Local Mexican restaurant to open third location in downtown Beaufort. What to know
Beaufort residents will soon have another spot to enjoy fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine as La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant prepares to open its third location in downtown Beaufort on Port Republic Street.
The family-owned restaurant, which has been serving the community for 27 years, is set to open early next year in the space formerly occupied by Jah’Lion Caribbean Cuisine and Emily’s.
Emily’s closed in 2019, while Jah’Lion Caribbean Cuisine closed about a year ago.
According to Jenn Cruz, spokesperson for La Nopalera, Jah-Lion’s restaurant’s owner, a longtime friend of La Nopalera's, approached the team about taking over the space.
“It was a very formal agreement,” Cruz said. “His rent was up, and he wanted the space to be in good hands. It was a smart move for both of us.”
The new location will combine the adjacent 906 and 908 Port Republic Street spaces, offering ample room for diners.
La Nopalera’s owners decided to expand downtown to better serve local customers and tourists attending events such as the Beaufort Water Festival.
“We’ve always wanted to dive into the downtown scene,” Cruz said. “Customers have long been asking for a spot closer to the waterfront, and now we’re able to give it to them.”
La Nopalera’s first location opened in 1998 on Ribaut Road, with a second location following in 2017 on Lady’s Island.
While the restaurant shares its brand name with other locations in Georgia and Florida, the Beaufort locations have remained independently owned and operated by the same family since day one.
The downtown location is expected to carry the same signature flavors and recipes that have kept patrons returning for nearly three decades, but Cruz hinted at some surprises and revamps to make this downtown space unique.
The restaurant is targeting an opening by January 2026.
For more updates and information about La Nopalera’s menu and downtown opening, folks can follow along on the restaurant's Facebook and Instagram.
