Walking into the place, it felt like every other taco spot on Oʻahu. I had a craving to satisfy, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I ordered the carnitas tacos, grabbed my food, and headed next door for a drink. The moment I picked up the taco, I knew something was different. The aroma, the heat, and the juices dripping from it told me I was in for a treat. After the first bite, it was game over--the taco never made it back to the plate. My only mission was to finish it. That's why there are no pictures. I actually went back inside just to compliment the chef. This is the closest thing to Taco El Gordo I've found on Oʻahu, and I'll absolutely be back for more. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Outside Jalapeños 808 - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

First time trying and ordered for pickup. The food was tasty but there were some glitches in the process, and I have a suggestion or two for management. I ordered on their website online for pickup and beer was on the menu. It warns, "ID check at Pickup." OK, a Modelo sounds good on Taco Tuesday, so I order one, only to be told when we get there that you can't order beer for pickup. What? It seems simple enough to remove the option from the pickup menu. Instead, they had to cancel the whole order because they couldn't credit just the beer. It had to be reordered and paid for separately. Needless to say there was no tip. The food is genuinely good. I ordered carne asada tacos with pico de gallo, and a side of chips, salsa and guacamole. The chips are what I would call the real thing, and the guacamole was not the usual boring stuff you get elsewhere. The salsa, however, is not really salsa. It's more like a hot sauce. It was very flavorful but I like salsa with some texture to it with my chips, and that is what you would expect. It's a nice place, looks clean, and staff was polite and professional. I'll try again another time and update this review if warranted. read more

I am Honestly not sure why this place has so many stars. Being Mexican and from California, I know good Mexican food. $32.25 total with tip for just a steak burrito is absurd. I was very hungry and heard good things about the place so I wanted to try it. The asada wasn't bad but it could have been a little more on the portion, especially since they were just about to close soon. Service wasn't bad, no issues there. The ambiance was decent, not super authentic but clean and nice. read more

I gave this place a second chance and definitely should not have. As a vegetarian I have one option but multiple ways such as tacos, quesadilla, burrito, etc. I got the bowl with rice as the base. The rice was mushy, so over cooked, veggies were over cooked and flavorless. Toppings were decent: lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, cilantro. They have other options I didn't get. The guac is not worth the price, it's literally just smashed up avocado. read more

We're very disappointed with the 2 meals bought from Jalapeños. The salad was very small with a minimal amount of meat. About half the content of of previous orders. The birria bowl was also a disappointment. The size of the serving has declined considerably. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Ordered nachos + Birria to go. You order and you can see them prepare it. It starts off with the chips and melted cheese and you can select your protein and other toppings. I thought Guacamole was one of the toppings included but it's not so an additional charge. Everything looks fresh. There is seating if you want to eat in the restaurant. It's family owned and operated and the service was great. My nachos were delicious and very filling. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Good selection of burritos, tacos, salads, and sandwiches. Similar to Panilos, Bowles, etc. Very friendly staff, good quality ingredients. Parking is a little tricky when they're busy (park across the street at gas station or next door at the bank). Several tables inside. Decent place and fast service. read more

Really surprised at how good this place is. Service is fast and I like the options. You can basically get any protein in any form, burrito, plate, bowl, salad, etc. We had the pork al pastor in a burrito and on a salad, the meat was excellent, tender and flavorful. It's not the cheapest, but you pay for the size and quality. They definitely don't skimp. read more

In short: Ordered the nachos with steak, which weren't great, and the cashier charged $4 extra for guacamole (which should have been included) and staff refused to refund. Full story: Before visiting the restaurant, I looked at the online menu and saw nachos which listed toppings to include guacamole. When the cashier rang me up, I saw a charge for "extra avocado" and asked why since guacamole was said to be included on the online menu. He said no, there are no descriptions available for meals and it's $4 extra. I went to sit down, pulled up the online menu, saw I was right (guacamole included, not $4 extra), and went to ask the cashier. They said they'd talk to the manager and come talk to me, they did not. I waited for awhile and then went up again to show the online menu, then they said the manager said it doesn't matter they still charge $4 even though it clearly states on their online menu that guacamole is included. So, food isn't great and they have deceptive pricing. There's better Mexican food in Kailua, by far. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Menu from restaurants website showing guacamole is included with nachos. - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

The food was amazing! You know the food is good when the only sound made at the table was everyone digging in. I shared the chorizo nachos with my son and we joined the clean club, along with my husband and his giant birria burrito. The servers were very attentive and answered my questions. Service was quick too. When I told them I wanted everything on it, they loaded it up. It was amazing how they wrapped his burrito. I didn't think it would fit but they expertly wrapped it and super fast. The tables were very neat and had napkins holders at every table. Spanish music videos were playing on the big screen. They had extra hot sauce at the ready next to the soda machine. Would go again! read more

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Drove by this place a few times recently and I did not have high hopes for a mexican place in kailua. Well I was wrong because this place is amazing. Think Chipotle but with authentic mexican food and chefs. Home made rice, beans, meats and guacamole. Everything was flavorful and worked so well together. The horchata was rich and creamy and not thw water downed stuff you get at other places. Also the prices may seem high but the portions are huge. I didnt even finish half my plate and I definitely over ate because it was so good. The place is clean with lots of tables. The staff is nice and helpful. One lady had such a heavy accent I had difficulty understanding her which led me to getting hot salsa instead of the mild. But good thing I ordered a drink. Haha read more

Jalapenos 808 - Bowl and nachos - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Carne asada tacos were authentic. Onions, cilantro, and pico were all fantastic as well.

Food is good, but the service is awful. They're so rude and literally wanted to charge me to put my toppings on the side-NOT extra toppings mind you. And the guy working said some unkind things in about me in Spanish, which I understood. Rude rude rude read more

Fast, friendly service. The food is excellent, well seasoned and delicious! Family run business. We'll be back because it's worth the drive from town! Clean, lots of room if you want to bring a lot of people! Support local! read more

Wanted to give this place another chance. Really sad I did. Each time I've come in, the owners try to nickel and dime you for everything, but don't tell you until the end. One of the managers/owners came up to me angrily and told me that I "shouldn't have asked for my quesadilla sides in little cups." He starts threatening me and saying he's going to charge me for every little 1oz cup. I never asked for that. The employee started putting them in little cups, I would have been fine with them on top. I offered to pay for the little 1oz cups because I felt horrible for the employee, who was clearly a young kid just trying his best. Then the owner/manager starts berating the employee in front of all of the customers, just being a complete jerk. I felt so bad for the employee. He was clearly trying his best and this owner was just being downright rude. I get that times are rough. Costs are high. But making your customers and your employees feel like shit isn't a way to make them want to continue to support your business or work for you. Especially when the food is one step up above Taco Bell. No aloha spirit here. read more

Takeout lunch from Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii... Jalapeños 808 used to pop up on my Yelp feed when it was a Hot New Business. I procrastinated, but finally made it to this clean, cool restaurant (even though it's not Hot and New anymore). First off, the word, Jalapeños, made me cautious because I don't care for spicy food. I added all veggies to my Burrito, except the jalapeños! Second, I read a review that mentioned that it was kind of like a Chipotle experience. Well, it's good because you can customize your meal. It's made in front of the customer, and they ask you what you want in your meal... like refried beans vs. Pinto beans... and "yes" to diced onions! It was a really quick experience. I parked right in front, walked up to the register, ordered, and watched my Burrito being made. So fast! I did takeout because I wanted to cut the Burrito in half and get a photo. The Al Pastor Burrito didn't disappoint. It was gigantic, colorful, and filling. It could use a bit more seasoning... like salt? However, I had food coma afterwards... zzz! Note: it's easier to enter the parking lot from Ku'ulei Street. Dining-in is available... there are several chairs and tables! read more

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The Birria is on the sweeter side and really filling. Everything else in the bowl was amazing, but I'm going to for sure try a different protein next time. It's a lot of food so be hungry ! I'm looking forward to taking my kids to try this place. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Birria Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Food was okay, service could be improved. Kept being harassed when I used the bathroom by some older uncle in the kitchen, who told my partner I had to get out of the bathroom after banging on the door a few times. Happy I only tipped 4.50 cus the service and disrespect afterwards was so pilau. The people that work there had their kids running around screaming the whole time, which was unpleasant. I don't think I'll be coming back to this establishment. read more

Crappy parking. Tight. Can park in bank parking if it is closed. Inside is clean and bright. Food is chipotle style and great. Meat tasted high quality and plenty of options. Everything seemed fresh and they cooked protein often (not left sitting). read more

Jalapenos 808 - Carne Asada Fries - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

The food is pretty good but not made to order they are rude and don't listen to requests and will tell you to find somewhere else to eat!

Food wasn't as good as anticipated; too salty. Add-ons quickly add up. Extremely overpriced for what you get.

I have all but given up on my search for decent Mexican food on this island, but I still try. So I was driving by and decided to get some tacos. I went with the birria taco plate which includes 2 tacos, rice, and beans. The tacos can be customized with whatever toppings, I just got mine with cheese, onions, and cilantro. I added hot sauce and jalapenos as well. The birria has a great flavor and would have been by itself. I don't live on this side of the island, but if I'm back in Kailua I will stop in read more

Jalapenos 808 - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Not good food, poor quality, consistency messes up orders, yet they're still overpriced, and give very small portion sizes. Bad atmosphere. I'd rather eat McDonalds Customer service and communication skills need real improvement. DONT PARK NEAR THERE SHOP, they have a tantrum and Threaten violence if you park near there shop and plan to go to the next door tea and coffee shop or the other businesses around them. read more

Reminds me of the burritos I used to get in SoCal. By far the best burrito I've had in my 50+ years in HI. I definitely recommend it.

Decided to try it out for lunch, surprised at the prices, quite pricey. Food was ok, but no worth what we paid for. 2 plates and 2 drinks, 56.00? Well at least now we know, staff was friendly tho and establishment is like a cafeteria style. read more

Great New Mexican restaurant here in Kailua! Parking - not great but thank goodness they have a parking lot! Restaurant new -and - kept clean - Staff Awesome- everyone keeps busy - helpful and friendly. Food - tasty - with good Mexican flavored - served hot with choice of toppings! Taco platter - good carne asada - pico excellent - rice great - beans just a bit on the salty side - choice of toppings perfect Nachos - I really enjoyed their home made thick chips with lots of cheese- pico- sour cream - carne asada- and cilantro! It's so fun to add your own toppings! Most of all I love love their hot salsa a perfect addition to our food! I'm so glad they are here in Kailua. Friendly welcoming staff is really the best! We'll be back soon read more

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Food was fresh, flavorful, and fast! The service was great and staff were friendly. There's space to seat and enjoy your food! I was visiting and highly recommend stopping in to enjoy! read more

Jalapenos 808 - 3 Quesabirria and Consome - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

This is our go-to taco establishment! We have been going here since they opened and will continue to while they serve up good portions of meats and toppings. Half my fam likes the three Birria tacos with Consome combo and the other half likes the standard carne asada tacos. If I am really hungry I go for the nachos with carne asada, but I am always stuffed after that ginormous meal! The people are always courteous and fast even when the line is out the door. There is plenty of seating inside but parking out front is small and shared with other businesses. Street parking makes up for it. Will be back soon. read more

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First time here and EXCITED is an understatement. Ordered the 3 Quesabirria & Consommé Taco plate and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I LOVED IT! The taste and spices and texture of everything was spot on, like Home, in Texas. Thank you for a wonderful Lunch. read more

Jalapenos 808 - 3 Quesabirria and Consome Guacamole with Chips - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Absolutely unacceptable experience. I ordered a burrito to go with friends, and the restaurant messed up our order. When I came back to politely explain the mistake and get what I actually paid for, I was shocked by how it was handled. Instead of correcting their error, I was told I would have to pay again if I wanted my order made correctly. When I questioned that logic, the staff became rude, dismissive, and openly hostile. I was literally told to either pay again or "get lost." No apology. No accountability. Just attitude. Mistakes happen -- that's not the issue. The issue is the complete lack of customer service, professionalism, or basic respect. Treating customers like an inconvenience after you messed up is wild. I've never been spoken to that way at a restaurant before. Plenty of Mexican food spots out there that actually value their customers. I won't be coming back, and I'd strongly suggest others think twice before supporting a place that handles problems this poorly. read more

Service was good. Food was ok wasn't what I expected. I got the birria burrito it was kinda wet and fell apart and my tortilla wasn't cooked long enough. Idk maybe they do it like that but all in all it depends on the person. Ambiance was good. read more

usually this place is super good and the portions are amazing, but today we found part of a glove in my bowl. read more

Jalapenos 808 - glove piece - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

I finally decided to stop here for lunch. Surprisingly, it was pretty empty when I went in. Seemed clean but overpriced. I ordered a steak quesadilla with sour cream, tomatoes and guacamole. I also had a horchata. Total was $26.90. Food was good but because of price, I can't see myself going back that often. They didn't even have complimentary chips and salsa. Everything is pretty much Ala carte. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Steak quesadilla and Horchata Water - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Although expensive, the food actually tasted better than I thought it was and definitely hit the spot. Service was good, could've been a bit more helpful to tell me what each item is as the restaurant is similar to subway in how your meal is created. Ambiance was ok, limited parking area, and $4 guac. read more

Why!!!! I ordered a carne asada burrito. $23 for basically a rice burrito with no flavor. Even with both salsas. I don't understand why Hawaii Mexican food just is not good. I'm sorry to hate on your restaurant but please take this to put more effort into your flavors. Definitely not a good representation of what the Mexican cuisine is. It was $23 and I didn't even finish the burrito it was that bad. read more

Best in Kailua? It may just be the best burrito I've had in Kailua, maybe even on Oahu. Second time I've been here. Which is saying something. Being from Los Angeles I am definitely a Mexican food snob. These guys at @jalapenos808kailua are getting it right. First place on Oahu I've seen actually putting jalapeños in the salsa Fresca. Flavor is great, team gives great service, portions are huge (LA Standard though) place is clean and well kept and the music is bumping proper Mexican beats. Let me know what you think if you pop by... #mexicanfood #flavor #hawaiieats #hawaiifoodscene read more

Jalapenos 808 - Al Pastor burrito - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Ordered the Fiesta Fries, the fries were cold, stale & hard..... if the fries weren't there everything else tasted amazing. I've gone here multiple times & i've never had a problem before. read more

Thee best place for Mexican food.! My boyfriend and I visit as often as we can. They pay a lot of attention and care to their meat and ingredients. Their service is always kind and welcoming. I recently tried their horchata and it was delicious (did not taste like that cheap stuff, iykyk). Mucho Gracias! Looking forward to the next time we visit. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Delivery is ridiculously slow. I live 4 miles from the place and my order has been delayed twice. From originally 20 min delivery to now an hour. I ordered for delivery because I am taking care of someone and cannot leave to get it myself. Won't be ordering from them again. read more

Love this place. Full confession: I love burritos, and this place hits the spot. Had the chicken burrito with refried beans, cheese, Spanish rice, pico de gallo, chopped raw jalapeños, cilantro and their homemade salsa. Just well balanced, not too dry, right amount of spice, and pretty generous size. Price was right at $17 with no extras (no guacamole). Fast friendly service. Highly recommend and will happily return soon to try other menu items. read more

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