Red Mesa Cantina

This place is a hidden gem. After walking for a while I told myself I would stop at the first restaurant I saw. So glad it was the first one I saw. The food was delicious and fresh! The drinks were really good too. The bartender Sarah made an amazing drink (Mango Tango). Atmosphere was really cute and inviting. Can’t wait to go back again, probably tomorrow.

Had an amazing experience! The food was absolutely delicious- every dish we tried was full of flavor. We also sampled three different types of margaritas, and each one was fantastic in its own way. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a night out. On top of all that, the service was excellent-friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. Highly recommend!

The hype is real! We came on a weekday afternoon and sat outside. Was chill from the start. We were seated outside next to a nice fountain. They were accommodating to our kid order (and we didn't order off the kids menu, though they have one). They also brought an activity sheet with crayons. Food was good. Got a side of the Chipotle crema and it was amazing

Friday night and the place is empty.. should be your first sign. Ordered app of Chips and dip .. it was ok, small servings for the price. Salsa was purchased separate and tasted like typical crap from the store.. had little flavor, nothing but tomato sauce. Also ordered ceviche.. very disappointed. Sauce was dark green and tasted bland. Only thing I could taste was spice. Ordered some drinks.. took way too long for an empty place. Likewise the waiter walked by at least 6 times and never checked on us or took our food order. Had to wave him down to finally get food. Never got a drink refill until I asked.. and to be honest waiter was less than attentive and didn't seem to care about anything. Very very disappointed will not be back.

Our server helped me create the BEST pasta - highly recommend the black truffle sauce with mushrooms crossed with the goat cheese ravioli! Sooo good!! The bread and $4.99 add on was so worth it. Delicious and lovely atmosphere.

The Peruvian chicken and kale salad were excellent. The salad was huge and very satisfying. Lovely ambience and drinks too

Went out for my birthday dinner with a friend. Got 1 drink each, chips & dip, and two tacos each. Was $77. The tacos immediately fell right through the shell so we just ate with a fork. My friends drink took over 20 minutes to come out. I don’t know how busy it was inside (we sat outside) but the service was pretty slow. All in all the food was very average as was the service. Wouldn’t go back / recommend for the price it was & quality of service.

Loved it! We just left the beach and I was craving tacos! We had been to Red Mesa with a large group once before and that was a great experience, so we thought we’d try it again. It was an excellent choice! Food was delicious, service (shout out to Kelly!!!) was awesome and the atmosphere was great. Loved the reggae music and the authentic Mexican decor. We’ll be back for sure!!!

Really great service! We sat at the bar until our table was ready and the bartender was awesome. He gave us good drink recommendations and was over all pleasant to talk to. Our server Abigail gave us some great spots to check out after dinner and I'm glad we followed her advice! The food didn't disappoint either. We really loved the tuna poke bowl, duck tacos and yuca fries. We sat outside and really liked the vibe. It was a fun yet casual place to start our night. Definitely check it out!

It's been a while since we've been to Red Mesa (since Pre-Covid). Hubby and I remember really enjoying it and decided to check it out again. We both ordered the Seafood Mofongo as we are fans of mofongo. This was unbelievably good! It's a one dish meal, with a small ball of mofongo surrounded by seafood in broth. At first I thought it was a smaller portion, but it turned out to be just the right size. The mofongo was so tasty and I think it was because they added the sweet plantains to the green ones. The broth and the seafood was perfect. It had a lot of shrimp and calamari rings. I guess they no longer offer free chips and salsa, so we ordered some as an appetizer. They were very good. The weather was gorgeous so we sat outside. Service was a bit slow, but not bad. Overall, I'm glad the Red Mesa Cantina is just as good as I remember it!

In town for work and a co-worker highly recommended trying Red Mesa. I was lucky enough to find street parking right across the street. Unfortunately because it was dark and I didn't have my glasses on, I misread that the meters are enforced until 8pm as 6pm so I ended up with a parking ticket. Seated immediately on arrival in the really cool outside patio area. I don't think it would have been as enjoyable in the heat of summer but it was excellent on this nice fall evening. Margaritas are my go to drink and when I found out could add Blackberry to the House Margarita, I was sold. It was top notch. The only thing that would have made better was still to have a salt rim. Since I was wavering on my entree choice, I asked for recommendations from my server and opted for the suggested Brisket Enchiladas - Chile fresno bechamel, chayote squash relish, pickled red onion, queso fresco, crema, cilantro. I was a little surprised that the enchiladas were crispy instead of the typical soft version that I am used to. More like a taquito. Not mad, just unexpected. I enjoyed it enough that I would order again but maybe after trying some other options. Other than my misreading the parking meter, the only negative was had to ride the elevator to the 2nd floor for the restroom. Still would highly recommend!

It's race day so team stopped in for a few. Good food drinks on point staff friendly - cool vibes. Great time

Outdoor and indoor seating available but with the good weather outdoor is the obvious option. The drinks were good and the food was pretty generously portioned. The server took a while to come back but she looked busy with bigger parties. Not the best not the worst but a nice place in the end.

If McDonalds served tacos, these would be them. Meat was not flavorful and overcooked. When you spend $4+ per taco it should have flavor and substance, these had neither. One beef, one chicken, would not recommend and won't be back. While the margarita was good, it didn't make up for the awful food. The only highlight for the food was the guacamole. The salsa was watered down and more like a dressing with no substance. I came here a year ago and it was good, not sure what happened but I won't be back for a third time.

This is the best Red Mesa location. Sit outside if the weather permits. Everything is good here and the ambiance is great. It's an easy walk to downtown after dinner too. Great place to take out of town guests.

Loved this Mexican restaurant. There are many options to choose from. We came in here mainly for apps and drinks. The margaritas were great and as strong as they should be. The yuca appetizer we ordered was delicious! It had some sort of cheese inside and was crispy on the outside, they were great! We also ordered the octopus ceviche and loved it. And their queso dip was fantastic with their house salsa. One day we will return to try their dinner options.

A few pros and cons: Con: service was a bit slow when it's not even that busy. We observed a larger table who sat down 10 minutes after us get served first Nachos; I had to send it back and have them remake it. A pile of chips with some pico and beans. I can't believe they even served it like it was! Fish tacos; Mediocre. There is nothing "special" about them and all you get is two tacos. I've had better in AZ Pros: Their child menu is very limited so my son was able to eat the chicken taquitos. Brisket Enchiladas: BEST ever!! Margarita pitcher: made with Hornitos tequila very good! Scallops ceviche very good!!

We had an awesome meal here - food, service and ambiance were all on point! Huge restaurant with lots of seating indoor and out and super cool water features (river/fountain). We enjoyed the tuna tartare, nachos and a shrimp and ahi tuna taco. Would definitely come back!

If you're in the mood for Tex mex, this place is a solid choice. Nice ambiance, great margaritas, and quality entrees. Easy walk to all the nightlife on central. Servers are good, nothing out of the ordinary.

Such a disappointing Cinco de Mayo here. I expected this place would be busy...but management seriously understaffed. They had a special limited menu, but it didn't seem to help the kitchen keep up. Seated at the 2nd floor bar, where we waited 2 hours for the grilled shrimp bowl and 2 ahi tuna tacos we ordered. No apologies by the bartenders for the delay in the food coming out. Then once the food came out, there was no silverware provided. The bin of silverware was empty so had to wait even longer for that. And they were out of dinner napkins. The shrimp bowl was unimpressive to say the least...which says a lot considering I was starving after waiting so long! It was flat and had no flavor. The hot Carlos margarita was not good either.

Great food and service in a lovely setting. The brunch is definitely a winner. Not only is it not too expensive, the food is very well prepared and well served.

Yummy food with a great outdoor space! Came on a Friday night before heading to the bars downtown, and service, food and drinks were all great. We loved their margarita pitcher and all the various flavors. Food was great too! Not too heavy either before a night out.

I was in Florida on a bachelorette trip and we decided to come here for one of the dinners before hitting the downtown area. I can say the ambiance is so beautiful, the decor is tasteful, but the service and food are honestly rather bland considering the prices. Our server was polite, but a bit lazy about getting us refills, plates to share the appetizers, and clearing the table of dirty dishes when we had very little room to share amongst the 6 of us dining. He also didn't acknowledge the fact we all were dressed with sashes that said "bride team" and our bride in all white with a party veil. It would've been cute for him to at least make some small talk about it since every other restaurant we went to the staff did this for her. I think he smiled maybe once. Now onto the food: We ordered one on the chips and dip trio appetizers (comes with guacamole, beans, queso) and one of the salsa and chips appetizer to all share. I gotta say the only good thing that made me think "wow!" Was the queso, but that's pretty hard to make cheese taste bland so do with that what you will. The rest of the appetizers lacked in taste, and the portions were SMALL so we only each got a few bites. We all ordered tacos and amongst all of us we ordered at least one of each kind they served. This is where I must admit the taste of the food was improved! I ordered one chicken and one steak and the flavor was absolutely phenomenal! Again the portions were small for the price but at least the flavor was better! We shared a pitcher of the house margarita which was strong and gave us each a full glass but pretty on theme with: bland. I'm from Arizona so maybe I had high expectations or something, but overall for the price and portions I just think the quality could be better!

While visiting St. Petersburg, I stopped by Red Mesa Cantina. Located in downtown, Red Mesa Cantina is a great restaurant for those looking for a happy hour or a nice sit down dinner. We arrived a little early for happy hour, but were able to try several appetizers before deciding what to order. Red Mesa has a very diverse menu of seafood and every protein you can think of to complement your meal. Red Mesa also has plenty of drink options for any mood your in. Service was quick and always kept our drinks full. Restaurant was very clean and tables were serviced quickly. Red Mesa can accommodate small and large groups as well as outdoor seating and a bar. Great experience and reasonable prices , we be back!

I recently visited Red Casa Cantina and had a fantastic experience! The highlight of my meal was the mofongo --by far the best I've ever had. The chile relleno was also delicious, though a bit different from what I expected, as it was a pepper with ground beef without the usual batter and cheese.The ambience of the restaurant was pleasant, and the prices were reasonable. The only downside was the seating; the dining room was empty, but we waited 25 minutes to be seated. It seemed like they might have been short-staffed.Overall, the incredible food average service.

Red Mesa Events in Downtown St. Pete isn't just a spot for great food; it's a hidden gem that brings together the best of venue vibes and amazing Mexican cuisine. Tucked in the heart of Downtown St. Pete, Red Mesa Events captures that lively city spirit. It's got this cool blend of sophistication and friendliness that just feels right for the quirky city with an unofficial slogan of "Keep DTSP Weird". Just off Fourth Street, finding free 2-hour street parking is a breeze. The garages charge $3 an hour, and the street-metered parking is about $3 for a 2-hour max. Because the metered parking is managed through the Park Mobile app, one cannot just move their car into a new spot and pay again. Now, let me tell you about the spaces. The De Santo rooftop is like a dream with its chic bar and twinkling string lights. It was set up for a ceremony, and it was like something out of a storybook. The La Florida Ballroom is stunning. Exposed red brick, modern vibes, and these chic chandeliers that bring a touch of geometric flair - it's Instagram-worthy at every corner. Now, you might think, "It's a venue, does the food match up?" Absolutely. Red Mesa is one of St Pete's most beloved restaurants! With multiple restaurant locations, this is the perfect venue for foodies. Red Mesa Events is not your average spot. It's where good vibes, fantastic venues, and delicious food come together effortlessly. Whether it's a ceremony, a party, or just a night out, this place ticks all the boxes. Highly recommended for those who want a taste of Downtown charm with a side Margaritta magic!

Was looking forward to trying this lace for a long time. Total bust! Did it used to be better? Nothing authentic about it. Very chain-like both menu and quality. And if bathrooms represent kitchen, how did I eat here? But the courtyard is beautiful.

This location was very nice. It's close to downtown and within walking distance to central. There is a large indoor seating area and a nice patio. Our food was good and came out very quickly. The staff were also nice and seemed happy to be there. I would recommend this location.

Short drive from where we were staying for the trip. The wife had been here this past spring. I was looking looking to quench thirst and knock out hunger. This place definitely has some delicious Mexican food! This place has it for you!!! We were seated promptly and chips and salsa / cheese dip kept satisfying chip after chip. Our beverages were topped off if they got low and overall everything was out fast! The portion was huge and the food was delicious!. The chicken Gordo bowl was loaded with grilled chicken n onions and it was served with a rice that was decadent! Our server interacted with our daughters... Made them feel special. I can't thank the service team enough they were the best!!! Should be commended by upper management. The outdoor seating area is kinda special. Its a must stop if in the area in the future. Thank you for being awesome! Respectfully, Bryan Oklahoma City

A friend and I decided on this place for dinner and while the atmosphere is pretty cool, you are seated VERY close to other patrons and you can hear their conversations and they can hear yours. Plus it just seemed loud. I wanted to eat outside where there was more space but it was full. The chips and salsa were fine, nothing crazy. My friend had the cucumber margarita and LOVED it. We started with the Mofongo and it was delicious! Def recommend. For eats, I had the highly recommended Brisket enchiladas and it was very good. Not amazing but very tasty. It was pretty expensive for what we got but in DTSP it isn't unexpected but if I return it will be in good weather to sit outside.

We were on our way home and were looking for some food. My friend remembered this restaurant from another location she went to in the past. We decided to sit outdoors and enjoy the weather, which was beautiful. The scenery from outside the restaurant was gorgeous. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The appetizers, drinks, and food came out very quickly. It was a decent crowd sorting outdoors, but I noticed there were sufficient staff to attend to everyone. We ordered some nachos with salsa and cheese dip, and they were both delicious. I didn't think I would like the cheese dip so much, but it was hot and yummy with my chips. I ordered a nonalcoholic drink since u was driving(I'm a lightweight drinker, lol). My friend had the alcohol and loved it. I ordered the chicken and duck tacos, and they were both delicious and hit the spot. My friend had the chicken quesadillas that she loved. We left full and happy! This is definitely a spot I would check out again.

I'm a returning customer of this restaurant! I had the Birria Quesadillas and they were amazing! Not only was the service impeccable and friendly but the environment was lively, like a weekend every night which is great for going out with friends.

Great spot for good Mexican food while in downtown St Pete. They do not take reservations on the weekends but was able to get a table outside. The outdoor seating on a beautiful day was just perfect. They had old school reggaeton music playing which was a dope vibe with some margaritas. Food was delicious. Will be back.

Red Mesa is a great spot due to its large menu that has a variety of options: both less-popular entrees for more adventurous eaters as well as classics like tacos and enchiladas. There is also a variety of margaritas. The cucumber margarita is the perfect twist on a margarita with a subtle, refreshing cucumber flavor that is the perfect amount of sweetness. The brisket tacos were excellent as well. I recommend seating outside by the stunning patio and a beautiful fountain, but if that's full, the tables by the bar had a lovely ambience as well. I took off a star because I had to wait 30 minutes for water after asking twice and also had to ask twice for hot sauce, even though the restaurant wasn't busy.

Red Mesa is a great place for a nice dinner in St. Pete. They consistently offer great food and great margaritas (won best in the Bay for a reason!) I've never been disappointed on the food or the beverages. And the ambiance is so good. The courtyard is gorgeous, the inside is nice as well, and the wait staff does a great job every time. It does get pretty busy, so I'd try to get a reservation or prepare for a longer wait. Of note - the owners got into some trouble for withholding wages from staff when they had walkouts about a year ago. There are several news articles about it and about what the owners did to make reparations, but you can take that into your decision to eat here if needed.

First of all, their margaritas are good enough to warrant a return visit. Other than that, we had the loaded queso which was very creamy and lovely, and we added some of their hot sauce to make it a little spicy. Okay so that hot sauce though!! It wasn't that spicy but the flavor was a little smoky, a little sweet, a little tangy, it was fantastic! Had to ask the waitress if they sold it (YES THEY DO for $5!) Needless to say, we now are proud owners of a bottle of red mesa hot sauce. Service was friendly and helpful, especially while we were deciding what to order. We went on a Tuesday evening, and it was surprisingly packed but it had a casually comfortable atmosphere, a little noisy but not too crazy (probably just one crowd lol). We very much enjoyed our food and drinks and will be coming back now and then.

Three stars for the outdoor ambiance but the food is pretty meh unfortunately. There are also very few options for vegetarians. Maybe like a couple enchilada options and a taco salad. The mushroom enchilada and the taco salad are both pretty decent. I did enjoy eating them but they weren't my favorite dishes ever. While the margaritas are good, my friend was charged without informing for extra jalapeño in her margarita which seems a lil extra for just 2 slices lol.

We didn't have reservations, but we were warmly greeted and sat quickly. We started off with your standard chips and salsa (not free) and added a queso blanco. My son ordered chicken qusidillas, but for some reason the waitress delivered chicken enchiladas. It was quite loud when we were ordering, so maybe misunderstood? We didn't make a big deal about it. He ended up really liking his meal anyway. I ordered the Barbacoa brisket burrito. Very good...meat was well marinated and first bite was an explosion of flavor. It came with a side of rice and I ordered the sweet plantains as a side. At the end, our waitress enticed us with mentioning house made churros, but we were too full. As I write this review bow, I wish I sucked it up and ordered them anyways. Overall, we very much enjoyed our meal and will definitely return!

Probably the worst dining experience I have had in a long time. The one star is based solely on the food. The service beyond deplorable from start to finish. Our party of 6 arrived early for our reservation and could not be taken early, not a problem as we headed to the bar to watch the end of the Rutgers bowl game. Service at the bar was slow at best, my wife waited at least 20 minutes to order a drink. We were seated and were actually served appetizers before our drink order was taken. The restaurant is clearly understaffed and undertrained. The wait staff including the runners carry an attitude when questioned about the menu, orders and food served. Food was incorrect and served cold in some instances. The brisket Birria quesadilla which should have been the highlight was cold, the cheese was stiff. The maduros were the highlight of the meal as they were piping hot and delicious. To give you an idea of how bad this experience was we weren't asked if we would like dessert. It is an absolute shame because the restaurant has a great location with an excellent design. The menu is solid and has potential but is clear management has work to do in order to make this restaurant meet its potential. I do not recommend this restaurant.

Stopped by with a friend on the weekend, hostess was happy to accommodate without a reservation. The vibe is causal & fun. With indoor & outdoor seating options, it's easy to grab a table whatever your preference. Music doesn't play too loud where you can't hear your friends speak, so that's always a plus! For food, we started with the chips & salsa. I ordered the Brisket Barbacoa for my entree priced at $19. Overall, not a bad deal for the amount of food you get! I had trouble finishing my bowl but it was so good! Even better when you take the chips and use it to scoop out the brisket. My experience at Red Mesa Cantina was good and the food was good. I'd definitely come back again. Quick note: Double check the tip before quickly tapping away. I noticed the server had it set to 25% tip and I had to go into modify. This is always seen as slimy in my eyes.

Came here for a family members wedding brunch. The space was fabulous and we had to he rooftop bar as well. It was spacious and perfect for our crowd. The brunch food was good and the drinks were even better. I recommend this restaurant if you have a big gathering.

Walked in on a weekend evening and was instantly seated inside. We were pretty quick in and out as it was a long day. My friend and I both ordered three tacos: she got three steak, I got one steak, one duck, one chicken. I thought they were filled well, and were all delicious. The duck was my favorite! Our server was friendly and attentive.

Been a while since my last visit and didn't realize the menu changed a bunch. Was disappointed to not see my favorite dishes offered anymore. Also, didn't experience the same great flavor I was used to. The salsa tastes kind of like canned tomatoes now. Out of every bite I sampled my steak taco was the best dish. This was a "if it ain't broke don't fix it" situation.

Great drinks and food. Outside seating was nice. Service was consistent and friendly.

Service below average. Chips and dips good. My fish tocos were not terrible. Ceviche underwhelming. Won't be back.

We had my Husband's business Christmas party at Red Mesa Cantina, we arrived at 6:30 on a Tuesday and our table was ready for us. They had the most AMAZING key lime pie drink that was so very good. I could hardly believe that it was alcohol. The chips and queso were amazing, fresh and crispy. I had the pork belly tacos, their sauce on the side. Aside from being a little dry, they were amazingly tasty. My husband had a burrito that was the size of his forearm, he could not finish it all, it was that big! He said it was even better the next day when everything hand mingled. The service was a bit slow in spots, but we were a large party of 10.

I came here for a girls brunch and had a great time. It wasn't too busy so we got good seating outside and the restaurant is beautiful. They've got eccentric Mexican art all around and makes for good pictures! We had two of their craft cocktails and both were well balanced and delicious. We started with their dips appetizer, which were three dips and tortilla chips. All of it was so yummy! The guac was my favorite. I would just order it by itself and eat it. Then I ordered their Birria quesadilla, having never tried Birria before. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was by far the best part of my time here! Trust me- GET IT! I think it's my new favorite food. Our server recommended it to me and she was very knowledgeable about all of the menu items and helped us decide. Overall, I had a great time here. I plan to be back and am looking forward to that quesadilla next time!

This is a fun place to stop for tacos and margaritas. They also have great sangria and burritos that are as big as your head. There are lots of gluten-free choices. All the seating is outside but much of it is covered and shaded from the sun.

Decided to go try a place in st pete Originally I believe we were gonna go to the sister company. But made it here instead. And boy I was not disappointed Sat outside on a gorgeous day. So beautiful the waterfall and the trees. The severs are very attentive . We ordered the tuna tostadas as an app And they were truly amazing. The tuna was fresh. And the toppings were sooo amazing. I was impressed by the freshness. Also this isn't something I would normally order. But glad I listened to the hubby. I also ordered a red sangria, very yummy. Hubby ordered the floridita He liked his drink also. We ordered more food which I'm not sure why I did. I was stuffed by the one tostada. Oh I forgot to mention the jalapeños in the tostada is no joke haha it was spicy but so worth it. I also happen to be a weak mexican haha I ordered the empanadas and the hubby ordered the mignon tacos which were all so delicious. Can't wait to go back and try the shrimp and guac salad. And the cajeta dessert.

Pros - the outside seating is to die for. Super cute and large patio that is a nice spot for a date night or dinner with friends. Cons - unfortunately, the food. The food simply was not up to the hype for this place. I had the birria quesadilla and it was seasoned poorly and simply bad. Friend had the nachos and they were large but not much substance. The burritos are also not that big or flavorful especially for the higher price tag. Good spot if you're going to aesthetic or a cute date spot but I can't recommend the food. The service was friendly but they were out of the house happy hour margarita early in the evening, and also charged us for salsa despite not asking for it.

Nice upbeat soundtrack. Sitting outside has the best ambiance. Outside bar is great too. Pretty water fountain. Downtown Cadillac w tajin was great. Birria quesadilla was a fantastic quesadilla! Very unique- it's brisket and has cinnamon or maybe nutmeg on it!! Was wonderful! El Gordo - def get this burrito! over the regular chicken burrito which is sometimes dry. Their salsa is my favorite bc it's runny and great for dipping the quesadilla into. We go the trio of sauces- salsa guacamole and queso. Excellent fresh guacamole (better than all the other Mexican restaurants in st Pete) Nice bartenders at the outside bar :)

The most amazing place in st Pete. I loved the out door area with the water feature and brick exposure. It was just a vibe. The food was over the top unique and delicious. You cannot go wrong with anything you get on the menu. We had the best server who gave use direct recommendations. I will certainly return again.

I have eaten at Red Mesa Cantina several times and thought I had left a review, but when I went to check in, there was nothing located here. I stopped by this past week, my date night, got a table in the bar area, and had Bishop, the bartender service. He was super awesome and ended up changing the TV to the Rays game for me, which I greatly appreciate it. Every time I have come here, the food has been phenomenal, and the service has been the same. I love this location because half of the seating is outside, and even though you are in downtown Saint Pete, you get the feel of being in the suburbs with how green everything is located in its courtyard. Shrimp bowl: 9.5 Scale system 10/10 would be what I want for my last meal 9.9-9.3 driving out of my way to get this 9.2-8.0 like the place and would go back 7.9-7.0 I would come here again if it were presented and don't have anything bad to say 6.9 and below - thanks but no thanks after try one

Great food! Staff is polite too. Huge nachos!! I got the carnitas and they were delicious!

It was so loud inside we couldn't hear anything. We asked for a quieter spot and were told no. We decided to stay and the food was so small and pathetic. We got out of there quickly. Will never forget back

Food was ok, nothing awesome. Had to continually flag down the bartender to place an order.

Not impressed at all. The chips were decent. The tacos well I got a pork one and a chicken one and the tortillas just broke once I picked it up. It also wasn't super hot and just seemed to been waiting soooo But beer was cold and it was a cool restaurant. I would try it again and go in for a sit down dinner maybe as I have heard good things about it but maybe just the bar experience wasn't fresh food..