Constructed in 1987 as the private residence of acclaimed novelist and artist Jack D. Hunter, this distinctive two-story building was thoughtfully transformed in 2012 into one of Historic Downtown St. Augustine's most unique full-service restaurant and tequila bar destinations. Professionally renovated by John Valdez & Associates, the conversion incorporated modern commercial systems designed for restaurant use, including a fire sprinkler and suppression system, while preserving the property's architectural charm and intimate residential character. Situated on approximately 0.12± acres, the property enjoys approximately 49 feet of frontage along the brick-paved Hypolita Street and an additional 109 feet of frontage on Toques Place, providing outstanding visibility and convenient pedestrian access from both sides of the property. Enclosed by a concrete block privacy wall, the restaurant offers a rare, private courtyard setting featuring mature shade trees, lush landscaping, decorative gardens, brick pavers, ambient lighting, and multiple outdoor gathering areas that create an inviting atmosphere unlike any other in the Historic District. The property is prominently positioned along one of downtown's primary pedestrian corridors and is highly visible to vehicular traffic, sightseeing tour trains, and the millions of visitors who explore St. Augustine each year.
The improvements contain approximately 3,292± square feet of heated, cooled, covered, and support areas thoughtfully designed to create multiple guest experiences throughout the property. The first floor features a fully equipped commercial kitchen, food preparation areas, manager's office, hostess and waiting area around a fireplace, customer restrooms, two covered outdoor bars, and a spacious covered courtyard dining area. The second level offers an additional bar with seating, food preparation area, customer restroom, and two covered balconies overlooking both Hypolita Street and the private courtyard, providing a unique elevated dining experience. A detached service building includes storage, dishwashing facilities, a walk-in cooler, and an additional guest restroom conveniently serving the courtyard.
Operating today as "Casa Maya Restaurant & Tequila Bar", the property has been thoughtfully designed to create multiple indoor and outdoor hospitality experiences within an intimate, garden-like setting. The private courtyard serves as the focal point of the property, complete with a covered entertainment stage, open space for dancing, and inviting gathering areas illuminated by decorative lighting and mature landscaping. Its versatile layout is well suited for casual and upscale dining, specialty beverage service, private events, rehearsal dinners, weddings, corporate functions, and live entertainment. Opportunities to acquire a purpose-built hospitality property with this combination of historic character, operational versatility, exceptional ambiance, and an irreplaceable location in the heart of America's oldest city are exceedingly rare.
Located at 22 Hypolita Street in the heart of the Historic District of St. Augustine, this premier restaurant location benefits from one of Florida's strongest pedestrian-oriented tourism markets. Situated just one block from the bayfront and within easy walking distance of St. George Street, the property is surrounded by nationally recognized attractions, boutique hotels, museums, art galleries, retail shops, and some of the city's most popular restaurants and entertainment venues.
The Historic District welcomes millions of visitors annually, creating consistent daytime and evening foot traffic throughout the year. The area hosts numerous festivals, live music events, holiday celebrations, and cultural attractions that drive repeat visitation from both tourists and local residents.
The property's central downtown location offers exceptional visibility and accessibility, making it an ideal destination for lunch, dinner, and evening dining. Guests enjoy convenient access from nearby public parking facilities, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, the St. Augustine Bayfront, and many of the city's signature landmarks, including Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. The surrounding mix of hospitality, retail, and entertainment uses creates a vibrant, walkable environment that consistently attracts both visitors and local patrons.
