Miguel’s Mexican Seafood & Grill
3035 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33609
Miguel’s Mexican Seafood & Grill Menu
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Address :
3035 W Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL, 33609 - Phone (813) 876-2587
- Website https://www.miguelscafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Jason J.
I ordered the pork enchiladas and man was I happy! This was some of the best Mexican food I've had in years. Great place with a very nice set up on the inside. Can't wait to go back again.
(5)Ronsheeka H.
I went with my friend and we had good time. It was very busy which was a good thing but I didn't care for how the waiter rushed us. He didn't even ask if we wanted dessert and hurried with the check. The house margaritas were ok but since I was driving they fit the script. Next time I'll switch the tequila. Last but not least the food was deelish!
(4)AL H.
the food was terrible. I had the spinach enchilada. It was smothered with greasy white cheese, and the rice and beans had a bad after taste. I couldn't eat this meal because if I did I would probably throw up on the table and just looking at it made me nauseous. I would never go back to this clip joint. The waiter gave us good service so it was not his fault about the food being awful.
(1)Teresa T.
I just went here for the first time and I am happy to find a great Mexican place for a change! The Tampa Bay area lacks good mexican and I always go in expecting very little, but I was truly delighted by this place! The Margaritas, salsa and chips were excellent! The Chili Queso was not that good, I was surprized that they served a yellow melted cheese. My entree was the India, 1 with Chicken and 1 with Beef, it is a delicious take on a tostada. My guy's entree was Carnitas that were that melt in your mouth! We went with 2 other couples, they also loved all their food and we had a wonderful server, Jose. This is a definate go-to place for all of us now!
(4)Nate P.
Service sucked and the food sucked too.Really,I don't know what kind of beef that they put in their tacos.After that I was looking for the nearest Taco Bell
(1)Racquel D.
This is not real Mexican food! They used the same ground beef Taco Bell uses, no flavoring. The rice looks like orange rice, not Mexican. They don't even use corn tortillas. The caso was water like soup. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant!
(1)J C.
I really enjoy this place. Margaritas are second to none and the food is quality.
(5)Cristina B.
Food and service were fantastic. It's a small place but the portions were large and the prices reasonable. Worth the drive from Orlando!
(4)Tony B.
Love this place! In my opinion it is the best Mexican food in Tampa! Also try the brunch! Great menu!
(5)Ameesh P.
I recently planned a large work dinner here based on my experiences in the past with the cuisine and hospitality I had experienced at Miguels. The food is top notch and adds a bit of variety compared to chain mexican restaurants. I was surprised at how accommodating the management was when I called to make a reservation for 15 people for the work function I was organizing. They had no issue with accomodating a party of that size at the time I requested. I was a bit disappointed in this as our table didn't end up being ready until about 30 minutes after our reservation and having to hound the hostess multiple times before asking the manager to intervene. Not a big deal you say, however for anyone that has visited this location, space is at a premium let alone space for 15 people in one party waiting on a table. When we were seated it felt like we were seated at a table for 8 as the chairs were almost adjacent to each other and elbow room was non-existant. Despite, all of this the food was amazing as usual and not one person had a complaint with the quality of their choices or the overall experience. I was pleased to encounter their outdoor area and bar that I didn't even know existed until this most recent visit. I'd definitely recommend that you ask to be sat outside if you have a small enough party and the weather is nice. You won't regret it!
(4)Linda D.
I think I am in love with this place. I came during happy hour so that's probably one of the reasons why. The workers were really nice, and the food was good. I got a bean and cheese burrito lunch plate and it came with rice and beans. I ordered jumbo shrimp skewers on the side. It was all really good. The lunch plates are around $7. My shrimp skewers were really pricy though $7. I think that's way too expensive, I rather just save that money and go to a taqueria and get some ceviche LOL. I got a house margarita for around $3. It was pretty strong, I was kind o buzzed or teeny bit. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Amy B.
Love this place! Chicken tacos and margaritas are on point! I really love the atmosphere of this place, any size group is welcome here and the back patio is perfect At night. I am constantly bringing visiting friends here.
(4)Eva P.
Waiting for a table at my favorite Mexican restaurant. I always get the seafood enchiladas. Enough for the two of us. Yummmm stomach growling! Lol
(5)Amy D.
My favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa. My husband and I prefer to sit at the bar because they have a couple of TVs to watch and share our steak fajitas, which never disappoint. I think their secret is the fresh flour tortillas. Before that though, we either get the white queso or vegetable fundito which tend to fill us up because it is filled with grilled fresh flavor, it's hard to stop. Last but not least are the refreshing top shelf margaritas. The bartenders know how to mix it up with the right mix of sour mix and tequila. A refreshing cocktail with a punch. The perfect complement to your meal. They've recently started to valet park which I'm not a fan of but if it's not crowded, you can park yourself --- just avoid the dumpsters. It can deter you before a meal.
(4)Jim M.
On a weekend gettaway to Tampa, we decided to check out Miguel's. The rain was pouring and we were hungry so we headed over. They have ample parking on the side and rear of the property. Once in we did have to wait for seating and by the show of how many people where here, it was clear this MUST be good food. So I gave my name and they asked for my cell number and said "We will text you when your table is ready". Originally we were told it could be up to an hour, but we didn't want to try and find somehting else. Living in South Florida, we are used to waiting, but I digress. 30 min later, I get a text and our table is ready. Perfect! They were seating us outside. It was still raining, however it has a canape to cover so it was comfortable. Firs thing we had to order was the Carne Queso dip. This was probably the best Queso I've ever head. SO yummy. Next for our meal, I went for a Chimichanga. They way they do theirs is different than I have ever seen before, but interesting. They fold it like a large taco, yet it's still pretty stuffed like a burrito would be. It was actually easier to eat and it was delicious! The service was pretty decent. It did take a little time before our waitress greeted us, but it was obvious the place was packed so it's understandable. She was very friendly and was a good server. Overall I would highly suggest trying this place out. Mmmm, now I'm hungry!
(4)Lauren C.
I was looking for a nice place to go with a friend for lunch. She was visiting from out of town, but we both love Mexican food and wanted to go somewhere new. After seeing all the reviews online, we decided on Miguel's for our saturday afternoon lunch. When we arrived and went inside I was immediately in love with the decor here. It's got such a nice upscale feel for a Mexican restaurant and is very chic. It also had a relaxing feel with low lighting and a few nice flat screen TVs to watch the game. There is both a nice small patio out front as well as a more open one out back, but even at the end of november it's still pretty hot out, so we opted to sit inside. The menu is varied as far as prices go, there were the typical meals such as enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales in tacos in the range from $9 - $12 and then some more high end items including kobe beef fajitas and seafood items in the $25-$30 range depending on what you're looking for. They also have some lunch specials and a happy hour for drinks, but only during the afternoon weekdays only. That was a bit of a bummer, would have been nice if they had at least 1 or 2 weekend drink specials. Our server was friendly and brought us water and menus right away and then we waited a while for a 3rd friend to show up. We wished the server would have checked in on us to order more drinks during this time, but she disappeared for quite a while and we didn't see her until the other person at our table arrived. During this time, my friend and I had more than our fair share of the chips and salsa. I must say it was quite tasty. The salsa has a nice kick but the flavor is excellent. For my meal, I went with the pork tamales with rice and beans. YUM, YUM, YUM. Whenever I see tamales on the menu I simply cannot resist and these were some of the best i've ever had. The beans and rice were fabulous too, they had great flavor in comparison to some of the bland versions served at other places. The serving size was more than enough, especially after all those chips, so i had leftovers to bring home. Overall, this was an excellent restaurant, with some of the best mexican food I've ever had. I will definitely come back here again and highly recommend it.
(4)Sarah B.
This place looks run down on the outside but stepping inside it is super beautiful and modern. If you like Mexican food or looking for a new place in Tampa to try I highly suggest checking this place out. They have a fantastic brunch that features watermelon mimosa's and a bloody maria with tequila. They always bring out fresh salsa and chips the second you sit down and the guacamole is amazing. I had the Miguel's Benedict which was poached eggs with cheese on top of an english muffin with steak topped with avocado and served with deliciously spiced homefries.
(5)TaNiqua H.
Great food! ... Really good, Margarita had too much lemon. The streak and shrimp fajitas were so good. My daughter had a soft taco... The cheese they used was a little weird though.
(4)Bryan M.
I went here with a friend who recommended the Tacos Marachaun. I got chicken ones. Very tasty with avacado and fresh picante. I'd order them again for sure! Cons: gets busy and the parking is an issue.
(4)Erica M.
The best mango margarita I've ever had! Good food, great staff! They didn't disappoint.
(5)Kerry J.
You fancy, huh? Who knew this somewhat tacky looking, non-descript concrete building I'd passed by so many times was so beautiful inside? Don't judge a book... I was very pleased with my meal here. I had enchiladas, a ton of chips and salsa, and a margarita. Nothing was exceptional, but it sounds like I'll need to come back for seafood. I really enjoyed sitting in the gorgeous courtyard area. On a nice night, there wouldn't be many other restaurants in Tampa that could rival this. You'd have no idea busy Kennedy was right outside.
(4)Brooke K.
The best thing about this place was the service. Our waiter was great. The food was okay...definitely not the authentic Mexican I was looking for and a bit pricier than I would like. I will possibly try this place again...but probably not if I can find somewhere cheaper and more authentic.
(3)Tiger L.
Me and my staff come there every month and the food and service has been consistently good. I don't eat any meat, so I can only talk about the seafood. I have tried almost all of it and have not found anything I didn't like.
(5)Jesse J.
Very Nice Atmosphere Outdoor and indoor dining. I was impressed with the fajitas, very spicy chicken, this is a good thing.
(5)Casey C.
Well, Thursday night dinner was ruined....Drove all the way to this crap shack to order take out before work. We ordered from the bar and I should've known it was going to be f'd up because the bartender looked mildly "touched" and im pretty sure his namtag said: Hello my name is Corky. He looked juuuuust capable of taking the order. When we got our order we paid for it and left because although not crowded, they got the tables all crammed together like a Southwest Airlines commuter flight. Once we drove home we realized that the Chicken Quesadilla with no tomatoes that my GF ordered had somehow turned into Steak Nachos with extra tomatotes and the Chicken Enchiladas that I ordered had double rice and no refried beans. It would have been a little better for her if the Steak Nachos didn't look like Brennan Hough (Step Brothers) hands in the pants greasy cheese Microwave specials. Made me sooooo mad, I had to cool off for 2 days before I wrote this review....but after 48 hours.....it's still pretty douchey. If I ever see Miguel in person, I'm gonna walk up and kick him straight in his beaver!
(1)Gary O.
My wife grew up in West Texas so we're always looking for the perfect Mexican. Miguel's never seems to disappoint and is our favorite in Tampa. The enchiladas Miguel was fantastic as was her standard which is Carnitas. Plus happy hour from 3 to 6 with $3 bottles of domestic and foreign beer and half off on house wines. What more could you ask for?
(5)Leigh C.
The food was bland and the service was slow. I asked another server for a side of sour cream and was forgotten. Once our actual server came by, I asked again and finally received it. Pretty restaurant, would be a good place for a group but the location is kind of difficult to get into and the food isn't worth going back again.
(1)Brandon L.
The food was good and the salsa was good. The chips seemed a bit stale but still crispy just hard to break apart I guess. Being someone who is spoiled with Mexican restaurants in San Antonio this one is OK. I still haven't found any in Tampa which remind me of San Antonio Mexican though.
(4)Victoria L.
Oh my gosh. .. Just ate the seafood chimichanga! It was stuffed with Shrimp, crab meat, scallops, & cream cheese... Oh my gosh. Deep fried, then smothered in Jack cheese. Yum, yum, yum.
(5)Brian M.
The brunch at Miguel's is one of the best in the entire Tampa Bay region. The signature dish, Miguel's Benedict is a perfect rendition of the original, only better. An english muffin topped with tender flank steak, a poached egg, creamy hollandaise sauce, and sliced fresh avocado, and a bevy of herbs and spices. That amazingness is paired with the best potatoes in the world. Soft large cut boiled potatoes are then fried with bacon chunks and topped with herbs and feta cheese. These are literally the best tasting potatoes I've ever eaten. Chips and salsa comes free with the meal, and mimosas and bloody mary's are also available. The watermelon mimOsa is delicious and large. The Premium Miguel's bloody mary comes with a massive peeled shrimp and blue cheese stuffed olive. Although the mix could use some work, the bloOdy mary Is still pretty good. In summary, Miguels must be on your top 3 list for brunch in Tampa Bay.
(5)Ericka J.
I have been here three different times once for brunch and the other two times for dinner. I do have to say each time was great. The food was awesome and the service was beyond fantastic. I always order the beef chimmichanga (sp) and it never disappoints. The chips and salsa are great and are always brought out a few min after we order. Now the only minor complaint that I have is that last Saturday I went with my boyfriend and the table we sat at was not completely cleaned all the way so he ended up getting baby food on his shirt. We told the waiter and the manager took care of it. But other other no complaints and I will be going back. Love this place!!!!!
(5)Jessica T.
Shrimp Fajitas were perfection. Huge shrimp and delicious sangria. I was really impressed with the outdoor courtyard seating. We were cool outside in June! It was like sitting in Cozumel, Mexico at Peppi's. Beautiful and delicious.
(5)Christina N.
I must admit I was disappointed with Miguel's after hearing all the hype. We headed there after an outstanding performance from the Rockettes and were just let down. The restaurant was dark, which I know is supposed to set the mood but it wasn't working. The service was par and most of the time we couldn't find our server. The food was okay but we expected to be wow'd with everything we had heard about it. We likely won't be heading back.
(3)Elana L.
If you want a quick meal, don't come here. We were told our wait would be 20 minutes....40 minutes later we were finally seated. What's worse, we could wait at the bar, but they wouldn't allow us to order food at the bar. :( The food is typical of a Mexican restaurant. The chicken chimichanga is exactly what I wanted and very tasty. BUT the margaritas were AMAZING! After two of them, I was feeling great! They are mixed perfectly and have just the right amount of salt on the rim. I will go back here just for drinks some evening!
(4)Rusty H.
Best mexican food ive had. Margarita was amazing! Server was great. Cant wait to return
(5)Jennifer C.
The atmosphere isn't like anything the outside appears to be. It's very warm & inviting inside. Our server (I'm sorry I don't remember his name!) was great & friendly. We told him we were running late for the hockey game and he had us in & out in 35-40 min. The food was delicious and by far the biggest chimichangas I've had. My brother was visiting from out of town & this was his first experience eating Mexican minus Taco Bell, and he loved it!
(5)Brian H.
Best Michiladas in Tampa hands down. I've searched long ab hard for this drink to be made the way it is in central america and this dare i say it is BETTER! Their fresh watermelon and cantelope mimosas are excellent as well but are only served on the weeends. Another must have is the Tamales.we asked the bartender if they were good and if we should get them, His reply "The best you will ever have" he wasnt wrong!!! Food wise it's all fantastic. Go for the queso fundido and treat urself to shrimp and scallops in it!
(5)Kayal J.
Good service, clean restaurant, passable food. The spinach enchiladas are bad. Frozen and steamed. Spinach is old and barely edible. The fajitas are average. The salsa has too much cumin to it.Not edible.
(2)Ed S.
Stopped in at Miguel's for lunch with a large group of eight. Seating was prompt and we were right next to the large windows near the back of the place -- nice. I had the two taco lunch special, which came with rice and beans. Chips and salsa were abundant and the latter was very tasty. Nice place.... a little heavy a meal for lunch in my book, but the food and service were very good.
(3)Gerald M.
I had heard a lot about Miguel's Mexican Café. Everyone I work with really raved about it. The restaurant is very nice. There is even a place to set outside and a banquet room. I was even impressed with the bathrooms. Very clean and even a little fancy, When the waitress came out she brought chips and 2 bowls of salsa which is a plus in my book. The Lunch specials are very reasonable. I had a Taco and Enchilada plate that came with rice and beans for $6.95. Both were good but being from Texas I still have not found anything here in Tampa that comes close. However, Miguel's Mexican Café came closer than most Mexican restaurants I have been to in the Tampa area.
(4)Eric N.
The atmosphere of the overall restaurant is a very nice and modern Mexican grill. The floors, dishes and other parts of the restaurant were clean and the waitress outside of being confused with our order was good. However the food and drinks seemed to be overpriced for the most part and were not of that great quality. The overall establishment and staff is nice, but the food is not up to the quality of other places like it.
(2)Josiah G.
Great food, great service...what's not to like about Miguel's? The salsa is excellent, the chips are always warm and everything I have had on the menu has been good. This is a staple go-to place in Tampa.
(4)David M.
It's a very busy place and has been for a long time. That in itself speaks for the service and food. A great place to take visiting friends or a nite out.
(4)Nick C.
Ever since moving to Tampa we have been looking for a great authentic Mexican restaurant. I heard great things about Miguel's so we gave it a try. It looks like a typical dive Mexican restaurant from the outside but when we walked in we were welcomed with tableclothes, all black uniform'd servers, candles on the tables and a more upscale feel which we did not expect. The food was good, not the best Mexican food I've had but was still good. The homemade guacamole was very good. The house margarita was also good, very fresh tasting with fresh juices. Overall, not was I was expecting. More upscale, more pricey that I thought it would be but overall good. Definitely worth checking out if you have not tried it.
(4)Valerie C.
Finding really good Mexican food in Tampa is a challenge and after dining at Miguel's, I'm going to keep looking. There seems to be a lot of people who think this place is the best in Tampa, but my guess is that these same people think that Chi Chi's was a good Mexican restaurant. The chips and salsa were decent..nothing to write home about. I had a Consuelo's Favorite combo was served in 2 parts and made a substitution....I swapped the enchilada Miguel for a taco michocan because my wife was getting enchiladas. Now to the food! Part 1 is delivered: 2 tostadas. To my horror the tostadas were fried flour shells. I LOVE tostadas and never in my life have I had them made with a hard flour shell. The first tostada was topped with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It was edible, but I really had a hard time getting over the flour shell. The second tostada was topped with "chile con queso". I love con queso. I love tostadas. I was very much looking forward to this. Major disappointment. Not only was the shell a fried flour tortilla, but the chile con queso tasted (and looked) like Mexican Velveeta. I only took a few bites and could not finish. Part 2 was delivered with the rest of my party's entrees and it was a little bit better experience. The hard shell beef taco was decent. A step up from Taco Bell. The chicken taco michocan saved the meal for me. It was a decent play on a tradition Mexican street taco, however the chicken was very bland...no flavor at all. As for my wife's enchiladas, she said that they were ok...just your very basic, soupy, cheesy enchiladas. We'll probably end up going to Miguel's again because for some reason the people of Tampa seem to think this is great Mexican food, but when we go it will be to socialize with our friends and we won't expect great Mexican food. Our search for good Mexican in Tampa continues, but if you have a craving for a decent street taco skip Miguel's and head to Urban Cantina.
(2)Phillip G.
Perhaps I'm jaded considering I am a native Californian and I come from an area overflowing with quality Mexican joints. Miguel's was good, but certainly not the best. The ambience is indeed trendy without being noisy or flashy. I was a bit surprised that there were no Taco Tuesday specials, a smaller variety of combo plates, and no capability to ring up a Taco Trio of chicken, steak, and lobster. However, the flan may have been amongst the best ever, certainly better than the Cuban place from the previous week. Service was good too, but it did seem like it too a while for the food to cook. I'll be back for the Seafood Enchiladas next time.
(4)Krissie C.
My husband and I just recently moved to South Tampa and were in search of a new favorite Mexican Restaurant. We found that at Miguels! My husband got the Trio platter and I ordered the Cancun Fajitas. The portion sizes were huge and it was all definitely enough to split just one plate. However, between us eating things off of each others dinner we were able to finish it all off! His cheese enchilada was definitely the best enchilada I have ever had! Parking was a little weird but there is sign saying that there is more to come soon. Happy hour was amazing with buy one get free selections. We will absolutely be coming back!
(5)Rachel H.
Three stars are not bad. But I'm probably not going to be a repeat customer. The good: the service was quick and our waitress was friendly. The chips and salsa were great and apparently bottomless but we never made it through our first basket. The salsa was awesome, spicy so beware, that stuff was magical. Everything in the food we ordered tasted fresh (except for the browning avocado which could have been sliced recently, it just was mostly brown spotted making it unappetizing). The A-OK: My friend and I both got salads and they were just "eh". I'd define "eh" as ingredients thrown on a plate, nothing special. Literally, these looked like they were thrown together. For over $10 I guess I just expect fancy greens and not hardly cut up ice berg barely surpassing that of what I'd expect a basic side salad to include. The avocado on my "Miguel's Classic Salad" (I ordered extra veggies instead of the meat that came on it) was browning and cut in huge pieces. It was difficult to eat and it came with no dressing. Also making it difficult to eat where the enormous slices of bell peppers and onion (in rings); it is a pet peeve of mine when restaurants do that. Cutting it up landed half of my salad on the table. It's just annoying. My friend got the Mexican Salad and hers didn't come with dressing either so we aren't sure if they ever do? We had to ask our waitress for dressing and she brought us some. There definitely is no "presentation" of the entrees at Miguel's but maybe it's because we both got salads. Probably not the Mexican showpiece of beautiful food. The Terrible: They carry Pepsi products. I associate Mexico with Coca-Cola. Glass bottled Coke is practically branded as Mexican Coke. I only have Coke with Mexican food. Ordering a coke and a waitress saying "Is Pepsi ok?" is definitely not okay. I realize I'm being a brat. I just wanted a coke.
(3)Amanda L.
Looking for some good Mexican food and margaritas to spend your Friday night? Throw calorie counting out the window, and head to Miguel's! Their enchiladas are absolutely delish. Also highly recommend ordering the guacamole (small is more than enough for two!). I'm giving Miguel's 3.5 stars because although they have some real stand-outs, the con is that ALL the food is extraordinarily heavy. While such a trait is a-ok for an enchilada, I've found it to not carry over well for the tacos. Stick with Taco Bus if you're craving those! Wait tends to be long, so be prepared to wait if going during peak hours!
(4)Michele D.
If I was in the mood for Mexican. I wouldn't come here. The atmosphere is great and the back patio is wonderful. But I can't say the same about the food. I came here 4 times and each time I came. I never left feeling as though I treated my belly to greatness. I would have to rate the food here as being "ok" and nothing else.
(2)Dominick T.
The Margarita was strong, and the salsa was great. Service outstanding. Everything I want in a mexican sit down fancy meal! Enciladas del Mar, it should be Enchiladas del Marvelous. Lots of crab, the sauce we rich, seasoned right with herbs and it was baked perfectly. Frijoles (refried beans) were flavorful and well done. I am never a fan of rice in many places, but this was right. They redecorated some time ago here. It looks great, and there have all the speace they need to fill the place up.
(5)Erin Elizabeth R.
three starts because our most recent visit was a flop. First time there was 5 stars! We made reservations for 7:30 that evening.. excited to have finally gotten a chance to go back, we arrived promptly at 7:25. We were told by the hostess, "it'll be a matter of seconds for your table." So we patiently waited by the door. Group after group of people were being seated, and after 20 minutes I asked about our table. This time I was told, "as soon as we have an open clean table." Ok - thanks for the info.. Finally we get called, roughly 30 mins after reservation time. As we're walking to our table, another group of guests sat at our table. Apparently the manager had promised that table to someone else! Didn't bother to notify the host about it. So, there we were, everyone staring at us, in the middle of a busy restaurant standing there clueless. Luckily, another table came available and we were sat there. Our server, Alex, was great. Quick and efficient. Dinner was ok. I should have gone with my first instinct for enchiladas miguel, because the enchiladas manuel weren't that great. We decided on fried ice cream for dessert. No where on the menu does it say anything about a coconut crust. I am allergic to coconut, so was unable to eat any of the dessert. Lessons: 1. Make your reservation for a half hour before you want to sit down. 2. Seconds there are minutes 3. Enchiladas Manuel, no bueno 4. Steer clear of the fried ice cream if you have a coconut allergy or just don't like it.
(3)Tracey B.
We drive by Miguel's all the time so we decided to try it one afternoon. I got the enchiladas verdes and I wasn't especially impressed. I've had way better. Everyone in the party had the same reaction. Just very average food. Definitely not a place worth waiting in a long line for. The parking lot is crowded and small which I'm sure is a major issue during peak times.
(2)Thomas A.
PROTIP: Ask for the special "hot" salsa...it is not dispensed unless you request it. (A standard scenario at Florida mexican restaurants). Most dishes are not spiced very hot and the special salsa will help take it to the right spice level. This may "make or break" your experience here if you like the heat. I love Miguel's. It is one of my favorite mexican food spots in Tampa Bay. I have visited 7-8 times in the past 2 years and keep coming back. LOVE the Chorizo Fundido for an appetizer, and the seafood chimichanga (this can be a little heavy on the cream cheese at times). I have not been disappointed with anything on the menu. I tend to apply the special hot salsa to whatever dish I order, since I like things spicy. The seafood chimichanga is kinda bland and unispiring, until you add the salsa - and it takes off into new realms of yum. Miguel's is an easy five star drop. Dark, cool atmosphere inside...the food always leaves me shaking my head at how amazing it is. Service has always been perfect. Authentic? I hate how that term is used as some kind of measuring stick. This is Miguel's, they have their own take on Mexican for sure (as does every such place) - it is delicious, and I love it.
(5)Geno K.
FINALLY found some good Mexican food in Tampa. Chihuahua's is good, but this place is great! I lived in California for 5 years so I was spoiled. Since moving back to the east coast, it's been an uphill climb trying to find just mediocre Mexican food. This place gets it. I had the combo beef and chicken fajitas tonight. I'm in pain I'm so full. But it's a great pain. Plenty of chips and salsa. The grilled vegetables were perfect. Portions are enormous. Service was good not great.
(5)Carly R.
Miguel's is a beautiful restaurant with unbeatable service. The setting is a dimly lit room with splashes of color. It was a bit loud for my taste (the sound of the room seemed amplified by the tile floors), but it's a family-style Mexican restaurant, so I won't take off for that, and my server was very attentive and accurate. The food was good. No more, no less. It's typical Mexican food, just put on a more expensive plate than you might be served at any other Mexican restaurant. Honestly, for the cost and the setting, I was expecting more delicate or thoughtful plating, or perhaps a twist on traditional Mexican favorites, but it was just a plate of enchiladas and beans and rice, similar to what you'd find at any other Mexican joint, so I'm not sure why people rave about this place. Contrary to another reviewer's comment, this is hardly "THE BEST" in Florida. If you're looking for a plate piled high with decent Mexican food, then this is your place, but I would bet the cost of my meal that you can find better-tasting, authentic Mexican food elsewhere in Tampa, let alone Florida.
(2)Lauren M.
I don't think Tampa has really good Mexican food, however I like Miguel's. I'm not saying it's actually the best Mexican food I have ever had, but it's a nice location with good parking. They have a tasty skinny margarita that's good, and I eat seafood exclusively while avoiding carbs. Which translates to me ordering the the seafood el Mario hold the rice/beans/ tortillas, and it's always filling and fresh. FYI if you're a "strict" vegetarian, please remember that in Mexico which is the origin of Mexican food, they use lard in cooking beans/tortillas.
(4)Iliana F.
I have been the reateraunt twice before and did not care for my food as much as my husband. But this time I was very impressed with the quality and taste.The salsa was so good I had to take some home. For dinner I had the quesadilla with shrimp:spinach, mushroom, cheese, sauteed onions, and shrimp..... DELICIOUS! the side of refried beans and and rice were also great... Good portion of food by the way.. My brother had the chicken burrito...perfectly cooked juicy shredded chicken. My kids really enjoyed the chicken tenders and steak.... Picky eaters too. Overall the food and service was great!
(4)Jen G.
We love Mexican food, and have a favorite little place called Vallarta's up by our house in Wesley Chapel. Friends suggested Miguel's for dinner, and we sort of judge everything by how it compares to our fave. The high points first....decor was classy, not your typical gaudy Mexican decorations, so it definitely fits in with the South Tampa dining scene. They had a nice outdoor patio (actually it looked like two) and an impressive bar setup. We made reservations for 6pm on a Saturday and were able to be seated immediately. The liquor selection was quite vast. I think they had about 30 different types of tequila! You can also get beer and wine and sangria. I went with the sangria, and it was okay. I don't think I buy that it's homemade...seems like they just improve the store bought kind. We started off with the chips and salsa, and while the salsa was pretty good, the chips weren't warm, and they didn't taste as authentic as what I was expecting. They were palatable, though. ;) I ordered the steak quesadilla, and my man got the shrimp and spinach quesadilla. We were happy to see that they actually fold over a tortilla and cram the ingredients inside, then slice it up. Our favorite place makes their quesadillas impossible to eat like a quesadilla. The flavor of the steak was great, but a little grisly and fatty. I wish I'd mixed steak and chicken. There were so many toppings crammed into the quesadilla, and the flavors were great. My dinner came with rice and beans, guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce and pico de gallo. I really enjoyed my dinner, but I skipped my beans and rice. The beans were a little runny for my taste and not very flavorful, and the rice was more of the yellow rice with peppers in it that I make at home, rather than the authentic rice made with tomatoes we are used to having with our Mexican food. Service was friendly and prompt, but I do wish she would have done a better job telling the specials. She told us one, but then we heard another waiter share a special and it was a different one. I'd definitely come back and try some fajitas or something.
(4)Andrew C.
I was a fan of Cantina Laredo for years, this is my new favorite place. Ask for Eric, great server!
(5)Lou G.
Probably more of a three and half star spot, but since I keep going back, I must be a fan. I will admit that part of my patronage is the outside seating where I have been able to light up my stogies. The salsa is mild, with not much to it. Chips are pretty good. Jalapeno Poppers are crispy and done well. The Spinach Enchiladas are served with a creamy cilantro sauce that kept me poking at it, and continuing to eat it. The Chile Poblanos was stuffed with a generous amount of cheese. The rice and beans are weak, definitely room for improvement. No beer on draft, good prices on bottled beer during happy hour. Okay tequila menu. Service here has always been very good, professional and friendly. Even though both times here I was the only patron outside, they did a great job of checking on me throughout the meal.
(4)Justine B.
I took a social media poll recently, in search of the best Mexican food in Tampa. Many people said Miguel's, so away we went one Sunday evening. The food was good, but it didn't blow us away. I got chicken tortilla soup and hard tacos, and my boyfriend got the chile rellenos. Everything was flavorful but not particularly memorable, except the app guacamole and salsa, which were both great. I would go back and order those with a different entree, probably. We waited for about 40 minutes on a Sunday evening, which was surprising but not really an issue. The poor bartender was swamped and we waited a while for drinks; I heard the girl next to me complaining about it but it really wasn't the bartender's fault, it just seemed understaffed. The specialty margaritas were tasty and I think the top shelf was worth the up charge. The tequila list was truly impressive. We finally sat and the service was fine, but the table was a little too well-lit, and the ambiance wasn't bad or great. Overall, I thought it was worth a visit, and I would go back with a group, but I don't know if I'm sold on it being the best Mexican food in Tampa.
(3)Bob B.
The location is great and the food is pretty decent. Their chips and salsa rock pretty good and so do their "margaritas" served with agave. There is not necessarily anything ground breaking but I wouldn't expect that from a place like this. Just solid mexican food that you can enjoy al fresco.
(4)Neekie B.
We are in Tampa for a wedding and this place was honestly as good as the reviews say. My fiancé had the Quesadilla and it was a really good size and full of chicken. My friend and I had the Shrimp and Chicken Fajitas. It was AMAZING!! Everything was seasoned perfectly. Our waiter was pleasant and my strawberry margarita was the perfect ending!! I would surely recommend this place for anyone visiting Tampa.
(5)Lindsay J.
Went for dinner on a busy Saturday night and was pleasantly surprised. While there was a wait, we got called sooner than expected. While making our way to our table, the dinning room was packed and at times difficult to navigate but everyone seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. We were seated outside on the patio which was beautiful and much quieter than inside. Our waiter was knowledgeable and helpful with meal and drink suggestions. Food was typical mexican, a little bland for my tastebuds. Portion sizes were ample, requiring take home bags. Will return to continue to explore the menu
(4)Brian T.
This restaurant is mediocre at best! The food is very salty! The meals we ordered were layered in a mat of cheese. No taste of cilantro, no authentic taste. The atmosphere is ok but very dark even mid day. Our waitress was very friendly. The service was great.
(3)Nichole C.
Have gone back since my last review and my God, is their food still ah-mazing. I can't help it. This last time, we dined on a Friday after 9pm and the place was still packed and we had to wait; but with just the mister and I, we sat at the bar and had drinks {I still swear by their house margarita} while we waited. Service was MUCH better this time.
(4)Kim P.
Host: Made a mistake Polite but wrote my number down wrong on a friday night and extended our already long wait for a table. Bar: ZERO STARS Sat on a couch outside people watching, cozy spot Asked bartender for two margaritas, instead of him telling me of options he pours two jumbo margaritas for me and my 83 year old Dad. $22 he says. No problem i pay i like a top shelf Margarita but everyone else at the bar was drinking from smaller glasses so they must have asked or been given options. Beware of patio bartender with curly hair. When I asked for a beer later he condescendingly told me we only have Mexican beer and acted put out to have to name them. After an hour of waiting at the bar i ask the bartender to check my reservation. He comes back to tell me they texted me twice already and that they will text me again. I have to tell him that if they texted me twice and I did not get it that I won't get the third text either. He must be family because there is no need to keep that man behind a bar. Server/Food: FOUR STARS Polite knowledgeable pretty answered questions made a substitution for us and served us great food. I wish the crab enchiladas had more crab (would pay more for it) but you need lots of crab for the mild flavor to come through. The shrimp and spinach enchiladas were delicious. Yes beans are runny but flavorful. I cleaned my plate and Dad nearly cleaned his too which shocked him. Wrap up: I will go back to Miguels because the food was good and I saw other things on the menu I would like to try. I will not say it is authentic Mexican but on the night I was there more than half of the main dining room was Mexican families so it was good for them too. Lastly having had good mole' in my life I would much rather a mexican restaurant did not put mole' on the menu rather than pour it from a jar.
(3)Guilherme L.
The food is fantastic and I would definitely recommend Miguel's to anybody looking for good and reasonably priced Mexican food. I ordered a beef quesadilla. The portions are huge and it also comes with a side of rice and refried beans (which were amazing as well). The service is very good and the drinks are very good. The frozen strawberry margarita is to die for. It's also a great environment for groups. We had a party of 10 and we were seated very quickly in a very nice table. Great place to go with friends or family.
(5)Kenny A.
Miguel's is conveniently located in the corner of Kennedy and MacDill. They have two dining spaces; one a more elegant space and the other around the back corner a nice patio-like more casual looking area, which I prefer. The food is good... maybe not authentic Mexican fare, but what you might expect from any other tex-mex restaurant, all done quickly and presented beautifully. The carnitas (one of my favorites tex-mex dishes) are flavorful and oh so tender! Everything else I've tasted there has been very good, so no complaints on the food. For me, the only problem is the limited parking. It fills up quickly, but they do offer valets, so that takes care of that.
(4)Mindy M.
This is our second time to visit Miguel's in the 3 weeks that we are staying in Tampa. I was so pleased with what I ordered on my first visit that I ordered the same today...Queso Fundido w/Chorizo, Pork Carnitas & house Margarita. Everything was delicious. The portions are large enough that I brought home leftovers both times. Their chips, salsa and guacamole are tasty, as well. We had very good service on our visits. I don't recall our servers name today but Mindy was our server on our first visit and was really great. If you are in the mood for very good Mexican food...I highly recommend Miguel's!!
(4)Felicity R.
Best Mexican in south Tampa ! I love their house margaritas very fresh with 100% agave tequila (no fluorescent green mixes with jose Cuervo here). For food I enjoy the tortilla soup, enchiladas miguel, fajitas , and tacos carbon. There is a nice back patio with seating and a small bar and lounge area with nice ambience. Everyone gets free chips and salsa and the salsa is so fresh and tasty I always ask for a side to bring home with me. The back patio bartender is very friendly as well. I always have a great experience each time I go.
(5)Virginia G.
I loved this place! Went on a Sunday afternoon after an unfortunate visit to The Porch which left me starving for food ..and class. Luckily we came here. Around Christmas it was very pleasantly decorated and felt warm and inviting upon walking in. We were promptly seated and brough some chips and salsa, then met our Uber freindly waitress who started us with drinks and shots of tequila. For dinner I had the Chicken Fajitas Mario ($13.99) which came out in a nice pico sauce and were absolutely delicious. I opted for the frijoles charros instead of the basic refried and was so glad I did. These were the best beans I've had since Houston. Companion had the Almabres ($14.96) which was described as fajita meat sauteed with chorizo. There were little bits of chorizo but nothing to write home about, it was however, very good. ] Portions were large. Drinks kept coming. They have a nice tequila selection. Gorgeous little outdoor bar area. I'd come back here in a heartbeat and am kicking myself for waiting for so long to come here!
(5)Tyann K.
Love this place!!! Everything is so good. My husband and I go at least 4 times a month. The outdoor patio is my favorite place to eat.
(5)Gigi S.
I was nervous when I didn't see the word "mole" anywhere on the menu. I hadn't been here in a very long time and was happy to see that the cheesy outdoor tables with beer propaganda on them were no longer inside. There had been a total makeover, and it looked great! The bar boasted a wide range of tequilas and there was a newer menu too. Still, no mention of mole anywhere on this one either. I tried the tortilla soup anyway and loved it. So simple, so heartwarming, and topped with fresh avocado, and so much more. Tried the sangria ordered sans cinnamon and it was good too. Fine, affordable Mexican food in a place that no longer looks like a dump next door to a strip club, yay! No mole? No problem!
(4)Alyssa H.
We had a party of about 16. They were very efficient! Right as we sat down they brought out chips and salsa. Chips weren't greasy at all and the salsa had good flavor. We ate inside but they have a pretty cool outside area! The food came out quick and everyone's order was correct which was impressive for a large party. I ordered one of their popular items on the menu-3 different enchiladas. Pretty good. Some of their seafood entrees looked interesting. Will have to go back and try that next time!
(4)Chris W.
Great place. Staff and service was very friendly and polite. Love the atmosphere as a relaxed cantina place but in a clean, modern, and more upscale restaurant. Bartender Alaina was wonderful!
(5)D D.
We love coming to this place! The food, service, & atmosphere never Dissapoints. The prices are good & there are a lot of food options. We've come several times & we always wish we came more often.
(5)Julie H.
We have heard this is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Tampa so we decided to check it out. Wait was over an hour at nine pm at night which we thought was a good sign but we were sadly disappointed. The food was okay...not worth the hour wait or the long drive (we are from Wesley chapel). I ordered Kobe beef tacos which was okay but definitely not worth the price. Boyfriend ordered steak fajitas but got carne asada. Waitress got his order wrong and didn't even offer to correct it. Service was horrible. She barely tended to our table and was MIA most of our dinner service. We are a young couple in our twenties and I honestly believe she profiled us from the beginning because she only had two tables (including ours) and she seemed to tend to the other table better. We would probably not come back due to the food being mediocre and the bad service.
(2)Cori H.
I was on vacation in Tampa last week and was craving some good Mexican food. As a vegetarian, Mexican cuisine is usually a safe bet anywhere and I can usually walk away full and satisfied. This was not case. The menu wasn't clear so I asked, and the beans are made with pork lard, I wasn't surprised-it happens. But I was surprised that they did not offer boiled beans with no animal meat added, like bacon. I asked the waited if there was only one option for vegetarians and he offered vegetable fajitas. I passed, and selected nachos with no beans and asked for corn to be added. He and the description said that it was chips, with cheese, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, jalapenos, and guacamole. What came out was seven chips surrounding a pile of lettuce, with tomatoes and canned jalapenos. Each chip had cheese and corn on it. No guac. I asked for some sour cream. That was $1.50. The cost of nachos and the sour cream worked out that each chip cost me $1.10! $1.10 per chip!! The wait staff was really great, and I know he could only do so much, but come on. The nachos I bought later in the week at Busch Gardens came with more toppings and were cheaper. If you are vegetarian, or have a vegetarian in your group, do not waste the money. I am sure it is a great place for drinks and chips, but not for a meal. I was really excited about this place, and was really disappointed. Sorry Miguel.
(2)Josh N.
Wonderful takes on Mexican food with devilishly good bartenders this joint never fails to be packed on a weekend or any weekday for that matter. The food is always good even if they are always packed and loud with a good wait staff to top it all off
(3)Cassandra S.
Love this restaurant! The food is always good. The drinks are consistent. The service is great!. My favorite part is the back patio. Especially with this amazing weather lately in Florida, it's a great place to hang out with a beautiful vibe. Strong lights from the ceiling and plants make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, and that you forget you're at the intersection of Kennedy and MacDill. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because some of the dishes can feel a tiny bit like they've been frozen and reheated. Thought. Still tasty, delicious, and worth going to, but not every single item ordered necessarily has been made from scratch.
(4)Angus W.
We must have done something wrong. Everybody seems to like this place... except us. Maybe it's our fault and we ordered the wrong thing... but the waiter assured us that were ordering a great combination. More about the waiter.. he was recommending the Kobe beef fajitas, I noticed on the menu that it said that they use Kobe skirt steak which was 29.95, I also noticed that they offered a prime tenderloin fajita for 24.95 and the regular stuff (which I would normally get, happily) So I asked the waiter if the Kobe skirt steak is actually any better than regular skirt steak (it's not a good cut of meat so my expectations are not high) and he said they aren't skirt steak, he said there is skirt steak (regular) Prime beef and the best is Kobe.. I sighed.. and said that the Kobe beef is still skirt steak... he looked at me and said, "no, it's Kobe, it's the best".... I let it go... but I was curious and tried it anyway. First mistake. We asked the waiter about Mole' sauce.. they don't have it and he's never heard of it (no problem, we were just asking) So we ordered the Carnitas Second mistake. We were going to share everything. The chips were fresh and still warm, the salsa was very tasty and when we asked for some spicier salsa, they brought us some more really good salsa. The restaurant is lovely, it's clean and inviting. We had high hopes. First of all the Kobe skirt steak looked pretty good, a little rarer than we asked for, but that's ok (I like it that way) the main problem is that it was the most flavorless fajita that I have ever tasted, no char.. nothing, and I got a chunk of gristle in there that almost killed my appetite. I love Carnitas so I was surprised when Lisa's plate came out with 4-5 lumps of beige pork (fat showing) and no sauce or anything. The carnitas had almost no flavor, seriously, there was guacamole and lettuce and sour cream (The tortillas were good) and nothing else. We ended up using some of the salsa from the chips to get some flavor. We were both feeling just a little grossed out by the meat. Also, as an aside, the beans are served in a soup like format. I've had them like this before.. just never so soupy (LOT'S of liquid!) with beans and some bacon. I didn't care for them and thought they were pretty bland (I normally like beans) Maybe we were there on an off night, maybe I should have gone with my gut and ordered the regular fajitas.. or some enchiladas or something. But, we couldn't wait to get out of there and probably won't go back. Lisa's sister is very disappointed because she loves that place.
(2)Tara J.
This place was boomin' on Cinco de Mayo! Our wait was originally estimated at 2 1/2 hours, but we only waited for 45 minutes. The service was excellent, the restaurant elegantly decorated, and the food was outstanding (we had bacon wrapped shrimp, crab chile rellenos, and seafood enchiladas)! Their specialty house margaritas deserve their own review- as they were definitely some of the best tasting drinks east of SoCal (I like my margaritas with good tequila, and a nice blend of sour mix). We also had tres leches cake....super yummo and made there! The only downside was parking, but I'm guessing that is different when it's less crowded. I would give them 4.5 stars- definitely worth several return visits!
(4)Z A.
Let's be real - it's hard to find a Mexican restaurant that doesn't get you sick or actually satisfies you. This place defies both those things. Delicious!!! Dinner and brunch are both worth coming [back] for. Patio dining is nice - doesn't even seem like you're sitting on Kennedy! And of course the courtyard is beautiful, and sometimes they have live music.
(5)Alison N.
Miguel's has been my my favorite spot for work lunches and happy hour since I moved to tampa several years ago. On Wednesday 2/25/15, at lunch, a breathtaking amount of rudeness and disrespect by an assistant manager made it abundantly clear how little Miguel's values their customers' satisfaction. What started the whole ball rolling was a relatively minor issue with my food. I ordered a steak burrito with beans and cheese. I asked the waitress if there were any vegetables including onions in the burrito (I'm allergic); she responded with no, only steak, beans, and cheese in the burrito. Burrito comes out smothered in queso with onions and red peppers cooked into it. In the interest of time I scrape the queso off and start eating the burrito. When I start eating, it's all beans and steak, no cheese; I assumed it was melted down. I get halfway through the burrito and find ALL the cheese congealed in one end of the burrito. I stop eating the burrito because of who wants to eat a big pile of partially melted cheese? When I get the bill, my burrito was rung up differently than expected. Since the burrito was rung up differently than I expected and I hadn't been able to eat over half of it I asked to speak the manager. This is where the real problem started. When she approaches the table the first words out of her mouth are "what is the problem?" While I explain my dissatisfaction she interrupts me repeatedly to say "you don't understand, that's how we make our burritos" and ROLLS HER EYES at me!!! After another 5 minutes of telling me I don't understand, interrupting me, and rolling her eyes, she agrees to take the burrito off my check. When she bring back my card and receipt (she still charged me for a $3 soft drink that never got refilled once) she threw it in the table and stalks away without a word. At this point the colleague I was eating with got up to inquire at the hostess stand if there is another manager available. The rude assistant manager begins to tell him that "your friend doesn't understand" and ROLLS HER EYES at him too!! At no point in our interactions with the assistant manager did anything resembling an acknowledgement that my food was less than satisfactory come out of her mouth. Later in the day I called Miguel's hoping to speak to the GM or another leader. I spoke with a man who introduced himself as the owner's son. His reply to my issues with my food was that I "did not understand how they made burritos" and insinuated that perhaps our behavior had justified the assistant manager's disrespect. He also said he trusted the assistant manager completely, and would have to watch the cc video to "see what really happened" and he would get back with me, but that there wasn't much he was willing to do. It's been 3 days since I talked to the owner's son and he has not contacted me to offer any sort of service recovery or an apology for the terrible terrible service and lousy food. To recap: 1. Specific menu questions to the waitress were incorrectly answered. 2. My food was executed poorly. Only half was edible, and it was not as I expected it to be. 3. The assistant manager provided a textbook example of how NOT to do customer service or service recovery. She couldn't have been ruder if she tried. 4. The owner's son insinuated her rudeness and disrespect could have been justified and implied he didn't believe/care that our experience at his family's restaurant had been so awful. He also has not kept his commitment to follow up with a dissatisfied formerly loyal customer. So save yourself the time, money, and frustration and stay away from Miguel's. Instead, try Chihuahua's or Catrina's Cocina on S MacDill or Vallarta's in Carrollwood. You won't be missing anything special.
(1)Gary M.
This place was great! The chorizo was delicious, the Carne Asada was so moist and tender it almost melted in your mouth... The atmosphere above average and very clean. Even though it was raining the patio patio bar looked inviting. Our server, Mindy, was most attentive and polite. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
(4)Melissa M.
I have loved Miguel's for years now. They recently expanded and made a beautiful patio area which only makes the resturant nicer. The food is great, servers are great, sangria is great. I love it!
(5)Brian C.
Dinner Mar 10 Very surprised at how good this place was. Had low expectations and maybe that's why I rated it so high. But Miguel's delivered! Would like to give it 3.5 stars. Salsa was homemade and very fresh. We actually had several bowls and I swear each round tasted just a tad bit different than the rest -- which I loved and this screams to its homemade-ness (is that a word?) Asked the waiter what he suggested - he said "Alambres". Boy was he right! That dish was incredible! it was like fajitas on steroids! Delicious! Wait staff was a bit slow, but we did get there at 9:30, so I am sure they were all ready to go home and wore out by the time we got there. Additionally, the Queso Blanco was good, but seemed way over priced at $10.25 for a large order based on the size of the bowl it was served in.
(3)Deb C.
First visit with high expectations. It was very crowded. Ordered Kobe skirt steak fajitas for $30... I was let down. No sizzling plate! The steak was fine but for $30 I was expected (and was paying for) spectacular. Chimichanga with chicken and cream was good but the fried tortilla she'll wasn't crispy and the queso topping was like cheese whiz ... Only worse. For these prices the food should be better. Service was good. Atmosphere was nice.
(2)Nat W.
Miquel's is a well know Mexican restaurant in Tampa. Some people say it is the best in Tampa bay. The place has a nice ambiance, nicely decorated, plus cute and relaxing outdoor seating. I ordered fajitas and my husband ordered enchilada. They were both good but didn't stand out to me. I have had some great authentic Mexican in the past so I guess I felt Miguel's was just one of another Americanized Mexican restaurants, especially having known some claim it is the best in Tampa. Nevertheless, I still think this is a good place to hang out, relax, and enjoy good food with your friends and family.
(4)Brett G.
The food was mediocre. Had the service been half way decent, it would justify three stars. Unfortunately, the service is just bad. It took five minutes for someone to greet our table. We had many times of eye contact with various servers, but apparently the "team concept" is not alive and well at Miguel's. The salsa is warm and tastes more like spicy tomato paste. The chips are bland. The fajitas are equally bland and the meat is tough and over-cooked. Looking around the restaurant, all of the servers and hostess had long frowns on their faces and appeared miserable to be working. They slung the food on the table and walked away. I would go for better service and equal tasting food at Taco Bell.
(2)Joey M.
Miguel's has always been my "go-to" place for work lunches, interviews, dates, etc. throughout the 11 years I've been in Tampa....UNTIL TODAY. On 2/25 at 11:30am, we had a lunch meeting, and the colleague whom I was with received an order that disagreed with an allergy she discreetly disclosed to the server. Although the server tried to remedy the situation, it became clear that she couldn't do much, so we asked for the manager. This is when the service recovery failure occurred. The assistant manager came over and her body language immediately signaled an annoyance while she asked in a demeaning way, "what seems to be the problem?" When my colleague explained that the meal was not meeting expectations and that the way it was billed was confusing (and surprisingly expensive just to accommodate an allergy), the assistant manager ROLLED HER EYES! Yes, rolled her eyes like a middle school child!!! When my colleague continued to explain her concerns, she again rolled her eyes and interrupted my colleague, "Please let me explain...." I could not believe this. She continued to justify the cost and the way the burrito was made while not listening or caring with our concerns!!!. "That's the way we make it when you order it that way." HORRIFIC!! It was our fault!!! Can you imagine our frustration when this was the manager on-duty doing this?????? Because I love this place so much, I went to ask the hostess if there was another manager on duty. She responded no, and I told her that that manager had been completely rude and disrespectful to us. She asked with a frown on her face, pointing to where our table was, "oh...were you the two sitting over there?"--implying that apparently we were the talk of the staff at the restaurant! We are far from those patrons you hear about who try to complain their way to a free meal, yet we were instantly classified as such!!!!!!! At this time, the assistant manager came over, and I told her how rude and disrespectful she had been to my colleague. She rolled her eyes at me...yes...again!!! She said, "I TRIED to explain to your friend that this is how we make burritos..." I told her that that wasn't the issue...but rather that "you did not listen to her as indicated by your eye rolling," and she rolled her eyes again! At this point, I just walked away as I told her about her eye-rolling. What really bothers me is that if this is how management at this restaurant values us customers, then how long will it be before the servers and bartenders do the same. I am beyond upset at this because Miguel's has been my favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa for most of my adult life. In the past year, I have easily spent $700 alone at this restaurant (I looked up my expenses), and I always had at least an additional friend or colleague with me on each visit. This incident likely will result in my not returning to this restaurant. I am really upset and disheartened that this happened. Until this manager is removed from the restaurant, I will not return, and I will, unfortunately, have to urge my friends and colleagues to also avoid this restaurant. This woman who is your assistant manager (according to your hostess) has directly resulted in your loss of a loyal customer.
(1)Diane G.
My friend and I visited the evening of Gasparilla....the place was packed and we were told there was a 25 minute wait (which seemed very reasonable given the festivities). We waited on the outside patio near a cozy fire pit surrounded by comfortable outdoor seating with lots of pillows and a large screen TV. It didn't seem like we waited nearly that long, and we ended up being seated on the patio as well. I was on the hunt for tortilla soup and my friend suggested this place. Theirs is made with avocado, onions, beans, cheese, great seasonings, and it is absolutely delish! My friend had the flautas, and was also very pleased with her meal. Our server was prompt and very courteous. There are several unique dining areas to choose from. There were a million other items I wanted to try, so I will be back soon and will add to my review in the future. UPDATE: I went back last weekend for more soup and decided to try something new. Another Saturday night, the place was packed at 8:00 pm and there was an hour wait. My friend and I ended up filling up on chips and salsa by the bar while we waited. The chips are great. By the time we were seated, we ordered guacamole (for more chips!) and split the Enchiladas Del Mar (stuffed crab meat and cream cheese). The guacamole was a huge disappointment...it was very creamy and tasted like it had been blended with sour cream and/or mayonnaise...ick. The enchiladas were good, but not as good as I had anticipated them to be. I had a cup of tortilla soup and it was as delicious this time as it was before. Still, I find myself wanting to go back for more tortilla soup, and to try something else on the menu.
(4)Shirley A.
I am a lover of mexican food, lived in Mexico for 9 months, Alaska for 23 yrs. & Naples Fl for 17 yrs.Hands down this is the best anywhere I've been Fresh, salsa& chips are fresh, lite &out of this world delicous.Meals are always fresh and delicious every time.The Taco salad bowl is to die for, makes you want to ask for another shell on the side it is so good.You are in for a great all around place to eat at Miguels, atmosphere, service is great .I rated this 5 stars because in my book it definitely deserves it!
(5)Lori V.
If you know what Mexican food should taste like, you will be disappointed. If you like receiving bright orange shredded cheese on everything, this is your place. I used to like it here but ever since the remodel, it just isn't the same. I went there with a group for someone's birthday lunch and I was shocked. We had five people in the group. Three liked it, and two (who regularly eat in all the Mexican restaurants in town), were disappointed. We won't go back. It is just average to below average food.
(1)Ricky A.
Miguel's is one of my favorite places in town! The design of the bar captivated me immediately the first time I walked in, and the back patio is an enjoyable atmosphere as well. All the food is good and the portions are huge. The staff has always been great, the bartenders specifically are very on point.
(5)El J.
Jacqueli was super nice and the food/ drinks were amazing as usual. I love Miguel's and their superior staff who work there. :-)
(5)Kati Lynn O.
Best shrimp quesadillas in tampa. Everything is so fresh. My boyfriend and I went here because he wants me to try all the best places in Tampa. I agree with him! The marg was awesome, not to heavy, very balanced. But the quesadilla i ordered was amazing. I could eat there every week and not get tired of this place.
(4)Nette J.
Great Food and atmosphere! Date night, girls night out, or family dinner its always a good time and good meal at Miguel's!
(4)Mark H.
I revisited Miguel's on New Years for the first time in a REALLY long time, and was glad to find that it was still as delicioso as I had remembered. I used to always go for the burrito's, which were great, but I switched it up and went with the ALAMBRES dish during my most recent visit. basically, this dish is sort of like fajitas, but with cheese melted on top, and then served with a charro bean soup and yellow rice on the side. Of course, it comes with tortillas, sour cream, guac and pico de gallo, so the food can be dressed as each individual sees fit. The flavor was bold and the meat was tender. No chewy or gristly parts to be found. Bean soup was great with an awesome pork flavor. Only slight complaint was the yellow rice. It was definitely a packaged yellow rice, not made from scratch. It tasted exactly like the Vigo brand stuff that can be found in the grocery store's ethnic isle. But beyond that, it was a fantastic meal. When you go, sit at the bar or request to be seated in Stephanie's section. She's a ridiculously attentive, friendly and professional waitress. If you like tequila, this is definitely the place to be. I think I counted around 26 different brands while chillin' at the bar. Great Mexican-American grub for decent prices, and I will always return to what is becoming a Tampa classic.
(5)Kevin P.
Love that they put the prices on their drink menu. It's helpful to know what a good, better or best martini or Tequila shot might cost you.
(3)Ashley A.
Vegetarians be careful all beans and rice is made with animal compliments. But the other options are delicious!
(4)Kasey C.
I miss living in Tampa because I miss Miguel's. The food is amazing and it's very reasonably priced. The restaurant itself is very nice too. Everything I've tried has been great and I make sure to stop in whenever I can when I'm in Tampa.
(5)Julia M.
The food is pretty solidly what you expect from American Mexican food. It's heavy, cheesy, and requires a margarita or three to wash it down. If you really want to go for the gold, get the white queso dip with chorizo. Holy heart attack it's good. Expect it to be super busy even on a week night, and if you can, sit out back in the courtyard.
(3)Frank E.
Amazing lunch today tried the white fish special today and was cooked to perfection. The seasoning was tasty and flavorful. The rice was cooked perfectly and served up with a nice side of fresh guacamole and sour cream. I will definitely be back!!
(5)Michelle M.
I'm long overdue for a review update on Miguel's. This is some of the best Mexican food in Tampa! The homemade salsa and guacamole are both out of this world! There are so many great dishes on the menu, but I am an especially big fan of the steak fajitas. You can upgrade the steak on the fajitas to USDA Prime Fillet or Kobe Skirt Steak. The $10 and $15 up charge might seem extreme, but it is worth every penny. The prime fillet is so tender that the steak melts like butter in your mouth. I have never had such tender steak fajitas!!! Miguel's serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Their Huevos Rancheros and Bloody Maria cocktails will cure any hangover. The brunch menu is heartier than your typical brunch fare so if you are looking for pancakes look elsewhere. Check out Miguel's outdoor courtyard during happy hour. Discounted wine and cocktails are served in style at the modern outdoor bar. There are plenty of spots to mingle around and there are even comfy couches to lounge on and enjoy the fire pit on chilly nights.
(5)Jordan M.
I was excited to come here but was unfortunately disappointed. The customer service was great but my spinach quesadillas were very greasy. Added an extra star because dessert is pretty good.
(3)Francesco C.
Well known Mexican restaurant. Many people here. Walking in from the rain, you can see so many people enjoying themselves with a drink and great foods, it's an awesome smell of Mexican food around here! It opens up to a romantically lit floor. Each table has it's own purpose. With the mixture of table length , a table for two or a table for six. Started off with their delicious warm chips and salsa, chased down sipping some Sangria. Sangria was excellent in taste, fruity but bold flavors! Ordered a mixture of chicken and beef fajitas. Both beef and chicken had awesome flavors grilled to perfection and their famous spices made this dinner worth the visit. Rolled each fajita like a burrito and stuffed them with guacamole, Mexican tomato onion trimmings, Spanish rice and salsa left over from the chips and salsa dip! A true Yummer! Overall with great service and excellent food i will come back and try something different, perhaps a combo of sorts!
(4)Ronnie B.
My girlfriend and I love Miguel's. It can get a little expensive but the service is generally great and the food portions are pretty massive. The courtyard/ patio area is awesome at night also
(5)Abigail R.
Went here for lunch during the week and was pleasantly surprised. The outside appearance of the building is decent and I would not have tried this place had I not looked up reviews on yelp, which raved about the food. The other reviews are correct, the food was excellent, fresh, and the lunch specials are well priced. Will definitely be coming back here!
(5)Tara H.
Good, rich seafood enchiladas. Respectable house margarita. Chips could be better. Cute, tiny patio.
(5)Mary J.
Some the best margaritas I've ever tasted! There is also a fantastic seafood burrito thing that will blow your mind. :)
(5)Jeremy B.
This restaurant is fantastic and beautiful! Have never had even a mediocre experience. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Nicole F.
LOVE this place!! I've been living in Tampa for over 20 years and I have never eaten here. Granted, it hasn't been around that long, but why have I waited this long to eat here? I drove by it for years. The food here is so good and I have to say, the BEST authentic Mexican food in the area. Hands down. I will never eat at another Mexican restaurant in Brandon again. When I'm in the mood....I'm coming to this place. The chips and salsa were good and the white cheese dip....lets just say its so good when it hits your lips:-) The inside of this place wasn't what I had expected from the looks of the outside. Bottom line people, when your in the mood for some good Mexican food...come to THIS place! No where else!!
(5)Grace C.
I've been meaning to try this restaurant out for the longest time since it comes highly recommended on both Yelp and among our friends. I was wavering between 3 and 4 because while the restaurant wasn't bad, it wasn't particular special to me either. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there but I wouldn't mind if the group wanted to go. I would give this place a 3.5 just because I've experienced better. (5 would be perfect) Parking seems confusing at first but there is free valet with limited spots so get their early and hope for the best. Location is right in front of busy Kennedy so in the wait area, it can get slightly smoggy and loud. It is a pretty wait area though with shade, seating and ceiling fans. When we first arrived, we saw groups of people waiting in the area so we had to bypass them to get through the door to get to the hostess. The inside of the restaurant was dimly lit and the hostess saw me but proceeded to pick up the phone to answer her call. No biggie. Afterwards, I put my name and party size down and was told 25-30 minute wait. She didn't ask me if I wanted inside or outside seating. The wait ended up being 50+ minutes so maybe some adjustment to their estimates. When we were texted that our table was ready, we went in and found out our table was literally right next to the main door. Our hostess literally pointed at the worst table in the restaurant. I didn't hide my disappointment but since my boyfriend and brother were hungry, I said "That's fine." Our server wasn't the best. He seemed unhappy to be there and really curt when answering some questions. I asked if there was any way they could make any of their mixed drinks virgin and he basically said no and not accommodating at all. Any bartender could make a decent mixed drinks sans alcohol I am sure but his response left a bad taste in my mouth for the remainder of the meal. By the way, the drink was for my underage brother. We left a 20% tip because I always feel bad leaving a bad tip unless the service is truly horrid. The meal came with their complimentary chips and salsa. I liked the salsa but found the chips slightly on the greasy side. My brother ordered the Enchiladas Marisco which was basically shrimp topped with a cheesy sauce with a side of rice and beans. My boyfriend ordered the Tamales. He said it wasn't bad but it was a tad on the dry side. I ordered the Alambres was definitely my favorite entree of the three things we ordered. It had chicken, beef, chorizo (slightly too greasy), red and green bell peppers, and cheese. It was served with a side of rice, their black bean soup, guacamole and pico de gallo. The serving size was huge so I could share my plate with the rest of my table. The best part of my entree was that it came with hot fresh flour tortillas that had the best texture. If I were to go back, I'd be sure to order a side of these to go with whatever I was eating. Best flour tortillas I've ever had. I always review the bathrooms when I venture to a restaurant. The trash cans were overfilled and it definitely needed some cleaning overall. It was a busy Friday night though so maybe during the weekday when it's less packed, it would be cleaner. I'm hoping the next time (not sure when that would be) I visit I'll sit in their newly expanded patio area that came so highly recommended. I can make Mexican food at home so it's not something I would go out of my way for unless it's something I can't replicate.
(3)Martic R.
My usual picks at a Mexican Place are fajitas since I'm not a fan of flour. I've been here several times and the taste seemed to vary. I found it a bit bland during my first visit but much better a few times after. There was an incident with my food on one occasion but management took care of it. On a weekend this place can get very crowded and they are open late. It's a very well known location in south Tampa. The outdoor patio it's the perfect place to hang out on a sunny day.
(3)Ea T.
Better than that new place besito The margaritas are bigger and better and Best bet for your money and the food is DELICIOUS and in larger portions. A land mark in the making . Katyln is one of the best bartenders on the market She is on point and I mean that .WOW
(5)Glenda B.
Wonderful Authentic Mexican food, the sautéed fish tacos are awesome, full of flavor. The guacamole is very fresh and doesn't have the strong lime flavor you get at most restaurants, very yummy. The beans are very flavorful, which is my test for a good Mexican restaurant. Oh, the bathroom is a quiet retreat, very tall wooden walled stalls and beautiful ambiance.
(5)Warren R.
Went here with the missus to kick off date night. We made reservations for 6:30 and arrived at 6:20. We were early, and our table wasn't quite ready, so we decided to mosey up to the bar where we were promptly served margaritas. At 6:26 our table was ready. We ordered both the chile con queso and the guacamole for appetizers. I ordered the grilled beef burrito, I also wanted to try their chicken taco michoacan, and they were kind enough to let me add one to my order a la carte. The light of my life ordered the fajitas cancun. During the course of our meal we ordered up a pitcher of frozen margaritas. The good: the guacamole was outstanding. There's really only two ways to make it, their way or some other wrong way. It had nice big chunks of avacado and was nicely seasoned. The queso was not too shabby either. The fajitas cancun were very tasty, and the shrimp were ginormous. Obviously the margaritas were good as well, or we wouldn't have ordered a pitcher after our initial sampling. The atmosphere was nice, and our waitress was fast and friendly. The bad: you call that a burrito? No wow factor, and short on taste. I did finish it though. The chicken taco michoacan was better, but I've had way tastier tacos at some hole in the wall places. The ugly: me after drinking all those margaritas. Overall I'd say they're good at what they do. Although not my favorite place for Mexican cuisine, I would return.
(4)Gary F.
Love this place. Love sitting outside, awesome ambiance. No complaints about the service. Parking lot was packed and only had to wait 15 minutes for a table outside. Shrimp tacos were mediocre, not very much flavor. Signature Margaritas were delicious!!
(4)Cindi H.
Great Mexican food, wonderful Margaritas. Pricey, you can go elsewhere for the same fare for less but we were in the area and it was convenient. I would definitely go again.
(4)Jan Matthew A.
In the rare occasion that you or anyone of your friends are looking to eat Mexican but in a nicer atmosphere than most Mexican restaurants. This is the place. It's a dressier Mexican restaurant. Nothing wrong with the food. I was personally taken aback because I didn't know Mexican ceviche is much more different than Peruvian but that's my fault. Food is good enough if you're looking for a good atmosphere but I personally prefer my Mexican food in a homier setting. Not a fan of $15 burritos I guess.
(3)Isabelle R.
My favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. Service is friendly, food is authentic and delicious. Love the margaritas, queso, seafood enchilada, and banana empanada for dessert. The outdoor bar/courtyard is a great place to chill, day or night. Highly recommended!
(4)Amanda W.
So so so yummy!!!!!!! I had a frozen strawberry margarita (one of the best margaritas I have ever had). I also had the fajitas cancun, which is 4 jumbo shrimp and your choice of meat (I got the beef). Excellent meat, fresh sides. You get chips and salsa to start. The salsa is an excellent texture - not too watery like a lot of places and it's not chunky, which I dislike. Very mild flavor.
(5)Kelleigh M.
Ok, my impression of Miguel's has changed. I haven't visited Miguel's in 7+ years. Mainly because each time I had been there I left with a horrible stomach ache. Recently, after the ADA walk, myself, Mr Kelleigh and some co-workers visited on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. My first impression was that this place was really well done. The finishings and decorations were gorgeous and it definitely did not have the feeling of a Tex Mex style cantina. Upon being sat, we were welcomed by a basket of fresh and warm tortilla chips and their homemade salsa, which I thought was great. My husband likes his salsa chunkier, so he wasn't as impressed as I was. We ordered a side of guacamole. It was very creamy and tasty, but I thought the $7 price tag was a bit high. For our entrees I chose the fantastico, which is their enchilada combo-one beef, chicken and cheese. My favorite was the beef. It came with a side of yellow rice (which I thought was odd that it wasn't served with the tomato based rice) and beans. I opted for a side salad instead of the beans-nothing great. Just your average iceberg, tomatoes and cucumbers. My husband ordered the combo that came with a flauta, Miguel's taco (this was awesome) and a stuffed jalepeno-another winner. His too came with beans and rice. Mine was priced at $11 and I believe his was around $13/$14. For the price, quality and atmosphere, I thought Miguel's was a grand slam. I'm glad my impression of them has changed and I plan on visiting again.
(4)Jc E.
Great Ambiance, Food, and Service! My family and I loved Miguel's. Only complaint is that I wish they sang happy birthday, our server just passed us a flan with a candle and walked alway.
(5)Thelonious W.
The food was fantastic and quick, I didn't know what a Mexican seafood and Grill place would be like. Any that I go to after this will have to match or top this because this was delicious, The atmosphere was great, the server was very attentive and recommended The bean soup.... It was delicious!
(5)Kimberly F.
Our first visit to Miguel's did not start out very well. We asked the hostess for a booth, she said there weren't any available. We asked "how long would the wait be" she said "well they could be there all night". My husband said "we will just sit at the bar and wait for a booth no problem" she then said "what?? you have booths at home?? We have a table ready for you right now." So as to not cause a scene we said fine and politely walked to our table. Then we asked the waiter to please inform the manager what had taken place which he said he would. He also mentioned she was new, I don't think she will last long. After that mess the rest of the night was great. The food was amazing, the margaritas were awesome. We will definitely go back. Next time though we will insist on a booth. Hopefully she won't be there.
(4)Andrea O.
My love of Green Lemon might be what's holding me back from giving it 5 stars, but my experience at Miguel's has always been enjoyable. The atmosphere is more upscale than most Mexican places, and the menu selection is unique and versatile. The cons? Very few gluten free options and it's on the pricier side. Regardless, it's a great choice to satisfy your Mexican cravings.
(4)Kevin K.
Came here for lunch with a group of friends and had an excellent experience. The food, drinks and service are fabulous! The white queso, quesadillas, and burritos came out to perfection. Highly recommend the house margaritas and sangria. Our server was excellent all around. The ambiance is pretty cool and the nicest I've seen in a Mexican restaurant.
(5)Barry P.
Great! !! I can't say enough good things about this place. The food is awesome, I've had most of the dishes on the menu and really haven't a terrible dish yet. Service can be a little slow though.
(4)Brian M.
The Best Authentic Mexican food in South Tampa! Best Chips and salsa in Tampa! They put oregano in the salsa to give it a unique crisp flavor. The house margaritas and sangria are top notch and available in pitchers as well. I recommend the quesadillas marisco (with shrimp), large order pulled pork & steak nachos that is big enough to split among 2 people, steak fajitas mario, and the pulled pork chimichangas. The decor is very modern and chic with red walls, 2 color changing led back-lit bars, a fire pit, and a closed in patio, and a private room for large parties. The meats are well marinated and the portions are huge! I usually can only finish half the plate. Make sure to call ahead and make reservations on weekend nights or you will have a 45min+ wait time to be seated. Seating at the bar is available at a first come first served basis without a reservation if you have a small party. The Parking lot behind this place fills up quickly and spots are tight but there is an over-flow parking available across the street. Service is top notch! Food comes out relatively quickly for how busy this place gets and the staff is very nice. Located off Kennedy and Macdill.
(5)Mary O.
NEVER AGAIN WILL I GO TO MIGUEL'S! Its not the food, it's not the drinks, and it's not the service. It is the management! My birthday is coming up and I wanted to make a reservation for 18 for dinner I was told that they do not take reservation for parties of that size. SOOOO you're going to turn away business? I even asked the manager if I could do two different reservations one for 10 and one for 8 and I was told that they would be putting us on two different sides! JERK! I understand that Miguel's has been around for about 100 years, but they will not be around for long if they keep this up. This USED TO BE my favorite restaurant, But not anymore!
(1)Logan T.
The service was very very very bad and the place was very very very very dirty , also the portions are very very very small and it's very very very expensive i ordered the fajitas and my son ordered the Logan's Steak so the fajitas come out and I'm just wondering where is the cheese so my son asks the Bar sever and asks for cheese so they say to my son you half to ask your server and I'm like no one talk to my son like that so they bring the cheese and I can tell my son was hating the fries and he said they taste like crap so when the bill comes its $1.25 for just a small amount of cheese in my conclusion I was really mad
(1)Mary J.
Been frequenting this restaurant over the years and always enjoyed dining there for the usual reasons - good food, appealing prices and helpful service. But the last two times I have dined there have been less than satisfactory. The food is cooked but is not memorably flavorful. The service is provided but is not particularly pleasant or personable. At least prices are acceptable. Even on a somewhat slow evening (because it was early), the chips and water arrive as if delivered by Fed Ex. Plunked down is the word that comes to mind. Assembly line delivery is how it made me feel. The wine took much longer than a mixed drink would usually take. No explanation or apology. The request for the spicier, hotter sauce provided the table with a not-so-tomateoy sauce but still more mild than wild. The server seemed always in a hurry and never helpful. Lots can be overlooked, or quickly brushed off, if the food is strong enough to offset the setbacks. Sadly that was not the case. Minimal seasoning, undercooked beef and no follow up to find out how we were "enjoying" our meals. Wow. It is disappointing because there was a time when this place really did things the right way.
(2)Taicho M.
I'm not sure why people think this place is great. It's just another chips & salsa Mexican joint that is the furthest thing from authentic. I've lived in Mexico and I'm here to say this is not authentic. That being said if the food was fantastic I wouldn't care if it was truly authentic whatsoever the problem is that it isn't. 10 years ago this would have been "passable" but now that the food scene is finally starting to elevate here in Tampa this mediocre food just doesn't cut it and there are much better options to be had for price and quality. If you're looking for chips and salsa and maybe a margarita then this might be the place for you but if you plan on eating something delicious and memorable try someplace else. Comments: Mole was disgraceful and flavorless. Carnitas was underwhelming. "House" salsa looked and tasted canned or not fresh. Comments to owner: You have a chance to reinvent this place. Take it before your consumers become exposed to better options than your current offering and a glorified atmosphere. Also, reduce the size of your menu and make a small amount of items REALLY good and REALLY authentic. What about an amazing pozole for starters?
(1)Hilary W.
Love this place! Check out their outdoor bar for a nice chill atmosphere. Waitstaff is always friendly and knowledgable. We love the white queso with spinach to start. For an entree you must get something seafood! My personal favorite is the seafood enchilada. The spinach salad has a bacon vinaigrette which is amazing and the salad automatically comes with the seafood enchilada.
(5)Tamia H.
My boyfriend and I were in Tampa last week. We had dinner here on our first night. It wasn't busy on the Monday night we came and there was plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The food was delicious but the portions were ridiculously huge. My entree alone could have been divide between three people. My boyfriend insisted on sharing a dish of fried ice cream for dessert. I was expecting two small scoops. Instead we got a mountain of ice cream- more than what either of us could eat. I have no problems with the restaurant- the service was good and the food was great. The portions sizes were just too much for me but I'll still give this place five stars.
(5)Allison N.
Wow, what an amazing experience. I am so impressed by Miguel's. We made reservations and got to the restaurant. It was pretty full but we were seated immediately and given chips and salsa and drinks right away. The salsa was awesome and tasted very fresh. We got the stuffed jalapeño peppers and they were incredible! I've had jalapeño poppers from Green Lemon and these ones totally blew them away. They were perfectly fried and the jalapeño wasn't soggy, which tends to happen sometimes when they get fried. I ordered the chicken fajitas mario and it was really tasty. The chicken was spiced perfectly and the food was hot. I also tried my boyfriend's meal -- he got the alambres. Those were a little more flavorful but I think probably too heavy for me since they were topped with melted cheese. Our server was very quick and all the food came out in a timely manner. I didn't feel like we were rushed though. I thought everything was awesome, quick and will definitely return in the future.
(5)Regina D.
I am a business owner! We went to Miguel's last night at 9 pm . Caroline was our server. Outstanding service! I don't find a lot of service in Florida! The food was outstanding. My husband told them to give our compliments to the chef . IT WAS THAT OUTSTANDING. I AM PART LATIN! I WOULD BE THE FIRST TO TELL YOU TO GO ELSEWHERE. YES WE WILL COME BACK !
(5)Katy S.
Honestly, I don't go out for Mexican often and I need more Miguel's in my life. I have only eaten here a handful of times and the food is just so good. The enchiladas are super cheesy, which is very important to me when choosing Mexican food. The margs are straight up delicious and they pack a punch. It doesn't really feel like a "typical" Mexican restaurant on the inside, but it has a really nice atmosphere. I really have nothing negative to say about this restaurant. I guess the point is, just give it a try!
(5)Chris B.
Excellent excellent excellent. I've passed Miguel's so many times and decided today would be the day we had dinner. I'm glad we did. The interior is nicer than I thought we'd find. We were quickly served chips and good salsa. Our server was very friendly. My fiance had the taco salad and I had enchiladas Miguel. Both were fantastic. They don't skimp on the ingredients and you can tell it's quality stuff. The chicken tasted like real chicken which is unlike a lot of other Mexican joints I've visited. The rice and beans were both good too. Fast service, great food, good prices, and a nice interior gets you five stars, Miguel's. Looking forward to another visit.
(5)Mike M.
We arrived in a party of 6 and were warmly greeted and informed about Miguel's history so we promptly put in for a couple pitchers of margaritas. We added some queso to the complementary chips and salsa that were provided. I had the scallops and shrimp which was served in a similar fashion to fajitas minus the sizzle plate. It was both delicious and filling. My wife had the India which were some maxed out tostadas that were also very good. Everyone was very happy with all of the food, but I have to say, the service was excellent! Our server was friendly, informative, prompt, and very genuine. I will definitely be back.
(5)Dave B.
One of my favorite authentic restaurants. Everything is very good on the menu, but really enjoy the fajitas. chimichanga and enchiladas. The service is top notch, Margaritas are prime and the bill is not too shabby.
(5)Aleema A.
Miguel's has seem to show up in my life lately. A cute place near the corner of Kennedy and McDill is a great place to get some Mexican food. I've been here mulitple times now and I've loved it everytime. The atomosphere is wonderful and very authentic. The complementary chips and salsa are really really delicious. I recommend a margarita if you are in the mood to have a cocktail. There is a back private room that I really hope I can try very soon. All in all, a great place to eat!
(4)G M.
I went to Miguel's last Friday after 3 yrs and, honestly, it's not longer what used to be. The food now is more Tex-Mex rather than authentic Mexican food. The food was decent (I ordered the Chile Relleno lunch special) and the drinks were good (margaritas). Unfortunately, I saw a bunch of extra charges on my bill that were not mentioned before I ordered my food (extra charge for the fajita - style meat in the Chile Relleno and some other liquor added to the margaritas). The server/bartender never mentioned about the extra charges before hand. Needless to say, I didn't appreciated the lack of honesty from the staff so I doubt I'll go back. I can go somewhere else and get authentic Mexican food at a lower price too.
(3)Whitney H.
4 to 4.5 stars..... 2 experiences and nothing but great things to say about Miguel's. The bar area is great. It is a great place to grab a drink, wait for your table or eat dinner. They have a nice selection of Tequila_including Don Julio and a great selection of beers. The bar staff is very accommodating to make my special Margarita....and they offer fresh lime juice. The chips and salsa are very tasty, as is the guacamole. This last time, I had the taco salad with pork (the pork is carnitas and very tender and juicy). The tomatoes were cut a bit large, as I prefer them to be diced and the salad also included cucumber (didn't really expect that). My partner got the carnitas dinner and it was delicious. They serve it with corn tortillas....just an FYI for those who prefer flour. I don't think you can go wrong by dining at this establishment. We will absolutely be back and look forward to it!
(4)Lana A.
Decided to take my boyfriend here for dinner. The restaurant itself has very nice decor, however the food was just ok. Ordered the Pollo fundido chimichanga, which was good however the rice and beans were extremely bland. Decided to get a queso to go since I have never had a bad queso at any Mexican restaurant. When I got the bill the price was $6.75 for the queso, an amount I have never pay paid for just plain queso anywhere. The server also charged me an additional amount for the chips to go with the queso. Again NEVER happened before to me at any other Mexican restaurant. I got home and decided to see what $9 dollar chips and queso tastes like and it is awful. It taste like nothing but old grease. I will never go back to this place again.
(1)Bethany R.
You have to try the frozen margaritas! Miguel's is a date night destination for sure! Call ahead for reserved seating, they fill up fast on Friday or Saturday nights. We arrived a bit early for our 6:30 reservation and made our way to the back patio and bar to wait for our table. As soon as we walked out to the patio a bartender greeted us and took our drink order. Of course we had to try their famous frozen Margarita's. Like an adult Slurpee but with the added benefit of alcohol, this was a tart frozen dream-come-true after a long work week. As brain freeze set in we were notified by text that our table was ready so leaving the ultra-hip patio, off to the hostess stand we went. After being seated in a quiet corner, our waitress came right over to bring chips and salsa, check on our drinks and answer any questions we might have about the menu. We ordered a bowl of guacamole and queso dip to go with the salsa which arrived moments later. The chips were crispy and tasted fresh, they weren't greasy or salty. The salsa was thick, not too chunky but not thin or watery either, nice spice to it but not hot - a salsa that anyone could eat without issue. The queso dip was decent - standard melted cheese and tomatoes, etc. The guacamole however, was wow! "Holy guacamole!" my date exclaimed, this guacamole was as fresh as it gets, with big pieces of creamy avocado within. Hands down, the best guacamole we've had at a Mexican restaurant in a long time. Before we had time to polish off all of the guacamole our entrees arrived. Cancun Fajitas for me which included shrimp, steak and chicken peppers, onions and homemade flour tortillas. The shrimp were huge, 6 large gulf shrimp perfectly seasoned, cooked on a skewer and served with grilled chicken, steak and veggies served in a sizzling cast iron skillet. A side plate of sour cream, cheese and pico de gallo were included but I opted to eat the shrimp without any fixings and was glad I did. They were delicious, grilled perfectly with a slight buttery flavor, by far worth eating by themselves without hiding them in a tortilla or drowning them in sour cream. After the shrimp were gone I moved forward with preparing a traditional fajita. Layering steak, chicken, grilled veggies and my fixings I had a nice size fajita with enough left-over to make two more. The second fajita I made gave to my date who had been ogling my dinner. He returned the favor and shared his burrito which was good, but not as good as my fajitas. After dinner the waitress offered a dessert menu but we were totally stuffed. The service here was very good, drinks and food seemed to arrive within minutes of ordering. The waitress was friendly, helpful and checked on us often. It was a bit loud inside but we had a nice quiet table for two in a corner. They have outside seating on the back patio which is really nicely decorated as well as outdoor seating in the front porch area. There is a large bar inside with a flat screen TV and lots of inside seating, this is a large restaurant. After a great experience and meal we have added Miguel's to our list of date night destinations for the future.
(4)Frances V.
Good food, good service and environment. We sat outside in the patio...very nice. They had heaters and the service was very good. Margarita was ok. The Miguel enchiladas were tasty. Good Mexican restaurant experience overall.
(4)Shannon J.
Mexican and seafood are my favorite types of food & this place does them justice. I would say this place has contributed to my love of Mexican food. The food is Amazing. I typically get the tacos Miguel or the Miguel special. Also their queso blanco is outstanding. I suggest sitting outside on the back patio under the lights.
(5)Rebekah T.
We heard about Miguel's by a bartender at another restaurant. I looked it up and bookmarked it, until some local friends wanted to meet for brunch. We decided to give it a shot. It's a nice sit down restaurant. We sat and were given chips and salsa and ice water in beautiful hand blown glasses while we looked over the menu. I ordered a mimosa and my guy ordered a bloody mary with gin, his favorite. My guy and I decided to share a Miguel's Eggs Benedict with Steak. WHY have I never ordered a steak eggs bennie?! It was very tender skirt steak, cooked perfectly medium so it didn't make a huge mess when you cut it. Just the typical sexy egg yolk mess. I also ordered the ceviche, which was shrimp and fish with a roasted tomato and pepper flavor. It was a large portion for only $6.95. We loved the food and brunch at Miguel's and got to bring some locals to try it too. You'll never know what great spots you can find by asking people who love good foos too.
(5)Chrissy M.
Pros: easy parking, recent renovations, nice patio, large selection of tequilas Cons: hard to get around inside restaurant, small restrooms, average service and food
(3)Tara S.
Oh Miguels. You have always held a special place in my heart. So I was so glad when my girlfriends suggested we have brunch here. We got to sit in the outdoor patio, which looks so much nicer than I remember. Started with a skinny Margarita and it was delish. I deviated from my regular order of enchiladas manuel, and tried something off the brunch menu. I was not let down. I had the benedict. the eggs were poached perfectly and the steak was cooked great.
(4)Chibi B.
Average Mexican joint if you don't live close by, don't make it a destination like we did based on Internet articles and yelp reviews. Guacamole was literally just avocados, refried beans lacked taste, rice was okay. They don't offer horchata or agua fresca nor did my server know what they were. Service was sub par with my drink being empty for 5 minutes.
(3)Jon B.
We never got to eat here. We gave the hostesses (yes plural) our name and told there was a 20 min wait. After 45 mins, we were called to the front. Our table was given to another party with the same name. When the hostesses realized their mistake, we were told to stand and wait for the next table. Several people around us were waiting for water and chips. We were offered nothing but a half-ass apology. After 10 more minutes we left.
(1)Kelsey L.
From the gated windows you might be concerned, but from the inside, Miguel's is Mexican decadence on a plate. We started with the Chips con Queso Blanco which was creamy goodness, with just a hint of heat. It's a perfect addition to your free chips and salsa! We also ordered the pork Nachos, which come individually dressed on a plate of 6 or 10 chips. I wasn't too impressed with the chewy pork, and lack of essential sour cream. We each started off with the house special: margaritas (naturally). Whoa - talk about strength. These were by far the strongest drinks I've ever tasted at a restaurant. They would have been perfect for a night out, but they were almost too strong to drink for a Sunday brunch. For dinner I ordered the Seafood Chimichanga, which is a tortilla wrapped around a filling, in this case crab meat, scallops and cream cheese, and deep-fried. It was stuffed to the gills with seafood, which was delicious, but lacked the flavor. For dessert we ordered the fried ice cream. By the looks of it, it's amazing. However, once you get a bite, you realize its a thin crust shell that doesn't really impress the taste buds, and its mostly just ice cream topped with whipped cream. For Mexican food - it's great. For an overall restaurant experience, it's A-OK.
(3)Monica S.
If you're anything like me and being out of town gives you license to drink a few (read: 5) margaritas, then look no further than Miguel's. It's pleasantly bustling so you walk in with the relief knowing that all of Tampa comes here. And it's for good reason. Finding a quality sit-down traditional Mexican spot that gives you above average service and a top shelf margarita isn't the easiest thing to find in this town. Also winning the seal of approval, the salsa. It's got a chipotle characteristic that I love and the bottomless-ness of it makes the all you can eat chips and salsa session very appealing. For the meal, my date and I shared the tacos (chicken, steak and pork). They were OK, but the pork was a standout. Marinated and juicy, it's was every piggy should be. Next trip to Tampa, I'll for sure be back.
(4)Meghan W.
We had a great experience here last night. There was not a complaint that I could make, and it's honestly the best Mexican that I've found in Tampa. The restaurant was clean and well decorated, and the food and drinks were delicious. We got there and put our name on the list to be texted and headed over to the bar. I got the skinny margarita, which was delicious. We ended up being seated at a big booth. The server was nice and asked if we wanted appetizers. My husband and his friend shared the carne con queso, and the name was right. There was definitely more meat than there was cheese, and they said it was delicious! I got the small guacamole and ate the entire cup. It was clear that it was made in the house, as the avocados were fresh and there were chunks of all different sizes in it. Yum! For dinner I had the traditional salad without the cheese, and the chicken was fantastic on it. It was very tender and flavorful. I just had the salsa as dressing. There were lots of avocado pieces on the salad, and it was very tasty. My husband loved his as well. He got the "India". All of the food was much more fresh and flavorful than most Mexican restaurants are. It's also not a chain, which I like a lot. It has been added to my list of restaurants to frequent often!
(5)Mandie M.
We found it similar to Cantina Laredo, but a little more affordable. We liked the ambiance, which was a little upscale, but we didn't feel uncomfortable being dressed casually. On a Friday night at 7pm, we were seated in less than twenty minutes, chips, salsa and drinks were served immediately and our food was served less than 10 minutes after being ordered. Great service! Chips and salsa were delicious! Food was good. The salsa reminded us of Cantina Laredo's salsa, but a little but better at Miguel's.
(4)T N.
Good food with large portion sizes, good and fast service. I recommend the fajitas with chicken or the Enchilada's Manuel. Also I love the warm chips and the mildly spicy salsa. Rarely do I ever go back to a restaurant but I've here twice, enjoyed it both times and will come back. Warning, if you choose to sit outside on the front patio, there can be loud traffic noises and mosquitoes.
(5)Michelle L.
Best Mexican food in Tampa!
(5)Brendan C.
I've been to Miguel's several times. For actual Mexican food that isn't chipotle or taco bell, this place is probably one of the few real Mexican restaurants in South Tampa. Restaurants similar to Miguel's are abundant in California, but this restaurant reminds me of home and they actually do a great job to try to cater to vegetarians. You'd never expect healthy or veggie food in a Mexican restaurant but they do serve it here! Baked Potatoes, vegetable platters, salads, black beans, corn on the cob. There's a few options to eat here and they try to cater to your requests very well. Compared to Mexican restaurants in California, Miguel's is really authentic. The decor and tables are pretty to look at . The staff is helpful, the indoor and outdoor bars are pretty. The front of this restaurant from the outside looks plain, but the inside and the foyer are nice. They have free valet parking in the back as well if you'd want it.
(5)Anthony F.
Best good I have ever had. Their signature margarita can't be beat. The seafood chimichanga can feed a small army and is my favorite thing in Tampa. First place I always stop when in Tampa.
(5)Loren F.
yummy yummy food... it is a staple meal place in my house.
(5)Elizabeth M.
The food here is simply just not good. I'm a huge Mexican food fan, so when I first moved here Miguel's was my first stop. I ordered their cheese enchiladas. My thought is that you should be able to do the basics really well if you're a Mexican place. They used cheddar cheese, the plate looked like slop and had no real composition. The food tasted uninspired and far from authentic. I tried several more Mexican restaurants in Tampa and realized the Mexican food here is lacking all around and I might have written off Miguels too soon. I returned back again a few months ago. The chips and salsa were decent. The salsa has a chipotle flavor and tasted fairly freshly made. I ordered their enchiladas verdes this time thinking maybe a different sauce would do the trick. The food came out again looking like slop with such little sauce I had to ask for more. Halfway through my enchilada (which had one-dimensional flavor and was no better than the last version I had), I found a ROLLED UP PIECE OF PLASTIC melted into the cheese!!! I let the waiter know and he didn't seem to care or even acknowledge it. After that our water glasses went unattended and our check unadjusted. Point blank, the food needs work. It needs better flavor, better execution, and better sanitation. This restaurant has a great atmosphere, but that can't begin to make up for the awful food and service.
(1)Michelle H.
Hands down the most Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Tampa! The service is great and the atmosphere is priceless. The filet fajitas are to die for, everything is authentic and DELICIOUS!
(5)Max B.
Great atmosphere just a great place great time I wish I had more table space cuz I ordered too much damn food as it is love the fried ice cream it is the bomb
(4)Kristen P.
Heard about this place but never ate here. I loved the look of the place. It can be a place to go in casual attire or at night, in the back, one can get dressed up. I felt it was a great place for a friends night or a romantic spot for couples and there were many of them there including my boyfriend and I. Large place to accommodate a lot of people and nice atmosphere. There were many items ranging from cheap prices to moderately pricey. I prefer places with menus that have a variety and most important that amount of food that is served is more than worth the price. This place had both of those things. I ordered a chicken chimichanga dinner and my boyfriend ordered the 3 enchiladas combo plate. We were in love as soon as they gave us the chips and salsa so we were in heaven when our food came to the table. Rich in flavor, filling and soooooo tasty. I was forcing it down towards the end because it was good but I was full and couldn't stop eating the dinner. Also, the service was great and the food came up fast. We both said that this is a place we must come back to and that is one of our favorites. This is a must visit and a must return!
(5)Emilio C.
I've passed by Miguel's Mexican restaurant every few weeks for the past year. I've always wanted to give the place a try, but didn't think much of the place because it looked so unassuming. Last weekend, I finally went after seeing so many positive Yelp reviews. I was extremely satisfied with the choice. The interior of the restaurant is not what I would have expected. It's very modern and chic. It has a great date night, or group dinner, atmosphere. The outside patio is also very nice. The prices also were very reasonable and inexpensive. Get ready to eat, because the portion sizes are large. I ordered the beef 'Carne a la Cazuela.' It was a very stew-like dish served with hand-made corn tortillas. It was delicious. This along with the all you can eat chips and salsa made for a very filling meal. I recommend this place if you're in the South Tampa area looking for some Mexican food.
(5)Jim M.
Food was good. Service was excellent. I ordered the fajitas and with the high reviews, I expected them to come sizzling and hot and instead it was just some fajita meat in a bowl. The shells are homemade and awesome. Salsa was good as well. Margaritas were good too. It wasn't the best mexican I've ever had, but I will definitely be going back! I have high hopes that some of the other stuff on the menu will be a little better than the fajitas. Outdoor patio area is really cool scene too.
(3)John W.
This place has the best Mexican food in Tampa I found. Everything I've gotten from there was very fresh and flavorful. Their margaritas are also very good. You'll pay a couple extra dollars than most of the other Mexican places in town but it's worth it. They have a very nice outdoor seating area and bar. This place does get busy.
(5)Gary S.
Grilled seafood dish (for the wife) and my 'unit of measurement' for new Mexican dining experiences, the pork burrito. BOTH WERE SUPERB, better yet, the service (our server VERY knowledgeable of the menu, but not 'pushy' . Better even more THE PRICES. We stopped in on a whim, but will return on purpose.
(4)Larissa S.
Miguel's doesn't seem like much from the outside. The neon's make it seem a little tacky, but it is anything but that. Once you walk in, the areas seem separated. The decor is a bit bland. However, there is a hidden area in the back that is quite aesthetically pleasing with a huge bar and fireplace. If you are on a date, I suggest getting a table in the back. The pricing is adequate. Entrees range from $8.95 to $34.95 (if you want the Kobe skirt steak). The menu has what you would expect from a Mexican joint, Fajitas, Burritos, Taco Salad, Flautas, Tacos, enchiladas, etc. Sounds boring, but all their ingredients are fresh, so their food is fantastic. Best part is their selection of tequilas. I am no connoisseur, but I had to try the Sauza Tres Generaciones Anejo tequila straight (sipped, not shot). If that is too much for you, try their premium margaritas. The tequila DOES make a difference. Definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. Check it out.
(4)Louis A.
I'm fresh off a trip to Austin and damn if they don't have the best Mexican I've ever had. With that said, I live in Tampa. Austin is a long drive to wet your whistle when hankering for a margarita so Miguel's has to be my local Mexican watering hole. Keep in mind that its best to wash down your worm with some fresh-mex!
(5)Patrick M.
We really like this place. My wife and come here and my cowokers too. However, we don't come as often for ONE reason! We really really hate is that they have a waitress who will keep your coin change no matter the amount. If your bill is $20.05 and you hand her $25 she'll bring you back $4. Happens every time to everyone in our group. I called to let the owner know and said she'd take care of it. The waitress is still there and she still keeps the change. I personally take it out of her tip but others don't seem to have a problem with it so she is encouraged to continue this behavior. I
(3)Sunny B.
Miguel's is muy popular! Make a reservation if you can. Food was delicious, drinks were delicious. They also had (might still have?) a special where you can buy a gift certificate for a certain amount for a discount. But you can't use it the same night you buy it, so plan ahead. Love the outdoor seating but the main dining room will do just fine. Place is always packed but I've never had a complaint about service.
(4)Daniel H.
I went here for lunch. I ordered the Enchiladas Miguel. Man, talk about tasty! And cheap! I think I spent just over $10 with tip. It's a little crowded and loud, but you tend to not notice these things when you are stuffing your face with primo steak enchiladas. I only wish that Mexican food places in the Bay area has SHREDDED BEEF! Seriously, where can I get a shredded beef enchilada, burrito, chimichanga, etc?
(4)Lilly M.
The food was so delicious and our server Stephanie was amazing! I will definitely come back! Try it...you won't be disappointed!
(5)Bryan V.
Great margaritas. Great ceviche and guacamole. Perfect sunday afternoon on the patio.
(5)Mark R.
Miguel's is the BEST Mexican in Tampa, period. Great atmosphere, service and food. A Tampa institution for 20 years and well worth the praise. Never had a bad experience and I guarantee you wont either!
(4)Anuj S.
I loved Miguel's. Good decor and good service. I had enchiladas, which were great. The cheese was fresh and moist. The sauce was delicious and flavorful. It was awesome. Even the chips and salsa was really good. Very fresh chips and salsa was flavorful. I definitely want to go back and try things off the menu. I hope to continue to be impressed and maybe update this place to 5 stars.
(4)Jessica L.
I love this place! Great atmosphere and Food!!! Thank you
(5)Debbie C.
Don't judge it by its exterior ... Beautiful upscale dining decor inside AND the food is amazing!!! I had the Alambres fajitas and the meat was super tender and perfectly seasoned. I love the frijoles charro ...even the broth in them was delicious! I'd definitely go back!!!
(4)Eddie N.
You know, coming from The Bay Area in the south San Francisco cities, and living in Los Angeles county for 2 years and counting, you are dealing with the famous Mission Burrito all the way down south to where real Mexico pushes invisible borders. The cuisine and cultural influences shows from simple taquerias to even the cities' names. Here we are in Tampa on the other side of the nation, and the Latin flavor still shows some life. So with the simple sides of beans and rice, where does the meal get a chance to shine? First off are the chips and salsa, the equivalent of the bread and butter... Here they were served warm and the salsa had a good flavor, slight heat that focused more on flavor frolicking on your palate than a bombardment of sharp strikes to your heat sensors. We followed with an order of tamales. This is another test on a more traditional dish served during Christmas or New Years. Unfortunately the size of the tamales were more of half taquitos and by half a taquito I mean like a flauta that was held hostage for a while living off a sliver of meat and then sacrificed and mummified in a maize cocoon. To the rescue though for what glimmer of hope it had was a good appetizer, however it's an order of an entree being served as an appetizer. The main attraction was a pork burrito. We asked for a diversion of the enchilada sauce away for the entree so that we could hold the burrito Cali style. The wet burrito isn't a classic favorite since that would be more of a fat enchilada that was sealed at the ends. Hold on though, the guacamole was a thicker version of the original and actually gave some heart and body. Although it may seem that I am not amused with the follow through of this establishment, remember we cannot give half stars. I would rate this as a 3.5. But remember though, my rating is a bit less forgiving since I am from the land of numerous taquerias. Gracias y denada.
(3)Christine C.
I've been to Miguel's a few times and it is probably the best Mexican I have had in Tampa. Not the best Mexican I've ever had, but the best in Tampa (in my experience). The only reason I tried this place was Yelp reviews, because it looks awful from the outside. However, the inside is beautiful and I love the decor. I definitely recommend ordering guacamole or queso to have with the complimentary chips and salsa. They both really hit the spot. I always order enchiladas since it's my favorite; I've had the Seafood, Manuel (chicken, onions, peppers, sour cream, tomatillo sauce, and cheese), and cream cheese and crab filled. The only one I didn't absolutely love was the cream cheese and crab. It just didn't do it for me, but the other two were delicious. Everyone else seemed very happy with their choices.
(4)AaronErin D.
Great spot. Stopped here when we got into town for a party for a bite to eat and loved it. Sat at the bar, bartender was very polite and friendly. The chips and salsa were great. I also ordered the guacamole, it was very fresh. We split two soft shell chicken tacos and we loved it. Huge portions. Perfect for splitting. I would come here again. Check it out.
(5)Mike S.
Congratulations on Miguel's being open on Christmas Eve for dinner after vigil Mass......and offering un-rushed service while business was light and staff hoped to get out early. BTW their expansion area is very elegant and the enclosed outdoor courtyard bar is unique. Also congratulations to the many other restaurants that closed on a potentially profitable Saturday night to let staff be with family......or go to La Teresita parking lot to pick up their puerco asado dinner to have for Buena Noche dinner. Merry Christmas to all
(3)Deidre S.
Whenever I am craving Mexican food this is the place to go, definitely the best Mexican food I have found in Tampa! The chimichangas are my favorite and the Margaritas are super good.
(5)Nikki A.
I have been hearing great things about Miguel's for the last year or so. People who love this place REALLY love this place. Maybe I expected a bit too much or I ordered the wrong thing. The warm chips and salsa were delivered immediately, those items were delicious. I loved the ambiance of this restaurant. The tables were packed tightly together, but it felt cozy and chic at the same time. We took a while to study the menu. The Husband ended up ordering the Fantastico-three enchiladas (one each of beef, chicken and cheese). He loved his dish. It came with that ubiquitous meh staple of all Mexican restaurants, rice and beans.I ordered a chicken burrito. It was huge and topped with enchilada sauce, chile con queso, and chives. It basically had zero flavor. My only other issue (and this is just a personal pet peeve) was that our drinks were never refilled. At all Mexican restaurants, I just want the liquid to keep on coming. The husband loved it, I am decidedly apathetic.
(3)Shawn G.
The food here was slop. It's obvious they spend their mony on the decor, not the talent or the ingredients. I had a chimichanga (large filled flour tortilla, deep-fried, covered with cheese). It came covered it with about 3 ounces (a ton) of cheddar cheese, garnished with a couple of white onion strips and a side of yellow rice. As I ate it, I received a big mouth full of runny beans, cheese, and a soft tortilla (should be crispy). The meat didn't show up in the dish until I got half-way through, and when I got there, it was a pretty blandly-seasoned and soupy ground-beef slop. It's pretty clear that they had pots of beef and beans on their line and they spooned up a glob of beans and slopped it down on one side, then the same with the beef on the other side, folded it and cooked it - very careless and insulting. I tried another dish from someone else in my party - alambres (skillet-fried chopped meat and veggies mixed with cheese, usually seasoned similar to fajitas). They also were very bland and had a rather mushy (not tender, mushy) texture. Along with the dishes, we ordered a pitcher of margaritas. This was even more dissappointing; the flavor was very much poor (completely absent any fresh lime juice), and there was virtually no tequila, and it was $30 for that.
(1)Phil V.
We tried Miguel's on a Saturday night and it lived up to its reputation for long waits. We opted for one of the three tables available outside to avoid the wait. The other people waiting lurking over us while we ate was a little annoying but thankfully they were as polite as they possibly could be. We tried the guacamole appetizer and that was delicious along with the chips and salsa. I ordered a Pacifico and my wife had a mixed drink. Very good. For our mains we had the beef fajitas and a spicy pork chimichanga. This is where Miguel's fell from grace. The fajitas were bland and the chimichanga was filled with more refried beans than pork. The Spanish rice is awful, but the frijoles were very good. The service was poor. Our waitress struggled to be both busy and pleasant. I don't think we'd return or recommend this place to a friend.
(2)Shanna D.
Came for brunch, was great! Had Miguel's Benedict. I also had some crazy watermelon drink (I think) it was good but was so sweet I couldn't finish it. Service was exceptional.
(4)Carlos H.
Miguel's has long been one of my favorite places to get Mexican food in Tampa Bay. It doesn't have the super authentic taste that I get from Vallarta's but it comes pretty close and has it's own unique taste to its food. Prices are very affordable and you can get full here for really cheap. My friend and I came for lunch one day and I was really amazed at the prices. The place has undergone some changes to make some snazzy outdoor seating that didn't exist before and overall the restaurant looks like it really is more presentable and more upscale. I love ordering their burritos, enchiladas, or their carne asada. All good dishes here. We really don't go to this place enough and I wish it was closer to my house so I could go all the time. UT students are lucky to be situated so close.
(4)Shauna E.
Food: When you sit down, the bus boy drops off a basket of perfectly fried tortilla chips and the most addictive salsa ever. The food is fresh, interesting, and so delicious. I'm in love with the spinach enchiladas- fresh and pureed spinach in a cilantro cream sauce with refried beans and rice. Drinks: They have a full bar. Smoothies. Soda. Iced tea. I love their mojito and my sisters say they make a mean margarita. Decor: Recently remodeled, Miguel's now boasts a beautiful new bar, and a more updated, crisp, modern appearance. Very perfect for the neighborhood. Get comfortable to your neighbor though--tables are tight and there is not a ton of room to walk around/spread out. Service: While the food always comes out fairly fast, the service leaves something to be desired. Wait staff are not the most friendly, attentive, or helpful--though I have seen worse. Drinks at the bar take awhile. The hostesses do not care if you made a reservation, you will wait. Don't let the less than stellar service deter you from coming though--the food MORE than makes up for it!
(4)Norma K.
The seafood enchilada had three pieces of seafood and was extremely salty. I was disappointed....!
(3)Josh C.
I just to run to this post this morning and write this review. A long time tourist of Tampa. Last night while driving around, my girlfriend and I passed this restaurant, which has a phenomenal display from the outside. The inside was really beautiful, great set up I must say. I have dined at a lot of four and five star dining, and this place decor is amongst the best. We were served that wonderful chip and salsa that everyone posted about. That was about the best meal of our night. We both ordered the chimigunga entree which was one of the worst Mexican meals I ever had. The worst I have ever experienced. The dish authenticity is gone. It was easy to identify that they have grown to the point, where authenticity has been compromised by utilizing box products over natural species and products to cook the food. Price for the quality of food doesn't match. Over priced for what they are serving. Overall, the drinks were good and the chip and salsa. Beyond that, this experienced will never have is return to this place. Quality should never be sacrificed for money. I hope this post provide a true evaluation for future consumers. Hope your enjoying Tampa if your ready this post.
(2)Sean K.
Awesome food, great specials. Loved the fajitas
(4)Marcy R.
Not t best....informed waiter of cilantro allergy...was told I could only order tacos or quesadillas so I ordered shrimp tacos.....they came covered in cilantro! Other issue....ordered a margarita on t rocks....had 2 of them...when bill came I was charged $21.00 for my 2 margaritas! Seems I was given top shelf liquor without even being asked! My spouse did not like his meal n was ill later that night.....won't b visiting again!
(1)David J.
I've always found it strange that an area with a pretty significant Mexican population has so few Mexican restaurants so I'm glad that we have Miguel's now. Having dined in Mexico and California, I can't say that Miguel's is the best Mexican food I've ever had, but it's definitely the best we've found in the Tampa Bay area in recent years. The dining area is a little cramped, but that's because it's a small place and everyone in Tampa who wants decent Mexican food has to go to Miguel's so it's always crowded. The tables outside would be perfect if the building weren't so close to the busy street out front, but they're still my preference.
(4)Rosie P.
Stopped her for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. The outside of the building is old concerete and grey, but once you get to the entrance area, it's nicely segmented from the busy roadway. There are curtains and plants hat block out the busy street. The interior decor is old Spanish - think dark woods, beautiful metal, crisp white linens. We were greeted immediately and sat at a table in the corner. The first thing I noticed was that the waiters knew so many of the customers on a first-name basis. It seemed to be a very family-oriented place and I knew it was going to be good because they ahd a lot of regulars! We placed our orders and enjoyed the warm chips and spicy salsa. The bowl was full of chips and we never ran out of salsa to dip them into. I ordered the chicken chimichanga. It came with a side of rice and refried beans. The chimichanga was smothered in melted cheese with a dollop of sour cream. The chimichanga was crispy and delicious. The chicken was well-seasoned and it was a HUGE portion...probably enough for three people. The refried beans could have used some salt. The rice wasn't really good at all. It had no taste, but it was loose and wasn't sticky...a nice texture. The rice needed a lot of seasoning - more than a salt and pepper shaker could have provided. The chimichanga really needed something light to contrast the heaviness. I wish I'd asked to subsititute lettuce and some pico de gallo for the rice and refried beans. Overall, it was a very good chimichanga, but the sides could use some work. Our waiter was fine - nothing out of this world and he never refilled our drinks (which seemed kind of pricey for Pepsi.)
(4)Julie P.
The best top shelf Don Julio margaritas EVER! They are a little expensive but worth every penny! We literally try margaritas everywhere we go only to be disappointed - these are the best we've ever found and thankfully we only live 2 minutes away! The chips and salsa, guacamole and refried beans are all excellent. We don't order a lot of the full meals but everyone around us does and loves it!
(5)Cathie D.
I've been here before, but had never checked in. Came for weekday lunch with coworkers. Luckily we came earlier b/c it got crowded with a wait quickly! Service was quick & friendly. Salsa is one of the best of I've had. I had the India, which was very good! Just a little messy to eat! Very tasty, quick service, good value! They've done a great job redecorating although it's not your typical Mexican decor. Also looked they added additional parking, which was desperately needed!
(4)Kevin H.
Went to Miguel's on a Friday night and got there at 6 pm with a group of 7 (5 adults and 2 kids). We were told it would be a 15 minute wait, which we didn't mind. After 25 minutes we asked about the status and they said they don't know when people will finish eating so had NO clue when we would get in. I asked for the manager and she was no more helpful. After 30 minutes a server came outside and took a drink order (which would have been nice but the drinks never came). At 50 minutes we asked again, but still no tables (even though many tables that could have been joined together had left and since re-used. After 1 hour we finally got in and the table wasn't even set properly and no high chair was even at the table (it was asked for when we first got there). We asked for a booth so that we could put a car seat in the booth to be safer than putting it on a chair, we were told that it is the owner's policy not to have kids in booths. Finally we got seated to another manager(?) saying I know your complaining "Do we have to move you or will you settle down?" which was completely uncalled for as we had been respectful the entire time. The server then said "What has happened is not my fault, so don't give me a hard time!" again, really? The server did a good job of serving after that and the night was salvaged, no thanks to the manager(s) and the hostesses. I have gone to Miguel's so many times for business lunches, but this certainly soured my thoughts of them.
(1)Kate T.
I went to Miguel's for the 3rd time in about a month last night. It's always delicious and becoming one of my go-to spots for dinner with my regular dinner companion and out of town friends.
(5)Sam Q.
Miguels is my favorite Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed and they have the best tasting carnitas in all of Tampa. The obligatory chips and salsa are pretty decent too. Algusto is just down the road with a little nicer atmosphere. They are both good although their food style is a little different. Algusto is a little more "sophisticated" if you will, but by no means better. Just different. If you like Mexican try both out. Miguel's is sure to satisfy your carnitas craving. Fajitas, burritos, and tacos are all nice, large portions and prices are very reasonable. I'm a fan!
(4)The Food L.
Absolutely mind blowing - amazing food. Mike is with me he he said, 'who gives a place this this less then 5 star and I replied idiots'.
(5)Meghann A.
After hearing so many great things about Miguel's, I have to say I was severely disappointed in my first visit there yesterday. The menu was typical Mexican fare - heavy and boring - and there was nothing fun or intriguing about the atmosphere. It was dull, quiet, and dark. I will give them credit for the salsa (it was quite chunky and tasty), but I wasn't a fan of the server who spilled the salsa near my right arm then never offered to wipe it up. Even after I attempted to clean it up with my lone paper towel, I was playing "dodge the salsa spill" with my arm the entire meal. The salad I ordered was wilted with maybe one or two tomatoes, a single cucumber slice and browning avocado. The chicken on top was quite good, but didn't make up for the rest of the salad contents. For $10, I expected more. This is a restaurant I will not be returning to on my own.
(1)Saya G.
My new favorite restaurant in Tampa Bay! Went to Miguel's on a recommendation for great Mexican food in honor of Cinco de Mayo and it did not disappoint. The wait was long, but again it was May 5, Derby Day, and a Sat. night, so if there wasn't a long wait, I'd be skeptical. We sat at the bar on the patio (love the patio) and ordered a pitcher of frozen margaritas, which awesomely came in a swinging jar of Patron. We also got chips and guac which came with their very tasty salsa. The guac wasn't the best ever, but it was good. The bar staff was great and juggling a very full bar and it was an interesting scene on the patio - all ages, from shorts and flip-flops to cocktail dresses, couples, friends, just about anything goes. We did have one odd experience where a waitress came by, dropped her basket of chips all over the bar, and was so embarrassed, she just scooped them back in and left them up there as if none of us noticed. But as soon as we told the bartender what happened, he threw them away. They text you when your table's ready (genius), and our dinner was SO good. I got the spinach enchiladas, and my boyfriend got a steak salad. We had enough for leftovers and the bill was reasonable.
(5)Kelly Q.
From the outside this restaurant looks pretty sketchy, but this is totally not the case. I was so impressed by the decor and atmosphere, from the patio to the indoor dining area, this is Mexican chic. Our waiter was friendly, the drinks were strong, and the food was fantastic. I'm definitely going back here again. And the dinnerware was so unique and authentic.
(4)Eric H.
I thought the food here was pretty good. Portion sizes were big and salsa was tasty. I wouldn't say it was the best mexican food, but it was well worth the price. I'd recommend this place.
(4)Steph G.
Miguel's is consistently scrumptious Mexican. I love their tamales! They just recently remodeled and expanded into a gorgeous restaurant/bar. If you haven't been in a while, check it out!
(4)Lisa R.
I love Miguel's. It isn't perfect but there are many great things, starting with the cinnamony sangria, yum! The outside looks dated but inside is intimate and cozy, a beautiful bar and outside area. I like the rellenos and the enchiladas. The only thing I don't like? The tamales. Maybe it's a question of taste. They should also take the references to Kobe beef off the menu. Please! Miguel's is good to great Mexican food in a fun atmosphere for a reasonable price.
(3)Rhea P.
Definitely taste authentic. I ordered take away, the rice had sort of a crunchy feel to it that I was not expecting. I did not receie chips and salsa with take out. The enchiladas were not what I expected as well. Soapaillas were excellent along with the ice cream. The service was actually great. The server was was very friendly and approachable. Not sure I would go back again, however it seems like a solid choice for a Mexican meal.
(3)R M.
Even though there was nobody in the restaurant , when we checked in , we had to wait. In the meantime 2 other customers who came in were seated and prompted. There were so many waiters around who very calmly walked by us many times ignoring us. We felt we were discriminated because of our ethnicity. We had to ask to be served and were never given the brunch menu- had to ask for it . Food was ok. This is our second time here. First time too service was just fair. We don't like to go to restaurant where people are treated according to the color of their skin!!!!
(1)Dave S.
I have driven by Miguel's many times and was not impressed with the outside. However, don't let the outside fool you. We made a reservation based on other Yelp reviews and were seated right away. We of course had chips and salsa which was pretty good. I ordered the beef burrito, which was a bit disappointing cause the beef had little flavor and was very greasy. However, my wife ordered a combo with a steak taco -delicious, a chicken enchillada - pretty good and a chicken taquita - good. She really enjoyed her meal. It also came with beans, rice and all the trimmings - sour cream, guacamole lettuce, tomato etc. My burrito did not. :-( Our friends both ordered Quesadilla's and enjoyed them. I had a beer and my wife had a skinny margarita, which was a little strong. One with dinner was definitely enough. Service was quick and friendly. Would like to go back and try something other than the burrito. My wife raved about the steak (and she's not a huge steak eater) so would like to try a steak meal. She claim's it's the best Mexican she's had in the Tampa Bay area....I'm not sold yet.
(3)Aaron M.
when mexican and south tampa collide.. get the el hombres.. and thank me later. gets a bit busy and parking is a bit tight.. but the ambiance and service is awesome.
(5)Phil L.
Great food starting with homemade tortilla chips and salsa. Shrimp stuffed jalapeno poppers are fantastic and all our entrees were authentic are delicious. And if you like tequila, they have about 100 bottles to choose from too. It's crowded at a prime time, so be ready for a bit of a wait, but it is worth it. Recently expanded parking lot helps relieve some of the congestion.
(5)Tim J.
MONEY!! I came here on the recommendation of a co-worker for my birthday dinner, and I am really glad I did. I would have waited til later so I could have managed an appetizer and dessert as well. Hopefully my next visit (which will be soon) will be as good as this visit. I tried the Alambres, which are basically fajitas with chicken, steak, and chorizo. Everything was so tender and cooked perfectly. Both of the people I went with agreed, and enjoyed their meals completely. Two of us being Chefs for many years, completely empty plates is the highest compliment, and we both gave them that. I am a mexican food fiend, and this is the best I've had in a couple years. Although it was my birthday, I didn't drink as I had a big night planned ahead, but can't wait to get back and try the margaritas.
(5)A S.
This place is just ok for mexican food. the food was mediocre, the service was not very good and for mexican food it was extremely overpriced. Stick with a taco wagon if you want good food and value.
(2)Kasha W.
I really like Miguel's, they have very good food and their prices are not unreasonable. It is hard to find a good Mexican restaurant let alone a Mexican seafood restaurant!
(4)Christine G.
We had a call-ahead reservation for 7pm. We weren't seated until 7:45 and after that long of a wait we expected a decent table. We were seated by a loud hallway and the table was slanting so badly that we were afraid our dishes would fall in my brother-in-law's lap. When we asked for a better table, the manager Angela came over and smugly stated that she had no other tables so we would have to start our wait again if we didn't stay in our current table. She did not come across as sincerely caring in the slightest and we observed that immediately afterwards she went to the hostess stand and appeared to imitate us to the other employees. They all turned around and looked and subsequently our waitress's attitude toward us changed. We had to shake it off to not allow her lack of professionalism ruin our evening. We enjoyed the food and drinks as always but I don't know if we will go back considering the lack of customer service and poor attitude of the staff and management.
(2)Steven C.
I call this mexican as its fajitas and chimichangas but its really to classy to be called a mexican restaurant. Most mexican restaurants serve pre made food off of the truck. Caned beans and frozen rice. When your plate comes out really hot that means they have a conveyor belt oven like a pizza joint. Thats why your food comes out so quick. This place make their food fresh unlike what most of you call "authentic."
(5)Emily S.
Delicious margaritas to go with delicious, authentic Mexican food! I went here for lunch while I was in town visiting my family. I had not been to Miguel's in years so I had to try it out. I loved how big the new space is. I am glad we did not sit on the patio because it was so loud out there! Being right on Kennedy is not very relaxing with all of the noise from the busy street. The lighting inside makes it feel like an old cantina. They start you with chips and salsa, and the salsa is the perfect mix of chunky and spice. I ordered one of there multiple maragritas and it did not disappoint! For lunch, I enojoyed the special of enchiladas... YUM!! You should definitely check this place out if you want some legit Mexican food!
(4)Franklyn T.
The restaurant in itself has a lot of seating; the decor is trendy and has a large bar. I had the poblano peppers which were good, just crazy on the cheese! Also my gf dish was covered in it. The service was great, attentive server (knowledgeable and provided options when mentioned we were vegetarian; tip: chorizo in all the beans). Definitely good choice for Mexican in Tampa! Will come back!
(4)Tom K.
Fantastic! Don't let the outside fool you, this is a first class place. Clean, modern inside. Much nicer than most strip-mall Mexican restaurants. Service was excellent: friendly, personal, and attentive without being annoying. Margarita tasted homemade and super fresh. Be sure to ask for the "hot" salsa, if that's your thing. it has a really great smoky flavor. Food was excellent with generous portions and very fair pricing. There is also a beautiful outdoor seating area that you can't see form the street. it's a beautiful courtyard with trees, string lights, and a fountain. Very nice atmosphere.
(5)Dillon K.
One of my favorite places to eat in ALL of Tampa Bay area!!! After living most of my life in New Mexico I have learned a thing or two about GOOD Mexican food. I must say most places in Florida have left a bad tatste in my mouth. Miguel's has changed all that. The food is AMAZING and all the staff is friendly. You can't go wrong when you pick Miguel's.
(5)Elsa W.
This restaurant looks a little dicey from the outside, but don't let that deter you. The food is outstanding and the service is great. The sauteed white fish tacos are excellent.
(4)Mandi S.
Best Mexican food in the Bay Area! The service hasn't been that great during my past couple of visits though. Try their Mexican tacos with the grilled beef and chicken; they're delicious.
(4)Stephanie B.
Was recommended this restaurant by a friend, but unfortunately problems with the food and service will likely keep all of us from ever returning. Decided to order a pitcher of margaritas since all 4 wanted some, we were given a half full pitcher consisting mostly of ice and 4 tiny little glasses. After asking our waitress and then a manager what was up with our pathetic drinks, we were given some made up excuse about the pitcher being hand blown and Bla Bla Bla. We realized it would have been cheaper to order our drinks separately and we would have gotten more alcohol. So we tried to move on from the drinks, ordered seafood enchiladas and my friend's had rocks in it! Maybe the shellfish wasn't washed thoroughly, but when we told out waitress, she was confused about what she should do, and decided to send a manager over, who never came. Lets just say that this place seems like it's run by a bunch of teenagers, the clueless, argumentative staff made sure that we never recommend this place to OuR friends! (Aside from the bad experiences, the food tasted good).
(2)Jason R.
This is not your ordinary Mexican joint. Really cool spins on traditional recipes with many dishes to choose from. Try the seafood enchiladas... really good. The prices are quite low for the quality of the food. The decor is surprisingly modern and they have some really cool additional outside seating areas. My only gripe is that the wait staff, although friendly, were a little inattentive. A small cabal of them were sitting at the bar loudly bitching about some such. I would like to think it was something deep like the debt ceiling or child hunger... but I doubt it.
(4)Jim M.
This is NOT a vegetarian friendly restaurant. Almost everything there has flesh products - beans included. I never was told whether the chips were fried in lard or not. There is also nothing for a person with gluten issues. Chips and "corn tortillas have flour in them. However, outside of having nothing other than salad to offer me, our server did an admirable job. An overall food nightmare.
(1)David J.
Tops in Tampa. We just moved from California and were in the mood for some good Mexican food. We had passed Miguel's on the way home several times and finally stopped in for a bite. It's was GREAT! The Waiters were friendly and the food came out fast. I cleaned my plate, it was really good.
(4)Nick Z.
I went here for the 1st time with my GF after a half Marathon. We were craving margarita's and they delivered. These were tasty (we ordered top shelf). Great presentation as well. The chips and salsa were very good and the meals themselves were great. Unfortunately we ate way too many chips and salsa to fully enjoy our meals. It was also a bit pricey.
(4)Little G.
be very careful with renting the VIP room..... kids are not allowed and God forbid you don't tip.......Ms . Angela , the general manager says she will call the cops......what a riot !!!!! Prefer Señor Tequilas On Dale Mabry.
(1)John N.
as close as to mexican food you'll get in Tampa. The outdoor patio area is the place to dine. parking isnt ideal. but better than an empty parking lot.
(4)Cynthia S.
Great drinks I recommend the Tequila Avion Margarita was refreshing, The food was what I consider average American style Mexican food, friendly staff nice scenery in the back patio hot but nice to still have the sky view. Good time to go is 2pm happy hour half off drinks, Not bad, although not half off with the Avion Margarita just the house Margarita big difference in compare...
(3)Gina C.
The food was good, but it wasn't authentic Mexican food. I enjoyed the ambiance and the meal. I was hoping for a more authentic meal.
(2)Megan W.
LOVE going here for lunch and their margaritas are insanely good. The decor is beautiful and the margaritas are good. Did I say the margaritas are great? OK :) I have never had a bad meal here but have not been for dinner.
(4)Mariana R.
Excellent Mexican food!!.. The guacamole is really good!.. And all the entrees are delicious!. The portions are pretty big!!... Also, the cocktails are great!!... The outdoor area is very nice!.. I think this is one of the best options for Mexican food in Tampa!,
(4)Tiffany B.
Great little place. I love the patio area. It's nice even on a hot summer night, as they have fans outdoors. The servers are very attentive, the food is great, and the prices are pretty reasonable. This is definitely my new go-to Mexican spot! Also, you must, must try the Enchiladas Miguel. My favorite!
(4)Darlene C.
Things have changed since we were last at Miguel's. The atmosphere is brighter and classier. The service is excellent. The food better than I remember. With so few good Mexican options in Tampa, this was a delightful rediscovery.
(4)Lauren H.
Love the fresh tortillas, homemade margaritas, and fajitas.
(5)Always B.
I came to this Mex restaurant under the impression that it is probably gonna end up with the same ole lame ole TexMex BS. To my surprise..... I had a house margarita' Delicious!!!!!!! As Hell!!!!!! I had to ask the server what was in the marg mix. Totally not bulk bought. You will love it! Trust me. Then...... The salsa that comes with the traditional chips as you are seated, is flavorful to say the least. But not only that, they have a hidden offer for a bit spicier version of salsa that you can choose, FREE. Get it if you like something that'll creep up on your end later. Pun intended. I guess. My childhood friend who has lived here in this area for years, decades.... Even agrees that he will be back to this place after this being his first experience here. Mark H. Tampa Elite Yelper.... Check his pics and review out to fulfill. But the good!!!!!!! Home made tortillas... Very delectable. I left with food and will be back.
(5)TA T.
Miguel's has a beautiful atmosphere, and we enjoyed our margaritas very much. Our server was also friendly and pleasant. However, my guacamole was pretty bland - it tasted like the creamy, almost white-colored cheap guac that comes in a plastic container at the grocery store. And I was pretty dismayed by my garden salad .... once again it was like something that comes in a bag at the grocery store. Tasteless, almost white iceberg lettuce, bland veggies.
(2)Dave J.
Miguel's Mexican Cafe in Tampa was a bit of a surprise. Finding passable Mexican in Florida can be tough if you're not a local. I recommend Miguel's. Miguel's while casual dinning is just a bit more upscale than the typical Mexican restaurant, yet even though I was wearing shorts and flip-flops I didn't feel out of place. Starting off were the free chips and salsa, the chips were excellent the salsa a first seemed a little mild for my taste. As I continued eating I felt a nice little burn. Salsa gets a 3. For my dinner I had the Carnita's De Puerco, the pork was very tender and not loaded with chunks of fat that you often find in pork dishes. The rice and beans were excellent. The Margarita's were a cut above the standard 'Rita found most anywhere else. The outdoor seating was small and decorated well, though be advised it sits only about 6 feet form the street, so it can get noisy. The bottom line, if in Tampa, and you want Mexican with an upscale feel try Miguel's Mexican Cafe.
(4)Beth S.
Miguel's is my go to for good Mexican food. It's a little on the pricey side for Mexican but it's always tasty with quick, friendly service. Since they've expanded the parking situation is much, much better and they have killer margaritas.
(5)Cheryl C.
The Good = I love the Ceviche! It's the best I've had and big portion too! The atmosphere is nice. The house margarita is great and tacos are yummy too. The Bad = I love cheese but I have now discovered that there is such a thing as too much cheese. All the things I have ordered with cheese ended up being a plate of cheese and like a pepper in it. But if you love a plate of cheese than you would be all over there dished with any cheese in it. So for me I just don't under things with cheese in it and all is okay.
(4)Miss B.
This was a perfect lunch choice When it was suggested I was skeptical since I never had mexican food. Ample parking and the sitting area in the front was cute so I asked to sit outside. We were led to the back of the restaurant. I thought the front was cute, the back was better. There was a courtyard with a full bar. I didn't expect that. and was very inviting. There were a few TVs there as well. I had the India and a prickly pear margarita which were awesome. I would definately go back.
(4)Susie G.
Had a quick stop in Tampa on our way back to CA, and needed a Mexican food fix. Based upon reviews on Yelp, we visited this restaurant. Waited for greeter as she was fixing tables. Once we were seated, a very friendly waitress appeared and was helpful in as we made our selections. Chips were good, portions were generous, and even though there were some unfamiliar flavors in the food, we left glad we had chosen this restaurant. Main negative was the noise level of the speakers and the somewhat crowded placement of tables. Would definitely recommend.
(4)Meg B.
Kyle the friendly bartender mixes an amazing top shelf margarita, the best I've ever had! I recommend the red snapper tacos. Great service. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Lynn W.
This was our first dining experience at Miguel's. We were very impressed with the margaritas. I got the top shelf made with patron and it was the perfect elixir. I had the authentic Miguel's salad with the best roasted chicken. It was delicious. We had reservations and I'm glad we did as it was jamming. The service was excellent and the restaurant is very nicely decorated. Loved the linen tablecloths. We will definitely return
(5)JT M.
This place only gets its traffic because of location. All the South Tampa folks frequent, but there are much better Mexican restaurants with a few more miles of driving. The service also leave much to be desired.
(2)Emilee Y.
Almost a five here. This is the best Mexican food I have ever had. The chips and salsa are fresh and delicious.I ordered the Alambres and cleaned my plate of the giant portion. I can't stop thinking about it, it was that good. The reason for the 4 was poor service. Too bad, but that certainly won't stop me from going back, like right now!
(4)Vernon E.
The chips are served warm and the salsa is excellent ( it is not to hot and not runny ). The food is great. I would recommend this restaurant to any one. Im from Texas and have had some great Mexican food and Miguels can match up with any of them. Keep up the great service and great food.
(5)L.A. S.
My husband and I stopped by around lunch time today because we saw the parking lot had a lot of cars and figured it should be safe. When we arrived we were seated promptly and provided chips, salsa and drinks with in 1 minute of sitting down. The place does pack a lot of tables in to a little spot, yet it didn't seem cramped... I forgot the name of what I ordered, but it was off of the combination part of the menu. It came with 2 tostadas, a chicken enchilada, and beef crispy taco, beans and rice. All were more than what I expected. The taste of everything was wonderful. I generally do not like crunchy tacos, but Miguels were delicious, the ground beef actually had a lot of flavor. If we ever end up in Tampa again, I'm going for like 3 of these bad boys. One of the tostadas came with just plain queso, the other with bean, cheese, lettuce and tomato. The shell part was way better than what you would find at your average mexican joint, it was crispy and flaky....not just a giant tortilla chip topped with a pile of crap so high you don't know how to begin eating it. My husband ordered a pork dish. It came out as 2 chunks of cooked pork which didn't look like much, but once you start in on it....it's definitley enough. His also came with sour cream, pico, rice, and a bean soup. All was very tasty. The bean soup had pinto beans, bacon, and cliantro I belive. It wasn't an overwhelming amount of flavor..it was just right. I kind of wished mine had come with that instead of refri beans. This certainly is not "Authentic" aka "Southwestern" Mexican food, as some have complained about. But it's pretty darned good. I'm not one who likes spicy food, but I do like good flavor....which is why I think this place ROCKS! I just wish it was so much closer than a 3 hour drive for me.....but that won't stop me from making the drive every couple months!! :)
(5)J D.
Read the reviews on Yelp and decided to give it a try. Growing up in Southern California and living in the Southwest for 30 yrs, I'm familiar with good Mexican food. Was hoping to find some here. The weather was awesome, so I sat outside on the patio. Chips & Salsa - They were a little too salty for my taste. The chips are very thin...I prefer thicker chips. The salsa was very mild....had no bite to it. I like spicy salsa, or at least the option to get spicy salsa. Entree - All of the entrees looked very appealing. The waiter told me that they now offer Kobe beef as an option for fajitas, tacos, carne asada, and a couple of other beef dishes. I decided to go with the Pollo Fundido Chimichanga.....this is a queso topped chimichanga (fried burrito) filled with cream cheese & chicken breast. It comes with a side of rice/beans on the plate. The dish was very tasty. Service - The waiter was friendly & helpful. The food came out fast and I was able to be seated quickly. I thought the staff was excellent. If the Pollo Fundido wasn't really good, this place was headed for 2 stars in my book. I will have to try a few more dishes before I can give it a definitive rating....it gets 3 stars for now. Will I come back? Yes, I probably will if I'm in the area. Although there are a few more places that I wanted to try.
(3)Farrah F.
Best Mexican I've had in Tampa Bay! The Tacos Marachuan-AMAZING! The margaritas were tasty. I lived in California and would drive to Mexico for dinner, it's hard to find good mexican food in central Florida. This is very authentic and the best I've found so far in Tampa!
(4)Rich D.
Had dinner with 4 friends at Miguel's last weekend, and it was my first visit there. We ate in the indoor dining area which was nicely appointed. It appears you can also eat at the bar, as well as outside in the front. There's also a very nice, much newer patio bar area at the rear of the building that appears like it may have no roof. Service was prompt throughout our meal, except for several times when we had to search for our server for drink refills. After that small rough spot, the service was excellent throughout the rest of the dinner. The complimentary chips and salsa were quite good, with the salsa getting my big thumbs up for flavor. I had the pork enchiladas, with are filled with sauteed spicy pork topped with tomatillo sauce, monterrey jack cheese, & sliced avocado. The enchiladas were excellent, with well-seasoned pork accented by the tasty enchilada sauce. The standard rice and beans accompanying the entree tasted fresh and were also well-seasoned. My friend with a big appetite next to me had a gargantuan special known as "Consuelos Favorite", which is a 2 serving meal. His first plate included a tostada topped with chile con queso and second tostada with beans, cheese, lettuce, & tomatoes. It arrived in lightning time after ordering, likely within about 3 minutes. The rest of the party's meals arrived in short order, while his second plate of 1 enchilada manuel & 1 crispy beef taco soon followed. My eager friend had big compliments for both plates, and the rest of the party gave compliments for all of their dishes. The other four members of the party finished off their meal by splitting a fried ice cream dessert which they all raved about. As for value, my meal was about $9 and the "Consuelos Favorite" was $11.50, as I recall, all excellent values, in my opinion. Most of the other meals were in the same range, as I recall. Most of the entrees on the menu indicated to me that Miguel's is aiming at the sweet spot for Tex-Mex food on U.S. palates. I didn't taste anything ground-breaking that hinted at super authentic tastes of various regional Mexican cuisines, but Miguel's did everything well, and delivered solidly on what they were aiming for.... which is no small accomplishment. For most folks with those expectations, I imagine they would be very satisfied. I would eat there again, but when it comes to Mexican food I usually prefer a number of other places that are aiming for flavors closer to what you'll find south of the border. Atmosphere: 4 Service: 4 Food: 3 Value: 4
(4)Chrissy B.
Very fresh...huge portions...tastes amazing. .had the shrimp fajitas...and the stuffed jalapenos. James the waiter was terrific...atmosphere was cozy....definitely will go back.
(4)Lance W.
I've yet to find good Mexican food in Tampa so this isn't the place.
(2)Dwanna W.
The Tea was great!!!! This place is overpriced and the food is like a fast food drive in. The food was brought out less than five minutes so which indicates nothing is fresh. I ordered the cheese enchiladas the basic of all Mexican food and I nearly choked on the cheese!!! It was hard and greasy!!! I wasn't sure what they meant by Chile con Crap! so i ordered on the side. It looked like wet dog food warmed up out of can!! I advised them to take it away immediately. They still charge me for it. Good thing I don't live far because a restroom was needed shortly after leaving.. Never ever will i eat here again!!!!!
(1)Brian S.
So after living in Channelside for a year and a half I always noticed the line forming at Miguel's almost every time I drove by it. After I found out that it's not your regular run of the mill mexican restaurant i decided to check it out. The inside of the restaurant is somewhat dark maybe even a little too dark but I've noticed that of many mexican restaurants. they have two bars one inside and one in the back in an outdoor patio area. the indoor bar was full so I went to the patio. The menu is big with lots of choices and all standard mexican fare with a new age contemporary twist. The dish I got was the Kobe carne Asada. That's made with Australian Wagu beef very similar to the Japanese Wagu that costs an exorbitnant amount per pound. i got it Mid-Rare and it was unbelieably tender, flavorful, juicy, mouth-watering. it was seared and cooked to absolute perfection with very crusty grilled edges though that were not too burnt and had a very satisfying crunch and taste. the middle of the Carne Asada was tender melt in your mouth. Probably the best steak I've had since being in Tampa. The dish came with rice, frejoles charros, grilled onion and tomato with complimented the steak perfectly a fried jalapeño, and corn tortilla's. They also have happy hour and seems like a great place to have some drinks maybe some tequila shots and meet some people. Definitely a place I will be returning to and hanging out at. My only gripe with the dish and the reason I only gave it 4 stars is that the dish was a little on the greasy side. That would be the only downfall of this dish, and I know that it is possible to execute this this without all that grease and it would still be delicious.
(4)Mary B.
I went to Miguel's on a random weeknight to grab a quick dinner. The service was great and it wasn't super packed. I ended up with a taco special of some sort. Shrimp, rice and beans. I thought it tasted great. Their chips and salsa is nothing to write home about, but I do appreciate when it is complimentary. Their (somewhat) new renovation really takes the place up a notch. The outside area would be great for a cocktail party or even a rehearsal dinner.
(4)Danielle R.
I thought Miguel's was pretty good, but not great. The chips and salsa are good and it's a nice atmosphere inside the restaurant. I got the chicken fajitas which were pretty good and my fiance got enchiladas which he enjoyed. I didn't eat a lot of my entree as I was full and got a to-go box. Half-way out the door I realized I left it on the table and someone had already thrown it out. It annoyed me a bit, as it had been just a minute and I wish they would have held it. I felt like I threw away $15.
(3)John Y.
I been here about 4 times. The food has always been fresh and well-prepared. They bring you chips and salsa as soon as you sit down. The service has been excellent every time I've been there. The prices are extremely reasonable, probably below the usual and customary average for the area. The only thing I can find negative to say is that their chairs are hard on your behind. The seat is made out of a hard rope type material rather than a cushion.
(5)Jennifer B.
Great friendly staff and super yummy!
(5)Leslie F.
It is not the most authentic eatery, but their dishes are just excellent. I've sampled numerous menu items-all very tasty- but their seafood selections are by far their secret specialties. The seafood enchilada is stuffed with gigantic jumbo scallops, shrimp and crab. It is take your breath away, fantastic. I am also a fan of their Tacos Michoacan. These cantina style tacos are healthy, fresh and so yummy with an abundance of cilantro, queso cotijo, crunchy cabbage, onions and substantial slices of avocado. With a new elegant dining room and a serene patio added with recent renovations they took the mood to a whole new level. Oh, and be sure to try one of their fresh fruit blended margaritas-they are filled with chunks of fruit...simply amazing!
(4)Pamela D.
The most authentic fine-dining Mexican cuisine I've found in Tampa thus far. I came here after seeing their Sunday brunch advertised on the side of a city bus. Yes, I'm that asshole driver too busy gawking at buses to notice the light turning from red to green. SUCK IT, DUDE IN THE CAVALIER, I WAS HONGRAY. So I wound up at Miguel's. Located on scenic (NOT) Kennedy Blvd in a lovely (NOT) neighborhood. The inside was huge and dark and cold much like your mom's.....Anyway, I say outside in a caged patio. Why cages you ask? Well, just in case a horrific accident should take place on the always hectic Kennedy Blvd, I'm assuming. They're keeping you safe from flaming debris. Brunch was served to the soothing sounds of honking horns. The brunch menu was decent but....not really as decent as I'd hoped. And the thing is, I'm not down to pay $14 for food from a Mexican restaurant. So I decided on the $9 tamales and also ordered a $7 Bloody Mary. The Mary was average and if you aren't a celery fan, avoid it. Personally, I enjoy the weird salty and earthy taste of celery. My tamales were amazing however. I definitely felt as if I got my moneys worth. The beans and rice were awesome, and everything was piping hot. My friend ordered a burrito, and not being accustomed to traditional Mexican food, asked "where are the vegetables?!". He quickly warmed up to the idea of a giant burrito so stuffed with meat and cheese that one has to eat it with a fork. Burritos, quesadillas and tamales are probably the cheapest menu items here. I felt bad ordering the cheapest, somehow worrying that it wouldn't be enough, but it left me with a big box of leftovers. Definitely not so in love with this place that I'd order a more expensive dish, but I'd eat burritos at Miguel's over Taco Bus ANY DAY. Just probably not at 11:00 AM next time.
(3)Jim L.
This Mexican restaurant serves classic Mexican food, in a wonderful redone atmosphere, complete with an outdoor patio, cooled by mist fans. Kept cool outside, however ladies hair does not respond well to the mist. Food and service is great with a ten minute walk in wait. Can have and will go back. This is a pearl in Tampa. Try the guacamole. Delicious.
(5)Chad U.
Pretty typical Mexican restaurant. Salsa wasn't anything special, I like Mexican restaurants that have a signature salsa. Prices weren't too high. Service was very good. Ambiance is strange. One half of the place is casual the other half is really upscale. Maybe the entire place is being renovated? Regardless, I left not being blown away but not being disappointed. I'm still in search of a good Mexican restaurant in Tampa. Spending time in CA has spoiled me, I guess.
(3)Robert A.
I have been going to Miguel's for many years and have always liked their food. Since the make over there is something there that has changed.. It has gotten a little uppity for my taste. I ordered their Nachos which are the best in town . They were the smaller order but when I ordered a little sour cream the tacked on a $1.50 charge. Now come on that's like ordering a little butter and getting charged for it. It's lost it's Mexican charm to the place. prices are high now and the people a little bit more pretentious . What happened to the Miguel's we loved...too trendy now...sorry that is my take....
(3)Gregory N.
Great Mexican restaurant! Since I moved away from Houston eons ago, I have been on a mission to find a place to match the great TexMex joints in Texas. This place is the closest I have found. Now I live in Miami, where top-notch Mexican restaurants simply do not exist. We came in on a Saturday lunch, and the parking lot was mostly full. This is a good sign. The place was busy but we got seated right away and were served water, chips and salsa almost immediately, another good sign. I ordered the pork enchiladas because it was my favorite dish at Ninfa's in Houston, and I have not seen it anywhere else. They were delicious! The meat was so flavorful and moist, the melted cheese was perfect. The refried beans had chunks of green pepper in it and the rice had little kernels of corn, evidence that it was made in the kitchen with care and attention to detail. Around the table, my wife had tacos with beef in one, pork in one, and chicken in the last one. One son had Eggs Benedict served with a churrasco steak (only available because it was brunch), and other son had Chile Relleno. All were upbeat and enthusiastic about their food and we all agreed that this place was excellent. I don't know if this is the best Mexican food in Tampa, in Florida or even in their neighborhood. I can tell you with confidence that whenever I am in Tampa, I will come back to Miguel's!
(5)Carla M.
This is the best Mexican food in Tampa by far. I keep coming back here for the delicious queso and margaritas. I can't stop eating the food even though I have to pick around flies and hair.
(4)Leslie M.
On of my favorite restaurants! Their sangrias are amazing as well as the chicken fajitas!
(5)Madhvi S.
VEGETARIANS BEWARE! This is NOT Veggie-Friendly! SO, I came to Miguel's after looking at their EXTENSIVE menu. From outside, I will admit the place looked kinda shady, but it definitely got better inside. There's 4-person, 2-person seating all around and even a cute little bar. I began at the bar (best way to start a night) and ordered the strawberry margarita, which apparently they are known for. EH. There were pieces of strawberry in it, which SHOULD have been delicious. However, the strawberries were completely taste-less and so it was like drinking an OK-tasting margarita with odd, unidentifiable chunks in it. Now, the food. Salsa and chips were pretty decent. I was with three other people and we decided to share and so we ordered cheese enchiladas, spinach enchiladas and a cheese quesadilla. The cheese enchiladas was straight cheese and not even good tasting cheese. I am a LOVER of cheese and I thought this was TOO MUCH. I felt nauseous after the first three bites, each time thinking it would get better, but it just got worse. The spinach enchiladas were the same deal, except it was straight spinach. It was like an enchilada Popeye-style. Quesadillas were okay, again too much cheese. Lastly, what really pushed my buttons were the beans. All the beans had lard in them and so none of us vegetarians could eat them. We had one girl with us that wasn't vegetarian and she said they tasted bland, so obviously the lard made absolutely no difference. How am I supposed to enjoy a Mexican meal without beans! Oh, and the rice was ok. I wish I went to Taco Bell. Fo realz. P.S. If you DO decide to go, make sure to make a reservation!
(1)Aaron W.
This place has awesome food and outstanding atmosphere. The food: The fajitas are hands down the best in the Bay. The steak is flavorful and tender, served sizzling but not over done. Chips are served warm and the salsa just keeps coming. The recent remodel: The new addition to the dining room, and the outside bar is gorgeous. The patio bar is cool and breezy thanks to dozens of quiet fans that keep it comfortable even for a summer night. They have a fire pit with lounge couches (like Ocean Prime's fire pit) to sit around and enjoy the ambiance. Honestly, I have driven by and seen construction going on, but I had no idea it would turn out this good. My favorite Mexican restaurant just completely upped the bar. A+ Love this place!
(5)Yvonne G.
Recently had dinner here after a 7-year hiatus. Not sure why, but I just didn't recall it being anything special the last time I had dinner there. Hubby and I were in the mood for fresh Mexican so we decided to give it a try. Boy were we surprised! The margaritas were AMAZING, so was the Chile con Queso, guacamole and our dinners. I had the Enchiladas Verdes and my husband and some sort of combination plate that had so much food he could barely walk out of the place. We both left pleasantly surprised. The only drawback was the long wait for a table - we had no idea how popular of a place this is and we just decided to go last minute on a Saturday night. But the wait was not so bad. Even though it was cold outside, they had the heaters fired up on the patio and we had a good time just talking and catching up with our dinner guests. I can't wait to go again so I can try something different on the menu.
(4)T M.
LLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOVVVEEEE THHIIIIIIIIIIISSSS PLLAAAAAACCCCCEE!!! Best mexican food I have had yet. For all the haters, if you want super duper authentic mexican food, then take your ass to Mexico and find a clay hut in a run down town and ask them if you can stay for dinner, idiots.
(5)Elizabeth D.
My friends were visiting from Boston for the weekend and were feeling like some margaritas and chips. As soon as we walked in, I asked the hostess if we could sit outside. She briefly glanced outside where there was an open but uncleared table and said "No. You can sit here." and sat us at a table near the door. OK... thanks. My friends were not very impressed with their margaritas. My sangria was decent. I liked the sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The salsa was ok, but the chips definitely didn't stand out. The guacamole was tasty enough. We didn't like that there was a fluff of lettuce at the bottom of the cup to make it seem like there was more guacamole in it though. When they asked for more salsa, our waitress slapped the new cups of salsa on top of the old ones as if she couldn't be bothered to take the others away. I was the only one to order an entree. (Maybe that's where the attitude came from.) I asked our waitress how the tamales tasted since it was a "Miguel's special." She said they were very good, but the expression on her face didn't seem very genuine. I should have taken that as a sign. They were horrible. Three tamales, not served in a corn husk, topped with a sour cheese. I could barely get through 1/3 of the first one! The yellow rice was mushy, the refried beans could very well have been canned. I'd had better (and cheaper) refried beans at Taco Bus on Hillsborough. Thank goodness she had the heart to take it off my bill. That's the only reason they squeezed the second star out of me.
(2)Bobbie K.
Miguels has great margaritas and really yummy food with very generous portions. I like the outside patio bar area best because you forget that you are right off Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa when you're back there. Nice couches to lounge on or sit at the bar and enjoy chips and salsa and a cocktail. John "Aussie" is my favorite bartender there. Easy on the eyes and great service.
(4)Nelson T.
I *love* Miguel's! The service is always great. My biggest concern at restaurants is ending up with a server that comes across as annoyed that we have the audacity to order food. That's never been the case here, even when we go with parties of 8 more people (lunch getaways from the office). The food is fantastic and I love the free chips and salsa that they give you. This place is easily my favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa and I think my lunch crew would agree!
(5)Albert M.
Wow. This place is amazing. Looks like nothing from the outside, but it's very nice inside. Big place, that's really nicely appointed. The bar is huge and beautiful, the bathrooms are really nice too. Now the important part, the food. It was amazing, I ate with 2 other people and all of us where very happy with our food and with the prices. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Diana C.
YUmm! I can't believe it took me so long to go to Miguels. The atmosphere was great and as soon as I walked in I was ready for a margarita and chips and salsa. The food tasted pretty authentic. I ordered veggie fajitas and they were out of this world. They included spinach and corn in the veggie mix and I have never seen that before. I loved it. I loved their 'skinny' margarita too. It's not on the menu but they made it for me anyways :) I would definitely go back. I'm excited for when it cools down and I can sit on the patio.
(4)Windy C.
The best Mexican cuisine in South Tampa and still serves free chips and salsa with meals (a fast disappearing courtesy). Food and drinks were well made and service is attentive. Cuisine leans more towards Tex-Mex but more regional dishes fill out the menu. I've never left wanting more or dissatisfied. I know of more authentic and aesthetically pleasing Mexican dining venues in the Tampabay area but this is close to home and has all you would want. Quieter area in the back with fireplace if you're looking for crowd separation.
(4)Ottis T.
Just another boring, weak attempt at Mexican food. There are so many better options in the area, don;t believe the hype!
(2)Brian F.
After living 8 years in San Antonio, I missed dining on good Mexican food multiple times per week. Although I haven't tried all the Mexican restaurants the Tampa Bay Area has to offer, Miguels is as close as I've had to "authentic". Hint: Go "top shelf" for your margaritas. I was very pleased with the light chips, authentic salsa (not ketchup like other places in town), and decent green enchiladas. Only reason I say decent is they aren't picky with which parts of the chicken they use...they dice it to try to hide the less desirable.
(3)Sheila R.
Amazing - amazing - amazing! FRESH margaritas and innovative martinis, the best queso blanco that I've ever had and incredible enchiladas... Gorgeous decor with a cool bar in an outdoor courtyard, beautiful live orchids throughout the restaurant, great service and comfortable seating - we were looking for a nice Mexican meal and were surprised by how fantastic the whole experience was. This is a must-do the next time we're in Tampa!
(5)Kim R.
I LOVE the rice here! With that said, I was very disappointed ordering the spinach quesadilla. The spinach was canned rather than fresh making for one sad meal. Margaritas are delicious!
(4)Steve D.
I really wanted to love this place from the moment I walked in. Impressive. But the food was tasteless. The beef was watery. And the beans tasted metallic. Too bad really.
(3)Marcos O.
Hello Miguels!! Wow, was I impressed with this place! Their queso was one of the best I have had in the Bay Area. I enjoyed their steak tacos as my main meal and it was delicious, great corn tortillas!! It can get crowded very quickly, making wait times very long. Parking is horrendous, I was fortunate enough to find a spot nearby. Overall food and service are top notch. I have returned several times and will continue to.
(5)Ari B.
Don't be fooled by the shady appearance...this place is gorgeous on the inside. I've been here four or five times now and every dish I've had has ranged from great to stellar. I would definitely recommend sitting on the patio area if it's cool out, though the inside area is nothing to sneeze at. Also, their queso blanco and green enchiladas are great! You really can't go wrong with anything here, and the prices are comparable to most Mexican eateries. One thing I'll say though is that their servers can be a little absentminded. I asked one guy for queso blanco and he gave me regular queso...on correcting him he said he would be right back with the right one and ten minutes later he still hadn't come back. So one small negative. PROS: Great food! Decent prices Beautiful decor Great patio area in the back, away from the street CONS: Exterior looks shady Limited parking Iffy waiters/waitresses Interior tables are a little close together
(5)Sue K.
I am going to preface this review with, "I love mexican food but I am hard to sell." I am not much of a connoisseur for anything - but when it comes to Mexican food, I am picky. This place in one word was, "average." Chips and salsa were average - i liked the chips because they weren't dripping with oil - as many "homestyle"mexican restaurants tend to be. But the salsa was not stellar, nothing special, simply plain. It was free and we will settle for that. I got the pork burrito and my friend got shrimp and scallops. I think his food was pretty good - he finished his food. But as for the pork burrito, it came with beans and rice but i found the same beans inside the burrito which made the whole dish seem monotonous. The burrito was overly salted without too much flavor; the beans were salty and the rice was bland. I almost wanted to ask for hot sauce - to give the rice a bit of flavor. The meat itself was tender but fatty; and again, the salt content for this particular dish was unbelievable - i do like my food not too salty, but half way through the meal, i realized that i had 3 diet cokes because it was so salty. If in the area and are in the mood for mexican - opt for this place but i would not go out of my way to visit this place.
(3)Carissa C.
This place doesn't even deserve one star. The service and food were just plain bad. The salsa tasted like watery tomato sauce, which set the tone for our meal. How does a Mexican restaurant mess up salsa? We should've stayed home and made our own Mexican food. It would have been better!
(1)Jason R.
The best Mexican in Tampa. You even have the option of substituting prime beef for fajitas and other dishes. I personally recommend the Miguel's Special for dinner with a top shelf margharita or two. Parking is a pain in the arse, so be sure to carpool. In addition, I highly recommend making a reservation as walk-in waits can be long.
(5)Maria Z.
This is my boyfriend's favorite place to get enchiladas! This place is Mexican fine dining done to it's best.... I love the the bar in the back with the fire pit table. My favorite dish is the spinach salad with the bacon dressing..If you love Mexican food then you will love Miguels!!
(5)Amber E.
I met some friends here while in St. Pete and couldn't be more excited to review this place. This Mexican Cafe is on my short list of restaurants I would make a second trip to! I was anticipating a mexican joint like most others but to my surprise, the ambiance was more of an upscale, modern lounge. We opted to sit outside and again, the vibe was just so much more exciting than the hole in the wall Mexican places I'm used to (and love, for the record). Our server was attentive and friendly. The salsa had a kick more than I'm used to but enjoyed and the chips served along side were good vehicles for the yummyness I needed scooped up! For being decorated as fancy as it was, I expected the prices to be a bit higher, however the meal my server suggested (I forgot the name, it's 3 your choice of meat tacos with cilantro, avacado, etc. with rice and beans - which i substituted with guac) was under $15 with a tip! I really COULD have saved a portion for lunch the next day but who does that when they're on 'vacation'?
(4)Thomas B.
Okay, so I'm in Tampa for a while and my biggest fear, after being spoiled by great food in LA, SF, NY, HK, Italy etc., is finding good solid eating places for foods I love... I was dubious about Miguel's, looked a little commercial. But Miguel was very very good with authentic guacamole (comino and cilantro are essential), perfect carnitas, queso fresco instead of american cheese, and perfect grilled carne asada. My only issues were the salsa needed a little more bite - or at least have a mild and a spicy salsa. And I couldn't get Negro Modelo, my favorite Mexican beer. That said, it's by far the best Mexican food in Tampa so far.
(4)Irma B.
Took 20 min to sit after they said 30 so that was good. Well I ordered a Cadillac Margarita which I had to explain what it was(Margarita w/a shot of grand marnier). It was good, after I took the lb. of salt off. To start: Guacamole, was good. Then one of my kids ordered ground beef (should be real beef like asada) flautas(deep fried long tacos), he liked it. My husband and I ordered Kobe beef fajitas with Lobster. Lobster was very good Baja taste all the way. Our server was not the best. We over heard the other waitress and she was very detailed on menu and all she seemed very knowledgeable and cortious. I heard the Flan was good but was not asked to see the desert menu... But I guess it wasn't the authentic I was looking for. I guess I'm just looking for that Southern California taste in the wrong place. It was good,I dont know if I would drive all the way there from Clearwater again to try it.
(3)Jaime C.
Outside of the fact it's super close to my house, they've got good food. I can safetly say that I know Mexican food, I used to have an office at the California and Mexico boarder, Awesome Mexican.
(4)Ryan W.
I highly recommend this restaurant. Not only was the food and service outstanding but they are truly great people. During dinner we had an unfortunate accident where before anyone noticed water pooling from a cracked glass got into my wife's phone on the table. The repair shop said water fried the motherboard and it was not repairable. Not only did the manager/owner not charge us for our meal, they insisted on paying to replace the iphone, and on top of that gave us a $25 gift certificate. 90% or more of establishment would have done nothing but say sorry. Top notch restaurant and people.
(5)Dan N.
awesome place. they are very cool people here too. when we got there and found out there was a wait, we sat down in the front area and they said it was ok to hang out for a bit. they even brought us chips which really were the best chips I have EVER HAD IN MY LIFE! Everything we had was super delicious. I love this place! great for coming with friends or alone in the patio area. pomegranate margaritas!
(5)Daniel D.
Thank Jesus (the awesome Mexican fellow, not the messiah) for the Pollo Fondido chimichanga. Grilled extremely flavorful chicken and cream cheese stuffed in a fried tortilla topped with generous amounts of queso. This place is going to make me fat and I won't regret it. Also, they give you a boatload of complimentary chips and salsa.
(4)Marcia N.
I would agree with the others - excellent seafood inspired selections. Real crab not imitation. Excellent margaritas. Parking is a bit rough but well worth it. Lastly, they remodeled awhile back & it's beautiful - nice outdoor area with bar. Love it !
(5)X X.
Went there with a vegetarian friend and my woman. Great prompt service. Warm atmosphere. Good chips. Good margarita. Delicious veggie burrito for my friend, delicious grilled chicken burrito for me, and delicious tacos for my woman. Reasonably priced. Will definitely go back.
(4)Troy C.
Just standing outside you know it will be good from the smell. Food was awesome ! Ate at the outside bar which really isn't. Bartender was great and would get you what you needed. Hope to be back in Tampa again.
(5)Paul C.
After reading Tad and Carlos' review I finally decided on coming down to Miguel's and check it out. It was a part of town I never drive by and I was surprised to see a Krispy Kreme nearby! The outside of Miguel's is decorative and they even have candles at the outer tables, plus t.v.s everywhere which is always a plus. We quickly got seated and everything on the menu looked appealing. They even had pollo flameado which is very hard to find here in town. Our server was nice but busy, they got the dinner rush a bit early it looked like. The only thing I was disappointed with was the lack of specialty nachos, or even a description of the regular ones. I ordered the quesadillas mariscos which is basically a seafood quesadilla with spinach and artichoke. It was absolutely delicious, not to mention their guacamole is amazing. My girlfriend liked the rice and re fried beans but I wasn't a big fan of them. She had the India which was basically a pair of fully loaded tostadas which she loved to the point of tears. Overall it was a very satisfying experience and we were more than full at only 25 bucks!
(4)Raymond Z.
The food is nice, big portions for low prices, I split an order of chicken fajitas ($11.95) and they even gave us extra tortillas. It came with a plate of chicken, onions, and green peppers stir fried and sides of guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, beans, and rice. My friend's taco salad was so big that it had to be broken down to fit into the take out box. The quesadillas were big too. Also they give you free tortilla chips and salsa. There's a minibar and a flat panel TV hanging from the ceiling. The ambiance is nice with red walls and dim lighting (which seems to flicker every now and then). There's also outdoor seating which looks nice and romantic if it weren't for the Florida heat.
(4)Kelly H.
The food here is just wonderful! I am definitely a salsa shark, so I have a bad habit of filling up on chips and salsa before I get my dinner...but it's just so good! From the outside, it doesn't look like it would be a fabulous place, but inside it is spectacular! Beautiful, all the around. The servers are fantastic, always super friendly, and they make sure they get your right no matter how picky you may be ;-) get something typical like a burrito, and it's still wonderful. Their margaritas are so good, but they make them so strong that it's hard for a small person like me to finish one! But that's not a bad thing at all, just tells you they care enough to not skimp on the alcohol! Boyfriend had sangria, which he's picky about, and he loved it. I tried a bit and it was tasty! I don't think it matters what you order here food or drink wise...you won't be disappointed!
(5)Addison P.
Tried to make a reservation the day before, they told us that we would have to call when we were on the way because they don't take reservations for parties of less than 5. Tried to call and their phones were dead. Explained to the hostess and she said "there's nothing I can do and you're not the only one." Her snotty attitude was not appreciated. Sat at the bar to get a drink and basically had to flag the bartender down to get a drink. I used to love this place, it was started by the nephew of Mama Ninfa in Houston. I can't go back after the experience this evening. Even my waiter knew I was having a bad experience just from the look on my face.
(1)Mat R.
Food here was pretty good and they had plenty of vegetarian options too, which can be tough to find (at least at Mexican places) in Tampa. If there's any traffic I recommend eating indoors as the road noise can be significant outdoors. I'd have given the place 5 stars, but service was pretty bad; we had to resort to hunting down the waiter a few times, including to pay the check.
(4)Gene and Breanna H.
When we arrived in Tampa I was pregnant and craving some GOOD Mexican food like I enjoyed back home in Tucson, Arizona. Miguel's was recommended to us by many people. This is NOT Mexican food. If you think a pureed avocado is guacamole then maybe you'll like Miguel's. The service was not friendly, not timely, just not something to say anything good about. Not to mention there was not a single Mexican person in the entire restaurant. :( And obviously NONE of these people have ever been west of Texas. Tampa has a LOT to learn when it comes to Mexican food. Yuck, Yuck, Yuck.. And if you DO like this place..please don't call it "Mexican food" because it is FAR from it. If you would like some decent Mexican food venture south on Macdill and stop by Chiuaua's !!
(1)Anish Z.
Truth be told I drove by this place since I was in high school but funny enough I never went cause seven sea's was next door and I didn't want the drive by dirty looks. Well now that strip joint is closed I found my self driving for lunch with my brother and saw the place and decided to drop in for a bite. To start off the outside facade does a disservice to the place. The decor on the inside is more upscale than the roadside cafe it appears to be from the outside. he service was great the wait staff friendly and the drinks were always well topped off. portions were large we could've split the meal. They now have a kobe taco menu if you're willing to shell out the dough. I was pleasantly surprised, honest truth we were stuffed by the end of the free chips and salsa, but the fajita's were great too. I don't eat mexican too often but I'm sure I'll be back in the near future.
(4)Paul M.
Looks good so far, not sure where some of these other people have eaten Mexican. I wouldn't call it upscale or not authentic...pretty much like every other Mexican joint in the south, maybe a notch better!
(4)Morgan K.
I was in Tampa for Yankees Spring Training. I'm a huge fan of Mexican food, and this place was great!! I'll definitely keep this place in mind next time I'm in town.
(4)Brandy B.
Love the fajitas mario !
(5)X V.
We love Miguel's. Favorite is the guacamole - excellent - and the tacos michoacan. They also do a really nice take-out platter, great for football game party munchies! Can't go wrong with this place. Food is good, fresh, and reasonably priced.
(4)Ernesto G.
great food!!! nice little joint to have a great time.
(4)Jaime T.
I work for a South Tampa company and I contacted Miguel's to bring in lunch for 80 people. I left a message for a manager on Tuesday morning stating I wanted to order for 80. On Wednesday morning I had to call back as no had contacted me. I spoke to the Manager Angela Funk. I ordered my items and asked her if I had enough food to feed 80 people. She said "yes, more than enough". They delivered a few minutes early which was great. Delivery guy was very friendly and sweet. He set up the table and gave me the receipt to sign. As he was setting up the table I commented that I didn't think we had enough food. He told me to call the restaurant if that was the case. I went to sign the receipt and noticed 2 misc. charges. One was for $25.00 and one for $45.00. I asked him what they were for. His response: The $25.00 is the house charge and the $45.00 is my tip. I was very shocked to find that he drove a mile and made $45.00. I'm definitely reconsidering my position here. Anyway, lunch was very tasty but as I had guessed only half of my company ate. I called the restaurant and asked for Angela, I expressed my concerns for the lack of food and all she said was "wow, really?". I said "yes, and Justin told me to call" She said "wow, I'm just so shocked". I was taken aback because I'm never one to ask for anything and it didn't seem that this woman had any intention of helping me so I just hung up. I am extremely disappointed and won't be ordering from them again.
(1)Emma R.
Disappointing. Taco salad is awful, and hardly passes for "authentic".
(1)Staci W.
Chips and salsa are decent. I had beef and chicken fajitas (which were pretty good) and the tortillas weren't that great (they were stuck together). The rice was good. It was a big portion too.
(3)Traci S.
We were driving through to visit family and saw all the reviews for this place so we decided to give it a try. Wow! I had the seafood enchiladas..yumm...and family had the cheese enchiladas and Kobe beef fajitas...extra yumm!! Along with the margaritas it was a delicious meal!! We'd definitely recommend this place to anyone!!!
(5)Rob S.
Great margaritas, great carnitas, great happy hour. Guacamole was disappointing, as were the spinach enchiladas. Overall food was good, but not great, but still recommended
(3)M S.
Great lunch. Burrito with chorizo and beans was very filling and quite tasty. Fast service got us in and out in 45 minutes.
(4)EJ P.
They changed chefs and the food is slightly better. If you order the Michoacan tacos (pork), they ALMOST pass for a decent taco.
(3)Jim M.
Received the tip on this restaurant from a hotel in Tampa that recommends only two Mexican restaurants to it's clientele. Looks older, has character, is charming, and I describe it as hole-in-the-wall meets upscale Mexican dining. Had about a ten minute wait for table, exactly what the hostess predicted. Awesome house margarita with a really nice flavor. Found myself wishing I wasn't driving so I could have had several. Very fresh chips and a smoky, spicy salsa that wasn't just "burn." Had a lobster tail with USDA Prime beef fajitas - definitely worth the $8 up charge as they were cooked to a perfect medium rare with a great flavor. Beans were fantastic, and the only thing that could have been improved were the tortillas. They were a little too moist for my taste, to the point of shriveling. Had a banana cream fried chimichanga for desert that was flavorful without being too sweet - nice end to the meal. Not sure when I'll be back in Tampa, but you can bet Miguel's will be on the list of dinner restaurants.
(4)Tad W.
i trully enjoyed my meal here and i would recommend this restaurant to anyone that has a craving for good mexican food. i got the taco salad and it was fresh and the portions were great. not a bad price either. good food and good value. I was not impressed with our server though. she seemed overwelmed and did not take care of us like i would have liked. waited for refills and things of this sort. but she could have had a bad day. ill keep you posted because i am eating here again.
(4)Brent L.
Packed on Saturday night but seated after short wait. Service was great and excellent food. Chips, salsa, tacos and enchiladas were fresh and delicious. Prices were very reasonable. We will return next time in Tampa!
(4)Ashley B.
Oh.my .gosh. Yum! My husband had a hankering for some good Mexican food a couple weeks ago while walking through Old Hyde Park Village. We saw this place on Yelp, and I was skeptical. My husband persuaded me to give it a try and after about five minutes, my rumbling tummy made me give in. The restaurant is located right next to a seedy looking strip club, but I ignored the urge to get back in the car and drive elsewhere. When we entered at 4 p.m., there were only two other couples there. By the time we left, the place was filling up. We shared the cheese enchiladas & pork tamales which both came with a nice size portion of refried beans and rice. The food was excellent, and we've been back three other times within a one month period! Seriously good eats for a great price at a nice little place!
(5)Cat G.
My boss took me here for lunch today claiming that it was the best Mexican in Tampa. I must agree, compared to all the other places I've eaten at around here when I visit, the food is great. Good service, fast refills, and excellent food.
(5)Holly S.
Our favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa. Great service, awesome salsa, and I've tried many different items on their menu and it was all really great! Try something on their specials' menu if you have a chance.
(4)Mandie E.
We love miguel's. As Texas transplants in Tampa, finding good Mexican food was a must. The margaritas are just right. Mmm mmm and the fajitas are great as well.
(5)R. G.
What a let down. Never even got to eat or try the food. 45 minute wait and it's a jungle gym inside with unruly kids running everywhere. When we finally got a table we could be considered to be part of the conversation with either of the 3 surrounding tables that we were so close we could rub elbows. And the noise level oh my god the noise level was off the charts. Of course a table of Adults ignoring the behavior of their children behind us and no one is engaging the nest of unruly kids that they brought with them only to ignore them and let them throw things and scream and run around the table. I won't break my back to spend $70 for 2 people without drinks mind you to be crammed in like a sardine and have to tolerate parents who can't control their kids. Is there anymore quiet, romantic, adult restaurants that don't rely on overpriced micro foods in order to avoid the chucky cheese environment?
(1)Michelle J.
The reason for this post is to make diners aware there is an automatic 18% gratuity added to parties of 5 or more. Rarely do we tip under 20%, but were stunned when we noticed the tip on the bill and we were not advised that gratuity had been added. The server stated he is not allowed to discuss tips with guests. My experience with most restaurants is parties 8+, 5 seems like a relatively low number for automatic gratuity. Our past visit (6/22), we opted for a table as there were 5 adults and 1 child. The service was unusually slow. I don't know if it were the kitchen, the server or if this was typical dining room service for 8:30p on a Sunday. At one point, our server did apologize for taking a somewhat long absence. He said "he had to take care of someone else". My neighbors & I LOVE Miguels and frequent there 1-3x a month. We prefer to sit at the bar and the service is usually quick & awesome! Their food never disappoints, and I personally love the enchiladas marisco.
(4)Natalya C.
Went today with all the family! Service was wonderful, the margaritas amazing and food was great! Overall a great experience, everything you expect from a Mexican restaurant with an great atmosphere! We will return :)
(4)Paula W.
Great food, fast service. Never had a bad meal here. The servings are huge. Parking can be tight and try to avoid during rush times
(5)Caroline D.
I'm typically very adventurous when it comes to food and I like to try different things on the menu, but I ordered the seafood enchilada the first time I went to Miguel's, and I've never ordered anything else. I have had this 4 times now, and I still crave it. The spinach salad with bacon dressing is also delicious. The enchilada is so seafoody and delicious. It has big chunks of seafood and is SO good. Order this and know what food heaven is like.
(5)Miguel S.
It took me years to find this place even after being recommended to it for so long. I am glad I discovered this gem with my friends great food and service.
(5)Lindsay M.
Amazing service, fantastic food, free parking!!! Hubby had the tamales and I had the beef fajitas. With chips and salsa and soda the bill was only $35!!!!! We live 7 hours away....will totally return!!!!
(5)Eric C.
I think this place it the best Mexican restauarant in Tampa. They have a great atmoshpere and a great bar area with a really kewl back bar that changes color constantly. The food is always good and the never skimp on it either. They had Coronas for $3 each on Cinco de Mayo, but no margarita specials :(, real bummer. They also had a real good band in the bar area, wish we could have eaten out there, but they had removed all of the sit down tables and put in stand up tables for drinking only instead, so we ate inside instead. We'll be back again and again!!!
(5)Bre L.
Omgoodness I love this place. The drinks are on point so strong for real. The food great I can't t stop licking my fingers and my meal is gone. Very cozy, nice atmosphere my compliments to the chef and bartender
(5)Crista P.
Wow! Best Mexican I've EVER had!! From the slums in Atlanta to South Beach in Miami THIS was by far and away the best ever. Walking in we got a great vibe- chill, hip and chic. There is a great bar area that would be great for a few drinks and also a dining room which has plenty of space as well as an our door patio area. The staff was friendly and quick to bring us our chips and salsa. The salsa is blended and not chunky (not my favorite) but very flavorful. Our waitress was cute, prompt, and attentive. We ordered a top shelf margarita with patron silver on the rocks with salt. AMAZING!!!!!! Best drink I've had in Tampa thus far. It was good sized and packed a punch! Our entrees were the special Pork Chop Mexicano style and the chicken quesadillas. Both were out of this world with very flavorful refried beans and rice. The tab for the both of us was $52.00. I think this is extremely fair for the supersized drinks and dinners we had. I have been visiting this area for a few days and I was pretty blasé about it- but let me tell you, if I had to move here, I'd be ok if I were near Miguel's. It's worth a visit. Or two.
(5)Stacy J.
Stopped in here with the girls for a late lunch. They have really changed the place since I have last been in- it truly is a beautiful restaurant inside and out, bar included. Our server was ok, no personality- just took our order and served the food. Two of the girls ordered mango margaritas but they ended up bring regular ones. My strawberry margarita was disappointing, sadly. Chips and salsa were good and the food was decent. The chicken chimichanga looked amazing, the Miguel's combo was good nothing outstanding and came out warm not hot. Fajitas looked great.
(3)Robbie C.
Went here for cinco de mayo for an early lunch. Didn't mind the 30 min wait on the patio as the sun was shining and live music. Passed on the top shelf margaritas in lieu of $3 corona special. $10.50 for margarita was too pricey to indulge. Second time here and we lucked out with same server. Eric is both personable and knows how to service!! Chips and salsa are the best. Was torn between lobster tacos or spinach enchiladas. Lobster won but while it was tasty, wouldn't order again. Lobster was almost non existent. Not worth the price but still left full and will go back to try the enchiladas.
(4)Simon I.
Yay! I'm a fan because this cozy Mexican bistro serves drinks that you cannot put down (especially the top shelf Margarita ), food that you can't walk away from. On weekend this place is crowded with long lines, which is understandable due to is cozy limited seating and more so the fact that they serve up some of the best food from their house made salsa, to tamale to main courses. When they advertise authentic they do come nearly close to authentic While you stroll into the restaurant on a sunny afternoon you are greeted with a porch perfectly decorated to evoke a sense of a Mexican cantina, you will see cozy tables and ceiling fans. You walk through their heavy dark veneered front doors into a dimly lit sitting space of tables of 2s, 4s, and 6s. The space is limited. A bar with a couple TVs sit in the back corner and as you peek around the bar you find a cozy courtyard with chick styled seating decor. The top shelf Margarita is perfectly mixed to be not too strong nor too sweet. The wide salty rimmed glass is filled to the brim and for an average drinker the quantity is just right. I found myself not being able to set it down. The Salsa served has a smoky aroma that only comes from fresh ingredients and made by expert hands, while the accompanying chips are baked to perfection. The tamale are moist, piping hot, and have mouthwatering taste. Almost all their Taco and Burrito items on menu are must try. One special item for me is Taco Miguel. Try it with chicken or beef and your order will come out aromatic, perfectly grilled meat, and sauteed vegetables with a slight kick and topped with chile con queso and chives. The serving staff are more relaxed in the afternoon due to lack of crazy crowds and are more attentive to your needs. Miguel's is a must eat Mexican one, two, three, four,... times, on my list.
(4)Jon M.
Solid 4 stars. Food taste, quality, and value all on point. Only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars was that the tacos I ordered came out with cold tortillas.
(4)Desiree M.
Almost gave this a two star review due to the lack of service. We were seated immediately and then we had to wait a good while for someone to come to the table, we got the Chips and Dip delivered but nothing to drink and the waiter still hadn't come by - Waiter, never introduced himself, took our drink order which was water! we waited almost ten minutes or more for water to arrive! he took our order and never told us if there was any specials that day, didn't make suggestions, nothing - it was awful, it was like we were bothering him just sitting there, like he had better things to do then wait on us. Everyone around us was getting their food, treated like gold, told of specials, interacting with their waitress, ours made us feel invisible and unwanted. He then came by after we were done with food and we wanted some dessert, he never asked us if we wanted dessert or coffee or anything, we get the dessert without the coffee, so we wait for the coffee. Let me just say the only time we saw him was to take an order, none of the food was delivered by him or picked up by him. How could he be so busy, (not waiting around us) to serve. He got a terrible tip that he deserved and I also gave my comments to the hostess. The whole experience was disheartening, we loved the food, but we were made to feel like we didn't belong or wanted. No one should make a client feel that way. We had just made the funeral arrangements for my dear grandmother and decided to go out to eat. Never expected to get treated badly too. Sad.
(4)B K.
This is my "go to" Mexican restaurant. I've been going here for many years, and I've rarely been disappointed by the food and service. My biggest complaint is that Miguel's has become so popular that it's too busy sometimes. The only reason I didn't give Miguel's 5 stars is that when they're really busy the food quality suffers. For example the guacamole, which is usually made perfectly, can have huge lumps of avocado. One time there was a French fry in our guac...mixed in, not just sitting on top, and once my food had a small piece of plastic in it...looked like it was part of a plastic bag that the food came in (nothing that I could have choked on, but definitely a turn off).
(4)Jonathan T.
I've always come across this place when driving on Kennedy Blvd and thought it looked nice. I went online and saw it had great reviews, so I decided to go on a date with my girlfriend last Friday. The service was good, but the food was amazing. I had the Seafood Enchilada and my girlfriend the Alambres. When I ordered the Enchilada the waiter told me it was a great choice and the best dish they had. He wasn't kidding. Their Sopapilla dessert was so good! Order it! Overall, I think this is my new favorite Mexican spot. Pricing was on point as well as a the environment and service.
(5)Alexandra W.
I have been here for lunch and dinner and I'm never disappointed. The chimichangas are fantastic. Some of the best Mexican you'll get in South Tampa. Nice, lively and fun atmosphere.
(4)Greg P.
The food and service is good, but it's somewhat overpriced. The margaritas are okay but not great, and I've ordered top shelf margaritas every time I've gone. I'd give another start if the margaritas were better, but they taste like your normal mix and not fresh, simple flavors that I prefer. The inside is classy and the vibe is fun.
(3)C S.
I really enjoy this restaurant aI stopped in for brunch today and I enjoyed the watermelon mimosa with my chips and salsa, delicious... Next I ordered the fajitas cancun and that was amazing... If I wasn't stuffed I would have attempted the fried ice cream dessert... I will definitely be back in the future and I can't wait to try there desert
(4)Jerry G.
My favorite sit down Mexican place in Tampa. Actually, in Florida. We've been here 3 times in the past 6 months. My only problem is that I had such a great dinner the first time we went, I get the menu, look it over, tell myself I'm going to try something different and end up ordering the same meal as before. Chips and Salsa, Chile con Queso Blanco (large), Stuffed Jalapenos with cheese, and Pollo Fundido Chimichanga. After that, I waddle out (but with a smile on my face). My wife usually gets the Carnitas De Puerco. My son had the enchiladas verde. Both said they were great. We did have reservations this last time since it was a Saturday night. Our table was ready when we showed. The other times were unannounced and maybe waited 5 minutes. Would recommend reservations on Friday and Saturday night. Parking lot is full. Every time I've been there, there has been 1-2 spaces open. If you have a problem, they have valet service on the other half of the parking lot.
(5)Josh W.
For all of you who've heard, read, or otherwise entertained my whining about the food here and how it compares to Cali, and are expecting a reference point from me on this place and the goodness of its Mexican cuisine, you may be disappointed by the following review. While I did like it here, I did not put it to the true test by trying their carne asada/marinated beef, so the jury is still out on that one. The wife, kid, and I decided to try here based off some of the other reviews, so we went here for dinner on yesterday. Nice looking place inside, and saw lots of other families with kids having dinner. After looking at a fairly large menu(while enjoying the chips and salsa) with a good variety of choices, I settled on the seafood chimichanga, wife had the seafood enchilada, and child had the kids steak. We also got a side of guacamole. My chimi (filled with crab, big juicy scallops, and big juicy shrimp) was really good and cheesy just as I'd hoped(I had actually requested queso, but the waiter told me that it was covered with Jack and may not need the extra). It came with rice and beans, and I was full before I could finish it. The wife enjoyed her meal too. My daughter's steak was tender and tasted good, but it wasn't seasoned as strongly as I usually prefer. The guacamole wasn't bad either. I finished it with chips while watching the FSU victory(and enjoying the SEC defeat) later that night. I also had a mango margarita, which I'm somewhat embarrassed to mention and say that I enjoyed, but it was good. I thought the salt around the glass went/tasted perfectly with it. Our server was very attentive and on top of things too. We all agree that this was a good dining experience, so we'll probably be back.
(4)Mary Beth W.
Hung out here with a few girlfriends and had a blast! The chicken enchiladas and the Sangria = a good meal! Great atmosphere that could accommodate our loud table! Our servers even got in on the fun! I shall return...
(4)Corey M.
Best food in town hands down. No other Mexican food is worth even trying. The fajitas are out of this world and the atmosphere is excellent.
(5)Melanie B.
Let me start off that the service was awesome and the atmosphere and ambience is great. But the food was terrible! I'm from the west coast where there are plenty of Mexican restaurants. Since moving here I've been dying to find an authentic Mexican restaurant with more than just tacos. Yelpers have raved about this place so we decided to give it a try for lunch. The rice seemed like it was the instant kind from a package. The beans were tasteless. When i cut into my beef burrito a gush of grease came out. I was truly disappointed.
(1)Kristine A.
Miguel's never disappoints from the service to the food. The outside bar area is a fun atmosphere and the chips and salsa are great. It's Mexican you can count on!
(4)Crystal H.
I finally got to try the place that many of my Tampa area friends have said has the best Mexican in Tampa: Miguel's. I must admit that I was not disappointed. My one and only problem was the parking. There are a little over a dozen parking spots and room for hundreds of people inside. We went on a Friday night at 6pm. Needless to say, I drove around for awhile before discovering that the VALET PARKING IS FREE. While it is free you may want to keep in mind that I witnessed them loose one persons keys and another persons car (they were hitting the button and couldn't figure out where they parked it...it was on the next street). They also parked the cars within a foot of each other. It was scary. Their parking gets 1 star...but the restaurant gets 5 stars. The decor of the restaurant is very warm and inviting. They have several places to sit outside as well as inside. The restaurant is broken up into separate areas which is nice because it gives you privacy. We were given free homemade chips and salsa to start off with. We had a party of 7 and our waitress handled us effortlessly. Since I am on low carb/sugar diet and was trying to not blow my diet too much I ordered the special that had three different enchiladas and asked for a side salad instead of my rice and beans. They didn't have a problem with this and brought me a HUGE and delicious spinach salad. My entree was so big (even without the rice and beans) that I stuffed myself and still had over half of it leftover for later. The enchiladas themselves were some of the best I have tasted. I ordered them with the chili carne on top (I didn't realize how bad that was for my diet at the time I ordered...opps) and there was about a pound of meat in the chili carne. Crazy. The food heated over really well two days later also. While I haven't been in enough Mexican Restaurants to say that Miguel's is the best in Tampa, they are definitely the best that I have tried. I recommend trying them during non-busy hours for ease in parking.
(5)Kevin S.
Absolutely fantastic. My central american wife fully approves of the tortilla soup. Flavors are amazing in everything we tried.
(5)Brenda H.
The food was good the service was terrible:to begin with, when our hostess called us and told us we were about to be seated, she pointed to a table right in front of the TV. We were very excited because we were watching the playoff game at the bar just prior. She picked up the menus and before we knew it, another table that gotten her seat. We said to her you told us we were going to sit at the table and she just shrugged her shoulders and smiled. Then, the waitress seemed less than happy that we were there. Perhaps it was that my daughter and I were sharing a fajita and this meant she would get less of a tip, Or so she thought. She had no idea that I would've made up the difference. The staff seem very indifferent that we were there. Another example is that when I alerted the back waiterthat there was chicken somehow mixed up in our guacamole, she profusely apologized but our main waiter never acknowledged it. Although the item was taken off our bill, she never said a word about it. We had just told the staff member about the error in case somebody else was a vegetarian. For us, it was not such a big deal. I'm sorry to say that the food was very good but between The disappointing service from the hostess in the in different service from the waiter, we will not be coming back.
(2)Kristen D.
For Mexican food in Tampa, this place is probably as good as it gets. They had fanastic waiters and a superb atmosphere. I loved the decor. It was all so classy and modern. We were offered to wait in one of the two bar areas. The outside was by far the best atmosphere to wait in. :) I ordered the pomgranite margarita and I was completely delited. It was sweet but not over the top. The mango margarita was a little sweet for me but my fiance loved it. I also ordered a house margarita on the rocks just to test the skills of the bar tender. I have to say...impressed. THe house rita is made with Patron and it was well shaken and served perfectly. (it doesn't taste like the freshest rita I've ever had, but it is defintely a top chart rita) The chips and salsa are always the ulitmate test for me as far as if I will like a place or not. THe chips were fresh and light and the salsa was more of a thin, sweet and spciy salsa. It has a strong carrot base. If you are not familiar with salsa do not take that as a bad thing. LOL. It just has a sweetness with an underneath warmth. I enjoyed it. The guac and queso blanco were also delicious. I would recommend either for an appetizer. We ordered the Prime Filet Fajaitas and added the lobster tail (which I suggest doing if you like lobster at all) The fajaitas were good( a little more done than I prefer but the fiance was happy) There wasn't very much meat served up like I am used to here in Texas, but it was a fair portion since we had apps we were good. The lobster tail is served up nicely on a bed of onions and bell peppers. It is cooked to perfection. Overall, I think if you are a tourist or a local, you will love this little spot. I plan to go back next time I am in Tampa! Great job, Miguel's!!!
(5)Brett N.
Why 5 stars? Because it reminds of Mexican food from Houston. --- --- --- My favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa. I'm from Houston, where restaurants like Miguel's are plentiful. But while Tampa specializes in Cuban cuisine, it's Mexican seems to be lacking somewhat. An order of Steak Quesadillas with rice and beans from Miguel's makes me feel right at home. Legitimate Mexican food.....and now I'm hungry just thinking about it. My only picky issue is that it always smells like cleaning supplies in there, but you quickly forget about that when the food comes.
(5)Donnie A.
I've eaten the sketchiest meats at the sketchiest Mexican restaurants. None have made me throw up like Miguel's seafood enchilada. Thanks for not letting me sleep guys. I have to say the flavor of the sauce really must have hid the past date flavor of the fish. So... that's a plus?
(1)Mairelys R.
Loved it! They were able to accommodate a large group of us, and everyone in the group loved what they chose from the menu. The food was delicious, and the staff was very friendly. The owner even came by to check on us. I had the seafood enchiladas, they were delicious. I also had a frozen strawberry margarita, and I must say that it really was the best I have ever had! I highly recommend it if you are in town!
(5)Ashley G.
The atmosphere and ambiance are nice. Dim lighting and a casual relaxed feel. It's a great place to come and drink a margarita and have chips and guacamole. Their hot salsa is also really good! However, the food I ordered was not that great. I got shrimp tacos. They came with corn tortillas and this red sauce. The tacos were dry and stuffed full to the brim, to the point where they were falling apart when I tried to eat them. They were slathered with this red sauce that made them soggy. My friend ordered a beef burrito. It was subpar at best. It's ehh. I would go again for the margaritas and chips and salsa.
(4)J C.
Best mexican food I have had on the east coast. Thank god I found this place. We sat at the bar and the two guys working were awesome! Def will make this a regular spot.
(5)Jodi P.
Amazing, best margaritas ever! Made with real fruit! Happy hour 1/2 off, Monday thru Friday 2 to 6. Seriously best fajitas as well, splurge and get the prime fajitas, well worth it!
(5)Brent F.
Best Mexican food in Tampa, hands down. Miguel's has expanded immensely in the past few years and that's a statement to their success. The food is delicious, you get excellent quantities and the drinks are top notch. Their signature margarita is the best. I would prefer they scaled down the menu some, but I won't complain about that!
(5)Stephanie V.
Stopped in for lunch as I was in the area and had seen recommendations on Yelp Talk to check out Miguels for Mexican food. I sat at the bar and the bartender was super friendly. I ordered the chili relleno with chicken and a side of guacamole. You get a heaping pile of chips and salsa with your meal and I munched on those until my lunch came. The chile relleno was delish. It came with fresh, hot, flour tortillas. I could only eat half as they are quite generous with their portions. I took the remainder home and, well, I guess it doesn't travel well as my fiancé didn't find the leftovers as appealing. Better eaten fresh I guess! I had a lot of errands to run so didn't partake of their margaritas but I know I will be back for one!
(5)Tony R.
I love Mexican food and every time i'm in a new city I always try the best Mexican spot Yelp can point me to. I had never tried Miguel's so I decided it was time since I was in the area. First impressions were good as the restaurant is large and had a nice vibe although the welcome station is inside the restaurant right as you open the door next to people eating. In addition, there is a table like 2 inches from the front entrance which is pretty awkward if you happen to get seated there. My luck, we were seated at the table by the door which proved my point to be extremely annoying every time someone came in. The food...... Chips were good but the salsa had a weird taste to it. I ordered the chile relleno with rice and beans. The beans were good but they use jack cheese in their meals which is a HUGE Mexican no no. Really? I wouldn't call any restaurant Mexican if they don't use Mexican cheese, that is just ghetto. My chile was stuffed with it and it made for more of a taco bell taste. The rice was also more American/Cuban style. It taste like it just came out of a preseasoned packet. Where is the cilantro, onion, etc? My kids steak came out great although it wasn't even a good portion for a 6 year old. My wifes enchiladas did not have great mole sauce and again the jack cheese. Overall, this is a decent restaurant but a subpar MEXICAN restaurant. For everyone who gives 5 stars, I feel bad for you....
(3)Mari C.
Came here with some friends on a Saturday night. From the outside the place looks a lil older and run down. The minute you walk in you notice the change. The place is beautiful, just elegant, and their outside area was gorgeous. Their were people dressed casual and some were dressy. They sat us down in the patio area, it has tons of white little lights and a bar right outside the perfect date night spot. I ordered the casuela it is a dish with extra saucy meat I chose steak , it came with Mexican rice, refried beans, pico de gallo and a side of tortillas. I was extremely satisfied with the whole meal and the drinks were pretty big and strong. All in all this is a must go to restaurant even the bathrooms were beautiful!
(5)Claire K.
Really lovely! Went on a busy Saturday evening. We waited at the bar & had some drinks, the bartender was attentive. Chips & Salsa are a 10, the guacamole we rodered was very good.! We ordered a bit of everything, all of us were happy with our meals and the selections. Fordessert, i tried the Banana Empanada, stuffed with raisins & nuts as well & ice cream and whipped cream on the side. OMG. Get that if you have the chance. I'm going back to try some more!
(4)S C.
This restaurant claims to serve Wagyu Kobe Beef, not even Bern's in Tampa can get Kobe, the fact they are selling the entire entree for $30 is way to cheap to be real Kobe, Bern's sells authentic Japanese Wagyu for $20 an ounce, how is this restaurant selling an entire entree of Kobe for $30? I also called and asked if they had a certificate of authenticity to prove it's real Kobe, she had no idea what I was talking about. Please don't fall for their lies and scams.
(1)Katrina T.
Quick find on our journey back to Jacksonville. This place was actually still open, hadn't gone through Tampa yet so decided on stopping by here for a quick bite. I thought this place was just going to be a typical taqueria, hmph was I completely wrong! Sort of awkward walking into this place because I felt super duper under dressed and this place actually looked fancy! What a surprise... What was even MORE surprising was the price point. It was ON POINT! Super cheap! They give you chips and freshly made salsa as an appetizer. It was too addicting I couldn't stop. There was a variety of options to choose from. Ended up choosing the Consuelo favorite. Seeing that there were two parts to this dish, I thought I had to choose between the 1st part or the 2nd part, but NO it comes with BOTH! Part 1 - 1 Tostada topped with chile con queso, 1 tostada with beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. yelp.com/user_local_phot… Part 2 - 1 Enchilada Manuel and 1 Crispy Beef Taco yelp.com/user_local_phot… BOTH PARTS? Had I known, I never would've told the boy to order his meal.... And he went with the Enchilada Manuel ( yelp.com/user_local_phot… ) -_______- We ended up throwing it away later because we couldn't finish! What a waste. The food here is AMAZE-TASTIC! Great, ambiance, great tasting food, huge portions, and really spacious! There are also private rooms for private parties and the bathroom is uberly clean. I wish this place existed in CA I would love to have my birthday dinners here!
(5)Cynthia N.
Love Miguel's' the service was Wonderful. As with any restaurant you frequently go to there will be times and not so. One disappointment is us listed to check in however you cannot check in. Reservations is a good idea
(4)Jesse B.
Some of the best Mexican food in Tampa! I went here for lunch with several of my coworkers and we all enjoyed it to different degrees. I had the enchiladas with chilli on top and it was very flavorful. I usually don't like spicy food and the chilli did have some spice to it but I still enjoyed it as it was not over-powering. One of the guys ordered the same thing and said it wasn't spicy at all but still tasted good. As a note, he is obsessed with Sriracha. We will be back again!
(5)Emily B.
Over one year since my first visit and have yet to find better Mexican food in Tampa Bay.
(4)Betina L.
This was such a nice surprise Food is outstanding Restaurant is clean and good looking I ate the shrimp fajita ( with several huge jumbo shrimp) husband had beef burrito We ended with a fantastic pastel de chocolate for dessert Neighborhood is not quaint or anything like that but worth the trip
(5)Steve E.
Miguels Mexican Seafood Restaurant and Grill is one of THE very best Mexican restaurants in the Tampa Bay area.... *insert giant yummy sounds here*.... Miguels is located along Kennedy Boulevard, right at the intersection with Macdill Avenue, where they've been serving quality Mexican food for over 20 years. The restaurant has a number of intimate seating areas along with their outdoor patio area, and plenty of room to sit & eat at the bar. You won't find a bunch of silly Mexican gringo decorations cluttering up the walls - instead you'll find an elegant restaurant that's the perfect spot for a date or a small gathering. The bar has a number of top-shelf tequilas, and they offer many different types of margaritas and other tasty beverages. When seated, your server brings over a basket of freshly-made (read that as "still hot") chips with their house salsa tasting of smoky chipotle peppers and roasted garlic. They also offer a hotter salsa for those of us who prefer more of a kick to our salsa. The menu has many of the standard Mexican favorites, but the food is prepared with a higher level of sophisticated elegance and very delicious taste combinations. I had one of my favorite seafood meals today, Seafood El Mario which was sauteed shrimp & scallops with pico de gallo, mushrooms, and spices, all served over Mexican rice with a cup of frijoles charros, guacamole, and hand-made corn tortillas. The meal was priced at about $15 which is a popular price-point for many of their meals - steaks and fajitas are understandably more expensive. If you're looking for a quality, sit-down Mexican restaurant then I strongly encourage you to try Miguels -- 120 Yelp reviewers can't be wrong!
(5)Kristin R.
The best chile relleno I have had since moving from Texas!!!! They have queso blanco dip, which I love. The happy hour is from 2-7 M-F and the lunch specials run until 3- so if you hit it right you can have $3 ritas and lunch under $10- WINNING! The back patio is adorable- there is really no reason why you would go to any other Mex Restaurant in Tampa- this place is IT! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
(5)M R.
The atmosphere at Miguel's blows! My wonderful husband and I made the trek to Miguel's based on reviews from our fellow yelpers. It was a Saturday night so we were prepared to wait a bit. When we were finally seated, we got the worst seat in the house - right in front of the kitchen and beside a large party with children that appeared to be pumped up on sugar or in need of ADHD medication. The place was SUPER loud and full of the typical south Tampa crowd competing to be the loudest voice in the crowd. Rather than spend $80 for unknown food, a too loud atmosphere, and watching the kitchen staff pick their nose, we opted to leave and headed to Carrollwood for a nice, QUIET dinner in a part of town where folks still value teaching children how to behave in public. I guess money can't buy class.
(1)Danielle B.
Wow! We are two Texas girls from Houston in town on Business who stumbled across this place. Have to say, hands best mexican food ever. Discovered they are related to original Ninfa's. Actually better. Never thought I would say that. Amazing food, insane salsa and the prime tacos were too good. Wonderful job Miguel! When are you putting one in Houston?!
(5)Lisa C.
I have been a few times since my last review and wanted to provide an update. My update is for two separate occasions. The first was September. I called ahead for a reservation to bring in a large party for a surprise birthday for my mom. I was able to come in early and decorate which was really nice. We were seated in the back new area next to the private glassed in room. It was still very quiet and very private back there which was perfect. There were 12 of us who attended. I decorated the large square table with flowers and table confetti and balloons. I gave them the cake to put in the back and dealt with about 4 people who were just wonderful, helpful and so nice. We started with several pitchers of sangria and a few baskets of their complimentary chips and salsa. We ordered a few bowls of guac and everything was fresh and tasty. Everyone ordered different meals and everyone enjoyed theirs thoroughly. They really helped turn a simple birthday dinner into something special. We were not rushed, we were taken very well care of and I would highly recommend bringing a large party after this experience. __________________________________________________Â______ Tonight - I popped back in alone with mom. We sat in the older section up front. They have really taken a lot of time decorating the front outside to make it very welcoming. Outdoor drapes, pretty Mexican benches, twinkle lights, beautiful wreaths on the door... it was a nice welcome. We had a really pleasant and nice server. She brought us two glasses of really delicious sangria. They only serve red here but it's one of the best I have ever had. We didn't order appetizers tonight but concentrated on chips and salsa and then our meals. I ordered 3 Enchiladas combo. I always switch out the beef to Spinach (which is my favorite) and keep the cheese and the chicken. It's a meal I really enjoy and it's huge which provides two meals in one. My mom ordered a tasty meal of seafood enchiladas which came with a really nice spinach salad. I nabbed a few bites and it was quite tasty with scallops, shrimp and crabmeat. All in all - every time is consistent, good food, very clean and pretty restaurant and excellent service. I never have any doubt I can get a great meal and not spend a lot at all.
(5)Khalid F.
Im not really a fan of latino or Mexican Foods but ai loved this place.. Conveniently located on W Kennedy.. Packed as it should be for a Sunday. We were immediately accomodated to our seats which were located in a small eyt beautifully decorated outside eating area next to an outside bar (you can sit inside as well). Order was instantly taken i Ordered rice and beans with a chicken Quesedilla my family had the Benedict brunch omlette. Proportions are amazing and the food was authentic mexican, we had no criticisms and I reccomend this place for anyone or any family for a nice Sunday brunch.
(5)Sarah H.
This is mine and my boyfriends favorite place to eat!!! They have the best margaritas I've ever had! My favorite is the strawberry and my boyfriends is the mango! The food is also superb!
(5)Stuart M.
I had the Enchilada Manuel; sautéed onions and peppers, cheese, yum. I was also happy that they were helpful in double checking their recipes due to an allergy concern with one person in my group, so don't be afraid to ask.
(5)Carmen H.
A former Texan coworker took me here because this is his favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa, and since I'm always on the hunt for good Mexican food in Tampa since leaving Texas I was super excited. When the waitress placed the warm chips & salsa in front of me the judgement began. I took my 1st bite and was underwhelmed. In my opinion, to be considered a good Mexican restaurant the chips & salsa have to be on point followed by a tasty margarita, but I was still on the clock, so I didn't get a chance to indulge, but I digress. I ordered the spinach enchiladas because of my love for spinach. However, this enchilada had a capacious amount of spinach. It was just too much, it seemed like fist-fulls were thrown in. Also, the beans and rice weren't seasoned to my liking. I'm so picky when it comes to my Mexican food that I may be going in a little too hard on them, but overall it was just average. So the hunt for excellent Mexican food in Tampa continues. I gave 3 stars for the average food, good service & nice ambiance.
(3)Tracy H.
Some of the best Mexican food I have ever tasted Ordered the Seafood Enchiladas Best ever !!! The flavors just melted on your mouth
(5)Mansi R.
We initially decided to try them after seeing the veggie options on their menu. When we were about to order, we were told majority of the food was prepared in a way that's not veggie friendly. They didn't have that anywhere on their menu. If we didn't mention it to our server, we wouldn't have even known. The only good things about our meal were the watermelon agua frescas, guacamole, and their salsa & chips. If you are a vegetarian, try another place.
(2)Art M.
Food is good but way overpriced for what you are ordering. Service is not good and the three times I've been there the hostess and servers had poor attitudes. I wouldn't have minded the high price of the food if it came with good service. Probably won't go back due to the receiving the same level of poor service the last three times there. Too bad for them.
(3)Jennifer K.
Rude!!! They do not care about accommodating or losing business! Whoever answers the phone is beyond rude! Management agreed to a large party reservation for a very special occasion then wanted to be un-accommodating DAYS before the party! Miguel's felt THEY were losing business by accommodating a large party in between their lunch and dinner (slowest time of day) and felt THEY were doing us a favor by allowing a guaranteed party of 25! UNREAL!!! I will never go to Miguel's again. If you want GREAT Mexican, I highly recommend Señor Tequila off Dale Mabry!
(1)Chris S.
My wife and I are extremely critical so a 5 star from me is very rare. I've been eating there on and off for 30 years and before it was o.k. Food at cheaper prices, nothing really special. Since the renovation a few years back the place has transformed itself into a wonderful dining experience. The atmospher is great. The bar areas and atrium dining are a wonderful treat for a nice couples dining experience.We went on labor day weekend , Sunday night, to celebrate my birthday and it was great. Lou was our waiter and he was great, informative and professional. Now, the best part was the food! Frajitas, shrimp, steak and chicken were ordered and they were all perfect. The prices weren't cheep. A little on the high side but well worth it. The portion size was nice, we had enough to take home some leftovers and I recommend it highly because bright and early the next morning I was eating them for breakfast. Yes for breakfast, All the sides were delicious. My nephew ordered the ribeye and it was great. The chef and kitchen has great quality control as we couldn't find one thing to complain about and believe me that is rare. Give it a try especially if it's a date night . Have a drink or 2, we did and they were delicious. The portions are big enough to share if neither of you are big eaters besides if it's date night you don't want to get too full.
(5)Rachelle B.
Delicious amazing unbelievably good food. Fish tacos were so good and their salsa is to die for. Must eat there if you are in Tampa
(5)Matt M.
So good! go there right now. The good is phenomenal and melts in your mouth. Service is great. I recommend the enchiladas or burritos or tacos or whatever else is on the menu.
(5)Ana R.
Had lunch, ordered the chicken Burrito platter with double beans. The beans were pretty authentic, however the burrito was nothing special! If you serve you r platters with fresh flour tortillas as a side, I would suggest your burritos be made with the same ones?! Also, my friend and I swore the chicken was canned! Nothing like tasting the tin in your food! My friend had a chile relleno that was pieces of chile, never a whole stuffed poblano! I felt ill after the heaviness of the dish! Cheesy velveeta on top didn't make the cut for me! Too bad, must have been spoiled in southern Calif, with always fresh Mexican!!!!
(2)Ana H.
To start, their margarita is delicious! The guacamole, well that was a miss. It was missing salt, lime, and of course the great taste of guacamole. We tried to rescue it but we ended up making our own thing. My suggestion, if you know great guacamole, skip on this one. We order the Alambre and Carne a la Cazuela dish, it was great! Overall, a good Mexican place.
(4)Darren J.
Best Mexican food ever- get the seafood Mario or seafood enchilada- I have never been disappointed
(4)Mari H.
I came here with friends a few years ago but didn't actually eat dinner, just some appetizers so I didn't get the full experience. I feel I robbed myself by trying to eat "light". Fast forward to now and we went there for dinner for a friend's birthday. The hubby couldn't believe that I had kept this secret from him for so long. He ordered the Venison Milanese and was in heaven and even shared some so everyone could try (which never happens). I discovered that they make their own homemade flour tortillas, which I never noticed on the menu before somehow. They are amazing, so good that I asked for a couple to be brought to the table just so we could munch on them. Our waiter, Curtis was so attentive to our table and made sure the birthday girl had a full drink at all times as well as the rest of us. He made wonderful food and drink suggestions and was very knowledgeable. We have even gone back and asked for his section if he was working. I love the tortillas so much that I get cravings for them have actually gone during lunch and sat at the bar alone to have them, something I never do but I was like what the heck? Miguel's is one of those restaurants that I get excited about taking my friends or family to. It's a Tampa must!
(5)Kelli C.
Some of the best Mexican food I have ever had, and I am from Texas and vacation all over Mexico. Every dish I have had is delicious, and the bloody Mary's and margaritas only enhance the scrumptiousness.
(5)Corey L.
Miguel's has been a favorite for a while. I have had quite a few things over the years. Their salsa is delicious with the fresh tortilla chips. The seafood enchiladas and the chiles rellenos are some favorites. The margaritas are good. They are little bit more upscale than your typical Mexican restaurant, which is nice.
(5)Jim Y.
When in a Tampa, we always get to Miguel's at least once. Margaritas are excellent but the whole bar is fast and pro mixologists with no wait no matter how busy. The specials and combos are all good so this time I tried the Miguel's Classic not knowing how the stuffed jalapeño would be - no worries, it's perfectly done. As always, efficient, friendly, courteous, good tech (cell text when table ready) reception hostess. In a city of great Spanish and Mexican restaurants, this is a classic winner.
(5)Rebecca S.
Food was decent. They do a decent job at trying to make the restaurant look authentic. The 2 times we have gone the service was awful including this past weekend.
(2)Shannan T.
The Kobe Beef tacos are simply to die for!! Outside patio ambiance is really wonderful!
(4)Melissa R.
There are very few places I've been that get less than 3 stars, but there was no way around this one. The atmosphere is nice. There are mostly tables, a nice outdoor area in the front and the back and a very nice bar all make it pretty inviting. The light is pretty low but it's nice to have some mood lighting at a Mexican restaurant. The service was satisfactory. The waiter was pretty efficient, his only and biggest mistake was serving food when we didn't have any utensils, but hey, stuff happens right? They were very busy when we went on a Sunday night. The food.... It's the most important part, right? This is one of the very few places I considered actually saying that the food was so bad I shouldn't have to pay for it. In reality I guess maybe it just wasn't cooked the way I prefer, but I've eaten this style Mexican plenty of times in my life. I ordered the Fantastico which is a cheese, beef and chicken enchilada smothered in cheese and red sauce served with beans and rice. Enchiladas are one of my go-to dishes when I eat Mexican so I'm pretty well versed in this dish. The chicken was decent, the ground beef a greasy mess and the cheese, well it was drenched in sauce and cheese that who even knew where the cheese stopped and the enchilada began. I know this drenching is pretty par for the course... the real problem is that none of it had any flavor at all. The beans had no flavor and I ended up not really touching them. There was what appeared to be some sort of yellow rice which lacked any flavor as well. Basically, it was a plate of cheesy, saucy blandness. Hubby had the carnitas de puerco. They were quite nice to oblige him in replacing the standard beans and rice with a salad. The carnitas (pork chunks) came out and appeared well fried, crisp and juicy inside. Again, the main problem here was that they had absolutely no flavor. He asked for lime and salt to try to give them hope but it didn't do too much. The carnitas were served on a very large lettuce leaf and the entire edge of the huge leave was brown and wilted. it was very unappetizing. He said the guacamole wasn't bad but that the pico de gallo didn't taste fresh. The side salad was pretty standard fair, iceberg lettuce, some grated cheese, cucumber, tomato. The pre-meal chips and salsa were very good. The chips were served warm and were nice and fresh. They were above average when compared to most restaurants. I hate giving these types of reviews, honestly I do. Before we ate there we saw it had 4 stars so we figured it would be pretty good. Maybe the truth is I'm just no longer a fan of cheesy, saucy plates full of food, but it just wasn't good. Eventually we will try to go back just to be fair. Everyone has an off night/day, judging from the reviews this seems to be a fairly isolated incident. Sorry Miguel's, we really wanted to like you!
(2)Janet F.
First time here and was highly disappointed. Guacamole was very bland, we had to ask for cilantro and add salt and pepper. The fajitas were bland as well. Watermelon Mimosa's was so refreshing!
(2)M S.
I came here for dinner with my friends , Good decor, good service , good food, nice people , Every body really like it
(5)Amanda L.
One of our favorite spots! They have an awesome patio so we always sit outside. The jalepenos stuffed with shrimp are one of our favorite appetizers, the shrimp is jumbo, there is lots of cheese, and they're nice and spicy! Today we started off with the white queso, it was very good, pretty traditional. I had the shrimp quesadillas, which I've had before. I can only eat half of my plate, everything is so filling! Margaritas are good, and the service is usually pretty great. Their tequila selection is pretty average. They have a pretty cool private dining room as well for special occasions. If you're looking for good Mexican and a great vibe then definitely try Miguel's!!
(4)Mike M.
This is the second time we've had dinner at Miguel's and both times were just outstanding! Luckily we arrived at about 515 on a Friday evening, and were directly seated since there were only three other occupied tables. Literally within 15 minutes, the place was packed, and the patio started to gain some people waiting for a table. At first I thought it was two busloads of customers dropped off at the same time, but then realized that people love this place and for good reason! Our Server, Eleni, was supurb. She was personable, quick, not pushy and was very helpful with our questions about selecting from the packed menu. Beautiful job! Our margaritas were perfect...too perfect. It would be very easy to kill a pitcher of this flavorful concoction. The appetizer of Chili Con Queso Blanco was so tasty, we immediately placed a second order to go. The chips were fresh, warm and just right. The Tortilla Soup was a complete knockout, full of just-right veggies with fresh avocado and herbs added just before the crusty baked cheese topping. The soup is one of the best we've ever had. Our entrees were made as if we were the only customers to show up. The Carnitas de Puerco (pork chunks) and the Fajitas Cancun (huge shrimp and sliced steak) were both awesome. Prepared, seasoned and presented levels above any we've had before. This is a wonderful restaurant with great food and warm & caring service. If there is a wait, hang in there. I guarantee it'll be worth it!
(5)Melissa M.
Took the family for brunch and the waitress was setting down chips and salsa as we were pulling out our chairs. The service was like this the entire time. I had the tacos: steak, chicken and pork. The steak was my favorite but all were amazing! Husband had enchiladas and they were to die for as well. Margaritas packed a punch and whatever I ordered was a smidge pricey ($12-14) Next time I'll look at the drink menu before I get too excited :)
(5)Norma G.
What a great experience this was. We went there on a Sunday for a Mexican Brunch with my soon to be mother in law, sister in law and auntie in law. The place was packed, always a good sign, we didn't have to wait long for a table, we were seated promptly. Our waiter was very polite and took the time to let us know about the specials and of course he recommended their margarita, supposed to be so good it has won awards, so I had to make sure they were good indeed ;) , and yes they were!!! Not too sweet and they had a punch!!! I had to pace myself!!! They gave us some chips and salsa, that were absolutely homemade, the salsa was made with roasted tomatoes and chillies, it was just like none I've had before, I wish I could've taken a bottle of that, it had the perfect kick as well, I was surprised to see my mother in law going to town with it :P, didn't get to try all the dishes that were ordered but I tried what my fiancé had, the beef flautas, I had only a couple of bites but they were yummy! I ordered huevos con chorizo, the ratio chorizo to eggs was not even! Lol it felt I had more chorizo than eggs, not complaining, it had a very nice kick, I kept making pauses in between and sipping on my margarita ;) . We also had some desserts that tasted homemade. Our experience was great, and if you ever find yourself in Tampa, go ahead give them a chance! You will love these guys!!
(5)Orin T.
The Skinny: The signature salad was just ok. As a matter of fact everything that we had was just ok. Maybe we didn't order the right foods. The Scoop: This place has really great reviews so I was looking forward to it. When we walked in we were immediately seated which was good. Our waiter was okay. A little dry. We weren't that hungry so we didnt order much. The Deets: I was visiting Tampa from Atlanta with a friend. I was looking for something to eat and of course jumped on Yelp. Didn't feel like waiting on Green Lemon even though I know we would've had a great time there. My salad was blah, his meal was blah. The chips and salsa were pretty good. Don't see myself coming back here or recommending it to anyone. If you do go, avoid the chicken signature salad. Nothing was nasty, just wasn't great.
(3)Christina C.
Great lunch menu. Even if the parking lot looks full, there is probably still spots in the back. There is an entrance from the parking lot to walk in the back of the restaurant. This was good for us, because it was raining and we were making a run for it. The restaurant is nice on the inside. There were about ten of us and they were able to accommodate us easily. They brought baskets of chips and salsa to the table. We also got large bowls of guacamole. Their large is pretty large, like a medium plate full of guacamole. The guacamole is pretty good. It is made in house. It is more silky than chunky. The salsa is very good too. I thought there was a little spice to it, but everyone else disagreed. I'm very sensitive to spice. They have a good selection on the lunch menu. Everything comes with rice and beans. I wasn't very hungry so I ended up getting a garden salad. It isn't anything special. I got blue cheese dressing and it was surprisingly good. I polled the people around me and they said their meals were very good. This is considered one of the best Mexican places in Tampa. I think this is a good place to take people who like Mexican food.
(4)Amanda M.
Love be their margaritas Their stuffed jalapeños are delicious. Great place to eat or hang out at the bar.
(4)MaryAnn C.
I have died and gone to heaven! Superior customer service, over the top quality dishes, and a drink menu to die for. We have been so impressed by this time we have been back at least a dozen times now and have brought our family. We originally came in for brunch one day and tried the steak Benedict and huevos divorciados. We also both had a coup of soup- one pozole and one frijoles rancheros. All of which were over the top. Another trip we tried the ceviche and the stuffed jalapeño with cheese and shrimp. We love the dishes and have had them a few times now- though beware that when you get the stuffed jalapeños with shrimp that each one only comes with one shrimp in each one (just want to set expectations here). Miguel's Bloody Mary is over the top too! My husband was never a fan of drinking one until he tried the ones here. Delicious. We have tried the enchiladas, chile poblano, carnitas and our son tried a dish that comes in two parts (sorry I don't recall the name now), but everyone raves about their food and no one left hungry. This is our absolutely favorite place to go in the Tampa area.
(5)John I.
I have to say the reviews were right, this place is a excellent choice for Mexican Food. They serve a great salsa with chips. I had a delicious house Margarita. For my entree I chose to go with the another reviewers suggestion of the fajitas, let me tell you only one word to describe them "AWESOME", best food and serve I've ever had. For dessert all three of us shared the chocolate strawberry empanadas, WOW! This place is a gem.
(4)Yohanis C.
Guacamole without cilantro, tomato and onions??!!! No, no, no!!! The place is gorgeous but the food is not authentically Mexican :/ There's quite a variety of great soups in the Mexican cuisine but they opted for just tortilla soup and frijoles. I felt like they could not really grasp and/or offer the taste of Mexico.
(3)Scott D.
Awesome! Great authentic Mexican and a great variety of Seafood. Had the Alambres with beef chick and toritzo. Went in on a Tuesday night during a business trip. Sat at the bar. Excellent service (and it was packed on a Tuesday night).
(5)J Z.
It's not authentic if that's what you're after. It's not bad tasting but there is nothing special about it and the price point is a little higher than your average tex-mex... Look at my past reviews for better Mexican restaurants-- however if you're after a burrito smothered in cheese, this is your spot. Just to sum it up, it taste alright, it's tex-mex, and it's a bit overpriced. Not what I'm after when I go looking for Mexican food.
(3)Carlos P.
Half stsr, nombre one they are not seafood place, that's false advertising . Number 2 t g eir cheese is like those cheeses that they use at the carnivals , better don't put cheese that's not heakthy, over priced for t h e kind of chess they put in the foid. And if you are not good looking v they won't hired you on the front of the house as a waiter . The owner is greedy . And always asking for new personnel, big turn around . That tell you something, and to his illegal aliens employees he treats them like shit
(1)Chris D.
Authentic,great service ,fresh and great atmosphere. Definitely will returnwhen backin the area
(4)Racquel C.
Great Mexican food! Great margaritas! Great ambience! The only element that needed improvement was their customer service .... our waitress was almost robotic - she treated us like another #; she messed up our order, lacked personality; and was rarely available to our table.
(3)Desiree D.
Didn't come here to best time... I watched a Friday movie in Hyde park and came here for happy hour... Crowded but that's good... The main dining area was fully booked, so the food has to be good... It was raining so not a lot of people on the patio, but they had umbrellas which was handy.. The signature margaritas were great ( I had 2)... I also had the ceviche which was tasty. I would love to go there next time an have a full dinner... Im sure there are some stars to come.
(3)Anna M.
Miguel's is in my Top 10 favorite restaurants in Tampa and my go to Mexican place. I have had most of the entrees here and they are all delicious. The lunch specials are priced well and are a good value for the amount of food that they serve you. When the weather is nice, the back patio is a great place to eat and socialize. The bar is a fun thing for those with ADHD because it changes colors every few minutes. I love the Sangria here and have been known to drink a pitcher by myself....what? Did I just type that? Miguel's is also great for Sunday brunch because their mimosas are only $5! They will also provide you a pitcher of those too, if you should choose to order one...(just sayin') Service here is usually good and the food comes out quickly. The guacamole is tasty and so is the salsa served with the tortilla chips. There is also a private room you can rent out. I believe the minimum you have to spend is $200. I highly recommend Miguel's for top quality Mexican food. You can't go wrong with anything you order here!
(5)Joanna C.
My customer journey with Miguel's was top notch, from start to finish. I began by contacting them through their website to make a reservation for later that night for six. Within a few hours, I received both a text message and emailing confirming the reservation. AWESOME! When we arrived, the place was buzzing with activity, but we were seated immediately. The service at the table was efficient, friendly and helpful. I had the Polla Loco -- which was tasty and enough food for three meals. Everyone in our group truly enjoyed their food. The server graciously took complicated and demanding orders, and made sure the food that came out was 100% correct. I feel it's a complete value for what you get -- solid food, large portions, attentive customer service and good margaritas. It's not the absolute BEST Mexican around, but I've been here about seven times and it's always good.
(4)Mark C.
Great stuff here. Decent happy hour if you catch it. Believe it's 2-5. Bar is almost perfect length, a lot of drink options, and terrific queso. Do not be confused, there is the white and yellow queso I love them both but this spot is just fabulous ! Have gotten the quesadillas, burrito, and the Miguel's Tacos. All three were terrific meals, but recently we had carol as a server and she was so peppy and adorable, but most importantly attentive. Definitely coming back here when the Mexican cravings come again.
(5)Corey N.
Everyone I've ever taken here has loved it and always request to go back when they visit. Food is delicious and atmosphere is great! There is a really cool outdoor area. Parking can sometimes be difficult but there is a lot more on the back street that has recently been added. Definitely give this place a chance, you won't regret it! It's a step above all the many normal Tex-Mex places you can find.
(5)Geoffrey F.
Took the servers suggestion instead of my favorite seafood chimichanga. Big mistake. And my friend had a giant hair under his lobster tail in the shell. Waited for water and drinks for 10 minutes. Given we were waiting for someone but they still should have checked first. As far as my meal (Kobe Fajita) nice presentation but would be better on sizzling plate. Meat was raw (not medium rare). I don't like sending stuff back especially when everyone is eating. But I'm just gonna bring home and cook rest of way. Last visit they added charges for things without telling us. I just think communication overall needs to be improved here as usually It is on point. Oh and by the way they conveniently added a tip to everyone's individual bills with a party of 5 people. Wierd. And didn't offer anything for the mess up or send a manager over to at least apologize. Not looking for a handout. Just courtesy and good service at a Mexican restaurant that is more expensive than most in the area.
(2)Brian W.
We had a great time at Miguels, service was friendly and quick and my Tacos were delicious, my wife had pork enchiladas that were pretty great too!
(5)Bo W.
We had a family style dinner, ordering the Consuela's favorite, quesadilla, and kids steak. We all had a little taste of each others. My daughters steak made me wish I had ordered a steak, it was amazing. All the portions were large, and all three of us were stuffed to the gills and had to request a to go box. Looking around, this was far from the usual strip mall Mexican restaurant you find seemingly everywhere in the Bay Area. The decor was nice and the place was very clean. There are areas to eat both inside and outside. Our waitress was pleasant, and quick to attend to our dining desires. So far, this is the best Mexican restaurant I have been to in the Bay Area. Muchas gracias!
(5)Dorene M.
Miguel's was on my list of places in to go and thankfully one of my friend was in the mood for Mexican so we ended up going to Miguel's. I wasn't sure what to expect, I guess I expected Miguel's to the traditional Mexican restaurant but was pleasantly surprised it was much nicer.I loved the the lights on the roof of first room you enter. I was nice that they also had outside seating. We decided to sit inside and we immediately welcomed by our server. We started off with chips and salsa and they brought out the spicy salsa since I mentioned liking spicy salsa. In addition I ordered the guacamole. The guac was great, with nice chunk of avocado in it. I tend to like my salsa and guac a little chunky. The salsa was very good but the hot was a little to hot for me, I think next time I will mix the hot with the house and it will have a perfect balance. As for our dinner, I ordered the Tacos MICHOACAN and my friend ordered the Tacos Miguel. The flavor was great, the chicken was tender but I wasn't a fan of the corn tortillas. I usually order the corn tortillas but these were a little different and it was hard to eat the tacos because they were ripped so all my filling went out of the bottom. I did have one that wasn't ripped that I was able to pick up and eat. The meal came with re-fried beans and a yellow rice with peas and maybe carrots in it. The beans were good but I could have passed on the rice. Maybe next time I will see if they substitute something for the rice. Over the food was pretty good and the the service was great.
(4)Matt B.
We rolled over to Kennedy to give Miguel's a try. Wow, this place is packed. They have tons of parking in the back....the spaces are pretty tight but no worries. The frozen margaritas are a must try. Also you gotta order the shrimp stuffed jalapeños, completely amazing hand breaded, crispy cheesy and totally a home run appetizer!!! Dinner was good I think....lol...geez those margaritas pack a punch. Ah, just kidding we had flautas and carnitas de puerco. It was all freshly made and we will be back to try more!
(4)Ms. L.
Well... let's just say it's not what I had anticipated when I read the menu. I love real authentic mexican food ... and this was not authentic. The servers were okay- the chips and salsa were mediocre and the entrees ehhhhh...nothing special. I ordered their "famous" Miguel salad, and...it was not that good. Your nearest Dennys or beef o bradys could have done a better job. Also the water and champagne glasses did not look clean enough for my standards. Upon arrival we did receive complementary chips and salsa which was nice but the meals themselves were expensive and not very large. Beans and rice tasted different than mexican more like Puerto Rican style. Nothing wrong with that but if you're gonna name your restaurant mexican... customers expect Mexican. Trust me... there's a difference.
(2)Eric R.
It's been years since my last visit and boy had it changed. Luckily for the better. It's much snazzier than I remember it. I came for lunch with a friend and neither of us were disappointed. My friend are the recommended chimichanga which was huge. With all the rice and beans almost seemed like a mini episode of man versus food. He really enjoyed it. In my ongoing quest to only eat healthy food I ordered the garden salad with grilled chicken. The chicken with some of the best I have ever tasted. I look forward to coming back many more times than trying other items on the menu.
(4)trish h.
OMG sooooo we were REALLY impressed with the Kobe Beef Tacos!!! And Churiso Caso (I'm totally messing up the spelling). The meat is marinated in heaven and "sent from the gods" tender. I can't wait to go back! Everything was perfect even the sides it came with! I could eat there every night.
(5)Kate S.
We have been there for Saturday day dinner, 40 mins waiting for the table. We was expecting a good authentic Mexican food after waiting for that long. The atmosphere was nice place to hangout with family and friends. We got seats outside at back patio next to the bar in the middle of ppl walking in-out all the time. We got margaritas that taste like water. Our food came out bland, I ask the server for hot sauce and was expected to get some house hot sauce but he brought us a bottle of El Yucateco. Soooo disappointed and won't be back :/
(2)Raya S.
Great food and fun environment! I am from New Mexico so Mexican is my fav and this is the best salsa I have found since moving to Florida! Super yummy!
(5)Brian J.
I've been a frequent visitor here and am surprised that I've never written a review about this awesome and delicious place!! To start you off, they bring in chips and salsa as soon as you sit down and request queso blanco for some kick! Their menu selection is kind of typical in a Mexican restaurant but not a chain-type because they serve seafood as well and fried ice cream (deliciousness)! My favorite platter are their "Tacos Miguel" which is rolled flour tortilla tacos filled with your favorite meat choice smothered with chile con queso served with refried beans and yellow rice. This place does get packed no matter what time and especially on the weekends so plan to wait around 45 minutes on the weekends and be prepared stalk someone because their lot is small. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants some Mexican flavor.
(5)Sha Vonne' W.
My favorite Mexican restaurant ever!!! The only downside is that it is always so busy.
(5)Joe R.
Finally, a good Mexican restaurant in Tampa! I had the seafood enchiladas that comes with a spinach bacon salad, both were delicious! The Tres Leches cake was good, not traditional but tasty. All in all, excellent!
(5)Cori W.
When you see Miguel's from the outside, you're really not expecting much. I don't know if it's because I know it's a Mexican restaurant or what, but I never expect much.....I was so impressed when we stopped by for lunch yesterday! The decor is beautiful and inspired. They have a porch set up and it looks beautiful. The food was also very good we had Miguel's and Manuel's enchiladas which were fantastic and so was their guac. The only thing I took off for was I was a fan of the Marg I had. But all in all it was great and I will be back!
(4)Rebecca T.
this place is super cute & the patio is open ceiling with a beautiful bar, water feature & plenty of seating. My ceviche was fresh. Our server was all smiles & got us our club sodas. (I decided to give the positives first) We asked for a moment to look at the menu. When she came back, she asked if I had decided, With Her Hand Outstretched For My Menu Easy, Cowgirl...Don't had us our check before we order! I asked for my apps, she grabbed my menu, then proceeded to do the same thing to my BF. We felt pretty rushed & definitely unwanted. We only ordered apps because we felt either she was having a bad day or we all were about to have one. She came back over in a few, asked if we wanted anything else (with our check in her hand already) and when we said no, she slapped it down in front of me & walked away. I'm a liberal woman of the here & now, but dayum!! Why you so angry, girl?? Luckily, we had already called a cab, due to the cold shoulder & got the hell out of the deep freeze with Ms. A. Won't be back.
(2)Pete M.
Been here several times and impressed with the food quality. While they offer all of the usual Mex fare, the meats are cooked authentically and assembled so that rather than a glop, you get all the flavors and textures. I'd say several cuts above the better Mex places and miles ahead of any of the chains. Bar service both inside and out is good, but I'm not crazy for the kiddie like Margueritas which are too sweet like nearly every other place. Nice interior, the rear outdoor bar and dining area particularly cool, but it can get quite earsplitting in the main room. Good value, clean and just real good. Recommended.
(4)Nelson S.
Not sure why this place does the business that it does, but that only means you'll be eating bad food in a crowded restaurant. Go somewhere else. I live in Tampa and have been here on various occasions over many years but this last time was the last time. One star because it isn't always bad sometimes just ok. One star because the waitress was nice.
(2)Katerra D.
I've been to this place twice. Both times I feel the drinks were the best part as well as the interior and atmosphere of the building. I feel as though for the price the food portions don't quite match. I've had better Mexican food for lower prices. However, it's still a nice place.
(3)Cindi H.
Great Mexican food, wonderful Margaritas. Pricey, you can go elsewhere for the same fare for less but we were in the area and it was convenient. I would definitely go again.
(4)Jan Matthew A.
In the rare occasion that you or anyone of your friends are looking to eat Mexican but in a nicer atmosphere than most Mexican restaurants. This is the place. It's a dressier Mexican restaurant. Nothing wrong with the food. I was personally taken aback because I didn't know Mexican ceviche is much more different than Peruvian but that's my fault. Food is good enough if you're looking for a good atmosphere but I personally prefer my Mexican food in a homier setting. Not a fan of $15 burritos I guess.
(3)Isabelle R.
My favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. Service is friendly, food is authentic and delicious. Love the margaritas, queso, seafood enchilada, and banana empanada for dessert. The outdoor bar/courtyard is a great place to chill, day or night. Highly recommended!
(4)Amanda W.
So so so yummy!!!!!!! I had a frozen strawberry margarita (one of the best margaritas I have ever had). I also had the fajitas cancun, which is 4 jumbo shrimp and your choice of meat (I got the beef). Excellent meat, fresh sides. You get chips and salsa to start. The salsa is an excellent texture - not too watery like a lot of places and it's not chunky, which I dislike. Very mild flavor.
(5)Martic R.
My usual picks at a Mexican Place are fajitas since I'm not a fan of flour. I've been here several times and the taste seemed to vary. I found it a bit bland during my first visit but much better a few times after. There was an incident with my food on one occasion but management took care of it. On a weekend this place can get very crowded and they are open late. It's a very well known location in south Tampa. The outdoor patio it's the perfect place to hang out on a sunny day.
(3)Warren R.
Went here with the missus to kick off date night. We made reservations for 6:30 and arrived at 6:20. We were early, and our table wasn't quite ready, so we decided to mosey up to the bar where we were promptly served margaritas. At 6:26 our table was ready. We ordered both the chile con queso and the guacamole for appetizers. I ordered the grilled beef burrito, I also wanted to try their chicken taco michoacan, and they were kind enough to let me add one to my order a la carte. The light of my life ordered the fajitas cancun. During the course of our meal we ordered up a pitcher of frozen margaritas. The good: the guacamole was outstanding. There's really only two ways to make it, their way or some other wrong way. It had nice big chunks of avacado and was nicely seasoned. The queso was not too shabby either. The fajitas cancun were very tasty, and the shrimp were ginormous. Obviously the margaritas were good as well, or we wouldn't have ordered a pitcher after our initial sampling. The atmosphere was nice, and our waitress was fast and friendly. The bad: you call that a burrito? No wow factor, and short on taste. I did finish it though. The chicken taco michoacan was better, but I've had way tastier tacos at some hole in the wall places. The ugly: me after drinking all those margaritas. Overall I'd say they're good at what they do. Although not my favorite place for Mexican cuisine, I would return.
(4)Gary F.
Love this place. Love sitting outside, awesome ambiance. No complaints about the service. Parking lot was packed and only had to wait 15 minutes for a table outside. Shrimp tacos were mediocre, not very much flavor. Signature Margaritas were delicious!!
(4)Mary O.
NEVER AGAIN WILL I GO TO MIGUEL'S! Its not the food, it's not the drinks, and it's not the service. It is the management! My birthday is coming up and I wanted to make a reservation for 18 for dinner I was told that they do not take reservation for parties of that size. SOOOO you're going to turn away business? I even asked the manager if I could do two different reservations one for 10 and one for 8 and I was told that they would be putting us on two different sides! JERK! I understand that Miguel's has been around for about 100 years, but they will not be around for long if they keep this up. This USED TO BE my favorite restaurant, But not anymore!
(1)Logan T.
The service was very very very bad and the place was very very very very dirty , also the portions are very very very small and it's very very very expensive i ordered the fajitas and my son ordered the Logan's Steak so the fajitas come out and I'm just wondering where is the cheese so my son asks the Bar sever and asks for cheese so they say to my son you half to ask your server and I'm like no one talk to my son like that so they bring the cheese and I can tell my son was hating the fries and he said they taste like crap so when the bill comes its $1.25 for just a small amount of cheese in my conclusion I was really mad
(1)Mary J.
Been frequenting this restaurant over the years and always enjoyed dining there for the usual reasons - good food, appealing prices and helpful service. But the last two times I have dined there have been less than satisfactory. The food is cooked but is not memorably flavorful. The service is provided but is not particularly pleasant or personable. At least prices are acceptable. Even on a somewhat slow evening (because it was early), the chips and water arrive as if delivered by Fed Ex. Plunked down is the word that comes to mind. Assembly line delivery is how it made me feel. The wine took much longer than a mixed drink would usually take. No explanation or apology. The request for the spicier, hotter sauce provided the table with a not-so-tomateoy sauce but still more mild than wild. The server seemed always in a hurry and never helpful. Lots can be overlooked, or quickly brushed off, if the food is strong enough to offset the setbacks. Sadly that was not the case. Minimal seasoning, undercooked beef and no follow up to find out how we were "enjoying" our meals. Wow. It is disappointing because there was a time when this place really did things the right way.
(2)Taicho M.
I'm not sure why people think this place is great. It's just another chips & salsa Mexican joint that is the furthest thing from authentic. I've lived in Mexico and I'm here to say this is not authentic. That being said if the food was fantastic I wouldn't care if it was truly authentic whatsoever the problem is that it isn't. 10 years ago this would have been "passable" but now that the food scene is finally starting to elevate here in Tampa this mediocre food just doesn't cut it and there are much better options to be had for price and quality. If you're looking for chips and salsa and maybe a margarita then this might be the place for you but if you plan on eating something delicious and memorable try someplace else. Comments: Mole was disgraceful and flavorless. Carnitas was underwhelming. "House" salsa looked and tasted canned or not fresh. Comments to owner: You have a chance to reinvent this place. Take it before your consumers become exposed to better options than your current offering and a glorified atmosphere. Also, reduce the size of your menu and make a small amount of items REALLY good and REALLY authentic. What about an amazing pozole for starters?
(1)Hilary W.
Love this place! Check out their outdoor bar for a nice chill atmosphere. Waitstaff is always friendly and knowledgable. We love the white queso with spinach to start. For an entree you must get something seafood! My personal favorite is the seafood enchilada. The spinach salad has a bacon vinaigrette which is amazing and the salad automatically comes with the seafood enchilada.
(5)Allison N.
Wow, what an amazing experience. I am so impressed by Miguel's. We made reservations and got to the restaurant. It was pretty full but we were seated immediately and given chips and salsa and drinks right away. The salsa was awesome and tasted very fresh. We got the stuffed jalapeño peppers and they were incredible! I've had jalapeño poppers from Green Lemon and these ones totally blew them away. They were perfectly fried and the jalapeño wasn't soggy, which tends to happen sometimes when they get fried. I ordered the chicken fajitas mario and it was really tasty. The chicken was spiced perfectly and the food was hot. I also tried my boyfriend's meal -- he got the alambres. Those were a little more flavorful but I think probably too heavy for me since they were topped with melted cheese. Our server was very quick and all the food came out in a timely manner. I didn't feel like we were rushed though. I thought everything was awesome, quick and will definitely return in the future.
(5)Regina D.
I am a business owner! We went to Miguel's last night at 9 pm . Caroline was our server. Outstanding service! I don't find a lot of service in Florida! The food was outstanding. My husband told them to give our compliments to the chef . IT WAS THAT OUTSTANDING. I AM PART LATIN! I WOULD BE THE FIRST TO TELL YOU TO GO ELSEWHERE. YES WE WILL COME BACK !
(5)Katy S.
Honestly, I don't go out for Mexican often and I need more Miguel's in my life. I have only eaten here a handful of times and the food is just so good. The enchiladas are super cheesy, which is very important to me when choosing Mexican food. The margs are straight up delicious and they pack a punch. It doesn't really feel like a "typical" Mexican restaurant on the inside, but it has a really nice atmosphere. I really have nothing negative to say about this restaurant. I guess the point is, just give it a try!
(5)Chris B.
Excellent excellent excellent. I've passed Miguel's so many times and decided today would be the day we had dinner. I'm glad we did. The interior is nicer than I thought we'd find. We were quickly served chips and good salsa. Our server was very friendly. My fiance had the taco salad and I had enchiladas Miguel. Both were fantastic. They don't skimp on the ingredients and you can tell it's quality stuff. The chicken tasted like real chicken which is unlike a lot of other Mexican joints I've visited. The rice and beans were both good too. Fast service, great food, good prices, and a nice interior gets you five stars, Miguel's. Looking forward to another visit.
(5)Mike M.
We arrived in a party of 6 and were warmly greeted and informed about Miguel's history so we promptly put in for a couple pitchers of margaritas. We added some queso to the complementary chips and salsa that were provided. I had the scallops and shrimp which was served in a similar fashion to fajitas minus the sizzle plate. It was both delicious and filling. My wife had the India which were some maxed out tostadas that were also very good. Everyone was very happy with all of the food, but I have to say, the service was excellent! Our server was friendly, informative, prompt, and very genuine. I will definitely be back.
(5)Tamia H.
My boyfriend and I were in Tampa last week. We had dinner here on our first night. It wasn't busy on the Monday night we came and there was plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The food was delicious but the portions were ridiculously huge. My entree alone could have been divide between three people. My boyfriend insisted on sharing a dish of fried ice cream for dessert. I was expecting two small scoops. Instead we got a mountain of ice cream- more than what either of us could eat. I have no problems with the restaurant- the service was good and the food was great. The portions sizes were just too much for me but I'll still give this place five stars.
(5)Dave B.
One of my favorite authentic restaurants. Everything is very good on the menu, but really enjoy the fajitas. chimichanga and enchiladas. The service is top notch, Margaritas are prime and the bill is not too shabby.
(5)Aleema A.
Miguel's has seem to show up in my life lately. A cute place near the corner of Kennedy and McDill is a great place to get some Mexican food. I've been here mulitple times now and I've loved it everytime. The atomosphere is wonderful and very authentic. The complementary chips and salsa are really really delicious. I recommend a margarita if you are in the mood to have a cocktail. There is a back private room that I really hope I can try very soon. All in all, a great place to eat!
(4)Bethany R.
You have to try the frozen margaritas! Miguel's is a date night destination for sure! Call ahead for reserved seating, they fill up fast on Friday or Saturday nights. We arrived a bit early for our 6:30 reservation and made our way to the back patio and bar to wait for our table. As soon as we walked out to the patio a bartender greeted us and took our drink order. Of course we had to try their famous frozen Margarita's. Like an adult Slurpee but with the added benefit of alcohol, this was a tart frozen dream-come-true after a long work week. As brain freeze set in we were notified by text that our table was ready so leaving the ultra-hip patio, off to the hostess stand we went. After being seated in a quiet corner, our waitress came right over to bring chips and salsa, check on our drinks and answer any questions we might have about the menu. We ordered a bowl of guacamole and queso dip to go with the salsa which arrived moments later. The chips were crispy and tasted fresh, they weren't greasy or salty. The salsa was thick, not too chunky but not thin or watery either, nice spice to it but not hot - a salsa that anyone could eat without issue. The queso dip was decent - standard melted cheese and tomatoes, etc. The guacamole however, was wow! "Holy guacamole!" my date exclaimed, this guacamole was as fresh as it gets, with big pieces of creamy avocado within. Hands down, the best guacamole we've had at a Mexican restaurant in a long time. Before we had time to polish off all of the guacamole our entrees arrived. Cancun Fajitas for me which included shrimp, steak and chicken peppers, onions and homemade flour tortillas. The shrimp were huge, 6 large gulf shrimp perfectly seasoned, cooked on a skewer and served with grilled chicken, steak and veggies served in a sizzling cast iron skillet. A side plate of sour cream, cheese and pico de gallo were included but I opted to eat the shrimp without any fixings and was glad I did. They were delicious, grilled perfectly with a slight buttery flavor, by far worth eating by themselves without hiding them in a tortilla or drowning them in sour cream. After the shrimp were gone I moved forward with preparing a traditional fajita. Layering steak, chicken, grilled veggies and my fixings I had a nice size fajita with enough left-over to make two more. The second fajita I made gave to my date who had been ogling my dinner. He returned the favor and shared his burrito which was good, but not as good as my fajitas. After dinner the waitress offered a dessert menu but we were totally stuffed. The service here was very good, drinks and food seemed to arrive within minutes of ordering. The waitress was friendly, helpful and checked on us often. It was a bit loud inside but we had a nice quiet table for two in a corner. They have outside seating on the back patio which is really nicely decorated as well as outdoor seating in the front porch area. There is a large bar inside with a flat screen TV and lots of inside seating, this is a large restaurant. After a great experience and meal we have added Miguel's to our list of date night destinations for the future.
(4)G M.
I went to Miguel's last Friday after 3 yrs and, honestly, it's not longer what used to be. The food now is more Tex-Mex rather than authentic Mexican food. The food was decent (I ordered the Chile Relleno lunch special) and the drinks were good (margaritas). Unfortunately, I saw a bunch of extra charges on my bill that were not mentioned before I ordered my food (extra charge for the fajita - style meat in the Chile Relleno and some other liquor added to the margaritas). The server/bartender never mentioned about the extra charges before hand. Needless to say, I didn't appreciated the lack of honesty from the staff so I doubt I'll go back. I can go somewhere else and get authentic Mexican food at a lower price too.
(3)Whitney H.
4 to 4.5 stars..... 2 experiences and nothing but great things to say about Miguel's. The bar area is great. It is a great place to grab a drink, wait for your table or eat dinner. They have a nice selection of Tequila_including Don Julio and a great selection of beers. The bar staff is very accommodating to make my special Margarita....and they offer fresh lime juice. The chips and salsa are very tasty, as is the guacamole. This last time, I had the taco salad with pork (the pork is carnitas and very tender and juicy). The tomatoes were cut a bit large, as I prefer them to be diced and the salad also included cucumber (didn't really expect that). My partner got the carnitas dinner and it was delicious. They serve it with corn tortillas....just an FYI for those who prefer flour. I don't think you can go wrong by dining at this establishment. We will absolutely be back and look forward to it!
(4)Lana A.
Decided to take my boyfriend here for dinner. The restaurant itself has very nice decor, however the food was just ok. Ordered the Pollo fundido chimichanga, which was good however the rice and beans were extremely bland. Decided to get a queso to go since I have never had a bad queso at any Mexican restaurant. When I got the bill the price was $6.75 for the queso, an amount I have never pay paid for just plain queso anywhere. The server also charged me an additional amount for the chips to go with the queso. Again NEVER happened before to me at any other Mexican restaurant. I got home and decided to see what $9 dollar chips and queso tastes like and it is awful. It taste like nothing but old grease. I will never go back to this place again.
(1)Frances V.
Good food, good service and environment. We sat outside in the patio...very nice. They had heaters and the service was very good. Margarita was ok. The Miguel enchiladas were tasty. Good Mexican restaurant experience overall.
(4)Shannon J.
Mexican and seafood are my favorite types of food & this place does them justice. I would say this place has contributed to my love of Mexican food. The food is Amazing. I typically get the tacos Miguel or the Miguel special. Also their queso blanco is outstanding. I suggest sitting outside on the back patio under the lights.
(5)Rebekah T.
We heard about Miguel's by a bartender at another restaurant. I looked it up and bookmarked it, until some local friends wanted to meet for brunch. We decided to give it a shot. It's a nice sit down restaurant. We sat and were given chips and salsa and ice water in beautiful hand blown glasses while we looked over the menu. I ordered a mimosa and my guy ordered a bloody mary with gin, his favorite. My guy and I decided to share a Miguel's Eggs Benedict with Steak. WHY have I never ordered a steak eggs bennie?! It was very tender skirt steak, cooked perfectly medium so it didn't make a huge mess when you cut it. Just the typical sexy egg yolk mess. I also ordered the ceviche, which was shrimp and fish with a roasted tomato and pepper flavor. It was a large portion for only $6.95. We loved the food and brunch at Miguel's and got to bring some locals to try it too. You'll never know what great spots you can find by asking people who love good foos too.
(5)Chrissy M.
Pros: easy parking, recent renovations, nice patio, large selection of tequilas Cons: hard to get around inside restaurant, small restrooms, average service and food
(3)Tara S.
Oh Miguels. You have always held a special place in my heart. So I was so glad when my girlfriends suggested we have brunch here. We got to sit in the outdoor patio, which looks so much nicer than I remember. Started with a skinny Margarita and it was delish. I deviated from my regular order of enchiladas manuel, and tried something off the brunch menu. I was not let down. I had the benedict. the eggs were poached perfectly and the steak was cooked great.
(4)Chibi B.
Average Mexican joint if you don't live close by, don't make it a destination like we did based on Internet articles and yelp reviews. Guacamole was literally just avocados, refried beans lacked taste, rice was okay. They don't offer horchata or agua fresca nor did my server know what they were. Service was sub par with my drink being empty for 5 minutes.
(3)Kenny A.
Miguel's is conveniently located in the corner of Kennedy and MacDill. They have two dining spaces; one a more elegant space and the other around the back corner a nice patio-like more casual looking area, which I prefer. The food is good... maybe not authentic Mexican fare, but what you might expect from any other tex-mex restaurant, all done quickly and presented beautifully. The carnitas (one of my favorites tex-mex dishes) are flavorful and oh so tender! Everything else I've tasted there has been very good, so no complaints on the food. For me, the only problem is the limited parking. It fills up quickly, but they do offer valets, so that takes care of that.
(4)Mindy M.
This is our second time to visit Miguel's in the 3 weeks that we are staying in Tampa. I was so pleased with what I ordered on my first visit that I ordered the same today...Queso Fundido w/Chorizo, Pork Carnitas & house Margarita. Everything was delicious. The portions are large enough that I brought home leftovers both times. Their chips, salsa and guacamole are tasty, as well. We had very good service on our visits. I don't recall our servers name today but Mindy was our server on our first visit and was really great. If you are in the mood for very good Mexican food...I highly recommend Miguel's!!
(4)Felicity R.
Best Mexican in south Tampa ! I love their house margaritas very fresh with 100% agave tequila (no fluorescent green mixes with jose Cuervo here). For food I enjoy the tortilla soup, enchiladas miguel, fajitas , and tacos carbon. There is a nice back patio with seating and a small bar and lounge area with nice ambience. Everyone gets free chips and salsa and the salsa is so fresh and tasty I always ask for a side to bring home with me. The back patio bartender is very friendly as well. I always have a great experience each time I go.
(5)Virginia G.
I loved this place! Went on a Sunday afternoon after an unfortunate visit to The Porch which left me starving for food ..and class. Luckily we came here. Around Christmas it was very pleasantly decorated and felt warm and inviting upon walking in. We were promptly seated and brough some chips and salsa, then met our Uber freindly waitress who started us with drinks and shots of tequila. For dinner I had the Chicken Fajitas Mario ($13.99) which came out in a nice pico sauce and were absolutely delicious. I opted for the frijoles charros instead of the basic refried and was so glad I did. These were the best beans I've had since Houston. Companion had the Almabres ($14.96) which was described as fajita meat sauteed with chorizo. There were little bits of chorizo but nothing to write home about, it was however, very good. ] Portions were large. Drinks kept coming. They have a nice tequila selection. Gorgeous little outdoor bar area. I'd come back here in a heartbeat and am kicking myself for waiting for so long to come here!
(5)Tyann K.
Love this place!!! Everything is so good. My husband and I go at least 4 times a month. The outdoor patio is my favorite place to eat.
(5)Gigi S.
I was nervous when I didn't see the word "mole" anywhere on the menu. I hadn't been here in a very long time and was happy to see that the cheesy outdoor tables with beer propaganda on them were no longer inside. There had been a total makeover, and it looked great! The bar boasted a wide range of tequilas and there was a newer menu too. Still, no mention of mole anywhere on this one either. I tried the tortilla soup anyway and loved it. So simple, so heartwarming, and topped with fresh avocado, and so much more. Tried the sangria ordered sans cinnamon and it was good too. Fine, affordable Mexican food in a place that no longer looks like a dump next door to a strip club, yay! No mole? No problem!
(4)Alyssa H.
We had a party of about 16. They were very efficient! Right as we sat down they brought out chips and salsa. Chips weren't greasy at all and the salsa had good flavor. We ate inside but they have a pretty cool outside area! The food came out quick and everyone's order was correct which was impressive for a large party. I ordered one of their popular items on the menu-3 different enchiladas. Pretty good. Some of their seafood entrees looked interesting. Will have to go back and try that next time!
(4)Chris W.
Great place. Staff and service was very friendly and polite. Love the atmosphere as a relaxed cantina place but in a clean, modern, and more upscale restaurant. Bartender Alaina was wonderful!
(5)D D.
We love coming to this place! The food, service, & atmosphere never Dissapoints. The prices are good & there are a lot of food options. We've come several times & we always wish we came more often.
(5)Julie H.
We have heard this is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Tampa so we decided to check it out. Wait was over an hour at nine pm at night which we thought was a good sign but we were sadly disappointed. The food was okay...not worth the hour wait or the long drive (we are from Wesley chapel). I ordered Kobe beef tacos which was okay but definitely not worth the price. Boyfriend ordered steak fajitas but got carne asada. Waitress got his order wrong and didn't even offer to correct it. Service was horrible. She barely tended to our table and was MIA most of our dinner service. We are a young couple in our twenties and I honestly believe she profiled us from the beginning because she only had two tables (including ours) and she seemed to tend to the other table better. We would probably not come back due to the food being mediocre and the bad service.
(2)Cori H.
I was on vacation in Tampa last week and was craving some good Mexican food. As a vegetarian, Mexican cuisine is usually a safe bet anywhere and I can usually walk away full and satisfied. This was not case. The menu wasn't clear so I asked, and the beans are made with pork lard, I wasn't surprised-it happens. But I was surprised that they did not offer boiled beans with no animal meat added, like bacon. I asked the waited if there was only one option for vegetarians and he offered vegetable fajitas. I passed, and selected nachos with no beans and asked for corn to be added. He and the description said that it was chips, with cheese, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, jalapenos, and guacamole. What came out was seven chips surrounding a pile of lettuce, with tomatoes and canned jalapenos. Each chip had cheese and corn on it. No guac. I asked for some sour cream. That was $1.50. The cost of nachos and the sour cream worked out that each chip cost me $1.10! $1.10 per chip!! The wait staff was really great, and I know he could only do so much, but come on. The nachos I bought later in the week at Busch Gardens came with more toppings and were cheaper. If you are vegetarian, or have a vegetarian in your group, do not waste the money. I am sure it is a great place for drinks and chips, but not for a meal. I was really excited about this place, and was really disappointed. Sorry Miguel.
(2)Josh N.
Wonderful takes on Mexican food with devilishly good bartenders this joint never fails to be packed on a weekend or any weekday for that matter. The food is always good even if they are always packed and loud with a good wait staff to top it all off
(3)Cassandra S.
Love this restaurant! The food is always good. The drinks are consistent. The service is great!. My favorite part is the back patio. Especially with this amazing weather lately in Florida, it's a great place to hang out with a beautiful vibe. Strong lights from the ceiling and plants make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, and that you forget you're at the intersection of Kennedy and MacDill. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because some of the dishes can feel a tiny bit like they've been frozen and reheated. Thought. Still tasty, delicious, and worth going to, but not every single item ordered necessarily has been made from scratch.
(4)Angus W.
We must have done something wrong. Everybody seems to like this place... except us. Maybe it's our fault and we ordered the wrong thing... but the waiter assured us that were ordering a great combination. More about the waiter.. he was recommending the Kobe beef fajitas, I noticed on the menu that it said that they use Kobe skirt steak which was 29.95, I also noticed that they offered a prime tenderloin fajita for 24.95 and the regular stuff (which I would normally get, happily) So I asked the waiter if the Kobe skirt steak is actually any better than regular skirt steak (it's not a good cut of meat so my expectations are not high) and he said they aren't skirt steak, he said there is skirt steak (regular) Prime beef and the best is Kobe.. I sighed.. and said that the Kobe beef is still skirt steak... he looked at me and said, "no, it's Kobe, it's the best".... I let it go... but I was curious and tried it anyway. First mistake. We asked the waiter about Mole' sauce.. they don't have it and he's never heard of it (no problem, we were just asking) So we ordered the Carnitas Second mistake. We were going to share everything. The chips were fresh and still warm, the salsa was very tasty and when we asked for some spicier salsa, they brought us some more really good salsa. The restaurant is lovely, it's clean and inviting. We had high hopes. First of all the Kobe skirt steak looked pretty good, a little rarer than we asked for, but that's ok (I like it that way) the main problem is that it was the most flavorless fajita that I have ever tasted, no char.. nothing, and I got a chunk of gristle in there that almost killed my appetite. I love Carnitas so I was surprised when Lisa's plate came out with 4-5 lumps of beige pork (fat showing) and no sauce or anything. The carnitas had almost no flavor, seriously, there was guacamole and lettuce and sour cream (The tortillas were good) and nothing else. We ended up using some of the salsa from the chips to get some flavor. We were both feeling just a little grossed out by the meat. Also, as an aside, the beans are served in a soup like format. I've had them like this before.. just never so soupy (LOT'S of liquid!) with beans and some bacon. I didn't care for them and thought they were pretty bland (I normally like beans) Maybe we were there on an off night, maybe I should have gone with my gut and ordered the regular fajitas.. or some enchiladas or something. But, we couldn't wait to get out of there and probably won't go back. Lisa's sister is very disappointed because she loves that place.
(2)Tara J.
This place was boomin' on Cinco de Mayo! Our wait was originally estimated at 2 1/2 hours, but we only waited for 45 minutes. The service was excellent, the restaurant elegantly decorated, and the food was outstanding (we had bacon wrapped shrimp, crab chile rellenos, and seafood enchiladas)! Their specialty house margaritas deserve their own review- as they were definitely some of the best tasting drinks east of SoCal (I like my margaritas with good tequila, and a nice blend of sour mix). We also had tres leches cake....super yummo and made there! The only downside was parking, but I'm guessing that is different when it's less crowded. I would give them 4.5 stars- definitely worth several return visits!
(4)Z A.
Let's be real - it's hard to find a Mexican restaurant that doesn't get you sick or actually satisfies you. This place defies both those things. Delicious!!! Dinner and brunch are both worth coming [back] for. Patio dining is nice - doesn't even seem like you're sitting on Kennedy! And of course the courtyard is beautiful, and sometimes they have live music.
(5)Guilherme L.
The food is fantastic and I would definitely recommend Miguel's to anybody looking for good and reasonably priced Mexican food. I ordered a beef quesadilla. The portions are huge and it also comes with a side of rice and refried beans (which were amazing as well). The service is very good and the drinks are very good. The frozen strawberry margarita is to die for. It's also a great environment for groups. We had a party of 10 and we were seated very quickly in a very nice table. Great place to go with friends or family.
(5)Gary M.
This place was great! The chorizo was delicious, the Carne Asada was so moist and tender it almost melted in your mouth... The atmosphere above average and very clean. Even though it was raining the patio patio bar looked inviting. Our server, Mindy, was most attentive and polite. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
(4)Melissa M.
I have loved Miguel's for years now. They recently expanded and made a beautiful patio area which only makes the resturant nicer. The food is great, servers are great, sangria is great. I love it!
(5)Brian C.
Dinner Mar 10 Very surprised at how good this place was. Had low expectations and maybe that's why I rated it so high. But Miguel's delivered! Would like to give it 3.5 stars. Salsa was homemade and very fresh. We actually had several bowls and I swear each round tasted just a tad bit different than the rest -- which I loved and this screams to its homemade-ness (is that a word?) Asked the waiter what he suggested - he said "Alambres". Boy was he right! That dish was incredible! it was like fajitas on steroids! Delicious! Wait staff was a bit slow, but we did get there at 9:30, so I am sure they were all ready to go home and wore out by the time we got there. Additionally, the Queso Blanco was good, but seemed way over priced at $10.25 for a large order based on the size of the bowl it was served in.
(3)Deb C.
First visit with high expectations. It was very crowded. Ordered Kobe skirt steak fajitas for $30... I was let down. No sizzling plate! The steak was fine but for $30 I was expected (and was paying for) spectacular. Chimichanga with chicken and cream was good but the fried tortilla she'll wasn't crispy and the queso topping was like cheese whiz ... Only worse. For these prices the food should be better. Service was good. Atmosphere was nice.
(2)Nat W.
Miquel's is a well know Mexican restaurant in Tampa. Some people say it is the best in Tampa bay. The place has a nice ambiance, nicely decorated, plus cute and relaxing outdoor seating. I ordered fajitas and my husband ordered enchilada. They were both good but didn't stand out to me. I have had some great authentic Mexican in the past so I guess I felt Miguel's was just one of another Americanized Mexican restaurants, especially having known some claim it is the best in Tampa. Nevertheless, I still think this is a good place to hang out, relax, and enjoy good food with your friends and family.
(4)Alison N.
Miguel's has been my my favorite spot for work lunches and happy hour since I moved to tampa several years ago. On Wednesday 2/25/15, at lunch, a breathtaking amount of rudeness and disrespect by an assistant manager made it abundantly clear how little Miguel's values their customers' satisfaction. What started the whole ball rolling was a relatively minor issue with my food. I ordered a steak burrito with beans and cheese. I asked the waitress if there were any vegetables including onions in the burrito (I'm allergic); she responded with no, only steak, beans, and cheese in the burrito. Burrito comes out smothered in queso with onions and red peppers cooked into it. In the interest of time I scrape the queso off and start eating the burrito. When I start eating, it's all beans and steak, no cheese; I assumed it was melted down. I get halfway through the burrito and find ALL the cheese congealed in one end of the burrito. I stop eating the burrito because of who wants to eat a big pile of partially melted cheese? When I get the bill, my burrito was rung up differently than expected. Since the burrito was rung up differently than I expected and I hadn't been able to eat over half of it I asked to speak the manager. This is where the real problem started. When she approaches the table the first words out of her mouth are "what is the problem?" While I explain my dissatisfaction she interrupts me repeatedly to say "you don't understand, that's how we make our burritos" and ROLLS HER EYES at me!!! After another 5 minutes of telling me I don't understand, interrupting me, and rolling her eyes, she agrees to take the burrito off my check. When she bring back my card and receipt (she still charged me for a $3 soft drink that never got refilled once) she threw it in the table and stalks away without a word. At this point the colleague I was eating with got up to inquire at the hostess stand if there is another manager available. The rude assistant manager begins to tell him that "your friend doesn't understand" and ROLLS HER EYES at him too!! At no point in our interactions with the assistant manager did anything resembling an acknowledgement that my food was less than satisfactory come out of her mouth. Later in the day I called Miguel's hoping to speak to the GM or another leader. I spoke with a man who introduced himself as the owner's son. His reply to my issues with my food was that I "did not understand how they made burritos" and insinuated that perhaps our behavior had justified the assistant manager's disrespect. He also said he trusted the assistant manager completely, and would have to watch the cc video to "see what really happened" and he would get back with me, but that there wasn't much he was willing to do. It's been 3 days since I talked to the owner's son and he has not contacted me to offer any sort of service recovery or an apology for the terrible terrible service and lousy food. To recap: 1. Specific menu questions to the waitress were incorrectly answered. 2. My food was executed poorly. Only half was edible, and it was not as I expected it to be. 3. The assistant manager provided a textbook example of how NOT to do customer service or service recovery. She couldn't have been ruder if she tried. 4. The owner's son insinuated her rudeness and disrespect could have been justified and implied he didn't believe/care that our experience at his family's restaurant had been so awful. He also has not kept his commitment to follow up with a dissatisfied formerly loyal customer. So save yourself the time, money, and frustration and stay away from Miguel's. Instead, try Chihuahua's or Catrina's Cocina on S MacDill or Vallarta's in Carrollwood. You won't be missing anything special.
(1)Joey M.
Miguel's has always been my "go-to" place for work lunches, interviews, dates, etc. throughout the 11 years I've been in Tampa....UNTIL TODAY. On 2/25 at 11:30am, we had a lunch meeting, and the colleague whom I was with received an order that disagreed with an allergy she discreetly disclosed to the server. Although the server tried to remedy the situation, it became clear that she couldn't do much, so we asked for the manager. This is when the service recovery failure occurred. The assistant manager came over and her body language immediately signaled an annoyance while she asked in a demeaning way, "what seems to be the problem?" When my colleague explained that the meal was not meeting expectations and that the way it was billed was confusing (and surprisingly expensive just to accommodate an allergy), the assistant manager ROLLED HER EYES! Yes, rolled her eyes like a middle school child!!! When my colleague continued to explain her concerns, she again rolled her eyes and interrupted my colleague, "Please let me explain...." I could not believe this. She continued to justify the cost and the way the burrito was made while not listening or caring with our concerns!!!. "That's the way we make it when you order it that way." HORRIFIC!! It was our fault!!! Can you imagine our frustration when this was the manager on-duty doing this?????? Because I love this place so much, I went to ask the hostess if there was another manager on duty. She responded no, and I told her that that manager had been completely rude and disrespectful to us. She asked with a frown on her face, pointing to where our table was, "oh...were you the two sitting over there?"--implying that apparently we were the talk of the staff at the restaurant! We are far from those patrons you hear about who try to complain their way to a free meal, yet we were instantly classified as such!!!!!!! At this time, the assistant manager came over, and I told her how rude and disrespectful she had been to my colleague. She rolled her eyes at me...yes...again!!! She said, "I TRIED to explain to your friend that this is how we make burritos..." I told her that that wasn't the issue...but rather that "you did not listen to her as indicated by your eye rolling," and she rolled her eyes again! At this point, I just walked away as I told her about her eye-rolling. What really bothers me is that if this is how management at this restaurant values us customers, then how long will it be before the servers and bartenders do the same. I am beyond upset at this because Miguel's has been my favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa for most of my adult life. In the past year, I have easily spent $700 alone at this restaurant (I looked up my expenses), and I always had at least an additional friend or colleague with me on each visit. This incident likely will result in my not returning to this restaurant. I am really upset and disheartened that this happened. Until this manager is removed from the restaurant, I will not return, and I will, unfortunately, have to urge my friends and colleagues to also avoid this restaurant. This woman who is your assistant manager (according to your hostess) has directly resulted in your loss of a loyal customer.
(1)Brett G.
The food was mediocre. Had the service been half way decent, it would justify three stars. Unfortunately, the service is just bad. It took five minutes for someone to greet our table. We had many times of eye contact with various servers, but apparently the "team concept" is not alive and well at Miguel's. The salsa is warm and tastes more like spicy tomato paste. The chips are bland. The fajitas are equally bland and the meat is tough and over-cooked. Looking around the restaurant, all of the servers and hostess had long frowns on their faces and appeared miserable to be working. They slung the food on the table and walked away. I would go for better service and equal tasting food at Taco Bell.
(2)Diane G.
My friend and I visited the evening of Gasparilla....the place was packed and we were told there was a 25 minute wait (which seemed very reasonable given the festivities). We waited on the outside patio near a cozy fire pit surrounded by comfortable outdoor seating with lots of pillows and a large screen TV. It didn't seem like we waited nearly that long, and we ended up being seated on the patio as well. I was on the hunt for tortilla soup and my friend suggested this place. Theirs is made with avocado, onions, beans, cheese, great seasonings, and it is absolutely delish! My friend had the flautas, and was also very pleased with her meal. Our server was prompt and very courteous. There are several unique dining areas to choose from. There were a million other items I wanted to try, so I will be back soon and will add to my review in the future. UPDATE: I went back last weekend for more soup and decided to try something new. Another Saturday night, the place was packed at 8:00 pm and there was an hour wait. My friend and I ended up filling up on chips and salsa by the bar while we waited. The chips are great. By the time we were seated, we ordered guacamole (for more chips!) and split the Enchiladas Del Mar (stuffed crab meat and cream cheese). The guacamole was a huge disappointment...it was very creamy and tasted like it had been blended with sour cream and/or mayonnaise...ick. The enchiladas were good, but not as good as I had anticipated them to be. I had a cup of tortilla soup and it was as delicious this time as it was before. Still, I find myself wanting to go back for more tortilla soup, and to try something else on the menu.
(4)Shirley A.
I am a lover of mexican food, lived in Mexico for 9 months, Alaska for 23 yrs. & Naples Fl for 17 yrs.Hands down this is the best anywhere I've been Fresh, salsa& chips are fresh, lite &out of this world delicous.Meals are always fresh and delicious every time.The Taco salad bowl is to die for, makes you want to ask for another shell on the side it is so good.You are in for a great all around place to eat at Miguels, atmosphere, service is great .I rated this 5 stars because in my book it definitely deserves it!
(5)Ea T.
Better than that new place besito The margaritas are bigger and better and Best bet for your money and the food is DELICIOUS and in larger portions. A land mark in the making . Katyln is one of the best bartenders on the market She is on point and I mean that .WOW
(5)Glenda B.
Wonderful Authentic Mexican food, the sautéed fish tacos are awesome, full of flavor. The guacamole is very fresh and doesn't have the strong lime flavor you get at most restaurants, very yummy. The beans are very flavorful, which is my test for a good Mexican restaurant. Oh, the bathroom is a quiet retreat, very tall wooden walled stalls and beautiful ambiance.
(5)Kelleigh M.
Ok, my impression of Miguel's has changed. I haven't visited Miguel's in 7+ years. Mainly because each time I had been there I left with a horrible stomach ache. Recently, after the ADA walk, myself, Mr Kelleigh and some co-workers visited on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. My first impression was that this place was really well done. The finishings and decorations were gorgeous and it definitely did not have the feeling of a Tex Mex style cantina. Upon being sat, we were welcomed by a basket of fresh and warm tortilla chips and their homemade salsa, which I thought was great. My husband likes his salsa chunkier, so he wasn't as impressed as I was. We ordered a side of guacamole. It was very creamy and tasty, but I thought the $7 price tag was a bit high. For our entrees I chose the fantastico, which is their enchilada combo-one beef, chicken and cheese. My favorite was the beef. It came with a side of yellow rice (which I thought was odd that it wasn't served with the tomato based rice) and beans. I opted for a side salad instead of the beans-nothing great. Just your average iceberg, tomatoes and cucumbers. My husband ordered the combo that came with a flauta, Miguel's taco (this was awesome) and a stuffed jalepeno-another winner. His too came with beans and rice. Mine was priced at $11 and I believe his was around $13/$14. For the price, quality and atmosphere, I thought Miguel's was a grand slam. I'm glad my impression of them has changed and I plan on visiting again.
(4)Jc E.
Great Ambiance, Food, and Service! My family and I loved Miguel's. Only complaint is that I wish they sang happy birthday, our server just passed us a flan with a candle and walked alway.
(5)Thelonious W.
The food was fantastic and quick, I didn't know what a Mexican seafood and Grill place would be like. Any that I go to after this will have to match or top this because this was delicious, The atmosphere was great, the server was very attentive and recommended The bean soup.... It was delicious!
(5)Kimberly F.
Our first visit to Miguel's did not start out very well. We asked the hostess for a booth, she said there weren't any available. We asked "how long would the wait be" she said "well they could be there all night". My husband said "we will just sit at the bar and wait for a booth no problem" she then said "what?? you have booths at home?? We have a table ready for you right now." So as to not cause a scene we said fine and politely walked to our table. Then we asked the waiter to please inform the manager what had taken place which he said he would. He also mentioned she was new, I don't think she will last long. After that mess the rest of the night was great. The food was amazing, the margaritas were awesome. We will definitely go back. Next time though we will insist on a booth. Hopefully she won't be there.
(4)Andrea O.
My love of Green Lemon might be what's holding me back from giving it 5 stars, but my experience at Miguel's has always been enjoyable. The atmosphere is more upscale than most Mexican places, and the menu selection is unique and versatile. The cons? Very few gluten free options and it's on the pricier side. Regardless, it's a great choice to satisfy your Mexican cravings.
(4)Kevin K.
Came here for lunch with a group of friends and had an excellent experience. The food, drinks and service are fabulous! The white queso, quesadillas, and burritos came out to perfection. Highly recommend the house margaritas and sangria. Our server was excellent all around. The ambiance is pretty cool and the nicest I've seen in a Mexican restaurant.
(5)Barry P.
Great! !! I can't say enough good things about this place. The food is awesome, I've had most of the dishes on the menu and really haven't a terrible dish yet. Service can be a little slow though.
(4)Brian M.
The Best Authentic Mexican food in South Tampa! Best Chips and salsa in Tampa! They put oregano in the salsa to give it a unique crisp flavor. The house margaritas and sangria are top notch and available in pitchers as well. I recommend the quesadillas marisco (with shrimp), large order pulled pork & steak nachos that is big enough to split among 2 people, steak fajitas mario, and the pulled pork chimichangas. The decor is very modern and chic with red walls, 2 color changing led back-lit bars, a fire pit, and a closed in patio, and a private room for large parties. The meats are well marinated and the portions are huge! I usually can only finish half the plate. Make sure to call ahead and make reservations on weekend nights or you will have a 45min+ wait time to be seated. Seating at the bar is available at a first come first served basis without a reservation if you have a small party. The Parking lot behind this place fills up quickly and spots are tight but there is an over-flow parking available across the street. Service is top notch! Food comes out relatively quickly for how busy this place gets and the staff is very nice. Located off Kennedy and Macdill.
(5)Frank E.
Amazing lunch today tried the white fish special today and was cooked to perfection. The seasoning was tasty and flavorful. The rice was cooked perfectly and served up with a nice side of fresh guacamole and sour cream. I will definitely be back!!
(5)Michelle M.
I'm long overdue for a review update on Miguel's. This is some of the best Mexican food in Tampa! The homemade salsa and guacamole are both out of this world! There are so many great dishes on the menu, but I am an especially big fan of the steak fajitas. You can upgrade the steak on the fajitas to USDA Prime Fillet or Kobe Skirt Steak. The $10 and $15 up charge might seem extreme, but it is worth every penny. The prime fillet is so tender that the steak melts like butter in your mouth. I have never had such tender steak fajitas!!! Miguel's serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Their Huevos Rancheros and Bloody Maria cocktails will cure any hangover. The brunch menu is heartier than your typical brunch fare so if you are looking for pancakes look elsewhere. Check out Miguel's outdoor courtyard during happy hour. Discounted wine and cocktails are served in style at the modern outdoor bar. There are plenty of spots to mingle around and there are even comfy couches to lounge on and enjoy the fire pit on chilly nights.
(5)Jordan M.
I was excited to come here but was unfortunately disappointed. The customer service was great but my spinach quesadillas were very greasy. Added an extra star because dessert is pretty good.
(3)J C.
Best mexican food I have had on the east coast. Thank god I found this place. We sat at the bar and the two guys working were awesome! Def will make this a regular spot.
(5)Jodi P.
Amazing, best margaritas ever! Made with real fruit! Happy hour 1/2 off, Monday thru Friday 2 to 6. Seriously best fajitas as well, splurge and get the prime fajitas, well worth it!
(5)Brent F.
Best Mexican food in Tampa, hands down. Miguel's has expanded immensely in the past few years and that's a statement to their success. The food is delicious, you get excellent quantities and the drinks are top notch. Their signature margarita is the best. I would prefer they scaled down the menu some, but I won't complain about that!
(5)Stephanie V.
Stopped in for lunch as I was in the area and had seen recommendations on Yelp Talk to check out Miguels for Mexican food. I sat at the bar and the bartender was super friendly. I ordered the chili relleno with chicken and a side of guacamole. You get a heaping pile of chips and salsa with your meal and I munched on those until my lunch came. The chile relleno was delish. It came with fresh, hot, flour tortillas. I could only eat half as they are quite generous with their portions. I took the remainder home and, well, I guess it doesn't travel well as my fiancé didn't find the leftovers as appealing. Better eaten fresh I guess! I had a lot of errands to run so didn't partake of their margaritas but I know I will be back for one!
(5)Tony R.
I love Mexican food and every time i'm in a new city I always try the best Mexican spot Yelp can point me to. I had never tried Miguel's so I decided it was time since I was in the area. First impressions were good as the restaurant is large and had a nice vibe although the welcome station is inside the restaurant right as you open the door next to people eating. In addition, there is a table like 2 inches from the front entrance which is pretty awkward if you happen to get seated there. My luck, we were seated at the table by the door which proved my point to be extremely annoying every time someone came in. The food...... Chips were good but the salsa had a weird taste to it. I ordered the chile relleno with rice and beans. The beans were good but they use jack cheese in their meals which is a HUGE Mexican no no. Really? I wouldn't call any restaurant Mexican if they don't use Mexican cheese, that is just ghetto. My chile was stuffed with it and it made for more of a taco bell taste. The rice was also more American/Cuban style. It taste like it just came out of a preseasoned packet. Where is the cilantro, onion, etc? My kids steak came out great although it wasn't even a good portion for a 6 year old. My wifes enchiladas did not have great mole sauce and again the jack cheese. Overall, this is a decent restaurant but a subpar MEXICAN restaurant. For everyone who gives 5 stars, I feel bad for you....
(3)Mari C.
Came here with some friends on a Saturday night. From the outside the place looks a lil older and run down. The minute you walk in you notice the change. The place is beautiful, just elegant, and their outside area was gorgeous. Their were people dressed casual and some were dressy. They sat us down in the patio area, it has tons of white little lights and a bar right outside the perfect date night spot. I ordered the casuela it is a dish with extra saucy meat I chose steak , it came with Mexican rice, refried beans, pico de gallo and a side of tortillas. I was extremely satisfied with the whole meal and the drinks were pretty big and strong. All in all this is a must go to restaurant even the bathrooms were beautiful!
(5)Claire K.
Really lovely! Went on a busy Saturday evening. We waited at the bar & had some drinks, the bartender was attentive. Chips & Salsa are a 10, the guacamole we rodered was very good.! We ordered a bit of everything, all of us were happy with our meals and the selections. Fordessert, i tried the Banana Empanada, stuffed with raisins & nuts as well & ice cream and whipped cream on the side. OMG. Get that if you have the chance. I'm going back to try some more!
(4)S C.
This restaurant claims to serve Wagyu Kobe Beef, not even Bern's in Tampa can get Kobe, the fact they are selling the entire entree for $30 is way to cheap to be real Kobe, Bern's sells authentic Japanese Wagyu for $20 an ounce, how is this restaurant selling an entire entree of Kobe for $30? I also called and asked if they had a certificate of authenticity to prove it's real Kobe, she had no idea what I was talking about. Please don't fall for their lies and scams.
(1)Katrina T.
Quick find on our journey back to Jacksonville. This place was actually still open, hadn't gone through Tampa yet so decided on stopping by here for a quick bite. I thought this place was just going to be a typical taqueria, hmph was I completely wrong! Sort of awkward walking into this place because I felt super duper under dressed and this place actually looked fancy! What a surprise... What was even MORE surprising was the price point. It was ON POINT! Super cheap! They give you chips and freshly made salsa as an appetizer. It was too addicting I couldn't stop. There was a variety of options to choose from. Ended up choosing the Consuelo favorite. Seeing that there were two parts to this dish, I thought I had to choose between the 1st part or the 2nd part, but NO it comes with BOTH! Part 1 - 1 Tostada topped with chile con queso, 1 tostada with beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. yelp.com/user_local_phot… Part 2 - 1 Enchilada Manuel and 1 Crispy Beef Taco yelp.com/user_local_phot… BOTH PARTS? Had I known, I never would've told the boy to order his meal.... And he went with the Enchilada Manuel ( yelp.com/user_local_phot… ) -_______- We ended up throwing it away later because we couldn't finish! What a waste. The food here is AMAZE-TASTIC! Great, ambiance, great tasting food, huge portions, and really spacious! There are also private rooms for private parties and the bathroom is uberly clean. I wish this place existed in CA I would love to have my birthday dinners here!
(5)Cynthia N.
Love Miguel's' the service was Wonderful. As with any restaurant you frequently go to there will be times and not so. One disappointment is us listed to check in however you cannot check in. Reservations is a good idea
(4)Jesse B.
Some of the best Mexican food in Tampa! I went here for lunch with several of my coworkers and we all enjoyed it to different degrees. I had the enchiladas with chilli on top and it was very flavorful. I usually don't like spicy food and the chilli did have some spice to it but I still enjoyed it as it was not over-powering. One of the guys ordered the same thing and said it wasn't spicy at all but still tasted good. As a note, he is obsessed with Sriracha. We will be back again!
(5)Emily B.
Over one year since my first visit and have yet to find better Mexican food in Tampa Bay.
(4)Betina L.
This was such a nice surprise Food is outstanding Restaurant is clean and good looking I ate the shrimp fajita ( with several huge jumbo shrimp) husband had beef burrito We ended with a fantastic pastel de chocolate for dessert Neighborhood is not quaint or anything like that but worth the trip
(5)Steve E.
Miguels Mexican Seafood Restaurant and Grill is one of THE very best Mexican restaurants in the Tampa Bay area.... *insert giant yummy sounds here*.... Miguels is located along Kennedy Boulevard, right at the intersection with Macdill Avenue, where they've been serving quality Mexican food for over 20 years. The restaurant has a number of intimate seating areas along with their outdoor patio area, and plenty of room to sit & eat at the bar. You won't find a bunch of silly Mexican gringo decorations cluttering up the walls - instead you'll find an elegant restaurant that's the perfect spot for a date or a small gathering. The bar has a number of top-shelf tequilas, and they offer many different types of margaritas and other tasty beverages. When seated, your server brings over a basket of freshly-made (read that as "still hot") chips with their house salsa tasting of smoky chipotle peppers and roasted garlic. They also offer a hotter salsa for those of us who prefer more of a kick to our salsa. The menu has many of the standard Mexican favorites, but the food is prepared with a higher level of sophisticated elegance and very delicious taste combinations. I had one of my favorite seafood meals today, Seafood El Mario which was sauteed shrimp & scallops with pico de gallo, mushrooms, and spices, all served over Mexican rice with a cup of frijoles charros, guacamole, and hand-made corn tortillas. The meal was priced at about $15 which is a popular price-point for many of their meals - steaks and fajitas are understandably more expensive. If you're looking for a quality, sit-down Mexican restaurant then I strongly encourage you to try Miguels -- 120 Yelp reviewers can't be wrong!
(5)Kristin R.
The best chile relleno I have had since moving from Texas!!!! They have queso blanco dip, which I love. The happy hour is from 2-7 M-F and the lunch specials run until 3- so if you hit it right you can have $3 ritas and lunch under $10- WINNING! The back patio is adorable- there is really no reason why you would go to any other Mex Restaurant in Tampa- this place is IT! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
(5)M R.
The atmosphere at Miguel's blows! My wonderful husband and I made the trek to Miguel's based on reviews from our fellow yelpers. It was a Saturday night so we were prepared to wait a bit. When we were finally seated, we got the worst seat in the house - right in front of the kitchen and beside a large party with children that appeared to be pumped up on sugar or in need of ADHD medication. The place was SUPER loud and full of the typical south Tampa crowd competing to be the loudest voice in the crowd. Rather than spend $80 for unknown food, a too loud atmosphere, and watching the kitchen staff pick their nose, we opted to leave and headed to Carrollwood for a nice, QUIET dinner in a part of town where folks still value teaching children how to behave in public. I guess money can't buy class.
(1)Danielle B.
Wow! We are two Texas girls from Houston in town on Business who stumbled across this place. Have to say, hands best mexican food ever. Discovered they are related to original Ninfa's. Actually better. Never thought I would say that. Amazing food, insane salsa and the prime tacos were too good. Wonderful job Miguel! When are you putting one in Houston?!
(5)Lisa C.
I have been a few times since my last review and wanted to provide an update. My update is for two separate occasions. The first was September. I called ahead for a reservation to bring in a large party for a surprise birthday for my mom. I was able to come in early and decorate which was really nice. We were seated in the back new area next to the private glassed in room. It was still very quiet and very private back there which was perfect. There were 12 of us who attended. I decorated the large square table with flowers and table confetti and balloons. I gave them the cake to put in the back and dealt with about 4 people who were just wonderful, helpful and so nice. We started with several pitchers of sangria and a few baskets of their complimentary chips and salsa. We ordered a few bowls of guac and everything was fresh and tasty. Everyone ordered different meals and everyone enjoyed theirs thoroughly. They really helped turn a simple birthday dinner into something special. We were not rushed, we were taken very well care of and I would highly recommend bringing a large party after this experience. __________________________________________________Â______ Tonight - I popped back in alone with mom. We sat in the older section up front. They have really taken a lot of time decorating the front outside to make it very welcoming. Outdoor drapes, pretty Mexican benches, twinkle lights, beautiful wreaths on the door... it was a nice welcome. We had a really pleasant and nice server. She brought us two glasses of really delicious sangria. They only serve red here but it's one of the best I have ever had. We didn't order appetizers tonight but concentrated on chips and salsa and then our meals. I ordered 3 Enchiladas combo. I always switch out the beef to Spinach (which is my favorite) and keep the cheese and the chicken. It's a meal I really enjoy and it's huge which provides two meals in one. My mom ordered a tasty meal of seafood enchiladas which came with a really nice spinach salad. I nabbed a few bites and it was quite tasty with scallops, shrimp and crabmeat. All in all - every time is consistent, good food, very clean and pretty restaurant and excellent service. I never have any doubt I can get a great meal and not spend a lot at all.
(5)Khalid F.
Im not really a fan of latino or Mexican Foods but ai loved this place.. Conveniently located on W Kennedy.. Packed as it should be for a Sunday. We were immediately accomodated to our seats which were located in a small eyt beautifully decorated outside eating area next to an outside bar (you can sit inside as well). Order was instantly taken i Ordered rice and beans with a chicken Quesedilla my family had the Benedict brunch omlette. Proportions are amazing and the food was authentic mexican, we had no criticisms and I reccomend this place for anyone or any family for a nice Sunday brunch.
(5)Sarah H.
This is mine and my boyfriends favorite place to eat!!! They have the best margaritas I've ever had! My favorite is the strawberry and my boyfriends is the mango! The food is also superb!
(5)Stuart M.
I had the Enchilada Manuel; sautéed onions and peppers, cheese, yum. I was also happy that they were helpful in double checking their recipes due to an allergy concern with one person in my group, so don't be afraid to ask.
(5)Carmen H.
A former Texan coworker took me here because this is his favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa, and since I'm always on the hunt for good Mexican food in Tampa since leaving Texas I was super excited. When the waitress placed the warm chips & salsa in front of me the judgement began. I took my 1st bite and was underwhelmed. In my opinion, to be considered a good Mexican restaurant the chips & salsa have to be on point followed by a tasty margarita, but I was still on the clock, so I didn't get a chance to indulge, but I digress. I ordered the spinach enchiladas because of my love for spinach. However, this enchilada had a capacious amount of spinach. It was just too much, it seemed like fist-fulls were thrown in. Also, the beans and rice weren't seasoned to my liking. I'm so picky when it comes to my Mexican food that I may be going in a little too hard on them, but overall it was just average. So the hunt for excellent Mexican food in Tampa continues. I gave 3 stars for the average food, good service & nice ambiance.
(3)Tracy H.
Some of the best Mexican food I have ever tasted Ordered the Seafood Enchiladas Best ever !!! The flavors just melted on your mouth
(5)Mansi R.
We initially decided to try them after seeing the veggie options on their menu. When we were about to order, we were told majority of the food was prepared in a way that's not veggie friendly. They didn't have that anywhere on their menu. If we didn't mention it to our server, we wouldn't have even known. The only good things about our meal were the watermelon agua frescas, guacamole, and their salsa & chips. If you are a vegetarian, try another place.
(2)Art M.
Food is good but way overpriced for what you are ordering. Service is not good and the three times I've been there the hostess and servers had poor attitudes. I wouldn't have minded the high price of the food if it came with good service. Probably won't go back due to the receiving the same level of poor service the last three times there. Too bad for them.
(3)Jennifer K.
Rude!!! They do not care about accommodating or losing business! Whoever answers the phone is beyond rude! Management agreed to a large party reservation for a very special occasion then wanted to be un-accommodating DAYS before the party! Miguel's felt THEY were losing business by accommodating a large party in between their lunch and dinner (slowest time of day) and felt THEY were doing us a favor by allowing a guaranteed party of 25! UNREAL!!! I will never go to Miguel's again. If you want GREAT Mexican, I highly recommend Señor Tequila off Dale Mabry!
(1)Chris S.
My wife and I are extremely critical so a 5 star from me is very rare. I've been eating there on and off for 30 years and before it was o.k. Food at cheaper prices, nothing really special. Since the renovation a few years back the place has transformed itself into a wonderful dining experience. The atmospher is great. The bar areas and atrium dining are a wonderful treat for a nice couples dining experience.We went on labor day weekend , Sunday night, to celebrate my birthday and it was great. Lou was our waiter and he was great, informative and professional. Now, the best part was the food! Frajitas, shrimp, steak and chicken were ordered and they were all perfect. The prices weren't cheep. A little on the high side but well worth it. The portion size was nice, we had enough to take home some leftovers and I recommend it highly because bright and early the next morning I was eating them for breakfast. Yes for breakfast, All the sides were delicious. My nephew ordered the ribeye and it was great. The chef and kitchen has great quality control as we couldn't find one thing to complain about and believe me that is rare. Give it a try especially if it's a date night . Have a drink or 2, we did and they were delicious. The portions are big enough to share if neither of you are big eaters besides if it's date night you don't want to get too full.
(5)Rachelle B.
Delicious amazing unbelievably good food. Fish tacos were so good and their salsa is to die for. Must eat there if you are in Tampa
(5)Matt M.
So good! go there right now. The good is phenomenal and melts in your mouth. Service is great. I recommend the enchiladas or burritos or tacos or whatever else is on the menu.
(5)Ana R.
Had lunch, ordered the chicken Burrito platter with double beans. The beans were pretty authentic, however the burrito was nothing special! If you serve you r platters with fresh flour tortillas as a side, I would suggest your burritos be made with the same ones?! Also, my friend and I swore the chicken was canned! Nothing like tasting the tin in your food! My friend had a chile relleno that was pieces of chile, never a whole stuffed poblano! I felt ill after the heaviness of the dish! Cheesy velveeta on top didn't make the cut for me! Too bad, must have been spoiled in southern Calif, with always fresh Mexican!!!!
(2)Ana H.
To start, their margarita is delicious! The guacamole, well that was a miss. It was missing salt, lime, and of course the great taste of guacamole. We tried to rescue it but we ended up making our own thing. My suggestion, if you know great guacamole, skip on this one. We order the Alambre and Carne a la Cazuela dish, it was great! Overall, a good Mexican place.
(4)Darren J.
Best Mexican food ever- get the seafood Mario or seafood enchilada- I have never been disappointed
(4)Mari H.
I came here with friends a few years ago but didn't actually eat dinner, just some appetizers so I didn't get the full experience. I feel I robbed myself by trying to eat "light". Fast forward to now and we went there for dinner for a friend's birthday. The hubby couldn't believe that I had kept this secret from him for so long. He ordered the Venison Milanese and was in heaven and even shared some so everyone could try (which never happens). I discovered that they make their own homemade flour tortillas, which I never noticed on the menu before somehow. They are amazing, so good that I asked for a couple to be brought to the table just so we could munch on them. Our waiter, Curtis was so attentive to our table and made sure the birthday girl had a full drink at all times as well as the rest of us. He made wonderful food and drink suggestions and was very knowledgeable. We have even gone back and asked for his section if he was working. I love the tortillas so much that I get cravings for them have actually gone during lunch and sat at the bar alone to have them, something I never do but I was like what the heck? Miguel's is one of those restaurants that I get excited about taking my friends or family to. It's a Tampa must!
(5)Kelli C.
Some of the best Mexican food I have ever had, and I am from Texas and vacation all over Mexico. Every dish I have had is delicious, and the bloody Mary's and margaritas only enhance the scrumptiousness.
(5)Corey L.
Miguel's has been a favorite for a while. I have had quite a few things over the years. Their salsa is delicious with the fresh tortilla chips. The seafood enchiladas and the chiles rellenos are some favorites. The margaritas are good. They are little bit more upscale than your typical Mexican restaurant, which is nice.
(5)Jim Y.
When in a Tampa, we always get to Miguel's at least once. Margaritas are excellent but the whole bar is fast and pro mixologists with no wait no matter how busy. The specials and combos are all good so this time I tried the Miguel's Classic not knowing how the stuffed jalapeño would be - no worries, it's perfectly done. As always, efficient, friendly, courteous, good tech (cell text when table ready) reception hostess. In a city of great Spanish and Mexican restaurants, this is a classic winner.
(5)Rebecca S.
Food was decent. They do a decent job at trying to make the restaurant look authentic. The 2 times we have gone the service was awful including this past weekend.
(2)Shannan T.
The Kobe Beef tacos are simply to die for!! Outside patio ambiance is really wonderful!
(4)Melissa R.
There are very few places I've been that get less than 3 stars, but there was no way around this one. The atmosphere is nice. There are mostly tables, a nice outdoor area in the front and the back and a very nice bar all make it pretty inviting. The light is pretty low but it's nice to have some mood lighting at a Mexican restaurant. The service was satisfactory. The waiter was pretty efficient, his only and biggest mistake was serving food when we didn't have any utensils, but hey, stuff happens right? They were very busy when we went on a Sunday night. The food.... It's the most important part, right? This is one of the very few places I considered actually saying that the food was so bad I shouldn't have to pay for it. In reality I guess maybe it just wasn't cooked the way I prefer, but I've eaten this style Mexican plenty of times in my life. I ordered the Fantastico which is a cheese, beef and chicken enchilada smothered in cheese and red sauce served with beans and rice. Enchiladas are one of my go-to dishes when I eat Mexican so I'm pretty well versed in this dish. The chicken was decent, the ground beef a greasy mess and the cheese, well it was drenched in sauce and cheese that who even knew where the cheese stopped and the enchilada began. I know this drenching is pretty par for the course... the real problem is that none of it had any flavor at all. The beans had no flavor and I ended up not really touching them. There was what appeared to be some sort of yellow rice which lacked any flavor as well. Basically, it was a plate of cheesy, saucy blandness. Hubby had the carnitas de puerco. They were quite nice to oblige him in replacing the standard beans and rice with a salad. The carnitas (pork chunks) came out and appeared well fried, crisp and juicy inside. Again, the main problem here was that they had absolutely no flavor. He asked for lime and salt to try to give them hope but it didn't do too much. The carnitas were served on a very large lettuce leaf and the entire edge of the huge leave was brown and wilted. it was very unappetizing. He said the guacamole wasn't bad but that the pico de gallo didn't taste fresh. The side salad was pretty standard fair, iceberg lettuce, some grated cheese, cucumber, tomato. The pre-meal chips and salsa were very good. The chips were served warm and were nice and fresh. They were above average when compared to most restaurants. I hate giving these types of reviews, honestly I do. Before we ate there we saw it had 4 stars so we figured it would be pretty good. Maybe the truth is I'm just no longer a fan of cheesy, saucy plates full of food, but it just wasn't good. Eventually we will try to go back just to be fair. Everyone has an off night/day, judging from the reviews this seems to be a fairly isolated incident. Sorry Miguel's, we really wanted to like you!
(2)Lori V.
If you know what Mexican food should taste like, you will be disappointed. If you like receiving bright orange shredded cheese on everything, this is your place. I used to like it here but ever since the remodel, it just isn't the same. I went there with a group for someone's birthday lunch and I was shocked. We had five people in the group. Three liked it, and two (who regularly eat in all the Mexican restaurants in town), were disappointed. We won't go back. It is just average to below average food.
(1)Francesco C.
Well known Mexican restaurant. Many people here. Walking in from the rain, you can see so many people enjoying themselves with a drink and great foods, it's an awesome smell of Mexican food around here! It opens up to a romantically lit floor. Each table has it's own purpose. With the mixture of table length , a table for two or a table for six. Started off with their delicious warm chips and salsa, chased down sipping some Sangria. Sangria was excellent in taste, fruity but bold flavors! Ordered a mixture of chicken and beef fajitas. Both beef and chicken had awesome flavors grilled to perfection and their famous spices made this dinner worth the visit. Rolled each fajita like a burrito and stuffed them with guacamole, Mexican tomato onion trimmings, Spanish rice and salsa left over from the chips and salsa dip! A true Yummer! Overall with great service and excellent food i will come back and try something different, perhaps a combo of sorts!
(4)Ricky A.
Miguel's is one of my favorite places in town! The design of the bar captivated me immediately the first time I walked in, and the back patio is an enjoyable atmosphere as well. All the food is good and the portions are huge. The staff has always been great, the bartenders specifically are very on point.
(5)Amanda L.
One of our favorite spots! They have an awesome patio so we always sit outside. The jalepenos stuffed with shrimp are one of our favorite appetizers, the shrimp is jumbo, there is lots of cheese, and they're nice and spicy! Today we started off with the white queso, it was very good, pretty traditional. I had the shrimp quesadillas, which I've had before. I can only eat half of my plate, everything is so filling! Margaritas are good, and the service is usually pretty great. Their tequila selection is pretty average. They have a pretty cool private dining room as well for special occasions. If you're looking for good Mexican and a great vibe then definitely try Miguel's!!
(4)Janet F.
First time here and was highly disappointed. Guacamole was very bland, we had to ask for cilantro and add salt and pepper. The fajitas were bland as well. Watermelon Mimosa's was so refreshing!
(2)M S.
I came here for dinner with my friends , Good decor, good service , good food, nice people , Every body really like it
(5)Mike M.
This is the second time we've had dinner at Miguel's and both times were just outstanding! Luckily we arrived at about 515 on a Friday evening, and were directly seated since there were only three other occupied tables. Literally within 15 minutes, the place was packed, and the patio started to gain some people waiting for a table. At first I thought it was two busloads of customers dropped off at the same time, but then realized that people love this place and for good reason! Our Server, Eleni, was supurb. She was personable, quick, not pushy and was very helpful with our questions about selecting from the packed menu. Beautiful job! Our margaritas were perfect...too perfect. It would be very easy to kill a pitcher of this flavorful concoction. The appetizer of Chili Con Queso Blanco was so tasty, we immediately placed a second order to go. The chips were fresh, warm and just right. The Tortilla Soup was a complete knockout, full of just-right veggies with fresh avocado and herbs added just before the crusty baked cheese topping. The soup is one of the best we've ever had. Our entrees were made as if we were the only customers to show up. The Carnitas de Puerco (pork chunks) and the Fajitas Cancun (huge shrimp and sliced steak) were both awesome. Prepared, seasoned and presented levels above any we've had before. This is a wonderful restaurant with great food and warm & caring service. If there is a wait, hang in there. I guarantee it'll be worth it!
(5)Melissa M.
Took the family for brunch and the waitress was setting down chips and salsa as we were pulling out our chairs. The service was like this the entire time. I had the tacos: steak, chicken and pork. The steak was my favorite but all were amazing! Husband had enchiladas and they were to die for as well. Margaritas packed a punch and whatever I ordered was a smidge pricey ($12-14) Next time I'll look at the drink menu before I get too excited :)
(5)Norma G.
What a great experience this was. We went there on a Sunday for a Mexican Brunch with my soon to be mother in law, sister in law and auntie in law. The place was packed, always a good sign, we didn't have to wait long for a table, we were seated promptly. Our waiter was very polite and took the time to let us know about the specials and of course he recommended their margarita, supposed to be so good it has won awards, so I had to make sure they were good indeed ;) , and yes they were!!! Not too sweet and they had a punch!!! I had to pace myself!!! They gave us some chips and salsa, that were absolutely homemade, the salsa was made with roasted tomatoes and chillies, it was just like none I've had before, I wish I could've taken a bottle of that, it had the perfect kick as well, I was surprised to see my mother in law going to town with it :P, didn't get to try all the dishes that were ordered but I tried what my fiancé had, the beef flautas, I had only a couple of bites but they were yummy! I ordered huevos con chorizo, the ratio chorizo to eggs was not even! Lol it felt I had more chorizo than eggs, not complaining, it had a very nice kick, I kept making pauses in between and sipping on my margarita ;) . We also had some desserts that tasted homemade. Our experience was great, and if you ever find yourself in Tampa, go ahead give them a chance! You will love these guys!!
(5)Orin T.
The Skinny: The signature salad was just ok. As a matter of fact everything that we had was just ok. Maybe we didn't order the right foods. The Scoop: This place has really great reviews so I was looking forward to it. When we walked in we were immediately seated which was good. Our waiter was okay. A little dry. We weren't that hungry so we didnt order much. The Deets: I was visiting Tampa from Atlanta with a friend. I was looking for something to eat and of course jumped on Yelp. Didn't feel like waiting on Green Lemon even though I know we would've had a great time there. My salad was blah, his meal was blah. The chips and salsa were pretty good. Don't see myself coming back here or recommending it to anyone. If you do go, avoid the chicken signature salad. Nothing was nasty, just wasn't great.
(3)Scott D.
Awesome! Great authentic Mexican and a great variety of Seafood. Had the Alambres with beef chick and toritzo. Went in on a Tuesday night during a business trip. Sat at the bar. Excellent service (and it was packed on a Tuesday night).
(5)J Z.
It's not authentic if that's what you're after. It's not bad tasting but there is nothing special about it and the price point is a little higher than your average tex-mex... Look at my past reviews for better Mexican restaurants-- however if you're after a burrito smothered in cheese, this is your spot. Just to sum it up, it taste alright, it's tex-mex, and it's a bit overpriced. Not what I'm after when I go looking for Mexican food.
(3)Christina C.
Great lunch menu. Even if the parking lot looks full, there is probably still spots in the back. There is an entrance from the parking lot to walk in the back of the restaurant. This was good for us, because it was raining and we were making a run for it. The restaurant is nice on the inside. There were about ten of us and they were able to accommodate us easily. They brought baskets of chips and salsa to the table. We also got large bowls of guacamole. Their large is pretty large, like a medium plate full of guacamole. The guacamole is pretty good. It is made in house. It is more silky than chunky. The salsa is very good too. I thought there was a little spice to it, but everyone else disagreed. I'm very sensitive to spice. They have a good selection on the lunch menu. Everything comes with rice and beans. I wasn't very hungry so I ended up getting a garden salad. It isn't anything special. I got blue cheese dressing and it was surprisingly good. I polled the people around me and they said their meals were very good. This is considered one of the best Mexican places in Tampa. I think this is a good place to take people who like Mexican food.
(4)Amanda M.
Love be their margaritas Their stuffed jalapeños are delicious. Great place to eat or hang out at the bar.
(4)MaryAnn C.
I have died and gone to heaven! Superior customer service, over the top quality dishes, and a drink menu to die for. We have been so impressed by this time we have been back at least a dozen times now and have brought our family. We originally came in for brunch one day and tried the steak Benedict and huevos divorciados. We also both had a coup of soup- one pozole and one frijoles rancheros. All of which were over the top. Another trip we tried the ceviche and the stuffed jalapeño with cheese and shrimp. We love the dishes and have had them a few times now- though beware that when you get the stuffed jalapeños with shrimp that each one only comes with one shrimp in each one (just want to set expectations here). Miguel's Bloody Mary is over the top too! My husband was never a fan of drinking one until he tried the ones here. Delicious. We have tried the enchiladas, chile poblano, carnitas and our son tried a dish that comes in two parts (sorry I don't recall the name now), but everyone raves about their food and no one left hungry. This is our absolutely favorite place to go in the Tampa area.
(5)John I.
I have to say the reviews were right, this place is a excellent choice for Mexican Food. They serve a great salsa with chips. I had a delicious house Margarita. For my entree I chose to go with the another reviewers suggestion of the fajitas, let me tell you only one word to describe them "AWESOME", best food and serve I've ever had. For dessert all three of us shared the chocolate strawberry empanadas, WOW! This place is a gem.
(4)Yohanis C.
Guacamole without cilantro, tomato and onions??!!! No, no, no!!! The place is gorgeous but the food is not authentically Mexican :/ There's quite a variety of great soups in the Mexican cuisine but they opted for just tortilla soup and frijoles. I felt like they could not really grasp and/or offer the taste of Mexico.
(3)Carlos P.
Half stsr, nombre one they are not seafood place, that's false advertising . Number 2 t g eir cheese is like those cheeses that they use at the carnivals , better don't put cheese that's not heakthy, over priced for t h e kind of chess they put in the foid. And if you are not good looking v they won't hired you on the front of the house as a waiter . The owner is greedy . And always asking for new personnel, big turn around . That tell you something, and to his illegal aliens employees he treats them like shit
(1)Chris D.
Authentic,great service ,fresh and great atmosphere. Definitely will returnwhen backin the area
(4)Racquel C.
Great Mexican food! Great margaritas! Great ambience! The only element that needed improvement was their customer service .... our waitress was almost robotic - she treated us like another #; she messed up our order, lacked personality; and was rarely available to our table.
(3)Desiree D.
Didn't come here to best time... I watched a Friday movie in Hyde park and came here for happy hour... Crowded but that's good... The main dining area was fully booked, so the food has to be good... It was raining so not a lot of people on the patio, but they had umbrellas which was handy.. The signature margaritas were great ( I had 2)... I also had the ceviche which was tasty. I would love to go there next time an have a full dinner... Im sure there are some stars to come.
(3)Anna M.
Miguel's is in my Top 10 favorite restaurants in Tampa and my go to Mexican place. I have had most of the entrees here and they are all delicious. The lunch specials are priced well and are a good value for the amount of food that they serve you. When the weather is nice, the back patio is a great place to eat and socialize. The bar is a fun thing for those with ADHD because it changes colors every few minutes. I love the Sangria here and have been known to drink a pitcher by myself....what? Did I just type that? Miguel's is also great for Sunday brunch because their mimosas are only $5! They will also provide you a pitcher of those too, if you should choose to order one...(just sayin') Service here is usually good and the food comes out quickly. The guacamole is tasty and so is the salsa served with the tortilla chips. There is also a private room you can rent out. I believe the minimum you have to spend is $200. I highly recommend Miguel's for top quality Mexican food. You can't go wrong with anything you order here!
(5)Sha Vonne' W.
My favorite Mexican restaurant ever!!! The only downside is that it is always so busy.
(5)Joe R.
Finally, a good Mexican restaurant in Tampa! I had the seafood enchiladas that comes with a spinach bacon salad, both were delicious! The Tres Leches cake was good, not traditional but tasty. All in all, excellent!
(5)Joanna C.
My customer journey with Miguel's was top notch, from start to finish. I began by contacting them through their website to make a reservation for later that night for six. Within a few hours, I received both a text message and emailing confirming the reservation. AWESOME! When we arrived, the place was buzzing with activity, but we were seated immediately. The service at the table was efficient, friendly and helpful. I had the Polla Loco -- which was tasty and enough food for three meals. Everyone in our group truly enjoyed their food. The server graciously took complicated and demanding orders, and made sure the food that came out was 100% correct. I feel it's a complete value for what you get -- solid food, large portions, attentive customer service and good margaritas. It's not the absolute BEST Mexican around, but I've been here about seven times and it's always good.
(4)Mark C.
Great stuff here. Decent happy hour if you catch it. Believe it's 2-5. Bar is almost perfect length, a lot of drink options, and terrific queso. Do not be confused, there is the white and yellow queso I love them both but this spot is just fabulous ! Have gotten the quesadillas, burrito, and the Miguel's Tacos. All three were terrific meals, but recently we had carol as a server and she was so peppy and adorable, but most importantly attentive. Definitely coming back here when the Mexican cravings come again.
(5)Corey N.
Everyone I've ever taken here has loved it and always request to go back when they visit. Food is delicious and atmosphere is great! There is a really cool outdoor area. Parking can sometimes be difficult but there is a lot more on the back street that has recently been added. Definitely give this place a chance, you won't regret it! It's a step above all the many normal Tex-Mex places you can find.
(5)Geoffrey F.
Took the servers suggestion instead of my favorite seafood chimichanga. Big mistake. And my friend had a giant hair under his lobster tail in the shell. Waited for water and drinks for 10 minutes. Given we were waiting for someone but they still should have checked first. As far as my meal (Kobe Fajita) nice presentation but would be better on sizzling plate. Meat was raw (not medium rare). I don't like sending stuff back especially when everyone is eating. But I'm just gonna bring home and cook rest of way. Last visit they added charges for things without telling us. I just think communication overall needs to be improved here as usually It is on point. Oh and by the way they conveniently added a tip to everyone's individual bills with a party of 5 people. Wierd. And didn't offer anything for the mess up or send a manager over to at least apologize. Not looking for a handout. Just courtesy and good service at a Mexican restaurant that is more expensive than most in the area.
(2)Brian W.
We had a great time at Miguels, service was friendly and quick and my Tacos were delicious, my wife had pork enchiladas that were pretty great too!
(5)Bo W.
We had a family style dinner, ordering the Consuela's favorite, quesadilla, and kids steak. We all had a little taste of each others. My daughters steak made me wish I had ordered a steak, it was amazing. All the portions were large, and all three of us were stuffed to the gills and had to request a to go box. Looking around, this was far from the usual strip mall Mexican restaurant you find seemingly everywhere in the Bay Area. The decor was nice and the place was very clean. There are areas to eat both inside and outside. Our waitress was pleasant, and quick to attend to our dining desires. So far, this is the best Mexican restaurant I have been to in the Bay Area. Muchas gracias!
(5)Dorene M.
Miguel's was on my list of places in to go and thankfully one of my friend was in the mood for Mexican so we ended up going to Miguel's. I wasn't sure what to expect, I guess I expected Miguel's to the traditional Mexican restaurant but was pleasantly surprised it was much nicer.I loved the the lights on the roof of first room you enter. I was nice that they also had outside seating. We decided to sit inside and we immediately welcomed by our server. We started off with chips and salsa and they brought out the spicy salsa since I mentioned liking spicy salsa. In addition I ordered the guacamole. The guac was great, with nice chunk of avocado in it. I tend to like my salsa and guac a little chunky. The salsa was very good but the hot was a little to hot for me, I think next time I will mix the hot with the house and it will have a perfect balance. As for our dinner, I ordered the Tacos MICHOACAN and my friend ordered the Tacos Miguel. The flavor was great, the chicken was tender but I wasn't a fan of the corn tortillas. I usually order the corn tortillas but these were a little different and it was hard to eat the tacos because they were ripped so all my filling went out of the bottom. I did have one that wasn't ripped that I was able to pick up and eat. The meal came with re-fried beans and a yellow rice with peas and maybe carrots in it. The beans were good but I could have passed on the rice. Maybe next time I will see if they substitute something for the rice. Over the food was pretty good and the the service was great.
(4)Matt B.
We rolled over to Kennedy to give Miguel's a try. Wow, this place is packed. They have tons of parking in the back....the spaces are pretty tight but no worries. The frozen margaritas are a must try. Also you gotta order the shrimp stuffed jalapeños, completely amazing hand breaded, crispy cheesy and totally a home run appetizer!!! Dinner was good I think....lol...geez those margaritas pack a punch. Ah, just kidding we had flautas and carnitas de puerco. It was all freshly made and we will be back to try more!
(4)Cori W.
When you see Miguel's from the outside, you're really not expecting much. I don't know if it's because I know it's a Mexican restaurant or what, but I never expect much.....I was so impressed when we stopped by for lunch yesterday! The decor is beautiful and inspired. They have a porch set up and it looks beautiful. The food was also very good we had Miguel's and Manuel's enchiladas which were fantastic and so was their guac. The only thing I took off for was I was a fan of the Marg I had. But all in all it was great and I will be back!
(4)Ms. L.
Well... let's just say it's not what I had anticipated when I read the menu. I love real authentic mexican food ... and this was not authentic. The servers were okay- the chips and salsa were mediocre and the entrees ehhhhh...nothing special. I ordered their "famous" Miguel salad, and...it was not that good. Your nearest Dennys or beef o bradys could have done a better job. Also the water and champagne glasses did not look clean enough for my standards. Upon arrival we did receive complementary chips and salsa which was nice but the meals themselves were expensive and not very large. Beans and rice tasted different than mexican more like Puerto Rican style. Nothing wrong with that but if you're gonna name your restaurant mexican... customers expect Mexican. Trust me... there's a difference.
(2)Eric R.
It's been years since my last visit and boy had it changed. Luckily for the better. It's much snazzier than I remember it. I came for lunch with a friend and neither of us were disappointed. My friend are the recommended chimichanga which was huge. With all the rice and beans almost seemed like a mini episode of man versus food. He really enjoyed it. In my ongoing quest to only eat healthy food I ordered the garden salad with grilled chicken. The chicken with some of the best I have ever tasted. I look forward to coming back many more times than trying other items on the menu.
(4)trish h.
OMG sooooo we were REALLY impressed with the Kobe Beef Tacos!!! And Churiso Caso (I'm totally messing up the spelling). The meat is marinated in heaven and "sent from the gods" tender. I can't wait to go back! Everything was perfect even the sides it came with! I could eat there every night.
(5)Kate S.
We have been there for Saturday day dinner, 40 mins waiting for the table. We was expecting a good authentic Mexican food after waiting for that long. The atmosphere was nice place to hangout with family and friends. We got seats outside at back patio next to the bar in the middle of ppl walking in-out all the time. We got margaritas that taste like water. Our food came out bland, I ask the server for hot sauce and was expected to get some house hot sauce but he brought us a bottle of El Yucateco. Soooo disappointed and won't be back :/
(2)Raya S.
Great food and fun environment! I am from New Mexico so Mexican is my fav and this is the best salsa I have found since moving to Florida! Super yummy!
(5)Brian J.
I've been a frequent visitor here and am surprised that I've never written a review about this awesome and delicious place!! To start you off, they bring in chips and salsa as soon as you sit down and request queso blanco for some kick! Their menu selection is kind of typical in a Mexican restaurant but not a chain-type because they serve seafood as well and fried ice cream (deliciousness)! My favorite platter are their "Tacos Miguel" which is rolled flour tortilla tacos filled with your favorite meat choice smothered with chile con queso served with refried beans and yellow rice. This place does get packed no matter what time and especially on the weekends so plan to wait around 45 minutes on the weekends and be prepared stalk someone because their lot is small. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants some Mexican flavor.
(5)Rebecca T.
this place is super cute & the patio is open ceiling with a beautiful bar, water feature & plenty of seating. My ceviche was fresh. Our server was all smiles & got us our club sodas. (I decided to give the positives first) We asked for a moment to look at the menu. When she came back, she asked if I had decided, With Her Hand Outstretched For My Menu Easy, Cowgirl...Don't had us our check before we order! I asked for my apps, she grabbed my menu, then proceeded to do the same thing to my BF. We felt pretty rushed & definitely unwanted. We only ordered apps because we felt either she was having a bad day or we all were about to have one. She came back over in a few, asked if we wanted anything else (with our check in her hand already) and when we said no, she slapped it down in front of me & walked away. I'm a liberal woman of the here & now, but dayum!! Why you so angry, girl?? Luckily, we had already called a cab, due to the cold shoulder & got the hell out of the deep freeze with Ms. A. Won't be back.
(2)Pete M.
Been here several times and impressed with the food quality. While they offer all of the usual Mex fare, the meats are cooked authentically and assembled so that rather than a glop, you get all the flavors and textures. I'd say several cuts above the better Mex places and miles ahead of any of the chains. Bar service both inside and out is good, but I'm not crazy for the kiddie like Margueritas which are too sweet like nearly every other place. Nice interior, the rear outdoor bar and dining area particularly cool, but it can get quite earsplitting in the main room. Good value, clean and just real good. Recommended.
(4)Nelson S.
Not sure why this place does the business that it does, but that only means you'll be eating bad food in a crowded restaurant. Go somewhere else. I live in Tampa and have been here on various occasions over many years but this last time was the last time. One star because it isn't always bad sometimes just ok. One star because the waitress was nice.
(2)Katerra D.
I've been to this place twice. Both times I feel the drinks were the best part as well as the interior and atmosphere of the building. I feel as though for the price the food portions don't quite match. I've had better Mexican food for lower prices. However, it's still a nice place.
(3)Brooke K.
The best thing about this place was the service. Our waiter was great. The food was okay...definitely not the authentic Mexican I was looking for and a bit pricier than I would like. I will possibly try this place again...but probably not if I can find somewhere cheaper and more authentic.
(3)Tiger L.
Me and my staff come there every month and the food and service has been consistently good. I don't eat any meat, so I can only talk about the seafood. I have tried almost all of it and have not found anything I didn't like.
(5)Jesse J.
Very Nice Atmosphere Outdoor and indoor dining. I was impressed with the fajitas, very spicy chicken, this is a good thing.
(5)Casey C.
Well, Thursday night dinner was ruined....Drove all the way to this crap shack to order take out before work. We ordered from the bar and I should've known it was going to be f'd up because the bartender looked mildly "touched" and im pretty sure his namtag said: Hello my name is Corky. He looked juuuuust capable of taking the order. When we got our order we paid for it and left because although not crowded, they got the tables all crammed together like a Southwest Airlines commuter flight. Once we drove home we realized that the Chicken Quesadilla with no tomatoes that my GF ordered had somehow turned into Steak Nachos with extra tomatotes and the Chicken Enchiladas that I ordered had double rice and no refried beans. It would have been a little better for her if the Steak Nachos didn't look like Brennan Hough (Step Brothers) hands in the pants greasy cheese Microwave specials. Made me sooooo mad, I had to cool off for 2 days before I wrote this review....but after 48 hours.....it's still pretty douchey. If I ever see Miguel in person, I'm gonna walk up and kick him straight in his beaver!
(1)Gary O.
My wife grew up in West Texas so we're always looking for the perfect Mexican. Miguel's never seems to disappoint and is our favorite in Tampa. The enchiladas Miguel was fantastic as was her standard which is Carnitas. Plus happy hour from 3 to 6 with $3 bottles of domestic and foreign beer and half off on house wines. What more could you ask for?
(5)Leigh C.
The food was bland and the service was slow. I asked another server for a side of sour cream and was forgotten. Once our actual server came by, I asked again and finally received it. Pretty restaurant, would be a good place for a group but the location is kind of difficult to get into and the food isn't worth going back again.
(1)Brandon L.
The food was good and the salsa was good. The chips seemed a bit stale but still crispy just hard to break apart I guess. Being someone who is spoiled with Mexican restaurants in San Antonio this one is OK. I still haven't found any in Tampa which remind me of San Antonio Mexican though.
(4)Victoria L.
Oh my gosh. .. Just ate the seafood chimichanga! It was stuffed with Shrimp, crab meat, scallops, & cream cheese... Oh my gosh. Deep fried, then smothered in Jack cheese. Yum, yum, yum.
(5)Gerald M.
I had heard a lot about Miguel's Mexican Café. Everyone I work with really raved about it. The restaurant is very nice. There is even a place to set outside and a banquet room. I was even impressed with the bathrooms. Very clean and even a little fancy, When the waitress came out she brought chips and 2 bowls of salsa which is a plus in my book. The Lunch specials are very reasonable. I had a Taco and Enchilada plate that came with rice and beans for $6.95. Both were good but being from Texas I still have not found anything here in Tampa that comes close. However, Miguel's Mexican Café came closer than most Mexican restaurants I have been to in the Tampa area.
(4)Eric N.
The atmosphere of the overall restaurant is a very nice and modern Mexican grill. The floors, dishes and other parts of the restaurant were clean and the waitress outside of being confused with our order was good. However the food and drinks seemed to be overpriced for the most part and were not of that great quality. The overall establishment and staff is nice, but the food is not up to the quality of other places like it.
(2)Josiah G.
Great food, great service...what's not to like about Miguel's? The salsa is excellent, the chips are always warm and everything I have had on the menu has been good. This is a staple go-to place in Tampa.
(4)David M.
It's a very busy place and has been for a long time. That in itself speaks for the service and food. A great place to take visiting friends or a nite out.
(4)Nick C.
Ever since moving to Tampa we have been looking for a great authentic Mexican restaurant. I heard great things about Miguel's so we gave it a try. It looks like a typical dive Mexican restaurant from the outside but when we walked in we were welcomed with tableclothes, all black uniform'd servers, candles on the tables and a more upscale feel which we did not expect. The food was good, not the best Mexican food I've had but was still good. The homemade guacamole was very good. The house margarita was also good, very fresh tasting with fresh juices. Overall, not was I was expecting. More upscale, more pricey that I thought it would be but overall good. Definitely worth checking out if you have not tried it.
(4)Krissie C.
My husband and I just recently moved to South Tampa and were in search of a new favorite Mexican Restaurant. We found that at Miguels! My husband got the Trio platter and I ordered the Cancun Fajitas. The portion sizes were huge and it was all definitely enough to split just one plate. However, between us eating things off of each others dinner we were able to finish it all off! His cheese enchilada was definitely the best enchilada I have ever had! Parking was a little weird but there is sign saying that there is more to come soon. Happy hour was amazing with buy one get free selections. We will absolutely be coming back!
(5)Geno K.
FINALLY found some good Mexican food in Tampa. Chihuahua's is good, but this place is great! I lived in California for 5 years so I was spoiled. Since moving back to the east coast, it's been an uphill climb trying to find just mediocre Mexican food. This place gets it. I had the combo beef and chicken fajitas tonight. I'm in pain I'm so full. But it's a great pain. Plenty of chips and salsa. The grilled vegetables were perfect. Portions are enormous. Service was good not great.
(5)Valerie C.
Finding really good Mexican food in Tampa is a challenge and after dining at Miguel's, I'm going to keep looking. There seems to be a lot of people who think this place is the best in Tampa, but my guess is that these same people think that Chi Chi's was a good Mexican restaurant. The chips and salsa were decent..nothing to write home about. I had a Consuelo's Favorite combo was served in 2 parts and made a substitution....I swapped the enchilada Miguel for a taco michocan because my wife was getting enchiladas. Now to the food! Part 1 is delivered: 2 tostadas. To my horror the tostadas were fried flour shells. I LOVE tostadas and never in my life have I had them made with a hard flour shell. The first tostada was topped with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It was edible, but I really had a hard time getting over the flour shell. The second tostada was topped with "chile con queso". I love con queso. I love tostadas. I was very much looking forward to this. Major disappointment. Not only was the shell a fried flour tortilla, but the chile con queso tasted (and looked) like Mexican Velveeta. I only took a few bites and could not finish. Part 2 was delivered with the rest of my party's entrees and it was a little bit better experience. The hard shell beef taco was decent. A step up from Taco Bell. The chicken taco michocan saved the meal for me. It was a decent play on a tradition Mexican street taco, however the chicken was very bland...no flavor at all. As for my wife's enchiladas, she said that they were ok...just your very basic, soupy, cheesy enchiladas. We'll probably end up going to Miguel's again because for some reason the people of Tampa seem to think this is great Mexican food, but when we go it will be to socialize with our friends and we won't expect great Mexican food. Our search for good Mexican in Tampa continues, but if you have a craving for a decent street taco skip Miguel's and head to Urban Cantina.
(2)Phillip G.
Perhaps I'm jaded considering I am a native Californian and I come from an area overflowing with quality Mexican joints. Miguel's was good, but certainly not the best. The ambience is indeed trendy without being noisy or flashy. I was a bit surprised that there were no Taco Tuesday specials, a smaller variety of combo plates, and no capability to ring up a Taco Trio of chicken, steak, and lobster. However, the flan may have been amongst the best ever, certainly better than the Cuban place from the previous week. Service was good too, but it did seem like it too a while for the food to cook. I'll be back for the Seafood Enchiladas next time.
(4)Bob B.
The location is great and the food is pretty decent. Their chips and salsa rock pretty good and so do their "margaritas" served with agave. There is not necessarily anything ground breaking but I wouldn't expect that from a place like this. Just solid mexican food that you can enjoy al fresco.
(4)Neekie B.
We are in Tampa for a wedding and this place was honestly as good as the reviews say. My fiancé had the Quesadilla and it was a really good size and full of chicken. My friend and I had the Shrimp and Chicken Fajitas. It was AMAZING!! Everything was seasoned perfectly. Our waiter was pleasant and my strawberry margarita was the perfect ending!! I would surely recommend this place for anyone visiting Tampa.
(5)Rachel H.
Three stars are not bad. But I'm probably not going to be a repeat customer. The good: the service was quick and our waitress was friendly. The chips and salsa were great and apparently bottomless but we never made it through our first basket. The salsa was awesome, spicy so beware, that stuff was magical. Everything in the food we ordered tasted fresh (except for the browning avocado which could have been sliced recently, it just was mostly brown spotted making it unappetizing). The A-OK: My friend and I both got salads and they were just "eh". I'd define "eh" as ingredients thrown on a plate, nothing special. Literally, these looked like they were thrown together. For over $10 I guess I just expect fancy greens and not hardly cut up ice berg barely surpassing that of what I'd expect a basic side salad to include. The avocado on my "Miguel's Classic Salad" (I ordered extra veggies instead of the meat that came on it) was browning and cut in huge pieces. It was difficult to eat and it came with no dressing. Also making it difficult to eat where the enormous slices of bell peppers and onion (in rings); it is a pet peeve of mine when restaurants do that. Cutting it up landed half of my salad on the table. It's just annoying. My friend got the Mexican Salad and hers didn't come with dressing either so we aren't sure if they ever do? We had to ask our waitress for dressing and she brought us some. There definitely is no "presentation" of the entrees at Miguel's but maybe it's because we both got salads. Probably not the Mexican showpiece of beautiful food. The Terrible: They carry Pepsi products. I associate Mexico with Coca-Cola. Glass bottled Coke is practically branded as Mexican Coke. I only have Coke with Mexican food. Ordering a coke and a waitress saying "Is Pepsi ok?" is definitely not okay. I realize I'm being a brat. I just wanted a coke.
(3)Amanda L.
Looking for some good Mexican food and margaritas to spend your Friday night? Throw calorie counting out the window, and head to Miguel's! Their enchiladas are absolutely delish. Also highly recommend ordering the guacamole (small is more than enough for two!). I'm giving Miguel's 3.5 stars because although they have some real stand-outs, the con is that ALL the food is extraordinarily heavy. While such a trait is a-ok for an enchilada, I've found it to not carry over well for the tacos. Stick with Taco Bus if you're craving those! Wait tends to be long, so be prepared to wait if going during peak hours!
(4)Michele D.
If I was in the mood for Mexican. I wouldn't come here. The atmosphere is great and the back patio is wonderful. But I can't say the same about the food. I came here 4 times and each time I came. I never left feeling as though I treated my belly to greatness. I would have to rate the food here as being "ok" and nothing else.
(2)Dominick T.
The Margarita was strong, and the salsa was great. Service outstanding. Everything I want in a mexican sit down fancy meal! Enciladas del Mar, it should be Enchiladas del Marvelous. Lots of crab, the sauce we rich, seasoned right with herbs and it was baked perfectly. Frijoles (refried beans) were flavorful and well done. I am never a fan of rice in many places, but this was right. They redecorated some time ago here. It looks great, and there have all the speace they need to fill the place up.
(5)Erin Elizabeth R.
three starts because our most recent visit was a flop. First time there was 5 stars! We made reservations for 7:30 that evening.. excited to have finally gotten a chance to go back, we arrived promptly at 7:25. We were told by the hostess, "it'll be a matter of seconds for your table." So we patiently waited by the door. Group after group of people were being seated, and after 20 minutes I asked about our table. This time I was told, "as soon as we have an open clean table." Ok - thanks for the info.. Finally we get called, roughly 30 mins after reservation time. As we're walking to our table, another group of guests sat at our table. Apparently the manager had promised that table to someone else! Didn't bother to notify the host about it. So, there we were, everyone staring at us, in the middle of a busy restaurant standing there clueless. Luckily, another table came available and we were sat there. Our server, Alex, was great. Quick and efficient. Dinner was ok. I should have gone with my first instinct for enchiladas miguel, because the enchiladas manuel weren't that great. We decided on fried ice cream for dessert. No where on the menu does it say anything about a coconut crust. I am allergic to coconut, so was unable to eat any of the dessert. Lessons: 1. Make your reservation for a half hour before you want to sit down. 2. Seconds there are minutes 3. Enchiladas Manuel, no bueno 4. Steer clear of the fried ice cream if you have a coconut allergy or just don't like it.
(3)Tracey B.
We drive by Miguel's all the time so we decided to try it one afternoon. I got the enchiladas verdes and I wasn't especially impressed. I've had way better. Everyone in the party had the same reaction. Just very average food. Definitely not a place worth waiting in a long line for. The parking lot is crowded and small which I'm sure is a major issue during peak times.
(2)Thomas A.
PROTIP: Ask for the special "hot" salsa...it is not dispensed unless you request it. (A standard scenario at Florida mexican restaurants). Most dishes are not spiced very hot and the special salsa will help take it to the right spice level. This may "make or break" your experience here if you like the heat. I love Miguel's. It is one of my favorite mexican food spots in Tampa Bay. I have visited 7-8 times in the past 2 years and keep coming back. LOVE the Chorizo Fundido for an appetizer, and the seafood chimichanga (this can be a little heavy on the cream cheese at times). I have not been disappointed with anything on the menu. I tend to apply the special hot salsa to whatever dish I order, since I like things spicy. The seafood chimichanga is kinda bland and unispiring, until you add the salsa - and it takes off into new realms of yum. Miguel's is an easy five star drop. Dark, cool atmosphere inside...the food always leaves me shaking my head at how amazing it is. Service has always been perfect. Authentic? I hate how that term is used as some kind of measuring stick. This is Miguel's, they have their own take on Mexican for sure (as does every such place) - it is delicious, and I love it.
(5)Carly R.
Miguel's is a beautiful restaurant with unbeatable service. The setting is a dimly lit room with splashes of color. It was a bit loud for my taste (the sound of the room seemed amplified by the tile floors), but it's a family-style Mexican restaurant, so I won't take off for that, and my server was very attentive and accurate. The food was good. No more, no less. It's typical Mexican food, just put on a more expensive plate than you might be served at any other Mexican restaurant. Honestly, for the cost and the setting, I was expecting more delicate or thoughtful plating, or perhaps a twist on traditional Mexican favorites, but it was just a plate of enchiladas and beans and rice, similar to what you'd find at any other Mexican joint, so I'm not sure why people rave about this place. Contrary to another reviewer's comment, this is hardly "THE BEST" in Florida. If you're looking for a plate piled high with decent Mexican food, then this is your place, but I would bet the cost of my meal that you can find better-tasting, authentic Mexican food elsewhere in Tampa, let alone Florida.
(2)Lauren M.
I don't think Tampa has really good Mexican food, however I like Miguel's. I'm not saying it's actually the best Mexican food I have ever had, but it's a nice location with good parking. They have a tasty skinny margarita that's good, and I eat seafood exclusively while avoiding carbs. Which translates to me ordering the the seafood el Mario hold the rice/beans/ tortillas, and it's always filling and fresh. FYI if you're a "strict" vegetarian, please remember that in Mexico which is the origin of Mexican food, they use lard in cooking beans/tortillas.
(4)Iliana F.
I have been the reateraunt twice before and did not care for my food as much as my husband. But this time I was very impressed with the quality and taste.The salsa was so good I had to take some home. For dinner I had the quesadilla with shrimp:spinach, mushroom, cheese, sauteed onions, and shrimp..... DELICIOUS! the side of refried beans and and rice were also great... Good portion of food by the way.. My brother had the chicken burrito...perfectly cooked juicy shredded chicken. My kids really enjoyed the chicken tenders and steak.... Picky eaters too. Overall the food and service was great!
(4)Justine B.
I took a social media poll recently, in search of the best Mexican food in Tampa. Many people said Miguel's, so away we went one Sunday evening. The food was good, but it didn't blow us away. I got chicken tortilla soup and hard tacos, and my boyfriend got the chile rellenos. Everything was flavorful but not particularly memorable, except the app guacamole and salsa, which were both great. I would go back and order those with a different entree, probably. We waited for about 40 minutes on a Sunday evening, which was surprising but not really an issue. The poor bartender was swamped and we waited a while for drinks; I heard the girl next to me complaining about it but it really wasn't the bartender's fault, it just seemed understaffed. The specialty margaritas were tasty and I think the top shelf was worth the up charge. The tequila list was truly impressive. We finally sat and the service was fine, but the table was a little too well-lit, and the ambiance wasn't bad or great. Overall, I thought it was worth a visit, and I would go back with a group, but I don't know if I'm sold on it being the best Mexican food in Tampa.
(3)Jen G.
We love Mexican food, and have a favorite little place called Vallarta's up by our house in Wesley Chapel. Friends suggested Miguel's for dinner, and we sort of judge everything by how it compares to our fave. The high points first....decor was classy, not your typical gaudy Mexican decorations, so it definitely fits in with the South Tampa dining scene. They had a nice outdoor patio (actually it looked like two) and an impressive bar setup. We made reservations for 6pm on a Saturday and were able to be seated immediately. The liquor selection was quite vast. I think they had about 30 different types of tequila! You can also get beer and wine and sangria. I went with the sangria, and it was okay. I don't think I buy that it's homemade...seems like they just improve the store bought kind. We started off with the chips and salsa, and while the salsa was pretty good, the chips weren't warm, and they didn't taste as authentic as what I was expecting. They were palatable, though. ;) I ordered the steak quesadilla, and my man got the shrimp and spinach quesadilla. We were happy to see that they actually fold over a tortilla and cram the ingredients inside, then slice it up. Our favorite place makes their quesadillas impossible to eat like a quesadilla. The flavor of the steak was great, but a little grisly and fatty. I wish I'd mixed steak and chicken. There were so many toppings crammed into the quesadilla, and the flavors were great. My dinner came with rice and beans, guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce and pico de gallo. I really enjoyed my dinner, but I skipped my beans and rice. The beans were a little runny for my taste and not very flavorful, and the rice was more of the yellow rice with peppers in it that I make at home, rather than the authentic rice made with tomatoes we are used to having with our Mexican food. Service was friendly and prompt, but I do wish she would have done a better job telling the specials. She told us one, but then we heard another waiter share a special and it was a different one. I'd definitely come back and try some fajitas or something.
(4)Andrew C.
I was a fan of Cantina Laredo for years, this is my new favorite place. Ask for Eric, great server!
(5)Lou G.
Probably more of a three and half star spot, but since I keep going back, I must be a fan. I will admit that part of my patronage is the outside seating where I have been able to light up my stogies. The salsa is mild, with not much to it. Chips are pretty good. Jalapeno Poppers are crispy and done well. The Spinach Enchiladas are served with a creamy cilantro sauce that kept me poking at it, and continuing to eat it. The Chile Poblanos was stuffed with a generous amount of cheese. The rice and beans are weak, definitely room for improvement. No beer on draft, good prices on bottled beer during happy hour. Okay tequila menu. Service here has always been very good, professional and friendly. Even though both times here I was the only patron outside, they did a great job of checking on me throughout the meal.
(4)Lindsay J.
Went for dinner on a busy Saturday night and was pleasantly surprised. While there was a wait, we got called sooner than expected. While making our way to our table, the dinning room was packed and at times difficult to navigate but everyone seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. We were seated outside on the patio which was beautiful and much quieter than inside. Our waiter was knowledgeable and helpful with meal and drink suggestions. Food was typical mexican, a little bland for my tastebuds. Portion sizes were ample, requiring take home bags. Will return to continue to explore the menu
(4)Kim P.
Host: Made a mistake Polite but wrote my number down wrong on a friday night and extended our already long wait for a table. Bar: ZERO STARS Sat on a couch outside people watching, cozy spot Asked bartender for two margaritas, instead of him telling me of options he pours two jumbo margaritas for me and my 83 year old Dad. $22 he says. No problem i pay i like a top shelf Margarita but everyone else at the bar was drinking from smaller glasses so they must have asked or been given options. Beware of patio bartender with curly hair. When I asked for a beer later he condescendingly told me we only have Mexican beer and acted put out to have to name them. After an hour of waiting at the bar i ask the bartender to check my reservation. He comes back to tell me they texted me twice already and that they will text me again. I have to tell him that if they texted me twice and I did not get it that I won't get the third text either. He must be family because there is no need to keep that man behind a bar. Server/Food: FOUR STARS Polite knowledgeable pretty answered questions made a substitution for us and served us great food. I wish the crab enchiladas had more crab (would pay more for it) but you need lots of crab for the mild flavor to come through. The shrimp and spinach enchiladas were delicious. Yes beans are runny but flavorful. I cleaned my plate and Dad nearly cleaned his too which shocked him. Wrap up: I will go back to Miguels because the food was good and I saw other things on the menu I would like to try. I will not say it is authentic Mexican but on the night I was there more than half of the main dining room was Mexican families so it was good for them too. Lastly having had good mole' in my life I would much rather a mexican restaurant did not put mole' on the menu rather than pour it from a jar.
(3)Jon B.
We never got to eat here. We gave the hostesses (yes plural) our name and told there was a 20 min wait. After 45 mins, we were called to the front. Our table was given to another party with the same name. When the hostesses realized their mistake, we were told to stand and wait for the next table. Several people around us were waiting for water and chips. We were offered nothing but a half-ass apology. After 10 more minutes we left.
(1)Kelsey L.
From the gated windows you might be concerned, but from the inside, Miguel's is Mexican decadence on a plate. We started with the Chips con Queso Blanco which was creamy goodness, with just a hint of heat. It's a perfect addition to your free chips and salsa! We also ordered the pork Nachos, which come individually dressed on a plate of 6 or 10 chips. I wasn't too impressed with the chewy pork, and lack of essential sour cream. We each started off with the house special: margaritas (naturally). Whoa - talk about strength. These were by far the strongest drinks I've ever tasted at a restaurant. They would have been perfect for a night out, but they were almost too strong to drink for a Sunday brunch. For dinner I ordered the Seafood Chimichanga, which is a tortilla wrapped around a filling, in this case crab meat, scallops and cream cheese, and deep-fried. It was stuffed to the gills with seafood, which was delicious, but lacked the flavor. For dessert we ordered the fried ice cream. By the looks of it, it's amazing. However, once you get a bite, you realize its a thin crust shell that doesn't really impress the taste buds, and its mostly just ice cream topped with whipped cream. For Mexican food - it's great. For an overall restaurant experience, it's A-OK.
(3)Monica S.
If you're anything like me and being out of town gives you license to drink a few (read: 5) margaritas, then look no further than Miguel's. It's pleasantly bustling so you walk in with the relief knowing that all of Tampa comes here. And it's for good reason. Finding a quality sit-down traditional Mexican spot that gives you above average service and a top shelf margarita isn't the easiest thing to find in this town. Also winning the seal of approval, the salsa. It's got a chipotle characteristic that I love and the bottomless-ness of it makes the all you can eat chips and salsa session very appealing. For the meal, my date and I shared the tacos (chicken, steak and pork). They were OK, but the pork was a standout. Marinated and juicy, it's was every piggy should be. Next trip to Tampa, I'll for sure be back.
(4)Meghan W.
We had a great experience here last night. There was not a complaint that I could make, and it's honestly the best Mexican that I've found in Tampa. The restaurant was clean and well decorated, and the food and drinks were delicious. We got there and put our name on the list to be texted and headed over to the bar. I got the skinny margarita, which was delicious. We ended up being seated at a big booth. The server was nice and asked if we wanted appetizers. My husband and his friend shared the carne con queso, and the name was right. There was definitely more meat than there was cheese, and they said it was delicious! I got the small guacamole and ate the entire cup. It was clear that it was made in the house, as the avocados were fresh and there were chunks of all different sizes in it. Yum! For dinner I had the traditional salad without the cheese, and the chicken was fantastic on it. It was very tender and flavorful. I just had the salsa as dressing. There were lots of avocado pieces on the salad, and it was very tasty. My husband loved his as well. He got the "India". All of the food was much more fresh and flavorful than most Mexican restaurants are. It's also not a chain, which I like a lot. It has been added to my list of restaurants to frequent often!
(5)Mandie M.
We found it similar to Cantina Laredo, but a little more affordable. We liked the ambiance, which was a little upscale, but we didn't feel uncomfortable being dressed casually. On a Friday night at 7pm, we were seated in less than twenty minutes, chips, salsa and drinks were served immediately and our food was served less than 10 minutes after being ordered. Great service! Chips and salsa were delicious! Food was good. The salsa reminded us of Cantina Laredo's salsa, but a little but better at Miguel's.
(4)Brendan C.
I've been to Miguel's several times. For actual Mexican food that isn't chipotle or taco bell, this place is probably one of the few real Mexican restaurants in South Tampa. Restaurants similar to Miguel's are abundant in California, but this restaurant reminds me of home and they actually do a great job to try to cater to vegetarians. You'd never expect healthy or veggie food in a Mexican restaurant but they do serve it here! Baked Potatoes, vegetable platters, salads, black beans, corn on the cob. There's a few options to eat here and they try to cater to your requests very well. Compared to Mexican restaurants in California, Miguel's is really authentic. The decor and tables are pretty to look at . The staff is helpful, the indoor and outdoor bars are pretty. The front of this restaurant from the outside looks plain, but the inside and the foyer are nice. They have free valet parking in the back as well if you'd want it.
(5)Anthony F.
Best good I have ever had. Their signature margarita can't be beat. The seafood chimichanga can feed a small army and is my favorite thing in Tampa. First place I always stop when in Tampa.
(5)Loren F.
yummy yummy food... it is a staple meal place in my house.
(5)Elizabeth M.
The food here is simply just not good. I'm a huge Mexican food fan, so when I first moved here Miguel's was my first stop. I ordered their cheese enchiladas. My thought is that you should be able to do the basics really well if you're a Mexican place. They used cheddar cheese, the plate looked like slop and had no real composition. The food tasted uninspired and far from authentic. I tried several more Mexican restaurants in Tampa and realized the Mexican food here is lacking all around and I might have written off Miguels too soon. I returned back again a few months ago. The chips and salsa were decent. The salsa has a chipotle flavor and tasted fairly freshly made. I ordered their enchiladas verdes this time thinking maybe a different sauce would do the trick. The food came out again looking like slop with such little sauce I had to ask for more. Halfway through my enchilada (which had one-dimensional flavor and was no better than the last version I had), I found a ROLLED UP PIECE OF PLASTIC melted into the cheese!!! I let the waiter know and he didn't seem to care or even acknowledge it. After that our water glasses went unattended and our check unadjusted. Point blank, the food needs work. It needs better flavor, better execution, and better sanitation. This restaurant has a great atmosphere, but that can't begin to make up for the awful food and service.
(1)Kristen P.
Heard about this place but never ate here. I loved the look of the place. It can be a place to go in casual attire or at night, in the back, one can get dressed up. I felt it was a great place for a friends night or a romantic spot for couples and there were many of them there including my boyfriend and I. Large place to accommodate a lot of people and nice atmosphere. There were many items ranging from cheap prices to moderately pricey. I prefer places with menus that have a variety and most important that amount of food that is served is more than worth the price. This place had both of those things. I ordered a chicken chimichanga dinner and my boyfriend ordered the 3 enchiladas combo plate. We were in love as soon as they gave us the chips and salsa so we were in heaven when our food came to the table. Rich in flavor, filling and soooooo tasty. I was forcing it down towards the end because it was good but I was full and couldn't stop eating the dinner. Also, the service was great and the food came up fast. We both said that this is a place we must come back to and that is one of our favorites. This is a must visit and a must return!
(5)Emilio C.
I've passed by Miguel's Mexican restaurant every few weeks for the past year. I've always wanted to give the place a try, but didn't think much of the place because it looked so unassuming. Last weekend, I finally went after seeing so many positive Yelp reviews. I was extremely satisfied with the choice. The interior of the restaurant is not what I would have expected. It's very modern and chic. It has a great date night, or group dinner, atmosphere. The outside patio is also very nice. The prices also were very reasonable and inexpensive. Get ready to eat, because the portion sizes are large. I ordered the beef 'Carne a la Cazuela.' It was a very stew-like dish served with hand-made corn tortillas. It was delicious. This along with the all you can eat chips and salsa made for a very filling meal. I recommend this place if you're in the South Tampa area looking for some Mexican food.
(5)Jim M.
Food was good. Service was excellent. I ordered the fajitas and with the high reviews, I expected them to come sizzling and hot and instead it was just some fajita meat in a bowl. The shells are homemade and awesome. Salsa was good as well. Margaritas were good too. It wasn't the best mexican I've ever had, but I will definitely be going back! I have high hopes that some of the other stuff on the menu will be a little better than the fajitas. Outdoor patio area is really cool scene too.
(3)Brian T.
This restaurant is mediocre at best! The food is very salty! The meals we ordered were layered in a mat of cheese. No taste of cilantro, no authentic taste. The atmosphere is ok but very dark even mid day. Our waitress was very friendly. The service was great.
(3)Nichole C.
Have gone back since my last review and my God, is their food still ah-mazing. I can't help it. This last time, we dined on a Friday after 9pm and the place was still packed and we had to wait; but with just the mister and I, we sat at the bar and had drinks {I still swear by their house margarita} while we waited. Service was MUCH better this time.
(4)Larissa S.
Miguel's doesn't seem like much from the outside. The neon's make it seem a little tacky, but it is anything but that. Once you walk in, the areas seem separated. The decor is a bit bland. However, there is a hidden area in the back that is quite aesthetically pleasing with a huge bar and fireplace. If you are on a date, I suggest getting a table in the back. The pricing is adequate. Entrees range from $8.95 to $34.95 (if you want the Kobe skirt steak). The menu has what you would expect from a Mexican joint, Fajitas, Burritos, Taco Salad, Flautas, Tacos, enchiladas, etc. Sounds boring, but all their ingredients are fresh, so their food is fantastic. Best part is their selection of tequilas. I am no connoisseur, but I had to try the Sauza Tres Generaciones Anejo tequila straight (sipped, not shot). If that is too much for you, try their premium margaritas. The tequila DOES make a difference. Definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. Check it out.
(4)Louis A.
I'm fresh off a trip to Austin and damn if they don't have the best Mexican I've ever had. With that said, I live in Tampa. Austin is a long drive to wet your whistle when hankering for a margarita so Miguel's has to be my local Mexican watering hole. Keep in mind that its best to wash down your worm with some fresh-mex!
(5)Patrick M.
We really like this place. My wife and come here and my cowokers too. However, we don't come as often for ONE reason! We really really hate is that they have a waitress who will keep your coin change no matter the amount. If your bill is $20.05 and you hand her $25 she'll bring you back $4. Happens every time to everyone in our group. I called to let the owner know and said she'd take care of it. The waitress is still there and she still keeps the change. I personally take it out of her tip but others don't seem to have a problem with it so she is encouraged to continue this behavior. I
(3)Sunny B.
Miguel's is muy popular! Make a reservation if you can. Food was delicious, drinks were delicious. They also had (might still have?) a special where you can buy a gift certificate for a certain amount for a discount. But you can't use it the same night you buy it, so plan ahead. Love the outdoor seating but the main dining room will do just fine. Place is always packed but I've never had a complaint about service.
(4)Daniel H.
I went here for lunch. I ordered the Enchiladas Miguel. Man, talk about tasty! And cheap! I think I spent just over $10 with tip. It's a little crowded and loud, but you tend to not notice these things when you are stuffing your face with primo steak enchiladas. I only wish that Mexican food places in the Bay area has SHREDDED BEEF! Seriously, where can I get a shredded beef enchilada, burrito, chimichanga, etc?
(4)Lilly M.
The food was so delicious and our server Stephanie was amazing! I will definitely come back! Try it...you won't be disappointed!
(5)Bryan V.
Great margaritas. Great ceviche and guacamole. Perfect sunday afternoon on the patio.
(5)Michelle H.
Hands down the most Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Tampa! The service is great and the atmosphere is priceless. The filet fajitas are to die for, everything is authentic and DELICIOUS!
(5)Max B.
Great atmosphere just a great place great time I wish I had more table space cuz I ordered too much damn food as it is love the fried ice cream it is the bomb
(4)T N.
Good food with large portion sizes, good and fast service. I recommend the fajitas with chicken or the Enchilada's Manuel. Also I love the warm chips and the mildly spicy salsa. Rarely do I ever go back to a restaurant but I've here twice, enjoyed it both times and will come back. Warning, if you choose to sit outside on the front patio, there can be loud traffic noises and mosquitoes.
(5)Michelle L.
Best Mexican food in Tampa!
(5)John W.
This place has the best Mexican food in Tampa I found. Everything I've gotten from there was very fresh and flavorful. Their margaritas are also very good. You'll pay a couple extra dollars than most of the other Mexican places in town but it's worth it. They have a very nice outdoor seating area and bar. This place does get busy.
(5)Gary S.
Grilled seafood dish (for the wife) and my 'unit of measurement' for new Mexican dining experiences, the pork burrito. BOTH WERE SUPERB, better yet, the service (our server VERY knowledgeable of the menu, but not 'pushy' . Better even more THE PRICES. We stopped in on a whim, but will return on purpose.
(4)Mark R.
Miguel's is the BEST Mexican in Tampa, period. Great atmosphere, service and food. A Tampa institution for 20 years and well worth the praise. Never had a bad experience and I guarantee you wont either!
(4)Anuj S.
I loved Miguel's. Good decor and good service. I had enchiladas, which were great. The cheese was fresh and moist. The sauce was delicious and flavorful. It was awesome. Even the chips and salsa was really good. Very fresh chips and salsa was flavorful. I definitely want to go back and try things off the menu. I hope to continue to be impressed and maybe update this place to 5 stars.
(4)Jessica L.
I love this place! Great atmosphere and Food!!! Thank you
(5)Debbie C.
Don't judge it by its exterior ... Beautiful upscale dining decor inside AND the food is amazing!!! I had the Alambres fajitas and the meat was super tender and perfectly seasoned. I love the frijoles charro ...even the broth in them was delicious! I'd definitely go back!!!
(4)Eddie N.
You know, coming from The Bay Area in the south San Francisco cities, and living in Los Angeles county for 2 years and counting, you are dealing with the famous Mission Burrito all the way down south to where real Mexico pushes invisible borders. The cuisine and cultural influences shows from simple taquerias to even the cities' names. Here we are in Tampa on the other side of the nation, and the Latin flavor still shows some life. So with the simple sides of beans and rice, where does the meal get a chance to shine? First off are the chips and salsa, the equivalent of the bread and butter... Here they were served warm and the salsa had a good flavor, slight heat that focused more on flavor frolicking on your palate than a bombardment of sharp strikes to your heat sensors. We followed with an order of tamales. This is another test on a more traditional dish served during Christmas or New Years. Unfortunately the size of the tamales were more of half taquitos and by half a taquito I mean like a flauta that was held hostage for a while living off a sliver of meat and then sacrificed and mummified in a maize cocoon. To the rescue though for what glimmer of hope it had was a good appetizer, however it's an order of an entree being served as an appetizer. The main attraction was a pork burrito. We asked for a diversion of the enchilada sauce away for the entree so that we could hold the burrito Cali style. The wet burrito isn't a classic favorite since that would be more of a fat enchilada that was sealed at the ends. Hold on though, the guacamole was a thicker version of the original and actually gave some heart and body. Although it may seem that I am not amused with the follow through of this establishment, remember we cannot give half stars. I would rate this as a 3.5. But remember though, my rating is a bit less forgiving since I am from the land of numerous taquerias. Gracias y denada.
(3)Christine C.
I've been to Miguel's a few times and it is probably the best Mexican I have had in Tampa. Not the best Mexican I've ever had, but the best in Tampa (in my experience). The only reason I tried this place was Yelp reviews, because it looks awful from the outside. However, the inside is beautiful and I love the decor. I definitely recommend ordering guacamole or queso to have with the complimentary chips and salsa. They both really hit the spot. I always order enchiladas since it's my favorite; I've had the Seafood, Manuel (chicken, onions, peppers, sour cream, tomatillo sauce, and cheese), and cream cheese and crab filled. The only one I didn't absolutely love was the cream cheese and crab. It just didn't do it for me, but the other two were delicious. Everyone else seemed very happy with their choices.
(4)AaronErin D.
Great spot. Stopped here when we got into town for a party for a bite to eat and loved it. Sat at the bar, bartender was very polite and friendly. The chips and salsa were great. I also ordered the guacamole, it was very fresh. We split two soft shell chicken tacos and we loved it. Huge portions. Perfect for splitting. I would come here again. Check it out.
(5)Mike S.
Congratulations on Miguel's being open on Christmas Eve for dinner after vigil Mass......and offering un-rushed service while business was light and staff hoped to get out early. BTW their expansion area is very elegant and the enclosed outdoor courtyard bar is unique. Also congratulations to the many other restaurants that closed on a potentially profitable Saturday night to let staff be with family......or go to La Teresita parking lot to pick up their puerco asado dinner to have for Buena Noche dinner. Merry Christmas to all
(3)Deidre S.
Whenever I am craving Mexican food this is the place to go, definitely the best Mexican food I have found in Tampa! The chimichangas are my favorite and the Margaritas are super good.
(5)Nikki A.
I have been hearing great things about Miguel's for the last year or so. People who love this place REALLY love this place. Maybe I expected a bit too much or I ordered the wrong thing. The warm chips and salsa were delivered immediately, those items were delicious. I loved the ambiance of this restaurant. The tables were packed tightly together, but it felt cozy and chic at the same time. We took a while to study the menu. The Husband ended up ordering the Fantastico-three enchiladas (one each of beef, chicken and cheese). He loved his dish. It came with that ubiquitous meh staple of all Mexican restaurants, rice and beans.I ordered a chicken burrito. It was huge and topped with enchilada sauce, chile con queso, and chives. It basically had zero flavor. My only other issue (and this is just a personal pet peeve) was that our drinks were never refilled. At all Mexican restaurants, I just want the liquid to keep on coming. The husband loved it, I am decidedly apathetic.
(3)Shawn G.
The food here was slop. It's obvious they spend their mony on the decor, not the talent or the ingredients. I had a chimichanga (large filled flour tortilla, deep-fried, covered with cheese). It came covered it with about 3 ounces (a ton) of cheddar cheese, garnished with a couple of white onion strips and a side of yellow rice. As I ate it, I received a big mouth full of runny beans, cheese, and a soft tortilla (should be crispy). The meat didn't show up in the dish until I got half-way through, and when I got there, it was a pretty blandly-seasoned and soupy ground-beef slop. It's pretty clear that they had pots of beef and beans on their line and they spooned up a glob of beans and slopped it down on one side, then the same with the beef on the other side, folded it and cooked it - very careless and insulting. I tried another dish from someone else in my party - alambres (skillet-fried chopped meat and veggies mixed with cheese, usually seasoned similar to fajitas). They also were very bland and had a rather mushy (not tender, mushy) texture. Along with the dishes, we ordered a pitcher of margaritas. This was even more dissappointing; the flavor was very much poor (completely absent any fresh lime juice), and there was virtually no tequila, and it was $30 for that.
(1)Phil V.
We tried Miguel's on a Saturday night and it lived up to its reputation for long waits. We opted for one of the three tables available outside to avoid the wait. The other people waiting lurking over us while we ate was a little annoying but thankfully they were as polite as they possibly could be. We tried the guacamole appetizer and that was delicious along with the chips and salsa. I ordered a Pacifico and my wife had a mixed drink. Very good. For our mains we had the beef fajitas and a spicy pork chimichanga. This is where Miguel's fell from grace. The fajitas were bland and the chimichanga was filled with more refried beans than pork. The Spanish rice is awful, but the frijoles were very good. The service was poor. Our waitress struggled to be both busy and pleasant. I don't think we'd return or recommend this place to a friend.
(2)Shanna D.
Came for brunch, was great! Had Miguel's Benedict. I also had some crazy watermelon drink (I think) it was good but was so sweet I couldn't finish it. Service was exceptional.
(4)Carlos H.
Miguel's has long been one of my favorite places to get Mexican food in Tampa Bay. It doesn't have the super authentic taste that I get from Vallarta's but it comes pretty close and has it's own unique taste to its food. Prices are very affordable and you can get full here for really cheap. My friend and I came for lunch one day and I was really amazed at the prices. The place has undergone some changes to make some snazzy outdoor seating that didn't exist before and overall the restaurant looks like it really is more presentable and more upscale. I love ordering their burritos, enchiladas, or their carne asada. All good dishes here. We really don't go to this place enough and I wish it was closer to my house so I could go all the time. UT students are lucky to be situated so close.
(4)Shauna E.
Food: When you sit down, the bus boy drops off a basket of perfectly fried tortilla chips and the most addictive salsa ever. The food is fresh, interesting, and so delicious. I'm in love with the spinach enchiladas- fresh and pureed spinach in a cilantro cream sauce with refried beans and rice. Drinks: They have a full bar. Smoothies. Soda. Iced tea. I love their mojito and my sisters say they make a mean margarita. Decor: Recently remodeled, Miguel's now boasts a beautiful new bar, and a more updated, crisp, modern appearance. Very perfect for the neighborhood. Get comfortable to your neighbor though--tables are tight and there is not a ton of room to walk around/spread out. Service: While the food always comes out fairly fast, the service leaves something to be desired. Wait staff are not the most friendly, attentive, or helpful--though I have seen worse. Drinks at the bar take awhile. The hostesses do not care if you made a reservation, you will wait. Don't let the less than stellar service deter you from coming though--the food MORE than makes up for it!
(4)Norma K.
The seafood enchilada had three pieces of seafood and was extremely salty. I was disappointed....!
(3)Josh C.
I just to run to this post this morning and write this review. A long time tourist of Tampa. Last night while driving around, my girlfriend and I passed this restaurant, which has a phenomenal display from the outside. The inside was really beautiful, great set up I must say. I have dined at a lot of four and five star dining, and this place decor is amongst the best. We were served that wonderful chip and salsa that everyone posted about. That was about the best meal of our night. We both ordered the chimigunga entree which was one of the worst Mexican meals I ever had. The worst I have ever experienced. The dish authenticity is gone. It was easy to identify that they have grown to the point, where authenticity has been compromised by utilizing box products over natural species and products to cook the food. Price for the quality of food doesn't match. Over priced for what they are serving. Overall, the drinks were good and the chip and salsa. Beyond that, this experienced will never have is return to this place. Quality should never be sacrificed for money. I hope this post provide a true evaluation for future consumers. Hope your enjoying Tampa if your ready this post.
(2)Sean K.
Awesome food, great specials. Loved the fajitas
(4)Marcy R.
Not t best....informed waiter of cilantro allergy...was told I could only order tacos or quesadillas so I ordered shrimp tacos.....they came covered in cilantro! Other issue....ordered a margarita on t rocks....had 2 of them...when bill came I was charged $21.00 for my 2 margaritas! Seems I was given top shelf liquor without even being asked! My spouse did not like his meal n was ill later that night.....won't b visiting again!
(1)David J.
I've always found it strange that an area with a pretty significant Mexican population has so few Mexican restaurants so I'm glad that we have Miguel's now. Having dined in Mexico and California, I can't say that Miguel's is the best Mexican food I've ever had, but it's definitely the best we've found in the Tampa Bay area in recent years. The dining area is a little cramped, but that's because it's a small place and everyone in Tampa who wants decent Mexican food has to go to Miguel's so it's always crowded. The tables outside would be perfect if the building weren't so close to the busy street out front, but they're still my preference.
(4)Kate T.
I went to Miguel's for the 3rd time in about a month last night. It's always delicious and becoming one of my go-to spots for dinner with my regular dinner companion and out of town friends.
(5)Sam Q.
Miguels is my favorite Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed and they have the best tasting carnitas in all of Tampa. The obligatory chips and salsa are pretty decent too. Algusto is just down the road with a little nicer atmosphere. They are both good although their food style is a little different. Algusto is a little more "sophisticated" if you will, but by no means better. Just different. If you like Mexican try both out. Miguel's is sure to satisfy your carnitas craving. Fajitas, burritos, and tacos are all nice, large portions and prices are very reasonable. I'm a fan!
(4)Rosie P.
Stopped her for lunch and was pleasantly surprised. The outside of the building is old concerete and grey, but once you get to the entrance area, it's nicely segmented from the busy roadway. There are curtains and plants hat block out the busy street. The interior decor is old Spanish - think dark woods, beautiful metal, crisp white linens. We were greeted immediately and sat at a table in the corner. The first thing I noticed was that the waiters knew so many of the customers on a first-name basis. It seemed to be a very family-oriented place and I knew it was going to be good because they ahd a lot of regulars! We placed our orders and enjoyed the warm chips and spicy salsa. The bowl was full of chips and we never ran out of salsa to dip them into. I ordered the chicken chimichanga. It came with a side of rice and refried beans. The chimichanga was smothered in melted cheese with a dollop of sour cream. The chimichanga was crispy and delicious. The chicken was well-seasoned and it was a HUGE portion...probably enough for three people. The refried beans could have used some salt. The rice wasn't really good at all. It had no taste, but it was loose and wasn't sticky...a nice texture. The rice needed a lot of seasoning - more than a salt and pepper shaker could have provided. The chimichanga really needed something light to contrast the heaviness. I wish I'd asked to subsititute lettuce and some pico de gallo for the rice and refried beans. Overall, it was a very good chimichanga, but the sides could use some work. Our waiter was fine - nothing out of this world and he never refilled our drinks (which seemed kind of pricey for Pepsi.)
(4)Julie P.
The best top shelf Don Julio margaritas EVER! They are a little expensive but worth every penny! We literally try margaritas everywhere we go only to be disappointed - these are the best we've ever found and thankfully we only live 2 minutes away! The chips and salsa, guacamole and refried beans are all excellent. We don't order a lot of the full meals but everyone around us does and loves it!
(5)Kevin H.
Went to Miguel's on a Friday night and got there at 6 pm with a group of 7 (5 adults and 2 kids). We were told it would be a 15 minute wait, which we didn't mind. After 25 minutes we asked about the status and they said they don't know when people will finish eating so had NO clue when we would get in. I asked for the manager and she was no more helpful. After 30 minutes a server came outside and took a drink order (which would have been nice but the drinks never came). At 50 minutes we asked again, but still no tables (even though many tables that could have been joined together had left and since re-used. After 1 hour we finally got in and the table wasn't even set properly and no high chair was even at the table (it was asked for when we first got there). We asked for a booth so that we could put a car seat in the booth to be safer than putting it on a chair, we were told that it is the owner's policy not to have kids in booths. Finally we got seated to another manager(?) saying I know your complaining "Do we have to move you or will you settle down?" which was completely uncalled for as we had been respectful the entire time. The server then said "What has happened is not my fault, so don't give me a hard time!" again, really? The server did a good job of serving after that and the night was salvaged, no thanks to the manager(s) and the hostesses. I have gone to Miguel's so many times for business lunches, but this certainly soured my thoughts of them.
(1)The Food L.
Absolutely mind blowing - amazing food. Mike is with me he he said, 'who gives a place this this less then 5 star and I replied idiots'.
(5)Meghann A.
After hearing so many great things about Miguel's, I have to say I was severely disappointed in my first visit there yesterday. The menu was typical Mexican fare - heavy and boring - and there was nothing fun or intriguing about the atmosphere. It was dull, quiet, and dark. I will give them credit for the salsa (it was quite chunky and tasty), but I wasn't a fan of the server who spilled the salsa near my right arm then never offered to wipe it up. Even after I attempted to clean it up with my lone paper towel, I was playing "dodge the salsa spill" with my arm the entire meal. The salad I ordered was wilted with maybe one or two tomatoes, a single cucumber slice and browning avocado. The chicken on top was quite good, but didn't make up for the rest of the salad contents. For $10, I expected more. This is a restaurant I will not be returning to on my own.
(1)Saya G.
My new favorite restaurant in Tampa Bay! Went to Miguel's on a recommendation for great Mexican food in honor of Cinco de Mayo and it did not disappoint. The wait was long, but again it was May 5, Derby Day, and a Sat. night, so if there wasn't a long wait, I'd be skeptical. We sat at the bar on the patio (love the patio) and ordered a pitcher of frozen margaritas, which awesomely came in a swinging jar of Patron. We also got chips and guac which came with their very tasty salsa. The guac wasn't the best ever, but it was good. The bar staff was great and juggling a very full bar and it was an interesting scene on the patio - all ages, from shorts and flip-flops to cocktail dresses, couples, friends, just about anything goes. We did have one odd experience where a waitress came by, dropped her basket of chips all over the bar, and was so embarrassed, she just scooped them back in and left them up there as if none of us noticed. But as soon as we told the bartender what happened, he threw them away. They text you when your table's ready (genius), and our dinner was SO good. I got the spinach enchiladas, and my boyfriend got a steak salad. We had enough for leftovers and the bill was reasonable.
(5)Kelly Q.
From the outside this restaurant looks pretty sketchy, but this is totally not the case. I was so impressed by the decor and atmosphere, from the patio to the indoor dining area, this is Mexican chic. Our waiter was friendly, the drinks were strong, and the food was fantastic. I'm definitely going back here again. And the dinnerware was so unique and authentic.
(4)Eric H.
I thought the food here was pretty good. Portion sizes were big and salsa was tasty. I wouldn't say it was the best mexican food, but it was well worth the price. I'd recommend this place.
(4)Steph G.
Miguel's is consistently scrumptious Mexican. I love their tamales! They just recently remodeled and expanded into a gorgeous restaurant/bar. If you haven't been in a while, check it out!
(4)Lisa R.
I love Miguel's. It isn't perfect but there are many great things, starting with the cinnamony sangria, yum! The outside looks dated but inside is intimate and cozy, a beautiful bar and outside area. I like the rellenos and the enchiladas. The only thing I don't like? The tamales. Maybe it's a question of taste. They should also take the references to Kobe beef off the menu. Please! Miguel's is good to great Mexican food in a fun atmosphere for a reasonable price.
(3)Rhea P.
Definitely taste authentic. I ordered take away, the rice had sort of a crunchy feel to it that I was not expecting. I did not receie chips and salsa with take out. The enchiladas were not what I expected as well. Soapaillas were excellent along with the ice cream. The service was actually great. The server was was very friendly and approachable. Not sure I would go back again, however it seems like a solid choice for a Mexican meal.
(3)Cathie D.
I've been here before, but had never checked in. Came for weekday lunch with coworkers. Luckily we came earlier b/c it got crowded with a wait quickly! Service was quick & friendly. Salsa is one of the best of I've had. I had the India, which was very good! Just a little messy to eat! Very tasty, quick service, good value! They've done a great job redecorating although it's not your typical Mexican decor. Also looked they added additional parking, which was desperately needed!
(4)R M.
Even though there was nobody in the restaurant , when we checked in , we had to wait. In the meantime 2 other customers who came in were seated and prompted. There were so many waiters around who very calmly walked by us many times ignoring us. We felt we were discriminated because of our ethnicity. We had to ask to be served and were never given the brunch menu- had to ask for it . Food was ok. This is our second time here. First time too service was just fair. We don't like to go to restaurant where people are treated according to the color of their skin!!!!
(1)Dave S.
I have driven by Miguel's many times and was not impressed with the outside. However, don't let the outside fool you. We made a reservation based on other Yelp reviews and were seated right away. We of course had chips and salsa which was pretty good. I ordered the beef burrito, which was a bit disappointing cause the beef had little flavor and was very greasy. However, my wife ordered a combo with a steak taco -delicious, a chicken enchillada - pretty good and a chicken taquita - good. She really enjoyed her meal. It also came with beans, rice and all the trimmings - sour cream, guacamole lettuce, tomato etc. My burrito did not. :-( Our friends both ordered Quesadilla's and enjoyed them. I had a beer and my wife had a skinny margarita, which was a little strong. One with dinner was definitely enough. Service was quick and friendly. Would like to go back and try something other than the burrito. My wife raved about the steak (and she's not a huge steak eater) so would like to try a steak meal. She claim's it's the best Mexican she's had in the Tampa Bay area....I'm not sold yet.
(3)Aaron M.
when mexican and south tampa collide.. get the el hombres.. and thank me later. gets a bit busy and parking is a bit tight.. but the ambiance and service is awesome.
(5)Phil L.
Great food starting with homemade tortilla chips and salsa. Shrimp stuffed jalapeno poppers are fantastic and all our entrees were authentic are delicious. And if you like tequila, they have about 100 bottles to choose from too. It's crowded at a prime time, so be ready for a bit of a wait, but it is worth it. Recently expanded parking lot helps relieve some of the congestion.
(5)Tim J.
MONEY!! I came here on the recommendation of a co-worker for my birthday dinner, and I am really glad I did. I would have waited til later so I could have managed an appetizer and dessert as well. Hopefully my next visit (which will be soon) will be as good as this visit. I tried the Alambres, which are basically fajitas with chicken, steak, and chorizo. Everything was so tender and cooked perfectly. Both of the people I went with agreed, and enjoyed their meals completely. Two of us being Chefs for many years, completely empty plates is the highest compliment, and we both gave them that. I am a mexican food fiend, and this is the best I've had in a couple years. Although it was my birthday, I didn't drink as I had a big night planned ahead, but can't wait to get back and try the margaritas.
(5)A S.
This place is just ok for mexican food. the food was mediocre, the service was not very good and for mexican food it was extremely overpriced. Stick with a taco wagon if you want good food and value.
(2)Kasha W.
I really like Miguel's, they have very good food and their prices are not unreasonable. It is hard to find a good Mexican restaurant let alone a Mexican seafood restaurant!
(4)Christine G.
We had a call-ahead reservation for 7pm. We weren't seated until 7:45 and after that long of a wait we expected a decent table. We were seated by a loud hallway and the table was slanting so badly that we were afraid our dishes would fall in my brother-in-law's lap. When we asked for a better table, the manager Angela came over and smugly stated that she had no other tables so we would have to start our wait again if we didn't stay in our current table. She did not come across as sincerely caring in the slightest and we observed that immediately afterwards she went to the hostess stand and appeared to imitate us to the other employees. They all turned around and looked and subsequently our waitress's attitude toward us changed. We had to shake it off to not allow her lack of professionalism ruin our evening. We enjoyed the food and drinks as always but I don't know if we will go back considering the lack of customer service and poor attitude of the staff and management.
(2)Steven C.
I call this mexican as its fajitas and chimichangas but its really to classy to be called a mexican restaurant. Most mexican restaurants serve pre made food off of the truck. Caned beans and frozen rice. When your plate comes out really hot that means they have a conveyor belt oven like a pizza joint. Thats why your food comes out so quick. This place make their food fresh unlike what most of you call "authentic."
(5)Emily S.
Delicious margaritas to go with delicious, authentic Mexican food! I went here for lunch while I was in town visiting my family. I had not been to Miguel's in years so I had to try it out. I loved how big the new space is. I am glad we did not sit on the patio because it was so loud out there! Being right on Kennedy is not very relaxing with all of the noise from the busy street. The lighting inside makes it feel like an old cantina. They start you with chips and salsa, and the salsa is the perfect mix of chunky and spice. I ordered one of there multiple maragritas and it did not disappoint! For lunch, I enojoyed the special of enchiladas... YUM!! You should definitely check this place out if you want some legit Mexican food!
(4)Franklyn T.
The restaurant in itself has a lot of seating; the decor is trendy and has a large bar. I had the poblano peppers which were good, just crazy on the cheese! Also my gf dish was covered in it. The service was great, attentive server (knowledgeable and provided options when mentioned we were vegetarian; tip: chorizo in all the beans). Definitely good choice for Mexican in Tampa! Will come back!
(4)Tom K.
Fantastic! Don't let the outside fool you, this is a first class place. Clean, modern inside. Much nicer than most strip-mall Mexican restaurants. Service was excellent: friendly, personal, and attentive without being annoying. Margarita tasted homemade and super fresh. Be sure to ask for the "hot" salsa, if that's your thing. it has a really great smoky flavor. Food was excellent with generous portions and very fair pricing. There is also a beautiful outdoor seating area that you can't see form the street. it's a beautiful courtyard with trees, string lights, and a fountain. Very nice atmosphere.
(5)Dillon K.
One of my favorite places to eat in ALL of Tampa Bay area!!! After living most of my life in New Mexico I have learned a thing or two about GOOD Mexican food. I must say most places in Florida have left a bad tatste in my mouth. Miguel's has changed all that. The food is AMAZING and all the staff is friendly. You can't go wrong when you pick Miguel's.
(5)Elsa W.
This restaurant looks a little dicey from the outside, but don't let that deter you. The food is outstanding and the service is great. The sauteed white fish tacos are excellent.
(4)Mandi S.
Best Mexican food in the Bay Area! The service hasn't been that great during my past couple of visits though. Try their Mexican tacos with the grilled beef and chicken; they're delicious.
(4)Stephanie B.
Was recommended this restaurant by a friend, but unfortunately problems with the food and service will likely keep all of us from ever returning. Decided to order a pitcher of margaritas since all 4 wanted some, we were given a half full pitcher consisting mostly of ice and 4 tiny little glasses. After asking our waitress and then a manager what was up with our pathetic drinks, we were given some made up excuse about the pitcher being hand blown and Bla Bla Bla. We realized it would have been cheaper to order our drinks separately and we would have gotten more alcohol. So we tried to move on from the drinks, ordered seafood enchiladas and my friend's had rocks in it! Maybe the shellfish wasn't washed thoroughly, but when we told out waitress, she was confused about what she should do, and decided to send a manager over, who never came. Lets just say that this place seems like it's run by a bunch of teenagers, the clueless, argumentative staff made sure that we never recommend this place to OuR friends! (Aside from the bad experiences, the food tasted good).
(2)Jason R.
This is not your ordinary Mexican joint. Really cool spins on traditional recipes with many dishes to choose from. Try the seafood enchiladas... really good. The prices are quite low for the quality of the food. The decor is surprisingly modern and they have some really cool additional outside seating areas. My only gripe is that the wait staff, although friendly, were a little inattentive. A small cabal of them were sitting at the bar loudly bitching about some such. I would like to think it was something deep like the debt ceiling or child hunger... but I doubt it.
(4)Jim M.
This is NOT a vegetarian friendly restaurant. Almost everything there has flesh products - beans included. I never was told whether the chips were fried in lard or not. There is also nothing for a person with gluten issues. Chips and "corn tortillas have flour in them. However, outside of having nothing other than salad to offer me, our server did an admirable job. An overall food nightmare.
(1)David J.
Tops in Tampa. We just moved from California and were in the mood for some good Mexican food. We had passed Miguel's on the way home several times and finally stopped in for a bite. It's was GREAT! The Waiters were friendly and the food came out fast. I cleaned my plate, it was really good.
(4)Nick Z.
I went here for the 1st time with my GF after a half Marathon. We were craving margarita's and they delivered. These were tasty (we ordered top shelf). Great presentation as well. The chips and salsa were very good and the meals themselves were great. Unfortunately we ate way too many chips and salsa to fully enjoy our meals. It was also a bit pricey.
(4)Little G.
be very careful with renting the VIP room..... kids are not allowed and God forbid you don't tip.......Ms . Angela , the general manager says she will call the cops......what a riot !!!!! Prefer Señor Tequilas On Dale Mabry.
(1)John N.
as close as to mexican food you'll get in Tampa. The outdoor patio area is the place to dine. parking isnt ideal. but better than an empty parking lot.
(4)Cynthia S.
Great drinks I recommend the Tequila Avion Margarita was refreshing, The food was what I consider average American style Mexican food, friendly staff nice scenery in the back patio hot but nice to still have the sky view. Good time to go is 2pm happy hour half off drinks, Not bad, although not half off with the Avion Margarita just the house Margarita big difference in compare...
(3)Gina C.
The food was good, but it wasn't authentic Mexican food. I enjoyed the ambiance and the meal. I was hoping for a more authentic meal.
(2)Megan W.
LOVE going here for lunch and their margaritas are insanely good. The decor is beautiful and the margaritas are good. Did I say the margaritas are great? OK :) I have never had a bad meal here but have not been for dinner.
(4)Mariana R.
Excellent Mexican food!!.. The guacamole is really good!.. And all the entrees are delicious!. The portions are pretty big!!... Also, the cocktails are great!!... The outdoor area is very nice!.. I think this is one of the best options for Mexican food in Tampa!,
(4)Tiffany B.
Great little place. I love the patio area. It's nice even on a hot summer night, as they have fans outdoors. The servers are very attentive, the food is great, and the prices are pretty reasonable. This is definitely my new go-to Mexican spot! Also, you must, must try the Enchiladas Miguel. My favorite!
(4)Darlene C.
Things have changed since we were last at Miguel's. The atmosphere is brighter and classier. The service is excellent. The food better than I remember. With so few good Mexican options in Tampa, this was a delightful rediscovery.
(4)Lauren H.
Love the fresh tortillas, homemade margaritas, and fajitas.
(5)Always B.
I came to this Mex restaurant under the impression that it is probably gonna end up with the same ole lame ole TexMex BS. To my surprise..... I had a house margarita' Delicious!!!!!!! As Hell!!!!!! I had to ask the server what was in the marg mix. Totally not bulk bought. You will love it! Trust me. Then...... The salsa that comes with the traditional chips as you are seated, is flavorful to say the least. But not only that, they have a hidden offer for a bit spicier version of salsa that you can choose, FREE. Get it if you like something that'll creep up on your end later. Pun intended. I guess. My childhood friend who has lived here in this area for years, decades.... Even agrees that he will be back to this place after this being his first experience here. Mark H. Tampa Elite Yelper.... Check his pics and review out to fulfill. But the good!!!!!!! Home made tortillas... Very delectable. I left with food and will be back.
(5)TA T.
Miguel's has a beautiful atmosphere, and we enjoyed our margaritas very much. Our server was also friendly and pleasant. However, my guacamole was pretty bland - it tasted like the creamy, almost white-colored cheap guac that comes in a plastic container at the grocery store. And I was pretty dismayed by my garden salad .... once again it was like something that comes in a bag at the grocery store. Tasteless, almost white iceberg lettuce, bland veggies.
(2)Dave J.
Miguel's Mexican Cafe in Tampa was a bit of a surprise. Finding passable Mexican in Florida can be tough if you're not a local. I recommend Miguel's. Miguel's while casual dinning is just a bit more upscale than the typical Mexican restaurant, yet even though I was wearing shorts and flip-flops I didn't feel out of place. Starting off were the free chips and salsa, the chips were excellent the salsa a first seemed a little mild for my taste. As I continued eating I felt a nice little burn. Salsa gets a 3. For my dinner I had the Carnita's De Puerco, the pork was very tender and not loaded with chunks of fat that you often find in pork dishes. The rice and beans were excellent. The Margarita's were a cut above the standard 'Rita found most anywhere else. The outdoor seating was small and decorated well, though be advised it sits only about 6 feet form the street, so it can get noisy. The bottom line, if in Tampa, and you want Mexican with an upscale feel try Miguel's Mexican Cafe.
(4)Beth S.
Miguel's is my go to for good Mexican food. It's a little on the pricey side for Mexican but it's always tasty with quick, friendly service. Since they've expanded the parking situation is much, much better and they have killer margaritas.
(5)Cheryl C.
The Good = I love the Ceviche! It's the best I've had and big portion too! The atmosphere is nice. The house margarita is great and tacos are yummy too. The Bad = I love cheese but I have now discovered that there is such a thing as too much cheese. All the things I have ordered with cheese ended up being a plate of cheese and like a pepper in it. But if you love a plate of cheese than you would be all over there dished with any cheese in it. So for me I just don't under things with cheese in it and all is okay.
(4)Miss B.
This was a perfect lunch choice When it was suggested I was skeptical since I never had mexican food. Ample parking and the sitting area in the front was cute so I asked to sit outside. We were led to the back of the restaurant. I thought the front was cute, the back was better. There was a courtyard with a full bar. I didn't expect that. and was very inviting. There were a few TVs there as well. I had the India and a prickly pear margarita which were awesome. I would definately go back.
(4)Susie G.
Had a quick stop in Tampa on our way back to CA, and needed a Mexican food fix. Based upon reviews on Yelp, we visited this restaurant. Waited for greeter as she was fixing tables. Once we were seated, a very friendly waitress appeared and was helpful in as we made our selections. Chips were good, portions were generous, and even though there were some unfamiliar flavors in the food, we left glad we had chosen this restaurant. Main negative was the noise level of the speakers and the somewhat crowded placement of tables. Would definitely recommend.
(4)Meg B.
Kyle the friendly bartender mixes an amazing top shelf margarita, the best I've ever had! I recommend the red snapper tacos. Great service. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Lynn W.
This was our first dining experience at Miguel's. We were very impressed with the margaritas. I got the top shelf made with patron and it was the perfect elixir. I had the authentic Miguel's salad with the best roasted chicken. It was delicious. We had reservations and I'm glad we did as it was jamming. The service was excellent and the restaurant is very nicely decorated. Loved the linen tablecloths. We will definitely return
(5)JT M.
This place only gets its traffic because of location. All the South Tampa folks frequent, but there are much better Mexican restaurants with a few more miles of driving. The service also leave much to be desired.
(2)L.A. S.
My husband and I stopped by around lunch time today because we saw the parking lot had a lot of cars and figured it should be safe. When we arrived we were seated promptly and provided chips, salsa and drinks with in 1 minute of sitting down. The place does pack a lot of tables in to a little spot, yet it didn't seem cramped... I forgot the name of what I ordered, but it was off of the combination part of the menu. It came with 2 tostadas, a chicken enchilada, and beef crispy taco, beans and rice. All were more than what I expected. The taste of everything was wonderful. I generally do not like crunchy tacos, but Miguels were delicious, the ground beef actually had a lot of flavor. If we ever end up in Tampa again, I'm going for like 3 of these bad boys. One of the tostadas came with just plain queso, the other with bean, cheese, lettuce and tomato. The shell part was way better than what you would find at your average mexican joint, it was crispy and flaky....not just a giant tortilla chip topped with a pile of crap so high you don't know how to begin eating it. My husband ordered a pork dish. It came out as 2 chunks of cooked pork which didn't look like much, but once you start in on it....it's definitley enough. His also came with sour cream, pico, rice, and a bean soup. All was very tasty. The bean soup had pinto beans, bacon, and cliantro I belive. It wasn't an overwhelming amount of flavor..it was just right. I kind of wished mine had come with that instead of refri beans. This certainly is not "Authentic" aka "Southwestern" Mexican food, as some have complained about. But it's pretty darned good. I'm not one who likes spicy food, but I do like good flavor....which is why I think this place ROCKS! I just wish it was so much closer than a 3 hour drive for me.....but that won't stop me from making the drive every couple months!! :)
(5)Jim L.
This Mexican restaurant serves classic Mexican food, in a wonderful redone atmosphere, complete with an outdoor patio, cooled by mist fans. Kept cool outside, however ladies hair does not respond well to the mist. Food and service is great with a ten minute walk in wait. Can have and will go back. This is a pearl in Tampa. Try the guacamole. Delicious.
(5)J D.
Read the reviews on Yelp and decided to give it a try. Growing up in Southern California and living in the Southwest for 30 yrs, I'm familiar with good Mexican food. Was hoping to find some here. The weather was awesome, so I sat outside on the patio. Chips & Salsa - They were a little too salty for my taste. The chips are very thin...I prefer thicker chips. The salsa was very mild....had no bite to it. I like spicy salsa, or at least the option to get spicy salsa. Entree - All of the entrees looked very appealing. The waiter told me that they now offer Kobe beef as an option for fajitas, tacos, carne asada, and a couple of other beef dishes. I decided to go with the Pollo Fundido Chimichanga.....this is a queso topped chimichanga (fried burrito) filled with cream cheese & chicken breast. It comes with a side of rice/beans on the plate. The dish was very tasty. Service - The waiter was friendly & helpful. The food came out fast and I was able to be seated quickly. I thought the staff was excellent. If the Pollo Fundido wasn't really good, this place was headed for 2 stars in my book. I will have to try a few more dishes before I can give it a definitive rating....it gets 3 stars for now. Will I come back? Yes, I probably will if I'm in the area. Although there are a few more places that I wanted to try.
(3)Farrah F.
Best Mexican I've had in Tampa Bay! The Tacos Marachuan-AMAZING! The margaritas were tasty. I lived in California and would drive to Mexico for dinner, it's hard to find good mexican food in central Florida. This is very authentic and the best I've found so far in Tampa!
(4)Pamela D.
The most authentic fine-dining Mexican cuisine I've found in Tampa thus far. I came here after seeing their Sunday brunch advertised on the side of a city bus. Yes, I'm that asshole driver too busy gawking at buses to notice the light turning from red to green. SUCK IT, DUDE IN THE CAVALIER, I WAS HONGRAY. So I wound up at Miguel's. Located on scenic (NOT) Kennedy Blvd in a lovely (NOT) neighborhood. The inside was huge and dark and cold much like your mom's.....Anyway, I say outside in a caged patio. Why cages you ask? Well, just in case a horrific accident should take place on the always hectic Kennedy Blvd, I'm assuming. They're keeping you safe from flaming debris. Brunch was served to the soothing sounds of honking horns. The brunch menu was decent but....not really as decent as I'd hoped. And the thing is, I'm not down to pay $14 for food from a Mexican restaurant. So I decided on the $9 tamales and also ordered a $7 Bloody Mary. The Mary was average and if you aren't a celery fan, avoid it. Personally, I enjoy the weird salty and earthy taste of celery. My tamales were amazing however. I definitely felt as if I got my moneys worth. The beans and rice were awesome, and everything was piping hot. My friend ordered a burrito, and not being accustomed to traditional Mexican food, asked "where are the vegetables?!". He quickly warmed up to the idea of a giant burrito so stuffed with meat and cheese that one has to eat it with a fork. Burritos, quesadillas and tamales are probably the cheapest menu items here. I felt bad ordering the cheapest, somehow worrying that it wouldn't be enough, but it left me with a big box of leftovers. Definitely not so in love with this place that I'd order a more expensive dish, but I'd eat burritos at Miguel's over Taco Bus ANY DAY. Just probably not at 11:00 AM next time.
(3)Dwanna W.
The Tea was great!!!! This place is overpriced and the food is like a fast food drive in. The food was brought out less than five minutes so which indicates nothing is fresh. I ordered the cheese enchiladas the basic of all Mexican food and I nearly choked on the cheese!!! It was hard and greasy!!! I wasn't sure what they meant by Chile con Crap! so i ordered on the side. It looked like wet dog food warmed up out of can!! I advised them to take it away immediately. They still charge me for it. Good thing I don't live far because a restroom was needed shortly after leaving.. Never ever will i eat here again!!!!!
(1)Chad U.
Pretty typical Mexican restaurant. Salsa wasn't anything special, I like Mexican restaurants that have a signature salsa. Prices weren't too high. Service was very good. Ambiance is strange. One half of the place is casual the other half is really upscale. Maybe the entire place is being renovated? Regardless, I left not being blown away but not being disappointed. I'm still in search of a good Mexican restaurant in Tampa. Spending time in CA has spoiled me, I guess.
(3)Robert A.
I have been going to Miguel's for many years and have always liked their food. Since the make over there is something there that has changed.. It has gotten a little uppity for my taste. I ordered their Nachos which are the best in town . They were the smaller order but when I ordered a little sour cream the tacked on a $1.50 charge. Now come on that's like ordering a little butter and getting charged for it. It's lost it's Mexican charm to the place. prices are high now and the people a little bit more pretentious . What happened to the Miguel's we loved...too trendy now...sorry that is my take....
(3)Gregory N.
Great Mexican restaurant! Since I moved away from Houston eons ago, I have been on a mission to find a place to match the great TexMex joints in Texas. This place is the closest I have found. Now I live in Miami, where top-notch Mexican restaurants simply do not exist. We came in on a Saturday lunch, and the parking lot was mostly full. This is a good sign. The place was busy but we got seated right away and were served water, chips and salsa almost immediately, another good sign. I ordered the pork enchiladas because it was my favorite dish at Ninfa's in Houston, and I have not seen it anywhere else. They were delicious! The meat was so flavorful and moist, the melted cheese was perfect. The refried beans had chunks of green pepper in it and the rice had little kernels of corn, evidence that it was made in the kitchen with care and attention to detail. Around the table, my wife had tacos with beef in one, pork in one, and chicken in the last one. One son had Eggs Benedict served with a churrasco steak (only available because it was brunch), and other son had Chile Relleno. All were upbeat and enthusiastic about their food and we all agreed that this place was excellent. I don't know if this is the best Mexican food in Tampa, in Florida or even in their neighborhood. I can tell you with confidence that whenever I am in Tampa, I will come back to Miguel's!
(5)Carla M.
This is the best Mexican food in Tampa by far. I keep coming back here for the delicious queso and margaritas. I can't stop eating the food even though I have to pick around flies and hair.
(4)Leslie M.
On of my favorite restaurants! Their sangrias are amazing as well as the chicken fajitas!
(5)Madhvi S.
VEGETARIANS BEWARE! This is NOT Veggie-Friendly! SO, I came to Miguel's after looking at their EXTENSIVE menu. From outside, I will admit the place looked kinda shady, but it definitely got better inside. There's 4-person, 2-person seating all around and even a cute little bar. I began at the bar (best way to start a night) and ordered the strawberry margarita, which apparently they are known for. EH. There were pieces of strawberry in it, which SHOULD have been delicious. However, the strawberries were completely taste-less and so it was like drinking an OK-tasting margarita with odd, unidentifiable chunks in it. Now, the food. Salsa and chips were pretty decent. I was with three other people and we decided to share and so we ordered cheese enchiladas, spinach enchiladas and a cheese quesadilla. The cheese enchiladas was straight cheese and not even good tasting cheese. I am a LOVER of cheese and I thought this was TOO MUCH. I felt nauseous after the first three bites, each time thinking it would get better, but it just got worse. The spinach enchiladas were the same deal, except it was straight spinach. It was like an enchilada Popeye-style. Quesadillas were okay, again too much cheese. Lastly, what really pushed my buttons were the beans. All the beans had lard in them and so none of us vegetarians could eat them. We had one girl with us that wasn't vegetarian and she said they tasted bland, so obviously the lard made absolutely no difference. How am I supposed to enjoy a Mexican meal without beans! Oh, and the rice was ok. I wish I went to Taco Bell. Fo realz. P.S. If you DO decide to go, make sure to make a reservation!
(1)Aaron W.
This place has awesome food and outstanding atmosphere. The food: The fajitas are hands down the best in the Bay. The steak is flavorful and tender, served sizzling but not over done. Chips are served warm and the salsa just keeps coming. The recent remodel: The new addition to the dining room, and the outside bar is gorgeous. The patio bar is cool and breezy thanks to dozens of quiet fans that keep it comfortable even for a summer night. They have a fire pit with lounge couches (like Ocean Prime's fire pit) to sit around and enjoy the ambiance. Honestly, I have driven by and seen construction going on, but I had no idea it would turn out this good. My favorite Mexican restaurant just completely upped the bar. A+ Love this place!
(5)Yvonne G.
Recently had dinner here after a 7-year hiatus. Not sure why, but I just didn't recall it being anything special the last time I had dinner there. Hubby and I were in the mood for fresh Mexican so we decided to give it a try. Boy were we surprised! The margaritas were AMAZING, so was the Chile con Queso, guacamole and our dinners. I had the Enchiladas Verdes and my husband and some sort of combination plate that had so much food he could barely walk out of the place. We both left pleasantly surprised. The only drawback was the long wait for a table - we had no idea how popular of a place this is and we just decided to go last minute on a Saturday night. But the wait was not so bad. Even though it was cold outside, they had the heaters fired up on the patio and we had a good time just talking and catching up with our dinner guests. I can't wait to go again so I can try something different on the menu.
(4)T M.
LLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOVVVEEEE THHIIIIIIIIIIISSSS PLLAAAAAACCCCCEE!!! Best mexican food I have had yet. For all the haters, if you want super duper authentic mexican food, then take your ass to Mexico and find a clay hut in a run down town and ask them if you can stay for dinner, idiots.
(5)Elizabeth D.
My friends were visiting from Boston for the weekend and were feeling like some margaritas and chips. As soon as we walked in, I asked the hostess if we could sit outside. She briefly glanced outside where there was an open but uncleared table and said "No. You can sit here." and sat us at a table near the door. OK... thanks. My friends were not very impressed with their margaritas. My sangria was decent. I liked the sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The salsa was ok, but the chips definitely didn't stand out. The guacamole was tasty enough. We didn't like that there was a fluff of lettuce at the bottom of the cup to make it seem like there was more guacamole in it though. When they asked for more salsa, our waitress slapped the new cups of salsa on top of the old ones as if she couldn't be bothered to take the others away. I was the only one to order an entree. (Maybe that's where the attitude came from.) I asked our waitress how the tamales tasted since it was a "Miguel's special." She said they were very good, but the expression on her face didn't seem very genuine. I should have taken that as a sign. They were horrible. Three tamales, not served in a corn husk, topped with a sour cheese. I could barely get through 1/3 of the first one! The yellow rice was mushy, the refried beans could very well have been canned. I'd had better (and cheaper) refried beans at Taco Bus on Hillsborough. Thank goodness she had the heart to take it off my bill. That's the only reason they squeezed the second star out of me.
(2)Bobbie K.
Miguels has great margaritas and really yummy food with very generous portions. I like the outside patio bar area best because you forget that you are right off Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa when you're back there. Nice couches to lounge on or sit at the bar and enjoy chips and salsa and a cocktail. John "Aussie" is my favorite bartender there. Easy on the eyes and great service.
(4)Nelson T.
I *love* Miguel's! The service is always great. My biggest concern at restaurants is ending up with a server that comes across as annoyed that we have the audacity to order food. That's never been the case here, even when we go with parties of 8 more people (lunch getaways from the office). The food is fantastic and I love the free chips and salsa that they give you. This place is easily my favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa and I think my lunch crew would agree!
(5)Albert M.
Wow. This place is amazing. Looks like nothing from the outside, but it's very nice inside. Big place, that's really nicely appointed. The bar is huge and beautiful, the bathrooms are really nice too. Now the important part, the food. It was amazing, I ate with 2 other people and all of us where very happy with our food and with the prices. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Diana C.
YUmm! I can't believe it took me so long to go to Miguels. The atmosphere was great and as soon as I walked in I was ready for a margarita and chips and salsa. The food tasted pretty authentic. I ordered veggie fajitas and they were out of this world. They included spinach and corn in the veggie mix and I have never seen that before. I loved it. I loved their 'skinny' margarita too. It's not on the menu but they made it for me anyways :) I would definitely go back. I'm excited for when it cools down and I can sit on the patio.
(4)Windy C.
The best Mexican cuisine in South Tampa and still serves free chips and salsa with meals (a fast disappearing courtesy). Food and drinks were well made and service is attentive. Cuisine leans more towards Tex-Mex but more regional dishes fill out the menu. I've never left wanting more or dissatisfied. I know of more authentic and aesthetically pleasing Mexican dining venues in the Tampabay area but this is close to home and has all you would want. Quieter area in the back with fireplace if you're looking for crowd separation.
(4)Ottis T.
Just another boring, weak attempt at Mexican food. There are so many better options in the area, don;t believe the hype!
(2)Brian F.
After living 8 years in San Antonio, I missed dining on good Mexican food multiple times per week. Although I haven't tried all the Mexican restaurants the Tampa Bay Area has to offer, Miguels is as close as I've had to "authentic". Hint: Go "top shelf" for your margaritas. I was very pleased with the light chips, authentic salsa (not ketchup like other places in town), and decent green enchiladas. Only reason I say decent is they aren't picky with which parts of the chicken they use...they dice it to try to hide the less desirable.
(3)Sheila R.
Amazing - amazing - amazing! FRESH margaritas and innovative martinis, the best queso blanco that I've ever had and incredible enchiladas... Gorgeous decor with a cool bar in an outdoor courtyard, beautiful live orchids throughout the restaurant, great service and comfortable seating - we were looking for a nice Mexican meal and were surprised by how fantastic the whole experience was. This is a must-do the next time we're in Tampa!
(5)Kim R.
I LOVE the rice here! With that said, I was very disappointed ordering the spinach quesadilla. The spinach was canned rather than fresh making for one sad meal. Margaritas are delicious!
(4)Steve D.
I really wanted to love this place from the moment I walked in. Impressive. But the food was tasteless. The beef was watery. And the beans tasted metallic. Too bad really.
(3)Marcos O.
Hello Miguels!! Wow, was I impressed with this place! Their queso was one of the best I have had in the Bay Area. I enjoyed their steak tacos as my main meal and it was delicious, great corn tortillas!! It can get crowded very quickly, making wait times very long. Parking is horrendous, I was fortunate enough to find a spot nearby. Overall food and service are top notch. I have returned several times and will continue to.
(5)Ari B.
Don't be fooled by the shady appearance...this place is gorgeous on the inside. I've been here four or five times now and every dish I've had has ranged from great to stellar. I would definitely recommend sitting on the patio area if it's cool out, though the inside area is nothing to sneeze at. Also, their queso blanco and green enchiladas are great! You really can't go wrong with anything here, and the prices are comparable to most Mexican eateries. One thing I'll say though is that their servers can be a little absentminded. I asked one guy for queso blanco and he gave me regular queso...on correcting him he said he would be right back with the right one and ten minutes later he still hadn't come back. So one small negative. PROS: Great food! Decent prices Beautiful decor Great patio area in the back, away from the street CONS: Exterior looks shady Limited parking Iffy waiters/waitresses Interior tables are a little close together
(5)Sue K.
I am going to preface this review with, "I love mexican food but I am hard to sell." I am not much of a connoisseur for anything - but when it comes to Mexican food, I am picky. This place in one word was, "average." Chips and salsa were average - i liked the chips because they weren't dripping with oil - as many "homestyle"mexican restaurants tend to be. But the salsa was not stellar, nothing special, simply plain. It was free and we will settle for that. I got the pork burrito and my friend got shrimp and scallops. I think his food was pretty good - he finished his food. But as for the pork burrito, it came with beans and rice but i found the same beans inside the burrito which made the whole dish seem monotonous. The burrito was overly salted without too much flavor; the beans were salty and the rice was bland. I almost wanted to ask for hot sauce - to give the rice a bit of flavor. The meat itself was tender but fatty; and again, the salt content for this particular dish was unbelievable - i do like my food not too salty, but half way through the meal, i realized that i had 3 diet cokes because it was so salty. If in the area and are in the mood for mexican - opt for this place but i would not go out of my way to visit this place.
(3)Carissa C.
This place doesn't even deserve one star. The service and food were just plain bad. The salsa tasted like watery tomato sauce, which set the tone for our meal. How does a Mexican restaurant mess up salsa? We should've stayed home and made our own Mexican food. It would have been better!
(1)Jason R.
The best Mexican in Tampa. You even have the option of substituting prime beef for fajitas and other dishes. I personally recommend the Miguel's Special for dinner with a top shelf margharita or two. Parking is a pain in the arse, so be sure to carpool. In addition, I highly recommend making a reservation as walk-in waits can be long.
(5)Maria Z.
This is my boyfriend's favorite place to get enchiladas! This place is Mexican fine dining done to it's best.... I love the the bar in the back with the fire pit table. My favorite dish is the spinach salad with the bacon dressing..If you love Mexican food then you will love Miguels!!
(5)Jason J.
I ordered the pork enchiladas and man was I happy! This was some of the best Mexican food I've had in years. Great place with a very nice set up on the inside. Can't wait to go back again.
(5)Ronsheeka H.
I went with my friend and we had good time. It was very busy which was a good thing but I didn't care for how the waiter rushed us. He didn't even ask if we wanted dessert and hurried with the check. The house margaritas were ok but since I was driving they fit the script. Next time I'll switch the tequila. Last but not least the food was deelish!
(4)AL H.
the food was terrible. I had the spinach enchilada. It was smothered with greasy white cheese, and the rice and beans had a bad after taste. I couldn't eat this meal because if I did I would probably throw up on the table and just looking at it made me nauseous. I would never go back to this clip joint. The waiter gave us good service so it was not his fault about the food being awful.
(1)Teresa T.
I just went here for the first time and I am happy to find a great Mexican place for a change! The Tampa Bay area lacks good mexican and I always go in expecting very little, but I was truly delighted by this place! The Margaritas, salsa and chips were excellent! The Chili Queso was not that good, I was surprized that they served a yellow melted cheese. My entree was the India, 1 with Chicken and 1 with Beef, it is a delicious take on a tostada. My guy's entree was Carnitas that were that melt in your mouth! We went with 2 other couples, they also loved all their food and we had a wonderful server, Jose. This is a definate go-to place for all of us now!
(4)Nate P.
Service sucked and the food sucked too.Really,I don't know what kind of beef that they put in their tacos.After that I was looking for the nearest Taco Bell
(1)Racquel D.
This is not real Mexican food! They used the same ground beef Taco Bell uses, no flavoring. The rice looks like orange rice, not Mexican. They don't even use corn tortillas. The caso was water like soup. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant!
(1)J C.
I really enjoy this place. Margaritas are second to none and the food is quality.
(5)Cristina B.
Food and service were fantastic. It's a small place but the portions were large and the prices reasonable. Worth the drive from Orlando!
(4)Tony B.
Love this place! In my opinion it is the best Mexican food in Tampa! Also try the brunch! Great menu!
(5)Jennifer B.
Great friendly staff and super yummy!
(5)Amber E.
I met some friends here while in St. Pete and couldn't be more excited to review this place. This Mexican Cafe is on my short list of restaurants I would make a second trip to! I was anticipating a mexican joint like most others but to my surprise, the ambiance was more of an upscale, modern lounge. We opted to sit outside and again, the vibe was just so much more exciting than the hole in the wall Mexican places I'm used to (and love, for the record). Our server was attentive and friendly. The salsa had a kick more than I'm used to but enjoyed and the chips served along side were good vehicles for the yummyness I needed scooped up! For being decorated as fancy as it was, I expected the prices to be a bit higher, however the meal my server suggested (I forgot the name, it's 3 your choice of meat tacos with cilantro, avacado, etc. with rice and beans - which i substituted with guac) was under $15 with a tip! I really COULD have saved a portion for lunch the next day but who does that when they're on 'vacation'?
(4)Thomas B.
Okay, so I'm in Tampa for a while and my biggest fear, after being spoiled by great food in LA, SF, NY, HK, Italy etc., is finding good solid eating places for foods I love... I was dubious about Miguel's, looked a little commercial. But Miguel was very very good with authentic guacamole (comino and cilantro are essential), perfect carnitas, queso fresco instead of american cheese, and perfect grilled carne asada. My only issues were the salsa needed a little more bite - or at least have a mild and a spicy salsa. And I couldn't get Negro Modelo, my favorite Mexican beer. That said, it's by far the best Mexican food in Tampa so far.
(4)Irma B.
Took 20 min to sit after they said 30 so that was good. Well I ordered a Cadillac Margarita which I had to explain what it was(Margarita w/a shot of grand marnier). It was good, after I took the lb. of salt off. To start: Guacamole, was good. Then one of my kids ordered ground beef (should be real beef like asada) flautas(deep fried long tacos), he liked it. My husband and I ordered Kobe beef fajitas with Lobster. Lobster was very good Baja taste all the way. Our server was not the best. We over heard the other waitress and she was very detailed on menu and all she seemed very knowledgeable and cortious. I heard the Flan was good but was not asked to see the desert menu... But I guess it wasn't the authentic I was looking for. I guess I'm just looking for that Southern California taste in the wrong place. It was good,I dont know if I would drive all the way there from Clearwater again to try it.
(3)Jaime C.
Outside of the fact it's super close to my house, they've got good food. I can safetly say that I know Mexican food, I used to have an office at the California and Mexico boarder, Awesome Mexican.
(4)Ryan W.
I highly recommend this restaurant. Not only was the food and service outstanding but they are truly great people. During dinner we had an unfortunate accident where before anyone noticed water pooling from a cracked glass got into my wife's phone on the table. The repair shop said water fried the motherboard and it was not repairable. Not only did the manager/owner not charge us for our meal, they insisted on paying to replace the iphone, and on top of that gave us a $25 gift certificate. 90% or more of establishment would have done nothing but say sorry. Top notch restaurant and people.
(5)Dan N.
awesome place. they are very cool people here too. when we got there and found out there was a wait, we sat down in the front area and they said it was ok to hang out for a bit. they even brought us chips which really were the best chips I have EVER HAD IN MY LIFE! Everything we had was super delicious. I love this place! great for coming with friends or alone in the patio area. pomegranate margaritas!
(5)Daniel D.
Thank Jesus (the awesome Mexican fellow, not the messiah) for the Pollo Fondido chimichanga. Grilled extremely flavorful chicken and cream cheese stuffed in a fried tortilla topped with generous amounts of queso. This place is going to make me fat and I won't regret it. Also, they give you a boatload of complimentary chips and salsa.
(4)Marcia N.
I would agree with the others - excellent seafood inspired selections. Real crab not imitation. Excellent margaritas. Parking is a bit rough but well worth it. Lastly, they remodeled awhile back & it's beautiful - nice outdoor area with bar. Love it !
(5)X X.
Went there with a vegetarian friend and my woman. Great prompt service. Warm atmosphere. Good chips. Good margarita. Delicious veggie burrito for my friend, delicious grilled chicken burrito for me, and delicious tacos for my woman. Reasonably priced. Will definitely go back.
(4)Troy C.
Just standing outside you know it will be good from the smell. Food was awesome ! Ate at the outside bar which really isn't. Bartender was great and would get you what you needed. Hope to be back in Tampa again.
(5)Paul C.
After reading Tad and Carlos' review I finally decided on coming down to Miguel's and check it out. It was a part of town I never drive by and I was surprised to see a Krispy Kreme nearby! The outside of Miguel's is decorative and they even have candles at the outer tables, plus t.v.s everywhere which is always a plus. We quickly got seated and everything on the menu looked appealing. They even had pollo flameado which is very hard to find here in town. Our server was nice but busy, they got the dinner rush a bit early it looked like. The only thing I was disappointed with was the lack of specialty nachos, or even a description of the regular ones. I ordered the quesadillas mariscos which is basically a seafood quesadilla with spinach and artichoke. It was absolutely delicious, not to mention their guacamole is amazing. My girlfriend liked the rice and re fried beans but I wasn't a big fan of them. She had the India which was basically a pair of fully loaded tostadas which she loved to the point of tears. Overall it was a very satisfying experience and we were more than full at only 25 bucks!
(4)Rich D.
Had dinner with 4 friends at Miguel's last weekend, and it was my first visit there. We ate in the indoor dining area which was nicely appointed. It appears you can also eat at the bar, as well as outside in the front. There's also a very nice, much newer patio bar area at the rear of the building that appears like it may have no roof. Service was prompt throughout our meal, except for several times when we had to search for our server for drink refills. After that small rough spot, the service was excellent throughout the rest of the dinner. The complimentary chips and salsa were quite good, with the salsa getting my big thumbs up for flavor. I had the pork enchiladas, with are filled with sauteed spicy pork topped with tomatillo sauce, monterrey jack cheese, & sliced avocado. The enchiladas were excellent, with well-seasoned pork accented by the tasty enchilada sauce. The standard rice and beans accompanying the entree tasted fresh and were also well-seasoned. My friend with a big appetite next to me had a gargantuan special known as "Consuelos Favorite", which is a 2 serving meal. His first plate included a tostada topped with chile con queso and second tostada with beans, cheese, lettuce, & tomatoes. It arrived in lightning time after ordering, likely within about 3 minutes. The rest of the party's meals arrived in short order, while his second plate of 1 enchilada manuel & 1 crispy beef taco soon followed. My eager friend had big compliments for both plates, and the rest of the party gave compliments for all of their dishes. The other four members of the party finished off their meal by splitting a fried ice cream dessert which they all raved about. As for value, my meal was about $9 and the "Consuelos Favorite" was $11.50, as I recall, all excellent values, in my opinion. Most of the other meals were in the same range, as I recall. Most of the entrees on the menu indicated to me that Miguel's is aiming at the sweet spot for Tex-Mex food on U.S. palates. I didn't taste anything ground-breaking that hinted at super authentic tastes of various regional Mexican cuisines, but Miguel's did everything well, and delivered solidly on what they were aiming for.... which is no small accomplishment. For most folks with those expectations, I imagine they would be very satisfied. I would eat there again, but when it comes to Mexican food I usually prefer a number of other places that are aiming for flavors closer to what you'll find south of the border. Atmosphere: 4 Service: 4 Food: 3 Value: 4
(4)Chrissy B.
Very fresh...huge portions...tastes amazing. .had the shrimp fajitas...and the stuffed jalapenos. James the waiter was terrific...atmosphere was cozy....definitely will go back.
(4)Lance W.
I've yet to find good Mexican food in Tampa so this isn't the place.
(2)Emilee Y.
Almost a five here. This is the best Mexican food I have ever had. The chips and salsa are fresh and delicious.I ordered the Alambres and cleaned my plate of the giant portion. I can't stop thinking about it, it was that good. The reason for the 4 was poor service. Too bad, but that certainly won't stop me from going back, like right now!
(4)Brian S.
So after living in Channelside for a year and a half I always noticed the line forming at Miguel's almost every time I drove by it. After I found out that it's not your regular run of the mill mexican restaurant i decided to check it out. The inside of the restaurant is somewhat dark maybe even a little too dark but I've noticed that of many mexican restaurants. they have two bars one inside and one in the back in an outdoor patio area. the indoor bar was full so I went to the patio. The menu is big with lots of choices and all standard mexican fare with a new age contemporary twist. The dish I got was the Kobe carne Asada. That's made with Australian Wagu beef very similar to the Japanese Wagu that costs an exorbitnant amount per pound. i got it Mid-Rare and it was unbelieably tender, flavorful, juicy, mouth-watering. it was seared and cooked to absolute perfection with very crusty grilled edges though that were not too burnt and had a very satisfying crunch and taste. the middle of the Carne Asada was tender melt in your mouth. Probably the best steak I've had since being in Tampa. The dish came with rice, frejoles charros, grilled onion and tomato with complimented the steak perfectly a fried jalapeño, and corn tortilla's. They also have happy hour and seems like a great place to have some drinks maybe some tequila shots and meet some people. Definitely a place I will be returning to and hanging out at. My only gripe with the dish and the reason I only gave it 4 stars is that the dish was a little on the greasy side. That would be the only downfall of this dish, and I know that it is possible to execute this this without all that grease and it would still be delicious.
(4)Mary B.
I went to Miguel's on a random weeknight to grab a quick dinner. The service was great and it wasn't super packed. I ended up with a taco special of some sort. Shrimp, rice and beans. I thought it tasted great. Their chips and salsa is nothing to write home about, but I do appreciate when it is complimentary. Their (somewhat) new renovation really takes the place up a notch. The outside area would be great for a cocktail party or even a rehearsal dinner.
(4)Danielle R.
I thought Miguel's was pretty good, but not great. The chips and salsa are good and it's a nice atmosphere inside the restaurant. I got the chicken fajitas which were pretty good and my fiance got enchiladas which he enjoyed. I didn't eat a lot of my entree as I was full and got a to-go box. Half-way out the door I realized I left it on the table and someone had already thrown it out. It annoyed me a bit, as it had been just a minute and I wish they would have held it. I felt like I threw away $15.
(3)John Y.
I been here about 4 times. The food has always been fresh and well-prepared. They bring you chips and salsa as soon as you sit down. The service has been excellent every time I've been there. The prices are extremely reasonable, probably below the usual and customary average for the area. The only thing I can find negative to say is that their chairs are hard on your behind. The seat is made out of a hard rope type material rather than a cushion.
(5)Vernon E.
The chips are served warm and the salsa is excellent ( it is not to hot and not runny ). The food is great. I would recommend this restaurant to any one. Im from Texas and have had some great Mexican food and Miguels can match up with any of them. Keep up the great service and great food.
(5)Leslie F.
It is not the most authentic eatery, but their dishes are just excellent. I've sampled numerous menu items-all very tasty- but their seafood selections are by far their secret specialties. The seafood enchilada is stuffed with gigantic jumbo scallops, shrimp and crab. It is take your breath away, fantastic. I am also a fan of their Tacos Michoacan. These cantina style tacos are healthy, fresh and so yummy with an abundance of cilantro, queso cotijo, crunchy cabbage, onions and substantial slices of avocado. With a new elegant dining room and a serene patio added with recent renovations they took the mood to a whole new level. Oh, and be sure to try one of their fresh fruit blended margaritas-they are filled with chunks of fruit...simply amazing!
(4)Emma R.
Disappointing. Taco salad is awful, and hardly passes for "authentic".
(1)Staci W.
Chips and salsa are decent. I had beef and chicken fajitas (which were pretty good) and the tortillas weren't that great (they were stuck together). The rice was good. It was a big portion too.
(3)Traci S.
We were driving through to visit family and saw all the reviews for this place so we decided to give it a try. Wow! I had the seafood enchiladas..yumm...and family had the cheese enchiladas and Kobe beef fajitas...extra yumm!! Along with the margaritas it was a delicious meal!! We'd definitely recommend this place to anyone!!!
(5)Rob S.
Great margaritas, great carnitas, great happy hour. Guacamole was disappointing, as were the spinach enchiladas. Overall food was good, but not great, but still recommended
(3)M S.
Great lunch. Burrito with chorizo and beans was very filling and quite tasty. Fast service got us in and out in 45 minutes.
(4)EJ P.
They changed chefs and the food is slightly better. If you order the Michoacan tacos (pork), they ALMOST pass for a decent taco.
(3)X V.
We love Miguel's. Favorite is the guacamole - excellent - and the tacos michoacan. They also do a really nice take-out platter, great for football game party munchies! Can't go wrong with this place. Food is good, fresh, and reasonably priced.
(4)Ernesto G.
great food!!! nice little joint to have a great time.
(4)Jim M.
Received the tip on this restaurant from a hotel in Tampa that recommends only two Mexican restaurants to it's clientele. Looks older, has character, is charming, and I describe it as hole-in-the-wall meets upscale Mexican dining. Had about a ten minute wait for table, exactly what the hostess predicted. Awesome house margarita with a really nice flavor. Found myself wishing I wasn't driving so I could have had several. Very fresh chips and a smoky, spicy salsa that wasn't just "burn." Had a lobster tail with USDA Prime beef fajitas - definitely worth the $8 up charge as they were cooked to a perfect medium rare with a great flavor. Beans were fantastic, and the only thing that could have been improved were the tortillas. They were a little too moist for my taste, to the point of shriveling. Had a banana cream fried chimichanga for desert that was flavorful without being too sweet - nice end to the meal. Not sure when I'll be back in Tampa, but you can bet Miguel's will be on the list of dinner restaurants.
(4)Tad W.
i trully enjoyed my meal here and i would recommend this restaurant to anyone that has a craving for good mexican food. i got the taco salad and it was fresh and the portions were great. not a bad price either. good food and good value. I was not impressed with our server though. she seemed overwelmed and did not take care of us like i would have liked. waited for refills and things of this sort. but she could have had a bad day. ill keep you posted because i am eating here again.
(4)Brent L.
Packed on Saturday night but seated after short wait. Service was great and excellent food. Chips, salsa, tacos and enchiladas were fresh and delicious. Prices were very reasonable. We will return next time in Tampa!
(4)Ashley B.
Oh.my .gosh. Yum! My husband had a hankering for some good Mexican food a couple weeks ago while walking through Old Hyde Park Village. We saw this place on Yelp, and I was skeptical. My husband persuaded me to give it a try and after about five minutes, my rumbling tummy made me give in. The restaurant is located right next to a seedy looking strip club, but I ignored the urge to get back in the car and drive elsewhere. When we entered at 4 p.m., there were only two other couples there. By the time we left, the place was filling up. We shared the cheese enchiladas & pork tamales which both came with a nice size portion of refried beans and rice. The food was excellent, and we've been back three other times within a one month period! Seriously good eats for a great price at a nice little place!
(5)Cat G.
My boss took me here for lunch today claiming that it was the best Mexican in Tampa. I must agree, compared to all the other places I've eaten at around here when I visit, the food is great. Good service, fast refills, and excellent food.
(5)Holly S.
Our favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa. Great service, awesome salsa, and I've tried many different items on their menu and it was all really great! Try something on their specials' menu if you have a chance.
(4)Mandie E.
We love miguel's. As Texas transplants in Tampa, finding good Mexican food was a must. The margaritas are just right. Mmm mmm and the fajitas are great as well.
(5)Raymond Z.
The food is nice, big portions for low prices, I split an order of chicken fajitas ($11.95) and they even gave us extra tortillas. It came with a plate of chicken, onions, and green peppers stir fried and sides of guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, beans, and rice. My friend's taco salad was so big that it had to be broken down to fit into the take out box. The quesadillas were big too. Also they give you free tortilla chips and salsa. There's a minibar and a flat panel TV hanging from the ceiling. The ambiance is nice with red walls and dim lighting (which seems to flicker every now and then). There's also outdoor seating which looks nice and romantic if it weren't for the Florida heat.
(4)Kelly H.
The food here is just wonderful! I am definitely a salsa shark, so I have a bad habit of filling up on chips and salsa before I get my dinner...but it's just so good! From the outside, it doesn't look like it would be a fabulous place, but inside it is spectacular! Beautiful, all the around. The servers are fantastic, always super friendly, and they make sure they get your right no matter how picky you may be ;-) get something typical like a burrito, and it's still wonderful. Their margaritas are so good, but they make them so strong that it's hard for a small person like me to finish one! But that's not a bad thing at all, just tells you they care enough to not skimp on the alcohol! Boyfriend had sangria, which he's picky about, and he loved it. I tried a bit and it was tasty! I don't think it matters what you order here food or drink wise...you won't be disappointed!
(5)Addison P.
Tried to make a reservation the day before, they told us that we would have to call when we were on the way because they don't take reservations for parties of less than 5. Tried to call and their phones were dead. Explained to the hostess and she said "there's nothing I can do and you're not the only one." Her snotty attitude was not appreciated. Sat at the bar to get a drink and basically had to flag the bartender down to get a drink. I used to love this place, it was started by the nephew of Mama Ninfa in Houston. I can't go back after the experience this evening. Even my waiter knew I was having a bad experience just from the look on my face.
(1)Mat R.
Food here was pretty good and they had plenty of vegetarian options too, which can be tough to find (at least at Mexican places) in Tampa. If there's any traffic I recommend eating indoors as the road noise can be significant outdoors. I'd have given the place 5 stars, but service was pretty bad; we had to resort to hunting down the waiter a few times, including to pay the check.
(4)Christina N.
I must admit I was disappointed with Miguel's after hearing all the hype. We headed there after an outstanding performance from the Rockettes and were just let down. The restaurant was dark, which I know is supposed to set the mood but it wasn't working. The service was par and most of the time we couldn't find our server. The food was okay but we expected to be wow'd with everything we had heard about it. We likely won't be heading back.
(3)Gene and Breanna H.
When we arrived in Tampa I was pregnant and craving some GOOD Mexican food like I enjoyed back home in Tucson, Arizona. Miguel's was recommended to us by many people. This is NOT Mexican food. If you think a pureed avocado is guacamole then maybe you'll like Miguel's. The service was not friendly, not timely, just not something to say anything good about. Not to mention there was not a single Mexican person in the entire restaurant. :( And obviously NONE of these people have ever been west of Texas. Tampa has a LOT to learn when it comes to Mexican food. Yuck, Yuck, Yuck.. And if you DO like this place..please don't call it "Mexican food" because it is FAR from it. If you would like some decent Mexican food venture south on Macdill and stop by Chiuaua's !!
(1)Anish Z.
Truth be told I drove by this place since I was in high school but funny enough I never went cause seven sea's was next door and I didn't want the drive by dirty looks. Well now that strip joint is closed I found my self driving for lunch with my brother and saw the place and decided to drop in for a bite. To start off the outside facade does a disservice to the place. The decor on the inside is more upscale than the roadside cafe it appears to be from the outside. he service was great the wait staff friendly and the drinks were always well topped off. portions were large we could've split the meal. They now have a kobe taco menu if you're willing to shell out the dough. I was pleasantly surprised, honest truth we were stuffed by the end of the free chips and salsa, but the fajita's were great too. I don't eat mexican too often but I'm sure I'll be back in the near future.
(4)Paul M.
Looks good so far, not sure where some of these other people have eaten Mexican. I wouldn't call it upscale or not authentic...pretty much like every other Mexican joint in the south, maybe a notch better!
(4)Morgan K.
I was in Tampa for Yankees Spring Training. I'm a huge fan of Mexican food, and this place was great!! I'll definitely keep this place in mind next time I'm in town.
(4)Brandy B.
Love the fajitas mario !
(5)Elana L.
If you want a quick meal, don't come here. We were told our wait would be 20 minutes....40 minutes later we were finally seated. What's worse, we could wait at the bar, but they wouldn't allow us to order food at the bar. :( The food is typical of a Mexican restaurant. The chicken chimichanga is exactly what I wanted and very tasty. BUT the margaritas were AMAZING! After two of them, I was feeling great! They are mixed perfectly and have just the right amount of salt on the rim. I will go back here just for drinks some evening!
(4)Rusty H.
Best mexican food ive had. Margarita was amazing! Server was great. Cant wait to return
(5)Jaime T.
I work for a South Tampa company and I contacted Miguel's to bring in lunch for 80 people. I left a message for a manager on Tuesday morning stating I wanted to order for 80. On Wednesday morning I had to call back as no had contacted me. I spoke to the Manager Angela Funk. I ordered my items and asked her if I had enough food to feed 80 people. She said "yes, more than enough". They delivered a few minutes early which was great. Delivery guy was very friendly and sweet. He set up the table and gave me the receipt to sign. As he was setting up the table I commented that I didn't think we had enough food. He told me to call the restaurant if that was the case. I went to sign the receipt and noticed 2 misc. charges. One was for $25.00 and one for $45.00. I asked him what they were for. His response: The $25.00 is the house charge and the $45.00 is my tip. I was very shocked to find that he drove a mile and made $45.00. I'm definitely reconsidering my position here. Anyway, lunch was very tasty but as I had guessed only half of my company ate. I called the restaurant and asked for Angela, I expressed my concerns for the lack of food and all she said was "wow, really?". I said "yes, and Justin told me to call" She said "wow, I'm just so shocked". I was taken aback because I'm never one to ask for anything and it didn't seem that this woman had any intention of helping me so I just hung up. I am extremely disappointed and won't be ordering from them again.
(1)Brian M.
The brunch at Miguel's is one of the best in the entire Tampa Bay region. The signature dish, Miguel's Benedict is a perfect rendition of the original, only better. An english muffin topped with tender flank steak, a poached egg, creamy hollandaise sauce, and sliced fresh avocado, and a bevy of herbs and spices. That amazingness is paired with the best potatoes in the world. Soft large cut boiled potatoes are then fried with bacon chunks and topped with herbs and feta cheese. These are literally the best tasting potatoes I've ever eaten. Chips and salsa comes free with the meal, and mimosas and bloody mary's are also available. The watermelon mimOsa is delicious and large. The Premium Miguel's bloody mary comes with a massive peeled shrimp and blue cheese stuffed olive. Although the mix could use some work, the bloOdy mary Is still pretty good. In summary, Miguels must be on your top 3 list for brunch in Tampa Bay.
(5)Ericka J.
I have been here three different times once for brunch and the other two times for dinner. I do have to say each time was great. The food was awesome and the service was beyond fantastic. I always order the beef chimmichanga (sp) and it never disappoints. The chips and salsa are great and are always brought out a few min after we order. Now the only minor complaint that I have is that last Saturday I went with my boyfriend and the table we sat at was not completely cleaned all the way so he ended up getting baby food on his shirt. We told the waiter and the manager took care of it. But other other no complaints and I will be going back. Love this place!!!!!
(5)Jessica T.
Shrimp Fajitas were perfection. Huge shrimp and delicious sangria. I was really impressed with the outdoor courtyard seating. We were cool outside in June! It was like sitting in Cozumel, Mexico at Peppi's. Beautiful and delicious.
(5)Jennifer C.
The atmosphere isn't like anything the outside appears to be. It's very warm & inviting inside. Our server (I'm sorry I don't remember his name!) was great & friendly. We told him we were running late for the hockey game and he had us in & out in 35-40 min. The food was delicious and by far the biggest chimichangas I've had. My brother was visiting from out of town & this was his first experience eating Mexican minus Taco Bell, and he loved it!
(5)Brian H.
Best Michiladas in Tampa hands down. I've searched long ab hard for this drink to be made the way it is in central america and this dare i say it is BETTER! Their fresh watermelon and cantelope mimosas are excellent as well but are only served on the weeends. Another must have is the Tamales.we asked the bartender if they were good and if we should get them, His reply "The best you will ever have" he wasnt wrong!!! Food wise it's all fantastic. Go for the queso fundido and treat urself to shrimp and scallops in it!
(5)Kayal J.
Good service, clean restaurant, passable food. The spinach enchiladas are bad. Frozen and steamed. Spinach is old and barely edible. The fajitas are average. The salsa has too much cumin to it.Not edible.
(2)Ed S.
Stopped in at Miguel's for lunch with a large group of eight. Seating was prompt and we were right next to the large windows near the back of the place -- nice. I had the two taco lunch special, which came with rice and beans. Chips and salsa were abundant and the latter was very tasty. Nice place.... a little heavy a meal for lunch in my book, but the food and service were very good.
(3)Jeremy B.
This restaurant is fantastic and beautiful! Have never had even a mediocre experience. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Nicole F.
LOVE this place!! I've been living in Tampa for over 20 years and I have never eaten here. Granted, it hasn't been around that long, but why have I waited this long to eat here? I drove by it for years. The food here is so good and I have to say, the BEST authentic Mexican food in the area. Hands down. I will never eat at another Mexican restaurant in Brandon again. When I'm in the mood....I'm coming to this place. The chips and salsa were good and the white cheese dip....lets just say its so good when it hits your lips:-) The inside of this place wasn't what I had expected from the looks of the outside. Bottom line people, when your in the mood for some good Mexican food...come to THIS place! No where else!!
(5)Abigail R.
Went here for lunch during the week and was pleasantly surprised. The outside appearance of the building is decent and I would not have tried this place had I not looked up reviews on yelp, which raved about the food. The other reviews are correct, the food was excellent, fresh, and the lunch specials are well priced. Will definitely be coming back here!
(5)Tara H.
Good, rich seafood enchiladas. Respectable house margarita. Chips could be better. Cute, tiny patio.
(5)Mary J.
Some the best margaritas I've ever tasted! There is also a fantastic seafood burrito thing that will blow your mind. :)
(5)R. G.
What a let down. Never even got to eat or try the food. 45 minute wait and it's a jungle gym inside with unruly kids running everywhere. When we finally got a table we could be considered to be part of the conversation with either of the 3 surrounding tables that we were so close we could rub elbows. And the noise level oh my god the noise level was off the charts. Of course a table of Adults ignoring the behavior of their children behind us and no one is engaging the nest of unruly kids that they brought with them only to ignore them and let them throw things and scream and run around the table. I won't break my back to spend $70 for 2 people without drinks mind you to be crammed in like a sardine and have to tolerate parents who can't control their kids. Is there anymore quiet, romantic, adult restaurants that don't rely on overpriced micro foods in order to avoid the chucky cheese environment?
(1)Michelle J.
The reason for this post is to make diners aware there is an automatic 18% gratuity added to parties of 5 or more. Rarely do we tip under 20%, but were stunned when we noticed the tip on the bill and we were not advised that gratuity had been added. The server stated he is not allowed to discuss tips with guests. My experience with most restaurants is parties 8+, 5 seems like a relatively low number for automatic gratuity. Our past visit (6/22), we opted for a table as there were 5 adults and 1 child. The service was unusually slow. I don't know if it were the kitchen, the server or if this was typical dining room service for 8:30p on a Sunday. At one point, our server did apologize for taking a somewhat long absence. He said "he had to take care of someone else". My neighbors & I LOVE Miguels and frequent there 1-3x a month. We prefer to sit at the bar and the service is usually quick & awesome! Their food never disappoints, and I personally love the enchiladas marisco.
(4)Grace C.
I've been meaning to try this restaurant out for the longest time since it comes highly recommended on both Yelp and among our friends. I was wavering between 3 and 4 because while the restaurant wasn't bad, it wasn't particular special to me either. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there but I wouldn't mind if the group wanted to go. I would give this place a 3.5 just because I've experienced better. (5 would be perfect) Parking seems confusing at first but there is free valet with limited spots so get their early and hope for the best. Location is right in front of busy Kennedy so in the wait area, it can get slightly smoggy and loud. It is a pretty wait area though with shade, seating and ceiling fans. When we first arrived, we saw groups of people waiting in the area so we had to bypass them to get through the door to get to the hostess. The inside of the restaurant was dimly lit and the hostess saw me but proceeded to pick up the phone to answer her call. No biggie. Afterwards, I put my name and party size down and was told 25-30 minute wait. She didn't ask me if I wanted inside or outside seating. The wait ended up being 50+ minutes so maybe some adjustment to their estimates. When we were texted that our table was ready, we went in and found out our table was literally right next to the main door. Our hostess literally pointed at the worst table in the restaurant. I didn't hide my disappointment but since my boyfriend and brother were hungry, I said "That's fine." Our server wasn't the best. He seemed unhappy to be there and really curt when answering some questions. I asked if there was any way they could make any of their mixed drinks virgin and he basically said no and not accommodating at all. Any bartender could make a decent mixed drinks sans alcohol I am sure but his response left a bad taste in my mouth for the remainder of the meal. By the way, the drink was for my underage brother. We left a 20% tip because I always feel bad leaving a bad tip unless the service is truly horrid. The meal came with their complimentary chips and salsa. I liked the salsa but found the chips slightly on the greasy side. My brother ordered the Enchiladas Marisco which was basically shrimp topped with a cheesy sauce with a side of rice and beans. My boyfriend ordered the Tamales. He said it wasn't bad but it was a tad on the dry side. I ordered the Alambres was definitely my favorite entree of the three things we ordered. It had chicken, beef, chorizo (slightly too greasy), red and green bell peppers, and cheese. It was served with a side of rice, their black bean soup, guacamole and pico de gallo. The serving size was huge so I could share my plate with the rest of my table. The best part of my entree was that it came with hot fresh flour tortillas that had the best texture. If I were to go back, I'd be sure to order a side of these to go with whatever I was eating. Best flour tortillas I've ever had. I always review the bathrooms when I venture to a restaurant. The trash cans were overfilled and it definitely needed some cleaning overall. It was a busy Friday night though so maybe during the weekday when it's less packed, it would be cleaner. I'm hoping the next time (not sure when that would be) I visit I'll sit in their newly expanded patio area that came so highly recommended. I can make Mexican food at home so it's not something I would go out of my way for unless it's something I can't replicate.
(3)Natalya C.
Went today with all the family! Service was wonderful, the margaritas amazing and food was great! Overall a great experience, everything you expect from a Mexican restaurant with an great atmosphere! We will return :)
(4)Paula W.
Great food, fast service. Never had a bad meal here. The servings are huge. Parking can be tight and try to avoid during rush times
(5)Caroline D.
I'm typically very adventurous when it comes to food and I like to try different things on the menu, but I ordered the seafood enchilada the first time I went to Miguel's, and I've never ordered anything else. I have had this 4 times now, and I still crave it. The spinach salad with bacon dressing is also delicious. The enchilada is so seafoody and delicious. It has big chunks of seafood and is SO good. Order this and know what food heaven is like.
(5)Miguel S.
It took me years to find this place even after being recommended to it for so long. I am glad I discovered this gem with my friends great food and service.
(5)Lindsay M.
Amazing service, fantastic food, free parking!!! Hubby had the tamales and I had the beef fajitas. With chips and salsa and soda the bill was only $35!!!!! We live 7 hours away....will totally return!!!!
(5)Ronnie B.
My girlfriend and I love Miguel's. It can get a little expensive but the service is generally great and the food portions are pretty massive. The courtyard/ patio area is awesome at night also
(5)Eric C.
I think this place it the best Mexican restauarant in Tampa. They have a great atmoshpere and a great bar area with a really kewl back bar that changes color constantly. The food is always good and the never skimp on it either. They had Coronas for $3 each on Cinco de Mayo, but no margarita specials :(, real bummer. They also had a real good band in the bar area, wish we could have eaten out there, but they had removed all of the sit down tables and put in stand up tables for drinking only instead, so we ate inside instead. We'll be back again and again!!!
(5)Bre L.
Omgoodness I love this place. The drinks are on point so strong for real. The food great I can't t stop licking my fingers and my meal is gone. Very cozy, nice atmosphere my compliments to the chef and bartender
(5)Kristine A.
Miguel's never disappoints from the service to the food. The outside bar area is a fun atmosphere and the chips and salsa are great. It's Mexican you can count on!
(4)Crista P.
Wow! Best Mexican I've EVER had!! From the slums in Atlanta to South Beach in Miami THIS was by far and away the best ever. Walking in we got a great vibe- chill, hip and chic. There is a great bar area that would be great for a few drinks and also a dining room which has plenty of space as well as an our door patio area. The staff was friendly and quick to bring us our chips and salsa. The salsa is blended and not chunky (not my favorite) but very flavorful. Our waitress was cute, prompt, and attentive. We ordered a top shelf margarita with patron silver on the rocks with salt. AMAZING!!!!!! Best drink I've had in Tampa thus far. It was good sized and packed a punch! Our entrees were the special Pork Chop Mexicano style and the chicken quesadillas. Both were out of this world with very flavorful refried beans and rice. The tab for the both of us was $52.00. I think this is extremely fair for the supersized drinks and dinners we had. I have been visiting this area for a few days and I was pretty blasé about it- but let me tell you, if I had to move here, I'd be ok if I were near Miguel's. It's worth a visit. Or two.
(5)Stacy J.
Stopped in here with the girls for a late lunch. They have really changed the place since I have last been in- it truly is a beautiful restaurant inside and out, bar included. Our server was ok, no personality- just took our order and served the food. Two of the girls ordered mango margaritas but they ended up bring regular ones. My strawberry margarita was disappointing, sadly. Chips and salsa were good and the food was decent. The chicken chimichanga looked amazing, the Miguel's combo was good nothing outstanding and came out warm not hot. Fajitas looked great.
(3)Robbie C.
Went here for cinco de mayo for an early lunch. Didn't mind the 30 min wait on the patio as the sun was shining and live music. Passed on the top shelf margaritas in lieu of $3 corona special. $10.50 for margarita was too pricey to indulge. Second time here and we lucked out with same server. Eric is both personable and knows how to service!! Chips and salsa are the best. Was torn between lobster tacos or spinach enchiladas. Lobster won but while it was tasty, wouldn't order again. Lobster was almost non existent. Not worth the price but still left full and will go back to try the enchiladas.
(4)Sarah B.
This place looks run down on the outside but stepping inside it is super beautiful and modern. If you like Mexican food or looking for a new place in Tampa to try I highly suggest checking this place out. They have a fantastic brunch that features watermelon mimosa's and a bloody maria with tequila. They always bring out fresh salsa and chips the second you sit down and the guacamole is amazing. I had the Miguel's Benedict which was poached eggs with cheese on top of an english muffin with steak topped with avocado and served with deliciously spiced homefries.
(5)TaNiqua H.
Great food! ... Really good, Margarita had too much lemon. The streak and shrimp fajitas were so good. My daughter had a soft taco... The cheese they used was a little weird though.
(4)Bryan M.
I went here with a friend who recommended the Tacos Marachaun. I got chicken ones. Very tasty with avacado and fresh picante. I'd order them again for sure! Cons: gets busy and the parking is an issue.
(4)Simon I.
Yay! I'm a fan because this cozy Mexican bistro serves drinks that you cannot put down (especially the top shelf Margarita ), food that you can't walk away from. On weekend this place is crowded with long lines, which is understandable due to is cozy limited seating and more so the fact that they serve up some of the best food from their house made salsa, to tamale to main courses. When they advertise authentic they do come nearly close to authentic While you stroll into the restaurant on a sunny afternoon you are greeted with a porch perfectly decorated to evoke a sense of a Mexican cantina, you will see cozy tables and ceiling fans. You walk through their heavy dark veneered front doors into a dimly lit sitting space of tables of 2s, 4s, and 6s. The space is limited. A bar with a couple TVs sit in the back corner and as you peek around the bar you find a cozy courtyard with chick styled seating decor. The top shelf Margarita is perfectly mixed to be not too strong nor too sweet. The wide salty rimmed glass is filled to the brim and for an average drinker the quantity is just right. I found myself not being able to set it down. The Salsa served has a smoky aroma that only comes from fresh ingredients and made by expert hands, while the accompanying chips are baked to perfection. The tamale are moist, piping hot, and have mouthwatering taste. Almost all their Taco and Burrito items on menu are must try. One special item for me is Taco Miguel. Try it with chicken or beef and your order will come out aromatic, perfectly grilled meat, and sauteed vegetables with a slight kick and topped with chile con queso and chives. The serving staff are more relaxed in the afternoon due to lack of crazy crowds and are more attentive to your needs. Miguel's is a must eat Mexican one, two, three, four,... times, on my list.
(4)Jon M.
Solid 4 stars. Food taste, quality, and value all on point. Only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars was that the tacos I ordered came out with cold tortillas.
(4)Desiree M.
Almost gave this a two star review due to the lack of service. We were seated immediately and then we had to wait a good while for someone to come to the table, we got the Chips and Dip delivered but nothing to drink and the waiter still hadn't come by - Waiter, never introduced himself, took our drink order which was water! we waited almost ten minutes or more for water to arrive! he took our order and never told us if there was any specials that day, didn't make suggestions, nothing - it was awful, it was like we were bothering him just sitting there, like he had better things to do then wait on us. Everyone around us was getting their food, treated like gold, told of specials, interacting with their waitress, ours made us feel invisible and unwanted. He then came by after we were done with food and we wanted some dessert, he never asked us if we wanted dessert or coffee or anything, we get the dessert without the coffee, so we wait for the coffee. Let me just say the only time we saw him was to take an order, none of the food was delivered by him or picked up by him. How could he be so busy, (not waiting around us) to serve. He got a terrible tip that he deserved and I also gave my comments to the hostess. The whole experience was disheartening, we loved the food, but we were made to feel like we didn't belong or wanted. No one should make a client feel that way. We had just made the funeral arrangements for my dear grandmother and decided to go out to eat. Never expected to get treated badly too. Sad.
(4)B K.
This is my "go to" Mexican restaurant. I've been going here for many years, and I've rarely been disappointed by the food and service. My biggest complaint is that Miguel's has become so popular that it's too busy sometimes. The only reason I didn't give Miguel's 5 stars is that when they're really busy the food quality suffers. For example the guacamole, which is usually made perfectly, can have huge lumps of avocado. One time there was a French fry in our guac...mixed in, not just sitting on top, and once my food had a small piece of plastic in it...looked like it was part of a plastic bag that the food came in (nothing that I could have choked on, but definitely a turn off).
(4)Jonathan T.
I've always come across this place when driving on Kennedy Blvd and thought it looked nice. I went online and saw it had great reviews, so I decided to go on a date with my girlfriend last Friday. The service was good, but the food was amazing. I had the Seafood Enchilada and my girlfriend the Alambres. When I ordered the Enchilada the waiter told me it was a great choice and the best dish they had. He wasn't kidding. Their Sopapilla dessert was so good! Order it! Overall, I think this is my new favorite Mexican spot. Pricing was on point as well as a the environment and service.
(5)Alexandra W.
I have been here for lunch and dinner and I'm never disappointed. The chimichangas are fantastic. Some of the best Mexican you'll get in South Tampa. Nice, lively and fun atmosphere.
(4)Greg P.
The food and service is good, but it's somewhat overpriced. The margaritas are okay but not great, and I've ordered top shelf margaritas every time I've gone. I'd give another start if the margaritas were better, but they taste like your normal mix and not fresh, simple flavors that I prefer. The inside is classy and the vibe is fun.
(3)C S.
I really enjoy this restaurant aI stopped in for brunch today and I enjoyed the watermelon mimosa with my chips and salsa, delicious... Next I ordered the fajitas cancun and that was amazing... If I wasn't stuffed I would have attempted the fried ice cream dessert... I will definitely be back in the future and I can't wait to try there desert
(4)Jerry G.
My favorite sit down Mexican place in Tampa. Actually, in Florida. We've been here 3 times in the past 6 months. My only problem is that I had such a great dinner the first time we went, I get the menu, look it over, tell myself I'm going to try something different and end up ordering the same meal as before. Chips and Salsa, Chile con Queso Blanco (large), Stuffed Jalapenos with cheese, and Pollo Fundido Chimichanga. After that, I waddle out (but with a smile on my face). My wife usually gets the Carnitas De Puerco. My son had the enchiladas verde. Both said they were great. We did have reservations this last time since it was a Saturday night. Our table was ready when we showed. The other times were unannounced and maybe waited 5 minutes. Would recommend reservations on Friday and Saturday night. Parking lot is full. Every time I've been there, there has been 1-2 spaces open. If you have a problem, they have valet service on the other half of the parking lot.
(5)Josh W.
For all of you who've heard, read, or otherwise entertained my whining about the food here and how it compares to Cali, and are expecting a reference point from me on this place and the goodness of its Mexican cuisine, you may be disappointed by the following review. While I did like it here, I did not put it to the true test by trying their carne asada/marinated beef, so the jury is still out on that one. The wife, kid, and I decided to try here based off some of the other reviews, so we went here for dinner on yesterday. Nice looking place inside, and saw lots of other families with kids having dinner. After looking at a fairly large menu(while enjoying the chips and salsa) with a good variety of choices, I settled on the seafood chimichanga, wife had the seafood enchilada, and child had the kids steak. We also got a side of guacamole. My chimi (filled with crab, big juicy scallops, and big juicy shrimp) was really good and cheesy just as I'd hoped(I had actually requested queso, but the waiter told me that it was covered with Jack and may not need the extra). It came with rice and beans, and I was full before I could finish it. The wife enjoyed her meal too. My daughter's steak was tender and tasted good, but it wasn't seasoned as strongly as I usually prefer. The guacamole wasn't bad either. I finished it with chips while watching the FSU victory(and enjoying the SEC defeat) later that night. I also had a mango margarita, which I'm somewhat embarrassed to mention and say that I enjoyed, but it was good. I thought the salt around the glass went/tasted perfectly with it. Our server was very attentive and on top of things too. We all agree that this was a good dining experience, so we'll probably be back.
(4)Mary Beth W.
Hung out here with a few girlfriends and had a blast! The chicken enchiladas and the Sangria = a good meal! Great atmosphere that could accommodate our loud table! Our servers even got in on the fun! I shall return...
(4)Corey M.
Best food in town hands down. No other Mexican food is worth even trying. The fajitas are out of this world and the atmosphere is excellent.
(5)Melanie B.
Let me start off that the service was awesome and the atmosphere and ambience is great. But the food was terrible! I'm from the west coast where there are plenty of Mexican restaurants. Since moving here I've been dying to find an authentic Mexican restaurant with more than just tacos. Yelpers have raved about this place so we decided to give it a try for lunch. The rice seemed like it was the instant kind from a package. The beans were tasteless. When i cut into my beef burrito a gush of grease came out. I was truly disappointed.
(1)Erica M.
The best mango margarita I've ever had! Good food, great staff! They didn't disappoint.
(5)Kerry J.
You fancy, huh? Who knew this somewhat tacky looking, non-descript concrete building I'd passed by so many times was so beautiful inside? Don't judge a book... I was very pleased with my meal here. I had enchiladas, a ton of chips and salsa, and a margarita. Nothing was exceptional, but it sounds like I'll need to come back for seafood. I really enjoyed sitting in the gorgeous courtyard area. On a nice night, there wouldn't be many other restaurants in Tampa that could rival this. You'd have no idea busy Kennedy was right outside.
(4)Crystal H.
I finally got to try the place that many of my Tampa area friends have said has the best Mexican in Tampa: Miguel's. I must admit that I was not disappointed. My one and only problem was the parking. There are a little over a dozen parking spots and room for hundreds of people inside. We went on a Friday night at 6pm. Needless to say, I drove around for awhile before discovering that the VALET PARKING IS FREE. While it is free you may want to keep in mind that I witnessed them loose one persons keys and another persons car (they were hitting the button and couldn't figure out where they parked it...it was on the next street). They also parked the cars within a foot of each other. It was scary. Their parking gets 1 star...but the restaurant gets 5 stars. The decor of the restaurant is very warm and inviting. They have several places to sit outside as well as inside. The restaurant is broken up into separate areas which is nice because it gives you privacy. We were given free homemade chips and salsa to start off with. We had a party of 7 and our waitress handled us effortlessly. Since I am on low carb/sugar diet and was trying to not blow my diet too much I ordered the special that had three different enchiladas and asked for a side salad instead of my rice and beans. They didn't have a problem with this and brought me a HUGE and delicious spinach salad. My entree was so big (even without the rice and beans) that I stuffed myself and still had over half of it leftover for later. The enchiladas themselves were some of the best I have tasted. I ordered them with the chili carne on top (I didn't realize how bad that was for my diet at the time I ordered...opps) and there was about a pound of meat in the chili carne. Crazy. The food heated over really well two days later also. While I haven't been in enough Mexican Restaurants to say that Miguel's is the best in Tampa, they are definitely the best that I have tried. I recommend trying them during non-busy hours for ease in parking.
(5)Kevin S.
Absolutely fantastic. My central american wife fully approves of the tortilla soup. Flavors are amazing in everything we tried.
(5)Brenda H.
The food was good the service was terrible:to begin with, when our hostess called us and told us we were about to be seated, she pointed to a table right in front of the TV. We were very excited because we were watching the playoff game at the bar just prior. She picked up the menus and before we knew it, another table that gotten her seat. We said to her you told us we were going to sit at the table and she just shrugged her shoulders and smiled. Then, the waitress seemed less than happy that we were there. Perhaps it was that my daughter and I were sharing a fajita and this meant she would get less of a tip, Or so she thought. She had no idea that I would've made up the difference. The staff seem very indifferent that we were there. Another example is that when I alerted the back waiterthat there was chicken somehow mixed up in our guacamole, she profusely apologized but our main waiter never acknowledged it. Although the item was taken off our bill, she never said a word about it. We had just told the staff member about the error in case somebody else was a vegetarian. For us, it was not such a big deal. I'm sorry to say that the food was very good but between The disappointing service from the hostess in the in different service from the waiter, we will not be coming back.
(2)Kristen D.
For Mexican food in Tampa, this place is probably as good as it gets. They had fanastic waiters and a superb atmosphere. I loved the decor. It was all so classy and modern. We were offered to wait in one of the two bar areas. The outside was by far the best atmosphere to wait in. :) I ordered the pomgranite margarita and I was completely delited. It was sweet but not over the top. The mango margarita was a little sweet for me but my fiance loved it. I also ordered a house margarita on the rocks just to test the skills of the bar tender. I have to say...impressed. THe house rita is made with Patron and it was well shaken and served perfectly. (it doesn't taste like the freshest rita I've ever had, but it is defintely a top chart rita) The chips and salsa are always the ulitmate test for me as far as if I will like a place or not. THe chips were fresh and light and the salsa was more of a thin, sweet and spciy salsa. It has a strong carrot base. If you are not familiar with salsa do not take that as a bad thing. LOL. It just has a sweetness with an underneath warmth. I enjoyed it. The guac and queso blanco were also delicious. I would recommend either for an appetizer. We ordered the Prime Filet Fajaitas and added the lobster tail (which I suggest doing if you like lobster at all) The fajaitas were good( a little more done than I prefer but the fiance was happy) There wasn't very much meat served up like I am used to here in Texas, but it was a fair portion since we had apps we were good. The lobster tail is served up nicely on a bed of onions and bell peppers. It is cooked to perfection. Overall, I think if you are a tourist or a local, you will love this little spot. I plan to go back next time I am in Tampa! Great job, Miguel's!!!
(5)Brett N.
Why 5 stars? Because it reminds of Mexican food from Houston. --- --- --- My favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa. I'm from Houston, where restaurants like Miguel's are plentiful. But while Tampa specializes in Cuban cuisine, it's Mexican seems to be lacking somewhat. An order of Steak Quesadillas with rice and beans from Miguel's makes me feel right at home. Legitimate Mexican food.....and now I'm hungry just thinking about it. My only picky issue is that it always smells like cleaning supplies in there, but you quickly forget about that when the food comes.
(5)Donnie A.
I've eaten the sketchiest meats at the sketchiest Mexican restaurants. None have made me throw up like Miguel's seafood enchilada. Thanks for not letting me sleep guys. I have to say the flavor of the sauce really must have hid the past date flavor of the fish. So... that's a plus?
(1)Mairelys R.
Loved it! They were able to accommodate a large group of us, and everyone in the group loved what they chose from the menu. The food was delicious, and the staff was very friendly. The owner even came by to check on us. I had the seafood enchiladas, they were delicious. I also had a frozen strawberry margarita, and I must say that it really was the best I have ever had! I highly recommend it if you are in town!
(5)Ashley G.
The atmosphere and ambiance are nice. Dim lighting and a casual relaxed feel. It's a great place to come and drink a margarita and have chips and guacamole. Their hot salsa is also really good! However, the food I ordered was not that great. I got shrimp tacos. They came with corn tortillas and this red sauce. The tacos were dry and stuffed full to the brim, to the point where they were falling apart when I tried to eat them. They were slathered with this red sauce that made them soggy. My friend ordered a beef burrito. It was subpar at best. It's ehh. I would go again for the margaritas and chips and salsa.
(4)Ameesh P.
I recently planned a large work dinner here based on my experiences in the past with the cuisine and hospitality I had experienced at Miguels. The food is top notch and adds a bit of variety compared to chain mexican restaurants. I was surprised at how accommodating the management was when I called to make a reservation for 15 people for the work function I was organizing. They had no issue with accomodating a party of that size at the time I requested. I was a bit disappointed in this as our table didn't end up being ready until about 30 minutes after our reservation and having to hound the hostess multiple times before asking the manager to intervene. Not a big deal you say, however for anyone that has visited this location, space is at a premium let alone space for 15 people in one party waiting on a table. When we were seated it felt like we were seated at a table for 8 as the chairs were almost adjacent to each other and elbow room was non-existant. Despite, all of this the food was amazing as usual and not one person had a complaint with the quality of their choices or the overall experience. I was pleased to encounter their outdoor area and bar that I didn't even know existed until this most recent visit. I'd definitely recommend that you ask to be sat outside if you have a small enough party and the weather is nice. You won't regret it!
(4)Linda D.
I think I am in love with this place. I came during happy hour so that's probably one of the reasons why. The workers were really nice, and the food was good. I got a bean and cheese burrito lunch plate and it came with rice and beans. I ordered jumbo shrimp skewers on the side. It was all really good. The lunch plates are around $7. My shrimp skewers were really pricy though $7. I think that's way too expensive, I rather just save that money and go to a taqueria and get some ceviche LOL. I got a house margarita for around $3. It was pretty strong, I was kind o buzzed or teeny bit. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Amy B.
Love this place! Chicken tacos and margaritas are on point! I really love the atmosphere of this place, any size group is welcome here and the back patio is perfect At night. I am constantly bringing visiting friends here.
(4)Eva P.
Waiting for a table at my favorite Mexican restaurant. I always get the seafood enchiladas. Enough for the two of us. Yummmm stomach growling! Lol
(5)Amy D.
My favorite Mexican restaurant in Tampa. My husband and I prefer to sit at the bar because they have a couple of TVs to watch and share our steak fajitas, which never disappoint. I think their secret is the fresh flour tortillas. Before that though, we either get the white queso or vegetable fundito which tend to fill us up because it is filled with grilled fresh flavor, it's hard to stop. Last but not least are the refreshing top shelf margaritas. The bartenders know how to mix it up with the right mix of sour mix and tequila. A refreshing cocktail with a punch. The perfect complement to your meal. They've recently started to valet park which I'm not a fan of but if it's not crowded, you can park yourself --- just avoid the dumpsters. It can deter you before a meal.
(4)Jim M.
On a weekend gettaway to Tampa, we decided to check out Miguel's. The rain was pouring and we were hungry so we headed over. They have ample parking on the side and rear of the property. Once in we did have to wait for seating and by the show of how many people where here, it was clear this MUST be good food. So I gave my name and they asked for my cell number and said "We will text you when your table is ready". Originally we were told it could be up to an hour, but we didn't want to try and find somehting else. Living in South Florida, we are used to waiting, but I digress. 30 min later, I get a text and our table is ready. Perfect! They were seating us outside. It was still raining, however it has a canape to cover so it was comfortable. Firs thing we had to order was the Carne Queso dip. This was probably the best Queso I've ever head. SO yummy. Next for our meal, I went for a Chimichanga. They way they do theirs is different than I have ever seen before, but interesting. They fold it like a large taco, yet it's still pretty stuffed like a burrito would be. It was actually easier to eat and it was delicious! The service was pretty decent. It did take a little time before our waitress greeted us, but it was obvious the place was packed so it's understandable. She was very friendly and was a good server. Overall I would highly suggest trying this place out. Mmmm, now I'm hungry!
(4)Lauren C.
I was looking for a nice place to go with a friend for lunch. She was visiting from out of town, but we both love Mexican food and wanted to go somewhere new. After seeing all the reviews online, we decided on Miguel's for our saturday afternoon lunch. When we arrived and went inside I was immediately in love with the decor here. It's got such a nice upscale feel for a Mexican restaurant and is very chic. It also had a relaxing feel with low lighting and a few nice flat screen TVs to watch the game. There is both a nice small patio out front as well as a more open one out back, but even at the end of november it's still pretty hot out, so we opted to sit inside. The menu is varied as far as prices go, there were the typical meals such as enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales in tacos in the range from $9 - $12 and then some more high end items including kobe beef fajitas and seafood items in the $25-$30 range depending on what you're looking for. They also have some lunch specials and a happy hour for drinks, but only during the afternoon weekdays only. That was a bit of a bummer, would have been nice if they had at least 1 or 2 weekend drink specials. Our server was friendly and brought us water and menus right away and then we waited a while for a 3rd friend to show up. We wished the server would have checked in on us to order more drinks during this time, but she disappeared for quite a while and we didn't see her until the other person at our table arrived. During this time, my friend and I had more than our fair share of the chips and salsa. I must say it was quite tasty. The salsa has a nice kick but the flavor is excellent. For my meal, I went with the pork tamales with rice and beans. YUM, YUM, YUM. Whenever I see tamales on the menu I simply cannot resist and these were some of the best i've ever had. The beans and rice were fabulous too, they had great flavor in comparison to some of the bland versions served at other places. The serving size was more than enough, especially after all those chips, so i had leftovers to bring home. Overall, this was an excellent restaurant, with some of the best mexican food I've ever had. I will definitely come back here again and highly recommend it.
(4)El J.
Jacqueli was super nice and the food/ drinks were amazing as usual. I love Miguel's and their superior staff who work there. :-)
(5)Kati Lynn O.
Best shrimp quesadillas in tampa. Everything is so fresh. My boyfriend and I went here because he wants me to try all the best places in Tampa. I agree with him! The marg was awesome, not to heavy, very balanced. But the quesadilla i ordered was amazing. I could eat there every week and not get tired of this place.
(4)Nette J.
Great Food and atmosphere! Date night, girls night out, or family dinner its always a good time and good meal at Miguel's!
(4)Mark H.
I revisited Miguel's on New Years for the first time in a REALLY long time, and was glad to find that it was still as delicioso as I had remembered. I used to always go for the burrito's, which were great, but I switched it up and went with the ALAMBRES dish during my most recent visit. basically, this dish is sort of like fajitas, but with cheese melted on top, and then served with a charro bean soup and yellow rice on the side. Of course, it comes with tortillas, sour cream, guac and pico de gallo, so the food can be dressed as each individual sees fit. The flavor was bold and the meat was tender. No chewy or gristly parts to be found. Bean soup was great with an awesome pork flavor. Only slight complaint was the yellow rice. It was definitely a packaged yellow rice, not made from scratch. It tasted exactly like the Vigo brand stuff that can be found in the grocery store's ethnic isle. But beyond that, it was a fantastic meal. When you go, sit at the bar or request to be seated in Stephanie's section. She's a ridiculously attentive, friendly and professional waitress. If you like tequila, this is definitely the place to be. I think I counted around 26 different brands while chillin' at the bar. Great Mexican-American grub for decent prices, and I will always return to what is becoming a Tampa classic.
(5)Kevin P.
Love that they put the prices on their drink menu. It's helpful to know what a good, better or best martini or Tequila shot might cost you.
(3)Ashley A.
Vegetarians be careful all beans and rice is made with animal compliments. But the other options are delicious!
(4)Kasey C.
I miss living in Tampa because I miss Miguel's. The food is amazing and it's very reasonably priced. The restaurant itself is very nice too. Everything I've tried has been great and I make sure to stop in whenever I can when I'm in Tampa.
(5)Julia M.
The food is pretty solidly what you expect from American Mexican food. It's heavy, cheesy, and requires a margarita or three to wash it down. If you really want to go for the gold, get the white queso dip with chorizo. Holy heart attack it's good. Expect it to be super busy even on a week night, and if you can, sit out back in the courtyard.
(3)