Linda O.
Yelp
I stumbled upon Jalapeño (restaurant) when texting my neighbor about delicious birria that I had tried at my friend's house (shout out to Cassie, you know where it's at). In response, my neighbor sent me pictures of a local birria spot here in Santa Rosa. These pictures of birria and agua fresca had my tummy rumbling and my mouth salivating. "When can we go??" I asked. My neighbor responded: "today can be my cheat day" (she's a flexible vegetarian so she was sacrificing her vegetarianism for birria...it's that good). Seconds later, we drove to Jalapeño (restaurant) and the rest was history....
Warning: this next part will have your mouth watering so unless you have Jalapeño (restaurant's) birria right in front of you...be prepared for sensory overload.
I went to Jalapeño with a crew. Each of us had a different plate. Overall, we give Jalapeño (restaurant) a 5/5 and here is why:
Pros: birria hit the spot, HUARACHE is FIRE, quesabirria is a cheesy heaven, aguas frescas are revitalizing, and staff are super cool.
Cons: Jalapeño is amazing but they need to write separate addresses on their yelp page (for their taco truck and restaurant). The address is confusing to customers and can cause a customer to drive to the taco truck location (aka me). I found Jalapeño because my friends drove with me and my neighbor had gone before so she was able to find the location off of memory.
During our food sesh, I had each of my friends talk about their experience and this is what they each shared:
Lis got the Huarache and reported:
"Great portion, great taste."
Lis' comment made me wanting to know more so...days later, I went back to Jalapeño (by myself...No shame in that) and bought the Huarache (for the meat, I chose a combo of al pastor and carne asada) and found it to be a euphoric experience. Furthermore, their huarache is my FAVORITE thing on their menu! If you go here, you HAVE TO try this! More on this dish later...
Dan got the quesobirria and said this:
"It was amazing!! Tasted like a cheesy heaven and I thought it was well seasoned and really yummy. The only one I've had but the BEST!"
Dan also got the Quesobirria taco and this is what he shared:
"It was a perfect combo between cheese, meat, and toppings that paired really well with their red sauce."
Mel got a quesotaco as well and shared this:
"I've tried all their food here but I felt like this one is the most balanced one for me. The seasoning is flavorful and just makes me want to TAKE MY TIME.
Finally, I got a gordita and taco and this is what I thought:
Both were deli and super cheesy and rich but my absolute FAVORITE was the huarache. My friends got the huarache with al pastor and carne asada mixed together and holy moly that was FIRE!!!
I went back yesterday just for the huarache and it hit the spot! That with their TASTY and REFRESHING cucumber/lime Agua Fresca (which I finished before eating) made me way too happy. It has onion, cilantro, cream, seasoning, red sauce, and a fried tortilla that is perfectly flavorful and makes you wanting more. Each bite is an experience. Also, the drinks here are the best drinks i've every had! Be sure to try their cucumber/lime Agua Fresca. You won't regret it! Additionally, for milk lovers out there..they have a strawberry horchata drink that Dan said was yummy!
I am definitely coming here several more times until I tire myself out (although that may be impossible)....If you haven't tried this spot, you are truly missing out. This is authentic Mexican food at it's yummiest. Go support a Latinx owned local business that has caring, kind, and hard working staff who know exactly what they are doing.
Saludos,
-Linda