09/27/09

Best Mexican food on Tampa Bay

by varc82

I went to Estelas whith a Group of friends for my birthday the server ofered the 2x 1 margaritas for me it was a very nice deal we sat outside we have few margaritas and then dinner the best service ever , I think they've been working on something's because the service was much better than last time

• Pros: Amazing food , Best Margaritas , Very good service
• Cons: Any

07/27/09

Awful Customer Service

by ralphie93560

Save your money & go somewhere else. Awful service - would not honor the entertainment book coupon, 20 minute plus lapses without seeing waitress, took 3 attempts to get the bill correct. I'll never return to any Estela's and I am one that must have a REALLY bad experience to say that

• Pros: Food Just ok
• Cons: Service & attitude towards customer service

07/25/08

Way overpriced happy hour drinks, good chips and salsa, underwhelming staff.

by burnettsk

Not too bad if you don't mind paying $8.50 for a 6-8 ounce Margarita with no tequila in site. The (not so) happy hour allegedly included a free appetizer (the waitress said this was the reason for the high price). The appetizer was 4 shrimp shared by the whole table. To be fair, the entree was not too shabby as was the chips and salsa. Please be aware of the Dale Mabrey location's bar. Service was slow and unapologetic.

• Pros: Good considering shortage of decent Mexican restaurants.
• Cons: Overpriced bar and substandard staff.

04/21/08

perfect mix of davis island and mexico

by kg86

good quality mexican dishes, great happy hour with fishbowl margaritas. very nice patio, with good service and usually prompt seating. staff is mostly spanish but understands and communicates very well. would highly recommend, due to the very casual and laid-back davis island attitude.

• Pros: patio, davis island, happy hour, authentic mexican
• Cons: parking on DI, live music is either hit-or-miss

11/26/06

Prompt service & good food

by badger2

My wife & I had a very good experience dining at Estela's on S Dale Mabry. We were seated promptly outside (as we requested) and had chips & salsa in no time. Our orders came quickly thereafter (chicken quesadilla & enchiladas), which were also very good. While not the best Mexican food we've ever had, the service & quality were worthy of a second visit. NOTE: though we were served alcohol while seated outside, we later learned that they don't have a license to serve alcoholic beverages outdoors .... our server's inadvertent mistake ... so, bear this in mind when sitting outside!

• Pros: Prompt service; good food for the money
• Cons: Atmosphere so-so

11/12/05

Poor Service overshadows good food

by pitsa66

It is really a shame that such good Mexican food is packaged with such poor service. The last 2 times we went to Estela's, they messed up our orders. In addition, I have had an easier time flagging down a cabbie in NY than getting a server's attention at this place. Just having a location on the trendy Davis Island doesn't isn't enough to overcome the rest. If they straightened out the service, I would gladly return and recommend it to others.

It is also important to note that the second Estela's on S. Dale Mabry is far and away superior in it's customer service. My advice is that if you want great Mexican food and great service, go to Estela's on S. Dale Mabry.

• Pros: Good Food, Location, Atmosphere
• Cons: Service

04/27/05

User review by amyalexander00

by amyalexander00

Great food, nice atmosphere...the service could use improvement, but overall it is AWESOME! I recommend the steak burrito!!!

• Pros: Inexpensive, Tasty
• Cons: Parking

Enjoy authentic specialties, people watch and sip chilled margaritas on the patio.

by Contributor

The Scene
Situated in the sleepy Davis Island business district, it's the perfect place for nachos, burritos and many other Mexican favorites. Clean and cheerful inside, the patio is a prime people-watching spot.

The Food
In addition to the Mexican dishes that everyone knows and loves, Estela's serves house specials with a bold and spicy accent. Chile poblanos, pollo champerico and shrimp a la diablo (as in hot, hot, hot diablo) are some of the authentic recipes featured on the menu along with daily specials. Estela's is owned and operated by a family that takes great pride in the freshness of the food. In fact, your 100 percent satisfaction with food and service is guaranteed with every order of fajitas, ceviche (marinated shrimp with tomato, onion, and cilantro), enchiladas and more.

09/15/02

what happened?

by davidnsummer

this place has gone so downhill in recent years it's depressing.

What used to be great food at a great value has sincerely gone to the dogs. The food was inexcusably bad for the price and left me never wanting to go back.

You'd be happier with Don Pablo's or Rio0 Bravo. Wow, I never thought I'd say that...

06/09/02

REAL Mexican..no fillers!

by Yourguytim

Estella's is absolutely wonderful...and when you order a chicken burrito, it is filled with chicken, sauce, and seasonings. At the other places, it's stuffed with rice, beans and assorted fillers. You know the places I'm talking about. Service is fast, and the chips and fresh salsa are always complimentary. If you REALLY wanna kick it out, try their margaritas! The menu is very extensive, and it's all good here, that's why we keep coming back!

• Pros: Inexpensive, Large portions, Fresh ingredients