Out of all family-owned Mexican restaurants mini-local-chains with more than two restaurants in the…read morearea, Alejandro's Mexican Grill is one of them. The others being El Rodeo, Tacos Rojas, and Pancho Mexican Restaurant. Besides this Alejandro's Mexican Grill in Salem, Virginia, there are two more locations in Roanoke, Virginia. One is on Campbell Ave in the Historic Roanoke City Market area, and the other is in the Hollins area at the corner of Peters Creek and Williamson Rd. Established in Downtown Roanoke, in November of 2007, by co-owners Moises and Lisa Nucamendi. Their second location in the Hollins area was then opened in December of 2008. And finally this, their third location, located in the Mill Lane Commons Shopping Center, in Salem, Virginia, was opened in June of 2019. I have already dined and reviewed the other two restaurants and invite you to read those reviews and view my photographs accompanying them. The restaurants are known for their authentic California-style Mexican Food, their popular salsa bar, and award-winning margaritas. Their menu includes traditional and authentic Mexican items such as Mexican Sopes, Tacos, Enchiladas, Tortas, Chiles Rellenos, and Flautas, among others. Their dessert Flan is made in-house by their head cook, and have the reputation of being delicious. When I arrived, their restaurant's front did not look at all very fancy. And from what my server told me, the restaurant used to be twice the size, but they gave up the extra space due to the poor economy caused in part by the Covid years. Their interior decor and furniture is outdated yet in good condition, clean and very comfortable. Mexican artworks decorate the walls of the place and is what gives it an air of distinction. The ceiling lamps and lighting treatment also help give the restaurant some class. As soon as I entered the restaurant, a gentleman Host greeted me and took me to one of the booths of the restaurant. It was early for dinner but since I hadn't had lunch so I didn't seen to mind, and there was a large party dining there at the moment as well. My server, a friendly young gentleman from Honduras, gave me a warm greeting and took my order. To drink I had a Virgen Mango Margarita and a glass of iced water. For appetizer I just enjoyed their wonderful chips and the salsa from the Salsa Bar. As my main entrée I had 4 Flautas (2 pork carnitas and 2 shredded beef). They came accompanied with Mexican rice and refried beans. And topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese. The salsa bar was very clean and the salsa looked very fresh. The tortilla chips were also freshly made and one of the best tortilla chips I've ever had. However the flautas had much to be desired. The tortillas that they were wrapped in were not fried crunchy as they should have been, and the shredded beef was overly seasoned and too spicy. Yet the pork from the carnitas was seasoned and cook to perfection, and the rice and refried beans were good as well. My servered came to check on me at the appropriate times and in time for me to order dessert for the Grand Finale of my dining experience. Of course I ordered their in-house made Flan dessert. And I can assure you it was delicious and wonderfully presented. In conclusion I found the ambiance of the place to be pleasant and friendly, even though the decor was not too modern. Most of the food was good, and the customer service was excellent, so I wouldn't hesitate to return next time I'm around the area. I particularly enjoyed the Virgen Mango Margarita, their Chips and Salsa, and their in-house made Flan.

We enjoyed a fabulous meal in June 2026 at Alejandro's restaurant in Salem, VA. The prices were a…read moregreat value with large portions of terrific tasting food! Our order was not quite right (they brought 3 floats instead of 4), although eating just two of them with beans and rice was more than enough after snacking on delicious chips and the MANY choices of salsa. They then over compensated by giving us even more floats that we had to take home afterwards. The server was very competent, attentive, professional, courteous, and quite helpful. We are eagerly planning our next visit to this restaurant we very highly recommend you enjoy!!

Our waitress was very helpful and attentive and made great suggestions. The red is not your typical…read moreMexican place but the food was a pleasant surprise for Roanoke. It was spirit just the right extent and had great flavors. The restaurant was clean and had the normal noise level for a place this size. It could easily accommodate 25-30 people and not feel crowded. I would definitely recommend a stop in if you are looking for authentic Mexican food with good flavors and spice.

There is a new Mexican restaurant on the block: "Tacos Los Toros." Housed in a small, bright yellow…read morebuilding on Hershberger Rd, we must not let its size fool us; for its menu, quality of food, attention to detail, and extraordinary customer service are nothing but amazing. After I found out from a Mexican friend of mine that it just had opened a few days ago, I immediately made plans to go visit and try it out. And what I discovered by doing so far exceeded my highest expectations of the restaurant. I arrived at the restaurant on a late afternoon, after quickly finding it with the help of its exterior bright yellow color and colorful restaurant signs: one in front of its front patio dining area, and another high above on the building itself. The restaurant has a parking lot for the convenience of its customers, and the main entrance is through a door on the right side of the building. As one enters its door, one can't help but notice the cleanliness of the place, which its interior design is in the minimalist decor, with walls painted golden-yellow, black ceiling, with black furniture, and imitation cherry wood hardwood floors. No wall nor other decorations. Its elegance is reflected in its simplicity of decor and in the beautiful bar glassware with thick quality glass and blue highlights, displayed on the bar shelves with mirror background. Next to the bar located in back of the restaurant are a pair of rotating doors that lead to the kitchen. As soon as I entered the door of the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by the host who gave me a warm welcome, asked me to pick the table of my choice, and handed me a copy of the menu and took my drink order of a glass of Iced Orchata non-alcoholic drink. Then my server, Ruth came by, warmly greeted me, answered some questions of the menu I had, and took my order. By the way, the menu had a great selection of familiar Mexican food items and some unique ones as well. As appetizer I ordered Tortilla Chips with Guacamole dip. As the main entrée I ordered the Molcajete. I invite the readers of this review to view my photographs of the menu and of the food enjoyed for a more detailed picture of my food. After all, it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The food was amazingly delicious. In presentation, quality of items, seasoning, and cooked to perfection. Simply, a Mexican culinary delight. For dessert, I ordered the house Tiramisu. Amazing, from a Mexican restaurant. In conclusion, I highly recommend this one of a kind Mexican restaurant. This family-owned business has it all to receive a Five Star review. Entrepreneurial owners with very creative imagination and wonderful personalities. I was able to chat with them before leaving. A distinguished yet relaxing ambiance. Wonderful menu. And excellent customer service. All together contributing to an extraordinary dining experience.

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!

This is a lovely family-owned restaurant located in Keagy Village, a relatively new and modern…read morestrip mall in Cave Spring, Virginia. Even though there are several Tacos Rojas around, each one is owned and operated by a different family member, with the same menu, but slightly different ambience and decor. What I liked about this restaurant was the modern yet simple exterior architectural design, and small but warm and cozy interior. Its location is also very beautiful, where from the back window you can see a beautiful landscape surrounded by mountains. A friend and I decided to go visit this restaurant for an early dinner the day after 5 de mayo and overall we weren't disappointed. We were fortunate enough to have been greeted and welcomed by the owner himself who was very friendly and kind. We sat at a table near the back of the restaurant and at the time were the only customers there. A basket of Tortilla Chips and Salsa was brought to our table and they were very fresh and delicious. My friend ordered a dish with two Chimichangas, one beef and one chicken, and I ordered the Carnitas Burrito. The food was very good and my burrito was humongous, although its temperature was somewhat lukewarm and this detracted from its flavor and rating for this restaurant. There is no reason for an empty restaurant to be be serving lukewarm food. For dessert we both had a slice of their Flan, which had the right consistency, flavor, and temperature. Overall this was a very clean and cozy restaurant, with a small bar, in a beautiful location, with an appropriate decor, serving quality Mexican food. If the manager listens to my constructive feedback and takes action, I would no hesitate in returning and highly recommending the restaurant for its food and great service.

My wife and I visited Taco Rojas for an early dinner. It was our first time there, and we were…read morethoroughly impressed. We ordered the Big Quesadillas, which were incredibly generous in size and bursting with flavor. The service was exceptional, and we left feeling grateful for the delicious meal and the friendly staff.

First time making a review in Roanoke. But we needed a quick place to eat that would allow our…read morefurry pal eat with us. In comes this gem of a place. Food here was pretty great. The ambiance was impressive. It kind of (like a lot of Roanoke for that matter) was upscale redneck and just good times. One of my favorite vibes. The band was excellent. The service was good. And the outdoor seating area was surprisingly perfect. Would come again.

Right in the heart of Grandin Village one finds the Village Grill. The place to go to "Fire Up the…read moreFun." From the very first time I went there, I felt right at home. It's a place you are welcomed from the time you step in. The food and drinks are wonderful, and the service is extraordinary. 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 it would be appropriate this year to go back to this restaurant and write a follow-up review, since my initial review was one of my reviews that contributed to me obtaining this highly esteemed Award. When I arrived the place was full. People enjoying quality time with significant others, in a comfortable environment, drinking and eating to their hearts desire. I stood there, waiting to be seated, and somehow I didn't mind the wait. Who would be my server, Chelsea came and greeted me with a smile, letting me know that soon she would have a table for me. And this was not a fake promise like they tell you at other places to keep your hopes up. As soon as some customers left a table near by she went to clean it and set.it up for me. Last time I came here, I came with.a friend, this time I came along. And you know what, it didn't mind to her the size of the party, she treated everyone the same. With the same respect and caring attitude. And you know what. This is really what makes tje big difference in coming to eat here. In no time at all she had me seated at a 4 person booth looking over the menu and enjoying a Strawberry Saffron Tonic Mocktail which was the first thing I ordered. You know what, it doesn't matter what drink you have to enjoy yourself and have a good time, it's just a matter of attitude. Right then and there, you can sayI hadva great attitude of life. This is the kind of feeling this place brings out in their customers. More than customers, they see us as their guests. Even though I was looking at the menu, I already knew what I was going to have. A sandwich that ever since I moved to Roanoke, has become my favorite of them all in this Star City: The Ricky Ricardo of the Village Grill. Having been born in Cuba and grown up in Miami and Puerto Rico, I have learned to appreciate a good Cuban Sandwich. And this is not only one that comes close to it, but has perfected it with their golden touch and creativity, and yet maintaining it true identity. There is nothing greater one can say from an item from the menu. The fries that accompanied it were also amazing. My server Chelsea provided great service, coming by at the appropriate times to check on me. For dessert, I had the Cheesecake Du Jour that happened to be Peanut Butter, my favorite. What a Wonderful dining experience I had here. Needless to say, I highly recommend this place for its great ambiance, magnificent food, and excellent service. I can't say enough good things about it. I invite you to view my photographs that accompany this review and see for yourself, and then go visit this place and experience the magic.

The food is always delicious at El Mezcal. Servers are very friendly and have good suggestions. It…read moreis a family restaurant and noise level is medium . They have booths and tables . The Taco salad is very tasty and the rice and black beans are delicious! Try the flan as dessert. They add a bit of cinnamon to it and it makes it really tasty

Me and my mom came here for lunch on 2/18 and the food was ok. The beans were obviously from a few…read moredays ago and they tasted weird. The waitress did not even give us any napkins until we were done eating. There was no napkins on any tables either. She was not attending us at all... the whole time she was gossiping with other workers. I had ordered a molcajate it comes with rice and beans and I believe was priced at 25-27$ and my mom got a steak that also comes with rice and beans which was also in that same price range + 2 aguas frescas. when we went to pay we were charged 72 dollars!!! My mom did not want to argue about it and the waitress did not even give us a receipt. Never coming here again !

Came here with my entire frisbee team after a tournament, and they sat all 20 of us on about 15…read moreminutes notice, so shoutout them for that to start. As a whole, they handled the logistics of such a large group very well and got food out in time and on schedule. I got the arroz con Pollo, which was decent and a large portion. Also, regarding service, they kept the chips + salsa coming which was awesome. Never had the margaritas yet, but El Rods is pretty solid from what I've seen.

As a true Mexican food lover, I highly recommend El Rodeo in Blacksburg, VA. If you enjoy bold,…read morespicy flavors, you must try the Burritos Texanos with poblano sauce--absolutely delicious. The Tacos Poblanos (also with the poblano sauce) are another top pick and full of flavor. The restaurant is often packed, so expect a bit of a wait for your food. That said, don't hesitate--place your order as soon as you're seated. If you go with either of these dishes, you won't be disappointed and avoid the wait!

Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant is located in a nicely designed but older restaurant building with…read morecolorful furniture off Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, Virginia. Many times my friend and I had driven by this restaurant wondering how it would look inside and how the food would be. From past experience Mexican restaurants were either amazingly good or unfortunately poor. So today we decided to go and try it out. No longer would it be a mystery to us. We had no idea of how the ambiance would be inside, nor the customer service, nor the quality of the food. We arrived around 4:45pm for an early dinner on a Tuesday late afternoon. The outside architectural design of the building was full of arches, hence the restaurant's name of "Los Arcos." It had a nice outdoor patio dining area surrounded by a low wall full of upside-down arches. Since it was a record high temperature day, there was no one dining outside, but the area looked nice with each round iron table having a large red umbrella to protect customers from the sun. When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted and immediately taken to our table and given copies of the menu. The menu was very well organized with subject tabs and color photographs of their most popular items. When our server came by to take our order, we both ordered iced water to drink and as our main meal my friend ordered the Enchiladas Mixtas and I ordered the Burrito Jalisco with grilled steak rirfrom the Specialties of the House page of the menu. As we waited for our server to arrive with our meals, we munched on the complimentary Chips and Salsa. The chips tasted good although they didn't look that fresh and the salsa looked nice but tended to be on the hot side, with no mild available. When our food arrived, my friend enjoyed his. Mine had missing the pico de gallo side. The chorizo was very tasty as it should be, but I question the steak quality. Not that it was hard or brittle, on the contrary, I felt that it was too soft and spongy. It was seasoned right with lots of lemon juice, but it's texture left a lot to be desired, especially to me who am a steak connoisseur and afictionado. The side of rice was a bit dry and lacked freshness. The dessert menu selection was a very good one, and their photographs made them look so good, yet they were the greatest disappointment of our meal and dining experience. We both ordered Churro Cups. By now the restaurant was almost half full, but this was no reason for the time to prepare and serve our dessert to have taken longer than to serve our food. Then the crust of the Churro Cup was overcooked and hard. By hard I mean I was not able to cut it nor eat it. Yet it looked so good that you would have never imagined that it was inedible. I even asked for a knife to cut it and was unsuccessful. I asked one of the servers for the manager and he told me there was no manager, that he was out until 6:00pm. So I was not able to complain about the dessert or have it comped. The menu of this Mexican restaurant is amazing but I find that the quality of the food and execution of cooking them is lacking from the part of the cooks there. And the absence of a manager on the premises is questionable. For this reason and for the problems I encountered with my meal there, I don't think I will return, especially with so many good Mexican restaurants around. It's a pity because otherwise this restaurant has the potential of being a great one.

Food: The best Tex-Mex in the Valley with great margaritas…read more Service: Good Ambiance: crowded, but worth the hassle Parking: Its bad. Small parking lot which fills up quickly.