El Canelo Mexican Restaurant

Some of the best Mexican food I've had and the best I've had in the area. Normally you either deal with cookycutter recipes or food that looks like it was plopped on the plate. When I ate here at first I thought "ok its attached to a motel, sure I'll try ones".I was so glad I did, the staff was friendly, the setting comfortable and the food not only was delicious but looked apatizing as well. Defiantly a 2 thumbs up.

Do not get the nachos..if you must have nachos...go to Taco Bell. Most of their food is good, great margaritas but big big mistake on nachos...unseasoned ground beef on chips with melted cheese..that's it! Ba da bing! Nothing else...REALLY?!?!?

This restaurant is connected to a motel and is one of the two Mexican restaurants in Oakland, about 15 minutes' drive from Wisp Resort.The food is fairly inexpensive, with most dishes at $12 or less. A margarita pitcher was $18., the equivalent of about 4 glasses. The service was friendly and prompt. The ambiance is a bit weak, with very basic chairs and a dining area that resembles a big open cafeteria. The bar on the right has no bar stools so you can't actually sit at the bar. The bathroom is cramped and not wheelchair accessible. Actually there is a step down from the entrance so the main dining room is not wheelchair accessible either.

This was my first time trying this restaurant out, it's a cute small restaurant and I thought their food was really good and very inexpensive. I got the cheese enchiladas and it had more of a sweet sauce to it which I enjoyed. We will be returning!

My husbands steak was ordered medium rare and was brought out cold, raw, and grey. He was grossed out and didn't want it recooked. He didn't even take a bite. He sent it back and was, admittedly loud and kind of an ass about it. We asked for the check, I just wanted to get out of there. And they charged us for the steak. The owner argued with us about what medium rare is, even showing us a picture on her phone. We are the foody type, we eat out often and cook to perfect Temps at home, 135 this was not. The steak was cold with globs of cold fat, grey, not grilled, no sear, it literally looked like it had been simmered in water..the manager relented and took the steak off the bill Neither one of us ate anything but I was ok with paying for my meal. We won't be back.

They have a lot of combinations to choose from in their lunch specials, and the prices are very good. I ordered the steak fajitas and it was delicious, good portion and brings salad, guacamole, sour cream, and 3 flour tortillas. The service was quick and friendly and I enjoyed the music they were playing. I can't wait to go back and try other things on the menu. The beef taco and chille relleno combination was also very good. Great food and can't beat the prices.

I love the Jalisco special always delicious. Friendly and inviting staff. Very nice place for the whole family.

Place was great for large party of 19 for a bachelor party. Efficient in terms of getting food out. Fried ice looked great the shell was stale but besides that great food. Its a strange location adjacent to a motel but for mexican food in the area it was good.

Food is always good, service is great and the restaurant is always festive and clean. We always stop for a meal or takeout when we are in town/lake.

Good food and nice staff! For no frills Mexican food, this is one of our favorites! Highly recommend you try it if you're in the area!