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Tacos Pepitos Bakery
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
4 reviews for Tacos Pepitos Bakery
Okay, here's my review:
First off, too all those folks out there saying that they've had better Mexican food in California...that's like saying you've had better Pasta Putanesca in Sicily! Of course even the worst Mexican joint in San Diego could run circles around what we've got here in the DMV. That being said, you've got to give props to the ones that make a decent effort. Have sampled a fair share of "Mexican" and Mexican restaurants in the area. I can say confidently that this place is the closest to a real Mexican dive that you're going to find in the DC Metro area. It's small, it's cramped, the service is PAINFULLY slow, and you usually feel pretty silly ordering if you're not up on your Spanish. But the food is TOTALLY worth it. The carne asada burrito is only $5, it's HUGE, and the tortilla is delicious! The pupusas are also delicious (not Mexican I know, but still great). Actually, everything I've ordered there has been delicious.
So all in all, this place is more about the experience than the actual quality of the food. If you're looking to get a burrito around the Rockville, Gaithersburg area that ISN'T Chipotle and actually tastes good, this place should be at the top of your list.
Mexican food, as in real Mexican food, not Salvadorean food parading as Mexican[0] or any variation of Tex-Mex, is hard to find in the DC area. Good Mexican food is damn near impossible to find in the DC area.
I've heard tell of it in Manassas, have eaten it in Fredericksburg, and was even thrilled with a spot I found on the infamous Mexican Mile in Hyattsville[2]. Unfortunately, all of these are a bit far to go when I simply have a craving for some carnitas tacos and a cup of horchata.
And that brings me to Taco's Pepitos, which is thankfully a few minutes from work. I first discovered the Mt. Pleasant (or is it Adams Morgan?) location, and while it wasn't the greatest, I happily enjoyed my burrito and took a takeout menu. Sure enough, I saw that there were two of these places, and the other was in Gaithersburg. That was an eventful day.
The G'burg location is far above their city counterparts. Similar menu, but spank my ass and call me Pedro if the ingredients and service aren't better. I'm originally from Phoenix, so nothing compares to taquerias from my youth, but this is a fine substitute for me. I have yet to make it even 1/4 of the way through the menu, and that's fine with me. Hell, if I could get past ordering either the carnitas tacos or anything off the burrito menu, I'd be happy with myself. Those were the "safe" items, and damn are they good.
Beyond that, the refried beans are like crack. In fact, I'm convinced the queso on top of the beans is infused with crack, because it's all that addictive. The Spanish rice side isn't up to par with the beans, but it sure as hell doesn't slouch either, and they don't mess around with pansy mixed vegetables. It's straight up rice, just how it should be.
As for the rest of the menu, my curiosity will get the better of me one day, as I keep working through it. They have snuck a few Salvadorean items on there (correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think pupusas are Mexican) to appease the main customer base, but most of it is the real deal. There are many items and ingredients on there that you won't get around here unless you go to Oyamel (and this is at least half the price with none of the pretentiousness), including the infamous corn fungus that I can't remember the name of, but is a huge delicacy.
And then there's the salsa bar. Oh, how I love the salsa bar. Everything from a well balance pico to a tasty salsa verde to hotter sauces that awaken even my dead insides. Make sure to check out the drink refrigerator behind it as well as the fresh juices to wash down the heat.
But wait, there's more. . . being a taqueria isn't even the main reason this place exists. It's actually a Mexican bakery! I can't review too much of that side of things, though, as I'm not actually that into Mexican baked goods, and therefore haven't sampled much. That said, what I have had was good, and well, I highly recommend the tres leches cake. It's so worth the situps you'll have to do later.
The down sides, you say? There are a few.
Parking: This is old town Gaithersburg, so it's a bit of a pain to navigate, and you have to make sure to park in the right lot (or the parking garage across the railroad tracks), or there could be problems. Yes, there is a nearby lot, but it does get very congested.
Speed of Service: If you're in a hurry, I suggest pre-ordering by phone. The food is amazing, but they are definitely not the fastest place in town.
Size: This is primarily a takeout joint, and therefore only has a couple tables outside for seating, and the inside line can get cramped. This is doubly true if you go around lunchtime and local day laborers are in for some eats.
Language: Like any insanely good ethnic food eatery, the staff may have a little trouble understanding you if you don't speak the language. I've never had any serious problems ordering, as usually at least one person speaks English behind the register, but it is something to be aware of for folks who think On the Border is authentic.
This place is a gem hiding in the rough, and while it's not quite up to Southwestern standards, it keeps my fix going while I'm out here.
~EEE~
[0] Salvadorean food is actually decent in its own right, but there is a difference, and it doesn't adapt to Mexican food at all. You screw up my beans and rice, and I'll cut you. I'll cut you!
[1] I actually enjoy Tex-Mex as well, and will happily enter Rio Grande when I want some. Hell, I also enjoy Taco Bell, but I sure as hell don't call that Mexican either.
[2] If I could remember the name of the place, I'd happily review it. Discovering actual chili verde that doesn't suck on the East Coast is like finding the Holy Grail.
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I've read the reviews about this restaurant, and I partially agree. The carnitas were good, but with a sweet sauce which was a little strange. However, the burrito I had was NOT amazing. I think that the restaurant is very authentic, which doesn't mean hygienic or terrific. They were also painfully slow. I've eaten at a lot better Mexican restaurants in California, and I don't think I would go back.
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Used to visit this place frequently for decent Mexican takeout, but after three of us came down with turista, never again. Food was lukewarm when I brought it home, so should have nuked it. Reported the situation to the health dpt, who investigated, but they came up with nothing. This place is not especially clean, so forewarned is forearmed.