Lunch at Taco Ola!

We are on a Mexican trend in Seminole Heights.  Two weeks ago, Taco Ola! opened up on the corner of Sligh and Florida avenues.  This tiny little taco joint claimed to serve up traditional Mexican tacos which is a boast I had to go investigate.

Taco Ola! is a small restaraunt with only a few two-person tables in a tight space.  While it is possible to eat there, and we did, this is really a take-away place.  The only ambiance that matters here is service and ours was very pleasant and helpful. 

The menu is very inexpensive and highly competitive with fast food joints.  Tacos can be had for under $2.00 each, with a Tuesday/Wednesday special of $1.49.   Something on the menu that I did not try are the "mexican wings".  These are seasoned with Mexican flavors and while I was there for the tacos, they were tempting. 

I ordered the chicken tacos, two of them, with beans and rice.  The heart of a real taco is the meat. Everything else is just an accessory.   Grilled, stewed, fried, or roasted, the meat should be the primary flavor.  Taco Ola!'s chicken was done nicely with a lot of flavor and moisture.  My lunch partner had the beef (asada) and was similarly impressed.  Each taco is made of two soft corn tortillas with a primary filling of meat and a small amount of white cabbage and onions.  A key lime was served alongside.  Simple and, yes, authentic.    The rice had a seasoning I could not place and was good.  The beans were even better.  A close friend of mine, the daughter of Mexican immigrants in Southern California, used to cook me beans like this whenever I was visiting.  In fact, you could get a meal just like this in one of many homes all over the California farm country.

Bottom line is, you can never go wrong with food like this.  Inexpensive, quick, and from the heart.  Next time you're thinking about heading to a fast food restaurant, give Taco Ola! a chance.  You won't find higher quality food this fast and inexpensive.

Hours: Tues - Sat, 11am - 8pm, Sun, Noon - 6pm
Phone: 813-234-4090
Address: 6828A N Florida Ave, Tampa Fl