LIME Fresh Mexican Grill is not your average taco joint.
It’s a crisp bite.
Fresh seafood.
And best of all…no grease.
What started as a restaurant in South Beach 15 years ago has since grown into 14 locations, with more on the way. LIME delivers a Miami-inspired vibe, but “it’s not another expensive taco place,” according to Ethan Albrecht-Carrié, the director of people and culture.
For LIME, fresh doesn’t mean a hefty price tag. Here, all meals are made from scratch, so you don’t have to worry about getting a once-frozen burrito warmed in a microwave.
“No smoke and mirrors, we’re real people,” Albrecht-Carrié said.
TELL ME ABOUT THE TACOS
The menu features quesadillas ($9+), salads ($12+), bowls ($11+), and burritos ($10+), but the tacos are the star of the show.
A few favorites include:
Mahi-Mahi: fresh Mahi, shredded green cabbage, lime crema, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro
Beef: seasoned ground beef, shredduce, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, chihuahua and cheddar cheeses, lime crema
Spicy Shrimp: seasoned shrimp, shredded green cabbage, cotija cheese, roasted sweet corn, red onion, lime crema
Tacos range from $4.50 to $5.50 or $12-$15 for three.
While deciding which combinations of tacos to order, start with the beef empanadas ($5.50) or homemade queso ($7.50). Served hot, the queso comes with ancho-chile-dusted corn chips. Just…order it.
And if you didn’t completely fill up on tacos, polish off your meal with a serving of churro bites ($5.50) for cinnamon-dusted fingertips.
AND THERE’S TEQUILA?
Full disclosure, I am not normally a tequila fan, but LIME offers such a range of different styles and cocktails, it’s worth a visit.
From bright, citrus-forward drinks to those with a bit more of a kick, there’s plenty of options for everyone in your party. It’s also a great place to discover what type of aging you prefer, with options like reposado (2-12 months), añejo (1-3 years), and joven (blend of blanco and reposado tequila).
A few favorites from the cocktail list include:
Frozen Margarita: served with Monte Alban reposado tequila
Nona Paloma: Camarena reposado tequila, hibiscus, agave, grapefruit, black lava salt (Bonus points because it’s pretty)
Narcoosee Sunset: Monte Alban blanco tequila; hibiscus; agave; fresh
pineapple, orange, and mango
Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Corazon Añejo tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, house bitters blend
Cocktail prices range from $6-$11. There’s also wine, seltzers, and more.
THE AMBIANCE
Both Albrecht-Carrié and Vinay Rama, CEO of Mandala Holdings and owner of LIME, graduated from Cornell University (my alma mater, Go Big Red!), so you can trust the hospitality is spot-on. I had the pleasure of speaking with both of them the night of my visit — the intent with the restaurant, its food, and the experience is sincere.
In addition to a welcoming team, the focal point of the space is the full bar, complete with a floating garden and vibrant seating. From cozy booths to tables and bartops, there’s plenty of space to sit inside, plus a glorious patio strung with market lights for breezy Florida evenings.
Soon, the Lake Nona location will be joined by a spot opening in Flamingo Crossings — no doubt a great option for Disney College Program Cast Members to get an inexpensive, post-work bite.
“Have tacos, spend time together,” Ethan Albrecht-Carrié said. “It doesn’t have to be more complicated than that.”
Orlando food tourist 