Cielito Lindo Mexican Restaurant

First time trying Cielito for lunch today. We were unsure when we walked in because it’s quite a bit different looking inside than what you expect with most other restaurants. Don’t let that fill you because the servers and food were some of the best Mexican food we have had in the area. We shared the Texanas fajitas for two and it was definitely packed full of food and flavor. For desert, we had the fried ice cream and it was delicious. We highly recommend and look forward to another visit sometime in the future.

I loved it here! The staff are very lovely, attentive and accommodated all of our needs. the food came out very quickly after we ordered it. The bathroom was clean, and overall it was a great experience. I would definitely come again. If you're looking for good Mexican food, come here! ps: I didn't take photos of the other really good food because I ate it so quickly!

This place is fantastic as far as Mexican goes, you would be hard pressed to find anything even close within 20 miles of here. The restaurant is small but cozy and they play Spanish hits over the radio and it is not uncommon to see others nodding along while they eat. The food is fantastic, period. Everything is cooked very well and the portions are huge for what you pay. They also sell alcohol and the margaritas are awesome. There is also 32oz beer sizes available for those like me, who love a big Dos Equis Amber while they chow down. The server(?) Ludy is simply amazing. She greets everyone with a massive smile that makes you feel at home, explains the three(!) salsa offerings to you, and then answers any questions you may have. When the time comes to pay, she returns with your card in hand and gives it directly to you so you "don't forget your card", which is a thoughtful touch. I've been coming here for the better part of two years now and this is my go to for all Mexican. Oh, and unlike the place around the corner...the chips and salsa are included!

First time trying this place and it didn't disappoint - definitely adding to our regular places to visit list! Wait was about 30min at 6p on a Friday (understandable as the inside is small and it was cold - everyone wanted to eat out) they called us when our table was ready so we could relax in our car. Service was excellent (I think our server was Jacky) she was amazing. Attentive and friendly without being too overbearing. Food was extremely tasty and good value for your money - I wanted authentic tacos like I've had in Mexico and these were even better! Skinny margarita was delicious and not overpriced. Shared the fried ice cream and it was enormous we could barely manage to finish it (we did - mama don't raise no quitters!) All in all a really good experience. Menu was extensive - can't wait to come back and try more! Highly recommend!

First time here with my son and daughter and their spouses. Food was very good but the experience was made extra special by our server Ludy. We were a party of 6. She took our orders by memory. Everything came out perfectly. She was very attentive, social and interactive with us. One of the best server I've had in years and my wife and I go out for dinner several times weekly. Ludy is a gem. We will be back definitely and we live an hour away.

Mateo our waiter was super pleasant and attentive. Super flavorful and amazing food. I got the grilled fish tacos and they made sure they were full. The chicken soup was great as well as the chimichangas. They brought out three different kinds of salsa with varying spice levels, all delicious! The entire staff was very personable and welcoming. We called ahead for a large group (9 people) and we received fast service. Portion sizes were very good and price was fair. A wonderful hole in the wall for any locals or people passing through the area.

I had the Enchiladas Verdes and they were delicious. I was with 2 friends and they also enjoyed their meals. My waitress Ludy, I have had several times and she is always consistently friendly, professional, attentive and knowledgeable at recommending meals. Very friendly atmosphere. The manager/owner always greets you too! I would highly recommend this restaurant. The only reason I gave it a 4 on atmosphere is because it is small inside. The outside seating helps with the crowd though. The food and service more than makes up for the atmosphere.

Every now and then you find a small, local restaurant that just stays consistently good, with great service, friendly owners, and tasty Mexican dishes. We are regulars here and for good reason. It can be rough getting there at peak hours, because the place is small and sitting outside on the patio is a little harsh in winter, even with heaters, but it is always worth it. We've been frequenting this place since it first opened and, unlike many other restaurants in and around Charlotte, the quality has not diminished over time.

This restaurant is my go to Mexican nearby! I've been here a handful of times and it's consistently delicious. The service is great. The staff is super friendly and always really nice and accommodating for our family that includes loud toddlers. We always start with the queso which is fantastic. The salsa choices are nice to have options between spicy and mild. The chips are always warm which is also great. I have tried a number of dishes here. Most recently I got the barbacoa taco and it was fantastic. I also got the ground beef taco. We always get rice and beans and a quesadilla for the kids. The food always comes out fast but it's fresh and fantastic. We will keep coming back for sure !

The food is so fresh and delicious. While we did pick up it taste as if the plate was places right in front of you. We did grilled chicken with tomatoes, onions and peppers with rice and beans a Lou bit of cheese. And tacos. The staff is so kind and considerate! Love this place.

This place was a very pleasant surprise! We've been checking out new to us places and were in the mood for some Mexican. We called in a to go order to Cielito and the woman who answered the phone was awesome, super attentive, thorough and funny! She just had so much personality and gave us customer service you rarely see anymore these days. I wish I had gotten her name, but judging by our amazing call I'm sure everyone there knows who she is lol. So thank you!!! We ordered the fajita texanas, which is a fajita with steak, chicken and shrimp. This also came with beans and rice, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. My boyfriend ordered the super fajita quesadilla and queso. We both really loved our food! Everything we ordered was delicious and plentiful!!! When I went to pick up and pay for our food the young man inside was also hilarious. He made a joke that our bill was $300, he said it so fast I almost agreed to it!! HAHAHA, very funny and he was very kind. I have to really give them a special shoutout for their hospitality alone. Everyone we encountered here was so kind, smiling and making us laugh. That is rare, but SO appreciated! The restaurant itself isn't too big, it's very intimate and nicely setup. I think we will come dine in next time to enjoy the vibes. Definitely 5 stars all around, highly recommend!!

Good food at a good price with attentive service. I really like how this place hits on all fronts at lunch and dinner. I've been twice in the past month. This time I had La Autentica tacos - carnitas and pastor. The pastor tacos were recommended and my favorite. In addition to the expected onions and cilantro, they added lettuce, cheese and sour cream which made them very full and delicious. We also had cheese dip and guacamole dip (pureed guacamole) with chips. Both were yum. Last time I got the chunky guacamole (about twice the price) and it was good, but I prefer the regular guacamole. They give you cute little ramekins with the cheese dip which is great for kids who notoriously double dip. They also offer 3 complimentary salsas. My son got a taco, rice and beans and they mentioned there was cheese on it (not mentioned in the menu) which was good so I ordered without (dairy allergy). My friend got beef enchiladas, her daughter chicken enchilada (they'll cover in cheese sauce instead of enchilada sauce if you ask). My friend said all her food and her strawberry margarita was yum too. It's also nice that they have outdoor seating with umbrellas that is rarely crowded. FYI i think the restaurant may be currently being renamed so you may see La Autentica on the restaurant aign when you arrive.

After reading some pretty great reviews, my friend and I decided to try this place out, and I'm so happy we did! This place is tiny! Keep that in mind if you have a large group! Good thing that they have outdoor seating, but it was a rainy day today, so we opted to dine in! Our server was super friendly and attentive! I ordered the chimichunga dinner, which came with rice, beans, and lettuce with sour cream. It was a bit on the smaller size than the chimis that I'm used to, but none the less it was super tasty and filling, I got beef as my meat of choice! Everything was super tasty, and I was satisfied! My son ordered the cheeseburger kids' meal with fries and expressed that his food was delicious! My friend ordered a shrimp and mushroom dish that came with rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, and warm tortillas! I was able to taste one of her shrimps, and it was so yummy, I told her that I wish I would have ordered that dish instead of what I ordered! It was super yummy. The complimentary chips and dip were yummy as well! All in all, we all enjoyed our food and look forward to coming back to try some other items for sure! 10/10 from service to food, love it!

Just had dinner at Cielito Lindo...with friends. ordered 2 tacos and 1 burrito.. In my 67 years in this world this was the worst food/meal I ever had! Beans bad, rice bad, burrito bad. Tacos bad. Even the margarita was bad....how do you screw a drink up????? Don't ever go to this place ....it's Terrible! Told the mgr. it was terrible !!! How do they maintain a license??? Barry Miller--Concord, NC

Upon walking in, I was surprised at how small the restaurant was. I felt clostrophobic and immediately thought about asking to sit outside, but it was getting ready to rain, and I chose to stay inside. Once seated, I felt comfortable. We were greeted and given a table right away. Chips and dip were served as soon as we sat down. The staff was very friendly. I noticed they all worked together to serve, clean tables, bring food, greet, and talk to the guests. They were very personable and attentive. Everything I had was well cooked, seasoned, and flavorful. I had the peach margarita. I didn't taste much peach, but it was still very good. I would visit again.

Food was delicious, I ordered the lunch special chalupa and quesadilla combo. Service was fantastic. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful explaining items! This is a smaller restaurant but I didn't think it was claustrophobic at all. I think it's a sweet spot with amazing chips and salsa. Highly recommend!

The food here is consistently amazing! This is my favorite Mexican spot in the area. I consistently go back for their tacos. They are served how they should be, let the meat/main shine and top with fresh onion and cilantro and a lime wedge. Chefs kiss every time and you can't go wrong with any of their selections however Barbacoa is my favorite! The beef nachos were tasty and what is pictured is the half order. I can't speak to their drink menu but they do have beer/liquor available. This is a small spot so it's probably not great for groups larger than 6. They do have an outdoor dining area that you can enjoy seasonally. The service is always friendly and prompt. The bathroom is clean as is the restaurant in general. There is ample parking as it's in a shopping center type space. I highly recommend giving this spot a try as it will become a new favorite I'm sure!

My wife and I were searching for Mexican and chose the closest to us. That was our criteria and out of that simple try we found , excellent service and fantastic food we both said now number one for us. We are very thankful and could add additional stars across the board. Try it you will feel the same.

This is our go to Mexican restaurant. Although the inside is on the smaller side, they always have really fast service. And they have tables outside as well. The servers are always on top of their game! You rarely have to ask for anything! The food is always great. Exactly what you want from a small town Mexican restaurante. Ludy is amazing if you get her as your server! Its like she can read your mins! Definitely recommend !

My first visit. Highly recommend if you're looking for a new restaurant. The guacamole salsa was great!!!

Food was fantastic! I would highly recommend getting the guac! I have not really ever had guacamole with the avocados diced, but they prepared it and served it in such a pleasing manner. Its delicious! I would go off the recommendations for food. I also did get the flautas which were also very flavorful. The staff was great and very attentive!

Wasn't aware of this spot not far from my neighborhood, but made it over during the week and was very impressed. I ordered tacos and the Guacamole Mexicano (chunky guacamole, chopped cilantro, tomato, onion and jalapeño). Everything was amazing but that guacamole was next level and is priced as such. I returned a few days later for more tacos and a mango margarita, still amazing! My current taco crush. Staff were very nice.

The positive reviews led me to this restaurant and I was rewarded with a good meal presented by attentive, gracious servers. The ingredients were all freshly prepared and the food was flavorful. The beer was served in a frosty mug, and other drinks were kept replenished. The prices are friendly. I wonder how long they will be able to remain in this location as they are surely going to need more seating as the word gets out how good it is.

This is hands down the best Mexican food I have found in the area and I've been to a LOT of them. The quality of the food is just fresh and delicious and consistent, and I've tied many items on the menu and haven't found a bad one yet. Their food isn't like a lot of Mexican restaurants where everything just seems so greasy to me. Staff is also amazing. Only draw back is that there is very limited seating, but even then, I've never waited longer than 10-15 minutes, even on the weekends during diner rush. All in all, based off of the quality food that this establishment serves up day in and day out, it's a can't miss for your Mexican night cravings.

Food was great, prices very reasonable and very nice and attentive servers. Best Mexican food I've had in Charlotte!

The food was fresh and very good, the dining room is small and seating is limited but makes for great service and special attention. The wait staff is on top of things and the manager is happy to check on your dining experience.

Authentic Mexican, delicious & hot takeout. Fresh ingredients and traditional cooking.

Visited La Autentica for a work team dinner. Had a group of 6 people. The restaurant is tiny and they may have 12 tables. My group was already seated when I arrived. I order a sweet tea and a peach margarita. The drink menu shows that have flavored margaritas but doesn't list the flavors. I had to ask the server the variety of flavors. You aren't able to mix flavors. There was the customary complimentary chips and salsa. 3 salsa to use. 2 red and 1 green. The spicy level varied for each salsa. We had the ceviche as an appetizer. It was very tasty. I didn't use the tostadas that came with it but used the complimentary chips. For my meal I ordered the fajitas Texana. It's the combination of chicken, steak and shrimp. Comes with rice and beans, lettuce with tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. I also got 3 tortillas on the side. Overall the fajitas were greasy. Not much flavor and not much to top them with. I probably wouldn't order them again. The biggest issue throughout the meal was our server. Granted the place isn't that big so she didn't have many tables to manage but we had to continually reorder and repeat items we needed. Ultimately we felt it was a language barrier. At one point the wrong dessert was brought out and the server stated it was because we pointed to the wrong item on the menu but we hadn't and had verbally expressed the item by name that we wanted to order. Now as the elite yelper I am I spoke up for the table and addressed each issue. I had to assist with adding an item to a friends dinner, getting additionally drinks ordered, getting dessert ordered, and getting Togo boxes. I state this because I must of got on the servers nerves and she made a point to try and make me pay for an item that had already been paid for. She brought me a bill for my peach margarita (alcohol wasn't covered by my employer) and it had a -17.16 on it. I asked what she wanted me to pay. The drink didn't total that and I was just trying to figure it out. I'd never seen a negative bill presented for payment. She was confused. I was confused. I told her the drink had already been payed for. She made me come back to the back where the payment kiosks (I was basically in the kitchen) was and she couldn't figure it out so she got the manager involved. He couldn't figure it out and told me it was ok. And we literally ordered a sangria and never got it but paid for it. we payed for a sangria that was order but never received and never got refills on our drinks La Autentica 10020 Edison Square Dr NW Concord, NC 28027 (Review 37 in 2023 and 777 overall)

Great experience! Very pleasant environment, the staff was very friendly, the food was great and the food was out very quickly. Would highly recommend.

Nice lil spot near Highland Creek. Food was good service was outstanding and we will be back! I had the chimichanga and the cheese sauce was almost too salty but I enjoyed it otherwise. Their guac is not made the traditional way but still good - it's chunky but I didn't mind it oddly enough that needed salt lol. Salsas were great and really loved their chips - thin crispy and ever so lightly salted - PERFECT! The staff was very friendly and checked on us often.

We did carry out and really enjoyed the flavor and temp of our meals. The carry out process was super easy and fast as well. Looking forward to eating at the restaurant and changing this to a 5

While out shopping I decided it was a treat your self day and Mexican was on the menu. We stopped in on a whim and it was the best decision we made. The service was top notch and super fast. Food was so good. Queso dip was so delicious. Vegetarian combo plate was out of this world. I legit failed to take a single photo because the food was so good from start to finish. Table chips and 3 salsas ranging mild to hot served within seconds of sitting down. Small place with maybe 15 tables with cute decor and food that is out of this world. Can't wait to go back.

So good! We go here often and really enjoy this restaurant. The staff is so nice and friendly! We enjoy the food immensely. It's consistent, fresh, and delicious! I regularly get the chili rellenos which are the best I've had in the area. The batter is light and not the least bit oily. We've had a little of everything...and it's all been good. For those who want a little simpler food, the combos are a good choice. They're no frills but pretty solid...I'd say a little "plain" but not in a bad way. Just simple...without a bunch of bells and whistles. The ambiance of the restaurant is okay. It is a little small and it has always been a little crowded anytime we've been there. Not a bad thing: just be prepared if you go during a busy time that you may have to wait a few minutes for a table. The bathroom is clean, well equipped, and attractive. The only "negative" I would offer is that during the winter it is a bit cold inside since it's small and there is no alcove to break the wind. For sure take a jacket just to be safe...

Great food selection, but tight seating. La Autentica has some wonderful food options and I haven't tried a lot yet but the shrimp and octopus cocktail was the bomb. My husband had enchiladas which he thoroughly enjoyed and the kids got the quesadilla. The owner Antonio is very personable and friendly and makes it a very welcoming atmosphere. Parking can be tricky during the daytime but for dinner it's not bad once the medical offices close. All in all this shopping center really needed another fun dinner place along with Pippa's and Basilicos and La Autentica is a great addition!

Decent little Mexican spot! Im excited to have Mexican food down the street from me. The inside dining is very small, so I think I will be getting my food to go in the future. I did like how they give you chips and 3 types of salsa for the table. My favorite was the hot salsa. I ordered 3 different tacos: barbacoa, carnitas and al pastor. I loved them all! I also got the chips and guacamole. They were both very good. I loved the salsas that came with the tacos as well. I also tried the barbacoa burrito. It was just ok. The meat didn't have much flavor and it had a lot of fatty pieces inside. The burrito was not very flavorful. I also tried the house margarita. It was also just ok. It didn't have much tequila flavor. I will definitely be back for the tacos and to try other dishes!

Slow but friendly service. Margaritas weren't very strong but the jalapeño was tasty. Some food options were better than others. Good guac and good mild salsa with fresh chips. The queso was very thing and didn't have a ton of flavor. The barbacoa tacos were good. Rice was hard and the beans didn't have a lot of flavor. Biggest issue was the hair in the fajitas we ordered....

We decided to check out this newly opened restaurant on a Sunday evening. I was curious to see it, as the previous tenet was more of a grab and go spot, with limited seating. The new tenets definitely made full use of all available space and packed in as many tables as possible. Since it is so small, it fills up quickly. The service is top-notch!!!! Our waitress, and all the staff for that matter, was very attentive and stopped by frequently. We never ran out of chips or drinks. They offer a mild and spicy table salsa as well as a guacamole that was too spicy for me to eat. They were very accommodating of my son's gluten free allergy and made sure that his meal only contained corn tortillas. All of the food was good. My only complaint, and I ever feel weird saying this, is that my food had too much shrimp. I get it....strange. But I really needed more rice to give it more of a variation of texture. It just felt unbalanced. There was also an unreasonable amount of lettuce. While I plan to return, I will probably order something different the next time.

Very quant and welcoming. Food was delicious and service was exceptional. Would definitely go back.

I came in here today for lunch for the first time & it was AMAZING! I got 3 carne asada tacos added cheese & sour cream with a side of rice. I am very picky about my tacos and when I say every bite was to perfection. The tortillas was soft & the asada was tender. I love all three of the sauces as well, they were all flavorful. The guy who took my order & gave me my food was super nice as well. I will for sure be back to try more things. 10/10 Experience

Had the carne asada, arroz con pollo and flan. Also for a jalapeño margarita and it was big and not too spicy. Everything was great and our waiter couldn't have been nicer. They also have a nice amount of outdoor seats right in front and it's a good place to sit outside on a beautiful night. We'll definitely be back!

This is a great local hole in the wall. Delicious menu with reasonable prices. The service is great. It can get loud and be ready to share a table on busy nights.

Been here a few times. Convenient to highland creek. Food decent. Service attentive However, my wife has celiac disease and no less than 3 times before ordering asked about replacing flour tortillas with corn. Upon serving of food one item appeared to look like a flour tortilla and my wife again asked and server said it was corn. Turned out to be flour Rating 1 star due to lack of seriousness of food allergies. Imagine if your kid had a nut allergy and restaurant did not take this seriously

Ate lunch 1st time.Server -Ludy was very helpful!Food was great! Very reasonable price! Will definitely go back!!

Took the kids and grandkids for lunch on a Sunday. Great selection of good Mexican grub. A couple of us got the lunch specials, the kids got kid fare, and they are regulars, so they know what they like! Apparently the chicken strips are a fan favorite! The chips and 3 dips were constantly filled, and they are all very good - the spicy was my favorite, but it does have a very good kick, so beware. Those of us with sodas, teas, and other beverages found our cups comsistently topped off without asking. Food was very good, prices are super reasonable, and the service was attentive and pleasant. Our kids/grandkids who live closeby are big fans, and we are now too!

Teeny tiny place, so expect a wait for peak hours. Been waiting for Mexican food like this since moving from out West 8 years ago. Most Mexican places in the area are garbage. Got the La Autentica plate-most amazing and flavorful restaurant food I have tasted in a year. Super attentive and friendly service. We will 100% be coming back.

The food here is fantastic! The service is great and the ambiance is just right. This establishment uses top notch ingredients and everything is homemade. We've eaten here a number of times and you can tell that the owner goes above and beyond to ensure that you have a superior dining experience.

Excellent service, nice atmosphere, and a big menu. Something for everyone, including vegetarians. They work hard to please!

This is our favorite place to go out for lunch or dinner by far. What elevates this place above others is the phenomenal, authentic customer service they provide. The prices are fair, quality of food is amazing, and the server team is cohesive, they make you feel like you are their only costumer. Usually we have meals there, today we only had a couple of beers as we already had dinner at home- they still served us like we were their most important customers. Antonio, the owner makes the effort to connect with his costumers in person, ensuring that everyone is happy and gets everything they need. Exemplary ownership, food, and customer service. Cudos to the entire team!

Service so friendly and welcoming! Food was wonderful and truly authentic Mexican cuisine, which is so hard to find on the east coast. It was also a great price (avg $15/meal). We just moved to the area and this is already our go-to Mexican spot. SALSAS ARE AMAZING, they give you three varieties with the chips (which are complimentary btw) and we mentioned to the waitress how good they were AND SHE SENT US HOME WITH TOGO BATCHES OF PUR FAVORITE ONE. 10/10 will be back regularly and will be sharing this spot with everyone we know.

Visited here based on Yelp reviews and I was not disappointed. I got the lunch Asada Tacos and they were filled with meat and delicious. Their salsas are also yummy. This is a hidden gem and I highly recommend.

I found this place because I searched authentic Mexican food. It says La Autentica on the building because they are transitioning the name to Cielito Lindo. I will have to say when I first got there I was a little concerned about how small it was inside, but they have quite a few tables outside. I had a party of 12 and was a little hesitant, but when I tell you we received the quickest and best service I have ever experienced, I am not kidding. The food was fantastic, the staff was amazing and so accommodating. It was packed and now I understand why. I will make it a point to stop here anytime I am in Concord, NC.

Great place to eat great Managemnt service is great and best food authentic mexican food

Outstanding service! Enjoyed the food and options on the menu. Always on top of refills and any request made.

Love this restaurant! Everything I have had is great! Margaritas are really good! Everyone is super friendly!

Quickly seated and served. Dropped by around 7pm on a Sunday night and were seated immediately. Waitress came over pretty quickly for drink orders and soon after, dropped off chips with two kinds of salsa (hot and mild) and a guacamole type of dip. All were very good and can confirm the hot salsa was truly hot. Dinner chimichanga (chicken) was delicious and my boyfriend enjoyed a basic chicken and rice. We both left full at a fully reasonable price point.

We LOVE this place! Fairly small, but always great service, great food. Here for Cinco de Mayo and they were ready. Plenty of staff to handle everybody and never felt rushed

New favorite place! Looking for authentic Mexican food in the Highland Creek area this is the place to go! Everything we've had here is fantastic and legit!