New Mexican restaurant, bar is attracting a following in East Manatee, Lakewood Ranch
Restaurant veteran Luz Nevarez created a new go-to gathering spot when she opened Takos Cantina Mexican Cuisine in December.
Tasty, authentic food, festive ambiance and a helpful, friendly staff all help take diners to a happy place. There’s no mistaking the cheerful buzz.
Takos Cantina, 5770 Ranch Lake Blvd. in Ranch Lake Plaza, is near Lakewood Ranch at the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 70.
“Business has really been good so far,” assistant manager Ana Sanchez said this week.
Any discussion of Takos Cantina really begins, and ends, with the drink and food menu.
Some of the more popular selections include the Birria Tacos (three soft, hand-made corn tortilla tacos stuffed with braised birria (beef), cilantro, onion and cheese, served with consomé) for $14, and Churrasco (Cuban-style skirt steak garnished with chimichurri sauce and served with white rice, black beans and yucca) for $20, Sanchez said.
Wait staff member Natalia Castro recommends the enchiladas. A favorite is the traditional enchilada filled with your choice of ground beef, shredded beef or shredded chicken, topped with red sauce and shredded jack cheese. It is served with expertly cooked Jasmine rice and beans.
Takos Cantina has separate lunch and dinner menus, and the offerings are extensive. For dinner, guests can choose from chicken, steak, fajita, pork, taco, chimichangas, enchiladas, seafood and vegetarian sections. There is also a children’s menu.
For dessert, some of the selections include fried ice cream and flan.
“We have a Mexican burger, too, with bacon, cheese, jalapeno and grilled onions,” Sanchez said.
And yes, there is a full bar, too, offering a variety of tequilas, mezcal, wine, craft cocktails and shooters.
Takos Cantina is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
The restaurant also offers takeout and catering.
For more information, call 941-201-6594 or visit https://www.facebook.com/takoscantina
