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El Jalapeno

4.1 (23 reviews)
InexpensiveMexican, Grocery
Closed • 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM

El Jalapeno Photos

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EL JALAPENO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - El Jalapeno

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Tamales Selection and Price: 12-23-22
Cross S.

First off, Yelp and other social media gets El Jalapeño mixed up as being the restaurant next door. El Jalapeño is a STORE. The restaurant is just to the left of the store and it's called Los Tamales. Once again El Jalapeño is the place to go to get Mexican groceries. Getting authentic Mexican groceries is a real chore in Washington because of lack of diversity. So this place is the place to go. We come here mainly for the Tamales. They have a self service tamale bar where you can pick and choose the tamales that you want. They are priced individually or by the dozen. They also have a nice selection of Mexican pastries. Unlike most places that I've been to theirs are fresh. Like most really good Mexican store, the place is no thrills. Meaning to real decor. Just stock. This is how they keep their prices reasonable.

Gazing at all of the options at El Jalapeño in the bulk area.
Alden C.

It's kind of a crime that I haven't gone to this grocery store up until recently. The handful of times I have been in here the last several weeks have been great! There is a lot packed into this space but at the same time the layout is pretty easy for me to get a grip on to find items. This grocery store definitely caters towards the Hispanic population of Tacoma so you will see brands, produce, spices and other foods that you aren't used to seeing in mainstream stores. They have a self service hot case with five different kinds of tamales. This is my first place I start when I come into El Jalapeño and I just dive right in by grabbing some tongs and putting a tamale of each in a plastic bag. I can't say which one I like the best. They are all great but you can pick from a sweet corn tamale, chicken tamales and pork. I then take them home and enjoy them there. Fortunately I don't live too far from this store. Another thing I simply love with El Jalapeño is their fresh salsas! I have a major Achilles Heel for chips and salsa and the salsa from here is so fresh and delicious I have to come back once I run out. There used to be these salsas near the produce section but you can also find the salsas by the fresh meat/butcher area as well in the back in a small refrigerator. I have had a very spicy red salsa which was great and a more milder salsa verde. I can't wait to try more of the salsa options as there are a few more from those two. They have a fresh pastry case up near the registers in which I brought a few home on one trip here. Very moist and flavorful! Definitely recommend those too! I feel like there is a lot more to discover here as there is a lot packed in here. There seems to be a small deli of sorts by the tamales and produce that would be worth exploring and Steve can't wait to buy some produce for some of his recipes at home. Coming to El Jalapeño has been a great experience every time and I can say with a lot of confidence I will become a regular here!

two burritos on a table
Polly C.

Food was great!!! Had lots of flavor and the girl at the counter was friendly. Definitely coming back.

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1 month ago

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1 year ago

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8 months ago

Best tamales and chicharonnes! Cheese and jalapeño ones are my fav. Go early cause they sell out quick! Staff is very nice and personable.

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4 months ago

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2 years ago

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5 months ago

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1 year ago

They sell Dubai Chocolate Strawberries Good customer service, and great prices. They sell all sorts of food and fruit cups as well.

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Delicious TAMALES and SALSAs-a-plenty cooked up FRESH herefor you and for meand fiesta and parties.

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

Love all the different types of Tamales and the back counter for ice cream and elotes. Will definitely be back!

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8 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

This is traditional style. Loved it we will return great service. Very popular with Hispanic community

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9 years ago

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16 years ago

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8 years ago

Love the environment! Felt very authentic and warm . I really enjoyed the tamales and fresh bread...

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9 years ago

On the weekends they have fresh Tamales, and fresh tortillas. We can find so many dufferent Mexican products. Definitely our to go place.

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

Cool spot, the ppl were friendly, the prices were good and the selection was decent. Would go back again.

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Review Highlights - El Jalapeno

“always buy them by the dozen (way better deal).”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar - Rib eye tacos

Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar

3.9(1.3k reviews)
3.7 mi
•$$

Doing an update after not being in Moctezuma's for a long time…read more Someone gave me the impression that the food wasn't as good as it used to be and one of the last times I was here the wait to get seated was quite long. It's good that they are doing so well however. The parking lot always looks full. My last visit here was after a planned meal stop somewhere else fell through. I still wanted supper and I was in the vicinity and decided if I could get into Moctezuma's. I got in with ease (there was just me) and seated right away. I haven't had a taco salad in I don't know how long so I ordered one of those. I also got a small sized Spicy Cucumber Margarita. The taco salad was good, very satisfying as well as the chips and salsa that came along with it. The Margarita was great, very refreshing with the cucumber and spiciness blending together nicely. Service was prompt and friendly. I still have a good impression with what I had for this place from meals of several years ago and if you do precise timing (like early supper arrival time (4:30-5 p.m.) or lunch you are more than likely to find seating easier.

We go here because it's close to us, but I prefer the Gig Harbor location. Not sure why but the…read morefood is better as well as the service. But love the homemade tortillas! I recommend if you're in the area.

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Cactus Restaurants - Proctor - Seasonal item: 
Smoked Chicken Flautas

Cactus Restaurants - Proctor

4.4(863 reviews)
6.4 mi
•$$

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Cactus! This is my go-to place whenever I visit Tacoma!…read more The butternut squash enchiladas are absolutely the best, and the margaritas are fabulous! The chips and salsa are amazing, and their house sauce is just perfect. Everything is full of flavor, and I always leave wanting to come back for more. If you're in Tacoma, you have to try Cactus! Definitely one of my favorite spots!

From the moment we sat down to the moment we left, the service at Cactus in Proctor Tacoma was…read moreoutstanding. Our waiter, Mark, was incredibly attentive -- checking in regularly, keeping drinks topped off, and making sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. Exactly the kind of hospitality that makes a meal memorable. We started with the Guacamole Sampler -- Traditional, Carlito's Way, and Austin Style -- served with warm housemade chips and their signature salsa. Every style had its own personality, and the flavors were spot‑on across the board. A fantastic way to kick off the meal. For my entrée, I went with the Seasonal Al Pastor Tamales, and wow... this dish is a true taste of the south. The ancho, guajillo, and achiote citrus slow‑roasted pork was rich and tender, perfectly balanced by cumin black beans, pickled pineapple, white onion, and serrano salsa. Every bite had depth, heat, and brightness. My wife ordered the Smoked Chicken Tomatillo Soup -- hominy, red bell peppers, carrots, onions, chipotle, buttermilk crema, cilantro, and blue corn tortilla strips. Served with fresh housemade sopes, it was comforting, flavorful, and beautifully layered. A perfect bowl for any season. We also shared the Navajo Fry Bread -- honestly, this should be listed under desserts. Warm, soft, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious. The overall vibe was relaxed and inviting. It can get a bit noisy -- especially for someone like me who's hard of hearing -- but the energy is still warm and enjoyable. Cactus never disappoints. From the kitchen to the front‑of‑house, the team consistently delivers great food, great service, and a great experience. Hats off to the cooks and staff for another fantastic visit. We'll definitely be back.

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Cactus Restaurants - Proctor - Restaurant booth facing the bar

Restaurant booth facing the bar

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El Jalapeno - mexican - Updated October 2026

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