Fiesta Jalapenos Offers Tasty Mexican Fare

If you can’t get away to Mexico for spring break, a trip to Fiesta Jalapenos is the next best thing.

The North Ridgeville restaurant is truly making a name for itself and giving other Mexican and non-Mexican restaurants in the area a run for their pesos.

Pick any evening during the week or on weekends, and the place is packed. Don’t let that discourage you from coming in. The wait for a table is not long at all. While you are waiting, you can enjoy a margarita at the bar and some great conversations with Lupe, the bartender. He also happens to be the owner’s father. Lupe is a great storyteller and can give you all the insights of Mexico should you ever visit in person.

If you start off with a beverage, I recommend the Texana margarita. It’s got a little extra special tequila. The margaritas at Fiesta Jalapenos come frozen or on the rocks and are available in two sizes by the glass, or you can order a pitcher. Monday and Saturdays drink specials offer a pitcher (on the rocks) for $13.99 ($3 off regular price). A variety of flavors are available including strawberry, peach, raspberry, and banana strawberry.

The wait staff at Fiesta Jalapenos are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Once you order your food, it’s typically at your table within as little as five minutes, even when the place is full of patrons. 

On the subject of food, Fiesta Jalapenos is known for using only the freshest ingredients and it’s authentic to Mexico. Plus, if there’s something you want that you don’t see on the menu, just ask. They can usually prepare something for you. My brother-in-law comes in from Dayton and asks the owner to prepare something extra hot for him. He’s never disappointed and is usually breaking out in a sweat after the first bite.

If you haven’t filled up on chips, which come to the table warm and accompanied by fresh salsa, try an appetizer. The selections include quesadilla grande (steak or chicken)( $8.99), flautas ($6.99) or queso fundido ($6.99).

Entrees include flautas ($10.50), enchiladas supremas ($10.50), burritos desebrados ($10.99), fajitas ($13.50), chimichanga ($10.50) and shrimp enchiladas ($11.99).

Save room for dessert, as an order of fried ice cream ($4.99) is enough for a few people to share.

Fiesta Jalapenos also is kid-friendly. Children can choose from burritos, quesadillas or enchiladas ($4.50), or if Mexican is not their thing, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken tenders ($4.50) also are available.

Fiesta Jalapenos: 35051 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. 440-327-1431.

Hours of operation:  Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday Noon to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 9 p.m. Take-out available.