Mexican Restaurants · Lakewood · Jacksonville

Mr. Gordo's Tacos
and Cantina

★ 4.9 1567 University Blvd W Open Now · Closes 8:30 PM Mexican Last verified May 7, 2026

The place

Mr. Gordo's Tacos and Cantina is a Mexican restaurant at 1567 University Blvd W, Jacksonville, FL 32217, in the Lakewood neighborhood on the city's Southside. The kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m., and Sunday until 8:30 p.m. The phone number for orders is (904) 367-3099. The menu includes tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, quesa-birria, and chile relleno, with a full cantina bar serving house margaritas. The signature Taco Mr. Gordo features steak, pineapple, pico de gallo, and queso fresco. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates are available. Complimentary chips and salsa are served on arrival. The restaurant holds a 4.9-star rating on Google with 291 reviews.

Tucked into a strip on University Boulevard West in Jacksonville's Lakewood neighborhood, Mr. Gordo's Tacos and Cantina has quickly become one of the Southside's most-loved Mexican spots. The dining room is bright and family-friendly, the cantina pours generous margaritas, and warm chips with fresh salsa hit the table the moment you sit down — a small touch that locals talk about often.

Order the Taco Mr. Gordo, the namesake plate built on steak, pineapple, pico de gallo, and queso fresco, and don't skip the quesa-birria, where slow-braised beef and melted cheese fold into a crispy tortilla served with consommé for dipping. The chile relleno and street corn are perennial favorites, and the kitchen runs the full range of fajitas, enchiladas, and burritos for bigger appetites. Bring a group and split — portions are generous.

The restaurant is dine-in, takeout, and delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates), and there is on-site parking in the plaza. Reservations are not generally required for weekday lunch, but weekend evenings can fill up. There is a full bar with margaritas and Mexican beers. The kitchen serves until 9 p.m. weeknights, 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Authentic Mexican kitchen and cantina

Signature Taco Mr. Gordo (steak + pineapple)

Quesa-birria with consommé

Full bar with house margaritas

What to expect

Family-friendly Mexican kitchen and cantina in Lakewood, Jacksonville. Expect warm complimentary chips and salsa on arrival, generous portions, a full bar with house margaritas, and quick, friendly service. Most-ordered dishes are the Taco Mr. Gordo, quesa-birria, chile relleno, and street corn.

What to order

House favorites and price guides — the menu rotates seasonally, but these stay on year-round.

Then come for the photos

The shop, in frames

What people are saying

4.09

★★★★★

Based on 291 reviews

5★

78%

4★

16%

3★

2★

1★

★★★★★

The birria tacos are tender, juicy, and so cheesy — easily the best in this part of town.

★★★★★

Clean restaurant, friendly service, and the complimentary chips and salsa are a great start. Chile relleno was excellent.

★★★★★

Try the Taco Mr. Gordo with steak and pineapple — sweet, savory, and exactly what you want. Margaritas are strong too.

Frequently asked

Does Mr. Gordo's Tacos and Cantina take reservations?

Reservations are not typically required. Weekday lunch and early dinner usually walk-in seat quickly; weekend evenings can fill up, so calling ahead at (904) 367-3099 is recommended for larger groups.

Is Mr. Gordo's Tacos and Cantina dog or pet friendly?

Pet policy is not publicly listed for the Lakewood location. Service animals are always welcome; for other pets, call (904) 367-3099 before visiting.

Where do I park near Mr. Gordo's Tacos and Cantina?

Free on-site parking is available in the shared plaza lot at 1567 University Blvd W in Jacksonville's Lakewood neighborhood.

What are the most popular dishes at Mr. Gordo's Tacos and Cantina?

Most-mentioned dishes in reviews are the signature Taco Mr. Gordo (steak, pineapple, pico, and queso fresco), quesa-birria tacos, chile relleno, and the street corn (elote).

What are Mr. Gordo's Tacos and Cantina's hours?

Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Does Mr. Gordo's Tacos and Cantina offer takeout or delivery?

Yes. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery are all available. Delivery is offered through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates; takeout orders can be placed by phone at (904) 367-3099.