Gorditas Al pastor and steak Mulitas were both very good. I really enjoyed the corn flavor of the…read moreMulitas. The green sauce was also tasty and the hot sauce was very hot. Rice and beans were fine but nothing special. Service was very friendly. I enjoyed the small seating area and simple design.

In a little house on a short street in Salem, Virginia, one that if it were not painted a bright…read moreorange color, would simply go unnoticed, is housed one of the smallest restaurants that I have ever seen. Yet we must not let its size deceive us, just as we should not judge a gift by its size nor a book by its cover. After being awarded the Triad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Tacos Coronados in Salem, Virginia, is the perfect example. After driving by this Mexican little restaurant the other day on my way to Gusto Pizza for dinner, I thought to myself, "It is in small hole in the wall places like this one that one finds amazing food. I definitely need to return soon to try it out." And today is that day. I set my Lexus GPS to their address and started driving their way, encountering a torrential rain along the way, only being able to see a bright orange spot when I arrived. I decided to wait in my car for a while listening to music. As the rain resided and I was able too see the Mexican restaurant, the first thing I did was take a photograph of it from inside my car, since small drops of rain were still falling from the sky. Once inside, I noticed the place was also painted the same bright orange color, had a counter were To Go orders were taken and picked up, and a modern computer cashier where orders were paid. But what impressed me the most was the cleanliness of the place, and how very organized it was, with well use of space for five booths that each could seat four persons comfortably. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its food. A friendly gentleman came out from the back to greet me and gave me a warm welcome. He appreciated very much that I spoke Spanish and talked to me about the restaurant and its menu. Most of their business is for Take Out orders, but on some days and times it can get full with dine-in customers. One thing that caught my attention was that Chips and Salsa were listed in the menu under Appetizers for $4.50. Afterwards I did my research and found out that Chips and Salsa is not a traditional complimentary offering in Mexico. It is considered an American Tradition. And that some restaurants make it a point to serve high-quality chips and salsa, justifying a charge for them. I ordered a bottle of Orange Fanta to drink and a Gorditas al Pastor (with Pork) Special to eat. Their appetizers in the menu were limited to Chips and Salsa, and Chips and Guacamole. And they had no dessert items. However, they did have Taco Tuesdays, when Pork or Chicken Tacos are $2 each. This was the first time ever that I have had gorditas but my server explained that they were a traditional Mexican street food consisting of a thick masa (corn dough) cake that is fried, then slit open to create a pocket and stuffed with various fillings like cheese, shredded meats like carnitas (pork), beans, and vegetables. Their picture sure looked good on the menu. The name "gordita" means "little fat one" in Spanish, referring to its plump, thick shape. They were crunchy and tasty, full of flavor. I definitely enjoyed my meal of genuine Mexican street food, highly recommend the restaurant for a very unique dining experience with genuine Mexican cuisine and an extraordinary customer service.

Sometimes a small restaurant business can gives the best dining experience of the country the food…read moreis representing. This is the case of Lupita's Taco. No luxurious building with expensive decorations and furniture. Just a clean, cozy, and comfortable little building with a few tables and chairs, a counter where orders are taken and paid for, and a small kitchen behind where orders are prepared and taken out to your table by one of the servers. When I arrived to the restaurant that is well known in the area for the $1 tacos on Tuesdays, I was impressed by how small it was. The main room where orders are taken and paid for and with a few tables and chairs for customers to seat down and eat, is souranded by large windows where light can come in as well as people can look in from the street and see a very clean restaurant full of people eating and others ordering items to go. There is a second smaller seating area, this one with walls and smaller windows. As I entered the door, there were several signs both on the wall and standing on the floor. There was an enlarged colorful menu on the wall, and a floor sign with the days of operation and special daily menus. Behind the counter a friendly employee greeted me and took my order. To drink I ordered a Mango juice, as an appetizer I ordered 2 Longaniza tacos, as the main course I ordered a steak Milanesa (breaded steak), and for dessert a Pastel de Tres Leches. I paid with a credit card and then went and sat at a table next to a wall with an outlet where I could charge my cellphone that was running low in power. While I was there several people came to pick up orders to go; a couple of groups of workers, and some families as well. After all it was a Friday evening. When my food was ready one of the servers brought it to me. All the items looked and tasted delicious. The Steak Milanesa was a bit thin but tasted good. There was a small table up front with all kinds of sauces to put on your food. This is a comfortable little place where you can enjoy genuine Mexican food, alone or with family and friends. Nothing gourmet, just good home cooking.

Found this gem while visiting Virginia during graduation week at Liberty University. Coming from…read moreCalifornia, we were a little skeptical about trying Hispanic food because we know how authentic Honduran, Salvadoran, Mexican, and other Latin foods should taste but this place did not disappoint. The food was delicious, although I personally prefer a little more spice. ( There is a table with variety of sauces to choose from.) If it's your first time visiting, a little more guidance on how things work would help, like ordering and paying at the counter before sitting down, and that you can leave your plates on the table since the staff clears them for you. Overall, it's a pretty chill spot with great food and a relaxed atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out.

There is a new food truck in town. Familia Argentina Food Truck. As soon as I found out about its…read moreopening day, I headed over to their anchor location (the parking lot of the Marathon Gas Station) at 3664 Colonial Ave in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke, Virginia. The owners of this family-owned and family-run business are a very warm, friendly, and welcoming Argentinian couple who bring the best of genuine Argentina cuisine to our area. Their menu includes autentic Argentinian Empanadas, which are known around the world as one of the best empanadas. Steak, Chicken, and Chorizo sandwiches. And Argentinian Grill with some of the best cuts of meat around. With plenty of parking space around their food truck for convenient parking, they also plan to have picnic tables with umbrellas for customers who would like to dine on the premises. Today, on its Grand Opening, I went to be one of the first ones to witness the opening of this new establishment and wish them well. Since I already had a previous commitment for dinner, I ordered two ground beef empanadas which are my favorites. They were one of the best empanadas that I have ever had. A special dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef and onions, peppers, olives, and pieces of boiled eggs. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality of their food. While I was there, another customer came by who ordered a Milanesa Steak Sandwich with fries. This is a breaded steak which is then fried. It looked delicious when it was served and I'm looking forward to having one of these next time I come around, with the option of one fried egg on top of the steak. I highly recommend this place for their fresh ingredients and homemade flavor of their food, generous portions, reasonable prices, and warm, friendly service in a comfortable environment.

‼they moved across the street behind Cookout‼…read more Incredible papusas and tacos with very nice staff. Offer desserts, specialty drinks, and a bunch of different options for El Salvadoran food. Very well priced and the atmosphere is very warm. I'd highly recommend this place + their location in Christiansburg!!!!

They just recently moved to this location. Everything looks clean and fresh. Lots of decorative…read moreitems from El Salvador and Mexico. The cooler has interesting soft drinks that is very unique. The food was authentic and very tasty. You order the food from the counter, find your own seats and they call your number when food is ready. Plenty of parking outside.

The Pupusa is the national dish of El Salvador, Cental American. They are a cross between tamales…read moreand quesadillas. They are a masa dough cakes (cornmeal flour) that is mixed with water to make a corn masa mixture; thick griddle cake or flatbread They are usually stuffed with delicious things like refried beans, shredded pork, or cheese. Pupusas are traditionally served with curtido, a pickled cabbage slaw, and salsa roja, a tomato-based sauce. Pupuseria is the restaurant that specializes in making and selling pupusas. Just as Taqueria specializes in making and selling tacos. But also can have other items in the menu. Today a friend of mine and myself decided to go try them out for the first time at the Pupuseria Las Delicias in Roanoke, Virginia. This restaurant is housed in a white one storage building with the top painted light blue and white, the colors of the El Salvador flag. In front of the building they have a cozy cemetery outdoor dining area to use in good weather. As we entered the restaurant we were warmly greeted by a young Salvadorian lady who took us to our table and handed us copies of their menu. It was short but with enough items for an opportunity to taste and enjoy Salvadorian food and some non-alcoholic drinks as well. We both ordered an Horchata cold drink and as our main course the Chicharron con Queso (Pork with Cheese) Pupusas. They were served 3 on a plate, accompanied by a jar of curtido mentioned earlier here. I liked the thick texture and the corn, cheese, and pork flavors. The curtido was the perfect side item. And what impressed me most was how filling they were. Since there were no dessert listed on the menu, I already had planned to go elsewhere for dessert. It was a nice first experience having this national dish from El Salvador and I recommend all those reading my review to visit this restaurant and try them out, as well as some of the other items on the menu. You will certainly come out satisfied.

Saw this spot while getting gas and had to check it out, we love Pupuserias, they are amazing and…read more'Las Delicias' did not disappoint. Actually the flavor and amount of meat stuffed into the pupusa is amazing, it's filling, even though it may not look so, they will fool you. They fill the pupusa up with goodness. It's a really cool chill vibe, the restaurant is very clean and decorate me nicely, wish a nice outdoor patio. You should for sure give 'Las Delicias' a try it's beyond good, it's beyond great, it's extraordinary. Come check out the yumminess and see what you've been missing. A Salvadoran delicacy now in your own backyard, don't miss it

Pupusas and a sparkling clean dining space? Yes, please! This restaurant clearly takes pride in…read moretheir business. I really enjoyed the pupusa loca and fried banana dessert on my recent visit. I would like to try the shrimp pupusa next time or maybe the carne asada plate. The service was friendly and efficient. I will definitely be back!

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. So this year I…read moredecided to search for local Hispanic family-owned restaurants and the first one I discovered was a Food Truck specializing in Salvadorian cuisine but also including other Latin American dishes as well. Hidden in a tiny spot off Williamson Road in Roanoke Virginia is the Pupuseria La Chalateca. After being awarded the Triad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And the Pupuseria La Chalateca in Roanoke, Virginia, is the perfect example. The Spanish word La Chalateca refers to a woman from Chalatenango, a department orbits in El Salvador. This Food Truck is owner and operated by a really nice woman from that part of El Salvador, and thus its name. Her sister also works with her here. Located in a small area next to La Oficina Latina, one can hardly notice the Food Truck there. But I followed it's address on my GPS and it lead me to its location with a small three car parking lot, but with plenty of areas to park in its surroundings. As soon as I arrived I walked to the Food Truck which had the menu painted on the truck itself with painted photos of each item. As I was reviewing the menu a very friendly lady opened the window of the Food Truck and gave me a very warm greeting and welcome. I immediately talked to her in Spanish and she was relieved that I spoke her language. After some talk I ended up ordering Pupusas with Chicharron (pork) and Queso (cheese). And to drink I ordered an Horchata. (A typical drink of the area). A pupusa from El Salvador is the nation's beloved national dish: a thick, hand-formed corn tortilla filled with various ingredients like cheese, beans, or pork, then cooked on a griddle until browned. Traditionally served with a tangy cabbage slaw called "curtido" and a mild tomato salsa. In front of the Food Truck was a wooden picnic table with an umbrella to protect customers from the sun. So there was where I ate my food as soon as it was done. The pupusas were the best that I have ever tasted. They were hot, moist and tasty. Who would ever have imagined that food this good would have come out of this food truck! While I was eating several To Go customers ordered and took took their food to go. So obviously the place had already a good clientele. The owner told me that she is looking for a brick and motor place to open a restaurant there. I told her with this excellent cooking I'm sure she'll do well there. In conclusion, I highly recommend this Salvadorian cuisine. The owner/chef, not only is very friendly and has a wonderful personality, but cooks amazingly good. I myself am looking forward to returning real soon to try out her other items from the menu.

Place is delicious !!! Couldn't even wait to take a pic of…read moreall 3 of my tacos together I immediately ate one , would definitely come to this little hole in the wall taco shop again !!!

Tucked away in a quaint and charming little house in Salem, Virginia, I stumbled upon a true gem: a…read morefamily-run, hole-in-the-wall, Mexican spot serving up flavors so genuine, they transported me back to a little Tijuana taqueria I had visited years ago. This small and unassuming Mexican restaurant, Diablos Tacos & Tamales, is located on East 4th Street, Salem, in a small strip mall next to a laundromat. At first it was hard find. I actually passed by it and had to turn around, but when I did, its restaurant front beckoned me with its charming facade. I parked my Lexus in a parking space in front of the restaurant, who's parking lot accommodated a fairly decent amount of cars. The restaurant's front comprised of a bay window and a glass door, with a pine swag along the top of the bay window and a red bow underneath of their simple, yet effective, name with logo sign above the bay window. Humble decorations for the Holiday Season, nevertheless, clearly cheering things up. As I entered the restaurant, I immediately found it quaint, with only five tables. It was very clean and had a warm, friendly environment. Its colorful furniture seemed to give it character and transport you to another place in time. A friendly young lady greeted and welcomed me and had me seat at the table of my choice. I sat at the table next to the bay window, which provided exceptional lighting for my cellphone camera to capture the food served here. I already had a feeling that it would be a genuine Mexican Cuisine, one that tasted as home-cooking as possible. My server handed me a copy of the menu and took my drink order. I ordered an Horchata drink. She then brought me a basket with freshly made tortilla chips and a little bowl of salsa. The chips were thin, crispy, and so tasty that they easily melted in your mouth giving you a joyous sensation. One of the best, if not the best tortilla chips that I have ever had. The salsa was also very unique. It was not thick but rather very liquidy, yet tasty. When my server brought me my drink, I complimented her on the chips and she confirmed that they were made in-house daily. Chatting with my server, I found out that the owners and cooks of this family restaurant were from Mexico City, and that they had opened this restaurant around two years ago. The word "Diablos," in the restaurant's name comes from the owners love of one of their soccer team: "Deportivo Toluca Futbol Club," one of the most iconic and winning teams of Mexican futbol. Also known as "Los Diablos Rojos." The team was founded in 1917 and received this name by the inspiration of one of its best players nicknamed "El Diablo." To dine, I started with 3 Street Tacos Al Pastor (made with marinated pork, chorizo, and pineapple). They were absolutely mouthwatering, starting from their in-house made tortilla, to their filling, and cilantro, onion, and salsa. Then I was going to have a Pork Tamale, but since it was Monday, and they are closed Sundays, at 2 o'clock they were still making the tamales, in order to have them fresh for dinner. So, instead I had a Burrito Al Pastor. You have to see it to believe it. I invite you to view my photographs and video clips to get a better sense of the place and the quality of their food. For dessert, they were out of Flan, so I ordered their other alternative dessert, Tres Leches, also made in-house. It was the most delicious Tres Leches that I have ever had. By its texture and flavor, one could tell it was home made. For in this restaurant one felt like being at home. I highly recommend it for its quality and genuine Mexican Cuisine, it relaxing ambiance, and its amazing service. All contributing to an extraordinary dining experience.

I ordered online. For some reason, the order for my beverage didn't convey to them, but I showed…read morethem the email receipt and they got it for me quickly. I came seeking pupusas, and theirs were deliciously grilled and delivered satisfaction. The price was a bit high for lunch, but I could not accuse them of shorting me, either with respect to the abundant flower buds embedded inside the pupusa, or the pleasantly pickled sides. I took a chance on a tropical fruit I'd never heard of, and I got a ton of it that took me two days to drink, with a fascinating flavor and enough pulp to make it clear this was real fruit (although I'm guessing they add sugar to these things). I wish their menu made it clear whether the beans were vegetarian and I could have done with the ability to mix and match pupusa flavors rather than getting three of the same one, but my basic craving was fulfilled.

One of my wife and my favorite places. Friendly, inviting staff. Locally owned. Clean, well…read moremaintained dinning room. Great flavors! Honduran and other Latin dishes