Red Mesa Cantina

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#19 of 792 Restaurants in St. Petersburg₹₹ - ₹₹₹, Mexican, Latin, Vegetarian friendly

+1 727-896-8226+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Mon

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Tue

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Wed

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Thu

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Fri

11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Sat

11:00 am - 11:00 pm

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

1,137 reviews

#19 of 792 Restaurants in St. Petersburg

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

₹864.00 – ₹1,729.00

CUISINES

Mexican, Latin, Bar

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

128 3rd St S Downtown, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-4224

+1 727-896-8226

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Appetizers

Tuna Tartare

*Featured Item* Avocado, cucumber, red onion, jícama, serrano chile, coconut fresno, wasabi tapioca cracker. (MGF)

$14

Spicy

Pulpo Ceviche

Octopus, tomato, jalapeño, red onion, kalamata olives, cilantro, avocado, citrus, chile arbol oil.

$18

Spicy

Shrimp Ceviche

Guava-habanero aguachile, cucumber, jícama, red onion, fried cancha corn, avocado, cilantro.

$16

Spicy

Mofongo

Pork carnitas, sweet plantains, yuca, chimichurri.

$11

Loaded Queso

Chorizo, pico de gallo, chile arbol oil. Tortilla chips.

$12

Nacho Sanchez

Refried beans, queso blanco, pico de gallo, crema, pickled jalapeños.

$12

Vegetarian

Does this restaurant have live music

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

About

With Mexican cuisine at its heart, Red Mesa Cantina blends Latin and Caribbean kitchen traditions to create a menu of exquisite ceviches, tacos, and small plate classics that deliver bold, fresh flavors. An award winning, word-of-mouth favorite among locals and visitors alike with the most extensive selection of Tequilas in the South!

PRICE RANGE

₹864.00 – ₹1,729.00

CUISINES

Mexican, Latin, Bar

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music

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4.5

1,137 reviews

Excellent

593

Very good

355

Average

114

Poor

Terrible

NY Snow Birds

Rochester2 contributions

A Lovely Evening at Red Cantina

Feb 2020 • none

My wife and I heard about Red Cantina from a friend and decided on a Saturday evening visit for dinner. No reservation accepted on a weekend, so we decided to wait our 30 minutes in the bar and then decided to have dinner there. We were greeted immediately by our energetic waitress, Lindsay, who proceeded to take very good care of us, even bringing my beer in a chilled glass. We grew accustomed to the noise which diminished after a while. Our dinner consisted of 3 sets of appetizers which were promptly served, beautifully presented and delicious to eat. A lovely evening indeed!

Written 1 February 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Yu_Chun_Lai

Thank you so much for the love! Glad you had a great time with us!

Written 17 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Beth

Alexandria26 contributions

Great Spot for Casual Lunch

Feb 2020 • couples

Randomly stopped into Red Mesa Cantina for a late lunch on a Saturday trip to St. Petersburg and was not disappointed. We waited 15 minutes to be seated outside. It was a nice setup with fountains and there was live music from a private event happening on the top floor of the restaurant. We had mimosas, huevos rancheros, and tacos which were all delicious. I would recommend this place for a casual get together with family and friends. It had a fun atmosphere and servers were attentive.

Written 1 March 2020

Yu_Chun_Lai

Thanks for the love Beth! We hope to see you again soon.

Written 4 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

GB123456789

Nashville11 contributions

Great location and atmosphere

Nov 2021 • none

Three of us arrived around 5:45pm and were told that we could wait at one of the bars if we wanted while a table became available in probably 15 minutes. Sure enough 10 minutes later they texted me and we carried our wine, moscow mule, and margarita from the upstairs outside bar area to the downstairs inside dining area. Normally, we like to sit outside, but it was a bit chilly. Two of us ordered the Seafood Mofondo and the other order was a pork enchilada. The Mofondo was excellent and the enchilada was very good. I'm being a bit stingy with my rating, but everything has to be absolutely perfect for me to give 5 stars. The only things that didn't quite make the perfect list were the heaters for the outdoor bar area weren't turned on - turns out the bartender didn't know how to turn them on; and the mofondo, while it was delicious, there should have been a little more of it. I really don't like spending a lot of money going out to dinner then feeling like I need to stop at Wendy's on the way home. Other than that, it's a great place and we'll be going back. Incidentally, we lucked out with parking. There was an open space immediately in front of the reservation desk out front. It cost $1/hr in 15 minute increments and we put $1.50 in, which was just barely enough time. There was 1 minute left when we got into our car.

Written 27 November 2021

Where's Jane?

Jacksonville Beach143 contributions

Where’s Jane?

Apr 2021 • couples

I LOVE Mexican food and trying new locations when I travel. This was high on TA so we tried it! Waited for 10 minutes once we were finally seated at the bar. Bartender asked if we wanted our margaritas “handcrafted” which tacked on a $3.00 up charge? I guess the regular ones weren’t mixed? Chips were stale so we asked for a fresh batch...not much better, especially since they charged $4 at a Mexican restaurant?! Ordered chicken enchiladas which came with a green sauce and we prefer red, so bartender said no problem. Came out wrong! Sent it back, came out wrong again ( and everyone we spoke to spoke English). Got charged for 2 plates when we only ordered one? Oh well, we tried! This is my first POOR review on TA! Sorry Red Mesa 🥲

Written 11 April 2021

Katie M

Sewell23 contributions

Good food

Feb 2020 • none

The food was good but the service not so much. We called around 6 asking to make a reservation for 730 and we were told that all their reservations were filled up and no table was guarenteed because of how busy they were. We decided to still go there and check out how long the wait would be. There was 6 of us and we were seated immediately. The place was not full one bit when we went inside; I counted 19 empty tables surrounding us. Not sure why we were told completely false information. We sat at the table which felt like forever before a server even arrived at the table and when she came over she wasnt very nice. She barely came around the whole time and we waited with empty drink glasses for too long waiting for her to come around to order another. The food was good, nothing spectacular. Probably would go there again but it would not be my first choice.

Written 21 March 2020

yogielova

Atlanta13 contributions

Jessica at Red Mesa Cantina was as good as the tacos!!!

Mar 2021 • none

We found this hidden gem on our quest for the best fish tacos in Florida’s West coast. Not only did we find AMAZING food, chilled, hand crafted, savage margaritas but also the best service in town which was a pleasant surprise after visiting many other local joints that were a disappointment ( The Library)! Jessica welcomed us with a smile and such a positive enthusiasm that really made us feel welcomed and most importantly someone that takes pride in her job and loves what she does. She anticipated our needs, was very knowledgeable of the menu, went above and beyond to make sure we were satisfied with our meal on every bite. She recommended the best kids park nearby for our son to enjoy and I am so grateful for that! He absolutely LOVED the park and now we have priceless memories and pics to look back on from our FL vacay. I hope management recognizes her skills and nature of her personality to fit so well in the food & beverage industry. We will be back!

Written 7 March 2021

Michelle

Thank you for the review and feedback, we appreciate it! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your experience with us and that Jessica took good care of you! Look forward to seeing you again soon!

Written 9 March 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lawrencetrio

Clearwater13 contributions

My husband and I got the barbacoa

Sept 2020 • none

My husband and I got the barbacoa beef toca, trio Queso, beans and guacamole and my daughter got the kids chicken tenders. Anything was way too salty. We have eaten here multiple times and have never experienced anything like this. It was almost the cap came off the salt shaker.

Written 11 September 2020

Barbara M

Cleveland11 contributions

Customize your meal at the Red Mesa Cantina

May 2021 • none

The waitress was a doll- loved St Pete and the restaurant, and really helped us customize the meal to our dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten free/friendly). The kitchen really works with you to satisfy your needs. The decor was interesting- seating was socially distant- everything was clean.

Written 9 May 2021

Michelle

Thank you BkMR for your review, we appreciate it! So happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us and we look forward to seeing you again!

Written 13 May 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JenJen

5 contributions

Too many other great places.

May 2021 • family

Waitress was sketchy from the start. It's all day happy hour and she charged us for top dollar alcohol. $13 for an entree and it doesn't come with rice or beans, we ordered beans and they never came out. Just a total disappointment. Way too many mexican restaurants that have better entrees, go find them it's not here.

Written 4 May 2021

zilphap

New Port Richey343 contributions

Great restaurant walking distance from the Mahaffey/Dali

Jan 2020 • couples

Loved the ambiance of the outside courtyard, the delicious food, and our terrific server Nicole. We had a delicious salmon dish, and a thinly sliced steak with fries and sweet plantains. The signature Margarita was good too: not overly sweet.

Written 12 January 2020

Yu_Chun_Lai

Thanks for the love! We hope to see you in again soon!

Written 16 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sueCarman

23 contributions

Disconnect

Sept 2021 • couples

Upon our arrival at Red Mesa, my husband and I were escorted to our table and given one paper menu. When the waiter came by the table and asked if we were ready to order, we pointed out that we only had one menu, and gave him our drink order. In a bit, he returned without an additional menu, and at this point I googled the menu on my phone. We placed our order. My husband ordered chicken enchiladas. When his meal arrived, it didn’t resemble an enchilada as it was a bowl of rice with chicken, cheese and onions on top. Our waiter was not seen again until we were about finished. When he arrived with the check, we inquired about the unusual presentation. His response was, the kitchen must have presented him with the wrong meal. He asked if my husband enjoyed the fish he received and my husband said yes. Waiter said that's great and sorry about the mistake. He then went back to the kitchen, and upon his return, he presented us with the check, never saying another word about the mixup. He ran our credit card on his portable card scanner, and dashed off. So strange, there was no manager checking on tables and are waiter could care less that my husband didn't get the meal he ordered.

Written 6 September 2021

doctoyou

Makawao591 contributions

In the time of Covid

Aug 2020 • friends

We out for a local dinner. Had our temperature checked and tables were spaced out with masked servers for a safe feeling. The menu is quite extensive so choosing your food is a (food) challenge. Our dishes came out hot and promptly. Tasty grub. The drinks were well done. I’d head back if visiting the area again-

Written 14 September 2020

Dirk W

New Orleans72 contributions

Visited during the Covid pandemic.

Jul 2020 • family

Visited during the Covid pandemic. All the wait staff wore masks and everything seemed very clean and safe. Service was excellent. I got the Seafood Mofongo dish which was fantastic and very reasonably priced. My only constructive criticism is they need to add more spice in salsa and guacamole.

Written 20 July 2020

Hiro Ide

Lisbon32 contributions

Delightful

Feb 2020 • none

I was there in a sunny winter afternoon. We sat outside and the ambient couldn't be any more pleasant. I had a Southwest Burrito (with black beans, red pepper, pork, pico de gallo, etc.) and it was just great. Service was very helpful and patient as well. Worth the visit.

Written 10 February 2020

Yu_Chun_Lai

Thanks so much for the love Pedro!

Written 17 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tom C

Englewood229 contributions

Anther St Pete place with a very cool vibe!

Nov 2020 • couples

This is a very cool vibe place in the very Hot Scene that Downtown St Pete has become. This was our second visit and we wish we had come more often as we live too far away in Englewood. We reserved an outside patio table (since we are still in the Pandemic) and it was delightful. Started with a Bowl of Tortilla Soup and 2 spoons, It was amazing. Loaded with delicious chicken and floating Avocados. The we both ordered the Seafood Mofungo which is a decadent mixture of shrimp calamari and scallops in a nice broth covering the Mofungo which is Carnitas niches with Yucca and Plantains. It is a little sweet due to the plantains so I mixed in a healthy dose of our salsa.. it was awesome. Next trip for date night may be coming back and trying the Carne Asada, looked good being served nearby table. Fun happening place in St Pete!

Written 26 November 2020

Mrs_Veytia_16

Thank you so much for the amazing review! We really appreciate it! So happy to hear how much you enjoyed your feedback. Look forward to seeing you again!

Written 1 December 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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