Pepe's Cantina Now Open in the Suntree Area

Pepe's Cantina is now open in the Suntree area, celebrating its grand opening on September 18 at 7700 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. The restaurant moved into the former Mi Jalisco space at a Suntree shopping center, with room for 150 guests.

The menu blends authentic Mexican flavors with modern, chef-driven dishes. Standouts include Hawaiian-Style Korean Fried Chicken, crispy fried chicken glazed in a sweet-and-savory sauce and topped with pineapple chunks and fresh jalapenos, and Mexican-Style Tostones, crispy plantains topped with birria or shredded chicken. Seafood options include Tulum Sweet Fried Shrimp, mahi-mahi tacos and octopus tacos, and fresh guacamole is prepared tableside. The menu also includes vegetarian and vegan offerings.

The bar serves traditional margaritas alongside specialty cocktails such as the tableside Elite Smoked-Rita, the Amor Hibiscus-Infused Margarita made with house-infused tequila, and the Strawberry Mint Margarita. For non-drinkers, the Pineapple Marganota is a zero-proof cocktail made with pineapple juice, alcohol-free spirits and Tajin.

The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Sunday brunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Founded in 2015, the Florida-based chain operates five other Florida locations, with two more in the works.