Owned by Chris and Jessica Hinkle and their family, Fusion Street Eatery (422 Patricia Ave., Dunedin) stands out as a hidden gem serving mouthwatering Latin fare, including generous taco and Cuban sandwich boxes. “I grew up in a predominantly Latin area in Tampa,” says Chris. “I always wondered why no one had opened a spot where you could get Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Mexican food all in one place—so I did. We also offer Venezuelan, Cuban, and Colombian dishes.”

While the menu includes a variety of Latin staples, Fusion Street Eatery specializes in street and birria tacos. The street tacos stick to a traditional, simple, and delicious formula. Made with homemade corn tortillas, the tacos feature a choice of protein—shrimp, pork, steak, chicken, or vegetarian options like jackfruit and tofu—then topped with onion, cilantro, and salsa verde. “People call us their neighborhood taco dealer,” Chris says.

Birria tacos, another popular choice, are prepared by slow-stewing beef shank in a rich birria broth. After separating the meat from the shank, the corn tortillas are dipped in the flavorful broth, seared until crispy, and topped with Chihuahua cheese. Finally, they’re stuffed with the tender birria meat. While traditionally made with beef, Fusion Street offers this cooking style for all their proteins upon request.

Taco and Cuban sandwich boxes

What excites us the most are the massive taco and Cuban sandwich boxes. The taco boxes come with 20 tacos, and you can choose up to four different proteins. Available in either street or birria styles, the street-style box costs $55, while the birria-style is $65. Be sure to order your taco box at least an hour in advance. If you’re craving a Cuban, the sandwich box is also a fantastic option.

Both are affordable, given the generous portions and high quality, making them a great budget-friendly choice for parties and family gatherings. “We focus on locals and families; we want to be the neighborhood spot, and we love that,” says Chris.

Follow Fusion Street Eatery on Instagram