Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

Reviews 7

AL

Alec Villanew

I believe in signs. I pay attention to other people’s conversations with a keen ear. If curiosity killed the cat, and I were a cat I would be killed too many times a day and in various painful ways. I would look like road kill. Frankenstein’s bride with too much eye make-up.For a couple of weeks I kept overhearing people raving about a chicken soup. These innocuous comments happened randomly and were not actual recommendations made to me even when my friends know me to travel long distances for particularly great food. The first time I heard of this sopa de pollo, I was among friends who had just moved to Davis Island and had gone to Margarita’s. They did not mention the name of the place, it was simply a nonchalant: “I was exhausted about all the moving and wandered into this place close to home. I loved the sopa de pollo. It was exactly what I needed…yada, yada yada” and she moved on into a digression about house contracts and moving expenses. The second time this sopa de pollo returned to my life it was a nightmare. I had not listened too closely at the original appearance of “la sopa” in my life and had misconstrued the place I could find it. You see… at that time, my friend had two homes. I had assumed it was a Mexican place that had just opened by one of the two homes. I went mouth-salivating, anxiously pre-tasting the sopa, but walked into a Mexican place I did not know. I read, re-read, and reread the menu in complete disbelief. I called V.’s husband and asked him about it. He laughed maliciously as he added an “Oh, si!!! V. thinks it tastes like her mother’s soup. She loves that soup… but you are not only in the wrong place. You are in the wrong island. Good luck with trying a new restaurant that just opened up” (which is a no-no in my culinary safaris. NEVER EVER go to a restaurant and become their guinea pig). The third time the haunted “sopa de pollo” popped up into another conversation, I was trying a Mexican restaurant I had never visited before. My mouth was happy. House margaritas were flowing. Tequila bottles lined the bar. A man I barely know mentioned “la sopa de pollo” and how many times he drives his wife there just to have the soup. No other entrees. Just soup. He mentioned how tasty and large it was, and he did mention that I could find it at Davis Island. So, the signs were obvious and the universe aligned. I visited Margarita’s last week during lunch hour. The parking issue remains tough at any of the restaurants and stores of Davis, but eventually one was found. The place was packed. Mexican Artisan furniture and colorful woven tapices hanging from the ceiling took you elsewhere. Mexican music in the background which I love. If you claim you are going to take my mouth somewhere, elsewhere, please take my mind along for the ride as well. For a moment I became confused and believed I was a Mexican town amidst a medical mission. Blue scrubs everywhere. Margarita’s seems to be a favorite with the Tampa General staff. I was promptly seated. Menus were given and an order of margarita on the rocks promptly expedited. Refreshingly boozy. Just the way I like it. Of course I ordered the “sopa de pollo”… and yes, it is worth driving to. Plenty of fresh pico de gallo. Crunchy onion, fresh avocado and chicken… lemony… cilantroish… garlicky… for a while I delayed trying the mole in the enchiladas with Poblano sauce just because I wanted the sopa taste to remain in my mouth as long as it could. The mole was good, mild and rather on the sweet side. As most rice in Mexican restaurants, the one here was nothing to go crazy about. The rice is just a side order to fill plate space, but the enchiladas did shine by contrast. Servers were friendly and attentive. The place deserves many chances. Lots of food I would enjoy tasting. But… if they decide to not cook anything but the sopa de pollo. That’s fine by me too.

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Cassandra Lukins

I was recommended this place by a local. We sat on the patio and it took 10 min to be approached. We asked for waters and the margarita special. Waitress came back with margaritas and no waters, so we asked for waters again. She came back asking for our order and still no waters. We asked a third time and she walked away without taking the order to get waters. Keep in mind its still 85 degrees. Once we got our food, the fajitas came out not sizzling like they should be. Food was bland, hardly any chicken (we wanted to share dinner), beans were crusty, and we never received water refills through the whole time we were here. Like I said I dont usually write reviews like this but I do not recommend Margaritas. Not 1%. If i could rate a 0 i would. Be aware. Stay away.

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Geno Perry

Ordered to go through Uber Eats and ordered a combo that was supposed to be a Chalupa, a Burrito, and an Enchilada (Combo 19). Ended up with a chalupa, no burrito and two enchiladas. The enchiladas I recieved were literally a tortilla covered in MARINARA sauce and melted cheese with a couple of tiny chunks of meat! Looked bad and tasted worse! Unfortunately the chalupa was no better... Couldnt even tell what it was. I would have called to complain but you guys were closed by the time I got my food delivered. First and last time eating from here with an experience like that! What a joke and a ripoff! Absolute garbage!

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TA

Tampa Native

Had to go order. Really disappointed with what I was given. For almost $50 for two dinners I had expected better quality food. Food was bland & is not authentic Mexican. The portions were extremely small & way over priced. I had a Chimichanga with a melted slice of white American cheese, odd. Rice was over cooked, FLOUR tortillas, the meat (chicken & beef) were odd & felt like they turned to powder in your mouth, everything was dry. No sauces! Maybe the food is great for those whom have never had authentic Mexican or prefer bland over flavorful & spicy. Not my cup of tea.

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Brian Gelakoski

BEWARE FOOD POISIONING......my wife and I visited margaritas recently and enjoyed tasty food and good service. I was very pleased with our dinner until we returned home and starting feeling sick. From 10pm till 5am I spent the worst night of my life with vomiting and diarrhea. My wife experienced a mild version of this. After my experience which forced me to take time off work, I have left messages for management to call me on this matter and no one will return my call. My advice - Run the other direction and goto Miguels or Chihuahua

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Jim De Mauro

On Davis Island, beyond Tampa General, there are a few interesting eateries known to TGH employees and the "Islanders". This is one of them, There;s nothing to detract from this place, The food is excellent, service is fast and friendly, with chips and salsa to kick off the meal. Theres a ton of specialty Margaritas and other great cocktails in a drink menu of 4 pages! If youre visiting Davis Island or TGH for any reason and you want a really nice Mexican lunch, here is the place for you. Two filling lunches for under$20!

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Lindsey Stewards

have been coming to margaritas for about 10 years before it was Estellas and with a new owner the food improved but didnt change overall. I have brought ever friend to margaritas and would recommend it in a heartbeat. Great pricing for big meals and the staff is so kind and welcoming. Many have been there for more than 5 years. Nice ambiance inside and outside. Overall one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa and all my friends would say so too. Its my spot

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