Red Mesa Cantina hosts a few friends for game, soft opening

ST. PETERSBURG -- Red Mesa Cantina opened for a soft launch tonight, welcoming friends and a few members of the public to watch the BCS Championship college football game.

The restaurant, billing itself as a modern Mexican taqueria and ceviche bar, holds its grand opening on Tuesday. From then on, the expansion of Red Mesa on 4th Street will be open seven days a week.

"This was an opportunity to iron out the kinks," said manager Dean Allen.

Pete Veytia III, whose parents opened Red Mesa on 4th Street 14 years ago, said the cantina offers the same style of food, but in smaller portions. It also features a full liquor bar, which the 4th Street location doesn't offer. A special drink is caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.

"Really, it's more about location," Veytia said.

The family opened the cantina in the space formerly occupied by De Santo, below Push Ultra Lounge at 2nd Avenue South and 3rd Street. It includes a large outdoor dining area with waterfalls and a large sculpture of a mariachi band. Wrestling masks from Mexico city hang above long tables at the bar, named for lucha libre, or free fighting, a Mexican sport.

Dinner entrees, or "platos principales" range from $11, for the chile relleno burrito, to $18 for the grilled swordfish. To see a photos of the menu, click here and here.

Veytia said his family took note when De Santo opened in that location. The chef is Chris Fernandez, who has been with the Veytia family for 17 years, Veytia said.

Push remains open on the upper floors of the building.