idk what the other ratings are so disappointed with,love this place been coming here with family for my whole life always had solid food and a decent time and if u don't like it get the nachos that's literally their thing. service is always great too read more

Was seated and 3 in our party. My client who is disabled had her licensed service cat in her stroller. Our order was taken and we walked to the front to take a picture while waiting for our food. Was approached by Kelly who was the manager and rudely said no animals allowed. I told her this was a service animal and gladly showed her the license Her approach was rude and discriminating as it was a cat. I would hope she looks up a service animal doesn't just have to be a dog. Food was ok. Drunken shrimp tacos were good. Wish they had more filling for $7 each. read more

Salena's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Rochester, New York

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We had a nice double date here Saturday. It was quick and delicious! They were very attentive and efficient. I loved every bite! read more

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Delicious food, good service and great ambiance for a busy Tuesday night. It was wonderful catching up with some lady friends as well The value is here at Salena's! As well as the tasty chips and salsa while you wait for your meal I didn't get any this trip, however I love that they have mocktails for those of us who do not drink. Thank you for catering to the alcohol free lifestyle. read more

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Leaving at Selena's a large number of times through the years and they're generally pretty solid quality wise. We stopped in tonight for my wife's birthday and most of what we got was pretty good. The case it was great enchiladas were fantastic as they always are. The rice and beans leave something to be desired but they always have so that wasn't a particular shock. Our server was okay though it would have been nice if she had been a little bit more on the up and up on getting us refills on our drinks she was still very friendly and got everything correct. When they found out it was my wife's birthday they brought us fried ice cream Sundae that was very good too. There's only one thing that was disappointing tonight and that is their burritos. We have ordered their à la carte burrito a dozen times maybe? It's always been fantastic fairly simple but fantastic. For a couple of extra bucks you could get enchilada sauce and cheese on it and we always really enjoyed it. We noticed when we got there that it was no longer on the menu and instead they had some pre-made burritos to choose from so we did get one of those and it was lower quality than what I would expect or maybe satisfied with then what I'd get at Taco Bell it was that bad. We did tell the waitress who was just kind of like yeah try the one that cost twice as much money lol. Not exactly helpful. Well the crappy short-changed burrito won't stop us from going again we definitely will not be ordering the burritos and I don't recommend you try them either. read more

This was a disappointing experience. I've eaten here ,fore years and this the worst meal I've ever had. We ordered lemonade to start. The waitress told us it came from a drink machine and tasted watered down. We should have listened. I wanted a vegan taco plate. Tacos only came ala carte so I added a side of black beans. The tacos were barely filled and bland with no trace of the cilantro marinade on the "grilled" tofu. Tofu filling was sparse and aside from a few tomato pieces nothing else was discernible in the taco. The beans were also bland. This is an absolute low for a restaurant I used to love. To top it off we waited 15 minutes for our check (in a near empty restaurant) and finally had to flag the hostess down to find our waitress. read more

I'm in town, (back where I grew up so I still call Rochester "home") visiting my brother and his family since my niece is graduating from high school. Big event, so when we flew into the airport my brother and his wife (and two teens) set up a reservation including my parents and I. Plenty of parking here, but we came early. It looks like there's a bunch of restaurants and shops here. We were greeted once we arrived, it was clear my brother and sister in law come here often, we were greeted with smiles and seated immediately. They have freshly made tortilla chips and salsa that was immediately on our table as soon as we got our drink order in. You can tell it's all freshly made, we were digging in right away. Our server Lauren was all over our needs and requests. She was friendly, professional, and we never had to ask for anything because she basically knew ahead of time when we would want something. In terms of apps, we had queso, guacamole, rice balls, and corn "ribs"- the corn ribs are an absolute rock star of a dish. Compliments to the person who came up with this. Quartered corn on the cob, battered and fried- then seasoned aggressively. My goodness we ate like royalty! So much that our entrees were going to potentially kill us. So full. I ordered the ground beef Crunchwrap that came with beans and rice, and it's similar to the chain version but obviously much nicer; better ingredients and prepared to perfection. It was very heavy, filled to the brim with deliciousness. The entire night we kept getting checked on by Reynaldo, the General Manager for this location. He was so friendly, it's obvious he knew my brother and sister in law, and we felt like family as he made sure we got everything we needed. It's been almost 20 years since I was living in Rochester, after I graduated from the U of R I basically moved off and lived in a bunch of different cities that had great food. But I have to say- this spot is really special. The house made margaritas that come in a carafe with no ice (so it doesn't water the drinks down- sweet idea again!) were popular also. I highly recommend trying the food here. Even if you just come for drinks and apps- it's not going to let you down. I'm gonna think about the corn ribs for a while. It was something so unique and delicious- it's been a long time since a dish has done that for me. Thanks to Lauren and Reynaldo for our first meal back home to be so good! Support small businesses! read more

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I wish I took photos of my food when I ate inside the restaurant with my family. The last time we ate there was about 2-3 years ago and I do not remember the food being the bland and not authentically made. The beans had no taste and are way too thick to be refried beans more like canned beans. The tacos are bland and the street corn shrimp taco was not good cold tortilla with 3 pieces of corn mangos and air fried battered shrimp. The kids food is no good. Won't ever go there again unless they change the food but service is great! read more

If I could give zero stars I absolutely would. This place is terrible. I checked the menu prior to arriving to see what they offered and they have a $8 "burrito". I can assure you this is just a tiny soft taco. I even asked the server before ordering how big said "burrito" was and he assured me it was a decent size "burrito". Not to mention, the rice was $3.50 and it had no flavor, and was hard. I recommend taking your business elsewhere. read more

Salena's Mexican Restaurant - $8 "burrito" and $3.50 "Mexican rice" - Mexican Near Me - Rochester, New York

Updated review: Sad to say food quality seems to be hit or miss these days. Service is usually good and drinks are good. I've had a few recent experiences where the chips served were stale or overly salty. And food was just ok. I hope the quality comes back. But there is better Mexican to be had in the area these days. Old review: I've not had a bad meal here yet. Eating low carb might be a challenge here or any Mexican spot. Skip the chips and skip the beans and rice if you can! I usually opt for the fajitas but this time I went for the chicken stuffed avocado and it was delicious and filling! But, everything is delicious. Drinks are excellent. You really can't go wrong here! read more

We ordered chips and queso for the table, and we shared a pitcher of white peach margaritas. First of all, that was the BEST MARGARITA I have ever had. Holy cow. Secondly, the queso was addictive. I got chicken fajitas for my main, and they were pretty good. I have no complaints! I have a lot of leftovers and I'm so excited to be able to eat this again tomorrow. Yum all around! read more

Salena's Mexican Restaurant - CHICKEN FAJITA - Mexican Near Me - Rochester, New York

The Selena's experience starts with a chip and salsa bowl that is never ending. Hot sauce bottles will stare at you with so much love you can't say no to them. Of course you try all of them with the chips so when the entrée gets there you know which one is just for you. The menu is amazing as always. I do love their roasted veggie tacos. I tried Mole for the first time here. A memorable experience indeed! Everyone from the front desk folks to the ones making your food are amazing. Nice, kind and considerate. It's a big place that adds more to the Village Gate which is awesome. I kinda like the location a bit much since after a big meal I get to walk around the area visiting the little stores! read more

Food was not fresh at all. I felt like I was eating 3-day old rice and beans. The only thing good was the corn ribs. Service was fine and fair even though it was a semi busy evening. Ambiance is typical laid back Mexican restaurant. The food is the reason for why I would not be back. read more

My wife, grandson and I went recently and we order the mexican enchiladas and grandson order empanada plate. The rice and beans seemed old, dried out. Enchiladas did not seem fresh and later the waitress made a comment about them being frozen. We use to enjoy this restaurant but it does seem like it is cutting corners. We might come back if we seeing the reviews improve. Too many other places to go and with cost of eating out, going to be more aware of each restaurant we visit. Service was fine, not great. read more

We really enjoyed ourselves at Salenas. Food was Tastey. I typically don't like Mexican rice but I liked it here. Right around the corner from the MAG. read more

Salena's Mexican Restaurant - Two enchiladas and Taco combo - Mexican Near Me - Rochester, New York

The bar and kitchen were way behind, so it was an unusually long wait between orders and order arrival at the table. When the food did arrive, it wasn't 100% correct, but we rolled with it anyways. The food itself, well...the quality has fallen dramatically and significantly since the last time I was there. I got the September special, hot honey fried chicken tacos and they weren't good at all. Sparse fillings, and what little hot honey sauce there was, was neither hot nor honey flavored. I had 2 strands of cabbage that was supposed to be Cole slaw. The chicken was dry and lacked crunch. Overall, the food was bad. I won't be returning any time soon. read more

We enjoyed a slow-paced Mexican lunch on Salena's Patio. The menu was extensive with so many options that we had a hard time choosing. Food was delicious. Service was prompt. The covered patio was a welcome relief on a warm day of shopping the neighboring Sunday flea market. The rice balls were a unique twist and very tasty! read more

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this food is so delicious I don't think any mexican place is better!! also the service was excellent!! everyone working there is nice and I cannot lie when I say I love the whole vibe of the place, the lights, the seating, chef's kiss!! read more

The staff was very kind. But, the food was not good. It was late, it was cold, and it did not taste good.

They make strong drinks and the food is pretty good. It's not authentic but if you want to meet someone for a cocktails and apps great. During the warmer months they have outdoor seating. Staff is good but can also be easily distracted and I've dealt with this a few times. It's in Village Gate.. shared parking It's about a 3.5 outta 5 Honestly better Mexican to be had. read more

We were seated right away despite having arrive 15 minutes early for our reservation. Our server was very nice and helpful, but things were running slowly. We waited about 20 minutes for our drinks, and when we asked for a second basket of chips and salsa we had to remind our server. The food, however, was worth waiting for! We all enjoyed our selections. I would happily return to Salena's. read more

Salena's Mexican Restaurant - Bar Area - Mexican Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Food- Corn ribs appetizer and the Cauliflower tacos were both Amazing!! Mexican rice balls were boring, needs some seasoning. Service- very nice server, but never got refills on waters and had to ask for another beer. Also had to ask for silverware.Asked for limes with our beers but didn't get them... Entrees also took over an hour to get! So she comped them without us even asking which was appreciated. Ambiance- typical Village Gate look, with exposed beams and vents. Has an outside covered patio. read more

Delicious cauliflower tacos!!! It was surprisingly perfect-taste combinations, textures, and quantity

I would say it's OK in a pinch, very Americanized a bit bland but serviceable. Employees were very friendly, and the restaurant was clean. I did enjoy the sangria and the churros. read more

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My friend and I came here for a late lunch on a Saturday. It was 3pm, but it was pretty crowded inside. I was surprised. My friend and I had never been here before. I had to park kind of far away, and it was a cold, snowy day. Village Gate is a little confusing, so I wasn't sure where to walk. I went up to Nox's door first and couldn't find a way around. You have to walk in next to Salena's from the direction I came from. I looked at the menu online before we went, and was happy to see the vegetarian options! I got the fried cauliflower tacos. What was in them was very good, but they were in corn tortillas which I didn't really like. I also didn't need the beans, and it said no substitutions, so I just didn't eat them. We got guacamole, too. It was not tableside made guac which I would have preferred, but it was good. The margarita was ok. I was honestly expecting better from the reviews on here. It was not very strong. We were sitting and talking, so we also got dessert. I tried the fried ice cream. It was ok, but the outside was very strongly cinnamon flavored. We shared some of it, and I think my friend liked it better than I did. It was ok, but I don't think I'd get it again. When we got the bill at the end, you could scan the QR code and pay. That was really cool! No complaints. I'd go again, but I also wouldn't hurry back. read more

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The tofu tacos were really good and affordable. I like the happy hour special also. The service was good at the bar.

It's been about a decade since I've updated my review on Selena's and it's for good reason. One thing for sure is that their food is consistent. I'm not a fan of their salsa. The queso is solid and the quesadillas are pretty good with added fajitas. We ordered the carafe of margarita which turned out to be a better deal than the individual pour. Nice date spot, especially for lunch when the crowds are down. read more

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Stopped in to have a meal and cocktail before the Brit Floyd concert around the corner. Nice clean place with a choice of either indoor or outdoor seating. Sat at the bar. The staff was absolutely terrific. A nice touch is the chips and salsa they give you when your first sit down. Both are good. My friend and I ordered some app tacos and tostadas. We ordered a couple with chicken and a couple with pork. We both agreed that they were nothing special. They weren't bad, they just weren't memorable appetizers at $5 apiece. The Dos Equis beer is served ice cold... who doesn't love ice cold beer?! read more

Salena's Mexican Restaurant - Tostadas and tacos - Mexican Near Me - Rochester, New York

Very good Mexican cuisine excellent service Jessica was very welcoming and made sure our dining experience was great and memorable and we will return ! read more

Best Nachos in Rochester. I go weekly and I'm in an out within an hour. Friendly wait staff, great bartender, happy hour specials and clean eats. Highly recommend read more

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This is one of my preferred Mexican restaurants in Rochester. Service is generally fast but there can be a wait to sit on some nights. Bar area and high tops are first come first serve though. Margaritas and the free chips with salsa are of course my favorite. Last night I tried the empanadas and they were delicious. It was my first time taking my mom there and she had the chimichanga which she enjoyed. Overall, I don't think you can really go wrong here. Is it authentic? I don't know but it's good for what it is. read more

This used to be one golf the happening Mexican spots o. Rochester .. 15 or more years later it is better for location and atmosphere than food. After living in San Diego and frequently visiting Mexico I know good Mexican food and although it is difficult to find in Rochester it is available .. but authentic Mexican food can not be found here. It is your classic Americanized Mexican food here and with a flavor of the grease food you'd get at a chain. The drinks are also not the best or are good but very small for the price. What is great about here is the location and atmosphere fun and inviting and almost a vibe of Mexico. Their salsa is good and I always appreciate Free chips and salsa! They are great for groups as well. So although their food is average they go above in other categories. And in doubt get their fried ice cream - that will never disappoint! read more

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Not sure why but service was slow today. Asked for cola, waitress brought out a glass that was not cola. Second attempt we got colas. When asked for refills, she waited till we were done to say there was a problem and we could order something else? We go to order Desert and were told the Christmas special was not available. Ordered Mexican cake she came back and told us it was not available. Luckily the Flan was. Food was good, but service was poor. read more

Had a nice dinner out celebrating my moms birthday this past weekend with her favorite type of food. We had a party of 5 and made reservations earlier in the week so when we arrived we were promptly seated. I always love the chips and salsa you get before the meal! We then skimmed the menu and after drinks ordered our entrees. Between all of us we ordered a variety of things such as the drunken shrimp tacos, burritos, tacos and enchiladas. We were all pleased with our meals and had decided to order dessert. The only downfall I'd say is that I had my mind on getting sopaipillas and was looking forward to them. We ordered two orders of that and the the waitress also brought out a fried ice cream with a candle for my moms birthday - that was delicious! Unfortunately the sopaipillas were just meh. I remember having sopaipillas and they were fluffy and light. These were very dense and tasted exactly like bisquick biscuits with a hint of cinnamon and sugar. They were not fried and airy whatsoever but more of a baked biscuit. I actually liked the birthday fried ice cream better! To sum it up, entrees and service were great but next time I think I'll get a fried ice cream for dessert instead of a dense biscuit aka the sopaipillas. read more

If I could give a 0 rating I would. My children and I went to Salena's last night for my birthday. First, the server was very unprofessional, speaking to us in an overly familiar way. Also, her stomach was hanging out between her pants and shirt. We ordered drinks and queso to start. When we got our dinner, one of the things I ordered was the pork carnitas taco. On my first bite, I felt something rather large and hard in my mouth. At first I thought it was a bone. IT WAS A QUARTER !! How the hell does a quarter get in the food???? The manager was very apologetic and said he would cover the cost. All three of us were thoroughly disgusted and didn't dare eat any of the food. At this point, we were dismissed. They could have offered something for this experience. My daughter had been a server for many years and the places she worked at would have offered some kind of compensation but nothing from this place. The service (server) and the food (with filthy money in it) has gone way downhill. We have eaten there often but never again! read more

What a disappointment! There were 3 of us. Two of us ordered salads and I ordered a queso blanco dip appetizer. They had no chicken wings available, which was disappointing so we all had to find something else to order for dinner. We all ordered dinner and drinks. We had to ask for the drinks no less than 3 times and could not find the waiter to order another round. After dinner was served and we asked for the check the server brought out the appetizer. Service was atrocious. Food was meh. Nobody took their remaining food home with them. read more

Salena's is a fun spot for weekday dinner and drinks and has a good atmosphere for a night out on the weekend. It's right in Village Gate, which is a cute area that has great ambiance. The service at Salena's was good. Our waiter was accommodating and knew the menu. The Santa Fe chicken salad and chicken tacos were both good - I'd say solid Mexican food for Rochester. It doesn't compare to the quality in other parts of the country, but it was flavorful and a good experience. I also thought the salsa was great. I wouldn't say I'm running back, but I'd definitely return and it hits the spot if your craving Mexican food! read more

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The bogo margaritas are a scam! They advertised buy one get one margaritas but then made up a happy hour time limit. Salsa was terrible, service was worse and they served my friend meat even though he ordered off the vegetarian menu. Waitress caught an attitude when I brought up their shortcomings. Never again! If I could give them 0 stars I would. read more

Thought I was going to get BOGO margaritas but they didn't specify that it was only during happy hour. Food was slow, margaritas were weak, feel like I got scammed and they served my vegetarian friend meat when he ordered off the vegetarian menu. read more

I had my boyfriend's 60th birthday party here and to say AMAZING is an understatement! We had 40 people and decided on the Taco Bar per person, and pitchers of Sangrias and Beers. The food was delicious and there was certainly plenty of it! The best part, our servers Jenna and Frank were incredible! They made the party seamless and effortless and brought great energy and added wonderful vibe! They went above and beyond! I'd give 10 stars if I could! read more