Cielito Lindo — Restaurant in Vonore

I was so excited to eat here until I got serviced. I want to start by saying I am a black woman and I drive trucks over the road. Im from Delaware but today my truck route led me here in Tennessee. After driving for 11hrs I chose to stop here and get a drink. When I first walked in I loved it. It was festive and very colorful I was excited to try the food. I sat at the bar. The bartender didnt know any english so another guy came over to me and asked my order. I said a mango margarita. He translated my order to the bartender which was fine. When my drink came out it was HUGE! I immediately didnt want it. Its a huge drink with maybe one shot of liquor in it. Completely watered down. Ok so this lady sat next to me and ordered a small margarita. Hers came and I said can I please have that size instead? At this point Ive only had one sip. Of course the one bartender didn't understand so I had to wait for the other guy to come over and translate. When I said I wanted the small he got smart and said you should've said that. Where Im from there is only one size margarita I didnt know I had to say a small margarita please. When I said Im sorry I didnt know Im from Delaware he replied 'Well Your in Tennessee now' Very nasty attitude. I just walked out and went to another restaurant. I refuse to be treated rudely for no reason.If you offer multiple sizes maybe you should ask customers which size instead of trying to be slick and give them a big shareable margarita when I came alone. The old me wouldve thrown the glass margarita at his head for his rude response but I chose to leave instead. For my first time in Tennessee I did not feel the southern hospitality, At least as a black woman dining alone. I didnt argue or even reply as he made the new smaller drink I walked out. The lady next to me (white lady) even said to him, well she just didnt know no need to be rude. I hate to say it but I feel because of my color I was treatwd rudely from the beginning but Im put in a situation to have to walk away and find somewhere else to eat....

On my recent culinary adventure, I had the pleasure of dining at Cielito Lindo, a gem that promises an authentic Mexican experience right from the first bite. The atmosphere of the place was buzzing with energy, filled with the aromas of traditional spices and cooking that set the stage for a promising meal.

I decided to try the Don Quijote fajitas, intrigued by the name and the promise of a hearty meal. The dish did not disappoint. Served steaming hot, the fajitas were a vibrant mix of well-seasoned meats and crisp vegetables, all wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla. The portion was generous to say the least, and each bite was a delightful mix of flavors that left me more than satisfied.

Adding to the experience were the complementary chips and salsa served upon arrival. Unlike many places where these might be an afterthought, at Cielito Lindo, they were anything but. The chips were freshly made, crispy, and the salsa was just the right blend of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and peppers—fresh and with a kick, setting a high standard for what was to follow.

The service was another highlight of the visit. Despite the large lunch crowd, the staff was extraordinarily attentive and prompt, ensuring that our glasses were never empty and that any additional requests were met with swift action.

In conclusion, Cielito Lindo is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Mexican meal in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s the quality of the food, the promptness of the service, or the overall vibe, this restaurant truly stands out as a top choice. I left highly satisfied and would recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking to indulge in genuine...

I came to Cielito Lindo hoping for an authentic Mexican experience, but it ended up falling far short of expectations. First off, the menu is frustratingly limited. You’d think a Mexican restaurant would have a variety of traditional dishes, but choices felt sparse and uninspired. I ended up ordering the chicken fajitas, expecting a classic, but they were a letdown. The chicken was flavorless, almost as if it had been sitting around for too long, and the entire dish was greasy without that fresh, vibrant seasoning you’d hope for in Mexican cuisine.

Service was another low point. We waited a painfully long time just to get our order taken, and even longer for the food to arrive. With so few people in the restaurant, the slow service felt inexcusable. The staff seemed indifferent, with no urgency or effort to make the experience enjoyable.

And let’s talk about the bathrooms – absolutely disgusting. For a restaurant that wants to be seen as inviting, the state of the restrooms was a huge red flag. It felt as if cleanliness was the last priority here, which doesn’t inspire confidence in the rest of the establishment.

Overall, this visit to Cielito Lindo was just plain disappointing. With limited menu options, slow service, nasty bathrooms, and lackluster food, it's hard to justify a return trip. They could seriously use a revamp in both menu and management if they want to keep customers...