Talkin’ Tacos is a new top taco spot in Tampa

TAMPA (BLOOM) – On a stormy Wednesday evening, I made my way to Talkin’ Tacos , Tampa’s newest fast-casual Mexican eatery, where the neon lights and vibrant colors against a sleek black backdrop immediately caught my eye. The atmosphere was lively, and the space was packed with eager diners despite the weather. The friendly staff set the tone for the evening, with one employee guiding me through the menu like a seasoned pro. His knowledge of every dish was impressive, and I knew I was in good hands.

As someone who lived in Mexico for over six months, I know my tacos. Since returning to Tampa Bay, I’ve been on a desperate quest to find taco spots that capture the authentic flavors I fell in love with south of the border. Surprisingly, it’s been a challenge to find places that hit the mark. My favorite so far has been Los Chapos Tacos in Tampa, but Talkin’ Tacos is a serious contender for that top spot—despite being part of a growing chain.

A Bit About Talkin’ Tacos

Talkin’ Tacos began its journey as a humble food truck, serving up scratch-made Mexican dishes with a modern twist. Their popularity soared, leading them to open multiple fast-casual locations, with their latest in Tampa at 1819 E. Fowler Ave. The brand has built a reputation for delivering Instagram-worthy meals that don’t just look good but taste incredible too. Their signature dish, the 12-hour braised beef Birria Tacos, has become a must-try, drawing in food lovers from all over.

The restaurant’s grand opening was nothing short of a fiesta, featuring a mariachi band, a stilt-walking LED robot, and a generous offer of free Birria Tacos for the first 100 guests. Talkin’ Tacos’ 2,400-square-foot space is designed to be a vibrant, welcoming spot where people can enjoy a unique blend of traditional and innovative Mexican cuisine.

The Menu Experience

I decided to dive into some of the menu’s standout items:

• Birria Tacos: Corn Tortilla, Chihuahua Cheese, Beef Birria, Onions, and Cilantro, served with Consomme.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Taco: Corn Tortilla, Lettuce, Fried Shrimp, Spicy Mayo, Pickled Onions, and Cilantro.
• Caribbean Carne Taco: Corn Tortilla, Marinated Steak topped with Sliced Plantains, Avocado Salsa, Cotija Cheese, and Cilantro.
• Southwest Chicken Taco: Corn Tortilla, Grilled Chicken topped with Black Bean Salsa, Spicy Mayo, Fried Onions, Cotija Cheese, and Cilantro.
• Street Corn in a Cup: Corn, Spicy Mayo, Cotija Cheese, Cilantro, topped with Crushed Takis.
• Mistic Lemonade: A refreshing choice, suggested by my server.

The food arrived quickly, within about 10 minutes, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The quality and taste exceeded my expectations. Each taco had its unique flavor profile, but what stood out most was the texture of the tortillas. They were fried to a perfect balance—neither too soft nor too hard.

I began with the Caribbean Carne Taco, which quickly became my favorite. The sweetness of the plantains paired beautifully with the marinated steak. Next, I tried the Street Corn in a Cup, which was delightful, especially after a squeeze of lime. The acidity from the lime really enhanced the flavors, making it a must for this dish.

The Bang Bang Shrimp Taco was a pleasant surprise. The combination of fried shrimp and spicy mayo worked together in harmony, delivering a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. The Birria Tacos were next, and with a generous squeeze of lime and a deep dip into the consomme, they were delicious. I finished with the Southwest Chicken Taco, which shocked me with its depth of flavor. For a chicken taco, it had a complexity that left me impressed.

If I had to rank them, the Caribbean Carne was my favorite, followed by the Bang Bang Shrimp, and then the Birria Tacos.

The Mistic Lemonade was tasty, though I only had a few sips—got to watch that girlish figure, which, as you can imagine, is no easy feat for a food critic!

As I wrapped up my meal, the restaurant remained busy, and a birthday party arrived, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Since my beautiful girlfriend couldn’t join me for this review, the manager kindly insisted I take some food home for her. I chose the Birria Pizza, Street Corn (her favorite), and two kinds of churros—Cookies and Cream and Dulce de Leche.

She loved every bite and was thrilled with the takeout, just as I was with my meal. Talkin’ Tacos is a place I’d recommend to anyone who loves tacos. They strike the perfect balance between authentic and innovative, delivering modern takes on classic flavors without losing sight of what makes a taco great. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, with a set of three tacos costing around $15-$16.

For anyone in Tampa looking for a new taco spot, Talkin’ Tacos is definitely worth the visit.

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