Don Pepe's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Franklin

First visit 11/27. Very impressed. A manager/senior waiter noticed I was in an orthopedic boot and called the hostess back to seat us in the first booth so I didn't have to walk thru the restaurant. His thoughtfulness set the tone for excellent service. A friend had said the staff made quacomole to order at your table, so of course we had to try that. Fun to watch and wonderful flavorful guacamole.I could have made a meal just of that large serving (four avocados for the two of us). He and our waitress were very attentive. It was also a nice surprise to see a fresh take on Mexucan restaurant decor; one wall features a black and white mural, and I asked who the individuals were. (I recognized Frida Kahlo, but none of the others). The owner overheard and came over to identify them and tell their significance to Mexican culture. When we were leaving, the manager/senior waiter immediately came over to offer me his arm so I could safely get up from the booth. I don't know when I've had such attentive restaurant staffers. The food: guacamole was excellent. My companion had the chili relleno lunch combo and loved it. I had grilled chicken fajita taco salad which was excellent. Flavorful, tender chicken (no gristle or tough pieces) and a fine balance between lettuce and the other ingredients. You won't have to hunt thru a head of iceberg lettuce to find the other ingredients. The food arrived promptly and at ideal temperature. Just after we were seated, a group of men who looked to be in the building trades left, and the manager/senior waiter called out, "see you tomorrow." He told us the crew came in daily. If that's not a testament, I don't know what is! Friendly, attentive (but not pushy) staff, a large menu, excellent food--all inspiring me to leave my first-ever restaurant review. Definitely will be back! Thank you Don Pepe! (On Murfreesboro Road in the former IHOP site next...

My wife and I got extremely excited when we heard that a new Mexican restaurant was opening it's doors here in Franklin! As they recently had their soft opening, we jumped on the opportunity to try it out. Maybe our expectations got outsized as we anxiously awaited the opening, but when we visited we found that it was only fine. Not good, not bad, just fine.

We read the other reviews about the food being bland, and thought they were being dramatic. They are not overstated. The salsa is very watery, and does not have much seasoning or vegetables. Same story with the guacamole - I'm convinced it's just avocados mixed together into a very fine paste.

My wife had the Grilled Chicken Chimichanga, which was literally just a tortilla stuffed with bits of grilled chicken, fried, and covered in queso. I had the Burrito Grande with steak, and found that I only got a chunk of steak every other bite. Besides that, my bites were only guacamole paste, sour cream, and soggy tortilla. The red "burrito sauce" was also very watery and didn't add much to the dish other than making the tortilla soggy.

Aside from the food, the service was decent. The food came out quickly and hot, however, the waiters and waitresses are still finding their footing and made us feel a little uneasy by hovering around our table at times.

I really want this place to succeed, but they need to turn things around, and turn them around quickly. The first impression they are giving is not one that makes us...

We started eating at Don Pepe’s in Franklin every since they first opened. This past Friday, we had tickets for a concert at Franklin Theater and decided to eat at Don Pepe’s rather than downtown Franklin ($$$). They have a new seafood dish - Camarones Ala Diabla. My husband said it was the best Diaba sauce he has ever had, including at Italian restaurants. The flavor of the Diaba sauce is so delicious that you crave more of it. It is very spicy and delicious. I had the Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo, which is a Mexican version of Shrimp Scampi - shrimp in butter, garlic sauce. It was simply delicious and I can’t wait to have it again. Previously, I’ve had excellent tamale, seafood tacos, shrimp tacos, and Chile Verde - all excellent, cooked perfectly. The staff is happy, well trained, and so friendly. They privide quick, courteous service in a spotless, clean environment. (Oops on the photo- we remembered to take one, but ate most of it before remembering...