Good food, below average value, acceptable service. This place is hard to rate. The food is Mexican and Spanish, a combo that may work at first blush but doesn't feel right. Mexican food prices are high, Spanish prices are in line with norms. Mexican food is good but not warranting the price. Spanish food is good and average value. The service was slow, perhaps leaning toward Spanish norms, but Mexican restaurants shouldn't be slow. I'd eat here again but only on someone else's desire. read more

Don't judge a book for its cover. Located within a small shopping center and next to a dollar store. Who would of known that this was truly a hidden gem! Love the excellent customer service. The staff always do their best to accommodate you. The extended happy hr and the live music is an excellent addition. The appetizers are basically tapas-style, but just enough to share. The food is exquisite and the sauce of each plate gives the right touch to finish the delicious and warm basket of bread! Can't wait to continue coming! read more

Jalapenos - Chicken chorizo and carne de buey - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Great food, great atmosphere inside, and classy crowd. Overall, a great little hole-in-the-wall in Annapolis and a good place to eat. I have two complaints. 1. The chairs are uncomfortable... at least the one I sat in. I found myself switching positions most of the evening trying to get comfortable. 2. Overpriced. I just had a hard time justifying the 25 dollar entrees when I can get a similar dish in Dallas for 10 bucks. read more

The restaurant is located in a shopping plaza, but don't let the location deceive you. The inside of the restaurant was very well put together. It was crowded for a weeknight, and like many other Mexican restaurants I've dined at, the service is pretty quick. The food was tasty (predominantly Spanish), but it wasn't the best food I've ever had. The happy hour special they offer is pretty nice. It is from 4-7pm, and there's a decent amount of food selection and drink specials on their beer, wine, and margaritas. My major complaint would be that I requested chips and salsa....At several other Mexican reataurants, they are complimentary....but I received my check and was charged almost $4 for them. $4 for chips and salsa?!? That's even more expensive than Chilis... read more

Every reviewer here tells you what businesses are adjacent to Jalepenos, so I'll just say that pulling it to a Home Depot parking lot shared by a 70's vintage strip mall that prominently advertises an "Old Country Buffet" you might not get the idea that a nice dining experience was in store. Despite the fact that the far side of the parking lot has an Outback and a Bertucci's, you're more likely to get the feeling that you're about to step in to another Mom & Pop Mexican eatery for Tacos, burritos & chimichangas that's furnished with old chairs from closed Pizza Huts, around tables that wobble. But you would be wrong. Part of the magic of a great restaurant is the feeling of stepping into someplace special. So, it's a little more than serendipitous when you walk by the Buffet and turn into Jalapenos, step inside and feel that you have been transported to another place entirely. From the outside through a tiny foyer, you step into a warm and cozy bar that's crowded with people enjoying an incredible variety of tapas plates accompanying happy hour. But because you've read the reviews, you know that on Friday night you should have reservations, or be prepared to wait a long time for a seat in one of the bar tables. But your bit of forethought has given you a chance to enjoy one of the finest Mexican/Spanish Restaurants you could ever visit. My companion and I ordered chips and salsa along with a couple of tapas plates: Pequillos Rellenos de Cangrejo... peppers stuffed with crab meat and a plate of Chorizo... both were fantastic, and as with most Tapas, left you wanting more. For a first visit, sitting in the dining area we decided to order entrees instead of going with an all tapas meal. I don't think you could go wrong either way, but both entrees were memorable. The Ropa Vieja was as good as previous reviews said, and the Steak Mexicana was even better. The whole meal, the entire evening was a true pleasure. I'll be back and I hope soon it's with a group of 6-8 for an tapas experience and happy hour in the bar. So, to Jalapenos, "Mucho Gusto!" read more

I am a native Southern Californian---grew up on good Mexican food. Where I'm from in San Diego, bad Mexican restaurants just don't stay in business. At the local park, the Mexican ladies used to sell handmade tortillas as a snack. We're the home of El Indio and of Roberto's drive-thrus. In addition, I've spent a lot of time in Mexico, traveled in Latin America, and lived in Spain for a while. The point being, I do know what authentic Mexican food should be. And, I've lived in the Washington DC area for 17 years, constantly lamenting the dearth of really good Mexican food. Things to really like about this place: Homemade mole sauce. Sangria that is real sangria, not too sweet. An amazing menu with plenty of the things we gringos have come to expect (like burritos) but then a whole lot of other interesting stuff. Black beans instead of refried. A nice selection of other Latin American plates too instead of just Mexican. If your idea of Mexican food is Chevy's, stay home because you're not going to like Jalapeno's, But if like me you've been searching relentlessly hopeing to find just sorta decent Mexican food in the DC area, then this GREAT place is going to be a welcome surprise! And, the decor is LOVELY. Don't let the strip mall locale fool you. When you walk inside the very plain front door, you are going to be amazed by the beauty inside. It's a cute, romantic little restaurant that serves terrific food at decent prices. How decent? Well, we were there today for lunch: for two fantastic meals, a beer and a sangria, the price was $36. We thought for sure they left something off the bill, it was so inexpensive. read more

I am torn. Relocated to Annapolis from Oakland California where the lowliest taco truck can yield the most amazing carne asada tacos. Discovered Jalapenos from a new work colleague. The food is good, and the margaritas and especially the Sangria are something special, but , alas, the service leaves a lot to be desired. I will continue to come, but it pains me to do so. So sad, as that is the easiest thing to fix. read more

Jalapenos - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

Jalapenos is a neat restaurant with good food at reasonable prices. We have been there for lunch many times, which is resonably priced, and have never been disappointed. They start you with chips and homemade salsa which is excellant. A variety of choices from traditional mexican food available in good Mexican restaurants to delicious entrees not normally found in the average Mexican restaurant especially their fish dishes. The restaurant is located in a strip Mall but don't be turned off by the exterior, you are there for the food. Delightfullly decorated, with more room than it appears at first. Staff is friendly and very attentive. Worth the 35 minutes ride from home and we will be back again and again. read more

This place is a hidden gem - hidden in a strip mall next to a dollar store! I know it sounds unusual but as soon as you walk in you're transported to a cozy Hispanic-Latino dining room with a soothing waterfall behind the host stand and cozy chairs at every table. Definitely make a reservation for dinner, as we do each time, and always speak to the friendliest guy, who I think is one of the owners. He always sounds genuinely happy to have you come in! Great happy hour specials but usually packed. Fantastic guacamole and fajitas. We celebrated a 30th birthday party in their back room and it was a perfect evening. It seats 20 but we had plenty of room. Excellent house margaritas and attentive staff. read more

I don't give 5 stars very often, but this place certainly deserves it. As you can tell from the other reviews, don't judge this place from the outside, because everything about the inside is great. The food is phenomenal. All of the dishes I've ordered (and others with me), have been fantastic. Not one bad meal or appetizer. My personal favorite on the menu is probably the least expensive meal in the place. I love the enchiladas verde. The sauce is amazing and the enchiladas are fabulous. The price is right on for the food you get. So while it might seem a little pricey, the food is priced correctly. If you want to dine on a Friday or Saturday night, definitely make a reservation. I was waiting for our table last Saturday and they were turning away walk ups because they were so busy (luckily we had a reservation). Make the phone call though, it's worth it. read more

Mexican, yes. Tapas, hellz yes! This place is a semi-hidden gem, with some of the best carnitas tacos I've ever had. Can't wait to hit this place again on my next trip to Annapolis! read more

Our favorite Annapolis restaurant, Jalapeños is a charming restaurant with friendly wait staff. We took a friend for the roast pig for her birthday, it was amazing. Can't go wrong with any of the entrees, never had anything mediocre here! read more

Jalapenos - Mural - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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It's a neat "shape shift" to go from a big box parking lot into a parrallel universe of hospitality, welcoming sounds and unexpectedly delicious food, but that's what happened tonight. Nice room, charming host and an all around great experience is the report from Jalapenos. 2 Margaritas and the mussels app started us out and then on to Pescado Indio and the Puerco" Pork Chop" Special. Fish was cooked perfectly, light breading and flash fried, flaky and nothing over salted. Pork Chop rates at the top of all time chops. Cooked to order Med Rare, and tender and full of flavor. The potato hash with chorizo was amazingly light, lovely and true soul food flavored. I will attempt to make that one at home, it was such a great concept. I really have nothing but great things to share. Priced right, not a cheap date but fair and market value. Atmosphere was above average, decor was classic mediterranean reinterpretation, but we love that and it was fresh and clean. My only crit would be that the service was a bit out of touch, but very nice and friendly. No check backs and it took too long to pay out. I felt bad because others were waiting to be seated and we were ready to leave. But we were happy and already contemplating our next visit and who we would invite back to our new favorite place! Immhhmmmnnn, happy place! read more

Always a favorite and never disappoints. We have come regularly for at least the past 10 years. Gonzalo, owner, is great and the food is spectacular as is the service. this is on our top 5 list in Annapolis. We have absolutely no complaints! read more

Don't be surprised by the rather modest exterior of this restaurant located in the middle of a shopping centre! Open the door and head on in to a thriving and buzzing restaurant! We were there Thursday night and had fortunately had made a reservation otherwise it would have been unlikely we would get a table. The food is predominantly Spanish - a mix of small plates/tapas or full size meals. Nothing foodwise disappointed us. The sangria is great and they mix a very good margarita. Would definitely return here. read more

It's a bit of a drive from DC but some of their dishes are better than the trendy new Spanish restys in DC. Tucked away in a little shopping center with a rather nondescript heading, don't let it's diminutive appearance from the outside stop you--this place is legit. Also, their happy hour specials are ridiculous. Go there, you won't regret it! read more

Terrible service. We were ignored for the bigger table and it was not busy our food came out at different times .we never received any type of drink refills . The food wasn't that good just an overall bad experience. Will never come back again. read more

This restaurant has to be one of the secrets od Annapolis. While the restaurant is located in a strip mall around PF Changs, Brie, outback, the chop house, and bertuicci's. This mexican/ Spanish restaurant out shines all of them. When I First walked in everybody had sangria. So I thought when in rome... But the sangria is great. The next items on the menu to get is anything with mole sauce. That sauce is great and they can makevit spicy. Another item is the guac they make fresh on every order. My favorite is the stuffed chili (with chicken) in mole sauce. The enchaladas are great too. The restaurant is less American Mexican more Mexican Spanish. Also if it is a weekend night call ahead it is always packed. read more

Decent Mexican place. Mole Sauce is good, but not spectacular. The fajitas are nice, but not super flavorful. The food is fresh, service is good and atmosphere is solid. I guess I was expecting a little more based on the high reviews. I'm from AZ so I grade Mexican food a little more stringently. read more

Food tasted really bland. We added salt to almost everything. The quality of food just wasn't there. My cousin puked after eating his chili reallno. And they charge you for salsa. Cmon dawg.. how y'all charge for salsa? read more

This place is Fantastic!!! I was a little bit worried when I drove up. It is beside the dollar store and the old country buffet. It has a terrible curb appeal but I was pleasantly surprised when I walked inside!! The atmosphere and food are wonderful! The guacamole is SO GOOD!!! Yum. I'm getting hungry just typing this. I got the enchallatas with mole sauce a wow it was delicious! You will Not be upset if you go here!! So good. Check it out. :) read more

Finally! A decent option for more traditional Mexican (and the U.S. version of it). The service is very good and they offer a popular happy hour. Ingredients seem to be fresh across the board. Mmm... and very rich flavors. The guac is so good we had to get a second "half" order. Unless you aren't very hungry, just go for the full order. It is worth it. Otherwise, everything that came to the table seemed to be enjoyed. While it would be good to single out one particular dish, it would be difficult. We have gone back a second time and it was just as good. read more

Jalapenos - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

I have been eating at Jalapeños for years. It's great for lunch and dinner. The other day I had the bright idea to get Jalapeños carry out. It was absolutely awesome. These folks have it right. I have to admit it is slightly pricey but worth every penny. Jalapeños has it right from lunch to dinner to carry out. I highly recommend this restaurant. Make sure you try the Paella Cantalana. It's off the charts! More importantly, if you have something in mind but it's not on the menu, the chef will put it together. They aim to please. Finally, the staff has all been there forever. Faces are always familiar and great you with open arms. read more

This really is as good as it gets! My all time favorite! Best Sangria on the planet hands down!! Amazing staff, Amazing food, Amazing beautiful restaurant...just could not ask for a better restaurant. Located in a tiny strip mall it's a hidden gem that out shines the brightest diamond! I highly recommend making reservations if looking to go on a Friday or Saturday eve. Kid friendly but absolutely perfect for couples. A romantic dinner with you sweetheart soaking up the ambiance of the Spanish Riviera surrounded with scenes of the Mediterranean as your sipping on Sangria and eating the best Spanish/Mexican food... it just does not get any better than Jalapeños! read more

I must of came on an off night because EVERYONE got their food before us, even people that sat down after us. I wanted to try the paella but it took 20 minutes to cook but I should of ordered it since our food took way longer than that. The bar area where they have happy hour is small with a few tables but no where to stand. But we got sat down at our table right away. The decor and ambiance was nice. I ordered the beef enchiladas with mole sauce which was good. It came with three enchiladas a small side of black beans and rice. My husband ordered the lamb racks which was perfectly cooked. We also ordered the chorizo which was spicy but delicious. The chicken tamale norte was DELICIOUS but spicy. The flan was DISGUSTING but the chocolate cake was apparently good. Will go again to see if service will approve and try other things. read more

Don't understand the 4 and 5 stars for this place. It's OK.. Ok, not to sound cheap, but if you want chips and salsa, you pay for it. That being said, the salsa tastes and looks canned and is mushy. Pico was strange with chunks of pickle, no cilantro I could tell. Guacamole was very good. My fajita was good, restaurant atmosphere and service was good. Prob would not go back though. read more

I think I'm been here a few times and the food is always delicious. I do hate that they charge for salsa!

What amazing food! The croquetas were awesome. A little crunch on the outside and moist in the middle. The jamon serrano and queso manchego came with four triangle wedges of queso, each wrapped in a piece of jamon with the cheese sweating perfectly. A little olive oil and some herbs were sprinkled on top. There was an asparagas dish with bacon and a sort of romesco. The romesco was authentic, but I'm not sure about the American style bacon. Nevertheless it was delicious. They bring bread at the beginning of the meal. Be sure not to eat it too fast because it's perfect for sopping up the amazing sauces on the foods. Their sangria was the best restaurant sangria that I've tasted in a long time. I'm sort of a sangria snob and make my own (which is amazing if I do say so myself). What set theirs apart was that it wasn't too sweet and they didn't try to turn it into an island drink like so many places do. A perfect compliment to the food. My only complaint is the name of the restaurant. Jalapenos makes them out to be a Mexican restaurant, and while their fish tacos were excellent, their Spanish food is what's really amazing and restaurants that serve good Spanish food and tapas are so hard to find. So what should it be called? How about "Tastes of Spain and Mexico." There you go. A new name. Just promise me a lifetime supply of tapas and some behinds the scenes cooking lessons from your head chef it we'll call it even. The name is yours. ;-) read more

Walking in the atmosphere is nice. There is a waterfall and the ambiance is relaxing, although the waiting area is in the bar next to people eating. That is weird for everyone involved. The servers are attentive and helpful. The restaurant and bathrooms were clean. The salsa tasted a little vinegary, like it came from a jar. It didn't taste fresh that's for sure. Our entrees were okay. I got cheese enchiladas (I was served chicken, but they quickly brought out a replacement when we told them), the hubby got the relleno and enjoyed that. The food was decent but I prefer Mexican and this leaned more toward Spanish. We did enjoy our food but we won't travel to Annapolis just to eat here. read more

I've only eaten here about 27 times so yes I am a fan. Gonzalo continues to "deliver" great meals with exceptional service. His attention to details and ensuring his customers are treated to an exceptional experience never seems to miss for our family. They have decent sangria and good guacamole ... make reservations as this place does get crowded. read more

It's all good. Our favorite Annapolis dining option The sangrias are great. Excellent tapas, and always consistently superior service and staff Bravo! read more

The food is good and moderate priced. The waitstaff is awesome. I've been here a couple of times with my coworkers for lunch and for a coworker's retirement lunch. Each time we had good service and everyone was served in a timely fashion. Be careful not to load up on Chips and Salsa, but if that is your thing, try the queso too read more

The food was so delicious. My friend and I sat at the bar and the service for a busy Saturday evening was wonderful. I will be back.

The epitome of "Don't judge a book by it's cover." Jalapeños is my favorite restaurant in Annapolis. Every dish is amazing! Definitely save room for dessert as well. The banana chimichanga is delicious! read more

Sat at the bar. Ema, my bartender was great. (2)Herradura margaritas were excellent- 9.1 (1)Piquillos Rellenos -9.2 (1)Tacos de Cordeto -8.4 (1)Flan-9.7 Overall good experience- 9.6 Total incl tip: $51 Would recommend; would come back. read more

Always love this place! Even though we moved from the area, we try to make it here whenever we get the chance. We order chorizo cantimpalo, cheviche, steak tapas and for a main course, the chicken mole. Chorizo: sliced thinly with potatoes and those two combined tastes really good. Steak tapas: tender and the sauce/potatoes goes well with the steak. Cheviche: big portion, lots of seafood and is good The chicken mole is my favorite and I can never finish it. I always recommend this place to neighbors/friends when they visit Annapolis. It's next to a dollar store, so you would never think to look there. read more

Great, delicious, shareable food! Queso was especially yummy, along with the chicken fajitas (plenty to share among two people).

The Best Cuban Sandwich I've had.....and I have had many from Key West to Boston! read more

Jalapenos - The Best Cuban!!! - Mexican Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

I came to this establishment because of the reviews but was let down because it didn't live up to the hype. There were quite many people inside for lunch. As we were seated, the table was unstable as it rocked. We then ordered our food and it came 20 minutes later. My husband ordered the fish tacos while I had the paella. The fish taco was falling apart as it was way too wet without us adding any condiment. We had to eat it with a fork. The breading of the fish was stale and the tortilla was stale. The paella was also not good as the rice and fish was way too mushy, it barely had any seafood for the price we paid. Overall, the eating experience was sub par and we will never come back here. read more

As a Californian I have been raised on Mom & Pop style traditional Mexican food, which is also very inexpensive. Jalapenos is upscale, more Spanish but with much the same elements. I'd go back, my co-diner says no thank you. $3.95 for chips & salsa was a turn-off - on the west coast it's included as part of the meal. I would completely understand if you don't order something else substantial, but it is included as a tapa or appetizer on the menu. Here you pay for it, but we did get the excellent salsa refilled. We arrived without reservation. but it was quite slow in the very nicely decorated dining room. Maybe they had 20% occupancy, maybe. The hostess takes us to a small 2-top against the wall - what? with all of these nice spacious tables sitting vacant? I think not - before seating I requested a larger table. Promptly we were brought good tasting iced water in glasses. One of us isn't having alcohol right now so water quality is more noticeable. The menu isn't clear - what comes with the entree's? All I had to do was ask. Our server was kind and helpful. My co-diner wanted beef enchiladas. He really liked the beef enchiladas, $14 - 15, but the mole sauce was too sweet and he likes his black beans whole, not mashed / refried. I was steered toward the chili (poblano) relleno. The chili is substantial, chicken filled in a tomatillo sauce. $16. - yum . The standard sides for all entrees is a dish with rice and smashed black beans. I really liked the black beans. They make a good dip for the excellent tortilla chips. I had a glass of imported wine (merlot -like) $7. It was an above average pour and quite good as it didn't require ice to be drinkable. Too often when I order a wine by the glass it is not palatable - so this was nice. The service, the food, the environment were all very nice and regardless of the type of food served I think the pricing was very fair. My hometown experiences are just different. If you want a more refined mexican / spanish food experience I would certainly recommend Jalapenos. read more