OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Downtown Ocala has no shortage of places to grab a bite, but some restaurants become part of the fabric of the neighborhood in ways that go beyond what is served on the plate.

Say Taco is one of those places.

Located just off Ocala’s Historic Downtown Square, the restaurant has evolved into a lively gathering spot where tacos, tequila, music and a relaxed atmosphere come together under one roof. But getting to this version of Say Taco took a little reinvention.

The restaurant was once known as Sayulita Taqueria, a concept named after Sayulita, the laid-back surf community north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. When the current ownership took over in October 2024, the restaurant had already built a history in the downtown location. But, like many restaurants navigating the post-pandemic landscape, it was time for a fresh start.

“We’re saying adios to Sayulita and hello to Say Taco!” became more than a catchy phrase. It marked a significant change in direction.

The traditional Mexican concept and Latin music gave way to something different: an American taco bar with a focus on tacos, country music and a full-service experience. A bar was added, and the former counter-service model was replaced with table service designed to make the restaurant feel more welcoming and social.

The result is a restaurant that feels distinctly its own.

At the center, naturally, are the tacos.

Say Taco describes itself as an American Taco Bar & Grill, with a menu built around the restaurant’s passion for tacos and a broader selection of food designed to make it easy to settle in for a meal rather than simply grab something and go. The restaurant also offers a selection of top-shelf tequilas and drinks, adding another dimension to the experience.

For diners, that combination can make Say Taco as appropriate for a casual lunch as it is for an evening out with friends.

And then there is the atmosphere.

Housed in a brick building near the Historic Downtown Square, Say Taco has embraced its location and the energy that comes with being part of downtown Ocala. The restaurant’s courtyard and indoor space provide a setting for everything from dinner and drinks to live music and special events.

That emphasis on gathering is not just part of the marketing. Say Taco’s own story is built around creating a place where people feel welcome. The restaurant has hosted celebrations featuring live music, including its one-year anniversary party in September 2025, when guests gathered in the courtyard just off the Square for food and music.

It is a fitting evolution for a restaurant whose identity has become less about fitting neatly into one category and more about creating an experience.

Tacos are still the common denominator, but the atmosphere matters, too. A plate of tacos can be dinner. A tequila and a few tacos can become an evening out. Live music can turn a meal into an event. And a downtown location makes it easy to fold Say Taco into an afternoon or night spent exploring Ocala’s historic center.

That may be the biggest difference between Sayulita Taqueria and Say Taco: The latter isn’t simply a new name on the sign. It represents a willingness to rethink what the restaurant could be.

According to the restaurant, that transformation has been reflected in increased business and improved customer feedback—an encouraging sign that the new direction is resonating with the community.

Today, Say Taco presents itself as a place to come for the food and stay for the experience. It is a downtown restaurant, tequila bar and social gathering spot wrapped around a simple idea: Take tacos seriously, have some fun and give people a place where they feel comfortable sticking around.

For a downtown district built around gathering, that’s a recipe that makes plenty of sense.

Say Taco is located at 10 NE 1st St. in Ocala and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.