This is another favorite haunt of ours. We always visit at least once and always for margaritas and fajitas. It’s a very, very casual evening. All the cab drivers know where it is; if you're walking, it's a couple of blocks from the Malecon--just ask.
This is a very busy restaurant that doesn't take reservations. It's always crowded after 6pm, and the place is buzzing. You can wait in the bar area, probably standing while you have a Grande Margarita or a cervesa. The margaritas come in all flavors and are delicious!! Hopefully your table will be near an overhead fan because it does get very hot. This is a good place for groups--with large portions that make for easy sharing and fun, seasoned waiters.
Fajitas are one of their specialties and come with chicken, beef, shrimp, or even a combo.
As a first-timer, you'll definitely find it great, but unfortunately, we are comparing it to past years. It has always been very touristy--that's not always bad--but it's always fun. But no longer is the guacamole made fresh at the table (unless you pay extra). The portions are still ample, but the service seemed to be fast-food fashion--"eat and run," so that the tables can be turned over.
Strolling musicians no longer play. They walk in, but if no one is willing to pay for the music, they leave. To us it's no longer the "fun" that we remembered. It's not a tourist trap, the value is good, the food is great, and the margaritas are the best--tell them not to use Sprite. Hopefully our last experience is not the norm for Pipi's now. It probably was just too busy.