Traveling on I-80 pulled over into this small town called Peru, (South America country) and went into this Mexican joint. We ordered the burrito Colorado which we were assuming that it was filled to the brim with the works, veggies, pico, etc. 10 minutes later, they came out with a plate of rice and beans that looked like they were heated up in the back flaccid tortilla with rubbery meat, pause, and then went onto explain that, that was the only special of the day. It's Tuesday people, I mean I'm an American slob, but can we get some specials for Taco Tuesday? Anyway, stop by for the margs and easy on easy off access and the Target next to door to try and drown out your regretful $21 in this economy, or drive next block over to the Chipotle. read more

I tried this for the first time and I'm sorry but I've never had food so disgusting. How can you mess up a cheese quesadilla? The cheese wasn't melted and the tortilla tasted like grease. I also had a beef enchilada and beef taco with rice and beans. The taco was soggy on one side and was nasty. The enchilada wasn't good either. The beef flavor isn't good by no means. The best part of my meal was the chips and salsa. To be fair these are the only items I've eaten, so I can't speak to other items on the menu. Use your own judgement. read more

Order came in a timely manner! Really appreciate that! But the food was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo salty! I got the "grilled" steak tacos and queso! Yikes! read more

Very rude to delivery drivers. I had to wait over an hour for my doordash order that I was delivering. Wouldn't give me an explanation of why my costumers food was not ready. Told me that I shouldn't complain about the wait and should be happy that they aren't canceling the order. I wouldn't recommend any delivery from this place. They will lose your order and will be very rude to you. read more

I happend to be in the area to visit the local state park. I had a taste for mexican food and found this in Yelp. The meal started out with chips and salsa. The salsa was great. It was fresh and had very good flavor. I thought the food was very good. I had the enchilada with shredded beef. It had very good flavor. There were two enchiladas. I wish they were a little bit bigger. The rice and beans were both very good. The rank right at the top of casual mexican food places I've been to. The people were very nice and friendly. If I'm back in the area I would return to Jalapenos and try some of the other food. read more

The food was unmemorable. Chips were too hard, and the salsa had something fire-roasted in it that gave it an off flavor. I ordered a combo that had 5 items in it. All it did was showcase the 5 ways to use the same bland ground beef mix. Not to mention the presentation was so sloppy, it looked as if the "enchilada" and burrito were trying to puke out the horribly flavored meat product. Service was also so slow we almost walked out. read more

The menu had a big selection of entrees, combos, etc which were all very reasonably priced. The complementary chips and salsa were good. The enchildas and tacos were also good. I've had better carne asada than what they served which was very fatty and bland tasting. The jalapeno that came with the carne asada entree was one of those ones you get in a can or jar. I prefer a fresh one that is grilled. The service was fast but they could've been friendlier. read more

Excellent Mexican food in a friendly atmosphere, even when the mulch outside front is smoking like the food. read more

See all

In town for a work function and staying at the Hampton Inn, my friend Michelle M. and I went in search of dinner. Per the young concierge's recommendation we decided to investigate Jalapeños. The deal was sealed when fellow Detroit Yelper and friend Wally S. randomly previously reviewed Jalepeños, and if he approved, it would work for me. Walking in I noticed that the restaurant was randomly kind of small--I would compare it to maybe the size of a Fazolis? It seemed notably small for a sit down restaurant, but it would work. We were promptly greeted and presented a bowl of fresh looking salsa and chips--both of which were a very welcome sight after the lengthy from from the Motor City. The menu was vary reminiscent of a Tex-Mex restaurant I recall eating at in Dearborn, Michigan--like to a tee! I swear I had the potato burrito and mushroom quesadilla one year on Father's day with Ryan L. I ordered the Vegetarian Combination C (one bean enchilada, one quesadilla, and one chalupa) and an additional side of rice. I was actually pleased with my dinner--it was flavorful enough and with the additional rice, the size was decent. I was really happy to see like 8 vegetarian options listed. Part of me regrets not getting a margarita but I was content with my Diet Pepsi. The staff was attentive and very kind. I still don't know how a chalupa differs from a tostada? I would use the two interchangeably--I guess they do to? Think flat taco. The guacamole on it was good though. The bean enchilada was in a red sauce that was nice. The quesadilla had the salty taste of queso blanco that just always hits the spot. They also had a cheese dip that I thought long and hard about ordering and kind of wish I would have. Michelle had the vegetable fajitas which I thought tasted really of butter. She didn't notice it until I mentioned it. They were served with two flour tortillas and a plate of rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, guac and sour cream. I think she was pleased, and really for $10.95, it wasn't so outrageously priced. All in all, I would say it was pretty decent. Olé. read more

Lets get the odd out of the way: I told the waiter I didn't want to sit next to a screaming child,because I had a headache, so he moved me to a table Next to two toddlers. WTF? The tamale had enchilada sauce on it, so heavy in tomato it tasted almost like pizza marinara. When I asked if they had any Mexican beer...he said " all of them" so I asked for a Tecate. " we dont have no Tecate" Combination plates have no rice and beans. Nothing extra mi amigo! No one checked to see if I wanted another beer. I did. Took FOREVER to get a check. Mañana time. All that said, for a mid-America Mexican place, the food is decent, it's clean, The waiters friendly. read more

Food and margaritas were excellent!! Our server, however, seemed very angry at or about something which carried over into his work...very disappointing. Would I return to Jalapeno's? Yes. read more

Why would you take my order @ 10:05p and tell me pick up in 10 minutes when you have already closed even though all of your signage says you close @ 11p. I sat at the drive up window for 5 minutes while people walked around inside and outside and never came to help me. I tried going in the front door, locked. Someone finally came to a side door and asked what I had ordered and allowed me inside. I understand if a local place closes early but don't take an order and not tell them that you are closing early and leave them sitting outside. Now I'm really iffy on the quality of my food since I 'ordered after close' Just all around terrible customer service. read more

Absolutely the best Mexican food we've had in a long time. Highly recommend the chicken taco salad, and the tortillas are homemade, yummy. Super service, fast and friendly. read more

Jalapenos - Mexican Near Me - Peru, Illinois

They have delicious authentic Mexican food. Their drinks are also amazing and the atmosphere is perfect. The new addition the added recently was where we dined last night and it is a much more useful space instead of the patio they used to have. read more

This is right off the freeway exit 75 off I-80 in Peru, Illinois.My chimichanga was the best I've had in a long time. Lunch was 8.00 min meal but well worth it. Nice people, great service and excellent food. My husband really liked his fajitas and he is hard to please!! I wish we had a Mexican restaurant in our area as good. We will stop here again when we travel on I -80. read more

Had the chilaquilas (kinda like nachos but with the salsa on bottom), queso fundido, and chile pablano dinner. It was all good.

I brought my parents here this past Saturday night. After a long day of photographing, I wanted to treat my parents to a nice dinner. This restaurant was their choice to come to. The location is great. But to me, that's where the greatness ends. We came a bit before the crowds did. They chose to seat us in the side room, not the main dining room. I found this odd. We were put beside the one doorway that led in and out of this room. The volume alone in this little room was deafening to the point, where I realized I would probably not be having any real conversation with my parent's that night unless I could talk over the loudness. Our server seemed to be pretty attentive and kind. The food itself when it arrived looked great, but my meal was incredibly bland. Whatever taste did exist was only stoked with Mexican powders, not real authentic Mexican ingredients. The tamale and burrito were not inviting at all. Bland and forgettable. The taco itself contained no strained beef... but a thick river of grease running out the sides. I passed on eating that. The only thing that kept me full was the rice. My mom had ordered the tostado and it was beyond soggy because draining beef from the grease here, apparently cant be done. My dad's taco's were living proof of that too. Overall the cost of eating here was okay.. financially, but I basically paid to take my parents out and sit in an establishment where I couldn't here them nor enjoy really great Mexican food. To me the greatest oddity was paying for your bill. Apparently it's on the customer to find in this maze where to pay for your bill. I asked and was scoffed at twice. Apparently my money means about as much as me being there. I didn't enjoy the bottleneck leaving this place. Can't imagine Id return. read more

We were tired travelers, so perhaps that's why this place gets a two star review from us. The salsa was fresh but the chips were greasy and stale - not a good start! My traditional margarita w/salt was generous but weak. I barely finished it! Husbands enchiladas in mole sauce were the best thing on his plate although he wondered why it was served with sour cream on top. My pork tamale was total mush while the chicken in the enchilada was dry & tasteless. Sadly, there were few beans found in my beans & rice. I LOVE beans & rice so this was the saddest part for me. Somehow, this place gets away with passing this food off as Mexican but I love Mexican food too much to let this pass. :( read more

If you're familiar with authentic Mexican food you might not care too much for this restaurant. I asked for carne asada tacos and was told the only option for the combos was chicken and ground beef. Certainly not used to this as chicken and ground beef tacos are not the norm in Mexican home cooking. I ordered anyway and was disappointed to get a hard shell taco, another thing not seen in most Mexican kitchens. Soft tortillas, please! Was not impressed with the food, but the waiters were nice and attentive. Would not come back to this place. read more

Jalapenos - Combo #4 - Mexican Near Me - Peru, Illinois

We love their salsa! Its not got a zest to it and not too tomatoey! Their food is one of the best I have tasted in the area. Price is pretty reasonable, and the lunch service was very fast. Great staff as well. Will go back again. read more

Worst service ever! Came in for supper left with no supper and angry! Been going here for years never have ever had worse service in my life here! Ordered food and everything about my order was wrong! Except for the drinks ordered nachos no beans got beans ordered a burrito rice and beans on side no beans! Got beans in borrito! So waited for him to come back to table he never did my husband got up and approached him came to table and argued with me mind you he barely spoke English and messed up all of our order! The manager never came to table! The waiter took my plate did not inform me they were not bringing me a new burrito but a bill! Came in from long day of work and approached the manager who said I did not charge you for! So came in for supper left with nothing! Went to taco Bell to get my dinner! So disappointed in service and mangement! Was not my fault at all! The gentlemen screwed up every thing and manager took waiters side! Years of going there and now will never return! I order same thing every time! It's ok many other great Mexican restaurants in area will definitely be brining my business there hopefully I leave with supper! Be in food industry my whole life so it takes a lot to complain but the whole order and left with nothing! Waste of time! read more

Great service: always welcoming, answer any questions, constantly checking in even after food is delivered. Delicious food: never had a bad meal, chips/salsa are hot/fresh, made to order, any requests have been fulfilled. Relaxing atmosphere: family friendly, some tv's available, no fancy dress code. Best Mexican Restaurant in Peru! read more

Was visiting from California and was surprised to find this delicious gem out here in the middle of Illinois! Everything we ordered was delicious and came in good portions - from the warm chips and salsa to our main course. Our server was also great! If we're back in the area, we'll definitely hit this place first! read more

We came through on a cross-country road trip and stayed at the adjacent motel. The exterior didn't set expectations very high, but it was so close and we really just wanted a margarita. We were in for more though - Jalapeños completely and thoroughly hit the spot. Tableside guacamole was nice, my girlfriend's Enchiladas Suizas with slow-cooked pork were the standout, and my fajitas had a good home-cooked taste. The pitcher of margaritas on the rocks was just how it should be: simple and strong. Service was fast and great. What else is there to say, just go. read more

Have never had a bad experience here and the food is very authentic, table side guacamole is my reccomend soon it's all prepared fresh at your table! Try the fajitas I promise you won't be let down! read more

This place kicks ass! Fast and courteous! The Staff is Awesome!! Margaritas are full flavor an just right! A+

So this was a place my mother wanted to go to but never had the chance so me and a friend went. The food is AWESOME! I will admit this is the next best place. Too bad there not in Ottawa. However the location in Peru is wonderful. The food was so great that my friend pointed out to me later there was a group of cute girls next to us, that I didn't even notice them. Obviously that's how good the food was. I was eating a chicken burrito with rice and Re fried beans. It was delicious! I am definitely bringing my family here, the restaurant was so nice I'd take a girl on a date there. read more

We dine here after every visit to Starved Rock. Great variety for 3 teens and 2 adults. Occasionally they will mix up an order, but they are willing to fix it. Drinks are good but a little expensive. Worth the drive out of the way. read more

I can be a mexican food snob as well as the next girl but this place, in spite of not being authentic - IS GREAT. There is no faster service anywhere, great prices and great food. Try the cheese enchilada... the cheese is to die for, and the chunks of pork in green sauce on top is a tasty treat. read more

The food is a step above Taco Bell. But not a very large step. To say that the salsa and enchilada sauce is mild would be an understatement. Not only was there no hint of chili pepper in either, I am not sure that whatever truck delivered them had ever carried a chili pepper. The vegetarian options had entirely too much cheese. Basically flour tortillas drenched in melted cheese. The chili Colorado seemed to consist of stewed pork, no seasoning. The refried beans were puréed to a completely smooth consistency. I give it two stars because the food was edible, even if it was not very good. It won't kill you, but I would certainly not visit again. read more

The word excellent is an understatement!! We had the flavourful margaritas...for an appetizer, we had the Texas dip(which was out of this world delicious)...my husband had the Mol Cajete that not only hit a grand slam in his and my stomach,but was a very intriguing work of art on a plate..I had the steak fajitas,which were to die for!!! It's a shame that we come from Chicago,a place known for its thousands of Mexican restaurants,but as of now we never knew exactly what authentic Mexican food should taste like... Well worth the hour and half drive!!! read more

Jalapenos - Mexican Near Me - Peru, Illinois

I have absolutely nothing bad to say. Everything I've tried is delicious, margaritas are tasty, and staff is so friendly! Favorite Mexican restaurant hands down read more

Great food! Huge margaritas! If you're in the area and want a good time, definitely stop by.

Come hungry! Delicious Mexican food, can't go wrong here. I ordered a Chalupa and Enchilada with Rice and Beans yum! He ordered a Chile Relleno, Chicken Enchilada with Ground Beef Taco. Beyond Outstanding! Highly Recommend! Awesome Service Huge Portions Friendly Staff! Thank you! read more

See all

We had Jalapenos cater our daughters wedding in our back yard on 9/5/20. Food was fantastic and their service was awesome! Had so many compliments! Wouid highly recommend them! read more

Was sceptical about Mexican food in a town where I hadn't seen many Spanish people (I am from Texas where we have the authentic stuff), but surprising it was good. The wait service wasn't amazing tho (slow to check on you and refill drinks) but after a few margaritas I didn't mind. Lol. read more

Fantastic spot for great Mexican food love the steak tacos and margaritas!!! Service is excellent and family that owns it are great people !!! read more

Clean place, friendly service, good food. You get chips and salsa on the table. Would recommend.

Was just passing through on a cross country trip and decided to try Jalapenos in Peru, IL just off I-80. I'm really glad I did. What a fantastic authentic Mexican restaurant. Big flavors, great salsa, along with fast service and great ambiance. I strongly recommend that you try the El Grande Special. It is a sampling of several dishes and comes served on two large size dinner plates. It is sold as a meal for 1 person but could easily feed a family of three. It is quite possibly the largest portion of food I have ever had at a restaurant for under $12. Fantastic value and great food. I will definitely stop by again next time I'm heading cross country on the 80. A real hidden gem. read more

If your a fan of Mexican food give this place a try!! I had the crab enchiladas and they were amazing!!! It was really busy on a Sunday night.. so if you go you might wanna allow a bit of extra time. We will for sure be going back.. read more