Pepitos Place

Always great when a new Venezuelan place opens up! Pepito's is somewhat unique in that they not only serve traditional Venezuelan cuisine, but they also serve American classics with a twist. Some are fusion items and others are American classics just spruced up. They have burgers, hot dogs, cachapas, and numerous other great items. I got to try their cachapa and coco fudge chucheria.The cachapa was definitely quite good, but not the best I've had. It kind of lacked flavor. Still, they used an adequate amount of cheese, both on the inside and the outside. The outside cheese was somewhat rubbery. They also served it with a nice creamy sauce, which was very good. The portion wasn't as big as I thought given many of the reviews, but it wasn't bad. Price was somewhat high.The coco fudge sweet was nice and a reasonable price. I think it's fairly common as a snack bar (it's a wafer bar) in Venezuela, and it's got a subtle coconut flavor. You get 2 pieces in a bar.All in all, I quite like this spot. Nice cachapa and sweets. Not too crazy in terms of flavor, but good nonetheless. I would go back to try some of the fusion items.

Tonight my wife and I wanted to try something different as our eating out experiencing have been very lacking in quality, customer service and enjoyment. I found to my surprise this new little gem nestled on the strip of Brookline Blvd in Pittsburgh. From my point of view eating out has really nosed dived in the city and really has not fully recovered since Covid.Upon entry you can tell that this small family owned establishment has done their best to place their mark in an already saturated restaurant city. Small and not fancy, the establishment was upgraded, clean and filled with reggaetón music. The atmosphere is that of a quick walkup bodega that you may find in New York or Chicago. Inside the walls are a collage of culture, ingredients, novelty and home. (Big Ups to Biggie Smalls hanging out proud). It was a nice representation of their Venezuelan heritage but also the home where their business now resides. Everyone was every helpful and kind. The man running the pass was also juggling incoming and out going orders was very nice. He greeted me with a smile and was helpful in explaining what options were available. Since it is such a small place the chef was also helping from behind the pass throwing out suggestions. Main dishes that are their primary focus up are upgraded hamburgers and hotdogs. Their spin is to use these simple dishes as a platform to elevate with enhancing flavors and ingredients. Some of the selections spotlight Latino flair and others just American style but with Swag.The portions I have to admit were huge. This would also explain the price. Understandably with the economy the way it is, some might feel that it is a bit high. In my opinion, you are getting what you are paying for. You want quality and taste, fork up the extra few bucks and be satisfied with your meal, otherwise you can eat that cardboard schlepped up at McDonalds.Tonight we had sampled 3 dishes and I will tell you we are floored. We ordered the American Standard, Black&Bleu burgers and a house special which was not on their published menu. I will start with the burgers. Both were cooked perfect. The flavors on each burger was well seasoned well. And were served with a generous portion of crispy shoestring fries lightly drizzled with a cheese sauce and bacon.The Black&Bleu was not what I was expecting. The balsamic glaze (traditionally overused) is killer as it really complements the pesto aioli used. I would not figure that it would work with the funk of blue cheese, but it does. You will not find one like this in Pittsburgh. Would give this one a 9/10. The American Standard was also a surprise. Not a normal burger that I was visualizing. The Caramelized onions paired with bacon and truffle aioli should be illegal. Mac & Cheese as a base I have never seen before. I would give this one a 8.5/10.Now on to the special. I being from Chicago where the Latino food culture is extremely high, found it extremely refreshing to see that they were serving Venezuelan dishes. This dish by far was my favorite. With a heaping mixture of proteins (Carne Mechada) Shredded Chicken, Shredded Beef, Pork & Bacon with hardboiled Eggs. This is a ultimate indulgence. Everything was piled high on top of their (I am assuming) hand made Araperas (Corn Cakes). Then finished with a beautiful light cheese and sour cream. This was an amazing dish and would give it 10/10. I wish the greatest success to Pepitos Place. I can't wait to try them again. Go an show them some love and give them a try. Your taste buds will thank you.

Little cafe, big portions! It's one of those places with a small menu focused on their specialties: burgers, hot dogs, and getting fancy with diner food.While we were waiting on our burger order, I asked about the special items they had on a little chalkboard; one of things was a limeade soda, but the main flavor is from the sugar cane. The proprietors gave me a little sample... there's a very specific kind of molasses I get in Missouri that's called Sorghum, anyway it has that rich woody/rooty flavor. It's interesting, try it!The burgers are MASSIVE! Like... distend your jaw like a snake massive My buddy and I order the Venezuelan Burger. They added some meat to it. What meat? Every meat! It had pulled pork, bacon, chicken, egg, and of course ground beef! Also lettuce, tomato, fried potato sticks (shoestring fries?), corn?! I do like that it had a spring mix of lettuce rather than just iceberg lettuce... more minerals this way. It was very generous, epic, and a lot of fun. The other menu options are more familiar bacon cheese burgers and bleu cheese burger, hot dogs, but clearly the menu was designed by passion and you've gotta try the chef's special at least once.VERY FILLING!

I loved this place! My Venezuelan boyfriend took me and ordered... we got cachapas, papelon, and a hamburger. The cachapa is INSANE. So so good. The burger was also awesome and such a generous portion with fries too. The people are super friendly and the owner even came out to give us some sauces to eat with our meal. A very comforting, cute place. Will be back!