Green Lemon Review: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Mexican Food, Tacos, and Margaritas in Tampa

 


Hey there, fellow food adventurers and Tampa Bay locals! It’s your trusted guide to the culinary landscape of our vibrant city. For years, I’ve dedicated my palate to finding the most authentic, exciting, and downright delicious experiences our city has to offer. And time and time again, when someone asks me for the undisputed champion of fun, flavor, and fiesta, my compass inevitably points to one iconic spot on South Howard Avenue. As a food blogger on a mission to uncover the best Mexican food Tampa has to offer, I always find my way back to the electric embrace of Green Lemon.

Let's be clear: Green Lemon is not just another name on the long list of Mexican restaurants in Tampa. It is the pulsating heart of Mexican food South Tampa, a SoHo institution that has masterfully blended an inventive street-fare menu with a legendary cocktail program and an atmosphere that is, in a word, unforgettable. If you're looking for a quiet, contemplative meal, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a place that will thrill your taste buds, get your head nodding to the beat, and leave you planning your next visit before you've even left, then welcome home. This is your ultimate guide to the Green Lemon experience.

The Vibe: More Than a Restaurant, It's a SoHo Fiesta

Before a single chip hits the table, you have to understand the Green Lemon vibe. It's essential. The moment you approach its corner location in SoHo, you can feel the energy radiating from within. The soundtrack is a masterfully curated mix of classic hip-hop and R&B, loud enough to feel like a party but never so loud you can't laugh with your friends. The decor is a vibrant explosion of color, with bold murals and neon signs that create a backdrop practically designed for Instagram.

The crowd is a lively mix of celebratory groups, couples on fun date nights, and friends kicking off a weekend. This is not a place for hushed tones; it's a place for laughter, for sharing, and for soaking in the social energy of South Tampa. The atmosphere at Green Lemon isn't just background noise; it's a key ingredient in every meal, turning a simple dinner into a memorable event.

A Deep Dive into the Menu: The Quest for the Best Mexican Food in Tampa

While the atmosphere draws you in, the food is what makes you a lifelong fan. The menu is a playground of Mexican-inspired street fare, elevated with creative twists and a steadfast commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients.

Starting Strong: Appetizers That Set the Tone

The journey at Green Lemon begins with a phenomenal selection of starters. The Trio Dip is a must-order for any table, a perfect trifecta of creamy queso blanco, zesty lime salsa, and their signature fresh guacamole. For a more theatrical beginning, the Loco Nachos are a mountain of seasoned chips, decadently loaded with queso, guacamole, jalapeños, and black bean purée—a shareable feast that requires a game plan to conquer.

But where Green Lemon truly begins to flex its creative muscles is with appetizers like the Crispy Trees. This dish features perfectly crispy broccoli and cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy, tangy Buffalo-avocado glaze and drizzled with a cooling lime Caesar dressing. It's a dish so unexpectedly delicious it will make a vegetable lover out of anyone.

The Fiesta Bowls: A Healthier, Hearty Option

For those seeking a more substantial but still vibrant meal, the Fiesta Bowls are a perfect choice. Built on your choice of base—from Mexican rice to a healthy spinach-romaine mix—these bowls are packed with protein and flavor. The Pollo Gigante bowl takes the famous spicy buffalo-avocado glazed crispy chicken and serves it over Napa cabbage and your chosen base for a satisfyingly crunchy and spicy meal. For a taste of Asian fusion, the Sesame Tuna bowl features blackened seared rare tuna with mango, cucumber, cilantro, and a sriracha aioli that is simply divine.

The Temple of Tacos: Your Ultimate Guide to Tacos in Tampa

Now, let's talk about the main event, the crown jewel of the Green Lemon menu. This restaurant has earned its reputation as a true temple of tacos, serving up some of the most creative and mouth-watering Tacos in Tampa.

How to Order: The Famous "Street Trio"

The best way for any newcomer to navigate the incredible taco selection is by ordering The Street Trio. This deal allows you to mix and match any three street tacos and comes with your choice of a side. It’s the perfect way to sample the breadth of creativity the kitchen has to offer.

Must-Try Tacos at Green Lemon

  • The Gigante Chicken Taco: This is a flavor explosion. Crispy fried chicken is glazed in that signature spicy buffalo-avocado sauce, then topped with crispy onions, pickled jalapeños, and blue cheese crumbles. It’s a taco that eats like your favorite buffalo wings.
  • The Kung Fu'd Tuna Taco: A testament to their fusion prowess, this taco features blackened seared rare tuna, pickled red onion, sweet mango, crisp cucumber, and a cilantro-sriracha aioli. It's a refreshing, light, and perfectly balanced bite.
  • The Shia LaBEEF Taco: Beyond the clever name lies a taco packed with rich, spicy shredded brisket, balanced with the freshness of corn salsa and queso fresco, and given a final kick from sriracha aioli.
  • The Classics Done Right: While the creative options are dazzling, their mastery of the fundamentals is just as impressive. The Carnitas taco with ancho braised pork and the Asada with grilled marinated steak are both executed to perfection.

The Unmissable Ritual: Taco Tuesday Tampa

If you want to experience Green Lemon at its most electric, you must attend Taco Tuesday Tampa. Every Tuesday from 5 PM to 11 PM, the restaurant offers a selection of their premium tacos for an unbelievable price, turning a regular weekday into a city-wide celebration. The energy is off the charts, the tacos are flowing, and it’s a quintessential Tampa experience. Be warned: this is arguably the most popular Taco Tuesday in town, so arrive early, expect a wait, and know that it is absolutely worth it.

The Legendary Libations: Pouring the Best Margaritas in Tampa

You cannot have a complete conversation about Green Lemon without paying homage to its bar program. This restaurant is widely, and rightfully, considered to be the home of the Best Margaritas in Tampa. These aren't just drinks; they are potent, perfectly balanced works of art.

Your Margarita Menu Guide

  • The Green Lemon Margarita: This is the gold standard. Made with Blanco Tequila and a blend of fresh citrus juices, it's available on the rocks or frozen and can be ordered in a 16oz, 24oz, or a massive, shareable 60oz size.
  • The Caliente Margarita: For those who like a little fire, this margarita features jalapeño-infused tequila and a smoky chipotle salt rim that provides a delightful, lingering heat.
  • The "Not So Famous" Margarona: A true spectacle, this is a massive 24oz margarita with a full bottle of Corona ceremoniously upended into it. It’s a statement piece and a guaranteed good time.

Your Go-To Spot for the Best Tampa Happy Hour

This incredible bar program is the star of the daily Tampa Happy Hour. Dubbed "Fiesta Hour," it runs every single day from 3 PM to 7 PM. During these magical hours, you can snag their signature margaritas and other cocktails at prices that feel like a steal. Paired with specials on shareable appetizers, it makes Green Lemon the undisputed champion of after-work drinks, pre-dinner gatherings, and celebratory toasts in SoHo.

Final Verdict: Is Green Lemon Worth the Hype?

After years of visits, countless tacos, and more margaritas than I can count, I can answer with an emphatic, resounding YES. Green Lemon is not just worth the hype; it is the hype. It has earned its place as a top-tier destination for Mexican food South Tampa by consistently delivering an experience that is fun, fresh, and full of flavor. It serves arguably the best tacos and best margaritas in Tampa, and its Taco Tuesday and Tampa Happy Hour events are iconic. If you seek a restaurant that is the living embodiment of a fiesta, look no further. Green Lemon is a Tampa treasure, and a visit here is an essential part of any local culinary journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best time to go to Green Lemon? For a lively party atmosphere, go during weekend evenings or Taco Tuesday. for a slightly more relaxed vibe with great deals, aim for their daily Happy Hour (3-7 PM).
  • Does Green Lemon take reservations? No, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For popular times like Taco Tuesday, be prepared for a wait.
  • Is Green Lemon good for groups? Absolutely! The vibrant atmosphere, shareable appetizers, and large-format margaritas make it an ideal spot for group celebrations.
  • What are the parking options in SoHo near Green Lemon? Parking in SoHo can be tricky. There is limited street parking and several paid lots in the vicinity. Using a rideshare service is often the most convenient option.

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