Jalapeno — Restaurant in Bali

A Hidden Gem in Canggu – Unforgettable Tacos, Margaritas, and Service!

While wandering through Canggu, I stumbled upon Jalapeño Taqueria Tequila Bar, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this accidental discovery. From the moment I stepped in, the restaurant’s modern yet inviting ambiance set the tone for a fantastic experience. The sleek decor, warm lighting, and lively atmosphere make it the kind of place where you instantly feel at home. Whether you're looking for a casual bite, a refreshing drink, or just a great vibe, this place delivers on all fronts.

I ordered the steak tacos, and they were nothing short of perfection—tender, flavorful, and wrapped in soft tortillas that melted in my mouth. Alongside them, I got a side of beans and rice, which added the perfect touch to an already incredible meal. And the best part? The prices are ridiculously affordable for the quality of food you’re getting. I left fully satisfied, but not overly stuffed, which was perfect because I still had more of Canggu to explore.

To make things even better, I happened to arrive during happy hour (4 PM - 8 PM daily)—and as a tequila lover, I couldn’t have timed it better! I ordered two margaritas, and they were absolutely phenomenal—perfectly balanced, refreshing, and made with just the right amount of kick. At half-price, they were an absolute steal. If you're a fan of margaritas (or just good drinks in general), this is hands down the best spot to enjoy them in Canggu.

But what truly made my experience unforgettable was the service, and that’s all thanks to Mira. She was an absolute sweetheart—so kind, so attentive, and genuinely one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. From the moment she greeted me, she radiated warmth and positivity, making me feel like a longtime friend rather than just another customer. She was so attentive without ever being overbearing, always appearing at just the right moment to make sure I had everything I needed. What stood out the most was how genuinely happy she seemed to be there, always smiling, always cheerful, and making sure every guest felt welcome. It’s rare to come across someone who truly loves what they do, and Mira’s kindness and dedication to making people feel special set her apart. She turned an already great meal into an experience I’ll never forget.

If you're in Canggu, Jalapeño Taqueria Tequila Bar is a non-negotiable must-visit. The food is exceptional, the margaritas are unbeatable, and the service—especially from Mira—is the kind that makes you want to come back again and again. This place is the definition of a hidden gem, and I can’t recommend it enough! 10/10, an...

Uuffff... Not good.

The fried jalapeno starter was a mess. The batter was bland and the accompanying sauce was entirely forgettable. The wilted cilantro and pale, pickled red onion garnish was already a dead giveaway that it wasn't going to be amazing.

Carne asada taco: Completely one dimensional, and i struggled to pick up a hint of significant flavor (no garlic, no cilantro). It tasted slightly spicy, and a little salty, was drowning in avocado mush, and then it just ended there.

I don't understand how one can put out food like this when most people know how high the bar has been set by other restaurants in the area.

Also tried the bonemarrow pulled beef birria. Underseasoned. Birria was cold, marrow was warm. Also an unremarkable dish that lacked any real depth of flavor. Not much else to add here.

Fortunately it wasn't all bad! Our server was absolutely lovely and attentive. Though the other staff seemed mostly unbothered and smelled distinctly of sweat (which I can understand, as it's a purely outdoor venue and the floor staff have to do a lot of running around), but you could really smell it as they walked past.

Food-wise, the saving grace was the pescado adobado, which was cooked perfectly and had a lovely, smoky adobo pepper crust, and fried herbs to enhance the dish further. If you absolutely must eat here (wouldn't recommend it), then this is the menu item to get.

By all accounts this restaurant has been quite successful in Sanur. But based on my recent experience at their Berawa outlet, that success likely comes down to the fact that it's not particularly difficult to do well as a Mexican restaurant when there's essentially zero competition on that side of town.

If you're still reading this, and you want a proper Tex-Mex culinary experience in the Berawa/Umalas area, do yourself a favor and try...

I tried three different vegan tacos here—the mushroom barbacoa, eggplant, and jackfruit carnitas. They were all quite good, though the mushroom barbacoa was my favorite. It had an authentic barbacoa flavor and the mushrooms were prepared just right.

As a Southern Californian whose spent a fair amount of time in Texas, I was pretty impressed with these tacos. I’m actually not even vegan, but just enjoy plant-based foods a lot. I can attest that these were all solid tacos! The salsas were quite nice as well. I especially liked the green and negra salsas.

The aesthetic is worth commenting on as well—the menus are beautiful, simple, and not overwhelming. The seating is comfortable and the atmosphere is nice and open. Everything has a chic, modern vibe that’s at once simple and elevated. The bathrooms are worth a nod as well!

If you can’t tell, I really enjoyed Jalapeño in Canggu. Definitely recommend it as a legitimate Mexican/Tex-Amex restaurant in the southern beach...