Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant: Authentic Flavors and Generous Portions in Santa Rosa

Enchiladas with the most delicious sauce, terrific shredded chicken tacos, delicious ground beef with melted cheese, my daughter loved the dishes. Many families were enjoying their dinner when we went to eat. Chelino’s restaurant is a family favorite in a neighborhood diner like atmosphere out of a film made on Highway 12 into Downtown Santa Rosa.

This review is based on the Caldo de Res (beef soup). I came 2 days in a row to order it, I really like it on day 1, so I came back the next day. Same results, a huge bowl, plenty of meat and veggies. Soup just hits different on a cold, rainy day. Broth was tasty and served hot, so be careful. My only complaint would be the price, $23 for the soup.

The steak chimichanga is the best ive ever had. the smokey flavor of the steak. whatever oil they fry it in. I love the dark green sauce. the cheese. the rice it all works so well together. and the price recently went down to 17.63 so now i can buy two and not feel so bad. thank you to the owner and staff im a big fan lol.

Chelinos is by far and away the best Mexican restaurant for quality of food. Everything is always delicious. I love their grande combination and they have amazing refried beans. We go there regularly when in the mood for the best food. Other restaurants like Juanita’s, Mocajentes, El Charros in Santa Rosa or Sonoma Eats and El Molina Central in Sonoma have delicious food but not on the level. Unfortunately, Chelinos is quite pricey $$$ comparatively to the others. Maybe it’s just true that you get what you pay for. The food has always been excellent but prior to COVID, the prices were incredibly reasonable and they used to have a deluxe salsa bar which sadly has never returned. There was also an incredibly warm, welcoming atmosphere as employees made a point of connecting with customers. Don’t get me wrong, the service is still just fine but it’s nothing to write home about. 1. Less warmth and service 2. Pricey menu 3. No salsa bar (trying to save money?) We used to only eat at Chelinos, but now we spread ourselves around because of the aforementioned reasons. BRING BACK THE SALSA BAR!! But, if you love quality Mexican food like most Californians, you are missing out if you haven’t been to Chelinos.

A great restaurant but a little pricey for Mexican food. Its well worth it anyhow. The service was great fast and reliable. The atmosphere is superior to most Mexican restaurant if you want to compare it

We were here on a weekday at not quite 5 pm and it was easy to find seating. You order your order at the counter and it's brought to your table in a very timely manner. Great selection including vegetarian options. Food comes in very generous portions and is delicious. Service is very friendly. We certainly will be back.

Knew we were in the right spot when we noticed we were the only white people in the place at first. Service was off the chart good. Super friendly folks. Food was excellent authentic south of the border good. Atmosphere was cherry, clean not too loud. Was a very pleasant experience. We met my mother and her significant other for an impromptu dinner. Price was reasonable as well . Outstanding menu!! Kid friendly as well. Parking and acsess was decent.

What a find this place was in Santa Rosa. Dying for a snack and Michelada we stopped here. Order when you walk in at the counter with an expansive menu I had no idea what to hope for. Watching the drink being prepared must have been like watching DaVinci work, it was out of this world. The green spicy sauce was delish on the enchiladas and the burrito was enormous. The service was fast and attentive. The restaurant was clean, hospitable and well lit. There is even outdoor seating. I highly recommended this one.