In a little house on a short street in Salem, Virginia, one that if it were not painted a bright orange 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. read more

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This small taco house is busy. Had food here a couple times now and its been very good each time. A very small interior, which fills quickly most afternoons. Order at the counter and then grab a seat, if you can. Otherwise get it to go. The food is made fresh to order, prices are reasonable to inexpensive for the offerings. The tacos have all been very good and the host always gracious and kind. 4.5 Stars - rounded up for the best tacos in the area. 01102 read more

I really enjoy tacos Coronado! The service is also so quick especially when it comes to pick ups. The tacos and food is so good! I always get the tacos al pastor. read more

Not a place that I would have chosen to pull over and eat at. But the reviews were so good I didn't feel it was right to not give it a shot. It didn't disappoint. I ordered the California burrito and 3 pork tacos. The tacos came out first, I don't know for sure that they're homemade tortillas but they tasted like it! The burrito was really good with the green sauce the provided it was perfect! Don't miss out on this hole in the wall!! read more

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This place had authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price and friendly service. It felt like a Mom and Pop restaurant where the workers were all in the family. I had 3 tacos con carne asada con guacamole, and delicious rice and pinto beans. My husband had muletas con pollo, rice and beans and homemade corn tortillas. It was abundant and delicious! read more

The food here is phenomenal! Seriously! If you have not tried them, go now! Nice owner, too! read more

Tacos Coronado - Carne Asada Platter - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

This is the best Mexican food I've had in SW Virginia. The staff was very nice, as well. We're definitely coming back.

grâce Also, the coup de grâce, the breakfast burrito -- which I ordered at lunchtime. Unreal. Any place executing a burrito with French fries with such mastery is an absolute ace. Go here. Go out of your way to go here. read more

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We stopped in after looking for good spots on Yelp as we were driving down 81. Couldn't pass up a spot with this many positive reviews and we were NOT disappointed! We ordered chips and guac, a silky smooth avocado-forward dip (no chunks here, folks!), nachos, California burrito, and a breakfast burrito (both burritos with crispy, salty fries inside). We were blown away by the homemade salsa served with the chips and guac. Perfect in its simplicity. And service was so friendly and prompt. This place is worth a detour FOR SURE! read more

Tacos Coronado - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

These reviews don't lie on here these tacos were to die for, I'm genuinely impressed I didn't know what I was missing out on. read more

Tacos Coronado - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

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Further foodie adventures heading north. Salem is a foodie desert. Seriously. But here we are, from TX, trying VA tacos. Gorgeous little homemade tortillas. FANTASTIC cooked shrimp. Lovely char on the veg. Sauces more spice than flavor. Exceptional little taco joint we would be happy to have in our neighborhood! read more

Stopped here along my road trip home the tacos were exceptional! Homemade tortillas that were soft and light. The carnitas was flavorful, the carne asada was amazing but the lengua was my favorite. The lengua was tender, seasoned well, and generous. read more

Tacos Coronado - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

I had a California burrito con carne and substituted the fries for rice. It's a lot of burrito. The last time I was there I got the Gorditas the picture shows three but I was served two. They're good. read more

My new favorite place in Roanoke. It's a small and unassuming building, but don't pass it up. Steak tacos were amazing, steak burrito was one of the best I've had. I highly recommend. read more

After moving here from San Diego, I was missing a good fresh quality taco with fresh cilantro. I finally found a place that will give me my fix. Everything is fresh and made with quality ingredients. Highly recommend. read more

Tacos Coronado - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

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This is a quiet little place off the beaten path, but make no mistake, It is excellent. Check out their taco Tuesday. we've been there twice so far both times everything was excellent. Even the chips and salsa. read more

Had the california burrito, was good but too expensive imo for what it is. Fast service.

Amazing fresh authentic Mexican cuisine. From the carne asada to the homemade tortillas to the rice with bits of chilies every bite was spectacular. read more

Food is great! Prompt order and fresh to table. My only complaint is parking - people love their food and it can be hard to find parking. Otherwise it is very clean and hospitable staff. I like eating here! read more

Good food fast!! Taco Tuesday is a great deal!!! Small place so go early. Can't wait to go back.

Neighborhood cool spot Cool set up. Fast service. Cool atmosphere This is all I have time for Said I had to write 85 words Sooo read more

This food was absolutely amazing. Honestly, I would drive 30-40 mins to eat here. The chips came out hot, the food was incredible and the people were friendly. I cannot recommend this place enough. read more

Tacos Coronado - Gorditas Al pastor - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

The bright orange, but tiny, building will catch your eye if you're driving on this side of Sixth Street. Tacos Coronado has a small dining room, about 4 booths, so maybe maximum of 16 diners? The rest room is like gasoline stations of yore....you go outside the dining room to the east side of the building (no, you don't have to borrow the key to get in). Parking is relatively plentiful, either on the street on in front of the restaurant. Now the food part. Awesome, tasty, authentic. Gabriel runs the front of the house and is super friendly and can make good recommendations if you're not familiar with the cuisine. My one "complaint" is that if you're eating in, I would prefer to use real flatware, not disposable plastic ones. But food is served on plates when dining in. All in all, if you want to try something a bit different from the usual Mexican fare of the larger, local restaurants, and, especially if it's not lunch or dinner "rush hour" (remember it's pretty tiny), then this is a great place to go! (I did notice some outdoor tables and chairs the last time I was there but the did not appear to be ready to use yet?) read more

Awesome local Mexican food restaurant, very small only a few tables. Best homemade tacos around. A great feature is bring your own bottle if you know what I mean. read more

I just moved to the area from growing up in Los Angeles and then living in San Diego for 18 years. I was so sad to think that there wouldn't be any legit Mexican food here until I came to this place. The first reviewer I read said he lived in SoCal and found this place to be the best in the area AND HE WAS RIGHT! The carne asada here is amazing. We had the carne asada tacos, lengua tacos, al pastor tacos, carne asada mulitas, and California burrito. They were all amazing but the carne asada was seasoned to perfection. The Al pastor was made the classic way which included pineapples, which is hard to find! Best find. Really starting to feel like home and Gabriel and his crew provided amazing service in addition to the great food! Oh, almost forgot the best part where Gabriel mentioned that they make their tortillas in house. Legit. read more

Tacos Coronado - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

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This place is the bomb! This is the best Latin/Mexican food in SW Virginia! I used to live in Southern California and this is the only place I've found that compares to the real thing! The food is incredible! Everything I've tried has been spectacular! I highly recommend the carne asada burrito and the Steak Gorditas! Oh my word! They make every fiber of my being scream in ecstasy! Great folks working here as well! Don't miss out on a truly epic meal! read more

Man I don't even know where to start with this place, okay the food is 100% amazing and super well priced probably one of the best spots you can eat at in Salem. And don't even get me started with taco Tuesday, every Tuesday they offer chicken and carnitas tacos for a dollar each it's the best deal you can get in the history of deals. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food that's very well priced please visit tacos coronados. Ps the tortas are amazing... read more

Food is fresh and delicious. I love this little place. Stopped a couple of times to pick up food for food delivery. Smelled so good I had to stop and try it myself. So glad I did. I love tacos and am always trying different places. This is one of my top places for all Mexican food. read more

One of, if not the best Mexican food in town. It has a soul satisfying quality. I've been happy with every selection I've made there, as well as the stuff I've poached off my family's plates. The owners are very friendly. It is no frills on the ambiance. The focus is on the food. And you can tell by the number of people coming in to eat and the huge number of to go orders being filled that this place has proven itself. read more

Really delicious gorditas. Very friendly owner. Tiny place with real character tucked away on a side street. A hidden gem. My daughter and I try to stop here whenever we are near Salem. read more

The food at this little shop is fresh and fantastic and the staff is very friendly. The chicken fajitas were yummy with the right amount of chicken and vegetables. The gorditas with steak were amazing. We would definitely eat here again if we find ourselves in the area in the future. read more

Delicious food! Love the California burrito! Best place in town for freshly made authentic Latino food. read more

Tacos Coronado - California burrito with chicken. - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Virginia

I don't usually write reviews, but this place was insanely good. Probably the best food you can get within a 50 mile radius of the place. An unassuming shack more or less, the perfect environment to smash delicious, homemade tacos, mulitas, gorditos, and etc. Literally everything they serve is traditional and homemade. Please support this business. Places like this deserve (and need) to continue to operate and thrive. read more

Moved here recently from San Diego and was missing authentic Mexican food. The tortillas here are excellent and the food tastes fresh! I enjoyed the chicken asado quesadilla and pollo asada burrito. Will be a regular here for sure! read more

We are so glad to have y'all here in Salem. We've tried so many of your selections and enjoy them all. Thank you for sharing your talent and kindness. read more

A hole in the wall place with good food. The manager/owner is always very friendly and polite. Service is fast. Food is fresh. Recommend the taco salad. It's a lot of tasty food. Can be a little salty. The chili oil is insanely hot so use sparingly read more

Damn. I haven't eaten Mexican food this good since I left California. We had a carnitas and a carne asada california burrito.....delicious. They also make a mild salsa that is amazing, but you have to ASK for it. The flour tortillas they used are homemade. The only complaint I have is - none....their food is hands down delicious. read more

Very good Rolled Tacos with chicken! I ate and had 2 left and was full, I will be finishing them up tomorrow. I love the generous guacamole and sour cream, along with the tomato and cheese toppings. Their salsa is freshly made with copious cilantro, which made it even better. My favorite was an oily hot pepper vinaigrette which was extra spicy. I would love to come back! read more

Best Hispanic food in Salem!!! Amazing people great prices!!! Small place with great timing on food. Family owned business of humble hard working Latinos. Come support the great workers and get some amazing food ! read more

This place is a gem. The food is homemade and the guy running the front is super nice. I got the Gorditas and they were amazing. I have told 4 people about this place and they all have loved it. Go check it.. read more