 |
Northwest
Indiana Restaurant Review |
| Dueling
Pepe's |
|
I've dined
at two Pepe's Tacos Restaurants in Northwest Indiana (the
location near the northeast intersection of Route 30 and
Broadway in Merrillville and the location near the
intersection of 61st and Broadway in Gary) and there are
actually quite different, each worth giving a visit for some
authentic Mexican dining and (possibly) other aspects of a
good evening's dining experience. |
| I've
found that both Pepe's are consistent in providing good
Mexican food. One
item that I'm often pleased with at Pepe's is their tamale,
which are often notoriously dry at other Mexican
restaurants. |
| Also,
unique at Pepe's is their complimentary salsa. It's good, but it's not your typical diced tomatoes salsa.
I hate to say it, but it reminds me of Campbell's
tomato soup: it has a similar consistency and smell.
But it's good chips and salsa. ( A tip for diners who prefer the more standard version:
ask for other salsas types; they have them readily
available.) |
|
Also
pleasing are the Combination platters.
Two that I've enjoyed (both for $6.75): the Pueblo
Combination Platter, with Chile Relleno, taco, and tamale,
and the Guadalajara Combination Platter, with steak taco,
tamale, and tostada sueza (believe me… mucho sueza!). |
| So
what are the differences?
Let me list a few. |
| There
is no non-smoking section at Pepe's near Route 30.
This is what the greeter told me on my last visit,
and his statement really wasn't necessary to convince me. |
|
Pepe's on
61st has a more lively atmosphere for weekends:
more enjoyable bar area, even karaoke some nights. |
| I've
found service at the Route 30 proximity Pepe's to be more
accommodating that the 61st location, but I may be recalling
an odd refusal for a $1 off coupon at the later restaurant. (But that's not a pretty picture, making both the manager and
myself appear to be true cheapos, so I won't get into
details beyond this attempting-to-be-amusing quip.) |
| The
61st location offers a more pleasing atmosphere than the
sometimes noisy location near Route 30/Broadway. |
| Pepe's
is a good Mexican restaurant to check into every so often.
I dine there at least four times a year and am
typically pleased with a filling and positive experience.
(Yes, I've gotten over the coupon incident.)
Enjoy. |
