Cinco De Mayo has come and gone but lets be honest, we celebrate Mexican-American culture every day on Amelia Island. We did, afterall, fly under the Mexican Revolutionary flag for a brief time in 1817.
In honor of our Mexican heritage, we're spotlighting 5 delicious restaurants - all unique in their own way. If you get a chance, try all of them. Your tastebuds will thank you. Viva Mexico!
Located just over the bridge on Amelia Island is Cantina Louie where you can dine on enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, salads, and specialty tacos (the sriracha shrimp is my personal favorite) all in a super cool atmosphere. Also choose from an assortment of steak, chicken, pork and seafood entrées. If it's chips & salsa and an icy margarita you want, move outside to the huge deck overlooking the marsh and just chill. Their full bar features daily drink specials as well as Mexican beers, wine and specialty tequilas.
Menu Favorite: Carne Asada - Marinated charbroiled skirt steak served with flour tortillas, grilled jalapeno and a spring onion.
960062 Gateway Blvd
For a taste of old Mexico, head downtown to La Surena, a restaurant and grocery store combo offering authentic Hispanic products and foods. La Surena started out as a tiny grocery store in a strip mall that also happened to cook up some of the tastiest tacos this side of Guadalajara. Needless to say, they outgrew that space quickly and moved to their current location. This customer says it best, "Chic decor and scenic views? No. Nor classic cocktails, or any cocktails at all. Just really, really great Mexican food - authentic, simple and good. Like having lunch at your mother's house if your mother was an unbelievably good Mexican cook!"
Menu Favorite: All the Tacos! But shout out to the chorizo and carne asada tacos.
22 S 8th Street
Pablo's has been serving up yummy traditional Mexican fare since 2007. Located in a historic building on one of the downtown side streets, Pablo's interior is as beautiful as the food that comes out of the kitchen. Dishes include Chicken Enchiladas, Fish Tacos, and Camaron Tequila (sauteed shrimp in salsa and tequila). Speaking of tequila, their watermelon margarita is, well, really good. Sit inside or outside on their huge bricked patio with large flowered mural. It makes for a great photo op!.
Menu Favorite: Chile Colorado - Grandma's recipe of pork tips, chile guajillo and ancho sauce.
12 N 2nd Street
Pepper's Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar is a family-owned restaurant located right on Centre Street in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach. They are open for lunch & dinner and offer a wide variety of great Mexican food made fresh daily with only the finest ingredients. Sit inside in the dining room, at the bar, or outside on the patio. In addition to really good food, they also have an extensive Tequila collection and are known for their tasty margaritas.
Menu Favorite: Poblano Pepper Chingon - Chorizo & mozzarella cheese stuffed poblano pepper, wrapped with a fire-charred skirt steak and served with charred street corn.
530 Centre Street
If you're in a hurry but are really in need of a good Mexican food fix, we suggest popping into Surcheros for excellent fresh Tex/mex food, served fast! Surcheros offers tasty burritos, salads, bowls, and nachos built just how you want them and right in front of you. All meals include guacamole, chips, and as a customer said "The best customer service ever!"
Menu Favorite: Try their Burrito Bowls that offer all your favorite toppings without a tortilla. Get it loaded or with just veggies. Your choice!
1484 Sadler Rd
Disfrutar (enjoy)!