A popular Austin-born fast-casual restaurant known for their self-professed “damn good tacos” will debut this winter in west St. Pete. Torchy’s Tacos is taking over an outparcel building adjacent to Tyrone Square Mall previously occupied by Pollo Tropical at 2314 Tyrone Boulevard North.

Interior build-out of the 3,650 square foot space has already begun and will cost an estimated $950,000 according to plans recently filed with the City of St. Pete.

On the menu are a variety of made-to-order tacos, including the Trailer Park, which is inspired by Torchy’s beginnings in an Austin food trailer. The taco consists of fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheddar jack cheese with poblano sauce. Order it “trashy” to substitute the lettuce for queso.

Torchy’s also has vegan options, such as the Fried Avocado taco which is topped with refried pinto beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, and cheddar jack cheese with Poblano sauce. 

Although the lunch and dinner tacos get all the attention, we’ve been told not to sleep on the breakfast tacos. There are seven to choose from, such as The Wrangler which is piled high with eggs, potatoes, smoked beef brisket, cheese, and tomatillo sauce. 

If a taco isn’t enough to fill you up, there are a handful of sides available as well. Some customers swear by the green chile queso which is topped with guacamole, cotija cheese, cilantro, and diablo sauce. Other sides include street corn, refried beans, and Mexican rice.

To complete the Torchy’s experience, wash it all down with a frozen house-made margarita or a local beer. Happy hour will run Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

With locations scattered across 14 states, the 15-year-old taco chain opened their 100th restaurant at the end of 2021. The St. Pete location will mark the first in Florida, however Altamonte Springs and Orlando outposts are also in the works.