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This plain, smallish spot offers easy access to Mexican food in a neighborhood with a dearth of options. Jalapeño's big honking wraps are a modest improvement over the ones at nearby Harry's Burritos, and an expanded dinner menu offers more unique options like lamb shank with poblano risotto and chipotle suckling pig. Sadly, many items are bland despite their exotic ingredients and others are cooked without care as was the case with a plate of dried out carnitas tacos. An all-you-can-drink prix fixe brunch starts out with too-crunchy spicy cornbread and might proceed with a snoozer of an omelet filled with what appear to be canned veggies. Sitting at the small bar for a glass of Tempranillo or a two-ounce-strong margarita can be a pleasure. Avail yourself of the free chips with smoky salsa and be glad you don't need to fight the post-opera crowds at Rosa Mexicano. — Edna Ishayik