Poncho N Pepe's Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar

Ole. Great Mexican food and service at reasonable price.

I am compelled to revisit my previous review and bring this shiz down to reality. Since my review several months ago, we've frequented Poncho n Pepes several more times and I've come to realize that this place is not good. Not good at all.

My only explanation I can come up with for my previously great review of this joint is my WANTING this place to be good soooo bad that I overlooked/excused all the negative. I still can't really make sense of it. Regardless, here's my updated perspective:

The place is HUGE. It could probably easily accommodate your birthday bash, family get-together, work function, guys night out, and 10 year class of whatever reunion...simultaneously. And with everything in this massive place painted a different bright color it  was probably a feat on par with getting two of every animal onto the ark. The size and color palette don't bother me though. It's the food that is the hang-up.

During our most recent visit, I experienced a revelation. This place is not worth a return visit...not ever. A new menu does not help it's case in the least bit - the queso dip hardened after a few minutes on the table, the pretzels it came with were saturated in butter, my carnitas burrito was bland and one dimensional (I could see a minimal smearing of sour cream, but it tasted like flavorless pulled pork wrapped in a soft tortilla.), the chicken for the quesadillas was dry and the spread didn't come with any shredded cheese (minus 5 points from the wife), the tres leches cake (yes, even after all the food disappointments through dinner I persevered through dessert still hoping to uncover one redeeming item on the menu) was way too sweet, actually tasting as bad as it looked.

Sadly, Poncho n Pepes, this relationship is over. I thought I loved you but now I see you took advantage of my vulnerability and convinced me that I needed you to fill the void in my life. I've finally realized our entire relationship was a lie and one long emotional roller coaster. I can't put myself through the abuse anymore...I deserve better.

It's mexican-american, how bad could it be...

Went there with wife and two kids under 5 years old on a Friday at 6pm. Nearly vacant. The cavernous dining area was overstaffed (but very clean). I have no idea how a place this big and empty keeps the large number staff on-the-clock and stays in business. Four people at the host(ess) station, servers everywhere...

Service: A
With that many people, you should get good service.

Food: C-
One of us ordered a $15 prix fixe four course (soup, salad, entree, desert); the other got a burrito and the kids had kids stuff. For the prix fixe meal I had black bean soup: (decent) Salad (good), Salmon entree (bad, could not finish, too fishy tasting and must have been old or frozen and thawed too long). I would avoid daily specials because it felt like it was yesterday's food trying to get out...The burrito was like 95% of other burritos from other places.

The menu is odd. Somewhat mexican, somewhat Caribbean... somewhat American..

Price: A.
Two adults and two kids meals: $39.

Drinks: A
Heavy pour on a $3 margarita. That's worth coming back for.

Dining area:
Clean, lots of space, very mexican themed. Dark, but that's due to location and lack of windows.

Bar: Good sized TVs, cheap drinks, would come to talk football..

I'd go back for apps and cheap margaritas. Considering it's a BIG restaurant inside, they should hope their bar doesn't try to carry the restaurant.