Mema’s Alaskan Tacos Tampa is a restaurant in Ybor City at 1903 N 19th St, serving lightly fried tacos built on a family recipe. If you're planning a meal in the neighborhood, this is a casual spot centered on its signature Alaskan Tacos, plus burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas, nachos and desserts.
The story behind the menu goes back to the 1950s, when Goompa was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. Mema learned to make these tacos from a friend there, and she made them often for the family. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and the tacos are fried for a balance of juicy and crunchy. The restaurant's motto is "Fresh. Delicious. Mema’s."
What to Expect at Mema’s Alaskan Tacos in Tampa
The signature Alaskan Tacos come on a white corn tortilla with your choice of filling. Beef, chicken, or chorizo are priced at, fish at, and shrimp or alligator at. Falafel, tofu, or potato is also. Standard toppings are included, and you can make the taco a double-decker, TACO-RITO style, with refried black beans and a flour tortilla for an extra.
Beyond the tacos, the menu covers a wide range. You'll find street tacos served with cilantro, onion and lime, plus large burritos stuffed with refried black beans and Mexican rice. Chimichangas are deep fried and topped with sour cream and red salsa. Appetizers include tamales, chips with salsa, guacamole, queso or beans, Mexican street corn, and half nachos. The restaurant says it fries in 100% peanut oil and serves Tabasco hot sauce.
For dessert, the options include churros with dipping sauces, churro balls filled with strawberry cream cheese, a churro cookie ice cream sandwich, sopapillas drizzled with local honey, a cheesecake chimichanga, and fried ice cream.
Planning Your Visit: Hours and Contact
Mema’s is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Wednesday, so plan your visit for another day that week. Hours can change, so it's a good idea to confirm before you go.
You can reach the restaurant at (813) 252-6468. The address is 1903 N 19th St, Tampa, FL 33605, in the Ybor City neighborhood. For the full menu and online ordering, visit the website at memasalaskantacos.com.
Tips Before You Go to Mema’s Tampa
If you want the classic experience, start with an Alaskan Taco in your choice of filling. The shrimp and alligator options cost more, while the beef, chicken and chorizo versions are the most affordable. Ordering a double-decker taco gives you a flour tortilla and refried black beans on top of the fried base.
The restaurant also runs daily specials. Magic Monday offers a free magic show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Taco Tuesday lists beef, chicken and veggie tacos as buy-one-get-one free all day. Check the menu page for the current specials before you visit.
If you're deciding between sweet and savory, the Mexican street corn and churros are both popular choices to share. Call ahead at (813) 252-6468 if you have questions about the menu.
