Tequiza: the best beach-side taco party in town!

A tequiza is a party with a taco buffet and salsas and beer and fresh fruit sodas and lots of talking and music and relaxation. There is nothing fancy about a tequiza. No dressing up. No waiters. Just good bites and good fun. And that’s what you’ll find at Tequiza, this beach-side hole-in-the-wall in North Miami Beach.

I love this place! I love that you sit outside on picnic tables and can hear and smell the beach. It’s a quiet spot – no flash, no pretense. Since it’s across a pedestrian street from the beach, feel free to come in your bathing suit. Or not. Walk inside to order. Go to the outside tables and wait for someone to bring your meal.

Try the totopos! Seriously, order the totopos!

I hate telling people what to order, but order the totopos.

I am not a corn chip fan but these are a whole other level. They are a blue corn chip that looks black in the photo. The corn is hand-ground, the chip is hand-made and fried. They arrive hot and salted, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and lightly dusted with coarse ground salt. Dip into salsa or guac or munch on its own. I could eat totopos  any time, day or night.

Then dig into the tacos.

I was with a friend and we tried four different tacos: the carne asada (that’s flank steak, marinated in lime and seasonings, grilled and sliced) , the barbacoa (slow cooked beef), the carnitas (that’s pork, usually slow cooked and then pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection) and the mahi (breaded, lightly fried white fish)

My fellow-eater totally enjoyed her meal!

You’ve probably figured out the food isn’t particularly good-for-you, but that’s ok, this place is a treat and a great place for an easy outdoor meal on a Friday night. And there are definitely vegetarian options.

And now let’s talk about the spicy margaritas.

Don’t expect a bartender. The drinks are pre-made in those machines you find at street fairs – big batches, churning in the cold. I’ve had spicy margaritas a lot of places and this one shines. There’s enough spice for a spice lover –but not too much. A sip cleans the throat. There’s a touch of sugar. The perfect accompaniment to the tototpos.

There is also beer and great fruit drinks.

Here’s what we had:

Totopos and guacamole
Asada taco
2 Barbacoa tacos
2 Carnitas tacos
Mahi taco
Quesadilla

Cost with tip: $60.15 with taxes and tip. $30.07/person

Go now if you want to try it!

Tequiza is in a part of North Beach that is undergoing a LOT of renovation. Word is that it needs to leave its current home in the next few months. I’m guessing that they will relocate somewhere, but who knows.

You can also order their food on Goldbelly.

Tequiza
7450 Ocean Terrace (The Broadmore)
North Beach, FL 33141
786-588-4755