Bite the beaches

Let’s start from the beginning

Tulio Alas came to the U.S. from El Salvador, started working in kitchens (dishwasher, etc.), learned his trade, and eventually teamed with Brian Parenteau (and Doug Herbst) to create a restaurant/bar concept.

The idea for Tulio’s Tacos seems to be: a place where Mexican-style (and Latin-influenced) food meets a lively bar/tequila-cocktail lounge, tailored to the Wilton Drive / Wilton Manors scene (which is known for its vibrant nightlife, dining, LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere)

Walking into Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar feels like stepping into the love child of a modern Mexican cantina — but with lighting flattering enough that you’ll want to take selfies, order a margarita, and maybe find someone to buy you another one. One of the best things about Tulio’s is the way the place blurs the line between “inside” and “outside”—almost like the building couldn’t decide what it wanted to be, so it chose both (great decision, honestly).

Large open fronts and wide doors pull the sidewalk right into the restaurant, giving you that breezy, easygoing sidewalk-café energy without sacrificing the comfort of being indoors. You feel connected to Wilton Drive’s constant parade of characters, nightlife, and energy—yet you still get the cozy, lively atmosphere of the dining room.

It’s the kind of setup where you can sip a margarita while people-watching like it’s a full-time job. The open-air design lets the Florida breeze drift through, so every seat feels like prime real estate. Whether you’re inside looking out or outside looking in, everything feels like one seamless social space.

It’s casual but chic, open but intimate, and honestly? It’s the kind of indoor–outdoor flow that makes you think, “Why don’t all restaurants do this?”

Let’s talk about the food ( AKA: The reason I’m now emotionally attached to Tulio’s)

First up: chips and salsa.
The salsa tasted so fresh I’m convinced someone’s abuela is hiding in the back, chopping tomatoes with the precision of a brain surgeon. And the chips? Still warm — like they just came out of a spa treatment. Honestly, if chips could purr, these would.

Then came my shrimp quesadilla, which was nothing short of culinary perfection. The shrimp were cooked so flawlessly I considered writing them a thank-you note. The whole thing was melty, toasty, and so good I momentarily forgot my own name.

Now… the margaritas.
Listen, these things are dangerously smooth. The kind of margaritas that whisper, “Don’t worry, you’re fine,” while your future self begs you to drink water. They go down so easily they should come with seat belts.

In short, the food was excellent, the drinks were fabulous, and I’m still not entirely convinced I didn’t fall a little in love with the shrimp quesadilla. It was that good

Final thoughts

.If you’re looking for a high-quality, low-stress, “I-deserve-something-nice-today” kind of outing, then Tulio’s is absolutely your spot. It’s the perfect blend of good vibes, great food, and margaritas that should honestly come with a permission slip.

I’m already plotting my next visit — and possibly my next margarita.
Fantastic job, Chef! Whatever magic you’re doing back there, keep it up… my taste buds and I fully support this lifestyle.