Red Mesa Cantina open!
Here's a NYEve treat for you. Chef Chris Fernandez will be serving a five-course meal in the courtyard of the brand new Red Mesa Cantina, at the site of the defunct De Santo (128 3rd St S., St. Petersburg). The dinner will consist of chef's selections from the new menu and a bottle of wine. There will be two seatings one from 7 to 9 p.m. and the other from 9:30 until whenever the party's over, ya know. The first seating will be $100 a plate and the second will be $125 a plate. After the second seating, guests will be able to use the table for the rest of the evening. Call quickly for reservations, (727) 510-0034.
"He who distinguishes the true savor of his food can never be a glutton; he who does not cannot be otherwise." 
$100 a plate? Nothing is that good. This is why other downtown restaurants have failed recently. Unreasonably high prices. The demand simply isn't there.
Posted by: Adam | December 30, 2008 at 11:59 PM
I got the email too.
I have to agree with Adam, $100-$125 for Mexican? Outdoors? And they don't even tell you in the email what's actually on the menu, nor do they mention champagne or live music, both of which are a prerequisite for those prices. Sheesh!
Even Roys is lower, $49 to about $80 (without the wine) for a gourmet feast, depending on entree choice:
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/pdf/newyears08/2008_NYE_tampa.pdf
Posted by: Jersey Girl | December 31, 2008 at 08:11 AM
THE DISHES ARE NOT THAT EXPENSIVE. ACTUALLY THEY ARE MUCH MUCH CHEAPER AND THE FOOD IS DELISH! SO YOU ALL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!!! RED MESA CANTINA IS THE HOTTEST SPOT DOWNTOWN TO DINE!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sheena | January 10, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Sheena, you sound like a robot, but it is true. I have seen their menu and the prices are really cheap. You can get really great stuff for $4.
Posted by: Mike | January 13, 2009 at 12:10 PM
They have a diffrent menu late night that is cheaper. Great food and drinks and open till 3am on Saturdays.
Posted by: Andrea | January 14, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Went to lunch on MLK day during the parade..wasn't worth the hassle of parking to eat here. Don't get me wrong on a normal day parking would been fine but I would still hesitate to go back to this Red Mesa. Sauces were not described when asked and this was a big problem being a vegetarian and receiving meat sauce described as a red sauce.Our waiter was polite but was unable to substitue anything on the menu. Not big requests either. We asked if we could pay the difference on some menu items to have the substitutions..the answer "from the owner" was NO. So my answer is "no" if anyone asked if they should try the new Red Mesa. Counting ourselves there were 3 tables with people at the time of this service. I will continue to go to the 4th street location as I have always had a great experience there.
Posted by: Kerry | January 20, 2009 at 12:11 PM
We tried the new Red Mesa Cantina tonight and loved it! I had the pork steak and it was incredible! The server we had was knowledgeable of the menu and was very helpful with suggestions. We will be back. It is now my favorite spot for dinner - downtown.
Posted by: Chip | January 20, 2009 at 09:21 PM
I don't know about "great stuff for $4" - just a mouthful maybe - was there last night and had 3 apps - VERY SMALL wine glass was a 2oz pour for $8 - in this economy?? - they are NOT going to last - they will go by the wayside like the last place in that corner with PRICEY$$$ menu. But just to be fair - went in for lunch today to see if better - $15 for 2 bites of soft Taco and a salad (miniscule) - better value elsewhere. Last visit.
Posted by: Patti | January 23, 2009 at 04:50 PM
That was for a SPECIAL event.
This place ROCKS..... Nothing like it in Tampabay, we actually like it better than Civeche's...
Posted by: Dave | March 05, 2009 at 05:42 PM
I have been back at night to give this place another shot..was very impressed with our waitress this time. Most of the food was just good, Sangria was great and so was the atmosphere.Fun place to go, but for great food I would go half a block up to Buono Vita.
Posted by: Kerry | March 21, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Lunch was wonderful. After reading all the comments above, I was expecting small portions, and expensive meal but was pleasantly surprised. Bueno Vita is terric too, but if you're lookng for interesting mexican fusion, Red Mesa Cantina was a real hit. Can't wait to try something different next time.
PS Parking in St. Petrsburg's downtown has been a hassle for years... It has NOTHING at all to do with banks, restaurants, theatres, bars or hair salons! The parking problems are typical of a city whose cultural hub is growing!! RELAX...Enjoy...It's all good!
Posted by: Robin | March 25, 2009 at 07:23 PM
I have to say I was really excited about Red Mesa Cantina opening in downtown. I work downtown and always am looking for great places to have lunch and take clients. I love Red Mesa. I usually eat there once a week. However, I was deeply disappointed by Red Mesa Cantina. I am a petite girl and generally eat small portions, but these portions were even too small for me! I ordered a shrimp taco and a steak taco and both barely had any meat in them. The taste was ok but nothing spectacular. They have such a great appetizer and lunch/dinner menu at the original restaurant. I think they need to redo their menu. Until then I will take the time to drive up 4th to the original Red Mesa.
Posted by: tabitha | April 13, 2009 at 01:45 AM