No Result
View All Result
Tampa Magazines
  • Local Knowledge
  • Food & Drink
  • Home & Garden
  • Travel
  • Moving Tampa
  • Sporting
  • Health
  • Tampa Culture
  • ADVERTISE
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • ABOUT
  • PURCHASE A COPY
  • DIGITAL ISSUES
  • EMAIL NEWSLETTERS
  • CONTACT US
  • SHOP
  • MY ACCOUNT
    • Your Membership
    • Profile
    • Update Billing Card
    • Login / Logout
Tampa Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Tampa Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Salt Shack on the Bay's fish tacos

Tampa’s 2021 Top Tacos

See which tacos our readers named the tastiest in Tampa

by McKenna Kelley
March 9, 2022
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Our first-ever Top Tacos contest proved one thing: Even the power of social media couldn’t take down Tampa’s love of fresh seafood. Social-savvy foodies have fallen hard this year for quesabirria tacos — with their long strands of highly Instagrammable cheese and vibrant red broth for dipping — helping propel Catrinas’ version to one of the contest’s top spots. But in first and third, respectively, Salt Shack on the Bay and Rene’s Mexican Kitchen embraced the seafood traditions shared by both our city and Central America to create tacos that are simultaneously classic and innovative.

 

FIRST PLACE —

SALT SHACK ON THE BAY’S FISH TACOS

On a menu full of fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood, Salt Shack on the Bay’s management team says the fish tacos have become a go-to order for the restaurant’s regulars. “At Salt Shack, we bring in such a great variety of fresh fish daily that we couldn’t resist complimenting the ‘boat-to-table’ fresh factor with a recipe that included our fresh avocado, cilantro and mango salsa,” they say. Salt Shack’s chef cuts fresh mahi for the tacos each day, and the house-made chili-horseradish sauce “brings the flavors to a whole new level.”

SALT SHACK ON THE BAY

5415 W. Tyson Ave. | Tampa

813.444.4569 | salt-shack.com

 

Catrinas Tacos and Tequila’s Quesabirria Tacos.

SECOND PLACE — 

CATRINAS TACOS AND TEQUILA’S QUESABIRRIA TACOS

Closer to a quesadilla than a traditional taco, quesabirrias are one of the year’s hottest culinary trends. The tacos are typically made with goat meat in Mexico, but most American restaurants have chosen some sort of beef blend (Catrinas went with chuck) with onion and cilantro on top of cheese-covered tortillas. Arguably the most important part of the birria experience is the consommé, or broth, served alongside the tacos as a meaty, salty dip. With the way quesabirrias are flying out the door, Catrinas owner KJ Ortiz has no plans to say goodbye to the tacos anytime soon.

CATRINAS TACOS AND TEQUILA

1611 N. Howard Ave. | Tampa

813.898.8628 | catrinasgroup.com

 

Rene’s Octopus, Shrimp, and Chicharrón Tacos.

THIRD PLACE — 

RENE’S MEXICAN KITCHEN’S OCTOPUS, SHRIMP + CHICHARRÓN TACOS

Growing up in Mexico, chef Rene Valenzuela spent many weekends in the coastal city of Ensenada on the Baja California peninsula. The surrounding Sea of Cortez is the source of much of the region’s seafood and the inspiration for this taco. “The best octopus in the world comes from Portugal and Spain, and the second best comes from Mexico, specifically the Sea of Cortez,” Valenzuela says. He brings in his octopus from this region to keep the flavors authentic, pairing it with garlicky grilled shrimp, charred poblanos, melted cheese and crispy chicharrones (pork rinds). “The octopus is super tender and just melts in your mouth. The taste is almost sweet, with a hint of the aroma of the sea that just transports you to a different spot,” he says. “The chicharrón brings a huge kick of umami and a crunchy texture. It’s a rollercoaster experience of different surf-and-turf flavors for a combination knockout.”

RENE’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

4414 N. Nebraska Ave. | Tampa

813.500.2150 | renesmexicankitchen.com

Loli’s Mexican Cravings’ Tacos Al Pastor

HONORABLE MENTION — 

LOLIS MEXICAN CRAVINGS’ TACOS AL PASTOR

Lolis’ pastor tacos recently got a massive — yet traditional — upgrade thanks to the addition of a trompo at the taqueria’s Temple Terrace location. The vertical spit is used to slowly roast the pork after it has been marinated in the lightly spicy achiote sauce. The result? Smoky, almost sweet shredded meat that is thin, soft and pairs perfectly with tart pineapple, onions and cilantro. While you can get tacos al pastor at any of Lolis four Tampa locations, the restaurant plans to continue rolling out the al trompo version in the coming months.

LOLIS MEXICAN CRAVINGS

Four Tampa locations

lolismexicancravings.com

Tags: catrinas tacos and tequilalolis mexican cravingsQuesabirriaRene's mexican kitchenSalt Shack on the Bayseafoodtaco
Next Post
Dining at Asiatic

Dining at Asiatic

INSTAGRAM

tampabayliveworkplay

Our 2023 Top Docs edition is coming in July 🩺 I Our 2023 Top Docs edition is coming in July 🩺 It’s filled with physicians leading the way in Tampa Bay. To have your medical practice or physician profile featured in this year’s Top Docs edition email info@tampamagazines.com for details. -
-
-
-
-
#tampamagazine #southtampamagazine #southtampalife #southtampamoms #southtampa #tampahealth #tampadoctors #doctors #tampabay #tampabayarea #tampaflorida #tampafl
School’s out for the summer ☀️ Here are 8 fu School’s out for the summer ☀️ Here are 8 fun ideas to do with the kiddos. What’s your favorite thing to do in Tampa over the summer break with your children? Help a parent out in the comments below 👇-
-
-
-
-
#tampamagazine #southtampamagazine #southtampalife #southtampamoms #southtampa #tampabay #tampabayarea #tampaflorida #zootampa #waterstreettampa #floridaaquarium #buschgardens #hydeparkvillage #raysbaseball #raysup
Did you know, the @buccaneers are leading the way Did you know, the @buccaneers are leading the way with record numbers of women in leadership positions within their organization! 🏈🏴‍☠️ We’re proud to feature some of these women on this month’s Women’s Edition cover. Read about these women by tapping the link in our bio!

#nflnews #tampabavbuccaneers #buccaneers #womeninsports #womeninleadership #womenempowerment #womensupportwomen #firethecannons #buccsfan
There are so many reasons to love downtown Tampa. There are so many reasons to love downtown Tampa. Like if you agree and let us know your favorite part about downtown in the comments below 👇-
-
-
-
-
#tampamagazine #southtampamagazine #southtampalife #southtampamoms #southtampa #tampafood #tampaeats #tamparestaurant #tamparestaurants #downtowntampa #tampadowntown #tampariverwalk #tampaskyline #tampaflorida #tampafl
With its flagship location in downtown Tampa, @mel With its flagship location in downtown Tampa, @meltingpot_social (MeltSO) is a bar-centric, cheese-forward, whimsical dining experience with a creative culinary twist on the classic Melting Pot restaurant. Serving  creative bites and fondue with a side of whimsy in a place where it’s not only all right to play with your food – it’s encouraged. 

MeltSo opened this past Monday May 22, donating over $10,000 to three Tampa Bay charities- @glazerchildrensmuseum @tampamuseumofart @strazcenter from their friends + family rehearsals.
-
-
-
#tampamagazine #southtampamagazine #tampa #tampaflorida #thingstodointampa #tampaliving #downtowntampa #foodie #tampafoodie #tamparestaurant #tampafoodblogger #tampafoodreview
It’s National Pizza Party Day 🍕🥳 Pizza’s It’s National Pizza Party Day 🍕🥳 Pizza’s the very definition of a good time and your options are plentiful. Here are ten Tampa restaurants where we love to grab a slice. If we missed your favorite let us know in the comments. -
-
-
-
#tampabayarea #tampamagazine #tampa #southtampamagazine #tampaflorida #tampafl #tampabayarea #thingstodointampa #nationalpizzapartyday #pizzaparty #pizzalover #tamparestaurant #tampafoodie #tampafood #tampaeats #yborcity #tampafoodies
Don’t call yourself a Tampa Bay foodie until you Don’t call yourself a Tampa Bay foodie until you’ve eaten at all seven of these seafood spots. What’s Tampa’s best seafood restaurant? Tag them below! 🦪 🦞 

Our Tampa Bay Top Seafood roundup will be coming soon. Restaurants, secure your spot and reach 65,000+ hungry locals info@tampamagazines.com 📧 

#tampaseafood #tampagroupersandwich #tampabluecrab #stpeteseafood #clearwaterseafood #tampabaybites #tampabaydining #tampabayfoodies
In this month’s cover feature, we meet three pow In this month’s cover feature, we meet three powerhouse leaders within the Tampa Bay @buccaneers. 🏴‍☠️ Co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Coach MJ (Maral Javadifar) and CIO Vicky Free Sistrunk. These women are redefining the face of NFL leadership right here in Tampa Bay and we were honored to feature them as our cover and learn a little bit of their stories! 

#tampabaybuccaneers #gobucs #firethecannons #femaleempowerment #femaleleaders #tampawomen #womenoftampa #womeninsports #womeninspiringwomen
Summer is almost here, so it’s time to make a sp Summer is almost here, so it’s time to make a splash! Whether you’re lounging on Clearwater or St. Pete Beach, exploring a gulf coast resort, or sailing the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay, we’ve got you covered with the hottest summer fashion looks. Tap the link in bio for details on where each item in our May fashion shoot can be found locally. Thank you to @graydon_group and @ultimatemarine for lending us your boat and driver for the day and @bubblesandblowouts for hair and makeup 😎
-
-
-
-
#facesofsouthtampa #southtampamoms #southtampalife #tampabay #tampabayarea #tampamagazine #southtampamagazine #tampabae #floridagirl #floridagirls #tampabeauty #tampafashion #floridaboatlife #floridaboating #tampafl #tampaflorida #waterstreettampa
Happy National Mimosa Day 🍾🍊 Check out our Happy National Mimosa Day 🍾🍊 

Check out our brunch guide to find the best restaurants serving mimosas - link in bio.
-
-
- 
#tampamagazine #southtampamagazine #tampa #tampaflorida #thingstodointampa #tampafoodie #tampaliving #tampabrunch #brunchtime #mimosa #nationalmimosaday
Load More... Follow on Instagram

  • Local Knowledge
  • Food & Drink
  • Home & Garden
  • Travel
  • Moving Tampa
  • Sporting
  • Health
  • Tampa Culture
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Purchase a Copy
  • Digital Issues
  • Email Newsletters
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

© 2018 Tampa Magazine. All rights reserved. Part of the Tampa Magazines Network.

No Result
View All Result
  • Tampa Culture
  • Food and Drink
  • Home & Garden
  • Travel
  • Moving Tampa
  • Sporting
  • Health
  • Local Knowledge
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Purchase a Copy
  • Shop
  • Digital Issues
  • Email Newsletters
  • Contact
  • MY ACCOUNT
    • Your Membership
    • Profile
    • Update Billing Card
    • Login / Logout

© 2018 Tampa Magazine. All rights reserved. Part of the Tampa Magazines Network.