Don Pepe's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Columbia

My family and I have been coming here for years. They are usually very friendly and quick. Tonight we were there for 2 hours (arrived at 6:30, left at 8:30) it took us 30 minutes to order and 50 minutes for our food. Once our food arrived 2/4 orders were wrong so those had to be sent back. Our waitress who was obviously new wasn't ready to be on her own. She didn't speak much English and couldn't understand us so we were having to point to what we wanted, several times another waiter, who we have had a lot who is great, had to come help her. What was the icing on the cake was when we went to go pay. I had queso on my bill but we hadn't ordered queso, the girl who checked us out said "How was everything?" I said "slow, we come here a lot and I've never had such slow service " she rolled her eyes and said "We've been busy".. which in all honesty they weren't slammed, I've been there when it was much busier and received quicker service. I then said "We didn't have any queso but it's on my bill" she grabbed the bill, ran my card and slammed my receipt down. I said to my friend, do you see the manager? This is ridiculous- the girl came out behind the counter and said "Mom, and nodded my way saying something to her about me". I think the managers name is Maria, and she's always been very friendly and kind. She was on the phone so we just left. I just won't be back. Next time you're short staffed in the kitchen, which was obvious, be up front with your clients and explain the wait. Our waitress never even came by to refresh our drinks, see if we wanted more chips/salsa etc.. but the utter disrespect from the managers daughter is why we won't be going back to Don Pepe's. She needs to learn to check her attitude and maybe customers aren't always right, but I said nothing rude or hateful, I was honest and said service was slow and she was rude and hateful, my daughter even said she was rolling her eyes at me as she was running my card. It's a shame that that behavior, especially from the managers daughter...

I wish I could give a zero, I ordered a frozen margarita and there chimichanga Don pepe. The margarita was terribly made and barley frozen/slushy at all, nothing like a frozen Margarita should be. It was basically melted by the time it was at my table. My food was also very disappointing as it was such a small serving it's was disgusting. I have paid less for the same meal at La Fuente just 5 minutes away for more then twice the food which of course means I always have left overs. As I can only eat about half of it, but I always look forward to the delicious leftovers from them. I came to Don Pepe to try it out as I have had 1 person tell me with was worth trying at least once and another saying there weren't worth the trip. I decided to see for myself as it was 50/50 and will never return. Such a waste of money just to go home and eat hot pockets instead. I will stick to La Fuente from now on, the food is better, cheaper, and the service is better as well. At least they always make sure there customers are satisfied and offer replacements if not. I encourage others that frequent Don Pepe to try somewhere else at least once because I have never been to a worse Mexican restaurant as this and I am sorry if this is the best...

This place is absolutely amazing. I first came here with my Daughter and her family so the memories I have here mean the world to me. Every time I visit I am reminded of them and feel close to them again since they have moved so far away. The have a loaded fries plate that is absolutely amazing. All the food has been wonderful and the atmosphere is awesome! The service is stellar and the prices are very reasonable. The staff are friendly and inviting and make you feel welcome. They do not rush you into a decision and are willing to make recommendations that fit exactly what you didn't know you wanted! Every time I come here I find a new favorite. They are very kid/family friendly and are very patient with little ones. My granddaughter is autistic and they had so much patience with her that it was heartwarming. They soon had her out of her shell and smiling and laughing and loving being there. As a family we felt welcomed and embraced. We were not made to feel uncomfortable for the littles getting a little loud and they stopped by to laugh with the littles. This is definitely a place I will return to both as a family and as a couple. The staff makes this a great place and the exceptional food just puts the icing...