Red Mesa Cantina, a gem in the heart of downtown, has established itself as a hotspot for Mexican cuisine with a Caribbean flair. But even as its culinary prowess impresses patrons, its dog-friendly approach, or lack thereof, leaves dog-loving diners with mixed feelings.

The Eye-Catching Exterior In St Pete

The Cantina isn’t your average restaurant. As part of the renowned Red Mesa trio, the Cantina boasts an undeniably attractive exterior. The multilevel brick courtyard, featuring fountains, trees, string lights, and a beautiful black wrought iron gate, holds an inviting charm that’s hard to resist. The lively music playing in the background adds a layer of festive ambiance to the atmosphere.

On stepping inside, the interior doesn’t disappoint either. With its elaborate design, attention to detail, and elegant décor, it sets the mood for a dining experience to remember.

Red Mesa Menu

The culinary offerings at The Cantina are nothing short of delightful. Its menu, a fusion of Mexican staples and Caribbean twists, features an array of dishes bound to satisfy diverse palates.

For starters, the Chips & Dip platter, laden with Queso blanco, guacamole, and refried bean dip, is a crowd pleaser. The light, crispy, and well-salted chips complement the trio of dips, though those sensitive to onions might find the guacamole a bit overpowering.

The Ahi Tuna salad is a revelation in taste and texture. This spicy salad, an amalgamation of mixed greens, avocado, tomato, jicama, carrot, ginger-soy mojito, wasabi aioli, and soy orange coulis, is an absolute feast. It’s a melody of flavors that hits the right notes with its taste and spice quotient.

As an avid lover of Mexican cuisine, the specialty tacos caught my attention. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill taco joint; it was a fusion of cultures and flavors, creating a range of tacos specialty designed to cater to a variety of tastes.

For those craving something traditional, the Steak tacos don’t disappoint, with cheese, cilantro onion, and served atop fresh tortillas. Though the portions might leave you wanting more, the taste is spot on. Grilled steak combined with poblano peppers, onions, and Jack cheese offers an explosion of flavors.

And to truly celebrate the spirit of The Cantina, a pitcher of their renowned Margaritas is a must. These well-crafted concoctions are the perfect accompaniment to the spicy, flavorful spread.

Where the Cantina Doesn’t Connect: The Dog Policy

During my visit, I arrived with a search close to my heart – to find truly dog-friendly events and dining that my boy, Bolt, and I could both enjoy.

While The Cantina is an exemplary spot for food lovers, it falls short when it comes to welcoming furry guests. I was disappointed to learn that dogs are permitted, but they must remain on the sidewalk, a policy that takes away from the overall dining experience for dog owners.

The ambiance, charm, and festivities are confined to the courtyard and indoor dining area, leaving dog-accompanied patrons to deal with the noisy sidewalk, passersby, and unruly traffic. In a city teeming with dog-friendly dining options that cater events to your dining pleasure and safety, this oversight is a significant drawback.

Nice For An Event, But Not Exactly Dog Friendly

The Red Mesa shines in its culinary prowess, creating a feast of flavors that keeps patrons coming back. Its stunning architecture, festive atmosphere, and extensive Margarita offerings are truly commendable. For future events, if I decide to go back, I’ll be trying the shrimp tacos.

However, if you’re planning a night out with your four-legged companion, Red Mesa’s current pet policy might dampen the spirits. For such a culinary jewel, a more inclusive pet policy would undoubtedly enhance the overall dining experience, transforming it from an exceptional eatery to a top-tier, pet-friendly destination. box search

Despite the disappointing dog-friendly policies, The Cantina’s exquisite exterior, with its multilevel brick courtyard, fountains, and string lights, is reminiscent of resorts popular in high-end vacation destinations, creating a charming ambience that would make for a perfect event – if only your four-legged companions could enjoy it too. search box

navmenu topblock tripadvisor performs navmenu termsblock