For a moment there, Garcia's Bistro had its regular customers heartbroken at the news that it had "closed down permanently," but fortunately, not long after, the beloved spot pulled off a miraculous comeback, returning to the neighborhood better than ever before. This popular family-owned restaurant is well known for its blend of Mexican and American cuisine, welcoming atmosphere and excellent service. It's amazingly designed menu has a very creative selection of entrées, like none that I've ever seen before in any restaurant. Its flavorful food is served in generous portions, by cooks dressed in black professional attire, that together wirh its elegant presentation, help create that unique "bistro" experience in a warm and friendly atmosphere with a diner-like feel. As soon as I found out the good news that the place had opened once again, I had to be one of the first ones to go visit and dine there. It seems that the two partners had split up. One stayed running this restaurant and the other chose to remain with their food truck. The only changes that I noticed were that some of the signs in front of the building were torn down and temporary homemade ones were put up. They had changed their business logo although their name remained the same, with the addition of the numbers 581. They already had menus with the new logo printed out, and their cooks remained the same, maintaining their elegant black professional attire. I was warmly greeted by a friendly lady employee as soon as I walked in. She remembered me from the last time I had dined there, and immediately detected my happy feelings of seeing the restaurant opened again. After being seated at one of the booths, she took my order. I had a Coke to drink, the Cancun Shrimp Chorizo Dip with Tortilla Chips as appetizer, and the California Burrito with added Chorizo as my main entrée. It was all very well presented and amazingly delicious, as always. 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. The server did an excellent job checking on me to see if everything was of my liking and to see if I needed anything, including a softdrink refill. All the customers that came in expressed great joy at the re-opening of this well-liked restaurants. For dessert I had a slice of their Coconut Cake. It was amazing. At the end the owner who had stayed with the restaurant arrived and I expressed my gratitude and well wishes for the restaurant's future success. I highly recommend this Bistro to all. If I lived closer, I would be here dining more than once a week. It's that good! read more

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If you haven't stopped in yet, you're missing out, just like I was! Great location for locals or travelers right off I-81. Stopped in on a Monday morning for the first time. Immediately greeted by smiling staff and a very large menu, including breakfast specials! I had lighter fare while my guest enjoyed the stuffed strawberry French toast. Food arrived quickly, coffee and waters never went empty. Looking forward to coming back for lunch and dinner. read more

Grea5 food,great service. Wound highly recommended to anyone!!! Birra Tack were amazing, shrinp fajitas were perfect! read more

Garcia's Bistro - Birria Tacos - Diners Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Eaten here a few times now, this is a casual dining house. Like an old wafflehouse style interior thats been reworked. Had breakfast the other morning and it was really well prepared, freshly made to order. Huevos Rancheros with two eggs over medium, the huevos cooked near spot on, and a nice mix of black beans Also had dinner here recently with friends. Equally as good, very attentive and kind service my party was spread out over several minutes arriving and they were nothing but gracious. I ordered an appetizer, the potato chips and blue cheese and a lemonade while waiting on my friends. Its an interesting twist on chips and dip. Once everyone arrived we ordered dinner. I opted for the street tacos, and order of three al pastor, flavor on point, just enough grease and freshly made, it was very good. 3.5 Stars rounded up for the kind service and staff, worth a visit and your support 01037 read more

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Garcia's Bistro continues to please us every time with their interesting presentations and friendly service. They remain busy, quick and reasonably priced as more restaurants open in west Salem. read more

Garcia's Bistro - Combo waffle. - Diners Near Me - Salem, Virginia

I had the Tacos Carnitas and they were amazing. Very reasonable prices. I am from out of town and would recommend this to everyone.

We stopped here on a whim and it far exceeded our expectations. When we first pulled in we were unsure of our decision however... The food was delicious. The staff were attentive and friendly. Highly recommend! read more

Service was great but prices are awful. Higher prices for using a credit card, my husband got 3 pancakes and it was over $4 a pancake. They offer breakfast all day but up charge you after 2pm. I got 2 pancakes, one scrambled egg and a think small slice of ham, my husband got ham omelette and 3 pancakes we each got a soda and the total was $60! Food was ok, service was great, but we won't be going back! read more

This restaurant was the first thing that comes to mind when picturing a mom and pop restaurant. The food was good. I ordered a wrap which came out great. The real kicker was the atmosphere which felt cozi. The service was about average though. Still great to support local businesses though. Would recommend as a great mix of traditional brunch food and mexican read more

Garcia's Bistro - Garcia's Club Sandwich - Diners Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Amazing food and service. The chicken chile soup will transport you to a sunny spot in Mexico! The black bean quesadilla is piping hot and authentically spiced. We will be back for tacos!! read more

Charming balance of authentic Mexican food and a classic American diner! The fajita omelette was genuinely one of the best omelettes I've ever had. Fresh ingredients and incredible chorizo, plus great presentation. Our server was so kind, and service was speedy. read more

The food was excellent and the service was fast/friendly. Will be back. Nice little find in Salem. They serve Breakfast and had lots of choice's. read more

Food and service exceptional. Worth stopping for BL or Dinner. Has Shrimp/Avocado Quesadillas. Delicious and presentation the tops. Server was friendly and happy! Clean and very busy with lots of returning patrons. Don't miss this! Worth the time and much bettor than fast food! Lovely Mexican music playing. We will return ! read more

Garcia's Bistro - Rueben and fries - Diners Near Me - Salem, Virginia

We were blown away by the quality of the food and kindness of the service. Authentic Mexican food, not the typical east coast junk you find at most places. They have their own homemade salsa that is so good! We had the taco salad, nachos, and a burger. All were excellent! read more

The food was good. We got there an hour before closing and even though we were the only customers at the time; they were happy to serve us anything on the menu. I think it was an old diner that was kept very clean. read more

Food was delicious Will be stopping back in when In Roanoke Took a Brownie home and it was so fresh and amazing read more

Do not order the steak and eggs from the breakfast menu. The steak is full of gristle. Was not expecting a tenderloin but neither my husband or I could eat it. Our companions ordered a breakfast burrito and loved it. read more

Great service, but not what I was expecting from a Mexican restaurant. Overpriced for some eggs and potatoes for sure. Not going again. The coffee was great. read more

Quick service. Very nice staff. The appetizers ( steak fries and pork belly) were delicious. The salads were decent but nothing spectacular read more

Garcia's Bistro - Pork belly and steak fries - Diners Near Me - Salem, Virginia

Had steak nachos, steak quesadilla, and cheese quesadilla from the State truck and everything was delicious and fresh. Some of the best steak nachos I've ever had! Food was served so fast as well! Highly recommend! read more

First time customer. Sat at the counter. TV was on but turned down low (thank goodness.) wait person was very friendly. I had breakfast enchiladas with green sauce. I'd give them a 5 out of 5. I run errands that far from home infrequently. But I will now time them to include a stop at Garcia's. read more

The veggie omelette was not only beautiful, but it was also delicious. The service is always quick and friendly. read more

Garcia's Bistro - Veggie omelette - Diners Near Me - Salem, Virginia

What a great find! Easy off I 81 and absolutely worth stopping. I had a breakfast and my wife had the Arroz con Pollo which she really liked. Friendly and prompt service. My friend had panckes that come with great fruit toppings and she loved it. Very reasonable prices. Way better than chain trash. read more

Great service everyone that was there was very pleasant. Hearty portions so be prepared. Food was wonderful

The food was so good! Very quiet out of the way spot! Great food and terrific service! Mexican breakfast was killer! read more

Garcia's Bistro - Buffalo chicken omelet - Diners Near Me - Salem, Virginia

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Went for breakfast and the food was great. Tasty and generous portions. The place was average busy for a Saturday morning but our food came out quickly. Not much for ambiance but clean and pleasant. Looking forward to trying their authentic Mexican dishes. read more

Shrimp tacos great. Very fresh. Tea was good also. Will definitely be back. Service great also

Food is absolutely amazing. The best rice and shrimp you'll ever get. Very flavorful and tender pork belly. Wonderful eggs and beans. Even the chips were lovely! And the people are warm and friendly. read more

Primo burger was yummy! But be ready to eat because it's huge! Service and staff are friendly and efficient. Good atmosphere as well. I will go back when in town! Easy to find with sufficient parking. read more

If I could rate this 6 stars I would. Service was phenomenal, food was the best I've had in 6 months minimum. My friend went to the bathroom before the food came out, by the time she came back the food was halfway gone. The food took maybe 5 minutes but it was the best ever. Please go here, I will be coming back. read more

Garcia's Bistro - Strawberry stuffed French toast and breakfast bowl with chorizo - Diners Near Me - Salem, Virginia

The five star reviews have me baffled. This diner (i.e. bistro) until recently an omelette shop retains its former atmosphere with bright lighting, hard formica booths along the plate glass windows opposite a long counter facing a grill station. No proper kitchen was apparent. The menu, printed on plain paper has a good variety of Mexican items. The dessert menu was limited to 3 types of cake. Nothing Mexican there. I ordered the ribeye and chicken entry at $23. It was served with an orange colored sauce which was ok. However, the steak was very thin, the chicken dry, and whole thing extremely greasy. The sides were mashed potato (with a different gravy) and green beans from a can. The entire dish was OVER SALTED. No bread, tortilla or nachos came with the meal. The waitress was quite pleasant and service was quick. Sweet tea was fine but overpriced at $4. Perhaps it was just bad luck with my choice of fare, but given the price of my "greasy spoon" dish and the lack of any Mexican vibe, I won't be going back. read more

Great food, great service, nice prices! We got the sourdough burger, club sandwich, and pork belly. They were all amazing! Edit: We went back a second time and the food was even better. Shrimp Fajita Quesadilla, Carnitas Tacos, Chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and green beans, white bean chicken chili nachos, Texas asada fries (chicken and ribeye). We asked for half of the fries to not have cheese (food intolerance) and they were nice enough to bring each half on separate plates. read more

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Excellent fast & friendly service! Despite its strip mall vibe this is an awesome diner with great food choices & great food! We were traveling thru the area - this is easy on & off the highway & WAY better than any fast food options!! We had simple quesadillas & yummy lemon bar for dessert but saw lots of yummy looking breakfast plates served around us. Lots of locals noted - no surprise. If you're lucky enough to live in this area you should visit. If you're traveling through - stop here!! read more

Well worth the few wrong turns to get there! The owners have turned a diner into a delicious Mexican bistro. Just a taste of my wife's fajita omelet guarantees a return trip. A repeat of the Texas chicken dinner will bring me back a third time. The friendly waitstaff and cook and modest prices could make me a regular. Seriously delicious Mexican food. read more

Best pancakes in salem Service was good, my server was really nice Theres mexican music in the backround and the ambiance is amazing with a old diner style restaurant read more

Al Pastor (pork) Fajitas met our standard (we love good al pastor with the pineapple and those seasonings we can't figure out!). The flour tortillas tasted homemade and the salsa was flavorful, not runny or sweet. The service was friendly and the wait was short (minus our Garcia's Margarita which arrived after we got our entree.) The Garcia's Margarita was served in a cute Modelo mini-crock with an umbrella and enough beverage for 2 people. It was a fruity margarita, not your typical lime base, but they didn't hold back on the tequila (Patron or Herradura) and the price was right. I prefer the lime margs and will try one next time. The Modelo crock is sold in the store. The bistro is in an old Waffle House so it is small and quaint...and clean. They serve breakfast all day. Garcia's Bistro has refreshingly good Mexican food! It is well worth the stop! read more

Great service, amazing food! I had the sourdough burger and fries and it was amazing! My wife had the steak bowl and said it was fantastic! We will be back! read more

Don't let the building fool you. The food was delicious! I had the shrimp fajita quesadilla! Definitely worth returning for.

A worthy endeavor for independent entrepreneur. We had a late morning breakfast: enchilada and Chilequiles The food was well prepared but not a very good value at 14 and 15 $ for the entrees. The orange juice was not fresh and pricey at 5.00. My 4.00 tea was hot and strong to my liking. Our waitress was friendly and solicitous. Vegetarians Beware- there is carnitas in the frioles. We wish them well. read more

absolute best food and service!! will return ASAP (coming from 2 hours away) also very clean!