Hot Jalapeño is an authentic Mexican restaurant with an excellent ambiance and service. Eats about 25-30 people comfortably and is clean and well-lit. Prices are average, about $20-30 per entree. I got the carnitas enchilada burrito and honestly, it was rather mediocre. The burrito skin (tortilla) was tough and hard, and the interior of rice, beans, and meat was flavorless. It could've definitely used some spice or sauce. Either that or I've been spoiled by my hometown San Francisco/San Jose Mexican food options. The Horchata was okay though slightly grainy and pricey for how it tasted. I'd love to return simply to give their food a second chance though. read more

Hot Jalapeño - Carne Enchilada Burrito / Pork Enchilada Burrito - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

I love this spot so much. I've been coming here for 3 years and now I get to bring my daughter too. Their dishes are top tier and I always get their lemonade and their guacamole and chips cause it's always fresh and delicious! The whole ambiance is cozy and such a great date night spot. read more

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Found this place on 116th Street in Harlem. Service was slow, however the food was excellent. I ordered a frozen mango margarita, it soo delicious, fresh with the right amount of liquor. The guacamole and chips were tasty, hands one of the best guacamole I've had in a restaurant. It was taco Tuesday, three tacos for $10.95, you can beat that. I had the pork tacos with pineapple, they were delicious with great seasoning. Only problem, was service was slow with 1 waitress. Definitely worth trying again. read more

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Came here for Izzy's 1st birthday party. Really cute spot, friendly staff. Walked in and it's just fells like you're actually in Mexico. I have a passion fruit mojito which was great. Forgot to take some pics. Well one of the best tacos I've ever had. The authenticity of the food. 10:10. The grilled whole onions was so delicious I can eat a whole plate. Although I was there for a party, I'm definitely going back to try some of there other dishes. read more

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Pésimo servicio al cliente y la comida no está tan buena, la que atiende te atiende bien mal y discriminan, un amigo quería entrar a comer pero le dijieron que el restaurante estaba cerrado cuando había gente adentro y decía abierto read more

What a fun vibe and great restaurant. We hung out for their happy hour (until 7 p.m. on Friday). Had the Negro Modelo draft ($8 for 24 oz.) and a Tamarindo Margarita ($8). The draft was a bit stale. The Margarita was cool but could've been stronger. The tacos de lengua and al Pastor were both on point. The lengua had a nice savory char that were so delicious. The salsas that came with were also nice with a little kick. What topped off the evening was the terrific service and the live music. A great local spot to support and feel a part of the community. read more

Great little Mexican place in East Harlem. Food is delicious and authentic. The only reason I took one star off is that they're guacamole definitely need a little bit more heat. read more

Updated Review! Came back for brunch this time and was pleasantly surprised! Food has gotten A LOT better flavor wise. I had the steak tacos and burritos along with a mimosa and soda. I'm always happy when a place improves based off reviews! Will go back. Oh! Outside patio is now open too! read more

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Came with a cousin and husband for dinner. The food was good. The place was very busy, but we had enough attention. Owner came out to say hi and gave a shot of tequila. The mariachi hype up the night. It was a very nice time spent there! read more

Hot Jalapeño - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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The food is delicious. I 11/10 recommend the margaritas! The Sandia and Mango flavor are so refreshing. The service is fantastic. Our waitress was so attentive. The ambiance was so good. They play the best music! read more

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It is really good great service Love the food the place it is really pretty I really enjoyed this experience I would recommend this place if you like Mexican food! read more

this place is such a cute, aesthetic gem in east harlem! I've been in nyc for 3wks and this is the best Latinx food I've had. the vibes are so cute and there is a full on bar inside too! the food is so good and the flan is amazing!! the bathroom sign is sooo funny. highly recommend! read more

Hot Jalapeño - a plate of food on a table in a mexican restaurant - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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This hole in the wall offers great high quality food at affordable prices. This is true Mexican food. We had the the chilaquiles with chicken and green sauce. Excellent. The huevos con chorizo was delicious and tasty. We also enjoyed plain scrambled eggs with bacon and pancakes. The bacon was cooked to perfection delicious. You can tell all of the ingredients are of high quality, fresh and cooked to order. Service was incredible. Definitely worth the trip to East Harlem. read more

Hot Jalapeño - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

I really wanted to love this place, but both times I've eaten here I was disappointed. I ate here for breakfast and dinner on two separate occasions. The breakfast was "blah" and bland. I had the chilaquiles. It was dry and the eggs had zero seasoning. I also had the tortilla soup on this occasion and it too was bland. The broth tasted burnt. I went back a couple of weeks later for dinner. There's outdoor seating (which is a plus) but the waitress made me leave because I had brought my little puppy. Nobody else was outside and it's very common in NYC to see people dining with their dogs when outdoors. But whatever, I went home, dropped my puppy off, and came back only to be disappointed by the food and drinks. I had the nachos and a watermelon margarita. The nachos were bland and basic. Nothing about them stood out. The drinks were a JOKE. No alcohol at all and too sweet. read more

Nice atmosphere and very good prices. Also one of the best micheladas in the United States. They have happy hour also but we came a little late and missed it. Very good deals on beers and margaritas. We will be back for happy hour! read more

Hot Jalapeño - Very nice outdoor patio area. - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Yes. Please. I have been to Hot Jalapeno many times now.. and ordered in... First the waitress who is there is really a sweetheart and really welcoming. I had never tried a huarache or sope before.. im still confused about the difference between a tlacoyo and a huarache but i think i had a huarache.. in any case the huarache and sope are delicious... we have also had the burrito which comes in a fried tortilla, and the calamari.. everything is sooo good... nothing else to say but love this place and always welcome to other good recommendations for mexican food in the neighborhood read more

Decent place , has a lot of flies and stuff around the area. Not good for business. Staff may be confusing sometimes , social distancing isn't really enforced staff doesn't wear mask read more

Hot Jalapeño - a table with menus on it - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

This place is sorta hidden but once you know its there, can't resist going in. Love the atmosphere here. It screams comfort, home and family. It is sorta trendy, casual dinning. Their bathrooms are clean and yes it is gender neutral. Thought it wasn't but I was wrong. It is also kept clean. It's a great space to have a mini lunch date with a partner and also a place to catch up with a friend or bring the family. The food is great, flavorful, authentic and inexpensive. The portions are served appropriately. Today I had the chicken tacos. You can order just one or two for 3.50 a piece. So its a good way to choose if your a big eater or like me moderate. They are the soft wraps. Chicken was cooked well with a little crunchiness to it which gave the tacos a bit of texture. Lord the pepper sauce is delious but it will make ur mouth and ears explode. So be careful. read more

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My first delivery order: $8.95 for a very disappointing and anti climatic tortilla soup, which came in a large plastic container that was half filled with broth with tiny bits of avocado and cheese floating inside, and a paper bag with tortillas on the side, that's it, nothing else. Why not fill the container with broth, if that's all the soup is? Plus not only was it not hearty but it wasn't a very good soup. Next, the $11 cactus salad, it was also not a generous size, but it was fresh and tasty despite losing most of its delicious marinade in the plastic bag, cause it came in a aluminum pinch close container. I understand that Mexican food has been undervalued compared to other cuisines, and Mexican restaurants are trying to raise their prices now but know that if you raise prices you need to raise the quality and quantity, that's how people will learn the value of Mexican cuisine not by paying more for less. Side note:The delivery man got lost on his way, so my order was 10 minutes late but being that's it's freezing outside I tipped him anyway. In the future delivery people, call right away when you're lost for your sake and mine. Happy Yelping! read more

Hot Jalapeño - My $11 cactus salad - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

So this place is very simple and basic.....very little frills.....but a nice spot........I went here for a quick lunch with my co worker.....it was either here or Wendy's so we opted to give this place a try The service was very simple .....rather mom and pop style......and the food was inexpensive and really good.....we ordered a shimp quesadilla to share 2 tacos de carne asada.....the quesdilla was the BOMB.....it was stuffed to the max with real jumbo shrimp and tons of gooey cheese..... This spot does not have a full bar however they sell beer and sangria......that too I would recommend.... All in all great little spot.....I got a little ambience.....good food.....all on my Wendy's lunch budget...... read more

This was my go-to Mexican restaurant in East Harlem. For more than 5 years, the food was consistently good/great. However I think they changed the kitchen staff or management, and quality has gone downhill. Not to mention tummy problems after eating the food. It's a shame, I miss the old Hot Jalapeno. read more

Really poor costumer services if you come like 15 minutes before 12:00 maybe you got looky and they serv you. Oh another one ask first if they have what you want to eat because moss off the time they don't have really poor read more

Excellence everytime. Food, service, ambience are amazing... Highly recommended staff is exceptional, fresh ingredients & excellent drinks. read more

Food is delicious service ambiance is amazing such nice atmosphere hospitality 100% great people and their prices are reasonable I will recommend and I will be back read more

Everything about this place & every single plate was simply amazingly delicious!!!! For someone that is picky when it comes down to AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD but most importantly FLAVOR, this place just did it and hit it over the park! Heading back to Cali but on my next visit I will be sure to visit! read more

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I've become a VERY regular customer of this place and I love it. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are large! Some of my favorite things to get here are the tacos al pastor (seasoned very well and with delicious chunks of pineapple! It's definitely worth it to get them 'with everything' so you get guacamole and other fun stuff), enchiladas (both green and with mole are delicious), their chilaquiles are INCREDIBLE and I highly recommend them! Their fresh pineapple water is super refreshing, and their jamaica (hibiscus water) is also very very good. Their carne tampiquena is very tasty and the slightly larger price tag is probably due to the LARGE portion. The carne asada burrito is solid. The only issue I've ever had is that sometimes the tortas don't always come out the same. Once they forgot the avocado, another time they used the cheese that is used for cemitas, etc but it's always tasted really fantastic and they've always been very quick to fix something if it isn't right. So no real complaints :) The service has ALWAYS been friendly and prompt. The setting is not as romantic as El Paso Taqueria down the street (not eating by candlelight, the decor isn't as fancy, etc) but the menu is much more diverse, the food is consistently delicious, the prices are way cheaper, and the service is always good. read more

I am giving Hot Jalapeño a big 5 because there is a care shown about the food, excellent quality with affordability. The tortilla soup is excellent, a delicious meal in itself. Today I was pleasantly surprised to find pozole on the menu, nice, and when I ordered it and they brought me the traditional big bowl and fixings, they also dropped off two delicious tostadas on the side. This spot is still mostly unknown... pounce! read more

Hot Jalapeño - Friendly, tasty breakfast, and that Mexican hot chocolate! - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

On my third trip to Hot Jalepeno I was severely disappointed in the service. My server MaryLu who had waited on me two previous times both times ordering the streak Fajitas. The first time I had paid $4 extra for the skirt steak which was very good. The second time I ordered it again but it was served with the uninspiring and tasteless beef common in Fajita dishes. Today on my third visit I asked if I could have (and pay extra for) the skirt steak I had the first time. She said yes. I also ordered the corn tortillas to come with the dish which I had done on the two previous occasions. The order came and it was the same tasteless beef. It also had flour tortillas when I had asked for corn. Along with this I ordered a watermelon margarita that had a horrible aftertaste as the fruit had soured due to age I would assume. I had only a few sips. I told my server it was bad and not to sell it as it had turned. When the check came she had added an order of corn tortillas and hadn't taken off the spoiled drink. When asked why she said she had to charge for corn tortillas and no one else had complained about the rotten drink. The server also didn't give me my change when I paid as I wasn't leaving a tip. I had to hunt her down. In a neighborhood full of great restaurants a place needs to step up their game and not serve this poor quality. Delicias is right around the corner and the quality is on a totally superior level. I encourage you to head there. read more

So we made reservations, came by Saturday night for dinner with a group of 5. Reallyyyyy casual, no-frills kinda place....no 'ambiance' to speak of. That's OK......I have nothing against a hole-in-the-wall spot as long as the food is good & service half decent. The place was empty....only one waitress, she was sweet and tried her best, but rather clueless. Beer and wine only.....Ok, not a problem, so a few of us ordered wine...."the guy has gone to buy wine"....Alrighty then! And just brings in a large bottle of Cab. hmmm. The owner might want to consider being a BYOB establishment? That way people can at least bring what they would like to drink. Salsa was decent - spicy, Guacamole was OK. For the entrees, I had the Churrasco, asked for it medium but was basically well done. Some of the spicy sauce on the Enchiladas was good, 2 of the people ordered that, but the tortillas themselves were not good. Chalky, odd tasting. One of my friends ordered fish tacos, she hated it, it was so gross she took one bit and had to return it, had barely any fish in it too. Got two desserts to share- again, just edible. Basically the food is just *meh*, service *meh*, no ambiance......so why bother? The place was a disappointment, definitely not coming back. The Mexican spot a few doors down that we had tried a while back is actually way better, inexpensive yet better food, better service. By the time we left 4-5 other tables did get occupied. Oh, did I forget to mention this guy singing Spanish karaoke on his own.....not melodious at all, loud, rather annoying & highly unnecessary coz it's not like anyone was paying attention or being entertained. read more

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Love this place run by two ladies. Sangria is always tasty and their tacos are delicious. We had our last event here. The host is very friendly and the setup was perfect. The corn on the cob was messy and everything delicious. Corn in teeth and all. The chicken tacos were tasty and on the spicy side for you dare devils. Cute place read more

Hot Jalapeño - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Great customer service on 7/14/21 guy was friendly and professional. The food and drinks lived up to my expectations. Delicious. Glad i came here today for lunch . I would come back very soon read more

This places is so damn racist towards black peoples I was seated by a host as I waited for almost 15 min for someone to even ask me if I wanted some water a waitress came to me and told me to move and go sit in a different table not excuse me just told me to move I asked for a manager and she told me she's the manager I got up and walked out read more

My friend and I stopped by after Target hoping to get real tasting mexican food. The fajitas were pretty good, but don't come with any toppings such as guac, sour cream, etc. We were very disappointed that the flour tortillas aren't homeade! After trying the store bought flour, we requested corn tortillas which were pretty good. The rice was also pretty good, but the beans were just okay. They advertised refried beans, but what we got were half-smashed, runny black beans. Would I come back? Maybe...but I'm in no hurry. read more

I'm a bit spoiled by haunting the Mexican joints in Jackson Heights/Corona area. Hot Jalapeno is a great contender. The flavors are there and has a great atmosphere versus the mostly hole in the wall places in Queens. With that being said, the prices here are a bit higher as well probably due to the rent but still, very affordable for a lunch with colleagues or if you are in the area. read more

Hot Jalapeño - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

I really want to give this place more stars- but I cant. I ordered the carnitas ,and the carne asada tacos. Delivery was fast, and they give generous portions, however I was so disappointed with the lack of flavor on the meat- both the carnitas and carne asada tasted like a cardboard box. read more

Viva Mexico!! Happy 5 de Mayo! Amazing food & great taste as always. These lovely ladies will make your time here wonderful. 5 -- at Hot Jalapeño. read more

Hot Jalapeño - Delicious Carne asada tacos & a nice cold Corona Extra! - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Ordered a carne asada torta and nachos with chicken. Both were great, food was very authentic and flavorful. The chips used for the nachos did not get soggy and the torta was one of the best I've had. Mango margaritas were also very tasty. Thankful for great service on top of it all! Definitely coming back. read more

The food was okay but the reason why I'm giving this one star is because of the service. My co-workers and I went down there for lunch and we were already kind of behind schedule.  Unfortunately for us they were sorta busy. However, the waitress did take some time to take our order which prompted me to go to the back and ask her if she can take our order. They had already served the other two parties that were there before us so we were hoping and get our food sooner than later.  Some time has passed and I got up again and asked if this can be rushed as we are short on time.  She sighs and says the food will be out very shortly. The food came out and everyone in our party received their plate except me. The lady purposely serve my plate last. I almost didn't want to eat it because who knows what she had done to the plate. The fish was not seasoned and it's soaked through the tacos.I'm not going back there again. read more

I've spent years trying to find authentic and interesting Mexican food in New York City for over a decade. After tasting some of the best cuisine at the south of the boarder, San Diego and even Chicago, I basically gave up on my quest in New York. I always walk away unsatisfied and shocked that these places can charge upwards of $15 for a plate of rice and beans and expensive Margaritas. The food is basic and shouldn't be outrageously expensive. Even my 4lb Chihuahua agrees. Well I recently stumbled upon Hot Jalapeño in Harlem for a quick lunch. Finally I found what I was looking for. The place is basic and typical Mexican with cheap Christmas lights and bazaar religious figures and candles, but what's really outstanding is the food -- reasonably priced, perfectly spicy, delicious and fresh. I recommend the Al Pastor Taco pork marinated in Mexican spices and pineapple. It's the perfect blend of roasted pork, spicy and sweet. I also recommend the Tinga: Chicken tostada with chipotle, lettuce, tomato, queso fresco, limón. ¡Que Rico! They also offer a lunch special that will satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank. read more

Hot Jalapeño - Al Pastor: Pork, Mexican Spices and Pineapple with Cucumber garnish. - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Authentic food, great ambience, and nice service. I came here during happy hour and had a $5 draft beer-- always a plus! I loved the enchiladas with creamy verde sauce- it's a must! My boyfriend and I ordered another dish (pictured) and it was as also delicious. It had a variety of meat and cheese that you wrap in tortillas. You know it's a big portion when the two of us can't finish it on a date night. I will come back soon. Thanks! read more

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