Pepper Garcia's — Restaurant in Santa Maria

⭐️ 1-star review

My wife and I decided to try this place for the first time. When we arrived, they told us about the buffet, which I decided to try, while my wife ordered a combo plate.

About halfway through my first plate from the buffet, I bit into two small bone pieces hidden in the shredded chicken. It was painful and surprising—especially for a buffet where you’d expect boneless, ready-to-serve dishes. I mentioned it to our server (who was polite) and explained I wouldn’t be going back for seconds because I was pretty upset. I also pointed out that finding bones like this could be dangerous if a child choked on one.

The server spoke to an older gentleman who seemed to be the owner, and they offered 25% off the buffet price. No one asked if I wanted something else instead, offered to replace the plate, or considered comping the meal I barely ate. They just brought the discounted bill and walked away.

We didn’t raise our voices or cause a scene, but the response felt dismissive and disrespectful. We won’t be returning. I’d consider changing this review if they offered a real apology and comped our meal—it’s the least they could do after such a...

In all honesty, the food is pretty good but not completely authentic. Although, Ive only ate hwre once. The prices are good. The restaurant decor is neat and happy. I ordered chile reyenos, also known as battered and stuffed cheese peppers. This is my favorite Mexican dish. It was good, particularly because of the great portion size of rice and beans, but it was not as good as my mom's. My mom makes sure to take out all the seeds and she over stuffs the peppers with so much more cheese! Furthermore, my mom uses a roasted tomato sauce that just takes the chile reyenos to a whole other level of amazing. Nontheless, I recommend this restaurant for its food and quick n good customer service. I plan on returning again next time Im in the area. Lastly, my friend who I ate with ordered the chimichanga, and he absolutely loved it. Said he has been looking for a good Mexican restaurant in the area...

Very impressed with this restaurant. We had a party of 12 arrive unannounced and we’re given immediate seating. The two more arrived and no problem, they happily arranged us all to be together. The food was great, large portions and flavorful. I had the shrimp cocktail, which was nothing as I expected. I just wasn’t familiar with the dish as it was served. Wonderful! Our server took wonderful care of us. She worked alone, was efficient, prompt and professional. She accommodated our needs beautifully! I do t live in the area, otherwise, id eat here regularly. Thanks for a...