Tio Pepe Restaurante

I used to live in Baltimore and it's been 20 years since I had the pleasure of dining at this gem of a restaurant. I still dream about the garlic shrimp appetizer and know many who turned it into a main course which the restaurant was willing to do. I had one of the most memorable meals ever at this restaurant and if it's still as good as twenty years ago, I suggest you go if you happen to be in Baltimore. I also loved Gampy's and the Cultured Pearl. Great eateries.

I have never been disappointed when eating at Tio Pepe. It's on the pricey side to be an everyday place, but to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other life milestone, there are not many places that are better.

I always threaten to make a meal of the shrimp in garlic sauce with a loaf of bread, but the menu is too tempting to stop with the appetizers. Desserts are amazing and there's something for every taste. Contrary to what the previous reviewer said, this place is authentic Spanish through and through, from the food to the feel of being in one of the mesones below the Plaza Mayor in Madrid. If it was listed as Mexican somewhere on the web by another diner, it's not the fault of the restaurant.

I had read rave reviews of Tio Pepe so my husband and I went. Bad choice. I honestly think the people reviewing it favorably are either in their 80's or have never traveled out of Baltimore. The food was horrible. Watery, bland, you name it. The vegetables were those diced peas and carrots like you get at the grocery. And our bill came to over a $100. It is not romantic, authentic or good. And I have no idea why this restaurant is listed under Mexican in this review. Oh, wait, I do. Spanish= Mexican to people who like this place. Tio Pepe is bad, bad, bad. Yeah, it's an "institution" in Baltimore but only with people who have really limited views or experiences of good food.

Spanish restaurants are hard to come by, but this is the best.

Tio Pepe doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you descend the stairs into this basement restaurant, you're in a new world.

The setting is beautifully romantic, and the wait staff is very polished.

The seafood paella is the best. The menu says it feeds two, but it could fill up even three or four people.

I also recommend the sangria, which is very strong, but very fruity.

A wonderful Baltimore secret.

Tio Pepe's is by far the most romantic restaurant in Baltimore...the restaurant is in a basement and has small alcoves that can be very romantic. The food is excellent and the service is the best. Make reservations because it's hard to get into especially on the weekends...but don't miss out...you must go.

Tio Pepe's does not look like the greatest when you drive by, but once you go down the stairs down into the basement level you see why people come here religiously. The food is amazing...you have to try the garlic shrimp appetizer. It is to dies for but don't forget the dessert and sangria...the pine nut roll is amazing!! must save room for that.