Always great service, authentic Mexican cuisine. The true blue birria. Great value. Love to support this family owned business. Wish they would stay open longer. read more

In my opinion, this is not authentic Mexican food. First red flag was the nacho cheese on their nachos. No authentic mexican would dare put that in their nachos. Second red flag was how they were set up like chipotle. You tell them what type of food you want, then you are able to choose what you want on your food. The torta was good, as for their hot sauce it tasted like tacobell fire sauce. The service was fast and the place was really clean earning them a star. Food alone i'd give it a one star. read more

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The staff is super cool. Actual Mexicans running a Mexican spot in Kailua. Parking is hit or miss. Might get lucky, have to spin the block, or park and walk a bit. Burritos are made in main line style where you pick what you want and the hot sauce is on point! The sauce actually kept me from giving it 3 star rating because the carne asada meat was super chewy. Maybe I got a late batch where the cut was near the fat but I had to spew out the first few bites and I was disappointed. My wife had the chicken burrito and she liked it. The asada flavor was good but it wasn't Cali meat so I gave them some island leniency since it was pretty good, especially with a lime squeeze and that hot sauce I poured all over it. I'll go again and try to get a good cut of asada. read more

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Grew up in CA and have had a decent amount of good Mexican food. With that said, I don't think this place lives up to the expectations just yet. Parking isn't horrible but the lot fills up fast. Place is clean and it has a few tables for customers. Setup is like chipotle and paniolos. Ordered a burrito - rice and beans were bland and boy, they sure like to skimp on the toppings. Had high hopes for the carne asada fries based on these reviews but disappointed to see them microwave the fries. Meat was okay. Obviously, fries were extremely soggy and to top it off, they forgot the guacamole. When we went up to ask for it, the guy gave us attitude for not catching it. Is that not your job when you're making food for customers? Definitely put a sour taste in our mouth. Maybe we went on a bad day and will have to try again another time but for now, I'll stick with Maria Bonita and Mexico's. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

They just opened a month ago & they've already raised their menu prices $2? We were excited to give this place a try, since we have lackluster Mexican food here on Oahu. We tried twice & it was too crowded/no parking, so we were happy we finally could go. We ordered 6 items for our family of 2 adults & 3 keiki to try & our bill came out to $105.55. The refried beans were extremely salty. The steak burrito was massive, but for $18.50?! I'm not even sure what the $2.00 custom item was for that plate, but not worth it to me. The quesabirria was ok, but the rest of the food was pretty bland. It looks like all items are premade & sitting on the line, like subways or chipotle, where they put it together as you order. We've had the best authentic Mexican food in San Antonio, TX & San Diego, CA. We think the best on the Windward side is Chili Relleno in Temple Valley with El Mariachi in Kaneohe a close second. In Honolulu - Los Chaparros on Beretania is the best. Their service is great, they were all nice & friendly. This review is based just on the food. Sad to say, there's still no good Mexican food in Kailua. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Steak burrito + custom item? Chicken quesadilla Quesabirria consome Pork torta birria taco plate - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

In honor of taco Tuesday I'd like to turn you on to a little spot in the California of Oahu, Kailua & Jalapenos. Jalapenos has been there for a minute but we just recently started eating there. I should have gone sooner. Growing up in the islands & barely leaving the islands you never really get to eat authentic Mexican. Yes there are a few spots here and there but they are exactly that, few so having Jalapenos in the town right next to mines is beyond cool. Obviously I'm a fan of birria & the nachos just encompass every flavor you would want dancing around on your pallet but we have tried the steak, the burritos, their bowls & I can honestly say it all tastes onolicious. Everything is so flavorful & the guac is to die for. You're not waiting forever even if there's a small line of people ahead of you & your orders are made right in front of you. Tacos are half off on Tuesday so please head into Kailuafornia for some yummy authentic Mexican food & even more authentic Mexican customer service. (Please do not take offense to Kailuafornia it is what it is & I grew up before it's gentrification, when local families made up the bulk of it's population, when there were less cars & less rude people but one day no one will remember what it was like in the good ol days) read more

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If you're looking for Mexican food on Oahu.... Look no further than Jalapeños I've lived in Hawaii for over 2 decades and I've always complained that there were no authentic Mexican restaurants in the state. Coming from California I missed the food I grew up with. I'm in Kailua once a week for work and this is my go to stop for lunch. Super fresh made to order food. The tacos are great, the torta is my favorite item on the menu. Also there is a good selection of Mexican beers. Check it out you won't be disappointed. I hope they get to a point where they open for breakfast. read more

Staff was friendly, although he spoke softly, so I had to keep asking him to repeat himself. The food came out super fast and was absolutely delicious!!! We will definitely come back! read more

Jalapenos 808 - 2 carnitas tacos with black beans and rice - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Loved that they have veggie options. I ordered a tofu taco and a vegetable taco. Portions were small but I wasn't too hungry, otherwise they have a 2 taco + rice + beans plate which would be more filling. You also have several different topping options to pick. Guacamole is extra. Place is casual and food came out quick. Overall good experience and everyone was friendly. read more

Came here on a whim. It's in a mini-mall so there is free parking. I got the steak burrito which was good. You order at the counter so service was fast. Lots of seating. Good for a quick meal. read more

Heard about this New Mexican restaurant In Kailua at atmosphere was very nice very clean fast and efficient. A lot of seating for people to eat inside cool there is a lot of different combinations that you can get à la cart. The chips are homemade the salsa they give you is a little hot. We got the red one I didn't try the green one. I ordered the nachos, which delicious I thought the price was very reasonable for the dishes we got will let you make up Your own decision on this New Mexican restaurant it was quite a busy evening at the read more

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So nice to have a tofu option! Exceptional flavor, super nice staff, VERY clean and big portions! Ecvlennt all around and legit authentic Mexican which is hard to find on the island. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Mexi-tofu bowl - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Went here for taco Tuesday and damn! Best Mexican on this side of the island by far. Super fresh and tasty. Housemade salsa is sooo spicy but GOOD. Burrito was also good. Came back again not taco Tuesday and the price is just way too high for tiny street tacos Would be 5 stars but the taco prices are nuts read more

I ate here today for the first time. Ordered food for 2 and felt as though I had gotten robbed. I ordered a 3 taco plate, chicken quesadilla, side of rice & beans and a drink. The total came out to $60! The tacos were street taco sized, nothing fancy, just meat with onions and cilantro. The quesadilla was basically all cheese with a little bit of chicken pieces. No salsa bar. Really disappointed with the pricing and the quality given. I felt as though I was robbed. Even at $40 for this meal, I'd feel like it was overpriced. Won't be coming back that's for sure. read more

Honestly really disappointed because this is my first time here. I got the steak burrito to go, it was over $20 and had barely any steak. That would be more acceptable if the burrito was maybe $10, but I probably had 2-3 bites with (small amounts of) steak, and the rest was beans and rice. The taste and flavors were very good, which is what makes me more sad about the lack of protein. read more

The workers are very nice and the birria tacos, asada taco and carnitas tacos were very good! Thank you read more

Jalapenos 808 - Birria Taco (There was 3 but we forgot to take pictures b4) - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

The people were extremely friendly and the food was excellent. The flavors were very rich and true "Mexican" food. Very authentic and delicious. Will definitely go there again. read more

Fast service, delicious and flavorful ingredients. Definitely recommend. Casual. Sit-down. Have beers and soft drinks for purchase. Good prices and variety of options overall. read more

Jalapenos 808 - I got the asada mixed with tofu bowl. Could feed 2 people. - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Well, second time back since I provided the first review. Let me see up front, everything still holds: great tasting, good service, and they worked out the first-opening kinks. However, wow have the prices risen: $18.75 for a burrito, $6.50 for a taco, $17.75 for a quesadilla. I know rent has to be pricey out here, no argument there. And I hope they continue to thrive and succeed. I just can't in good faith afford to go here anymore. read more

Anticipating a new Mexican food restaurant in Kailua took a lot of patience. So when it finally opened I was anxious to try the Birria tacos and easily chose the combination plate. The black beans and rice were flavorless and the tacos were dry and small. Okay. Everyone deserves a second chance, right? So I ordered carnitas with beans and rice and pico de gallo. Sigh. So disappointing. At both visits I asked the servers, "What's good?" "Everything!" were the replies. Okay, so maybe it was just me. Therefore, I asked some folks who had ordered lunch for their office. Their reaction was the same. I hope Jalepeños 808 ups their game before too long. I would hate to lose their enthusiasm. read more

Absolutely amazing place, best Mexican food on this island! Such a kind staff who makes an effort to know you and remember you. It's always clean, they always have new drinks and snacks coming in, and always have free candy for the kids. So appreciative of this staff, they really take care of us! read more

I love this place! It's a Chipotle/Paniolos type design but with authentic Mexican food. It is a little bit pricey, but they do give you big portions verses other places. I've been here several times and service is always joyful and attentive. Food tastes good and is full of flavor. They also sell horchata, other sides, cervezas, and camarones rancheros (only on weekends). Some things I'd love to see from this restaurant: 1. Churritos/Duritos w Valentina and lime 2. Homemade salsa to go with their amazing chips 3. Salsa verde 4. Coke Zero (personal preference haha) 5. Homemade Chicharrones 6. Seasonal tamales Overall, this restaurant is approved from someone who grew up in Mexico. read more

Great location! Clean, friendly staff. The best authentic Mexican food we found on the island. Fast service at a reasonable price. Loved it

The food is excellent. Authentic Mexican food. The carne asada, beans, rice, salsa, were great! The nachos are good and so are the nacho fries! read more

Jalapenos 808 - Carne Asada Burrito- Grapefruit Jarritos Mexican soda, made with real sugar. Not corn syrup. - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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This is the best Mexican food in town. The employees are so kind every time I visit. They always welcome me with a smile. Being from San Diego it's hard to find good Mexican but you can find it here at Jalapeños 808! read more

Jalapenos 808 - Nachos for the win! - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

not worth it for the price and the way they try to charge so much extra for so little bit. food tasted rushed and owners got an attidude

The food was fresh, fast and delicious. The Restraunt was clean and very neat. Highly recommend

Greetings were great, I heard a lot off positive reviews prior to coming here. It was my first time here so I was not sure what to order. Ordered a carne asada burrito with rice, beans, potatoes, pico de gallo and guacamole. Very quick service. When I sat down and started to bite into the burrito I noticed the tortilla still felt cold. I brought it back to see if they could heat it up on the flat top. They would not, they so I just ate it with a fork. What I really did not appreciate was the main cook said no one else has complained. Everything in the burrito was good minus the asada which was mostly nerve. So bottom line I paid over $25 for a burrito. Normally I give establishments a second chance but not this place. Sorry read more

First time here and it didn't disappoint. The food was delicious and fresh. The customer service was excellent. It's a must try...... must. read more

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Super fast service with great flavors. The hot sauce is made in house every morning. Not painfully hot. Staff are nice and offer good recommendations. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Al pastor burrito - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Food was average. Carne asada was way too fatty and carnitas were dry. Way too pricey. Will prolly give it another try in a few months once they establish. Hopefully they will turn it around. read more

We were excited to try Jaapeno 808 as their "Coming Soon" sign was so there forever! I really liked my Mexi-tofu quesadilla but my husband was disappointed because 1) they ran out of steak 2) they ran out of guacamole 3) the quesadilla only comes with the quesadilla . . No beans, no rice . . My son was disappointed because the he was expecting the birria tacos to be something he dipped in the sauce but the sauce was in with the meat . . So . . Like the other reviewers said, it is very authentic but when we compare it to the other Mexican restaurants on the windward side, we were disappointed in the portion size for the amount we paid and the quality of food . . Could have been better . . Service was friendly though and it is very clean . . read more

Great spot for some good tacos! Great location and an easy grab for after the beach or for take out after a beach or hike. Easy parking. Had the asada tacos and hubby had pastor tacos both tasted great. Nice easy solid menu with a few but very good items. I love that the restaurant is ran by a few Mexican men, the vibes were giving!! they had peso pluma and el recodo playing IYKYK ! Quick and fast service! Loved this place! read more

Great service, clean tables and GREAT FOOD! First time eating there and it was amazing. Al Pastor burrito was ono, in my opinion best mexican food! read more

Jalapenos 808 - Al Pastor Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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What a disappointment. After reading the reviews I thought we were in for a treat. Tried to call ahead and order over the phone, but no one answers the phone. I walk in at the dinner hour (5:30PM) and 4 young men are standing around the grill small talking while the cashier just stands at his post (now it makes sense why no one was answering the phone). As I wait at the counter, finally a young man turns and asks if anyone has helped me. I begin my order and then I'm told they don't have carnitas...I begin my order again and then I'm told they don't have Steak/asada...(at the start of their dinner hour they don't have 2 main proteins!?) I ask for guacamole and I'm told they DON'T have guacamole! No apologies, no explanations, just none. Ordered the 2 taco plate (small portions) for $15.25. Moving on... read more

Jalapenos 808 - Taco plate Birria. - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Coming from Cali we have certain standards for Mexican food. Quesobirria tacos with consomé was absolute bomb, highly recommend. Al pastor was good, carne asada lacked that nice char on it. They serve generous scoops of meat, and have plenty of toppings. Over all, very good. read more

Jalapenos 808 - Al pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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One star is for not putting soap in the co-ed bathroom. When I told the guy at the front there was no soap in the dispenser, they did nothing. Gross! They only have one bathroom and how can the workers wash their hands when there is no soap? Disgusting. I have been eating at this place since they opened and I always loved the food, but now not so much. Not having soap in the bathroom is a health hazard. No thank you. read more

Best tacos ever I got the potato ones and Taco Tuesday they're $3 each...soooo good. Kind staff, clean space and many pretty tables to eat. Will be back! read more

Yummm very tasty food.... Very clean and great service.. yummy Plenty of parking, Lots of fresh choices read more

Really good flavors and generous portions for the price. We love the carne asada & carnitas burritos and the carne asada fries for the kiddos. They also have a great variety of drinks to choose from. The guys behind the counter are very friendly & patient as you build your dish. Glad to have a great option for quick Mexican food the whole family enjoys in Kailua. read more