Every recipe goes through a phase of trial and error, but that phase occurred generations ago for the majority of the recipes at Jalapeños. The chefs fervently cling to these time-honored techniques and family secrets, even hand making the corn and flour tortillas that are used in virtually every dish.

Although familiar dishes such as housemade tamales, enchiladas, and burritos populate most of the menu, the chefs also introduce a few continental touches, including hearty crab cakes and chicken breast doused in a tangy marinade of citrus and white wine. To complement this variety of cuisine, bartenders create sangria from scratch and blend a variety of flavored margaritas to correspond with each month of the year.

Filled with custom furniture, the decor appears to come directly from Baja California. Dark wooden floors and wall paneling stand in stark contrast to vibrant touches including bright yellow and purple chairs. Yet it’s not entirely up to accents such as the wall-mounted surfboard to create a festive atmosphere—Jalapeños also hosts live entertainment throughout the week.