You’d be hard-pressed to meet someone that doesn’t love Mexican food. Nearly any Mexican dish you try will woo you with unrelenting flavor. And this universally-loved food certainly permeates St. Augustine with carne asada and carnitas, chimichangas and fajitas, Modelo and Tecate. From beachside spots to tucked-away gems, Mexican restaurants in St. Augustine are an established part of the local culinary culture. There aren’t dozens and dozens of real St. Augustine Mexican restaurants, but what we do have will surely please any cravings. Explore and taste these Mexican restaurants in St. Augustine.
La Cocina Mexican Restaurant
3290 US 1
Drive just a little south on US 1, and you’ll find some delightful chefs who are working hard to prepare delicious Mexican meals in the way that you only find in Mexico. Surrounded by bright colors and chowing down on Veracruz-style Red Snapper, Chile Relleno, Molca Jete, and lots more, you’ll experience the traditional, authentic, zesty taste.
www.lacocinasaintaugustine.com
Playa Chac-Mool
105 D Street
With decor and flavors inspired by the Fiestas De Pueblo (town fest) in the haciendas in Merida, Yucatan – where the owners are from – Playa Chac-Mool is beloved by locals. See what the locals are talking about by trying Huevos con Chorizo, Lomitos Valladolid, guacamole, Chimichangas, and a whole lot more.
www.playachacmoolmex.com
Cinco de Mayo
389 Paseo Reyes Drive, Unit 208
124 Capulet Drive, Unit 109
Promising good drinks and good food for all, the owners of Cinco de Mayo are extending the traditions brought by their family from Jalisco, Mexico. Start your meal off with Queso Fundido con Chorizo or Guacamole, then try out the Burrito Panzon, Chilaquiles Mexicanos, or Camerones al Mojo de Ajo. And that’s only the beginning.
www.cincodemayomx.com
Cantina Louie
1900 US 1
With the festive fun of their Día de los Muertos calaveras decor and an accessible menu of Mexican Street food, Cantina Louie will introduce you to dishes like Huarache Al Pastor (Fried masa topped with pork, refried beans, pineapple salsa, and queso) or La Parrilla (charbroiled skirt steak with chimichurri, chicken, carnitas, grilled jalapeño, and a spring onion) or lots of specialty tacos and – of course – churros to finish things off.
www.cantinalouie.com
El Potro Mexican
226 San Marco Avenue
Priding themselves on authenticity and fresh food, El Potro has an extensive menu of any Mexican classic that you could devour. Order the Guadalajara – carne asada and garlic shrimp sauteed with onions – or the El Potro Special – a chalupa, chille relleno, taco, enchilada, tamale, rice, and beans – or even the Banana Chimichanga – a deep fried tortilla filled with a banana, topped with honey, strawberry, and cinnamon sugar.
www.elpotrorestaurant.com
Casa Maria Express
500 Outlet Mall Boulevard, Suite 520
Even though it’s a bit hidden away in the food court of the St. Augustine Premium Outlets, Casa Maria Express has a devoted local following. They’re faithful fans of the delicious, authentic menu – featuring Milanesa estilo Casa Maria, Fajita Nachos, Sopapillas, and house margaritas. Our mouths are watering.
www.facebook.com/casamariaexpressmall
Photography by Brian Miller
