Carlos & Pepe's Cantina

Back in 1982 you had to wait outside to get a seat. It was packed. The Margaritas were in big bowl like glasses. But the food was the same as now. Looks and tastes the same. I want the old "busy" Carlos n Pepe's back from 1982. Get a real restaurant manager, pay them and turn this place back into the world famous, and it was, icon it was, please. Oh yea. The tuna dip is king. Oh and the super Natchos, Ah ! Good luck. Cause we love you !!!!!!! Do it. more

Love the food. I've been eating here for 30 yrs & it has been consistently good. Chips & salsa are homemade, the guac's made w/ Haass avocados, the fajitas & super nachos are devine. I think they serve good food that's reasonably priced. more

There's absolutely nothing redeeming about this farcical "Authentic Mexican" restaurant. Authentic Mexican food does not include the use of Velveeta cheese, Sysco salsa and canned beans. Everything about this place rubbed me the wrong way. After living for 20 years in Texas, I was so hoping for something reasonably good - especially for the prices these losers were charging! The waitress sat us and then brought us our drinks (sodas in a bottle? No refills? WTH?) then basically told us that she wouldn't bring us chips and salsa until she knew we were actually ordering food! Ay Caramba! The salsa was jarred and bland, the service was negligent at best, the food was terrible -- I was assuming that the drinks must be killer and that everyone was so trashed that they assumed the food was good! How else can you explain the decent reviews?? I actually feel sorry for those who do think this is good Mexican food, because that just means that you haven't really ever had good Mexican food. more

I recently went with a group of 12 and the manager refused to accomodate the group w/ 2 tables near each other. He refused to let us have 2 8-chair tables despite the restaurant being empty. Needless to say our group went to another nearby restaurant that was willing to accomodate us with no problems. more

I give all restaurants two chances. They blew it twice so I'm done. This place was ok when we first started going, very festive decor and a very nice pour on the glass of wine. Food was the standard Mexican fare, nothing special but tasty enough. Pricing was pretty steep for standard mexican fare, but it is a heavy tourist area so...ok. One night while in the dining room, we saw a mouse, (yes a MOUSE!!!) scampering up the aisle. The staff noticed it and feigned concern. I later chalked it up to a small oversight....what a mistake. Being a glutton for punishment I returned. My gf and I ordered fajitas. Me the chicken she the scallop/shrimp combo. After a 30 min wait for them, her scallops tasted like soap. Why a scallop would taste like soap is beyond me, but they tasted like soap. We told the server who seemed put out that we wanted to send it back, made us wait with it until the manager came over. The manager was equally as put off with us but eventually took the food off the table and asked what she would like instead. She asked for the fish fillet dish (there is only one) and the manager seemed confused as to what she wanted. Now...I'm thinking that if a dish is ordered ""on the fly"" it will come out quickly especially if it's fish. After waiting 20 minutes my gf walked out. It was too much, I mean it's a fillet of tilapia and a cold bean salad not a well done steak. As she was leaving the manager walked up with the fillet, I said forget the food just bring me the bill. His response was: ""I could have brought it faster if she wanted it raw"" If you're looking for mediocre food and poor service, this is the place! more

Best Mexican food in town and good prices. The staff could be friendlier. I have been going there for the last 12 years. Always excellent. Try chiles rellenos with beef...mmm more

Very poor Mexican food. Staff had huge attitude- terrible waiters. Pricey drinks that tasted watered down. And don't fkg roll your eyes at me when I tell you it tastes Watered Down! It DOES! creepy dark feeling in restaurant. Why are u hiding? The 20 years of grease drippings and mold in that dirty carpet, that I smell?!? Yuk! Call the health department! more

Food was great but margaritas were way overpriced! more

We had the Pepe's Buro and the chicken wild tostada, and just like I remember 20 years ago... Delicious! The place was busy even though it was a Tuesday night but the tequila flowed and the food.... Famous.... more

It had been a while since I had been to Carlos and Pepe's and now I remember why! The food was terrible and the service was non-existent. Even the chips and salsa were bad. The chips were greasy and tasted rancid. The salsa was like watered down soup and had virtually no taste. The server who brought the food literally threw it down in front of us and walked away. We didn't see our server again until he brought the check. If you want crummy mexican food be sure to try this place. You are better off buying a TV dinner in the frozen food section of the grocery store. more

Been a regular and local at this place for years and my parents used to come here when they were dating. It just isn't the same anymore management-wise, however the food is always hot and good. Extremely overpriced, especially the margaritas. Their fried ice cream is delicious, always has been. Sit in the lounge/bar area and grab a table in there instead of sitting in the main dining room. Too dark. Good food but too pricey. Host/Hostesses are extremely serious and rarely flexible when it comes to seating. Being a local though its still worth a try and then you can judge it for yourself. Just extremely overpriced but good food. more

I am suspicious of these negative reviews. This is a mile above any Mex place in Florida. Warm comfortable furnishings, big strong drinks and the best food. more

This place is awful...let's just cut to the chase and not mince words. I can't think of one redeeming thing about this place. The hours are horrendous (the place just opens at 5PM), the quality of the food is terrible, the service is a complete joke. Their margaritas are watered down and everyone in the place has a HUGE chip on their shoulder. Ridiculous.\r I visited alone my first time on a business trip. They refused to seat me because they didn't accept parties of one. The told me though that I was welcome at the bar. I left. I came a second time, just to see whether there was any merit to the claim on their sign, "Florida's World Famous Mexican Restaurant". Again, I wasn't allowed into the dining room but was ushered into the bar.\r The ingredients are canned, not fresh. Ordered a Margarita which was terrible. Ordered a Coke and was giving a 20oz bottle. You'd be better off at home. It's a complete joke. Not Recommended. more

We came to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and of course it was crowded. The drinks were watered down and when one of our party ordered Absolute Citron with tonic and lime they brought well vodka and water. It took FIVE requests to get a replacement drink and although it had tonic, it definitely was NOT Absolute Citron. Don't bother ordering top shelf because you will get well drinks anyway. Carlos' Crazy Burrito was not very good either. Service was HORRENDOUS. I do NOT recommend this place. Don't waste your time or money on this overrated chain restaurant. It is for gringos without refined tastes. more

Tu-na dip. First went in 82 with my girlfriend. Loved it since. Inventor of the Super Nacho. more

Comfortable bar area and great food. The salsas were delicious - worth the wait. more

Best Mexican Food north of Mexico. The salsa is home made and best I have ever had in the US! Great prices more

Priced to high for mexican food. $17 for veggy fajitas is a little steep. more

It all depends on what you order.. Crab Nachos are out of this world, Chicken Chimi is average. Chips and salsa are to die for, as are the enchiladas. No kids menu is a mistake. more

I've eaten at C&P a few times over the years and food has been ok. My last experience there was horrible and I walked out with a party of 8 people when they were slow. Manager and Host were rude and not accommodating at all. Walked over to TAZA's in the same plaza and had a great experience and great food. Cons: Horrible customer service more