anging sign for Mema’s Alaskan Tacos in Ybor City, Florida, with bold red “TACOS” lettering. The sign is mounted on the side of a building with string lights underneath the overhang. Power lines, palm trees, and a clear blue sky are visible in the background.
Mema’s Alaskan Tacos in St. Petersburg, Florida Credit: Ray Roa / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

It’s not easy owning a restaurant these days, but Mema’s Alaskan Tacos has made it an entire year after its much-anticipated return to Ybor City.

The Alaskan taco spot was a staple in the district for 13 years and famous for tacos, which saw fillings like gator, shrimp and beef cooked in the shell, resulting in a crispy taco topped with shreds of cold iceberg lettuce and sharp cheddar cheese all served in a sorely-missed translucent wax paper wrapping.

To celebrate, the concept—which just won a Best of the Bay award for “Best Drunk Food At 1 P.M. In The Afternoon”—offers half price on the tacos 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 3-4.

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos is located at 1903 N 19th St. in Ybor City.

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This article appears in Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, 2025.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...