Don’t let the strip-mall facade in the Forest Plaza (On Forest just off Riva Road) fool you; had AAA not given it 3 diamonds, we would have passed it by for one of the many chain representatives in the area… Chili’s, Ruby Tuesday’s and TGI Friday’s, to name a few, none of which could compare to Jalopeno’s.
I advise reservations for one does not want to be offered the table in the bar area at the entrance; the restaurant is extremely busy, and as a consequence, somewhat noisy, but you’ll enjoy the décor – all a bit faux, but very pleasant – arches, columns, murals, soft colours and a fireplace separating the two eating areas. You’ll also enjoy the friendly, efficient service and the number of customers ordering in Spanish indicates that this is no Tex-Mex chain.
The menu is extensive with over 30 tapas selections, some soups and a couple of salads. It would be possible (and fun) to eat well by ordering only from the tapas menu, but the other side of the menu, featuring over 20 entrees as well as fajitas and enchiladas, demands attention. The entrees feature chicken, pork and lamb, but lean most heavily toward seafood.
After our shared chile con queso (I know, not really very adventurous), my wife chose cazuela de camarones y vieras, shrimp and sea scallops in a lobster champagne cream sauce. As usual, I went for the entrecote… a New York cut with jumbo shrimp and a wonderful cream sauce. With drinks, it came to an extremely reasonable $67.00 plus tip. To put it in a nutshell, it all made for an extremely pleasant dining experience. Jalopeno’s is really worth your consideration.