A 'vacation in Cancun': New restaurant offers Mexican classics, craft margaritas
A South Carolina-based Mexican restaurant chain known for its made-to-order tacos, fajitas, burritos and chilaquiles as well as fusion sushi and craft margaritas served amid colorful Day of the Dead-themed murals has opened its first Jacksonville restaurant.
Tony's Cantina Mexican Grill, 10131 San Jose Blvd., No. 12, in Crown Point Plaza shopping center, debuted Tuesday — launching its soft opening to coincide with and celebrate Taco Tuesday.
Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the cantina takes the storefront that previously housed Jumpin' Jax House of Food and before that, Red Elephant Pizza. It joins other restaurants including Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery and Nudo in the Mandarin shopping center.
The 5,317-square-foot Jacksonville restaurant is the second for Rock Hill, S.C.-based Tony's Cantina Mexican Grill.
"You will feel like you are on vacation in Cancun," co-owner Ely Villanueva Diaz told the Times-Union of the food, drinks, hospitality and vibe of the restaurant.
Diaz, along with co-owners Antonio "Tony" Ramirez Herrera and Victor Ramirez Herrera, founded Tony's Cantina. The cantina is part of a multi-concept Mexican restaurant chain with eight locations in South Carolina, he said.
"Jacksonville is growing a lot. It has big potential to be really good business for us over here," said Diaz, adding that he previously lived here for about 10 years, and his partners also were familiar with the area.
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On the menu at Tony's Cantina Mexican Grill
The menu is huge and diverse: everything from go-to Mexican staples and specialties to steak and pasta. In about a month they will begin offering fusion sushi, he said.
"So when you come in with your family, there will be something for everyone. … I think that is something that maybe puts our restaurant one step ahead from the other Mexican restaurants here," Diaz said.
The murals and other Day of the Dead-themed decor as well as the furniture, such as two thrones, were carefully selected to help Tony's Cantina Mexican Grill stand out as a fun and cool place to hang out.
But the food is centerstage.
Signature menu offerings include:
Pineapple Loca ($22.99): Steak, chicken and shrimp cooked with pineapple, bell peppers and onions then topped with cheese dip
Trompo de Pastor ($24.99): Marinated pork with pineapple, cilantro, onions, salsa tomatillo with a choice of corn or flour tortillas and two side dishes
Las Espadas de Pancho Villa ($23.99): Two espadas filled with chicken, steak, shrimp, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, pineapple and a choice of three sides
Chilaquiles El Jefe (13.99): Chilaquiles topped with red salsa, sour cream, fresh cilantro, onions and queso fresco. Served with steak and egg
Shrimp Ceviche Flight ($24.99): Choose from four different flavors: traditional, Tajin, coconut, mango, tamarind, strawberry, guava or passion fruit
Torre de Ceviche Tower ($23.99): Shrimp cooked in lime juice topped with Pico de Gallo and avocado slices. Topped with Mexican sauce
Steak Vallarta ($21.99): Grilled steak and shrimp with onions, mushrooms and chipotle sauce
Tony's Pasta ($18.99): Fettucinni with grilled chicken, alfredo sauce and served with bread
Vegetarian fajitas ($16.99): Mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, bell peppers, tomato and onions
Traditional empanadas, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, and other Mexican favorites are offered. There also are salads and bowls. Desserts include ice cream, Sobretto, and cakes.
Lunch offers guests the opportunity to "make their own combo." There is a choice of chicken tinga, picadillo, beans beans or cheese with a choice of two sides range from $8.99 to $10.99 depending on if one or two main items are selected.
To wash it all down, Tony's Cantina features a variety of adult beverages.
"We have 10 flavors of frozen margaritas and 10 flavors on the rocks, too. And all our cocktails are craft-made," he said.
Tony's Cantina Mexican Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Tony's Cantina Mexican Grill opens in Jacksonville's Mandarin
