GREAT EATS HAWAII: SENOR PEPE

SENOR PEPE FRESH MEXICAN GRILLE

ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER
1450 ALA MOANA BLVD
HONOLULU, HI 96814
808-946-82226
www.senorpepehawai.com

It's pretty sad when you have to go to the mall to get Mexican food because there are no good Mexican restaurants in Honolulu. I like Alejandro's in Kalihi but they are closed on Sunday.

Señor Pepe actually does a pretty good job with their Tacos. I have not tried much else on the menu here. On this visit we went with Carne Asada Tacos w/Three Sides ($11.89) and Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos w/Three Sides ($11.89). I picked my three sides; Cole Slaw, Refried Beans and Mexican Rice.
I was surprised that the Tacos came out as a plate with the Tortillas wrapped in foil. This turned out to be good because the Tortillas were kept warm and the Carne Asada did not soak through the Tortillas. Also surprised to see all the condiments served with the Carne Asada. There was Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream and Guacamole plus you have your choice of around six different Salsa's that go from mild to Habanero HOT! There is a small Salsa Bar where you can fill containers with as much Salsa as you want. I went with four different heat levels and liked the Hot mixed with Habanero the best. The Habanero alone was just too hot. The Carne Asada is good and there was enough to fill four Corn Tortillas. I liked the Grilled Onions in the Carne Asada and it added another layer of flavor to the tacos. The fresh Cilantro was a nice touch. Pretty good tacos and I had no complaints. Could not finish my plate though. Just too much food for me. The Rice and Beans were both good and the Cole Slaw with a light Chipotle Sauce is delicious. The Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos were also good. I peeled off some of the batter and found bright white fresh Mahi Mahi that was well seasoned. The Fish Tacos came with tortilla chips which I absolutely loved with the Hot Salsa.