Jalapeños Barkley Village — Restaurant in Bellingham

I started writing this review a couple weeks ago after a in person visit but erased it because I hate giving 1 star reviews. Today I ordered to go for a meeting I had scheduled and that too was a cluster. Both times we had a server by the name of Melinda and I really hope its an employee issue and not a whole restaurant issue because I used to order from here all the time and its going to be a shame to have to take my business elsewhere since my office is right around the corner, but after todays massive ball drop and embarrassing moment where I didn't have food for my catered meeting I dont think I have a choice. In person my service was also terrible. I took my family in for dinner and ordered something I had ordered a few days prior to go but Melinda said it wasnt on their menu and she would order it all ala cart. Well that cost me $26 where I had paid 18 the time before. When asked why the discrepancy she said she didnt know what I was talking about and that they've never had an option like that on the menu. At that point I was so annoyed and my kids didnt want me to push the issues so I didnt but that was only 1 of the issues. We were seated and forgotten about. Other tables were ordering although we were there first. She never re-filled drinks and she cursed dropping the F bomb at the table behind us when kids are everywhere in the restaurant. I know she saw my expression and know I wasn't happy about her. Overall it was a very bad experience. I hope Barkley Jalapenos can get...

Jalapeños in Barkley Village is worth a visit!

I was immediately served warm chips and a mild salsa.

Then I ordered a 🍓 Strawberry Basil Margarita - Crafty, Crisp, & Classy! A small strawberry basil margarita balanced sweet and herbal notes beautifully.

The service was warm, welcoming, and quick. Located in a charming little strip mall, the overall feel is casual.

🌮 Happy Hour Tacos

Each taco, priced at just $2 (during happy hour), delivered bold flavors, fresh ingredients in a very crispy shell...one of the best bargain bites in Bellingham. The tacos held their shape and didn't get soggy.

💵 Great Value

With a few tacos, chips & salsa, and that refreshing margarita, my total tab was just over $19...an absolute steal. As other diners confirm, happy hour makes this place a standout for quality at a fair price .

⭐️ Five-Star Verdict

Food: Delicious, fresh, and generously portioned

Drinks: Crafty margaritas packed with flavor (and spirit!)

Service: Friendly, attentive, and efficient

Ambience: Cozy, unpretentious, and vibrant

Price: Amazing value, especially happy hour

🔍 Did You Know?

Jalapeños Barkley Village is one of four local spots, founded by Jesse Cantu, aiming to recreate Monterrey aromas with fresh ingredients in a festive atmosphere.

It's famed for the “Big Mama” margarita and huge nacho platters—ideal for groups during happy hour . Maybe I'll indulge in one or both of these one day! ...

The food at Jalapenos (all locations) is the definition of mediocre. There is nothing unique or interesting about it. It tastes like the mexican food you can find at 1000 other cheap hole-in-the-wall restaurants (sometimes worse).

The main difference is that Jalapenos charges twice as much as any other similar restaurant for their bland and boring food. $15 for a veggie burrito that could not cost more than $2 to make. $16 for a taco plate that would cost $8 anywhere else. And they even have the gall to charge EXTRA for SALSA!

The ambiance is completely generic. The kitchen (visible through an outside window) is dirty and disorganized. The service is slow but not unfriendly.

The drinks are also completely mediocre and overpriced as well.

I can not think of a worse value for your money in this town.

(I also have a sneaking suspicion that the positive reviews were posted by people affiliated with the...