Cocina Real

Great local restaurant, staff are fast and friendly and bring the refills fast. The cheese dip was good and the tacos were tender. Would recommend if in the area.

Published 8 months ago

We truly enjoy eating here. The kids eat more then just the cheese. The Street tacos are seasoned and generously portioned. I can get an elote here. The service is wonderful. Always a friendly face and efficient. You will enjoy this jem in Roanoke.

Published a year ago

I was there for late lunch. My table was horrible because I was facing the wall & I was in a corner; but since I was dining alone, I didn’t want to complain. I felt rushed to make an order even though the restaurant continued to empty as I sat there; but I had literally just clocked out, so I was ready to slow down. I received my birria tacos very quickly after ordering them, however that’s kind of where service slowed nearly to a stop. I was asked by various staff members early in my visit how everything was & received refills adequately. Dessert was not available even though they have several to choose from on the menu. My ticket sat on the table with payment ready long enough for me to empty my glass again. There is an additional 4% charge for all payments unless you pay with cash and apparently you have to pay by the door although I stood waiting for my payment to be accepted… a to go order came in had their payment taken & all 5 of the wait staff just looked at me several times before my waitress who was busy cleaning tables broke away from that task baffled, saying I’ll check you out. I believe service will improve as they work out the new business kinks because everyone was nice & the food was excellent.

Published 2 years ago

As an out of town contractor working & lodging in the area.. this has been my go-to spot for consistently delicious food and menu selection. I think others might agree as I've seen more people dining in here on my several visits than anywhere else in the area. I wish they were open on Sunday.

Published a year ago

I love the store location in historic downtown Roanoke, AL. The dinning room is located on a peninsula that overlooks the junction of Main and Louina Streets.

A special word of caution to pedestrians (especially children) accessing the store. Use extreme caution as there are many blind spots for oncoming traffic to negotiate at this location. You need to be prepared to walk a little ways if your visit is planed during the dinner hour or on the weekend.

Service is fast and polite with Food Servers who will work to make your dining experience pleasant. The ambiance complements the menu and contributes to a 'dining classics' experience.

The food is tasty with vegetarian options, but could use some finishing touches. Sprinkling some crumbly Queso Cheese here and there on greens and entrees could go a long way toward creating that authentic flavor diners will love at a minimum of expense. Too much cheese or the wrong cheese flavors detracts from the dish and authenticity. Modest usage of Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, Cotija, Manchego and Panela are pleasing to the pallet without requiring 'cheesy overkill.' Fresh radish slices and a slice of lime as a garnish are a nice touch with any taco plate that introduces diners to the authentic Mexican flavor and accent. Use of a Poblano Pepper for the chili relleno may be too hot for many tastes and dietary limitations, depending on how pungent the harvest is. It might be nice to provide a warning or a second pepper option with a lower Scoville rating if the Pablano is Cocina Real's mainstay for this dish. If available, a mild Pasilla variety is a good bet. Whatever the pepper, it's broadest appeal is at the low end of Scoville's scale.

The store isn't stingy, please don't get me wrong. In fact, a generous portion of chips and salsa is provided with more upon request. Please try the Chunky Guacamole or Mexican Elote sides; they will surely delight! When serving fajitas, it's always good to provide at least three tortillas as two are often not enough. If serving just (2) and a customer requests another (1) or (2) tortillas, please provide these without adding to the customer's bill to continue a welcoming atmosphere and to further the spirit of good will for mere pennies. Serving the tortillas in a warmer, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or cloth napkin is classy and says, "quality" and attention to detail.

Use of styrene products to package food to go is an abuse of our local environment that is difficult to overlook.

The salsa bar is a very nice touch!

If you've saved room for dessert, try the Flan (when available)! You'll be back for more on your very next visit, promise!

Thank you for bringing Cocina Real to Roanoke's local cuisine. The store was an immediate addition to the city's local charms; a highly valued and much appreciated asset. :)

Published a year ago

Very authentic flavors. Amazing service and the owners are very nice people. Prices are perfect and food is worth every penny. This is our 2nd visit, once before the remodel, and both times we have left full and satisfied.

Published 7 months ago

Food and service have been great. Love the salsa bar. Tea is served in large mason jars, which is great.
Love the fruit dessert

Published 2 years ago

The food was great! They make you feel like you're someone special, & I love how they have turned an old part's place into a restaurant with such authentic feel.

Published 7 months ago

Taco Tuesday is the best

Published 4 months ago

Published 5 months ago

Great food and service,.... very friendly staff all in all a very enjoyable experience

Published 5 months ago

Authentic. The salsa is excellent and the food is consistently hot, fresh and just right. My new favorite.

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

We last ate there on Halloween. Even on a busy night we had good service and didn’t have to wait long on the food.

Published 5 months ago

Delicious and great service.

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

Published 7 months ago

Published 7 months ago

Published 7 months ago

Published 7 months ago

Wow. I have found my go to restaurant in Roanoke when I come visit. Fantastic food, price and cleanliness.

Published 7 months ago

The food was great! They make you feel like you're someone special, & I love how they have turned an old part's place into a restaurant with such authentic feel.

Published 7 months ago

Excellent food and great service.

Published 7 months ago

THE STEAK REAL IS TO DIE FOR.

Published 7 months ago

Service is a little slow

Published 7 months ago

Very authentic flavors. Amazing service and the owners are very nice people. Prices are perfect and food is worth every penny. This is our 2nd visit, once before the remodel, and both times we have left full and satisfied.

Published 7 months ago

Fantastic service, friendly staff, delicious food, reasonable prices, definitely recommend!!

Published 8 months ago

Published 8 months ago

This place was amazing! The food was good ,but the drinks were great!

Published 8 months ago

Food and service have been great. Love the salsa bar. Tea is served in large mason jars, which is great.
Love the fruit dessert

Published 8 months ago

Ever since they first open, the food is not been the same

Published 8 months ago

I love the store location in historic downtown Roanoke, AL. The dinning room is located on a peninsula that overlooks the junction of Main and Louina Streets.

A special word of caution to pedestrians (especially children) accessing the store. Use extreme caution as there are many blind spots for oncoming traffic to negotiate at this location. You need to be prepared to walk a little ways if your visit is planed during the dinner hour or on the weekend.

Service is fast and polite with Food Servers who will work to make your dining experience pleasant. The ambiance complements the menu and contributes to a 'dining classics' experience.

The food is tasty with vegetarian options, but could use some finishing touches. Sprinkling some crumbly Queso Cheese here and there on greens and entrees could go a long way toward creating that authentic flavor diners will love at a minimum of expense. Too much cheese or the wrong cheese flavors detracts from the dish and authenticity. Modest usage of Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, Cotija, Manchego and Panela are pleasing to the pallet without requiring 'cheesy overkill.' Fresh radish slices and a slice of lime as a garnish are a nice touch with any taco plate that introduces diners to the authentic Mexican flavor and accent. Use of a Poblano Pepper for the chili relleno may be too hot for many tastes and dietary limitations, depending on how pungent the harvest is. It might be nice to provide a warning or a second pepper option with a lower Scoville rating if the Pablano is Cocina Real's mainstay for this dish. If available, a mild Pasilla variety is a good bet. Whatever the pepper, it's broadest appeal is at the low end of Scoville's scale.

The store isn't stingy, please don't get me wrong. In fact, a generous portion of chips and salsa is provided with more upon request. Please try the Chunky Guacamole or Mexican Elote sides; they will surely delight! When serving fajitas, it's always good to provide at least three tortillas as two are often not enough. If serving just (2) and a customer requests another (1) or (2) tortillas, please provide these without adding to the customer's bill to continue a welcoming atmosphere and to further the spirit of good will for mere pennies. Serving the tortillas in a warmer, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or cloth napkin is classy and says, "quality" and attention to detail.

Use of styrene products to package food to go is an abuse of our local environment that is difficult to overlook.

The salsa bar is a very nice touch!

If you've saved room for dessert, try the Flan (when available)! You'll be back for more on your very next visit, promise!

Thank you for bringing Cocina Real to Roanoke's local cuisine. The store was an immediate addition to the city's local charms; a highly valued and much appreciated asset. :)

Published 8 months ago

Great local restaurant, staff are fast and friendly and bring the refills fast. The cheese dip was good and the tacos were tender. Would recommend if in the area.

Published 8 months ago

We had my grandson's birthday there.The food and service were great.👍

Published 9 months ago

Published 9 months ago

Great Great Great! Highly recommend this place.

Published 9 months ago

My experience at Cocina Real Mexican Restaurant was nothing short of a disappointment. The service was abysmal, with staff members who were disrespectful and dismissive.
To top it off, the desserts we ordered arrived melted and unappetizing. It's clear that this restaurant lacks the care and attention to detail necessary to provide a satisfactory dining experience.

Published 9 months ago

Published 9 months ago

Published 9 months ago

We eat here occasionally and would more often, but the food quality is not always consistent. Yesterday, it was very good with one exception. The cheese dip is always thinned down WAY too much and always runny. We've stopped ordering it at all. Sometimes with their tacos, they hardly put any meat in them. Bummer. The chile relleno, chicken tortilla soup and chunky guacamole is always really good, as are the sautéed onions on the salsa bar. One great perk IS the salsa bar which I've not seen at other Mexican restaurants. Maybe they'll see this review and correct the deficiencies.

Published 10 months ago

Published 10 months ago

Published 10 months ago

El mejor lugar de muchos que he visitado

Published 10 months ago

Excellent experience. Cool spot. Ashlyn was very sweet and reminded me of the servers back in Texas. I'm glad to see they were busy. First time eating in Roanoke, Alabama! Food was amazing. Queso was amazing. Happy to be alive to try this food.

Published 10 months ago

Published 10 months ago

Tried to contact restaurant for an hour, first call was a busy tone, every one after that was unanswered. If they were closed then there was no notifications or posts on facebook or any other medias.

Published 10 months ago

One of the best! We had Birria tacos and Berrian tacos with dipping stew. So flavorful. The service was exceptional.

Published 10 months ago

First time and plan to go again in future.

Published 10 months ago

Published 10 months ago

Looks good from the outside, once you walk in the door it looks more like a hole in the wall. BUT, the food is excellent! There is flavor that I haven't tasted since I was in Mexico. The service is much better than expected too. Our waiter apologized that he hadn't refilled our drinks and they were still half full. It is now our go to Mexican.

Published 10 months ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Very delicious food and reasonably priced..love eating there.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

My favorite Mexican restaurant including 4 in Lagrange, 2 in Hogansville, 2 in Valley and 2 in Auburn.

Published a year ago

We visited there with a large group. Food was great and so was the service. I'm not from Roanoke, and was very pleased when our host treated us to Cocina Real.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

You are going to have to drive almost an hour to get Tex-Mex food to equal the quality of the food here.

Published a year ago

Very friendly staff, they know their regulars, and have great lunch specials til 2pm if you haven't been, it's worth going! Thank you all for your wonderful service!! ❤️

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

We came on Sunday and online says it's open, the door says it's open, but unfortunately they were closed. There were 3 cars waiting for the business to be open and no one. Very sad.

Published a year ago

Great place could not have been better.

Published a year ago

As an out of town contractor working & lodging in the area.. this has been my go-to spot for consistently delicious food and menu selection. I think others might agree as I've seen more people dining in here on my several visits than anywhere else in the area. I wish they were open on Sunday.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Called in to place order for pick up was on hold for over 10 minutes and when I tried to call back the phone was off the hook.

Published a year ago

Food is good, and the onions and jalapeños on the food bar they run out to quick.The young lady serving all 19 of us had her hands full but did really well for my granddaughters BD

Published a year ago

The taco salad shells and some food tastes like the air freshener, lemon cleaner , can y’all please keep food away from the auto air freshener spray. Happened multiple times I have ordered taco salad or some other foods, Im not ordering that anymore. I will edit this once y’all fix this

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

I had the enchiladas real to go. Service was friendly as usual and the enchiladas were very good.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

I love Cocina Real and eat here as often as possible. I love their salad bar and their many unique and varied menu options. I highly recommend the ceviche and the menudo.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

If you haven't tried this place, you are missing out. Awesome food.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Wonderful experience. We had lunch here and the service was very prompt. The food was excellent! We will definitely be back!

Published a year ago

We truly enjoy eating here. The kids eat more then just the cheese. The Street tacos are seasoned and generously portioned. I can get an elote here. The service is wonderful. Always a friendly face and efficient. You will enjoy this jem in Roanoke.

Published a year ago

We've been going about since they opened. The food has been great but your servers are killing you lately. The last two times there couldn't find our server for refills, napkins, or even our check

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Great place, great food.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Very Friendly's service and great food.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

This place is the perfect mix of every thing. Varied price points, fantastic food (the carnitas are amazing) (and the birria tacos) (ok everything is really good).

Published a year ago

Food great, atmosphere good wonderful service. A+

Published a year ago

One of the better restaurants we have in Randolph county. Always seated quickly no matter how many people are there. The waitresses are always on the move making sure we are ok. And the food is just amazing. I highly recommend the birria tacos.

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Got the roanoke special was pretty good. Only serving budweiser for now , waiting on there liquor license

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Food and service are great. Finding a place to park is awful.

Published a year ago

The food is amazing but the chicken is cooked with peppers although you can ask for no peppers and it still tastes amazing. They are open every day even Sundays so when looking for something yummy after church this place has you covered. The service is amazing, the workers are extremely nice and gentle, they would be wonderful for a fancy restaurant.
Bonus: the Roanoke special is huge and we still have leftovers! It is around $11

Published a year ago

WE LOVE COCINA REAL! We are regulars there and have never had a problem with service or food. And they are just so friendly there! Highly recommend the elote and chunky guac!

Published a year ago

Great Mexican food!

Published a year ago

Great service and good tacos 🌮

Published a year ago

Very good

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Love it, great food and service.

Published a year ago

The Food was Great ,Service couldn't ask for better they are quick to bring refills of Drinks and chips and salsa and we love the Salsa Bar,💯 for the people that prepares the delicious meals💯👍.We have found our Forever Mexican Restaurant👏

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Great Mexican food

Published a year ago

Great food, great service!

Published 2 years ago

Kristen was a wonderful waitress and very helpful when I asked questions. She helped me choose the steak tacos, that I Highly recommend, they were fabulous. My favorite waitress ever, she was smiling and very friendly!! Emanuele was also very polite and helped me get my leftovers boxed up and ready to go. Definitely will be coming back. Love a restaurant with great people.

Published 2 years ago

Been here several times already…Never a bad experience!

Last visit, I tried the Pina Rellena…

You’ll love the grilled shrimp, tilapia, scallops and crab meat and more. All served in a half pineapple !!
Covered with cheese. Served with rice, beans and grilled pineapple.

Thanks Manuel for the great service !

Published 2 years ago

Best Mexican food in town!!! Great atmosphere! Very friendly staff!

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Food is always fresh. Service is slow at times but they have become our favorite locally.

Published 2 years ago

The food was delicious! So the waitstaff were very friendly.

Published 2 years ago

Have now eaten there 3 times and love it. Will be a customer for sure.

Published 2 years ago

The food was hot and delicious and fast and you may have to wait for a seat but it's well worth it and the service and care of you is very important to them and they will take good care of you and it is a must go to restaurant and just see for yourself.

Published 2 years ago

them folks tried to scam me and my home boys

Published 2 years ago

Good food, good service. Servers are dressed in a professional and respectful manner. Overall, a great dining experience.

Published 2 years ago

Excellent food. We have lived in the area for years and there are some options. The issues are that most places lack food quality.

The food was excellent and the service was good and they just opened. Based on the experience I would highly recommend supporting this business.

Update:

After a few months I’d say my review was spot on. They do an excellent job. The owners must really care about the business as it shows.

The food quality is excellent, the servers do a good job, and overall it is one of the best places to eat.

Published 2 years ago

Good food

Published 2 years ago

Great and quick service. The food is seasoned perfectly! We love the decor and atmosphere.

Published 2 years ago

Very good food! Very good service with kindness!!

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Their customer service was phenomenal. Great friendly atmosphere with their workers on top of making sure you are comfortable and have everything you need. The food was top notch with great seasoning even with a very fast paced and packed environment. I'd highly recommend!

Published 2 years ago

The food is amazing 🤤

Published 2 years ago

Outstanding food and service! The salsa bar is great as well. Not many Restaurants offer it. Great job 10+

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

I have only had takeout from there so far, but it was delicious. Highly recommend the elote and fruita loca.
I have gotten something new everytime I've ordered and have yet to dislike the food I received.

Published 2 years ago

Best food, awesome service

Published 2 years ago

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner tonight! The atmosphere is so relaxing and they make you feel like family! The food is top tier everything was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing! The service was very fast, and very efficient! And y’all the salsa bar was amazing and so fresh!! We will definitely be making this a weekly family dinner night!

Published 2 years ago

Awesome food. Great people that works there. Will definitely be going back there.

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

The food was really good. & the wait staff was really sweet, but our waitress added two things to our order that we didn't order. We just kept it & took it home for later instead of making a fuss about it bc thats just who i am, but it added about $15/$20 extra to our order. & even after leaving a reasonable tip, we were still charged an extra $20 for gratuity. Which I understand bc I used to wait tables, but if a larger table (we had 3 adults & 4 kids) tipped well we'd usually knock off gratuity. Or at least let those customers know that it was added so they weren't tipping twice. I also noticed that certain customers were getting checked on a lot more than others. 3 waitresses were walking back & forth periodically to check on this one person while us & a couple of other tables were having to flag someone down for whatever it is we needed. In our case, silverware. I just got up & got it myself in the end. The tables are pretty small too, we didn't have much elbow room to eat. & the salsa bar was pretty cool. I feel like some of these things will get better with time, but I'm not sure if we will be going back. Between the extra food that was added to our order & the extra tip, we could've saved around $40.

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

We've been waiting on a really good Mexican food restaurant to open! Best Mexican food I've had in years.

Published 2 years ago

I've eaten Mexican all across this great country that being said WOW totally authentic great fresh food with a salsa bar....service was good food came out quick and fresh.... I highly recommend this restaurant.

Published 2 years ago

Delicious, fresh, authentic Mexican food. I highly recommend it!

Published 2 years ago

Everything was delicious. The salsa bar is a great idea and puts them above the rest! The host was helpful and friendly, Everyone was willing to get what we needed when our waitress was busy.
Chunky guacamole was impressive!! It's nice to have another dining option for Sunday, we will definitely be back!
Oh and they got that good ice for your drinks!

Published 2 years ago

Best Mexican food anywhere near roanoke.

Published 2 years ago

I was there for late lunch. My table was horrible because I was facing the wall & I was in a corner; but since I was dining alone, I didn’t want to complain. I felt rushed to make an order even though the restaurant continued to empty as I sat there; but I had literally just clocked out, so I was ready to slow down. I received my birria tacos very quickly after ordering them, however that’s kind of where service slowed nearly to a stop. I was asked by various staff members early in my visit how everything was & received refills adequately. Dessert was not available even though they have several to choose from on the menu. My ticket sat on the table with payment ready long enough for me to empty my glass again. There is an additional 4% charge for all payments unless you pay with cash and apparently you have to pay by the door although I stood waiting for my payment to be accepted… a to go order came in had their payment taken & all 5 of the wait staff just looked at me several times before my waitress who was busy cleaning tables broke away from that task baffled, saying I’ll check you out. I believe service will improve as they work out the new business kinks because everyone was nice & the food was excellent.

Published 2 years ago

new restaurant that recently opened in town, and it is delicious. the elote off the cob is the best thing i have ever had. the food was fast, hot, and seasoned. the staff was very nice. you can tell they are still trying to find their groove.. but the food was very good. we will be back. they have the thick chips too!

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

Got in quick, place is clean, well organized, didn’t wait long for service. The chunky guacamole is so good, the salsa is made from scratch both clearly are made from scratch ! We travel a lot and their quality of food is very comparable to in town Atlanta/ Birmingham freshness and quality of food!

Absolutely will be back as a repeat and frequent customer

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago