Here you'll find a few of Tampa Bay's best destination tacos. From off the beaten path spots, to tacos tucked away in grocery stores, bodegas, and parking lot food carts, all of these these are serious local hidden gems. Go big, order a heavy selection, chances are it won't break the bank.
25 hidden Tampa Bay taco spots you should’ve tried by now
By CL Staff on Fri, May 10, 2019 at 9:48 pm
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Los Compares
5305 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, 813-850-1380Be on the lookout for little red food truck slinging burritos, ceviche and street tacos. Thankfully, this one is stationed on Armenia, so you don’t have to hunt it down on Taco Tuesday.
Photo via Google Maps
La Fiesta Mexican Store
1202 S 22nd St, Tampa, 813-241-2477Relaxed, no-frills stop stocking Latin American market goods and serving up a selection of tacos. Grab a beer from the fridge and chow down like a true local.
Photo via Google Maps
Hector’s Mexican Food
3120 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, 813-234-3646This little food trailer is open late and is serving up street tacos and empanadas. Picnic tables are parked out front so you can smack them before hopping back on the road.
Photo via Hector’s Mexican Food/Facebook
Chronic Tacos
10420 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-374-6800This semi new to town chain is a build-your-own Mexican fare concept. If you’re a picky eater, this is the place to go.
Photo via Chronic Tacos/Facebook
Taquería El Nopal
8307 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-679-8609Another tiny taco truck is holding its own on Dale Mabry Hwy. Great place for a quick lunch break or need a no frills type meal packed with flavor.
Photo via Google Maps
Acapulco Tacos
1001 N Macdill Ave, Tampa, 727-321-8855The sign simply says “Taqueria,” so you know they mean business. Focus is all about the tacos, with a shelf of hot sauces to choose from. Hole-in-the-wall spot slangin’ street tacos.
Photo via Google Maps
Esther’s Cafe
3001 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, 813-232-6217Search for the flags that say “Tacos,” so you can find this hidden gem. Oddly placed taquerias are always solid.
Photo via Google Maps
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
209 Davis Blvd, Tampa, 813-251-0558When’s the last time you made it to Davis Island, if ever? Margaritas Mexican is a great reason to venture over the bridge and grab a taco or two, and definitely a margarita.
Photo via Margaritas Mexican Restaurant/Facebook
Tacos el Borracho
2602 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, 813-505-4430Open until midnight on Friday and Saturday, sometimes you just need your late night taco fix. This joint is parked outside of the Stop + Pick Food Store. Obviously, you need it.
Photo via Google Maps
Anojitos Mexicano
6118 S Dale Marby Hwy, Tampa, 813- 417-6851Another bomb street taco joint. You’ll want the traditional carnitas tacos. They call themselves “Tampa’s not so hidden gem.”
Photo via Anijotis Mexicano /Facebook
Casa Mexicana Bar & Grill
3642 W Gandy Blvd Ste B, Tampa,813-405-8205This restaurant has been serving up authentic Mexican fare for over 28 years, so they must be doing something right. Pop in and try one of their signature tacos.
Photo via Casa Mexicana Bar & Grill/ Instagram
Grumpy Gringo
2510 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, 727-851-9800Formerly known as the St. Pete TacoSon. Grumpy Gringo has gone through transformations in its dining room and on the menu. Time to take a fresh take on this taco spot.
Photo via Google Maps
El Chapo
3038 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-256-9033Take a trip to Gulfport to experience what El Chapo is serving up. These tacos need to be as famous as the drug lord the joint is named after.
Photo via El Chapo/Facebook
Agave
6400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 727-367-3448Fresh tacos near the water, with even better guacamole. A must if you’re in the area and are in need of a margarita with a taco on the side.
Photo via Google Maps
Taco Baby
235 Main St, DunedinLegit the tiniest taco joint around, this place is located inside a renovated ATM. Make sure to take pics. Oh, the street tacos are good too.
Photo via Taco Baby/Facebook
Pinch A Taco
13502 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 813-735-6268Did your GPS take you to a Sunoco gas station? Don’t stress, that’s where Pinch A Taco is parked. Serving up tacos, fat burritos and even entire fried fish.
Photo via Pinch A Taco/ Facebook
TacoSon
7521 N 56th St, Tampa, 813-989-2080Temple Terrace isn’t exactly poppin. But you’ll want to make the trip for these authentic ass tacos.
Photo via TacoSon/ Facebook
Taqueria Emanuel
2800 N MacDill Ave, Ste E Tampa, 813-453-5954Don’t be shy when ordering, this is your time to sample the menu. Treat yourself to three tacos to start, carne asada, pollo al horno, and barbacoa. You just might find yourself getting a second helping.
Photo via Taqueria Emanuel /Facebook
Xtreme tacos
6809 N Nebraska Ave Suite A, Tampa, 813-570-6407Massive burritos, tacos and other traditional Mexican street eats can be devoured at Xtreme. Don’t believe us? Bring your newborn child to hold up for comparison.
Photo via Xtreme Tacos/ Facebook
Taco Rey
1441 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, 813-605-3683Another taco spot that is being slept on thanks to being stationed in Temple Terrace. But that hasn’t stopped locals from taking advantage of this lowbrow taqueria.
Photo via Taco Rey/ Facebook
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