Review: Jalapenos a hot place to eat

Four and a Half out of Five Stars

By Alexandra McCluskey
Staff Writer

I think we can all agree on the fact that the Lansing area is heavily populated with Mexican restaurants. Of all that I’ve been to, Jalapeños is definitely near the top of the go-to places.

Located in downtown Lansing at 307 S. Washington Square, Jalapeños is a small, locally owned Mexican restaurant that is open for breakfast and lunch, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

With widely diverse options to choose from, you can find just about any Mexican must-have on Jalapeños extensive menu. From customizable tacos, delicious burritos, mounding nachos, to soups and salads and much more, there’s something for everyone.

Husband and wife Joe and Robin Mrozinski are co-owners of Jalapeños. They have been in business since 1994, while also holding ownership of neighboring restaurant, The Daily Bagel.

You can imagine how busy the two of them and the combined staff must be.

“Everybody does everything around here,” Joe Mrozinski said. “We’re cleaning and cooking constantly.”

I’m a breakfast food type of person, so despite the variety of options available at Jalapeños, I always go for the breakfast burrito: a 12-inch tortilla stuffed with melted cheese, hash browna, eggs, and a choice of meat.

An absolutely delicious and filling meal on its own, the breakfast burrito also comes with a small side of mild or hot salsa. Add a 16-ounce fountain drink for $2.39 and you’ve got yourself a fresh and hot $10 meal.

Jobs in the culinary world are usually fast-paced and sometimes stressful, so despite my satisfaction, my meal sometimes seems rushed or thrown together.  This lessens the wonderful first couple bites at times.

Most importantly to note though, is that not a single item on Jalapeños menu exceeds $13! Not only is the food mouthwatering and the service friendly, but the food is generous on your pocket as well.

Jalapeños is a good place to grab a quick bite while you’re on the go, because of its fast service. Within five minutes, my breakfast burrito was steaming on a plate in front of me and ready to be devoured.

Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that you should go down to Jalapeños if you haven’t already. And if you’ve already been, go again! Because I guarantee you’ve forgotten the extent of that initial bite.