Jalapeno's: Glen Rock, NJ, and several rants

Update (20080718):  Jalapeno's has closed. 

I've been known to moan and whine about the lack of authentic Mexican restaurants in New Jersey...and the rest of the country for that matter.  Aside from taquerias in some areas with a big Mexican population, you're not going to find much in the way of Mexican or even Southwestern flavors in New Jersey.   Jose Tejas and any place with the same menu do not count.  That includes you, Chili's, that "Fresh Mex" place, Don Pablo's, any rustic looking place with "Roadhouse" in the name, and, of course, all of you local places that serve cheddar cheese-laden crap...you know who you are.

Here's my rant, which has gone through my head more than I can remember and out of my mouth more times than those within earshot cared to hear.  The menus at these restaurants contain basically the same deal:  tacos, burritos, nachos, sizzling platters of fajitas, shredded lettuce, unripe tomatoes, guacamole that comes out of a bag, sour cream, some version of chimichanga, white meat chicken everywhere, a token salmon dish, refried beans, rice.  It's the all-too-typical case of you and me being able to make anything these restaurants offer with food from cans (yes, I know Chevy's has "no cans" in the kitchen, but they might as well), bags, and with the ingredients from even the most uninteresting white bread supermarket, although you'd very rarely want to. 

And don't get me started on the margaritas these places make, which despite your not getting me started, I will right now.  I'm sure that margaritas are one of the most popular cocktails served in the US, and there's nothing wrong with people sucking down cheap sweetened tequila and high fructose corn syrup mixers.  It's just that I have a preference for non-gloppy-sweet margaritas, made with nothing but Tequila (100% Blue Agave), a non-crap orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice (and maybe a bit of simple syrup or OJ.  Maybe).  Let me stress again:  FRESH LIME JUICE.  And no, fresh lime juice can't be substituted with Rose's neon green high fructose corn syrup water stuff. That's not lime juice.  So restaurants, please don't list  "lime juice" on your drink menu if you actually mean "Rose's neon green high fructose corn syrup water stuff." That just throws me all the hell off.  Or, God forbid, that sour mix stuff that comes out of the gun.  Oh Jesus no.

And try to ask a bartender to make a margarita "without sweet and sour mix or Rose's"!??!  You'll likely get a look of confusion and horror, a look of horror matched only by the look of horror on my face when I get a mouth full of synthetic sugar product when I'm actually expecting the magical combination of a Reposado, Cointreau, and lime juice.

Show me a place in New Jersey that makes a margarita like God intended it and I'll be on the road in minutes.  Englewood's Mama Mexico?  Nein.  Bloomfield's Senoritas?  Nicht.  Norwood's Jose O'Reilly's?  Nuh-uh.  In fact the best margarita that I've had in New Jersey was at Ridgewood's multi-level meat market Blend, of all places.  And this was due probably entirely to the excellent bartender Steve, with whom I had an educational discussion on and tasting of tequilas a while back.  I'm not even sure if Steve still works there, but if you're there, and he does, have him make you a margarita with fresh lime juice.  Accept no less.

But that's not why I called you to this meeting today. 

Given my clear and now well-documented disdain for these types of places, who market this nasty food on us Americans with claims of "authentic" and "Mexican", it comes as no surprise that Jalapeno's in Glen Rock has not escaped my criticism, even though it's a local joint.  My meals here come only after craving that "Tex-Mex" flavor that I think that I like, and they're almost always mediocre.

My recent quick meal, however, was quite successful, and it's the reason I opened this browser to begin with.  In order to achieve this level of success, I essentially studied the menu for something, anything, that looked like it contained simple, somewhat interesting ingredients.  I decided on a dish of grilled chicken with poblano chilis. 

The dish was as simple as it sounds:  grilled chicken (breast, of course), sautéed onions and poblanos.  It wasn't covered in cheese.  It was served with gratuitous shredded lettuce.  It wasn't too salty.  It wasn't too sweet.  In fact the bit of sauce that came in the dish was likely due purely to the onions and peppers reducing.  It came with a side of rice and refried beans, which I didn't bother with.  Thankfully they were on a separate plate, so they didn't mess with my peppers.  I doused the dish with some of the bottled hot sauce that they have and was quite impressed with the whole thing.  All-in-all it was a good dish dish that sated my craving for something, anything, Mexican or Southwestern.

Bobby, the bartender, who is always always always there and has been since I can remember, will do his best to avoid the Rose's and the gun if asked, but it's a bit of a sales job to get him to keep his hands off of the stuff.  As you might imagine, fresh lime juice is not prepared in bulk and behind the bar (contrast with Zarela in NYC), and having him go to the kitchen, grab a lime, bring it back, and squeeze it with his hands, seems a bit too much to ask, especially if you're, um, "thirsty."  On this night I asked Bobby to go easy on the sweet stuff in the margarita and he did his best, even though he clearly did not agree with my approach.   "You don't want Cointreau then," Bobby pointed out.  I started to explain that I didn't mind *that* kind of sweet stuff, but stopped.  The margarita was passable, but could have used about 7 more shakes.  I like my margarita cold, well-shaken, and with ice chips.  But that's for the next rant I suppose.

Jalapeno's is a family friendly restaurant with a bar that's usually filled with locals and regulars.  You may find yourself surrounded by 6 people all playing along to Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy on the big flat panel.   On this night one of the puzzles on the Wheel (those in the know refer to it as "the Wheel"), which stumped the whole bar down to the very end, read like this:  "Friendly neighborhood _ub".  Six people sitting there at this friendly neighborhood bar, and none of us could put it together.   Probably had Bobby to thank for that.

Jalapeno's : 930 Prospect St (Next to Bottle King) : Glen Rock, NJ : 201.689.6800

Comments

[chefdave]

I'm in total agreement with you about the state of Mexican food around here. When asked the question, "Where do you find the best Mexicacn food in Manhattan?" the answer was always "Family Meal." To be honest, I'm a little surprised to read that you succumbed to Jalapeno's in the first place. But thanks for taking one for the team....I'm glad to hear your experience wasn't terrible.

[melissa]

I share your pain, Tommy, regarding the lack of authentic Mexican restaurants in N.J., maybe even more intensely because I’ve lived in California most of my life. It’s maddening – there are Mexican immigrants in New Jersey; are they afraid (maybe with some justification) that real Mexican food would turn off customers here? Is real estate here too expensive for the kind of mom-and-pop storefronts that often serve the best stuff? The “fresh-Mex” restaurants like Baja Fresh in Hackensack, Moe’s in Mahwah and Chipotle in Clifton are pretty good, but they’re not close enough to Ridgewood, where I live, to make them a convenient take-out place or nice enough to bring the family for a sit-down dinner. (Don’t even get me started on Fresh Cactus; the sauce on their enchiladas is sweet enough to make you gag.) So when the New York Times’ New Jersey section several months ago had a brief, positive review of Cinco de Mayo in Hillsdale, about 20 minutes away, I headed over there and it was great: a tiny storefront, mostly takeout, but with seats at a bar where I ordered terrific sopes (a thick cornmeal pancake kind-of-thing with your choice of meat and sauce: green or red). The cook makes them on a grill just inches in front of you, so they’re hot and fresh. The tortillas and refried beans were homemade and delicious. I started chatting with Benito, the owner, and found out that he was opening a restaurant in Waldwick (in Hamilton Square on Franklin Turnpike), and I was thrilled. Months later, after several trips there, I’m a bit disappointed, but it’s still my local Mexican restaurant of choice. The Waldwick restaurant doesn’t list sopes on the menu (I’m tempted to ask for them though), the beans don’t seem as good, and there’s the usual problem of too much sauce and cheese on many dishes. (Weirdly, they also make a decent wood-fired pizza; they took over an Italian restaurant and have decided to keep using the oven.) But I’m still trying different things to try to find the equivalent of your dish at Jalapenos.

[Daniel]

Off-The-Broiler recently mentioned a Mexican place in Bergenfield called La Batalla.
It sounds good, but it is a bit of a drive for a taco. Here's the link:

http://offthebroiler.wordpress.com/2006/05/25/nj-dining-la-batalla/

[tommy:eats]

melissa,

that mexican/italian place is bizarre. i stopped in there a few months ago (on your recommendation perhaps) to get a menu and check it out. i wish they'd just do away with the pizza (unless it's really really really good). that type of schizophrenic approach just turns me off. do one thing and do it well. that's what I say, damnit.

i've taken crap for saying it, but i'm looking forward to Rosa Mexicano in Riverside Square. I've been a fan of the original location for years. Small take-out type shops are great, but I'd really like to see a somewhat upscale/sit-down type place with a bar.

[tommy:eats]

here's the link to the Off the Broiler post:
click me

[melissa]

Yes, the Italian-Mexican thing is off-putting ... especially since the first thing you see when you come in is glass cases of cold pizza that are heated up for customers who just want a slice, I guess. I checked out the La Batalla link, and the food looks just like what is served at Cinco de Mayo in Hillsdale -- and I see that La Batalla used to be called Cinco de Mayo ... coincidence?

[jimc]

It's a dive and it doesn't serve alcohol but Crazy Burrito
238 Plainfield Ave Edison, NJ
has as authentic food as is probably possible in nj. It helps to speak mexican.

[Daniel]

I just had a quick lunch at La Batalla in Bergenfield. 4 carnitas taquitos and a weird but excellent thing they call a sopes. All for $9.00. It was too much food for one person, but I struggled through so as not to be rude to the cook. This place is the real deal. Nothing fancy, but the food reminds me of the simple tasty food I used to eat in Mexico. If you are in the neighborhood and need a quick fix, this is the place. Just don't be intimidated by its looks.

[tommy:eats]

Daniel, thanks for that update. I've driven past the place many times recently and keep trying to remember to get back there. Carnitas and sopes? That seals the deal.

[Ken]

you may want to check out "taqueria downtown" in downtown Jersey City. No website, but it's at corner of Grand and Grove streets.
credo:
no fajitas
no nachos
no guacamole
no mini anything
no uniforms
no substitute for the real thing.

This is the only place I know of in NJ serving machaca like I used to get when I lived in AZ. very simple menu, no liquor, and kind of a dive, but you can get fish, lamb, pork, steak, beef, cactus or chorizo tacos here. Owners are husband and wife Phil and Andrea from San Diego and Mexico, respectively.

[tommy:eats]

getting great tips from readers is the best part of having a food-related blog. thanks everyone!

[Double0]

I tried posting this a few days ago, but I guess it didn't make the cut. Perhaps its time to try a road trip to Passaic, NJ. Monroe St from RT21 To the other side of Main St probably has 25 Mexican restos and Tacquerias. My fav for lunch right now is Taqueria Brenda Lee, No english spoken but they do understand finger pointing and Spanish. Most places along Monroe are BYO, but there are plenty of liquor stores for beer. There is also a few good SA restos where you can get a nice cerviche or a Cubano.

[limabean]

mexican is definately suffering..cactus, which has since changed was horrible, jalepeno is not good and i thought pricey, when we are in the mood, we go to mamacitas in ramsey, her tomatillo and mole sauce are outstanding on the burritos, but the menu is pretty boring, but we do go there once a month

[Darren]

Mexican is deplorable around here. Totally SUCKS!

Tommy, there was (maybe IS) some Mex place in downtown Ridgewood, on the main drag. You probably know about it. (I forgot the name of the place!!)

It was "OK" when we ate there, Christmas lights strung about.. but some time later we ordered for delivery and it was LOUSY. Anything with flour had a MEALY texture, totally gross and EXPENSIVE. Actually, everything that we ordered was terrible and expensive.

UGH! And the hermetically-sealed plastic containers that they use for take-out! DUH!!! UGLY and KILLS the food. Steamed!!

I don’t want to get into the Chinese restaurant stuff… but they’re doing these containers as well.

OK, I must rant! (see what you guys make me do?? SEE?!!!) LOL These plastic containers are driving me NUTS! I haven’t seen ONE INSTANCE where they could be considered better than the usual waxed paper containers. Because they’re so sealed, they continue to COOK and STEAM the contents, which is rarely ever good.

[tommy:eats]

brutha, i'm getting the idea you don't like them plastic containers.

remember, they're good for leftovers and for reusing as disposable tupperware. save a tree.

[Darren]

HA HA HAA!! YES! I HAAAATE the plastic containers.

Yeah, OK for leftovers, but they tend to clutter up your cabinets because they're all different sizes.

As for being better for the environment, that's a tough call. Yeah, they're recyclable, but I don't think they're actually being recycled and many end up in a landfill somewhere.

But what they do to take-out food! UGH!!

Maybe they should make them with a few small holes in the tops so some steam escapes.

[tommy:eats]

i, literally, hate the word "hate." i have no time for hate. i don't like containers that overcook food, but to avoid that, i don't order take-out or delivery that often. that's my advice to anyone who hates that stuff, as a way to get that bit of hate out of their life. simple, but effective.

you won't find much hate on this blog. i don't use it to be interesting or to make a point (although sometimes i use "hate' satirically) , and at some point i simply won't allow it in comments. let's hear about the good stuff!

[Darren]

LOL! There's no need to take that word so literally, Tommy.

Maybe I should've said I strongly dislike those containers? lol

Actually, most of the time I have no idea that they're going to package the food in them, it's more like we try a new place and that's what the food comes in.

I was just ranting. Now let's go have a margarita with REAL lime juice! lol
(You totally cracked me up with THAT one! SOOO true!!)

:)

[lovelicee]

hey tommy,

have you tried hacienda on mcclean bvld in paterson?! It's my secret guilty pleasure. The beef nachos are phenomenal and are cut from actual steak. I've tried about everything on the menu and I really think you should try it...also after two margaritas it's necessary for my boyfriend to drive :) try it and hopefully you'll like it. ps i love the chile poblano relleno and the pollo campecino! yummmmm...

[tommy:eats]

I am of the opinion that Hacienda is absolutely horrible. Tex-mex in the worst possible sense of the phrase. Had beef nachos made with some part of the animal that was livery and tough. Why not skirt or hanger steak?

I don't recall the margaritas being very exceptional, and that was even before I raised my standards on margaritas. I can't imagine what I'd think of them now. Maybe I'll stop in to confirm my suspicions on those margaritas.

For Mexican food the only places to go it seems are true taquarias, like Brenda Lee in Passaic, mentioned by DoubleO above. Thanks DoubleO!

[karen]

Speaking of Brenda Lee... I tried to find that place on market street..with no luck....where the ** is it???

[tommy:eats]

Karen, Brenda Lee III is on Grand in Paterson according to google. Not sure if there's a "II" on Market somewhere.

[trap vet]

Is Mexicali Rose in Montclair still in business? They used to make nice fish & steak dishes. My latina wife says that it's pretty good fare for NJ.

[Ev]

Trap vet, you'll just have to trust me that Mexicali Rose is NOT good these days. Hasn't been for a couple of years! For good authentic Mexican, go to Los Tapatios in W. Orange, or I've heard good things about Senoritas in Bloomfield. You can also go for terrific Cuban food at La Isla in Hoboken, or for any number of types of latin food, hit North Bergen! Just please--PLEASE--don't go back to MR. The place has been on the market (with the price dropping) for a while now, to boot.

[tommy:eats]

senoritas is nothing notable at all. tex-mex chain food, and some of the more disturbing margaritas that i've ever had.

skip it, and then skip it again.

[Ev]

Interesting. Haven't been--have just read/heard about it. Tommy, have you been to Los Tapatios? Definitely the most authentic Mexican I've had in these parts! Iirc, the dessert (and you know I'm not big on dessert) was dished out of a big pyrex dish--b/c someone's mom was in the kitchen that morning. :-)

[tommy:eats]

nevah been curlz. i like the name. can you tell me if they have just one item that other restaurants don't? that's a good barometer, for me.

[JoeChartreuse]

Sorry, but I have to give Jalapeno's a bit higher praise than you. The food has a clean, fresh flavor ( for which I thanked Leticia, the Chef), and once you step out of the burrito/fajita mold, you find some truly authentic regional Mexican (not "Tex-Mex") cuisine. Bobby ( that wizard of good times behind the bar) has had several articles praising both his Margaritas AND his Sangria. However, I don't drink either, so it's all subjective. I would also add that this place has a well-known "secret". For over 3 years they have had karaoke on Friday nights, and that little bar fills with fun minded people from 25 - 70, and parties late, as opposed to the earlier closing on other nights.

[tommy:eats]

"you find some truly authentic regional Mexican (not "Tex-Mex") cuisine. "

care to name a few dishes?

"Bobby ( that wizard of good times behind the bar) "

Bobby is a great fella and a great bartender, but he's no Grandmaster Flash, and I certainly wouldn't characterize him as such for fear of given people the wrong expectations.

"has had several articles praising both his Margaritas"

Some people like high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors in their drinks, and others don't.

"karaoke on Friday nights, and that little bar fills with fun minded people from 25 - 70"

anyone over the age of 25 who goes to karaoke on Friday night should probably reconsider their lifestyle.

i kid, i kid.

Joe, are the the karaoke guy there on Friday nights?

[paganimal]

mexicali rose 10 park street, montclair nj seems pretty authentic and the food is good with a decent selection to choose from. its a byob and you can bring your own tequila and they can make you a margarita but i dont know about the mix they use because i have yet to try it. across the street is a liquor store, its good in case you want to stop in before the restaurant. i have noticed that it can be cold inside by the windows so try to eat in the center of the place.
here is the website
http://www.mexicaliroseonline.com/

[JoeChartreuse]

Tommy, I thought I wrote this in the first post so it be straight out as far as fairness. In answer to your question, I AM the karaoke host, but discovered the place while working days in Wyckoff. I am a big fan of Zapata's ( no, I don't work there) in Palisades as well- I LOVE Mexican food. As a matter of fact, Jalapeno's is the only venue I have that has top notch food. Authentic Mexican, unlike Tex-Mex, is more grounded, comfort style food. That's what I like. My lady friend, The Goddess, DOES drink Margaritas, and Bobby puts fresh lime juice in hers- with no request. I call Bobby a wizard because of the atmosphere he creates.

My part of it? I do things a bit differently than most, and it creates a "one big happy family atmosphere. Come in then and see what happens, and the smiles on peoples' faces. I work a lot of venues, but this is THE place where I'm as happy as the customers.....

[JoeChartreuse]

By the way, because I eat out most nights due to my work, and the Goddess is a Sous Chef, from whom I've learned much, I really do think I can be fair in regard to rating the food I eat...

[tommy:eats]

Joe, I only asked which dishes you think are authentic regional dishes. I almost went to Jalapenos last Friday night in fact. Although I'd probably be tucked away in bed before the party even gets started, as I'm an old boring fart.

[JoeChartreuse]

Tommy, old farts are many things ( eye-watering comes to mind, but not neccesarily boring. Stay a bit later next time and say hello. I start setting up around 9.

[JoeChartreuse]

Well, no need to debate this place anymore. It is closed, and will be coming back in this location under a new name, management, and as a GREEK restaurant around Labor Day, or a tad earlier.

[JoeChartreuse]

I spoke to the owner today- He was ON SITE at the restaurant working on the floors. The fact is that, as I stated, they WILL be re-opening with the SAME OWNER as a Greek Restaurant, probably by the end of August, if all goes well.

[JoeChartreuse]

BTW, Tommy- How does one e-mail you? Ican't seem to find the address on the site...

[tommy:eats]

thisistommy
[at]
yahoo
[dot]
com

[supafly]

Hi Tommy,
I just found this chain doing a google search for Jalapenos as I heard in one of the local magazines that it had closed. Sad to hear this as I used to enjoy their guacamole and steak enchiladas. (can't say much about their other food except a chicken dish my friend used to other, which was good).

I am from CA and also have found it difficult to find acceptable Mexican food in our area. Have you tried the restaurants in Suffern? Specifically, Tequila, Sal, Y Limon and Hacienda de Don Manuel? The sangria and margaritas at Tequila are very good, though I'm not sure they are up to your standards. I'd love to hear your feedback, however. I think you would like the food there, too, based on the type of entrees you mention in your other posts. Hacienda is cheaper and more casual, and they offer more traditional CA-Mex food (a larger menu with a lesser ratio of "creative" entrees with seafood/steak than Tequila) I do NOT think you would like the margaritas here, but I am ok with them. And their guacamole is made tableside and is fantastic. I like their tacos ala carte... I prefer the pork tacos, and whereas you know they are artery-cloggers, they are almost always very tasty. (Only once out of many visits to this place was the meat not quite lean enough for me).

I did think the food was okay at Cinco de Mayo in Waldwick, but the pizza in the front really turned me off, as did their lack of liquor license -- not the same as an Italian place where I don't mind brining my own wine -- not so easy with margaritas!

[tommy:eats]

I like the way you think, McLovin.

I haven't gotten up to Suffern much, and I know I need to. I've never even heard of the places you mentioned, but will do a search to locate 'em.

[supafly]

I do think you will prefer the margaritas and maybe the atmosphere at Tequila, but you might not like the bar unless it's a week night -- the restaurant doesn't have a large seating area and so people tend to congregate there when waiting for tables. Side note: There is a place on Lafayette Ave (address is 24), not too far from either Mex place, called Caffe Dolce that has an "Alley Bar" where you can sit outside and drink in the summer through Dec. Very casual. I like it because it's an unusual thing for this area to have a little outdoor bar between two buildings, and you can eat outside, too. (don't ask me about the food -- I've only had dessert there, and it was 3.5 stars).

[L]

Reopened as Mythos Greek Taverna. Nice renovation and pretty good food!

[tommy:eats]

L,
I've been meaning to try this place. I did walk in to check it out. No bar dining, which is really the main reason I haven't bothered trying it. I just drive right past and head down to Oceanos in Fair Lawn, where they really know to run a restaurant. It's hard to *not* go to Oceanos, in fact.