Happy Cactus Mexican Cocina

Absolutely delicious. My girlfriend will eat Mexican any time of the day or night. If it was up to her that’s all we would eat for the rest of our lives. So when I tell you she’s had Mexican at almost every restaurant in Tampa, it’s not a joke.

It’s very hard to top or even come close to her favorite Mexican restaurant which is called Papasitos but Happy Cactus is almost there.

The food was delicious, the portion sizes are huge. I love all of it. Highly recommend you come and eat in. The decorations and atmosphere also make this place amazing.

Believe all the 5-Star reviews! Wanted good Mexican food after a day on Honeymoon Island and found this place. It’s in a strip mall next to a bingo hall, but don’t let that turn you away. The quality of food, choices, and service were all stellar. I had enchiladas and my wife had a vegetable quesadilla. We also had an order of their homemade guacamole, which was amazing. Our happy energetic server brought out the customary complimentary basket of chips with salsa, but the chips were anything but customary. They were the best homemade Mexican restaurant chips that we have ever had… crispy, fresh, had that unmistakable freshly made authentic on the spot flavor, and not at all greasy - simply perfect. The bathrooms at this restaurant were impeccably clean and had beautiful Mexican art ceramic wash bowls. I poked my head into the order counter and gave the cooks and kitchen staff a thumbs-up. They were all smiling and humbled in receiving the compliment.

Awesome find! I live around the corner and I am coming back to this restaurant! All the food is freshly made and well served. Portions are very generous and prices very reasonable. Sauces and meats are freshly made and tastes delicious. Best Mexican I've had since I've been in Florida wow!

Fresh, made to order, delicious, authentic Mexican food. Clean, vibrant decor, maybe a tad too loud authentic Mexican music... Family owned and ran, and you can feel the pride in their product. Prices are competitive. Had the soup and some quesabirrias tacos. Everything was on point. The sliced avocado in the soup blew me away. They're next to a bingo hall and a European deli in a busy little shopping center of Alt 19 and the causeway. Really enjoyed it. Great experience!

Always great Mexican food. We return every few weeks and have a great experience every time. Margaritas are great too. They have chips for free, but they want you to ask for them so that each person can get them as fresh as possible. So remember, always ask for chips 👍. The food itself is wonderful, and everyone I've taken here has liked it.