There’s something about this time of year that always has us craving tacos and a margarita (and probably some queso, too). With the news now out that Red Mesa Mercado is soon opening its long-awaited West St. Pete location, this felt like the perfect time to reacquaint ourselves with the EDGE District star.
Red Mesa has long been a staple in St. Pete, dating back to the opening of its original Red Mesa Restaurant on 4th Street and continuing with the opening of Red Mesa Cantina downtown. Red Mesa Mercado, located at 1100 1st Avenue North, is my personal go-to of three, thanks in large part to its unique and creative offerings.
The fast-casual eatery isn’t just another burrito spot. The drive-by style Mexican eats stand out in St. Pete, bringing a decidedly Cali flair to the tantalizing menu. That unique flavor is a big part of why they’re opening the West St. Pete location (6001 Central Avenue) – there’s nothing else like it in town.
From street tacos and the Quesabirria quesadilla to the fantastic chicken taquitos, the menu at Red Mesa Mercado runs the gamut. However, the burritos are the big star at this local hotspot. Our go-to is one of their most popular items, the Cali Burrito. This hefty bad boy will fill you up on your hungriest of days: a house-made flour tortilla stuffed with ground beef, refried beans, cheddar jack cheese, guacamole, crema, pico de gallo, and that ultimate Cali touch – skinny, crispy fries. It’s the kind of burrito they write songs about.
Of course, if you’re feeling something crunchier, you can’t go wrong with the puffy tacos. Sometimes you just want meat, cheese and crunchy tortilla. On days like that, we go for a few tacos and an order of their house-made queso blanco. It is, genuinely, one of the best queso dips in town, and it’s only $7.75. For a more traditional Mexi-Cali meal, the street tacos (with double tortillas, of course) are can’t-miss…