Mexican restaurant Red mesa cantina opened in downtown st. pete in 2010 | red mesa cantina

One of downtown St. Pete's longest-running restaurants and event venues has closed its doors.

Red Mesa Cantina announced Tuesday that it has permanently closed after 16 years in downtown St. Pete.

The closure also includes the Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which hosted weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, and other celebrations over the years.

Located at 128 3rd Street South, Red Mesa Cantina became a fixture of downtown's dining and nightlife scene, known for its tacos, queso, guacamole, margaritas, extensive tequila selection, and rooftop events.

When Red Mesa Cantina opened in 2010, downtown St. Pete looked much different than it does today.

The city was still working its way out of the Great Recession, BayWalk was struggling with vacancies, the inverted pyramid Pier was still open, and much of Central Avenue was lined with vacant storefronts, antique shops, and surface parking lots.

Many of the apartment towers, hotels, and restaurants that now fill downtown had yet to be built.

Red Mesa Cantina’s outdoor courtyard | red mesa cantina

In a statement shared on social media, the restaurant's team said the decision was made effective immediately.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce that, effective immediately, Red Mesa Cantina will be closing after 16 unforgettable years in downtown St. Petersburg, along with the Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which became home to so many celebrations, milestones, and memories over the years."

The team reflected on the thousands of gatherings hosted at the property, from weddings and rooftop receptions to birthdays, holiday parties, and community events.

"What began as a vision to bring people together through food, hospitality, and community became something far greater because of all of you," the statement continued.

"We are deeply grateful for every guest, couple, client, vendor, employee, and friend who supported us throughout this journey," the team wrote. "Though these doors are closing, the memories created here will stay with us forever."

The closure only affects Red Mesa Cantina and the event spaces above the restaurant. Other concepts within the Red Mesa family, including Red Mesa Restaurant at 4912 4th Street North, Red Mesa Mercado at 1100 1st Avenue North in the EDGE District, and Red Mesa Mercado's west St. Pete location at 6777 Central Avenue, remain open.

While Red Mesa Cantina's closure marks the end of a 16-year run downtown, it remains unclear what comes next for the property. As of publication, no replacement tenant or redevelopment plans have been announced for either the restaurant space or the event venues above it.

Red Mesa Cantina concluded its announcement with a simple message to the community:

"Thank you for every visit, every celebration, every recommendation, and every moment shared with us."