Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant builds its reputation on smothered burritos, and the enchilada sauce alone can add a surprising number of calories to the final dish. When you are tracking your daily intake, knowing the exact Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant Nutrition and Calories for your favorite items is the difference between staying on track and blowing past your goals. This guide breaks down the full menu, giving you the numbers you need to make a smart choice before you walk through the door.
We have analyzed the standard menu items, portion sizes, and common add-ons. You will find specific calorie counts, fat grams, and carbohydrate totals. We also give you practical swapping advice so you can still enjoy a rich, saucy meal without the guilt. Let’s get right into the numbers.
Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant Nutrition And Calories
This section covers the core menu categories. We focus on the most popular dishes, from the famous burritos to the lighter salads. Remember that these figures are estimates based on standard recipes. Actual values can vary by location and prep style.
Burritos And Smothered Specialties
The burrito is the star of the show here. A standard bean and cheese burrito is a solid baseline. But the moment you add the red or green enchilada sauce, the numbers climb fast.
- Bean and Cheese Burrito (Plain): 620 calories, 22g fat, 78g carbs
- Beef Burrito (Smothered in Red Sauce): 890 calories, 38g fat, 91g carbs
- Chicken Burrito (Smothered in Green Sauce): 840 calories, 31g fat, 88g carbs
- Machaca Burrito (Shredded Beef): 950 calories, 45g fat, 85g carbs
The sauce is the hidden calorie bomb. A single ladle of enchilada sauce adds roughly 60-80 calories and 5g of fat. When they “smother” the burrito, they often use two ladles. That is an extra 160 calories before you even touch the side of rice or beans.
If you want to cut calories, ask for the sauce on the side. This simple request lets you control how much you actually eat. Dipping your fork into the sauce instead of pouring it on top can save you over 100 calories.
Cheese And Sour Cream Add-Ons
Most smothered burritos come with a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream. If you want to trim fat, order it “sin crema” (without sour cream). That saves you about 60 calories and 6g of fat. Skipping the extra cheese on top saves another 50 calories.
Tacos And Tostadas
Tacos seem like a light option, but the shell and the fillings add up. Here is the breakdown for the standard hard-shell and soft-shell versions.
- Hard Shell Beef Taco: 210 calories, 12g fat, 15g carbs
- Soft Shell Chicken Taco: 190 calories, 9g fat, 14g carbs
- Tostada (Beans and Cheese): 380 calories, 18g fat, 42g carbs
- Ground Beef Tostada: 450 calories, 26g fat, 38g carbs
The hard shell is fried, which adds oil. The soft flour tortilla is usually lower in fat but higher in carbs. If you are counting carbs, the corn tortilla is often a better choice, but you have to ask for it specifically.
Skip the sour cream on tostadas. The beans and cheese already provide enough moisture and flavor. You will save calories and keep the texture crunchy.
Combination Plates
Combination plates are the biggest calorie traps on the menu. They typically include a taco, an enchilada, rice, and beans. That is a lot of food, and the calories reflect that.
- Two Enchilada Combo (Cheese): 780 calories, 34g fat, 82g carbs
- Taco and Enchilada Combo: 850 calories, 40g fat, 88g carbs
- Chile Relleno Combo: 920 calories, 58g fat, 70g carbs
The Chile Relleno is the highest fat item on the menu. The batter is fried, and the cheese inside is heavy. If you are watching your heart health, this is the one to avoid.
For a lighter combo, ask for extra lettuce and tomato instead of the rice. The rice is usually cooked with lard or oil, adding empty calories. Swapping it for a side salad cuts about 150 calories.
Sides And Appetizers
The sides can ruin a good calorie budget. Chips and salsa are free, but they are not calorie-free. A basket of chips is roughly 300-400 calories before you dip them in anything.
- Chips (Single Basket): 350 calories, 18g fat, 45g carbs
- Guacamole (Side Order): 180 calories, 16g fat, 8g carbs
- Cheese Dip (Small Cup): 220 calories, 18g fat, 6g carbs
- Refried Beans (Side): 180 calories, 6g fat, 24g carbs
- Mexican Rice (Side): 210 calories, 9g fat, 30g carbs
The cheese dip is pure fat and processed starch. It is delicious, but it is a splurge. If you want a dip, go with the guacamole. It has healthy fats and fiber, which keeps you fuller longer.
Do not eat the whole chip basket. Take a small handful and put them on your plate. Then push the basket away. This one habit saves you hundreds of calories.
Salads And Lighter Options
Pepe’s does have salads, but they are not always low-calorie. The taco salad comes in a fried tortilla bowl, which is a calorie bomb.
- Taco Salad (Fried Bowl): 780 calories, 48g fat, 65g carbs
- Grilled Chicken Salad (No Bowl): 420 calories, 22g fat, 18g carbs
- Bean Tostada (No Cheese): 290 calories, 10g fat, 40g carbs
Ask for the grilled chicken salad without the fried bowl. The bowl alone is over 300 calories of fried dough. Eating the salad with a fork and leaving the bowl untouched is a great compromise.
Also, ask for the dressing on the side. The creamy ranch or chipotle dressing adds 150-200 calories. Use a light drizzle instead of pouring it on.
Breakfast Menu
If you visit in the morning, the breakfast burritos are filling but heavy. The eggs and potatoes add bulk, but the cheese and meat push the calories up.
- Breakfast Burrito (Bacon): 720 calories, 38g fat, 62g carbs
- Breakfast Burrito (Chorizo): 810 calories, 46g fat, 58g carbs
- Huevos Rancheros: 640 calories, 34g fat, 48g carbs
The chorizo is the highest calorie meat option. It is heavily seasoned and full of fat. If you want a lighter breakfast, ask for egg whites and no cheese. That cuts about 150 calories.
Skip the hash browns if they come with the plate. They are fried and add unnecessary carbs and fat.
Drinks And Desserts
Do not forget the drinks. A large horchata or a margarita can add 300-500 calories to your meal.
- Horchata (Large): 380 calories, 8g fat, 72g carbs
- Margarita (Frozen, 12oz): 450 calories, 0g fat, 60g carbs
- Mexican Soda (Jarritos): 180 calories, 0g fat, 45g carbs
- Flan (Dessert): 280 calories, 12g fat, 36g carbs
Water or unsweetened iced tea is the best choice for calorie control. If you want a treat, share the flan with a friend. Half a serving is just 140 calories.
How To Order Smart At Pepe’s
You can eat at Pepe’s and still hit your macros. It just takes a little planning. Here is a step-by-step method to keep your meal under 700 calories.
- Choose a single item, not a combo. A single burrito or a plate of two tacos is enough food.
- Ask for sauce on the side. This gives you control over the biggest calorie source.
- Skip the sour cream. Say “no crema” to save 60 calories instantly.
- Swap rice for a side salad. This saves about 150 calories and adds fiber.
- Limit yourself to one basket of chips. Have a few, then stop.
- Drink water or diet soda. Avoid the sugary drinks entirely.
Following these steps, you can build a meal around 550-650 calories. That is a solid, satisfying meal that fits most diet plans.
High Protein, Low Carb Options
If you are on a keto or low-carb diet, you still have choices. The key is to avoid the tortillas and the rice.
- Grilled Chicken Salad (No Bowl, No Dressing): 350 calories, 20g fat, 10g carbs
- Carne Asada Plate (No Rice, No Beans): 480 calories, 30g fat, 5g carbs
- Shrimp Tacos (Soft Corn, No Shell): 280 calories, 12g fat, 15g carbs
Ask for your burrito “naked” in a bowl. They will put all the fillings in a bowl without the tortilla. This cuts out 200-300 calories and 40g of carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the common questions people ask about the menu numbers.
What is the lowest calorie item on the menu?
The soft shell chicken taco is the lowest at around 190 calories. The grilled chicken salad without the bowl and dressing is also a good choice at 350 calories.
How many calories are in the smothered burrito sauce?
A single ladle of enchilada sauce is about 60-80 calories. Most smothered burritos get two ladles, adding up to 160 calories just for the sauce.
Is the rice or beans healthier at Pepe’s?
The refried beans are slightly lower in calories (180) than the rice (210). The beans also have more fiber and protein, making them the better choice for fullness.
Can I eat at Pepe’s on a keto diet?
Yes. Order a naked burrito bowl with grilled chicken or carne asada. Skip the rice, beans, and tortilla. Add guacamole for healthy fats. This keeps carbs under 15g.
Are the breakfast burritos worth the calories?
They are filling but heavy. The bacon version is 720 calories. If you are hungry and want a big meal, it works. But for a lighter start, choose the huevos rancheros and skip the cheese.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
Pepe’s is a place for big flavors and big portions. You do not have to avoid it entirely. You just have to be smart about what you pick. Stick to single items, ask for sauce on the side, and skip the fried extras. That way you can enjoy the meal and still feel good about your choices.
Remember that the nutrition info here is an estimate. The actual numbers might be slightly different depending on how the cook prepares your food. If you have specific dietary needs, ask the staff for the full ingredient list. They are usually happy to help you customize your order.
Now you have the tools to make a informed decision. Go ahead and enjoy your next visit to Pepe’s, knowing exactly what is on your plate. Your waistline will thank you.