Welcome to El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar
Welcome to El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida. This authentic Cuban dining destination captivates with its lively atmosphere, warm hospitality, and rich cultural influences. Guests rave about the culinary masterpieces, from the mouthwatering Whole Fried Snapper to the tender Ropa Vieja, each dish bursting with bold flavors. The restaurant's craft cocktails, especially the refreshing mojitos, perfectly complement the vibrant cuisine. With inviting outdoor seating and live Latin music, El Meson De Pepe’s not only offers a meal; it promises an unforgettable experience that transports you straight to Cuba. A true must-visit!
- 410 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040, United States Hotline: +1 305-295-2620
Welcome to El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar, a celebrated gem nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida. Located at 410 Wall St, this restaurant isn't just a meal; it's an experience, awash with the vibrant essence of Cuban culture. Its lively atmosphere is accentuated by rustic decor and infectious rhythms, making every visit feel like a joyous celebration.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality that instantly makes you feel like part of the family. The staff’s dedication to ensuring a flawless dining experience is evident; from savvy recommendations to attentive service, they elevate your meal into a memorable event. The genuine charm of the place is matched only by its culinary offerings, which burst with the bold flavors of authentic Cuban cuisine.
Every dish at El Meson De Pepe’s tells a story. The whole fried snapper is a must-try, offering a perfect harmony of crispy skin and flaky, tender flesh, adorned with fresh onions and citrus. Sample the ropa vieja, where the succulence of shredded beef dances alongside black beans and sweet plantains, delivering a satisfying taste of tradition. For meat lovers, the vaca frita delivers crispy, juicy perfection that is simply irresistible. The innovative tostones nachos — crispy plantains piled high with savory beef and fresh toppings — are a delightful twist on a classic that will leave your taste buds singing.
Complement your meal with a refreshingly balanced mojito or the bold richness of Cuban coffee; both are essential parts of the authentic experience here. With generous portions and flavors that linger delightfully, it’s no wonder guests rave about their visits, often returning for another delightful meal.
Furthermore, the lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music, painting an unforgettable picture as you enjoy dinner at sunset. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a lively group gathering, or a casual outing, El Meson De Pepe's captivates with its infectious energy and unbeatable charm. It’s where culinary masterpieces meet personalized hospitality in a setting that feels like your home away from home.
In the bustling surroundings of Mallory Square, El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar stands as a testament to the joys of Cuban dining. If you find yourself in Key West, make sure to indulge in this unforgettable experience — you won’t be disappointed!

A Must-Visit in Key West – Incredible Food, Atmosphere & Hospitality! El Meson de Pepe’s completely exceeded my expectations and was the highlight of my trip to Key West! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that made us feel like family. The vibrant atmosphere, infused with Cuban culture, lively music, and rustic decor, set the perfect tone for an authentic dining experience. The Food – A Culinary Masterpiece! Every single dish we tried was an explosion of flavor, showcasing the rich and bold essence of Cuban cuisine. Here are some of our standout favorites: Whole Fried Snapper – Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, topped with fresh onions, peppers, and citrus—absolutely perfection! Ropa Vieja – The shredded beef was succulent and packed with flavor, perfectly paired with black beans, sweet plantains, and yellow rice. Vaca Frita – Crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, a must-try for any meat lover! Tostones Nachos – This creative twist on nachos, with crispy plantains, savory shredded beef, cheese, and fresh toppings, was an absolute winner. Cuban Coffee & Mojitos – The perfect drinks to complete the experience. The mojito was refreshing and well-balanced, and the Cuban coffee was bold, rich, and energizing. Service – 10/10! The staff at El Meson de Pepe’s went above and beyond to make sure our dining experience was flawless. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making great recommendations and ensuring our drinks were always full. Atmosphere & Entertainment Beyond the incredible food and service, the live music and outdoor seating in the heart of Mallory Square made this an unforgettable night. The energy of the restaurant, the smell of delicious food in the air, and the sound of a live salsa band transported us straight to Havana! Final Verdict: A MUST-VISIT! If you’re in Key West and looking for authentic Cuban cuisine, phenomenal service, and an unbeatable atmosphere, El Meson de Pepe’s is THE place to go! Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a lively group outing, or just passing through, this spot delivers on all fronts. 5 STARS & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Pro Tip: Come hungry, order a mojito, and don’t skip the tostones nachos!

There was a 45 minute wait for indoor and outdoor dining so we opted to sit at the bar instead. We ordered tapas and drinks which were very tasty Our bartender was attentive and friendly. Highly recommend and you won't be disappointed!

At first I was skeptical because of the previous ratings BUT we ordered the # 69 and the relleno appetizer with our mojitos and let me tell you it was delicious. The pork was tender and marinated just right. The mojitos were strong and minty. The server was super friendly and helpful! The ambiance was very authentic inside the restaurant and out.

Fantastic Authentic Cuban Cuisine. The food was delicious, portions were large and every bite was extremely tasty. Many food options to choose from. The staff were friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was quiet for an early dinner.

I read some of the other fantastic reviews, and i can say my most recent trip was truly a simple visit to the outside bar for some shots and beverages while we visited the outside pier for sunset! However it brought back memories of the countless previous key west visits where we have had incredible dinners with friends and family As a Cuban American i can say I’ve had some of the best Cuban food through Florida and el meson de Pepe is a top notch establishment. I’ll definitely update this review on my next visit with a more meal orientated trip!

I haven't been in Key West for a few years now. El Meson is a must do for dinner. Watch the sunset & catch a "show" at Mallory, then stop here for dinner, drinks, and if you feel it, dancing to live Latin music. I really enjoy eating here, and I'm so glad that they have kept up the good work! I had the catch of the day, which was snapper in mushroom sauce. It was awesome! Topped it off with Tres Leches & a Cuban coffee.

This place is a lot of fun. The food is packed with flavor, especially the Cuban dishes, and the portions are super generous. The atmosphere is lively and full of energy, with music and a laid-back feel that makes you want to hang out for a while. It’s a great spot to enjoy a good meal, a few drinks, and really take in the Key West vibe.

While in Key West, we were looking for a traditional Cuban restaurant. This was recommended by the train tour guide. We were there late afternoon on a Tuesday, so it was fairly empty. The service was great! The food was great and there was a lot of it!! We sat on the patio, and the local chickens freely roamed around but were fun to watch. It was a fun time and great food.