El Rodeo

My husband, kiddo and I eat here pretty often. It’s been one of our favorite spots for years now!
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, you will probably be a tad disappointed. That being said, it’s still very legitimate in its own right! They found a great way to adapt Mexican dishes for American tongues.
The portions are nicely sized and the prices are fair. The lunch specials definitely can’t be beaten! I usually order arroz con pollo or carne asada; the food is always delicious. My husband and son have enjoyed every meal they’ve had as well.
The waiters are so friendly and attentive, to boot. If you become a regular, they’ll definitely notice you and talk to you when you visit. Hugo especially is a wonderful waiter; he’s one of the many friendly faces in the restaurant.
Great memories, great service, great food. I love it!

This is the last time I’ll order from the El Rods on North Main Street. I ordered arroz con pollo and a side of chips with WHITE salsa. The cashier then gave me my order with queso instead and told me they don’t have white salsa, but when I asked for a refund then he said he didn’t know how but could offer me a discount. I then get home and open my arroz con pollo and it’s practically empty. I called back immediately and had to drive back for a return. I then went to the one on South Main and got everything I wanted correctly.

Food is horrible. My chicken enchiladas had almost no chicken and came out covered in so much lettuce I could hardly see my plate while the actually enchiladas were the size of a pencil. Only go for the drinks.

This is about as College as you can make a Mexican restaurant. This El Rod’s is located on North Main St. probably a 5 minute walk off campus. There is a «classier» El Rodeo on South Main that we won’t talk about here. I love this place for so many reasons. I don’t think I’ve ever left El Rod’s unhappy. If you’re looking for a good time, cheap food, and plentiful drinks — look no further. This place has it all. I rarely deviated from the arroz con pollo which was always top notch. They drowned it in queso which was perfect. I’ve had a few of the frozen margaritas but the king is the Jumbo Texas. If you aren’t a huge fan of tequila for the love of God stay away from the Jumbo. It’s pretty reasonably priced and will start your night off with a little buzz for sure. This is a great place to bring friends before a night out going downtown Blacksburg. The staff is also quick with the service and very friendly!

Cheap, good Mexican. If you don’t want cheap don’t get here. Jumbo margarita. Watch out. The frozen ones are delicious. The tacos are good and so is the rice. The refried beans are growing on me. Jumbo Texas margarita Wednesday is where it’s at.

First time to this place. Went on Friday night & was packed with college students. Atmosphere is loud with music & conversations. Service was remarkably fast & friendly, unfortunately the food was bland in taste. I had enchiladas supreme & hubby had grilled chicken taco salad. Salsa was spicy, it was the best part of the meal. My search for good Mexican food continues!

So great!!! So nice! Love to learn Spanish from them. They are very willing to help anyone with anything, especially if you go there at lunch to study Spanish. They just are willing to be a friend. Thanks. Oh, and the food is great!

I was out on a drive on my free time, checking out various places and satisfying my eyes and ears and then I came across this Mexican restaurant. Well, that was a good thing because I was feeling hungry already. Wanting to try the food they have, I parked my car and went inside.
Since, I randomly drove here, I had no idea what to expect, but it sure looked interesting. There were plenty of people happily eating. The ambiance was nice. The décor was vibrant and it matches the vibe of the restaurant. It was a bit opposite compared to the sketchy neighbourhood it was located.
So, I called the waiter and asked for their menu. I ordered the Nachos with Chicken. That was really a good Mexican dish. The appetizer I got was also great.
Overall, I loved the food.

Fast, simple, cheap. Incredibly fast service. The Jumbo Texas margarita is no joke.

I don’t think I’m the main demographic that they’re looking for at this Main Street Mexican restaurant. From what I’ve seen they tend to cater to the young drinking crowd who don’t care too much what the food tastes like as long as the music is loud and the drinks keep coming.
The food isn’t bad, it’s just not really that good either. It was too loud for me there, the benches are pushed way too close to the table in booth seating and I can’t say I really enjoyed myself.
The college kids seemed to be having a good time, though, so maybe give it a try if that’s the scene you’re looking to be in!
One plus in their favor: Parking was super easy as they have a private lot. In that area, that’s fairly rare so I have to give them some credit.

Pretty bad food, drinks are fine. Easy place to go for celebrations.

El Rodeo is a staple at Virginia Tech. Any present student or alumni know. Their food is average, at best. It is your typical Americanized Mexican restaurant. Low prices, hearty portions. But the real reason people come here are the Jumbo Texas Margaritas. I suggest adding an extra shot of Tequila for a much needed punch.

This restaurant is as average as you get for mexican food. A ton of people each night, mariachi music blaring, cheap ambiance, and disappointing food. The chips needed salt desperately and the salsa didn’t taste right– it had a funky after-​taste. The enchiladas verdes were so average– corn tortillas, dark meat, and the verde sauce wasn’t very good. The rice and beans on the side needed so much salt to bring them to an edible eating level. The virgin piña colada was good and the service was quick and efficient. Our waiter didn’t visit us much, but he did his job and got our order right and on time. The plus: it was super cheap. My piña colada, 3 enchiladas with rice and beans, and unlimited salsa and chips was $ 13. They need to up their seasonings and I will return for a cheap Mexican meal. Just don’t expect some wonderful experience!

You’ve probably been to several Mexican food joints like El Rodeo before: Cheap and unauthentic combo plates, chips & salsa, fake/​painted stone/​brick on the walls, Dos Equis on tap… Getting the picture?
The portions are enormous, but taste like dry cardboard, and sit in your stomach like wet cardboard. The «margaritas» are also enormous, but they’re more like weak neon-​green Slurpees than cocktails.
The service is always great, though. And the location is convenient for the on-​campus crowd.
Nothing terrible, but nothing remarkable either.

Food is good… margs are fantastic, but like with most mexican resaurants, service is sub par. Don’t let it keep you from coming though, it is definitely worth your time and money.

Not a bad place there are cheap food and beer specials. The food was run of the mill Mexican chain. Easy and fast but nothing that really stood out besides cheap beer and mucho grande margaritas.

The food isn’t really good. The drinks are kind of weak unless you’re an underage freshman.
I was here a few weeks ago and got carded for my huge and overly sweet and underly alcoholic Margarita. We hardly ever got carded here 6 – 7 years ago.

In reading the other reviews i don’t disagree but if you just order the basic tex-​mex dishes such as beef tacos with guacamole or cheese enchiladas and an icy brew you will get a decent meal and the price is great. I agree i would not order the fajitas or the more fancy menu items but stick with basics and you can’t go wrong. I have eaten here on and off for 10 years while visiting my daughter and son-​in-​law for a quick cheap sit down meal with good service and it works.

If you eat here, your intestines will hate you. Your taste buds will go on strike, and it is very possible that when you die an angry old Mexican grandma will whip your ass at the pearly gates before you are considered for entry.
The worst «mexican» food I’ve ever smelled, much less ingested. If you go, just go to get wasted, and grab some tacos at Rivermill while you stumble home.

Don’t go out of your way…
Just a run of the mill cheap Mexican restaurant. Service is decent, chips are slightly sub-​par, salsa the same, food was all right, and can’t vouch for the drinks.
The inside is pretty average also. No complaints, just no praises.