El Jalepenos and Thai Kitchen
I’ve dined at El Jalepenos on 117th twice since it opened. Both times the food was delicious, the service was friendly, and the drinks were massive. While not expensive, it’s a little pricier than the cheap Mexican fare I’m accustomed to from Akron staple El Mariachi’s (also known as Mariachi Loco’s, Mariachi Coco’s and Mariachi Grill.) It’s worth it as the quality is definitely a step up. The ingredients are fresher, and you can tell they marinade all their meats. Additionally, El Jalepeno’s has sizeable vegetarian offerings, including a spinach enchilada. (Vegans beware: most authentic Mexican restaurants have lard in the beans and chicken stock in the rice.)
Our margaritas were strong, and the food comes out five minutes after you’ve ordered. My only complaint (and it’s a small one) is on our last visit I received a #57 instead of the #58 I ordered, but it looked good so I ate it anyway, and it was. One can expect to spend about $35 - $40 for two entrees, two margaritas, and tip. They also offer a frequent diner card, something like buy 10 meals get one free.
Last night we visited Thai Kitchen (in the Birdtown area of Lakewood on Madison) for the first time, and now I’m wishing we tried it sooner. Don’t expect to come here with a large group of friends, quarters are cramped with only 5 tiny tables seating two each. Their dining room is smaller than my bedroom, but they do offer carry out. As I understand it the restaurant is run by a husband and wife, who do all the cooking (and were extremely friendly to us.) We were the only dine-in patrons so our food was speedy, but I wouldn’t recommend coming if you were in a hurry during peak dining times.
Alana ordered the pad thai, I got a chicken curry dish and we shared crispy spring rolls. I’ve eaten at Lemongrass on the East side several times, and I can honestly say save your money and stop by Thai Kitchen. We were immediately struck by how fresh the ingredients tasted. The menu offers a lot of choices for such a small restaurant, there are definitely a lot of dishes I want to go back and try. The pad thai is served without the grease you’d get at Phnom Penh, and the curry was some of the best I’ve had. The portions weren’t over-sized, but you won’t be taking home any leftovers. The prices are very reasonable, most entrees being between $6.95 and $9.95, though more commonly the former. And don’t forget, like I did, they’re cash only and closed on Tuesdays.
Thanks for the write up! I’ve been seeking a decent Thai place on the west side for awhile now. Phnom Penh is tasty and all, but I wouldn’t say that it has enough of a Thai offering for me.
My favorite Thai dish is Pad Se Ew (however you spell it, I’ve read several options), but I haven’t found one that I like as much as the Thai Restaurant I frequent when I visit my sister in San Ramon, CA.
I will definitely give this place a try!
I think I may have seen that on the menu? I love Phnom Penh, it’s right next to my girlfriend’s work so we have it all the time. But Phnom Penh is a lot spicier, and a lot greasier. I don’t think Phnom Penh has any curry dishes either.
Love Thai food!
I love pad thai noodles.
I was lucky enough to eat at El Jalepenos when I was over there visiting relatives - I wish we could get Mexican food that good over here in the UK, but most of ours are just pale imitations - ah well, at least we have good curry houses.
Anya
Thai Kitchen isn’t quite as authentic as you might find in other places, but the food still rocks! But since its small and cheap, it’s a nice date getaway.
Hey look at me! I’m spamming your blog with my comment! Can you do the same? - Howie
you can’t go wrong with thai food
Hi!
Thanks for the information! We will travel to Thailand next month, so I just would like to know: what should I order if I dont want to eat so hot food.
Thx: Rita
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@Rita Spicy in Thai is Phet so if you ask “phet mai” with a rising tone on mai this would mean is it spicy. If you only want a little spice say “ow phet nit doi” the tonal expalnation of this is difficult. “mai ow phet” would say no spice, but please remember to add Krup for a man or ka for a woman. Enjoy Thailand.
I know one Recipe, A fride chicken mixed in red wine sauce. They said it is a thai recipe. It was awesomely delicious!
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nice information
I have no idea what it would mean in a real estate term in the US or Europe. I live in Thailand and the Thai kitchen traditionally is outside under a cover like a patio there. Most Thai cook outside even today. It is never cold here so that is no problem. Many still cook with charcoal and some with wood but most use bottled gas and a burner on four legs.