Salsa's is my favorite restaurant in the world!!! I do not live in Asheville but have been lucky enough to be coming to Salsa's for 25 years! Every time I am remotely close to Asheville I go out of my way to have lunch or dinner. This visit was a Thursday night dinner. Unfortunately the restaurant was not crowded. We sat outside in the alley at the bar. Fun lights and painting and the alley really had a positive vibe! Alex hooked us up with some of the best margaritas we have ever had! The Gran Marnier float took the drinks to a whole new level! My wife and I both ordered off the specials menu. My wife had Papa Rellena and I went with Pork Belly. As always the food was beyond amazing! The flavors that we got are not like anywhere else. It is like a rave in my mouth where every flavor gets along and has the best time with every other flavor. Simply incredible!!! If you get a chance to try Salsa's don't pass it up! read more

Salsa's - Pork belly - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

See all

Simply AMAZING!!! This is our second time here. First was before COVID and then today and experince has been excellent both times! Best veggie quesadilla I ever had! Great margaritas. Plenty of vegetarian options and great friendly service! read more

See all

This spot is very small and doesn't take reservations. They are definitely short staffed and we had a very long wait to get a table, despite there being multiple open ones. The food was pretty good, but I will say their prices have increased substantially from what they have posted online, so be sure you're willing to spend the money before coming. read more

Salsa's - Filet empanadas - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Everything about this place is amazing! Hurry up cause it closes at 3!!!! Mole and Avacado sauces are second to none!!! Highly recommended You'll be glad you came for sure!!! read more

Very enjoyable spot, with prompt, friendly service. On a warm evening you can sit outside with your dog. I found to food to be good, flavorful, and attractively presented. I have had a lot of amazing Mexican food in California for decades, so I may be a bit of a tough critic. This place is pretty good Mexican for North Carolina, but I'm still looking for a really dynamite Mexican restaurant in town. No disrespect to the restaurant, as I know that costs have gone up, but the prices seem a bit high for us to want to go there very often. I expect we'll come back and try again, cuz it's a cool spot in a neat part of town, the people are very nice, and I like to support local small business. read more

Amazing! Service, food, portions all great. Reopens after winter closing. Highly recommend. Carlos our server was a perfect server!

Delicious food and drinks, server was great, and we love the vibes. We come every time we're in Asheville!

Delicious food with multiple vegetarian options. The vegetarian fajitas were amazing, the portions are giant so be sure to share! Small, intimate space. Good service. Spicy salsa app! read more

Salsa's - Veggie Fajitas with Seared Organic Tofu - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Salsa's is one of the most unique culinary experiences you can have. Every single dish is exploding with flavor. You can feel the love and passion put into the food with every single bite! Special shout out to Carlos who took the time to explain his favorites and dive into the menu. He was such a sweet soul! 12/10 would recommend! You have to go! read more

Salsa's - Cuban plate - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

See all

Ibwas here with 2 other fairly big gents. We ordered the the nachos and the presidente bowl. We all ate well on those two things, the portions are quite large. The server was running her butt off, but kept up with the service. This is a small place, but it has a bit of an eclectic flair to it. Overall, it was quite enjoyable. read more

We got the El Salvadorian jerk chicken and it was so amazing and so flavorful, probably the best food I've had at a restaurant this year! The staff was so sweet and so on it! I'm only an hour and half away and will definitely be back soon! read more

Salsa's - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

See all

The menu has changed but the flavors have not!! Still one of the best places I have ever eaten. The flavors are amazing.

Phenomenal food!! My friend and I shared the Jerk Chicken El Salvador and we still had food to bring home because of the large portions. The smoked salsa was delicious and the staff was super. The location was vibrant and welcoming. Some of the best food I have eaten in years! Will return again. read more

Salsa's - Jerk Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

See all

I've been here 3 times and each time has been nothing but suburb. The food is always amazing. The service was immaculate! The server was so attentive. The ambiance is so cute. The price of the food was worth every penny. As a Latin woman taste and seasoning is everything and this food surpassed all my tastebuds! read more

See all

My friend had been here before and loved her food, so when I came to town, she wanted to take me. Sadly, it was a bit of a disappointment and seemed like a rip off to me. The servers were very friendly, so that was good. The dining area was kind of small, but there was some outdoor seating too. Two of us ordered the Mexican Chilaquiles and one the Jerk Chicken. The Mexican Chilaquiles was supposed to come with chicken, chorizo and egg along with queso blanco, avocado, beans, rice and plantain for $28 (see menu pic). Not a bad price getting two different meats and egg. Well, when they came out they only had a small chorizo patty... Maybe about 3oz, no chicken or egg. We began eating without inquiring because we were really hungry and the waiter was already gone before we realized items were missing. The items from the dish that we did receive on our plate were tasty. When the waiter came back by, he seemed surprised there was no chicken or egg, so went to ask about it. Upon returning, he said he was told we were given the wrong menu and the chicken and egg only come with the dish at lunch time... This didn't make any sense to us; typically meals are larger at dinner than lunch AND we were still charged the $28 (for basically 3oz meat and some beans, rice and veggies) even though we were missing main items of the dish! I was also disappointed that the plantain portion was only about 1/6 of a whole plantain. On my friend's previous visit, she got half a plantain. She had the Jerk Chicken dish this time and said it was bland... Tasted like it didn't have any seasoning at all! She said if this meal was her first impression, she would not have come back. The bathroom was clean. read more

See all

I once ate from a food truck in Tijuana Mexico back in 2006. I was quite sure the steak came from a rented mule. At the time I thought that was the worst meal I had ever had in my life until I went to Salsas a couple days ago. This is the worst food I have ever had in my life hands down. read more

Second time visit- this one over 10 years from the first- but I'm now calling it a one and done tourist trap. Overpriced Mexican- $18 for steak nachos. $20 chicken quesadilla. Underwhelming. Not worth.$. Food was even served slightly cold. Sure you can get salsa for $7- not even sure if it came with chips. Staff was there. That was about it- not overly welcoming or attentive. All male staff were more interested I. Scamming in ladies walking by then waiting on their customers- no offense fellas! No offers of water despite ordering alcohol, then I realized you had to pay for water- only had it by the liter. Would not recommend or return. read more

One of a kind restaurant! It's a mix of various Caribbean cuisines from across the globe. If you're picky, this may not be the place for you. Each dish includes various fresh salsas, vegetables, and toppings. A few of my favorites are their stuffed jalapeños which are stuffed with salmon, cream cheese, and veggies then fried. Their molcajete with mojo pork is a flavor bomb. Served in a piping hot clay bowl with veggies, pork, salsas, rice and beans served with fresh tortillas. Another favorite are their house or special margaritas!! read more

See all

First off, the food tastes excellent. Everyone was happy with that. That is where it'll end. 2. My daughter had plastic in her food & we still go charged for her meal. 3. They don't have water. It's bottle only. We had 3 kids in our party and no tap water. 4. They apply automatic gratuity and the server was more concerned about rolling her silverware and getting off work than taking care of our table. 5. My margarita was $18 by far the most expensive I've ever paid and margaritas are my go to when we eat out. It was sub par at best. Solution for this establishment is order to go and call it a day read more

See all

The bold flavors and creativity make this place shine in a town with so many options! There are not many restaurants in Asheville that have been in business as long as Salsa's and once you have eaten here once you will understand why. Big bold Caribbean flavors truly stand out here! Do your self a favor and order the house margaritas!! read more

Salsa's - Empanadas - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

I could not even tell you what I had all I can say is that I had some of the best food in my entire life Friendly staff and amazing food read more

Salsa's - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Salsa's was recommended by a few friends when visiting Asheville. Unfortunately, it fell a bit short for us.. Ambiance (4/5): They had a cute outdoor patio but it was extremely windy so we decided to sit inside. The establishment was quite small and for a party of four we felt cramped. However, the ambiance matched the cuisine that was served. It was almost though you were eating inside a tiki hut. Service (4/5): Our server was attentive and checked up on us a few times. He was patient and did not rush us out. Additionally, the food came out in a timely manner. Food. (3/5): I ordered the Blackened Salmon which came with rice, avocado, beans, and roasted veggies. Sadly, the salmon was not blackened, the seasoning was there but it would have been nice to have that charcoal taste. My partner ordered the Limo Saltado (one of his favorite dishes!) and he said it was just average. We both agreed that they could have played more with seasoning and flavor. Cocktails were good but the wine tasted cheap and old. However portion size was huge and enough to feed two people. ** UNETHICAL PRACTICE: what turned us off the most was that they charged $5.50 for a bottle of WATER (4 servings). When the server asked if we wanted to start of with water, as patrons we said 'yes'. Standard practice at any establishment is to ask guests if they want still or sparkling water. This was not mentioned, so we assumed they would bring out regular water. Additionally, there was no mention on the menu that water would be an extra charge nor was it mentioned by the server. We were hit by the surprise when our bill came out and saw that $5.50 was added for the water they brought us. This is a bad business practice and quite honestly it makes the business look greedy and untrustworthy. We asked our server why they charged us for this and the excuse was that they do not have tap water in house? I believe patrons should know ahead of time if tap water is not available ** Overall, we thought Salsa's was just average. Would we recommend to friends and family visiting Asheville? Probably not! In read more

Salsa's - Mojito and cucumber & jalapeño margarita - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

They are NOT OPEN SUNDAYS AS THEY SAID. So don't Uber over and get dropped off, because, like us, you'll be screwed. Not cool. Here is a shot of our amazing time at the Montford. Go there instead. read more

See all

We went by recommendation. Small, cozy restaurant with a great, friendly staff and delicious food. We waited 15 min to be sat and it was worth it! We started with the Presidente margaritas which were really good, with a spicy salt curtain on the side of the glass. We skipped appetizers and ordered 3 delicious dishes. A Colômbia Paisa, Ropa Vieja and a Chicken Milanese (special). Beautiful presentation, delicious flavors and large portions. We're not local but we definitely recommend! read more

Salsa's - Presidente Margo - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

See all

Although we never stepped inside the restaurant, I imagine it's as lovely inside as out. We had a delicious meal and wonderful service at the outside bar window starting with a trio of salsas - ranchero, guacamole, and pineapple with fresh chips covered in mojo sauce (so amazing). For pre-dinner cocktails, I had a caipirinha, as my friend had never tasted cachaca, and she had the mango mezcal margarita. We had a bit of a bumpy start as the bartender told us the margarita had a surprise in it. Turned out to be the mezcal worm, yikes! Since we're both plant based, no one was eating the good luck bug. For our meal, we decided to share the vegan fajitas. The platter came topped with an Impossible burger patty sliced up which was a bit strange especially since the menu listed vegan chorizo which was not present and seemed more authentic. There was also seared tofu with grilled onions, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini. It came served with a plate of tasty black beans, seasoned rice, guacamole, and pico. The entree was more than enough food for both of us after the filling appetizer. I loved the food and drink at Salsa's. I'd definitely recommend for a fun, date night or girls' night for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. read more

Salsa's - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

See all

An Asheville classic for a reason. If you have never been, you'll be surprised by how small the restaurant is inside - but that is part of what makes it so special. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and have helpful recommendations. This restaurant has great quality food, but also huge portions. We both left with plenty of leftovers for the next day. My quesadilla came with plantains, guacamole, salsa, and beans. Everything on my plate was amazing. My drink was fresh and exactly what I was hoping for. Make a reservation (which is needed) and go! read more

See all

Such a delicious dinner here. The amount of food is actually absurd - you will bring home one meal or maybe two. But the flavor is great. Cocktails are excellent - I had the ginger mojito and it was perfect. read more

Salsa's - Chile relleno - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Been going for 20 years and always fantastic. Creative flavors combinations and it never disappoints.

Came here as a recommendation from a friend. The restaurant isn't large...I think there was seating for my 40ish people by my count...the tables and chairs were definitely close to each other. As another reviewer mentioned there no tap water option so we got a bottle of water that was $5.50. While a lot of people around were enjoying margaritas we opted for mocktail options. I got the mango one and it was super tasty and tropical with mango, pineapple, and coconut flavor. The crushed ice and coconut did get stuck and clogged the straw multiple times. We shared chip and salsa (ranchera)...it was 1 flavor for $7 or 3 for $15. The ranchers had a nice kick to it but also had these soggy pieces of tortilla. The portion on my meal was huge ended up with leftovers for dinner. When I order the empanada it was not what I was expecting. I loved the flavor but do feel like one side had all the shrimp and the other side had none. Oddly I happen to notice that 3 tables that came in after we got seated got their food wayyy before us....some even paid before we even got our meal....service definitely was not speedy or maybe they were gauging when we finished our chips and salsa before bringing our food. read more

See all

This was a last minute find by my sister. The place its self is not that big, but service was good and the food was amazing!! From the drinks to apps to the lunch we had, everything was better than the previous. My favorite was their guac with chips and salsa and the margarite with the colored salt. I couldn't get enough of it. Highly recommended read more

Stopped in Asheville for a nice outside lunch on our way home from the mountains. A lot of places were slammed or didn't have outdoor availability, but we luckily stumbled upon this Mexican and Caribbean hybrid gem. Their outside area wasn't huge but had a few tables (we grabbed on in the sun) and some counter seating. This area was kind of in an alley, so you did have people and vendors walking through a lot to get to whatever establishments at the other end. You also had few of the street so got to enjoy some people watching. We started off by ordering some chips and salsa. Little disappointed this wasn't included, as most of us are used to with Mexican restaurants but will say these were higher end. They had like 7 fresh salsas you could choose from. We decided to get 3 for $15. Still feel that's a bit much as it was like ordering an entrée bot salsa, however they were all tasty and serving plentiful. We got the Ranchera (roasted garlic, sesame, tortilla tomato), Guacamole (cilantro, cumin), and Tomatillo (pumpkin seeds). I liked the Ranchera the best as it was nice and garlicy. I ordered the Fresh Salmon Quesadilla off the lunch menu (roasted vegetables, queso, crema, curry sauce) which was served with salsa, rice, and beans. It was a very colorful plate, which only made me want to dive in more. It tasted great, loved the flavor combinations, seafood cooked nicely, a big portion. The cheese wasn't what I was thinking when I saw queso, seemed more liked shredded Mexican cheese. A bit heavy handed in the sour cream, felt it overwhelmed a bit. My husband got the Slow Roasted Pork Quesadilla (queso, rajas, tomatoes, sour cream, mole). Holy mole (literally), my dish was good, but this was delicious. The roasted pork was the absolute star but also all the sauces were very yummy. Glad it was also huge portion so I could feel ok stealing more thana bite or two. Little pricy for lunch, but it's Asheville. Server was nice, feel they were a bit understaffed maybe as our waitress was kind of doing everything. I would go back to Salsa's if back in the area. read more

See all

This is easily the best restaurant in downtown Asheville. I have been going here for many years. The food never disappoints and the drinks are good too! My whole family frequents this restaurant as well. Lots of vegetarian options. Love love love this place! So yummy! read more

This place is in incredible! I got the ropa vieja which had an amazing combination of many different flavors. The service was also wonderful, very pleasant. 10/10- so worth the visit ! read more

Salsa's - Ropa vieja - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Listen my friends. When you find a restaurant that is packed with all the seats crammed together, it's full for a reason. I wish the restaurant was bigger or they opened another location because this place is that good. Smart people will order this for takeaway if they're in a rush and want to call in their order in advance. The flavor is literally popping off the dish. Everything tastes like fresh ingredients. Their rice dishes are my go to but all options are good. Their seafood dishes are very strong. read more

See all

We stopped in Asheville for a bite to eat and was saddened to see so many shops and restaurants closed and boarded up. After much walking around we found this place and decided to give it a try since we didn't want pasta, burgers or pizza. There's a small seating area that shares a space with a partitioned equally small kitchen area. The owner had just reopened the dining area (although he's been doing carry out all along) and was starting to get slammed while we were there. I can see why... the food is as authentic as you can get! We started with an appetizer: 3 Salsas: Ranchera, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole. The ample portions could have easily been our entire meal. Everything, including the chips was fresh and just spicy enough. I had the Shrimp Fajitas which was accompanied with ample sides of black beans, seasoned rice, avocado, and pico de gallo. The homemade corn tortillas were warm and delicious. My husband ordered the Chicken Quesadillas which were absolutely delicious as well. It was also interesting to watch and listen to the two ladies preparing the amazing meals! What a great experience, especially for someone like me who isn't crazy about this type of cuisine. But the food here is so fresh and light that I would dine here on a regular basis if we had this place in the area I live. read more

See all

We came here about 5 years ago now, after we had our engagement shoot.. so our 4 year anniversary we decided to come back. Salsa's really does not miss nor disappoint! We dropped in for appetizers bc we did not have reservations and this place is always packed. The music is great and the people are too. The ceviche and tostadas were AMAZING! See you guys next time!! read more

See all

We stopped for a drink and quick bite. The Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita was a surprise. It had a quick heat response with a refreshing after taste of cucumber. The nachos we ordered had multiple layers of flavors. We did have to ask for sour cream which put the plate over the top. Service was good and the outside seating gave you a view of the eclectic Asheville scene. read more

Salsa's - Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

We had a beautiful outdoor experience at Salsas. The house margarita was very refreshing and very beautifully presented. They had wonderful specials and so many different options with different beautiful flavors. We ordered a grilled octopus tostada for an appetizer. Flavors were very bright and they served a lot of filling along with it! Easily shared among the four of us. My entree dish was a lamb shank coconut curry with rice beans and fresh guacamole and vegetables. It came out to us sizzling , hotter than a fajita platter. There was so many layers and textures to this dish. The crunch of the fresh vegetables, the tender lamb, the creaminess of the beans and coconut rice. Definitely ranks as one of my top dishes of all time. The servers were very kind and explained the menu to us thoroughly and our service was very quick. read more

See all

First off, the portions are huuuuge. I honestly could only finish like a third of it. We ordered pork empanada, Caribbean jerk tuna, and salsa and everything was pretty good. My favorite salsa was the fire roast tomato one, spicy and tasty. The jerk tuna, I do feel that the tuna was a bit over cooked but it comes with rice, beans, sweet potatoes which were really good. read more

See all

Amazing food in the heart of Downtown Asheville. My lamb molcajete dish was so rich and full of flavor. The lamb was tender and not gamey. The price is very fair when you consider the huge amount of food served. Everything from the margaritas to the appetizers to the entrees are absolutely delicious. It is worth the long wait and the service is always friendly. read more

See all