We ate at Nueva Cantina while staying in downtown Tampa and it was excellent. The homemade tortillas were delicious and tasted fresh. The chorizo tacos, barbacoa tacos, and steak tacos were all outstanding--some of the best tacos we've had. The drinks were also 5 stars and did not disappoint. The guacamole was just okay, and the salsas were a little underwhelming compared to how amazing the tacos were. But overall, the food, atmosphere, and drinks made this a fantastic experience. We would definitely come back! Service was slow. brought tacos with no plates and salsas. read more

Nueva Cantina - Shareable taco platter - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

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I decided to check out Nueva Cantina on 6/26/26 while I was in Tampa after flying down from New Jersey to catch a bite before seeing Ye perform. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The service was very slow, and the menu had very limited options for vegans and vegetarians. I ordered the guacamole, but it turned brown very quickly after it was served. I mentioned it to the staff, and they removed it from my bill, which I appreciated. My two friends also felt the food was just average. Everyone's tacos came out cold, and to make matters worse, they forgot to bring my mocktail. I did ask to speak with the manager, and she was extremely kind, professional, and apologetic about all of the issues, which I genuinely appreciated. The restaurant also deserves credit for having very clean bathrooms. Overall, the customer service from the manager helped salvage the experience, but the food and service fell short of my expectations. Based on this visit, I would most likely not return the next time I'm in Tampa. read more

Of course I'm mildly skeptical when it comes to "Mexican Food" since I'm from Chicago and I know certain ingredients aren't available here like it is in Chicago. Well this spot is pretty damn close to Chicago Mexican Food. Ok I'll say it. The decor and vibe is usually not my jam as it reminds of an instagram reel. I will say it is family friendly. The drinks were good as my Nueva Marg hit the spot. The apps we had was there chips and various salsas. I did like the habanero one. The salsa verde, nah bro. Ok the main event... I did the Birria Pizza and it was good. I will say dropping this in the air fryer the next day was the bomb. Now the wife had their Carne Asada Fajitas. Damn after you eat some of this, you won't want to do to much. It was a nice flavor to it - like Chicago style - and that Carne was the good carne. That's like the $16-$18 a pound carne not the cheap crap. The tortillas??! Hold on, they were good and not your typical ones from the area. Trust me. Danny came out and greeted us and welcomed us and found out he is from the Chicagoland area. Well damn, I guess we're coming back. They need that salsa de mocajete though! read more

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One of the most amazing food and drinks I have had in a long time. We ordered the Chips and Salsa which were good, the Mexican Pizza which was out of this world. For drinks we ordered a Mule and some mango drink that had tahin and a mango popsicle in it which was beyond amazing. The place isnt too big from the inside, they have outdoor seating as well, our waitress was very friendly. This place is a must once a month for me gping forward read more

Nueva Cantina Tampa has an eye-catching atmosphere and a solid drink menu that's well presented. Unfortunately, that's where the positive experience ended for me. During my visit, I found a large, sharp piece of metal embedded in a side of guacamole. It was fully coated and not visible at first, and could have caused a serious injury. I brought it to the attention of staff and spoke with two managers on site. While they were polite, the response was minimal and did not reflect the seriousness of the situation. I followed up directly afterward to give the opportunity to address it privately. It has now been three weeks with no response. For a place that positions itself at a higher level, this was extremely disappointing. Situations like this should be taken seriously and handled with care. There are plenty of other options in the area that not only deliver on experience, but also on accountability when something goes wrong. Sharing so others are aware, and observe what you consume. Photo included: Metal object inside the side of guac & a marg in a cracked glass (tough to see the crack). read more

Nueva Cantina - Margarita - looks cute, but the glass was cracked! - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

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This will put some zing in your spring-and add flavor and fun to any holiday. Nueva Cantina knows decor and pulls out all the stops to celebrate seasons, in the ambiance and on the menu. I've done Halloween at the Brandon location-now it was time for Easter in downtown Tampa. My friend and I popped in on a Saturday afternoon in late March, around 4:30. We didn't have a reservation, but got right in. The place was busy but not cramped. There's a bar in the middle-high tops and tables on either side and a large patio space out front. It's colorful and casual-with the same breezy vacay vibes as Brandon. My friend and I each ordered two of the specialty spring margaritas. Then she had a fish taco and the flautas... while I chose the veggie taco and a small side of plantains. Everything came out quickly and was presented well. There's a nice heat to that veggie taco-not too much, but just enough. I'll definitely do that again. I'll come back here again, too. It's a great party spot-with the inventive pitchers and trays of shots (with sparklers). It's clean and tropical-so are the bathrooms. We were each parked in lots nearby (we were downtown to attend a show) and it's an easy walk down to Ashley or over to the Tampa Theatre or Hotel Flor. Cheers to another fab location! read more

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Nueva Cantina never disappoints. We went for the Valentine's Day menu and everything was so good. The birria pizza was amazing and the Cupid's margaritas were even better. We ended the night with shots which just made it more fun. I come here at least once a month because I genuinely love it. The chips and salsa are addicting and I've honestly loved almost everything I've tried on the menu. The food is always consistent, the drinks are great, and it's just an easy go to spot for me every time. read more

Nueva Cantina - Shot platter - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

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We we're in Tampa for a college visit and tried this place. It was cute and had all the typical items you'd expect like margaritas and tacos. The tacos didn't come with much on them except onions and cilantro and we had to order a side of guacamole and sour cream which was disappointing in size. read more

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We had reservations for a party of 5 for 7:15pm on a Saturday night. We were told that someone took our table and waited 30 minutes. The time we by fast as music played in the background and there's so much too look at. The manager did accommodated us with drinks for the inconvenience, thank you Heather. We were then seated in the patio, which has heated lamp. The patio is full of seasonal decor, we enjoyed the Valentine's Day theme. To my surprise even the bathroom had a taste of it. This place is definitely a vibe for all ages. The staff were all attentive to guest needs. The food came out pretty quick. The guacamole was delicious and tasted fresh, the queso was creamy with a splash of hotness and the tacos were a hit as they were stuffed with meat on fresh tortillas. The cutest presentation overall with all dishes and with drinks. We will definitely return. read more

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Love love love this place! It's always themed and decorated to the T, always has the most welcoming atmosphere and staff, full bar, menu options for everyone and food is always served fast and delicious. read more

Super cute for Christmas! But that's where the fun ends. I came in on a Friday night and I was the only person over the age of 22. I looked at the menu and realized this is the college spot for cheap drinks in Tampa. If all you're looking for are some of the cheapest cocktails in Tampa then this is your spot. If you're looking for even remotely decent food or drinks then this is definitely not your spot. First up, I ordered a $11.75 Burrito Chorizo. I mean you could have told me it was from Taco Bell or Chipotle. Then, I tried a $14 Espresso Martini and I didn't even get a duck. What a gip! The drink was like a 1/10. Never order again. The only reason to come here is for the price. However, I don't see a point of a lower price for bad food and drinks. The Christmas decorations are awesome though so I'll give them 2 stars. read more

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Fantastic experience!! Chips and salsa are great hot chips nice and fresh and salsa just has great flavor. Tacos were incredibly tasty has shrimp, carnitas and carne asada. Carne asada could have just used a but more cilantro and chop the steak up a little more like a street taco but the flavor was there. Service was great sat and the bar and everything came out quick and hot. Place was not too crowded but still had enough people to not freak you out for going there for the first time. Just a great place to get some great tacos!! read more

Nueva Cantina Mexicana Great drinks, food was absolutely on point, and the service was excellent. Everything came out fresh and flavorful, and the cocktails were well made. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Definitely a place worth coming back to. read more

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I think my biggest gripe about this place would have to be the parking. It's located downtown so it takes a little extra time to find parking if you want to make your reservation time. Other than that no complaints. My friends and I visited during Christmas time. It was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. The service was quick and efficient. The food was pretty good. My Mexican pizza was slightly salty but still good. The Snow White margarita was also very good. It's not an authentic Mexican restaurant but the vibes were good and it was tasty enough. read more

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Flights and drink options are top tier. Birria tacos are my all time favorites! Service is hit or miss at times, but the vibe is still great. Music is fun and upbeat. Lots of cute decor for photo ops as well! read more

Nueva Cantina - Spring fling flight - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

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My son had a project for his Spanish class, and I reached out to Nueva Cantina on N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa for a short interview. The manager, Heather, was helpful from the very beginning. She told me the best day to come in, welcomed us, and was more than willing to record a video answering my son's questions. Not only did she participate, but her answers were thoughtful, detailed, and truly went above and beyond what was expected. We've visited this restaurant before, and my sons always enjoy the food ~ the tacos are consistently fresh and delicious. Today, our server Megan also provided good service. But the reason I'm giving this restaurant 5 stars is because of Heather's exceptional kindness and willingness to help with something outside her normal responsibilities. We're extremely grateful she took the time to help my high schooler succeed on his Spanish project. We will definitely be back, and we highly recommend Nueva Cantina for both the yummy food and the people who work there! read more

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A great place to go for drinks and birthday celebrations. I like their seasonal concepts and the fun they bring towards each season. The food is not too bad also. read more

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We were in the market for a light meal, not too expensive. An easy walk from our hotel. Nueva Cantina delivered on all of those things. Promp and efficient service, good food and a pleasant young vibe. A perfect finish for a long day. read more

I loved this spot for Cinco De Mayo!! And super glad I had reservations. There was a line out the door! We ordered the taco tour which was yummy and the picture of Margs was plenty for us 3. They also gave us complimentary shots! Nice touch. I thought pricing was good. We sat outside which was much more quiet and cute. Inside was super noisy, dark and cold!! Only improvement would be to bring more toppings out for a platter of tacos a they gave us a tiny cup of cilantro for 12 tacos between 3 people. We had to ask for refills ... get yours up front! read more

Nueva Cantina - Mango Margs. - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

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I really enjoyed the food here when it came to my dish which was the Spanish rice, refried beans and plantains. These plantains were delicious and came in a nice sized portion. The Spanish rice and refried beans mixed together along with the two sauces provided (salsa roja mild & salsa verde medium) really satisfied my tastebuds. The margarita rimmed with tajin was refreshing, I got a duck! There was a dirty fork in our utensil bucket. The service was great, super friendly and accommodating staff. Parking is metered parking downtown and parking lots in the area. I'd come back to check out a different theme as the current theme is Valentine's Day. read more

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We were so excited to come and try this restaurant, it's all over our social media, so we decided to come by and try some bites and drinks, we started off ordering the margarita pitcher, it was a pineapple with jalapeños margarita, it was good, I'd add a couple more shots to give a little extra kick, but it was very refreshing, that's for sure! We also ordered the chips and dips and they were alright, moving on to dishes we ordered a couple tacos and a quesadilla to share, the pastor tacos were my favorite, the only thing I'd change is the pineapple, maybe to put it in the grilled and cook it with the tacos a little bit would be good, so the flavors come together nicely. The quesadilla was okay, a little forgettable, to be honest. Service was a little not too good because we wanted to do some shots and they did not know what tequilas they had on the menu, and they don't have a list for the table either, so I asked my server and she told me to take a look of where all the tequilas were because she did not know, also we asked for a couple extra things like napkins and silverware and she never gave it to us. The ambiance is pretty cool, the bar area it's beautiful, if I come back here I'd sit at the bar for sure. read more

Nueva Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

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Fast food service, quality food, fair price but a little pricy. Restaurant has a valentines theme this month apparently do a monthly theme decorating the restaurant each month, also feature special themed menus items. I got the Bowlrito with asada steak $11.75. read more

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We've had mixed experiences here since they've opened. We've eaten twice outside and twice outside and have mixed reviews. Our first time we made a reservation for 2 for a Sunday lunch. We sat outside on the patio. We ordered the sampler, a couple margaritas, an assortment of tacos, and a burrito. Everything came out quickly and was very good. Our second time was a Saturday evening and we did not have a reservation but there were plenty of seats at the bar so we sat there. That was probably the worst service we had of our visits. We were barely checked on, I had to ask a server from the floor to get a water refill and it took quite a long time for us to be able to get our check. We had several people behind the bar pass by us, but because they were not the ones initially helping us, they didn't seem to feel the need to check on us. Third trip was by far our favorite. We made a reservation for a Saturday morning for 8 and were sat outside. They were nice enough to allow us to record our wedding save the date announcement out there before any other parties showed up. It turned out amazing and our waitstaff was wonderful. Barbie is by far the best! We ordered a few pitchers of the classic margaritas and collected lots of ducks! We ordered the taco platter with fish, beef, and chicken. I will say of my experiences the fish seems to be a bit dry but I think the tacos always have great ingredients and good flavors. I've also been told the chicken burrito is delicious (and massive) and the bowls are great too. Overall we enjoy this place and continue to go back! read more

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* Service Firstly, I need to say how happy we were with our server, Jonathan! He was so kind, patient and welcoming. * Marketing We found this restaurant from an Instagram reel and knew we wanted to check it out. * Parking Parking can be a hassle if it's busy and don't want to pay $25 in the nearby 717 parking lot. Uber might be a better option on the weekends since other restaurants are nearby. * Drinks We had the Nueva Pitcher. It started strong, but got watery fairly quickly, so I'd recommend that if you get it, drink up! I'd say we got about 6 strong-ish drinks from the pitcher. * Food We opted for the platter to start and each got 3 tacos of our own. The food was pretty good. Seasoned well, warm, and flavorful. * Atmosphere The spot was really pretty and decorated nicely. We chose the outdoor seating and the weather was great. I would say that the music was a bit too loud which causes you to feel like you're having to shout. * Conclusion The experience was a pleasant one. The parking situation for me would be the reason I wouldn't rush to go back but the service from Jonathan makes it tempting. I would recommend this spot as a nice stop if your bar-hopping in downtown Tampa. read more

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Went out for lunch on mlk day, and parking was easy? Placewasnt crowded at all, service was fast and friendly. The place was decorated in valentine's decor, super cute! And everything was tasty. The best part are their sauces, and the churros are delicious too! read more

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I said on my reservation I wanted a bday but that meant nothing to the girl serving because she was serving Michale penix jr. and she was so star struck by him couldn't even give a shit about us :) read more

I've been here twice. The first time was for lunch. It was a really chill setting. The outdoor decor is the best. The interior seems a little dry. The food is ok. The first time I came to this location. I got the nachos and they were delicious. Unfortunately the server did not know what came on the nachos so I got beans when I explicitly asked for none. The second time I got the quesadilla with chicken and it was a little dry. Nothing to write home about. The staff was super friendly and attentive and they gave me a duck. I don't suggest going on a weekend because it will be busy or you'll need a reservation. read more

Nueva Cantina - Decor - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

This place is a gem! Let me tell you! We were downtown for the Marine Corps ball and decided to make a weekend of it. We stopped in on Friday during happy hour and it did not disappoint. The food was fresh, hot and plated with a touch of care! I ordered a drink and yep it came with a tiny duck talk about being excited ha! The interior of the restaurant is what I'd say romantic yet hip perfect for a date night. Our bartenders were on top of their game! This is my by far top place for tacos ! Thank you all for the amazing service we received ! read more

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Sooo, Nueva Cantina didn't live up to the hype for me. I was excited to have another Mexican spot downtown, but it missed the mark. We went opening weekend and they were already out of several meats and menu items. I ordered the birria quesadillas, and they were super greasy. The broth was thick and oily, which birria shouldn't be. I could barely finish it. My friends said their tacos were okay, but nothing special. The drinks were cute, and the staff was really friendly. The decor is pretty and lively. I'll give it another try in case it was just an opening weekend hiccup, but I was surprised by all the high ratings. read more

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We landed here while tootling around. We had an amazing experience thanks to our server, Dominic-- friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. He anticipated what we needed, checked in at the perfect moments, and made our meal feel special. Truly fantastic service! Now onto the food. One word describes it all.....AMAZING! Everything from the appetizer to the drinks to our taco platter. read more

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Ambiance was nice servi e was amazing The drinks was delicious . Vibes was nice, place was packed. Authentic Mexican food. I had the barria pizza. Mango margaritas would tiena in the rim. read more

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Nueva Cantina was absolutely delicious! The food was great, and the atmosphere and vibes were so cool! Our waitress Amanda was very friendly and helpful! 10/10 would recommend! read more

Nueva Cantina - Outdoor dining - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

Nueva Cantina was a fun experience! It's in an area I'm not super familiar with and don't usually hang out in, but the food and drinks were really good. They have great options for sharing if you're with a big group, and I love the ducks--such a cute touch. The place itself is adorable, the service was good, and I'd definitely come back with a group. read more

Nueva Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

I came here the day after Halloween and was amazed. The place was Jan packed but the service was amazing. The waiters were very nice and attentive. I had the flights and the quesabirria, it was all really good! I can't wait to go back and try other things. read more

Nueva Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Tampa Bay, Florida

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Now this is a spot that you might want to try! My friend and I went for Cinco de Mayo and I was actually very impressed. For starters, there was a wait. We arrived and were told it would be about an hour wait, however, we waited all of 20 minutes before we were called to claim our table. Sidenote: they HAVE to move the sign in desk. It is very congested at the door when people are trying to get in and it's not a good look. I would actually suggest them somehow moving it to the other side and moving a table or two to create more stand room or seating for people waiting -- idk... anyways! We were seated outside, which is really pretty. It's a nice vibe! I love the partition because it really didn't feel like we were downtown for a moment. The decor outside is really cute. The inside could use a little more sprucing up (just my opinion). It doesn't match the outside vibe. FOOD: The food was SO good! We order the Queso, salsa and guac combo -- SO GOOD! The chips were warm and perfect! My friend was obsessed with them. We also order the Bowlrita (or something like that lol) -- my friend enjoyed it. I ordered the Birria Tacos -- Ya'll these were the BEST most tender Birria tacos I've ever had. I can't stress how tender they are. I can't wait to go back and get more! The Consome was delicious (that's the sauce that goes with the tacos). TENS across the board! DRINKS: We ordered a few drinks and they were all great. We had Lemon Drop Ducktini, Paloma, Nueva Margarita and a House Margarita. ALL TENS! Those Margaritas will do it for you! Good and strong! We also had some shots. The shots were huge LOL SERVICE: now this was the impressive part. As you can imagine on Cinco de Mayo, it was high traffic, a lot of people -- and the food was coming out so quickly and HOT and FRESH. Our waitress Kim was on it! The drinks were coming fast. Everything was fast.We were so impressed because we only had an hour to eat and be somewhere else so we were worried about the time, but they were moving so fast. Sidenote: they could stand to add some fans outside. It got hot after the liquor started to kick in. It was trying to cool down as the sun went down, but a few of those industrial fans should do it. Just to create a little breeze. The partition that they have up might be restricting the breeze just a little bit (not sure). Either way, go try this out. This is a solid addition to downtown! I believe they will be here a while as long as they can keep it consistent. I will definitely be back. read more

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Excellent food, service and atmosphere. We enjoyed the dip sampler with queso, guacamole, and salsa. We also had the veggie fajitas . Dominic was a great server and he was very accommodating to our dog. Highly recommend this place. They also went all out for Halloween so it was super fun. read more

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I came with a large group after work and was pleasantly surprised with all of the Halloween decor. The decor is amazing and they have a special haunted menu which I tried the Haunted Margarita which was delicious. Even though it was a large group, our food and drinks came out very quick and everything tasted really good. The server was attentive and made good suggestions on beverages. read more

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This place is pretty good. I don't have any complaints, but definitely been to better places. The inside is nice and staff was pretty nice. The tacos could have had a little more flavor but for the price I felt like it was fine. We enjoyed the marg pitcher which was a cute beverage dispenser. Also love the touch of the rubber ducks:) read more

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Decided to come here on a Friday night. Of course with it being downtown, you have to find a parking garage. The restaurant is next an apartment complex and if you sit outside you'll see people working out in the gym lol. The decor is very cute and bright. I shared the birria pizza and margarita flight with my friend and we were highly satisfied and full! We also ordered the Esquites that was a little cold so it wasn't as good as the rest of the food. Overall this is a cute place for a girls night out with great drink deals. read more

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So on 10/14/25 my husband and I were invited here by a family member for my aunts 47th surprise birthday celebration. This was our first time here and I'm not going to lie our overall experience was beyond our expectations. Our server Priscilla (according to the receipt) was very polite and engaging. She got everyone's orders done right and out in no time. Anytime someone requested something from her, she delivered. The atmosphere was definitely different with all the Halloween decorations and the displays throughout the establishment. It was easy to navigate. The food was amazing and the portions were bigger than what you would usually get at places like Applebees or Chili's. I was definitely impressed with that especially since I like to eat lol. Thank you to the kitchen staff for making the food taste and look so good. Thank you to our server Priscilla for making our time there worth it. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back. read more