TAMPA, Fla. — A South Tampa taqueria was recognized by the Michelin Guide with an award for offering great prices on high-quality dishes.
Streetlight Taco is a restaurant on Henderson Boulevard that prides itself on its fresh tortilla dough, called masa, and hand-pressed tortillas.
"From the black-painted, exposed ductwork to the tables lacquered with Mexican comics to the open kitchen, this fast-casual spot delivers on contemporary flair," one Michelin Guide inspector wrote. "...and Chef Michael Brannock’s food isn't pulling any punches, either."
The star of Streetlight's menu is, of course, the tacos. There are the classics like chicken tinga tacos, carnitas and steak tacos which include unique complimentary ingredients like avocado goddess aioli, jalapeño chicharron and salsa borracha. Then there are specialties like one highlighted in Michelin's review:
"The Japanese eggplant taco with an heirloom bean puree and a chile onza salsa has just the right amount of kick."
Any order of two tacos costs $11, no matter the flavor.
Streetlight Taco was previously added to Florida's Michelin Guide for 2024 released in February. The new announcement of the Bib Gourmand award sets the taqueria apart from the six other Tampa restaurants in the Michelin guide because it's the only one that got kudos for leaving customers "with a sense of satisfaction, at having eaten so well at such a reasonable price," according to Michelin's website.
Customers can also enjoy the chef's take on tostadas with beets or crab, as well as 'doriesquites', which are nacho-flavored Dorito chips topped with esquites (a mix of corn, mayo, hot sauce and cheese). There are also dips that vary from mild to spicy, including quesos, salsas and guacamole that run anywhere from $8 to $12.
The restaurant has a full bar and features small dishes from the 'mercado' section. Things like wood-grilled zucchini and corn run for $5 a piece, and sides like papitas, rice and puerco beans are around the same price.
Streetlight Taco is open every day except Monday and opens at 11:30 a.m. It closes at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday and at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
There will be an official ceremony to honor the restaurants from Tampa, Orlando and Miami featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide on Thursday, April 18 at the Tampa EDITION hotel.