It's like taking a step back in time to an era when "Mexican" food was first being introduced to a timid American populace. In order to make this "exotic" food palatable to the fragile Anglo digestive system, all of the flavor, heat, and complex spices were removed, leaving behind just the name of the dish and a food product that looked similar to the original, but tasted nothing like it. Obviously there is a market for this bland version of "Mexican" food because Pepe's has been in business for decades. Their longevity, however is not a result of any culinary authenticity, imagination or creativity.

Pepe's is a staple of Goleta. Two years ago they burned down after a kitchen fire and the whole town was heartbroken. However, they have rebuilt and it feels like home again. Pepe's is back and better than ever and rightfully, it is always packed :)

Just reopened and it's great!!! Service was on point. Everyone was very welcoming and helpful. Lalo the manager made sure everyone in the restaurant was taken care of. I got the Frozen lime margarita and it was delicious. We also got the michelada with Negra Modelo and it was tasty. I got the veggie fajitas and I really appreciated that our server made sure to ask what kind of beans I wanted and informed me about the pinto beans being made with lard causing me to choose black beans instead. No one really asks so I appreciated her very much. My partner got the pobrecito burrito. It was a steak burrito. He said it was delicious. All in all. Great food, drinks and service. Go check them out. Happy to have them back up and running. Only request would be since they are not bringing back the buffet on Tuesday and Fridays is for them to maybe have an appetizer of the mini chimichangas that they use to have. They were yummy.

Pepe's is our go to place where all of the locals have their favorite dishes. I often go in for Chile Verde but end up with tacos, rice & beans. Don't forget the margarita and Chile Verde Bean Dip for your chips.

Went to Pepe's restaurant for the first time. Very nice and clean restaurant. My daughter and I had Pozole and my wife had fajitas. The food was excellent, Pozole very delicious with the classic sides. I will go back when we visit Santa Barbara. Thank you.

This place is great. Very hidden and it's a place where the locals go. They have free parking on the location as well as a lot across the street. We were greeted and seated right away. Our server was friendly and brought over complimentary tortilla chips and salsa. The margaritas were tasty and the food was served hot, large plates and portions. Prices are reasonable. Atmosphere is fun and inviting. Indoor and outdoor seating available and a full bar with a large screen TV to watch sports. Will definitely visit again whenever we're back in town.

Would love to bring back the dessert waffles! We used to bring the whole fam and then some to those nights. Such a great memory and we always talk about going back, just for that. What an amazing family memory from growing up.

Had fun, very nice waitress, food was very very good. I used to come here 30+ years ago, moved up to Oregon 30 years ago haven't had a good Mexican dinner since I left. I enjoyed the atmosphere and staff they are very nice, don't have anything bad to say. I missed the good Mexican foods that you guys cook.

Ordered take out.. Two fish tacos for $18.50, shrimp burrito was $21. The shrimp burrito was average, and the fish tacos were maybe the worst I’ve ever had. I would not return. Way overpriced for what it is.

The place is okay,nothing crazy. I come from the LA area, and this restaurant here is pretty dead compared to where I'm from. It's super chill, and the bar area has some background upbeat music playing and TV about 6 to be exact around the room. Small bar area. The staff is friendly and attractive. Food is good. Had the steak quesadilla. Comes with wac, sourcream, corn and a side chopped up lettuce to use as topping.

Our party of five loved our food but it was Maria that made our dining experience special. My husband and I being retired restaurant managers appreciated the excellent service and personality of Maria. I wish all the restaurants we went to had a Maria! We will be back and tell our friends but coming for lunch to see Maria! I’m sure management already knew this I just wanted others to know. I highly recommend this restaurant for food and service! Prices were very reasonable for the quality you get.

My son and I visited Pepe’s for the guest time today. If it’s important to you, there is no real cell service in the building because it was built so long ago. The service was very slow and there had very few servers to take care of everyone there. I ordered the Goleta Marg and it was very expensive for the very small amount you receive. The Salsa was authentic but could have been thicker and with a little spice. I ordered the shredded beef chimichanga. The flavor was outstanding and it came out hot and crispy. I will definitely be back.

Really great food. The Chicken Tamale was very tasty, and the Chile Relleno, filled with soft cheese, was a delight. The plate was scalding hot and really kept the Relleno hot!! Real flan too!

Did you know Happy hour starts when they open at 11a? Tasty beverages and the weekday lunch specials are just the right portions. Patio is dog-friendly. Extra parking is just across the street. Wheelchair accessible front entrance. Pepe's is always a good choice.

One of my all time favorite family restaurants. Attentive service, patio dining availability, and a separate well stocked bar :)

One of my fav places for brunch buffet with Mimosas. They have an array of Mexican breakfast items. They also have an omelet and waffle station. Staff here is always friendly and attentive. A must have!

Over priced-cold. Slow to take order, slow to arrive even though place was not crowded. Patio not open yet. Very slow to get check AND most annoying was the female server kept calling me “ my love” in such a whiny voice. Drive me nuts. Well drink was $9!!!😳

Guacamole with out the mole. No onion No cilantro. Just bland no salt avocado. Not guacamole at 5 $. Two tortillas when four were warranted and nothing like the Pepe’s I know. 1970 till Covid. Never again. 1970-2023. Test in peace

So happy Pepe’s is back open! We missed the food and atmosphere. You’re always satisfied with their meals. And the staff are attentive.

I found the place okay, but expect to pay at least $12.50 for just lunch. Two lunch plates cost more than $25.00. Will not be back anytime soon. Just too expensive for what my business partner and I were served.

Excellent family dining experience. Not too spicy unless you wish it to be. Great salsa and chips. Don`t miss the Tuesday evening buffet, but use care. With all the yummy choices, I generally overdo it a bit, and then I have dessert!

Great American style Mexican food. Friendly staff too. Margarita pitchers are a good deal.

Fun patio. Great food. Nice bar with beer on tap. Happy Cinco de Mayo. Small parking lot, get there early.

Always go here with my sister when I visit from Michigan, our favorite waitress is Maria: food and service is excellent!