Along with just about everyone in St. Pete (and possibly the entire Bay area), I was ecstatic to hear that Red Mesa would be opening another restaurant in the old DeSanto spot in downtown and couldn't wait to get down there. Last Saturday night I ventured in to sample fare at the one-week old "modern Mexican taqueria and ceviche bar" that is the new Red Mesa Cantina.
The restaurant is in the bottom floor of Push Ultra Lounge at 128 3rd St. S. the decor is bright and fun: Mexican-themed artwork arrayed inside and luchador wrestler masks lining the outside wall across from the bar (with more kitschy luchador posters in the bathrooms). The dining room inside is large and open, with a hip vibe, and there's still outdoor dining on the patio.
This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2009.