Michael Brannock’s lifelong passion for Mexican culture and cuisine culminates in the vibrant flavors of Streetlight Taco, a new South Tampa restaurant. In partnership with Jack Murray and Nick Reader of Michelin-starred Rocca, Brannock aims to redefine the taco experience in Tampa Bay. Since opening its doors at 4004 Henderson Blvd. on January 9th, Streetlight Taco has quickly become a must-visit destination. Let’s explore what makes this taco joint a standout.
A Culinary Concept Rooted in Mexican Authenticity
While not of Mexican heritage himself, Chef Brannock’s deep connection to Mexican culture began in elementary school and deepened through friendships and immersive experiences. Working in North Carolina, he lived and learned alongside Mexican colleagues, absorbing their traditions, hospitality, and culinary secrets passed down through generations. This early exposure ignited a passion for authentic Mexican food, inspiring him to travel extensively throughout Mexico over the past two years. Eight trips across states like Mexico, Puebla, and Oaxaca allowed him to forge relationships with family farms and small food producers, and to truly understand the heart of Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s name, Streetlight Taco, is inspired by the vibrant streetlights illuminating Mexican markets and streets, reflecting the lively and genuine atmosphere Brannock seeks to recreate. His dedication to authenticity is evident in every detail, from ingredient sourcing to menu creation, ensuring a genuine taste of Mexico in Tampa.
The Foundation of Flavor: Authentic Corn and Nixtamalization
Streetlight Taco’s commitment to authentic flavor starts with the very foundation of their tacos – the corn. Brannock sources a variety of corn, including white, blue, pink, and yellow, directly from family farms in Mexico. Sacks of corn, proudly displaying the names of the families who cultivated them, are a testament to this direct sourcing and commitment to quality. The corn undergoes “nixtamalization,” an ancient process where it’s bathed in an alkaline solution. This crucial step removes the pericarp, the corn’s outer layer, unlocks essential nutrients, and infuses the corn with calcium. “It transforms a grain that’s harder to digest into something incredibly nutritious,” Brannock explains, highlighting the process’s importance in Mexican cuisine, where it contributes significantly to calcium intake. The nixtamalized corn is then ground into masa using an 8-inch volcanic stone mill right in the restaurant, ensuring the freshest tortillas and tostadas.
A Space Infused with Mexican Charm
The 2,500-square-foot space of Streetlight Taco offers a minimalist yet inviting ambiance. White walls and light wood furniture create a clean, art gallery-like setting, allowing the vibrant flavors and cultural details to take center stage. A striking mural depicting a woman de-graining corn with a traditional tool serves as an artistic nod to Mexican heritage, bathed in the warm glow of a golden sun. Brannock has also incorporated authentic Mexican ephemera collected from his travels, including pulque scrapers and love letters from the early 20th century, adding layers of history and personality to the space. Vintage Mexican comics adorn tabletops, injecting pops of color and playful nostalgia, complementing the selection of Mexican sodas and unique beverages like single-serve bottled sangria. With seating for 100, Streetlight Taco also caters to modern convenience with a dedicated to-go kiosk and curbside pickup parking, blending traditional flavors with contemporary accessibility. The open kitchen showcases bins of vibrant chilis and colorful corn varieties, further immersing diners in the authentic Mexican culinary experience.
A Menu Beyond Expectations: Exploring Authentic Mexican Dishes
Streetlight Taco’s menu is designed to showcase the incredible diversity of Mexican cuisine, moving beyond typical Tex-Mex fare. While offering familiar favorites, each dish is rooted in the culinary traditions of specific regions throughout Mexico. With menu items ranging from $8 to $25, Streetlight Taco provides an accessible entry point to authentic Mexican flavors.
The guacamole is a testament to simplicity and quality, highlighting fresh avocado and lime with a subtle hint of jalapeno. Served with perfectly crisp and nutty tostadas made from their freshly milled masa, it’s a delightful start to any meal. For queso lovers, Streetlight Taco offers two memorable options. The classic queso is rich and bubbly, with a satisfying stretch and a bright pico de gallo topping. The chipotle queso elevates indulgence with chunky chorizo, creating a decadent and shareable dish.
The star of the show, the tacos, are where Streetlight Taco truly shines. Carnivores will savor the beef picadillo taco, featuring smoky poblano, fontina cheese, and guacamole, or the brisket taco, prepared in the traditional suadero style with crispy seared edges, slow-cooked with homemade sausage, and topped with a complex salsa macha. Vegetarian options are equally enticing, such as the sweet potato taco. Grilled sweet potato, brushed with sesame salsa macha and agave, is caramelized to perfection and paired with goat cheese, pomegranate, and sesame seeds. Sides like grilled zucchini with avocado Goddess dressing and the vibrant Puebla salad with spinach, apples, and pomegranate further showcase the fresh, vegetable-forward approach to Mexican cuisine. Streetlight Taco also offers cemitas, hearty sandwiches made with hand-stretched Oaxacan cheese and bread from local Tampa bakery Jamison B. Dough Joe.
The Bar: A Taste of Mexico Beyond the Plate
Streetlight Taco’s bar extends the authentic Mexican experience with a curated selection of Mexican gin, rum, and wine, alongside beer from Mexico’s oldest brewery. The impressive mezcal and tequila collection, sourced from small family companies, offers a genuine taste of Mexican spirits. Agave distillates from states without naming designations further highlight the diversity of Mexican agave-based beverages. Embracing the cultural significance of mezcal, Brannock shares the saying: “Para todo mal mezcal, y para todo bien también” – “For all bad, mezcal, and for all good, too,” encapsulating the spirit’s versatile role in Mexican life.
Experience Street Light Tacos in South Tampa
Streetlight Taco is located at 4004 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL. They are open Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information and to explore their menu, visit streetlighttacos.com. Discover the true taste of Mexico right here in Tampa at Streetlight Taco.
