Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Restaurant has been a Coast staple for over 16 years, serving authentic south-of-the-border cuisine and Tex- Mex favorites that have earned the restaurant a loyal following and a reputation for having some of the area’s best Mexican food.
Located in D’Iberville, the award- winning restaurant provides a fun atmosphere that’s perfect for a family night out or a romantic dinner for two. The dining room is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of tables and booths for groups of all sizes.
Shortly after being seated, you’ll be greeted with a bowl of crisp chips and a fantastic homemade salsa. I highly recommend ordering the choriqueso to go along with it. Creamy queso cheese is melted to perfection and complemented by Pepe’s homemade chorizo of traditional pork sausage slowly seasoned with nuts, a variety of sun-dried red peppers and a blend of traditional spices imported from Mexico. Combined with the fresh, pickled jalapenos, it makes for a hearty and delicious appetizer that can be scooped up with chips or warm tortillas.
Pepe’s dishes are a true celebration of the flavors and culture of Mexico. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, using only the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques. My girlfriend and I experienced this firsthand on a recent date-night visit.
Our server, Jess Collier, first brought out a plate of bosque grilled chicken, which she said was a customer favorite. Served with grilled spinach, jalapenos, onions and a generous helping of queso on top, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the grilled vegetables add a depth of flavor that perfectly complements everything. Served with a side of Spanish rice, I can see why it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Up next was another standout dish, Pepe’s shrimp rice. Featuring fresh Gulf Coast shrimp sauteed in garlic butter and served with Spanish rice that’s been seasoned with homegrown herbs like garlic, thyme and rosemary, the result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
We couldn’t leave without trying a plate of Pepe’s tacos, served street style with four different fillings to choose from. The carne asada is traditional grilled steak, and the cesina is steak marinated in lime juice and spices. The al pastor is pork marinated in red pepper and garlic gravy, which provides a nice kick, Last but not least is the homemade chorizo. The tacos are served on tasty corn tortillas and dressed with fresh cilantro, onion and lime with a side of refried beans. Be sure to make a stop at the salsa bar to choose from the numerous homemade sauces.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the tasty beverages we had to accompany the delicious food. The fresh berry margarita was made with muddled blueberries and strawberries and would be refreshing on a hot summer day, and the 16-ounce mangonada margarita was the perfect combination of sweetness and heat when sipping from the side of the spiced rim. If you want an added treat, order a board of Pepe’s infused tequilas.
Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Make sure to check out the daily specials that are posted on the chalkboard and, weather permitting, request the shaded patio.
IF YOU GO
Pepe’s Bosque Mexican Restaurant
10027 Central Ave., D’Iberville
(228) 396-0044
www.facebook.com/pepesbosque