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Mexican food in St. Johns County splits into three groups: family-run taquerias and markets, mostly along US 1, SR 207 and in Hastings and Elkton where the farming community lives; sit-down Tex-Mex restaurants in the shopping centers of Nocatee, Julington Creek, Fruit Cove and World Golf Village built for families and big margaritas; and a few upscale spots in Ponte Vedra Beach and downtown St. Augustine doing mezcal lists and regional dishes. The taquerias are the value play and often cash friendly, with the best al pastor and birria in the county. The Tex-Mex restaurants win on parking, kids menus and speed. Happy hour margarita deals are common on weekdays. Taco Tuesday is real here and lines form.
Know what you are in the mood for
A taqueria does street tacos, tortas and birria quickly, usually with counter service. A Tex-Mex restaurant does combo plates, fajitas and margaritas with table service. Both are good, but they are different nights.
Look at the salsa bar and tortillas
Fresh, house-made salsas and corn tortillas pressed on site are the clearest sign of a serious kitchen. If the chips come out warm and the salsa is not from a jar, the rest of the menu usually follows.
Check the margarita pricing
Drinks can double a Tex-Mex bill. Ask what is in the house margarita, what size it is and whether happy hour applies at your table or bar only. Premium tequila upgrades add 4 to 8 dollars each.
Ask about cash and card
Some of the best small taquerias on US 1 and in Hastings are cash preferred or add a card fee. Bring cash to be safe and tip in cash if the staff is small.
Plan around Tuesday and weekends
Taco Tuesday specials pack the north county restaurants from 5 p.m. on, and Friday nights are the same. Lunch or an early dinner on another weekday is the easy time.
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