Pepe’s Cantina will celebrate the grand opening of its new Suntree location Friday, Sept. 18 at 7700 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, with food, margaritas and a live DJ during evening festivities.
The restaurant has moved into the former Mi Jalisco space at a Suntree shopping center and can welcome 150 guests.
Pepe’s Cantina describes its concept as a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and more modern, chef-driven dishes, pairing classic favorites with inventive recipes and signature cocktails.
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(Provided by Rob Buffaloe)What’s on the menu?
The menu is expansive and refreshingly different.
Standouts include the Hawaiian-Style Korean Fried Chicken, featuring crispy fried chicken glazed in a sweet-and-savory sauce and topped with pineapple chunks and fresh jalapeños and the Mexican-Style Tostones, where crispy plantains are topped with either birria or shredded chicken.
Seafood lovers can opt for the Tulum Sweet Fried Shrimp, glazed with a sweet-and-savory sauce and served over purple cabbage, as well as mahi-mahi tacos and octopus tacos.
Fresh tableside guacamole adds a interactive element, while an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan offerings ensures there’s something for nearly every diner.
In the mood for a margarita?
Alongside traditional margaritas, Pepe’s Cantina offers specialty cocktails such as the tableside Elite Smoked-Rita, the Amor Hibiscus-Infused Margarita made with house-infused tequila, and the Strawberry Mint Margarita.
Non-drinkers can opt for the Pineapple Marganota, a zero-proof cocktail featuring pineapple juice, alcohol-free spirits and Tajín.
More about the company
Founded in 2015, the growing Florida-based chain and franchise emphasizes a lively atmosphere, colorful decor and a menu that goes beyond the standard taco-and-burrito lineup.
In addition to the Suntree location, the Pepe’s Cantina currently operates five other Florida locations, with two more in the works, according to their website.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY’s food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Pepe’s Cantina opens new Viera location with chef-driven Mexican menu
