Jalapenos - Peoria

We visited Jalapeno's the first time for a family dinner tonight. Was a bit pricey and our order seemed to take a long time as the kitchen was down a worker but the service kept us comfortable while waiting. Lotsa refills on drinks, chips, salsa, queso,etc. We had no complaints about any of our 6 entrees or my wife's perfectly handmade margarita. I was very full and satisfiedwhen we finished and most of us had leftovers to bring home.

It was time to get to Jalapenos. On my mission to try every restaurant in the Peoria area, I knew I had to stop by this place sooner or later. I had heard numerous rave reviews about it from various people who praised its ability to satisfy cravings for Mexican food. My friend Matt and I were about to see if it lived up to the hype. First, I needed to drive us there, which turned out to be a bit of an adventure. My mental navigation got mixed up, and I mistakenly took us to a different restaurant in another shopping center. Frustrated and hungry, I quickly fixed the mistake by entering the correct address into my GPS. Upon arriving at the right location, my mood lightened considerably. Inside, Jalapenos had all the hallmarks of a typical Mexican restaurant. If you’re wondering what that’s like, think of vibrant decor, lively Mexican music, a menu with dishes that might trip up your pronunciation, and plenty of green, white, and red inspired by the national flag. There were cultural paintings and decorations adorning the walls, capturing the essence of Mexican dining. While some restaurants lean more heavily into the cultural theme, Jalapenos struck a nice balance, giving off a welcoming vibe reminiscent of a restaurant found in a Mexican city. The lunch crowd had mostly dissipated, so the place was busy but not overcrowded. Matt and I eagerly picked up our menus to explore the options. I had a craving for a big burrito, perhaps one loaded with queso. My attention was drawn to the Steak and Cheese burrito; if I remember correctly, it sounded absolutely delicious, so I decided to order it. While waiting for our food, we enjoyed some chips and salsa, a staple in these types of restaurants.

If you're craving street tacos, look no further! For some authentic Latin cuisine and perhaps a margarita, you should definitely check out Jalapenos. The smaller portion sizes are ideal for lunch or any time of day. It's easily one of my favorite local spots in Peoria!

I used to really enjoy this restaurant, but I understand that the economy has led many places to raise their prices. However, I think they've gone too far with the increases. Charging $15 for a burrito that is smaller than it used to be is excessive. They should either keep the prices the same and adjust the portion sizes, or just raise the prices without changing the portions. Not both. It has become way too expensive for what it offers. I won't be returning, especially since I can find similar dishes in Peoria for less money. The food was decent, and the service was good, though.

Absolutely, make sure to try their street tacos! If you're in the mood for authentic Latin cuisine (maybe enjoy it with a margarita), do yourself a favor and visit Jalapeños. The smaller portion sizes are ideal for lunch or any time of the day. It's definitely one of my favorite local spots in Peoria!