El Meson de Pepe, located in the bustling Old Town neighborhood of Key West near Mallory Square, is an authentic Cuban restaurant with a rich history spanning over 30 years. The restaurant's roots trace back to Yaguajay, Cuba, the birthplace of the restaurant's founder, Pepe Diaz. His culinary journey began in his early teenage years, and he honed his skills in Spain's "Meson" restaurants before moving to Miami in 1973. Diaz's reputation grew after he prepared a meal for President Ronald Reagan and expanded further when he moved to Key West, Florida with his family. They opened a local family-run grocery store, Tony’s Grocery, gaining popularity with their Cuban sandwiches and coffee. Diaz's vision came to fruition in 1986 when they sold the grocery store and established the first “El Meson De Pepe” on Duval Street, which later moved to a larger location at Mallory Square in 1997. For over three decades, the Diaz family has remained committed to serving top-quality, authentic Cuban Cuisine, preserving the Cuban Conch Heritage in Key West. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and its signature dishes include Pepe's Cuban Nachos, Ensalada De Casa, Cayo Hueso Cuban Mix, and Rabirubia Frita Entera.
