Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Elaina's Cafe

    4.1 (26 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Elaina's Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Elaina's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    ELAINA'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Elaina's Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    William M.

    I've only eaten here three times - Pork Tamale(s) to go. WOW! Soft, moist, flavorful...everything I want in a Tamale. I'll eat in sometime, try some of the other far, and update. Josh - let me know when you've read this...

    Elaina (owner) with our Elaina!
    Paula K.

    Had a yummy lunch at Elaina's. They start you out with a soup with pasta shells in it. Watch out, its very salty. I had the chicken quesadilla, it was very yummy! My friends had tacos and really liked them. Only corn tortillas here, no flour tortillas. The staff was very sweet and attentive. We even got to meet Elaina! We actually went there because we found it on yelp and my aunt's name is Elaina, so we had to give it a try!

    Scott L.

    I usually prefer Tex-Mex to authentic Mexican, but this was an especially pleasant surprise. We used to live outside of DC, where it seemed all ethnic foods were a stone's throw from your residence. We got used to a particular type of Mexican breakfast burrito. On an impulse to find breakfast burritos one Saturday, I ventured out to find Elaine's which I'd heard about. I got there at around 8:30 and was thankful the "open" sign was on, but was disheartened that the four items they served as breakfast items didn't include breakfast burritos. I asked the woman behind the counter if she served breakfast burritos. Her English wasn't too strong, but she shrugged and said, "Okay." She asked me what I wanted in it - eggs, cilantro and beans, then came back from the kitchen and held up two tortilla sized for me to choose from. I got them to go. I got back home, cut them open and found they were perfectly made to order and exactly what I was looking for. That red sauce is quite spicy! I'll definitely be back.

    Tacos de Asada solo cilantro
    Elizabeth R.

    This place is a hidden gem I definetely recommend it 100%. GREAT FOOD and very authentic if you really love Mexican Food this is the place. The owner is a Great person and she works hard everyday to make all her clients happy. The customer service is great there is a lady whose name is LILIANA she is amazing. She is always smiling and she cooks so fast she is very professional and attentive I love her she is my favorite. I love this place. I love the tacos, pozole, huaraches, tostadas de pata. Everything is delicious. GIVE IT A TRY YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT and Yes Language can be a barrier but that doesn't take away the great food they offer so if you plan to go make sure you either speak spanish good or have someone translate for you to enjoy this amazing place so Don't let language be an obstacle to try this great place.

    Richard R.

    This was one of those food experiences than left me confused on exactly how to rate it, but I would say 2.5 is pretty accurate for my recent visit. THE SCENE I arrived here around noon for the fabulous Angela M's UYE. My yelp darling Lindy F was there waiting, so we spent a few minutes catching up while waiting for the others. The interior is "cozy" in size and first impressions lead me to believe I was in for some truly authentic good food considering we were the only English speaking people in the place. Once we were all seated, we spent a little time going over the menu and placed our orders. T H E F O O D The masa used in their tamales is spot on! They even use banana leaves to shape them! However, there was barely any meat filling inside. My UYE tablemates had more filling than I, but still skimpy in my opinion. There should be a good 60/40 balance of masa-to-filling, but the balance here was around 90/10. Since masa is truly what makes or breaks a tamale, I will still give them a better than average rating. (3.5 stars) The Enchilada I ordered on the other hand was nothing like what I expected. They were basically rolled & folded corn tortillas with some sort of clumping feta-like cheese inside. It was topped with slices of avocado, lettuce, tomatoes and flank steak that tasted like it might have been on the verge of spoiling before they cooked it. Not at all like any enchilada I've ever had in the past. In retrospect, perhaps they misunderstood me and brought out the wrong dish. (1 star) I expect an enchilada to look like this: http://foodnetwork.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2011/5/12/0/VM0402H_chicken-enchiladas_s4x3.jpg NOT this: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/elainas-cafe-roswell?select=QHJahwTmLeM2_qbzzUkx-Q The rice was not flavored and the beans were bland. I felt so bad when the little older lady serving us asked if I wanted a to-go container like others at my table. "You no like?" she asked. I tried my best to play it off and tell her I was very full, but she kept insisting I get a container since I had so much left over. So I gave her the truth, that I didn't really enjoy it. She shrugged her shoulders and walked back into the kitchen (daaaaang)!!! I may never be welcome here again. F I N A L T H O U G H T S I swear if I keep being so picky I'm never gonna get invited back to UYE's. It just goes to show although we are all food lovers on Yelp, we also all have different ideas of what good is. For me, the enchilada was a terrible misrepresentation, but the masa used for the tamales was very, very good! Too bad the tamales didn't have more filling. They would have easily been one of my favorite restaurant bought tamales ever.

    Storefront
    Angela M.

    I bookmarked this place ages ago when Boris said they had the best tamales in the area. But I was never brave enough to go by myself or convince others to try it with me. Then they announced that my sector was spinning off and that we would be moving further north. I decided to take action. On a slow Friday in the summer, when I was hungry and had no other plans and in the area, I decided to do it. The place is old and worn, inside and out. I said just enough to order 1 chicken and 1 pork tamale and a grapefruit Jarrito. I sat at one of the worn booths and waited. The tamales are already made and stored in the cold case with the drinks. They take them out to heat them up. There was a white board full of other items, all in Spanish, but I wasn't confident in ordering any of those. Soon the tamales were out, and I was offered green sauce (spicy) and red chili oil (also spicy) as conidments. The tamales were indeed awesome. Soft, fluffy masa. There wasn't much meat, but at $2 each, there was enough to add some flavor. The pork comes in red sauce, the chicken in green sauce. Also, not much sauce, but enough to flavor the tamale. So good and so comforting. I paid in cash (it was $4), and the server/cashier said to come back with my friends. So I posted a UYE and brought some friends back. This time, since there were four of us who were clearly not regulars, there were laminated picture menus. I chose the same 1 pork, 1 chicken, and an asada huarache (thick corn sope with refried beans, meat, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and avocado). The elder lady was waiting on us, and she got confused with the enchilada order, so we ended up with an extra order of enchiladas verdes (corn tortilla cooked in the sauce, wrapped with crumbly mexican cheese, served with more sauce, steak, lettuce, tomato, and avocado), and I ate a good portion of that. Everything was tasty, but in the future I'll stick with tamales. Per Richard's review, the enchiladas are not what I've grown accustomed to, and the huarache, while very good just wasn't as good as the tamale. I've used cash both times, though I haven't confirmed whether or not they take cards.

    I couldn't wait to eat before taking photo! It's so authentic spicy and yummy!
    Neza B.

    This is the most authentic Mexican food I have had!! The breakfast was phenomenal! Caution- it is a hole in the wall. Prices are less than $5 for every entree. The food is so fresh and wholesome. It's cooked in the kitchen by two ladies and they use real ingredients! Nothing is pre made. It is Mexican food lovers heaven. Also just keep in mind- they don't speak English. It is a true authentic experience.

    So sad they're gone... Best tamale I've ever had!

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    The food was so authentic! I got the enchiladas and the green ones were spicy but soooo good! Their smoothies AMAZING !!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eva S.
    0
    13
    1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Richard R.
    4995
    1572
    25885

    12 years ago

    Helpful 81
    Thanks 1
    Love this 77
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Not much English spoken but a fantastic pozole and great tamales. I think they serve alcohol now too.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Boris Y.
    141
    333
    2

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed T.
    1
    23
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Very authentic Mexican dishes, friendly service, great value. Will definitely be coming back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy W.
    16
    68
    21

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dal P.
    141
    1
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    The BEST restaurant in all of North Fulton. Get the Papusas, Tchlacoyo and chilli Rellenos with a horchata to drink. The best!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Elaina's Cafe

    Review Highlights - Elaina's Cafe

    Not much English spoken but a fantastic pozole and great tamales.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 26,860 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Fresco Cantina Grille

    Fresco Cantina Grille

    4.4(370 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    We came here because my husband wanted Mexican food for his birthday. We ended up spending $90 for…read more3 dishes and an appetizer. It certainly wasn't worth it. The plastic water cups looked foggy and old. Everything here just seemed old and dirty. We started with the Dip Trio because the salsa that came with the chips was very spicy. The Dip trio included Pico de Gallo (didn't look fresh), queso, and Guacamole. I ordered a Grilled Chicken burrito with Yuca Fries. The Grilled Chicken burrito barely had chicken and instead had a load of spicy chorizo (ground meat). It should've been called a chorizo burrito with chicken. The Yuca fries were like bricks (probably frozen). Our server was very nice which is why I gave this review 2 stars.

    Had always seen this place driving to and from work and never thought to go in. However, I was in…read morethe area and wanted to try it out as I was starving. As soon as I walked in, I was seated and taken to a booth. Once I sat down I was handed a menu and was trying to figure out what I wanted. I was given water but the water tasted odd as if their filter needs to be changed. The seating was comfortable and there were plenty of places to sit. The ambiance was rather dark inside the restaurant. I ended up deciding on flautas and chose Mexican rice as my side. I didn't wait long for my food but the plating was very sloppy. A lot of cheese and just overall super unappetizing looking. However, I was starving so I made with what I had. The flautas were super oily and soggy so it was extremely hard to eat them without them failing apart. The rice was also watery as well and tasted mostly of tomato juice with how much watery they were. Service was alright, just very mediocre and grabbing plates when we weren't fully finished. Honestly, I could've made without going as the food was just alright. I most likely won't be coming back.

    Photos
    Fresco Cantina Grille
    Fresco Cantina Grille - La Milanesa

    La Milanesa

    Fresco Cantina Grille - Avocado Rolls

    See all

    Avocado Rolls

    HOLA! Taqueria & Bar

    HOLA! Taqueria & Bar

    3.7(600 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    This spot is good for two things, a perfect patio bar and the drinks…read more For everything else, it's a complete miss. The bar really is ideal for those that like to sit outside, but at a bar. This time of year (spring) it's wonderful to go sit and enjoy a cocktail and usually the patrons are very nice here. I have learned that my first step is to get food elsewhere and then come to Hola to enjoy the scene. Come late June though through Sept and again oct-march, it's time to find another mexican spot. Really if they made the food fresh to order (often times I could bet the meats part of the food was prepared well in advance of the meal, along with the sides), did throw together the food as they usually do (presentation always looks a mess coming out the kitchen) - the menu itself is well designed just not properly executed. I was told recently by a staff member that staff was changing, but this has not resulted in improvement.

    HOLA! Taqueria and Bar delivers a strong experience. The location impressed me as one of the…read morecleanest restaurants I have visited in a long time. The dining room was spotless, the bathrooms were clean, and even the parking lot looked maintained. Our server did excellent work. I wish I remembered his name. He stayed on top of every table. Our drinks stayed above half. The food arrived fast. We never waited for anything. My wife ordered the margarita flight for thirty dollars. The drinks looked good, but the flavors felt weak and the portions were small. I expected stronger quality from a Mexican restaurant. We tried two of the ten taco platters. We sampled different options. The chicken tacos and the mahi mahi tacos stood out. The steak taco was dry and needed more seasoning. The overall quality sat above average and worth trying. The only drawback was the price. Sixty dollars for ten average sized tacos felt high. Higher prices should come with stronger flavors. HOLA! still offers a pleasant visit, a clean space, and good service. The tacos deserve a try and the restaurant shows potential with a few adjustments to flavor and value.

    Photos
    HOLA! Taqueria & Bar - Bar area

    Bar area

    HOLA! Taqueria & Bar
    HOLA! Taqueria & Bar - Bar overlooking patio

    See all

    Bar overlooking patio

    Moctezuma Mexican Grill - Pollo en Mole. Best and most complex mole I have found in the Atlanta area.

    Moctezuma Mexican Grill

    4.3(434 reviews)
    6.9 mi
    $$

    Doesn't look like much from the outside being next to a gas station, and the inside; while its…read moredecor is very Mexican, needs freshening (and the a/c to work better) has probably been here since the center has been built. My husband and son were thrilled with their food (taco Al carbon and enchilada de espincaca) mine was less thrilling. Nothing wrong with it, just kind of bland. All are probably more authentic than I'm used to. I tasted my son's taco meat and it was amazing! The menu is overwhelmingly large and hard to decide. Our server, Daisy was wonderful and then there was the robot server...she was pretty good also

    My wife found this location on Yelp. We have been trying to find really good local Mexican food…read moreever since we moved from Texas. There it is like every corner has a good place... here in Alpharetta/roswell... it is spotty. This is a hidden spot... hidden in plain view but hidden all the same. I must have been past it a dozen times but had never noticed it. The ambiance was nice but simple. It is not 5 star dining... but it is not run down worry what you're getting either. It is a descent place. The service was good... it wasn't busy here... so I think we got a lot of focus for sure. The menu is extensive. Lots of dishes to choose from. My wife always orders the guac when we go to Mexican. I get the queso... I can't stand guac. I mean just look at it... I swear I have too many kids and changed too many diapers to eat anything that looks like this! Anyway once past the aps we got to our meals and I was pleasantly surprise. My boys liked it, I liked it, and my wife liked it! Eureka... a Mexican place that we all enjoyed and it wasn't out of this world expensive! I recommend stopping in and trying a thing or two.. you'll be glad you did!

    Photos
    Moctezuma Mexican Grill
    Moctezuma Mexican Grill - Carne Asada and Chile Verde

    Carne Asada and Chile Verde

    Moctezuma Mexican Grill - Margarita!!!

    See all

    Margarita!!!

    Elaina's Cafe - mexican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...