AMBIANCE We rolled in on a late evening hoping to feed our…read moreMexican cravings and stay toasty. Gives the rave review of how underrated this spot was, we decided to give it a go. It's a small spot on the side of High Street that's probably easily missed. Gratefully had parking spots right outside and when we walked it, we were immediately greeted. We took a few minutes to scan the large menu on the board and the more comprehensive one on the counter. We ordered the quesadillas, fajitas, and pixie and were cautioned that that would be an enormous portion (very much appreciated the honesty on that one and was true). We ordered it anyway since that's what we were craving! It's a small spot with 3 booths and a few smaller table areas. SERVICE Quick service spot where you order at the counter, find seating, and 10 minutes or so later your food is made in the kitchen and can be picked up at the pick-up counter a few steps away. We picked up our quesadillas and fajitas from the counter, and our pozole with pork was brought over to us with tortillas, cilantro, and onions. FOOD Absolutely delicious and so worth the value! The quesadillas were chunky with chicken and pozole was hearty and well spiced. Loved every bite of the pork, cilantro, and hominy!!! Can't find this in a lot of spots and so glad they do it here. The beef fajitas were also well done with a solid portion of sautéed vegetables and 3-4 tortillas! OVERALL Absolutely agree that this spot is underrated and a gem....quick, no frills unassuming spot with friendly staff that never disappoints. Would 11/10 recommend if you want Mexican food. We've already got this spot pinned for Mexican in C'ville favorites and are looking forward to going for our third time to try out more options.

Went to the new location and I have to say, I was really disappointed. The new place is GREAT…read more But the food was average at best. I ordered a pork tamale. It was flavorful but it was hard and the pork seemed old and dry. Maybe it was recycled or maybe they microwaved it to death. But I could not finish it. It was authentic but it was not what you would want to serve. I debated taking it back to the counter. I ordered two tacos. They are usually great. Today, nope. The Cabrito was okay today and the carnitas a little fatty. But the most disappointing thing is that they were not hot. Maybe they died in the window, but dead they were when they hit my table. The only thing saving the experience was the tostada...and the homemade tortillas on the tacos. All fresh. Even the signature sauce stand was different. The sauces today seemed very runny compared to how they usually present. I did get a fountain Pepsi and it was perfect. Overall, love the new spot and the decor. I will go back because i live their food. Assuming today was just an off day.

Interesting atmosphere, quite loud but that's to be expected Friday evening. Service was attentive…read moreand friendly. I love the chaos of the art-- to the right of me was this acrylic painting of a creepy teddy bear. I couldn't stop looking at it. Truly bizarre, I love that. The restaurant is dim and cozy and there's plenty to look at. The lamb in my meal was so juicy and flavorful, and the "kiss me through the foam" drink was a real treat. I love the watermelon mixed with the spice. Delicious. But my boyfriend's meal, the carne asada, was a bit bland, which was surprising because it cost a bit more than mine. The rice was very good, but the meat was a little plain we both thought. Nothing like the flavor explosion I got from the lamb. Besides that, an amazing Valentine's eve experience. Will be returning.

Went there on a Thursday night. We enjoyed the live music during dinner. I had mushroom tacos and…read moresweet potato tacos, with a side of yucca fries. Very good. My husband had the carne asada, which he said was ok. The guacamole and chips were good, as well as the margaritas. We tried a tequila flight, and appreciated the staff member who educated us about the tequilas. Would definitely eat here again.

We had the salmon con cocoa and the arepa cantoto as well as some empanadas and it was delicious…read morelike I don't post on Yelp much but this restaurant was worth posting about. Also the Miami Vibe here was just a lot of fun

I come all the way from South Florida with very high Cuban food standards... and somehow this spot…read morein Charlottesville hit the mark! Guajiros Miami Eatery is the real deal. From the extra hot café con leche to the perfectly crispy, tostones relleños. And the fried cheese... golden, gooey, and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Authentic flavors, fantastic service....a great find.

Mi casita has great Salvadoran food. My friend growing up her family immigrated from El Salvador…read moreand this was their favorite place in town for authentic food. Their pupusas are the bomb and they do offer some other options like beleadas and fajitas, so they do some other cuisines too. The baleadas are amazing. I love platanos maduros and they are good here. Overall great spot for Salvadoran food. Would be back!

Some of the best food I have had. I got the Quesadilla Suprema with chicken and beef and it was…read moreabsolutely amazing. The rice, out of this world compared to other restaurants I've been to, like it's cooked in a rice cooker. The salad with it amazing as well. Overall very impressed. Definitely recommend and will be back!!!

Incredible. Must try for vegans and lovers of Oaxacan food…read more Parking can be tough but worth it. Such a cute spot. A bit pricy but, again, worth it.

One of my top restaurants in Charlottesville. How often do you see a Oaxacan Mexican restaurant??…read more The tamale is my favorite, but I also love the mole negro con carne Most dishes have a vegetarian alternative. Don't sleep on their cocktail menu either, they (at least used to) have an excellent sangria. Service is friendly and quick! There is very little seating inside, but tons on the patio which is a nice opportunity to sit outside in Belmont. Usually there's street parking around.

Great Food.Authentic ! Delicious ! Clean,Family atmosphere…read moreand friendly service. Don't let the gas station connected to this little cafe give you hesitation. Try the Sopas ! I might even go back today. writing this review is making me hungry ! Give it a go I expect you will enjoy

OK. Hard to find but worth it. NOT on E Mkt street. It is literally beside the BP station. Small…read morefamily owned. They said they make everything here. Like most folks my age have eat tons of Mexican all over the US. Without a doubt some of the best I have had.

Second visit even better than the first. I'm now convinced this is the best Mexican restaurant in…read morethe Charlottesville area. Elevated food, but never fussy or pretentious. Staff is friendly and attentive, and the delays observed previously have been eliminated.

4.7 Been to this location a few times. Employees are friendly. Music is playing. Seats are comfy…read more Most importantly, food is tasty.

Large location. Able to get a reservation for a big group. The food was really good. Had a great…read morevariety.

Absolutely unbelievable portion sizes and incredible food! I will have to go back! Great service…read moreand the most perfect tilapia I've ever had, honestly!

El puerto was phenomenal! The margaritas were good, not very strong unless you get the jumbo 27 oz…read more(which I would recommend as it's only $3 more than the regular). The queso was flavorful and thick. The shredded chicken quesadilla was good, though it didn't have enough cheese on it for my liking. Service was great as was the Diet Coke.

El puerto has always had really solid food - I remember coming here 15+ years ago and loved it then…read moreas well as now. It really needs more attention as one of the best fast casual Mexican places in cville. No frills, just good cheap Mexican food. I've had a few things from here but typically find the enchiladas and burritos are my favorite. Their rice and beans are spectacular and seasoned better than anywhere else in cville and have some kick to them. The chips and salsa are similarly great. I ordered horchata as well and got a HUGE cup and it was delicious. I haven't had their tacos, but as there are plenty of amazing taco trucks in cville that I would probably just come to el puerto for non-taco offerings. Guadalajara was my childhood go-to for Mexican and it saddens me that it's become completely overpriced with small portions and bland undercooked food. El puerto on the other hand has quietly continued excellent service, food quality and prices for years on end. I will pick el puerto over guad any day of the week!

guys they were wonderful i'm not sure what the other reviews said but it was MAGNIFIQUE!…read more the food was so buss down delicious. i am not hispanic but we had 4 hispanic diners approve. ALL FROM DIFFERENT ETHNICITIES so thats a good sign The staff spoke spanish, and although i was too shy to say smthn myself they were so sweeeet! the restaurant also just looks fab hello. great decor, lighting, and everything. it overall just feels upscale somehow! i recommend strongly fam

It's hard for me to grade this on a proper scale…read more First the great. The restaurant is truly stunning and you tell a lot of thought went into every little detail of the place. It has an extreme upscale Mexican feel which for me is new. Truly stunning pieces of decoration. The drinks are creative and the "vessels" they're served in are truly unique. I saw one table that got shot delivered in an airplane. The service here was good. Not incredibly great. The man who helped us was attentive and tried his best to serve us. But felt like there was quite a bit of pressure on him to get the orders right. And things that would seem simple became more complex. I feel as though the menu should help guide the customer a bit more on how to place orders. For example margaritas are listed but doesn't tell you that you need to select size, rocks, slush, rim type, and fruit selection. It was just overall confusing and could be felt by our waiter. The food is good. On par with much of its competitors in the area. It tastes fresh and feels like they have a bevy of quality options. The largest glaring problem with this restaurant is the price point. Unbelievably expensive. It has the price point of high end establishment but the quality just does not match what you get. It almost feels like they had to jack up the prices to cover the costs of the decor in this place. I would go again but quite honestly I don't know if I'd be willing to pay that price twice. Go at your own discretion.