Artistry On The Plate, Exceptional Flavor From Every Bite
St. Petersburg, Florida
Cuisine Style: Californian, Mexican
Average Price: $
Overall Rating: 4/5
Dined: June 2019
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
**A full article and index glossary of restaurants, wines, recipes and travel for
Wine Dine and Play are in the pages section above, or by following these links:
Casita Taqueria Zomato rating:
Casita Taqueria Executive Chef:
Don Arvin
Casita Taqueria is a locally owned fast-casual taqueria serving homemade artisan Mexican food specializing especially in tacos and burritos with three locations in St Petersburg, Florida. Founded in 2011 owners Don and Gwen Arvin have racked up one award after another from the Best of the Bay Best Tacos, Best Happy Hour, and were also recently listed as the 23rd best Mexican restaurant in the country by users of Foursquare. Casita Taqueria is hard to miss as you drive down the Disston Heights neighborhood of Central Avenue. You will pass by the orange painted square store space building with the iconic designed green and red skulled murals. The skull is only the beginning with the many paintings and various Day of the Dead decor that fills the restaurant.
Oaxaca cheese, also known as Queso Oaxaca, organic farmed tomatoes and pineapples fill the house-made salsa selections, barbacoa, carnitas, bowls, vegetarian, sustainable seafood, farm-raised meats, and NON-GMO are only small highlights to a fantastic menu filled with artisan dishes, and some excellent corn tortilla filled tacos which are the most popular items the menu offers. Don and Gwen were inspired by most of the menu items during their travels along the West Coast, and that exploration led them to open a western-style Mexican restaurant in St. Petersburg.
Casita Taqueria Menu:
- Antos
- Housemade Corn Tortillas
- Mexican Sandwiches
- Bowls
- Kids menu
- Desserts
My wife and I entered the building that looked like it used to an old garage or gas station, coming across the bar where you place your order from the chalkboard menu on the wall or a pamphlet menu. You give them your name and find a seat. The staff brings out your food and alcohol, plus bus your table when you are done. Beyond that, it is far as the service goes. Do not expect fine dining service, but here you don’t need it. Our food came out in less than 10 minutes, where we started with a casita bowl appetizer that comes with your choice of meat or vegetables, beans, rice, guacamole, queso fresco cheese, crema, cilantro and pico de gallo. Served with choice of chips or 3 homemade corn tortillas. All the ingredients to mostly every dish are made in house, and with this bowl, we added pork. The presentation was simple, and the bowl was not overcrowded with simple flavorful garnish. The guacamole was lightly salted, smooth, and refreshing, a great start to this meal.
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| Casita Taqueria / Casita bowl |
From here we shared three of the corn tortilla tacos starting with the Camarone taco (center in the picture below) filled with fresh juicy Gulf shrimp seasoned with lite chili spice, fragrant grilled garlic, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, a salt cotija crumbled cows milk cheese from Michoacán, chipotle mayo and cilantro. Every bite from the refreshing juice-filled shrimp to the slight brine from the cheese, over to the spice of the pico and the fragrant Mediterranean flavors of garlic made this taco say wow. It goes way beyond artisan.
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| Casita Taqueria / Taco trio |
Next came the Pescado (fish) blackened cod taco that you can also get fried if you wish, topped with shredded red cabbage, the homemade organic pineapple salsa I mentioned earlier, a spray of sour cream and finished with a garnish of cilantro. A perfect seared blend of a lite flaky fish with slight hints of smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic, pepper, and Mexican oregano. In the end was a near over-power hit of spice that reminds me of cayenne pepper, possibly chili. The fish is dredged in one side with the blackened mix, seared, then flipped. The seasonings stick to the grill from the first side, then implant to the second side of the fish when you turn it. The spice was tempered by the sweet pineapple flavors and nice mild salsa mixture.
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| Casita Taqueria / Pescado taco |
Last but not least came the barbacoa taco with a chipotle spiced beef perfectly slow-braised so that the meat falls apart after one bite from the tenderness, adding in the fresh raw onions, tomato and pico de gallo, finished with a queso fresco cheese and cilantro for extra measure. The flavors were not overpowering and this taco was simpler in my opinion to the other selections which sent your palette on a roller coaster style adventure. It was nice to bite into a taco with simple flavors, lite spice, and fresh farm vegetables knowing that they did not contain any GMO seeds filled with pesticides and god knows what else that will slowly kill you over the next twenty years.
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| Casita Taqueria / Barbacoa taco |
We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch here at Casita Taqueria and will be returning very soon to indulge in the other taco and menu item selections like the Pollo Verde, chorizo, and carne asada to name a few.
Dessert:
We did not have dessert during this visit, but check out some of these wonderful selections from Wine Dine and Play:
Please see these guidelines for Tipping in Restaurants and on following proper etiquette, customs, cultures, and avoiding assumptions when you dine out.
Other noteworthy Mexican and Californian cuisine articles and restaurants similar to Casita Taqueria:
Mexican cuisine is primarily a fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking with European, especially Spanish, with elements added after their conquest of the Aztec Empire in the sixteenth century. The staples are native foods, such as corn, beans, avocados, tomatoes, and chili peppers, expanded greatly after the European occupation which introduced rice, cheese, and domesticated animals. African and Asian influences were also introduced into the mixture during this era as a result of African slavery in New Spain and the Manila-Acapulco Galleons. Over the centuries, regional cuisines based on local customs reverted back to ancient ways while incorporating the new European foods, and areas such as those in Oaxaca, Veracruz, and the Yucatán Peninsula took on a new identity which resulted in traditional Mexican cuisine being inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010. Not all Mexican is created equal, as a good portion of American Mexican restaurants is a blend of Tex-Mex or “Gringo” Mexican with less flavor and spice.
Benji’s Cantina An innovative approach to Tex-Mex cuisine in Austin, Texas
Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant A casual local chain for traditional meals in Pinellas Park, Florida
Grand Hacienda Mexican Cuisine A recreation of Mexican comfort foods in St. Petersburg, Florida
Green Lemon A modern hangout offering upbeat Mexican menu & drinks for brunch, lunch & dinner in Tampa, Florida
Güero's Taco Bar Landmark Mexican restaurant on Congress Ave. in Austin, Texas
Hablo Taco Mexican-blend joint known for tacos and margaritas in Tampa, Florida
Nitally’s A Fusion of Thai and Mexican Cuisine from a husband and wife team in St. Petersburg, Florida
Nueva Cantina Vibrant, authentic, and contemporary Mexican cuisine in St Petersburg, Florida
Poppo's Taqueria Gourmet organic Taqueria Street Food, City of Anna Maria Island, Florida
Sparkman’s Wharf An outdoor Channelside venue with a beer garden, coffeehouse, and 10+ restaurants in Tampa, Florida
VIP Lounge & Mexican Restaurant A Hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mex lounge and bar in Treasure
Island, Florida
Wipeout Bar and Grill Surf shack theme with California and Mexican cuisine in San Francisco, California
California cuisine is a style of cuisine marked by an interest in fusion cuisine (integrating disparate cooking styles and ingredients) and in the use of freshly prepared local ingredients. The food is typically prepared with strong attention to presentation. Foods low in saturated fats and high in fresh vegetables and fruits with lean meats and seafood from the California coast often define the style.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse Chain (180+) for pub grub and brewed beer; reviewed in Pinellas Park, Florida
Ciccio Cali inspired cuisine from California using antibiotic-free meats, organic and Non-GMO vegetables in St. Petersburg, Florida
FarmTable Cucina organic, sustainable, and local with a focus on Italian and New American themes in St. Petersburg, Florida
FarmTable Kitchen Casual Cal-Italian cuisine and chef tables in St. Petersburg, Florida
Fleur de Lys Lavish French-Californian by Hubert Keller in San Francisco, California
Gaia Restaurant Organic and sustainable concept in American Canyon, California (Renamed Table 29 Bistro and Bar)
Greystone CIA Restaurant CIA School restaurant formally called Wine Spectator now GateHouse in Calistoga, California
Harvest Moon Café Farm-to-Fork daily changing new American fare menu in Sonoma, California
Wolfgang Puck Celebrity Chef’s California cuisine and fine dining chain; reviewed in Orlando, Florida
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary”
Other St Petersburg restaurants, and articles on Wine Dine and Play:
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2nd Review of this local diner with town history
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
Izakaya Japanese restaurant focusing on ramen bowls
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
A bistro focusing on the Mediterranean and New American Cuisine
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
A few Florida restaurant favorites:
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Casual American eats
At The Westin Harbour Island
Tampa, Florida, USA
|
A Philadelphia style sports bar and sandwich shop
Tierra Verde
|
2nd review of this Thai and Japanese restaurant
Seminole, Florida USA
|
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary by country”
Final notes, review basics, observations, and more pictures:
Most reviews are subjective, depending on the writer; but they should also be responsible, and respectfully written, upholding the truth, and accurately conveying the experience to the best of the writer's knowledge, even if it includes metaphors the restaurant may not like to read about. My ratings are by the stars I award (from 0 to 5). The rating is calculated on a point accumulation of six separate factors based on individual experience. They include wine and other beverage selections, plate presentation, customer service, restaurant or café ambience, food quality, and wow factor.
To see more details of this rating list, read this article:
Overall from this experience and the score factors outlined in the ‘about page’ section, based on my individual experience and rating, I give Casita Taqueria a 4 out of 5 stars, meaning that they not only exceeded my expectations and were far above the average dining experience of most restaurants, but they were outstanding.
Scores are detailed in the factor chart below:
Formula Factor Conclusions and Overall Ratings for Casita Taqueria
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Max Points Possible:
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Total Points Awarded:
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Total Points deducted:
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Ambience
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11
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11
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0
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Food quality
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10
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10
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0
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Plate presentation
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10
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10
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0
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Customer service
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6
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5
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1
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Alcohol and other beverages
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3
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1
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2
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Total regular points awarded
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40
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37
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3
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Total percentage — less the Bonus
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0.925
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“Wow” factor BONUS
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5
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0
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0
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Total bonus percentage
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0
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Total percentage and bonus for a final star rating
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0.925
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Stars Awarded (see chart below)
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0 - 5
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4
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**A full break down and explanation of the observations and point disbursement is available in the linked article above. To receive a detailed copy of your score, feel free to contact me at any time and I will provide it to you.**
***
Overall Star Rating:
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4 of 5 Stars:
93% Rating with a 0 point “wow” bonus
An Outstanding Dining Experience
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Corkage fees:
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Casita Taqueria does not list any corkage fee’s however, most American restaurants charge $25.00 per bottle
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Restaurant-style:
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Casual dining
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Cuisine Style at Casita Taqueria:
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Californian, Mexican
Allergen or dietary accommodations:
Farm to Fork, Gluten-free choices, Low Carb Choices, Non-GMO, Organic, Pescatarian, Sustainable, Vegetarian Options
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Reservations:
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Not Required
Walk-Ins:
Accepted, but not guaranteed
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Dress code:
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Casual attire
It’s Florida, everybody wear’s flip-flops!
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Child policy:
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The Restaurants reviewed on this site may have a kids menu or cater to them; however, for full enjoyment of food and wine, it is recommended that kids not to be in attendance, unless they have been trained in proper etiquette.
If not then:
Hire a Babysitter!
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Casita Taqueria Experiences:
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A place for foodies, Contemporary, Modern, Trendy, Hotspot, Great outdoor dining, Rustic, Tourist grabber, and a Neighborhood Gem.
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Payments:
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Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
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Parking:
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Casita Taqueria has a private lot
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Wifi
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The restaurants reviewed on this site may have Wi-Fi, but do not require you to go online, because the excitement of the food and wine alone will keep you too entertained instead of checking your social media and emails.
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Noise level:
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Medium
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Smoking:
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Casita Taqueria is a non-smoking restaurant with a non-smoking patio
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Patio or terrace:
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Yes
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Food Prices
(excludes, alcohol, taxes & 20% gratuity’s)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00 (pricey)
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major travelers, restaurant, or wine connoisseur’s**
Currency:
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Price
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United States Dollar (USD)
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$
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Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
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£
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Canadian Dollar (CAN)
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$
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Chinese Yuan (CNY)
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¥¥¥
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European Union (EUR)
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€
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Casita Taqueria:
2663 Central Ave
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Contact Information:
Restaurant website:
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Maître d or host:
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+1 (727) 498-8749
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Website Contact:
Email:
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Serving hours:
Eastern Standard Time
(GMT, Zulu, or UTC - 5:00)
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Mon - Thur
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri - Sat
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday
closed
Happy Hour: Mon - Fri
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Social Media
And
Accolades for Casita Taqueria:
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****
The worlds best restaurants is a subjective list of who is writing it and changes on a regular basis. The Wine Dine and Play best experiences are based on my highest rated stared restaurants, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. From cafés, chains, mom + pops, hole in the walls, to fine dining including a few Michelin spots. Visit the Top 100 page to see the entire list.
A few to tease you with…
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Landmark Mexican Restaurant
Austin, Texas, USA
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Traditional Spanish & Cuban chain since 1905
Ybor City & Sarasota, Florida, USA
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Acclaimed soul food spot for fried chicken
New Orlean’s, Louisiana, USA
|
Other Casita Taqueria Pictures:
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| Casita Taqueria / Store front |
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| Casita Taqueria / Camarone taco |
“Culinary perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things,
But in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
-Angelique Arnauld (1591-1661)
Who is John Galt?
TTFN
