If margaritas and a long tequila shelf are what you're after on Centre Street, Pepper's Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar at 530 Centre has been pouring both for about two decades. The family-owned company is marking the 20th anniversary of its Amelia Island restaurant. Pepper's started more than 21 years ago in Port St. Joe, Florida, grew out of a family hospitality business that began in Franklin, Tennessee, and also runs restaurants in Fleming Island, St. Johns and St. Augustine.
The bar is the draw. Pepper's lists a large selection of premium tequilas and tequila flights, including a house tequila made from 100 percent blue agave, plus handcrafted margaritas. Guacamole is made fresh every day. The Fernandina menu is long: queso fundido brought out flaming, Michoacán-style carnitas, quesabirria tacos, sizzling fajitas where you can pick two or three proteins, a seafood burrito with catch of the day and scallops, enchiladas Yucatán with shrimp in a wine cream sauce, and combination plates built from tacos, tamales, tostadas and chile rellenos. The location posts separate dinner, lunch, brunch, kids and bar menus.
Before you go, per the restaurant's site:
- Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
- It's closed on Wednesdays.
- Online reservations are listed as coming soon, so call (904) 277-2011 for now.
- Pepper's also books parties and caters.
If the group is leaning toward mole and Oaxacan dishes instead, Mezcal Spirit of Oaxaca is two blocks toward the river at 302 Centre. Ciao Italian Eatery is a block east for anyone who'd rather have pasta. And if a tequila flight is part of the plan, transportation coordination can have a driver waiting when the table's done.