South of the Border
In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of the United States, a sabroso (tasty) shift is taking place, with Mexican cuisine ascending to new heights of popularity, even surpassing the longstanding reign of the ubiquitous Italian restaurant. This change can be attributed to the dynamic chemistry of cultural influences and the palate preferences of Millennials and Gen Zers. Tacos and burritos have transcended their national origins to become the quintessential comfort food for generations that search for solace in the savory embrace of tortillas rather than the familiar twirls of pasta. It’s a shift from Nonna’s cocina (kitchen) to the taqueria on the corner.
The rise of Mexican cuisine is not just a taste trend; it’s a societal embrace of diversity and the evolving definition of comfort. After all, the weekly celebration of “Taco Tuesday” has seamlessly embedded itself into many routines, reflecting a collective craving for the flavors of jalapeños and cilantro. There’s no comparable phenomenon like “Pizza Thursday.”
Sarasota’s got killer Mexican restaurants for every vibe—whether it’s fiesta time, a chill weekend hang, or a cozy date night. The best part: No matter your diet, these places are on it. They’re not just slinging delicioso (delicious) dishes; they’re making sure that everyone, even those with food restrictions, gets to experience “the whole enchilada.”
Here are some of our favorites:
Birdrock Taco Shack—“The best choice for our primera cita (first date) and all of our other dates too.”
The vibe at Birdrock Taco Shack surfs us to paradise on a cool blue wave. This is the only spot in Sarasota or Bradenton that will transport you to Baja California (which is in Mexico). There’s something extremely romantic about the laidback atmosphere and vibrant colors that are Birdrock’s trademark. Throw in live music and dishes that call out to be shared and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a first date that’s likely to get you a second.
Taco Tuesday at Birdrock:
Chef and owner Dave Shiplett is also an artist and it’s evident in the beauty and flavor of his dishes. You can’t go wrong with any of his tacos and the ingredients are as surprising as they are tasty: edamame, eggplant, duck bacon, tangerines, lobster—there’s something for everyone at Birdrock.
Birdrock Taco Shack: 1213 13th Ave W, Bradenton, 941-545-9966; birdrocktacoshack.com
El Melvin Cocina Mexicana—“Dinner and a show? How about nachos and a street fiesta?”
El Melvin’s reminds us of Carlos ’n Charlie’s in Cozumel but with a more sophisticated edge. This is our go-to spot for big group parties, happy hour margaritas, and late-night Shakira-level hip shaking. This is not Tex-Mex; it’s Mex-Eclectic, a perfect blend of Old World charm in the beautiful decor and New World fun in the vibrant atmosphere. There’s a reason why Downtown Sarasota’s NYE Pineapple Drop celebration was moved to El Melvin this year: What better place to ring in the New Year than in front of Sarasota’s premier Fiesta HQ?
Taco Tuesday at El Melvin:
There’s a great little Taco Tuesday menu but we’re partial to the $20 special. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT TACOS FOR 20 BUCKS? Challenge accepted.
El Melvin Cocina Mexicana: 1355 Main Street, Sarasota, 941-366-1618; elmelvin.com
Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill—“When you want to make a buena impresion (good impression).” There are plenty of undeniably good duos in Mexican cuisine—beans and rice, chips and salsa, margaritas and salt—but the best duo in Mexican cuisine can be found at Kolucan in Gulf Gate and it’s the owner, Gino Calleja, and his business partner, Jose Rojas. This delightful combo lends the beautiful restaurant a level of authenticity that is hard to come by in the restaurant landscape. Strong Mexican roots, a deep love of their food and culture, and some serious culinary chops make Kolucan the place to go when you want to have an impressive experience.
Taco Tuesday at Kolucan:
The more casual Frida Lounge at Kolucan is a stunning tribute to Mexican painter Frida Kahlo with a fun accessible menu that includes the taco de costilla, which is a crispy short-rib taco that will blow your mind.
Kolucan: 6644 Gateway Ave, Sarasota; 941-921-3133; facebook.com/kolucansrq
Mi Pueblo—I like to go here with mi familia (my family).” There are some restaurants that just feel like home and Mi Pueblo is one of them. It doesn’t matter if you grew up in Mexico or Florida or South Africa, the warm greetings, friendly service, traditional food, and family atmosphere will grab you in a warm abrazo (hug) from the moment you walk through the door. With three locations throughout Sarasota and Venice, each Mi Pueblo has its own unique identity but the family-friendly atmosphere and consistently delicious food are present in each locale. This is our favorite place for a post-high-school-football celebration and we love the pollo con mole, which combines chicken with chocolate and chile in an irresistible way.
Taco Tuesday at Mi Pueblo: You absolutely can’t go wrong with taco salad—everyone enjoys this dish, and you don’t even have to feel like you’re cheating on your diet: It’s a salad! Yes, it’s in a deep-fried tortilla, but it’s Taco Tuesday (insert shrug emoji).
Mi Pueblo: 8405 Tuttle Ave, Sarasota; 941-359-9303 4436 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota; 941-379-2880 530 U.S. 41 Bypass, Venice; 941-486-0005; mipueblomexican.com
Some of Our Other Favorite Local Mexican Restaurants
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar
243 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota,
roccostacos.com
Circo
1435 2nd St, Sarasota
941-253-0978
circosrq.com
Wicked Cantina
1603 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota
941-706-2395
wickedcantina.com
El Toro Bravo
3218 Clark Rd, Sarasota
941-924-0006
eltorobravosarasota.com
La Brisa Tacos Y Mariscos
1156 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota
941-552-8868
labrisatacosymariscos.com
La Primavera Supermarket & Restauant
901 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota
941-366-5321
Guerrero’s Bakery and Mexican Restaurant
3557 Webber St., Sarasota
941-923-4459
orderguerrerosbakery.com
Island House Taqueria
2773 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota
941-922-8226
islandhousetaqueria.com
Screaming Goat Taqueria
6566 Gateway Ave., Sarasota
941-210-3992
screaming-goat.com
Bitia’s Taqueria
3436 17th St., Sarasota
941-366-8081
Taco Jalisco
6895 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
941-312-4754
(Inside the Texico Gas Station)
