Jalisco Mexican Food has sat across from SRJC for 28 years, providing a close, convenient mealtime destination. Over the years it has faded into the background as more dining options popped up around campus, but Jalisco still offers decent food with a side of sticker shock.

The restaurant offers a simple no frills dining environment. Concrete floors, impersonal plastic booths and white walls with hardly any thought to decoration do not make for the most enticing dining environment.

Another potential turn off is the price; Jalisco’s signature burrito costs $8.50 and a chicken quesadilla is $7.50.

However, the quality of the food and the portion sizes almost make up for the cost. The quesadilla is huge, and must be folded in half to fit on the plate. Loaded with chicken or beef accompanied by sour cream and guacamole, it easily can feed more than one person. It is quite possibly the best combination of value and flavor on the menu.

The Jalisco’s burrito is large and filled with rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and your choice of meats. Overall it is moist and flavorful without being overly messy. The carne asada is made with high quality beef, tender without a hint of gristle.

In addition to traditional Mexican food classics like burritos, enchiladas and chile rellenos, Jalisco offers hamburgers and fries. The hamburgers come cooked well done and a bit dry but with a nice char. The shredded lettuce and diced onions are a nice variation from the common sliced onion and leaf lettuce and add a bit of moistness to an otherwise dry burger.

What saves Jalisco from being lost in the sea of dining options around campus is the service. Orders are usually ready in less than 10 minutes and everything is cooked fresh. The folks behind the counter are friendly and willing to answer questions about the menu, which is enough to make Jalisco a pleasant choice for a quick meal.

While Jalisco Mexican Food offers convenience and large portion sizes it is a personal decision if those things are worth the price.