I gave Don Pepe's a try because the word "buffet" always makes me light up. You don't see too many Mexican buffets out there. I came in with realistic expectations. Prices are going to be kind of high right now. Quality isn't necessarily going to be great. But will it actually be good? Kind of. The buffet contained a reasonable number of different items. It had ground beef, chicken, and even a steak fajitas type of dish. Do you know what my favorite part of the buffet was? Was it the chicken? was it the steak? Was it the cheese quesadillas? Heh, no. It was the rice. They had insanely good and flavorful rice. Service was great. Yes, the standards are lowered a bit when it's a buffet, but too many times buffet servers can be inattentive. My server ensured my drink was never empty and I otherwise remained satisfied. Don Pepe's provided a good-not-great buffet. Honestly, due to the fact that the rice was the most memorable part of the experience, I'm not super inclined to return to try the other dishes. I get the limitations of operating a buffet, but I still feel like the food overall should've tasted just a little bit better. But that rice was truly memorable. read more

Every star earned. Our guacamole was prepared fresh...table side. The staff is continually engaged, attentive and speedy. The food is deeelishousness. Only Mexican restaurant we go to. The setting is perfect. Volume of music, paintings on the wall and comfort in seating. Every star deserved. read more

Normally a big fan of this place. Staff gets a 4 star and always check in. Grapefruit Margarita was good and good beverage choices! Salsas were fantastic and so are the chips. Kiddo likes kid menu choices. We opted to share Mexican Taquito plate and there were delicious. Chicken was better than beef, and orders rice and beans which were delicious. Main gripe was dessert. Big Tres Leches fan and this their version was Meh. It was $9.99 and a small slice, but thought...maybe it's good?! It wasn't...dry (missing the leche) and just a simple cake. Surprised because of the price and not worth it. Skip their dessert. Will be back for drinks and food (no dessert). read more

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Our sever Daniella was especially great! It's difficult to find out if rice and beans are vegetarian since they're often cooked in meat broths/lard. She was wonderful and specially checked for us, and was attentive and kind throughout service! The food was also good- well flavored and so filling. There wasn't much waiting between ordering and receiving the food either. HOWEVER, I wasn't happy with the host. After arriving, he let us know there was a 20 minute wait, so we sat in the seating in front patiently. But as people came in, he didn't keep track of group order so we were skipped several times in seating (other same-sized groups were sat before us, even though they came well after). I eventually asked when we may be seated and he told me we would be next. Yet, he skipped us AGAIN, and we only got the table because the super kind couple asked the host to seat us before them! They shouldn't have had to do such a thing! If the host improves, it would have been the perfect experience. read more

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Service was fantastic, the buffet was great and i loved the music in the background. i would definitely recommend it!

A couple of friends and I ate there and the food was good. The salsa was excellent with lots of fresh cilantro and just the right amount of heat (spice). My only complaint was they need to drain the ground beef. I got a taco salad and there was standing liquid in the bottom of the taco shell. Very attentive wait staff. The restaurant decor is nice. Highly recommend. read more

Cleanest, most pleasant, Mexican dinner we've had in the area. Lots of convenient parking. Decent crowd, but not packed, early on a Friday evening. Good selection of Mexican draft beers and wife was quite pleased with her margarita. Fresh chips and really good salsa. Guacamole was mild and tasty, just had to look past the artificial bright green color. Queso also mild, but flavorful. A bit runny at first, but perfect after a few minutes cooling at the table. Menu is huge, even deciding just between their flagged specialties was a challenge. Personally, I see that as a bit of a negative - it's got to be harder for a place to consistently turn out quality dishes if they have to be prepared to make so many different dishes. Service was prompt, friendly and efficient. Manager was regularly making rounds to make sure everyone was happy and well cared for. Wife enjoyed a combo plate, just noting the sauce was too light on the enchilada (note to ask for extra next time). For all the variety on the menu, it's interesting that there's not apparent opportunity to customize the individual parts of a combo plate (chalupa doesn't specify topping, and it's refried beans, for example). Just a minor point. I went for the birria tacos and was a little disappointed. Usually they're dipped in the sauce and then fried, so I was expecting crunchy goodness, but here they're dry birria on warmed corn tortillas. There's some sauce for dipping, but the soft tacos just fell apart. Oh well, there are many other items on the menu to try. Despite these little things, we'd happily return and keep trying different menu items. It's such a pleasant place to get your Mexican lunch or dinner fix. Will update review once we have a chance to sample more dishes! read more

Came here for lunch and it was amazing! I got the Pollo Hawaiiano and my boyfriend got the Don Pepe's Chimichangas. We loved both of our meals. We also got a pineapple margarita and a strawberry daiquiri. They were delicious. My boyfriend got tipsy on one medium margarita. The chips and salsa were fantastic and the service was top notch. This may be our new favorite Mexican restaurant! read more

Don Pepe’s Mexican Grill - Don Pepes Chimichangas - amazing! - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Food was fair and service was poor. However there was a very drunk and obnoxius man at the bar loudly staggering around the restaurant and saying inappropriate thinga. He was very over served and obviously a regular. They shoulls not have over served him or let him leave and pose a great risk. Avoid this place. read more

These people are great! So nice... Customer service at it's best. They are our #1 Mexican spot now. Their margaritas are amazing, but WATCH OUT! Even though they taste excellent they ARE WAY STRONGER than you think! Which is a huge bonus unless you are the one driving, so you've been warned... Their Hawaiian fajitas (we order them without the ham) are insane, normal fajitas but then they melt shredded cheese over the top, a must try! Mostly updating my review b/c I realized they totally deserve FIVE STARS, not FOUR. read more

I was looking for a quick meal and to watch sports while I ate. This place was exactly what I needed. Traditional Mexican place with good salsa and fresh ingredients. read more

I would have taken pictures but we ate everything so quickly. Salsas were next level. Table side guac was great. Meals were very good. We are traveling and saw a few pics so stopped for dinner while at the hotel. It's unfortunate I don't live closer as I'd be a regular! read more

Possibly the cleanest Mexican restaurant ever. Quick service, good cheese dip, fajitas were very generous serving size. Hubby said margaritas were good, saw some yummy tableside made guacamole- next time. And while it's a very small thing, we also enjoy unsweet tea, and they had artificial sweeteners in pink, yellow and blue. That excites me. Trivia on Monday nights at 7 pm. read more

Don Pepe’s Mexican Grill - View from our booth in the bar - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

I'm here to talk about their skinny marg. When they first opened it was the best. Flavorful, bubbly and carbonated, so different than the normal skinny marg we get out around town. Now it is sour and tasteless, just like every other place. So disappointed, as I have recommended this skinny marg to sooo many people. The last 2 times I have been it's been the same. Hope they change it back! Staff is great, so is the food. Little on the pricey side, but overall a good choice. read more

Do NOT order from this website. You'll get a receipt and they will bill your card / take money from your account and then claim while you wait for half an hour they do not have the order. And do not offer to refund your money or reverse the charge -- instead staring at you like a deer in headlights read more

I have been here a couple of times. The staff is super nice and lovely! The owner greeted us the first time we came in and even escorted us to a different booth personally because their air was having issues and he wanted us to be comfortable. The vibes are very nice and comfortable with lots of murals on the walls which are super cool. The food is awesome. Typical Mexican food but I highly recommend their fajitas. The salsa is also homemade and is super great!! read more

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Although I have written about how good the food and drinks are at this location, I may have to find another restaurant because my favorite waiter, host and manager is gone. I miss Enrique ! Enrique was polite and a hard worker. The word is out that he is gone....... read more

We tried this place after seeing it around the corner. Their food in general is honestly really good! Their fajitas are excellent and the portions are big. From a general standpoint we've never had a problem with their queso or chips not being super hot. Overall, a great Mexican restaurant I think you should try! read more

Don Pepe’s Mexican Grill - Chicken quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

I've been a loyal customer at this restaurant for quite some time, but my recent experience was nothing short of appalling. I ordered a pickup for my usual meal, hoping for the same enjoyment I've had in the past. Instead, I received a partially incorrect order, which is frustrating on its own especially after it made me sick halfway through the meal, but what happened next was beyond unacceptable. When I approached the manager later on that evening to address the issue, I was met with a dismissive/disrespectful attitude that I never expected from a place I once liked. Instead of trying to understand my frustration, the manager practically threw $5 at me and told me to deal with it even after going as far as going all the way home to bring the rest of the incorrect order which was a $20 meal and after a heated exchange, telling me he never wanted to see my face again. How is that acceptable customer service? As someone who values good service, I couldn't believe the lack of respect I received. I was left feeling belittled and ignored. If you decide to go here, prepare for unwelcoming confrontational treatment if things don't go right. I won't be coming back. read more

Took the family here for Father's Day lunch yesterday (my family of 3 and my parents) and all 5 of us have been sick since last night! Talk about the gift that keeps on giving... Thanks Don Pepe's read more

So if I am going to open up a new restaurant on Murfreesboro Road, would it be Mexican? After all, I think we have 5 or six within a mile! So if you are going Mexican, bring your A game. Well, we just did take out there in lieu of nachos or panchos. I don't understand the 3 reviews already on this new spot because we got no where near a 4 star. In fact, of all the reviews I have given this is one of only two 2 stars I have given. To understand this, let's break it down. Atmosphere 3.5 stars Given all the other spots in the area I would rate this above the others. Partly because it's new, but mainly it's clean. Unlike panchos, which has superior food but a disgusting atmosphere (I think the carpet is from 1995) this place provides a decent environment. Service 2 stars I did take out so judge my rating here based strictly on that. The order over the phone was quickly and well done. The problem came when I entered the restaurant. They have one person doing 3 jobs. Seating people, handling take out and working the register. I know it's a new place but this is pretty basic. I could tell people were frustrated and the woman working it was slow slow slow. Food 2 stars For us, this is where they failed. First the chips were stale. Sure we got two bags but that only meant we had to throw out 2 bags so we got on chips from the pantry. The cheese sauce was decent but how can you screw that up. Let me tell you how. Add ground beef and pico. Uggg. Runny and flavorless. Oh, and it was cold. I had the ground beef burrito. It too was cold. Maybe if we dinned in it would be better but given what we experienced I am not sure we would want to risk it. The cheese quesadilla was good and so was the taco. All in all, it was below average for this class of restaurant. Value 3 stars We had two cheese dips, taco, rice, and burrito. Total cost was $35. Not bad but compatible to others this the average rating. All in all, it was disappointing . Maybe if we ate in it would have been better but probably not much above a 3 star place. If I want good mex takeout I'll go to Panchos next time. I just which panchos would gut their place and up their game. Sorry Don, but you just are not that good. read more

Order a small cheese dip with my tongo meal and they left it out. Very disappointing.

Worth the visit (and braving Franklincisco's lunch hour...a.k.a. all-day-long mess of traffic overload on TN 96 at I-65...a governmental embarrassment!) Top-of-the-list is a welcome: ¡Bienvenidos a Franklincisco, Don Pepe! This restaurant is a long anticipated upgrade to the space formerly known as IHOP (may it rest in peace...shall we call it a 'plus' of the pandemic? Sure. Why not?) This location has only been open for a couple of weeks. The decor is fun with wonderful murals of Hispanic notables from Cantinflas to Frida to Dia De Los Muertos. It's a happy vibe all around! Wanting to try everything, I ordered the Don Pepe's Dinner. The "Big Meal." In the interest of full disclosure... I ate the evidence. All of it. Note to first-timers: the little flag comes without a user guide, but it seems to be for gaining the attention of a server. The food isn't Tex-Mex. It's a mix. Mexico has 7 regions of different cuisine, each with its own flavors. Don Pepe's crosses regional boundaries that I enjoy most of, but not all of. The tamal was EXCELLENT. The chile relleno was good. The spices in the ground beef aren't a fave and will be avoided in the future, but the only solid disappointment was El Rio de Frijoles that ran between the tines of my fork (bean soup instead of firm refritos...surely a start-up mistake of the kitchen.) The margaritas? Mostly rocks, but I'll walk barefooted across rocks that good any day. (And Jumbo is not an elephant. Just slurrin'.) Your mileage will certainly vary. It did take a long time to get my check. Just chalk it up to shaking out on the startup run. read more

Mexican food is hard to screw up, Don Pepe's is not going to change your life. The food was hot and they had decent portions. Our server was kind and enjoyable and the place was pretty clean. read more

First visit for my husband and me---on a Sunday, mid afternoon, no less. Everything was really good! Friendly staff, service was great, and I love how they've redecorated and made this former IHOP their own. Super-clean and neat. Must confess that a Mexican restaurant's salsa and chips is what will "make or break the deal" for me. Well, Don Pepe's will definitely see me again! LOL! Their salsa was very fresh-tasting, with just the right ratio of ingredients to suit my finicky taste buds, and the chips had the perfect tender crunch. I could've made a meal on just that. But being my first time there, it was imperative that their frozen margarita be tested;-) Let me tell you-----it passed with flying colors, with its frost-covered glass, fresh orange and lime wedges and perfect amount of sweetness! Yum! I ordered Don Pepe's Chimichangas (three small: chicken, beef, shrimp), which were served piping hot, with all the trimmings. Excellent! My husband got Hawaiian Fajitas, and really enjoyed. Serving sizes are quite generous, so we're both looking forward to our leftovers :-) (Pardon my photos, as they were sort of an afterthought.) read more

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Finally got around to trying this place. A strong contender for Tex-Mex among the plentiful options on/around Hwy 96. Food was tasty and came out quickly. The place is very clean and no cramped. Nice lunch specials. I had to give their margaritas a test and just say, while they are a tiny bit tart for my taste, they were not watered down and you got the tequila that was not overpowered by other mixers. And I was having mine with lunch so that was a nice surprise read more

Actually one of the better Mexican places I've been to! Super crispy quesadilla with very flavorful chicken. Definitely will be back

People there are very nice !! The food was fair at best ! Family of 4 - no cocktails $110. Plus tips for veg or chicken dinners ! Won't do it again ! Why do we have so many Mexican food places with no great Mexican food! Ugh! read more

never come here on trivia night. they insulted our trivia name in the microphone in front of everyone.

We had a great experience as Paola as our waitress. Food was very good, so was the margaritas. Not only Paola, but several people stopped and checked on us, very nice. I think it was because we didn't eat very much, we took it to go. I have an eating disorder and if I eat very much or very fast, I can't keep it down. So I wanted to savor the flavors and take it with us to the motel. At first my husband was thinking fast food from the outside but it definitely is not. It's good fast. It has very color wall paintings on one wall and many pics of people on another wall. Very nice atmosphere! Place was very busy, if we lived here we would be regulars! read more

Wow!! Our first time at Don Pepe's!! We were very pleased with the food. My husband had Chili Verde that was outstanding. Our friend said husband was the best burrito he has ever had. I had a mixed plate of proteins of shrimp, fish, steak, ground steak, chicken & served on grilled onions that was amazing, served with rice, beans, salad and fried jalapeño. We will be back many times!! read more

Absolute garbage. Not authentic in any fashion and the food ended up having my wife and I on the toilet the entire night. Avoid at all costs. read more

I just finished eating at Don Pepe's in Franklin and it was great. First of all, they had a two for one margarita night ,which was a pleasant surprise. Great margaritas. However, it was the meal that really pleased me. I had the chori pollo dinner and it was wonderful, all the way from the grilled chicken to the fresh avocado on the side. The house-made tortillas were perfect as well. It made me think about growing up in southern Arizona. Go here if you want good Mexican food. read more

Excellent Mexican food. The chips are super crispy. I enjoyed my entree. The churros were a little hard for my liking. The service was excellent. We will be back. read more

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Excellent Mexican food. I got the #4 combo with two tacos, an enchilada and chunky beef with cheese. We also had the delicious choriqueso to start. read more

The food and service were great! Had the fajitas and the margs were awesome. Will be back in the near future.

The ambiance and staff were very nice. The food was sub-par. We ordered basic beef taco dinner and carne asada dinner. The ground beef did not taste like beef at all. We took one bite and didn't finish the tacos. The refried beans were watered down. Carne asada was paper thin. I hope the restaurant makes it, but I will be surprised if it stays open. The quality of food must improve. We will not return. read more

My fiancé and I had dinner here and we loved it! The staff was incredibly kind, and were quick to assist us in any way. A man that looked to be the manager also greeted us, and wished us well as we left. All in all, it was great! We will be returning! read more

Many Tennesseans will likely enjoy this typical, inauthentic Mexican food. The service was OK. The food was hot but not good. The cheese enchilada and Chile relleno I had were both filled with the white processed cheese product that is painfully common here and oozes everywhere. The crispy beef taco was ground beef, not shredded, and was bland - the shell was fresh and crispy. The tortilla chips were fresh and warm and the salsa was fair. Jr High school kids would probably love it here. I can't return due to price and preference for authentic Mexican dining. read more

They gave me beans I'm allergic The customer service sucks they spit in my cup the tables dirty read more