We went to Salem for a graduation and ate there 2 times in 4days. My wife and I split chicken nachos both times and they were loaded with meat. Service was excellent both times from start to finish. read more

Medium review because usually service is mediocre, however, we went yesterday and it was terrible. There were like 3 other tables seated max, but all the tables were unclean and the manager had to call someone over to clean in front of us and then didn't even finish cleaning before walking away. The server didn't even talk to us, he just walked over and stared until we said something. The food tasted absolutely amazing but it gave me horrible food poisoning, and I KNOW that it was this restaurant because I had only eaten some light snacks throughout the day, and I only felt sick until after I felt the food hit my stomach. I got so sick that I had to literally run out of the restaurant to go lay in my car while my fiance paid. read more

The loud Mexican music was annoying, the waiter (who refused to speak up over the loud kitchen noise and music) was really hard to understand, the food was some of the worst Mexican food we have had in a long time, the overcooked chips came with a skimpy amount of salsa, no condiments on the table, and the prices were the same as much better restaurants. Other plus side, the place was clean and had clean rest rooms. read more

Huge portions and good traditional Mexican atmosphere. Service was great. Right off the highway in Salem, VA read more

El Rodeo - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

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My wife and I enjoyed lunch here yesterday. We shared the Birria Tacos and we thought they were very good. We would definitely go back when in the area ... read more

Smells like a bathroom stall as soon as you walk in. The wait for our food was over 30 mins. Our server messed up our order we ordered Arroz Texana and they brought out fajitas. So we sent it back, I saw the waiter in the kitchen and he took the fajitas back and then put them on a plate and added cheese sauce thinking we would not know it was missing the zucchini and other vegetables. I told the waiter it didn't have zucchini or red peppers. My son ordered a soft taco meat and cheese only and they brought out a hard taco with lettuce. So we sent it back and they brought back a tortilla with meat, no cheese. The manager came over and told us if we had not touched the food they would have made our dishes right. We didn't even touch the fajitas or the soft taco. we told them they were wrong as soon as the food runner brought the food on the tray and saw it was wrong on the tray stand. The plates never touched the table . The manager kept saying we touched the food even though we never did. We will not be going back here. Overpriced and not worth it read more

If i could give under a star i would; my fries were cold and soggy, my husbands tacos had no flavor, and my marg tasted like straight 1800. the best thing on the table was the cheese dip. the waiter was a little rude but i can deal with that, we all have bad days but the other waitstaff was yelling across the restaurant or standing in the corner on their phone. if you want good mexican go to Camino Viejo in Eliston. read more

First of all, this restaurant is at 2032 W Main St, Salem, VA., not on Wildwood Road. My wife and I lived in Roanoke area 30 years ago and we loved the salsa, enchiladas supreme, and margaritas for the 3 years we were there. While driving back to Florida from a trip to Maine, we thought we would stop in for a quick lunch. It was awesome!!! Everything was as good as it was 30 years ago. I wish they would open one in St Pete Beach Florida. read more

El Rodeo - Delicious salsa and margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

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One of the worst dining experiences I've ever had... server disappeared right after our meal was dropped off. The dining room was completely empty and now I understand why. I have been here many times before and it's always been good. Food was still good. Had to go up front to retrieve our check and some Togo boxes. The owner/manager not a server came over and brought Togo boxes. I politely asked for more chips because we got cheese dip ($5.10 btw) and only had one basket the whole hour and a half we were sitting there. The man responded oh do you want chips togo? I said no just a few more for here please. He responded back oh we charge if you take them togo. I said no not taking them togo. He gave me the dirtiest look and looked at the box as if he didn't believe me? He came back with a basket of chips that had maybe 7 in it. LOL. Still had to go upfront to cash out also. read more

The service was good and the food came very fast, and on a Friday around dinner time! Good service as well.

I was a bit put off by the initial greeting/service we received when we arrived. Several servers standing around the bar/front door staring at us instead of taking the initiative to greet us or seat us. After the greeter came back we were seated immediately and then got a fly but dropping off of chips and salsa with no conversation. Our server finally came by and greeted us and things picked up from there and service improved greatly. We had the 3 dip sampler appetizer which was delicious. The guacamole was super fresh. I had the Tacos de Birrias and my wife had pineapple steak and shrimp tacos. Both were amazing. My wife had a house margarita which she said wasn't bad. We finished with the Churro Ice Cream bowl. It was a bit underwhelming but it was a nice treat. The total bill was a bit higher than other Mexican restaurants that we've been to (about $15/plate), but we left very full. All-in-all it was a good meal and we will definitely return. read more

El Rodeo - Tacos de Birria - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

The decor is wonderful. Music was just right. Hostess is friendly. Staff appear to be owners or family. We were directed to their lunch buffet. There is a large selection of foods here. If you like to have choices, or to build your meal this is an option. You can also order off the menu. The buffet has choices of chicken, beef and vegetarian. There are sauces, hard shells, soft shells, cheese, lettuce, sour cream and so on. Basically everything you need. The staff kept an eye on the food levels and replenished as needed. The staff were not particularly friendly. They weren't rude, just abrupt. Everything else was nice. The restaurant is clean, there is an outdoor patio and a good size bar with lots of large TV's. They even have a jukebox in there. read more

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Very good food! One of my favorite Mexican Restaurants! Highly recommend the build-your-own burrito! So much customization!

Food is only average. Nothing to brag about and their prices compared to all other Mexican cuisines are astronomical. Wont go back . Staff was super friendly though, so there's that we just moved here from Illinois a d was HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED . Don't waist your money. Go to Camino Vejo. Outstanding food read more

I had merely pulled off of the main highway to fuel up but finding myself famished, stopped into El Rodeo. When you walk in it really has a very eye catching colorful décor, kind of like makes you say "Wow!" Now if the food would only match up. As I've had some rather unpleasant gastrointestinal experiences with Mexican restaurants, I tend to be on the leery side of them so I merely ordered a Carne Asada with beans, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado along with a margarita drink. When served the plate didn't look like much and, though OK, didn't really taste like much either. The best I can describe the flavors and tastes of everything is merely to say blase, uninspired and somewhat boring. But, overall though none of it other than the décor of the place excited me, I'd have to say OK. read more

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food was great and out waitress was very professional. great decoration this place is definitely a 5 star very nice read more

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Decent Mexican food though as a caveat, I was famished. I had the chicken enchiladas and the shredded chicken was good quality and the red sauce tasty. Good value for what I got. Their salsa was good. The service was just okay. The local IPA on draft tasted more like a Pilsner so I didn't finish it but they have other options (or at least one better option from California). Nothing to rave about but solid food, have had way worse and the prices weren't bad. Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. read more

Everytime I've ordered something over the phone or come in my order is always wrong, when I order in over the phone my last placement I went in to tell them my name from my order.. they had no clue the woman that took my order didn't even place my order so not only waiting the amount of time she said it would be ready I come in and there was no order to pick up. As I sit here n for another 30 minutes for an order I placed over the phone. Last but not least I place an online order once and the price from online are not the same as the in store menu so expect higher price soon paying. Sad to say but the service here is terrible foods good but terrible service read more

Didn't know what to expect after reading some of the reviews, but we really enjoyed it! Staff was lovely, the foot fantastic, fresh. My husband enjoyed his chicken enchiladas, I had the chicken soup (delish) and the shell salad. Great service, great food. This will be our go to when driving through Salem! read more

My party of six walked in on a Friday night and were seated immediately. Our waitress was very patient and friendly as we asked questions navigated the (large) menu. Our drinks and food came out quickly, and everyone was satisfied with the taste and portions. When our kids wanted desert but couldn't decide, our waitress made a suggestion that was "off menu" and turned to be a big hit. We would definitely come back. read more

Stopped for lunch on a Wednesday. I had chicken fajitas and my wife had a taco salad. They were not very busy so it was hard to justify the slowish service. The food was good but that was all. Proportions were appropriate for lunch but the prices were high, at least 25% higher than the comparable Tex mex place I go to in Lynchburg. Altogether just a meh experience. read more

Authentic, fresh street tacos served in a wonderfully renovated restaurant! The staff is consistently friendly and prompt! This is an excellent place to host large family events (with the proper reservations) and a great alternative to fast food if you're driving along Highway 81 (it is less than 2 miles off the highway, adjacent to a Wal Mart and many gas stations). My family stumbled on this place after we got stuck in traffic on highway 81 North. The street tacos are very fresh, authentic and delicious! Try them individually or as a trio! You can choose between many meats, including al pastor (with pineapple), chicken, carne asada (steak), shrimp, chorizo and carnitas (pork). Make sure to ask for them with fresh onion and cilantro on top. An order of three comes with a large slice on lime. You can also add rice and beans for a small fee. We've also tried their chicken flautas, multiple burritos and quesadillas, all of which were delicious and fresh. The salsa that comes with your table is also very fresh and served cold. I would rate the spice level at 3/10, but this changes with every batch. I recommend ordering the guacamole when you arrive, which is simple and fresh. We always ask for lime and cilantro on the side when we order this to mix it in ourselves. I love chorizo dip, but found theirs to be a bit too salty! Still delicious! The restaurant was recently renovated with no expenses spared! The outside is well maintained, with metal statues along the outside and inside of the building. Many of the outdoor chairs are also stamped with the restaurant name, a nice addition. Stay away from fast food and check them out! read more

Worst bar service. Take the ear buds out and focus on customers. Rude for a bartender to wear ear buds and continuously say "huh" when you have questions. When I asked what she was listening too. Her reply was tik tok! Are you joking!! She was smug when I told her it was rude and her response.... My boss is cool and doesn't care. Never return! read more

They have the authentic Mexican Food! I love the variety that they have, the place very traditional, clean and great service... The best part is they have is (all you can eat buffet) And you can made a order too. Went I come back to Salem Virginia I wanna visit this restaurant again... read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Really Good eats. The salsa is probably the best salsa I've had. The flavor busrts in your mouth with a really good tomato after taste. We ordered a steak fajita and a chicken fajita. The steak was recommended by the hotel clerk and did not disappoint, however the chicken fajita was the better choice compared to the chicken. It was full of flavor with those great grilled edge onions and good grill yet juicy chicken. They are friendly, pleasant and courteous. The service could be a bit more attentive during the meal though still replaced some of the items and refills fairly well. read more

Two orders of fajitas and two margaritas equates to $100. Definitely not worth $100 when there are so many more options at that price point.

I stopped at the El Rodeo on Main St and I was impressed with the service and the food. I had their fajita chicken chimichangas and it was the best I've ever had! Crispy, full and flavorful. That margaritas were great too. I'd highly recommend this place. read more

El Rodeo - Chimichangas - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

I usually can't stand Mexican food at all I've been to quite a few Mexican restaurants and hated them but I went to this one on a whim and I absolutely loved it I would so be returning the atmosphere was lovely the service could be a bit better the waiter could have come by a bit more often to refill drinks but it wasn't a big deal for me. The waiter might not come by often but you ask for anything they get it to you quickly which makes up for it read more

The spinach enchiladas had great sauce. The servers were very kind and upbeat. If you are looking for a vibrant restaurant, this is your place. read more

El Rodeo - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

We were just passing alone I-81 and needing a place to grab a bite and this won our lottery! Ha. I typically judge a Mexican restaurant by the salsa, and this was nothing to write home about, it was runny and tasted like tomato sauce in a bowl... literally. However, the actual food was very tasty all around and portions were large. Service was okay... not great, but they did keep us going! I'd eat here again, but not for the salsa, that's for sure! read more

Driving on the highway hungry, I checked Yelp for a good place to eat. Mamma Maria's it is! Darn the luck; went there to discover it's closed on Mondays. Checked for another option and was perplexed at the polarity of ratings for this place. Some loved it; others hated it. I decided to give it a try. Hated it. Not just hated it, but really... How can anyone mess up Mexican food? The staff are Mexican; are they not ashamed to serve this? What would their mamas think if they knew?! I got the lunch special #1... A chili relleno, taco, beans, and guacamole salad. The so-called chili relleno was about 1/4 cup ground meat and a piece of green chili about the size of a dime, covered in melted cheese. What on Earth is that?! The beans were tasteless. The taco sub-par. The guacamole salad boring and uninspired. The chips and salsa sub par as well. To the reviewer who said they were delicious, have you ever had Mexican food? Seriously. My kids wouldn't touch their kids meals, saying "nothing tastes good, not even the fries." Their drink options were soda, tea, or "Tum-E" drinks, which the waiter asked if they want "blue or red." Both kids disapproved of the taste, and I disapproved of the "0 percent juice" label. Way to care for the health of children, people. 8 minutes. That's how long it took me to have to pull over and find a bathroom after eating here. Never again. Oh, and by the way, the lack of heat on a freezing day was quite delightful. read more

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Check your account after eating here!!! 28 dollars was added to my tip. Not only that my card was charged a second time for the 28 dollars. In all I was over charged 56 dollars. When I called the store and spoke to the manager I was told he could not see where it was added and no action take. Jose V was my waiter. BEWARE OF THIS RESTAURANT!!!!!!! read more

Great food and service. Decor is inviting and my four year old had choices of food. Right next store to a great hotel. read more

El Rodeo - Texan fajitas. Awesome and large . - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Really pleasantly surprised. After a long trip did not want to search for food and drove past El Rodeo. We took a shot and were pleasantly surprised. The chips and salsa were delicious and more than enough. My margarita was good and our food was delicious and abundant. Very happy. read more

Once again, the standard Mexican fare. Nothing new here. Guaranteed that they have a "Speedy Gonzales" that's just like the one you go to lunch at. Regular chips, plain salsa. I had the Mole Poblano. I enjoyed it. There were three and I wish that there were two. Sauce was good but here were no beans or rice with it which surprised me. Had a small margarita and boy was it small. Any smaller and it would have been classified as a shooter. My wife had the quesadilla rejano which she enjoyed. Thing 1 had a taco & burrito combo. He finished it (good sign). Thing 2 had a quesadilla (1/2 finished) and thing 3 had nachos which he too finished. Whenever I go thru the Roanoke area, I stop in and get what I expect. read more

I really love this place. I pass it a couple times a year when traveling, and always stop. Its within walking distance of at least three hotels, which is a big plus when traveling. The food is great - big portions, spicy salsa, well cooked, great flavor. The black beans are phenomenal. Plus, its bright and cheerful with attentive waiters, and I've always felt perfectly safe eating here alone as a woman traveling alone. read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

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Just finished lunch at the Main Street location in Salem and everything was sooo delicious! Maybe the best Mexican food I have had. Everyone in our family also really enjoyed their meals. The restaurant is beautifully decorated! Staff were very friendly! Everything was very clean and staff were very careful about COVID-19 precautions! We ate outside on the covered terrace which was pretty and a nice option for social distancing! Amazing! read more

Very good. It's nice to find authentic taste on the road. On a trip back from Mexico and missing that awesome taste. Don't miss the Fajitas and burrito Asada. read more

El Rodeo - Fajitas Asada - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Stopped over for a break.....decent Mexican food Mexican buffet at 8.49 can't beat the price........good staff and decent prices...must try read more

good homemade authentic Mexican food they serve a Mexican buffet which is quite well stocked plus they have regular entrees off the menu we stopped in on a trip from Tennessee to New York and will stop on the way back read more

El Rodeo - Good Mexican Dishes - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia