Tacos have become a fixture within the American diet, not only can they be found in Mexican restaurants, but within the humble walls of taquerias and have even become a fast food staple. Yet papusas have not firmly grabbed the attention of the American diner nationwide, at least yet. I must say that I am a huge fan of papusas, a combination of meat, cheese, and/or beans hidden within a pancake shaped disc and served with cabbage. The taste is exquisite and this particular establishment brings this Salvadorean treat to Tallahassee. In addition to the papusas (I had the chicharron and the chicken), I also had a carne asada taco. It was truly an outstanding lunch and definitely priced right. I strongly recommend a visit to this establishment if you find yourself passing through the Florida state capital. Tallahassee is better for having this business and my day was infinitely better for stopping here. read more

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The food was really good! The service was good! My favorite was the pork stuffed masa! I would definitely go back! read more

Real authentic pupusas in Tallahassee, definitely a surprise to be sure. So far the best I've had in Florida read more

El Viroleño - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

This will always be one of my favorite local restaurants. I started coming to this place when it was still on Tennessee Street. Today I came in and had their wet burrito. It was very good. The white cheese the burrito was covered in was still warm when it was served. The burrito was as very good. I had cheese pupusas as an appetizer and those were good as well. I was a little disappointed they took the nachos off the menu. read more

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When we lived in Tally this was a place we would often go to and eat their mixed delicious pupusas. I would definitely give them a try.

Had been hearing some good things about this restaurant and wanted to give it a try. Wow! I found myself humming as I was eating my meal and I rarely do that, but the food was sooo good! I ordered the chicken pupusas and my daughter ordered the pork pupusas, both came with rice and beans. I also ordered a side of fried plantains (came with beans and sour cream). The pupusas alone are very good, but eating them with the cabbage slaw and the salsa just makes them pop! Of note, the only reason I did not give this place five stars is simply that the service just seemed really slow, even though the restaurant was not packed at all. We went after the "lunch crowd." Though the server was pleasant and came over when we got her attention, she was not very attentive. But, that is ok because the food was delish and we will be going back! read more

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This restaurant is the definition of don't judge a book by its cover. There were a lot of mixed reviews for this restaurant. I decided to give it a try. I came during the lunch rush. I had to wait a few minutes before being seated but it was fine because I wasn't in a rush. The waitress was extremely nice, attentive, and knowledgeable. I ordered three Carne Asada tacos and two pupusa's. I didn't have to wait too long for my food and when it came out it was fresh.The pupusa's came with cabbage which gave it a great kick. I still would've eaten it without the cabbage because the flavors were amazing! They have multiple kinds that you can choose from but I got the one that had pork, beans, and cheese. The flavor was blended together wonderfully. I also ordered a lemonade. I could tell that they made the lemonade from scratch because it was sweet and refreshing! The restaurant may not look like much from outside or inside, but the food speaks for itself! You can tell that the food is made with love and care. read more

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A very well deserved 5 stars. El Viroleño serves mainly Salvadorian food, but they have some Mexican options. Pupusas! They are just heavenly. I am now officially hooked. Prices are reasonable. For $8 you can get three pupusas with rice & beans. Pair them up with the red salsa and the pickled cabbage slaw for a real delight. My favorite are the mezcladas which are pupusas filled with cheese, beans, and pork. I can go on and on about them, but they have other great dishes too. Service is kind. The ladies are always polite. The restaurant is somewhat plain; however, it's adequately festive. During my time in Tallahassee, El Viroleño was one of my most memorable experiences. read more

El Viroleño - Three pupusas with rice and beans - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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Amazing authentic food! This was our first time trying Salvadorean cuisine, and it was wonderful. Trevor got the Bistec Encebollado because the menu said that included chicken and shrimp, but the dish he received only had the steak. Nevertheless, the steak was very tasty and he thought the refried beans were the best he'd ever had. I felt like trying something new so I got the Lengua Tacos. The tender texture of the meat was perfect, I highly recommend if you're looking to try something adventurous! This place is worth traveling to the other side of town. read more

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El Viroleño gets one of my highest five star reviews. Service is fine and the place is just so but the pupusas are absolutely brilliant. Just brilliant!!! If you didn't know, you might think they're just some fried dough...but no, you'd be wrong and wronged for not trying them. They're so much more I can't even begin to explain the perfection they are. Top them up with the fermented slaw they do and especial salsas and thank you dear God, I've been blessed. Seriously, this is a religious experience for me. Lol Sure, chips and salsa's not free and I'd normally gripe, but at $1.50 it's well worth it. Chips aren't too thick or too thin, perfectly crispy and Loved both salsas; you'll have to ask for the green but it's super nice if you like heat. Went for the no. 13: one chicken enchilada, one chicken tamale and one cheese and jalapeno pupusa my first time in and oh so good. mnm mmmm Also grabbed a veggie taco, which was equally capable of being the highlight all by itself. So many nicely chopped healthy ingredients. Lovely. Wonderful hospitality in a comfortable space. Please, please come to Orlando. Please? Lol Love, Love, Love them. Pupusa. read more

El Viroleño - Veggie tacos!! - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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There are 5 of us having 5 different dishes--& everything is excellent! We'll come here again. It's quiet, the service is good, & all is tasty. read more

Tried this place for the first time and was very impressed. It's casual inside but the service is top notch. Great menu with something for everyone but I had to try the chicken and cheese pupusas. They were absolutely delicious, and the red salsa that accompanied them provided just the right amount of spice. I was not a fan of the cheese dip, I found it to be very watery but I'll definitely order the guacamole next time. read more

EEEEEE! I love this place. Been here twice and both times were excellent. Best beans in town and the the papusas are excellent. Noting but good things to say about El Viroleño! read more

It's been a favorite since they were originally on Tennessee Street. Now on Kerry Forest I don't go as much because of how far they are, but each time we make the trek we always try a different dish, always smitten by the flavors of each dish. Their atmosphere is cozy, clean locations , the staff, very conversational. We exchange Spanish, them teaching me the "Salvadoran" language. For our app we tried the pastelitos--so good with the ground beef and chicken, my fiancé went back for a second order, paired with the slaw, which is a plus to any dish. Paired with the slaw, the food tastes fresh and the seasonings exceptional. My combination Típica platter was an assortment of cheese pupusa, chicken tamal, chicken pastelitos and a Salvadoran enchilada with chicken, it was truly the comfort food I needed. My fiancés dish was his all time favorite, Huevos Rancheros, he did not leave a crumb on the plate. Just thinking of our dishes...we may be going back for dinner this week. read more

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Pupusas!!! I have found a new comfort food. Shrimp, Chicharon, and one I let the server pick (Revueltas) were all amazing. Then the Pastelitos Salvadoreños (chicken) - yum, quite a take on the empanadas I am used to when living in Miami (typically Cuban style there). I sent on to the Carne (beef) burritos. Loved the little pocket of cheese in there. Wife got the same, but with chicken. Kids ordered one beef burrito and one steak quesadilla - all parties enjoyed the food. Service was good, but not amazing. She seemed a little impatient with our needing to take time to review the menu and was hard to find when we needed a box (another server saw us sitting there and came to see if there was anything else we needed. All in all, a great time that we will be happy to come back for. read more

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El Viroleno has my heart and soul fully. The hidden establishment on West Tennessee Street has been in the dark for years (at least in my eyes). But one day I opened them to discover the Latin cuisine treat of a lifetime. El Viroleno turned me on to the pupusa - the textbook definition of homemade and addicting eats. The space itself resembles a hole-in-the-wall, attached to a tattoo parlor and a check-cashing one-stop-shop. It upsets me I was out of the loop for so long on this restaurant. El Viroleno has been pumping out authentic Latin grub for years and years. And what's more, the menu offers these delicacies for petty change. Pupusas are merely $2. These pupusas will convert your ideologies on life. You can stuff them with nearly anything you'd like. I chose jalepenos, shredded pork and black beans, respectively. These were served with a sweet and spicy salsa that's a much needed kick in the pants and a Latin slaw concoction of cabbage, jalepenos and other secret ingredients. My palette was going down the rabbit hole of intriguingly intense flavor. My service experience was quick and easy. The woman who rung me up was helpful and patient with me, as she knew I was popping my pupusa cherry. The food came out in under 10 minutes, which is always worth noting. You'll be sold from day one. read more

El Viroleño - Take out papusas - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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I'm not going to subtract a star for the atmosphere or environment because it adds to the charm of the restaurant. Though, the environment scared my friend so that I had to persuade, almost coerse him to park and go inside for diner. We read the other reviews, so I was prepared for the "unsavory" storefront....and so was he...until he actually SAW it. SERVICE was fast, informative and friendly. The food came quickly and the server offered me other options (Cabbage, special hot sauce, beans and rice) to accompany my pupusas. Three come in an order. I chose Reveltas (beans & pork), Chicharon (ground seasoned pork) and Loroco (an edible flower native to Central America). All have cheese inside also. The food is amazing!!! I can't say more good stuff that has been said already. I will definitely eat here when I visit Tallahassee again. read more

El Viroleño - My 3 pupusas - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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Food was so bland and awful. Everything was greasy, the Asada tacos were all fat and I had a giant tendon in one of my tacos that wasn't edible. The place was dumpy too it felt like no one's cares about the places appearance. It's not even that cheap you can get better quality food at other places in Tallahassee. Very disappointing considering it has decent reviews on a quick google search. Service was fine there was no one there so it wasn't busy. I asked what was good and the server had no input or recommendations. read more

We went in because we have heard great things and the Yelp reviews are great. However, when we walked in, there were light fixtures falling apart, spider webs in the corners of walls, and big holes overhead where people eat with basically insulation falling out. Not sure if this is how it is usually but we were shocked and this is not something I usually do, but I stood up and left the establishment. I really hope this is not a true representation of how it is usually. Felt I must warn yelpers alike of my experience and it is not something I wish I had to report on. I'll adjust this if I receive verification this post is outdated or just a misunderstanding. read more

This place is the best Mexican I've found in this area. The carne asada tacos is like the ones in San Francisco simple yet rich in flavor. Highly recommend. read more

Solid, authentic food at a great price. The food was super fresh and delicious. I thought 3 pupusas would be just right at $6, but it was too much! I took some home, and it was s perfect late-night snack. I love the "slaw" that you can request to accompany it--it's like a Salvadoran kimchee! Refreshingly tart with a bit of kick, it really brighten up our meal. Don't expect Salvadoran food to be just like Mexican--the enchiladas, guacamole, and salsa were different than what we were used to, but deliciously so. Try it--you'll be so glad you did! read more

Every single item was absolutely delicious, truly great combinations of flavors, ingredients, and options. Menus you may see pictured online vs website vs the online ordering app vary greatly, so if you are ordering to-go, I'd advise calling first (helps if you speak Spanish). They went above and beyond to call me back to make sure my orders were just right since the app is more limited. This place is truly unique compared to any other restaurant with comparable cuisines in town. Authentic, flavorful, not a bland item in sight - and do not miss out on their horchata!! read more

For those of you who don't know, I'm a huge fan of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" on the Food Network and the "Food Paradise" series on Travel Channel. I watch those shows constantly and actually make a list of restaurants I've seen on them that intrigue me. I can't remember which show it was on but one episode showcased a Salvadoran spot in Washington, DC and I was fortunate enough to make the trek to the DMV area and visit the place. That was my humble introduction to Salvadoran cuisine. Moving along to present day brings us here: To El Viroleno. My first time trying them out was when they were located on Tennessee St. I was floored! So much so that I would hit them up for lunch quite often. Then I went to visit them one day and didn't see it anymore and was CRUSHED. I thought they had closed down, an extremely unfair and undeserved outcome for such a fine place. Luckily, and thankfully, I was wrong. They simply moved to the other side of town. Well.......they may be in a different location but their awesomeness is still the same! I always order papusas when I swing by, switching up between the corn and rice then changing up the other ingredients, and then decide on one of their dishes that I haven't had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of. This strategy ensures I do not deprive myself of ANY of their heavenly made meals. I mean, even their chips and salsa and rice and beans are seasoned with care. You know you're doing well when the most commonly, and consequently, most underappreciated (by the business), parts of Latin food are given the same pampered treatment as the entrees. YOU. MUST. TRY. EL VIROLENO. The food is beyond phenomenal. The atmosphere is nice and cozy and Luvy (the owner) is beyond phenomenal. My introduction to Salvadoran cuisine may have been 3 years ago but El Viroleno has familiarized me with it on a much more intimate level. And for that...I am genuinely thankful. read more

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I can't tell you how many times I keep coming here and can't stop wanting pupusas. The meal with the rice and re-fried beans and that cabbage is the most delicious combination of Central American food I've had. All the food looks and tastes great with good service I have to say this is my go to Taqueria around town. read more

Delicious vegetarian pupusas - corn tortillas encasing squash and cheese. So tasty. Great beans and rice too. Highly recommend. The coconut water was super sweet though, would be nice if they provided unsweetened. I could eat here every day, happily. Fast service. Lots of parking. Affordable prices. read more

El V is a neighborhood gem that flies under the radar because most people (including me) in the neighborhood don't know Salvadoran cuisine. El V has a full Mexican menu, but what sets them apart is Salvadoran delicacies like pupusas, flat breads like a tortilla or pita with ingredients stuffed inside. Combinations of pork, chicken, cheese or beans are made into the pupusa, which is served with a slaw-like cabbage and a spicy sauce. These pair well with a Jarritos soda or a cerveza. read more

Traditional El Salvadorian food The people who work there are very nice. My friends and I had multiple appetizers including fried plantains. For my meal I had the burrito which is irresistible with the yummy queso it comes with! It also has a little bit of heat which leaves you wanting to come back! Pair your meal with a beer and you're set! read more

El Viroleño - Burrito Fajita Especial - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

New location, same amazing food! El Viroleño delivers authentic Salvadorian food, and its delicious every time. Up until a few months ago they were a tiny, hole in the wall, hidden gem. They recently uped and moved to a new location on Kerry Forest Parkway. Definitely a bit further from me, but so worth the drive! The new location is big, and a bit more higher end. Same friendly workers and great food! Their pupusas are what keep me coming back. You can't find them anywhere else in Tallahassee, to my knowledge. My favorite is the Revuleta (refried beans, shredded pork, and cheese), but I have also tried the chicken and cheese, spinach and cheese, and shrimp. They are all amazingggg! They come served with a slaw/salsa..not really sure how to describe it, other than *to die for*. Other things I've tried: Carne guisada (a Salvadorian meat dish): the meat comes in a red sauce that is very tasty, and it comes with a side of rice and refried beans. Yum! Burrito especial de fajita (Mexican dish): a burrito stuffed with chicken fajita, refried beans, lettuce, and pico and then smoothered in a delicious queso sauce. I swear I licked the plate clean of the queso! La paradilla (Salvadorian mixed meat dish): comes with shrimp, steak, chicken and chorizo on a skillet along with peppers, cheese, and onions. Also served with a side of rice, refried beans, and tortilla shells. For the hungry guy! Empandas Salvadoreñas: ground beef and potato stuffed into a delicious pasty shell. They are different than those I am used to, growing up in Miami, but are mouthwatering nonetheless! I'll keep you guys updated as I try more, because guaranteed I will keep coming back! read more

El Viroleño - Carne Guisada - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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Came here on a Tuesday night with two friends. We were seated right away and quickly noticed the odd atmosphere. Awkwardly quiet with very light music in the background. You could hear just about every conversation in the room. We came for one thing and one thing only: the pupusas. My friend from Columbia talked highly of them, and I have had slightly similar things in the past and was looking forward to it. The place was pretty full for only one server on the floor, so our food took some time to get to us. Our was very nice though despite all the tables she had. I had two revuleta and one queso y jalapeño pupusas for six dollars! A carb filled yet cheap dinner. The revuleta was my favorite especially with the addition of the crunchy slaw and sauce that is served with it! I thought they were a little dry and I probably wouldn't come back out to Killearn for them, but I was glad to have tried them! Would definitely like to try some other menu items, and while I'd recommend trying a pupusa, I'd say also venture out into some variety while you're here! read more

El Viroleño - Pupusas! (three for six!) - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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You need learn only one word in Spanish: papusa. And only one phrase: muy bueno. That's all you need to know when visiting Tallahassee's amazing Salvadoran restaurant: The papusas (stuffed corn tortillas) are muy bueno (very good). This family run business turns out some exceptionally good papusas which you can get a la carte or in a three pack with rice and beans. Personally, I go for the cheese & loroco, which is an edible flower, the chicharron, which is pork, and cheese and spinach. And when you throw in the chips and salsa, plus the unbelievably good pickled cabbage slaw (which I can eat by the bowlful), you will leave with a full belly and a smile on your face. They also offer a large number of other dishes, but I can't seem to get past the papusas. Maybe if I ate them everyday I'd be able to try something different...but then again, probably not. If you are think that Kerry Forest pkwy is too far to travel (which it certainly is not...stop being a wimp) I can tell you it's a lot closer than going to El Salvador. Because that's where you'd need to go to get Salvadoran restaurant food that's anywhere near as good. So go. Eat. Smile. You're welcome. read more

Came here with the Yelp family for a UYE. Pretty sure we overwhelmed them for a Thursday night rolling in about 15 people or so deep. Go big or go home though, right? I've never had the pleasure of eating Salvadorian food prior to that evening and must say that I wasn't sure what I was in for, but I am terribly glad I went! It's always a good time with my fellow Yelpers and there's nothing we do better together than eat and be merry. A few of my fellow Yelpers had raved about pupusas in their reviews and continued to do so when we got there so naturally, we ordered pupusas. And oh my gosh, pupusas are delightful! You have a variety of options for fillings and can even have an order with different fillings for each pupusa. The options are endless!! I decided to get the shrimp cocktail and my boyfriend had ordered an entree with grilled steak and shrimp to try a little bit of everything. The shrimp cocktail was yummy, but a smidge bit spicy for me. Don't let that stop you from ordering it though. I'm just a big baby when it comes to jalapeños. My boyfriend was quite a fan of their grilled steak and the sauce it was smothered in. Unfortunately, we have no clue what it was. Salvadorian food was never something that came across my radar as an option, but I'm always open to trying things and glad I did. Only complaint is that their new location is on the complete opposite side of town from where I live, but I will make sure to stop in whenever I'm nearby. read more

El Viroleño - Shrimp cocktail. - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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D-i-v-e, just the way it ought to be! Very authentic El Salvadoran cuisine and atmosphere. Soccer on the tube, mix and match decor, and wonderful service and food! The papusas were delicious; we had the pork, pork and beans, and chicken. The masa cakes were finished with curtido, a cabbage slaw in a vinegary brine, and were amazing! The pork tacos were simplistic with cilantro and raw onion served on corn tortillas....my favorite! Can't wait to get back!!!!!! read more

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The good is really good. Papusas to die for! Everything else we tried was very tasty too. The downside is the fact that they are sometimes hard to reach and their menu has changed. It is not what was posted on Yelp anymore. They directed me to their FB page. Still, minor inconvenience - really good food. read more

I attended a Yelp event at El Viroleño, and the experience was amazing! The food was delicious and authentic -- I ordered three pupusas revueltas (a blend of cheese, pork, and refried beans in a thick corn tortilla) and a Modelo. The company was just as great. I was able to meet amazing locals, and despite the large size of our group, the service was good. Highly recommend! read more

El Viroleño - Three pupusas revueltas with rice and refried beans. The slaw is a must!!! - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

Bottom line: If you enjoy ceviche, this one is certainly worth the trip. (My previous reviews cover other aspects of this restaurant). The only ceviche I've ever known was the Peruvian variety. Boning up on the subject (wiki), I understand ceviche has permeated throughout coastal Latin America and El Salvador presents its own ceviche. Expectedly, there is no corn or sweet potato. The white fish is cubed in 3/4 inch pieces and I noticed there was celery added to it. Definitely will order it again and again. It's very flavorful. For the "leche de Tigre", the ladies will bring you a small vessel to pour it in. You ARE going to drink it, aren't you? It's truly great. http://www.popsugar.com/food/What-Leche-de-Tigre-Tiger-Milk-10881673 read more

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If you want to eat where the locals eat, this is as good a place as any. El Viroleno has that hole in wall feeling, especially from the outside. Their sign looks like it was written with a marker on some construction board and hung at the top. I think it is rather charming, so don't mistake me as saying it as a negative. These are the types of places I really enjoy. The food is really good. I've only ever had the Pupusas here, but I would like to try their assortment of tacos and Pollo Guisado at some point. The Pupusas are similar to Arepa's and you can get them filled with many types of ingredients including cheese, Jalapenos, Pork, Chicken, Beans, Shrimp and Vegetables. They also come with a homemade cabbage slaw and hot sauce that is pretty good. I highly recommend this place for lunch as it is the best type of deal you can have. Great food and cheap on your wallet. read more

El Viroleño - Pupusas - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

Bring your patience and your appetite because you're going to be waiting a while to get a taste of the delicious food at El Viroleño. I was seated upon arrival but the food took about 45 minutes to come out and a small piece of my beef had a microwave burn on the edge - it was delicious nevertheless. Staff was nice but they're a little understaffed for a Saturday afternoon with only two servers considering the number of tables. Overall: lots of seating and very delicious with a long wait time for the food. Will come back next time I'm in town. read more

El Viroleño - Salsa and curtido (cabbage) - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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We walked in, they had a restaurant full of people, open table in the back. Told us they were closed, during hours they are listed as open. Hahahahahaha. Wtf. Not coming back. read more

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Tallahassee. The decor is simple, you probably passed it on W Tennessee a thousand times, and it's not going to require a suit and tie. However, do not let appearances fool you - the food is increíble! The pupusas are, of course, wonderful and probably why the majority of diners come here. But, if you're feeling adventurous, try to Sopa de Gallina on the weekends (serves 2, honestly), or the Ají de gallina. They are both delicious and will leave you full for hours. Service is friendly (and bilingual!), and everything is homemade. read more

El Viroleño - Pollo guisado = perfect lunch or big dinner. - Salvadoran Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

Was passing through and looked up best places on yelp. Looks are deceiving. The place is a hole in the wall! I love that too! Homeade great food amazing try it!!! read more