Tio Pepe Restaurante

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baboonfarmer

Joined 6 years ago

Tio Pepe is the perfect old school restaurant. Don'. Tio Pepe is a classic. It is absolutely perfect for what it is -- old school, rich sauces, a little pretentious -- its kinda like your Aunt Evelyn -- she shouldn't be as pretentious as she is because she's 30 years behind the times...but she is...and you have to love her for it.

This experience is not cool and hip. It's not a Cindy Wolf / Tony Foreman restaurant. It's not delicate cuisine. It's heavy and filling -- the way food was in the old days. It's decadent. And, I think, a hell of a lot of fun.

Again...go into the experience with an open mind and an empty stomach and you'll love it. All of these negative comments on here seem odd. I've never had bad service. Sure, you have to wait for your reservation now and again...but that's any busy restaurant.

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newyorkdame

Joined 6 years ago

Not what one would call friendly. In town on business from NYC, I stumbled upon Tio Pepe and thought I would have lunch. The gentleman at the door looked me up and down when I asked to look at a menu (I was dressed in business attire) and turned his back to me. When I decided to dine there, he apathetically walked me to a table, half attempted to pull out my chair and walked away before I could even move into the table to sit. The only reason I was truly mortified FOR HIM was that I have spent several years running some of the more upscale establishments in New York and would NEVER treat a guest that way. Especially if I were wearing a tuxedo and handing guests filthy menus. Food was wonderful, but what a shame it was tainted by a poor attitude and atmosphere of superiority.

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linda319

Joined 6 years ago

Not what I thought, but food is good. I'm not quite sure what all the hype is about, it is okay. The food it very good, can't complain about anything I've had so far. We go several times a year, mostly for special occasions, but at least once for the heck of it, a craving for the Shrimp Scampi I suppose! I do believe it is quite expensive for what you get. I would also think by now they would have updated in some sort of way without loosing the ambiance. I do so enjoy when the chef makes his appearance! The food is quite good but in my opinion doesn't live up to all the hype! If you don't mind spending money on good food then you should go. If you're looking for a 5 star dining experience, save your money.

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zoe21

Joined 6 years ago

Excellent Food and service but to be safe - Avoid Friday and Saturday nights. We have enjoyed this restaurant for over 30 years! The food is excellent - you can order anything and stay in your price range - if you are not up to ordering an entire meal - try two or three appetizers, they are outstanding and will do the trick. We have eaten all over the U.S. and would rate Tio Pepes as consistently the best in food quality. Lunch is great as well as evening dinners - the only downside is late Fridays and Saturdays if they are busy, you won't get the best service but that would happen in any busy restaurant.

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motownwingnut

Joined 6 years ago

GREAT SPANISH FOOD (not Mexican). FYI, this restaurant is not Mexican, it is Spanish. Just a little bit of difference in types of cuisines. You may want to update your listing.

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cmouli

Joined 6 years ago

Not recommended. My wife treated me to a dinner for my birthday. Tio Pepe is just a lot of hype and was a great disappointment, long wait, and noisy. Feel rushed to finish your lousy meal, pay up and get out. Baltimore can do a lot better. Don't go here just to say you've been there like it's some kind a Baltimore monument one HAS to visit.

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joe_so_cool

Joined 7 years ago

Bring your patience and your wallet. because you're going to need them. The food can be great, but it is wildly inconsistent. Ditto the service, where one waiter is cool and the next has anger-management probs. Oh, and make reservations a month ahead and CHECK ON THEM!

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garayoa

Joined 7 years ago

Never Disappointing. I have been going to Tio's since it opened. We have all of our family gatherings at Tio's and every one of our guests is always completely satisfied. The staff and food are always wonderful!

Doesn't Recommend

seriouseater

Joined 8 years ago

Not worth it!. I heard so much about this fancy restaurant that they served good food and all, but after I tried it I would never want to go back there. At first I thought their foods should be delicate and delicious, but that was the major disappointment. I ordered some shrimp dishes, most of the shrimps contained sands, each bite I can feel the sands between my teeth. Then the entree finally came, paella, it was watery, all the seafood was too well done. I personally had spanish food in Boston before, and it was great, their price is not as expensive as Tio pepe, and they have great paella. That is the reason I wanted to try the paella again. Unfortunatly, it was horrible experience. Price does not equall to the quality, that's all I can say. So I am not recommend this restaurant to any of my friends.

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metropical

Joined 10 years ago

weak Spanish. I'd read about and was looking forward to a meal at this long established Spanish outpost in Baltimore.

In a word, weak. Having spent a fair amount of time in Spain, this is no where near as good as the weakest. The place was absolutely jammed with drunks. We arrived at 9:20 for a 9:30 and were promptly seated at 10:15.

The waiter was very rushed.

We has shrimp in thick brown garlic sauce and smoked salmon (lox), both good, but also nothing distinctive.

Red snapper with clams, mussels and another thick sauce was OK, but way to filling for fish. Sauteed spinach with pine nuts and mushrooms was good. Lobster and chicken breast also had that thick sauce.

Dessert was completely forgettable. But the cappuccino was very good.

The bill was exorbitant for what it was.

 

Don't bother.