Elena's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Asheville

I ate at this restaurant for the third or fourth time, and I miss Botanas even more. The outdoor seating is nice; we sat outside on this beautiful day. My daughter and I ordered the fajita taco salads and they initially looked okay; however made with one's favorite veggies as the menu description stated was not exactly accurate. My salad came with one large cut of green pepper, and the rest consisted of mega chunks of cooked tomato (mostly) and onion. There was no squash, zucchini, or even a second piece of pepper. I ordered cheese sauce on one, and no cheese sauce on the other; there was no cheese sauce on either. I did not believe this was due to the waitress. Then when the bill came, I saw it had been typed in no cheese sauce on both even though the server was present while my daughter and I spoke and decided she'd like cheese sauce on hers. No cheese had also been keyed in for one of the taco salads? They both came with globs of sour cream that by removing them (as the last request when ordering was no sour cream on the salads) took away nearly all the lettuce on at least my salad. The chicken was extremely bland, but I tried to fill up on it because there was not much to the salad besides tomato and chicken. I did not understand why there was so much lettuce on the tacos my other two kids ordered, but minimal lettuce on the salads. I do not feel like I have eaten after leaving this restaurant. I keep visiting this restaurant thinking it will be a better experience, but...

Absolutemnte perfecto! Never ate here before, I ordered from grubhub and put in notes a request for Mole sauce, if you've never traveled México maybe you aren't privy to the secret. I used my broken Spanish as best I could in my request for a side of Mole with an English translation in case my Spanish didn't make sense. I got an order with an entire extra meal, multiple sauces and salsas, their food is authentic and original! It's hard to find good Mexican restaurants that offer authenticity in their menu. This restaurant is legit, coming from a person who drove a van in a 6 month period from México to Guatemala I appreciate the true originalanilty without the American convolution of food that's offered here. If I could give these guys 10 stars I would, true authentic Mexican food. I'm eating it now and ecstatic its so hard to find! Mole is a special sauce made differently by many regions in México, if you see it and have the opportunity to taste their reignal recipes don't doubt your experimental taste buds. I so look forward to going to this restaurant in person and experiencing their authentic cuisine in person! Hard to find Mexican restaurants like this so far north. Muchísmas gracias ustedes, estan la Buena onda real y mexicanos chingonos ❤️🇮🇹❤️ Pinche chido wey no mames jaja...

Disclaimer: I'm vegan.

Refreshing addition to Candler! Has its own menu ($7.50 - $18.50 entrees) and unique presentation. All the basics are covered, but there is plenty of variety and adaptability for different diets and other sensitivities. Refried beans (except cheese as a garnish on top) and guacamole have no dairy. Water, not bullion or broth, is the base in the Mexican rice.

I ordered the 🥑 tacos. Everything, including the side of rice, tasted very clean and fresh, not old, contaminated, or greasy. Portions and prices are in line with the surrounding market. So, relatively, quite reasonable.

No salsa bar, but they'll bring you whatever you want. I had their standard sauce, very mild and smooth but a little bland and not inspiring.. I also tried their verde and tomatilla. The verde was chunky with lots of pepper parts and diced onions; excellent! The roasted tomatillo (roja) salsa was medium hot and tasty. The chips were thick and crunchy, of yellow corn.

Overall, a fine experience, and a nice alternative to local standard bearer Papas and Beer....