Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar — Restaurant in Tampa

I had a wonderful first time visit to Rocco's Tacos. It was a great meal after shopping on a Saturday morning at International Plaza. This restaurant is very popular. We waited 35 minutes for a table at 1pm for lunch. The time went by fast. We were still able to walk around Bay Street while waiting for the text notifying us that the table is ready. They send a link that keeps you updated on the movement of the wait list. It was all very organized.

I do love the décor and atmosphere. It had a very modern "Dia de los Muertos" vibe with fabulous light fixtures throughout the restaurant. There's lots of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as bar seating. The booth seating is very comfortable. Gina was our server, and she got everything started right away with a bottle of water and took our drink orders. We also ordered the chips and salsa which has a trio of salsas. The salsas were very tasty, but none of them were spicy hot. Just keep that in mind if you like hot salsa. The chips were seasoned and fresh. We did see others getting the table side guacamole. So, chips and guac is also another option.

The skirt steak was calling my name. They serve it 2 different ways, and one is a GF option which comes with avocado and sweet potato. I went with "al Carbon" which comes with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. The steak was marinated and tender. It was also cooked perfectly to order. It was delicious! If I had to say anything negative it would be that the skirt steak was a thinner cut than others I've had. That may have been just me wishing that I had more steak. I certainly didn't need it because everything else on the plate was filling and equally as good. The rice was more of a converted rice. But, I must say that the combination of the rice, black beans, white cheese, sour cream, and chopped onion totally put that thought way towards the back of my mind. The sweet plantains were perfect. My friend also enjoyed her steak tacos which also comes with the rice and black beans. She kept commenting on how good it was as well. She had been there once before and reminded me to try the sangria next time. She said it's one of the best sangrias she has ever had at a restaurant. I'll keep that in mind for date night with the hubby.

I had a great experience! The service was fantastic. I didn't get to try the tacos. They have an AYCE Taco Tuesday that I want to try one day. I'm also curious about the molcajetes served in the lava rock. That looks so delicious! My friend also said that the flautas are very good. So that's something else that I'm eager to try next time. I can't...

This marks my very first review for any business, and unfortunately, it is prompted by a profoundly unsettling dining experience at the Tampa location under discussion. Several years ago, my large family and I had an exceptionally delightful time at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar in Bonita Springs, prompting us to seek a similar experience at their Tampa establishment. Eager and anticipatory, I looked forward to our dinner out.

Upon our arrival, our initial observation was that the water cups presented to us were cloudy, marred by streak marks. While such oversights are forgivable, I promptly requested replacement cups from our server. However, as we perused the menu, we were disconcerted to witness the bussing staff at neighboring tables employing sanitizing wipes on water glasses and bread plates left for the incoming patrons at seemingly "clean" tables. This perplexing occurrence raised immediate concerns.

In response, I notified our server, who dutifully communicated our observations to the management. Following this, the server returned, assuring us that the manager had been informed. Unfortunately, our dismay persisted throughout our visit as we observed the same cleaning practice unfolding repeatedly. Dirty dishes were taken away in a bin by the bus-person, while certain cups and plates were inexplicably left behind for new patrons. The bus-person would then return with a fresh stack of cups and plates, proceeding to wipe down all items, both old and new, with sanitizing cleaning wipes.

Of additional concern was the apparent use of the same gloves for cleaning dirty dishes and setting up clean tables, compounding our unease about the overall hygiene standards. Granted, I had no way of observing that the dirty gloved were discarded before setting up the "clean" cups and plates....The level of disgust prompted me to seek a conversation with the manager regarding this questionable "cleaning" procedure.

To my disappointment, the manager dismissed my concerns, asserting that the wipes used were deemed 'food grade,' thereby justifying their application on water cups and bread dishes.

If one finds satisfaction in drinking water tinged with the residue of cleaning wipes, then this establishment may cater to your taste. Regrettably, my family and I have resolved not to revisit this venue. It is pertinent to note, however, that the hostess and server exhibited commendable service throughout...

After having our third bad experience in three weeks I am hoping Rocco's can do better. We visit every Sunday for Buccaneer's home games and arrive promptly at 11 am. While sitting at the bar we were subjected to two different religious channels for 40 minutes. We asked 3 times if they could please change it to NFL pre-game. We were only one of two couples so they were not busy. My husband ordered a Bloody Mary and we were told they were out of them. They were out of Bloody Mary's at the opening of their business at 11 am? This is one of their features --- Bottomless Mimosa and Bloody Marys? We visited for pre-game and a Bloody Mary and they were unable to deliver on either. The next week Buccaneers are in town again and we're certain things will be better at Rocco's. We do love their nachos and breakfast items. The televisions once again disappointed and we were now subjected to an infomercial for men's health on two of the televisions, and the third directly in front of us, was running their favorite religious program. Again, we were one of two couples and the man next to me asked 3x to have the programming changed. The bartenders seem to hear you when you make a request, but somehow it is lost. Buccaneers make it to the Wild Card round and we are off to visit Rocco's again for some great energy. We ordered 2 strawberry basil margaritas. It was happy hour and they offer at least 4 margaritas for $5, but we ordered the $14 strawberry basil margaritas because they hand muddle the strawberries and the added basil makes them worth the extra cost. I usually order this drink on Sunday mornings when they are not busy and it is worth it. The margaritas are set down in front of us in the typical happy hour glass filled solid with ice. No basil, absolutely no tequila, and basically just sugar for $14. We ordered a second instantly, our mistake, as of course there was no basil and we still got the glass filled with ice, but could finally taste some alcohol. Pro-Tip, go with the $5 happy hour drink as you aren't going to get anything different. I don't know what it going on here as of late, but please wake-up as we can walk next door to Whiskey Cake or a number of other...