Great southside Mexican restaurant! Inside the eatery has attractive decor. The booths feature art murals of old fashioned Mexican scenes in bright colors. Festive decorations like a Corona lime pinata on the ceiling are also seen. In a recent visit, my server had a very kind and cheery demeanor. My meal selection was the Pollo Con Papas. The chicken was tender & flavorful, complimented with cheese sauce (queso I think), grilled onions & green pepper slices, rice & beans, and long, thin slices of potato. Although crispy potatoes are more preferred, they were delicious with everything else. When I ate the three included tortillas and still had a bit of chicken left, my server kindly offered more tortillas. Excellent service! A tasty meal with plenty of festive, colorful decor, served with enthusiasm! Good dinner stop! read more

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I have been coming here for years. They have some of the best fajitas and shredded beef burritos and Margaritas! Definitely recommend all jalapenos if you're on the South side read more

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One of the best Mexican restaurants I've been to in a while food is always good haven't had a problem with the food or service they have great servers always right there to see if you want something or need anything. read more

Dropped in to cure a case of crave for enchiladas, and was not disappointed!!! We had the shrimp enchiladas with white sauce that had a very rich flavor and the other dish had 5 enchiladas ranging from, cheese, chicken, bean, beef and shredded beef. The food was excellent and the Texas margaritas were very good as well. Can't wait to come back and try one of the other amazing dishes that they serve. read more

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A bunch of us from work decided to go out to lunch on "Black Friday", we decided to check out El Jalapeño. Our server who was a male was amazing! The food was great and the salsa at the table was really good! I will definitely bring my husband back here for dinner. read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I, along with many of my coworkers, have eaten at El Jalapeno's quite a few times over the years. Service/food has always been great however this most recent visit unfortunately was met with a not so pleasant experience. While eating, I noticed a bug crawling on my food - figured it was a gnat, ready to fly away, but it continued to crawl and I realized it was some other type of bug that came on my food, more than likely from the kitchen. When the waitress checked on us, I showed her the picture I took (as this thing just continued to crawl and crawl) and my coworker and I requested the food be taken away as we didn't have the appetite to continue. Didn't complain, didn't ask for the tacos to be removed from the bill, didn't ask to speak with the manager... We planned to continue to enjoy our beverage and chips (knowing how sometimes these things are just simply inevitable having both worked in the restaurant industry). The manager soon came over to the table demanding to see the picture and kept saying 'what is this' as I continued to explain it was a bug I saw in my food. His response was 'why didn't you call me or the waitress to show us the bug'. I explained that we told the waitress, she took our food and he proceeded to huff and puff and walk away. We were soon presented our bill with the tacos removed from the receipt. When we went to pay the remaining balance of our bill, the manager came from the kitchen, saw me, and quickly returned to the kitchen. I asked the waitress if I could speak with him, which I then expressed to him that I was disappointed with his approach to the situation; I shared with him that I didn't request that he come to our table as I didn't want to cause a scene (which he ultimately did). We enjoyed eating there and did so frequently - we simply just did not have the appetite to continue. I told him we did not ask for the tacos to be removed from our plate, although it was appreciated. His response? "I have never seen you come here before". No apology, not a speck of remorse. After we left, I plugged the photo into chatgpt to see if we could figure out what kind of bug it may have been - "the bug in your photo appears to be a baby cockroach, also known as a nymph". If there are baby cockroaches, then there are definitely more where he came from... Unfortunately, that is perhaps why he was very dismissive, I guess we'll never know. I certainly hope the restaurant looks to rectify their likely bug issue that exists, but that also the manager can learn to develop a sense of compassion for its customers. read more

Haven't eaten in this building since it was a Denny's. Has all the same charm. Sticky tables. Food samples in the menus. Large portions of sub-par food. This place has 3.9 stars on here and 4.5 on google. My wife liked the salsa, though she was very hungry. On the plus side, my carnitas were good and i enjoyed the beans and rice. I guess if you're looking for okay tex mex, this place will do. read more

I order to go today for lunch, 10/10 on the speed because it was ready in like 8 mins. but the food was cold & not what I ordered. I ordered a basic Steak burrito Al carte, with just queso & pico. Simple. But it had a red sauce on it & i wasn't a fan at all. Mistakes happen. I get it, i ate it. But what really why i came here, is i also ordered a cherry coke, and after my work day i went to dump it out and there was a tiny dead fly. I tried to take a picture, but you couldn't even tell. It did no justice. Plus a bunch of tiny black things at the bottom of my cup. I was a server for 9/10 years. SO I KNOW what goes on behind the scene. I was always on top of making sure our ice bens got cleaned out twice a week. Just here to warn others! read more

Always good, hot food served very fast. Service is hit or miss. Everyone is friendly but not always efficient.

Shrimp tasted old and freezer burnt. Corn tortillas old tasting and quality is poor. And had to wave down waitress a few times cause she was on her phone read more

My first experience here and it was satisfactory. Fast friendly service. Decent prices, large portions, what more can you ask for? Easier access... this is a difficult place to get into and out of if you're coming from the other direction. We enjoyed the chips and salsa. Ordered a small dish of the queso. Delicious. I looooove that stuff. I had the Chimichanga Texas style, which apparently includes chicken, steak and shrimp. Wow. First time i had this and i will have it again. Usually you get one kind of meat to choose from, no need for decisions, you can have it all. I like that. So did my guest. She ordered Nachos Texas style and it was the same deal here. Chicken, steak and shrimp on nacho chips, doused in queso. What a delicious mess that was. If the rest of the extensive menu is this good, I'll come to be a regular soon. read more

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Best mexican restaurant in the city hands down. Miles over Margaritas and eons better than Fiesta ran Chera. Idk how people eat Fiesta, that place is trash and about double the price. Plus, all their servers are super creepy to my female friends. Not here. Street tacos are amazing, everybody here has always been super nice. Great pricing. I go here like 3x a week. read more

The food was very good, but the service could be better and staff was not friendly. I ordered combo of three items and one of the items was incorrect but I kept it anyway because I had already waited so long. I had ordered a beef burrito but received chicken. I'm just glad I am not allergic to anything because if I were it could have been a serious problem. The ambiance is good with highly decorated seating although not comfortable seating. read more

All I can say is skip the Fried Ice cream.. It was not fresh, not good and not at all what I expected... The service was fast and but they should've taken more time to insure that the food was hot and fresh... read more

Incredible large-portioned food at an incredible price. The fajitas were delicious, and the Texas margaritas are second to none. Massive recommendation for a hidden-gem restaurant. read more

I was refused service today by the manager, Christian, because I legally parked on the north side. He preferred I park on the east side. I am handicapped and use a walker. The parking spaces on the east side are not level, they're more level on the north side. It was about 90 degrees today. He let me park my truck, unload my walker from the bed, go about 50 feet, about halfway to the door, and told me to move my truck. I refused, saying I would park elsewhere next time, and walked on to the door. He refused to let me in. I called the police. The cops sided with him. They said he could refuse service for any reason he wanted. I noticed the man at the register was kind of rude last time I was there, because I'm handicapped and it takes me a little longer to get my debit card out. I don't think they like that I am handicapped. read more

Great food. Amazing portions! Fast service. Can't beat the prices! I highly recommend this place!

I got Pollo Fundido tonight and there was a roach inside of my food. Happy New Years. read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Roach in El Jalepeño Indy's food - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Tried El Jalapeño based on a co-worker's recommendation, and I was not disappointed. El Jalapeño has nice customer service, cold beer and margaritas, spicy white queso, generous portions of Arroz Con Pollo and Chimichangas. The service was quick. The restaurant was not too busy for a Tuesday evening, but the parking lot usually is packed on the weekends. I like busy restaurants because it means that lots of people like it! We will definitely return for more good Mexican food. read more

ELLLLLLL Jalapeño! Is that me or the great margarita talking? This is my third time here, but my first review. I give it a strong 5 star review as I have had a 5 star experience each time. The food has been spot on. The meats are great and the veggie dishes don't miss a beat. I had some friends from California come visit. We went and had great meals. The next day I had to leave for a family occasion. I called them at 11am to reccomend brunch locations, they said, "too late, we are back at El Jalapeño." I'd say that is another five star review, from a California couple. read more

Damn it is good. I went here twice a year ago. Came back In town and the place is still great! No complaints. It's always busy. Very good read more

OMG, this is the list amazing find! Visiting a friend and she took us here for lunch. Started with Mexican guacamole, which was chunky and perfect! So tasty and lots of it. Ordered Lunch Roqueta and it was FABULOUS. Pork tenderloin marinated in beer in a burrito with white cheese and red sauce. So delicious! Service was great, very clean, don't miss this gem! Oh yeah, margarita was delish! read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Lunch Roqueta - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

We were on our way to a diner and once we turned off the highway we saw this place was PACKED, So we decided to try it out! Food was delicious! We had the Asada tacos and burrito. Definitely recommend this place read more

Good food and service. They do a great job of working with large parties to keep everyone together.

Very friendly, fast service, great Mexican food!! Shrimp fajitas are real good along with the Acapulco! We recommend this place :)

I was so happy to find this restaurant with classic Mexican chicken soup! For $6.00, I got the biggest bowl of soup with delicious, tender chicken, rice and all the fixings to go in the soup on the side. Their chips were served warm with nice spicy salsa and we ordered cheese dip, which was also good. My daughter had the chicken chimichangas and said they were very good. She's a connoisseur of them so, that's a high compliment. We will be back next time we are in Indy! read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Great spot for a tasty vegan dinner. Best veggie fajitas I've had in a restaurant. Very good and very quick service and very large portions. We will be back. read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Veggie fajitas! This dish has fresh mushrooms carrots broccoli and cauliflower along with the usual peppers and onions. Great flavor! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This is our go to Mexican Restaurant on the south side! We have tried many and always go back to El Jalapeño!

I'm pretty certain that this place makes THE BEST steak fajitas I have ever tasted and eaten. In addition to being totally excellent, the amount of food that was served was astounding! I almost couldn't believe it! Besides the great food, the place has beautifully painted carved woodwork on the seating booths. The bright, cheery colors and lively music help to create a truly festive atmosphere. I was also very happy to have another opportunity to practice speaking Spanish and the pretty lady who served me was very kind in allowing my attempts at it! A wonderful experience and a great place for friends and family! ¡Aquí está su salud! read more

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Great location, pleasant wait staff, and good food! Definitely worth a visit!! I got the Enchiladas and they were all good, but cheese is always my favorite! I love that they give you really big cups too, so you don't need a refill as often. Prices were pretty good as well. read more

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Get your COVID here! No masks required for entry. Yes, there's a sign but not enforced in any way.

We have been this place a couple times, we have never been disappointed. I ordered the Texas fajitas $12.50 and my husband got the Cancun special chicken $10. The food is always delicious and portions are huge. Their service is very friendly and attentive even though it can be very busy sometimes. read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Texas fajitas comes with rice, beans, tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole and chips and salsa! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This was our go to restaurant, food and prices were outstanding, but within the last year portion size went way down and prices went way up. The food is still flavorful, but pricey for what you get. Also every time we place a to go order it is never correct, we asked for Chori pollo and get Chorizo queso dip every time or when we order fajitas we never get tortillas and we specifically ask for tortillas or we want fresh Mexican guacamole we get the guacamole salad, but charged for the more expensive. read more

El jalapeño is the Mexican restaurant in the old Denny's building on Madison Avenue. The building is pretty much the same only the decor has changed... and of course the food. My date and I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon in April. We both ordered from lunch menu which was pretty standard for Mexican restaurant. I ordered the chicken fajitas and he ordered and number 10 off the lunch menu. His number 10 consisted of a tostada, an enchilada, and something else I can't remember. My fajitas were brought out on a plate- which is OK I guess but I was expecting it to come out sizzling on a cast iron skillet. I thought that was common but I guess not. The chicken fajitas were okay pretty run of the mill. Did I mention they weren't sizzling? I'm still a little butt hurt about that. The place was clean, the food was OK, and the service was OK. I probably won't be back though there are lots of other good options not too far away. read more

This is the real deal in Mexican foods. Top quality food and service. The south side needed a good Mexican Restaurant with great atmosphere plenty of sports tv for your viewing . Bring your apitite and you will leave full. read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Juan - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

One of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever tried! (And you know Hoosiers love their Mexican food) The workers are always polite and so fast. I normally order take out, and it is always done in less than 10 minutes of getting off the phone. The food is consistent, which is what I value most. read more

Wow. Great food and excellent, fast and sweet service. I tried the pollo gurmet. Yummmmy. Chicken smothered in grilled onions, tomatoes, mushroom, chipotle, ham and cheese. The portion was judge and only $12. When I declined the rice and beans my server offered me a salad. It came with guacamole. Equally yummy and crisp lettuce with seasoned tomatoes and onion. Give this awesome place a try. They have the usual Mexican fare, but some awesome different items as well. read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Pollo and ensalada - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I will give this place another chance, I went in on a Tuesday night and I was craving a rolled flour delicatessen stuffed with steak, cheese, sour cream, and lettuce. (yes a burrito). I am not sure if this was because it was later at night or what, but my food was a little cold. I went to explain it to the manager/ owner? and he explained that the sour cream sauce, lettuce, and tomato were the cause of this. I didn't want a discount or anything, I simply paid and left; I will have leftovers for lunch =) Chips? B Salsa? A+ + + Service? GREAT Atmosphere? A In my opinion, this restaurant is more geared towards the Caucasian market, which is fine because it is a fairly large market to attract. I was really hoping this would be the kind of place that reminded me of home. (Chicago, Mexico #2). Like previously stated, I will give this place another try. My experience wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. Will update after the next stop. read more

El Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant - Did someone say a gallon of Horchata? - Tex-Mex Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This place recently open. I decided to give it a try. Of course the first impression is always the chips and salsa. The chips were fresh and tasty and salsa was average. The food is typical everyday American Mexican food. I've been there twice and each dish I had was hot and decent. However, this is typical pre-made, quickly assembled plates. Yes, the food comes out lighting fast, but with most of the food sitting in warming trays until it is put on your plate. Years ago, this would be a welcome addition to the Indianapolis food scene, but now there are tons of these places all over Indianapolis. I will go back again when I need a quick lunch, so it is definitely staying on my radar. When I have plenty of time and am craving Mexican food, there are other places I prefer. The service was good and quick. The staff was nice, but I wouldn't say friendly. The place was clean and well taken care of. I would recommend giving this place a try. It is definitely a much better value and far superior food then the average overpriced terrible chain restaurants that claim they are serving Mexican food. If you are bored of chain restaurants and think for yourself and are not manipulated by millions of dollars in TV commercials to make yourself believe you have to eat average to below average overpriced food at some chain restaurant, I am one of you. Let's all keep supporting the true food scene in Indiana. read more

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Expect good, very mild Jalapeno flavored Mexican food. Arroz Con Pollo was recommended by the waitress. Spot on good! Spanish for "Rice with Chicken", is a classic Latin comfort food dish. Tender grilled chicken slivers, cooked to perfection, smothered in a white melted cheese called Monto served over a bed of Mexican rice. Eat the chicken cheese melt with rice while hot, rolled in hot wheat tortillas (corn based tortillas are also available), yummy. The tortillas cut the mild hot pepper taste but still enough flavor to leave an after zing in the mouth. The picture is already posted by someone else so I did not repost. Crunchy corn nachos served before the meal were average and came with a mild red tomato salsa, a bit fluid but good. This is definitely a baby friendly, young children and family restaurant. While I was there, tables were rearranged to accommodate families with young children birthday party of 12. More table room in the center could accommodate an additional 24 if you gave them enough advanced notice. Beer in large mugs and specialty drinks are available but I'm not a fan of alcohol. Prices are very reasonable. My meal was $8.71, left me stuffed. Based on one meal I would definitely be back. Good quality food, bright Mexican themed decor with Mexican background music, fast service, great prices/ quality. read more