Are you obsessed with finding authentic Mexican food? A place to bring both your family and your friends for a special celebration or just a simple get-together? Then look no further then El Jalapeos, a Mexican restaurant on the Lakewood and Cleveland border known for using only the freshest ingredients - the only things frozen at El Jalapeos are the margaritas!
We pride ourselves on our excellent Mexican food, large portions and fast service. We make your food only when you order it; if there's something you want that you don't see on the menu, just ask. We have many fish and vegetarian dishes that we are sure you would enjoy, so please stop in!
We pride ourselves on our excellent Mexican food, large portions and fast service. We make your food only when you order it; if there's something you want that you don't see on the menu, just ask. We have many fish and vegetarian dishes that we are sure you would enjoy, so please stop in!
Services
Diversity - that's what drew us to the Lakewood area. There's a good mix of young families and single urbanites who take pride in being involved in their community and knowing their neighbors. A love and knowledge of Mexican food, and a wealth of restaurant experience. That's what we wanted to share with this community known for its rich mixture of shopping, entertainment and hometown friend- liness.
El Jalapeos accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Diners Club International credit cards, and, of course, cash. Do you want to share authentic Mexican food with friends in your home or colleagues at your workplace? Our takeout menu features all the traditional Mexican dishes. Call ahead or stop by to place an order.
No matter which appetizer or entre you choose, one thing is certain - you will be eating authentic, freshly-made Mexican food. And everything on the menu is available for takeout, too. Download our takeout menu (3.4 MB). Prepared daily with fresh avocados, onion, cilantro, tomatoes, serrano peppers and fresh lime juice.
Over the years, we've found that some of our customers have acquired a favorite entre, which they order every time they come to our Mexican restaurant; others are more adventurous. For that reason, we encourage you to tempt your tastebuds with our daily specials. Bring your friends and family to El Jalapeos Authentic Mexican Restaurant on a different day each week; we know that you'll walk away satisfied.
Margaritas and chips - the perfect way to start your dinner, or relax at our bar with your friends. We're the aficionados of margaritas - no watered-down versions here! Our menu lists the traditional, Texana, and strawberry margaritas, along with some you may not have had before. We use only the finest sour mix and a wide range of tequilas, so let us serve you the margarita that you truly desire.
Reviews (25)
Luke Alan
Feb 02, 2022
Report
Had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. We were a party of six and were seated right away. Service was on point. Food was excellent. My only ding to this establishment is they were out of Patron. One of our guests decided on another brand. I was surprised how busy they were at 6pm on a Tuesday. We'll definitely be back!
Alexandra Thomas
Jan 23, 2022
Report
Your first time visiting this place will never be your last! They offer amazing margaritas, fried ice-cream and tasty entrees. The best part of this great place is definitely the staff. I have been going here for years and not once have I ever been disappointed in service. They will treat you like family. They go above and beyond to make sure your experience is great!!
Paula M.
Jan 05, 2022
Report
Erik Zarins
Dec 19, 2021
Report
Marisa Vesel
Dec 18, 2021
Report
Food was fine, service was bad. We went on Sunday and after our waitress took our food order, she never came back. Our food was brought out by the kitchen staff and our waitress never came to check that our orders were correct (luckily, they were!), refill drinks or chips, ask if we needed anything, etc. We would have ordered more margaritas, but never had the opportunity. We all ran out of water. I'm disappointed with the experience and would not go back. The food was good, but on par with other Mexican restaurants in the area.
Deb S.
Dec 05, 2021
Report
Rob Sladky
Nov 19, 2021
Report
Kelly Johnson
Oct 29, 2021
Report
!!!!ROACHES!!!!!
I’m really saddened to have to write this review because I’ve been to El Jalepeno several times now and always enjoyed their food. Last night was the first time I ordered their food for delivery. I was really craving their Sopa De Mariscos (seafood soup) so I ordered 2- one for dinner and one I could have at work the next day (today). It was well packaged- each soup container came with a second container filled with rice, onions, cilantro and limes. The 2nd helping of soup and rice I left completely unopened until just a while ago I removed to lid and put the rice in a bowl
I’m really saddened to have to write this review because I’ve been to El Jalepeno several times now and always enjoyed their food. Last night was the first time I ordered their food for delivery. I was really craving their Sopa De Mariscos (seafood soup) so I ordered 2- one for dinner and one I could have at work the next day (today). It was well packaged- each soup container came with a second container filled with rice, onions, cilantro and limes. The 2nd helping of soup and rice I left completely unopened until just a while ago I removed to lid and put the rice in a bowl
Gabe Tovar
Oct 27, 2021
Report
Carolyn Lofton
Sep 24, 2021
Report
Tim G.
Sep 03, 2021
Report
Brian Hunte
Aug 25, 2021
Report
Lauren K.
Aug 24, 2021
Report
El Jalapeños has the fastest service! I've been here a handful of times over the years and its consistent every single time. You can't miss the orange exterior on West 117th! When you're craving good Mexican food, El Jalapeños is a solid option to get your fix for all things delicious.
You know a menu is big when the entrees have numbers assigned to them. Seriously, peep that takeout menu online. It's literally gigantic! On my last trip pre-pandemic, I ordered the Flautas, which is four fried flautas: two shredded beef, two chicken, and served with lettuce, guacamole, sour
You know a menu is big when the entrees have numbers assigned to them. Seriously, peep that takeout menu online. It's literally gigantic! On my last trip pre-pandemic, I ordered the Flautas, which is four fried flautas: two shredded beef, two chicken, and served with lettuce, guacamole, sour
Dillina
Aug 22, 2021
Report
Tracy H.
Mar 05, 2021
Report
Trying to decide what we wanted to eat we decided to go to El jalapenos on West 117th walking in the atmosphere was very nice and pleasant the service could have been better the food could have been much much better I ordered the number 15 which was a taco salad and it was watery at the bottom the lettuce and everything on top was fresh but once you got to the bottom it was very loose that's for the first star the second star comes from paying for my food that the waiter took my card and went behind me to go cash me out I heard them tapping on the keys and then they stopped so knowing that
Henry H.
Dec 04, 2020
Report
Tammy C.
Aug 18, 2020
Report
Been coming here for years. The past few times have been terrible. Food has really went down hill. And the customer service is absolutely the worst that I have encountered in my many years of dining out. I will never be back here and I will advise everyone to go elsewhere. Where the service is good and not rude.
Alyssa R.
Aug 05, 2020
Report
This is a really solid spot for Mexican food. It has a really big menu, and everything we ordered tasted really good. Serving sizes are huge so you'll have plenty to take home as leftovers. I thought the service was pretty good. One person in our group got their order mixed up, and our waitress was very quick to correct the issue. The service was also pretty quick. There was hardly any wait for our drinks and our food. The restrooms could have been maintained a bit better, but they weren't dirty. I would definitely come back here again.
Ricky K.
Feb 07, 2020
Report
After living over 4 years in Lakewood, I'm ashamed that I didn't make it to El Jalapeños sooner! When you walk in, it really seems like a standard traditional Mexican restaurant. It is a deceptively large restaurant, and there's a decent separation between the bar and the dining room
We were sat quickly, and the waitress was very attentive and fast. We waiting maybe 10-15 minutes for our food. My typical qualm with Mexican restaurants is that the food can be very bland (especially at chains). However, this is where El Jalapeños sets themselves apart. Every piece of meat, vegetable
We were sat quickly, and the waitress was very attentive and fast. We waiting maybe 10-15 minutes for our food. My typical qualm with Mexican restaurants is that the food can be very bland (especially at chains). However, this is where El Jalapeños sets themselves apart. Every piece of meat, vegetable
Melissa J.
Dec 29, 2019
Report
YUM! What's not to love about El Jalapeños?? The location is ideal, right off 117th in Lakewood, so it's easy to get to.
This family run restaurant is wonderful. The staff are friendly, attention to detail is always on point and the food is amazing. I love the salsa, great amount of heat and it's not too chunky.
Today we opted for lunch, the portions are still huge but at a price perfect for midday. I had the huevos rancheros and the eggs were perfect, three yolks that were just runny enough for the fresh tortillas that are always in abundance and hot. My
Mother ordered
This family run restaurant is wonderful. The staff are friendly, attention to detail is always on point and the food is amazing. I love the salsa, great amount of heat and it's not too chunky.
Today we opted for lunch, the portions are still huge but at a price perfect for midday. I had the huevos rancheros and the eggs were perfect, three yolks that were just runny enough for the fresh tortillas that are always in abundance and hot. My
Mother ordered
Jennifer D.
Nov 10, 2019
Report
This is so not good. We got carry out from here today decided to deviate from our favorite Mexican restaurants locally. We read recent reviews on Yelp and Google and saw that someone had posted a review with a roach in her food. Make mine the second time to find bugs in the food. So grossed out!. We called the restaurant and am waiting for the owner to call us back to refund our money. Shame on them.
Nick R.
Apr 02, 2019
Report
The service here has been slipping a little bit. It's been an enjoyable experience for the last 10 years, generally a super reliable and decent Mexican restaurant in Lakewood. The original waiters and staff know what service is supposed to look like. They got the whole family living in the restaurant now.
I have had experiences inside and outside the restaurant that were not exactly comforting.
People bordering on loitering in the restaurant. It's disappointing because the family seems so decent and honest, but too much has changed and not for the best.
The service,
I have had experiences inside and outside the restaurant that were not exactly comforting.
People bordering on loitering in the restaurant. It's disappointing because the family seems so decent and honest, but too much has changed and not for the best.
The service,
Wais Z.
Mar 13, 2019
Report
I was in Cleveland visiting from Los Angeles. Was in the mood for Mexican food & I stumbled upon El Jalapeno's. After looking at pictures & reviews, I decided to try it. This is the BEST Mexican food I've ever had & this is coming from someone from L.A. Chicken is tender & flavorful. Steak is seasoned perfectly. Shrimp is wow. I can go on & on. But, if you're ever in Cleveland, definitely try this place out.
Danielle S.
Jun 11, 2018
Report
El Jalapeños is 'all-up-en-yo' face with its deliciousness... and if you missed that amazing pun, it's possible that the tastiness of El Jalapeños' eatery might be lost on you as well... and that my friends, would be a shame.
The ambiance was a super authentic Mexican vibe with fun lights, great decor and robust colors. The air was filled with the sweet sweet smell of steaming meats and veggies, ayyyeeee - sizzling fajitas!
The first thing (naturally) that caught my eye as I entered was the Specials board where a 42 oz. Margarita was proudly displayed. $11.99 you say? Was
The ambiance was a super authentic Mexican vibe with fun lights, great decor and robust colors. The air was filled with the sweet sweet smell of steaming meats and veggies, ayyyeeee - sizzling fajitas!
The first thing (naturally) that caught my eye as I entered was the Specials board where a 42 oz. Margarita was proudly displayed. $11.99 you say? Was
Steven B.
Jan 08, 2018
Report
Stopped in at El Jalapenos for lunch on a whim, since I have driven by it so many times; I am so happy I did. Located in a standalone building, brightly painted, you enter on the side from the parking lot. The inside is old school knotty pine with plenty of Mexican accents which results in a warm comfortable atmosphere with a welcoming feel. Warm fresh chips and a zippy salsa hit the table quickly and are very well done.
The menu is extensive, mainly classic Mexican dishes. I went for the Chili Relleno lunch with beans and rice. The dish came out in about 5 minutes on a colorful plate.
The menu is extensive, mainly classic Mexican dishes. I went for the Chili Relleno lunch with beans and rice. The dish came out in about 5 minutes on a colorful plate.
