La Teresita Restaurant

Approval Rate: 86%

86%Approval ratio

Reviews 46

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  • by

    citysearchuser_1479a5_2061729886

    Sat Aug 02 2008

    At the Columbus & Himes area La Teresita - Prices are low, tons of food, great cafe, clean, friendly, and the food is so great you get so fu...

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    floridarobert1_81c3c

    Tue May 13 2008

    24 hours a day and not bad. Actually it is pretty good, though at 3am the customers are sort of scary, but then I didn't look in the mirror. I went back for lunch, again again at least one a week. Going to keep coming every time I'm in this area. OH.. and it is close to the airport and football stadium... Go there.. but keep in mind it is a COUNTER DINNER, not a restaurant.

  • by

    pluto11476f4

    Thu Mar 20 2008

    Being from a Cuban family and eating authentic Cuban food all my life I can actually say that this restaurant has changed its true flavor which I don't say is wrong becuase they may be after a larger spectrum of people. Food at La Teresita to a Cuban is like Olive Garden is eating authentic Italian food to an Italian or Don Papblos is to a Mexican.

  • by

    memphisgirl111_f4649

    Sun Feb 24 2008

    Our son and girlfriend (Cuban) treated us to a wonderful meal with good service! They were patient with our questions and nice. They even treated me to a free dessert to take home! We will make this a regular stop to our visits! Thank you to a wonderful experience in Cuban hospitality and great food!

  • by

    chittlin1c1784

    Fri Jan 25 2008

    You will find none better in food and price. There is no atmosphere here, just local diner type surroundings. Clean and comfortable. No tables, just a series of counter seats. The food is really good. I enjoyed the "collard green soup" which I tried at the suggestion of my cousin who used to live in the area. It was great! I highly suggest this place for the food. Try the coffee too! Good at both breakfast and dinner. If you are a regular ole American, you will feel you have stepped off into Cuba. They are friendly though. They struggled to understand my Tennessee Southern dialect!

  • by

    egoh510112153

    Sun Oct 28 2007

    My fiance and I are soooo glad that we looked up citysearch for cheap eats in Tampa cuz we found La Teresita! La Teresita is more like a diner than a restaurant, but not only is the food cheap but it is soooooooo good! The ropa vieja is so tasty + you get 2 sides ( i picked the moro rice and fried plantains) -- all for $7 bucks! Can't beat that. They also serve you this HOT toasted bread on top of everything else! We brought three other friends back to la teresita --and they were all impressed with the food and price :)

  • by

    user03281fabd8

    Sun Jul 22 2007

    nasty realy nasty i dont come back sorry nasty realy nasty i dont come back sorry nasty realy nasty i dont come back sorry nasty realy nasty i dont come back sorry

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    livingntaste10_5f5e

    Fri May 11 2007

    We love this place for lunch or dinner! Great food! My favorites are 'Rope Veja' and their OX-tail!! 'Rope Veja' is only available on Fridays and OX-Tail is only available on Wed or Thursdays...Its better if you go with someone who speaks English since most of their staff don't really speak lots English, excellent food with outstanding inexpensive prices. Not the most clean Restaurants, but great food...

  • by

    mb1416901f

    Thu Apr 05 2007

    The food is great but the service is really bad. If you go to this place keep in mind that you are paying only for the food not for the service.

  • by

    robertofdc17f8_aa

    Fri Sep 15 2006

    Very good food, sorrounded by a friendly atmosphere. The service is very quick so you dont have to wait to long for the delicious dishes. On the top of everything, the food is very affordable. Great place in the heart of Tampa !!!!

  • by

    faeriemary16fb_5f

    Fri Jul 21 2006

    La Teresita's is bar-none some of the best cuban food in tampa. i can't believe the huge portions of food they give and how little money each dish costs ($5-$10 each). the building is so great -- it's very old and has alot of personality to it. the service is great also -- usually very prompt and always friendly. the arroz amarillo y platanos fritos (yellow rice and fried plantains) are especiallly delicious. any of the meat dishes are quite savory as well -- very generous portions of the meat are always served. try the sangria!!! ooooooo so good! i think it's the best locally-made sangria. two thumbs up!

  • by

    bmallicote1940_20

    Thu Jan 12 2006

    I am by no means cuban, but I know good food. This place has some of the best cuban food that I have found in Tampa. All of the cooked dishes come with enough food to serve 2 people, but it is so good you will want to eat ALL of it. The prices are unbelievable!!! Almost every dish is under $10, with the average dish coming in around $6. I do wish they served the Ropa Vieja was served every night since that is my favorate dish.

  • by

    angelfishes696_9ad8c2

    Sat Dec 10 2005

    i have been here a few times with others and not by choice..I think this food has alot to be desired and is nothing less than a Latin name, the steaks are nothing but fat and gristle, and the "authentic dishes " are far from authentic.. What a disappointment...

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    citysearchuser_1adb5d16600628_42

    Tue Sep 20 2005

    This is a restaurant that everyone in Tampa should go to at least once just to try their authentic Spanish cuisine. You can choose to dine ...

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    contributor11f_f7e

    Sun Aug 28 2005

    The Scene Inexpensive Spanish and Cuban restaurants are patronized daily by locals who know a good thing when they taste it. Among the best is this busy, bustling restaurant located in a Spanish neighborhood. It has both counter service, which is almost as fast as McDonald's, and a sit-down dining room. The prices are so low you'll find it's a favorite with large families. The Food Traditional Cuban and Spanish dishes are served in gaping portions. Rope vieja, which translates from Spanish to mean "old clothes," is a favorite, served on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The meat is so thoroughly cooked in spices and tomatoes, it falls apart in succulent shreds. Steaming black beans and rice come on the side along with hot, crusty Cuban bread. Finish with a cup of cafe con leche. It just may be the best in town.

  • by

    citysearchuser_1e813b_62403327

    Fri Aug 05 2005

    I love this resturant. The food is always great, cheap and you get lots of it! I have been here several times. They have a nice set up for b...

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    citysearchuser_1c4032

    Tue Jul 12 2005

    La Teresita Restaurant is a latin restaraunt. They have authentic spanish food and deserts. The roast pork is the best. They have a very ...

  • by

    anamaville10f8_f6

    Thu Jul 07 2005

    This place is gross.... The worst cuban food I've ever tried....This place is falling a parts... how people can eat there? To try real and delicious cuban food you gotta go to miami,,, there is not place in Tampa to eat REAL CUBAN food

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    jlr_19741a29dd

    Wed Mar 16 2005

    Forget the overpriced, slick Cuban places in Ybor and head west to Tampa's real Latino neighborhood. Here, you'll get the best -- and probably the cheapest -- Cuban in town. The sandwiches and dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef) are excellent, but this place really shines when it comes to the standards. The black beans and rice is incredible (order the yellow rice) and the cafe con leche is tasty (get the large). Expect to spend around $5-$10 for a full meal, half of which you'll have to take home. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Tampa!

  • by

    mswitzer1ce3e4

    Sat Aug 30 2003

    Excellent food, very nice menu with daily specials, comfortable family/neighborhood feel/ambience, reliable service, adequate parking, implausibly low prices for ample quantity (take-home box almost always needed), consistent overall quality----clearly all the factors needed for a top rating- despite a sprinkling of ratings by those who seem to hate the place or its management for some obscure reasons. probably unrelated to food or service.

  • by

    angielam101ff9

    Wed Jul 23 2003

    I was a little hesitant when we arrived at the restaurant, since the place looked a bit rundown. But after taking a closer look, we realized the original building (terrra cotta color) was closed down. They are now opened directly next to that building and it's called La Teresita Cafateria. We loved the food. Neither of us knew what to expect since the only other time we had Cuban food was at La Columbia. Great prices and awesome food!!!

  • by

    robuno78129bef

    Sat Feb 22 2003

    From the beginning I was impressed by the looks of the place. It was classy-looking; reminscent of a Miami restaurant. After settling in I discovered a somewhat non-lengthy menu, but it sure did have most of the Cuban essentials. I ordered some croquetas as an appetizer, and they were nothing short of excellent - great price too. For the main dish I had a fish stuffed with shrimp which was fresh and tender. The rice and black beans that I ordered to accompany were also fresh. I was definitely satisfied. I had no room for dessert; but then again, being stuffed by the end of a meal is a must at a Cuban restaurant. At the end I was awestruck by an a very low price for such a complete meal. Conclusion: You don't need to go all the way to Miami for a good, inexpensive Cuban meal.

  • by

    lillytsilva1e7_08c

    Fri Feb 07 2003

    I do recoment La teresita for great food, easy parking and very good service. Its nice restaurant for friends and family.

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    kaeden1d5562

    Thu Feb 06 2003

    Awsome man......nuff said.good value for the buck. No refills on the drinks,but freat food.

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    dianasipple1a8_63c

    Thu Feb 06 2003

    I thought this resteraunt was awful. I found weird stuff like a french fry in my chicken. Not the best place in town for sure

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    thequeenbee201_b30b5

    Tue Feb 04 2003

    I have leaved in Tampa all of my life and the food is still great at La Teresita. I have been going there since I was a little girl.

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    tradermaxxer19_2417

    Fri Jan 31 2003

    Inexpensive, authentic Cuban . Try it quickly, sucess may be making changes to a real, original Florida hang-out.

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    vavoomy1614ae

    Tue Jan 28 2003

    Although the items on the menu are authentic Cuban dishes, the ambiance of this dive is not why people flock here. The food is simple, but good, and very cheap. Just dont bring a first date here.

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    lrachelle1f1c0_c

    Thu Jan 16 2003

    You cant find a better deal in TAMPA. Awesome food for nearly nothing. How do they stay in business?

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    koll471089c4

    Mon Jan 13 2003

    The best cuban food for the money. My favorite is the garlic shrimp....it's the best scampi you'll have. Have it over yellow rice w/ black beans. It's almost heaven (you must love garlic, if not get the ropa.

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    thayerjim162a6_a

    Thu Jan 09 2003

    Great filet milanesa and fried plantains. Too much food for a normal appetite but great prices. The Pinellas Park location is a favorite.

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    tbbolts841b041_4

    Wed Nov 13 2002

    Food is good, prices are good. Only problem I ran into once is that I decided to use my debit card, the waitress actually came up to me while I was in line to pay for my meal and asked me "Aren't you going to leave a tip?" I was going to write the tip through my debit card. If that wasn't tacky, then I don't know what tacky is. Needless to say, a tip was not given after that. I will give the resteraunt a good rating though, just remember to bring CASH or you'll be harrassed.

  • by

    dforet1d03b6

    Sun Oct 27 2002

    Many years ago La Teresita used to be a great place to go for good cheap eats. I wouldn't go there to save my life anymore.

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    mlavoie110d91c

    Sun Oct 27 2002

    I have been eating in La Teresita, ever since I can remember. I have never been disappointed in the service or the quality and quantity of food. What a bargain. I used to work close and went once a week or so. I do not get there as often now, but still think about the Picadillo, and Salteado.......the roast pork is always awesome, and there is a stuffed fish special they have every once in awhile, its to die for. May do so too, the calories are equal to hardening of the arteries, but ooooohhh its so gooooood.

  • by

    mother04031d34_d4

    Sun Oct 27 2002

    I don't care for La Teresita. It seems like you get more rice then you do meat.

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    owalkerjim1b82_fd

    Thu Oct 17 2002

    I live in Orlando, and every time I'm in Tampa, I try to go here for lunch or dinner. The food is cheap and tasty. Your fellow diners at the counter are there for the same food and fun as you. I always feel like I'm at a party with the most unique guest list around!

  • by

    halabama13461c

    Wed Oct 02 2002

    Delicious Food. Unbeatable Prices. Authentic Atmosphere. Attentive Service. Convenient Location. The Best Bargain in Town!

  • by

    mrslinda1d397b

    Mon Sep 23 2002

    The key word is consistently... food, service, etc... it's always terrific! It's where the locals go, so you know it's good. You can't beat the price.

  • by

    ima4zoloft1c3d_61

    Fri Sep 20 2002

    Grew up near the restaurant.I live in Seminole now,but drive friends there all the time to eat real floribean food.Great prices,food,atmosphere and service.Always run into people I know. Glenda Garcia

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    ebtusa13e1c8

    Mon Aug 19 2002

    The food is much better than Columbia, the prices are from the 1950's and the atmosphere is unique from the Chippendale waiter to the tiny waitresses and on Friday and Saturday nights the ancient drop-in guitarists who entertain from the one table in the joint.

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    cc123135796

    Sat Aug 17 2002

    La Teresita has it all. Great food and lots of it; cafeteria style or sit-down; and the service is great. Where else can you go and still have lunch for less than $5 - and food to take home? It's one of my favorites!

  • by

    ir192xray16afa_1

    Wed Aug 07 2002

    La Teresita offers excellent Spanish food, has great service, and a wide varity of locations to serve you.

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    shmily_lynn1c1_bec

    Wed Aug 07 2002

    The food is served quickly and tastes great! If you are looking for authentic latin food and a chance to practice your spanish, this is where you want to be!

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    curican1baaf0

    Tue Jul 30 2002

    One of the best Cuban restaurants in Tampa! The food is excellent and the people are great.

  • by

    aducos136789

    Tue Jul 23 2002

    Terrifc authentic cuban experience including the wait staff. Great place for casual dinning with the family

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    weezzy12dd89

    Tue Jun 11 2002

    La Teresita is a great place for a quick, cheap meal. The first time I ever went, my whole family (about 7 of us) walked out paying less that $50! plus there was tons of food left on the table that no one could finish. I was so impressed, i had them cater my wedding! La Terecita served 100 people cuban style pork, garlic shrimp, picodillo, plus plantanas, cuban bread, black beans and rice for less than $8 a person. Everyone still talks about how great the food was at the wedding.