Red Mesa Cantina

Had the chicken and pork tacos! Happy to report no cross contam or sickness, but I won’t say I was deeply impressed by the taste of the food

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

We were pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. The server was knowledgable about menu and GF options. The fryer does have cross contamination so skipped the chips. Had shrimp and fish tacos and a delicious margarita. Food was really good.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

My server was knowledgeable about celiac, as his dad has it. He had suggestions and didn’t hesitate to ask the kitchen questions.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

I had to ask multiple people about cooking my food separately and reiterate the importance of cross contamination. It was frustrating and difficult to enjoy because I still wasn’t 100% sure they understood but they must have because I didn’t get sick. I will definitely be trying again because the food was great! Just one of those places you might have to take even more extra steps when advocating for yourself.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We decided to go here since there were good reviews. I asked about the chips and they informed us that the chips were not safe since there is only one fryer. I had two shrimp tacos with corn tortillas, they were excellent as far as taste. Within an hour I had symptoms appearing and it is two days later and I am still not feeling well. That being said, I am very sensitive, so if you're, please take precautions. My 3 stars is for safety and not the quality of the food and atmosphere.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great food. Arrived at opening and I had no issues.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Very good. The enchiladas could be ‘MGF’ by putting them on a corn tortilla. Will be back.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Very delicious

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Yes. The waitress spoke with the kitchen to ensure safety.

I had 3 tacos. Duck, shrimp, fish. All very good. Duck amazing.

Great outdoor environment.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

Very safe, lots of GF options with a menu that is clearly marked. The staff was also very knowledgeable, before I could ask they let me know they fry all the chips in the beginning of the day to avoid cross contamination.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Some of the best food I’ve had in St. Pete! Great vibe, knowledgeable staff on Celiac.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Everything that we had was excellent! Service was great, definitely recommend the tacos! Corn tortillas were delicious. Server knew which tacos I could/could not have. Recommend the duck!!!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

They change gloves.

Amazing

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I’ve eaten there twice. There’s a very small GF menu and the first time I went everything was fine. The second time, I ordered the same thing and got REALLY sick afterwards. The odd thing was, our server was overly concerned with making sure my food was safe, which makes me think that they just don’t understand in the kitchen the importance of avoiding cross-contamination...I don’t know. I do know that I will never go here again.

Celiac friendly?

No

Not much selection on the gf menu and many of the dishes that were on it would normally be served with chips (ceviche etc) but they don't have gf chips. I had the shrimp dish though and it was amazing.

Had 3 items "Gluten Free" during brunch. Asked for the Chicken dish, but they were out of it. Just drank tequila, hence the 2 stars.

Had the pork al pastor tacos. Could also order tamales. No GF tortilla chips, they share a fryer.

While they do offer a gluten free menu, it is very limited and frankly, quite boring. Their quality seems to have gone down. I have never gotten sick from their food, but feel their service and food have gone downhill.

Celiac friendly?

No

Their gluten free menu stated they would not guarantee or prepare gluten free food on a safe non contaminated workspace. Chips and corn tortillas were not gluten free. The only option really was a steak or chicken but again could not be guaranteed gluten free. The service was nice but the food tasted terrible very greasy and the gluten free food made me sick. Please avoid if you are highly allergic or have celiac you will get sick.

Celiac friendly?

No

I have eaten at this restaurant 3 times and have not had a problem. In fact, I love it, because I come prepared and bring my own gluten-free tortilla chips! I just let them know I brought my own chips and to bring out a salsa for my friends and an extra one for me so my friends don't cross contaminate me.

I usually order one of the ceviches that has shrimp and fish or the one that has just shrimp, a sweet salsa, and avocado slices. They are so good. For a side, I ask for the rice with beans. If you stick to those items, you are totally fine. The only down side about the salsa is that they will charge you $2 a bowl. Other than that, I love those items and always come here to get my salsa fix.

The only thing on their menu that is truly gf is their Shrimp El Mojo, which is very good. one of their bartenders has Celiac and she told me nothing else there was safe. The tortillas are handmade and corn but made around other flours and wheat ingredients. The chips are made in a dedicated fryer but have a risk of cross contamination. the atmosphere is amazing and they have a great happy hour with $3 wine.

Not really gluten friendly and over priced. Outstanding atmosphere and the food looked and smelled delicious. However options are extremely limited and not their core Mexican food. Don't recommend and won't be back.

They offer very little on the menu that's actually gf. You could get guacamole, but you can't eat the chips bc they are fried with other wheat products. The duck and chicken tacos were good, but $4 per taco without any sides is really expensive. I left hungry and had to go elsewhere to actually eat a meal. I wouldn't go back.

Celiac friendly?

No

Food was good and staff knowledgeable. They could easily answer all our questions about the menu and food prep. The gluten free menu was limited and probably should be updated since half the entrees listed were no longer on their menu.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Everytime I have eaten here the staff has worked to accomodate me, and I've always had a great experience. Now they have a gluten free menu. Hooray! food is great, innovative, very cool patio/garden, good bar, dining room noisy but fun. I'll be stopping by more often.