★★★★★
Recent Google reviewers consistently call out the carnitas and pollo asado as standouts, praise the scratch-made salsa bar, and note that the line moves quickly even during the downtown lunch rush.
Mexican Restaurants · Downtown St. Petersburg · St. Petersburg
Poppo's
Taqueria
01
The place
Poppo's Taqueria is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg at 1033 Central Ave, FL 33705. The locally founded mini-chain serves build-your-own tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls with house-made salsas. Proteins include carnitas, pollo asado, barbacoa, carne asada, and grilled vegetables, with tortillas pressed to order. The Central Avenue location offers dine-in, takeout, and third-party delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Prices are budget-friendly ($), with most tacos under $5 and burritos around $9-$11. The restaurant is family-friendly, accepts walk-ins only (no reservations), and is dog-friendly on the sidewalk patio. Beer and margaritas are available. Poppo's holds a 4.6-star Google rating across 1,004 reviews.
Poppo's Taqueria sits on the busy 1000 block of Central Avenue, a short walk from the Edge District, Grand Central, and downtown St. Pete's museum corridor. Locals treat it as the city's go-to fast-casual taco stop — quick line, scratch salsas, and a chill counter-service vibe that works equally well for a solo lunch or a pre-Tropicana Field group order. The space is small but bright, with a handful of sidewalk tables that fill up fast on weekends.
Order the carnitas or pollo asado tacos on hand-pressed corn tortillas — both are crowd favorites and pair well with the smoky house salsa. The burritos and quesadillas are oversized and customizable with rice, black or pinto beans, fajita veggies, and a long row of fresh toppings. Don't skip the chips with queso or guacamole, and grab a Mexican Coke or a frozen margarita to round it out. Vegetarians can sub grilled veggies or sofritas-style fillings into any format.
For a more upscale take on Mexican in the same downtown corridor, Red Mesa Cantina on 3rd Street South pours hand-crafted margaritas and pulls from a list of more than 100 tequilas and mezcals.
Also downtown, Grand Hacienda is a family-owned sit-down spot on 11th Avenue North serving traditional fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, and molcajete from a covered patio with a full bar and live mariachi on select nights.
A few blocks north in Central Oak Park, Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg works a similar scratch-made angle with street tacos, fajitas, and a tequila- and mezcal-heavy bar.
Closer to the waterfront on 4th Street South, Nueva Cantina - St. Pete runs a tequila-forward bar program alongside street tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas served in a mural-lined dining room with a covered outdoor patio.
A short walk into the Edge District, Red Mesa Mercado - The Edge District runs a walk-up window on 1st Avenue North turning out California-style burritos, tacos, and bowls from the Red Mesa family's counter-service kitchen.
A few blocks west in the same Central Oak Park pocket, Grumpy Gringo is a family-run spot turning out birria tacos, cochinita pibil, and house-made horchata from a small kitchen on 22nd Avenue North.
Sharing the Central Oak Park pocket on 22nd Avenue North, Chile Verde Restaurant leans traditional with tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and combination platters served with rice.
Out west near Tyrone Square Mall, Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant is a family-run Jungle Terrace sit-down spot serving traditional tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas alongside house margaritas and a full tequila bar.
No reservations — it's order-at-the-counter only, and the line moves quickly even at peak. Street parking on Central and 11th Street is metered; a city garage sits one block north. Takeout is easy through the website, and delivery is available via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor sidewalk tables, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
Build-your-own tacos, burritos, and bowls
House-made salsas and guacamole
Budget-friendly — most tacos under $5
Vegetarian options (grilled veggies, beans, cheese)
What to expect
Counter-service order line, build-your-own tacos and burritos, house-made salsas on the side, and a quick turn — most orders are ready in under 10 minutes. Casual seating inside plus a few sidewalk tables. Beer and margaritas available. Cards accepted; cash acceptance not confirmed — call ahead if paying cash. Tipping at the counter is standard.
Then come for the photos
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The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
04
What people are saying
★★★★★
Regulars highlight the pollo asado burrito as a reliable weekly order — generous portions, fresh ingredients, and one of the better budget lunches in downtown St. Pete.
★★★★★
Visitors heading to a Rays game or strolling Central Avenue mention the barbacoa tacos and queso as favorites, and the dog-friendly sidewalk patio is a frequent bonus.
06
Frequently asked
Does Poppo's Taqueria take reservations?
No — Poppo's is walk-in counter service only. The line typically moves in under 10 minutes, even at peak lunch and dinner.
Is Poppo's Taqueria dog friendly?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome at the sidewalk patio tables along Central Avenue. Dogs are not permitted inside the dining room.
Where do I park near Poppo's Taqueria?
Metered street parking is available on Central Avenue and 11th Street. A city parking garage sits one block north, and most downtown surface lots are within a 5-minute walk.
What are the most popular dishes at Poppo's Taqueria?
The carnitas tacos, pollo asado burrito, and chips with queso are the most frequently praised items in Google reviews. The build-your-own bowl is also a customer favorite.
What are Poppo's Taqueria's hours?
Poppo's is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 11pm. Hours may vary on holidays.
Does Poppo's Taqueria offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout can be ordered at the counter or online at poppostacos.com. Delivery is available through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Poppo's Taqueria.
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From Instagram
@poppostacos