It was pretty and the service was good. They apparently have dancing time after 9PM. The food was…read moredelish I would return if I lived closer. I saw them serve Flan but I didn't have any. The customer appeared to be happy with the serving.

Mila's Cuban Café y Mas had its Gran Opening this afternoon and I was fortunate enough to be there…read moreto experience the excitement of the moment. Located in a prime location of Downtown Roanoke, right next to Alejandro's Mexican Grill, it is ready to show the Roanoke community, neighboring residents, and tourist visitors, the flavor of the Cuban cuisine, and the excitement of its culture. When I arrived the entrance of the restaurant was surrounded with gold and black balloons. Inside, there were already family and friends of the owner, Mila, seated at tables enjoying some appetizers they had put out for customers who attended their Grand Opening. As soon as I stepped inside, Mila herself, in person, came to greet me and thank me for coming to the Grand Opening of her restaurant. She had a great personality and was dressed in an elegant and beautiful black dress. She introduced me to her husband and then she asked me to take a seat at one of the tables after asking me what I was going to drink and while she went to make the Mamey Milkshake, had her son, who was one of the servers take my order. For appetizer I ordered the Tostones Rellenos con Camerones (Smashed Plantains filled with Shrimps). And as my main entrée the Ropa Vieja con Arroz Blanco. This was one of my favorite Cuban dishes. It was shredded beef in a sauce with onions and pepers, served with white rice and and accompanied by a tomato and cucumber salad. As I waited at my table I looked around and was mesmerized at the ingenuity of how this Cuban family had wonderfully decorated the restaurant. I knew how it looked before and the miraculous transformation with giant size artworks of how Cuba looked in its good time surrounded with miniature lights that gave a festive character to the place. Since they didn't have their liquor license yet, the bar counter was used by customers who preferred to dine there. It had a big screen TV and continuously showing videos from Cuba's good times. The restaurant also had a small platform in the back with a DJ set-up with large speakers and all from where Cuban music was played and that helped create a festive environment to put you in a good mood to enjoy your dining experience in the company of family and friends. There is a Spanish saying "La musica es el alma de los pueblos," that translates to "Music is the soul of the people." By this time I was enjoying one of the best Mamey Shake that I have ever had when my server brought me my appetizer. It was amazingly delicious. The pieces of green plantains were cut into pieces, fried, and then smashed into the form of a cup and fried again. Then it was filled with pieces of cut-up shrimps and a special sauce. I invite you to view my photographs and videos accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality of their food. Right after finishing my appetizer, everyone was called outside for the Blessing and Ribbon cutting ceremony and the official inauguration of this new Cuban cuisine restaurant. A friend of the family of the owner was asked to say a prayer which she did and was not something previously prepared but came from the heart. Then Mila cut the ribbon and as she did so confetti fell from above transforming the Opening-day into a festive mood. What a momentous occasion to have experienced. I got goosebumps from the excitement of the moment. The most heartfelt Opening-day of a restaurant that I had ever experienced. Pictures were taken by all of all. Mila even invited me to go stand by her and a group for a picture as well. Then everyone went back inside to continue dining their main course. My Ropa Vieja was exquisite to say the least. It was cooked in a sauce that contained onions as well as green and orange peppers. Served with white rice as requested and accompanied by a tomato and cucumber salad together with fried plantains on the side. The plantains were fried in such a way that they were crispy on the outside and soft in the inside, like one of the best that I have ever had. For dessert and the Grand Finale of this Cuban cuisine dining experience I had a slice of their Flan made by Mila, the owner herself. It tasted homemade, the best a Flan could taste and somehow you could tell it was made from the heart with lots of tender loving care. In conclusion, the Star City of Roanoke has added another gem to its precious stone collection. I highly recommend this restaurant for one of the best innovative dining experience of your life. The Cuban cuisine and its fervent culture with its warm hospitality and service is clearly reflected here.

This Mexican family-owned restaurant opened its doors a couple of weeks ago in exactly the same…read morelocation where El Rio Mexican Grill had once been. I never had the opportunity to visit the prior establishment, but as soon as I found out that this one was open, I went to try it out. El Sinaloense Mexican Restaurant is located in the Hunting Hills Shopping Center, in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in the same Plaza where Kohl's is located on Franklin Road. After I went to Kohl's to return an item that I had bought in Amazon, I saw its temporary restaurant's sign made from vinyl (a budget friendly material that is used while the permanent sign is being made) on the building, on the space high above the entrance to the building where this establishment is now located. The colorful sign read: "EL SINALOENSE MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA." Afterwards when I got home I searched for and discovered an advertisement online that read: "Available Retaill Space & Restaurant Space for Lease Hunting Hills." With the convenience of having a Strip Mall large parking lot and a fenced in, covered outside patio, up front for outdoor dining, which was reflected on the large glass window and door entrance, I entered the restaurant. It had large tile floors and a simple decor with gigantic framed old yellowish black & white photographs of Mexican history. The furniture consisted of some booths and some comfortable tables and chairs made of wood which looked a little run down but one didn't know if it was of age or just built in the interior design to make it look like this and give character to the place. The wife of the owner of the restaurant served as its host and warmly greeted me at the Host's station and asked me what seating arrangements did I prefer. After I told her that a booth would be fine, she allowed me to pick the booth of my choice and have a seat there with the menu. Not long afterwards a server assistant brought me Tortilla Chips with Salsa and my server came up to my table to take my order. I ordered a lemonade to drink. And for my main course, Burritos Roqueta, which were two pork burritos served with cheese on top and pico de gallo and a side of rice. Their prices were very reasonable. This dish only cost me $14.00, but I ordered it because I love pork, which Mexican call carnitas in their menus. When the food arrived, it looked wonderful, and tasted even better. The well marinated small pieces of pork inside the burritos were extremely tasty, and the thick tortilla held them together, while the melted cheese on top gave this dish even more flavor. The rice had just the right color, consistency, and flavor, and the pico de gallo was made to perfection. For dessert I had the Chorro Cup, and it was like no other that I've ever had at a Mexican restaurant. Inside a nest made of Churros, it had cream vanilla ice-cream, topped with cinnamon, sugar, honey, whipped cream, and to top it off, colorful sprinkles and a special type of cherry. I invite the readers of my review to look at my photographs accompanying this review and see for yourselves, since a picture is worth a thousand words. Before I paid the bill and left, I visited the restroom and walked through the bar, which was called "Cantina," and was in a separate room with a dining area as well. In conclusion, I highly recommend this family-owned Mexican Restaurant. What at first may seem to have been a typical Mexican restaurant located at a Shopping Center, turned out to be a delightful Mexican restaurant, with amazing food and extraordinary customer service.

Today was our first time here since changing to El Sinaloense and it was amazing! The ambiance is…read moregreat, our server was a so sweet, and the food was incredible. The Quesadilla de Crema is the ultimate cheesy comfort food and my husband raved about the Burrito Chipotle. Everything was just outstanding and we will be eating here again and again!

Solid TexMex food in downtown area. The food is fast, service is friendly, and chill environment…read more It makes for a great lunch spot if you're in the area.

Such good food, love the owner. Nice lighting and first time I've loved a Mexican restaurant as…read moreplaces I've been to haven't always tasted fresh and authentic. But this food is great and I'll be back.

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.

I rarely eat food after 9pm, but you make exceptions for places like this. My top-tier chum who…read moreliterally went to the school of hospitality (down the street at VA Tech!) and I came by here this past Tuesday night after a few other potential dinner spots fell through - the week after graduation is not the best for college town restaurant reliability. This was one of the few businesses with a kitchen still open, and had the distinction of being the only restaurant she'd actually been to when she was in college here over 20 years ago. Certainly a testament to the power of Mexican food and the young pups who will eat it any hour of the day and night. Unlike her last visit, El Rodeo apparently isn't as dark and divey as it used to be. A shame in my view, but it is what it is. The walls are painted a bright white, and if you didn't have the menus and margaritas roaming around, it could have hosted any genre of cuisine. There was an outdoor dining area that was pretty hopping but we opted for indoors and were immediately seated in a spacious booth with views of giant TVs showing a wild Cavs/Knicks playoff game. I wasn't obscenely hungry so I avoided eye contact with the burritos and instead went for a chicken/cheese quesadilla and a large glass of water. The quesadilla showed up within a few minutes and honestly really hit the spot. It was SUPER cheesy (in terms of flavor, not quantity, which I liked - I'm all about an ingredient equilibrium with my food), and I loved the crispness of the tortilla. The chicken was nicely shredded and seasoned, and it was generous portion to the point where I was only able to eat about half of it. The rest came back to the hotel with us to be consumed at a later time. The service was excellent. The turnaround time of the food was insanely quick, and the only noticeable delay was when our waiter understandably needed to attend to a wild 21st birthday celebration at a nearby table. Happy Birthday to her, and I hope the margaritas treated her well. College town restaurants kind of are what they are - it's not really the land of bougie gastropubs but rather affordable tasty shizzle that you might impulsively eat in the middle of the night. Solid recommend.

I got the Arroz Con Pollo, along with a Jumbo Pina Colada Margarita…read more This dish isn't a traditional Mexican dish - it's actually more Caribbean - but due to the massive demand for it in the South, it's a staple of menus here but not really found anywhere else in the US - that's why I had to make sure to get it while I was here as I hadn't had it before and I know this place is known for it This food was absolutely fantastic The dish came with a TON of grilled chicken pieces on rice, along with a lot of vegetables, and a cheese-like dip Starting with the chicken, it was really good, and as I mentioned, there was a lot of it it was also soft and not quite juicy - but definitely not overcooked/dry either. it was really satisfying to bite into it wasn't super well seasoned - but there was enough that it was detectable the rice itself was pretty nice and well-flavored. it wasn't anything too special but it served as a solid base for the rest of the toppings the vegetables were pretty fantastic - and served as a great complement to the chicken. I was especially a big fan of the grilled onions and the peppers, as these were cooked really well. however, the tomatoes weren't great. charging extra for these was a little strange, but I didn't mind it what really brings the dish overall together and takes it to another level is the cheese dip that mixes throughout everything if this was too cheesy - it would ruin the entire dish by making it practically inedible if it didn't have a strong flavor, the entire dish would basically feel plain however, this was just perfect. It had a hint of cheese, but most surprisingly, it had a bunch of other flavors in there too that created a sauce that coated every part of the dish and significantly increased the flavor of everything it touched this resulted in the overall meal having a comforting, deep flavor profile that was really, really good The margarita was also decent - it was super sugary and you couldn't taste the alcohol that much, but it was enjoyable to drink For the price, this was a pretty great deal. When adding the vegetables onto the ACP, it came out to around 15 dollars, and this was a really nice portion size given that price. The jumbo margarita was also a really large drink for around 9 dollars

Always our go-to restaurant! The staff is always friendly…read moreand efficient, going out of their way to make sure your dinner is enjoyable. Food service is very fast and always great! When we are hungry, we know we can count on El Bronco's to provide quick seating, fast service and a great meal which is consistently good!

If you're anywhere near Christiansburg or Blacksburg, you need to get to El Bronco! It's easily my…read more#1 local favorite and a solid Top 5 Mexican grill for me overall. The vibe is incredible from the second you step through the door. The staff is so genuinely cheerful, and the rustic, country-bar aesthetic--complete with cozy wooden booths--makes you feel right at home. Plus, they've actually mastered the music volume! It's high enough to keep the energy up, but you can still totally hear your friends across the table. But let's talk about the food, because it is next level. Whether you're starving and need the Arroz Con Pollo or craving something lighter like their amazing grilled salads, the portions are always perfection. You'll leave feeling exactly how you want to: satisfied, happy, and already planning your next visit. Delicious food, great prices, and a killer atmosphere--what's not to love?!

I have been eating here for years and tonight will be the last. The food is still good but the…read moreservice is terrible! Two weeks ago we came and ate and never got waited on the same thing tonight you get your food. You're never ask if you want to refill a box or even if you need your check, we stood up at the front several minutes before someone finally come to ask us what we needed. We then paid the bill after letting another couple go in front of us that have received their check the waitresses sit at a back table on the computer or on their phone.. I hope the manager will see this and the service will get better. I let the woman that checked us out know of our concerns.

No trip to Smith Mountain Lake is complete without a dinner at El Toreno Mexican restaurant. SO…read moreGOOD! The food was amazing as usual! And I think I had the best margarita of my life. Thank you staff at El Toreno! See you next year.

This El Rodeo on Electric Road is part of the Arellano family's local chain of Mexican restaurants,…read morewhich introduced Tex-Mex to the Roanoke Valley in the late 1980s. The original El Rodeo opened on Williamson Road around that time and due to community demand, the family expanded and operated additional locations across Roanoke and Salem. Their newest and most beautiful of them all, Rodeo Chico, is located at the Daleville Town Center, in Daleville, Virginia. I've had an opportunity of dining and reviewing almost all of them except this one. Today I decided I would go and try this one out. Located at the Brambleton Center, an elevated development in Cave Spring, Virginia, that also includes the Virginia Co-Op Extension, a Recreation Center, and The Bridge Church Roanoke, it is by far their largest restaurant in this area if one includes its extensive outdoor dining area with a solid beautiful gazebo with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place, its creative architectural design, its amazing views, and its high-quality food. After driving in my pearl white Lexus up the hill, I parked in their parking lot in the back and walked around the wraparound porch of their building until I found the entrance. But before I went inside I walked around their extensive outdoor dining area with beautiful views. Once inside a friendly gentleman at the Host's station greeted me and showed me to a comfortable booth next to a window in the bar dining area of the restaurant. The perfect location to be able to capture photographs of their food in natural light. Afterwards I visited their main dining room which was already almost full in the late afternoon / early evening. After I was seated, Freddy who had served as my host, would also be my server. I ordered a large Virgin Mango Margarita to drink, which looked wonderful and tasted marvelous. I enjoyed munching on their basket of Tortilla Chips after dipping them in their red and white salsa as well. Few Mexican restaurants serve the white salsa. For my main meal I ordered the Carnitas, which contained tender chunks of pork and their photo in the menu made them look so good. They came with rice, beans, guacamole salad, pico de gallo and flour tortillas. I drank my Mango Margarita and enjoyed my chips with salsas while I waited and it didn't take long for my main entrée to come out. It looked delicious: both in quality, quantity, the way they were cook and presentation. All of a sudden, after just taking a taste of these carnitas, this restaurant had become one of my favorites Mexican restaurants. My server did an excellent job checking on me to see if everything was all right and check if I needed anything. The amount of food was so generous that I asked for a container to take some home with me. For dessert I had a Flan and it was also large and delicious. The prices were so reasonable and the amount of food so generous and good, not to talk about the exceptional service, that I made sure to leave a good tip when I paid with my Harvard Alumni World Mastercard. In conclusion, I highly recommend this Mexican restaurant for such an extraordinary dining experience that I had today and look forward to returning many times more.

The food and the service is always excellent here! If you ask for it they bring it with a smile…read more We love coming here!