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.
Los Comparres
5636 W Waters Ave, Tampa
Yes, the little red food truck is still around slinging street tacos, plus another location off Waters Ave. So even more options for Taco Tuesday. Want something other than the usual taco? Select from items including campechana, sopes, and tortas.
Photo via Los Comparres/GoogleLa Fiesta Mexican Store
1202 S 22nd St, Tampa, 813-241-2477
Relaxed, 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 MapsHector’s Mexican Food
3120 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, 813-234-3646
This 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/FacebookChronic Tacos
10420 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-374-6800
This 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/FacebookTaquería El Nopal
8307 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-679-8609
Another 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 MapsAcapulco Tacos
1001 N Macdill Ave, Tampa, 727-321-8855
The 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 MapsEsther’s Cafe
3001 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, 813-232-6217
Search for the flags that say “Tacos,” so you can find this hidden gem. Oddly placed taquerias are always solid.
Photo via Google MapsMargaritas Mexican Restaurant
209 Davis Blvd, Tampa, 813-251-0558
When’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/FacebookTacos el Borracho
2602 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, 813-505-4430
Open 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 MapsAnojitos Mexicano
6118 S Dale Marby Hwy, Tampa, 813- 417-6851
Another bomb street taco joint. You’ll want the traditional carnitas tacos. They call themselves “Tampa’s not so hidden gem.”
Photo via Anijotis Mexicano /FacebookGrumpy Gringo
2510 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, 727-851-9800
Formerly 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 MapsEl Chapo
3038 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-256-9033
Take 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/FacebookAgave
6400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, 727-367-3448
Fresh 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 MapsTaco Baby
235 Main St, Dunedin
Legit 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/FacebookPinch A Taco
13502 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 813-735-6268
Did 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/ FacebookTacoSon
7521 N 56th St, Tampa, 813-989-2080
Temple Terrace isn’t exactly poppin. But you’ll want to make the trip for these authentic ass tacos.
Photo via TacoSon/ FacebookXtreme tacos
6809 N Nebraska Ave Suite A, Tampa, 813-570-6407
Massive 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/ FacebookTaco Rey
1441 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, 813-605-3683
Another 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/ FacebookLoli’s
8005 Benjamin Rd, Tampa, 813-886-74671
Do yourself a favor and call ahead to order to avoid the massive crowd that gathers outside of this house turned taqueria. Down for the wait? There are seats and napkins out on the patio so you can eat among the madness.
Photo via Loli’s/ FacebookReal Del Monte Mexican Restaurant
1417 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-851-4812
This Mexican restaurant is offering up some of the best tacos in Clearwater. Not in the mood for tacos? Real Del Monte serves up fat plates of Mexican classics guaranteed to please.
Photo via Real Del Monte Mexican Restaurant/ FacebookCity Dog Cantina
1208 E Kennedy Blvd #114, Tampa, 813-280-2999
Sitting in Tampa’s Channel District, this cantina serves up all-day breakfast. Not so hidden, but deserves more shine for their extensive bar and menu.
Photo via Google MapsVallarta’s
16023 Tampa Palms Blvd W Tampa, 813-978-3761
With locations sprinkled around Tampa Bay, this spot is known for their bargain tacos and frozen margaritas. So why not have both?
Photo via Vallarta’s/ Facebook
