Madera’s Taqueria

Delicious! The hospitality and food were well worth the trip off the interstate. This place was about as authentic as you could get. My wife and I split the tacos, California burrito, and pork entrée. We left full and happy!

It’s hard to beat authentic tacos in an air conditioned restaurant, for $ 1.75 each. The tacos were overflowing with meat, came with half a shot of red and green salsa, optional hot sauce, some lime wedges, some potato chips, and sauteed onions and peppers. The server was friendly, there’s ample parking, and they take cards. All the ingredients for a good experience.

Excellent authentic mexican. I had the carne asada and a carnita tamale with a mandarin Jarrito to wash it all down.

Since my review of the erstwhile «La Elenita» restaurant, it has moved to another part of the city. However, the new restaurant at this address, Madera’s Taqueria and Seafood, recently opened up! The new owners have remodeled the interior nicely. Although the building itself appears old, it is clean and presentable inside. We were greeted by the nicest server, Selena. She was very patient and knowledgeable with the questions we asked. The food is top-​notch, simply said. Don’t expect a basket of nachos and a saucer of salsa to greet you; it’s not that type of Mexican restaurant. For appetizer, we tried the ceviche; again, it was authentically prepared! My wife tried a sampler of different tacos and they were all delicious. I ordered the fried tilapia and it was prepared and cooked to perfection (this is the WHOLE fish, not just filets). The tortillas were fresh. The prices are super reasonable! Would we come back again? You betcha! Would we recommend to our friends? Absolutely! Give Mr. Madera’s new restaurant a try and you will be glad you did!

Cocina’s moved to Franklin. The place that took over this address is called Madera’s Taqueria, Tacos & Seafood. And it is AWESOME! Don’t let the outside turn you off. The waitress was friendly and the food amazing. My husband and I got a tostada and it was the most unusual we’ve ever had; served with two corn tortillas, it was a pile of fish, chunked tomatoes and spices with wedges of avocados on top. So delicious! We each got 2 tacos and they are traditional, just like in Mexico. Do not pass this place up.

If you are looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the place to go. Great tacos with onions and cilantro. Great lunch spot.

I came after they had changed hands. This is NOT the same restaurant I had reviewed before as it had changed hands since then. Please do not consider my previous review an endorsement of this location.

It’s closed !! Don’t bother. We drove all the way over there and it’s totally out of business

Have been here once since the business changed from «La Elenita» to «La Adelita.» Note: my prior 5-​star review was based on the old name and ownership (which oddly enough is still here even though name and ownership has changed.)
The food was OK but not nearly as good as when it was «La Elenita» I agree with another review I read — don’t try to capitalize on the reviews of the old restaurant and owners, build your reviews honestly based on experiences reviewers have had since the restaurant ownership changed hands.
I would have given a 3-​star review but am docking 1 star for deception.

Ordered the steak burrito and it was very good. The flavor was great and it was a great portion for the price. I couldn’t even finish it all. For my personal preference it was too much tomato. I could have done without it on the inside. Overall I would defiantly recommend this spot and I will be eating here again!!!

all of the reviews here are for a different restaurant that has moved «La Elenita» I don’t think it is right that this new restaurant is using the great reviews of the old restaurant as theirs. Earn your own reputation! For that I will give a one star rating, until I eat there myself.

I’m from Houston where there is an authentic Mexican restaurant on every corner and I have to say, this restaurant was totally on par! Very very good food!

Absolutely fantastic. Fast, delicious and authentic. I got the 4 tacos for just $ 8 — each one was different and each was better than the last. The horchada is a MUST and the salsa is to die for. They are moving soon to a nicer site but please dont change a thing about the food!!!

Excellent homemade chips and salsa and a huge glass of horchata will start off your meal. We listened to other Unilocal reviewers and got the Elenita dip, and we were not disappointed.
There are daily lunch specials that are fantastic deals. The day we visited there were $ 7.99 chicken or steak fajitas. We opted for steak and split it, and there was plenty of food for both of us (after our tasty dip, that is!)
Authentic, tasty, and friendly. You really can’t beat that!

So much yes!
Quick service, fresh food, wonderful variety. The elenita’s dip is rich and smoky. The steak burrito is a classic and the fried plantains are wonderful served with queso and cream. This will be our new go-​to spot, especially when they open the second location across town.

Holly cow! What a great find! I’ve only been there once but will be going back soon! Every thing is super fresh and made to order! Only disappointment is they do not not have a ABC license. Oh well, great food ! Cant wait to try the chicken meal this spring!

Quaint, delicious, and authentic. None of this chain restaurant Mexican food crud here. I love their food, and especially their tacos with steak! The restaurant is a converted convenience store and they are making ways to becoming a great restaurant. Their salsa and guacamole is delicious, and I don’t have anything negative to say! The owner is also amazing and the servers there are always accommodating and loves to strike up a conversation if you’re willing. If not, enjoy the Mexican channels that are playing (which if asked they will change for you), and take in the ambience of the delicious food. Take a chance, you won’t be disappointed! I never leave unsatisfied nor do I ever leave hungry.

This is a wonderfully authentic Mexican food experience. The service is great and the tacos are delicious.
You can sample some interesting meats and I’d encourage you to try something new you may have never heard of before.
The Lengua (beef tongue) taco is my favorite thing on the menu and the meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. If you like traditional Mexican-​style tacos served on corn tortillas with onions and cilantro, you’ll love La Elenita.
I’ve never tried it, but I’ve also heard great things about the smoked chickens they serve on the weekends.

Ok, I moved to Roanoke from Texas a couple months back and until today had found no Mexican food worth a dime. That all changed with La Elenita. This place is authentic Mexican. Staff is very friendly. Don’t let the outside appearance fool you, the food is great. I had the pork taco’s…pleasant surprise… no beans and no rice, just tacos with onions and cilantro. Reminds me of getting taco’s in Mexico!
I looked around the dining area and saw a good assortment of items from the menu. The enchilada’s looked fantastic and the burrito could feed a small family!
I hated to drop a star on the rating, but lack of chips/​salsa and a rather pricey menu reduced my rating to 4 stars. $ 8 for four taco lunch isn’t bad, but for that price chips/​salsa or rice/​beans would have been nice. I will be back.

Wonderful service at this unassuming Mexican shop/​restaurant! In a part of Roanoke where every other business is abandoned this is a rare culinary gem!
Had the TORTA AL PASTOR with a side of GUACAMOLE. Crispy, creamy, savory with bright notes from the pickled jalapeños. The guac was my kinda guac — the kind loaded with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and garlic. Delicioso!