The location is dreary, but the inside well appointed and the wait and host staff deserve 5 stars. Attentive, but never overbearing. Food tasted fresh, but it's just ok. We lived in SoCal for 10+ years, lived in Texas, have been to Spain and Mexico multiple times and love Latin cuisine in general , but somehow it fell short. I almost feel guilty giving 3 stars. Nothing was WRONG... BUT the prices are steep, portions very small and while that is sometimes justified,it just wasn't here. There menu is quite large trying to represent a wide swath of regions of Spain and Mexico yet something was lacking. Guac was delicious but needed salt. Hanger steak well cooked. Ceviche Acapulco had delicious little bites, but was overpowered with strong dried herbs and left what felt like a less than clean/fresh aftertaste (from the sauce/broth/brine not actual seafood). Fried Calamari were that and good and the chorizo potato tapas was literally A BITE. This place came recommended more than once, but I also fail to see how so many people gave 5 stars Just wasnt our experience. It was fine. read more

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I'd always heard how great this place was so I dropped by for lunch one day. Service was a bit short even though the place was only half full. I ordered the fish tacos which contain marinated fish in citrus juice and herbs. They are served in flour tortillas with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and lime cilantro mayonnaise w/sour cream. I also went with a side of guacamole. The tacos were light and okay, but they needed to either be spiced some more or left in that marinade a lot longer. I really didn't taste much. They do come with charra beans and white Spanish rice which were good. And the guacamole side was outstanding. I could have made a meal off of that. In fairness, I should mention the atmosphere. It's authentic and blends Spanish and Mexican culture. The music is very enchanting and the menu boasts entrees from both cultures. The layout of the place is also distinctly different and authentic in its own right. I really liked the atmosphere here. You do also get some pretty supreme chips and salsa before your order arrives. These are definitely a cut above the rest. So all in all, I found Jalapeno's a mixed bag. Fairly mediocre food and quiet service in a very nice atmosphere. You be the judge. It was probably my one and only visit. read more

Jalapenos - Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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(03/06/2011) I think Jalapenos is more of a Spanish and pan-American restaurant, so one shouldn't really expect a list of chimis, burritos and quesadilla combos like at the Taco Bell, or even at your usual taqueria. The tapas list is extensive. I went with a large group, some who got the pedestrian quesadilla and fajita, and some who ventured a little further. I ordered 4 tapas plates -- one thing to note, the tapas portions are huge, entree-like. Everything was really delicious (descriptions below): Higado de ternera con cebollas (Thin sliced veal liver sauteed with onions, served over house potatoes, finished with cumin butter): tender, nicely seared livers, cumin butter a fragrant and earthy foil to the liver. Piquillos Rellenos (Piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese served over roasted tomato sauce): flavorful breadcrumb and goat cheese filling, tangy, piquant peppers. Ceviche Levantino (Shrimp, scallops and calamari marinated in a citrus sauce, olive oil, cilantro and garlic): tart, creamy "tiger's milk", seafood a little overdone and tough, but was tasty. Guacamole "Oaxaca" (Traditional "Oaxaca" style guacamole made fresh to order with cilantro, onion, jalapeno pepper, tomato and avacado served with chips in the traditional "molcajete"): fresh, chunky, could use a little zip, like acid and salt; came with crispy house-fried chips. Tamales Del Norte (Corn masa with chicken, jalapenos, and tomatoes wrapped in corn husk): smooth, moist, corn filling, not dry, tender chicken. Portabello Champinon (Tender portabello mushrooms lightly sauteed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar sauce, garnished with cabrales blue cheese and pine nuts): not pretty to look at on the plate, but very savory, reduced sauce was a strong punch of flavor, Cabrales nice little creamy and pungent notes. Cordero Asado (Rack of lamb, rubbed with rosemary and served with black mole): chops were cooked to a perfect, rosy, medium-rare with a nice sear on the outside, mole was dark, complex, hint of smoked chilis and chocolate. Flan (Custard with caramel sauce and candied orange peel): ultra-smooth and creamy, rich, eggy custard, caramel was slightly bitter (in a perfect brulee way), candied peel also bittersweet and very nice complement. The place doesn't look like much on the outside, and it's at the end of a lonely strip mall, but once inside, it was almost like being transported to a villa in some subtropical climate. It was bustling (packed on a Sunday night), service was professional and friendly. It's an out of the ordinary, one might say extraordinary, Hispanic food experience. read more

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When we first pulled up to Jalapenos, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was tucked into a strip mall between a Dollar Tree and a Family Christian Bookstore, and the entrance leads you right in to the bar. We walked in for a late lunch on a Saturday afternoon and the restaurant wasn't empty, but it wasn't exactly busy either. After making our way through the bar, I was surprised at how nice the main dining room was, complete with a large wine display on one of the walls. This was not the typical tex-mex or cheap, local Mexican restaurant atmosphere. If the ambiance wasn't enough of an indication that this was a unique type of Mexican restaurant, the menu left no doubt. It was obvious Jalapenos featured a variety of authentic Mexican dishes with unique flavors and ways of preparing their food. While snacking on fresh chips and homemade salsa, we perused the menu and debated over what to try. Feeling adventures, I decided to order "Mole" for the first time and was excited to experience this classic Mexican dish. Unfortunately, I can't find it on the restaurant's website menu but I remember it being served with chicken, rice, and beans. The mole was covering a boneless chicken breast and the rice and beans were served as sides. I tried the mole by itself first and it had a deep, rich flavor - with notes of cinnamon, pepper, and chocolate. Very unique and very flavorful. It paired well with the chicken and I eventually just combined everything on my plate - bringing all the flavors of the mole, chicken, black beans, and rice together. It felt like a sort of Mexican jambalaya and it tasted awesome. It was a generous portion but I was wishing they would bring out another plate full of food. We left with everyone completely satisfied with their meal, which isn't an easy task. The service was good, the prices were reasonable, and the food was excellent. What started as an apprehensive and nervous walk through the front door, ended with us walking out talking about how much we enjoyed Jalapenos. read more

Jalapenos - Chicken Mole with Black Beans and Rice - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Very good paella - would definitely go back!!!! Service was great - table-side bread was fabulous - service was fast and attentive read more

This is in the same parking lot as Home Depot and Outback (across from the Towne Center). My GPS took me to another spot. Came on several recommendations and I'm not sure I experienced everything Jalapenos has to offer because I wasn't ecstatic about their food. Zagat stickers line their front glass door and the interior is surprisingly nice compared to the shopping center. Much better than going to a chain restaurant so I would try other things like the tapas next time. I think they should decide to with either Spanish or Mexican. Don't expect Mexican. Complimentary chips and salsa- so-so. Tasted like it came out of a big Costco jar? And costco is good. So maybe that's what people like. Definitely didn't taste fresh tho. Queso- okay, nothing to rave about Jalapenos- stuffed with chicken, herbs and spices. Wish they didn't have as much chicken. I wanted to taste the jalapenos. Sopa de frijoles negros- Black bean soup, nice and light and delicious! Fish tacos- I've had much better on Oahu on the North Shore, Hawaii. Okay but wouldn't order these again. Rice- kinda seemed like Uncle Ben's rice? Ouch, I know kinda harsh but it was just fluffy and not what I expected Beans- the best thing on my plate Cheese enchiladas- way too much chili powder Chicken tacos- not memorable And last but not least- the restaurant was empty but we did not receive good service :-( Zagat rated? Maybe this was their one bad day but I would expect better. read more

Best Spanish / Mexican food in Annapolis. Creative dishes. Excellent ceviche. Nice ambiance inside. Outside , it is next to a Dollar Tree , which makes you wonder... the less people who know about this gem, the better for its loyal fan base! read more

Excellent selection of tapas. great service. Good selection of drinks. Nice atmosphere

Unknown, I had a tank top on and was told I would have to leave. The place is not all that. I won't be back

Jalapenos is located in a strip mall and is a hidden gem of Annapolis. The host is extremely friendly and the wait staff provides excellent service. If you like Sangria, the white sangria is delicious with cinnamon sticks at the bottom! The Paella is cooked to perfection in a single serve pan, with the crusty rice edges. Was a little shell shocked when we got the bill - $12 for guacamole? A little steep. I would recommend if you are on a tight budget try their happy hour which offers lower cost options and is still just as tasty. I hear they also offer flamenco night every once in a while and I'd like to check that out sometime. Be sure to make a reservation a few days ahead, or they may turn you away - this has happened to us a few nights that my bf was really craving Paella. Disappointing. read more

Jalapenos - Paella at Jalapeños! - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Update: Came back for happy hour on a Friday. The bar area seemed decently busy. Service was appallingly terrible. Our server never once came to check on us once the food was delivered, barely looked as us, and never smiled. The busser was actually more attentive and we should have tipped him instead. Lots of HH food options! I was impressed by the extensive menu. The mussels are really good and come with an amazing garlic sauce (I ordered them last time I was here as well). The tacos were delicious. The ceviche was really the most disappointing of everything we tried. It wasn't good at all. The seafood was tough and the citrus sauce was mediocre at best. read more

Great happy hour menu. Fabulous beef enchiladas with mole, rice and beans. Friendly staff. Manager checked in on me and I said "todos fantastico." Huge guacamole and great fresh chips for $7 at HH. Yum yum read more

Skinny margaritas A++, the pizole, salmon and mussels are expertly prepared. The staff is attentive and the atmosphere upbeat yet relaxing.

I love this place and have been back repeatedly. You always get great service, the ambiance is wonderful, it's cozy, the chairs are over sized, and the place doesn't look like much from the outside (don't judge a book by it's cover). The food is always wonderful! They will adjust any meal for you to your diet, and they are always nice. They do have highchairs and have always been super sweet to my son who tends to make a mess. read more

The owner is always incredibly friendly when you walk into the restaurant. A greeting and warm smile always sets the tone for me. My favorite things to order are the red Sangria and portobello mushroom with blues cheese and balsamic reduction. Everything is delicious. I recommend that you go often and slowly work your way through the menu. read more

Jalapenos - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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Jalapenos was recommended by a coworker. It's located in a strip mall and is not appealing at all. Honestly I was surprised walking in, it was a step up from a casual Mexican restaurant. We brought our kiddos (age 3 and 1) which I was a little worried about because we were the only ones with kids. The food is on the pricey compared to other Mexican restaurants and I was turned off a little because we had to pay for chips and salsa. That was a first for me. The salsa was nothing special that they needed to charge us for it. The food was good but I don't think I will be returning. There are better Mexican restaurants in the area for a lot cheaper. read more

This continues to be one of the best restaurants in Annapolis. The food is consistently good even with such an extensive menu. A great mix of Spanish and Latin. It can get a tad pricey but it's worth it. read more

Today (14 Jan 12) Tony and I had lunch with my dad and brother, a belated Christmas get together. We went to Jalapenos, a Mexican-Spanish restaurant, located in a strip mall in Annapolis, MD. While the area doesn't seem inviting, the interior of the restaurant welcomes us along with the owner who greets us at the door. There are murals on the walls along with colorful ceramic plates. Near the entrance is a glass waterfall. Spanish hats, castanets and a fan hangs on the wall near the entrance. The place is cozy and warm. Our waitress was quick to serve us fresh-made salsa and chips. A variety of music is played in the background, although dad thought it was a litte too loud. Tony ordered the Ropa Vieja, which is actually a Cuban dish of shredded beef sauteed with onions, tomatoes, pimentos, garlic, and wine, along with fried plantains. Spanish rice and black beans were also included. He enjoyed his dish very much. Dad and I each ordered the Tacos de Carnitas, three corn tortillas filled with tender shredded pork, guacamole, cilantro and onions, which is served with a spicy and tangy sauce. Spanish rice and black beans are included in the $10 entree. This is one of my favorite dishes. The pork was very tender and flavorful. I do wish the guacamole was chunkier. It had the texture of sour cream. My brother had a chicken burrito, which was pretty big in size. Another good dish. All in all, it was a very good lunch. The food was good and filling, and service was prompt. I would definitely return here! read more

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Always delicious. A bit of a white tablecloth establishment, which is a good thing. The food is fresh and authentic. Ceviche is tasty and just right. My niece was visiting from out of town and after having lived in Spain for a few months, she was pining for the food and drink. Jalapeños matched her craving and she was able to satiate her desire for authentic Spanish (and Latin American) cuisine. read more

I'm guilty. I post more negative reviews than positive. So if you read this...I'm working on that. My cousin was in town and we were looking for Mexican. I've been to this place once before, but I couldn't remember if I liked it or not, which should have been a clue. This is an expensive place. I don't mind paying money for good food, but it's pricey. Chips and salsa cost money, which is odd. Ordered queso and chips...I think that was like $8. Ordered one margarita and one sangria. Neither were particularly good. I make better at home with fresh ingredients. So...I'm not a food snob, but the dinner was terrible. I ordered the pollo americano I think. It came with rice and beans. First let me tell you that the rice was from one of those Uncle Ben's 90 second microwave bags...I'm positive of this. This wasn't the rice of perfection that you get at a typical authentic Mexican joint. You know what I mean? The rice even had those peas that are in the veggie variety of Uncle Ben's...it was Uncle Ben's rice folks. Had to be... Texture was awful and it was clearly a processed item. The chicken was pretty average and the sauce was thin and runny. The only flavor in the item came from the artichokes. That dish was at least $18. My stomach is still in knots this morning. At the end of the night including tip, the bill was $80. Too much for two dudes who had a couple drinks and two plates, chips and salsa/cheese. I won't go back. read more

Guuueess who has Happy Hour specials every... single... day? Jalapenoooooooosss!!!!! Guess who loves happy hour specials... everyday???? Meeeeeeeee!!!! Jalapenos is in a shopping center that looks pretty unassuming as for my expectations for the treats and treasures you'll find inside, but don't be deterred by their exterior, Yelp Lovelys. They have some delicious small plates and a really good sangria, that packs a punch. Sometimes I'm in the mood for chain restaurant quality food over at the Uncle whose name shall remain unsaid in this post, but other times I like what feels more authentic to me, style cuisine. Jalapenos hits the spot. I haven't tried a single dish I didn't like from their small plates menu and I've loved all their cocktails, too. Unfortunately, service can be hit or miss. If you're going for happy hour, it starts at 3pm and you'll want to get there early.... except not for Cinco De Mayo because I don't want you guys stealing my seats, LOL. read more

Great lunch. Chicken enchiladas .... Good salsa too. Will be back. Lots of room... place is bigger than it looks!

Delicious food. Simply put. A plentiful variety of Tapas style options.. my faves being the filetito de salmon (a small salmon filet with lemon, garlic butter white wine sauce, tomatoes n capers) and the mussels. Delicious. Priced fairly for the quality of food. Even the main courses look yummy. But i'm stuck on these tapas for now lol read more

Our server seemed very unhappy that my 4 friends and I were there. My friends had drove in from out of town and wanted to enjoy mexican food. So due to the great rating of this restaurant I had high expectations. But this restaurant should not have this many stars. The food was average at best, my friends and I left our plates basically full. The cheese dip was very bland and got hard very quickly. I would not recommend this restaurant. The interior is beautiful but the food is below average. read more

The way I got here is pretty cool.... I'm trying to get a seat at a restaurant in Baltimore and it's packed because of an event at the Royal Farms Arena... My friend and I were approached by another couple offering to share their table with us... Score! Rather than be my normal awkward self and eat my food in silence I decided to engage said couple. I find out they're from Annapolis and think "okay, Erin, you've been meaning to go to Annapolis but haven't yet... Now's your chance to find out where the actual locals go...." Jalapenos was highly recommended by them. I'm an admitted coffee snob and Ceremony is high on my list of local roasters so you can imagine it didn't take long for me to realize that no Ceremony has a joint close by which solidified my resolve to check both places out. Jalapenos is in a strip mall type thing, a joint only locals really would know and love. They have a shareable plates menu and then normal South of the Border types... Tacos, tostadas, fajitas... You know. But they also have some interesting fish and Cuban dishes. I had the black bean soup (delicious, generously cheesy, but in the cojita sense not in the I-dumped-some-Velveeta sense) and the ropa veija which was slightly too salty but otherwise delicious and the sweetness of the plantains helped with the salt. The complimentary chips and salsa were good but not atypical. A little more salt on the chips could have been welcomed. The decor was strange. I imagine it was done by a grandma. Mismatched tables and chairs and everything has a veneer if cared for age. I can't speak much for the price being that I was just visiting, but it seemed reasonable and I left with a full tummy and no regrets. read more

If you are in the mood for Mexican/Spanish cusine this is the place to go in Annapolis area! The outside of the restaurant is deceiving, because it doesn't look like it would be this amazing place... but it is! It is very nice inside and would be perfect for a date night. Everything is very freshly made and it doesn't tase like any other Mexican restaurant that's around the area. Also, if you have a birthday you must come here as well.. on the weekend they have live music playing and the whole restaurant sang Happy Birthday to us (done twice already). It really makes you feel that much more special on your birthday. read more

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Don't let the state of the shopping center fool you, Jalapeños is a fantastic restaurant. Bigger than it looks, clean with a more upscale ambiance than you'd imagine. Came in here with the family on a Tuesday night. We ordered a bottle of wine and a large assortment of tapas for the table. Everything was delicious but the standouts were the Chorizo, the small steak tacos, and the Croquetas! The croquetas are a must have. I'm a Miami girl and have had y fair share of croquetas and I can say, with no hesitation that the croquetas at Jalapeños are in my top five list. I will be back very soon! So happy to have discovered this little gem! read more

Jalapeños was not what I expected. This place is a very fancy restaurant! BE AWARE! Lol It's not a casual dining Mexican restaurant. Just know you will spend a pretty penny. I got the chicken fajitas and they were alright, a little chewy. Average food! read more

Excellent! Delicious food, good service and although in a strip center calming atmosphere!

Lordy, if you are within a 15 mile radius of this place, just go! I got the Cuban sandwich, which was enormous and maybe the best one I've ever had! I wish I'd been with lots of other people so I could have tried multiple dishes. Servers were friendly and attentive and it was a great experience! read more

This is my go-to in Annapolis. Looks like a cheap Mexican-dive strip mall restaurant from the outside, but the place is that classic 'locals-know' spot. Always packed for a reason. Definitely the best tapas in Annapolis, but also top 3 in the City in general. read more

Great food, not exactly Mexican , great tapas and excellent service. The Ensalada caliente with shrimp and spinach is out of this world. !!! read more

Wow, worst Valentines lunch ever... Hadn't eaten here in a while and what a disappointment. The service was terrible. Had a server who was not helpful and clearly irritated. Maybe our server wasn't confident with English? No hello, no smile, curt 1 word answers. Asked for a lemonade, got a "no" and walked away. Lots of frowns and no conversation. Little care in the food presentation. Ordered the chicken enchiladas with mole and got dry chicken in a lake of mole. Once lunch was over plates were stacked on the table in front of us. 30 seconds later check arrived with no thank you. Carpets need to be cleaned. One of my old favorites, but not anymore. Come on guys get it together... read more

As always service food are the best always try to stop in when in town good parking and can be crowded at times. But will worth the wait

I'm giving it 3 stars because I would classify it as a nice restaurant. Not an actual Mexican restaurant. First you have to pay for chips and salsa? What. I'm Hispanic so I was looking For that Latin flavor and just did not get It. The chicken tasted like rubber...I was so excited about going it this place and not It's just sad to pass by. Service was friendly though ! read more

Excellent Hispanic cuisine. The restaurant is located in a strip mall and is quite a surprise when we entered. It was lovely. The decor was authentic and cozy. The food was superb. We'll be back for sure!! read more

While I see that other people love this restaurant, I've never actually been able to try the food because the one time I went to the restaurant I was met with an incredibly rude host who arrogantly told that I wouldn't get a table without a reservation. The one time I tried to order through Door Dash they canceled my order 15 minutes after I ordered due to the fact that they were "too busy." No phone call, no apology, just canceled. Door Dash shouldn't be an option if they can't handle it. Both experiences are probably due to the fact that the food is very good, but their customer service makes it so that I don't want to even try to go back...which makes me really sad because I really want to try the paella!! read more

Happy hour shortened; ended at 5 P.M. and no real effort to take orders under the wire. Food generally good but lacking attention to detail. Guacamole, for example, was served in a giant bowl about 10% of which contained food. No salsa, hot sauce, or any other condiment offered. Rusty Nail order, among the top cocktails in the U.S., couldn't be filled because bar had no Drambuie. The "tapa" menu may be too ambitious; pick out the best and discard the rest. All in all, the place has great potential. Management should avoid over-reach and try to contain prices. read more

good selections here but noisy dining room when busy, and service was a tiny bit slow which was to be expected. a few of the dishes we ordered from tapas menu were very interesting, especially stuffed peppers and the artichoke heart dishes, but steak fajitas and pork tacos were great. the menu here is big so jalapeno's gets points for attempting a variety of dishes, not just usual Mexican ones. read more

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Amazing food, wide variety and it was fresh, well seasoned and cooked. service a bit slow but courteous. Will definitely be back again!