Jalapeno's Mexican Food *May 9th, 2026 *10:45am- Saturday *3 Stars Environment: *Large Sized Parking Lot *Quick Service *Dated Interior *Take Out Order Food/Drink: *Chips & Cheese (Small Side of Beans, Small Side of Rice) *Shredded Beef Tacos *Shredded Chicken Tacos I ordered takeout from this place after some of my extended family tried it a couple of weeks ago while they were visiting from out of town. The service was quick, and the location itself was convenient with plenty of parking available. The inside of the restaurant felt a little outdated with older furniture and decorations, but overall the experience was still smooth. The food itself was somewhere between okay and good. The chips were a little on the oily side, while the shredded beef tacos were surprisingly less flavorful and a bit drier compared to the chicken taco. The portions were average, and the pricing felt a little steep for tacos, but overall it still satisfied the craving for Mexican food in the area. Not necessarily the most memorable Mexican food spot, but still a decent option if you're nearby and looking for something quick and convenient. read more

Terrible. Can't get to go orders correct. Wasted money for not so good Mexican food!!! Do your job!!!

Kept hearing great things about this place from some customers at my job. Did not disappoint, the food was hot and fresh so good. The chips were crispy and hot. The place was nice and clean and the workers were so friendly. It gives a really homey atmosphere which I loved. The condiments bar was my favorite I kept going back for the jalapeños. The carnitas plate was so good. The guac was fresh and full of flavor. read more

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Stopped into Jalapeños in Ladera Ranch and went with the carne asada salad, and I found it a great choice. The steak was juicy, flavorful, and served in a generous portion, so every bite had that satisfying balance of meat and greens. The salad itself was impressively fresh and crisp, with thoughtful touches like grape tomatoes, cucumber, corn, shredded carrots, and cheese adding color and variety. It came with a creamy cilantro ranch dressing, which was tasty, but I ended up swapping it out for salsa from their salsa bar. All the salsas are bright, zesty, and have just the right kick to tie it all together. For the quality and portion size, the price was very reasonable. Definitely one of those dishes that makes you think, "why don't I order this more often?" read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - The inside is very functional. Get in. Eat. Get out. - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

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Food service and ambiance are respectable, but the food is what I like to call "gringo" food. I had the Veggie Burrito with Guacamole and Chips. The Guac, the refried beans, the rice, and the salsa were all tasteless. I tried using the salsa to spice up the Guac to no avail. The meat that is cooked on site is where the flavor resides, but I'm unsure how it can compensate for the lack of salt and flavor in everything else. read more

Time to find a new place. Been going here for years. Now they give less portions and the tacos are now smaller. Tiny tacos, Not worth the price read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - They now made the tacos smaller, not worth the price - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

I've probably eaten here over 100 times in the past 15 years. It's very reasonably priced and the food is always good for what it is. Their chips are fresh made and worth adding on to any dish that has rice/beans already. Not super cheap but if you get the daily specials those are very reasonable. read more

I've been going to all their locations since I was a little girl. I love their food, service, and ambiance. Jalapeño's is amazing!

This isn't food any of the workers would eat themselves. Chopped pork chops isn't carnitas. Not even fried. Zero flavor. It's shameful. Unfortunately I'm 0 for 2 And there won't be a third. Last time they literally told me they ran out beans. Their rice is sitting out in the open with bulbs keeping it warm. Tables aren't cleaned. How are people around here keeping this place open. Close the doors or start trying. Gross . read more

Great spot for a quick and casual lunch or dinner. Everything is made fresh and the staff is terrific.

I've been to Jalapeños a handful of times, and honestly, it's hit or miss. Sometimes I've had decent food, but more often than not, it hasn't been consistent -- and yesterday was the last straw. I ordered a basic Carne Asada burrito with chips and a drink. Pretty standard meal, right? I expect to spend around $10-$12 for lunch, especially for something quick and casual. But this cost me $17.50 -- which I was willing to pay if the food had been great. It wasn't. The burrito was super oily, and the flavor just wasn't there. On top of that, I asked for beans and rice on the side, and they didn't include it in my order. So I went back to ask for it and got a full plate of beans and rice (more than I needed) and got charged an extra $5. By the end, I spent nearly $23 for a basic lunch. That's restaurant pricing, not fast-casual. To make matters worse, the food just didn't taste good. I could've gone to Chipotle and gotten a better-quality meal for almost half the price. And honestly, that's where I'll be going from now on. I really wanted to like this place. I gave it a second chance after a bad experience before, and one of their "meal of the day" options had me hopeful. But after yesterday, I'm done. I just can't justify spending that much for food that doesn't deliver -- in taste or value. Not trying to be overly critical, but I've got to be honest. I work hard, and like most people, I'm watching my spending. This place just doesn't make sense anymore for lunch. Sorry, but I'm moving on. read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - 18 dollars meal? - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Jalapenos has always seemed to be consistent with the food they put out. We normally go around 4:30 pm for dinner but this time we wanted to take out for lunch. Big mistake. I ordered a bean tostada. I got it home to find a smear of bean on the shell and the rest was loaded high with lettuce, with sprinkle of cheese and a teaspoon of guacamole on top. What happened there??? It wasn't like they were busy. I was the only customer there! Lots of workers chatting away with each other. I did call to voice my opinion, and they didn't care. read more

Grilled chicken plate. Ordered via yelp. Good experience and good food. You get exactly what you should expect

I have lived here since 2000. We loved Jalapeños's food. We used to go here 1-2 x a week. The portions have gone down so much. We stopped going regularly. We loved the food so we gave it another chance. The taste is still great but the burritos are so much smaller and we only got 3 chunks of meat in the whole thing. We would have ordered a bean and cheese burrito if we didn't want meat. We will not be going back. It's just not worth the money. This is happening everywhere not just here. It's just worse for us because we came here so often and now we have to cook at home or find a better place. read more

This place is bomb. I eat here a couple of times a week. The food is straight forward and consistent. There's usually a line out the door at dinner time. Home made salsa is fresh and delicious. Super friendly staff. Chill environment with cozy little booths. read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - Crispy taco plate to go - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Food is good generally. Chips are a bit greasy. My wife ordered the rice, bean and cheese burrito and added lettuce and tomatoes. Fish tacos are good but Harpoon Henry's tacos are better -- more fish in the taco. HH will be closing soon in Dana Harbor...taquitos are good though these can be dry at times. Taco plates, enchilada plates are all good. This place is generally good for a basic Mexican food option that is affordable. read more

While this place doesn't compare to some places I've been to down to San Diego, for this area it's pretty darn good & especially for the price when compared to chains like Chipotle. The rice was perfect, the beans were little liquidy but delicious, while the fajitas had a nice char I'd say it could use a little more spice & a little less salt. What I appreciate the most is this is one of the few places that still mainly uses LARD. The inside is very cozy, and I honestly love the tri colored paintings they have hung up as it makes the place seem much more cozier. And the service never disappoints, they're prompt, efficient and always happy to take my order. read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - FAJITAS PLATE - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

The most reliably good Mexican food in this 'hood. Yes, they have traditional refried beans. With lard. SO GOOD. Why is this so hard to find these days? Please never change, Jalapeños. Anyhow, carne asada burrito, add guac, can't go wrong. Did I mention it's inexpensive? Also rare. They aren't trying to be one of those gourmet sit-down places that charges $45 for a carnitas plate. Two people can eat here for under $30 and have leftovers for lunch for the next day. (I ate at McD's in the same parking lot and it was $30 for 2 people for way inferior food). Also: very fast service. They have an online ordering thing but I've never used it because my food is usually ready in under five minutes. When I first moved here, I was a little hesitant based on the low reviews, but I have come to the conclusion that the Ladera area has people that...lets just say they have different standards and want to speak to the manager. I've found the staff to be perfectly friendly. They smile and say hi when I approach the counter. I don't need them to fawn over me as I open the door. We've been eating here several times a month for the past year and will continue to do so. Seriously, if we ever lost Jalapeños, it would be a huge blow to the limited food options in this neighborhood. read more

I love Jalapenos! I go for a simple Crunchy Beef Taco plate! I have been going there on and off for 10+years. I have been to various locations and I am never disappointed! They are ALWAYS tasty, consistent and always fast. When I leave, I have a smile on face. My belly is happy and I begin to think about my next visit! Just YUM! read more

Very decent Mexican food, very consistent on taste, and you can cater tacos at your house which they do a nice job as well.

Never coming here again! Lizet is the worst, has no customer service! This is the second time I go and she just has a bad attitude

The food was masomenos meaning it was okay or a'ight!(lol) In the service category, it was very apparent that the cashier was extremely discontented with her place of employment. This led to our ordering experience being very unpleasant. The ambiance in the restaurant is okay but they need to do better at rounding the restaurant for clean up. read more

I LOVE the bean and cheese burritos! 4 stars since its seems a little pricey. Yes, I know everything is, but it's a little high in my opinion. They are so nice and the service is fast...! Even when they are slammed! I love this place! I miss the one in Irvine MANY moons ago! Haha read more

We were coming back from Dana Point and headed to Buena Park and ended up making a detour to the place My SO ate at when he used to live in Rancho Mission Viejo. In fact he loves the freshly made beans and rice so much he order just that in a burrito. Ive never seen him eat anything other than a California burrito elsewhere without beans and rice (if included at other places) but said their carne asada is one of the best. I didnt get a chance to take a pic of the burrito as that was eaten in seconds but took a picture of the carne. Asada was well flavored. As you can tell it is plenty of meat! It comes with 2 tortillas, some freshly cut cilantro and salsa. They have a salsa bar with a mild and spicy. You can watch your taco being made right in front of you. Customer service was friendly and quick. They have seating inside and outside. read more

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I was there 10:24am waiting them to open until like 10:39 am It says open 10:30 am They knew I was standing there but never open the door. Horrible customer service I will never go back there read more

Pricey and horrible. The WORST burrito ever. I couldn't finish it. The place was very dirty most of the booths were dirty and I noticed that most meals were left without the person eating the food which is always a bad sign. A total waste of money and time. Do not go here! read more

I came in tonight and it was incredibly busy! I just want to say that the staff was wonderful and everyone was working so hard to make sure everyone got their food quickly!. As always the food was amazing and staff was friendly, always love supporting small businesses especially that take the time to make sure everyone is happy! read more

If you're looking for a really good bean and cheese burrito, look no further! I like to add rice to mine. Highly recommended!! Their salsas are really good, too! read more

I normally love this place. Been coming for years. I know the staff well. Tonight i was treated with complete disrespect and shitty attitude. Junior with the glasses that ran the place tonight was a complete asshole to me. I spend way to much money here to be treated this way. I won't go back. Service is horrible now. read more

I loved the Chile Rellenos Burritos at this location, but lately, someone has been asleep at the kitchen and forgeting to scrape all the seeds from the chiles. Please do better! read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - Seeds left in Chile Relleno Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

Great crispy tacos! Been going here since 2008! Shocked it's only 3 stars on Yelp. chips are freshly cooked, salsa is great.

Excellent food and fast service. Always has friendly helful staff. Go there every chace i get with friends.

I love this place, anyone that says otherwise is crazy! Chips are great, guacamole, cheese, what not to like!

One of the O.G.'s of Ladera... been here since year one... great taste, lil high(er) priced for Mexican comfort food... but it's it's fast too! Zero complaints, but you should have never started to charge for the corn/ chips that really cost you nothing to make... the RASHER boyz love this place too. Highly recommended... read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - Kadin Rasher - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

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I've loved Jalapenos for years!!! I'm not sure what's up with the negative reviews. Shrimp burrito is my favorite. Salsa is bomb. Solid staple for our family read more

Over the years Jalapeños used to give you respectable quantities for a reasonable price but the prices continue to rise, which in and of itself, could be justified but the unconscionable cut in quantity is both ludicrous and embarrassing! The burritos are now the size for a child. The Big shell tostada is now at least a third smaller. I will give them one more chance to once again provide us with value and if they don't, we're done with them. I have to think that this might be the beginning of the end because people just hate being taken advantage of. So disappointed! read more

The food and service is amazing. It is the best Mexican food I've ever had- specifically the Sonny burrito. The restaurant has a great environment and is quick. read more

Got the Cali Burrito with carne asada. The burrito was quite large and very filling. The fries inside add a fun extra flavor and almost give it a little breakfast burrito vibe cause of the potato aspect. Also got some grilled peppers that are very delicious but also very spicy don't think they are actually on the menu but you can ask for them. Love the darker salsa as it is spicier and has a bit more flavor than the tomato one. My uncle frequents this place and the staff knows him by name. They are always so nice and welcoming every time I've been read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - Cali Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

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Don't get fancy and simply order tacos and it'll be a great day for you. Quick and easy service and food was bomb. Ate it outside in my car with a Powerade and cabeza tacos were a personal hit for me read more

Jalapeno's Mexican Food - Cabeza tacos (2) Pastor Taco - Mexican Near Me - Ladera Ranch, California

I was looking forward to having an excellent Chile Relleno last night for me and my husband for dinner. They were HORRIBLE! I ordered 2 of them and this restuarant needs to teach their Chefs how to make them look and taste authentic or don't offer them at all on the menu! These were very small, not battered well, no cheese inside. They were only $5.00 each...money is not the issue....its the quality that a restaurant puts out! I would spend $10.00 for a delicious relleno if they were worth it. I'm so sick of restuarants charging higher and delivering horrible food quality. Step it up Jalapenos...please don't rip off your clientele. read more