This is our go to Mexican restaurant in Roanoke. The food is fantastic. The service is great. The…read moreatmosphere is welcoming and everyone has fun. Mexican food at its finest!

I have become a regular. I love the food and the service . Their guacamole is great. Give them a tryread more

Gorditas Al pastor and steak Mulitas were both very good. I really enjoyed the corn flavor of the…read moreMulitas. The green sauce was also tasty and the hot sauce was very hot. Rice and beans were fine but nothing special. Service was very friendly. I enjoyed the small seating area and simple design.

In a little house on a short street in Salem, Virginia, one that if it were not painted a bright…read moreorange color, would simply go unnoticed, is housed one of the smallest restaurants that I have ever seen. Yet we must not let its size deceive us, just as we should not judge a gift by its size nor a book by its cover. After being awarded the Triad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Tacos Coronados in Salem, Virginia, is the perfect example. After driving by this Mexican little restaurant the other day on my way to Gusto Pizza for dinner, I thought to myself, "It is in small hole in the wall places like this one that one finds amazing food. I definitely need to return soon to try it out." And today is that day. I set my Lexus GPS to their address and started driving their way, encountering a torrential rain along the way, only being able to see a bright orange spot when I arrived. I decided to wait in my car for a while listening to music. As the rain resided and I was able too see the Mexican restaurant, the first thing I did was take a photograph of it from inside my car, since small drops of rain were still falling from the sky. Once inside, I noticed the place was also painted the same bright orange color, had a counter were To Go orders were taken and picked up, and a modern computer cashier where orders were paid. But what impressed me the most was the cleanliness of the place, and how very organized it was, with well use of space for five booths that each could seat four persons comfortably. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its food. A friendly gentleman came out from the back to greet me and gave me a warm welcome. He appreciated very much that I spoke Spanish and talked to me about the restaurant and its menu. Most of their business is for Take Out orders, but on some days and times it can get full with dine-in customers. One thing that caught my attention was that Chips and Salsa were listed in the menu under Appetizers for $4.50. Afterwards I did my research and found out that Chips and Salsa is not a traditional complimentary offering in Mexico. It is considered an American Tradition. And that some restaurants make it a point to serve high-quality chips and salsa, justifying a charge for them. I ordered a bottle of Orange Fanta to drink and a Gorditas al Pastor (with Pork) Special to eat. Their appetizers in the menu were limited to Chips and Salsa, and Chips and Guacamole. And they had no dessert items. However, they did have Taco Tuesdays, when Pork or Chicken Tacos are $2 each. This was the first time ever that I have had gorditas but my server explained that they were a traditional Mexican street food consisting of a thick masa (corn dough) cake that is fried, then slit open to create a pocket and stuffed with various fillings like cheese, shredded meats like carnitas (pork), beans, and vegetables. Their picture sure looked good on the menu. The name "gordita" means "little fat one" in Spanish, referring to its plump, thick shape. They were crunchy and tasty, full of flavor. I definitely enjoyed my meal of genuine Mexican street food, highly recommend the restaurant for a very unique dining experience with genuine Mexican cuisine and an extraordinary customer service.

Unbiased, I ordered the Linguine Frutimare and it was genuinely the best pasta me and my girlfriend…read morehave ever had. Not to mention it was like 5 dollars more including tip than the Dennys we had last night. Great service. Great environment. I am coming back every time I'm in Roanoke, quote me on that.

This is a tiny second location in Roanoke for Inka Grill. The larger business is their downtown…read morespot. They do offer a few other cities such as Greensboro which I've dined at. Parking is challenging when capacity, but do drive around back and try. The lot was clear of debris. Our party was immediately placed on a wait and asked to move to the two seat bar, ha! Yep two seats. No one asked for drink orders which was disappointing. They were slammed! The atmosphere is blah, hole in the wall joint. But if the food is good it will make up. Within 10 minutes we were seated in a booth and provided menus including traditional Peruvian cocktails by a friendly staff. A short time later drink orders were taken and my son got a Passion Sour, a OJ concoction with egg that he enjoyed. The entire menu is traditional Peruvian. So you're sure to find a favorite. My wife and I ordered the Bistec and my son Lomo. Orders took around 25 minutes to push out, but they all came out correctly and same time. Also looked yummy! My medium well Bistec was cooked to perfection and delicious. The plantains were like candy, it's been a long time since I've had them. My son enjoyed his meal as well and has had it a few times at other places. A follow up to our entrees was not preformed, but luckily not needed. Much later a follow up to refill waters. I'm a soft 4 stars on Inka Brambleton location. The food was all very strong which propped them up. However, service was slow to lacking. 3.5 rounding up.

For some time now I had been trying to track down a Food Truck called "Empanada Nirvana." I had…read moreheard many good things about this Food Truck, mainly that it had Authentic, Award Winning, Puerto Rican Food and one of the best Empanadas around. Having lived in Puerto Rico for around ten years when I was growing up, I knew very well how flavorful the Puerto Rican cuisine was and how delicious were their empanadas. But this was one of those food trucks that wasn't anchored in a particular spot, but floated around from place to place, and by the time I got the information of where it would be next, it had already been there and gone. But it just so happen to be the day before April 8th, National Empanada Day, when I discovered this food truck owner's telephone number, contacted him, and found out that the following day they would be parked outside the Parkway Brewing Company in Salem, Virginia. So I made plans with the owner to definitely be there to finally try out his food, including his famous empanadas. When I arrived there in my pearl white Lexus the following day, it so happen to be National Empanada Day, and I finally got to see the "Empanada Nirvana" Food Truck. I found his nephew inside the truck making the necessary preparations to open up the truck for business as soon as his uncle returned from doing some errands. The uncle and owner of the Food Truck finally arrived and I had the opportunity of meeting him, after all this time of searching. He was very friendly and welcoming, in the true Puerto Rican Spirit. I found out he was a New York Rican, which means from a Puerto Rican family who grew up in New York. He told me how he was based in Roanoke, Virginia, but his service area also covered Vinton, Salem, Christianberg, Blacksburg, Lynchburg, and Bedford. How his business website was in Facebook and there he had his telephone number posted as well as would post where he would park his Food Truck next and that he was exploring the possibility of someday having a brick and mortar restaurant in Roanoke. How besides the different kinds of empanadas he had for sale, he sometimes also had in his menu specials like Arroz con Gandules and Lechon, and sides like yuca, tostones, and maduros. Tostones being fried green plantains and maduros, fried ripe plantains. I had three of their famous empanadas to try them out: ground beef & cheese, chicken & cheese, and Italian sausage & peppers. First of all, each of them were of a generous size, the size of an authentic Puerto Rican Empanada. The dough was also the authentic one and I know by experience. And the filling was well seasoned, flavorful, and juicy meats and cheese that gave them the magic touch. I got filled up after eating the three of them. After finishing them up I found out that next Wednesday, April 15th their food truck would be stationed at Virginia Western Community College. Now that I have their phone number and the knowledge of how to track their Food Truck location down, I will definitely be dining there more often. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the food truck and the quality of their food, look them up in Facebook, and go try them out. Their empanadas are truly genuine and delicious.

Established in 2007, this family-owned Mexican restaurant located at Westlake Corner in Hardy,…read moreVirginia (near Smith Mountain Lake) is a very popular spot for serving fresh authentic Mexican food in this area. It has a large menu including favorites like fajitas, burritos, seafood, and steaks, plus vegetarian options. It is also well known for its great cocktails, including margaritas, and a good beer selection. It offers the option of dining-in in one of its colorful dining rooms, at its full-bar with a large screen TV, or dining outdoors in its enclosed back patio seating area. You also have the option of ordering on-line or over the phone for pick-up, as well as ordering on the premises for take-out. It also offers catering for special events. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I was also awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants, businesses, and important landmarks, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Grill, located in the in Hardy, Virginia is a perfect example. I had the opportunity of dining at the restaurant for lunch last Wednesday when I was in the area. After arriving in my pearl white Lexus and parking in their parking lot the first thing that caught my attention was Carlos, their new Cancun rooster, a colorful statue that stood in front of the restaurant. The architectural design of its building with its restaurant's sign on a tower high above was also very impressive. As I entered the restaurant I was particularly surprised by its fun, festive, and colorful environment. The restaurant was very clean and decorated with some one-of-a-kind items that gave the place a very unique character. A gentleman whom later I found out was the manager gracefully greeted me and gave me a warm welcome to their restaurant. He then took me to my table. Shortly afterwards my server arrived with some chips and both red and white salsas. Only very exclusive Mexican restaurants serve the white salsa. He took my drink order of a large Virgin Mango Margarita. As he went to have it made I browsed through their extensive menu and saw some very unique items which I would like return another day to have for dinner. But since it was lunchtime I ordered their Quesadilla Rellena with shredded beef. They were served with pico de gallo and sour cream and I asked for Guacamole extra. While I waited for the food order to be made I enjoyed my delicious Virgin Mango Margarita which was amazing, while also having my chips and salsa. The Quesadilla arrived fresh and hot and filled cheese and a well seasoned shredded beef. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality food served here. When I was finished eating my server brought me the bill without first asking me if I wanted dessert. Since it was late I decided to have it at the movie theater I was going later on. But next time I come for dinner I will definitely have their Mexican Fried Ice Cream. As I was leaving the manager showed me around the restaurant as well as the outside seating area in the back patio, and again thanked me for dining at their restaurant. In conclusion I highly recommend this Mexican restaurant for its exquisite, genuine Mexican cuisine, its amazing margaritas, its festive, welcoming, and relaxed environment, together with wonderful customer service.

Hands-down, my favorite Mexican food ever the white cheese that they put on the burritos is…read morefreaking amazing. And every time I go, they were so friendly. I even got my mom hooked on this place when she visit the only other place that was ever this good that I used to eat it was Anita's back home in nova Virginia.

Doesn't matter what you order off the menu. It's delicious. Great staff. Absolutely consistent, you…read moreget what you order every time.

Word of mouth is still the best way to find out about new restaurants that have opened in the area…read more Just yesterday a friend of mine told me about this new Mexican restaurant that had just opened last Thursday. So this evening, I headed towards the restaurant to be one of the first ones to try it out and review it. After being awarded the NC Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Santa Lucia Mexican Restaurant, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. The previous restaurant sign "El Toreo Mexican Restaurant" was still up. The new owners didn't even bother to cover it up. They just put a small vinyl banner sign under it that read "Santa Lucia Mexican Restaurant OPEN NOW!!!" Not too professional you would think, but the most important thing in a new restaurant is it's ambiance, its food, and its customer service. So I arrived to its parking lot in my Lexus and parked my car. The place was empty and I could see the employees looking out the glass door to see who just parked and was approaching the restaurant. It was me. When I walked in the Host gave me a warm greeting and asked me if I would prefer a booth or a table. I chose a booth. As he went away to call my sever while I looked at the menu, I also was observing the interior of the restaurant. It was clean and comfortable, with a minimalist decor. My server, Jasmin, a friendly Puerto Rican young lady, greeted me with a smile and asked me what I wanted to drink. I asked her if the bartender could make me a Virgen Mango Margarita. When it arrived it looked nice but tasted like water with mango flavor so I was not too impressed with their drinks. To eat I ordered a Fajitas Santa Lucia for one. While I waited I ate their chips with salsa. The chips were fresh and crispy and the salsa was just the right texture with the right ingredients. When the Fajitas Santa Lucia came out, they were sizzling hot, served on a sizzling hot skillet. They had grilled chicken strips, steak, chorizo and carnitas, along with green peppers and onions. On a separate plate, it had rice, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and refried beans. I missed the pico de gallo that this dish is mostly served with in top of the line Mexican restaurants and the scoop of guacamole. But the Fajitas were made with quality meats, and with a green salsa that they brought me, everything tasted very good. For dessert I ordered a Xango with a scoop of Vanilla Ice cream. It looked somewhat good, but the batter was soggy. It tasted like it was pre-fried or cooked ahead of time. When I asked for a glass of iced water, the water tasted bad, just from having a sip. This is something I can't stand in a restaurant, and I sincerely recommended that they get a water filter. This new Mexican restaurant has potential of becoming a very good one. If the owner pays attention to my informal recommendations in this review and takes action to implement my suggestions. I truly wish he / she does, because one of its best assets are its friendly and hospitable employees.

This place was within walking distance of the hotel and that my co-workers and I stayed at so we…read moregave it a try. We were seated immediately. It took a while for a server to come get our drink order then a bit to get them to us and take our order. The food wasn't bad, but not a whole lot to really choose from compared to this restaurants back home. I had the ARRACHERA BURRITO and it pretty good. Very filling! The ambiance was causal. The restaurant is located inside an old Applebee's, but has been upgraded to a Mexican look. The birthday celebrations were pretty cool to see. I'm up in the air on if I'd return.

Beautiful and delicious food. Service is always outstanding. Very clean and fun environment!! The…read morebest margaritas in town!!

Large portions of delicious, authentic mexican at a great price...need I say more? If that is not…read moreenough, the staff is friendly and the decor inside is fun and festive. My husband got the combo quesadilla which was STUFFED with veggies, steak, chicken and shrimp. I ordered the chicken burrito suprema and the chicken was chargrilled with tons of flavor. Their queso dip and rice are also so tasty. You get complimentary chips and queso. Lastly, margaritas are half price on Thursdays. This may be my new favorite place in town for big flavor for an amazing value!

After months of preparation and getting the restaurant ready, El Sabor Azteca Mexican Restaurant…read morefinally opened its doors today. A very appropriate day, since it is the first day after the snow and icy weather that the temperature will be up in the sixties and the bright sun outdoors almost seems to be announcing this restaurant's opening. If their beautifully designed outdoor sign is an indication of their quality, we should anticipate something really special. I've studied their menu and they have the traditional Mexican Cuisine items, but others very unique to this establishment as well. I arrived around lunch time and the decor was simple, but sofisticated. It was nice to finally see it open because I was the one who added this business on Yelp, and now had the opportunity to be the first one to review it. When I stepped inside, a young gentleman by the name of Joncarlos welcomed me to the restaurant, took me to a table, and handed me a copy of the menu. Shortly after, my sever Katie came by and took my drink and appetizer order. I ordered a Lemonade to drink and and a Chorizo dip as appetizer. She also brought me a commentary basket of Tortilla Chips with a little bowl of regular salsa. The chips were the thick kind and the salsa very well made and tasted delicious. The Chorizo dip came in a bowl with melted cheese. My server was very friendly and answered some of the questions I asked her. Like that she was from Guatemala and the owner of the restaurant was from Honduras, and that they had just opened this morning at eleven o'clock, among other things. As my main entrée I ordered the Fajitas Texanas. It contained tender slices of steak, grilled chicken, and shrimp cooked with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and came in a sizzling skillet. It came with a side plate filled with rice, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and freshly.made guacamole. Everything was amazingly delicious. For dessert I had the Xango. As I ate some of the friendly staff came by to say hello. I then found out that the young gentleman I first met turned out to be the owner of the restaurant, and the young lady at the bar was his wife. They both were from Honduras, had wonderful personalities, and an entrepreneurial spirit. I took some photos of them behind the counter of the bar and wished them the best of luck with their new restaurant. I highly recommend this restaurant for its sofisticated yet relaxing ambiance, its wonderful menu, and most of all, for its friendly and excellent service. Let's all go support this wonderful family-owned restaurant.