I had to put a very small amount of food in my stomach before a night of debauchery and this place was walking distance so I decided to give it a shot, and I was very happy I did. The entire restaurant is very small only a handful of tables with a small outdoor area, but it's very cozy with an eclectic interior design, was sat immediately, the entire staff was beyond friendly. I only had two tacos, a carrizo and Gator Alaskan style. I cannot sing the praises of them enough. The flavor was out of this world on both, and the shells were fried to an absurdly crispy degree. If I I wasn't planning on walking around with my shirt off later in the night, I would have eaten 17 more. Well worth the stop. read more

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A very small -- it's a former Ybor Ctty "casita" -- restaurant just off the square of the Saturday Farmers' Market. Has a variety of Alaskan tacos, which is a deep fried taco, plus standard Tex-Mex entrees like chimichangas. Filling, tasty, and came with attentive service. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - The pork Alaskan tacos were crispy with fresh veggies on top. - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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My betta half wanted "hard" tacos, but not taco bell. In short, this place is an Ybor gem. I was pleasantly surprised on the carne options.. alligator anyone?..it was different, worth a try. Back to "hard" taco, whatever they doing its working. Only suggestion is upgrade the salsa. Top notch chips go with nop notch salsa Drunkin Noodle: mom and pop joint so does not seems like liquor license attainted. No libations available read more

If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! Shelly is an amazing server. So personable and always happy to see us. They introduced a chorizo taco to their menu and it's one of the best things I've tasted. So flavorful and delicious! It's very cute inside with lots of hand drawn pictures and recent reviews and events posted on the walls. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Gator nachos with no lettuce. Salsa is on the side. - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Great staff,food,service.. food was great! Sean is always helpful and makes it very easy to order and very helpful!

Was headed to a restaurant that we frequent at in Ybor & ended up going on a different street than normal. Saw a sign for this place & decided to try it! It didn't disappoint & for sure will be back. The owner was our waiter & he was very attentive with fast service as well. The food was delicious ! They give u pinch cards for tacos! I got the chicken chimichangas and it's most def shareable bc I was struggling. The complimentary chips with the salsa was warm & crisp. Not greasy at all! I took a bite of my husbands shrimp taco which was very good! read more

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Mema's tacos are awesome. I tried the gator taco and it was yummy. Looking forward to the chorizo. Chorizo was good, next time I'm gonna go no cheese on the chorizo to taste the spice more. Freshly made chips in peanut oil with good salsa! Their water comes out cold of a filter box. Good people. read more

I've been hearing about Memas Alaskan Tacos for about a decade and never got the chance to try them until today. The service was incredible, so friendly and welcoming. We were greeted as soon as we came to the door and had our orders taken right away. Ordered the steak burrito and was NOT disappointed. Portion was very generous. The burrito was the size of my arm and filled with delicious perfectly seasoned and cooked steak, beans and rice. Would definitely recommend visiting Memas Alaskan Tacos. Price and flavor 10/10 read more

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Had an amazing lunch at Mema's today with my sister. We were taken care of by Sean. Who was absolutely phenomenal explaining the menu and being really nice. We had the falafel taco, grouper taco and their chips and salsa and black beans with sour cream. Everything was delicious. Thank you for a wonderful experience. We also had their Churros in a caramel dipping sauce. Wow. Phenomenal read more

We actually came here for lunch. We took the train from the aquarium station to Ybor city. The space is small and cute. We ordered a bunch of tacos because you get two free if you order ten. The order came out quickly. The owner was super great, she was also the server. Chips were crispy and so were the tacos. Simple and great. We enjoyed our lunch and back to the tram in hellish weather back to the aquarium. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Quesadilla - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Who knew that Alaskan Tacos was even a thing. Not I, that's for sure. This is a great place to visit when visiting Ybor, even on a busy Saturday night when the streets are hustling and bustling. This is a very small and cozy place, but let me tell you, the personality of charm of our server (Ashley) was larger than all of Ybor. She was amazing and truly representative of what all servers should strive for in the restaurant industry. We arrived shortly after 9:30 on a Saturday night and there was nobody there so we can the whole place to ourselves and we were spoiled rotten with great service. After being taught what an Alaskan Taco was, I opted for just a pulled pork burrito but this was just a personal choice. I'm just not a fan of deep fried anything, much less a taco. I do like the variety of choices that they have on the menu though. Even Alligator! We also ordered up some chips and guac / salsa, which I wasn't really a big fan of. The chips were just OK and the guac was not good for me. It had way way too much of a lime flavor.. It was basically lime paste and it was also in the smallest container, like something you'd use to put ketchup in. Not exactly the size of a proper side dish. The salsa was in a slightly bigger container. The burrito was good, although the pulled pork was a bit dry for my liking. Still good flavor though, as it should be since they slow smoke it for hours just outside in the back, from what we were told. The service alone is what got this a 4-star rating. The food itself is a solid 3 for me. I'd definitely come back to try some of the other menu items. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Pulled pork burrito - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This has quickly become a new favorite. We have been several times already but I forget to get pics to do a review. This particular order was the pork Chimichanga which was absolutely huge. He brought half home. And he loved it! I had one each beef taco and chicken taco. A little salty but I love the fried crunchy shells. If you aren't familiar with an Alaskan taco, my understanding is the preparation. The meat is done in a patty and fried with the shell. Not pictured: chips and salsa are always good. Also in the past he had the pork burrito that he always said is good. I have had several different tacos, including doing it as a double decker with beans and soft shell over the crunchy shell. There are also an array of Tabasco brand hot sauces on the tables. Staff is always great. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Beef taco, and chicken taco - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Wonderful taco joint in Ybor city in a little house full of locals. Thank goodness. Delish. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - So cute inside Dog friendly patio - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Ok, this is a hard review for me to write. I absolutely love this place. Owner is AWESOME. We need more restaurant owners like him. He loves his business, told us the history of the way the tacos were made, but most importantly, he treated his brand new employee well. You can tell a lot about a place by how they treat their employees. I will go back just because he is a good guy. They concept of Mema's tacos, it really smart. The preparation is unique and really tasty. Love the tortillas, as well as the chips. The options for your tacos is fantastic. My only issue, and one that could easily be fixed, is the salsa and meat in the tacos needs seasoning. A little salt, little pepper, maybe a little ancho chill powder would seriously make this place my favorite and go to taco place in Tampa. Just a little salt, pepper, and chili powder and I think this place would have a line out the door. It literally has every thing else. Give it a try, it is really good, but could be 6 stars with just a few tweaks on seasoning. read more

Delicious, filling, and huge burrito for $12. It was made super quick and the ambiance inside is small and chill. I got it as pick up but I wouldn't mind going back to eat and hang out. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Chicken burrito with salsa. I asked no sour cream. - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Fantastic, even had I not gone to the first location a decade ago this would be a five star review. Sean the owner is friendly as are the staff I met. The food is great, but the deep fried tacos or the star. The chips are also amazing and made right there. read more

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Best Tacos in town! I love there alligator burritos. The food and staff are off the chart. read more

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Was going to the straz center to see a show and we decided to stop by for Alaskan tacos. The place is very clean and cozy. The staff went above and beyond. And the food was good and reasonably priced. I had the gator burrito. It was big and tasty. My girlfriend had a steak bowl and it was very large too. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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This restaurant has such a cute homely atmosphere with amazing food and gracious, hospitable service by everyone there. It's in a quaint little home with a porch located in a vibrant neighborhood. The interior is very simple with wood floors and chairs. And all the dishes look soooo. I had the rice and beans, an apple soda, and the churros-- OMG - A MUST HAVE! read more

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Cool decor and fast service. From articles and socials this place appears to have had some pretty dedicated following. I had the steak tamales, grouper, beef, and gator taco. Regrettably, I wouldn't order the tamale again. The filling was good but I didn't care for the masa. I also wouldn't get the beef taco again, the fried beef got a little too crispy for my liking. With that being said I would eat the Grouper and Gator tacos in perpetuity. I mean like everyday, all day. I found myself stopping and staring at the tacos because I couldn't believe they were that darn good. None of the tacos were dry but the moisture from the gator and the grouper combined with the salty crispy crunch of the taco shell ‍. I wish this business much success. I'll be back! read more

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So my business partner and I decided to visit as the restaurant is just a few blocks from our office. Let me start by saying this- if this review was based on service, 5's all day long- the kindness and accommodation of the staff and our server was truly amazing! Where the issue lies is in flavoring. There wasn't much. We ordered the chips and salsa to start and the chips are amazing- corn and fried in house, but the salsa lacked flavor- I had to add hot sauce to the salsa and a bit of salt. I don't like salt as a rule, but it needed it badly. Plus the hot sauce to give it some kick. Each of us ordered rice and bean bowls. Chicken and shrimp for me and chicken for my business partner. The food arrived - generous portions but again- almost zero flavor. Again I added some salt and hot sauce but the flavoring of the food was not there- bland as bland could be- my business partner agreed 100% and we were so taken aback because this genre of food is generally super flavorful. Not today. I also ordered a tamale - I love tamales- LOVE TAMALES. It was prepared perfectly but - yet again, no flavor. What a bummer. Truly disappointed because we have been wanting to try Mema's and the vibe in the converted bungalow is amazing- the service was too. I can't speak highly enough about how wonderful our server was, I just wish the food had been as spectacular! read more

Amazing tacos! So glad this place is back open. And the owner is super kind, everything is made fresh and so tasty! read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Chicken and beef Alaskan tacos - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

My first time trying Alaskan tacos. A unique experience. Of all the places that I've been, Memas has the freshest chips and dip. The guy who served us (I believe he is the owner), was so welcoming and kind. It's been ages since I've experienced stellar customer service. I would come back again based not only the food, but the exceptional customer service. Thank you for the welcoming atmosphere and yummy food. God bless you. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Stopped in on Saturday night for a late dinner. I'm in town 2-3 times a year & walk by this place multiple times. I finally went in & I'm glad I did! I ordered 2 different tamales & a beef taco. The food was very fresh, hot & was out fast. The service was top notch. I sat outside on the patio as it was a beautiful night. I highly recommend Mema's. I have added it to my must haves list on my Tampa visits. read more

I used to love Mema's Alaskan Tacos back in the day when I first started writing about food and they just opened again in Ybor City. So exciting! They have tableside service now and a pretty big menu. Lots of locals. So pumped. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I have been wanting to try this place and we are staying temporarily in Ybor so its perfect timing. I came in a funk after an afternoon spent doing inventory on all of our possessions lost to Helene for our flood insurance company. Our house is down to the studs and in remediation currently and uninhabitable. The server could not have been sweeter and we got to talking about everything and after I placed my order, she said it was on the house. I almost burst into tears. These are the places that I want to support in our awesome city. And the food is wonderful too!! Highly recommend!! read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Chips and salsa, yum!! - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I loved the crust fried tacos. Honestly I didn't know what I was walking into, just they were open on a Sunday night after a day of flights. The staff was super nice and helpful with their recommendations. read more

Super friendly service both times I've been here. A counter service restaurant with option to eat in. Tacos were delicious and the chimichangas are enormous in size. Great bargain for the amount of food you get and quality. Don't forget to get a side of their homemade tortillas and salsa. Will absolutely be returning many more times in the future. read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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0/10 $30 for some of the absolute worst food I've ever had. I'd take Taco Bell over this. I tried to give it a shot but do better. We ate 1/4 of it and threw it away. Cmon now guys... read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Food was excellent. Superior service. Clean atmosphere. Great price point. We will def be back read more

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos - Somethin' to taco bout #groupertaco #yboreats #tacotuesday #friendlystaff #localbusiness #ybor - Tacos Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Delicious food and very friendly owners! All the tacos are great and reasonably priced.

Great atmosphere and the owner is so friendly. Everything is home made and they are very passionate about the quality and recipe. Highly recommend! read more

This place exceeded my expectations! I had been passing it by because it is right next door to another, larger Mexcian joint. The fresh fried shells were delicious, I will definitely be back!! I think it beats out the other place! read more

Server was super nice and helpful. I'm not usually a big fan of tacos but it was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. Would definitely come back. read more

These are some of the best tacos I have had in a long time! I tried a beef and a chicken taco tonight and they were amazing. I work close by and have been looking at this place since they reopened. I finally made it over there tonight. The crew that were inside working were extremely nice. I had to walk back over to get the punchcard because this is going to be my go to place for tacos from now on! read more

Great tacos served by friendly people slightly off the beaten path of Ybor. Highly recommended

Best service ever. Also food was amazing and very filling for cheap. Very calm and chill place. Very family oriented.

best taco I ever had, the cook in the back came out to give me my food and he was super cute, great service loved the atmospher!

I have a new favorite taco place! As a young man I promised myself, my friends, and my family that my quest in life and reason for being was to find a quality taco shop. Today my journey is over. I can set my sword and shield down and enjoy quality made from scratch tacos in Ybor City for the rest of my days. I am one of those few truly lucky people in the world who knows their mission in life. And this is it. To eat a great taco on a daily basis. I instantly bonded with the staff of this fine establishment and we will be friends for the remainder of our time on this Earth. Let's get to the heart of the matter. In this way too decisive country we as a nation need to find bonding moments. This holy grail of tacos is the finest of meeting points for all people from all walks of life to come together and love tacos equally as God intended. Folks I'm going to descend from my soap box now but before I do I want to make one thing very clear - if you do not enjoy Mema's Tacos there is something extremely wrong with you. Anybody with a good heart and a kind soul will love these tacos. If that is not you then you are just not a person worth knowing. I get that everyone has different opinions, but if you truly don't like these tacos then you need to change your meds or atleast change the dosage. Blessings to all. read more