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Mike Orren, verified:

Overall:

• Quality:

  4/5

• Vibe:

  2/5

• Service:

  4/5

• Value:

  5/5

This was our second attempt at Jaleo's, as the first try on another Eisemann show night taught us that they don't necessarily stay open as late as published.

The wait was well rewarded, as this is some of the best classic tapas in town. The owner/manager/server REALLY wanted us to know that the only reason they offered entree versions of the plates was to satisfy the local philistines. And he REALLY, REALLY wanted us to know that they were part of the launch of Cafe Madrid before the Great Dallas Tapas DIaspora of the 90's and that they also own De Tapas, which is soon to close its Addison location in favor of two new locations in Allen and McKinney and nowhere near the noise and sleaze of Sherlock's.

Kidding aside, the pride is warranted -- the kitchen staff has all been working in Spanish kitchens since they were old enough to walk. The food is all superb-- The cheese plate was generous and varied. Garlic shrimp is like Cafe Madrid served back in the day. A tapas salad of romaine, bacon and pine nuts was both huge and well-but-not-overdressed. Chorizo was delicious and plentiful. Marinated asparagus came heaped with mushrooms and was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The real jewel was a plate of mussels dressed with a pico de gallo-esque topping.

Food was reasonably priced and wine was VERY reasonably priced.

The ding on vibe comes from my irrational hatred of fluorescent lights and an uber-modern design that looks like it was created for whatever was there before this great Tapas bar.

Overall, food is neck-and-neck with Si Tapas, maybe even a hair better. And prices are much better. I can safely say that we'll never again go to an Eisemann show without eating here.