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Don Pepe II
Categories: Restaurants Spanish Restaurants Basque Spanish, Basque [Edit]
18 Old Bloomfield AvePine Brook, NJ 07058
(973) 882-6757
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Don Pepe II
Review Highlights
"I usually get the Paella but the steaks are also great."
(in 10 reviews)
"And dont leave here without having the Red Sangria."
(in 3 reviews)
"Homeade potato chips are crisped to perfection, mmm mmm..."
(in 3 reviews)
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Karen A.
Montclair, NJ
1/20/2012
Don Pepe II is one of our favorite restaurants. It is very close to where we live and we have been going there for years.
My husband and I usually go there for our birthdays and our wedding anniversary.
We love their garlic shrimp appetizer and the Paella Marinera and usually split it with a pitcher of red sangria.
The price is good and the food tastes fresh. The portions are huge and we have left overs for a couple of days. -
Review from Lung T.
Short Hills, NJ
12/16/2011
You know a place is good when it's packed on a Friday night.
Don Pepe II is indeed a descent restaurant in the area. Overall, it's a simple, homey, and authentic with a solid menu of good and tasty food. Menu is nothing fancy or pretentious creative. But with generous portion and descent service, no wonder the place is packed on the Friday night we visited.
I don't care for valet parking -- but if that's your thing, Don Pepe II offers private valet parking. Upon entering the dining room, we are welcomed with a large open dinning space and a busy energy. The room echoes noises well, but without overhead music, we can actually carry a descent conversation (I can't remember the last time a restaurant without loud and inappropriate music). The appetizers arrived promptly, our mussels were really tasty, hearty, and flavorful with plenty of garlic punches. The staff were fairly attentive, but on a busy Friday night, we did have to wait a little for our entries. Out paella was pretty good (taste and value). It's not the best I've had (in Barcelona), but it's descent for Northern Jersey. You could share an order of paella between 2 people, but be aware that Saturday has a minimum order of 2 paella per check.
Overall, it's a descent meal. Funny observation though, it is of older crowd. So I guess Don Pepe II is more of a family restaurant. Few families with young kids here and there, but it's definitely not a joint if looking for trendy or hot spot. It's just a simple family restaurant with descent food -- reminds me a lot like one would see in the backdrops of mafia movies... -
Review from chris h.
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
12/2/2011
Don Pepe II is great. I'll preface with this: I am a picky eater. I don't like much and I'm not very adventurous. I LOVE thier boneless chicken breast with garlic sauce. A typical order come with 3 large pieces of chicken, yellow rice, bread, and home made potato chips. This could easily feed 2 normal people or one ME! The order costs around $18 and is a GREAT value. We fed 15 people AND added the appropriate amount of salad to the order for around $120. Excellent.
I am deducting one star for the lack of white rice....told you I was picky! -
Review from Alexander W.
Parsippany, NJ
1/15/2012
Delicious!
Went here the day after my sister's college acceptance. Deciding on this restaurant, we set out after doing some Christmas shopping. The exterior was pretty, but the parking in the far part was kind of sketchy looking. Anyway, we waited about 7 minutes for a table, and were seated. Our glasses were filled, but service seemed slammed that night since the restaurant was very busy. After chatting with another patron and our server coming, we ordered. For an appetizer, we had the shrimp and garlic. This came out quickly and was very good. For the entrees, my sister had a paella, my mom had a fish, and I had this tender chicken in a sauce that i can't recall the name of. This took a little while to come out, but in the end, was worth the wait. i fell in love with the paella and the seafood inside tasted fresh. The bill came out well under what we expected. We will be back! -
Review from Steve G.
Union, NJ
1/2/2012
(3.50 stars) Even to the point where the Newark-based Iberian Spanish restaurants aren't what they once were, Don Pepe II remains consistent, and consistently one of the very best. Service is attentive, without being pushy. The decor is just enough to evoke a Spanish touch. If you have eaten at other Iberian restaurants in Northeast NJ, the menu should be familiar: steaks, sauteed chicken, veal and fish dishes, and the various shellfish medleys (marascada, paella, etc.). There is a bit more depth here, both in menu options and flavor. One of the things that sets Don Pepe II above the local Iberian terrain is that the sauteed dishes are prepared with the same attentiveness as their shellfish medleys. Another is that the complex layering of flavors which characterizes very good-to-great Spanish food is present. Parking can be a challenge, as a portion of the small lot is set aside for valet parking (a pet peeve). Whether Iberian Spanish food is new to you, or a familiar dining option, Don Pepe II is a very good choice.
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Review from Suanne L.
4/30/2011
Don Pepe II (not to be confused with Don Pepe I or Don Pepe Steakhouse) is a solid neighborhood staple in North Jersey. The location is large, the food is good, the service fair. It wasn't noisy and the place is definitely a little more upscale. However, things like tight parking, brusque waiters, and not seating large parties until everyone arrives leave room for improvement. In addition, I dock points for authenticity - tonight you could have ordered Halibut Francaise.
The special appetizer of grilled octopus was fantastic tonight, as well as the steak and the sea bass (also a special). For dessert, trust me on the rice pudding brulee. All other dishes sampled tonight were forgettable. They specialize in extra large portions of paella, which were pleasant, but I've had better.
Side note - 100 Reviews!! WOOT! -
Review from Mitchell S.
Montville, NJ
11/6/2011
Sorry but can't say I could recommend this place or that I will ever go back.
I decided to take my family there for a special day-there were 12 of us. I ordered the salmon which came out raw, yes raw not rare or whatever else---the manager agreed with me---would I like something else? Yes, I will have the steak-Well, the steak came out and it was burnt on the top and raw on the inside-I guess that's what happens when you try to cook it fast at a high temp-The manager agreed-would I like something else? No, because now my group was on dessert, and I would clearly be holding up everyone else. This place was a total disappointment.
You would think after the first blunder, someone would have paid better attention to make sure that the 2nd dinner came out correctly.Especially at those prices, I don't mind paying top dollar for a meal out, but I don't like feeling like I am being taken.
It seemed like "oh, well ha ha -how about that" It may not have bothered them because they seem to be riding on a reputation but for me, I had rolls and rice - which was really infuriating. The manager told me he wouldnt charge for me the steak, like he was doing me a favor-I hadn't even had one bite of it-try to collect!
I am not sure which bothered me more, the poorly cooked food or the "who gives a damn" attitude. You can bet your last dollar you won't ever find me there again. SHAME ON THEM! At those prices, no one wants to take a chance on HIT AND MISS. -
Review from Nicolas M.
Montclair, NJ
10/9/2011
Ate here for the first time five years ago and today, the family and I went here for Sunday dinner. I guess I forgot just how large the food portions are, particular the paella! Great wholesome and good-tasting eats but enough for two meals! We should have shared dishes. It is a bit of a pricey place, but for what you get, it is worth it. Very friendly wait-staff and a very pleasant ambiance. It is great for families. The lobster tail in my seafood paella was great and as I write this, I have leftovers in the fridge which I eagerly await to eat for lunch tomorrow or later tonight. A great place, but the next time we come back, we'll definitely be sharing portions!
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Review from Campbell S.
Caldwell, NJ
7/10/2011
This is my husband's favorite restaurant in town. He always orders the paella! The Sangria is fabulous as well. Every time we come to this restaurant the food is outstanding! It's always fresh and delicious and plentiful. We are never disappointed when come to Don Pepe for dinner!
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Review from Joey P.
Rockaway, NJ
6/8/2011
You don't have to go to Spain to get good food! However finding good spanish food in New Jersey is no easy task. Unless you are talking about Don Pepe.
Other day I was walking in the park, in Rockaway. A man was talking to 2 women about this PERFECT seafood dinner he had eaten. He went into detail about the freshness of the seafood, the flavor, the atmosphere of the restaurant. I walked up from behind to join them, and said "That's Don Pepe!". And to my surprise, that is what he was talking about!
I have been coming here for years! The food is consistently the best quality IN NEW JERSEY. The atmosphere, cool, sitting in a room with frescoed walls, eating Paella Valencia. If this is heaven, then I'm ready to die! EVERYTHING HERE IS GOOD, EVERYTHING HERE IS FRESH, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! BRAVO DON PEPE! BRAVO!
This is not watered down, americanised, spanish food. There really are pimentos in there.... -
Review from Ed M.
Livingston, NJ
3/1/2011
Don Pepe II is every bit as good as the original in Newark. They serve up wonderful Spanish food in a very efficient manner. The wait staff is excellent. The sangria is great. And, oh yes, the food is outstanding. The decor is very much the same as in Don Pepe's, Newark which I find very pleasant.
This establishment is certainly worth a visit. -
Review from Trish F.
Boston, MA
12/26/2007 1 photo
Best thing about a funeral.. too touchy?
For the last couple years we've gotten a tray or two of paella from Don Pepe II. From funerals to parties to our Christmas Eve bash on Monday. That stuff goes FAST! Chock full of seafood in every scoop, if they threw in two or three more mussels it'd be hard to stir up. Still haven't found a good plate of paella in Boston. And if my memory serves me correctly, it's better than Sevilla up the street on route 46, although to be quite honest, it's been a little while since I've been there. So go ahead and try it out (and lemme know if I've been spending too much these past few years since it is a couple dollars cheaper.. heh). Trays run about $48 (at least our paella did) and considering a dinner portion in the restaurant is about $22, I think it's a great deal.
I know this part is a bit second hand, but my mom said that during her last visit she was required to order two dishes. Anyway, I did check the website and you'll notice that under the seafood menu for dinner, it says minimum 2 orders are required on Saturdays (they tried to order one paella to split, but couldn't). It does not indicate this in the meat section though.. interesting.
Parking is tight. Even when I had to find a space temporarily to pick up stuff in the past, it's been difficult.
Three stars because I've never actually eaten inside the restaurant. So I can't let you know about the service and the atmosphere. One of these days! :) -
Review from Jessica H.
Denville, NJ
7/23/2010
What can I say about this place but I'm home!!! Awesome food, awesome sangria, fresh baked potato chips I meant the works you name it!! The steak and fish are to die for!!
A bunch of old school Italians running around with pinky rings add a touch of class to the ambiance in this place. I usually order the the fillet and when I'm feeling squirly, and really hungry, the porter house steak. This steak is some ridiculous ounce like 32 or something so you better be hungry to eat this guy! Every steak is cooked to perfection. Their steaks run a little salty so be prepared for that too. I like my steak with a little flavor and seasoning as long as the salt doesn't over power the flavor, I'm good.
The white and red sangria are awesome, the garlic shrimp and sauteed mushrooms are amazing sides to compliment any of their steaks. Their lobster tail is also very good.
They offer valet service and take reservations though I have never waited longer than 15 minutes to sit in this place. I eat here as frequently as I can because the food is that good and the price is well worth what you are getting.
Average price per plate including an entree, appetizer and a drink $40 a person. I highly recommend this place if you love a good steak or cut of fish! -
Review from Daniel O.
Long Beach, CA
3/16/2007
I had the opportunity to dine at Done Pepe II while on a recent business trip to New Jersey. I dined with two colleagues that described the restaurant as a blend of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. The atmosphere was positive, as families and friends dined in small groups, and for a Wed. it was full but not crowded. The wine list was extensive, with excellent selections from Spain. We decided on a 96' Red, which was so delicious I can't remember the name. The menu was impressive, but heavy on seafood, so I decided on a tender New York steak.
This is a great restaurant for a couple or group of friends, and serves amazing food at a very reasonable price. I will most definitely look forward to going back here on my next visit. -
Review from Debbie W.
New York, NY
1/30/2008
I've never had a bad meal here. Although there are a number of spanish restaurants i frequent in Newark, Don Pepe II is much more convenient and never disappoints.
The garlic shrimp and chorizo are mandatory. I usually get the Paella but the steaks are also great. And dont leave here without having the Red Sangria. Yummmm! -
Review from Gary L.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2010
Very efficient service and delicious food. Perfect for a windy and cold evening in New Jersey.
I was promptly shown to my table, and impressed by the prompt servers, nice settings and cozy atmosphere in the first dining room. The wait staff stay on their toes with the owner(?) keeping an eye on them to ensure seamless service.
I started with a delicious chicken broth-light but flavorful accompanied by warm bread and a complimentary bruschetta slice heaped with cilantro, onion and chopped tomato.
The special Rack of Lamb was cooked to perfection (rare just as I had ordered.) The meat and accompanying sauce was seasoned nicely and was rich and flavorful. I would have preferred rice or maybe mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce-but this was accomplished with a slice of the bread.
The lamb was served with a large plate of thick sliced chips of potato and another plate veg medley of onion, green bean, bell pepper and sliced mushroom. The sides needed more salt and pepper, and should have been hotter when served.
The dining room is a bit noisy, and my experience was diminished by an adjoining table with a couple that kept droning on an on about their lives to their poor guest who was silent but politely listening and suffering. -
Review from Tom N.
Aurora, CO
11/10/2008
We used to take visiting groups here almost every week when I worked in our Parsippany office years ago. It was our "big" night out and everyone looked forward to the Paella and Sangria.
I had a chance to go back recently and they are still holding up to the same level of quality and service. Love it!
If you have a chance, don't miss out on their Mariscada seafood dishes. They're kind of like Paella but without the rice (I know, stupid description). I guess they're kind of like a seafood stew but absolutely delicious! -
Review from joe c.
Brooklyn, NY
8/16/2011
it was aight...sangria was good, lots of old people.
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Review from Gabby P.
Elmwood Park, NJ
11/21/2010
I really liked this restaurant. It's an above-average Spanish restaurant with a comfy atmosphere; lots of ethnic, heavily accented waiters taking good care of you. We ordered the chorizo, clams casino and fried calamari for appetizers. All were great; the calamari was superb. Juicy, fresh and delish. My friend and I shared the paella for our entree; it was huge and we still had leftovers! Hubby had the seabass special and devoured it. The portions are more than generous and the prices are right. I'm picky when it comes to paella and I would def go back!
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Review from Justin K.
Brooklyn, NY
8/28/2009
This place is freakin' great! I've been going here for over 15 years and the food is constantly wonderful. It is a great place to go with family and/or friends for a special occasion or night out. Portions are quite large. I recommend the red sangria, garlic shrimp and the chorizo appetizers, and the seafood paella (clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, lobster). The baked stuffed lobster, two lobsters stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat stuffing, is also very good but it is obviously one of the more expensive dishes on the menu. Entrees come with these circular crispy potatoes that are somewhere in between a chip and a french fry and are sooo good.
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Review from Jessica C.
Midlothian, VA
8/18/2009
Well, all I can comment about is the four things I have tasted from their menu. Filet mignon, scallops, potato chips and sangria. And WOW, are they ALL YUMMY! Particularly the sangria. I could drink that all day... That stuff is dangerous. And the filet was absolutely huge... I shared it w/someone else and thank goodness I did because I would have never finished it alone. Homeade potato chips are crisped to perfection, mmm mmm mmmmmm.
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Review from David C.
Bloomington, IL
11/10/2009
Someone else mentioned the slow service. It is indeed painfully slow, but the food and sangria make it worth the wait.
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Review from krystle j.
New York, NY
3/11/2009
good, huge portion of paella
slow service
