El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar

Excellent food and service by Dennis! Very attentive and responsive wait staff, everything went smoothly with practically no wait times between the things we ordered. Great Cuban bread appetizer with two dip sauces. Excellent Pan Con Bistec and Coconut Flan; the flan was so rich it was almost like cheesecake ❤️ Try the Hatuey beer if you are into lagers, or the Crazy Lady beer from Key West Brewery.

Truly delicious, authentic Cuban flavor. Highly recommend the Cuban sandwich, the tamal was amazing, and we ordered the Cuban platter with ropa vieja, picadillo, lechon asado, saffron rice, and black beans soup. Everything was outstanding, top notch.

Checked all the boxes. No wait after sunset, fantastic music, service, and the food was abundant, delicious and worth the price. Lots of decor and atmosphere. Very cool. Super glad we went there.

My first time eating Cuban food and I loved it. Ropah Viejo, with a combo of sides: black beans, yellow rice, fried plantains. The margarita was Mexican, but I also had Cuban coffee - the way Cubans drink it. Sitting outside, with a band playing something in Spanish made the evening complete. Seated promptly, served hot food, and drinks quickly. Pleasant servers, great atmosphere. I strongly recommend this restaurant.

Gotta love this place! Food is as good as anything you have eaten anywhere. There is never going to be a bad experience here. Gotta love the chickens running around which gives it an authentic appeal.

What a fun place!! Great place to enjoy live Cuban music and enjoy the vibe while watching the sunset and eating great apetizers! The Scallops are a must as they are seasoned well with a butter sauce. Planting chips are good and add to the atmosphere. The Shrimp were on a another level and some of the best we had in Key west! Go for the atmosphere and enjoy the food while listening to some great Latin music

#80 Combo all the way. You can try some of their top sellers. Yuka, some kind of rice, beens, and 3 kinds of meat. Pro tip # you can use the bread they give you with one of the salsas and throw the meat on it and it is quite delectable! Live music is nice and people dance to it. SHARE a big portion. Also the guacamoli with plantane chips are super good (and add to the bread. Also it is a stones throw from the water! Ervin was an excellent server with how busy they were. Also they have some neat displays inside of wood carvings by mario sanchez. They have information displayed on cuban history and customs.

Cool atmosphere with a lot of character and Cuban vibes. The outdoor seating area is spacious and has a nice setup. The food was okay — not the best I’ve had, but decent. The fried whole fish looked impressive, but the flavor was average. Dessert was also just okay. The biggest issue was the service — it took a long time to get our food, which was frustrating. Overall, worth checking out for the ambiance, but be prepared to wait.

Visiting Key West and a lady who sat next to my wife on our flight down recommended this place. We arrived around 2 on a Sunday and we were seated very quickly. Our server was a complete sweetheart. So friendly and patient. My wife and I decided to split everything. We ordered a Mojito. It was the best Mojito I've ever had. So delicious and refreshing. My wife hates drinks like that but even she loved it. Ordered the coconut shrimp with fried plantains as an appetizer. It was so good as was the pineapple dipping sauce. The Cubano was our entree, with fries of course. Very good and it had a great citrus flavor, matter fact, the strongest I ever had in a cubano. It was so good as were the fries A delicious meal with great service. This is a great place to eat if you're in Key West.

If you want to feel what prerevolution Havana might've tasted and sounded like, start here. The vibe is real: warm salt air, clinking glasses, and a band that turns dinner into a street party. But the magic isn't just vibes...it's brick and bone. El Meson de Pepe lives inside the old William Wall warehouse, an 1879 red-brick beauty that once anchored Key West's wrecking and cigar economy. It's a time capsule of Cuban history made for lingering and people watching. Now, the food: Authentic Cuban bread is offered to all visitors as a starter and all I can say is fuuuuuu** it is so good. I ordered the churrasco for my entree and promptly saw God. Perfect char, garlic chimichurri that sings, and beef so tender it should come with a liability waiver. Pair it with a mojito and you'll understand why tables around you keep "just adding one more dish." Bottom line: Come hungry, stay for the music, and leave knowing far more about Cuban history than you anticipated. If you only have one dinner in Key West, make it here-and thank me later.

Every time I went to Key West always I have breakfast and lunch at this place The food is amazing, great service and decoration showing all Cuban old times Really good!

The food is always good. At night they have live entertainment. We enjoyed the oxtail which was on the special menu

Visited key west today and this place was the highlight for us. Great latin music, people vibing and dancing with some great pinacoladas and mojitos. So much fun

Great Cuban food in Key West! The service was fantastic and the food recommendations were spot on. Finished the meal with a Key Line Pie to share.

While in Key West, I visited El Meson de Pepe. It's in the Mallory Square area. After watching the sunset, the hubby and I ate there for dinner. They do have an outdoor patio, but because of the heat, we both preferred the cool indoor seating. El Meson de Pepe serves authentic Cuban food, which was my first time trying - beyond eating a Cuban sandwich in my hometown of Chicago. Everything we tried was delicious - the tangerine dream drink, cuban bread, tamale, ropa vieja, pechuga de pollo, and one of the best decadent chocolate cake I've ever had. We didn't care for the guava bread pudding because it tasted like flan, and we're both not a fan. However, the hubby did like the conch. I didn't. LOL! That's an acquired taste.

If you like a strong drink, this is the bar for you. We were hanging out on Mallory square watching the entertainment and decided to get a round of piña coladas. They were sooooo strong.

Overpriced for what it is, I can't believe this place has 3 dollar signs. The customer service was below mediocre; the server just seemed like he did not want to be there and that I was a bother with my requests. The food is "not bad" is how I'd describe it. The steak was cooked perfectly which is impressive considering how thin it is. The shrimp was cooked well but the flavor was a little underwhelming. The yellow rice was undercooked twice, so I finally requested white rice and that was cooked fine. My favorite part of my meal were the sweet plantains. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant but if you need a place to dine and are in the area, sure.

A very nice restaurant with excellent food! The atmosphere was welcoming, and every dish we tried was delicious. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great dining experience. The waiter was very nice and offereus very good advice and service

El Meson de Pepe's - A Key West Gem for Authentic Cuban Cuisine Absolutely Amazing - A Must-Try in Key West! El Meson de Pepe's is hands down one of the best dining experiences I've had in Key West! This place offers authentic Cuban flavors, outstanding service, and a lively atmosphere that makes you feel like you've stepped right into the heart of Havana. FOOD: 5/5 - Flavor Explosion! Everything we ordered was incredibly fresh, well-seasoned, and beautifully plated. The portion sizes were generous, and the flavors were bold and authentic. Whole Fried Snapper - Perfectly crispy outside, tender and flaky inside, with fresh lime and onions for a bright finish. Ropa Vieja - The shredded beef was tender, slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and paired beautifully with yellow rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Vaca Frita - A must-try! Crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection with fresh citrus and garlic. Tostones Nachos - A fun and creative Cuban twist on nachos, with crispy plantains, shredded beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Cuban Coffee & Mojitos - The Cuban coffee was strong and bold (perfect for a pick-me-up!), and the mojitos were refreshing and well-balanced with just the right amount of mint and lime. Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared--you can tell this place takes great pride in their food! ‍ SERVICE: 5/5 - Friendly, Attentive, and Welcoming The staff at El Meson de Pepe's was phenomenal. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly, seated quickly, and treated like family. Our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and gave great recommendations on both food and drinks. Drinks were always refilled, and plates were cleared quickly--without ever feeling rushed. This is the kind of service that keeps you coming back! AMBIANCE: 5/5 - Vibrant, Lively & Full of Energy The atmosphere here is unbeatable! The restaurant is right in Mallory Square, so you get a prime spot for sunset views if you sit outside. Inside, the decor is rustic and colorful, truly capturing the essence of Cuban culture. But the real highlight? The live music! A talented salsa band played throughout the night, and the energy was contagious--some guests even got up and danced! The vibe is fun, festive, and perfect for a night out. FINAL THOUGHTS: A MUST-VISIT! If you're in Key West and want an authentic Cuban dining experience with incredible food, warm hospitality, and an unforgettable atmosphere, El Meson de Pepe's is the place to be! Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a lively night with friends, or just an amazing meal, this spot delivers on all levels. Highly Recommended! 5 Stars!

Service at the outside bar was great. William took great care of us and was super friendly. Will make sure to come back again!

A beautifully decorated restaurant with outstanding Cuban food, but the prices for entrees start at $25 which is a little on the expensive side; however, the food is delicious and each entree is quite filling. We heard about their key lime pie, but it tasted subpar. While it had meringue and looked beautiful, the sauce they used tasted too artificial and I found it a little too sweet. They have both an outdoor and indoor dining space, and the staff are kind. They don't take reservations and it's first come, first serve.

This restaurant was located in Mallory square. The street was brick/ cobble stones. So cute!! They food here is Delicious!! Cuban bread with butter dip was so good that came before our food came out. We ordered lechon asada, vaca fritas and tostones rellenos. My fav was the vaca fritas. It was crispy and salty. My tip here is ask for boiled yuca instead of fried. I didn't think the friend yuca was good but the boiled yuca was delicious to me!! The portions here are super generous so know that u will have a snack to take home to eat later. I would highly recommend this restaurant to eat at if you're in the keys. And around the corner there's a pink conch truck. You gotta try the conch fritters and the Key Limade there !!

One of the best Cuban style restaurants you'll have an opportunity to dine! Located near Mallory Square and great spot during the day but very cool vibe after sunset. Start with a Pina Colada with the dark rum floater shot. You won't be disappointed! For dinner my wife had the Cuban sandwich with plantains & I had the 3 favorites combo which had ground meat, pork & shredded beef with plantains & yucca. A lot of food but each item was cooked well & tasted fantastic! Service was excellent as we were seated and served quickly. Staff were all friendly and helped each other make sure your visit. As an FYI, after sunset this can get busy but it is worth the wait!

At first I was skeptical because of the previous ratings BUT we ordered the # 69 and the relleno appetizer with our mojitos and let me tell you it was delicious. The pork was tender and marinated just right. The mojitos were strong and minty. The server was super friendly and helpful! The ambiance was very authentic inside the restaurant and out.

We went up to bar for a drink after watching the sunset on April 4th, 2025. We were flat out ignored for over 20 minutes by the two bartenders. The bar wasn't busy. All of the regulars were at the bar, and were being served immediately. We love Key West, but will enjoy drinks elsewhere. Sadly, this is our last trip to the bar at El Meson DePepe.

The best Latin place to eat at key west Francisco Gomez our serve was so friendly and a great server Food delicious temperature perfect Drinks excellent and flavor the best Highly recommend this place to everyone on town you will love it

Not a great dinner experience and overpriced likely due to the location in Mallory Square. The ambience is dull and the food and service were below average. It was obvious the papas rellenas and the conch fritters were frozen, not fresh. Which is sad in Key West and they advertise them on the front of the restaurant. The steak, chicken, and yuca lacked flavor. The rice and beans were good. The server was very pushy trying to upsell and get us out as quickly as possible. It was all very transactional.

Decent Cuban mix and mojito. They say it's the best on the island but I disagree. There are also much better cuban mixes as well. This place is perfectly located at Mallory square so they get a lot of tourists. Inside has a bunch of decorations on the walls and ceilings that make it feel like if Disney tried to build in Havana. It's a little cheesy and meh. Servers are kind and fast.

Cuban cuisine at its finest! Located a stone's throw from Mallory Square this establishment has been around for a while. Love the decorations in the indoor dining room. We got lucky as we were able to get a table inside as the outdoor tables were all full and we brought our four legged furry friend. We ordered a pitcher of sangria and placed our orders. My wife ordered the Rabo Encendido (oxtail stew) with side order of yuca. I ordered the Camarones al' Ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce). For our furry friend Lulu we ordered a plain hamburger patty. We also ordered an appetizer of potato croquettes stuffed with chicken, cheese and ham. Food was delicious and their wait staff were very polite and friendly. There's an outdoor bar area by the stage where a band was playing salsa and cumbias. Very nice atmosphere. This was our first time dining here and we've been to other Cuban restaurants here in Key West and have not been disappointed so far. Will definitely be back on our next long weekend trip.

I'm Cuban ... what to say. Bad food "una comida recalentada". The external music better than the resta food and service. Costumer service horrible.

On our 1st night at KW, the amazing music lured us over following the sunset celebration at Mallory Sq. We walked through the cheerful and artsy gift shop , which led us to the restaurant. About 8-8:30 pm, no reservation, they sat us outside immediately even though it appeared they were very busy with full tables in and out. Lucky us! My 17 year old son ordered the nachos and I the coconut shrimp and a Margarita. Everything was amazing. Fresh bread served 1st was great. Service was super fun, friendly and attentive. We are big fans and can't wait to come back! Thanks for making our 1st night special!

Food was fantastic and drinks were good'. So many things on the menu I wanted to order, had to settle for one though and I finally did. My dish was seafood and chicken in creamy creole sauce and it was sooo good. The strips of chicken breast were even juicy and flavorful!! Service was great. Really cool place on the inside with lots of vintage black and white photos!

The inside decor is phenomenal. Best Pina Colada I've ever had. Empanadas and conch fritters were great as well. Best stop in Key West so far.

Food was awesome. Go with the combo #80. Man we really enjoyed this place. Nice building with Cuban decors and history on the inside. Recommend 100%

Great experience. Loved the food, the drinks were great and the live music was awesome as well. There are probably better authentic spots for Cuban but as far as proximity to everything else touristy in key west This was the best

Very lively atmosphere, good music, and amazing food and service! My server was Gianna and she was very friendly and patient, and the building is very clean and colorful. Also very good signage from the parking (you have to pay for parking)

Y'all! Don't sleep on this spot. I knew we shoulda went back for another sandwich because I can't stop thinking about it! We stumbled upon it and was sure glad we did. Staff was super friendly. We sat outside and chickens and roosters were running around everywhere and you can feed them bread crumbs, which is kinda fun. Our server suggested the special sandwich of the day which was a Cuban sandwich with croquetas in it. I think what made this sandwich different from others was that it had American cheese instead of Swiss cheese, SO good! I'm seriously craving one as I type up this review. The pork sandwich was also really good. Both sandwiches comes with fries or plantain chips so we got one of each, both great, but I preferred the plantain chips. Also, the complimentary bread was so warm, soft, buttery delicious with a side of spicy salsa and a garlicky sauce. Yum! Definitely coming back here next time we're in Key West.

I've walked by this place a million times and have always wanted to try it. It just looks fun. The music. People dancing as they walk by. We were down near Mallory square for sunset so decided to give it a go. We sat immediately at the bar. The bartenders were very welcoming and attentive. In typical Cuban fashion, they treated us like family from the minute we sat down. Drinks were quick to be refilled. The food came out pretty quickly. I had the shrimp (not the fried option) and we also had the half chicken. Both were very good. The yellow rice was cooked perfectly and the plantains were awesome as well. This is as close to a 5 star rating that I give without being totally blown away. Highly recommend this lively Cuban restaurant.

Great live music (if you sit outdoors. We sat outdoors because of the vibe and lots of happy people walking through the street. But you can sit in air conditioned inside that is very colorful and quiet) I love #69 on the menu: Lechan Asado is traditional Cuban roasted pork is AMAZING! (To me much better than the beef items on menu) Note: Cuban sandwiches not available after lunch

I am giving this restaurant a 1 star because I have no choice. We came on vacation and specifically wanted to go to this restaurant because it is advertised that you can see the sunset from it. Absolutely not true....do not waste your money. Prices are ridiculous and the false advertisement really leaves a bad taste in your mouth. What makes it worse is that I called twice and I was told sure you can see the sunset and the show from our restaurant and none of this is true. Do Not waste your time and money. Try the Sunset Pier right near El Meson de Pepe. You can sit on the Pier, eat good food and see the Sunset.

Great service, ambiance, and incredible food. One of our favorite places in Key West!

If you want the real authentic thing in Cuban foo, and in a fun environment, look no further than El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar. And don't just take my word on this. My partner was born in Cuba, so he's about as Cuban as one can get, and he says so. The menu is huge with something to satisfy every taste, whether you're Cuban or not. We tried their featured Cayo Hueso Cuban Mix which is their Key West version of the traditional Cuban Sandwich, served with all the trimmings: sugar-glazed ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, lettuce, mustard, tomatoes & mayonnaise on a crispy pressed Cuban bread; and I have to say it was terrific. ner also went for some Ropa Vieja which he exclaimed was nearly as good as his own, to which of course I vehemently had to disagree. The inside has a gift shop with all sorts of local as well as Cuban Items which, since I didn't explore, can not speak to. But what I can speak to is their outside bar. It's a totally fun place with good friendly service and other patrons. Also, lots of those Cuban chickens amusingly wandering around.

Food is very good but the service was very bad.Had to get up to get my own box to go and had to track waitress down to get a refill and to get check..very breezes inside nice place to cool off..

Absolute yum. It was a Tuesday night, right after sunset. Walked right up, no reservations, no sweat. It was not busy and we were sat immediately. Server was Helen. Helen is the quietest human I have encountered. Struggled to hear her.. We had four different dishes; each were delicious. Ropas Viejas, for me, just because I had never had old clothes for dinner-lol. The beef dishes, the Yucca, the pork dishes, black beans- all great. We skipped dessert and coffee as we just felt lost there with Ms Helen.

Food , service, live band , everything was excellent And we came on a Friday right after sunset , they were super busy

Very popular restaurant in Key West has to wait 45 minutes to enter. The food was good but just average and the price was higher than other Cuban restaurants. Our waitress was unable to do 2 separate checks between 2 couples which was an inconvenience. Overall would I return yes if I was in a group that wanted to go, but I don't have plans returning alone with my wife.

Good location for sunset view. Nice Cuban food. Pork chop is delicious. We like the most.

I haven't been here in about 12 years. Wow how things have changed. This is supposed to be authentic Cuban food. The mariquitas were served with pico de gallo. Cuban bread was given with a side of hot sauce? When I asked for garlic for the mariquitas they brought out actual cooking mojo. Not the best service but the hostess was amazing( sweet older lady). The only thing I did enjoy was the vaca frita.

The food is a solid 10/10 all day long. The portions are massive, prepared with love and authentic. Outside was a bit noisy. The servers really seemed to care and tried hard, but waiting over 45 mins just to get the check was a bit much. I will definitely be back, the food was too good to stay away.

Food is marginal at best. Everything is cooked very well done. Empanadas were good but are the size of calzones. Not really tapas size. Pollo chicken was seasoned ok. The skin was great, the meat very well done. Sangria is what kept us happy.

As a Cuban I can tell you this is far from authentic Cuban food flavor. I order the Cuban tacos horrible and the churraco even worst. If this is your first time eating Cuban food then you need to try again somewhere else. Horrible quality and taste

Stopped in for Key Lime Pie. Worst Key Lime pie I have ever eaten. I know good Key Lime Pie. I grew up in South Dade County with a key lime tree in my back yard. Service great , pie ..... not so much .

I thought I posted this review, as I wrote it years ago, but just found it in my drafts. 5 star food, 3 star atmosphere. Most importantly, the food was amazing! Authentic Cuban food with some of the best Vaca Frita I've had in years! The Churasco is very good and a great choice for steak fans.

We went for a birthday dinner (party of 9) and the restaurant refused to split the bill because it said so in the front of their menu.

It's really cute inside. The service was OK. Our server was nice. The nachos is so delicious. You have to come here just for that!! The sampler was OK but I would try something else. we would come back especially for those nachos!!

Not my fave. Tried the chicken empanadas. And the guac. Save yourself and go somewhere else.

Excellent food, nice atmosphere, good service. This is a solid choice, highly recommend