Pepe Taberna Garagardotegia — Restaurant in San Sebastián

Was there this summer-food was below poor and the service was...well just read the experience I paid for.

Arrived at Bar Pepe and sat outside during the World Cup. After 20 minutes the server came to take our orders in a rush-which I get because tiger place was going off for WC.I ordered the shrimp skewers (I’m American) in English. The server told me they were out. I pivoted to the calamari-my second choice.

The table next to us ordered the shrimp skewers in basque and he says no problem-I also speak Spanish-which is not basque but you can put it together. I also had a guide from San Sebastián with me who spoke basque.

30 minutes later our food was brought out -after the table that ordered AFTER us...and so were their shrimp Skewers.

I then called the waiter out in Spanish and embarrassed him and our guide for the poor hospitality. I then told him in English -it’s fine-I know what you did...too which he looked at me with that shameful yet stubborn I have to stand my ground posture...the guide apologized because she knew.

Was an isolated incident in a wonderful and friendly, warm city-but it still happened.

More importantly-the calamari was undercooked and gave me a stomach issue for 3 days.

I will be back to San Sebastián but...

We popped into Pepe Taberna Garagardotegia on a sunny Monday afternoon and the food genuinely impressed us. There are a few good vegetarian options, but no real vegan-compliant ones. The staff were attentive and friendly, which really elevated the experience. That said, it is loud with a lot of background noise and incessant distracting music, and the atmosphere feels more functional than welcoming. The cramped layout doesn’t lend itself to lingering with leisure, and there’s a certain discomfort to the bar itself. It’s worth a stop for a swift, satisfying bite, but for a relaxed evening or cosy chat, it may leave you yearning for...

We're staying in Ondarreta and, arriving in the evening our first night, we stumbled into Bar Pepe to eat. We're lucky. This isn't some elaborate tourist venue- just a neighborhood joint with great food and friendly service. Our server was friendly and offered suggestions when asked.

Everything worked. The first night we stuck to the chef's suggested menu for ordering Pintxos. The second visit we went to the full menu for a few dishes. We stuck to the small plates to capture a broader range of the cuisine. From sous vide pork and beef dishes to a variety of Basque seafood dishes, we were very happy. Not a bad...