By Karen McBride

Don Julio’s uses the freshest ingredients for its authentic Mexican cuisine. Specialties like Pollo a la Plancha (grilled chicken cooked with onions and peppers) and Bistec Ranchero (sauteed steak cooked with tomatoes, onions, and serrano peppers) melt in your mouth. Pork is seasoned and cooked slowly for the Carnitas Don Julio.

Customers can finish the meal with a delicious dessert of churros, the traditional Mexican pastry covered with cinnamon and sugar and served with caramel, chocolate, or lechera dip. Ice cream lovers may choose the Helado Mexicano (fried ice cream) or Choco Banana (Mexican fried pastry with banana, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate kisses). The family-friendly restaurant offers kids meals including quesadillas, tacos, and soup.

The delicately seasoned Mexican cuisine can be enjoyed any time of day, including breakfast on Saturdays, from 8-11am. Guests can choose from Huevos Con Chorizo (spicy Mexican sausage with eggs), chilaquiles, and more.

Adult bebidas include beer, wine, and of course, the traditional margarita! Stop in for a delicious meal and enjoy Happy Hour prices daily from 3-6pm.

Opening Don Julio’s has been a dream for the Rodriguez-Nambo family. Julio and Esther Rodriguez came from Mexico in the early 1970’s. Doña Esther loved to cook and made her authentic dishes for relatives and friends as a means to support the family after Julio passed away at a young age. Now the family is able to share her delicious dishes with the Tampa Bay area.

Don Julios is located at 2808 E Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613. It is open Monday through Friday 11am – 10pm and Saturday 8am – 10pm. It is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 813-898-2860 or visit http://www.donjuliosmexican.com.