I can't say this is the *best* Mexican I've ever had but considering location and the options around here, Cielito Lindo is a stand out. There's a lot of restaurants in small strip malls around this road but this family operated Mexican restaurant gives you such delicious food for such a great deal that I wouldn't really want to have anything else if I'm around here. There is an expansive selection of familiar foods including tacos, nachos, tortas, quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, guacamole but also encompass a wide selection of traditional Mexican plates/entrees served with rice and beans including chicken in mole sauce, barbacoa, carnitas... wow! I was a bit overwhelmed because I wanted to try everything but ended up going with Barbacoa de Chivo con Rajas (goat meat with grilled chile peppers). A friend who is a frequent customer suggested the Casamiento (pork chop & steak with fried plantains). My friends who came with got the Casamiento and El Comal which looked and tasted amazing. Before your order arrives, each table is given homemade nachos with a green dip/salsa and pico de gallo. So fresh and the green dip is really amazing, I've had nothing like it but it's flavorful and you can see the cilantro in there. My actual entree was massive and even though I was starving, I could barely finish the whole plate. Super fresh and flavorful. To the point where I didn't even need hot sauce and I love slathering hot sauce on my food. As for ambiance... it's not a high end restaurant and you shouldn't expect it to be. It's actually a converted Japanese restaurant - you can see from the glass at the front door with the bamboo accents and the front desk decorations. It's not a big restaurant either; there's booths that fit 4 on both sides and some tables in the center. There's some baked goods at the front in rows of trays that you can pick up to go. BYOB. Can call to pick up food if you don't want to eat there. Seems like delivery isn't super consistent but it's certainly worth a drive by to eat here. If you have a Mexican fix while you're around this part of the Jersey shore, I can't recommend Cielito Lindo enough :) read more

Cielito Lindo - Barbacoa de Chivo con Rajas (goat meat with grilled chile peppers) - Mexican Near Me - Asbury Park, New Jersey

The good - plenty of parking -very reasonable pricing -friendly staff and attentive staff -plenty of sit down space (no crazy views or anything as it's right off the highway) -it's byob -not too crowded on a peak weekend evening -plantains and chips with guacamole were The bad -my main entree was the sizzling fajita plate that I received with chicken. Plenty of food I would agree for one person. However it lacked ANY kind of seasoning or flavor. The plate and presentation was set nice, however it didn't activate any of my taste buds. I'm not sure if it's specific to the chicken not being seasoned and this may not be the case with the other meats and the shrimp, but I wouldn't recommend getting this plate. I'm not quite sure what the bread and butter is with this place but it's not it with the fajitas..maybe have a better chance ordering another entree. I would probably give this place one more chance but I would not recommend getting the fajita. Bring your own tequila for a margarita as I did hear neighboring patrons talk about how good their house virgin margarita mix was. read more

See all

Love this low key family friendly eatery. Excellent authentic & delicious Mexican food - generous portions. BYOB Great service - good prices. My fave is enchiladas con pollo with mole soOo GOOD! read more

Excellent food. Fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked. Good service. Not too crowded on a Wednesday. HIGHLY recommend

I go to the location in Belmar often and love it. This was my first time at this location. I came here 10 minutes before they were closing (didn't realize this upon entry) and we were graciously served! We ordered two tacos and a burrito and it came out within 10 minutes. The place was very clean and the staff was very warm. read more

Cielito Lindo - Mexican Near Me - Asbury Park, New Jersey

My friends and I went here and ordered a bunch of orders. I ordered the Pancita soup which I always have had every time I go here. I put lemon in it and as soon as I tasted it, the spices were so strong and the soup had no flavor I couldn't even take another sip of the soup. I told the waitress and she laughed and said no one has complained about it and that I should've asked if it was spicy. I explained to her it wasn't my first time eating it and because I took one sip I wanted it off the bill because it was unbearable. She hands my the check and tells me she can't take it off the bill because I put lemon in the soup, that if I hadn't put lemon she could of taken it off the bill but because I put lemon she can't resell it and she has to throw it away. THATS DISGUSTING! Never will I eat here again. read more

Being from the west coast and surrounded by great mexican food over there, I can honestly say the food wasn't that bad for the east coast. The four meals we ordered were nachos, chili relleno, a quesadilla and a burrito. We were all pleased with what we ate. We also got a great portion of guac which I feel like a lot of other places normally don't dish out as much. It was a really delicious meal in a place that looked very authentic. The staff was very nice although not the most attentive. We had to ask a couple times to refill our waters, the food took a while to come out and it even took a while to get our boxes for the food we took home. Honestly, this doesn't normally bother me when I'm out to eat but it was kind of a bummer since we were basically the only ones in the restaurant. Overall, it wasn't a bad experience and I would eat there again. read more

Went once. It was ok-a bit boring. Service was slow. other places so like better in the area that are authentic flavor as well.

Went in to order 3 tacos to go. Figured it would be kinda quick as nobody else was in there. Waited 35 minutes for 3 tacos to go. Sorry that's way too long for 3 tacos with overcooked chicken in them. The decor inside is awesome. If I ever go back it will be when I have a lot of time. Maybe because it's authentic it took so long. Give it a try when you have some time read more

Last night I went to this restaurant in hopes of having a great meal. My friend ordered a steak and pork chop combination with plantains and he was not enthralled with the meal. Plantains were good, however the meat was severely overcooked. I ordered a chicken burrito and my plate was packed to the brim. At first bite, the chicken was a little dry for my taste, but I did enjoy my meal. I'm giving two stars because of the overall service. All four waitresses were in the corner talking and barely came to check in on our table. We ran out of chips and salsa, and my friend had to constantly get up to ask for guacamole and more chips as the portion size was smaller. The chips did not really taste fresh either which was disappointing. We did not tip because the customer service was not that great. Our food was sub par and customer perception is something that the whole restaurant staff should focus on. read more

The food is yummy delicious. always all the time but the service is very sluggish . I try something new every time.. I love the food there always. That's my only complaint. Don't come hungry because the food and the tab takes a while to close. If that doesn't matter then not a bad place to try. read more

See all

Unfortunately, this location has closed.... Still open in Belmar this was my favorite place locally, I guess I will make the ride to Belmar. I'll still miss my afternoon tacos...... read more

Great tacos, average enchiladas rojas, slow service. Overall worth the trip, kind of spur of the moment on a rainy 4th if July. Good atmosphere but waited a long time for our food and for our check. Food came out mostly correct, some food was forgotten and didn't arrive until we were ready to leave. I would definitely try this place again though because of the quality of the tacos. read more

Cielito Lindo - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Asbury Park, New Jersey

I never come back to eat at this place because they sell you what they want and not to the taste of one the truth does not deserve the 5 stars place crap read more

Authentic, delicious, affordable. This is simply the best spot to get good Mexican food around. Now that Cotija's in as bury has stopped doing dollar tacos they have the cheapest tacos around. Luckily for us they are also some of the best tacos around. I would suggest the chorizo tacos as they are my favorite. I am almost ashamed to admit that I haven't tried anything besides the tacos yet (I've been maybe a dozen times now) so I cannot comment on the rest of the menu. Basically if you are in the mood for authentic and tasty Mexican food that burns your mouth, not your wallet Cielo Lindo is the place for you. Edit: I tried some of the other menu items besides the tacos and found them to be (mostly) great! The fried quesadillas and normal quesadillas are amazing and offer a great value. The torta Cubana is an amazing monstrosity of a sandwich (and I mean that in a good way). It is just an epically large sandwich that they throw everything on. My only critisisms after trying more items are that the cactus doesn't seem to lend itself well to the American palate, or mine at least. But I believe that it was cooked fine, I just don't like cactus. Also one time I got hotdog on the torta Cubana and that wasn't so great but I took it off and the sandwich was otherwise great. So if you venture outside of the tacos on their menu be prepared for some flavors that you don't expect, which may delight you or turn you off a particular dish on their menu. Edit #2: I have since developed a taste for cactus, and it is delicious so disregard what I said in edit #1. Also I should reccomend the molcajete which is basically a mix of beef, chicken, and shrimp fajita dish. It is excellent. I keep branching out further onto the menu when I feel brave(it is mostly in spanish). And they have yet to disappoint me. read more

After seeing positive Yelp reviews I decided to take a ride to Manasquan and check this place out. Nice little place off to the side of a Hibachi restaurant, don't drive too fast or you'll pass right by it. Friendly staff, served a bowl of tortillas with a nice salsa verde that was fresh and perfectly spiced along with a bowl of pico de gallo that was also fresh and delicious. Ordered 4 pork tacos, and they were excellent! They were filled with spicy pork, seasoned to perfection and absolutely delicious. The presentation of the plate was out of this world, and the whole thing set me back $8.50. I will definitely be back to try some of their other dishes. read more

See all

Love this place. There aren't many places I go out of my way for. Found this place on accident too. The Japanese place next door was too crowded. So we went in here, and we're glad we did. Their chips and salsa are all homemade, and unbelievably good. They have pretty amazing tacos, but more often than not I get their specialty plates. I suggest "Casamiento". I get it without beans. It's Pork, Beef, Rice, and Salad served with Platanos (my personal weakness). It's such a good, reasonably priced, and filling plate. I'll also call in to take this plate out. Definitely try this place if you're in the area. read more

Went here for lunch just after arriving in Manasquan for a weekend getaway from NYC. We had some fantastic tacos, namely chicken, carnitas, goat, beef, and pork esophagus which were all great despite the esophagus being kinda weird. They came with sides of radishes, cactus and grilled onions which was more elaborate than at any Mexican place I've been before. And the cherry on top of this tasty Mexican feast was the fact that each taco was just $2 !!! Wish we had these kind of joints in our neighborhood. read more

Authentic and tasty. Great little BYOB spot to hang out and watch a game. The minute we sat down, tortilla chips, guacamole taquero, and pico was provided. Service was slow, but food took time and love to prepare. Beef brisket taco was very good. Really good if you like an authentic taco- definitely no sour cream or cheddar cheese here! read more

Cielito Lindo - Enchiladas Rojas - Mexican Near Me - Asbury Park, New Jersey

Enchiladas were burnt, steak was impossible to chew. They didn't even fry their own tostadas.... Would have gotten a better meal at taco bell. Guacamole was good though! read more

If you're looking for authentic Mexican in manasquan... this is your spot! Salsa was spicy not too much heat though. Pico de gallo was obviously fresh as well. Tacos were served with radishes, go to taco friend, on corn tortillas with cilantro and onion... that people is what you call an authentic taco. I couldn't pick what was my favorite between the marinated pork, chorizo or steak. Staff was friendly and food came out in a timely manner. Definitely coming back to try out some other items in then menu! Oh and forgot to mention... the prices were more than fair! read more

I am never going back here again although I've eaten here four times and have never had an issue. I ordered enchiladas and my sister ordered a cheese quesadilla. When they brought out the food, the quesadilla had chicken inside. I called the waitress over and she brought another one. The second quesadilla she brought was super greasy. I mentioned it to the waitress and she said it's because of the cheese. I know for a fact that it's not because of the cheese because my sister has ordered it numerous times. I'm very disappointed and will never go back. read more

Food is good with fast service. Ambience is ... interesting. It was clearly an Asian restaurant previously with bamboo decorations and Asian inspired lights. The worst part, however was the loud religious tv station that was blasting through our meal, so loud we couldn't talk as a family. Take-out, definitely, eat- in, maybe not. read more

This is the second time here. Other than the nachos, food was bland. Service was slow, I had to ask for knives, they never came back to see if we wanted more water. Never again. read more

my go to spot for good tacos. have tried lots of different items on the menu and have been happy with them all. i go when i know i have time because service can be slow. read more

Cielito Lindo - Take out: chicken and beef tostadas, small side or rice and beans, and a small horchata. I would just stick with the chicken next time. - Mexican Near Me - Asbury Park, New Jersey

This is the best Mexican restaurant on the jersey shore! Mixed fajitas are outstanding! Guacamole!!! Nachos. Everything is cheap but delicious! And the servers are so sweet. Not a place you come for atmosphere, but the good is great. read more

The food here is really good. Really really good. Authentic, fresh & yum! It's definitely worth a try, or 10. Just beware that they are super slow in getting the food out. You may fill up on the chips and fresh salsa...but the food is worth the wait. Strangely enough, my fave dish is the Everything nachos. They are huge & have so much fresh stuff in it. So definitely give this place a try! Just be prepared to sit there a while. read more

Food was just ok really not that good. Service is absolutely horrible. Table was dirty and not cleaned when we sat food took forever and just about anything to do with service was way below par. I hope they step it up soon as they have a good location for a byob right next to the spirits of 76. I would not recommend this place or their food. read more

This place reminds me of my Mexican Meth dealers neighborhood (and that's a great thing). Even better you can bring your own beer . Get the tortilla soup and bring your appetite ! read more

Food is fresh and very good. The place needs a sprucing up and a good cleaning too. The service is good. Prices are very fair. Been there quit a few times. Will go back. read more

Love this place. Chimichanga was great. Haven't had something quite this authentic anywhere at the shore (love some of the tex-mex places around here but this is the real deal). Reminds me of some of the best places in California, Arizona, Texas. Service can be layed back(i.e. slow) but it worth the wait. Can't wait to go back for some more. read more

LOVE this place! the food is so authentic and tastes amazing!! The only thing is that the food takes half a light year to come out! If you are in a rush and want a quick meal i would not recommend, but if your looking to catch up and chat with some friends and have the time 10 out of 10 cause the food is out of this world! read more

Being from Texas, I probably should've just ordered the fries. The best thing was the green salsa and chips. Left the food on my plate because it wasn't my cup of tea. ‍ read more

I have been going to there other location in Belmar for a while and decided to try there new location in Asbury. I was totally turned off after ordering guacamole and noticing they charged 3.00 extra for the chips to go with it when I received my check. I said to the waitress how can you charge extra for the chips and she said that's the charge. She came back with a lady I guess the owner or manager and she said the same and both of them then proceeded to stare at my family like we had 3 heads. I gave it one more chance and said I ordered guacamole and you charged extra for the chips to go with it. ( how would we eat it with a a spoon) and we got the same stare so I paid the check and will not be back. read more

It's true. You often overlook the local area in a search for something new and exciting. I live within walking distance to this fabulous Mexican restaurant and have driven passed by it numerous times without a thought, Today was Cinco de Mayo and I was trying to find an authentic Mexican restaurant, THIS IS IT. Asked my neighbors to join my wife and I. We all were very happy with our freshly prepared meals. The ladies had the Fajitas Mixtas. They couldn't finish it and it was delicious enough to take home. I had the Burrito de Polla and the other male had the Chiles Rellenos-both were fresh and delicious. The Mariachi band for the Cinco de Mayo celebration was a nice addition. I think I just found my new favorite Mexican restaurant. read more

The food is only ok, BUT the service is terrible. I love the authenticity of the place, but twice they have botched my delivery order. When I called to tell them that the second time around, I got a super rude girl that tried to defend their mistake! "What do you want me to about it?" I should add that i am a vegetarian and they sent me pork chops. Don't even bother with this place. Jose's Mexican Restaurant is way better any way. read more

Seriously good, authentic, inexpensive, high-quality Mexican dining without having to drive to Asbury Park (la tapatia). It's on par with all the best Mexican this area has to offer. Large menu with real Mexican fare, not tex-mex slop. Steaks and chorizos are wonderful. Pork chops are excellent as well. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Would love to keep it out little secret, but that's not going to help anyone. read more

Went for pick up and I did not get my food for at least 15 minutes of me standing there. There was a huge lack of communication not informing me that it wasn't ready. Food was mediocre. The vibe in the actual restaurant was very depressing. Customers looked unsatisfied and kept mouthing to me "very slow". It was not crowded at all...maybe 6 tables occupied. And a fun bonus... my veggie burrito (a LOT of rice with a couple veggies) had hair on top. Sorry to be harsh. But I'd rather be honest. Maybe it was just an off night for them. read more

This little place may be Manasquan's best kept secret. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food at very reasonable prices this is where you want to go. For $28.00 we had three huge dishes, with enough food to take plenty home. We started with the Gorditas de chicharron - which if you eat more than half of one you will need a cardiologist (oh but so tasty!!) then we shared the Chiles Rellenos which were outstanding, even the accompanying beans and rice were delicious. Then we sampled the two dollar tacos (goat - OK, pork - amazing) the most interesting part of the tacos were the veggies on the side - grilled cactus and green onion, they really added to the flavors of the meat. All the sauces that came with the dishes were obviously made on site by someone who really knows their stuff. Even the free chips were great (they should sell their guacamole sauce by the gallon - spicy yet cooling. not the lumpy normal green mess normally served) there is a really addictive pepper sauce that is available, as well as a cool crisp salsa. Give this place a try - I think more great reviews will be forthcoming. read more

Holy Guacamole! You have to try this place! Food is outstanding- had the best chicken burrito & guac last night (yum!)