El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
Cuban
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Outdoor Seating
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Menu
Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 11:00 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Contribute
4.1
2,861 reviews
Excellent
1,397
Very good
860
Average
333
Poor
143
Terrible
128
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
James P
Bloomington122 contributions
Jul 2024 • solo
I was craving El Siboney, but this trip I didn't know anyone with a car and was looking for an alternative in Old Town. El Meson de Pepe is right behind Mallory Square and next to the garden of Key West heroes, and because there was a long line of Spanish speakers waiting for tables I thought it was a good sign. Discovered that if you're alone or with another person you can avoid the line and walk to the bar and grab a stool. The restaurant is housed in a 100+ year old building, and the seating is open (not cozy), decor colorful, and atmosphere lively.
At a new place I usually go with a house specialty or try a sampler. Though $35 was at the higher end of the entrees, I opted for #80: Completa de Caballo Grande, a sampler of their three most popular dishes (Lechon Asado, Ropa Vieja, and Picadillo Habanero, with yellow (not white) rice. It was served with perfectly cooked plantains and yucca, and the dish did not disappoint—especially complemented by a half-carafe of the homemade Pepe's sangria. It was a wonderful meal, and if I had stopped there I would have given the restaurant five stars.
I returned the following night and wanted something less sumptuous. There are things I need to have every Key West visit—cafe con leche, key lime pie, conch fritters, conch chowder, and Cuban mix—and I had the latter, but was not blown away. It was their own variation, and as with variations, sometimes it works, sometimes not.
But it's nice to have a Cuban option like this near all the Duval St. action at the Mallory end, and I'll be going there every time I return to Key West.
The back of their T-shirts say "FAMILY," and a Cuban family sitting at the bar was interested to hear how I liked the food. The #80, I told them, was as good as any food I'd eaten in Havana. And that's the truth.
Written July 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JZRIV
Pittsburgh170 contributions
Sep 2024 • couples
We had walked by El Meson many times during visits to KW but never ate there until our recent visit when wife wanted to try Cuban food. We were blown away by the extensive menu, quality of food served, and service from wait staff was on its A-game. Granted they were not super busy being midafternoon but still, the whole dining experience start to finish ranked high on overall experiences from our trip and there was competition! The interior décor is phenomenal. So many things to look at with Cuban influence. One of those places with a "feel" that makes you not want to leave. We'll definitely be back on our next trip.
Written October 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Digger
16 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
We wanted Cuban food and wow was it worth it. The nachos were a great choice. The kids were unsure of the plantain chips so they gave them a sample to try first which they loved. The pulled beef dinner plate was awesome. Only downside was my wife’s black bean soup was lacking the flavor she was expecting as it was pretty bland compared to other black beans she has eaten. Over all great service, live music, and good food.
Written January 2, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven H
Florida6 contributions
Apr 2024 • friends
My wife and I have been eating at De Pepe’s for decades when visiting Key West. Several years ago we became frustrated when after eating there they automatically added a 20% tip to our bill. The last time we ate there, they stopped that process. On our recent visit we took another couple and a Key West resident with us for dinner. Once seated and reviewed the menu, it was obvious the food prices had increased significantly. We particularly enjoy the Cuban sandwich. The cost had increased 50% from our last visit. Soup was also much higher than in the past. Soft drinks were $5. Now I understand Key West is a vacation destination and inflation has caused prices to rise but we felt this was certainly excessive. Not wanting to make a big deal about the prices we adjusted our food order to keep the overall cost reasonable. In the past, bread and dipping sauces were delivered to the table while waiting for your meal. This was at no additional cost. Not at this visit. No bread and sauces were given. Another way of saving money. Once our food arrived, the quantity was also much less than in previous visits. There was very little meat on our sandwich. The side was also much smaller. This effected the overall taste of the food we had ordered. Very disappointing. When finished we asked for separate checks which has never been an issue before. When I questioned this the waitress grabbed a menu and pointed to something on it which I assumed addressed the split check policy. This I’ll take credit for but with all the other issue we experienced, this was the last straw. We have removed El Meson De Pepe restaurant off our list on restaurants we will visit on our next our next trip to Key West. It’s unfortunate as this used to be a favorite of ours. The lack of customer service, dramatic increase in food prices, and significantly smaller portions has created our reason for no longer patronizing this restaurant. We did not see these type of price increases and food portion reductions at other Key West restaurants. We are seasoned travelers and know when businesses are taking advantage of their customers.
Written April 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Traveling Foodie
Denton33 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
We were looking forward to some good Cuban food and we were sorely disappointed. The rice was hard like it had been sitting in a pot for way too long. The rest of the food was cold.
The waitstaff was not very friendly and acted as if they were being put out.
I’m not returning and I recommend you you eat elsewhere.
Written September 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will P.
Midlothian17 contributions
Jan 2024 • family
I have a long history of wanting to go to Meson de Pepe. My earliest memories were of walking from Mallory Square after any of the countless sunsets and hearing nothing short of the most infectious Cuban or salsa music from the live stage outside. Over countless trips to Key West, for years this was my experience and I just couldn't wait to try Meson de Pepe but it was never a viable option with the folks I was with. Skip to Jan 2023 and it finally happened, and no moment of the entire experience was a disappointment. My wife and I went for dinner on a random weekday while in town and let's start with the Cuban bread and two (red, green) Cuban sauces they give you after you order. This alone made both of us say "Oh, we have to come back here...". The soups, appetizers, salads, fresh fish, and my guess is anything else we have yet to try is all... worth trying. Feb 2024 was our second subsequent visit and we could not wait to go back to Meson de Pepe. Nothing short of the same experience - we had a nice server, good food, and loved every minute of everything. None of this speaks to the infectious nightlife where the live music is in full swing and the drinks are flowing. That part is a no-brainer, but as far as a restaurant, menu, and nice dining experience - Meson de Pepe's is on my short list of "Every time we're in town, we have to go...". Full transparency, I can't wait to go back here on my next trip to Key West.
Written February 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
Godmanchester43 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
It was fun to try some Cuban food, the decor of the restaurant is very quirky and different. The servers are helpful to explain the menu options and have good recommendations. The complimentary garlic bread rolls are so yummy. It was a great choice in Key West!
Written August 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chuck B
Reading63 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
We decided to eat here for our last lunch on the island. My wife was really looking forward to having a "Cuban" sandwich while we were in KW. She ordered their Cayo Hueso Cuban Mix sandwich and she loved it. The Cuban bread it comes on really made the sandwich. I had the Jamon Y Queso (ham and cheese) which was also very good. You can get sandwiches with plantain chips or fries and we both selected the chips which was a good choice.
Our server was Rebecca and she was excellent-the staff was wearing "family" shirts and you did feel very welcome and that you were part of the family while dining there. The decor is authentic and unique.
This restaurant is in Mallory Square so its a great option to dine there before or after the Sunset Celebration.
I would highly recommend dining here!
Written June 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
volcanogirl
Houston16596 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
We came here for a celebratory birthday lunch, and it was wonderful. I had the ropa vieja - shredded beef stewed with fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and red wine, and it was delicious, tender, and flavorful. It came with black beans, rice, and perfectly cooked sweet maduros. My husband had the Cuban Mix sandwich with yucca fries and really enjoyed his as well. Our waiter Jose was friendly and charming. When my husband mentioned it was my birthday, he brought out a complimentary slice of flan with a candle in it and sang to me, a very sweet gesture. The atmosphere is great - an old brick building with lovely black and white photos decorating it. There's a beautiful outdoor patio that would be perfect once the weather cools down. Nice spot if you're looking for tasty Cuban food and a fun place to celebrate.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Critique honnête
46 contributions
May 2024 • family
Cesar salad sold without chicken for $17. If you want chicken you will have to add 14 dollars
That’s $31 for your Caesar salad. This is worthy of a 15 star
Even at Fouquet the salad is not as expensive!
It is a scandal. Additionally add service fees + taxes. That makes you a salad for 40 dollars!
Anything. They just want to fill their pockets on the backs of tourists
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
V1047TCjohnj
12 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
Just a heads up!! If you go here, there could be an 18% service charge added to your bill. Our party was 6 so not sure if that was the reason or if it's normally included on all checks. That in itself may not be a problem however it is not disclosed. Our party was not aware of it until after we paid the bill and had added a generous tip on top. Clearly my fault as it was on the check. However, it was never disclosed; no one saw it on the menu nor did our waiter tell us about it. Just a bad move in my opinion. If you are doing it, tell people up front. It felt like a low class move!
Written February 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oscar P
21 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Only their beans had any flavor. We ordered the grand gold margarita and nothing grand about a watered down drink. Their steak palomilla looked great but had no personality and not even salted for minimum seasoning. Their trio of of their quote best dishes also flat on their face. Lecon asado, ropa vieja, and picadillo lacked any flavor. Their croquettes sampler you couldn't tell which was which since they used so much masa to fill it up. Vibes are great with live music and views. Foodwise skip it and go elsewhere.
Written March 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irene
Key West1 contribution
Sep 2023 • friends
We normally go to dance to the great Latin music and have some appetizers with drinks. Thomaz, the Bar Manager does a fantastic job taking care of us always ! The new restaurant manager, Monica has removed tables and chairs from around the band and bar area, so if you want to sit down after dancing awhile, there is no place to sit if the bar is full. We sat at the far end of the restaurant area close to the band to have drinks and the appetizers we had ordered from the bar. there were many tables open as it was later in the evening. Monica, the manager was determined to kick us out of the table, she was very unkind, we had a food we had ordered and an open tab, still dancing. She left us feeling very unwelcomed and disappointed that she could or didn't want to accommodate us at the one table when she had plenty of tables .
she left us with the feeling we should find another place for Latin music night, not happy with them at all.
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda M
930 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
Went here while on vacation for our 20 year wedding anniversary.
While quite pricey, we highly enjoyed ourselves. There is live music nightly right off the patio, and roosters wandering around.
One thing I would recommend is photos of the plates in the menu. I ordered off the seafood section and thought I was going to be served a fish fillet and instead was served the whole fish- eyes, teeth, tail and skin still on… I had never eaten fish like that and was a bit taken back and didn’t know how to approach the meal to get the “meat” out.
With that said, this is always a must stop when we’re here in Key West.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christy d
601 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Tres leche cake was very small for the $14.00. Food was good but been here several times through the years, and it just wasn’t exactly the same.
Decor is beautiful but food was just average. Side salad was piled high with purple onion bits. It was wasteful bc I scraped most off. It made a pile literally on a saucer. Way too much. Coffee is delicious.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-15 of 2,546
Related Stories
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing