Tacos El Jalapeño image

Tacos El Jalapeño

Restaurant Fast food restaurant Mexican restaurant

👍👍 Just relocated back to PA after many years and was looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant. This little, no frills place was just what I was looking for. I had the Tacos Birria and my wife enjoyed the whole fried fish. Both were tasty and as I hoped- authentic not westernized. The service... People often mention tacos, good, authentic, meat, service, birria, ordered, Mexican, Birria, cheese,


Address

1033 N 6th St, Whitehall, PA 18052

Contact

(610) 351-1867

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (545 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tacos (16) good (15) authentic (13) meat (9) service (8) birria (8) ordered (8) Mexican (7) Birria (7) cheese (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Steven S. 1 year ago on Google
    Just relocated back to PA after many years and was looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant. This little, no frills place was just what I was looking for. I had the Tacos Birria and my wife enjoyed the whole fried fish. Both were tasty and as I hoped- authentic not westernized. The service was friendly. Note: I’m not sure what the other reviewer was expecting when they gave one star to the Tacos Birria but I really enjoyed them and they were very generous with the beef.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 keyouna c. 2 years ago on Google
    Ordered the birria tacos and it was horrible. I always wanted to come here to eat but decided to come today out of living here for 7-8years. Never again,very expensive and not worth your money at all. If I could get my $27 back right now I would be glad. The food was plain and per dish for the amount of $13 is too much for fraud pictures of the actual thing. The cheese over power the meat which like I said had no flavor. Thought it was beans I was eating with cheese that’s how much I didn’t like it. But hey I live and I learned,&that’s not to go back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharon D. K. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing! The best Mexican restaurant I have ever visited. My daughter had the quesadilla, beans and rice. She told me that the quesadillas are awesome, and the beans were ok, but if you eat it with the rice, the beans become some of the best beans you will taste. I had the carnitas; the meat was well cooked, juicy, and well seasoned. The balance through the platter was striking, with the flavour of the meat, the crunch of the vegetables, and the savoury of the cheese; made a whole new level. The service, of course, was excellent.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Bo D. 1 year ago on Google
    I drive past this place all the time on my way home from work. When it was cinco de mayo and my husband and I decided to order food i was excited to try it, especially from how it looks on the outside, i thought i was gunna get real authentic hispanic food. Birriholic is one of my favorite places to get birria, but its the opposite direction of where i was going and this place was on the way so we finally ordered. We got the birria, 3 steak tacos, and the pork nachos, the total was 40 dollars. I thought that was kinda steep but if its good then you get what you pay for. Unfortunately in this case I felt i did not get good food and for the price it really bothered and bummed me out. The birria and steak tacos were on UNCOOKED cold floppy tortillas, i fried the birria at home hoping to make it work. The meat in the birria was pretty good and after cooking them at home i was happy with them. I asked if it came with consume or a soup, they said yes but upon getting home it came with like a small plastic condiment container. Like what side salad dressings come in, it was actually funny when I saw it. I will say it was good but not that authentic birria consume, more of just a beef stock. My husbands steak tacos were very sad looking, the meat was not juicy, it wasn’t flavorful, chipotle has better steak and thats embarrassing to even compare when looking for real hispanic cuisine. The nachos were ok, there was basically only tomatoes and cheese crumble or something on it, the pork on it was good but no real flavor or zest which “el jalapeno” just made me thing something would have some kind of kick to it. Overall bland and disappointing for the price. I never write reviews but the fact that my husband let ME pick the place and he paid for it and then it wasnt good, idk if any of yall are married but i dislike when my husband is right, and me picking a food place that sucked is not exactly putting a win in my book if you know what im saying. Also the fact that ive seen photos on here where their food looks so good and much better than what I received makes me think they got lazy on a busy day, which for 40 dollars, just ruined the whole thing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dawn K. 2 years ago on Google
    A few weeks ago I placed a catering order for my grand daughter birthday party. The service was very professional and the owner was very nice. On top of the very good service the food was excellent. Everyone loved the food and it was so much. And not expensive at all. I highly recommend this place for all your catering needs. Thank you so much for making my party a success. 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander S. 1 year ago on Google
    Just wow. The food was so fast and the service was on top of it. Have to try this place out!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derek J L. 2 years ago on Google
    This is my go-to for authentic Mexican food in the Lehigh Valley. Tacos are typical street tacos with meat, onions, and cilantro on corn tortillas. The salsas are sufficiently spicy, and the restaurant serves ample amounts of grilled jalapeno peppers. My favorite dishes to get here are the enchiladas poblanas with mole, and the chiles rellenos de queso. So far every meat that I've ordered has been good. Prices have increased substantially from several years ago, but it seems like they've justified these higher prices by making sure that every item is excellent.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew 5 months ago on Google
    This small shack has some serious good eats. From Tacos to Tortas this place is awesome. Don't forget to try the horchata, it tastes like Christmas!

  • 1/5 Amber M. 6 months ago on Google
    I was extremely disappointed, I ordered 6 tacos for pick up over the phone, when I got to my boyfriends job to drop them off they had no cilantro, when I called the restaurant too tell them the lady on the phone said “sorry we’re out of cilantro & sorry I didn’t tell you when you placed your order” with attitude in other words didn’t even care to sell me tacos that wouldn’t taste the same, she offered me a refund because I paid with card quickly hung up & I never received my refund. The meat barely had flavor just overall I do not recommend this place

  • 4/5 Kurt K. 1 year ago on Google
    Really good street tacos! The portion sizes are large (4 tacos loaded with your choice of meet). When dining at the shop we also received chips and salsa (not sure if you get those if you order to go). I like the authentic feel of the location and the flavors are great. The horchata was really good as well :) You end up paying $3.25 per taco and I think the quantity / quality makes it worth it.

  • 5/5 Tim U. 11 months ago on Google
    Burrito was very good. Large helping of rice. Salsa bar was nice with six different kinds to try. Free nachos and salsa white waiting for food. Very fast service. We'll be back.

  • 1/5 Shelby B. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m sorry I really wanted to like this place. We were so hopeful. Our first red flag was that it was 7$ for queso dip. Which, okay with the economy I understand. However, we received two plastic cups of frothy cheese water? We both wanted to like it so bad but it was not cheesy or worth 7$. My boyfriend and I both ordered the chicken flautas and they were okay! I mean no harm when I say this but honestly if you’re looking for Taquitos….pick up a bag from giant. Cheaper and more flavorful. I had so much hope for this place. I hope you guys can learn from this! Best of luck.

  • 5/5 Uriel S. 1 year ago on Google
    I love their birrias like that kid loves corn. I can't imagine a more beautiful thing. They changed my life, and every time I'm back in the area I have to bring at least one order home.

  • 5/5 David A. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was delicious.. True authentic Mexican food. Birria tacos were great and food was filling. Tres leche was also addicting. Absolutely coming here more often.

  • 4/5 Lorisa P. 1 year ago on Google
    A solid four. Sometimes they disappoint, sometimes they absolutely leave you laid out from fullness because it was so damn good. I did get delivery for all of my orders so far, it’s been years since I’ve ate there in person but plan to very soon. With that being said I can’t speak to pricing but their menu is available online. In the past week we’ve ordered twice… Order one: Birria Steak tostada Chicken Flatuas Birria was slightly under flavored but good. Came with the cilantro and sauce securely packaged. Steak tostada was perfect, I asked for my veggies on the side (the lettuce will hold heat and moisture down making the fried tortilla soggy) they followed my request and the fried tortilla was PERFECT. My husband had the chicken flatuas, he is Hispanic and he loved them. Order two: Birria Steak tostada Chicken tostada Chicken Flatuas Flan This time they didn’t separate the lettuce and other veggies from the tostadas and because of that the shell was SUPER soggy. I salvaged what I could but it wasn’t what I was craving. At this point I was super sad. Chicken Flatuas never arrived. So I was big upset but I was refunded for this item and we had more than enough food. Because I ordered from a third party delivery app I cannot blame the restaurant. They also may have ran out, who knows. Either way at this point I was big sad. BIRRIA. I wasn’t too excited for it because of last time but listennnnnnnnnnn this round was PHENOMENAL. Good god I ate ONE and it had me laid out. I still can’t get up I’m so full and satisfied. I added in some of the chihuahua cheese and red salsa and dipped it. Jesus lord take the wheel I don’t think that taco could ever be recreated because I think Jesus himself walked into the kitchen and made that one special for me lol. Also, there is a review about 6 months before this one where the Birria looks super small and empty, this was not the case for me both times they were super full. I do wish the tortilla on these was a little crispier but again, delivery. So they are hit or miss but done count them out after one bad batch.

  • 5/5 Michelle L. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent food & service. I haven't gone in to eat only ordered for take out. The place is very authentic.! The picture is pork street tacos which were excellent ! I felt it was a little pricey. $13.71 for 4 mini's. I'll compare and see if I'm out of line. 🤷‍♀️

  • 1/5 Jalyssa W. 2 years ago on Google
    The birria tacos are disgusting. The shell is not crispy it is 2 thick soggy tortillas with unmelted cheese and flavorless meat and broth. Way overpriced.

  • 1/5 Brandi C. 1 year ago on Google
    After living by this place for 3 years I was dying to try it. Had such high hopes that were completely crushed. I order the birra tacos, a beef burrito and beef nachos. There was a long black hair in the burrito and the food was completely bland. No flavor at all. A complete waste of money if you ask me. I just wish I would have read the reviews before ordering from here. Complete shame.

  • 3/5 Soilymar C. 1 year ago on Google
    Ordered 4 steak tacos, they were ok honestly by the looks I thought they were gonna be full Of flavor but needed some salt honestly. Also not sure if they use oil to fry the steak but they were a bit greasy and could taste the oil. I’ll return just to try another food menu and maybe sit in to see if it’s worth it.

  • 2/5 Albert V. 1 year ago on Google
    Too expensive for the quality. I paid $25.44 for 2 enchiladas entrees that are no way near authentic Mexican.

  • 5/5 TracyAnne M. 1 year ago on Google
    Looking for authentic Mexican dishes prepared with heart and soul? Look no further for the most fresh, flavorful, delicious food! Try the POZOLE! Or the many varieties of tacos, especially the street tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rice and refried beans, horchata and many more delectable delights

  • 5/5 Art D. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best and authentic restaurants in the area. Good prices and amazing food. Recommend for everyone.

  • 5/5 ICE Youtube C. 2 years ago on Google
    I ordered Grubhub from this place. I swear I could have sworn I hired someone’s grandmother to come cook at my place. amazing

  • 5/5 Luz C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great authentic Mexican food and great friendly service. The ice cream is amazing too!

  • 1/5 Mccalman L. 2 years ago on Google
    The food looks great however, there is absolutely no flavor in their dishes. Very bland. definitely not authentic mexican food. would not order. i’ve tried over 12 dishes there to give them benefit of doubt, and all taste dry and bland. waste of money.

  • 5/5 marilin e. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice and fresh produce, very humble, familiar and comfortable place.


Call (610) 351-1867 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup

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