By Stephen Rafferty
Here in our beautiful beach and bay community, we didn’t exactly receive a long period of cold this winter (just ask my brother in New York!), still we can feel the season changing and bringing us more warmth. So, after a day at the beach or the park, let’s also heat up some spicier sustenance from our neighbors to the south.
AGAVE
If you enjoy the sensation of feeling like you’ve been invited into someone’s home for dinner, Agave on St. Pete Beach should be immediately added to your list of destinations to frequent. This family run spot has been a favorite of mine and especially my family and friends from overseas for years.
Based on northern Mexican cuisine, the options to satiate your spicy desires begin with the flavorful appetizers you’re presented with. Along with quesadillas, empanadas and tostadas, the Chile Jalapeño Relleno always make their way to our plates. A cheese lover, the queso is my go to: melted Asadero cooked with your choice of Mexican sausage, roasted poblano peppers, shrimp or mushrooms. With tacos you can opt for hard (Dorados) or soft (Campana) shells. Fill these with roasted or marinated pork, fresh shrimp, the ever tasty pescado (fish) and a yummy chipotle chicken; none of them let you down. Two of the choices battle for my attention on each visit: their taco Barbacoa, with its tender barbecued beef brisket; and another maybe less popular but just as delicious, the Lengua, marinated beef tongue stewed in Mexican herbs, garlic and onions.
Add to this all of your regularly expected fare of burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, enchiladas, a substantial wine list along with four different margaritas and you’ve got all the trappings for a casual evening snack or a night out with your significant other.
Mon.-Thur. 4-9pm | Fri.-Sat. 12pm-10pm | Sun. Closed
CASITA TAQUERIA
Along the ever-expanding busy artery that is Central Avenue, nestled in the Grand Central District and another on Fourth Street, is one of the tastiest and popular Mexican destinations in St. Pete: Casita Taqueria.
Casita’s menu centers on tacos, bowls, burritos, and small plates made with fresh ingredients and house-made staples. The tacos are the real highlight. Favorites like carne asada, barbacoa, infused with bold seasoning and topped with fresh cilantro, onion, and vibrant sauces. A special mention needs to go to their blackened fish tacos, an explosive delight for the senses. These are spiced just right, flavorful and with what is without question some extremely fresh pescados. The queso is another standout – rich, creamy, and perfect with their light, crispy tortilla chips. Many regulars also swear by the pollo verde and the casita bowl for a satisfying meal that still feels fresh and balanced.
Casita Taqueria captures what makes the St. Pete food scene so enjoyable: fresh ingredients, relaxed vibes, and food that’s simple but consistently delicious. It’s the kind of neighborhood taco spot you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Mon.-Sat. 11am-9pm | Sun. Closed
www.casitatacos.com
CASA 28
Situated on 28th Street just north of 22nd Avenue, Casa 28 blends American favorites with many piquant Mexican dishes, as well as serving up stand-alone meals we all love from south of the border, setting in a tempting space sure to please just about everyone. You could always start with their juicy empanadas, chips and creamy guac or a quesadilla, but for me I’m going with the Camarones Ala Diabla, sautéed shrimp in homemade chipotle sauce with yuca fries.
In entrees a skirt steak with sautéed onions, mushrooms and shrimp accompanied with rice and sweet plantains will hit the spot! Another pleaser is the Churrasco Al Chimichurri – steak smothered in a delectable chimichurri sauce along with roasted potatoes. They offer some quite amazing BBQ Guajillo pork ribs as well as shredded pork items that melt in your mouth.
Sometimes there’s an item on a menu so good I have to signal it out and the Quesabirria is exceptional. Three crispy but tender tacos filled with some of the best birria beef I’ve had the pleasure tasting and packed with rich melted cheese all served with a birria broth so tasty I could literally drink it.
Don’t miss this delightful hideaway, even if that means before you can get there in person you check out their menu to enjoy at home. Did I mention the birria tacos?!
Tue.-Sun. 11am-8:45pm | Sun. Closed
NUEVA CANTINA
Oftentimes you find yourself looking for a place that just feels right for the type of food that has you salivating – Nueva Cantina on Fourth Street S is that kind of place. It offers everything you want in bold flavors, original cocktails, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere.
The menu at Nueva Cantina goes beyond the typical Mexican restaurant lineup. While classics like tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas are all available, the kitchen puts extra care into presentation and flavor that includes a tremendous birria pizza shareable. Street tacos are a highlight, served on fresh tortillas with well-seasoned meats and bright toppings, the chorizo taco being a highlight here. Their queso dip and guacamole are crowd favorites and make the perfect starters to share. With a real focus on ingredients that stand out, the seafood options, including shrimp tacos and ceviche, also shine. I may have even closed my eyes while biting into a grilled fish tacos!
Service here is what you’d hope for at a small and comfy locale; friendly and attentive, contributing to the welcoming neighborhood feel. Nueva Cantina delivers a vibrant dining experience that blends traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist.
Sun-Thur 11am-9pm | Fri-Sat 11am-10pm