One of the things that screams vacation is a good Mexican dinner. You know where lots of appetizers and food crowd the table and all this tasty spicy deliciousness is washed down with a cold Corona or a refreshing sangria, margarita, you probably know the feeling.
At Eiko’s Beach House we have some favourite Mexican restaurants we would like to share with you. Some are just across at John’s Pass a 5 minute walk and others are a 45 minute drive North to Dunedin. However, the theme is the same: Good if not Great Mexican food. So let’s begin:
Gia’s Blue Water Taqueria
Across Gulf Boulevard and a five minute walk from Eiko’s Beach House is Gia’s Blue Water Taqueria. You just know you found the right Mexican place when you get a combination of $3.50 tacos, (try the fish tacos….) great , informed and friendly service , a table on the boardwalk overlooking the bay, and spectacular rice bowls.
Drinks are strong and put you into the spirit and if the drink fails to do this the laid back vibes of John Pass will work its magic on you. It gets crowded at lunch and dinner time so get there early, we do, and claim your table and officially declare your official holiday at Gia’s.
VIP Mexican American Cuisine
VIP Mexican American Cuisine in downtown Treasure Island very much is worth a try. The enchiladas and burritos are our two favourite dishes here. The $5 margaritas will keep the buzz and the party going.
My youngest son at times leaves the Mexican/Latin theme and opts for the humble hamburger. Why you ask? He claims it is one of the best and biggest in Pinellas County and he is not shy about praising good, filling and tasty food. He loves the burgers and after having a taste of his, I understand why. The place rocks so expect a crowd but hey you are on vacation and can have a drink while you wait.
Agave Restaurant
Agave Restaurant in St. Petersburg Beach is high on the list of must go to Mexican whenever we are in town. Starting with the fresh chips ,salsa and guacamole set the scene for the main course. We suggest you try the Chicken Verde and/or the steak fajitas to get a true understanding of the quality of the dishes available.
Los Amigos Dos
A further drive from Eiko Beach House are two great Mexican restaurants located in the delightfully Scottish town of Dunedin about a 45 minute drive North of Treasure Island. While enjoying Dunedin’s hospitality try to have lunch at the small, hole in the wall type restaurant Los Amigos Dos.
The food is authentic and basic, and simply delicious. I like ordering a variety of dishes but make sure you try the tamales. They are cooked to perfection. The salsa is fresh and so is the guacamole. Come hungry, leave full and you will be surprised that the bill will be very affordable.
Casa Tina Mexican Grill
In Downtown Dunedin, visit the Casa Tina Mexican Grill. On weekends families can experience a miniature circus and the festival theme resonates throughout this cantina. The owners through the décor and dishes try to make it as authentic as possible. This is much more of a restaurant than a grill and may be better to consider dinner rather than lunch especially if you are rushed. However, it is worth trying should you be in Dunedin enjoying a day trip from Treasure Island.
Red mesa
Our last but not least choice is the Red Mesa located at 4912 4thStreet North, St. Petersburg. It is about a 25 minute drive from Eiko’s Beach House. To be brutally honest, Eiko and the boys seem to gravitate here more than all the other establishments. While it is more fine dining, it also caters to quick but tasty lunches.
The décor is authentic yet comfortable but the food is great. Try the filet mignon chimichanga. They cook the meat just as you want it. . The salsa is usually enough for us with the warm chips right out of the oven although the boys sometimes demand the guacamole as well. . For sides we order yucca and plantain which are cooked to perfection. My favourite dish is the Chili Relleno but we never had a bad enchilada nor soft/hard taco. Save room for desserts which include flan and hot from the oven churros. We recommend the red sangria and then enjoy the evening.
Conclusion
Now that you have had your first dinner after arriving in Florida it is time to stop looking at your iphone and spending more time enjoying the sunset. At Eiko’s Beach House it is possible to take away some of your favourite dishes described about and on the porch overlooking the sun setting into the Gulf of Mexico you can salute the day and plan your next adventure in paradise. Conversely, you and your family can settle into a holiday vibe which is subtle yet moving and claim the land around Eiko Beach House as your personal holiday territory. It makes a great excuse for a fiesta!
Anything is possible at Eiko’s Beach house in Treasure island, Florida.
