-- How times have changed for the better! - It's been 9 years since I was 1st to review these folks and there have been ups and downs along the way! I live in this teeny tiny town and love to support family businesses, and I've stuck with them throughout the challenges. Let's see where they stand now- Arriving- About as easy as it gets! They are directly on US Route 27 North and if you are southbound there is a dedicated turning lane. You'll find a nice-sized parking lot with the usual handicapped spots. Ambience- It's basically one big room with tables and booths on the sides. The bar is on the back wall with a half wall partition separating it from the restaurant. It is meticulously maintained and spotless. There's Mexican kitsch of course but less than other places. See my pic. There is a beautiful lakeside, outside deck that appears to be used on weekend evenings. I've never used it, but I hear good things. Wi-Fi- Nope, not here which is unusual for a place this size. They get a small ding for that! Adult Libations- Full bar with extensive choices complete with the requisite long list of unique margaritas. I was delighted to see that their house margarita (Casa Margarita) is not made in bulk which is typical, but handmade with Patron and premium margarita mix @ $13. Mine was delicious! See my pic. Menu- Huge and well organized with tremendous depth and breadth. Just about everything you expect is there. I was craving some "elote" but alas, that was not to be. Sigh! Web Site- Beautifully presented menus! A great chance to plan your meal before you arrive. The drink menu is surprisingly missing, and they need to fix that because the competition displays theirs! Food- I began with complimentary chips & salsa. The chips were medium thick and fresh. The salsa was medium spicy for my Gringo tastes and also tasted fresh. I ordered the A.C.C.P which is grilled chicken breast and chorizo covered with queso and served with rice and beans. Homemade corn tortillas came along for the ride @ $15.99. It arrived quickly and as you can see from my picture, it was plated nicely. The rice & beans were on point, and the tortillas were hot and fresh. There was plenty of chicken and chorizo and the queso was rich and creamy. An excellent dish all around! Customer Service- EXCEPTIONAL! I was greeted and served by a daughter of the owners. She was everything you want a server to be. Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and checked on me appropriately. I couldn't have asked for more! Conclusion- I was a happy camper! I would have been a little happier with some elote and Wi-Fi, but my overall experience is an easy 4 stars! read more

See all

Senor Jalapeño is an underrated local restaurant. The food is very good with tremendous breadth of Tex-Mex variety on the menu. We have been going there for years and the service has always been excellent, regardless of time we visit. Ambiance is old, local Mexican. If you are looking for flashy decorations or a view, this is not your place. But, if you want good food at a good price, try Senor Jalapeño. read more

With our travels - we seek out local Mexican restaurants. This visit was our first to Senor Jalapeno on Friday night around 6:30. Upon review of their menu, we notice that at top of page right above "Appetizers", the restaurant states "First bowel of chips & salsa are complimentary, thereafter, next bowl is $5.99. So we thought we'd verify that since we have never encountered this policy before And we eat at many Mexican restaurants during the year. So our waiter came by and my husband asked if that policy was enforced & he replied "Yes". So that policy basically took this restaurant off our list to return. We normally enjoy a 2nd basket along with 2-3 bowls of salsa to chill out before we order. Now maybe we understand why this location is not as busy as 2 of their competitors are. Just never saw the 1 basket policy before. In their defense, coke products were offered at $2.99, which is a good consumer price. Not much thought was given to their plates presentation - very plain. The chicken in my flautas lacked any seasoning at all creating a very dry product. Very small serving of beans. Rice serving size was normal. Server did not keep my drink filled and my husband had to ask for his to be refilled. X don't think we'll return for visit #2. read more

We have been here a couple of times but today we brought friends. I have the Hawaiian tortillas and it was awsome, shrimp, grilled peppers onions all served in a half of a pineapple. Every one enjoy everything. read more

My God, what a mistake my wife and I made hitting this place up tonight. I'd have to go back decades in my memory to try to find a worse Mexican restaurant experience than this. The first indication of what was to come, and what should've made us leave immediately, was that there were TWO CARS in their lot at 5:30 PM on a Friday night. When we left an hour later there were four. Only one other party was seated after us, the other car was some guy that showed up to play live music to the empty restaurant. Where to start. First we order two Hornitos margaritas OTR no salt and get served two goblets of sour mix. Absolutely zero taste of any alcohol whatsoever. When we got the bill, we were charged for "Casa Margaritas" at $13 a piece because they were "top shelf". According to the menu, Casa Margaritas are made with Patron, a tequila that costs twice as much as Hornitos. After ten minutes, we finally get served a basket of chips and a tiny dish with about an ounce of what they consider salsa, basically just crushed tomatoes. No seasonings, no onion, no cilantro, or anything else that might give it some flavor. My Fajitas Vallarta arrive. The lettuce/pico de gallo mix tastes rancid. The slices of beef and even the chicken are so tough I can't bite through them. The shrimp still have the tails on. The "chorizo" looks like cubes of ham and has no taste whatsoever. Everything is covered with melted mozzarella cheese. MOZZARELLA CHEESE. What the #$& is a Mexican restaurant doing using mozzarella cheese? The dish is served with three tiny four inch tortillas, enough for maybe half of the dish. I ask for more - I'm charged $1.75. My wife's "Chicken-Chori-Steak" consisted of the same tasteless chorizo cubes and tough chunks of beef and chicken smothered in some whitish sauce that was supposed to be queso. Horrible. Whoever owns this restaurant has no business being in the food service industry. I might has well have flushed $75 down the toilet tonight Here's a response to your comments on my review - first, I was aware that mozzarella cheese would be on the dish I ordered. I've never seen it before but thought I'd give it a try. And now I see why I've never seen it used before. I've traveled all over the country and never seen mozzarella cheese advertised on a Mexican menu item, so if it's being used it's not being disclosed. We didn't request add'l chips and salsa, we requested extra salsa so we could eat the rest of the original portion of chips as I mentioned. I'm actually surprised he didn't charge me for that as well. Did I say at any point that the drinks or food was inedible? I simply said it was awful and not worth the money. If I'm going to waste the money we dropped tonight, we might as well eat it. And lastly, we are not in the habit of having to tell your staff how to do their job. They can't make drinks, they can't communicate, and they can't cook. Do your "homemade recipes" all include leaving the shells on the shrimp you cook into a dish? Your bartender/server intentionally and deceptively overcharged us for the margaritas, didn't tell us that what we ordered was considered top shelf at your establishment, and that what we were going to be charged for comes standard with a much higher priced tequila. It's also sad that after charging $20 for a plate of low quality, poorly cooked food your policy is to charge guests for extra tortillas that cost you pennies. The fact that your restaurant was empty on a Friday night speaks volumes. read more

Meh.... I'm not from town and it was 1 of 2 places that served what I wanted within 30 minutes of the speedway. Queso fundito and a margarita. The margarita was weak, and bland. Queso fundito was a thin layer of burnt cheese with chorizo blocks on top, garnished with stale quesadilla triangles. It was taco Tuesday, so i got my fill, plus the hot sauce was very good. Not terrible, but won't go out of my way to go back read more

SENOR JALAPENO - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Avon Park, Florida

We visit the area every year and have always been so blown away by the food at Senor Jalapeño. We always get the MOLCAJETE and have to say this year it was even better. The restaurant ambience has improved, the restaurant seemed really well laid out and clean, in previous years it wasn't as nice. But we never cared because the food has always been so authentically Mexican, delicious and the service as good. We love the lady who serves us, I assume she's the owner? So sweet and kind. Thanks for the wonderful meal! See you next year when we come back! read more

SENOR JALAPENO - MOLCAJETE - Mexican Near Me - Avon Park, Florida

Seemed like a nice enough place when we got there. Space is definitely underutilized. Chips and salsa were kind of meh at best. Things then took a turn when a member of our party got food poisoning from the chicken enchiladas. Never again. There are way better options just around the corner. Avoid at all costs. read more

Placed a to go order and was told "it will be ready when you get here". Being I knew I was only a few minutes away, I asked how long and was told "10 to 15 minutes". Arrived during that time. They were quick to take my payment, then told me the kitchen was busy so it would be another 5 minutes. I ended up waiting an additional 40 minutes. I heard every excuse possible. I had already paid for 3 large drinks when I was told they didn't have large to go cups due to door dash taking them all... but the entire time there I never saw a door dasher or any other to go order leave the restaurant. Finally, when I get my food and get down the road, with 4 meals, not one set of utensils was placed in the bag. The quality of food was terrible... there was so much grease in the container. I didn't get the chips that the menu says the Churi Queso comes with either. It was a waste of nearly $80 (and no I never got refunded for the 3 large drinks either) because I was so irritated and ready to go! read more

SENOR JALAPENO - Churi Queso full of grease with tortillas just soaking in the middle... didn't come with the chips like the menu says. - Mexican Near Me - Avon Park, Florida

I didn't take a picture of the food which I should've. A table of ten i understand lots of people. We know a couple of mistakes are bound to happen. But this was way out of hand. They bring me a plate of steak and cheese not what I wanted I said everything EXCEPT chicken and onions. They forgot the shrimp and they must be wile caught in the lake in the back because the shrimp never made it to my plate. Everyone got their drinks except for one person who wanted a beer: I had to go to the bar and ask for it! One of the ten people was not eating she only ordered the same drink I had both times it was messed up at which point she decided to give it back and get nothing. Just over half of the orders were all wrong and had to be taken back. Let's not forget about all of those disgusting bugs INSIDE the restaurant. How is this place still open does an inspector not see this! When I tell you we are never going back I mean it. read more

See all

Don't get me wrong, the food was fantastic, but one of the workers stole my card info and tried to spend my hard earned money on themselves. They didn't get anything, but now I am without my debit card until after the holidays. With my card being locked, I can't travel to family for the holidays. WTF is wrong with people????? I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT read more

My husband and I had dinner here tonight, at first we couldn't find much parking didn't want to park up front because the spaces are to close together and didn't want my car to get dinged. We finally saw more parking on side. The food was great the waitress (Josefina)/host was friendly. Poor thing was the only 1 there doing everything. She did an amazing job. This was the first time we had been there we will definitely be back. read more

SENOR JALAPENO - This is the nacho burrito and the cheesy enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Avon Park, Florida

The food was delicious and served quickly. I ordered the enchiladas rancheras and they were the tastiest I've ever had and I am from California so that is saying a lot. (I understand how up my own toosh that sounded but it's true!) The drinks came out quickly and were delish. I'd definitely choose to dine there again! read more

Went last night for dinner. The food was delicious, authentic. We were worried since we never see cars. You are missing out of this gem of a place. My new favorite place. Service was fast. The ambiance was nice. Music was not blaring. read more

We have ordered from this place three times via DoorDash. When we called because our order was wrong the owner advised us that this is how we do things here in Florida. Not only is there chicken in their burritos this stringy nasty horrible meet if you order cheese enchiladas they send you chicken if you order their chili Verde burrito with Carnitas inside they send it with chicken the mystery meat so my advice is do not order from here do not go here do not eat here there are plenty of other restaurants in town that are amazing this place serves dog food.. read more

Excellent food and service. We come from out of town just to have dinner here, and it's delicious every time!! read more

See all

Waitress was slow with the order. Wife ordered steak fajitas, we got 3x3 tortillas to hot to touch wrapped in foil, no plate to assemble fajitas, steak overcooked with charcoal onion strings that left an acrid smell across the table. So my wife almost wore her food, if she didn't burn her hands on the overheated tortilla that sized for a small child, and fortunately was able to pick out the burnt vegetables. One of our guest sent, the whole plate. The food was obviously reheated warm to touch on the top, nice and cold inside. She was afraid to order or reorder after sending the food back. I had a shrimp chimichanga that was lower end mediocre. The shrimp slightly overcooked with lettuce and tomato no pico degio (sorry spelling is bad) Very Luke warm all the way through not a hot meal. Waitress never inquired about the meal after the one was sent back, never followed up on our drinks. Overall the only thing that appeared freshly cooked was the burnt onion strips (charcoal strips) and burnt peppers probably frozen then put in oil. Then the pre prepped food and kept warm. The chips to dry to be fresh, but warmer than the ambient temp. To have about 3-4 tables active shows the quality of food and service and I will leave it at that. read more

Stopped on our way from Orlando to Naples. Was greatly impressed. The food was good. Our party of 5 had 2 burritos, a quesadilla, three tacos and a Chile rellano. Nothing to complain about. Everything was fresh and prepared quickly. Salsa was delicious and chumps were homemade. If you're in the area stop by! Whatever the green verse sauce is, you must try it! It was so good we bought some to take home! read more

Everything was excellent! Our party of 6 was seated right away. The homemade chips and salsa were super fresh and delicious. Our beer was ice cold. Our waitress was very nice and quick. Our food came out fast. My chicken enchiladas verde was THE best I've ever had, it was made with shredded chicken and homemade corn tortillas, not too spicy. And the rice and beans were So good too. Huge portion and a GREAT price! read more

SENOR JALAPENO - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Avon Park, Florida

See all

Food on time, spent $60, my husband, child and I dislike the food. Not authentic Mexican food.

Went with family last weekend - They got us in quick and took our order quickly too. Chips taste like home made not store bought - this is a huge PLUS! I had the Enchiladas Verdes and they were great. Our server was Eddie and he was extremely attentive and even took care of getting me grilled spring onions (cebollitas) - I could have eaten only that. Keeping this review short as I only had good things to say! Great job great food - will absolutely go back. read more

Visited with my wife at lunch. The chips and salsa were great so we had high expectations for the entrees. They were extremely disappointing. Nothing, beans, rice, ground beef and chicken had no detectable seasoning. They had a very bland taste and we were unable to finish the food. Margaritas were good but at 6.50 they were overpriced. Service was acceptable so service and chips and salsa rated 2 stars. Otherwise I would rate 0 stars. read more

Food is really good but the price is on the high side, and the wait was a little long. The customer service was very good and place is nice inside, very clean stylish! read more

Ok...The salsa was good. ..They really need to hire a Mexican cook...the Fajitas were not even close to what a Fajita should taste like. ..the chicken had zero mex flavor or spices...the rice and beans were the same. ..my wife's Nachos were also lacking any Mexican taste. ..and over priced for the portion. ..and to top off the non mex food they had a guy jamming his brains out at 6 o'clock on his electric guitar during dinner hour...so in order to write this review I was forced to give them 1 star...1st time there and last... read more

This place has the worse service in Sebring. I have given them 5 different chances to improve and have remained disappointed and in fact I walked out on this last visit because of the excessively long wait time to get seated and the wait to get a menu and glass of water. I actually had to open the door to the kitchen and ask if there was someone that could seat us. At the same time another guy was asking where the bartender was because he'd been waiting for 15 minutes at the bar for service. He also walked out. There's too many other places in Sebring or Avon Park that are pleased to provide good service and good food for our money. read more

I was very impressed the first time I came here. This time, however, was a disappointment. The food was smaller than I remember, but I could mistaken on that one. The waitress took forever to get anything we asked for. My husband asked for no lettuce on his burrito and lo and behold, got lettuce. I had to get my own silverware. It was a disaster. Everything was wrong. Needless to say, it was my last time coming here. (I have been waiting 10 minutes for my to go box and check). read more

Apparently you don't go on a Saturday for lunch. There was a sign telling you to wait to be seated, no one was in sight, had to wait for the wait staff to come out of the kitchen. There were 3 tables in the place, 1 finishing up, 1 with food and 1 waiting. Ordered our food and it took over 1/2 hour to cook 2 burgers, really? While the food was good, however the wait staff spent more time in the kitchen chatting than checking on customers. Won't ever go back. read more

Went for comedy night. Our favorite comedian was there so we decided to drive an hour each eay. It was well worth it. The food was delicious and huge portions. The only problem we had was our first server couldn't answer questions about the menu and our second server had trouble understanding us. I would highly recommend this place. It was worth the drive! read more

Got 4 tacos.. Supreme, street, shrimp and fish.. Homemade corn tortillas.. The tacos were lukewarm when I got them and the tortillas fell apart as I ate them.. Good service.. There was a party of 24 ordering when I got there with my party so I will give them the benefit of the doubt and try it again. read more

We have been to Jalapeños now 3 times and the food is awesome. Their seafood bowl is far and away the best seafood in the county! The fresh key west pink shrimp,the abundance of tasty mussels,the half Alaskan crab, the cactus and savior sauce are worth ever penny!We have been greeted by a professional staff who earned their tip with prompt service with a smile and made sure we had anything we needed to make our dining experience more pleasurable. read more

Had a very nice time there with my date. The enchiladas Rojas was very good. My date enjoyed her Burrito Sunora. The service was pretty good and the food didn't take too long to get to the table. The free chips and salsa make it worth stopping and having a beer anytime. I shall return. read more

The worst ever. And the owner was the one playing manager and cook. No proper attire to be in a kitchen cooking and he kept saying he was too busy read more

The molcajete was incredible, and the mariachi band made the evening perfect. Just be sure to share your larger dishes or you will have take home food. read more

We went for lunch on Tuesday to try the $1.00 tacos. We went to the front desk and waited to be seated. The young lady was going through meal tickets and totally ignored us. As if we were invisible. After 5 minutes I said " do we seat ourselves "? It was as if I interrupted her. She said go sit over there at that table. I said could we get the booth over there? And she huffed and puffed and went back to what she was doing. We sat down and sat there for 15 minutes and no one came with a menu, drink order...NOTHING!! Other people seated got waited on, but we were completely ignored. We agreed that we would just leave. I did mention to the young lady that this place has the worst service we have ever seen. We were completely ignore. She looked at me and smiled and went back to what she was doing. I would never go back to this place. read more

I go to this restaurant at least once a week for either lunch or dinner. I especially enjoy the $1.00 Tacos on Tuesday, (dine-in only). The eating area is huge, (tables or booths). They have a nice size bar also. They have TVs set strategically around the restaurant. You are quickly seated and it is no time the waitress/waiter is asking for your drink order. The complimentary chips and salsa, (freshly made) is very delicious. The prices are very reasonable and the quality and the amount of food given is exceptional. All the waitress and waiters are very attentive to your needs. My favorite waiter is Hugo.They occasionally have live Mexican music and on Thursday's they have a live Mariachi band. There seems to be a variety of people the come and enjoy the excellent food and nice clean atmosphere of this restaurant. I feel this is the best Mexican restaurant in Highlands county. I wish them much success. read more