The Drunken Taco opened quietly a few years ago, but in the short time since new ownership took over in the summer of 2024, the Tex-Mex and tequila destination has rocketed up to must-visit status. Located at 2832 Beach Boulevard South in Gulfport, The Drunken Taco has become one of Pinellas County’s hidden gems, now showcasing fresh, never-frozen dishes, a new Mexican brunch, a massive tequila wall, and one of the most enjoyable back patios in all of Gulfport.
The new “Bold & Fresh” menu promises tasty, Mexican street food-inspired eats. From housemade salsa and Hass Avocado guacamole, to handcrafted street tacos and sizzling fajita platters, The Drunken Taco offers the best of Tex-Mex cuisine, and does it without breaking the bank.
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More highlights on the dining menu include blackened mahi fish bites, build-your-own burgers, a grande stuffed burrito, and an excellent array of taco salads. We also appreciate that they mix it up with creative, non-traditional options, such as the Korean BBQ chicken tacos, the Cuban steak tacos, and the loaded “Mexican fries.”
We should also point that The Drunken Taco makes much more than just great Mexican fare. They truly have something for everyone, including mouthwatering 1/2-pound burgers and jumbo hand-tossed wings (both only $10.95 during weekday lunch hours, complete with a side of fries). Lunch runs from 11 am – 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, giving early birds plenty of time to swoop in for a cheap lunch and some all-day happy hour drinks.
Meanwhile, the bar menu stays true to the first half of the cantina’s name, offering a staggering list of 301 tequilas, alongside what may be the best happy hour in town. The Drunken Taco has a wide variety of specialty margaritas and “beach cocktails,” as well as a long list of Mexican, domestic, and local craft beers.
It’s the all-day, every day happy hour we can’t get enough of, though: 2-for-1 giant margaritas, $4 beer pints, $7 vodka doubles, and the group-friendly $35 buckets that come with five beers and five tequila shooters. With all that, you’ll need that hefty burrito to soak it all up.
Elevated Mexican brunch
As The Drunken Taco has undergone its transformation, one of the new stars to emerge has been the Mexican brunch, introduced at the end of 2024. Served on weekends from 10 am – 3 pm, it’s the perfect meal to start the day, and serves as an excellent kickoff for a boozy Saturday or Sunday in the sun.
Like the lunch and dinner menu, the brunch menu at The Drunken Taco is smaller than the often Cheesecake factory-sized menus at many Tex-Mex joints, as the chef emphasizes quality and freshness with a smaller number of dishes.
Take, for instance, the Bionico ($4.99) – a nice, healthy appetizer made with fresh-cut pineapple, cantaloupe and berries, mixed with Greek yogurt and served with zesty tajin and agave. For something more filling, try the Torrejas Mexican French Toast ($10.99): thick-cut brioche soaked in a sweet custard, pan-fried, and topped with churro pieces, sliced banana, fresh berries, cinnamon sugar, and whipped cream. Sign us up.
And of course, you can find staples such as breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, candied bacon, breakfast potatoes, and more. They also have a pair of tantalizing desserts, with handmade dessert nachos or Berry Churros offering a sweet finish to brunch.
Oh, and The Drunken Taco also offers 2-for-1 mimosas and Bloody Marys every Saturday and Sunday until 4 pm.
A cantina oasis in Gulfport
Gulfport is always one of our favorite places to escape the hustle and bustle, thanks to its laid back vibes, thriving arts community, and supremely walkable downtown and waterfront. Under new ownership, The Drunken Taco has transformed to align with Gulfport’s vibrant and quirky personality.
The colorfully redecorated bar and dining rooms give The Drunken Taco a more welcoming aesthetic, while the atmospheric patio in the back may be the best spot for a margarita this side of the Gulf.
We came away highly impressed by The Drunken Taco on our most recent visit, and if you haven’t been since all these changes took place, you may hardly recognize the lively cantina.
Read the story and see the full menus at drunkentacostpete.com, and follow them on Instagram to see the latest events and specials.
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