Welcome Back - Tampa / Cinco de Mayo Guide
Welcome to the new version of my substack, Carlos Eats - Tampa Edition.
Hello and welcome back! This newsletter's focus will now be on food in Tampa and cover local restaurants, chefs, the industry, and more. I will be hosting giveaways and sharing insights into Tampa’s food scene as well as sharing what I’m eating and want to engage you as well for what’s happening in town. I hope you’ll subscribe and share the newsletter with others who might be interested in reading.
For those who live in other metros, I will also be launching a newsletter in Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. That way people can subscribe to what’s relevant to their lives.
Welcome to the first issue: Happy Cinco de Mayo. Tampa is not known nationally as a taco town really, but Taco Tuesday is huge in Tampa and the taqueria and Mexican food scene has steadily grown over the last few years. The options continue improving. Although some people don’t agree with celebrating Cinco de Mayo, I think we can all agree that our local Mexican restaurants deserve our support. So, what’s going on in Tampa, who is offering deals, and where can you enjoy the day? Let’s dive in.
Here my top places to get tacos in Tampa:
Tacos Las Californias: Probably the best birria tacos I’ve had in Tampa. I visited their old food truck a few years ago and was happy with my experience. They have rapidly expanded since then. Multiple locations.
bartaco: I love the vibe at bartaco and their happy hour menu. I actually like their smaller street taco setup too, I can try more things that way. It’s pricier than some competitors, but it’s about the experience. 1601 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
TacoSon: The O.G. Mexican restaurant in Temple Terrace. It has survived the test of time. It’s nothing fancy, but just real Mexican food. The lines don’t lie. Just don’t go in their drive-thru line because it takes forever. 7521 N 56th St, Tampa, FL 33617
Tacos Gone Mobile: Another favorite dive on Fletcher by USF, this one in a food truck. Delicious carne asada tacos and a variety of other options. It was my go-to during my college years in Tampa. 1309 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
Jimmy’s Tacos: I’m a fan of this taco stand in Ybor. It gets the job done and they were one of the first people to sell birria. The burrito is a better overall value, but I am happy with what they offer. 1604 N 17th St, Tampa, FL 33605
Mekenita’s Cantina: My favorite spot in Seminole Heights and by far the best Taco Tuesday deals. They have great cocktails too and don’t get too crowded. Really recommend it if you love fresh Mexican food. 6707 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
News:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has launched a new celebration for theme park goers called Cinco de Mayo and Viva La Musica on the first three weekends in May. The fun kicks off on Friday, May 5 for Cinco. Events will feature themed foods and live music including salsa and merengue as well as Tex-Mex performances. Planned acts include El Gran Combo, Toño Rosario, and Grupo Niche. (Attractions Magazine)
Casa Tina in Dunedin is hosting their 31st annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on Friday, May 5 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Guests can enjoy live music with Madera Sol and Orquesta Infinidad, Traditional Mexican dances by Grupo Folklorico Mahetzi, and free salsa lessons by Simone Salsa. Enjoy the Casa Tina Drum line with Aj Vega leading their walking puppet parade. Come early because their Cinco de Mayo celebration is really popular with locals. (Facebook)
Rocco’s Tacos is hosting block parties at all their locations around Florida including in Tampa at International Plaza & Bay Street. The fun kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at their Tampa location and will feature Mexican dishes, cocktails (don’t miss their mezcal drinks), and live entertainment. (Facebook)
Events in Tampa:
Cinco de Mayo at Nueva Cantina - St. Petersburg. (all day)
Cinco De Drinko Crawl at Thirsty First St. Pete. (4 p.m.)
Cinco De Mayo + Open Bar at Bar HWRD. (5 p.m.)
First Friday Block Party at World Of Beer Westchase. (5 p.m.)
Cinco De Mayo in The Garden: Happy Hour/Day Party at Eden Downtown. (5:30 p.m.)
6th Annual Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl at American Social - Tampa. (4 p.m.)
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Dinner at Publix Aprons Cooking School of Citrus Park. (6:30 p.m.)
Cinco de Mayo Party benefitting Young Angels at Zydeco Brew Werks. (7 p.m.)
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Let’s have fun!
-Carlos
Now walking around campus no clue lol mostly just bitching to myself about these damn hills. my first earnings at sports betting with cryptocurrency - https://tinyurl.com/3fbhv4ts