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Welcome to Pepe's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

About Pepe's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina:

Nestled in Canyon Lake, California, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina offers a vibrant dining experience characterized by its warm ambiance and friendly service. Patrons rave about the fresh, flavorful dishes, including standout items like the tender carne asada, zesty cheese enchiladas, and mouthwatering queso dip. The inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal, with attentive waitstaff ensuring a pleasant, unhurried experience. Don’t miss their lively Margarita Mondays, where the sugar-rimmed margaritas shine. Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a family meal, Pepe's promises a flavorful journey through authentic Mexican cuisine.

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina: Reviews & Ratings

Ty Noble
Ty Noble

Been coming here for a few months now about 2 times a month. The food is always hot fresh and is very good. The waiters are also very kind. The cooks push out pretty fast. The queso dip is amazing. The carne asada is always tender and juicy and very flavourful. Good music to. loud enough to hear it not loud to the point you gotta yell to talk to the person with you.

kittyfrog 1980
kittyfrog 1980

I enjoy coming in here and visiting with the people. It’s usually quiet, which is perfect when you want to enjoy good company and catch up. The staff is friendly but never pushy, and they don’t rush you out the door like some places do. You’re encouraged to relax and enjoy your meal—which I really appreciate. Their chips and salsa are my go-to—always fresh and satisfying—and Margarita Mondays are a fabulous choice when you need to de-stress. I especially love getting my margarita with a sugar rim; it’s a simple touch that makes the drink even better. I also really enjoyed the surf and turf—the surf and turf burrito has been amazing every time I’ve ordered it. It was the last thing I got here, and hands down, it was really tasty. I’d recommend getting it dry or asking for the sauce on the side, especially if you’re sensitive to heat. The flavor’s still fantastic either way, and it’s one of my top picks. Definitely one of my favorite local spots—worth checking out if you're in the area and looking for a relaxed, flavorful experience.

From 2009
From 2009

First time here...service was excellent. Food was delicious I had the cheese enchiladas in the red sauce, rice and beans. Beans had a great flavor. Service was excellent got a refill without having to ask for one, chips and salsa were filled quickly. Would highly recommend trying Pepe's when your in the area. They were dressed up for the Halloween season.

Tiffany Salls
Tiffany Salls

I have not been here in a decade, at least to the restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised. My Bloody Mary and chorizo quesdilla were delicious. Chips and salsa were also great! Will definitely come back more often!

Greg Vogel (Photo)
Greg Vogel (Photo)

Pepe’s is a great local restaurant with excellent service and tasty food. It’s conveniently located between the 15 and the 215 outside the main gate of Canyon lake. It’s super big inside and has a large bar area, dining area and even a banquet kind of area game room. All the food is really good and the margaritas all are tasty. Standouts for me were the fajitas, the enchiladas and don’t sleep on Pepe’s burrito and the queso dip is pretty bomb too.

Camilla Allen
Camilla Allen

We are local Canyon Lakers who have been going to Pepes for years just had not been in a year or so. We went back last night and were pleasantly surprised how good the taco plates were. My husband had the shrimp tacos and I had chicken tacos. Very tasty , generous portions and great priced menu. Friendly servers as well. A nice experience.

Interpreter Jessica
Interpreter Jessica

I hosted my son’s graduation party here with about 25 guests, and I was not disappointed! The service was outstanding, the atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, and the staff was incredibly friendly. The Elote wings were absolutely killer, and the Mexican candy shots were delicious. Highly recommend!

Rigo Salazar
Rigo Salazar

Well I'll be damned, never thought as a Latino, that I would find a tasty and authentic Mexican restaurant. My god Hayley, was on tip top service and was super attentive. The food we got were chilaquiles and wings. The red salsa, you can taste all the spices especially the Chile Puya. Chips were crispy and salsa was tasty. The wings were crispy crunchy on the outside but super tender on the inside. Not overly cooked. Sunday mornings are quite but they have brunch specials!!! Highly recommend!!

Location

Welcome to Pepe's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Canyon Lake, California. Located conveniently at 31780 Railroad Canyon Rd, Suite V, this vibrant eatery is a haven for those in search of authentic Mexican cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

At Pepe's, the customer experience shines as brightly as the traditional dishes they serve. Diners rave about the hot and fresh meals that are crafted with care. Whether you're a fan of the carne asada, which is consistently described as tender and flavorful, or the tantalizing queso dip that has become a crowd favorite, there’s no shortage of standout offerings. One customer noted the excellent service and the quick turnover from kitchen to table—ensuring that every meal arrives just as you love it: hot and delicious.

The ambiance at Pepe's adds to the overall experience. Patrons appreciate the friendly yet unobtrusive staff that encourages you to relax and enjoy your meal at your own pace. Enjoy the soothing tunes that create a lively yet comfortable backdrop, perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after a long day. As one patron remarked, it's a great spot for Margarita Mondays, where one can sip on a refreshing margarita with a sugar rim while savoring their favorite dish.

For those seeking variety, the menu at Pepe's does not disappoint. Standouts include the fajitas, enchiladas, and the much-loved surf and turf burrito—a must-try that expertly balances flavors and textures. Many guests have highlighted their appreciation for thoughtful touches, like the consistently fresh chips and salsa, making the first bites just as enjoyable as the main course.

With its spacious interior and delightful decor, Pepe's is not just another restaurant; it’s a destination. Whether you're gathering for a celebration or enjoying a meal with family, the restaurant caters to all. It's no wonder patrons describe it as a top local spot worth visiting. Come for the food, stay for the ambiance, and leave with a satisfied palate and a smile. We hope to see you soon at Pepe's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, where every meal feels like a festive occasion!