Well, overall the experience at the restaurant was positive and a good time was had, however, here's a more in-depth view at some key points from having dinner here for the first time.
Pros!, pros!, pros!:
Parking in Dunedin is fantastic, there's lots of spaces available on the street and in free parking lots provided by the city, which is a breath of fresh air considering the other towns around the area (Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St Petersburg).
This place is open until 11:00pm! Most of the restaurants close at 10 o'clock, so I need to extend gratitude for them staying open a bit longer for the late folks. Thanks!
The margaritas (standard on the rocks) were made really well, strong but easy to drink and better than previous margarita memories stored in my recollection.
The decorations! I captured a few pictures to demonstrate that the walls of this restaurant are covered with Mexican heritage and figures, and that's something special to see and be around as you enjoy your dinner.
Service 👏 Our server Michael was great and had a fun shirt on and cool spectacles, hats off to him for sure.
Ceviche with flounder and shrimp was good, but nothing to write home about here.
...Consssss:
Music was far too loud to be enjoyable, bridging on "am I in a club dancing to reggaeton, or... Eating ceviche in a family restaurant with kids around me". We asked to turn the music down a notch, which they eventually did. On the other hand, the music selection was eclectic and varied from genre to genre with a focus on Hispanic hits.
The booth we were sat at by the host was still dirty with food scraps from the previous party, and maybe the party before that, and the one before that, etc. They do not do a great job of cleaning the seats before seating you - or at least this evening they didn't. Salsa tomatoes sticking off the seats, burrito ingredients and red foamy liquid in the cavity between the booth seat and the booth backrest that don't get any attention from the bussers cleaning... But, I guess the most important part was that the table was clean, so 🎉 but where you sit is important also, and this is something they can do better at or at least care about. When I asked if we could be sat elsewhere because it was a little dirty, the response was we'll clean it - and a sorry attempt at correcting the complaint followed, wiping off the seat surface and neglecting the opportunity to address the concern brought up and denied the option to change seating 🤷
Even cheap Mexican restaurants offer chips and salsa free of charge, but here you need to order it at $4 per small cup.
It has two big open rooms with a bar in the middle, so you will hear the large party in the other room having a good time, as well as everyone around you and the loud music. There aren't any little nooks or walls that create a sense of privacy or intimacy... All this to say, it's not your romantic getaway or date night spot to get to know each other, but they do have a good margarita and bring a good crowd in so it's a fun spot to have a drink and eat after walking around the town.
Bottom line:
I'd cap it at - Casa Tina is a no frill, not-so-fine dining establishment that offers a fun atmosphere for large parties looking for well-made drinks and a menu of...
Read moreCasa Tina Mexican: A Flavorful Fiesta in the Heart of Dunedin
Casa Tina Mexican in Dunedin is an absolute gem when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine. Nestled in the heart of this charming Florida town, Casa Tina Mexican offers a delightful culinary experience that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Having recently dined at this establishment, I can confidently say it is a must-visit for any Mexican food enthusiast. Here's why I give Casa Tina Mexican a glowing review.
From the moment I entered, I was greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere that Casa Tina Mexican exudes. The restaurant's colorful and festive decor creates a lively ambiance, making dining here a true fiesta. The friendly and attentive staff further enhances the dining experience, ensuring a memorable visit from start to finish.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the food. Casa Tina Mexican serves up an array of delectable dishes bursting with authentic flavors. The menu is expansive, offering a variety of Mexican classics, from tacos and enchiladas to tamales and fajitas.
One dish that stood out during my visit was the savory carne asada tacos. The tender and well-seasoned grilled steak was nestled in warm corn tortillas, complemented by fresh cilantro, onions, and zesty salsa. Each bite was filled with a burst of flavor, leaving me wanting more.
Casa Tina Mexican also offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can indulge in the Mexican fiesta. Their veggie fajitas, featuring a colorful array of grilled vegetables, were incredibly flavorful and satisfying—a true treat for plant-based diners.
Accompanying the scrumptious food, Casa Tina Mexican offers an excellent selection of beverages to pair with your meal. From refreshing margaritas to traditional Mexican sodas, there is something to quench every thirst and enhance the dining experience.
One aspect that truly sets Casa Tina Mexican apart is their commitment to using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The flavors showcased in each dish reflect the care and passion put into the culinary creations. Additionally, they accommodate dietary preferences and allergies, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their meal with peace of mind.
Lastly, the reasonable prices at Casa Tina Mexican make it an excellent value for the quality and portion sizes of their dishes. Generous servings entice you to savor each bite without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, Casa Tina Mexican in Dunedin is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Mexican culinary experience. With its vibrant atmosphere, warm hospitality, and mouthwatering dishes, Casa Tina Mexican captures the spirit and flavors of Mexico authentically. Prepare to indulge in a flavorful fiesta that will leave your taste buds singing...
Read moreWe booked reservations for my son's birthday party. When we arrived the entire area in front of the restaurant was torn up and roped off - under construction. Not their fault, but we were not made aware. We brought my 80 year old mother who has a heart condition, we usually use a disabled parking pass so she doesn't have to walk far, but there was no place up close to park. It was very challenging for my mother to actually get to the restaurant. There were no accomodatins for people with disabilities to easily access this area. Once we were in, we were greeted by a friendly hostess and well taken care of by the servers. The food was okay. The appetizers were good particularly the guac. Nothing particularly special. Our meals arrived in a reasonable amount of time. The food presentation basically looked like cafeteria food globbed on the plate and not sure what all was on it, but the portions were a nice size. You won't leave hungry. Unfortunately, the dining chairs were hard wood without cushions and became very uncomfortable to sit on (and stay in) about 30 minutes into the visit. We had two guests with minor back issues felt uncomfortable with the seating and made mention of how firm the chairs were. Finally, there was live entertainment. A mexican band, which is unusual for a Monday evening. They were talented and added to the overall ambiance, but they played so loudly that no one could hear (I love concerts so when I say loud - I mean loud) including the servers who were trying to take our orders, but couldn't hear us. Everyone at the table were literally screaming to be heard and constantly repeating themselves. Sadly, our party just stopped talking to one another because it was useless. We celebrated pretty much in silence. I guess the larger disappointment would be the fact that even though I booked this place for my son's birthday - they made no mention of it what-so-ever. I said, "we're here for my son's birthday" when we checked in. At other restaurants we have always experienced some type of acknowledgement. All in all, if you want Mexican food while walking around charming downtown Dunedin, it is on the main drag. The food is okay and the portions are great. The staff is pretty good too. Nothing memoriable or outstanding. A few minor revisions such as adding tie on cushions, making the band play a bit lower so they compliment the atmosphere (because the decor is pretty cool) as opposed to over riding it, and making sure handicapped people have better access would make this a much...
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