Jalapeños Mexican Food — Restaurant in Nanaimo

Poor Service. Poor Food Quality 2 Visits back to back days while studying at VIU.

The restaurant was not busy less than 10 ppl when I arrived for my lunch meal. I ordered the taco trio with beans and rice on the side. 20 mins to table and I notice my food was burnt let's see what happens next... No check-in from the wait staff to advise that I would need a knife for my rice and beans and possibly a better beverage and to let them know my food being burnt was a little concerning. The rice was very dry little moisture to my liking both days. My waitress service was non-existent after the meal was served. 50 minutes I sat, my waitress never returned after the initial order was placed down. I was polite, not trying to be a jerk about things when I explained my concerns. I don't even think they apologized Rather they try to explain that they don't provide a knife when issuing tacos. however, my platter included side items that a knife would be very useful for. When I raised the point that my food was burnt, it took convincing the waitress based on her puzzled facial expression when I'm showing what's on my plate so, I had to smear with my coffee spoon, the burnt, bitter, greased guck glob that was smothered in with my beef Taco just to show that this was not seasoning or any common ingredient that would be expected in the meal paid for. Clean the grill and not into the meal chef. I'm not a fussy eater in that way people, I promise and I wish I took a picture so I could post it. Trust me it wasn't a fun experience. No discount on my bill.... and like I said, I don't even recall an apology so I'll never go back there. Jalapenos management, enjoy your $55 for my two meals on these last two days. I do enjoy Mexican cuisine but I'll be skipping this location going forward forever. I honestly tried and wanted to have a good experience 2x's in good faith but Jalapenos won't get a 3rd chance for me to feel the sting of restaurant...

I’ve heard nothing but great things from friends, coworkers, and strangers, about Jalapeños.

First visit: Three of us dropped in for dinner. Service was great, people were friendly, food came in good time. I ordered the Fajitas and they were excellent. Good quality of food (leftovers were enjoyed the next day). Tasty, hot, lots of flavour, as expected. Another of my party ordered the Mole platter and also enjoyed it. The third person in our party ordered two dishes, a beef burrito (was going to take it home) and the enchiladas rancheras. The enchiladas were very good but not their preference so they tied into the burrito. They said that it was very bland and did not want it. I dismissed the opinion and suggested we pack it and take it home as I would have it. Later I tried it and was surprised… it was as if someone forgot to season the beef… seriously it tasted like nothing but plain hamburger. (I added salsa and enjoyed it anyway)

This is the only reason I am giving a food rating of 4/5, and I’m reserving final judgment for the next time I go… which I definitely will be doing.

The bottom line: for us 3 out of 4 dishes where great and will be ordered again. I will not let the, likely, one-off lacklustre burrito experience stop me from going and ordering again, and I recommend you don’t let it dissuade you either. There is too many good things to enjoy not to try Jalapeños out!

(I’ll update this review when I’ve tried the burrito again)

Second visit: dropped in for lunch with a coworker. I had the Jalapeño burger and they had the chicken quesadillas Jalapeños. The burger was awesome. Great flavour, “home made” thick patty, and a good amount of toppings. I’ll be ordering this again and I recommend you order it also. My coworker enjoyed the quesadillas and in fact went back to Jalapeños for supper… that right there is a good...

I can't speak for the full menu, but what I ordered was worse than hospital food.. Second time trying Jalapenos. Ordered three bottles of pop, a chicken and a steak Tortas, as well as two beef tacos. None of the food I ordered was as it was advertised..

The Tortas said it comes with beans, salad and sour cream. I noticed the beans and a little sour cream on the sandwich, but When I asked the restaurant about the salad it comes with, they told me the salad is actually the shredded iceberg lettuce on the bun.. The chicken was pastey and tasted like it came out of a can. These Tortas sandwiches are about the size of a taco, cost $7.00 each, and mislead you to thinking you're getting a salad with the order.

The beef tacos had no cilantro in them. The beef was not like any ground beef I've ever seen.. it was more like a beef paté, and smelled off. Not appetizing whatsoever.

Needless to say, I didn't eat any of my order after my sister tried her chicken Tortas, nor did I feed my son who was going to eat a beef taco. Like I said, I can't speak for the rest of the menu, but these items are supposed to be the staples of Mexican cuisine. This cost me about $34 before tip and it was a huge waste of money.

10/10 would...