Pepito's352

Families reign supreme at Pepito's, whether they're members of the close-knit clan that's operated the place for 35 years, or just diners there to enjoy fantastic Mexican food and inexpensive kid's meals.

Pepito's has a devoted following, so there's often a wait for a table at dinnertime. But once seated, children hardly get a chance to dull the free crayons before their food comes. Service is rapido, and very friendly. The food is first-rate, made from fresh ingredients according to Mama Lupe's old recipes, with no lard or MSG. There's much to please vegetarians; and tamales, flautas, enchiladas, and other traditional dishes for all. With sincere apologies, the restaurant recently began charging for bowls of tortilla chips, but it's just a pittance.

The two dining rooms have comfortable tables and cozy booths. Each of the booths has a small plaque denoting the famous people who have sat there over the years. (Okay, "famous" is definitely a stretch for some names, but still...) There's a changing table in the handicapped-accessible restroom.

Catering services range from providing chips to delivering the fixings for a casual buffet - how about a birthday taco bar? - to providing staff and full-service dinners. Pepito's also operates two delis, which serve a simpler menu of Mexican staples, fast-food style.