Pepper’s Cocina Mexicana and Tequila Bar is preparing to bring tacos, margaritas and a full tequila-bar experience to one of downtown St. Augustine’s most recognizable restaurant spaces.
The family-owned Mexican restaurant group is expected to open its fourth Northeast Florida location at 72 Spanish Street, taking over the former home of The Floridian, a longtime favorite known for its locally inspired Southern menu and farm-to-table approach. For many locals, that address carries a lot of restaurant history, which makes Pepper’s arrival especially notable as Spanish Street continues to evolve as one of downtown’s busiest dining corridors.
While Pepper’s will be new to St. Augustine, it is not a new name in the region. The restaurant currently operates locations in Fernandina Beach, Fleming Island and St. Johns, building a following around fresh Mexican food, margaritas, tequila and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. According to the company, Pepper’s is a family-owned local business focused on Mexican food made fresh daily, an extensive tequila collection and a full bar.
For readers wondering what to expect, the menu at existing locations leans into familiar Mexican favorites with enough variety to make it more than a quick taco stop. Offerings include fresh guacamole, queso fundido, ceviche mixto, sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, carnitas, al pastor, Baja fish and shrimp tacos, seafood dishes and vegetarian-friendly options. The restaurant’s online ordering menu also shows a wide bar selection, including margaritas, mezcal and premium tequilas.
Part of Pepper’s appeal appears to be its balance of approachable dining and lively bar energy. Customer reviews featured by the restaurant point to flavorful fajitas, fresh margaritas, appetizers, friendly service and a clean, well-managed atmosphere. One reviewer praised the “very flavorful and yummy steak with the fajitas,” while another said they enjoyed sitting at the bar for “Margaritas and appetizers” that were “fresh made and delicious.” Another customer described the restaurant as having “higher quality food & tequilas than most Mexican restaurants in the area.”
That tequila focus may be one of the biggest differences between Pepper’s and the restaurant that previously occupied the space. Pepper’s operates a Tequila Club, offering members monthly tequila flights, VIP tastings, special discounts and other perks. The concept gives the restaurant a built-in draw for date nights, girls’ nights, after-work drinks and visitors looking for something beyond a standard margarita menu.
The restaurant also runs recurring specials at its existing locations, including weekday happy hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with buy-one, get-one-half-off Pepper’s Ritas, $2 off appetizers and $2 off margaritas. Taco Tuesday specials vary by location, with taco flights in Fernandina Beach and per-taco pricing at the St. Johns and Fleming Island locations. Pepper’s also offers a free queso promotion for guests who sign up for its newsletter.
An official opening date for the St. Augustine location has not yet been announced. Once open, Pepper’s Cocina Mexicana and Tequila Bar will join the brand’s existing restaurants in Fernandina Beach, Fleming Island and St. Johns, bringing its mix of Mexican comfort food, tequila culture, happy hour energy and family-owned hospitality to downtown St. Augustine.
