South Florida-born Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar prepares its guacamole tableside. Credit: Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar

Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar will bring its first location on the west coast of Florida to Tampa.

Known for its tequila selection, tableside guacamole and lively atmosphere, Rocco’s Tacos — co-owned by Rocco Mangel and Big Time Restaurant Group — is slated to open in late 2017 at International Plaza. The Tampa outpost for the South Florida restaurant brand, which cooks its handmade corn tortillas on a comal like it’s done in Mexico, will take over Blue Martini’s B203 space at 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. once the restaurant closes Jan. 15.

Among the Mexican eatery’s signature eats are jalapeño rellenos (stuffed fried jalapeños, cotija cheese, lime crema, avocado ranch) and Bistec con Chiles Rajas (grilled adobo skirt steak, grilled green onions, three peppers rajas, red rice, black beans). Taco & Tequila Tuesdays, showcasing all-you-can-eat tacos, are also popular. But don’t forget about that lineup of 330-plus tequilas.

With locations in places like Orlando (pictured), the restaurant brand’s now headed for Tampa. Credit: Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar

“When we opened our first location almost 10 years ago, we set out to change how our guests experienced Mexican cuisine. Our newest location will be meticulously planned to not only offer our amazing food, but an experience that can’t be found anywhere else,“ according to managing partner Mangel.

Similar to its older siblings, the Tampa Rocco’s Tacos will feature star-shaped, punched-metal lantern chandeliers, upbeat music and occasional live mariachi bands, plus cheerful décor items purchased by Mangel around Mexico. The new restaurant — with 265 proposed seats, a covered bar and patio — will weigh in at 7,613 square feet, joining International Plaza food concepts like Taps Restaurant Bar & Lounge, Doc B's Fresh Kitchen and The Capital Grille.

Rocco’s Tacos operates restaurants throughout South Florida and in Orlando and Brooklyn, New York. It also plans to open a location at the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport sometime this year.

“We are always researching new markets in which to introduce our Rocco’s Tacos brand, and we have long been looking to find the perfect location in Tampa,” said Todd Herbst of Big Time Restaurant Group. “We hope this is the first of many Rocco’s Tacos locations on the west coast of Florida.”