Green Lemon Menu Deep Dive: What to Eat, Drink


If you are heading to Green Lemon in Tampa, you are likely there for two things: the vibes and the margaritas. But once the initial excitement of the neon lights wears off, you are going to be staring at a menu that is surprisingly dense.

This isn't just "tacos and rice." It’s "Modern Mexican," which means you’ll find everything from ahi tuna to buffalo chicken wrapped in a tortilla. As a food writer who has dissected this menu from top to bottom, I’m here to guide you through the hits, the hidden gems, and the absolute must-orders.

Here is your eat-like-an-expert guide to Green Lemon.

The Starter Strategy: More Than Just Chips

Most people autopilot to the Guacamole ($12), and while it’s solid, you are missing out if you stop there.

  • The "Must-Order": Crispy Trees ($10)

    I cannot stress this enough: Order the broccoli. I know it sounds crazy to go to a Mexican spot and order veggies, but the Crispy Trees are legendary. They are fried broccoli and cauliflower tossed in a spicy buffalo-avocado glaze. They are crispy, tangy, and addictive. Plus, they are Gluten-Free (GF).

  • The Crowd Pleaser: Trio Dip ($14)

    If you are with a group, get this. You get Guacamole, Queso Blanco, and Lime Salsa. It solves the "what dip do we get?" argument instantly.

  • The "Baller" Nacho: KFT Baked Nachos ($16)

    Skip the standard nachos and go for the KFT. These come loaded with fried chicken, corn salsa, and chipotle crema. It’s basically a meal on a pile of chips.

Taco Talk: The "Street Trio" is King

The menu lists individual tacos ($4–$5 each), but the smart money is on the Street Trio ($15). You get any three tacos plus a side (go for the Corn Esquites or the Rice and Beans).

Here are the top three tacos to fill your trio:

  1. The Gigante Chicken ($4 a la carte): This is for the buffalo wing lovers. Crispy buffalo-avocado chicken with blue cheese crumbles. It’s messy, spicy, and delicious.

  2. Shia La Beef ($5 a la carte): Yes, the name is funny, but the flavor is serious. Spicy shredded brisket with sriracha aioli. It’s rich and smoky.

  3. Santa Monica ($4 a la carte): Need something lighter? This grilled shrimp taco with jicama-mango slaw is fresh and zesty.

Dietary Note: Almost every taco can be made on a lettuce wrap or corn tortilla to be Gluten-Free. Vegans can swap grilled tofu or buffalo cauliflower into any taco for no extra charge ("NC").

Drinks: The "Margarona" Experience

You will see giant goblets with beer bottles overturned inside them on every table. This is The OG Margarona.

  • House ($17) or SOHO ($21).

  • Warning: These are massive (24oz). They are a marathon, not a sprint.

If you want something spicy but don't want the beer, grab the Caliente ($12). It’s infused with jalapeños and has a Tajin rim that wakes up your palate.

Non-Alcoholic Pick: The Matchata ($5) is a cool, unique drink mixing iced horchata (sweet rice milk) with matcha tea. It’s creamy and caffeinated.

The "Not Tacos" Section

Sometimes you don't want a tortilla.

  • Rey Del Mar Bowl ($17): This is essentially a poke bowl meets Mexican flavors. Rare tuna, jicama-mango slaw, and sriracha aioli.

  • Chicken & Brussels ($17): If you want a "healthy" meal that doesn't taste like diet food, this bowl with crispy brussels sprouts and bacon bits is the winner.

Dessert: Save Room for the Cheesecake

There are only two desserts, but you only need one: Churro Cheesecake ($9).

It is exactly what it sounds like—creamy cheesecake with a cinnamon-sugar crust, topped with blueberry compote. It is gluten-free (surprisingly!) and vegetarian.

Final Bill Breakdown

  • Budget Date: 2 Street Trios + 2 House Frescas = ~$38 + Tip.

  • The Full Experience: Trio Dip + KFT Nachos + 2 Margaronas + Churro Cheesecake = ~$76 + Tip.

Verdict: Green Lemon manages to be loud, fun, and actually delicious all at once. Whether you are strictly gluten-free or strictly here for the tequila, the menu has a lane for you. Just don't forget the Crispy Trees.


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