The Pepper

First time dining here. The menu was very unique all truly authentic recipes. This gave me an opportunity to try some things I have never tried before. The portion sizes were good and the food was very tasty love the optional outdoor seating so it took the liberty of eating outside as it was a gorgeous afternoon. The wait staff was very kind and I look forward to enjoying another meal there and try something new (to me) again!

We went there for lunch based on the reviews. The food was ok not too bad but not exceptional either. We ordered tortilla soup, Chimichanga, Seafood Enchiladas and Fish tacos. Everything had lots of rice, beans and tons of cheese with it. The soup reminded us of canned tomato soup with tortillas on top. It might be for you if you like cheese and lots of rice and beans, but it was not for us.

My husband and I don't get to Plattsburgh as often as we would like, but when we do, The Pepper is a top choice for us. Great atmosphere and staff. The food, of course, is the best part. And the margaritas aren't bad either. Portion size is larger than you would expect. I had fish tacos and had never seen them so big. We can't wait to go back!

I felt compelled to write this review because, unfortunately, we had a very bad experience at this restaurant. We felt deceived by all of the 5 star reviews. THIS IS NOT AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD. I am a foodie and my friend is a chef at a restaurant in Lake Placid. His father is Mexican and he grew up in California. He knows Mexican food and so do I, having eaten at really good restaurants in Mexico and here in the U.S. in a town where there is a large immigrant Mexican population and REAL Mexican restaurants. We should have left after sampling the chips and sauce; not good and a portent of things to follow. The guacamole appetizer was horrible. It tasted like it came out of an unfrozen bag and thawed and it tasted rancid. No fresh avocados were used. I ordered the chicken fajitas. Everything came out on a large plate that was cold. Real Mexican restaurants always heat the dishes before placing the food on them and the dishes come out piping hot. What I got on the cold plate was a warmed over bowl of tomato based stew with chicken inside of it as well as some onions and peppers. It tasted like it was seasoned with ready mixed store taco flavoring. I forced myself to eat the dry chicken pieces. The rest was inedible. The pinto beans were old and awful, as if they had been refrigerated and reheated numerous times, also inedible. The rice was dry, cold and hard and over seasoned with stale seasoning. It too tasted like repeatedly reheated leftovers. Fajitas are supposed to be cooked on a cast iron fajita skillet, (the meat, onion and peppers strips) and placed on a wooden underliner and brought to the table sizzling hot. The flour or corn tortillas are supposed to come out in a covered tortilla warmer to keep them hot and moist. I got cold folded toasted corn tortillas that broke when I opened them. The only thing that I can say tasted ok was the lettuce on the plate. It was fresh. The waitress asked us if everything was ok. Diplomatically we explained to her that the food was not Mexican and what was wrong with some of the items. She explained that the fajita recipe has been served there for 15 years. Really? She also explained, upon questioning, that there was no chef in the kitchen, just cooks. We did not eat 90% of the food and left with stomach aches and deep regret.

I finally got a chance to stop by The Pepper during my most recent visit to Plattsburgh after hearing so many great things. And, this is why my rating is 3 stars as opposed to the 1 star experience I personally had. I believe it was just an off day. Rumor was that two kitchen staffers quit and they were down a bartender, so the owners were in the kitchen and a volunteer from the firehouse was bartending. So unfortunately, the following unfolded: The kitchen was backed up so everyone's food was delayed. They were out of calamari... no heads up from the server. Our drinks were late... seemed to be the case with neighboring tables. My date's order was wrong and the preparation of the vegetarian burrito they did bring was not appealing. It was supposed to be pork. And the worst part was when we notified the server about the order, she seemed confused. Placing the order again would cause more delay it seemed and she didn't even offer to take the order off the check. The food was not eaten. Being that my date grew up in this town, they still paid for the food just to be supportive. It was all very disappointing and even with a change in staff, the servers could've taken care of the customers a bit better. Never charge someone for food they did not order or that you got mixed up. That should immediately be refunded and or given a comp in some way. Hospitality 101. The chips and salsa was delicious. And I'm sure the owners were not aware of some of these additional turn of events so I hope they have recovered. I'll check it out again when I return for a second chance since I've always heard great things.

Definitely worth going during the day with your bestie or with your love the food is so wonderful also they have this amazing stuff that just gets so personal with you it's amazing definitely can't wait to go again and the sangria is just awesome but that queso was bussin I also highly recommend the fajita salad if you want to go something lite