Vibe

Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill overcomes a slightly out of the way location in a retail arcade with lots of colourful mementos of the Mexican owners’ Central American homeland. We especially like the authentic “Lucha Libre” (Mexican wrestling) masks. All purchased on eBay, and all autographed with the spidery scrawls of actual Mexican wrestlers.


Service

Friendly and delivered with an authentic Mexico City accent. Food is served in dinky plastic baskets - maybe not for everyone, but exactly how burritos and tacos are dished up in bustling Mexican taquerias in San Francisco and Los Angeles.


Drinks List

Limited to soft drinks and bottled water at the moment, but a liquor license is impending. Look forward to tequila shots and lots of chilled Mexican beers to go with the spicy tacos ($7.50) and burritos ($13.90).


Highlights

You’re not in Old (or New) El Paso now Dr Ropata, and Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill is definitely more traditional than most other Tex-Mex restaurants around town. Soft tacos and tortillas are all made fresh on the premises, and there’s great chilli heat in the sauces.


Most Suprising Dish

The tinga ($8), shredded chicken and onion simmered in chipotle chilli sauce. Dial up extra heat with a side order of toreados ($2), grilled chillies with soy sauce and lime.


The Bottom Line

An authentic and good value Mexican taqueria worth seeking out a short walk from High St.


A Reason To Return

Definitely for a few frosty Mexican cervezas like Tecate, Sol, Dos Equis and Bohemia.

venue information venue map view auckland review user reviews (4)