El Cielito Lindo — Restaurant in Roanoke

Came in one evening with co-workers and selected this place due to all the reviews. But when we pulled up, at dinnertime to find a dead dining room and empty parking lot, we were a little worried. Their menu has some recognizable Mexican items, but several unique items I’d never heard of, like Huarache.

We asked what a Huarache was – they described it as a long plate with a big corn tortilla on the bottom, then refried beans spread on top and then the protein you choose and the rest of the toppings are like a taco. One member of our party got it and it was absolutely huge, and tasty looking too!

We also tried items that were exceptionally good, like their pico de gallo, their guacamole, and their hot salsa. Their pico was some of the absolute best I’ve ever tasted – it had fresh avocado in it and the fresh lime flavor was incredible! The texture and flavor of their guac was also excellent! But if you like spicy, ask for their spicy sauce… it’s very interesting and extremely tasty, not just spicy!

The only issue was the service… both the lady and guy (husband and wife?) working their had grimacing faces and borderline poor attitudes. Not sure why, we were decent and respectful, but that’s just how they were and if it wasn’t for that, I’d definitely give them 5 stars, because their food definitely...

UPDATE: 2nd visit was amazing as well. I think we've found our Mexican restaurant. The quality and flavor of their food is well beyond any other Mexican restaurant in Roanoke.

Tonight we tried the chile rellenos, tinga sopes, and tinga tostadis and it was all amazing. I really can't explain how good their food is!!!!

We just had the BEST Mexican food at El Cielito Lindo on Brandon (next to Arby's) across from Towers.

We had the place nearly to ourselves, which is unfortunate because this place needs to stay open!

Francisco, the owner, was so nice and brought our food out himself.

I had the enchiladas verdes and it was the best I've ever had. The sauce was perfectly balanced, the chicken was very flavorful and tender, even the corn tortillas were fresh and actually tasted like corn.

Michael's pollo mole poblano was amazing. The sauce was deeply flavored and the chicken fell off the bone. (We're picky about mole, but this was delicious!)

Aidan devoured his quesadilla de papa con chorizo, and Rhys's nachos were great!

We are not easy to please when it comes to Mexican food, but this was an excellent meal. And the prices were very...

I have come here multiple times now and each time I try something new(with the exception of doubling up on the cheese birria tacos). Every time has been delicious. Everything I have ordered has been so yummy, easily making this my go to for Mexican. The portion size is large so make sure you are hungry because they will definitely fill you up. The price is fair, especially for the quality and portion size. It’s very easy on the wallet.

The staff is very friendly and helpful. I would recommend definitely trying the cheese birria tacos if you are into that. They will not disappoint.

I will note that, I don’t think there are any signs with this place’s name on it. For several visits I didn’t know what to...