Mekenita Mexican Grille isn't new to Tampa Bay, but it is to Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood. Formerly headquartered in Lutz, the popular Mexican restaurant — which is a CL Best of the Bay winner and also reigned victorious during our Tournament of Tacos — is coming along at 6707 N. Florida Ave., where it will operate as Mekenita Cantina.
With a targeted opening date of "soon," Mekenita announced the new location on Facebook back in September. Its neighbors are fellow Graham Building occupants like Seminole Heights City Wine Bar and The Revolution Ice Cream Co.
Mekenita, founded by owners Tiffani and chef Rand Packer more than a decade ago, is known for serving up Mexican cuisine with Pacific Ocean flair. The food takes inspiration from fresh Pacific ingredients and the cooking traditions of Mexico's Oaxaca region, which the Packers have passionately immersed themselves in. Their specialty won't change in Seminole Heights, but there are different highlights in store, including tableside service and a full bar with specialty cocktails.
The restaurant also plans to offer seating inside and out. Two months ago, the city approved Mekenita's request to extend the canopy over its pet-friendly patio, meaning the fully covered outdoor dining area will be accessible year-round.
Crab and roasted poblano enchiladas, chili garlic-rubbed smoked pork tacos, chipotle miso charred butterfish, and ancho-rubbed grilled churrasco steak are part of the menu that's listed on the under-construction Mekenita website. Most of the lineup is gluten-free, too.
This article appears in Jun 14-21, 2018.