★★★★★
Best Mexican food in St. Pete, hands down. The table-side guacamole is a must and the al pastor tacos are incredible. Service was warm and quick even on a busy Saturday.
Mexican Restaurants · Central Oak Park · St. Petersburg
Pepe's Cantina
St. Petersburg
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The place
Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg is a Mexican restaurant located at 3118 3rd Ave N in the Central Oak Park neighborhood of St. Petersburg, Florida. The kitchen serves a scratch-made menu of street tacos, burritos, fajitas, and house specialties alongside a full bar focused on tequila, mezcal, and margaritas. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery, with both indoor seating and a covered outdoor patio. Pepe's Cantina holds a 4.9-star rating on Google across more than 4,100 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Pinellas County. The dining room is family-friendly, and the patio is dog-friendly. Reservations are accepted for larger groups; walk-ins are welcome for most parties.
Tucked just off Central Avenue in the Central Oak Park neighborhood, Pepe's Cantina has quickly become one of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in St. Petersburg. The neighborhood spot pulls in regulars with a warm, colorful dining room, a covered patio, and a bar program built around 100% agave tequila and mezcal. The vibe is casual but lively — expect a wait on Friday and Saturday nights.
Start with the table-side guacamole or queso fundido, then dig into street-style tacos al pastor, carne asada, or barbacoa on house-made corn tortillas. The burritos and chimichangas are oversized and stuffed generously, and the fajitas arrive sizzling for two. Don't skip the margaritas — the spicy jalapeño and the classic on the rocks are the most-ordered drinks on the menu.
Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more, but walk-ins are accepted. There's a small lot on-site plus free street parking along 3rd Avenue North and 31st Street. The covered patio is dog-friendly, and the kitchen offers takeout and delivery through the restaurant's website and major third-party apps.
4.9★ on Google with 4,000+ reviews
Signature spicy jalapeño margarita with muddled fresh jalapeño and lime
Tacos al pastor on house-made corn tortillas with marinated pork and pineapple
Table-side guacamole prepared fresh at your table
What to expect
Expect a lively, family-friendly Mexican cantina with a covered dog-friendly patio, a full tequila and mezcal bar, and scratch-made street tacos, fajitas, and margaritas. Weekend evenings get busy — arrive early or call ahead for larger parties.
Then come for the photos
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The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
We came for the margaritas and stayed for the food. The spicy jalapeño margarita is dangerously good and the carne asada was cooked perfectly. Patio is dog-friendly which is a huge plus.
★★★★★
Family-owned vibe, generous portions, and everything tastes scratch-made. The fajitas for two easily fed our family of three. We'll be back.
06
Frequently asked
Does Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg take reservations?
Yes — reservations are recommended for groups of six or more. Walk-ins are welcome for smaller parties, but expect a wait on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Is Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg dog friendly?
Yes. The covered outdoor patio is dog-friendly. Dogs are not permitted inside the dining room per Florida health code.
Where do I park near Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg?
There is a small on-site lot at 3118 3rd Ave N, plus free street parking along 3rd Avenue North and 31st Street North.
What are the most popular dishes at Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg?
The most-ordered items are the table-side guacamole, tacos al pastor, carne asada tacos, fajitas for two, and the spicy jalapeño margarita.
What are Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg's hours?
The restaurant is open 11:30 AM–9 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 AM–10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Hours can vary on holidays.
Does Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg offer takeout or delivery?
Yes. Takeout can be ordered by phone at (727) 201-9419 or through pepescantina.com. Delivery is available through major third-party apps.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Pepe's Cantina St. Petersburg.
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From Instagram
@pepescantinastpete