So far since I have moved here, this was the best meal I've had so far. There were so many items on the menu that we wanted to try, but we stuck with our standard Cuban sandwich as a gauge for whether we would be back in the future. 2 large sandwiches were about $10. We got it with everything. Their version came with some kind of shredded pork, which was a twist I haven't had before. It was tasty, but I think next time I will ask for it in the side so my sandwich wouldn't get soggy. We will definitely be back here again. My MIL tried to convince me to go 2 days in a row!
(5)
Lisa W.
I can't believe this is my first review here. We love Pepo's. It's a casual, delicious and friendly restaurant. It is set up cafeteria style with a large menu board above you. I'm giving it 5 stars for the food and service. Wow- I've tried many items and they've all been great. Our favorites are the pork and the Cuban sandwich. Lunches/dinners are very generous and takeout is great, too. The shredded pork is perfect! We like it with the Moro rice, black beans, green beans and plantains. And, their flan is delicious. Also, an order of hot, buttered pan (bread).... Yum!
(5)
Chris D.
My company had lunch brought in for some training and the food was awesome i highly recommend this place . The pork was great, deviled crab, Cuban sandwich all outstanding
(4)
Brittany G.
Delicious Cuban food! I grew up in Miami and this is one of the most authentic places in Tampa (even more so than some places in ybor). Reasonable prices, good food, and great for families and kids or take out. Definitely worth a try!
I love Cuban food, and thus is good in a pinch. Nothing stands out about the food. Kind of run of the mill. The service is good, and I would say their lunch is better than their breakfast. I could do without the rap music in the morning though. Good Cafe con Leche.
(3)
John T.
I always get the pulled pork dinner and that is their specialty. It is always super juicy and I enjoy it with the yellow rice but white rice is available if you like that better. Plantains are also one of those things you just can't get a lot of places and they make it great. Another great meal I like is there bourbon chicken has lots of onions in the flavorful chicken is great also.
(4)
Michael H.
Good Cuban food with friendly service. Whole family including two young children really enjoy the food. Atmosphere is not great but great place to stop and try for Cuban.
(4)
Brittany L.
Tamale...great. They even put extra pork inside once you order. Croquetas...delicious. Yellow rice, black beans, roast pork...yum, yum, yum. Both of us were totally stuffed and spent less than $20 for our late lunch. This is cafeteria-style, so you enter, grab a tray, and tell the lady behind the counter what you'd like from the steam trays. Several appetizers, types of rice, meat entrees, soups, including "American" favorites like mashed potatoes and green beans. Restaurant was clean inside although decor is a bit outdated.
(4)
Charlie G.
Pretty good little restaurant! I stopped in one day for lunch, since I was in that area... and starving! I ordered what I usually order for a first time in a new Cuban / Latin restaurant: Lechon Asado, Arroz Amarillo y Frijoles Negro, y Platanos Maduros. (Cuban Roast Pork, Yellow Rice, and Black Beans, with a side of fried Plantains) It was all good, nothing to to complain about! Portions were pretty healthy also... customer service was friendly, and the place was clean and neat. I will have to try something else on my next visit!
Was in the North Tampa area and not sure where to go for a simple breakfast and decided to check out Pepo's. I came in late morning (11 a.m.) and they still offered me the breakfast menu even though they were pretty much set to go with tier lunch buffet which looked rather good. I ordered an omelet and a cafe con leche and both were great. It's a no frills Cuban/Spanish restaurant that's worth the visit if you are in the area.
(3)
Christy T.
If my spanish teachers were grading me on my use of conversational spanish...then I would get a C+. Whelp. English is not a strong point for a majority of these workers (but they are the nicest and patient workers ever), so knowing a enough spanish would help alot and impress the workers, or just simple pointing would work too! Let me give you a few phrases that might help you! ¿Que Eso? (while pointing): What is that? (while pointing) Pollo: Chicken Bisteak: Beef Cerdo: Pork Pescado: Fish Arroz Amarillo: Yellow Rice Arroz Blanco: White Rice Frijoles (free-ho-lezzz) negro: Black Beans Patatas: Potatoes Yo Quiero ________ Por Favor: I want __________ please We came here for lunch and there are two ways you can order. You can order from the buffet or a la carte. What makes a la carte different from the buffet is that it includes the various sandwiches they have. If you order buffet make sure you get your utensils first then ask the worker behind the buffet table what you want from the buffet (with the spanish I just taught you! :)..or point!). You get a choice of one protein, and two sides. The proteins range from chicken, fish, beef, and pork while the sides range from latin to americanized (green beans and mashed potatoes). Lots of variety for the picky eater. For two lunch dishes it was cheap (~$20). And know they have lunch specials on the weekdays..a plate for $6! Pretty sure you could ask for more with additional charge; but the standard will make you full as they literally fill up the plate! Literally. After you finish paying, just pick a seat and dig in! And once you are done with your meal, just leave the dishes there. I was very happy and full in the end...and I eat alot! I chose the chicken dish with the sides of yellow rice and black beans on top. The chicken was very moist and flavorful (with the meat falling off the bone good!). Highly recommended! Yellow rice was good too as it wasn't dry and lack of flavor; while the black beans complimented both the chicken and rice well (black beans compliment everything well in Latin food!). Can't wait to go back next time to redeem myself in my spanish conversational skills and of course eat more of the yummy food! Apparently roast pork is well known there so I need to try it out!
(4)
Nelson T.
Pepos has one of the best cuban sandwiches in town, which is served up by some very pleasant employees. I'm looking forward to going back for another one soon!
(5)
Gigi S.
Was dragged in here by Mark H. not knowing what exactly to expect. Inspected the line, and agreed to try a Cuban Sammich. So glad I did. I tried a piece of tamale, and admittedly I prefer huge meaty tamales wrapped in banana leaves, so these little corn husk corn meal deals slit open with pulled pork dumped inside was certainly not the best vehicle for such great pulled pork. Luckily, the Cuban Sandwich really was! Everything down to the strategically placed pickle seemed very well thought out. The bread was fresh, and the pork was juicy and delicious. I ordered a side cup of black bean juice-not soup, just in case I got into a dry sammich that needed dipping. I didn't seem to need it. I only got thru half of the sandwich as it was, and that was an amazing half. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Kathy D.
Last weekend we stopped in here as my friend knew my love of Latin food. I'm sorry , but it was new to me and you can never go wrong with Boliche. I had the Boliche, fried plantains, black beans and rice. Wow another great Latin restaurant in Tampa and not on Latin row. This little jewel is hidden away in the nieghborhood of Northdale, north of Carrollwood. My Boliche was fork tender, delicious flavors on everything and it was a great dinner for very little cash. I sure was a happy camper as I was right in my comfort zone. My friend was not thst familiar with Latin cuisine and opted for the Cuban sandwich. The sandwich was respectable, but by Tampa's high standards it was average. We each nibbled on the others dishes to check them out. My friend was floored by the Boliche and wanted to know why I did not say that it was delicious pot roast. I explained I couldn't lump it in with pot roast, not sure he understood, but he loved the dish. With that being said, he was not ready to try the black beans or plantains, LOL. It was an enjoyable meal and evening at an off the beaten track eatery. What's a girl to do? Eat what she enjoys and enjoy the company she is in.
(4)
Smythe G.
Always a nice pleasant eventful time.
(5)
Rachel M.
Your lunch deal was great 4.95 and 5.95 for dark and light 1/4 chicken respectively with two sides. The chicken was good. Even Mocha, my puppy liked it lol, especially when we were sitting outside. Thanks for being so considerate. he appreciated being able to eat lunch with me. The sides were alright. I had yellow rice and yucca. Not too special for me though. There were a lot of other options but I did want to save my money. I would try it again especially since you are dog friendly. It is the typical Cuban spread with the heated table with the food in front of you like cafeteria style. It's across from Whole Foods so I kind of think it might be a bit off the beaten path.
I like dining here. This is no frills cafeteria style food. They do a nice job with the chicken and the pork. I always like yellow rice, black beans and plantains as sides. The Cuban bread is always nice as well.
(3)
Mark H.
Where do I start? First off, let me say that I'm not really sure what's happened over the years with the Pipo's-Pipo's Jr.-Pepo's family saga, so I'll just claim ignorance. What I can tell you is that the Northdale location still has one of the best restaurant Cuban sandwiches in the Tampa Bay Area. Once upon a time, they actually used real baked ham (not boiled lunch meat), but those days are long gone. Regarless, this is still my preferred spot to grab a Cuban sandwich. I recently saw Aguila's on MVF Nation, and that place has been on my hit list for a long time. I'll say that I was disappointed to see they use mojo in their roasted pork, so I've removed them from the hit list. Pipo's on Northdale serves up a traditional roast pork made with garlic, olive oil and au jus and that's what separates their sandwich from the rest. Go get one of those bad boys today! PS - I know the PIPO'S on Hillsborough is the original location where it all began, but I find that spot to be kind of dirty and the staff is less than friendly to anyone who is not Latin. Northdale is clean and the staff is friendly to ALL.
(4)
Jennifer H.
Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon!! Received wonderful service!! The food was excellent! I love the pulled pork and yellow rice! I also got a Cuban to take home for lunch the next day! I love this place!!
(5)
Caitlin W.
There's a few times in life where you're so hungry you want to punch your boyfriend in the mouth. That was one of these days. The food at Pepos was good and alleviated my anger.
(4)
Christopher R.
Absolutely love this place. The ladies that work there are awesome and the food is always really good. They are the only place I can trust to make a real cafe con leche. The only place in north Tampa like this.
(5)
Kerri L.
I got the pulled pork, yellow rice, and black beans. It was delicious. One of the best Cuban restaurants.
(4)
Windy C.
I've only been here for breakfasts but that's enough. Breakfast prices and food are excellent as is the cafe con leche. Service is always friendly and efficient. A good place to start the day or finish the evening. Looking over the lunch menu I saw the usual Cuban fare. After talking with several people who dine here regularly I was given the impression that they have a kitchen staff that makes the usual Cuban fare shine. I will return for lunch and report again.
If you're looking for authentic Cuban cuisine, look no further! Nestled in a small strip plaza in beautiful Carrollwood, Pepo's Cafe is one of Tampa's hidden gems. Prepare to be welcomed with a warm "hola!". The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've only ever been for lunch but you have several Cuban delicacies to choose from, including pork, chicken and Cuban sandwiches. I generally get the pork as it melts in your mouth. The yellow rice is also to die for! If you choose to have soda, refills are free, as is the Cuban bread. The staff is very friendly and I'm guessing family owned and operated. The restaurant is very clean and inviting. The portions are very large for the average human being. Common sense will tell you stop and take the rest home but I dare you to stop! And dint forget to ask about their VIP loyalty program. Buy 10 lunch or dinners and get one free!
(5)
Jennifer B.
If you were raised in Tampa and are part of a hispanic family, there is no doubt in my mind that you've been to Pepo's Cafe and as a matter of fact, I'd venture to guess that you are probably a frequent visitor. My family has been going to Pepo's for family gatherings and random lunches for a very, very long time. The service is always fantastic, the food is authentic and flavorful, and the prices are more than reasonable. My favorite menu items are the roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and palomilla steak.
(4)
Lindsey T.
Really good cuban sandwhich!
(5)
Louis M.
I did not like the food here, and I found the facilities unclean. How can the employees wash up without hot water?
(1)
Jacqueline C.
Oh Pepo's, I so love you! Why do I have to watch what I eat!? I want to eat here every day until I indulge to the point of absolutely hating it. Lunch: Have only had the Cuban w. Pork which was delightful. Especially after a less than delightful experience at West Tampa Sandwich shop. Tasted so clean, delicious and STACKED. Dinner: Cafeteria style... choice of a few entrees (picadillo, 1/4 chicken, pork, and... something else) and a few sides (plantain, yucca, mashed potatoes, rice, green beans and... some other business). Felt like an American dumbhole for getting mashed potatoes with my pork and yellow rice, but straight up they were the most delicious mashed potatoes I have ever had. I am convinced they are the most delicious instant mashed potatoes on earth, whereas my partner with a more sophisticated palette insists the creamy deliciousness is in the choice of potato and tons of butter. The pork is divine. The service line is extremely clean, and buffet well maintained. I peaked behind the line and even the bottom shelves were spotless and white, which is easy to overlook. God, I love Pepo's. Why is such a delicious Cuban joint in Northdale?
(5)
Andy E.
As a native Tampan, and a lover of Cuban food, I have to say that these flavors course through my bloodstream. Pepo's has always been a favorite for me, and their Puerco Abado is some of the best I have ever had. I am a veteran of the Hillsborough Avenue location, but as a Lutz native I have made the Northdale location my new spot. Fried Plantains to die for. Amazing! The downside? Pricey...
(5)
Isaura D.
The food was Great and the prices are so reasonable. Definitely eating from Pepos again. The pork was cooked well and had lots of flavor not like other places that don't use enough seasoning or too much. The empanadas are one of the best I have ever tasted.
(5)
Wirlly A.
We'll never it at this place again. I'm Latin and I can tell you that there's nothing authentic about their food. We order a couple of sandwiches one Cuban and Palomillo steak with a side of white rice and beans. The rice was hard the beans had no flavor, when we got the sandwiches they were both in a pool of liquid so it made our bread soggy it was so nasty the bread was falling apart. We also order a side of French fries and they forgot to bring it to the table I had to ask them for it and by the time they brought it out we were done with our meal not to mention that the fries were cooked in old oil all you can taste was nasty oil. And if you think that maybe they were busy and that's the reason we had this experience well the answer is no there was one family other than us. On the bright side the staff was friendly.
(1)
Aj W.
Ropa Veija is amazing. Good size portion, great flavor, very nice staff and not to expensive. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you live in the North Dale area it's a great must try.
(5)
Phil H.
I may well have been the first chinese guy to stroll in, but it was worth it. There were large portions at a reasonable price and it doesn't hurt that the food is yummy. I can't speak to the authenticity, just that I was satisfied. I'm not sure, but I think I occasionally have dreams of the roast pork.
(4)
Anonymous P.
Excellent food for the price. There are lots of Cuban cafeterias like this in the Tampa area, but this one is a notch above. I love the beans and rice.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Irene F.
So far since I have moved here, this was the best meal I've had so far. There were so many items on the menu that we wanted to try, but we stuck with our standard Cuban sandwich as a gauge for whether we would be back in the future. 2 large sandwiches were about $10. We got it with everything. Their version came with some kind of shredded pork, which was a twist I haven't had before. It was tasty, but I think next time I will ask for it in the side so my sandwich wouldn't get soggy. We will definitely be back here again. My MIL tried to convince me to go 2 days in a row!
(5)Lisa W.
I can't believe this is my first review here. We love Pepo's. It's a casual, delicious and friendly restaurant. It is set up cafeteria style with a large menu board above you. I'm giving it 5 stars for the food and service. Wow- I've tried many items and they've all been great. Our favorites are the pork and the Cuban sandwich. Lunches/dinners are very generous and takeout is great, too. The shredded pork is perfect! We like it with the Moro rice, black beans, green beans and plantains. And, their flan is delicious. Also, an order of hot, buttered pan (bread).... Yum!
(5)Chris D.
My company had lunch brought in for some training and the food was awesome i highly recommend this place . The pork was great, deviled crab, Cuban sandwich all outstanding
(4)Brittany G.
Delicious Cuban food! I grew up in Miami and this is one of the most authentic places in Tampa (even more so than some places in ybor). Reasonable prices, good food, and great for families and kids or take out. Definitely worth a try!
(5)Steve E.
Pepo's is a great little neighborhood Cuban / Latin restaurant in the northern Carrollwood / Northdale part of town. You'll find this café along Northdale Blvd, past Whole Foods, and in the next shopping center beyond Thai Sweet Basil. If you're a local in the area then you'll know to look for Pepo's in the same little strip mall as the Cornerstone Pub. I would describe Pepo's as a steam table buffet kinda place, which is accurate, but that is doing a disservice to their vast menu. Many people walk into Pepo's, pick up a tray, and then look over the selection of daily entrée specials, sides, soups, and desserts that are sitting on the buffet. If your Spanish is shaky you can just point, smile, nod, and pay for your meal while the ladies load up your plate. These folks specialize in roast pork, boliche, picadillo, and many of your other favorite Latin dishes. peposcafe.com/daily%20sp… Other people walk into Pepo's and they order off the full menu board behind the counter. This includes the ubiquitous Cuban sandwich along with other sandwiches and dozens of entrée choices. The kitchen makes everything fresh, so you just pay for your meal and wait for them to bring it out to you. Pepo's is also open for breakfast which is great if you're an early riser and working out at the Northdale YMCA just down the street. You can plan to enjoy eggs with bacon, ham, sausage, or chorizo along with home fries and Cuban toast. Fried eggs or omelets, and breakfast sandwiches are all on the menu along with your favorite Cuban coffee. I was there for dinner and enjoyed a cup of Spanish Bean soup (Garbanzo bean), along with a steam table special of bistec salteado, yellow rice, black beans, and a healthy splash of hot sauce. Dinner plus my drink was about $15. Delicious food, and well worth a visit if you happen to live or work in this part of town! You can dine in, carry out, or have them cater for an office party.
(4)Amber H.
I love Cuban food, and thus is good in a pinch. Nothing stands out about the food. Kind of run of the mill. The service is good, and I would say their lunch is better than their breakfast. I could do without the rap music in the morning though. Good Cafe con Leche.
(3)John T.
I always get the pulled pork dinner and that is their specialty. It is always super juicy and I enjoy it with the yellow rice but white rice is available if you like that better. Plantains are also one of those things you just can't get a lot of places and they make it great. Another great meal I like is there bourbon chicken has lots of onions in the flavorful chicken is great also.
(4)Michael H.
Good Cuban food with friendly service. Whole family including two young children really enjoy the food. Atmosphere is not great but great place to stop and try for Cuban.
(4)Brittany L.
Tamale...great. They even put extra pork inside once you order. Croquetas...delicious. Yellow rice, black beans, roast pork...yum, yum, yum. Both of us were totally stuffed and spent less than $20 for our late lunch. This is cafeteria-style, so you enter, grab a tray, and tell the lady behind the counter what you'd like from the steam trays. Several appetizers, types of rice, meat entrees, soups, including "American" favorites like mashed potatoes and green beans. Restaurant was clean inside although decor is a bit outdated.
(4)Charlie G.
Pretty good little restaurant! I stopped in one day for lunch, since I was in that area... and starving! I ordered what I usually order for a first time in a new Cuban / Latin restaurant: Lechon Asado, Arroz Amarillo y Frijoles Negro, y Platanos Maduros. (Cuban Roast Pork, Yellow Rice, and Black Beans, with a side of fried Plantains) It was all good, nothing to to complain about! Portions were pretty healthy also... customer service was friendly, and the place was clean and neat. I will have to try something else on my next visit!
(4)Gloria R.
Pepos Café is a great Family place. The food is Great n fresh. The staff is very friendly. And since I have small children they make you feel very comfortable n make sure the kids are too! And you always feel welcome! We love the food especially their pork, rice n beans!n churrasco steak! Mi kids love their Cuban !
(5)Vinny T.
Was in the North Tampa area and not sure where to go for a simple breakfast and decided to check out Pepo's. I came in late morning (11 a.m.) and they still offered me the breakfast menu even though they were pretty much set to go with tier lunch buffet which looked rather good. I ordered an omelet and a cafe con leche and both were great. It's a no frills Cuban/Spanish restaurant that's worth the visit if you are in the area.
(3)Christy T.
If my spanish teachers were grading me on my use of conversational spanish...then I would get a C+. Whelp. English is not a strong point for a majority of these workers (but they are the nicest and patient workers ever), so knowing a enough spanish would help alot and impress the workers, or just simple pointing would work too! Let me give you a few phrases that might help you! ¿Que Eso? (while pointing): What is that? (while pointing) Pollo: Chicken Bisteak: Beef Cerdo: Pork Pescado: Fish Arroz Amarillo: Yellow Rice Arroz Blanco: White Rice Frijoles (free-ho-lezzz) negro: Black Beans Patatas: Potatoes Yo Quiero ________ Por Favor: I want __________ please We came here for lunch and there are two ways you can order. You can order from the buffet or a la carte. What makes a la carte different from the buffet is that it includes the various sandwiches they have. If you order buffet make sure you get your utensils first then ask the worker behind the buffet table what you want from the buffet (with the spanish I just taught you! :)..or point!). You get a choice of one protein, and two sides. The proteins range from chicken, fish, beef, and pork while the sides range from latin to americanized (green beans and mashed potatoes). Lots of variety for the picky eater. For two lunch dishes it was cheap (~$20). And know they have lunch specials on the weekdays..a plate for $6! Pretty sure you could ask for more with additional charge; but the standard will make you full as they literally fill up the plate! Literally. After you finish paying, just pick a seat and dig in! And once you are done with your meal, just leave the dishes there. I was very happy and full in the end...and I eat alot! I chose the chicken dish with the sides of yellow rice and black beans on top. The chicken was very moist and flavorful (with the meat falling off the bone good!). Highly recommended! Yellow rice was good too as it wasn't dry and lack of flavor; while the black beans complimented both the chicken and rice well (black beans compliment everything well in Latin food!). Can't wait to go back next time to redeem myself in my spanish conversational skills and of course eat more of the yummy food! Apparently roast pork is well known there so I need to try it out!
(4)Nelson T.
Pepos has one of the best cuban sandwiches in town, which is served up by some very pleasant employees. I'm looking forward to going back for another one soon!
(5)Gigi S.
Was dragged in here by Mark H. not knowing what exactly to expect. Inspected the line, and agreed to try a Cuban Sammich. So glad I did. I tried a piece of tamale, and admittedly I prefer huge meaty tamales wrapped in banana leaves, so these little corn husk corn meal deals slit open with pulled pork dumped inside was certainly not the best vehicle for such great pulled pork. Luckily, the Cuban Sandwich really was! Everything down to the strategically placed pickle seemed very well thought out. The bread was fresh, and the pork was juicy and delicious. I ordered a side cup of black bean juice-not soup, just in case I got into a dry sammich that needed dipping. I didn't seem to need it. I only got thru half of the sandwich as it was, and that was an amazing half. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Kathy D.
Last weekend we stopped in here as my friend knew my love of Latin food. I'm sorry , but it was new to me and you can never go wrong with Boliche. I had the Boliche, fried plantains, black beans and rice. Wow another great Latin restaurant in Tampa and not on Latin row. This little jewel is hidden away in the nieghborhood of Northdale, north of Carrollwood. My Boliche was fork tender, delicious flavors on everything and it was a great dinner for very little cash. I sure was a happy camper as I was right in my comfort zone. My friend was not thst familiar with Latin cuisine and opted for the Cuban sandwich. The sandwich was respectable, but by Tampa's high standards it was average. We each nibbled on the others dishes to check them out. My friend was floored by the Boliche and wanted to know why I did not say that it was delicious pot roast. I explained I couldn't lump it in with pot roast, not sure he understood, but he loved the dish. With that being said, he was not ready to try the black beans or plantains, LOL. It was an enjoyable meal and evening at an off the beaten track eatery. What's a girl to do? Eat what she enjoys and enjoy the company she is in.
(4)Smythe G.
Always a nice pleasant eventful time.
(5)Rachel M.
Your lunch deal was great 4.95 and 5.95 for dark and light 1/4 chicken respectively with two sides. The chicken was good. Even Mocha, my puppy liked it lol, especially when we were sitting outside. Thanks for being so considerate. he appreciated being able to eat lunch with me. The sides were alright. I had yellow rice and yucca. Not too special for me though. There were a lot of other options but I did want to save my money. I would try it again especially since you are dog friendly. It is the typical Cuban spread with the heated table with the food in front of you like cafeteria style. It's across from Whole Foods so I kind of think it might be a bit off the beaten path.
(3)JJ M.
I usually pick up a Cuban sandwich and café con leche and I am never disappointed. The staff is great too. I go pretty often since they are just a couple of blocks away in Carrollwood. The restaurant, tables, chairs, floor and counters are always clean and same goes for the bathroom.
(5)Sisco S.
EXTREMELY overpriced Spanish food! At first, I thought it was kind of neat and convenience having a Spanish restaurant down the street. Especially for the days where my fiancé and I just don't feel like cooking. Having just payed $32 for pork and fajita chicken, I think I can muster up the energy to cook a real Spanish meal for my family! Oh yeah, and for 1/4 of that price. Advice: Lower your prices(especially with Pollo Tropical around the corner)!
(2)Mario V.
Excellent food and the staff was very friendly...
(5)Rob W.
I like dining here. This is no frills cafeteria style food. They do a nice job with the chicken and the pork. I always like yellow rice, black beans and plantains as sides. The Cuban bread is always nice as well.
(3)Mark H.
Where do I start? First off, let me say that I'm not really sure what's happened over the years with the Pipo's-Pipo's Jr.-Pepo's family saga, so I'll just claim ignorance. What I can tell you is that the Northdale location still has one of the best restaurant Cuban sandwiches in the Tampa Bay Area. Once upon a time, they actually used real baked ham (not boiled lunch meat), but those days are long gone. Regarless, this is still my preferred spot to grab a Cuban sandwich. I recently saw Aguila's on MVF Nation, and that place has been on my hit list for a long time. I'll say that I was disappointed to see they use mojo in their roasted pork, so I've removed them from the hit list. Pipo's on Northdale serves up a traditional roast pork made with garlic, olive oil and au jus and that's what separates their sandwich from the rest. Go get one of those bad boys today! PS - I know the PIPO'S on Hillsborough is the original location where it all began, but I find that spot to be kind of dirty and the staff is less than friendly to anyone who is not Latin. Northdale is clean and the staff is friendly to ALL.
(4)Jennifer H.
Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon!! Received wonderful service!! The food was excellent! I love the pulled pork and yellow rice! I also got a Cuban to take home for lunch the next day! I love this place!!
(5)Caitlin W.
There's a few times in life where you're so hungry you want to punch your boyfriend in the mouth. That was one of these days. The food at Pepos was good and alleviated my anger.
(4)Christopher R.
Absolutely love this place. The ladies that work there are awesome and the food is always really good. They are the only place I can trust to make a real cafe con leche. The only place in north Tampa like this.
(5)Kerri L.
I got the pulled pork, yellow rice, and black beans. It was delicious. One of the best Cuban restaurants.
(4)Windy C.
I've only been here for breakfasts but that's enough. Breakfast prices and food are excellent as is the cafe con leche. Service is always friendly and efficient. A good place to start the day or finish the evening. Looking over the lunch menu I saw the usual Cuban fare. After talking with several people who dine here regularly I was given the impression that they have a kitchen staff that makes the usual Cuban fare shine. I will return for lunch and report again.
(4)Derek S.
Pepo's Café is great and has been for many years. The restaurant is set up in a cafeteria style where you go down the line and pick what you would like. Dishes run around $10 for meat with 2 sides and Cuban bread. They have some of the best roast pork I have ever had and there portions are huge. Each dinner is easily 2 meals. I usually go with the pork and black beans and yellow rice. Make sure to get onions on top and you are set for a great meal. Each meal comes with Cuban bread. If Pepo's were closer to my house I would frequent it because it is superior to similar restaurants nearby.
(5)Brandon E.
If you're looking for authentic Cuban cuisine, look no further! Nestled in a small strip plaza in beautiful Carrollwood, Pepo's Cafe is one of Tampa's hidden gems. Prepare to be welcomed with a warm "hola!". The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've only ever been for lunch but you have several Cuban delicacies to choose from, including pork, chicken and Cuban sandwiches. I generally get the pork as it melts in your mouth. The yellow rice is also to die for! If you choose to have soda, refills are free, as is the Cuban bread. The staff is very friendly and I'm guessing family owned and operated. The restaurant is very clean and inviting. The portions are very large for the average human being. Common sense will tell you stop and take the rest home but I dare you to stop! And dint forget to ask about their VIP loyalty program. Buy 10 lunch or dinners and get one free!
(5)Jennifer B.
If you were raised in Tampa and are part of a hispanic family, there is no doubt in my mind that you've been to Pepo's Cafe and as a matter of fact, I'd venture to guess that you are probably a frequent visitor. My family has been going to Pepo's for family gatherings and random lunches for a very, very long time. The service is always fantastic, the food is authentic and flavorful, and the prices are more than reasonable. My favorite menu items are the roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and palomilla steak.
(4)Lindsey T.
Really good cuban sandwhich!
(5)Louis M.
I did not like the food here, and I found the facilities unclean. How can the employees wash up without hot water?
(1)Jacqueline C.
Oh Pepo's, I so love you! Why do I have to watch what I eat!? I want to eat here every day until I indulge to the point of absolutely hating it. Lunch: Have only had the Cuban w. Pork which was delightful. Especially after a less than delightful experience at West Tampa Sandwich shop. Tasted so clean, delicious and STACKED. Dinner: Cafeteria style... choice of a few entrees (picadillo, 1/4 chicken, pork, and... something else) and a few sides (plantain, yucca, mashed potatoes, rice, green beans and... some other business). Felt like an American dumbhole for getting mashed potatoes with my pork and yellow rice, but straight up they were the most delicious mashed potatoes I have ever had. I am convinced they are the most delicious instant mashed potatoes on earth, whereas my partner with a more sophisticated palette insists the creamy deliciousness is in the choice of potato and tons of butter. The pork is divine. The service line is extremely clean, and buffet well maintained. I peaked behind the line and even the bottom shelves were spotless and white, which is easy to overlook. God, I love Pepo's. Why is such a delicious Cuban joint in Northdale?
(5)Andy E.
As a native Tampan, and a lover of Cuban food, I have to say that these flavors course through my bloodstream. Pepo's has always been a favorite for me, and their Puerco Abado is some of the best I have ever had. I am a veteran of the Hillsborough Avenue location, but as a Lutz native I have made the Northdale location my new spot. Fried Plantains to die for. Amazing! The downside? Pricey...
(5)Isaura D.
The food was Great and the prices are so reasonable. Definitely eating from Pepos again. The pork was cooked well and had lots of flavor not like other places that don't use enough seasoning or too much. The empanadas are one of the best I have ever tasted.
(5)Wirlly A.
We'll never it at this place again. I'm Latin and I can tell you that there's nothing authentic about their food. We order a couple of sandwiches one Cuban and Palomillo steak with a side of white rice and beans. The rice was hard the beans had no flavor, when we got the sandwiches they were both in a pool of liquid so it made our bread soggy it was so nasty the bread was falling apart. We also order a side of French fries and they forgot to bring it to the table I had to ask them for it and by the time they brought it out we were done with our meal not to mention that the fries were cooked in old oil all you can taste was nasty oil. And if you think that maybe they were busy and that's the reason we had this experience well the answer is no there was one family other than us. On the bright side the staff was friendly.
(1)Aj W.
Ropa Veija is amazing. Good size portion, great flavor, very nice staff and not to expensive. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you live in the North Dale area it's a great must try.
(5)Phil H.
I may well have been the first chinese guy to stroll in, but it was worth it. There were large portions at a reasonable price and it doesn't hurt that the food is yummy. I can't speak to the authenticity, just that I was satisfied. I'm not sure, but I think I occasionally have dreams of the roast pork.
(4)Anonymous P.
Excellent food for the price. There are lots of Cuban cafeterias like this in the Tampa area, but this one is a notch above. I love the beans and rice.
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