Tacos Jalisco Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria — Restaurant in Asheville

I'm sad to give it 4 stars instead of 5, because this is literally the best Mexican food in Asheville and everybody should know it. But I have to say something. My clothes were clean when I wore them to dinner there last night, I had just put them on. All we did was eat there, then go home, and I immediately took them off. Now that I'm throwing them back on today, I'm disgusted by how strongly I can still smell their cleaning chemicals. The food is so good that I've eaten there twice within the last 10 days, but every time I walk in I almost have to leave immediately because the strength of the chemicals that they're using to clean the place. It is a major issue. But after pounding my first Margarita, and getting some sizzling hot fajitas to the table, I can no longer smell it to such a degree, and I can finally relax and just enjoy the food. But before that, when you're waiting for the server to come say high, when you're waiting for your drink to come, when you're waiting for your appetizers or entrees to arrive, it is absolutely brutal. And I'm not exaggerating. Even people who don't mind chemical smells would probably have a very difficult time with this. And I've never been to a restaurant that is like this. As the entire floor is a continuous surface of ceramic tile, my sneaking suspicion is that it is actually the mop solution that they use shortly before opening. Because the scent is potent throughout the restaurant, and even stronger in the bathroom, a closed space with less foot traffic, I think this theory has merit. But seriously, this is a place where people come to eat, I don't care what you're cleaning or why, I shouldn't have to smell chemicals. You're just shooting yourself in the foot and about to lose someone really really really wants to be a frequent and loyal customer. Honestly it's bad enough that I should be giving just a one-star review, but their food is too good for me too do that. Oh, and did I mention the portions? Excellent. You're definitely getting your money's worth. They just really need to figure out how to clean the place without drenching their customers...

This establishment may have the best authentic Mexican food in the area. I enjoy Mexican food often, but being my first time here i was quickly pleased to have found it. Chips and salsa were original and in house made. Salsa had an unique flavor that is lacking at most places. The menu was descriptive and had all the favorites, some dishes not seen often, kids menu, and included drinks. My margarita was strong enough I wasn't wanting another, but got another because it was so good. The atmosphere was inviting and had living decor, I sat near a beautiful healthy aloe vera cactus. Tables weren't crammed into the room leaving plenty of room for others. My waitress was awesome, was quick to ask our drink order, brought them then asked if we were ready to order. After a learning I was a Tacos Jalisco first timer she gave me plenty of time. I can see how one would have a favorite dish and know their order right away. Not only is she friendly, she has a beautiful smile which I'm sure brings joy to those around her. The food was hot and made to order, no reheating or thawing, house made tortillas came wrapped in foil. Green and red salsa brought to the table. Sizzling steak fajitas, enchiladas with that good enchilada sauce. No rush, sweet tea refills before my date knew she needed one, same with my water. I was expecting the bill to be higher as places around here are, but it was quite reasonable even with my 2 margaritas. I paid what I was expecting anyway. It's nice when the staff gets that extra instead of the...

I've loved El Paraiso (2 minutes away) so much that I've almost always refused to even try Tacos Jalisco. I figured why bother, but finally my curiosity peaked. My partner & I tried this place on a seemingly busy Sunday night. The crowd seemed like a good sign - I was excited to be wowed. The chips, salsa, & queso were underwhelming but I still held out some hope. We both ordered our go to - fajitas. We waited for quite some time and then they brought out the hot plates. Our server assured us that the rice, beans, & veggies were coming. 5 minutes later they did. Then she apologized that there still weren't any tortillas ready but it would only be a few more minutes. 6 minutes later the tortillas finally show up but everything else was cold by now. All of the food was mediocre at best and i've never had a restaurant mess up their timing that badly.

I'll stick to El Paraiso on Haywood. Lower prices, better food, and bigger...