Located in the heart of Rochester, New York, Salena's Mexican Restaurant has established itself as a cornerstone of the local culinary scene. Situated at 302 N Goodman St, this establishment invites guests to experience the vibrant and soulful flavors of Mexico within a setting that feels both welcoming and authentic. Whether you are a long-time resident of the neighborhood or a visitor exploring the historic Village Gate area, Salena's offers a dining experience that prioritizes quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and a genuine passion for hospitality.
The philosophy behind Salena's is rooted in the belief that great food brings people together. From the moment you step through the doors, the atmosphere is designed to transport you, offering a respite from the bustle of daily life. The kitchen team focuses on balancing classic recipes with a contemporary touch, ensuring that every plate served reflects a commitment to culinary excellence. It is a place where community members gather to share stories, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy a well-prepared meal in a comfortable, relaxed environment.
What Makes Salena's Stand Out
Authentic Culinary Approach: The kitchen emphasizes the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients to recreate the complex flavor profiles found in traditional Mexican cuisine. By focusing on time-honored techniques, the restaurant ensures that every dish maintains a sense of heritage and depth.
Prime Location in Village Gate: Nestled within the historic Village Gate complex, the restaurant benefits from a unique architectural backdrop. This location provides a charming and accessible setting that enhances the overall dining experience, making it a perfect spot for both casual lunches and evening gatherings.
Commitment to Atmosphere: Salena's prides itself on fostering a warm and inclusive environment. The interior design and service style are carefully curated to ensure that every guest feels valued, creating a space that is as much about the social experience as it is about the food itself.
Community Integration: As a fixture in the Rochester area, the restaurant has built lasting relationships with its patrons. This deep connection to the local community is reflected in the consistent quality of service and the welcoming nature of the staff, who strive to make every visit memorable.
Beyond the menu and the location, Salena's Mexican Restaurant represents a dedication to the craft of cooking and the art of service. The team understands that dining out is an experience that engages all the senses, and they work diligently to maintain a standard that keeps guests returning time and again. The combination of a thoughtful menu, a vibrant setting, and a focus on genuine hospitality creates a unique identity that resonates with those who appreciate good food and a friendly atmosphere.
If you find yourself in the Rochester area and are looking for a place that captures the spirit of Mexican culinary traditions, Salena's is a destination worth considering. It is more than just a place to eat; it is a local landmark that continues to contribute to the diverse and rich tapestry of the city's dining landscape. We invite you to visit us at 302 N Goodman St to discover the flavors and the welcoming spirit that define our restaurant. Whether you are planning a special occasion or looking for a reliable spot for a delicious meal, our doors are open to provide you with an authentic and enjoyable experience that celebrates the best of what we have to offer.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Menus
Photos
Reviews Salena's Mexican Restaurant
Janine G
13-06-2026
Selena’s Restaurant has become a go to for us, especially with their impressive range of vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. We’ve tried just about all of these options, and the praise comes easy as everything is consistently delicious. They also offer gluten-free, vegan, and other specialty menus, so there’s truly something for everyone.
But let’s be honest… I’m really here to talk about their margaritas. FABULOUS!!!! Their classic margarita is hands down the best I’ve ever had. Just out of this world.
Well done, Selena’s. Seriously… well done.
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Jeffrey Haspray
07-06-2026
Do not go here if you are expecting authentic Mexican food. Worst Mexican food I’ve had. I’d rather have frozen burritos. The poppers were stuffed with mozzarella cheese, wrapped in cheddar cheese. There was more of similar cheese flavor … More
Dan Chizz
07-06-2026
Every time I visit Rochester I try to make it here.
Spectacular food, always pleasant, attentive staff, and tge menu is very reasonably priced. … More
Tayco RES
22-03-2026
Let me start by saying that this review is for the management of this place and I hope they see it. Having worked in a Mexican/america resturant just like this, what I saw and experienced you guys should be ashamed. I have gone to bad restaurants but I have never regretted going to one. The hostess/bus girl greeted us and the rest of the other guest with a straight up attitude. I honestly should have left at this point. They are understaffed as it took 20 mins for our waiter to get to us. The fresh chips tastes like fish. Clearly they need to change the oil... yuk! The food was the worst Mexican food I have had. I ordered the steak fajitas- steak was super hard as if it was yesterday's left over and cold, ordered black beans but received refried beans that Im sure came out of the can. Once the black beans came out, they also looked and taste like left overs. The portion for the fajita, steak and rice were less than half a cup yet received 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 cup of lettuce, a spoon of guac, sour cream and small amount of salsa. The tortillas were cold and hard. Neatless to say, I did not eat the food, and after looking at the full menu, I will definitely not be returning. All of the staff looked miserable and the vibe of the place is not a good one.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Group size
3-4 people
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Booth seating
Merilyn
16-03-2026
The best loaded fries with black beans, really, with guacamole and jalapeños! And nice Margaritas
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Ronan Corr
23-02-2026
Came here for dinner I order the Birria tacos which you need to know how many you want they were pretty good I would order again and the nacho platter for the app was delicousousy More
Laura Miller
30-01-2026
Salena’s Mexican Resraurant is more than just a place that serves food, it is a home. I have countless memories at Salenas that I will never be able to forget. The food is AMAZING and nothing tops it. I highly recommend the virgin peach margaritas and the chimichanga. I love that Salenas is a local, family owned business, and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who asks me about it.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations not required
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating, Private dining room
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Large vegetarian selection, Vegetarian menu or section, Clearly labelled vegetarian dishes
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Akshatha H K
24-01-2026
The ambiance was good..the portion of food was also good..the food also tasted good except that the bean paste was kinda dry. But the wait time was quite longer..they took quite a time to server house nachos as well.. … More
Rowan Stone
22-01-2026
I would recommend this place, at least to check out and see for yourself!
Specifically, the messy Hole Mole was a good appetizer! … More
Jaimi M (jaimim3)
21-01-2026
I had a passionfruit margarita and a half order of nachos; my partner had a neat special with the fajita platter, and we split an empanada appetizer. The salsa with the chips was on the bland side. The margarita was good but not shaken … More
Geoffrey Hellauer Geiger
19-01-2026
I got take out so this is strictly about the food. Enchiladas were flavorful and had a good spice level. The shredded beef and chicken were delicious. However the portion inside the enchiladas was just too little for the price. More
River
16-01-2026
Service was really amazing we had alba as our waiter and she was so nice made us feel welcome i would 100% recommend More
Indica Green
12-01-2026
The atmosphere here was great, definitely get drinks here, also lovely service! But the food was not good… even for American Mexican food. It really felt like I was back at the middle school cafeteria again. Also $7 for ONE taco the size of my palm (no rice or beans as well just one taco) with that quality of food is insane. I got birria tacos and all I could taste was cinnamon, the dipping broth wasn’t even a broth it was a paste. Again I get it’s American Mexican food but at least try for authenticity, that’s just disrespectful. I genuinely felt like I was getting pranked.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 50–60
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Reservation
Not sure
Group size
2 people
Tonya Griffin
08-01-2026
My friend and I had lunch at Salena's recently and it was delicious. Portions were generous and the food was fresh. Only 1 server, so it was a bit slow, but all-in-all, it was a positive experience. More
Sandra Dailor
02-01-2026
Located on N. Goodman, right next to Village Gate this Mexican restaurant has a decent size menu. The atmosphere seems like it would be fun and the limited staff I spoke with were very polite. I ordered take out to eat back at S31 Lofts. When I got back to my room I was surprised that they didn't provide me with plastic ware or a napkin. I really wanted to like the food. Unfortunately the chicken in my empanada was dry and fairly flavorless. The rice looked like it has been scraped from the bottom of the pot and was on the dry side. The black beans were ok. The dessert I ordered were churros. Again, not as good as I had expected but not awful either. I would give them another chance however I would get a table and stay a while.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating, Counter seating
Noah W
28-12-2025
I feel like I just had a prank pulled on me leaving this restaurant. A $20 bill for a plain cheese quesadilla and a root beer, and that was the cheapest menu option. I asked for a to go drink and they brought me a cup so small it felt insulting (picture). Definitely skip this one. More
JAZZMAINE TORRES
24-12-2025
One of our favorite places for date night. Salena’s never disappoints. The staff is super friendly and the food is fresh and delicious. Birria tacos, loaded nachos, empanadas 😋 10 out of 10, would recommend. … More
Michael Marciano
24-11-2025
Mixed bag here tonight! Living at Selena's a bunch of times and the chips are good the case it was great our server was pretty friendly a little slow on the refills of our drinks but not so much slow it's just not paying attention. … More
Taylor Regal
22-11-2025
I am an avid Mexican food enjoyer, and I don’t think their food is anything too special. It is, however, pretty consistent, you know what you’re going to get with it, pretty average I would say. Service is usually good and atmosphere is great. Great margaritas! More
Pablo Martin Asensio
11-11-2025
Amazing vibe, super colorful and interesting. Our server was one of the nicest I've ever had, and made some delicious and creative non-alcoholic drinks. The food was a tad on the boring side, but tasty and well done. Overall a recommendation for good Mexican food. More
Kevin Markman
19-10-2025
Enchiladas and red sauce not too much and not too subtle. Helpful service and good portions. Asked you get a table because it’s big when other places were a 45 minute wait. Good fried ice cream. More
Melissa Stio
29-09-2025
Went to Salena's tonight and we ate very well. Portion sizes made sense and everything was so delicious! Our server was kind and entertainment by Amanda Ashley Rodriguez was incredible! Will definitely be back. More
G Byers
22-09-2025
Very cute little plaza this place is located. Servers are very polite and attentive. The food itself is closer to a tex mex but there is some things that can certainly improve the Spanish rice was oddly seasoned and very dry. Enchiladas were good and gulten free options is always a plus for a celiac.
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Makayla Prusinowski
12-09-2025
They had individual GF/VG/VEG menus. The servers were super polite! Drinks were good. Everything was fair priced. Walked out pleased. 10/10. More
Parker B
31-08-2025
So im not sure what happened, my wife and I went here for her bday dinner and it was horrible.
I got the Mexican flag and only ate a few bites, and my wofe got a rice bowl and the was maybe a spoon full of rice, the waitress was nice but was all over place, even tho it wasn't busy. The food was dry and no flavor. I was here about a year or 2 ago and food was amazing everything was, but after going there this time im not sure if I'll be coming back.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 30–50
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Reservation
Reservations not required
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Booth seating
Recommendation for vegetarians
Not sure
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
kristine hayes
29-08-2025
We had a great meal at Selena's. Our granddaughter has celiac. Alba, our server explained about the separate fryer. She was very attentive and helpful thru the entire meal. Thank you for the tasty meal and great service. More
Cole DeClerck
25-08-2025
I’ve recommended this restaurant to friends for years and have generally had good experiences here, which is why this visit was disappointing. … More
mira
23-08-2025
Alba is such an AMAZING waitress! absolutely so sweet and charming. She makes sure to cater to everyone! me and my friends definitely enjoyed our time and will definitely be back! Thank you so much Alba! More
Josh P
07-06-2025
AMAZING! This place was really good and food was great as well as service, also the genuine sugar sodas. I highly reccomend their chips and queso as well as the Salena’s Crunchwrap! I would definitely reccomend this place to anyone who likes great Mexican food and a nice atmosphere More
I’m Xander
19-05-2025
Salenas Mexican restaurant is a great place place to enjoy an amazing meal and experience the great architecture and artsy murals in village gate! I’ve been a customer here for years, they offer top notch dishes with great deals for happy hour and staff that makes you feel at home! More
Reviews Salena's Mexican Restaurant