Red Mesa Restaurant

You’re losing it, Red Mesa. We used to love you, but recently, I wouldn’t consider coming back for a while. Your vegetables are soggy, the service is scattered, and it’s a price point that doesn’t justify the portions on some of the dishes. The tamales aren’t great, in my opinion. Gotta take it up a notch! We want to come back!!!

outstanding eaten here three or four times now just gets better and better had to wait 40 mins to get a table which was a pain.
Food well worth the wait.
Prices very fair for the quality of food.

This was recommended by a colleague who is local in the area. A group of us from work decided to go and give it a try. As soon as we sat down, Chris, took care of us. He was patient, understanding and extremely knowledgeable of the menu. Well, our entire party enjoyed every part of the evening while at Red Mess! From the chips & salsa to the drinks to each of our entrees … just absolutely DELICIOUS!

Really enjoyed our last experience at Red Mesa on 4^th Street! The food was great and the portions are perfect for leftover lunch the next day. The parking situation is awful so take advantage of the valet!

My server was Jacob, and he was great. He provided excellent customer service. Atmosphere was good. Not a great variety of drinks. Sangria was alright. Food was overcooked. Won’t go back to this one. The one downtown St. Pete is faaaaaaaar better. No comparison. Two completely differemt restaurants.

Went here on a whim last night and was thoroughly pleased. The food was delicious, the Sangria was tasty, and we had a great time.
The least impressive thing about this restaurant is the atmosphere and décor. It’s a little cramped, and other than a few strings of paper flowers it felt more like a sad american eatery focused on early-​bird specials than a great mexican restaurant. Everything was pretty plain, the tables were very close together, and it just felt small and uninspired.
The service was nothing special, not good or bad. Be aware this is the type of place that won’t seat your until your entire party is there. I’m sure they have their reasons, but that meant that we sat at the bar looking at our empty table for the extra 15 minutes it took for one of our guests to arrive. On the other hand, the bar is quick for us wasn’t very full.
The food was definitely the best part of the evening. Even the complimentary chips and salsa were better than at most restaurants. I got the Grilled Mahi, which was wonderfully cooked and went great with the pineapple salsa (though I could have used a bit more of that) and slightly sweet mofongo. My boyfriend got the Carnitas and was very happy, although I’m used to carnitas having a few more carmelized crispy bits. My mom got the Mahi Veracruz special, with the olive and tomato salsa it was absolutely delicious. She especially loved the congri and plantains. The only thing I wish is that they had more light fare options than a few unimaginative salads. But, the beers were cold, and the wine and Sangria were tasty, so no complaints at all on the food.
The prices were on the high end but still reasonable. They get jacked up a bit more for the seafood dishes, but all around you get a pretty good amount of food for your money. And the food is really good, so in my opinion it’s worth it.
Definitely a place to stop in if you’re hungry in the area. But I don’t know if I would make it an common stop for me. More of a once-​in-​a-​while/​on-​a-​whim type of restaurant. But great food, so I do strongly recommend trying it at least once. I’ll definitely be back, because I still need to try their cevice! It looked great!

Excellent food, great atmosphere, accommodated our large group well. Only downside was our server. He was less than helpful. Automatic 18% gratuity added to our check and we would have gladly tipped more for better service. Unfortunate because other servers and restaurant employees were excellent and much better than our server… Maybe he was having a bad day…

A contractor recommended this place so I met him here. It had complimentary valet so I figured it was somewhat fancy. Of course I am too cheap to pay for free valet when I can park myself, so I opted for the latter.
The place is somewhat of a diner setup… maybe a classier diner? The rule seems that they don’t seat you till the entire party shows up? How do I know? There was a sign that said so.
After getting seated, the waitress was very attentive and brought us chips and salsa. The salsa was pretty good but not stellar. This place is not cheap as most appetizers were $ 10+. Most entrees are $ 18+. I hot the southwest Chile grouper for $ 27 based on her suggestion for something spicy. The combination of the red chard with the Spicy grouper was a phenomenal combination. The rice helped add the filler needed to complete the meal. It was incredible all around.
The dessert options weren’t that spectacular and started at $ 7.50– $ 9.50. Of course I ended up getting the most expensive since it sounded the best. The Chocolate spoon cake. The was fudgie and rich as stated by the waitress with ice cream. I am not sure it was the best choice, but was decent with the ice cream.
Joe, the recommending friend says there is nothing that isn’t great out here… maybe it is worth trying other items when I can afford it? The service was great.

I loved the atmosphere here — we sat outdoors next to fountain and they had loads of fairy lights up. Our designated waitress was really nice and was super patient even though I asked a ton of questions about the menu!
We didn’t get a table straight away so went to bar for a drink first. The coconut lime mojito was so refreshing!
I had the duck confit torta which was basically pulled duck in a Burger with salad. I did thoroughly enjoy the flavors and the bread was really nice. The chips that came with it were hard to describe! Overall was a good meal and very filling, great place to catch up with friend s and chillax.

effort was an A service an A but food n atmosphere. .zippo. felt like was eating in a fancy cafeteria. Food was nothing special in some funky sauce. Not sure what this place is. Tasted like bad mexican… sorry. is what it is. everyone has different taste .this place not my taste…

Hands down the cream of the crop!!! Nobody compares. This place has been busting out incredible cuisine for 20 years. Consistently delicious, super efficient service, and a VERY capable kitchen and authentic/​talented head chef. You can’t go wrong with any of the ceviches, all are amazing. A variety of guacamole for all tastes. Fresh fish selections are always spot on. Superb Sangria by glass or pitcher. Classics like enchiladas, tacos, and quesadillas are outstanding. Our favorite salsa in the world! Go and enjoy, and thank me later…

5 Stars for the quality and deliciousness of the food–
Red mesa is usually on or near a ‘wait’ during the workday lunch hour and for good reason — it’s really good! I’ve been quite a few times, and have tried the shrimp al mojo de ajo, red mesa salad, chicken quesadilla, black bean soup, fried oyster app (not sure that’s still available), chipotle shrimp burrito, and the pork verde. Again, everything is very tasty and you can’t go wrong with your choice. Personally, I love the pork verde as it’s always so tender and flavorful. Add that and a scoop of black beans to the warm tortillas that come with the meal and BINGO! Don’t forget the Red Mesa hot sauce.

First time visit today, it was pleasant and the food was remarkable. I had the crab quesadilla, which was the best ever. My wife’s steak taco was very tasty. the restaurant building is loaded with character and requires a tour. Have to try more on the menu before I’m a complete fan, but for sure I’ll be back.

I come here ALL the time. I’ve had the tortilla soup, calamari frito, shredded beef taquitos (these I think are a bit over priced since it only brings 2 tiny taquitos, but still very good), chorizo fundido (one of my fave appetizers there), chicken quesadillas, chicken fernandez and my all time favorite the filet mignon chimmichurri (if you go, you definitely have to try this dish. I’m not really a steak person and I love ordering this). The service is very good and everyone is really nice and helpful.

Great spot, enchiladas trio was like having 3 meals in one. Would love to come back when I visit my friend again. Service was great, so was the atmosphere.

Service was great. Appetizer was okay, however, $ 21.00 for the equivalent of 1 microwaveable dinner was a little much. Pitcher of margaritas was good.
If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant, keep looking… they don’t even have burritos on the menu
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Our experience was awful. The food was awful.
Experience: After we sat down, we were approached by our waiter. He handed us menus and did not greet us at all. He just pointed to something on the menu and said «you have to try this» and then walked away. He came back a few minutes later to take our drink orders but did not welcome us to the restaurant or offer any explanations of the menu. We tried ordering something without mushrooms and the waiter would not allow us to. Apparently, you can’t custom order anything here. Also, the waiter never asked us if our food was ok or came to check on us.
Food: was nasty and inedible. I could only eat the rice and beans side. I ordered the cheese enchilada. How do you mess that up? It was disgusting and smelly. No one else in my party was impressed with their food either, but they were at least able to eat their meals.
I will not go back. Seriously unimpressed.

This is one of my go-​to restaurants. My main squeeze dishes are the Shrimp Al Mojo De Ajo, Grouper Al Mojo De Ajo, Southwest Grilled Grouper, Puntas De Filet Mignon, and the Shrimp Fideo Pasta is one of the best pastas I have EVER had. The flavor is phenomenal. I actually tried the Shrimp Fideo Pasta as it was ordered by a friend of mine on a whim. I thought they were crazy for ordering a pasta dish at Red Mesa; I thought «what a disaster, there’s so much more interesting cuisine.» Since I tried it, it’s become one of my most favorite dishes at any restaurant in the area. Red Mesa has never let me or my company down.

I have eaten here many times and the food is exceptional as is the staff. But this review is to give a SUPER Unilocal for generosity. I was helping some friends load a truck of items from the building next door to Red Mesa in the alley way this past weekend and it took much longer, and it was much warmer out than we expected. We were parched so I walked over to the bar at Red Mesa to ask for a to go cup of water with 50 cents in hand to tip as none of us had brought cash either. The bartender did not give me a cup of tap water, but she rather handed me two bottled waters, free of charge. With much gratitude… THANK YOU!

Good food, good service. Accommodating to families with children.

Went to lunch with my coworkers today. The service was excellent, we got there right before the lunch rush started and were seated quickly.
Our waiter gave us chips with extra salsa, because my coworker said the salsa is good enough to drink, I do have to say that it did live up to that review. Not the best salsa, I usually like it a little bit spicier, but it was excellent.
I ordered the Chile Relleno special. I have to say the presentation was awesome. The pepper looked awesome, covered with cheese and other sauces. The grilled vegetables on the side were an excellent addition to the pepper. The main dish was hot out of the oven, with just the right combination of spice. The vegetables were not oily and limp, like you sometimes get with grilled veggies. The rice side dish was excellent.
The service was very good, never had to wait for a drink refill. We got a refill of chips.
I will definitely be returning here for dinner to see what they offer.

Okay so this place is growing on me. It’s a quick stop for lunch with coworkers and they aim to please by getting your order right and out in a timely manner. I usually get a burrito but I really wish they would offer nachos. The salsa is exceptional.

On our way through town we noticed it was highly rated on Unilocal and decided to try it. Service is great as we were greeted right upon arriving. We really like how they had 3 different types of guac. We chose the crab guac and it was fire good!!! We then order the tortilla soup which was excellent! Such great flavor and tortilla chips were a nice touch! Lastly we order the filet mignon burrito and we really good, rice was excellent.

Great Mexican food. Clean and fun atmosphere. This is my favorite in St Pete. Also check out the satellite location next to Green Bench Brewery called Mercado.

I love coming to this place for lunch. I’d come for dinner but they don’t have my favorite menu item at night. It’s the gigantic shrimp burrito. It’s so huge. I shouldn’t eat the whole thing but it’s so hard not to eat it all. When we come, we usually get chips and salsa. Their salsa is very delicious. Also a pitcher of sangria. It is pricey. It it’s great. It’s very refreshing for a mid day pick up. I would love to try other items on the menu but I can’t seem to stray away from the burrito. It’s that good. Def try this place out for lunch. I don’t think you can go wrong.

I’ve always had a solid meal here. I’ve probably been to Red Mesa or ordered food from Red Mesa about a dozen times.
One this visit I ordered the pork tenderloin with garlic mash, black beans and pineapple salsa. Everything was very good and flavorful. Personally I would have like the garlic mash to taste a little more of garlic but that’s just my preference.
My dinning companion ordered the Mahi over monfongo, it looked delicious and according to my friend she said it was very good, perfectly cooked.
Great spot to grab a bite!

Stopped in for lunch after a coworker recommended this place. Cant say I was expecting much but this place was very good! The inside is super nice amd spread out just enough that you have your own space. The menu is not as big as a typical mexican restaurant but the food is way better. The prices are a little higher than average but again, well worth it.
My party all ended up getting the barritos. They were about 10 bucks a piece but they were huge. Service was pretty quick. Only waited about 10 mins for our meals and it was pretty crowded on lunch rush. Started with the chips and salsa and the salsa was fantastic. Looking forward to stopping back in again soon.

Absolutely nothing Tex-​Mex about this location. They should drop the word «Tex-​Mex» out of their vocabulary or better yet; get a plane ticket, fly to Texas, go to any Tex-​Mex restaurant and then understand that whatever they are pawning off as «Tex-​Mex» is really something that looks like a rat covered in red sauce and quite frankly tastes just as bad. My wife and I were absolutely appalled. I have never wanted to walk out of a restaurant in my entire life, until my unfortunate visit to this restaurant.
I am going to go gargle mouthwash now, as this post has made me relive the entire encounter all over again.

Really enjoyed my experience here. Had the chihuahua trio. So so good. The sangria is amazing as well. Can’t wait to go back.

This place was bustling when we arrived for diner but we were seated quickly (there were 6 of us). Our server was great and was attentive but not intrusive and allowed us to enjoy our meal.
The food was delicious and all of the ingredients tasted fresh and none of the food had the prepared-​earlier-​and-​just-​warmed-​up taste.
Parking is complimentary valet but we found a spot near the entrance to self-​park.
The atmosphere was fun and pleasant with unique décor and not your standard Tex-​Mex with some pictures of pueblos and cowboys.
We’d certainly eat here again if we were in the area.

Nice atmosphere and the place was hopping at lunch. Parking lot is small, many cars parked on residential side streets (which I’m sure the homeowners ‘love’).
I’ve been to the Cantina on 3^rd and not been overly impressed with their typical mexican offerings (enchiladas, tacos, burritos, etc.) so tried something more entrée oriented — the Shrimp Al Mojo De Ajo (sautéed shrimp in a buttery tasting tomato and garlic sauce) with rice and veg — shrimp was nicely sauteed and tender, veg were nicely prepared — al dente green beans and carrots. Good dish, but nothing I will be dreaming about. Price was $ 11 which is reasonable for this dish but I find their prices for typical mex fare over priced for mediocre food. One complimentary basket of chips per table and you have to ask for it. Salsa is nothing interesting.
Good service.

Oh the disappointment.
I hadn’t been here in years and when my dinner date suggested it was very happy to oblige. I love Mexican, faux Mexican, tex mex, authentic, if it has enchiladas, I’m in!
So we came on a Saturday night and had a 20 minute wait or so. Sat at the bar and had a beer (with a super nice and efficient bartender) Our table was ready on time and we were escorted to a booth in back and approached by our waiter who was told «whatever you do, don’t let our glasses go empty» lol
Apparently he heard the opposite.
So we started with the ceviche, shrimp ceviche, Im not a fan of this. Im a traditionalist and like fish in my ceviche, along with shrimp, but not just shrimp. Anyway, it was, ok. It was fresh and service with jicama, which I like but the serving was very skimpy for the price range.
For dinner he ordered the salmon with a ginger crust and chipotle glaze, I ordered a combo platter with cheese enchiladas and chile relleno. His dinner was good! Salmon was perfectly cooked, the glaze delicious, nice and smokey flavor yum. Mine? Not so good. The cheese «enchiladas» were about 3−4″ long and narrow as a slim cigar and burnt on the bottom. Ick, My Relleno, who made that disaster? No where near traditional, the picadillo was just off. I mean there was nothing good about this dish. I shared my disappointing meal with him, to make sure I wasn’t just being a finicky witch, and he concurred. awful. Just awful.
We passed on dessert, and another drinks as obviously that wasn’t in the cards.
SO disappointing. I wanted to love this place. I might even try it again and hope for better, but I certainly wont order that again.