We stopped by two other Mexican restaurant that were closed on Sunday night and this is only place we found open. The restaurant is spacious. They seem to have a lot of specials. Service was quick. Everything was clean. Food was good. Prices were fair. Drinks were good as well. read more

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Servers will scam you!! This is the second time I have had the same issue with the server Iris Y. She added a $3 tip without my authority. I tipped in cash and she still added on her own $3 tip from my card.... Update: after talking with the manager he looked at my receipt and the receipt on file and admitted she added her own tip. He also gave me a full refund plus some gas money which is awesome.. unfortunately Iris Yanes is also a manager and will probably continue to work there... read more

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Great food, great service, great place ! The design of this place inside is beautiful !! Loved it ! The food was delicious ! I had a stuffed piña with steak! The only thing I would say it is a little pricey ! The small guacamole was $4.10 and it was for one person kind of serving! But the food is good ! read more

El Toreo - Stuffed piña with steak! - Mexican Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Stayed at a hotel and this was one of the only restaurants nearby so we decided to try it out. The place had very happy energy with bright colors everywhere and cheerful Spanish music playing. Oddly, the restaurant was divided in half, where the other half was holding a water painting class?? Not sure why that was happening inside a food place lol. We waited for 40 minutes because they forgot to process our order! Our waiter was a young man who seemed very nonchalant and i was quite hangry. When our food finally came, it was not satisfactory. The beef was very dry and almost beef-jerky-like. Highlight of the meal was probably the complementary tortilla chips and salsa to be honest. read more

El Toreo - Beef fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Have eaten here for years. Food has been acceptable but service hit or miss. Now under new management and food is great and service is excellent. Really enjoy it. read more

Chose this restaurant for the proximity to the hotel. Service is okay but staff not super attentive. Tables are way too low for the vertically challenged!!! Clean but outside requires attention since there's trash lying along the path to the entrance. Ordered #6: One chicken and one cheese enchilada with rice. Tortilla chips are extremely thick and the salsa lacks any sense of flavor or freshness one would expect. No heat at all and basically resembles a watery grave of tomato sauce with scant flecks of onion with a sliver of tasteless cilantro, a true travesty!!! Rice is bland with a background of salt and old stale water even the scant peas are black holes on taste. The only redeemable quality of the meal is that it's over!!! Enchiladas are just sad. I will never eat at this establishment again!!! Wasted calories abound here. read more

Thanks to the folks at Hampton Inn for recommending this restaurant next door. Service was very nice, food was good, portions are generous, and prices are reasonable. I also loved the bright and cheery and colorful interior. FAJITAS - $13.49 We ordered the steak and chicken combo. The steak tasted low quality and my dad had a hard time chewing the meat -- but the chicken was very good. Next time we'd just stick w/ the chicken. CARNITAS - $9.99 Ordered the carnitas since the other reviews raved about it. I wasn't a huge fan - maybe overwhelmed by the ginormous pieces of pork. They were tender too but I'd probably get something else next time. TILAPIA TACOS - $8.99 They did the authentic double-layer corn tortillas, and my mom enjoyed her tacos. The menu is pretty extensive so I'd probably try something else if I ever visit the area again. Overall 3.5 stars rounded to 4. read more

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Stopped in for dinner tonight. There were 4 of us. Around 7:45pm on a Wednesday night. The restaurant is really big. There were plenty of seats available. We did start with an order of drinks. There was a little language barrier. 2 if us got the big margaritas that they have. They weren't the best. But it wasn't horrible. The food came out quick. The plates were good portions. Most of us didn't even finish everything because we were so stuffed. The manager that came around was very nice. He asked us how we were doing a few times. He kept up on our drinks and got us plenty of chips. read more

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Food is consistently delicious while service is consistently terrible! I was finished eating, waiting for my check, for 10 minutes while I watched three different people walk past me several times. Finally got up and walked to the front. The food is delicious but based on the service alone every time I've been, I won't be returning. read more

We have enjoyed eat there in the past but not so now. The staff wasn't friendly and their prices are too high now. Beer wasn't cold, food just ok and just a bad experience all around, we won't go back. read more

I never leave reviews however, upon entering the restaurant, the hostess threw down my menu on the table she gave me, the server was unfriendly and the only thing the restaurant has going for them is their food. The food was okay but it wasn't fresh at all. I ordered fajitas and it wasn't steaming like other peoples fajitas were. I think they got upset with me because I asked to change my order choice literally 5 seconds after ordering. Would eat here again only by doordash because the service was terrible. read more

Very good Mexican buffet normally. However CV'19 has messed that up for now. I can wait. Ate Hardees. I am just funny like that. read more

Went today at lunch. Was not busy at all. The food was ok. Had to ask for silverware. Ordered jumbo margaritas and they had no alcohol in them. No one checked on us see if we needed anything no water was offered had to ask for the check. This was the worst service I have received. read more

The blandest Mexican food I've ever had. It was all edible but the best word to describe it is "Sustenance". We got the chicken fajitas....no seasoning at all and the beans tasted like nothing. I bet the cardboard box that chili powder is shipped in has more flavor. The staff was friendly and took good care of us but the food was just so bland. Maybe the chef is from Kansas and thinks salt and pepper is spicy. If you've never had Mexican food in your life it might not be too bad. read more

The food and drinks were nasty asked for a peach and strawberry margarita gave something else had tacos it was mystery meat do not go there very bad .Tacos and margaritas read more

After a long drive the last thing I wanted was to get back in the car for dinner. Since this place was in the hotel's parking lot, I thought I would give it a try. I ordered the Caesar salad and the pork carnitas. Everything that they brought out was great starting with the chips and salsa. The chips were warm and lightly salted (just as I like them) and the salsa was fresh and had a little kick. The Caesar was huge for only $4 and had lots of interesting items added (including a hard boiled egg). The pork was as soft as butter and very tasty! The decor had lots of bright colors (different colored chairs at each table). it was kind of a slow night, so there was no problem getting a table. I did notice that they had really cheap beer prices. Unfortunately, I still had work to do, so I could not partake. The service was prompt and professional. On one last note, I really love the bite sized peppermint patties that every Mexican joint sells at the register. read more

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My husband picked up takeout as a last minute decision. We stopped at the motel across the street after a long day of road tripping. Taking into account we were super hungry and tired, we were glad this place was so close & convenient. We walked our dogs over to pick up the food, didn't get a good look inside obviously, but the outdoor area is great, very large & quaint. The food was ready pretty quickly and everything was made perfectly. They added all the extras we asked for and sent us on our way. I don't eat Mexican cuisine often, so I'm not a connoisseur of it, but my opinion was that the food was pretty good! Overall, great experience! read more

Awesome authentic Mexican food right by the airport in Roanoke Virginia. The staff is very very friendly and they really try to help you out and selecting a good meal to eat read more

El Toreo - Vegetarian enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Buffet is OK, but not as fresh as I had hoped. Asking for sour cream will render you being charged and given almost a whole tub; wasteful and expensive when a dab would do. read more

Just ate here the other night. Service was great and the Nachos Texanos were amazing. We have tried this dish other places and it is not the same as here. Always fresh with lots of toppings!! read more

Salty taco-flavored food. How did everything taste the same? More fiesta food than Mexican good. Recommend passing o. This road side food joint. read more

I came on Monday night before 9 pm. Bcuz the recommendation from hotel . To be honest , I get bad quality service , I order a lot of food for one person as the avocado dipping , fish and mix seafood for myself plus margarita and soda . The mix sf taste so bad ... tilapia fish is ok . Margarita is just juice ! Bad attitude from the food runner by slamming food on table and walk away ! My server can not answer me about food and etc . My bill is almost $50 and I tip 15% . read more

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Food say okay not any special and not that great tasting, bland for Mexican food to say the least I've had way better at other local Mexican restaurants However the drinks were great, frozen margaritas made the whole meal. read more

Enjoyed our dinner as a takeout on our way to the hotel. Food was fresh, hot, yummy! Great chips and salsa too. For once, I out ordered my hubby . Prices were typical of authentic Mexican restaurants. read more

The weirdest dinner I've ever had in a restaurant!! My hubs and I checked in at the Super 8 across the street a little after 9 PM. We were worried we might be too late for dinner, so we dashed over to El Toreo with our fingers crossed. NOTE: I'm a native Angelino. I have strong feelings about Mexican food. I sometimes sing to my enchiladas. You know that conversation that New Yorkers have after leaving New York, where they cry and whine and beg and plead for good pizza? I'd feel like that about Mexican food if I couldn't make it myself. Sooooooo we get to El Toreo. We are immediately greeted, seated, and given menus in almost frantic way. We put in a drink order, and the waiter brings us chips, a tiny carafe of salsa and a bowl of.... ranch dressing? We order our dinner. We eat some chips. The salsa is pretty good. It probably came from the kitchen, and not a can. I am hopeful, even though they are out of tamales. The waiter checks on us every thirteen seconds, calling us "amigos" every time. We do not feel like his amigos. We feel like hungry people who arrived thirty minutes before closing. We are as polite as possible for fear the staff might spit in our food. Someone at the host stand behind us starts playing music videos on his phone. The restaurant plays loud music as well, and occasionally a server breaks into singing that sounds sarcastic, as if he's heard this song seventeen thousand times today. He probably has. I feel for him. The overall effect is noisy, chaotic, distracting and somehow also depressing. I ask the waiter what the white sauce is that he brought with the chips, expecting to hear something like: "Oh it's a garlic crema with herbs." He says, "Oh, that's the white sauce. It's good. You put on the chips." I taste it. It's ranch dressing. I am deeply confused, and decide not to ask any more questions. The food comes. My husband's fajitas are... unappealing. The meat looks as if it's been boiled, the green peppers are limp. There are no tortillas, so he asks for some when the waiter comes back 13 seconds later. My husband then asks me how much cocaine I think the waiter is on.. I say "all of the cocaine." My enchiladas are not worthy of song or photo. Some of my rice is cooked, but not all of it. Not surprisingly, they try to sell us more alcohol several times before bringing the check we didn't ask for. We pay it, and I sit there and stare at my husband's half full glass of beer, wishing we could take it to go, as this dinner has been almost unnervingly odd! read more

We eat here often and the staff is always pleasant, the restaurant is always clean and the food is predictable and good. We have small children and the staff always welcomes them and makes us feel welcome. read more

Yelp was right on with this restaurant! Seated right away, order was taken and we had some Margaritas, which were superb. Shrimp fajitas were tasty as was the chips and salsa. Recommended! read more

Extremely nice waiters, they even sang a birthday song for our friend who had her birthday and she got a free desert. I had the pork carnitas and I think it was the best pork I ever ate in my life, it was awesome! The beer was also cheap and tasted very well, sadly I don't remember the brand we had, but it was one of the imported ones from Mexico. Check this place out if you can! read more

I was pretty surprised at how good the carnitas were here, until I realized this was another incarnation of the El Rodeo family of restaurants. Quite a pleasant little place. Not busy AT ALL during lunch, and inexpensive. Win! read more

Cheap, splendid Mexican food with a fine selection of Mexican beers. This won't be a verbose review because the place doesn't really strike any literary nerve with me, but then again, it's not pretending to be anything it isn't. It's a simple, non-pretentious Mexican joint with colorful decor and a relaxed atmosphere. And it does vegetarian dishes especially well. read more

Best Mexican Food we've had in a long time. Fresh and good. The prices were quite reasonable. Too bad this place isn't closer to home. read more

El Toreo - Inside El Toreo - Mexican Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

I am on the road 140 days a year. And I go to Mexican restaurants every weekend all over he country. I can, with confidence, say El Toreo is one of my favorite restaurants I've been to. They have extremely friendly service, and FANTASTIC, again I say fantastic, margaritas. The enchiladas were perfectly prepared, and the rice was warm and springy. The band and I had a fantastic time with Olga and Caleb and we will be coming back the next time we're in Roanoke. read more

Enjoyed my tacos carne asada. Nothing special, but good value for the food you get and price. The menu is extensive. I didn't try any drinks. The salsa tasted fresh, though it was pretty thin and runny. I prefer chunkier salsa! read more

I was expecting more but when I walked in the door I was received with a very rude (and almost felt hostile) workers. I had to ask to be seated and the person who waited on me wasn't very nice. I ordered the pork carnitas which were AWESOME! I really enjoyed the food but the service totally was missing. read more

El Toreo - Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

This is my 2nd attempt to see if this restaurant can be good. It was not. I ordered a fajita quesadilla and it didn't say on the ingredients that there are refried beans inside the quesadilla. It wasn't cut (like most places) and was just not good. The chips are homemade and fresh, but as another said -- not real authentic. I would find somewhere else!! read more

I must've been here on an off night. Chips were stale. Chicken Ench was dry. The "chili rellano" was batter over "beef" with a slice of pablano. The waiter explained to me there is an authentic one they make. That came out and tasted like old grease. The fryer oil definitely needs to be changed. The rellano had a watery cheese in it flowing with hot oil. It tasted musty. Service was fine. I would not come back or suggest it to anyone. Sorry. read more

Friendly service. Fajitas were pretty good. They brought the wrong order, but quickly rectified the situation. The prices were a little more than normal. Portion sizes were fair. Outdoor seating was nice, weather permitting. Overall, pretty decent experience. read more

We ordered from here to take back to our hotel as we were passing through. The food was excellent! Everything was very fresh and tasty. Prices were also very good. The salsa and chips were great. read more

I never knew how shitty service could get ! We walked into the restaurant 1 hour before closing and the manger had a problem rolling his eyes and making loud noises as if he did not want to service his restaurant! THEN I FOUND A HAIR IN MY FOOD NO RESPECT I SUGGEST YOU GUYS GET NEW SEVERS AND DEFINITELY A NEW MANGER DISAPPOINTING THE FOOD WAS GREAT !! read more

I had been sitting several minutes and when the waiter ask for my drink order I had to stop him from leaving to give my food order. Asked for the fajita quesadilla. He didn't ask me steak or chicken so I had to clarify steak. Didn't feel like he was that familiar with the menu. Food came out, missing rice. Didn't complain since I was full of chips. Quesadilla could be cheeseier. It wasn't piping hot like you expect. The chips were bog standard. The salsa was bland but passible. They serve a watery white sweet sauce as well. I was seated at a table right next to the empty buffet set up. Probably not going back. read more