Anna Maria Island draws travelers from near and far with its scenic beauty, serene beaches, and Old Florida vibes. While Florida as a whole isn't as known for Mexican cuisine as states such as Texas or California, AMI is home to three distinctly different (yet equally delicious) Mexican restaurants. As locals who appreciate good food, we've selected the best Mexican restaurants around town known for their cold margaritas and authentic flavors.
If you're craving fresh, Cali-style fish tacos, American Tex-Mex, or authentic Mexican dishes infused with the flavors of the Gulf, a quick, delicious taco on the go, or a sit-down meal of sizzlin' fajitas, we've got your top picks right here in Manatee County.
Poppo's Taqueria
Photo Credit: Martin Rettenberger
- Price Range: $$
- Address: 212C Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL
- What to Order: Poppo's Tacos, Veggie Quesadillas
Poppo's Taqueria is one of our favorite spots for Mexican food on Anna Maria Island. Their ethos is simple - use the best ingredients and make sure guests are nothing short of satisfied!
The Story
The family that runs Poppo's got their inspiration from California Mexican restaurants in Oakland and San Francisco. They opened their first restaurant in Anna Maria back in 2013 with just a little money but a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Today, they have several restaurants in the Tampa Bay area.
Au Naturel
Poppo's is known for being a place with fresh, natural, and whole foods. They avoid using ingredients that contain added antibiotics or hormones in their dishes, which earns them even more points in our book. People in the area love Poppo's, both locals and tourists alike.
Fan Favorites
One of the best things to try is their signature offering, Poppo's Taco. It comes with your choice of protein, honey-lime cabbage, pico de gallo, feta cheese, and salsa verde, all in a corn or flour tortilla. They also have a great spread to build your own burritos, tacos, bowls, and quesadillas with lots of homemade sauces to choose from, like the famous jalapeno relish or pineapple hot sauce.
Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill
Photo Credit: Hashem Issam Alshanableh
- Price Range: $$
- Address: 3232 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
- What to Order: Birria Tacos, Margaritas
Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill on Anna Maria Island is more than one of the best restaurants in Holmes Beach; it's the story of a family's dream and cross-country culinary journey.
The Story
The tale of Los Chiludos began with Tera and Jose Lemus selling homemade salsas at local farmers' markets. In 2008, they opened the first Los Chiludos in a small building in Pennsylvania. With their unmatched dedication and mouthwatering creations, they quickly became a local favorite.
Falling in love with Anna Maria Island's charm after a 2015 visit, the Lemus family jumped at the chance to move there. In March 2022, they began building their new restaurant, bringing their unique flavors and traditional dishes to the island.
Chef Jose was born in Mexico City and raised in California, blending traditional Mexican flavors with a fresh and healthy SoCal twist.
Fan Favorites
Los Chiludos offers both dine-in and take-out options, so if you need a night in surrounded by the creature comforts of home at one of our vacation rentals, you're in luck. Our favorite thing to get is the Birria taco dish: slow-simmered beef tacos topped with onion, cilantro, and cheese, served alongside fresh guacamole and savory broth for dipping.
Catering
If you're traveling with the entire extended family or with a large group of friends, Los Chiludos also provides catering services. With everything made fresh daily, be sure you provide the required 24-hour notice for catering orders.
Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach
Photo Credit: Bartosz Luczak
- Price Range: $$
- Address: 101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach, FL
- What to Order: Breakfast Taco Plate, Enchiladas
Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach is a happening spot that brings the flavors and southwest spirit of Austin's Tex-Mex scene to Anna Maria Island. Known for its lively atmosphere, this restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect neighborhood hangout for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You read that right - a Mexican food eatery that serves breakfast!
The Story
The story of Wicked Cantina began with a mission to bring authentic, Austin-style Tex-Mex to the area. The restaurant is locally owned and operated by enthusiasts of Tex-Mex cuisine who are eager to share their passion for Austin's culinary delights with the island's visitors and locals alike. A must-try is their breakfast taco plate - because really, who doesn't love tacos at any time of day?
Live Music
Wicked Cantina's daily live music makes it one of the best restaurants in Bradenton Beach, creating an energetic and exciting environment for anyone looking to share drinks and appetizers with friends.
Happy Hour
Be sure to check out their incredibly generous Happy Hour, which guests can enjoy daily from 12-5 pm and all day on Sundays. Happy Hour specials include discounted hours and flavored margaritas, house drinks, and select beers.
Breakfast and Brunch
One of our favorite parts of Wicked Cantina is their breakfast and brunch service, which is available every day from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. It's a great option for those looking to start their day with delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
At Wicked Cantina, freshness is a priority. Their ingredients are prepped in-house daily, resulting in unbeatable flavors and freshness. The restaurant boasts a fresh, modern, family-friendly vibe, a full liquor bar, and plenty of parking, leaving little to be desired!
Turn Up the Heat at One of AMI's Best Mexican Restaurants
Anna Maria Island is not just a place to take in the serene beaches and picture-perfect sunsets but also a melting pot of vibrant Mexican flavors. From the authentic, no-compromise approach of Poppo's Taqueria to the touching family story of Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill and the lively Austin-inspired Tex-Mex at Wicked Cantina, the island offers plenty of Mexican spots to choose from.
Looking to plan your next visit or satisfy your margarita cravings on AMI? Be sure to check out our vacation rental offerings at Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals. We offer comfortable and conveniently located accommodations, ensuring you're just a hop, skip, and jump away from these tasty Mexican restaurants (and all of the other delicious restaurants on AMI).
Book your Anna Maria Island Beach Rental today!
