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    El Jalapeno

    4.1 (22 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican, Grocery
    Open 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    El Jalapeno Photos

    Business Info

    EL JALAPENO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - El Jalapeno

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    Tamales Selection and Price: 12-23-22
    Cross S.

    First off, Yelp and other social media gets El Jalapeño mixed up as being the restaurant next door. El Jalapeño is a STORE. The restaurant is just to the left of the store and it's called Los Tamales. Once again El Jalapeño is the place to go to get Mexican groceries. Getting authentic Mexican groceries is a real chore in Washington because of lack of diversity. So this place is the place to go. We come here mainly for the Tamales. They have a self service tamale bar where you can pick and choose the tamales that you want. They are priced individually or by the dozen. They also have a nice selection of Mexican pastries. Unlike most places that I've been to theirs are fresh. Like most really good Mexican store, the place is no thrills. Meaning to real decor. Just stock. This is how they keep their prices reasonable.

    Gazing at all of the options at El Jalapeño in the bulk area.
    Alden C.

    It's kind of a crime that I haven't gone to this grocery store up until recently. The handful of times I have been in here the last several weeks have been great! There is a lot packed into this space but at the same time the layout is pretty easy for me to get a grip on to find items. This grocery store definitely caters towards the Hispanic population of Tacoma so you will see brands, produce, spices and other foods that you aren't used to seeing in mainstream stores. They have a self service hot case with five different kinds of tamales. This is my first place I start when I come into El Jalapeño and I just dive right in by grabbing some tongs and putting a tamale of each in a plastic bag. I can't say which one I like the best. They are all great but you can pick from a sweet corn tamale, chicken tamales and pork. I then take them home and enjoy them there. Fortunately I don't live too far from this store. Another thing I simply love with El Jalapeño is their fresh salsas! I have a major Achilles Heel for chips and salsa and the salsa from here is so fresh and delicious I have to come back once I run out. There used to be these salsas near the produce section but you can also find the salsas by the fresh meat/butcher area as well in the back in a small refrigerator. I have had a very spicy red salsa which was great and a more milder salsa verde. I can't wait to try more of the salsa options as there are a few more from those two. They have a fresh pastry case up near the registers in which I brought a few home on one trip here. Very moist and flavorful! Definitely recommend those too! I feel like there is a lot more to discover here as there is a lot packed in here. There seems to be a small deli of sorts by the tamales and produce that would be worth exploring and Steve can't wait to buy some produce for some of his recipes at home. Coming to El Jalapeño has been a great experience every time and I can say with a lot of confidence I will become a regular here!

    two burritos on a table
    Polly C.

    Food was great!!! Had lots of flavor and the girl at the counter was friendly. Definitely coming back.

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    Photo of Carlos G.
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    7 days ago

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    7 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Best tamales and chicharonnes! Cheese and jalapeño ones are my fav. Go early cause they sell out quick! Staff is very nice and personable.

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    27 days ago

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    Photo of Cross S.
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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    They sell Dubai Chocolate Strawberries Good customer service, and great prices. They sell all sorts of food and fruit cups as well.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Delicious TAMALES and SALSAs-a-plenty cooked up FRESH herefor you and for meand fiesta and parties.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Love all the different types of Tamales and the back counter for ice cream and elotes. Will definitely be back!

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    Photo of Mog V.
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    8 years ago

    This is traditional style. Loved it we will return great service. Very popular with Hispanic community

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Love the environment! Felt very authentic and warm . I really enjoyed the tamales and fresh bread...

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

    On the weekends they have fresh Tamales, and fresh tortillas. We can find so many dufferent Mexican products. Definitely our to go place.

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    8 years ago

    Cool spot, the ppl were friendly, the prices were good and the selection was decent. Would go back again.

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    12 years ago

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    Review Highlights - El Jalapeno

    always buy them by the dozen (way better deal).

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Taqueria El Sabor

    Taqueria El Sabor

    4.4(599 reviews)
    6.4 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Speaks Spanish

    I've frequently go to the Kent one, and never visited the Tacoma one until yesterday. I cried…read morebecause it holds the same standards, quality and customer satisfaction. It is a bit smaller, but food wise I will be back! We went for a dinner and it did not disappoint. Lines for the drive through are long, so we went inside to dine. Loved how sweet and patient the ladies were taking our order. You order your food first, and then they will bring it out for you. Little salsa bar, Coke drinks, huge flavorful portions will make you happy that you visited. I ordered the birria, and although I wished for more consommé, I think if you ask they would have given it. The burrito is epic. Overall so happy to have gone and enjoyed it!

    Finally tried this taqueria after hearing so many good things about it and I was a little…read moredisappointed. We had adobada, asada and chicken tacos, added a side of fried onion and serrano pepper. The adobada meat was ok, chicken was good and our favorite was the asada. I didn't like the default salsa they put on the tacos, would've preferred just onion and cilantro. In fact I didn't like any of the salsas they offered, the green salsa was the only decent one and I'm sure the orange looking salsa was on its way out, it tasted and smelled funky. Customer service was great. We might come back just for asada tacos but maybe not.

    Photos
    Taqueria El Sabor
    Taqueria El Sabor - Burrito

    Burrito

    Taqueria El Sabor

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    Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar - Rib eye tacos

    Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar

    3.9(1.3k reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    We loved Moctezuma's so much at the South Center location so we decided to try this one since it's…read morecloser to home. They're located in their own private lot. Love the dark aesthetic and chill vibes. Everyone was friendly and food was excellent. My favorite dishes are the rib eye tacos and birria beef tacos. Rib eye steak was tender and had a hint of that char grill flavor. The birria tacos and consomé was also really flavorful. We enjoyed the tequila flaming fajita and the mini flame show as well lol. The chicken and shrimps were good but similar to my experience at the South Center location, the beef was really chewy (like over cooked). I also think they served way more veggies compared to meat proportions for their fajitas. My Dad got the burrito especial with grilled chicken and it was huge! He thought it was alright and got sick of it pretty quick because of how much rice and beans there were. We also ordered the margarita flights which were served in these cute mini glasses. I thought the pineapple coconut had the strongest alcohol taste whereas the passion fruit-guava and pina azul tasted like juice (I'm not a big drinker so I thought it was perfect). The pina azul tasted similar to a flat Baja Blast from Taco Bell with a hint of alcohol. Overall, we enjoyed our experience here. The only negative thing is we made a reservation at 8:00PM and came early at 7:30PM; at check in, they said at first we could get in sooner since we arrived but then quickly was told to actually wait until our reservation time (and that's totally fine and makes sense since we reserved for 8PM!!). I was just confused because the group that were walk-ins waiting got to go in before us. There wasn't anyone else waiting for a table and by the time they sat us, turns out there was plenty of open tables available... I just thought they'd want people to be seated sooner if they've arrived and had tables available since it was already 8PM and they close at 9PM lol.

    This is about my fourth visit to this Moctezuma's location, and at this point I'm starting to feel…read morelike I'm in a "maybe this time?" kind of relationship. It started on Cinco de Mayo--drinks that were more "suggestion" than cocktail, food that didn't stand out, service that felt a bit checked out, and music so loud I'm pretty sure I agreed to things I couldn't actually hear. I came back again hoping things would improve, but today felt like déjà vu. I ordered the Sandia, which was okay, and the Enchilada Verde had great flavor--but the corn tortilla was so thick it felt like it was trying to be the main character. Now, to be fair--the salsa, chips, and beans? Absolute stars. Honestly, the most consistent relationship I've had here. And the drink this time was much better, so I know they can get it right. I really want to like this place--I keep giving it chances like it's going to change--but the experience has just been inconsistent. It feels like all the right pieces are there... they just haven't quite agreed to work together yet.

    Photos
    Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar - Inside - entrance

    Inside - entrance

    Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar - Mimosa flights

    Mimosa flights

    Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar - Tequila Flaming Fajitas, Birria Tacos, rib eye tacos

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    Tequila Flaming Fajitas, Birria Tacos, rib eye tacos

    Tonala Mexican Restaurant - Arroz Con Pollo

    Tonala Mexican Restaurant

    4.2(246 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    My boyfriend would always tell me that he thinks this is the restaurant that introduced him to…read moreMexican food for the first time and where he fell in love with Mexican food. We were in the area and were feeling hungry so we decided to stop by. The parking was pretty packed but had a spot or two so we were able to secure a spot. Once we entered, there was a sign that you could clearly see that said wait to be seated and it wasn't long until someone came by. We were greeted by a female hostess who smiled and professionally lead us to a booth to sit at for dinner. The menu was pretty extensive but not overwhelming as they had their alcohol drinks separate from their menu. A male server stopped by with some chips and salsa which I think is now fighting for best house made salsa that I've had in Washington. We ordered the combination dinner, I got mine with the tamale and tostada with chicken while my boyfriend got the chimichanga. We got another refill of chips which were not too salty and the perfect size to get a good chunk of salsa. We eventually had two waiters who was a young gentleman and an older gentleman but they were both so courteous and friendly. This was also probably the fastest we've gotten our food at a Mexican restaurant as it arrived maybe 8-10 minutes after we placed our order. The plates arrived nice and hot with the food portions being huge and the presentation was lovely! I wasn't a huge fan of the chicken as it felt more on the dry side for me but I also just don't like white meat and my boyfriend said it wasn't dry at all. I did love the amount of toppings on the tostada as it was stacked high with fresh ingredients on a bed of refried beans which was seasoned perfectly. The tamale was also absolutely delicious and I have had many tamales and I can say this tamale is immaculate. My boyfriend's chimichanga was delicious too from the bite I had and how he cleaned his plate. I can vouch that this place is authentic (dated a Mexican guy and their family spoiled me with amazing food and parties) and my boyfriend agrees that this spot is the perfect place for amazing Mexican food for those who are wanting to try or are hesitant. The staff here are super friendly and professional, they will even pack up your food! It just felt like going to a friend's to enjoy amazing vibes, fantastic food, and a overall good time. Definitely want to come back to try more dishes and drinks.

    Was not a fan, margarita came in a little plastic cup. Food was mid. Had a weird flavor that…read morewasn't quite American Mexican, and wasn't authentic Mexican. I did like the tostada. Our water was an older gentleman and he was good. To woman coming around taking pictures was weird, like, I'm not trying to get a picture when I'm stuffing my face and sipping a margarita, but thanks. Also they were playing American pop music, I was t feeling the vibe, especially for the price

    Photos
    Tonala Mexican Restaurant
    Tonala Mexican Restaurant
    Tonala Mexican Restaurant

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    Cactus Restaurants - Proctor - Seasonal item: 
Smoked Chicken Flautas

    Cactus Restaurants - Proctor

    4.4(855 reviews)
    6.4 mi
    $$

    From the moment we sat down to the moment we left, the service at Cactus in Proctor Tacoma was…read moreoutstanding. Our waiter, Mark, was incredibly attentive -- checking in regularly, keeping drinks topped off, and making sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. Exactly the kind of hospitality that makes a meal memorable. We started with the Guacamole Sampler -- Traditional, Carlito's Way, and Austin Style -- served with warm housemade chips and their signature salsa. Every style had its own personality, and the flavors were spot‑on across the board. A fantastic way to kick off the meal. For my entrée, I went with the Seasonal Al Pastor Tamales, and wow... this dish is a true taste of the south. The ancho, guajillo, and achiote citrus slow‑roasted pork was rich and tender, perfectly balanced by cumin black beans, pickled pineapple, white onion, and serrano salsa. Every bite had depth, heat, and brightness. My wife ordered the Smoked Chicken Tomatillo Soup -- hominy, red bell peppers, carrots, onions, chipotle, buttermilk crema, cilantro, and blue corn tortilla strips. Served with fresh housemade sopes, it was comforting, flavorful, and beautifully layered. A perfect bowl for any season. We also shared the Navajo Fry Bread -- honestly, this should be listed under desserts. Warm, soft, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious. The overall vibe was relaxed and inviting. It can get a bit noisy -- especially for someone like me who's hard of hearing -- but the energy is still warm and enjoyable. Cactus never disappoints. From the kitchen to the front‑of‑house, the team consistently delivers great food, great service, and a great experience. Hats off to the cooks and staff for another fantastic visit. We'll definitely be back.

    I always enjoy my visits to Cactus restaurants in the Puget Sound area. The food is to notch, mouth…read morewatering, so flavorful and I always enjoy something new that is just over the top. Our waitress, Brianna's recommendations were helpful, so good and exceeded my expectations. I had the Poblano Chili Relleno - love them and this was exceptional! I also had the house margarita that was so amazing - I was actually surprised by it. They have quite a few crafted margaritas so ask what is popular as they might have something seasonal. The Bitter Orange Margarita is the bomb! The restaurant in Tacoma is using the Yelp waitlist so please use that as this place fills up quickly on the weekends and at night has a massive wait so tap that Waitlist button!

    Photos
    Cactus Restaurants - Proctor - Restaurant booth facing the bar

    Restaurant booth facing the bar

    Cactus Restaurants - Proctor - Sonoran Spa Chicken

    Sonoran Spa Chicken

    Cactus Restaurants - Proctor - Smoked Brisket Tacos

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    Smoked Brisket Tacos

    El Jalapeno - mexican - Updated June 2026

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