Last week, Michael and I had the pleasure of attending the soft opening for Irma's Tacos, Craft Beer and Tequila Bar in Venice, Florida. Ever since the pandemic started, Michael and I haven't been dining out as often and I was really in the mood to try something new. Plus, all the proceeds from the soft opening were donated to Backpack Angels, a coalition that provides students identified as homeless by their counselors with backpacks containing toiletries to meet their daily hygiene needs. It seemed like a great way to help support a local restaurant while giving back to a good cause, and we are so glad we got to try it out before they opened to the public.
Located in the West Villages Marketplace near the new Publix, Irma's Tacos offers delicious food with a contemporary Southwest feel. The concept for the restaurant was developed after Hurricane Irma, and the restaurant reflects many hurricane-inspired entrée names. With over 15 tacos, chips and salsa, wings, queso fundido and other mouthwatering items, the hardest decision you'll have is deciding what to eat. One of the things that I loved most about Irma's was the salsa list that featured 7 different salsas ranging in heat. I enjoy trying new salsas (the spicier the better) even though most times I'm stuck with a mild salsa because Michael is not a fan of spicy. However, their mild salsa (The Eye) had a really good charred tomato flavor, so I was happy with what we got.
I really love when a restaurant puts the same amount of thought into their cocktail menu as they do their food menu, and Irma's did not disappoint with this! After carefully considering all the speciality margaritas and other various drinks, I decided on Irma's Blackberry Lime Margarita. The blackberry syrup, fresh lime juice and Maestro Dobel Silver Tequila was the perfect combination for a summer drink. Michael tried the Pineapple Agave, which included pineapple and sage syrup, lime juice, ginger beer and Gran Centenario Blanco Tequila. It was almost too good, and even came in a pineapple-shaped copper mug!
For dinner, I chose the carnitas taco and the seasoned ground beef taco. The carnitas taco was filled with shredded pork, salsa verde, pickled onions and queso fresco. The seasoned ground beef taco was a typical beef taco with lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese, salsa ranchera and sour cream. I actually am very picky when it comes to beef, but the seasoned ground beef at Irma's was incredible. I definitely recommend getting a basic taco like this one just so you can try their seasoned beef. My husband had the seasoned shredded chicken taco, the market fish of the day taco (which was cobia) and the Jose taco. The market fish of the day taco was filled with cobia, Irma-slaw, pico and cilantro lime crema. The Jose taco was fried gator, Irma-slaw, pico and queso.
To complete our meal, we shared mini churros that came with a side of white chocolate and milk chocolate. I've been dying for a good churro, so I was so happy to hear that they were the dessert of the day. We really enjoyed our experience at Irma's Tacos, and can't wait to visit again soon! Will you be trying Irma's Tacos anytime soon?
