The Jalapeno Tree — Restaurant in Mount Pleasant

My husband and I went here tonight and we’re somewhat disappointed. We were disappointed as a hole in the flavor of the food, but our waiter, Zee, was fabulous! He had several tables and was so…. busy, but he kept such a pleasant attitude and tried to service us with a smile. Outside of that, the food seemed average at best. I did enjoy the green sauce, which I think is an avocado salsa, and that is what I enjoyed the most. The chips were fresh and so that was a definite plus. I had the shrimp enchiladas with tequila sauce and I’m so glad I only got one. To me, it was lukewarm at its best, and when you have cream sauce and a flour tortilla, lukewarm does not represent it well. I had the cheese enchiladas and it was truly warm, however, it was tasted average, but I did like it better than the shrimp enchilada. I did not like the tequila sauce on the shrimp enchilada, but did enjoy the grilled shrimp that was on top of it. My rice was so so, nothing spectacular or homemade tasting about it, and the black beans were OK. I love homemade tortillas and they did have some, but I think I like homemade corn tortillas the best and I’m not sure I can really give these a fair or great rating. I also ordered a piña colada, some thing I may do once or twice a year, and I sent it back. There really wasn’t a lot of flavor to it at all, and I was highly disappointed about that. My husband had a Combination plate with tamales, beef, cheese enchiladas and a chicken enchilada with rice with beans. He said he would give it a three and he thought the filling of the enchiladas were minimal and tasted very average.

Outside of our waiter, Zee, our dining experience wasn’t too exciting. We had traveled almost 2 hours to come to Mount Pleasant and I was disappointed with the restaurant we chose. We did go to a Jalapeño Tree restaurant that wasn’t too far from Joaquin, Texas about 2 1/2 months ago and we...

Spending much of my life in regions where authentic Mexican food is readily available, I realize that not everyone shares the same perspective on what constitutes good Mexican food. I would classify this restaurant as one that aspires to be a “Mexican Restaurant” (quotes intended), but without sourcing traditional ingredients or training chefs in authentic Mexican cuisine. Chili heat is a cornerstone of Mexican dishes and salsas—not just for spiciness, but for the depth and complexity of flavor it adds. The absence of any heat in the salsa (or any of the dishes our group tried) diminished the authenticity and flavor balance. (I asked for a side of sliced jalapeños, which helped.)

With the exception of the excellent thin, crispy tortilla chips, we didn’t sense anything Mexican about the meal. Worse than the sub-par seasoning was the untraditional (almost laughable) construction of my enchilada. My first bite consisted only of uncooked flour tortilla with no filling. Curious, I unrolled it to find a scant tablespoon of unmelted cheese (Monterey Jack, I think) piled in the center. If ever I should have taken a photo of my meal, it was this—almost unbelievable. Picture a flour tortilla with about a tablespoon of unmelted cheese in the center. That’s it. And that is not an enchilada.

I sent it back and ordered the chicken fajita bowl, which was a bowl of rice topped with chopped chicken and a good amount of melted cheese. While it was satiating, there was nothing about it that resembled fajitas. Unsurprisingly, it lacked flavor. Our server was very attentive, although he couldn’t answer when I asked if the construction of the enchilada was standard at the Jalapeño Tree.

There are many positive reviews for this chain, and if folks enjoy the food, that’s great for them. However, I would not classify this...

Wow! This place is busy during the evenings! For an area like Mt. Pleasant that is. People, I know you may not have to wait at many places in the area but when your a hot new spot this is going to happen. If you are impatient or very hungry and see the parking lot full...do not stop to eat there! There are still other places that would love your business in the area. I have waited hours to get into trendy places in the Dallas area. This wait is not bad. My experience was very satisfactory. I can see how someone could get offended by some of the wait staff. Our server was very curt and matter of fact. I don't think she intended to be offensive or rude. Some people just aren't taught the customer is always right and they should be overly polite these days. They want to be their normal self and don't want to be phony. Or they are overworked and having a not so great day. We have all been there. As long as your service is met, don't take it out too hard on the server. The food is above exceptional for Tex-Mex restaurants. All food is made to order! Not microwaved or sitting under a heat lamp. Other than such bulk staples as refried beans and rice, all food is made when you order it. At some chain restaurants I have been to, items are frozen and pre-prepared and there is no telling how long it has been reheated. The food is delicious. The service is adequate. The ambiance is a little over the top for me but interesting. I would definitely recommend this place for good Texican food in the area. If you don't like to wait at all, make sure the parking lot is oly halfway full. Be overly kind and polite to your servers and I guarantee this will rub off on both them and you. This should help your visit to be as pleasant an...