Los Jalapenos — Restaurant in White House

This restaurant ruined my surprise birthday celebration for my husband.

Let me explain: Upon walking into the establishment, it was clear the volume of activity was too much for management and staff to handle. Thankfully, the majority of the guests were leaving. I'm assuming they had all come in for a large party or to take advantage of some happy hour specials.

Alone, I walk in with a gift bag, and a cake with candles, ready to celebrate my husband's birthday, after he'd had a long, disappointing day at work. I walk passed several people sitting, awaiting their tables, with the assumption their names and parties had already been accounted for, to the host stand. A gentleman, who I assumed to be the manager by his manner of dress, walked hurriedly from the dining area to the host stand several times before asking how many were in my party. I was interrupted gracefully by a couple who had previously been waiting to inform the host that another group had already been waiting ahead of me. It was obvious at this point that none of them had been helped. I stepped aside so that each of their parties could be assisted, before it was finally my turn.

I asked the host to assist with our celebration by holding the cake in the kitchen, which is not uncustomary. He seemed taken aback by the request but granted it, which I was thankful for. I was then escorted to my table to await three additional guests.

I waited 15 min. for the rest of my party to arrive, and although a very kind woman offered me chips, no server came to offer drinks. Thankfully, shortly after the rest of my party arrived, we ordered drinks. Now that I had company, and we were celebrating, I was in no hurry so the wait for the beverages didn't bother me, though one of the kids asked how long it takes to pour a soft drink.

The rest of our meal continued with mild wait time, which I could overlook. My gracious husband overlooked that his chimichanga had been overcooked, because he's never been one to make a fuss. By the end of our meal, I had asked for the cake, and the server did not know what I was talking about. After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, he returned with the cake, though no candles were lit. The server then proceeded to search for a lighter, which seemed like an additional 10 min. I finally went out to my vehicle and procured a lighter so that we could continue. After lighting the cake, I asked the server to bring plates to eat the cake on (which I would have assumed he would think of when bringing the cake to our table). No plates came, as we sat there waiting to continue our celebration.

After my husband had opened his cards and presents, and there were still no plates, I packed up everything and left the establishment.

I was very clearly upset as I had packed everything up and went straight to the front desk to pay, without my check, in spite of the signs asking others to pay at the table. My server checked us out and made no offer to resolve the disappointment.

In addition to the poor management and service, my husband ended up being sick that evening, and called out of work today (the day following).

Several things here: 1 There should always be a host to take names before people are asked to wait. 2 The host/manager should always be welcoming to their guests. 3 A guest should be greeted at their table within 5 min. of being seated. 4 A lighter should be as much a part of service staffs' uniform as a pen. 5 An establishment should make it a priority to see that a celebration is seamless.

I felt humiliated, I was upset, and I felt that our celebration was undermined by the staff. Of all the types of places, a restaurant, a business of hospitality, should understand the meaning of a celebration and respect that, even on a Tuesday night.

I wanted to leave this review so that the staff understand that the service was below acceptable. Although I left a greater than 20% tip, the tip should not be correlated with my satisfaction of the service provided. My husband and I both agreed that we...

I have visited this place with my mom twice - once before COVID-19 and once just after reopening - and both times were inferior to my experiences at Los Agaves. And I hear that they have the same owner, but whatever. At Los Jalapenos, the ad-supported Sirius Radio music is too loud, some kid is always throwing something, and the dishes come out looking like they've been sloshed around. This disappointing situation doesn't jive with the gorgeous building and decor, but it turns out that I like the rundown dive vibe better anyway.

After Phase 1 reopening last week, the staff started wearing masks. BELOW THE NOSE. Why bother? It's not compliant OR effective, so you may as well not give your patrons the impression of safety. They also seated a party of 8 right in the middle of the floor, so as soon as one server and one foodrunner approaches the table, you're out of compliance. Again, no point in the false sense of security.

The food is not bad here, but it's just not great. I much prefer Los Agaves by Walmart and will limit my Mexican dining in White House to that location once...

I eat in a lot with friends and family. But on occasion I will get my order to go after work. I was puzzled to see they actually charge for a “To go fee”. I think this is kinda ridiculous when I end up spending on myself at least $13.00 or more on my to go order plus I had been tipping. I don’t understand the point of this unless they are wanting a extra dollar. I also have tipped on my way out. Just to be courteous. If you stop and think of how many people get to go orders. People probably do not pay attention. I didn’t for a long time. They are probably making more than enough on that alone. I get carry out a lot and I have never been charged a “to go fee”. Disappointed me very much, because I have supported them when they were in the Kroger parking lot years ago. I love the staff and the food. I don’t agree...