History and Flavor Combined at Jalapenos Locos
This past week I made not one but two trips to Jalapenos Locos, a popular, local Tex-Mex restaurant in business since March 2017. This was my first time coming in even after almost three years as a resident of San Angelo. Much overdue indeed.
The wife and kiddo joined me on both visits, once on Thursday night at about 530 p.m. and again on Saturday evening at about the same time. Thursday was for a formal dinner visit and Saturday we came back for the Sept 16 Mexican Independence Day celebration and specials (which we learned about on Thursday night matter of fact). Thursday was a formal dinner visit, opting for dinner menu plates from the large extensive menu of all your staple Mexican and Texan classics but with a small spin of course. See below for images of the three dishes my wife, son, and I picked out.
Some quick history about this place and its ownership is worth noting here: Opened in March 2017 as stated above, Owner Bernie Longoria has been in the local San Angelo restaurant business for 33 years. His parents opened the local Francos Cafe in 1990, then took over the local Western Sky Steakhouse (my favorite local steakhouse) in 1996. Bernie's parents sold both of those businesses just a few years ago. Bernie then ventured off on his own to start Jalapenos Locos and try his own hand at restaurant ownership and management. Bernie's step-father, Daniel Franco, was in the restaurant during both of our visits as a matter of fact and he is a very kind and caring man, giving hugs, handshakes, and hellos or goodbyes to almost everyone who came in or out. Bernie’s Daughter Aleyna Longoria works as both GM and server (and even cook I’m told) and she was a fantastic server for us during our Thursday dine-in visit I should note. Other family members also part of the staff include his mother Leticia, and his sister Danah. So when they say this place is family-owned and operated, they truly mean it.
Back to the food…
On Saturday we came back in for the daily specials they had going on all day long. Street tacos for $1.25, pints of draft beer for $4, and their famous house margarita(plus a free tequila shot) for $4. I also got a chicken salad cause that's just how I am. See below for those close-up shots.
Jalapenos Locos offers a daily happy hour from 4–7 pm as well so be sure to take advantage of that. They also put out a white-board sign with two daily entree discount specials so be sure to take stock of what they have going on any particular day. They also offer a 10% military member discount to active duty members with ID.
We all agreed that we would order each of our dishes again and that they were all quite good and very filling. The seasoning used on my fajitas was very good and unique, unlike most others I have had before.
Overall, you get some local history, great service, quick service, affordable prices, good portions, and several deals and discounts to take advantage of. Me and my family will be regulars here now, I hope to see you in here sometime soon as well.
