantic outside with it's tall bamboo blocking out the 3rd Street traffic and the fountain and waterfall bubbling quietly in the courtyard. I like that the tables have umbrellas for shade and shelter from the regular afternoon showers. The inside is a bit more hip. I love the floors and and the modern but comfy white chairs. It's fun getting to watch the kitchen from your seat too. This is a place we love to bring our out of town friends and family too, as well as a favorite lunch/dinner date destination. My only complaint is the lack of parking. On a busy day, we sometimes have to park several blocks away and walk to the restaurant, but it's worth it!
(5)J T.
I was just here with my girlfriend and ended up walking out after fifteen minutes of being completely ignored by the five bartenders standing around chatting, even after making eye contact. We have never had such a hard time getting service on a sunday afternoon when it's not busy. We won't be back.
(1)Dimi B.
Excellent tofu tacos (ask for fresh habanero peppers on the side). Cara was a fantastic server. Wonderful ambience sitting outside in the fountain area. Will definitely visit again. Very scant vegetarian menu, or I would've given it 5 stars.
(4)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I had no complaints! --- --- --- I had visited Red Mesa a couple of years ago but I actually couldn't remember much about it. That is a rarity, but it wasn't so bad after all, as it gave me an excuse to visit again. We had the chips sampler that came with queso, guacamole and salsa - which were all great. For my meal I went with the good ole' appetite satisfier - The Steak Burrito. It wasn't authentic close to Mexican food, but it tasted great. That's all I needed, something that tasted great. I'll save my authentic snobiness for another night. Whatever kind of cheese was spread out over the top, it was am-fan-az-tas-ing-tic. Yep, that word hurt my brain to type, but that's how great it was. Our food came out very quickly and our servers were very friendly (we had a veteran and a trainee.) I will return to Red Mesa, it's a rare find to come across a great spot in St. Pete, I haven't had much luck.
(4)Ryan A.
I don't understand the hype. The food is average and service is awful, unless you're at the bar. Apparently, everything in the kitchen is pre portioned and heated in the microwave, so there's a strict 'you-get-it-the-way-we-serve-it' policy (I asked for spinach to be added to a quesadilla, which was absolutely out of the question). And according to the staff, their chef is a complete dick, so they're scared to even ask for substitutions. It's unfortunate because that's a beautiful space.
(1)Regina C.
Red Mesa cantina is a Mexican infused Restaurant with great flavor and a fun atmosphere. The food is fantastic and the drinks are great as well. For the sangria lovers, I recommend the white one. The mojito is very refreshing and tasty. The dishes I have tried have all been delicious. For the meat lovers, I recommend the carne azada and the churrasco. The empanadas the tacos are awesome as well.
(5)Julie S.
My husband and I had dinner here for the first time. Our waiter was great, he was always right there when we needed something. We ordered the Cadillac Margaritas and they were sooooo small and just mediocre. The food is just OK. Now I admit I am picky with my Mexican food as I grew up in California and then lived in Arizona. Needless to say I finished dinner still craving some good Mexican/ tex-mex.... I'm not saying I won't go back but I won't think of the restaurant while craving Mexican!
(3)Rachel T.
Red Mesa can fit so many occassions. I've gone in my summer dress for an afternoon bloody mary in the outside bar area, to have my first meeting with my beloved wedding planner, with friends in casual night wear for dinner inside, and all dolled up for night drinks and the amazing new years party. I have to say, I can't pick a favorite. The place is large enough that you will fit in somewhere, hiding or flaunting it off. The New Years on the roof was fairly epic with lounge seating, dancing, and debauchery outside on the street...so you know it was a proper new years adventure. The food is great -- you can bring your family and sit inside. The drinks are awesome and I highly recommend their bloody mary.
(5)Xamlinnette D.
We got here by mistake looking for Mesa Restaurant but it was a good experience after all. Love the mofongos! We ate different small tacos, my boyfriend had the chicken, pork and steak and me the shrimp and fish overall they were ok. It's a nice place to just to hang out.
(4)Alex A.
Great food and ambiance to enjoy. Must try the sangria.
(5)Amanda C.
I absolutely love Mexican food and Red Mesa did not disappoint. I can't believe how long it has taken me to eat here but I am so glad I finally got the chance. To start I had the La Roseangel margarita which was spicy, strong and perfect! I also tried the house hibiscus margarita which was alright, not that great but pretty much what you expect for a house margarita. For an appetizer a friend and I shared the guacamole. There were so many choices on the menu that looked appetizing, but for my lunch entree I chose the duck quesadilla. Orange braised duck with jack cheese, goat cheese and pineapples with a honey chipotle vinaigrette. What a delicious explosion of flavors in my mouth! I'm excited for my next visit so I can try something new on the menu!
(4)Carrie S.
If I could give this place negative stars, I would. 6 margaritas with no buzz? Puh-lease. On the 4th margarita, I started ordering a side of tequila just to get a buzz. What did they mix their lime juice with - water? Pathetic! I'm sure other bartenders are better. Just don't visit the outside bar... Unless you plan on spending an insane amount of money.
(1)Scott W.
I'm surprised this place has such good reviews. We ordered a few appetizers and they were so bad we went somewhere else. The nachos don't come with any cheese!
(2)Felicia B.
I love this place! I've been here several times with friends and family and they've all loved it. I've had the Ceviche, Mofongo, El Gordo, Fried Yuca, and many more dishes and I loved them all. My only complaint is that the waitresses sometimes forget to check on you.
(4)Dylan R.
My wife and I ate here while visiting St. Petersburg for a night. We sat in the courtyard and the atmosphere was great. The hostess sat us immediately and our server (Angie) was right there and took good care of us. The food was amazing. We got the chips and dip for an appetizer, my wife ordered the chicken quesadilla, and I ordered the mofongo, which I never had before and loved. The prices were very reasonable for the quality provided. I would definitely recommend this place and wished it wasn't so far away from my home!
(4)John S.
Red Mesa kicked off a week of great dining experiences in St. Petersburg. We went for an early lunch after touring Old Tampa Bay and the pier. There is a wide selection of beers on tap and the bartenders know how to make complicated spring and summer drinks to refresh the weary traveler. For starters we had the guacamole, cheese, beans with cilantro trio. Served in a connected bowl there was just enough of each for the three of us. They weren't the best of these I've ever had, but they were unique. One of the interesting notes of some of the appetizers and entrees was the latent heat. I don't like spicy food very much. One, I can't handle it, and two, it is usually a gimmick that replaces quality food with crap and hot sauce. The latent heat in many of Red Mesa's dishes came after the initial flavor hit your mouth then lingered just briefly. This is to me exactly what a moderate spicy flavor should add to a meal. For lunch I had the pork belly quesadilla special. It was good and comes with a heart bypass--or should. My amigos had the steak fajita tacos with fresh avocado, and the shredded beef enchilada. Both were good.
(5)Michael W.
Best tacos I have ever eaten! Duck taco with goat cheese and chili jelly was perfect, Baja Fish taco was light and fresh, and the steak taco was fantastic. The Duck was far and away my favorite. Service was excellent and the atmosphere was abuzz live music and a great downtown crowd. We sat in the outdoor courtyard that features a unique waterfall with a small river that runs through it. As a side note, we were here on a Sunday night so parking meters were off (free).
(5)Jenny S.
Such a great place to go eat. The ahi tuna tacos are incredible and the ceviche is amazing. It's not your run of the mill Mexican joint so don't expect that. It's a higher quality and a bit outside the box which really makes it fun. In the heart of downtown St. Pete it's a must! Inside and outside seating with a great courtyard.
(4)Beth S.
Yesterday, while driving back to Tampa from Sarasota, I was craving Mexican food. My boyfriend suggested Red Mesa and we were both practically drooling by the time we parked as we were both pretty hungry. The hostess had us wait until a table was cleared and I took the opportunity to head to the restroom. I stood in line for the restroom about 5-6 minutes (people were taking a long time in there) and saw my boyfriend sit down. I got to the table and no one had come by with menus or to take a drink order. The boyfriend and I watched servers wait on the tables around us but not one of them even looked our way. We were both really hungry and it was so nice out that we decided to wait a bit longer. About 10 minutes passed since I had sat down when we started to realize that no one was coming. Another couple nearby had empty drinks. We saw one server go back to another table no less than 3 times but appeared to see only that table. It was very strange. I waited tables for a very long time, from 18-25, and I just don't understand how every server in our vacinity ignored us completely. After another few minutes we decided to leave. Hungry, thirsty, and very disappointed. As we walked out we passed the manager and let him know we'd never been greeted, much less had a drink order taken. He apologized and we could have stayed but at that point we just felt it was best for us to move on. I'm not sure I'd go back to a place with such little teamwork and for lack of a better term, no service.
(1)Cheryl M.
3.5 - very good food - the crab and shrimp quesadilla was great! Guac was very good, that's my measure of great mexican food. The ambiance was great - unfortunately, it rained and we had to move inside - I would have preferred to be outside, but alas, Mother Nature did not cooperate.
(4)Patty D.
I've been to Red Mesa Cantina a couple of times, and I always leave there full and happy. Brunch on Sundays are my favorite! Love the menu and price is very reasonable!
(4)Natalie Y.
omg omg omg this is too delicious LOVE IT.
(5)Susan B.
The food is good. Service very spotty. At the end of the meal and the night at the restaurant our server left the bill and disappeared with most of the staff. After waiting a long time with no one in site. We went to the hostess and got a manager. No apology. Seems amazing to have the staff disapear most likely on a smoke break
(2)Mr. X.
Some of the most bland Mexican food I've had. Unacceptable for the price.
(2)Doug N.
Well I had brunch here this past Sunday and I was very impressed. I had one of the best bloody marys I've had, and I also tried their 'Michelada' drink which was delicious as well. My food was excellent (I had the Plato Oaxaca and then the churros with hot chocolate for dessert) , the service was good, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable. Recommended! I will be going back for sure.
(5)Patrick O.
The Ahi Tuna Tacos were the best I've ever had!
(4)Rebecca D.
Excellent food, great environment, family-friendly. If you can sit outside, it is one of the most lovely outdoor dining experiences in St. Petersburg. Just AVOID for Sunday brunch. We were there for Mother's Day at 11:30 and waited over an hour for our food and several longer than acceptable intervals for drinks and other service. Our waiter and the kitchen were clearly NOT prepared for the Mother's Day brunch rush and there was no excuse for that.
(3)Andy F.
The location is amazing. You can sit outside in a lush courtyard. There are a lot of beautiful people that eat here, whether you're inside, outside, or at the bar. I had the octopus appetizer, which was done with a spicy southwest flair. They have a great beer selection here, which includes many crafts. For dinner, I had a duck taco, which was made with goat cheese and a chili jelly... delicious! I also had the Mofongo. This was amazing. Three huge lumps of pork carnitas, plantains, yucca, and a green chili oil. A lot of food for $6. I also tried the ahi tuna wrap, which was very tasty with a horseradish sauce. The service can be a bit slow due to crowd, but the servers are very friendly. Definitely a delicious upscale meal at a more than fair price in a lively, beautiful atmosphere.
(5)Cam B.
Delicious! Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine - give RMC a try. You won't be disappointed. Started with combo appetizer plate - any little bit of this and a little bit of that. Good choice. Ordered fresh grouper which came with Fresh toppings, home made salsa - "off the chart" flavor. wife ordered shrimp - seasoned perfectly with rice. We didn't order Margaritas, but they looked delicious. Service was equal to any fine dining steakhouse such as Fleming's or Charlies. Nice staff! Last, super Kudo's to kitchen staff serving it all up. Our dish not only tasted delicious but looked great as well! Nice work!!!! Owners have a diamond here.... Build one in Spring Hill! Thanks
(5)Arlene Z.
Outstanding! Great Ceviche and red Sangria. No one in our group was disappointed. Definitely Not your typical Tex-Mex slobbered in velveeta.
(4)Christina G.
We were visiting St. Pete for the first time and checked out Yelp to see where we might want to land for dinner. I love me some good Mexican food so the Red Mesa Cantina sounded like a good place. We arrived and saw quite a few people waiting outside so I was a little concerned. We walked up to the hostess stand (seemed like there was 4 or 5 girls standing there) and were "greeted" quite curtly. "How many?" "Just two of us." "Two. Inside." She threw two menus at one of her minions without even a look and were shown inside. On the way we walked past a beautiful courtyard, but I guess we weren't even given the option to wait for a seat out there if we wanted. So inside it was. And inside was LOUD. I'm not old and I'm not beyond a rowdy place. But the decibels weren't matching the dimly lit decor. Our waiter was very nice, prompt, and checked on us the appropriate amount of times. We ordered a couple drinks and chips and salsa (which at 99% of Mexican restaurants are free, but not here, and it's extra for refills). I ordered two tacos, the duck and the beef. Both were good but almost $10 for two pretty simple tacos? My husband ordered the seafood mofongo (although I wouldn't call it a traditional mofongo). He really enjoyed it and it was the perfect amount. We also got the churros for dessert. Perhaps it was just a SUPER busy night. Perhaps the stars just weren't aligned for us. But at this time I can't justify the price and the initial rudeness we encountered.
(3)Rachel P.
My co-worker and I went for lunch. The service was fast and the waiter was friendly. I had Tofu Tacos and my co-worker had the Pork Enchiladas, both delicious!! We ordered desert the Apple Empandas and the Plantain Chocolate Chimichanga. Both of these desserts came with a delicious Gelato, which was so good. The inside is very trendy decorated with amateur wrestling masks. Would definitely come back to this place!!
(4)Ashley S.
--- Short Synopsis --- Good food and atmosphere!! It can get warm and humid in here during the summer though. I really enjoyed the flavorful ahi tuna taco, the juicy duck torta, and the tasty seafood mofongo!!! Unfortunately, the duck taco (meat) was real
(4)Thomas A.
A top-qual Sunday Brunch! The grill-kissed chorizo breakfast burrito was outstanding, as was the Mexican Coffee (half Mexican hot chocolate, half coffee). Nice bustling atmosphere with a laid back vibe. Prices were amazingly fair for downtown St Pete! What took it over the top was the special "extra hot" orange-ish salsa they made for me. I forget the name of it, but my face was melting by the time I finished my meal. As with most Mexican restaurants in Florida, you have to ask specifically for the extra hot stuff. I think I could pretty much live solely on food from the three Red Mesa incarnations around town.
(4)Gerald M.
Red Mesa Cantina is a nice escape. Had the soft fajita taco which was really good. That and chips with assortment of dips filled me up. Great for lunch or an evening with friends.
(4)Natasha D.
I really like Red Mesa Cantina! It has the best patio in St Pete and off the beaten path of Central Ave so it's not so obnoxious. They serve decent Mexican style food. I wouldn't call it authentic but they have a decent selection of dishes. I LOVE the duck taco, it's one of the best menu items. My mother gets the empanada when she is in town. It's a little small but good she says. The trio of dips is really good! The Shrimp al Mojo is excellent. Had the Chicken Fernandez and was not impressed, it was very bland. On the brunch menu, the vegetarian bowl is awesome and served with fresh fruit. And if you come on Saturday or Sunday before 2pm, they have flavored mimosas for $4. To me the food is OK. It's not real Mexican so I'm not thrilled, but close enough. I wish these restaurants would serve free chips and salsa! The happy hour specials are great with half off wells, house margaritas, and house wines. Good happy hour! Bartenders are super friendly and staff is welcoming. I come here to unwind a lot after work. Very nice place! I always recommend this place to out of towners.
(4)Kaley C.
Red Mesa Cantina (not to be confused with Red Mesa down the street) was great. Our party of six had to wait about 40 minutes for a table, but the bar was easily accessible and there were high tops on the sidewalk outside, so the wait went very quickly. We sat outside in the patio area which was nice, until it started to rain. The team's response to the rain was very good. At the sight of sprinkles, team members came out of the restaurant with big umbrellas to cover all the tables. It wasn't perfect and we did have to huddle to stay dry, but it was far better than having our meal ruined on account of typical Florida weather. They have many different types of margaritas. I went with the Cadillac margarita and it was great. I ordered the mofongo as an appetizer and loved the taste. I liked how it was served in appetizer form. Perfect for sharing. I ordered two of the tacos- ahi tuna and baja fish. The baja fish was by far my favorite. I was a little disappointed with the texture of the tuna. Other people at my table who ordered the same shared this opinion. My boyfriend really liked the tofu tacos and was happy there were easy veggie options. Overall, everyone was satisfied. Margaritas were great. The price was a little steep, but it was a nice night out. Would visit again.
(4)Raymond G.
Great environment to have some fun. Its been a while since i've been to a place with such a great outdoor area. I'm excited to come back here on first Fridays and to some of their other events. Any time you mix good drinks, a live band, and a good group of people, you're in for a good time. I haven't had an extensive amount of food here but from what I have had, some things I really like, and some things I'm just ok with. But the one thing I know is that whatever it is they are making, they make it well. Thats the great thing about places like this, you feel free to explore the menu, and the rest is just up to taste. You learn from experience and this place will leave you with a good one. The only down side on my part was the pricing, but I guess they have good reason for that. All in all, great experience and will come back!
(4)Enit S.
With all the people waiting outside, I thought this restaurant was going to be a real goldmine but I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Don't get me wrong, it's ok, but that's about it. As stated before, there was a bit of a line just to check in and the whole patio was taken up because it was a really nice evening and the views of a rocky fountain they have look pretty nice so we opted to eat inside where there was no wait time. I will say this, food and drinks came out promptly, and our waitress was attentive. I ordered a seafood mofongo priced at $11 I thought was a steal, but when I think mofongo, I think traditional green plantains, mojo, pork and they use sweet plantains here. It was still good, and they were not stingy with the seafood I just prefer traditional mofongo. One of my dining companions however was over the moon with the use of sweet plantains. I think it literally blew his mind to such a degree that he ordered another plate of it. Again, it's up to your own preference but be aware that it's not traditional mofongo and it's really up to the individual's taste. I tried my friends vegan tofu taco, I thought it was great and also sampled another friends pulled beef burrito and that was good but nothing really stuck out for me here.
(3)Denise A.
I was here during Saturday brunch and it was pretty crazy. Very busy but the service was spot on. The patio looked really nice but it was pouring rain so... I had a margarita and it was generously poured and flavorful. The two people I was with and I all ordered off of the brunch/breakfast menu. My scrambled eggs and beans with corn tortillas were pretty ordinary, but the SAUCE (chile verde)!! Oh yeah, a great sous chef can make everything yummy! Friends gave a big thumbs up for the sweet potato pancakes and scrambled egg burrito. I loved the weird art selection and funny Mexican wrestling posters too.
(4)Christian H.
I thought it was pretty good. I had some tasty ceviche and a fish taco. The chicken quesadilla was ok, nothing crazy. And the churros was lovely. Get here before 6 pm.
(4)Jessica S.
Red Mesa continues to provide the best food! We were there this weekend and enjoyed the mofongo and ahi tuna salad. Always fresh. Always fantastic service. Can't rave enough about the hibiscus margaritas!!
(5)Coty S.
My Mom loves Mexican food, so I thought that she would like Red Mesa Cantina's $84.00 breakfast. That does not include tip... Because everyone likes to feel special sometimes. Even if it comes with a Red Mesa price tag. The food is fresh and flavorful, but I have had the same quality from a taco truck. Ceviche was also nice, but I have had better at restaurants that specialize in ceviche dishes. My favorite items at this cantina are: 1. Mexican style grilled corn on the cob, covered in crumbled salty Mexican cheese. 2. Mofongo- it is an interesting interpretation of mofongo, but mouthwatering nonetheless. 3. Chips with Dip Trio- the price is not that ridiculous on this snack. 4. Cucumber Mojito- it is overly expensive, but just order it already. Hence their name being "cantina, " I recommend skipping the brunching crowd and sit at the gorgeous patio bar, hand the bartender your life savings, drink yummy drinks, and snack until your heart is content. Sitting inside if for the birds.
(3)Boon C.
We were near the St. Pete downtown and my colleagues suggest the red Mesa for lunch. I was here before and I was having dinner last time. This is the first time I having lunch. The location is convenient for the downtown St. Pete. They have the outside and inside sitting area. Today is heavy pollen time with the oaks tree is blooming, sitting out is not a good idea. The setting is very modern. It may be a good place lunch bite get on the way to work. The food came out quick for this restaurant during lunch time. I have order three taco. The duck, steak, and ahi tuna taco. The ahi tuna is seared and mix with green, wasabi and soy sauce. I feel that the tuna is not well season. They did not seared long enough to allow fish burn taste. The steak taco is mixed with Rajas and jack cheese. I am not a fan. The duck taco duck is orange duck. By adding the goat cheese, it destroys the beauty taste of the duck orange sauce. Sometime thing should not mixed together and this one of the example. Overall the serving is great and the food came out fast make they deserve 3 star.
(3)Amara G.
Are there spices that remain at the tip of our tongue? Are there spices that dive in right into the back of our throats? Which spices just make you cry? We pondered about such existential depths yesterday at Red Mesa Cantina. I don't know if we got too deep because the service took so long, or because when the agave margaritas finally arrived we were just giddy out of low blood sugar levels. We had parked way far and faraway. I mean fa-arrrr. Very much away from the cantina. It was a beautifully hot sunny and sweaty day to walk around downtown St. Pete wearing all black (even if in short shorts) and platform high heels. I admit I can go from fashionista to fashion victim often. No bueno! I looked like one of those storks that one sees lost and confused amidst the landscaped divider of a very busy street. Only the storks have longer necks. Come to really think of it... yes, the skinny long legs are exactly the same. The bony knees too. A lower body that can barely sustain its upper torso. Drops kept falling down my cheeks under the Ford black sunglasses. I kept drying the sweat drops away, emotionally unstable, like a crazy widow. I needed those margaritas fast. Parched and starved, I become high maintenance. I tapped my French manicured nails on the table as I tried to block out Bon Jovi "Living on a Prayer." Why do I dislike Mexican restaurants that play rock and roll music? I secretly wished all Ruth Chris, Olive Garden and Berns started surprising patrons with mariachi bands more often. Maybe some flamenco too? I know... I can be such a pain. The agave margaritas did the trick. Two of those tart babies in twenty minutes. A six-dollars-a piece mental spa. Did I mention the service was slow? Ten more minutes to anticipate the appetizers: Bean dip and chips, mofongo and carne frita with chimichurri sauce. I found the bean dip runny and rather flavorless. Rather unappealing in presentation. There was a hint of cumin and cilantro among the blandness. It needed substance and whole lot of more queso fresco. The mofongo and carne frita (why was that on the menu if that is a classic Puerto Rican dish? Never mind, it was great!) Consisted of three balls of deliciousness worth a fork fight. Salty and sweet, crunchy and tender. Memorable. Since the green-eyed foodie possesses the delicate and tender touch of a Great Dane puppy, she managed to spill an entire water glass that cascaded down onto laps (refreshingly Fifty Shades of Gray), pooled on the concave white chairs and dripped onto the floor. We all stood up in unison rambunctious and chaotic. The five paper napkins were certainly not enough to stop our own Watergate scandal. Did I mention the service was slow? Eventually this really cute guy helped us out with a cloth towel. After five minutes of infamous notoriety, we sat down for our main dishes. Chicken enchiladas with salsa verde, Pork enchiladas with tomato havanero sauce, Beef tacos, Yucca Frita and Chipotle filet burrito. Beautiful presentation. Big plates. Big spice where we never thought of. The green enchiladas were the spiciest, and I had asked the level of spiciness because of my Angelina Jolie lip propensity. I was told they would be mild. The joke was on me. The servers must had seen me tapping that table in exasperation and gotten even. The tomato with havanero sauce we had expected to be cooked in hell's cauldron. It had no spice. So the green-eyed Dalmatian traded with me. It was good food. By the time we left, the place was packed. I guess it is quite popular. Would I return? No. Would I recommend it? Yes, for the agave margaritas and the mofongo. But I make better organic margaritas and an even better mofongo. And I am faster at it too.
(3)Chris M.
Odd place. Really nice ambience. Small waterfalls surround a courtyard where outdoor diners can enjoy themselves. The chips and dip taste good, but they look like Velveeta and canned beans, which doesn't fit how nice your surroundings are here. It seemed like such a strange pairing. The Shrimp al Mojo however is excellent. Great presentation, delicious - fits the expectation set upon walking in. I got the: Baja fish taco: Delicious, would get again Chicken taco: kinda boring I'd definitely come back to show off St Pete on a nice day. I'll be picky about the menu.
(4)Jennifer B.
We dined here on a Saturday night recently and had a really nice experience. The wait without a reservation was only 20 minutes at prime dinner time. I think we got lucky because it was packed! The staff was efficient & courteous. We had the Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Taquitos & Carne Asada. All very good & light...which left plenty of room for the Passion Fruit Margarita's, which were also delicious! Beautiful outdoor seating area. Great place for a date!
(4)Mailoha A.
My friend and I were not having the best luck finding a place to have dinner on MLK. Who knew that so many restaurants would be closed for MLK?? Well we obviously had no idea. Anyway, after some Yelp browsing we came across Red Mesa. It's on the corner of 3rd St N and 2nd Ave S. As soon as you walk up their is someone outside to greet you. You have the option of sitting outside in a patio or inside. The night was cold when we went so we chose to sit inside. Our waiter was very friendly. He came over right away and greeted us. We were really hungry so after he took our drinks order we asked him for recommendations. He did of course give us the "everything on the menu is great" line but we finally got him to give us a few of his favorites. We ordered a few tacos, the mofongo and the bombas. My favorite was the mofongo. Ask for extra sauce. Just trust me. I also really enjoyed the plantain dessert. Note, this is not your typical tex mex. You will realize this as soon as you walk inside to be seated. You will also find that their menu options are very different from what you are used to seeing. I didn't mind that. I always like seeing restaurants put a twist on things :) We had a great time and really enjoyed the food.
(4)Ally S.
Their Civiche was delicious. The only part i hate is that we couldn't take reservation. So my party of 8 had to wait an hour. Now that I think of it, probably their trick for us to buy drinks at the bar. One of their bathroom was stalled up. So there was only two down stairs. Big line and only one toilette. But the the food was good. A little pricey. I would only show up for dinner for special occasions.
(3)Josh N.
On my first venture into downtown St. Pete I'm very happy to have found this little gem. From the moment we walked in the staff was very pleasant, helpful and outgoing we ordered the chips and dip "antos" we ordered was absolutely delicious. I'm not normally a tofu person but these tacos were absolutely delicious and I genuinely enjoyed not getting any pressure from any member of the staff to order quickly or dessert or any of the extras I'm wholly satisfied with my visit and would recommend it
(5)Donna N.
This is my first visit and it won't be my last. I ordered the Eggs Benedicto. Just delicious...2 gorditas topped with guacamole, tomato slice, crispy bacon, poached eggs, chipotle cream sauce and quest fresco served with fresh fruit consisting of cantaloupe, honey dew melon and strawberries. Best brunch ever!j
(4)Tari K.
Nice atmosphere but extremely overpriced. Paid $24 for one lunch. Two fish tacos will cost you $9.90!!! And they weren't even that flavorful. Staff kept staring awkwardly at me and my friend. I guess we didn't fit into the mold of the other pretties there. Pretty place, pretty people, fake personas.
(2)Leslie F.
I've heard mixed reviews about Red Mesa, but I refuse to be swayed. Their food has always been fresh, fun and flavorful. The ambiance is awesome too. During the day, one can opt to relax on their patio where live music is sometimes an occurrence. At night, it is high energy with loud music and lively crowds as it is the bottom floor neighbor to the hip nightclub, Push. Their ceviche, Ahi tuna tacos, malfongo are all superb but whatever you do, be sure to try the duck taco. It is sweet and savory nirvana. Their hand-muddled margaritas and caipirinhas aren't too shabby either.
(4)Peter P.
We were seated immediately upon arrival. Very nice setting. Our waitress took our drink orders immediately. The ceviche was excellent. However, they sprinkle cayenne pepper over the ceviche which gives it a nice kick. The main courses were fresh and flavorful. However, they also had a sprinkle of cayenne. And to top it off, we had the mexican brownie with the chocolate raspberry gelato. Guess what? The gelato was infused with red pepper. The irony is that If they did not splash all their items with red pepper, the food would stand on its own and be delicious. I would come here again on my own. But not with my family.
(3)K S.
We really enjoyed our dinner at Red Mesa a couple months ago. Our waitress, Amber Rose, was very attentive, funny, and gave great recommendations about the St Pete area. We mentioned that we're new to the area and she gave us lots of places to visit and try. I highly recommend the shrimp tacos en cazuela. The sauce was fabulous with a hint of heat! It was a large portion that I couldn't eat and shared with my family. My hubby and son are fans of their tacos. The margarita without salt was quite tasty. We'll definitely return. We also loved the beautiful outdoor patio.
(4)Kitty H.
Red Mesa is AMAZING! The service was great. The hostess greeted us right away. Our waiter was very funny and personable. He refilled our drinks on time all through the meal. I had a fajita taco which was just okay, and a pulled pork taco that was fabulous. I also ordered a side of plantains, which were excellent. Prices are very reasonable. We will return when traveling to St. Pete again.
(4)Kevin M.
My Favorite Place! They have it all. Great Food, Fun Staff, Great Atmosphere, and of course, Fair Prices. :)
(5)Stefanie R.
Overall great place! If you are looking for a new place to try with an awesome atmosphere this is the place! Outside area is great and the food and drinks are really good. Great experience every time! A fun place to go while downtown St. Pete.
(4)Michele B.
When I lived in St Pete 4 years ago, Red Mesa on 4th Street was one of my favorite places. A recent weekend trip to St Pete and it was definitely on the list to eat at. I checked the website and learned there was a new location in downtown St Pete and gave it a go for Sunday Brunch. The food was delicious as always. I had Eggs Benedicto and a side of fried plantains. The food came out simply presented, modern. Great portion size, not too big, but just enough. I was stuffed. A nice selection of fruit mimosa's and bloody mary's for $3.50. Our server, however promt, was not knowledgable of the menu item's. When asked about a few recommendations or which dish over the other was better, she simply said "I work the brunch hours so I've never had the brunch." Of course not her fault, the restaurant should have the servers try the menu so they can better talk with questioning customers. Overall, another great job from the Red Mesa crew. The menu is well rounded and everything was delicious!
(4)Ryan W.
Boss ahi tacos and margs!
(4)Vanessa V.
Love the Saturday and Sunday brunch! with a $3 Bloody Mary and $3 Mimosas it is just perfect. The food menu is a limited in the brunch side, but good enough for everyone to enjoy!
(5)Nolan R.
I was here for a Ruleta Wednesday! I didn't manage to call the right color, so my drink wasn't free...ehh 50/50 chance for a free drink. I had the chicken and rice and sat out in the patio area. There are two huge PORTA-COOLER fans outside to keep the masses cool on the patio. The margarita I had wasn't too bad...a little too much triple sec for my liking, but the food made up for the drink I had. If I was in downtown St. Pete again I would definitely come here again. Nice vibe and very attentive staff.
(4)Diana A.
We finally made it to Red Mesa and wish we had been earlier. The service was great - everyone was so nice and so helpful with suggestions. We've been twice now and our favorite is their rotating ceviche. I've never been a fan since the ceviche I've had sits in a tomato juice/soup. With theirs they let the fish and the veggies do the work - it has been so fresh and so wonderful both times. The swordfish was the best. We'll definitely be back.
(4)michael s.
The El Gordo burrito is chocked full of grilled steak and other goodies..too much for me to finish. The Fish Taco was an nice appetizer, one oblong piece of grilled fish on a soft taco with minimal trimmings. The guac is outstanding, the Steak Empanada was done just right so the steak had moisture. Loved Jennifer, our wait person. She was very helpful and knew the dishes. Quite enjoyable on a Sunday eve..no loud crowds nor long waits for the bathroom.
(4)Shanna D.
Red Mesa really helped propel the scene on the south side of Central Ave. The restaurant has a modern and sophisticated (duck taco anyone?) take on Mexican food and is great when wanting to do a dinner with a little more pizzazz. When cooler weather allows, I prefer to sit outside with the fountain, lucha libre prints and metal mariachi sculptures. Saturday evenings have live music outside which is another bonus. I order one of the house made ice teas and eat the steak quesadilla, with a side of plantains for dessert. Service has always been really fast and intelligent-- even at really high traffic times. The crowd at Red Mesa is pretty trendy, but the vibe doesn't take itself too seriously, dining here is a fun night in a "grown-up" kind of way.
(4)Kunal M.
Ordered the Shrimp Fajita Burrito. It was great, everything on the menu looked good, had a tough time deciding. Co-worker tried the pork enchiladas, he said were great. Service was good, and atmosphere is fun.
(5)J. Daniel B.
Perfect Mexican.
(5)Emmie S.
Party of 2 for lunch on Saturday. Service was great! Ambiance in the outdoor courtyard was great! Love it!
(5)Lora P.
During a visit to the Tampa area, I had the good fortune of speaking with a native to the area and she suggested that my husband and I visit the St. Petersburg area. She also enthusiastically endorsed Red Mesa Cantina. With some extra time on our hands and empty stomachs, we took Stephanie's advice and headed across the bridge and on to Red Mesa. The atmosphere reminded us a great deal of a place we'd find in Seattle (our hometown). While it was really early - 4:30 pm - and there were few people in the restaurant, the modern/edgy feel of the place drew us in. We were seated in a small booth and served immediately. Others have commented on stressed out servers. The young woman who was our waitperson was friendly, helpful and chatted with us quite a bit. Voila! Within moments we had two yummy and happy-hour priced ($3) margaritas. Our enthusiastic server suggested that we review their new early-bird type menu - available between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. Unlike a simple happy hour deal-e-o, this is 3 courses, including a drink (!) for $14.99. Such a bargain! The drink alone is worth $6 during prime time. The wonderful sundown menu was extensive and it wasn't tough to find what your heart desires. I ordered a yummy marinated steak, sitting on building blocks of fried plantains and potato sticks. My husband ordered fish - both were delicious! This is not your typical Mexican restaurant (we were told that the Cantina leans towards Peruvian) in that the food is edgier and more creative. You will NOT see a free basket of chips and salsa, nor gross pools of refrieds and rice. Chips must be ordered with 3 sauces (guac, queso, bean) and we were surprised at the price $9.00...almost as much as our bargain meal. Also, we ended up surprised at the $2.50 charge for a small (s-m-a-l-l) cup of pico de gallo. The manager kindly heard me out as I expressed disappointment at the charge. He kindly explained that each item in the restaurant is homemade, which is the reason for the extra charge. So...be aware: aside form the killer happy hour and sun-down meal deal, everything else you may want is a bit pricier. For those of you planning a visit to St. Petersburg, RMC is a good choice - especially if you have the flexibility to arrive early. For you locals: thanks to Stephanie for the terrific advice! She was spot-on.
(4)Jeremy B.
I had the Mahi Tuna dish on Plantains. It was great. The house Margarita was strong and taste good. The restaurant has a great vibe and I wish I had ate outside. you can't go wrong here.
(4)Felipe G.
Infrequently does a sequel outdo the original, more often than not you're left disappointed. Case in point Caddyshack 2. But in rare cases that axiom doesn't hold true, and when it comes down to it I feel like Red Mesa Cantina is superior to the original Red Mesa on 4th street. The ambiance of the old location is a little lacking, while the Cantina is slick, fun, modern, and something to look at. The refinement of the menu to include more small à la carte options heightens the flavor/taste of the food. Sometimes more straightforward dishes that are concise in their execution taste that much better, and the tacos at Red Mesa Cantina are a great example of this. Every seafood taco they have from the ahi tuna, shrimp, and mahi are out of this world good. The tuna is Asian style with a great soy/wasabi flavor, the shrimp tastes Caribbean with a curry mustard zing, and the baja is the most straightforward and traditional but also very yummy. I am a huge fan of everyone one of those tacos, and also of the excellent vegetarian menu options that they feature. The tofu tacos are available individually or as a larger platter you assemble with your own tortillas. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will find them very delicious. The fried yucca sticks are also very good but I wish there were more dipping sauces available as the chipotle ketchup is pretty tame. The only negatives that come to mind are the fact that the acoustic sound damping inside is very poor resulting in it being very loud when the place is full. It can be a hindrance when wanting to have a conversation. Secondly, there is a dire need for more bathrooms as there are only two downstairs and they seem to have a perpetually long line. However, you are rewarded for the wait thanks to one of the more interesting bathrooms I have seen. The walls are covered in extremely cool framed posters featuring Mexican Lucha Libre wrestlers. Overall, I think that the folks at Red Mesa have really pulled off a great restaurant and concept. Downtown St Petersburg is made better, and to be honest it really is one of the better Mexican options out there for all of Pinellas County.
(5)Thomas R.
Red Mesa Cantina is an upscale Mexican themed establishment that offers innovative and classical menu items prepared using fresh ingredients. Beyond food, Red Mesa Cantina features a hip atmosphere and a wide array of quality alternative seating options. Personally, I stopped into Red Mesa Cantina for lunch and found a pack house. There was a quality mix of both professional and casual customers enjoying the lunch service. Our experience at Red Mesa was ideal. We were promptly seated, experienced continually attentive service, and enjoyed all of the food. For lunch we started with chips and dips/salsa. The chips were hot and crispy. The dips featured black bean, queso, quac, and we ordered an additional option of salsa. All of the dips were flavorful and complemented each other well. My personal favorite was the black bean but each was very tasty. For our lunch entrees we had a Cantina Salad, a Baja Taco, and the Mahi stack. The Cantina Salad was very hearty and featured a wealth of quality ingredients. The highlights of the salad was the flavorful gorgonzola cheese and the super fresh tomato. Overall the salad was very tasty. The Baja Taco was fantastic and literally burst with both familiar and new flavors. Finally, the Mahi Stack was beyond expectations. The fish was fresh and featured great grilled flavors. All of the components of this dish (fried yuca, tomato, guac, pickled onions, and habanero aioli) worked beautifully together and created fantastic flavors. Personally, I loved the habanero aioli and it really added to the overall flavor profile of the dish. In closing, I was happily surprised with Red Mesa Cantina. The food was good, the service was on par, and the environment was comfortable.
(4)Rodney R.
Amazing service, Awesome food and atmosphere. Thanks Jerrod and Kevin for making every visit better than the last.
(5)Logan A.
Great food here. The service was a bit slow on Saturday night, Jan. 8, 2011. The reviews are pretty spot-on. I was surprised that the dips served with the chips come with cheese dip, guacamole and black bean dip. The only vegetarian-friendly one was the guac -- the others both have chorizo mixed in. I didn't think the black beans needed it, and it would have been nice to have one more option for my vegetarian friend at the table. I had the mahi with mango slaw and fried plantains, and it was fantastic! The entrees are surprisingly reasonably priced. One frustration was that the address on Yelp mobile said this place is on Third Street North. It's actually on Third Street SOUTH, so we walked several blocks out of our way just to see it was two blocks from our hotel! Get there early if you want to be seated quickly. The place filled up by 7:30.
(3)Kevin F.
The food and Sangria were really good here. The atmosphere, though, wasn't my style. I don't mind a bit of noise now and then, but it was jam-packed with people and the music was practically deafening. For people going out to celebrate, party, or get smashed, it's probably just what you're looking for. For me, I think it would've been better to just do take-out instead.
(3)Bryan E.
One of the best spots in St. Pete. Food is great, try the tacos! Very reasonably priced. Head up to the roof deck at PUSH for a drink afterwards, you won't regret the view!
(5)Strauss H.
Duck, steak and shrimp tacos were great. The guacamole was average
(4)Kyle M.
Great place for groups- food was good! Atmosphere even better!
(5)Carolyn M.
The atmosphere is hip. The vibe is serene. The food is superb. The drinks are delicious. The experience was excellent. I will be back to Red Mesa Catina! If you read my reviews, you know every restaurant I have has to be fit for a Vegan... and Red Mesa Cantina is no different. But not only did it exceed my expectations with the Alambres Tofu - it exceeded that of my meat eating guests. All three of us cleared our plates and commented on what an amazing restaurant it was. The two cons - 1. the wait staff isn't the best. Friendly and knowledgeable - yes! But overworked (or under staffed) and not as attentive as I would have liked. (we had to track them down to fill our water... TWICE) 2. One female bathroom stall for the whole joint. Seriously Wrong. Especially with all that Sangria we will be drinking! (and don't even believe the sign "more bathrooms upstairs." Three women and I went looking for this mysterious other bathroom only to be led to a sketchy second and third story ghost town. (The roof deck was cool though... just no bathroom). Happy Vegan Dining. Carolyn
(5)Stacy K.
Red Mesa was amazing. We sat in the patio/courtyard on a cool winter's evening and enjoyed duck quesadilla's, chicken fernandez, chile relleno, and the amazing mexican brownie w/ cinnamon and peppers - sososo delicious! The food was portioned well, and tasted excellent. Service was excellent, and the food came quickly. Many faceted flavors abounded in the food at Red Mesa - can't wait to try lunch or brunch sometime. Quite a few veg. options - even with tofu. Great food, ambiance, and service!
(5)Blair H.
My first time in St Petersburg for a conference. Found Red Mesa Cantina through Yelp. Totally worth it. Amber Rose was my server. She was super knowledgeable but not pushy. Had the tacos en cazuela (shrimp) and a great margarita. Can't comment on the dining room because I ate in the courtyard. Very nice experience.
(4)Crys C.
Trendy mex with a survey of good brews. Small portions but very tasty. Great for dates, wonderful ambiance and passion fruit mimosas to die for.
(4)Rob R.
A bit of good and bad with this place. We were seated by the host and promptly forgotten about. Lucky for RMC, I really wanted to try the place since it was recommended by a good friend. After waiting 15 minutes for a waiter to acknowledge my existence, I went back to the host stand and let them know that I was ready to order. After that hiccup, things went smoothly. The problem with me when I go to a place like this is that I want to try a little bit of everything! Every item on the menu looked tasty. I decided on a mahi salsa verde ceviche and a roast pork torta, and my wife ordered a skirt steak torta. Everything was delicious. Note to other customers: if you plan on ordering a torta, don't order anything else.... it was huge! The outdoor seating is very nice. Prices reasonable. Service is good once you get it! Recommend!
(4)Gerry B.
The atmosphere was great. A decent sized dining room and outside patio area with fountain. The menu was impressive, and you could tell that it was not standard Mexican fare. If I was hungrier I would have gotten a torta, which is a Mexican sandwich. I decided to go with an appetizer, so I had the ceviche platter which includes a choice of 4 ceviches out of a list of 6-7. I had Ahi Tuna, shrimp and two snapper ceviches. They were delicious, served with tortilla chips. I would definitely go back to this place and try more items on the menu. Excellent!
(4)Charlie K.
Red Mesa Cantina is one of my favorites in The Berg. It's perfect if you're not in the mood to eat a whole lot, but still want a satisfying meal. Generally when I go (3 times so far) I order tapas style and get a few small items from the menu. Everything I've tried is really good (even the ketchup has an added chipotle flavor). *Edit: Removed address change suggestion since it finally got updated!
(4)Marie-Noelle C.
I've been here several times and have enjoyed the food for the most part (I had the duck tacos one time and they were a little on the dry side). Other than that, other items I've tried have been pretty good. I usually start with the mofongo and then have a main course if I'm hungry, but if not then I'll just stick to the mofongo. The mofongo is sweeter than other preparations I've had, but it's still really delicious. The crispy, salty pork is nicely balanced with the sweetness of the plaintain. And top that off with the chimichurri sauce and it's insanely good. The atmosphere is varied there depending on the day and time you go. The weekends are usually packed with people later in the evening. It's really nice if you can sit outside in the brick courtyard with the water feature and bamboo plants that create this little hideaway.
(4)David G.
The decor is fantastic, the tapas are excellent and the sangria is amazing! We have been here numerous times and have had a great experience each and every time! The wait staff is good (not great) but they are friendly with a little bit of an air of arrogance (every time). Either way, they get the order right, come back numerous times to check on you and are friendly for the most part. Great place to get together with friends, a first date or even a romantic late lunch /early dinner or just the two of you...
(4)Renee W.
I went here with 3 other people on my birthday about a week ago.. It was a Monday, so needless to say we were one of two tables inside. The food was..good. I got the steak quesadilla and a duck taco. We also got guacamole, scallop ceviche, and mofongo (pork carnita, etc). The only thing I really LOVED was the duck taco. But I'm a sucker for anything duck. :) The mofongo (which was recommened to us by the waiter) was good at 1st, but quickly got so overwhelmingly garlicky. Between the three of us, we ate about 1/3 of it. Still..I was happy. The only thing that made me a little pissed at this place was when the time came to pay the bill. Our waiter dropped off our checks..then sat down at the table right next to us and proceeded to eat his own dinner. So rude. We had to practically flag him down to come cash us out. Oh, and he somehow ended up charging my friend twice. I still wanna give this place another chance. There is a a lot of stuff on the menu that looks so yummy. I just don't have the
(3)David C.
I found a whole new establishment when I went back to the Cantina for dinner, like the shy girl who opens up the second date and gets wild. It was somebody's birthday, and that called for Sangria. Pitchers of it. Sweet, tart, fruity, and plentiful. A good mix. Started with a ceviche sampler - tried the Caribe (creamy coconut and ginger dressing with Ahi Tuna), the Pacifico (Swordfish with an olive/caper/chili blend), The Vera Cruz (Mahi in a smoky chipotle blend), and the Oriental (Salmon, orange, soy, ginger, edamame). Of those, the Oriental and the Vera Cruz were the stand outs - both spicy and unique. Our server was super friendly, but would not sell me one of the awesome luchador shirts he was wearing. Apparently, they're for staff only. Apparently, I may try to get a part time job, just for the shirt. I ate a fat duck quesadilla and a baja fish taco, both succulent and gorgeously plated. Tried nibbles of roasted grouper, a fruity gazpacho, and a trio of chip dips (guac, queso, refried beans). Everything was vibrant, bold enough to keep up with the intensity of the decor and the cool tang of the Sangria. Left full, smiling, warm. Good work, RMC. Maybe there'll be a third date.
(4)L. D.
Actual visit was on 1/11/12. I had the Baja Fish Tacos - grilled mahi, salsa blanca, salsa roja, cabbage slaw, lime. Esquites - Mexican style roasted corn on cob, chipotle aioli, cotija cheese, lime. Chip dips - guac, black bean chorizo, chile cheese. The guac had way too much onion. I enjoyed my entire meal and I loved that Mexican corn on the cob.
(4)Rob L.
Awesome place! Tuna Tacos have a unique flavor. So good I went two days in a row while on a biz trip in St Pete!
(5)Mike D.
One consistency that I found during my limited stay in St. Petersburg was the atmosphere, design and overall relaxed atmospheres of the restaurants I visited. The other consistency had to do with food that was good on paper but sub-par in execution and flavor. This place attracted us immediately with it's outdoor patio and menu items but after a tapas sampler, we quickly decided to save some cash and head home to cook a dinner instead. We started with a pitcher of sangria to wind down a long weekend filled with biking and running. The sangria was rather juice-like so we decided to add a shot of tequila to it which evened it out a bit. I think this could be a great spot to go out to but in terms of enjoying well executed food, I am still on a mission in St. Pete.
(2)Donald H.
Probably the best of Mexican cuisine in all of the Tampa Bay area...! Upscale, fine dining with quality ingredients...! Wonderful service....! All-in-all an excellent p;lace to enjoy the food of another culture..!
(5)Chanel S.
Stopped here on our way home from the airport. Duck tacos and salsa were awesome. Atmosphere was super cool.
(4)Boriana P.
Very nice place- cozy courtyard! Service was fantastic, food was exquisite - small portions, excellent presentation and even better taste. I had the mahi mahi with plantains and mango salsa. Hands down that was the best mahi I have ever had! It melted in my mouth. everything was so pretty, creative and tastefully set on my plate- I felt like a judge on Chopped! I can't wait to I back!
(5)Suzanne S.
Wow! Fresh, well prepared and a very reasonable price. I had the ceviche of the day as an app but was really torn between ordering one of the daily specials or from the regular menu. I was eating at the bar (dining alone) and everyone around me, including the bartender and kitchen staff, were raving about the beef with chimichurri so that is what I did. It was very good but I don't think I could have made a bad choice regardless of what I ordered. I highly recommend this place. Be aware that they only serve beer and wine. The sangria is excellent.
(5)John A.
Much better than the restaurant in my opinion, although there are times when service is a little- meh (though not as bad as the restaurant, that's for sure!) I really dig at atmosphere too. very hip and modern.
(4)Andras C.
Great shrimp and crusted fish. Margharita was nice too. Pleasant outside seating, courteous service. Main lunch courses around 10 bucks.
(5)Tami S.
Two things I always end up having . . . the Mahi Stack and the duck tacos. The Stack is on the lunch menu, but they'll make it for you at dinner if you ask. What an unbelievable combination of flavors - mahi stacked on avocado, candied red onion, tomato (I'm sure I'm forgetting something) on a bed of yucca logs with a tangy aioli sauce. The only downside is that it's a bit noisy - a challenge with many of our downtown restaurants with lots of hard surfaces inside - they're gorgeous but acoustically challenged. No matter, Cantina is a happening place, so why should they be quiet about it?!
(4)Alexis A.
We visited on a Saturday night so it was super busy but Red Mesa managed to accommodate our large party (like 20 people large) pretty efficiently. Delicious food and beverages. Definitely has that umcha, umcha cantina feel rather than your classic Mexican restaurant feel. We didn't have the chance to appreciate it, but outside there was a jamming band and nice bar.
(4)Tony Z.
4.5 stars Red Mesa is a hotspot in St Pete and I went on a wednesday night and the place was packed, which is a good sign to me. We started off with the chips with Guacamole, Queso and black bean dip. They were all good but the guacamole was very impressive. For the meal, I opted for the Beef tacos, it was a huge plate that came with 5 tortillas, a bowlful of shredded beef, cheese and pico de gallo. It was great, the beef was juicy and had a bit of spice, but the fresh cheese and tortillas made the tacos come together. Overall, Red Mesa has great food, good service and everything else. just not quite good enough for the 5 stars.
(4)Food Jerk X.
Jeez, all these people raving about the duck tacos, you need to get to NYC someday. I mean, they were OK, but semi-ruined by the pineapple and other toppings. Ahi tuna was in fact fully ruined by sauces (HEAVY soy). Too bad in both cases, as they could have been great (duck tender, ahi very fresh). These dishes symbolize the failure that too often is fusion cuisine. On the other hand, the Cantinita ceviche was excellent--superbly fresh, light, citrusy, and with the perfect amount of heat.
(3)Holly S.
My beau and I decided to make a trip down to St. Petersburg for a mini getaway and to see the Dali museum. Our first night we decided on Mexican food and I am thrilled we did. Entering Red Mesa was pleasing to the eye. The restaurant has a dark and modern yet, Mexican feel. I loveeee a great atmosphere! We sat in a comfy booth and were greeting right away by a 'too cool for school' waiter. He was trying to be friendly while keeping his 'dude facto'r to a high level..ugh. We first ordered red sangria and the queso dip and chips as an appetizer. The sangria was refreshing and delicious! The queso dip was good and unique. It had the perfect amount of spice with chorizo. At first I wasn't too fond with the balls of sausage in my cheese dip but, it grew on me. For dinner, my lover has the 'fat' burrito. He loved it!.. and that's all he said about it... so i'm sure it's delicious! I had the open faced crab and shrimp quesadilla. It was almost like eating shrimp and crab on a cracker. It was very delicious, but definitely not what I was expecting. The tortilla was crispy and I ate it like a pizza. Overall, we had a great time and would recommend this classy Mexican restaurant. :)
(4)David F.
We went to the Red Mesa on a Sunday a little bit after noon before going to the Dali Museum. I would easily recommend this restaurant. I actually wish we had one in my hometown so I could go more often. We started our meal with some ceviche, I had a bowl of Posole, and a round Bloddy Mary's. All were excellent. For my meal I wanted tacos and chose three different ones: Ahi Tuna, Baja Fish, and the Duck. The Duck tacos are superb. The ambience is great as we sat outside with the waterfalls around us and the bamboo growing around the property to provide privacy while dining. Our server was Jon who new the menu inside and out and was very attentive.
(5)Edgar R.
Excellent place, awesome set up, perfect atmosphere. Highly recommended, worth every penny they charge!!
(5)Tiffany D.
Nice atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly staff. One of the best! Four stars because our server was a bit slow, but the atmosphere and food made up for it.
(4)AJ W.
came here for lunch and was pleasantly suprised. The tacos were delicious (I had the tuna and the duck) very unusual combos...but very yummy. For lunch I though it was decently priced. I would like to check it out in the evening. The bar menu seemed quite nice. I will mention the eye candy there wasn't bad either :) Very attractive waitstaff...yeah, kinda pushy...but not obnoxious!
(4)Julie T.
I've eaten here for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For romantic dates also work lunches. You get the idea. Last time was just a few weeks back for lunch on a Wednesday. Got there before the lunch crowd, didn't get my check till after the lunch crowd. Don't know what gave my server the idea I had plenty of time to kill because I didn't and I got a parking ticket.... 2.5 hours for a weekday lunch is uncool for us working folks. Yeah the food is always great, especially for st. pete standards. It gets packed and you may have to wait. Decently priced for the quality and the staff are really nice.
(4)P G.
I have gone to this restaurant several times for lunch. They are able to accommodate large groups and their service is quick. They have great daily specials and the food has always been fresh and tasty. My favorite is the Ahi Tuna roll. The staff and presentation of the food is great. I would recommend this for lunch or dinner.
(4)Kelly S.
Since margaritas are some what of a passion of mine (mainly drinking them), I hold very high standards. The Red Mesa did not disappoint. I especially like that you pick your tequila (dirty to rich) and then the 'mix'. The food was more upscale Mexican but they have an amazing and super large outdoor patio, great for big parties. This is the place to go for margaritas if you find yourself in downtown St Pete.
(3)Kylin B.
I love this place!!! There is so much here to satisfy everyone. Yummy food. Great drinks. Cools live music. And an outdoor bar area that is amazing!!! Thanks Cantina.
(5)Kyle G.
YUM! This place is surely one of my favorites in the Downtown St. Pete area. I was here again last night with a group of friends, and decided to try their ahi taco, as well as the tofu burrito. The ahi taco was fantastic, a little on the small side, but the fish was proportionately appropriate for ~$4 (as an appetizer). The tofu burrito was surprisingly good - the tofu was flavorful, and the burrito itself was huge (and packed with fresh ingredients). In the past, I've also tried the guacamole, the duck taco, and the steak quesadilla - and all were excellent. Also, try their red sangria. I don't know if it's homemade, but it's tasty and does the trick...
(5)Linda M.
Great food, great drinks. More of a family place so if you are looking for quiet, this isn't it. But we loved it and our server Jackie was very helpful and welcoming. Wish there was a location in our part of Florida :(
(4)Linda B.
Not a fan of Mexican but I really liked this place. Went with a group of about 15 and service was fabulous. Just had the nachos but later wished I'd ordered an entree when I saw others coming out. Next time! This would be a good place to dine al fresco once the humidity drops. Only negative was the restroom. Not that great and it was a Monday. Not sure I'd want to see it on a Friday! Our server Mike was awesome.
(4)Donnie A.
Don't come if you want some cheap authentic Mexican food. If you want very good expensive pseudo Mexican this place is awesome ($5 a taco $4 chips and salsa with no refills). Great food and amazing atmosphere. Try their Bombas appetizer its like an Indian samosa but with chorizo and shrimp.
(4)Tracey H.
Fun, hip dinner before (or after) you hit the nitelife. My husband and I have been going to the original Red Mesa since its conception so we were delighted that it now has a trendy "younger sis" downtown. We have only visited during a late dinner and loved it. The atmosphere was hopping but not pretentious. The waitstaff was a little slow but personable. The menu is smaller and slightly diferent than the original restaurant but we find that a plus especially if you are going out afterwards. Heading downtown? Give it a try! If you want the traditional, more filling Red Mesa--drive 3 mi. North.
(4)MIKE V.
FIRST OFF - THE RED MESA CANTINA IS AT 128 3rd St S it is owned by the same RED MESA at 4912 4th St N ***The address is listed incorrectly at Google too.... Food is good, but a bit pricey for the portions. I requested extra spicey and they are far too cautious with the heat. Another reviewer was amazed with the Brownie dessert - honestly?? - the Chipotle Chocolate gelato was the best part of the dessert and as stated above very pricey for the portion.
(4)Alex R.
From what I was told from friends that frequent it, this restaurant is much better as a dinner venue. I went for lunch and did enjoy myself. There is indoor seating in a dining area and an outdoor patio area with dinning as well as wet bars. Unfortunately the tortilla chips I had heard soo much about had been recently replaced with a new style of chips. These were well below average as far as taste and freshness. On the bright side the wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
(3)Vanessa L.
Best Mexican food in Florida! Love the patio and the fruit gazpacho. Food is spicy and flavorful and the ambiance is killer.
(5)Jason R.
The outdoor seating is nice. This is a great place to people watch. My only complaint is the service is very slow! Bring a book when eating here.
(2)May M.
So good! I love the food and Mojitos here! THey run great happy hour specials as well!!!
(5)Theo H.
Great music, slick bartender and delicious bean soup! Loved this place so much, that I came here three nights in a row when I last visited St. Pete!
(5)Renee L.
This place is absolutely wonderful, my sweetheart and I took my daughter (who was visiting from California) here. We all loved it, this will be a regular for us. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious.
(5)Bob C.
Our favorite St. Petersburg restaurant. The food is creative, fresh and as spicy as you care for. The staff is friendly and attentive. The menu is like no other in town. For example, you want fries? You get Yucca fries and they are simply great. If you want a hamburger, theirs has a hint of Mexican chorizo and is routinely recognized as the best burger in town. The Saturday and Sunday brunch is also the best in town. Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and uniques spicy egg dishes. The restaurant features popular outdoor seating in an enclosed courtyard, as well as comfortable indoor seating.
(5)Vanessa B.
This was fantastic!! We spent the afternoon in St. Pete to visit the Dali Collection and the Chihuly Collection and we stopped in here for lunch. What a treat! The service was fantastic and all of our dishes were delicious. The white sangria was sweet and refreshing and the banano split was phenomenal! Highly recommend.
(4)Lady F.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. Some of my faves include the duck quesadillas, and the lunch special of pork verde burrito. The plantains are delicious, but I don't much care for the cream sauce they are served with. Gallo pinto is a great side dish, with rice, red beans and a cilantro pesto sauce that really makes it pop. Also, they have a late night menu that serves a small midnight menu until 1 am! Perfect for when you need to take a break from partying at Push upstairs!
(4)Jake D.
Hate to say this. Went there today and really looked forward to it. Ordered drinks, flights of tequila, and mofango. Mofango was excellent. Drinks never showed up. We watched the manager eye us and never come over. Everybody in our group had restaurant experience and were appalled by the service. All they had to do was come over and talk to us.
(1)James H.
well, first and foremost, i always have to determine how vegan-friendly a restaurant is. with only a few potentially vegan options on the menu i can't go the extra mile and give them the 4th star even if the dish i did try warranted it. for starters there are no vegan options on the menu, but the vegetarian ones can be made vegan with the easy elimination of the cheese. i opted for the tofu scramble, made with pineapple, marinated tofu, onions and peppers. the tofu was very good and the tamarind mojito marinade was nice and tangy and a perfect complement for the pineapple in the dish. the red beans and rice, which were coated in a great chimmichurri were excellent as well. there is definitely a happening vibe in the joint and some great people watching. it's loud, so not the best place for an intimate conversation. also the tables and booths are all wide open, so don't really expect any privacy. i'd go back, just wish they had a few more veg-friendly options on the menu.
(3)Patricia S.
Everything about the Cantina is on point! The food is amazing. The ambiance is perfect, and the service is definitely unbeatable! Specifics: the duck, qasadilla or taco, the guac, Yucca fries - OMG.. You name it, we've tried it, and we've never left disappointed. Not to mention an amazing out door bar (the lucha bar) with live music on the weekends! Go... Try it... Now! You will love it!
(5)Jessie S.
We love red Mesa. The ahi tuna salad is my favorite. The drinks are reasonably priced. I dig sitting outside in the patio. I love the atmosphere although it's really noisy inside.
(5)Pyra-Danny V.
I took a regular Margarita. Something about the soft breeze from the outdoor seating, the soft splashing of the nearby fountain, the carefully positioned décor that makes your seat seem more personal yet welcoming, combined with the alcohol made me instantly love this place. Don't expect some abomination of Mexican or Tex-Mex food elevated to pricey standards. Instead enjoy the food as it is- a creative yet approachable and delicious variation on familiar foods. NOSHING ALONG THE LUCHA BAR Although the Ahi Tuna Salad looked drowned in sauces (not my appeal) the overall combination of various greens, tomato, and lightly-seared Tuna chunks were delicious. Other delicious plates have been the Seafood Mofongo and the Duck Quesadilla. Unfortunately, the Duck flavor didn't shine too much through the Quesadilla wrapper (which became more muted when added in the accompanying sweet sauce or Pineapple center). However the Seafood Mofongo was another excellent combo of soft seafood (excellent texture) and Butter Sauce nicely paired with the Mofongo center. All dishes were totally picture worthy. BUSY IN AND OUT This place is always busy with diners often streaming into the sidewalk. Watch your back or you may get smacked by a passing Server bustling about. Luckily service has always been swift, prompt, and friendly. Dine outside when you can because the scenery, outdoor sounds, and appearance doesn't feel as 'trapped.'
(5)Ally G.
Love the outside seating area. Boyfriend and I went for our Anniversary dinner and we got seated near the little fountain, it was really romantic! Great place for a date!
(4)Virg M.
Can I say amazing Hibiscus martini and food!! Service was excellent and welcoming! Food looked fantastic and tasted even better!! Can't wait to go back! Outdoor seating is the best!
(5)Michaelle W.
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in St Pete's because of their Duck Tacos! Yes, one single dish will make this a five star, well, that and the outdoor seating. :) I've been to this location now twice, and have enjoyed it immensely both times. As the waiter told us on my second visit, you can get super cheap drinks after 7pm. He then waited till 7pm to put our order in so we could get the discount. The chips and triple sampler of dips was delicious. The queso and guacamole were my favorites dips, the black bean was tasty but not my thing. They will bring refills of course which makes them amazing. I've had sangria and wine as well. I've had their steak quesadilla and duck tacos, and duck quesadilla. I just want to say that the sweet sauce on the duck taco and quesadilla was amazing. Wow! The duck was tasty and delicious especially when swirled in the sauce. I would go back each time just for that. The atmosphere outdoors is great as well. Both times I've gone it has been sunny out, yet the outdoor area is shaded for the most part which makes it quite enjoyable. It's not too loud on week nights, and parking is easy right there on 3rd or 2nd. Thumbs up guys, and I'll be back!
(5)Neal B.
Such an incredible atmosphere and great filet burrito
(4)Gregg W.
Brilliant food. Great chicken quesadilla. Steak Taco was perfect. The sangria is good and decently priced as well. Really loved this joint. Don't get the taco salad though. It's garbage. Everything else is Fleek
(5)Amanda W.
Duck taco - juicy meat paired well with the cheese Open faced shrimp quesadilla - perfection, just a few less tomatoes needed Yummy mimosas! The fruit starter is not worth it!!!! $5 for a mini side of melon and 2 grapes. Sit outside (next to the cute fountain) under a big umbrella.
(4)MickeyBlue I.
So many positive things to say about this place. For starters don't be fooled by the building, it's huge! Kinda has a an American feel to it, minus the Mexican Wrestling theme. This place has some serious Mexican cooking going on in the kitchen! I was seated close enough to hear the activity in the kitchen and it was perfection! The chef calling out orders (in Spanish) had everything under control. The food speaks for itself, fresh, authentic and delicious. Starting off with the Queso dip w/fresh hot and crispy chips. We couldn't stop eating it. I tried 3 Tacos (a pork,duck & steak) the pork being my favorite! All 3 were cooked perfectly and delicious. My Bae reluctantly ordered the Pork Mofongo, not expecting much being that it's a typical Puerto Rican dish. I'm going on the record and saying it was the BEST Mofongo I've ever had! You must must try it. The service was friendly and although it was lunch time it was not crowded at all. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Shane B.
Love this place, especially for brunch after a long night out! I had the Breakfast El Gordo burrito and my wife had the Eggs Benedicto and they were excellent as always. Also enjoyed a spicy Bloody Mary while sitting in the courtyard. Service was quick and friendly. Great bar area next to the courtyard. Highly recommend.
(5)Christine L.
Ehh. Descent food, but nothing impressive. The outdoor patio and live music seemed to be the main attractions.
(3)Kathie D.
Friday's Lunch is a must! This is the only day that they serve Chicken and yellow rice! Sides are black beans and onions, which are very tasty and fried plantains which are delicious! The serving is more than enough, I always seem to take half home! If you do not get there early for lunch on a Friday you might miss out if this most scrumptious dish, they only make one large batch. Service was very good and quick, enough time to enjoy and get back to work.
(5)Gladys C.
The BEST brunch in St Pete!! The passion fruit Mimosa is outstanding!! Food and service impeccable!! If you get Rachel for your server you win the lottery! Highly recommend!!!
(5)Erin J.
After coming to the cantina a few times now I can say this place doesn't disappoint. Duck is not an easy meat to find and they have duck on multiple menu items. The chorizo burger is amazing. Their salsa is perfectly puréed. I hate chunky salsa so this salsa is a gem. Beautiful patio eating and a charming inside dining room.
(5)Caitie O.
I am obsessed with their Mufungo (sp?). It's listed as an app, but is enough for a meal. At first glance, it does not look the most appetizing. It is served in three large scoops of pulled pork, sweet plantains and amazingly garlic chorizo sauce. One bite and your are hooked! The queso con carne is a bit pricy, but too yummy to pass up. It is a white, creamy queso with small chunks of beef. If weather permits, I strongly recommend outdoor seating. They have their patio fixed up quite cute with fountains and mosaics. Great place for happy hour too!
(5)Chris S.
Went for lunch got duck and fish taco. Duck was good and different fish was ok. Wife got the shrimp burrito she say it was average nothing more. The best thing from their that day was the red sangria, i love sangria and they have a good one. I'm being very generous with giving three more like a 2.5. Dont thing I'll return.
(3)Hans E.
Two words: duck tacos! If you're not into duck, no worries. Lots of other super delectable morsels. We love this place. My wife and I are regulars. We drive down from Clearwater on "date night" and it's our place to relax and finish the convos our 5 kids keep interrupting. Their mixed drinks are plentiful and abundant as are the flavors in their tasty food creations. HUGE sipping tequila menu, by the way--in every price range. RMC also has great ambiance. We like to sit outside whenever we can. Highly recommend!
(5)Aleema A.
This is a cute Mexican place in downtown St. Petersburg. I have eaten here several times and it has never disappointed. What I found the most fascinating about here is the amount of tequila they have on display. There's a unique story to all of them and the bartenders will answer any question you have about it. While we were waiting for my friend to show up, I ended up ordering a margarita that was poured out of a tap! I had never seen that before and it was a quality margarita as well! We had a rather large party and they staff was very accommodating and the service was excellent. Can't wait to return and try everything else they have on the menu!
(4)Laura G.
I have been to red Mesa Cantina before, and usually like it very much. However, I had lunch with my friend today and it wasn't good. Red Mesa Cantina used to have fresh fish, the mahi-mahi I ate for lunch was frozen, tasted awful.
(2)Scott F.
Must try the Nacho Sanchez w/ Chicken. Best nachos ever! Great service from Kristine!
(5)Heidi P.
I was out of town visiting friends from Tampa and we came here for the late night menu. The drinks were hit or miss. The late night menu was limited and the service was okay. We went up stairs to the rooftop deck and it was nice but a really random bunch of people. This place was fun for visiting but I wouldn't return back to this place.
(2)Becky T.
Delicious! We stopped by here with a large party to celebrate just being together. It was a busy night, but we had a reservation and got a table no problem. Fajitas were the special so most of us ordered those and they were tasty-pretty normal tex mex fare. The drinks were worth trying too as they had several twists on the traditional Mexican libations. The service hit one hitch with a drink not showing up but the server removed that from the bill, but still brought the drink. The server also did a good job putting in late order and having it out just after the people arrived. The extra nice surprise was a birthday treat just for me. Would definitely stop here again!
(5)Melissa Z.
I could not have been more happy with my meal here if The Most Interesting Man in the World was serving these heavenly tacos to me. (Well, my boyfriend is the most interesting man in the world, but you know who I mean.) I'm Latin, so if anyone is going to be super critical about tacos it is me. This is more Cali-Mexican to me but whatever you want to label it, I loved every slapping bit. I ordered the fish taco and the shrimp taco. Sufficient amount of protein and the fish tasted very fresh. Fish tacos have a tendency to be a little bland, but not here. The spices cooked on the fish/shrimp combined with the other Mexican stuffing in the taco came together beautifully for a super flavorful punch in each bite. It could have been better with some fresh cilantro to bring some brightness to the dish. The drinks are delicious. I had the strawberry mint cocktail and I could have had three. It was like liquid adult candy. They are a little on the weak side though. And I love the layout here. Huge outdoor patio teaming with energy, a little indoor area that has a really trendy-lounge vibe to it and a vast bar area.
(4)Jerry H.
I didn't think this location was as good as the mother ship on 4th Street, but it was OK. The guacamole was strangely bland and the chips were pedestrian. The two shredded beef tacos were pretty good, nothing special. The shrimp taco was also decent. Very young, hip atmosphere, but the food seems to be almost an afterthought. The service was excellent. Value so-so.
(3)Melissa M.
I really like this place - the food is so freaking good. We started with empanadas. It's obvious that everything on the plate matters to Red Mesa. The sauces and garnishes are all very flavorful. The burritos are ridiculously huge and are delish. My 8 & 10 year old split one and were stuffed. I had the chicken diner this time. Not your typical grilled chicken and rice. Everything was flavorful and stood out on its own. Citrus, cilantro, onion, some kind of amazing cream sauce. Wow. Studsband had tacos: duck, beef, and pork. His favorite was pork but he seemed to enjoy them all the same - clean plates all around! :)
(4)Hannah P.
My family and I went here for the first time on Sunday after the Rays game and it was fantastic! The waitress suggested amazing drinks and the food had great flavor. It was a little too dark in the dining room, so the next time we go back I would definitely want to try sitting outside.
(4)Corinne K.
We went for lunch as a family day out and had a wonderful lunch. I had the Red Sangria and it was okay - opt for the additional Brandy - it is worth it. We ordered the guacamole as an appetizer and it was good. My husband got an oyster shooter and it was a mini-meal in a glass. We were both blown away by the taste and the size. My son had the chicken quesadilla, I had the shrimp los cabos ceviche and my husband has the duck, puled pork and steak tacos. The duck was absolutely AMAZING!!! We also got a side of the fried sweet plantains. Very Good!!! With the amount of food that we ordered there was no room for dessert and we had a ton to take home. The server that we had was great. The food came out incredibly fast and our server was very accommodating and attentive (and they were packed). I will return to Red Mesa and have recommended it to friends.
(4)Erin C.
First visit here was on July 18th and we quickly returned. The array of margaritas were wonderful. The ceviche is out of this world, we sampled 4 different kinds, I highly recommend the octopus with olives. Some of us tried the duck quesadilla (excellent), while two of us tried different burritos. We sat outside near the bar and loved the motif. A great mid-point between the more formal Red Mesa on 4th and the window service of Mercado.
(4)Chris V.
The duck confit is AMAZING! The Ahi Tuna is great too! Very nice location, ambiance is cool but not pretentious. Great bar and selection of tequilas. Great place!
(5)Brad S.
Ripoff. 2.50 for salsa. And tiny tacos. Omg. For drunk kids only. This was on a First Friday when downtown St. Pete is staggering with drunks, so I guess the thought here is to take advantage of the situation. The tiny little duck taco came on a cold tortilla, and the bartender at first refused to provide any salsa. He actually said, "This isn't Taco Bell." When I asked him if the customer was always right, he stared at me. "So who is right? You or the customer?" That sent him to the kitchen for the salsa, but he then charged for a teaspoon of it, and refused to refill. Lame joint. Honestly, maybe Taco Bell is better.
(1)Eric R.
Great place for a business lunch, a nice dinner, or an evening drink. The food is great and there are plenty of Mexican dishes to choose from. They have your typical tacos and burritos, but also amazing traditional Mexican meals.
(4)Shannan T.
This Mexican style cantina is located in downtown St Petersburg. When you walk up to the building it is very cool and eclectic feeling. They use the old doors and a lot of the unique Decour to their advantage. The staff at the front where helpful as was The waitress in the bar. She gave us some good inside tips of where not to have appetizers while we wait. The only table left in the whole bar was right next to where a band was going to set up moments after we got our appetizers. We had the chips and dip trio appetizer which included delicious guacamole, spot on salsa, and a bit too thick and rich for our taste cheese caso dip. We wolfed down the chips with the salsa and quac and had a couple of cocktails while we waited for our table. We sat in the bar area which is outside but covered. It has a large flat screen TV and a sunken brick patio that is right next to the bar. There are lots of couch like sofas in the patio area as well as café tables. A very good mix of comfort and style. When we went into the main restaurant it was much smaller than we imagined and the tables seemed a little close for our comfort to the next set of people. But the food was very good and we were very happy with the overall experience. I got the pork burrito which was excellent (especially for the price of nine dollars!) and my husband got duck tacos. We both preferred the pork burrito over the tacos. However, both were good one just was a little better than the other. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night they have a dance club in the upper back part of the restaurant. I'm not sure if it interferes with the eating situation but by the looks of it, it looks like a pretty sweet place! We will be back one day to see what that's all about..
(4)Katy S.
Yumtown 2014. I hadn't been to Red Mesa in years and I was happy to come back for a friend's birthday dinner. We sat at the bar before dinner and enjoyed a DELICIOUS pitcher of sangria (add the brandy, it's worth it). It was pretty crowded when we were here but the service was still really good. I went for a shrimp dish with veggies (diet life) but my friends all got traditional Mexican dishes and really enjoyed them. I want to come back for brunch!
(4)Ryan C.
Awesome authentic Mexican food. Outside patio is great. My favorite is Sunday Brunch - more than enough food and a decent price.
(5)Stephanie D.
Wow, service is awesome here! Try the margaritas too! I had beef fajitas and they were great. I would recommend this place to everyone, they have ambiance, great food and great staff. If you are at the Hilton it's a short walk and worth it!!
(5)Amanda R.
My husband and I ate at red Mesa cantina for lunch and we were impressed. I had the duck tacos and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed them. Our food and drinks came out in a timely manner and our server Kathryn was awesome!
(5)Todd W.
I go out in downtown St. Petersburg about as often as the Rays sellout a home game, but really wanted to meet a friend who works in Bradenton for Happy Hour on a weekday and this was a geographically convenient place for us to do so. Next time, this will be a destination as I had a very good first impression overall. Enjoyed sitting outside without feeling too hot or cramped and the bartender was a really good guy who worked for many years at the old Dan Marino's. Just had a couple rounds of drinks this time, but liked the look of the menu and look forward to coming back to taste a few things that others have raved about here on Yelp. Parking on the street nearby was absolutely no issue and was free after 6pm on weekdays.
(4)Billy E.
Unique, inspired Tex-Mex in a classy atmosphere. The food is always good and you have the option to dine inside or out. This is one of our default restaurants to take out of town guests. To top it off the Margaritas are excellent.
(5)Rhonda P.
I always go to the 4th St N location and the food is phenomenal. Great unique recipes. Not your ordinary Mexican restaurant!
(5)Sabrina L.
Can we say $3 Margaritas for Happy Hour?!! Yes.....Glory be to the happy hour specials after work :) Food options are fantastic too, authentic flavors and excellent choice options...love the salsa :)
(5)Jamie L.
Pleasant place, perfect for a social setting. They have a nice bar for night life. On a nice sunny day, you could sit outside in their Spanish style patio/courtyard to enjoy your meal. Service was prompt and server was nice and friendly. I really like their appetizers. The bombas, made like hush puppies with a side of habanero aioli sauce are expertly made. Taste delicious, if you're into fried foods. I also ordered the empanada which also taste good, had a tomato and beef base sauce on top. Thought it tasted a bit salty and spicy - that's just in my honest opinion.
(4)Carey F.
The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and the menu describes some tasty sounding dishes, but unfortunately the food wasn't all that great. We ordered chips with three kinds of dip. None of the dips had much flavor or any heat to them. After that we tried a few of the tacos and found they were sadly inadequate and mostly bland. The worst of the bunch was the Steak Fajita taco which is comprised of one strip of steak, a strip of onion and a strip of green pepper glued together with a lot of melted cheese. That's it. No seasoning or salsa of any kind...yuck! Although I'd rate the food a two, I'm giving an extra point for good service and atmosphere.
(3)Brady S.
I am not someone who hands out a lot of Five star ratings. However, I truly believe this place deserves one. The food is great, always fresh and tasty. I love the variety of items on the menu and the fusion between Mexican/Spanish classics mixed with non-traditional, new ideas. An example is the "Filet" al Chipotle burrito. It is a steak burrito worthy of mention and capable of causing spontaneous moments of love and happiness in your stomach. The food presentation is well-done and not sloppy. I personally do not find that a plate with beans and rice slopped into a flat, shapeless pile, next to a burrito that is buried below a lava flow of sauces, to look very appetizing. Red Mesa isn't like a French restaurant with their presentation but, at least they put in a little bit of effort and show your plate of food some love. The ambiance is great, both inside, where there is a tequila bar with over 300+ tequilas from around the world, and also on the outside. Their outside area is an absolutely gorgeous, walled-in and huge patio. The outside also has a Lucha bar, which is a very cool homage to famous Mexican Lucha Wrestlers. So back to the tequila bar... I cannot think of another place that has one? And especially not one with over 300 different bottles of "just tequila." This place is the St. Pete Mecca for tequila enthusiasts. The Red Mesa Cantina is a lot of fun and a favorite of my family and I. The food, drinks and ambiance are all top-notch. I would highly recommend to anyone that they give it a whirl, with only one exception, someone who does not like Mexican/Spanish food at all.
(5)Steven L.
I love this place. I recently moved to downtown St Pete and I have made Red Mesa my happy hour joint. The food is great the service is amazing. The bartenders are friendly and are quick to offer drink and food suggestions. Jason and Rachel are amazing bartenders and offer great drink suggestions. Definitely a place to visit!
(5)Seamus M.
Tl;dr review: Hostess sat us in an unattended section, no appetizer plates, hair in appetizer, and left before meal came out. I'm never going back. I've been to this location several times in the past and the service has been hit or miss, but the food has always been good. The last time we were here a few months back, we were sat in an unattended section and sat for a good 15-20 minutes before someone realized we were there. The waiter was very apologetic and offered us a free appetizer and completely turned us from being disgruntled to happy guests over the course of dinner. I chalked this one experience up to an honest mistake as we've had good service here in the past. We decided to go back last night because my girlfriend and her friend wanted sangria and tacos. We were promptly greeted by hostess and were seated in the first available section. She sat us inside, by the bar. I realized we were in an unattended section after about 10 minutes of staring at each other wondering where our waiter/waitress was. About 15 minutes in, a couple of people came by to ask if we were being helped and our order was taken. Cool, we can start drinking and eating, right? Nope. Our drinks and appetizer came out several minutes after we ordered and we were told our appetizer would be comp'd by the house, which was a nice gesture, but not something we had requested. We were expecting someone to come by with appetizer plates as there were 3 people at the table and we were sharing. My GF had to get up and request the plates after about 5-7 minutes of unsuccessfully trying to get someone's attention. OK, we have everything we need and we can finally enjoy our dinner, right? Nope. After having a few bites of the appetizer, our friend pulls a long black hair out of the food that was not any of ours. My girlfriend and her friend both had blonde hair and I have short black hair. At that point, we had lost all hope of having a pleasant experience at this establishment. My girlfriend politely notified one of the wait staff that was helping us that we were no longer interested in having dinner before we left. The young woman (waitress) and manager were both very apologetic and offered the already prepared food to-go, but we no longer wanted to take any more chances with the food. We left for another restaurant close by that had excellent service and food. In summary, the restaurant is hip, food is good, but service is very hit or miss. Based on my previous experiences with this restaurant, I'll gladly take my money elsewhere.
(1)Rosemary N.
Love this place! Quick, filling, and tasty! Lots of room. All outdoor seating. Some is covered seating and some open air. My husband and I have been eating at Red Mess since it opened its first restaurant on 4Th Street in St. Pete. Red Mesa always creates AWEOME restaurants. Each with a different vibe and fills different needs.
(4)Dharam K.
These folks know how to cook tofu! And that is really rare! The el Gordo with tofu was amazing and filling. The rice was actually a tasty component. Usually it's just taking up space, but it was yummy! The tofu tacos with pineapple were delicious. I could eat 3 orders for lunch probably. Definitely going to remember this spot!
(5)Sarah J.
I can't say enough about the Duck Quesadillas... Seriously delicious. Sat outside with the great weather and had Rachel, who was the sweetest server. Great food, great atmosphere and great service.
(5)Kait A.
Went expecting a regular menu and got brunch menu. The menu did not include beans and rice anywhere, which I think of as a staple item for Mexican restaurants. My margarita tasted like salt was dumped into it but then I switched to a mimosa and it was much better. The food portions were quite small; we ordered tofu tacos and an appetizer, but still. Chips and salsa aren't free. All in all, this place is clearly billed as an upscale Mexican spot and the food is pretty good, but it's not exactly what I expect when I think Mexican.
(3)Molly D.
We were looking for a chill place to sit outside and enjoy a Friday evening with friends. We sat on the patio and enjoyed margaritas and calamari appetizer before dinner. Great atmosphere. Entrée order was good (trio of tacos and ceviche). Glad we were able to check this place out.
(4)Julio P.
Wow. Where to begin. I came here with my wife and 6 month old on a Wednesday afternoon. We were very warmly received by the hostess and promptly seated outside. I personally would have like to seat outside but it was hot and the baby was sleeping. But the outside seating area is really cool. Inside we ordered guacamole and chips as a starter. Service was very prompt and cordial. The guacamole was really good but the chips! The chips were out of this world. They were crispy but not oily. Felt really fresh. Very well seasoned they were some of the best chips I have ever had. I would come back just for them. For our main entrées I ordered the Mahi stack and my wife ordered chicken enchiladas. The food came out super fast but felt freshly made. The Mahi stack was amazing. A grilled fillet on stacked on top of fried yuca, avocado, tomatoes, mango and pickled onions. Food network stuff. My wife's enchiladas were just as good. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Alyssa S.
I went with some girlfriends for drinks and appetizers. It is a cute spot downtown. The food was great and we enjoyed hanging out on the patio.
(4)John C.
Great food, great servIce and great atmosphere! We definitely will return soon and bring the family.
(5)Tori N.
Awesome, awesome food and great service. We were waited on by Kaitlyn who was very friendly and told us a couple cool places to go in the area since we're from Tampa. I cleaned my entire plate and was so stuffed lol. The red sangrias were awesome too.
(5)Wanda P.
Margaritas are delicious! Loved the strawberry margarita--not too sweet-- muddled strawberries. Duck taco was amazing as was the ahi taco Shredded beef Barbacoa was outstanding,served with rice and beans not too spicy but very flavorful. Eat on sidewalk, courtyard or inside. Friendly staff, excellent service. They brought the dog at the table beside us
(4)Holly C.
This is one of my most favorite places to dine. I would wait in line for their Raspberry Tea. I love their fish tacos. You should definitely go! I have always left happy.
(5)Valerie F.
What a great atmosphere! My boyfriend and I were visiting St Pete from out of town and saw this place on Yelp. We didn't really know what expect. But this place is a great find. Luckily for us, it was happy hour and I got a classic margaritas on the rocks for half off. For an app, we got the Cantinitas ceviche. It was really meaty with a little bit of heat. Yum! My boyfriend ordered the Seafood Mofongo and I ordered three tacos: duck, ahi tuna, and the Baha fish. The Mofongo was excellent... A myriad of flavors. I loved the sweetness of the duck taco and the Asian influence of the ahi tuna but I felt the Baha fish lacked flavor. Overall, it was a great find.
(4)Nina M.
The place is more Tex-Mex than anything. I like that they have "a la carte" items and their guacamole is to die for. I also liked their Mexican coffee/chocolate brunch drink. The wait isn't usually too long even wen it's busy. Service is prompt and friendly. I love both the indoor and outdoor atmosphere with the fountain and the bar area. I would have given the place another star, but my issue is consistency. The same taco I had one time was not the same taco I had another time. It tasted relatively the same, but some of the flavors were watered down and the presentation wasn't great. It's happened on more than one occasion. Worth the $4 for the taco? Not really. When it's all said and done, it's a good place for decent Tex-Mex style food and good for drinks with friends. Don't come here expecting authentic Mexican food because you won't find it here.
(3)Robert F.
Let me say the flavor of the tacos I ate were amazing and in particular the Ahi Tuna taco blew my mind. FRESH! A little Heat! And Perfect corn tortilla! This would be a 4 or maybe even a 5 star review if it wasn't for the fact each taco was just under $5. The Ahi was worth that but the rest.... Not so much.
(3)Kelly F.
Excellent Sunday Brunch. Great vegetarian selections for brunch or dinner/lunch. Fabulous mimosas. It's a bit noisy inside and the bathrooms are awkward my placed and limited. Highly recommended, I would go back.
(5)Cody R.
Overpriced, small portion sizes. My wife got two beef tacos for 9$ the margarita was the same price. Nothing wrong with the taste of the food. Loud atmosphere, hard to hear each other. Not the best place to a date night. But Friday night with friends would work better. Will not return. Remember... Date your wife. God bless
(3)Christian M.
Wow is this the best Tex Mex restaurant in St Pete or what? The margaritas are excellent and the pork enchiladas and crab and shrimp quesadilla are amazing. The service is also excellent. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for a la carte and smaller portions, that's the only drawback but it is definitely worth the experience at least once.
(5)Crosby H.
The Ceviche was 5 star! 6 or 7 flavor options with multiple seafood choices and the sampler platter (you pick 4) was a beautiful presentation, huge portions and some of the best I have ever had and there are two Miami restaurants competing for my palate when it comes to ceviche. My friends filet burrito I think it was called was excellent, very tender well flavored beef, not your typical burrito. The only reason it was not a total 5 star is that although my tacos were good the steak taco was a little bland and the soft shells were corn and I tend to like the wheat personally. Great ambience, server very nice, hostesses disinterested.
(4)Dorene M.
My favorite local restaurant,I always have a good meal here. My friends and I had dinner at the Cantina last night to celebrate my birthday, We had a table of 11 people and as always the service was great. For the table we ordered the chips with sampler and chip with salsa. The guacamole was really good and the queso had great flavor. The black bean dip was ok, nothing stood out about it. A couple of us ordered the duck tacos and duck quesadillas, As always they were delicious, great flavor. A friend ordered the mahi sandwhich with mango, she said it was very good. Everyone's meal was delicious. If you go there and you are a duck fan, definitely get there duck torta or duck taco, they both sooo good. About half way into dinner a band started playing they were really good but it was a just little too loud. They were good but we couldn't hear each other. SO if you want to have a conversation you should probably sit in the courtyard. Don't forget duck torta or duck taco, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jami N.
First of all, the place just looks cool. The exposed brick and the twinkle lights on the outside patio make for a great ambience and atmosphere. We sat in the cocktail area at the outside bar which was connected to the patio. Pricilla took care of us and she was very nice, helpful and patient with my slight indecisiveness. I got the Cucumber Margarita, it was phenomenal and I don't even really like margaritas. David got a handmade margarita which he liked very much as well. We just had chips and three dips. They were decent. We didn't stay for dinner as we had already planned on going elsewhere but there were several menu items that sounded good so we will probably try it next time we are in town. As we were leaving there was a person setting up outside to play live music which is always a plus!
(5)april s.
Came here at 6pm on a Tuesday for drinks and a bite to eat with my friend. We sat outside in the courtyard. The setting was both chic and comfortable, and I was surprised to see that they had a good number of people seated already, even though it was early. We ordered margaritas (hibiscus and passion fruit to start, and two classics for round two), and they were ON POINT. They use real juice in their margaritas...none of that concentrated mix crap. If it weren't for the fact that we were sticking to the happy hour menu (and that I would have passed out in the courtyard fountain), I could have tried every specialty cocktail on the menu, because they looked awesome. The food menu was similar to the drinks menu: everything caught my eye. We ordered the bombas and the huachinango (sp?) ceviche to start. The ceviche was excellent. The bombas were also really good...maybe the best croquetas I've ever had, actually. When we got close to the end of our starters, we ordered the mofongo (straight up--not the seafood one), which was also delicious. But, by the time I started eating it, I was two margaritas in and feeling pretty full. If I lived closer to St. Pete, I would come back to try so many things (all of the ceviches, the duck taco, the seafood mofongo, the pulpo...I can't remember what else was on the menu, but it was all very enticing). I almost forgot to mention the service. I wish I remembered our server's name, because I'd give him a proper nod on here. He knew the menu really well, and he was attentive without being pushy. Shout out to the kitchen and bar, too--our food and drinks came out in good time.
(5)Maher E.
Food and drink is very good and I have been to Red Mesa on more than one occasion and I like going there but the service is not good in my opinion. I was seated at a table with no silverware. Waiter obviously not familiar with menu at all. guacamole and chips arrive, still no drinks, no water, no silverware. Guacamole and chips eaten, still no drinks, no water, no silverware. General disregard for customer service from staff. Overall, I think I am done with this place, the service really is lacking and not something I care to experience while trying to enjoy an evening out.
(2)Jason C.
Great food! My friends and I shared the mixed ceviche combination and some tasty tacos. The food tasted fresh and was very shareable. We also had margaritas. Their flavored margaritas were quite good. I would have preferred mine a bit less sweet, but that's a frequent malady of mine with most food and beverage items. The service was generally attentive and the outdoor seating was quite comfortable.
(4)David D.
A chain restaurant basically. Owned by a St Pete conglomerate. The food was less than mediocre I would encourage your opinion. I found it had NO Mexican authenticity. Designed to be a gathering place for drinks only. Go elsewhere, this is a forgettable dining letdown.
(2)Michelle B.
This was the first restaurant we ate at when we moved to St. Pete. It's delicious. Absolutely delicious and a really satisfying atmosphere. Our first server was amazing and I wish I could remember her name to give her a shout out. Our subsequent servers have been adequate but not as committed and fun as our first experience. If you're just looking for delicious and affordable Mexican food, head here!
(5)Sean C.
Great spot, the tacos were phenomenal and white wine sangria light and refreshing. the amazing fountain in the middle sets the tone.
(5)Tim W.
Not bad. Good staff and very quick service. Food is good but not much more than that. I haven't had any other Mexican in St Pete so I don't have much of a comparison for this place. The outdoor area was nice and relaxing - you can probably do better food wise though.
(3)Hillary V.
This place is pretty cool. The majority of the seating is outdoors, whether that be in the bar area or on the patio. The decor is pretty cool too. Over the weekend there's a lot going on like live bands. They've also got TVs, so it's a good place to watch games. Food wise, I only had a chicken quesadilla, but I loved it. Normally when I go, I have drinks at the bar. There are lots of options, but the tequila choices are on point. And finally, the staff is always very nice. I'm a fan.
(5)Jen R.
This is our very favorite restaurant in St. Pete! The service is good, the food is AMAZING, in our opinion, and the atmosphere of the outdoor garden is pretty & fun! Try the duck quesadillas & the chips & dip trio (queso, black bean drip, & guac).
(5)Jack S.
I love Red Mesa but this place seems to be trying to compete w/ Taco Bus. They failed. Even though I am no longer a huge fan of Taco Bus since they changed their refried beans and got rid of tamale weekends (please bring back those awesome, big tamales), I think this place is just kind of a fancied up casual dining that is a bit over priced. The food is good, tacos are pretty tasty but they charge you $5 for corn on the cob (Esquites), which is good and has a pretty nice cheese/spice topping but really, $5 corn? I haven't had much of the specialties so I will probably give this another try but for now, 3 stars for overpriced corn.
(3)Jessica P.
I have been frequenting this place since it's opening. At some points more frequently than others; like my "I'm single and can drink margaritas all day on a Saturday if I want to!" days. No matter when I come, it never disappoints. Consistency is important and an awesome trait in a restaurant, and this place has nailed it. My favorites include: Margaritas (duh!) Breakfast shots on the weekend ( see note about single days) Duck tacos Chorizo burger Ceviche Anything you order is going to be awesome!
(5)Vanessa M.
My husband and I had been told we need to visit here while in St. Pete. We were spending the day there, so when we walked by earlier in the day around 2, we asked if we could make reservations for that evening, but were told that they don't do reservations on the weekends. However, the very nice hostess said if we came back around 6 we shouldn't have a problem getting in. We decided we would definitely do that! The building looked so awesome. Very unique dark brick and we saw there were beautiful patio lights. We returned that evening at 5pm- we were hungry! They had a table for two outside available for us, and as soon as we walked in we were both smitten! The outdoor area had lots of greenery, lights, and a beautiful waterfall/water fountain thing coming from two different directions, with a little bridge you can walk across. Truly enchanting! The mexican wrestling theme was awesome. We would've given 5 stars had the food been better.. That shows how amazing the atmosphere is! We each had a quesadilla, one chicken and one steak! Both pretty good, but nothing crazy amazing that made us say, "this is the best Mexican food ever!" The portions were smaller than we expected. We also had the chips and homemade salsa.. Good but pretty average for Mexican restaurant. We were disappointed they weren't complimentary, like most places. We definitely say Red Mesa Cantina is worth your time if you're looking for a really fun place with a great atmosphere! Expect good but average food.
(4)Allie P.
Service here was horrible. Bottom line. I yelped this place and decided to take my parents here because of the photos showing the atmosphere of sitting outside. Upon arrival, the host was insanely cranky with us for no reason, and said it would be a 30+ minute wait to sit outside... At 3:30pm... With 5+ open tables visibly open outside... We waited much longer than that due to the host putting our buzzer number in the system incorrectly. The bartender Dan was our only saving grace. I watched people walk in and get seated outside and was pretty irate. After being seated we had to ask for chips and salsa. And the salsa never arrived, just plain chips. Then we ordered and we never received one of our 4 dishes, which then arrived after we asked where it was. I am embarrassed to have had such poor service with my parents. I won't come back, unless it's for a beer and Dan is the bartender.
(1)Jenn H.
Stumbled upon this restaurant while on our way to the movies. Loved the ambience, empanadas were to die for and nachos with the refried beans and jalapeños were delish! My son had the pulled pork tacos but didn't really enjoy it. Not what he was used to. Sangria was good, and our server was very attentive.
(4)Virginia G.
The only thing good about this place is the tequila selection, which I have to assume my fellow Yelpers imbided in plenty of in order to leave such raving reviews as they had. They ONLY reason I'm giving it 2 stars is because of the drinks. THe food here, well, it just sucks. I've been here twice in the last couple months and I'm not sure which visit was worse. From the black bean dip, to the guac loaded with onion, the queso that has hamburger in it, ceviche marinated so badly you can hardly chew it, let's not forget that disgusting thing they call a burrito with that formed mound of dry brownish rice on the side. How do they stay open serving this stuff? Dinner companion fared a little better with his chili rubbed salmon dish. It looked quite good, it tasted too fishy. So we tried a second time. It can't be that bad and I do love me some tequila. WRONG..it's that bad. The hostess can barely stop talking long enough to seat us, we have toa sk for silverware, napkins etc and once again the food is terrible! Just plain terrible. I'd go here for drinks, never the food, not even after a belly full of tequila. Nope, just don't do it!
(2)Stacy N.
The outdoor patio is rich with ambience. Service started slow with a wait for our first visit but our server was pleasant and engaging and attentive after that. Chips and salsa were addicting. Duck tacos were surprisingly delicious. Mofongo (sp?) was crazy good. And don't miss the sangria.
(4)Joseph P.
Not super stoked on Red Mesa. They seated us suuuuuper fast, which was nice. The food wasn't awesome. The descriptions weren't helpful, and our meals were average. Nothing terrible, just sort of "meh."
(3)Amy D.
Calling all fans of Nacho Libre. If you're in St. Pete, this is a fun spot with great ambience, food and close to local bars. If the weather is nice, the outside area is the place to eat. Enjoy the fresh air with a margarita and some duck tacos. The only downside is, no flour tortillas. If you're like me, I'm not a fan of the corn tortillas so I just dig forthe goodness inside. Bartenders are always great outside too. You can tell (I could be wrong) that they enjoy working there and always have the best suggestions whether you're looking for a refreshing beverage or grub.
(4)Clinton F.
Mediocre Mexican food by southwestern standards, but decent for downtown St Pete. Nice atmosphere outside, including the outdoor bar. Not great for healthy eaters unless you come on fajita night (Wednesday). The chicken fajitas are great even if you skip the sour cream and cheese.
(4)Kerry J.
I love coming here on a sunny day for brunch or a late lunch. The outdoor patio/courtyard area is beautiful and relaxing. You can't go wrong with their tacos. My favorites are the duck tacos and fried oyster tacos. I've also had excellent ceviche at Res Mesa. If you're feeling adventurous, try the octopus ceviche! As far as drinks go, it's easy to spend hours here just enjoying their cocktail and tequila menu...they have an incredible tequila selection and great margaritas. It's not unusual to be seated near boisterous tables who have clearly enjoyed the beverages. Service has always been outstanding for me, too. Drawbacks are that you're not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown St Pete, so if you want to sit outside and people watch, this isn't the place to go. This feels more like a hidden oasis.
(4)Bryant W.
I will start off by saying that I have been in the Tampa Bay Area for a week now and I have been twice this week. I usually don't like to do repeat visits on trips but Red Mesa Cantina was that good! I will give fair warning that I got the cheeseburger tacos which were on special and aren't on the regular menu but they should be as they are hands down the best tacos I've ever had in my life. However the portions weren't very big so I ordered a side of the steamed veggies as well which were also really good. And prices aren't bad as those two together were only $12 which for quality food isn't bad. Margaritas are great! The atmosphere is great although I ate outside both times and actually never saw the inside but the outside bar is really cool. The wait staff both times were great. Are you noticing a theme here? I did also want to add that I had guacamole which was good but not great and one of my parents got the Duck Tortas sandwich which was about as good as my tacos. I will absolutely vist Red Mesa Cantina every time I come to this area.
(5)Kristina W.
YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loved everything
(5)Jeffrey M.
Had a great lunch here. Really enjoyed the Ahi Tuna Tacos and crab and shrimp quesadilla
(5)D B.
My favorite restaurant in Saint Petersburg! I LOVE the duck quesadillas, duck tacos, ahi tuna salad, ahi tuna tacos, sangria, and Dos Equis on tap. The outside bar area has a really great atmosphere and the bartenders are chill. Minor Negatives: I ate in the inside restaurant area once, but didn't enjoy my experience as much. It's a little too dark for me and kind of depressing. I am not a big enchiladas fan, but tried the chicken enchiladas; and I am still not a big enchiladas fan. I can only blame myself for that decision. :-) Overall, I love this place, and when I bring friends/family out to eat, they have loved it too.
(5)Food C.
Fresh w/ a dash of quality in the mix. Simple menu, never disappointed. Ask for #glutenfree options like a halved avocado or a side of beans (no sauces) for an extra protein boost! Eat healthy my friends! #AskAVO #AVOknows #AVOtampa #AVOstpete #AVOnola #AVOboston #AVOnyc #AVOmiami
(4)Bubba Y.
Excellent food and atmosphere. The Shrimp burrito was amazing. Right at the edge of being too hot but never crossed that line! One of the best burritos I have ever had!
(5)Kit V.
Not much to write that isn't already on here, so I'll keep it simple. Yes, the margaritas are the best! Hibiscus & the cucumber drinks are amazing and the local beer selection is extensive. Had the chip & dip trio appetizer and all three were very good. While my shrimp burrito was perfect (and spicy!), my hubby's taco trio was surprisingly bland (fish, steak & pork). We will chalk it up to a bad night and try again soon! Atmosphere is fun and romantic and now that the weather is cooler, wait for a table outside, it is spectacular. As for the service, our waiter was clearly having an off night but as we watched the other servers be attentive to their guests, we realized that the service is good, just not this particular person. Will be back soon to try new things & I suggest you add this to your downtown St. Pete hot spots for great food & drinks!
(4)Danielle R.
We had a group of 20 and the staff was extremely hospitable and accommodating to us. CJ, one of the hosts, was happy to utilize his resources to find room for our large party in the already crowded restaurant on a Saturday night. The food was Tex Mex with a twist and extremely flavorful. The atmosphere was trendy Latino and the music was upbeat. Our server was energetic and gracious, she was patient in serving our large party and skilled at her job. Highly recommend Red Mesa Cantina to all interested.
(5)S S.
Great outside seating area surrounding a very large water feature/fountain. The Margarita deals are good on Thursdays after 7 (1/2 off). The tacos were good and so are the nachos. The burrito was a major miss for me and my gf. Service was kind of crappie the first time but the second time our server was one of the best I've had this year... so it kinda saved them from a 3 star rating from me. The 4 stars is for the outside seating, nachos, and fingers crossed for a good server.
(4)Zenny R.
i dont even know where to start with this place. absolutely mind-blown. this was my fav spot during my trip to FL. sit outside for beautiful sighting of the decor and all the greenery. staff is amazing and super attentive. now lets get to the good stuff.. the FOOD! AH! amazinggggggg flavors! mm mm mmm the mofongitos are the best thing you could order. the mix of sweet plantains, yuca, and pork are to die for. chicken taquitos were yummy and the sauce on top is freshly made (you can taste the freshness) and totally eatable on its own. outside seating is near the bar and tv's so games are watchable from outside.
(5)Steve M.
Have come here a number of times and always loved it. The servers have always been friendly and engaging. Of course the food is fabulous. It is Mexican food turned up by several notches. The mixologists know their stuff too!! Will be coming here again and again.
(5)Lisa R.
Nice outdoor seating area; nice outdoor bar. Ordered steak and chicken tacos. Quick service and delicious.
(4)Lauren B.
One of the best Mexican restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I ended up going there multiple nights in a row. It's a little pricey for Mexican food, but the quality is worth it in my opinion. Whether you're dining inside or out, the eclectic aesthetic is great. Solid drink menu, love their margaritas,and Caribbean mojitos. I suggest splitting the ceviche sampler as a first course, lots of flavors and it's quite filling. Can't wait to go back again and again.
(5)Madalyn R.
I'd give this place a 3.5 if I could but decided to go with 4 because their brunch is top notch. Go with the passion fruit mimosa and I forget what it was called but the brunch tostada was out of this world. Lunch tacos are good, boyfriend didn't really enjoy the duck quesadilla because there wasn't much duck and it was missing from many bites.
(4)Siri G.
Love red mesa! Good food, gorgeous ambience and love when they have live music. I would call it some sort of Spanish fusion, it's definitely not your typical texmex.
(4)Emmanuel R.
Enjoyed our Dinner. Service was pleasant and very quick. Food was on point.. The Seafood Mofongo is superb. The chicken Flauta has the perfect spice to it.
(5)Celeste M.
I've always wanted to try this place. The ambiance was great. We sat out side on the patio next to a waterfall. We had the filet la chipotle burrito (spicy) , steak quesadilla, chicken taco and Cadillac margarita. The prices are fair and affordable. The food came out really fast and tasted really fresh. Can't wait to go back! Ps- only street parking or a garage around the same block ($5 on the weekend)
(5)Crystal H.
I love the location, decor and style of the Red Mesa Cantina. It is very trendy and inviting with nice outdoor and indoor seating options. I also love Push which is attached to it, but that is another review. We arrived for lunch starving because we had been up for about 8 hours without food. We decided to order a grilled steak quesadilla to split. Our quesadilla was unfortunately lacking in flavor. It needed some spice or grilled onions/peppers for flavor. It was just a mild cheese and some steak. While it wasn't bad, it left us wanting. For our meals we ordered Pork Verde and Shredded Beef Barbacoa Burritos. The burritos were amazing. They had so much flavor and the meat was incredibly tender. Both burritos were covered in a delicious sauce. The Pork Verde had a nice spice to it with the peppers. Both burritos were served with a sort of dirty rice that had beans in it. Neither of us cared for the rice, but we didn't care because the burritos were so good. We both agreed that we were surprised that a restaurant that could produce such an amazing burrito would have a bland quesadilla. The burritos were 6 stars whereas the quesadilla was a 2, so I am giving the restaurant 4 stars. We will definitely be back to Red Mesa Cantina to try more. I just recommend skipping the quesadilla. Order the Pork Verde or Barbacoa!
(4)Todd M.
Great spot. Excellent ceviche. I had a trio of tacos and they were super. Try the Cadillac margarita.
(4)Maria R.
Nice little lit up casual place at night. Service is good. Food is great. House margaritas are delicious too! Love this place!
(5)Ryan M.
Priscilla and Rachel are, hands down, the absolute best bar staff in the entire city. Not only do they listen, and put every ounce of care into your drink order, but they do it with an irresistible charm that makes you want to order more. I would return in a heartbeat if I lived here regularly. But every time I visit, I always go back. Priscilla has always taken good care and Rachel is a worthy apprentice.
(5)MaryAnn C.
Service was very good and wait staff attentive. Food was just ok. We ordered guacamole, which was fine, but the basket of chips served with it were all cracked small pieces. I had 2 chicken tacos and the chicken was cold. They served no salsa with it. They were ok, but, Taco Bell is tastier. The restaurant played very loud music and conversation was difficult. I can't recommend this place.
(1)Yana W.
Love love love this place! Been here on multiple occasions and have never been disappointed. It is a very popular place with many of my friends as well, so we do go there a lot. I'd say, the best brunch in town. $3 mimosa and $4 Bloody Mary, specials every Saturday and Sunday. Steak and eggs are excellent! I just couldn't believe how inexpensive they were, being that good... If I'm in the mood for a more "carby" dish, I go for the sweet potato pancakes. Duck quesadillas are also amazing and are available for lunch and dinner as well. They are not very big, so if you are really hungry, get something else in addition to them. My favorite dinner dish would be empanadas as appetizer and el grande burrito as the main dish. Warning! The burrito is huge and is humanly impossible to be consumed by just one person. Great for sharing!
(5)Lauren K.
No matter how good the food is, terrible customer service trumps all. I tried to make a reservation for a party of 15 for a birthday dinner and was told they couldn't as it would displace other patrons. As a local who has frequented this restaurant many many times I am very disappointed at their lack of accommodations for such a large party. What a great way to make money, turn away 15 guests before they even walk in!
(1)Tammy P.
I don't get the hype about this place but they get 3 stars for effort because it looks neat inside and is a cool place to hangout. The tacos were okay, they tried to be creative with items like duck and tuna tacos, however my tortilla wasn't heated up all the way, which is almost like eating stale cereal! My fave dish on my visit was the shrimp ceviche, and that's because I rarely eat ceviche to begin with so it was a new taste.
(3)Kate R.
My number one restaurant in St. Pete: unique, consistently delicious, fun atmosphere. We take everyone here, and go on our own too, for brunch, dinner, desserts, happy hour. If you have time for only one meal in St. Pete, this is where you should eat.
(5)Brittany N.
Went to this place early Sunday afternoon and had a great experience. The layout of the resturaunt inside and outside was super nice. Went to the resteraunt without reservations and it was about a 30 minute wait in which we sat at the bar. I had a margarita, and it was delicious! I am not a regular margarita-er, but i enjoyed every sip. The drinks were pretty pricey for the amount, but good. The service at the bar was excellent. We had a party of 8 and they accommodated us very well, even when we got a buzzer we said 6 people. I got a crab and shrimp flat bread for my meal and it was good. This place is a great atmosphere and great items with great taste, just a little pricey for the quantity.
(4)Barry C.
Breakfast on Sundays at Red Mesa is the best. I have never had sweet potato pancakes as good as theirs, just a quality breakfast and their dinner menu is just as awesome. Always good food and great servers.
(5)Jim M.
Great night at the cantina because of Rachael!! She is the best. Great service from a very nice lady!!!
(5)Stacy G.
I usually love this place but FYI don't make a reservation. We asked for a specific table. Got to the restaurant 2 minutes early. They just sat someone at it. Party if seven people... How hard is it to actually keep a reservation? Fail.
(3)Bobby Barbeque O.
Chips and dip....steak quesadillas....steak fajita tacos..... It seems anything on this menu is great!!! Must go back ASAP!!!
(5)Ryan N.
This place has a very cool atmosphere with a great looking outdoor patio and bar. I only wish the weather was a little better and it wasn't a weekday when I was there so I could have enjoyed both more! Good food, everything was very fresh; good service and great Cadillac margarita. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Anuj S.
Awesome. I've never had any Mexican food quite like Red Mesa's El Gordo burrito. It was really delicious. As a vegetarian, I'm used to just having beans as a substitute for meat at Mexican places. Well, Red Mesa uses tofu. It caught me off guard when I was looking through the menu. I mean, usually you get tofu on various Asian dishes, but I'd never had it for Mexican. Anyway, it was awesome. Usually, I go for strong impacting flavor... POW. I don't think the burrito had a strong taste, but the blend of various subtle flavors just made it great. I could tell even more because I had a side of rice and beans and I could tell that's where the flavor was coming from. Plus, the tofu in the burrito of course. I'd say the food came out a little on the pricey side. Without any drink, it was a $20 check; not including tip. Well, if I'm in the area again, I'll definitely be back. There were plenty of other interesting options on the menu.
(5)Manuel M.
Consistently delicious food, excellent pozole soup. Great outdoor courtyard, good service. One of my favorite spots in downtown St Pete.
(4)Stacey K.
Tasty food and great service. The chicken taquitos were yummy. I love the Mexican wrestling decor!
(4)EJ P.
I have eaten at this place twice, and at the other restaurant once. Neither of these restaurants are very good. These restaurants would get 1 or 2 stars west of the state of Louisiana. However, since so many people in Tampa Bay have never actually had great Mexican or Tex-Mex food, they think this is the best Mexican food they've ever had. And that's because it is, because they haven't eaten Tex-Mex in San Antonio, TX, for example. Where they make tortillas that melt in your mouth But back to Red Mesa. I think I have found an accurate way to describe Red Mesa: The food that you get here tastes no better than the (Tex-Mex) food you would get at a Mex chain like Chili's, but Red Mesa fancies up the menu descriptions and jacks up the prices and adds a little hip restaurant decor in order to make you think the food is better than it really is. It's just bland, mediocre Tex-Mex style food that can be had at Chili's for much less money. Advice: If you are going to eat here, stay away from the appetizers and side dishes and the tacos which are outrageously priced. (In Texas they would laugh you off the street if you told someone you paid 5 dollars for a taco, like Red Mesa charges.) Try to order a "combination" platter that has 1, 2 or 3 items for one price. Stay away from the guacamole, which is NOT WORTH 7 dollars. Just try to fill yourself up with the chips and get a combo dish. Desserts are also mediocre.
(3)Brandon S.
A friend and I selected Red Mesa Cantina because we wanted to try some local seafood while so close to the ocean but we didn't feel like going to a seafood specialty restaurant. We wanted to visit downtown St. Petersburg and a quick search online we found this establishment. Walking up to it the area was busy with plenty of walkers and the restaurant was very active and you could tell right off the bat that this place would be a lot of fun. One of the first things we noticed on the menu was their oyster shooters. My friend and I had never had one so we quickly ordered one each. The shooter was good, but I thought that it had more of a salsa flavor rather than focusing on the flavor of the oyster. Dinner was good, I had their chicken quesadilla and we order some fried plantains to share. The quesadilla was pretty good and it was exactly what I expected when I ordered it. That being said, the fried plantains were very good and very enjoyable. Unfortunately the night that I was there also was the night that every bachelorette party in St. Petersburg decided to come this establishment. The parties were having a blast and enjoying themselves, as any bachelorette party should but the multiple parties became a distraction and took away from the dinner experience. The atmosphere inside was more of a party atmosphere rather than a nice dining one. I think that the inside dining area lost its aura because the restaurant was lost in weather it was a bar, or a restaurant. Although the food was good, and the atmosphere was great...for a bar, but I was looking for a nice restaurant and it cost me some enjoyment during my dinner. I would go back, but I would now know that I would go back if I was looking for a bar rather that a restaurant.
(3)Martie P.
I absolutely love this place for brunch. Sadly, I haven't made it for dinner or drinks any other time. There are plenty of seating options - bar, outside patio with a great fountain view, or inside. On to the nitty gritty...DRINKS! They have a fabulous selection of champagne drinks for brunch, including the traditional mimosa, hybiscus mimosa & passion fruit mimosa. A friend of mine had a bloody mary on my last visit. She said it was spicy, but delicious. The food is good and service is great!
(4)Lindsay A.
Good food, huge portion sizes. It's Americanized Mexican food, so it's hard to mess up... and they do it right. Their drinks are pretty good, too. I've never been disappointed on a visit here. Not the cheapest place to eat, but you are definitely paying for a little nicer atmosphere. The servers are usually friendly and give good recommendations. I've been here with large groups numerous times, and they've always been very accommodating. This would be a good spot for a first date, or taking your girlfriends before going out downtown. The courtyard is cute and has a great vibe. Outdoor bar service, and they often have good live music. Be aware if you sit outside later in the evening, a lot of people will be traipsing through on their way upstairs to the club.
(4)Angela S.
I went here the first time last week with family, a large group. The only negative was the wait time. We were told 45 minutes, but waited over an hour. However, the happy hour made up for the wait! This has to be the best happy hour in town. The $3 margaritas were huge and delicious. They also has specials on beer, wine, sangria and wells. When we did sit down the service was very good, and everyone enjoyed the food. I had a ceviche dish, which was awesome. I will definitely be back, especially for the happy hour.
(4)Jason K.
For whatever reason, lately i have had a bad run of luck with waiting unreasonable periods of time to get into restaurants. Perhaps this holiday season has turned me into a Grinch, but i simply detest waiting over an hour to be seated. Red Mesa is no exception to this general rule. I have eaten here a few times during the day and found the eatery to be sparsely populated and a quick meal. However, in my my recent dinner adventure, i was told that i would wait 45 minutes for a table and ended up waiting an hour and 15 minutes. The entire time we waited there was a large dinner table that could have accommodated my party that sat empty. Once we were served, I can say that the food was good. I and a few others in my party had the Sangria which was $3.25 during happy hour. I thought it was good, but it got mixed reviews in my group. The happy hour prices were very reasonable. As for the food, the portions were large. I had the taco which was on par with what you would expect..
(2)Rebecca K.
Love the food here and better yet is the garden seating area. We eat here regularly and the wait staff is always on top of their game. The food is consistently tasty and boasts the bold flavors their sister restaurant is famous for. Our favorite time to come is brunch. Good draft beers too!
(4)Jon M.
Ok. Food is tasty but a bit over seasoned -- too salty too sweet. Seems like a fun place to drink and pick up chicks. Especially if you are a frat boy. Open real late -- which is good.
(3)Michael Z.
Delicious assortment of ceviche, tacos, and other small plates; drinks hit the mark as well. Patio seating is unique and aesthetically pleasing - a real winner in downtown St. Pete.
(4)A Z.
We keep coming back here over and over whenever we're in St Pete entertaining friends or just by ourselves. It's easily our favorite restaurant in the area and a solid choice for atmosphere and great food/tequila cocktails. The last time we went was the day of the Pride Parade. That day was memorably hot. I thought sitting outside on their beautiful patio would be off the table, but they had set up multiple, industrial sized fans to cool everyone. Spot on!
(5)Shawna K.
One of my favorite patios I've discovered so far! We drove almost an hour because we heard it was above par! And Red Mesa definitely did not disappoint! The vibe and charm are rockin' at this joint! The fact that the food was great and we all licked our plate was just an extra treat since the ambience can't be beat! We enjoyed our Sunday Brunch as slowly as we could And I probably had one too many drinks more than I should Just so we could stay and chill at their place basking in the sunshine with a smile on my face!
(4)Sherry T.
Great variety of delicious Latin inspired foods. Decent service, very busy location. Desperate need for more bathrooms.
(4)Cristo P.
Everything we had was delicious. We started with the mofongo, made from pork carnitas, sweet plantain and yuca. All this dressed with chimichurri sauce. Surprisingly awesome flavor. We followed with a taste of the appetizer tacos. The mahi and the seared tuna were not that impressive. The pulled pork with guacamole was extremely comforting. The one I liked best was the steak taco with jalapeño and grilled onions. The. Mehta Modelo was a good pairing for all the food.
(5)Mike S.
A very excellent place........top of the line Mexican. The setting is polished without being fussy, the service is very effective, the menu has all the standards and some interesting variations (duck taco), and the quality of food is superior. Many other reviewers and commercial food rating services give the place high rankings, and I agree. Prices are a bit higher than an average beans 'n taco joint, but worth it here. It has been a few years ago since we ate there (in a foreign County), but I still remember the fine salsas, tasty refried beans and marvellous chilies rellenos...and these are my 3 "test" dishes for comparing Mexican restaurants. Also see they have nice drink specials and a good selection of Mexican & domestic beers. The location is handy for easy in-and-out on N. 4th Street. I would visit more but fear my passport/visa for visiting Pinellas may have expired.
(4)Lisa C.
Yum!!
(4)Rachel A.
We were a little skeptical walking up to the door but inside it was packed with people. We decided to sit outside in the courtyard which had lots of greenery and water fountains (great scenery for pics!). Got this amazing grilled corn on the cob - not ideal for a girl's night out but it sounded so good on the menu - had this spicy sauce that came drizzled on it, mm mm good. Got the shrimp tacos which were also very flavorful and had a spicy kick to it - very opposite to the sometimes bland entrees you can get at a Mexican place! Drinks were also very good - we each got a different kind of mojita - very creative and tasty! We did have some service problems initially (had been seated for 15 minutes without anyone coming to get our drink orders!) but she picked it up once we had to go tell the hostess we had not been served yet!
(4)Deidre S.
The duck tacos are amazing :) so glad our waiter recommended them. We have had great food here and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Good place to go in downtown St. Pete, only complaint is I wish they had more authentic Mexican food.
(4)Susie S.
I love the food here. Very tasty and fresh items. The Mexican dishes have flair. I've had brunch and dinner here and I've always been pleased but, the service and management is terrible. Terrible. So terrible that I will never go back.
(3)Steve M.
I don't get to go here too often, but when I do, it's always terrific. Had the Ceviche and duck tacos yesterday and they were "beyond the thunder dome" awesome!! The outside courtyard is a perfect spot for dining or simply enjoying a libation or 3.
(5)Diane S.
Food plentiful. Standard Mexican fare. Chips. We're extra crisp. Atmosphere excellent
(4)Sharon B.
This place is so good! The specials are amazing and so is the brunch! Great prices for a lot of great food!
(5)Kris M.
Great food, great service. Queso, duck tacos, seafood quesadilla... You can't go wrong with anything on the menu!
(5)Selina K.
Saint Pete staple... LOVE the Sunday Brunch
(5)Rose S.
Best brunch spot in St. Pete. I am a regular here! Great servicae and the quality of food is amazing! $3.50 Mimosas and Bloody Mary's at Brunch. Prices on the food are very reasonable, and I always have leftovers.
(5)Dawn D.
I've never had a bad meal at this place! The wait staff is always extremely knowledgeable , attentive and properly social. You really need to try the Duck quesadillas! It's exception with the goat cheese and pineapple. Last night we tried the mahi mahi ceviche and the octopus ceviche both were incredible! The octopus was cut into bite size pieces and very tender. The ahi tuna tacos lived up to reputation as well. They have an excellent Melbec wine which is my go to drink at this spot. I'll come back again and again!!
(5)Lisa C.
I have been to Cantina too many times to count. I don't think I have ever walked out of there with a bad experience. Always great service and always a lively crowd. The price point can be steep but it's fresh and I don't mind paying for quality fresh food. I have them as a "like" on my facebook page and out of the blue for my birthday they posted a wonderful note. It was way better than any coupon I have ever received. They enticed me to come back in for either a free pitcher of margaritas or a free pitcher of sangria. Wow.. that is a $25.00 value. I was sort of shocked and thought maybe it would be a watered down version. Well as I am typing this, I can attest it wasn't ;) Now the food you ask... what about the food. Their chips are house-made and their salsa is wonderful. They actually changed their chips and I used to like them a ton more but the ones now aren't bad, they are just comparable to other places. Salsa and guacamole are chock full of cilantro, fresh ingredients and large bowls. Things I would highly recommend: First off... Mofongo. WOW. Seriously, WOW. Three large mounds of amazing mofongo with crispy pork, yuca and plantano drizzled with a light EVOO and fresh herbs. It will make anyone moan. Their mini tacos are always flavorful and add variety to any meal. I have tried the Ahi Tuna, The Fish Taco and the Duck Confit. Duck is definitely my favorite out of the three. It has Roast duck, grilled pineapple, goat cheese, cilantro, red chile jelly. Does Not Suck! The crab and shrimp quesadilla is surprising. I have ordered it twice and it is really like a large tostada versus the traditional quesadilla. Not complaining about that at all actually. I actually like it much better being crispy and open faced full of lump crab meat and plump shrimp. I have tried all of the ceviches and my favorite if the cantinita. It has a light kick but the orange segments and pickled red onion really made a pop in the mouth. Lots of fresh seafood and a good size bowl to share. Favorite salad is the Spinata - Spinach Salad with goat cheese. I was surprised someone mentioned it was a small salad as it typically fills me up. I have added shrimp and fish in the past and that definitely makes it more filling. Desserts I haven't had a lot of exploring because we are always so full. Tonight we decided to share homemade churros which was big, full and heavy with cinnamon. They are served hot with warm Mexican chocolate sauce and dulce sauce. Wow! Cocktails are unique and they serve quality tequilas. For many years, tequila and I broke up. We used to have a love affair and then one day, well... it was ugly. It has taken me many years to enjoy the Mexican elixir. I am happy to say, that the margaritas here are divine and so are the cocktails in general. My favorite is the La Rose Angel complete with a jalapeño slice & chile salt rim. Need I say more?? Mmmm I have yet to come in for lunch but I did manage to pop in a few times for brunch. The best take on eggs benedict I have EVER found. Their version comes as guacamole topped with a gordita, smoked bacon, poached eggs, chipotle cream sauce & queso fresco. The also provide a nice side of fresh fruit. Pair that with a mimosa and I am a happy girl. I am not sure if Red Mesa is the best Mexican I have ever had but it's very close to some of the places I have found when I have traveled to Mexico in the more family upscale joints. The vibe here is very Nacho Libre with Mexican fighting masks, a killer outdoor area and bar with bright colored lanterns and a huge wooden Day of the Dead looking Skeleton. Good vibe every time. If you go, ask for Jorge (Hore-Hay). He is always my favorite!!
(4)Michael S.
We were in town for a wedding and called some local friends to see if they were available for lunch. Luckily they were and they suggested the Red Mesa. Everything we had was at least good except for the first round of beers, which were not cold enough and the duck taco, which was a bit disappointing. I am a bit of a ceviche snob and usually don't order it outside of a good Peruvian restaurant but I must say that the simple fish ceviche I had was one of the better versions I have sampled. My fish tacos were also good but not quite the Baja original. The second round of beers was nice and cold when we finally got them. The service was a bit slow and disjointed at times even though the place was not close to full.
(4)Adam Y.
We were showing out of town family St. Petersburg on their last day in town and we all got hungry at the same time. Walking down Central trying to find something interesting I bumped into a work colleague who recommended Red Mesa Cantina. 5 minutes later we were seated inside and happy. Our service was excellent, and the food was terrific. Everyone enjoyed their food (3 of us ordered taco's and one a quesadilla). The chips were very good and I loved the salsa. Others preferred Guacamole and while I am not a fan, everyone else enjoyed it. Probably the only thing that I would warn people about is that unlike the 'real' Red Mesa up on 4th street, this place really can whip a bill on you. Complimentary chips and salsa? Nope (although refills are free if you ask). Guac was $7. The taco's were $4.50 per and candidly, tiny. I'm not a big person but would need at least 3 to feel full. Somehow spending $13.50 on taco's seems excessive to me even though they are very tasty. If I was downtown, I'd have no problem going back here or recommending it, but the actual Red Mesa is so much better that anyone looking for a great Mexican meal should just stop on 4th Street and not give it a 2nd thought.
(3)Chris T.
Great Spot! There's another Red Mesa in St. Pete which is a really good lunch spot. Have the ...... Well, everything is good. This spot? Same owners, but the menu at this location is more expansive. For the record.....it is NOT tex mex or Mexican. I would classify it as "Latin American". They have Mofongo, which is a Puerto Rican Dish. They also have, Carne Asada...Mexican. And a Cuban Sandwhich..,,we'll call it Cuban! Duck Quesadillas? Yep!!!! Amerexican!? Whatever dude! The food is fantastic and you need to go there! Enjoy!
(4)Blaire O.
I hardly ever have a bad taco, I mean, it's a pretty standard dish, and as long as you season, and respect, your ingredients, you shouldn't go wrong (unless you are me, three years ago... IMPOSTER!) That said, tacos are constantly being reworked, reinvented, taken back to their roots, brought into future, and merged with other culinary conditions. I mean, these things have more personalities than Sybil. And with all that time spent in different restaurants, with different chefs, the neighbors are starting to talk... All images of coquettish tacos aside, I usually prefer traditional, authentic tacos, but with time, I've learned to accept the newest generations of tacos, like nephew Pickled-Vegetables-On-Top (Mmmmm). This acceptance has now been uprooted, and transformed into adoration by Red Mesa Cantina in St. Petersburg... (continued at blog)
(4)Pamela M.
I've partied upstairs at Push often however today my friend and I decided to see what the place looked like downstairs during the day on a Saturday afternoon. We were very happy! The little gourmet tacos here are divine. And at about $4 a piece for lunch, 2 or three will fill you up and go easy on your wallet. My friend and I shared some fried plantains as well. Almost as good as my Jamaican husband cooks them! And finally we shared the apple empanada desset.....nummy! The apple empanada is made from scratch on premises and definitely shows the wonderful home made quality. It came with a healthy scoop of Dulce de leche ice cream, a big dollop of whip cream and then everything was covered with a drizzle of caramel. If this sounds good just wait until you taste it. Enjoy!
(4)Greg M.
As good as any legit Mexican food in NY. This place really impressed me. Strong drinks, excellent authentic and addictive food!
(5)Don P.
Overpriced, no mui autentico, but hit the spot. Negra Modelo on tap is worth a half-star alone. Snapper ceviche was very tasty and the chicken tamales were good, if a little small. But it is definitely "gringo" Mexican. Nice space with patio seating.
(3)J L.
Cantina Ceviche was soooo good - Top 2 on my list of Ceviche places now. Shrimp Al Mojo was delicious (a little too oily though), so was Cuban Torta. Wish I weren't too full to try their banana split... Looks amazing. Loved the decor as well - we sat by the fountain.
(5)Brett M.
Having just moved to St. Petersburg you hear a lot of Hype about Red Mesa. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed walking in. Perhaps I had been tricked! Red Mesa looks like a very typical Mexican joint just very clean. We were served immediately upon sitting down (which was great because we were starving). Bottom line was our server was great. He took time to really go through the menu --- not just ask us if we had any questions. He focused on each portion of the menu and not just his personal favorites. He also addressed our preference for spicy Mexican and adapted his presentation to our feedback. We had the Shrimp Quesadilla's which were great and ordered our entree. My date had the combo enchiladas which were authentic with flair and I enjoyed some steak and shrimp. Lot's of flavor and excellent service. I will be back. My soda was never half empty and we plowed through two servings of warm tortilla trips. We had plenty of food to take home but I promise --- it didn't last long in the fridge.
(5)Omaira D.
Ate here for New Years, place was packed! Red Mesa adds a touch of sophistication usually missing from Mexican food. Great ambiance, food, crowd..this place is awesome and I'd definitely be back.
(4)John B.
We were told there was a 10 min wait.......there were at least 10 tables open. Our table was dirty when we arrived. Our waiter dropped my drink napkin on the floor, he picked it up and put it on the table. That was even before we had our drinks. Despite my husband telling me to blow this joint.... we stayed. Chips and salsa are better at chili's. I had the pork enchiladas.....they were ok. My husband paid 5$ for a duck taco..... which he wasnt sure was actually duck. And the yuca fries were served with ketchup. Yuck! Our yuca fries we make at home are way better. I love lynard skynard.... but not expected at a mexican place. This place is a waste of money and palate. Will never go here again..... once is one trip too many.
(1)Jim B.
so, i'm a huge fan of Mexican / Tex-Mex food and drink, and admittedly opinionated about both. Everyone, from the hostest(s) to the waitress, everyone was wonderful. Upbeat and knowledgable, and just enough attentive. The patio around the fountains is a perfect setting to drink and talk and eat. The crab and shrimp, open face quesadillas, are AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL. The salsa is fresh and spicy. Quacamole is bland. Premimum maragaritas are small and over-priced, but good. House margarita is forgettable.
(4)Lisa J.
Had a great time, sat outside which was a beautiful night in St. Petersburg. The service & food were great. Was there catching up with friends and didn't feel rushed to leave when we were done eating. Around 9pm they had a band which was nice. Overall had a great experience and would go back again.
(3)Karen F.
This is my 3rd time eating at this restaurant, and I have enjoyed myself each and every time. Due to the rain potential, we sat inside, which is a bit noisy but nevertheless fine. In nice weather - sit outside by the fountain, it is so relaxing! Our server was outstanding this evening. Very attentive, but not irritatingly instrusive. We started with cocktails (of course). It seems that they have been experimenting with drinks, so I had one of their specials - a cucumber margarita, and it was wonderful. Food-wise we started with guac/chips/salsa. I really think their guacamole is consistently some of the best I've had, nice and creamy. For my meal I had a spinach salad with goat cheese - very tasty, although the dressing was a bit oily for my taste, and the scallop ceviche. I think the ceviches are really what shine at this restaurant-fresh and tasty and interesting in every bite. The other item raved about at our table was the duck torta. No dessert because I ate too many chips. We'll be back!
(5)Paul K.
Super cool, lots of pretty people, and great margaritas. As to food, the tacos left me wanting a lot more. Think they have 7 or 8 different ones that, are unique or standard fills with interesting sauces. I had the duck (awesome), ahi and shredded pork. Can get very busy, and i dont think they do reservations - not surprised, they do not need to!
(4)Stew B.
A group favorite. The menu items do not sound that great at first glance so I always have my wife order for me. I always love the food. A lot if our friends like it too. Just get a dart board and aim for the menu to make your decision bc its all good stuff.
(5)Machelle P.
The food is amazing plus it has a great atmosphere! It is one of my favorite places to eat.
(5)Dawn B.
Mojitos are not good, but Sangria is great!
(4)Zach W.
This is the place in St. Pete you would take your out-of-town friends to. Great food (try the totopos, duck or shrimp tacos, chicken fernandez, and/or the churrasco), great drinks (best margaritas in town, good selection of beers), great atmosphere (bar and tables inside, bar and tables outside, a courtyard with a fountain, awesome live music often, TVs and all the sports package), and great service (Pete, the manager, is the man). In sum, there are plenty of reasons why I come here 3 or 4 times a week!
(5)Robert F.
The atmosphere is authentic. The food was delicious. It was spicy but not overly hot. The filet was tender and perfectly cooked. The pablano was still mildly tender. Overall a wonderful meal and would recommend to anyone.
(5)Bill D.
I had the pleasure of attending a Yelp! event here as a guest of Anna M., a '15 elite mega-star and gracious friend. This was my first Yelp meet-up. The event was PACKED! Was a bit warm outside but owner and staff provided a great experience all the same. Plenty of ice water to go with the generous margaritas and tasty sangria (red was better than the white today). The ownership's pride in product and head chef's commitment to serving consistent quality was evident both in food, and the descriptions provided before each course. An under-whelming P.A. system coupled with a boisterous, well-lubed crowd meant some were unable to hold their attention for every word, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of tonight's event. I hope others feel the same... The opening course of tamalitos de rajas featured a tasty, lightly spiced tomatillo sauce atop a nice tamales. The tamales alone would have been a bit dry, but the delicious and obviously made in-house tomatillo salsa tied everything together well. Very nice. Next came the tostada de chile colorado. The pork was good but the spicy (and delicious!) chipotle chile really stole the show. A fantastic combination of heat and flavor that i'd absolutely go for again. The pork was well coated, not drowning in sauce. Just right. Medium spiciness...not for those adverse to a lil' kick... The ceviche de mero was great. Probably my favorite of all the dishes. Incredibly fresh and very well done. All the flavors worked well together without one overpowering the others. The seafood here was perfect. Ceviche is a balancing act....let the fish sit too long in the citrus and it becomes tough, chewy....get the blend of ingredients wrong and the flavors won't play nice in the sandbox. Neither was an issue here. These guys know what they're doing. Again, all very fresh...that's important when dealing with citrus-cooked seafood (obviously). I wouldn't order ceviche from just anywhere but i'd order it from Red Mesa without hesitation. The tacos de pato was good and the duck was very well prepared (not easy to do), but the combination of the 4 other ingredients didn't really do it for me. Duck is kinda mild, and easily overpowered. That was the case here. The consistency was on point however. As with every other dish the ingredients were incredibly fresh. Fideo verde appeared at first to be your average pasta-with-parmesan blend....appearing more Italian than home-cooked Mexican....but you can't judge this book by it's cover. The flavors really popped and I realized (after reading the menu) that the grated cheese on top was actually cotija. I've never heard of cotija cheese before. Shame on me. It's awesome. The shrimp was great. Well made, not over-cooked. This one looks Italian, tastes Mexican. There's a terrible ex-girlfriend joke in there someone...but i'm gonna let it go..... :-) The final dish was lomo en mole negro. I'm not a black mole fan at all so I passed on this one. I'm told the mole is made in house by their head chef, a Oaxaca native. If you're into mole, give it a try. Fair warning though....traditional mole is not a flavor that the American palate takes to easily. You'll either love it, or pass entirely. Though i'm not a fan it's clear the mole that comes out of this kitchen is legit, home-style Mexican goodness. Cheers to the Red Mesa team...this is about as authentic as it gets!
(5)Jim B.
At lunch I had the Huachinango ceviche. Red snapper, spicy Peruvian aji amarillo with red onion, cilantro and lime juice. My wife had the fish tacos. The ceviche was awesome. The spiciness lived up to its description much to my delight. The Baja Fish tacos were delicious. The restaurant was crowded and where we were seated the outside humidity was uncomfortable. Although a bit pricy, we will be back.
(4)Holly S.
White sangria was so good! I had the pork tacos which were a bit salty, but I guess that's what you get with pork. I still give this 5 stars for the service, atmosphere, and sangria!
(5)Ryan S.
I just love this place. Food is consistently awesome!! Party of four today had pulled pork tacos, fish and shrimp tacos, empanadas, guacamole, and a pitcher of margaritas. Server was amazing and brought a virgin margarita for my pregnant sister w/o asking. The gesture made her whole day! The guacamole is the best I've had anywhere in Florida. If you are in DTSP then stop in here for lunch you won't be disappointed!
(5)Rachel O.
Delicious every time we go! They have SIN night on Sunday's (service industry night) 1/2 off for every person in the service industry with proof of pay stub. Resa (spelling?) waited on us last time we went and she was awesome! The chicken taquitos and beans and rice are my favorite and I get them every time we go! My husband always gets the duck sandwich which he claims is the best thing he had eaten since we moved here! Try them out!
(5)Franklin A.
I always come here for brunch when my family visits, it is visually appealing, quick and friendly. It is always guaranteed to taste great!
(4)Ethan C.
Love this place! Although it's often very busy in the evenings, the customer service is still very good. They have a great happy hour with inexpensive and tasty house margaritas and plenty of food specials. The salsa is excellent and fresh, and the queso is also good. The steak burrito is one of my favorites, although it's a little spicy, so beware if you favor less spicy food. For dessert, don't forget to check out the churrrrrrrroooooos! They arrive nice and warm with two dipping sauces and are delicious.
(5)E F.
Take a cheap flour tortilla, chewy squares of tasteless chicken, cheap white cheese, put in oven/microwave for 5 minutes. Serve with hunk of cheap ranch and guac....and you get Red Mesa's chicken quesadilla. This was the most pathetic lazy nasty quesadilla I've ever been served. Worse than AppleBees quality. Awful
(1)Chris E.
Are you kidding me? This place is phenomenal!!! We sat outside where there is a quaint fountain and bridge to set a great atmosphere. In addition, the service was quick and cordial, the food phenomenal and the prices are definitely reasonable. Make sure you hit this place up when in town.
(5)Jarrod S.
Huge Tequila and Mezcal selection. Ceviche was very good. Awesome patio. Selection of margaritas, tried two, both good and not too sweet. Great service!
(5)Richard K.
I must say I am extremely disappointed by the recommendations of both yelp and the Tampa times on trying this restaurant. We only went here before the Dali museum because it relieves such strong recommendations. The decor was very cheesy at best. We started with the dips which tasted like store bought salsa, guacamole, and cheesy dip. We ordered a bunch of food for brunch including the burger (not medium rare), breakfast sandwich (the bun was stale), and tacos (meat was tough). Service was good else I would have given it one star. Come on Tampa/St Pete...there must be better Mexican food (this coming from a New Yorker).
(2)Michael F.
The ambiance is great. The location is great. The staff was super friendly. The food was pretty good, not the best I have had, but it's a great place if you are looking for some fast food and a good drink. I did try their duck taco... I can see why people like it, but a little too sweet for my taste. I wish they had incorporated a little more spice into it to cut down on the sweet sauces and cheese. I ordered all the tacos, and they were all exceptionally good. I wouldn't say this is anything close to a Mexican restaurant, I would say this is more of an American take on Mexican style food. But all said and done, I love the place. I definitely will be coming back for more (if it wasn't always so busy lol). Every time I come, they are always slammed busy and at least a 20 minute late.
(4)K W.
The food is decent for the most part but overpriced for what it is. Their outdoor space is great, though.
(3)John R.
The food is pretty good. But be ready to pay for every little thing. Want lettuce on your kids tacos? $1 per taco. Want a little extra sour cream for your burrito? $1. Want a refill on the chip basket for the unused salsa? $2.50. Oh and the staff won't tell you. They just add it to the bill. Just seems deceptive. Why not just raise the price of the entre? Won't be going back.
(2)Sarah M.
Has become one of my favorite spots in downtown St Pete. Great atmosphere, fun outside dining. Fabulous Mexican food. Huge portions and a very nice menu to select from. Friendly, courteous and helpful staff. Prices very reasonable. The best fried sweet plantains. Love the fresh salsa and chips as well.
(4)Ryan H.
Out of all the meals we had during the week, this was the highlight of our trip. The food here is incredible. Not much more to say on that topic. They claim to be a slightly classier restaurant and according to multiple different literatures that we read, dress jeans are suggested for dinning here. Well, considering how sticky the tables are and how trashy the bathrooms were. I wouldn't take that dress code too seriously.
(5)Marinda H.
Super neat outdoor patio and servers working this day were full of tattoos and piercings - me likey. Ordered Chicken Enchiladas - one enchilada topped with salsa roja, one with salsa verde, both finished with queso fresco, cilantro-onion and crema. served with black beans and rice. Was not super impressed with the enchiladas although the beans were great. Very small portion size. Seemed very pricy for the portion size (and they could have thrown some chips & salsa in for the price). I did not know this but you have to ASK for chips or they won't offer them. 2 stars for food, 4 stars for service and atmosphere
(3)Sheri Jo B.
Easily one of my favorite places in DTSP! The food is awesome and they have great entertainment outside. The patio area is beautifully landscaped and is a great place to dine when the weather permits. Excellent, signature margaritas! The inside is very inviting and a fun atmosphere all around.
(5)David G.
This place has the best brunch in DTSP the menu is extensive from breakfast to Tex-Mex it's been all good every time! Today we got a seat by the fountain under cover and beautiful out. They sat us before even 11 talk about great service. My crab and shrimp quesadilla was delicious and came out quickly. The El Bombero is pink, my fave color, and packs a punch :) highly recommend having brunch here
(5)Addison P.
Great time, excellent tequila, amazing atmosphere. Had a blast with a group of 10 on the patio. Server gave excellent recommendations for tequilas.
(5)