Don Pepe — Restaurant in Houston

Walked in and the owner/cashier made a face because we had a party of 6 with 2 children.(bringing him Business) He was rushing us while we ordered, though it was our first time there. He seemed to get a long with caucasian people the most, making jokes and laughing. I don't mind that at all, if you treated everyone with respect and great customer service . Then he said he was going to put the orders on different checks, despite us telling him it was all going to be paid together. He was doing that, so the servers won't get confused when they brought us our food. (his words not mine) We ordered half our food and stepped aside so he can get the rest of the lines order(2 Caucasian people),when he took their order his attitude changed completely. we stepped aside to give him some time to fix his his attitude and demeanor because it was making us upset. He seemed frustrated and eager to finish taking our order. So we come back in line after the 2 people finish finish ordering and still no change in his attitude towards us. . We finish ordering. And sat down. Guess what the servers did? Yup they got everything confused at the time of brining our food. So his method of putting everything on different tabs was a fail. Mind you he made a face like we were stupid when we told him we wanted everything in one check while he was starting different checks. So that was that for customer service I give it a -10 especially because the owner was the one taking our order. He is supposed to lead by example.

Come to the food nothing was "authentic". Chilaquiles were literally tortillas with hints of sauce that you buy at the grocery store. Authentic salsa would have made them a bit better. Menudo needed more salt than the Galveston beaches hold. They were so stingy with there vegetables and limes for tacos. Nothing was "authentic". I didn't try the tamales because they didn't have any. The "home made tortillas"were not thoroughly cooked! I took a bite and u can still feel the texture of the corn flour! The quesadilla was so small, my infant could hold it in one hand. Everything I tried lacked flavor, and salt. Food was so simple I think I cooked better when I was in elementary school. Horchata wasn't the best either.

Food I give it 1 star because that's the lowest grade possible.

Oh I almost forgot, the tables were so crooked and un-léveled that they don't serve you a full plate of menudo because it can spill when you place it on the "flat surface."

Overall I wish I could rate this in the...

I’m sad that I can’t give this place a 5–not yet, at least. I will try again another time. This is a mom-and-pop restaurant and the owner is very involved in the kitchen, taking orders and approaching customers at their tables. The parking lot is limited and is not in the best area (IMO) but with all these awesome reviews, I had to stop and see for myself. My friend also had a very specific craving of chilaquiles and this place offered that dish. We showed up during rush hour and the owner seemed overwhelmed. You could feel the tension and how stressed he was that customer service suffered. He was not the friendliest (in that moment-I’m sure he’s a nice man) and I felt a little rushed. My friend arrived a few minutes after me and ordered. She mentioned the owner cut her off as she was ordering. I understand restaurant biz is hard (my parents have owned several in the past) but he needs to hire a friendlier face to take the orders. Stress in the kitchen is understandable but have a happier person greeting and taking the orders... it will make a huge difference.

The biggest disappointment were the tamales. Being a Mexican and having lived in north Mexico—and knowing how to make them myself—these were lacking lard (or whatever fat they use on their tamales). They fell apart as I removed them from the husk and just crumbled. It had a good flavor but it did not hold it’s shape. The tamal oaxaqueño (banana leaf) was the same. Crumbly and grainy. The tamales oaxaqueños usually have a gloss to them because of the grease but also, the banana leaf creates that silky-smooth masa texture. Again, good flavor but couldn’t get over the texture. A restaurant that has the word tamal on their business name SHOULD perfect their tamal recipe. I’m not sure if I went on a bad day but they need to fix tamal recipe ASAP and get it right every time by sticking to the ingredient measurements.

Churros were great and café de olla was good too. My friend loved her enchiladas... she changed her mind last minute instead of the chilaquiles. I tasted them and they were great. Price was very good. For my tamal oaxaqueño, rajas tamal, churros and café de olla, I paid about $11.

Soon after, I went to visit my sister and I let her know where I had gone for lunch. Turns out she had visited not long ago and she said she didn’t love it but would give it another chance. I will too and will update my review...

Tamales Don Pepe is a hidden gem, a true hole-in-the-wall spot that captures the essence of authentic Mexican flavors. The tamales are nothing short of amazing, a testament to the culinary prowess that resides within this unassuming establishment. Each bite is a journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine, filled with rich and savory delights that leave a lasting impression.

The chilaquiles at Tamales Don Pepe are another star on the menu. Perfectly crafted, they strike the right balance of flavors and textures, providing a satisfying and comforting experience. It's evident that the culinary expertise extends beyond tamales, creating a comprehensive menu that caters to a variety of Mexican culinary cravings.

The Mexican Coke Sangria is a delightful surprise, adding a unique and refreshing twist to the dining experience. It's the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful dishes, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal. The attention to providing not just great food but also unique and complementary beverages adds a layer of thoughtfulness to the dining experience.

The staff at Tamales Don Pepe contribute significantly to the overall charm of the place. Their friendly and welcoming demeanor creates an atmosphere that feels like dining among friends. The genuine warmth of the staff enhances the dining experience, making patrons feel not just like customers but like valued guests.

The ambience of Tamales Don Pepe completes the package. Despite being a hole-in-the-wall spot, there's a unique and inviting aura that envelops the space. It's a place where the focus is on the food and the communal joy of sharing a delicious meal.

In conclusion, Tamales Don Pepe is a culinary treasure, offering amazing tamales, chilaquiles, and more in a cozy and welcoming setting. The combination of exceptional food, delightful beverages, friendly staff, and inviting ambience makes it a standout spot for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable Mexican...