Peppers Mexicali Cafe

Peppers Mexicali Cafe

170 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, United States

+1 831-373-6892

Mexican restaurant
(326)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Peppers Mexicali Cafe in Pacific Grove, CA, offers a vibrant and welcoming take on Mexican cuisine that perfectly balances freshness with approachable flavors. Nestled at 170 Forest Ave, this lively Mexican restaurant is a go-to spot for those seeking generously portioned dishes that celebrate familiar favorites while inviting guests to explore new tastes.

The menu is a colorful palette of Mexican classics and bold creations, with standout dishes such as the sizzling Beef Fajitas and the uniquely satisfying Mission District Burrito Platter with Prawns. For appetizers, you can’t go wrong with their addictive Chips & Salsa, where the salsa’s bright, fresh notes invite you to dive deeper into the meal. Equally enticing are the Cilantro Prawns Appetizer and the hearty Vegetarian Tostada, both elevating the experience with vibrant textures and flavors.

Signature items like the Chicken Enchilada Chicken Tamale and the Salmon Tacos offer a delicate balance of spice and zest, enhanced by the fresh ingredients and expertly prepared sauces. For those craving variety, the Combo with Enchilada, Chili Relleno, and Tostada delivers a comprehensive taste journey that satisfies all cravings.

To complement the food, Peppers Mexicali Cafe showcases a robust drink menu featuring inventive cocktails such as the fruity and refreshing Blood Orange Margarita and the fiery Spicy Margarita. Their unique Cadillac Margarita served with ice on the side allows you to savor the nuances of tequila with each sip. Speaking of tequila, tequila flights like Patron and Don Julio invite aficionados to indulge in premium selections, perfectly pairing with the food’s bold flavors. The selection of bottled beers, including favorites like Corona, Dos Equis, and Lagunitas IPA, ensures a refreshing complement for every palate.

Atmosphere-wise, Peppers Mexicali Cafe strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and lively energy. Guests have praised the friendly, attentive service and the inviting dining space, especially the outdoor seating that’s perfect for warm California evenings. Whether you’re gathered for a birthday celebration or a casual night out, the buzz of the restaurant enhances every visit with warmth and cheer.

Customer reviews highlight the fresh quality of the ingredients and the welcoming ambiance. Kelsey Strauss appreciated the freshness and the ability to tailor the dish by adding their remarkable salsa, while Aaron Lindley celebrated the expertly marinated meats and the friendly, gracious service. Many, like Gina Hinds, noted Peppers Mexicali Cafe as a spirited and fun place to enjoy a meal with friends, while new locals like Emily Bonilla found the restaurant’s generous portions and quick service a perfect welcome to Pacific Grove’s dining scene.

In sum, Peppers Mexicali Cafe invites you to a flavorful journey through Mexican cuisine that gently balances authenticity with creativity. It’s a place where every bite feels fresh, every meal feels festive, and every guest leaves feeling like part of the vibrant community. Whether you’re in the mood for delicate seafood tacos, rich enchiladas, or a perfectly mixed margarita, this cafe is a standout choice in Pacific Grove that delights with every visit.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Thursday
    11:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    04:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Kelsey Strauss
    2 week ago

    The spot is great for what I consider "white people Mexican food" the food didn't have strong spices or flavor but I appreciated the freshness of the ingredients and was able to adjust the flavor of my dish by adding salsa. (Which was excellent!) Free chips and salsa were definitely appreciated and tasted great. I had the Yucatan snapper which the menu described as citrus and cilantro flavored with annato peppers and that it was "spicy". It wasnt flavorful but the fish was cooked well and the sides were good. My partner's grilled salmon taco had a bit of flavor from the grill (but no seasoning) Service was super friendly and I appreciated that Shirley temples had free refills since most places charge. Service was super friendly and attentive even tho it was extremely busy. Atmosphere is very cute pepper themed kitsch with fun paintings and decor.

  • Aaron Lindley
    1 month ago

    The food was delicious. We ordered the 2 enchilada mole plate and the tacos al carbon. The mole was a red sauce mole and had a ton of cheese on it. Although it wasn't quite a mole it was very tasty. The tacos al carbon were so good. Had a nice grilled char on the meat with a really good marinade. We sat outside where it was nice and cool and our waiter was super friendly and gracious. Highly recommend!

  • Gina Hinds, REALTOR
    3 month ago

    Such a fun spot! I came here with friends to celebrate our birthdays, and it was the perfect choice. The atmosphere is lively, the menu has great options if you want to try something a little different, and everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful. The staff made the experience even better with their friendly service. A great place to relax, enjoy good food, and make a celebration feel special!

  • Emily Bonilla
    3 month ago

    Love this place! Recently moved to PG and decided to give this place a try. The staff was so friendly and welcoming and the service was quick. Don’t expect authentic Mexican food, but everything was yummy and fresh. Portions were very generous as well. Will definitely be coming back.

  • foster smith
    3 month ago

    One of my Favorite places to eat in Pacific Grove. Peppers has a great combination of friendly service and delicious food. Bring your friends or family and grab a seat outside by the heater.

  • Walter Olivera
    3 month ago

    Definitely a surprise, laid-back vibes, great prices for the large portions. Most of us couldn't finish our dishes, which says a lot about the portions. Everything felt fresh, with great flavors and great service. Best of all, they had a solid selection of vegetarian options.

  • Suzanne Driessen
    4 month ago

    Lovely evening here thanks to our server Fiona. Thanks for your patience, recommendations and conversation. The complementary chips are light, crisp , and served with just the right heat green and red salsas. The blood orange margarita was delicious.. Fiona recommended the red pepper snapper which was good but slightly fishy tasting for our palate..The fresh slices of jicama and pico were favs. The shredded beef enchilada with refried beans and rice was yummy. The chicken tamales were okay, thickly rolled and not much flavor. Overall, we like this place and recommend it.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.