I can’t thank Taste of Pinellas enough for introducing me to Red Mesa. Our dinner at Red Mesa was easily one of the best, if not the best, meals we’ve had in Tampa Bay in the past few months. It’s easy to see why Red Mesa has been in business for nine years and regularly makes the lists of top Southwest-style restaurants in the area. These guys know what they’re doing.
For our appetizer we ordered stuffed artichokes to go along with our chips and salsa. For dinner I ordered two appetizers as my entree – crab cakes and Ceviche Mixto (a mix of grilled seafood) and my bride-to-be Traci ordered the Chicken Fernandez (chicken marinated in oil and garlic with a chipotle cream sauce). The Ceviche Mixto was top notch and the crab cakes had just the right kick to them and not too much breading. I also tried the Chicken Fernandez and loved the sauce.
Our server wasn’t overly social, but was knowledgeable, polite and very busy. Prices aren’t cheap, but worth it. My only gripes would be that the hostesses appeared disorganized when we first walked in and the tables in the back room where we sat were a little too close for comfort (granted the place is pressed for space). The great meal, though, more than made up for these minor issues.
Bottom-line: Next time you’re in the mood for good Southwest-style cuisine, you owe it to yourself and your taste buds to give Red Mesa a try. We certainly plan to be back soon.
Jason
3 years ago
This place is pretty damn good. try the duck and goat cheese quesadillas next time. Also go for lunch, far fewer people so crowding isn’t an issue.
Anonymous
3 years ago
They are one of the best in town. When Viva La Frida opened up in Seminole Heights, they were pretty close. Not sure what happened, or if they are still open.
dreaming
3 years ago
this is one of those joints ive long meant to try, but have never gotten around to. one reason is as you note: its pricey, and i have a thing against paying top bux for mex.
still, i believe the same owner ran a taco joint, now closed, in the bay street complex in downtown st pete that was fairly good.
i may yet try red mesa if im ever in the mood as i pass down 4th street.
gaypinellas
3 years ago
I love this place… I go there couple 3 times a month…. the duck enchiladas are not to be missed.
-tom
Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog » island flavors and ‘tings
3 years ago
[...] flavors and ‘tings permalink | categories: tampa, restaurant, review, pinellas by matt @ 4:48 pm After having a great meallast week at Red Mesa, thanks in part to sampling the restaurant at the Taste of Pinellas food festival, we decided to give another Taste of Pinellas restaurant a try. On Saturday, we stopped by Island Flavors and ‘Tings on 49th St. S. in Gulfport for lunch. Big mistake. I now wish we would have kept driving and made lunch at home.  [...]
Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog » pane rustica
3 years ago
[...] I’ve read some comments about Pane Rustica’s servers being slow and disorganized, but at least on our visit last Friday the server was friendly and attentive. My favorite meal over the past few months remains Red Mesa on 4th St. N. in St. Pete, but Pane Rustica comes in a solid second. We definitely plan to eat at Pane Rustica again and explore more of its menu. [...]