Restaurant Review: Jalapenos De Ybor Mexican Restaurant

After the recommendation by John Keeler to try, “The most delicious mexican food.”, I decided to give it a try. After a bit of confusion about their hours, we found our way to Jalapenos De Ybor (1604 N 17th St, Tampa, FL 33605,(813) 241-8226).

Nestled a few blocks off the main drag in Ybor, this little mexican walk-up-window with patio is the perfect mix of good food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff and convenience. There is plenty of parking both on street and off, which is especially noteworthy for Ybor. Furthermore, they are open early (7AM-2PM) and serve south of the border breakfast and lunch specialties.

The staff was exceptionally friendly. Not only were they very pleasant, but they were the kind of friendly that you only get from people who love their work. It was a very nice change from the customer service I tend to get from most places.

The ordering process was very simple. Walk up, ring bell, order from a menu on the wall and then go sit in the patio area. They bring the food out fairly quickly (under 10 minutes) and it’s cafeteria style, so you set your own table with plastic forks and foam cups. It’s the kind of environment that says, “come as you are”, complete with latin music in the background, lots of plant cover and slatted fence for plenty of light and air to complete your dining experience.

The servings are generous and the price is more than reasonable. For less than $25, we were filled to the gills and she took a pitcher of fresh Sangria down. The food is the kind of fair I expect when I order from an authentic place. I ordered the John’s Hotter than Hell Burrito; a combination of slow cooked pork, onion, fresh tomatoes, chopped jalapenos, hot salsa and habaneros. From the first bite to the last, the burrito lives up to it’s name. Hot, in that “I’m spicy and you want me inside you.” kind of way. I wasn’t one to fight that kind of temptation.

I also had today’s special, which is a double serving of Chile Rellenos. Imagine Roasted Chile Poblano stuffed with cheese and deep fried in a meringue; served with a side of rice, beans and two warm corn tortillas. It’s a full meal on it’s own, and I know when I was half way through that I was stuffed by had to finish it. It was so good I didn’t want to stop.

While I made an untamed pig of myself, Kara ate the Taco Salad. She remarked that it was good, and very filling. As Taco salads go, it looked to be a delightful combination and the satisfied smirk on her face confirmed this.

Then again, it could have been the pitcher of Sangria she inhaled.

Just as we were ready to explode from our food-gasm, our gracious host brought us a plate of fresh-made donuts. Imaging biting into a sugar filled cloud. Then imagine the second you begin to chew, you suddenly don’t feel full anymore because all you want is to inhale that wonderful piece of fried dough. It’s better than any donut I’ve yet had. Even if you don’t like mexican food, the donuts alone are worth the trip.

For now, we’re off to Gasparilla…

Related posts:

1. Restaurant Review: Estela’s Mexican Restaurant
2. Restaurant Review: Caramba’s Mexican Restaurante
3. Restaurant Review: Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant
4. Restaurant Review: Los Tucanes Mexican Food
5. Restaurant Review: El Taconazo / The Taco Bus
6. Restaurant Review: Taqueria Monterrey
7. Restaurant Review: Algusto Tortilla and Salsa
8. Restaurant Review: Centro Cantina
9. Restaurant Review: The Laughing Cat
10. Restaurant Review: Red Mesa