C David Y.
Google
******Edit to this review******
We, after we purchased out newest vehicle, and the Eve of our 19th Anniversary wanted to come and celebrate both, at Pepe's.
However it was quite the disappointment and 'downer' on our day. The service was non-existent, quite the surprise from past experiences. The food was mediocre at best. Beans lacked the prior consistent flavor as was the Spanish rice. I ordered the Carne Asada, which was quite surprising when I was asked how I wanted it cooked, as I have always known Carne Asada as a marinated meat, simmered to a flakey consistency, much like Carnitas. Although I requested 'Rare' it came out well done and was this tiny almost single almost paper thin cut of meat...maybe 3 ounces at best. My partner had ordered the Pepe's Special, but it came out as the same cut of New York Strip as mine only 2-3 times thicker in size. It too, was grossly overcooked as Sonny had ordere3d Medium Rare and it came out Medium Well.
The male server nor the female that usually works lunches, came by our table after they delivered the entree's or we would have said something....asked questions about what was brought out to us. There did seem to be a large party in the back room, but there was only 1 other table in the dining room all the time we were there.
When we had to ask for the check, we did mention our displeasure, and both the male and female server, became very defensive...asking why we didn't say something before.....we told them they never came by to check if we were satisfied with our entrees. We were not intending to get anything discounted or gratis, as we ate what was brought to us...as unpalatable, a disappointment as it was....we just wanted to let the staff know of our displeasure. Again the defensiveness we encountered significantly exacerbated our displeasure.
Although this was the first time we had encountered, anything of this level of displeasure with Pepe's, actually the first time, but again the lack of "taking ownership" of the situation has caused us to rethink any revisit anytime soon. We both in our younger days have over 3 decades of foodservice experience between the 2 of us, and we know a facility can have a 'bad night', but recognizing ones failure(s) is the first step in atonement to customers you have dissatisfied, not trying to argue/lie about the service you claim you provided.
__________________________________________________________
We were introduced to this establishment by our beloved "Doggie Park" family.
As before it was an astounding 'find'!!
We took my Cousins out with us and they were equally amazed...at what a wonderful place this is to dine! Sue loved her Pina Colada, stating it is the best she had ever had, our Margarita's although a bit lacking in 'sweet and sour', were quite the treat.
The dishes we enjoyed, the Carnitas' dinner, the Relleno's dinner, the Combo plate and my Steak Picado were wonderful despite never having Steak Picado, served all chopped up like it was, nor cooked to the degree it was....it was still quite enjoyable. The chips were very, very tasty, they had a very 'fresh', unique but quite enjoyable flavor to them.
I have lived in Phoenix for 26 years, and in this area for the last 20, and I have, NEVER, noticed this place, despite driving by it many times a week, but what a "Hidden Gem', it is!!!
The parking is a bit sparse, but well worth the effort to get inside, which is quite comfortable and interesting.
I was equally impressed with the service, as it was the epitome of 'hospitable' and timely.
This establishment is a, Must Visit, if you truly enjoy authentic 'Mexican Cuisine'
