Long-awaited Red Mesa Mercado opening soon in west St. Pete
/The original Red Mesa Mercado at 1100 1st Avenue North in the EDGE DIstrict | Red Mesa Mercado
The wait is nearly over. After more than two years of anticipation, Red Mesa Mercado is putting the finishing touches on its second location.
The popular Cali-Mex eatery will officially open in October at 6001 Central Avenue in west St. Pete. The space previously housed Two Graces and, before that, the Reading Room.
The restaurant is part of the Red Mesa Group, which has deep roots in St. Pete. This year, the original Red Mesa on 4th Street is celebrating 30 years in business. Meanwhile, Red Mesa Cantina has been downtown since 2009.
The group expanded again in 2014 with Red Mesa Mercado in the EDGE District at 1100 1st Avenue North. Over the past decade, Mercado has established itself as a regular stop in the neighborhood. Now, the second location is just weeks away from its grand debut.
Favorite menu items include the Pork Verde Burrito with salsa verde, cheddar jack cheese, and sour cream; the Pork Colorado Burrito with tomato chipotle, cheddar jack cheese, and crema; and the Chile Relleno Burrito filled with cheese and a choice of chicken, pork verde, or pork colorado.
The Taco Salad Bowl, made with a crispy tortilla, lettuce, tomato, avocado, queso fresco, black bean-corn salsa, and chipotle Caesar dressing, is also a best-seller.
The new 150-seat restaurant will include a full-liquor bar and will introduce an enhanced sit-down, fast-casual experience with wait staff service, a step beyond the original location’s window-service model.
“Mercado West has been a dream for a long-long time, and it’s incredibly rewarding to finally see it come to life,” said Pete Veytia III, COO of Red Mesa Group.
“We’ve navigated many moving parts—from the service model, menu, and design to approvals—but we stayed focused on the vision: to create a place where guests can gather, enjoy our Cali-Mex tacos, burritos, bowls, and margaritas, and experience the Mercado energy in a whole new way.”
Be sure to follow Red Mesa Mercado on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on grand opening plans and food specials.
