‘Best Mexican restaurant’ is nestled inside a Warner Robins convenience store
Tucked away in a back corner of a convenience store and gas station at North Houston Road and Gawin Drive in Warner Robins is a hidden gem that regular customer Chris Roberson praises as “by far the best Mexican restaurant around here.”
Roberson, a handyman, discovered Don Pepe Taqueria & Country Diner by accident when he stopped in for a candy bar at the Chevron ExtraMile at 1057 N. Houston Road. He left instead with authentic Mexican street tacos.
He makes a point to come by whenever he’s in the area to grab lunch to go and orders enough extra food to bring home dinner for his family.
“I’m a street taco and chips and dip man,” Roberson said.
What to expect at this Warner Robins spot
The husband and wife team of Jose Flores and Yolanda Chavez serve authentic Mexican fare and more in the small, leased space.
“We call him Pepe,” Chavez said of Jose Flores when asked about the name of their restaurant, which is geared mostly for takeout but offers two tables for dine-in. They have a silent financial partner in the venture.
Jose Flores has been cooking at Middle Georgia restaurants for the past 30 years before opening Don Pepe Taqueria & Country Diner.
Some of those restaurants include Olympia Gyros off Ga. 96, the Greek Village off Watson Boulevard, Metropolis Grill off Ga. 96, and Margarita’s Mexican Grill off Watson Blvd.
As a result, Flores also knows how to cook Greek and Indian cuisine in addition to Mexican fare, which explains some of the offerings at Don Pepe Taqueria & Country Diner, such as a gyro platter with fries and the Greek nachos.
The Greek nachos are topped with lamb, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce and feta cheese. Other protein choices for the nachos include chicken, steak and shrimp.
“He makes everything fresh every morning,” Yolanda Chavez said.
What to try
A popular dish on the menu is the Texas house special of grilled chicken, steak and shrimp served over rice with mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and tomatoes and then covered with melted cheese.
The housemade guacamole is made to order with mashed avocados, onions, cilantro and lime juice.
In addition to street tacos with a variety of protein offerings including chicken, steak, pork, shrimp and more, the menu includes fajitas, quesadillas and burritos.
Three pasta dishes also are offered: alfredo, Cajun and al deablo (spicy) with choice of protein of chicken, steak or shrimp and served with garlic bread.
Chef specials include a taco bowl fiesta, chimichanga, green hot enchiladas, a Mexican torta (sandwich), fajita nachos, butter steak tops, a big boy burger, pork chops and carnitas. Carnitas are fried shredded pork served with grilled onions, rice and beans, and two tortillas on the side.
The big boy burger includes a beef patty, bacon, fried eggs, shredded cheese and fries on the side.
Appetizers include cheese dip with chips, chorizo (pork sausage), queso with chips, papas locas and salchipapas. Papas locas are french fries topped with grilled chicken and steak with melted cheese on top and a side of pico de gallo.
Salchipapas are french fries with fried sausage with melted cheese on top and a side of pico de gallo.
Daily specials on a recent visit included a torta Cubana (Cuban sandwich), the Greek nachos and rico pozole, which is a flavorful and hearty soup.
Regular sides include french fries, fried chicken, elote Mexican street corn and beans and rice. The chips and salsa are homemade.
Some days, Don Pepe Taqueria & Country Diner also offers agua fresca, a homemade blending of fresh water and fruit pulp that’s then sweetened. Also, soft drinks and other beverages can be purchased from the convenience store.
‘Love the housemade guacamole’
Alvontee and Dondrais Montford, who live nearby, also discovered the spot that was formerly El Dorado, also a Mexican eatery, by accident. Don Pepe Taqueria & Country Diner opened May 16 in the space.
They’ve tried the Texas house special, the the street tacos and guacamole.
“Very well seasoned, flavorful and fresh,” Alvontee Montfort said. “I love the housemade guacamole.”
Don Pepe Taqueria & Country Diner is on Facebook as Taqueria Don Pepe & Deli, which Yolanda Chavez said she expects will be updated soon to Don Pepe Taqueria & Country Diner.
Current hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The number is 478-236-2158. Delivery is offered through Uber Eats.
This story was originally published July 1, 2025 at 11:08 AM.