Pepe's Cantina Mexican Grill to open in St. Pete's Kenwood neighborhood

pepe’s cantina mexican grill will serve faijitas, burritos, quesadillas, ENCHILADAS, TACOS and more at the new st. pete location | pepe’s

Pepe's Cantina Mexican Grill will soon bring its specialty margaritas, authentic Mexican cuisine, and fresh tableside guacamole to St. Pete's Kenwood neighborhood.

The expanding Central Florida-based franchise is opening its first Tampa Bay location at 3118 3rd Avenue North in the Shoppes at Kenwood.

The 2,275-square-foot space was previously home to the Cider Press Vegan GastroPub, which closed in October 2024, and before that, it housed the iconic LGBT bar Georgie’s Alibi.

The new restaurant will be located in the shoppes at kenwood | pepe’s

"Pepe's hasn’t been introduced to Tampa Bay yet, but we’re confident we can achieve the same success here as in the Orlando area," said John Cameron, a local franchisee, to St. Pete Rising.

"We initially looked in Tampa, but the Cider Press location had the perfect layout for a cantina with minimal renovation needed."

Cameron, along with owner Frank Chavez—one of the original founders—and longtime partner Jose Acosta, secured the lease through Josiah Gross of Engel & Volkers. Jenna Malowany of Archer Group Real Estate represented the property owner.

fresh guacamole prepared at the tableside | pepe’s

The new cantina is expected to open by early April and will feature seating for 130 guests, including indoor dining, bar seating, and outdoor seating with a roll-up door.

The St. Pete location will offer the same flavorful lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus as its other restaurants, with dishes inspired by contemporary Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

"We believe Pepe’s will be well-received in Kenwood. The area has newer developments, it’s close to Central Avenue, and the community includes many first responders and hospital workers we’d love to serve," said Chavez.

pepe’s cantina mexican grill in winter park | pepe’s

The restaurant is known for its freshly made salsa and signature guacamole prepared tableside. Additional appetizers include ceviches with shrimp, octopus, and mahi-mahi; empanadas; yuca fries with cilantro aioli; Mexican-style corn; and stuffed avocado topped with pico de gallo, purple cabbage, avocado sauce, and queso fresco.

Pepe's puts a unique twist on traditional burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and tacos.

One of its most popular dishes is the Hawaiian Fajita, packed with Angus beef, chicken, shrimp, and grilled pineapple, all topped with cheese and served with tortillas. The dish is presented in a hollowed-out pineapple rather than on a plate or skillet.

The hawaiian fajita bowl served in a pineapple | Pepe’s

Beyond chicken and beef, Pepe’s offers tacos featuring chorizo, barbacoa, ribeye steak, salmon, shrimp, and roasted marinated octopus.

The restaurant’s award-winning birria tacos feature slow-cooked shredded beef in a rich broth made with dried chili peppers. The tacos, served on corn tortillas with cheese, come with a side of consommé (broth) for dipping.

For vegans and vegetarians, Pepe’s offers birria tacos and bowls made with plant-based beef or chicken, as well as black bean and mushroom quesadillas and chimichangas.

Diners can round out their meals with Pepe’s extensive drink menu, featuring margaritas and craft cocktails. Margaritas can be ordered by the pitcher (serving up to five glasses) and come in sweet and spicy flavors such as strawberry jalapeño, watermelon, passionfruit, mango, and guava, served frozen or on the rocks. Guests can customize their margaritas with tequila choices, fruit flavors, and a rim of salt, tajin, or sugar.

The restaurant also offers non-alcoholic craft cocktails, tequila shots, wines, espresso martinis made with tequila, horchata (a traditional Mexican rice drink), and local draft beers. Pepe’s partners with Orlando-based Bowigens Beer Company to produce its house-made tequila and Mexican-style lager.

Acosta, who previously founded Blue Springs Brewing in Orange City, plans to collaborate with St. Pete breweries on future beverage offerings.

Pepe’s has an extensive beverage menu offering a mix of margatias, craft cocktails, and housemade tequila and mexican-style lager | pepe’s

Pepe’s menu includes classic Spanish desserts like churros, flan, and tres leches cake.

The St. Pete restaurant will mark Pepe's seventh location in Florida.

"We’re also working on a location in Port St. Lucie and have plans to continue expanding along Florida’s west coast and beyond," Chavez said.

Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., staying open until 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Sunday brunch menu features a $19.99 all-you-can-drink special (including mimosas and sangrias) and will include unique items like tres leches French toast and chicken and churros—a creative take on chicken and waffles.

Be sure to follow Pepe's Cantina Mexican Grill on Instagram and Facebook for the grand opening announcement and daily specials.