Restaurante Tio Pepe image

Restaurante Tio Pepe

Restaurant Mediterranean restaurant Spanish restaurant

Special-occasion landmark serving Spanish-Continental fare & sangria in cozy, underground environs. People often mention good, Baltimore, years, Spanish, restaurant, time,


Address

10 E Franklin St, Baltimore, MD 21202

Website

www.tiopepe.us

Contact

(410) 539-4675

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (982 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 3 to 8:30 PM
  • Friday: 3 to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 4 to 9 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 3 to 8:30 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 3 to 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 3 to 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 3 to 8:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (10) Baltimore (9) years (8) Spanish (8) restaurant (7) time (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Michael 1 year ago on Google
    1 star because they are a stapled place ALL their food should be acceptable. I had the paella( DO NOT GET!) Other reviews say paella is bad. Chicken dry. Seafood over cooked and not cleaned well, had grit in food. The waiter non existent. Was tempted to go to bar for drinks and water. The chocolate desert too rich they should add a dab of whisky for flavor to richness. The hostess should also say good bye when you leave and thank you. The best meal was scallops and shrimp with champagne sauce. The price is too expensive for uneven flavors of food. P.s. please do not blame covid.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Ed T. 2 years ago on Google
    First visit July 2021 was quite disappointing especially for $40 a plate. Went with friends who have been many times, they said this visit was disappointing. I had the restaurant week paella and it was terrible. The pork and chicken in the rice was overcooked and dry. They threw on top two muscles and a clam. Two of the three were not open so they were bad before they were cooked. Paella is supposed to be cooked with the shellfish in it not thrown on top as an afterthought. My vegetarian wife called a couple days ahead and coordinated exactly what she could eat, they were going to make a special plate for her. The waiter did not understand what she said, so he just brought her the regular vegetarian dish and even after she spoke with the hostess in person they still brought the wrong vegetables. And despite looking pretty in the picture, they were flavorless, no butter no pepper no salt. The gazpacho soup and my friends stuffed lobster we're pretty good. Margaritas were good but they were the smallest glass Margarita I've ever had yet it was $9.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marie G. 1 year ago on Google
    Haven't been there in probablyb30 years and dies just as good now as it was then. Had the best little corner table and our waiter, Oscar, was excellent. He has been there 47 out of the 53 or so years they have been in business. The Lamb was awesome and that Pinenut dessert was outta this 🌎!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CW F. 2 years ago on Google
    A true old Baltimore tradition. Simply amazing Spanish cuisine. Way too much to cover in a single review, its just a MUST TRY restaurant. If you're traveling and in Baltimore city, this is a must go-to restaurant. Beef Wellington, Fish, Rack of Lamb, and their Spanish Coffee. Just Amazing!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dr. Richard Z. 11 months ago on Google
    I recently visited Restaurante Tío Pepe in the downtown area of Baltimore with a group of friends and colleagues, and I must say that it was a wonderful experience. This family-owned and operated business has been around for 55 years and is the only local restaurant to offer authentic, homemade Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine in the Baltimore area. From the outside, the restaurant may not seem too eye-catching, but as soon as you step inside, you are transported to a Spanish-style setting with many tables draped in white cloth. Our waiter and waitress were very friendly and attentive, adding to the warm atmosphere. We ordered several appetizers, but the one that stood out to me was the Jamón Serrano Español con Melón. This Spanish ham (aka Jamón in Spanish) is best eaten by wrapping cantaloupe around it, creating a unique and delicious combination. One of the worth noting desserts we ordered was the Brazo de Gitano a las Nueces, which translates to “Gypsy Arm with Walnuts”. This roll of biscuit with cream and fruits was topped with fresh walnuts, creating a fragrant aroma and taste that was simply outstanding. I strongly recommend it. For my entrée, I ordered the Zarzuela de Mariscos Costa Brava, which is the Spanish equivalent of French Bouillabaisse or Italian Cioppino. This ensemble of Mediterranean shellfish in sherry-infused seafood sauce was delectable. Unlike Bouillabaisse or Cioppino, however, its sauce had a sweet and homemade corn-like flavor that made it quite distinctive. To accompany our meal, we enjoyed two white wines: Fillaboa Albariño 2021, Rías Baixas, and Mantel Blanco Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Rueda. Both were great choices selected by my good friend Dr. JP. The Fillaboa Albariño tasted crispy with a slight lemon flavor, whereas the Mantel Blanco was thicker, smoother, and a bit sweeter than the Fillaboa Albarino. Although the prices are a bit on the high side, the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere make it all worth it, especially when enjoying a wonderful dinner and having great conversations with good and long-time friends. Overall, I highly recommend Restaurante Tío Pepe for anyone looking for an authentic Spanish and Mediterranean dining experience in Baltimore.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Androw H. 9 months ago on Google
    This is an Experience, not like any other restaurant. MUST try if you are in the Baltimore area. It is wonderful to chat with the staff, some who have been there for over 30+ years. Sangria was very tasteful and fresh! For sure going to be going back for more, maybe on an anniversary or special occasion. PS, they have a secret menu, must try the chocolate soufflé (make sure to order with entree for preparation time)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nina C. 2 years ago on Google
    We come here for Anniversary or Birthday dinners. The Rockfish is a MUST, topped with crabmeat. We like to get the seafood bisque soup and dip our breads in it. I went with Medallones de Ternera a la Crema co Arroz Salvaje this time, and it was more to my liking. The wild rice is sweet, but I didn't mind that at all. The dish was delicious, I was the only one who didn't ask for a box to take home.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Avalus 1 year ago on Google
    Haven't been to Tio Pepe's for 14 years and decided to head back for our anniversary. Always a consistent experience at one of the most beloved restaurants in Baltimore. Had the snails served in individual ramikens in drawn butter, which were very tasty. The gazpacho was classic, and finally the paella with muscles, lobster, clams, and chorizo. And of course, the pine nut roll (a staple food at Tio Pepe's) was fantastic as always! Definitely try the Spanish coffee. It's an entire event as they prepare it at your table. Tio Pepe's is about to celebrate their 54th year in Baltimore, and I hope they are around another 50 years!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deborah P. 2 years ago on Google
    Our server Giovanni was excellent and made us feel at home right away. Food was great! Atmosphere was lovely as well. Would certainly return and bring guests with us. Great experience
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Mohammad Ali S. 1 year ago on Google
    Please **STAY AWAY** from this place. Unbelievably bad. I don’t remember last time I ate something taste that bad and blend. Seems place wasn’t bad years back but now is dreadful. Unfortunately recent reviews showing place is no good anymore as well which I wish we realized it before we go there. I ordered onion soup. It was blend and taste bad. To describe it, it was like eating lard without any seasoning. Very disappointing. Then they brought bread and butter. Bread wasn’t fresh. Before we go there we were looking to get dessert, but since food was so bad we asked for check ($200+) for 4 people and left.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MGD 1 year ago on Google
    THE ABSOLUTE BEST RESTAURANT in Baltimore… Beautiful Building Excellent Service Amazing Food One only needs a Spoon to Cut The Perfect Fillet Mignon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kirby G. 8 months ago on Google
    Appetizers Bread was fine, came out cold with cold butter. Warming it would be a nice touch! Snails were great, especially with bread to dip in the leftover butter Garlic shrimp was excellent Prosciutto melon was classic and well done Mushroom toast was also good We shared the paella for our main course, which was enough for two meals, and overall very tasty. Some of the protein was just a tad overcooked. For dessert we got flan and pine nut cake. The flan was excellent, but the pine nut cake was seriously out of this world. Wish I had room to order a second one. Absolutely incredible. Their red sangria was also good. Service was a bit rough. Service was slow, it took about 30 minutes for our order to be taken. The bill also had a couple mistakes, which isn’t a big deal but did take a bit of time to fix. All in all would come back, especially for that cake. It’s more a 4.5/5 if i could.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 kedem k. 2 years ago on Google
    Very rich food, just not for me. Highly recommend the potato appetizers as very unique spin on a French fry. Service is better than average and the ambiance is like a over sized cellar with a definite European flare.

  • 5/5 tony a. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent meal, a wonderful location, and spotless cleaning. The abundance of seafood options and the diversity were both appealing to me. Next time we come here, we'll try the other menu. I hope things will go well because our previous visit has made us very happy.

  • 4/5 Peter V. 1 year ago on Google
    The service was fairly attentive. The table felt a little out of place at first, once service began that seemed less obvious. We were intrigued by the Spainish Coffee and it was a great way to end the meal as an after dinner drink. Service was attentive and consistent, even as the restaurant got bussier in the evening.

  • 5/5 Autumn 1 year ago on Google
    Everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed everything they ordered. The tenderloin was cooked to perfection. The champagne sauce on the shrimp and scallops so so rich and delicious. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

  • 4/5 John G. 1 year ago on Google
    Despite some of the recent reviews being less than stellar, my meal (swordfish) was very good. Everyone at our table (of 10) enjoyed their food. Good wine selection. Those that got dessert raved about it. The wait staff were very personable.

  • 3/5 Jose C. 1 year ago on Google
    Was recommended, loved the low ceiling roof, arch hallways, the jamón with melon was the best when it comes to the food. The Pork chop could have been better prepared, the tomato mushroom sauce overpower the pork chop. Next time I come to town I'll give it another try. Great service by the staff. Thank you.

  • 5/5 Maureen S. 4 months ago on Google
    The staff is very attentive and very friendly. The place has a very cozy atmosphere. I have been going here for 40 years and it's never been anything less than fabulous!


Call (410) 539-4675 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking garage
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Lexington Market image
1
Lexington Market
Market
Huge indoor market established in 1782, with food stands & produce, meat & seafood purveyors.
$ $$$
3.80 (10.2K reviews)
Jimmy's Famous Seafood image
2
Jimmy's Famous Seafood
Seafood restaurant
Laid-back locale serving Maryland-style crab cakes, seafood specialties & steak, plus beer on tap.
$$ $$
4.30 (8.1K reviews)
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse image
3
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Brazilian restaurant
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
$$$ $
4.50 (6.7K reviews)
Phillips Seafood image
4
Phillips Seafood
Seafood restaurant
Enduring regional chain serving signature crab cakes & other Maryland-style seafood in casual digs.
$$ $$
4.30 (6.4K reviews)
Nick's Fish House image
5
Nick's Fish House
Seafood restaurant
Casual choice featuring seafood & burgers, plus Patapsco River views & live music nights.
$$ $$
4.50 (6.3K reviews)
Last updated:
()