Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina Spices Things Up!
By Tony Reverditto
This old-school spot offers Mexican & American cuisine along with awesome cocktails and live music. Their food is made fresh daily and the extensive menu ranges from Sizzling Fajitas, Tacos, Enchiladas, Burritos, Combination Plates, Burgers, Salads, and everything in between!
Pepe’s opened in 1971 and was owned and operated by the Gibson Family for over 40 years. They did do a remodel in 2006 and kept a steady and loyal clientele for decades. Two years ago, Victor and Laura DeMoreno purchased the restaurant and it remains busy and they stayed true to serving huge portions with each order. The DeMoreno’s also own an Italian restaurant in Ontario called Rosa’s Cocina, as well as markets that specialize in meats.
We visited on a Monday afternoon and were greeted by the GM, Kyle Hoffman who said that he had been with the company for 15 years. He started as a busboy and worked his way up to GM six years ago. After being seated, our server, Kristen O’Neill immediately came to the table. She has been with Pepe’s for 16 years, she was super sweet, informative, and very professional. She knew the menu inside out and gave us insight into some of the favorites. Her service was great throughout the two hours that we were there. We started with Chips and Salsa and they have choices of Spicy Red or Green and Classic Red Chunky Salsa. With that, I had a delicious Don Julio Cadillac Margarita and my guest had a nice generous glass of Century Cellars Chardonnay.
As previously mentioned, the menu is extensive including appetizer options such as Nachos, Quesadillas, Mexican Pizza, Ceviche, Shrimp Cocktail, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Carne Fries, Guacamole, and Bean Dip. We narrowed down the appetizers to the California Eggrolls; a crispy flour tortilla stuffed with avocado, jalapeno, and cilantro. Four pieces served with raspberry chipotle dipping sauce or jalapeno ranch. This was a very tasty and healthy take on an egg roll. The Pepe’s Hot Wings had the option of spicy bbq, buffalo, or spicy teriyaki sauce. The eight wings were yummy and served with celery sticks and ranch dressing.
The Mexican entrées are bountiful and we were blown away that they have an American food menu as well. Everything from a multitude of burgers and sandwiches of many varieties. A local friend told me that she loves the burgers, maybe on a future visit, but we were focused on Mexican food for this visit. They do offer classic soup options, including Albondigas and Chicken Tortilla Soup. There are 5 different types of fresh salads and a shocking amount of dressings available that include Ranch, Jalapeno Ranch, Thousand Island, Bleu Cheese, Italian, Oil & Vinegar, Cilantro Pepita, Caesar or Honey Mustard. I had a Spicy Margarita at this point and loved it, Jalapeño and Cucumber made the perfect heat and cool cocktail combination.
Anyway, our final selections were the famous Sizzling Fajitas, a combo with Shrimp and Chicken; six grilled shrimp and chicken breast pieces simmered with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms served on a sizzling platter served with either refried or black beans and rice, guacamole, pico de gallo and corn or flour tortillas. You can add a cup of soup or dinner salad for $1.50. The price is over $18.00, but they are served in huge portions, enough for two and it was our favorite dish of the dining experience.
Kristen said that the Carne Ala Tampiquena is a popular item, chopped Carne, grilled with bacon, mushrooms, and green onions served with a cheese enchilada, rice, refried or black beans, and corn or flour tortillas. I thought it was a tasty flavor combination and the enchilada I had for lunch the next day and it was very nice. We also tried the Camarones Ala Diablo, Ten shrimp cooked in an interesting hot and spicy sauce with tomatoes and onions and served with your choice of sides. Personally, I would have preferred 6 larger shrimp (which is more traditional) rather than 10 of the smaller ones that came with the dish and this presentation I haven’t seen before either.
Daily Specials:
Margarita Monday - $4 House margaritas, $7 Premium margaritas Carne Asada or Carnitas Dinner specials with rice and beans, flour, or corn tortillas.
Taco and Beer Tuesday - All Tacos Are Street Taco Size and are $1.47 each Hard Shell Ground Beef, Shredded Beef or Chicken, Soft Taco Fish, Carne Asada, Carnitas, Grilled Chicken and Pork Chili Verde. All Bottled Mexican Bottles are $4.47 from 2 to 9 pm.
Wednesday Fajitas Night - Starting at 4 pm - Super Fajitas for 2 @ $26.97. This meal includes 2 plates of rice and beans with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo, 2 of the following drinks, Coors Light draft, Bud Light draft, house wine, or soft drinks. The meal also includes 2 salads or soups.
Thursday Enchilada Night - 2 Enchiladas with rice and beans for $11.95. Your choice of Shredded Beef, Shredded Chicken, Pork Chili Verde, Chile Colorado, Ground Beef, or Cheese with sides.
Friday & Saturday Prime Rib Night - Special 4 pm to closing – Prime Rib Special for $16.95, baked potato, baked beans, and soup or salad. Get there early this one always sells out!
Wednesday and Thursday Nights at the Cantina
Dj_DavidW2DZ plays music on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Starts at 8 pm and is right in time for our 2 for 1 drink special (in cantina only) which goes from 8-10 pm.
Pepe’s Restaurant & Cantina, 31780 Railroad Canyon Rd, Canyon Lake.
Reservations and information 951.244.7373 or www.pepescanyonlake.com