1625 4th St. South, St. Petersburg • 727-851-9579
St. Pete’s newest Mexican restaurant has just opened about five minutes from Beach Drive. El Gallo Grande offers “authexican” cuisine, according to co-owner Phil Farley, but it may be its hand-crafted signature Margaritas that will win it the most accolades. Farley’s partners, Javier and Carlina Sarabia, see to it that the food is truly authentic, with everything made from scratch, and the drinks are generous and delicious.
Colorful murals by the VItales welcome you both inside and outside, with a “big rooster” overlooking the parking area and a portrait of a sultry Maria Felix (Mexico’s Marilyn Monroe) outside the entrance. “El Gallo Grande” welcomes you on a large Vitale-created sign. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu already has locally-acclaimed entrees, such as Camarones a la Diabla (sautéed shrimp prepared with a cream-chipotle sauce). Pair that with the famous El Fuego y Hielos margarita, and you’ve officially gone South-of-the-Border “authexican!”
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.