Explore Salinas' Mexican flavors with our restaurant recommendations.
Mexican · $
122 West Market Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Amazing place food is well prepared and tasty!”
Mexican · $
337 Monterey Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Great food and such a wonderful family-run business! The staff is incredibly kind, welcoming, and friendly. The birria tacos are absolutely delicious! I always love supporting small, family-owned businesses like this. Definitely worth stopping by and giving them a try!”
Mexican · $
473 East Market Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Muy ricas las tlayudas recomendadas”
Mexican · $$
655 East Alisal Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“la comida muy buena. La atención excelente 😉😉”
Mexican · $
129 Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Awesome food my favorite every time I go Salinas 🏅”
Mexican · $
1927 Natividad Road, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“never been disappointed with the food here ! everything always tastes delicious and prices are good. amd the customer service is always friendly and awesome! my #1 go to place for some delicious Mexican food !”
Mexican · $
655 Sanborn Place, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“I have been to Los Grullenses many times over the years, and it remains one of my favorite places in Salinas for tacos. It’s the kind of spot I keep coming back to when I’m craving good tacos. My go to are tacos al pastor tacos and a chicken sope, and both were delicious. The corn tortillas for the tacos are grilled with some of the flavorful juices from the meat, which gives them an extra layer of flavor. The al pastor was juicy, well seasoned, and full of flavour, and the tortillas really helped bring everything together. The chicken sope was also very tasty. The sope itself had a nice little crispiness to it, the beans were good, and the chicken was flavorful and delicious. Everything is seasoned well, it really works. My husband ordered the tripas tacos, and these were probably the highlight of the meal. The tripas were crispy, flavorful, and cooked exactly the way we like them. If you enjoy tripas, this is definitely one of my favorite ways to have them. We also ordered Jamaica, which unfortunately was just okay. The biggest disappointment was that the drink was served warm despite having ice in it, so it wasn’t nearly as refreshing as it should have been. Overall, the tacos are flavorful, the meats are cooked well, and the grilled tortillas make a noticeable difference. Definitely one of my go-to taco restaurants in Salinas, and I’ll continue coming back for those tripas and al pastor tacos!”
Mexican · $
957 West Alisal Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Menudo is great!! Staff is so nice!!!”
Mexican · $
321 Salinas Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“An incredible dining experience all around! The atmosphere was welcoming, the service was top-tier, and the pricing was excellent! I ordered the chilaquiles verdes with over-easy eggs, mexican rice, and beans it was absolutely superb 🫶🏼 This spot is a must-visit, and I’ll definitely be returning!”
Mexican · $
1306 North Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“🌮 Ka Costa Taqueria — a flavorful gem in Salinas! If you're craving authentic Mexican bites with no frills and all flavor, this spot delivers. ✨ Highlights: - 🐷 Al pastor tacos that hit the spot - 🍤 Shrimp ceviche that’s fresh and zesty - 🌯 Burritos so big they deserve their own zip code - 🪑 Outdoor seating with a casual, local vibe 💸 Heads-up: It’s cash only, so bring those bills or be ready to sprint to the nearest ATM! 📍 Located at 1306 N Main St, it’s a local favorite for good reason. Fast service, generous portions, and a menu that keeps you coming back”
Mexican · $
543 West Market Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“muy rico en verdad les doy super like fue exactamente lo que quería 😍 un desayuno como en casa”
Mexican · $$
923 North Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“We have lived in Salinas for over 50 years and can truly say Taquitos is amazing. The food is always on point perfect! The restaurant employees are always so nice. They make you feel at home. We highly recommend Taquitos Restaurant. Today was Father’s Day and the Fajitas were delicious! My husband had the best Father’s Day dinner out. Thank you Taquitos you are the best!”
Mexican · $
8 Midtown Lane, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Always have great food”
Mexican · $
15 West Curtis Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“muy rico en verdad les doy super like fue exactamente lo que quería 😍 un desayuno como en casa”
Mexican · $
1237 South Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“My family and I like to support our local businesses and we were coming from a service for a loved one who passed. We got wonderful service . Food was very tasty, flavorful and delicious. The young lady at the counter took our order, was polite and very welcoming. We will be back. What a lil gem:)”
Mexican · $$
1334 South Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Large portions of good food and friendly attentive service are hallmarks of this establishment. Enchiladas with melted cheese (get the plate with rice and beans), fish tacos, super burritos and chimichangas are all I have tried so far, but there's lots more on the menu. Proteins include asada, pollo, carnitas, and chili verde. Margaritas and cerveza available as well as non alcoholic offerings.”
Mexican · $
201 Harrison Road, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“We were passing by to take freeway and turned around to try these tacos .. boy were we surprised how good they are and beat part is home made tortillas on the spot A+ Absolutely going back next time in town Recommended takes a little time to get food but well worth it”
Mexican · $
32 San Miguel Avenue, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Tacos are delicious, and also the side of onions, chiles, pickled carrots they give you. Also good homemade hot salsas they make. I haven’t tried their chile rellenos but they look delicious too. Very friendly staff and quick service.”
Mexican · $$
131 Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“La comida muy rica y los tragos divertidos ❤️🥩”
Mexican · $
1538 North Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Great staff and Really good Food”
Mexican · $
309 Williams Road, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Para mí los mejores tacos.”
Mexican · $
124 Abbott Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Four useful pieces of info: 1) handmade tortillas, so good 2) there is indoor seating, it’s clean and nice 3) they have sopes, even though they’re not on the menu 4) they can make veggie tacos (w beans)”
Mexican · $$
157 Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“First time me and my husband went to try this restaurant. We were beyond pleasantly happy with what we had and everything was perfect service, food, ambience. definitely recommend it to anyone”
Seafood · $
2010 North Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Love their Menudo and Cajun Shrimp!”
Mexican · $
1502 Constitution Boulevard, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“me encantó, el lugar muy agradable y la atención ni se diga y el barril ni se diga👍”
Mexican · $
976 Acosta Plaza, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Stopped on a whim and found a great new place. Delicious food and great prices, Staff was friendly and accommodating. I will be there often.”
Mexican · $$
107 Kern Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“very good food and friendly service. this is a good place to enjoy some good Mexican food.”
Mexican · $$
805 East Alisal Street, Salinas
“Delicious tamales and very affordable! The lady was very nice and accommodated my large order. We came from San Francisco to visit family nearby and they were hot and fresh when picked up. Would highly recommend to those looking for a spot for tamales in general. We even took some masa back home, everything was good quality.”
Mexican · $
1390 Nogal Drive, Salinas
“I got the birra torta here and two tacos al pastor. The tacos were good but the torta was surprisingly delicious upon first bite due to the quality of the birria. The overall taste profile at this location is balanced and deep, meaning it is well-seasoned and flavorful without being excessive or greasy. It is food that can be eaten every day without feeling overloaded. It is also at a very nice location next to a park and lots of trees. I randomly met the owner one day prior at an unrelated place, and I can see that there is a reason he confidently invited me to try his food, where his lovely wife operates the business and cooking! It is because he knows he can deliver a great food experience! Through word of mouth, I know that I am not the only one who liked the torta here. There is quite an extensive menu, and I will definitely be back to try more items. I highly recommend the birria. Overall a great spot!”
Mexican · $
Iris Drive, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Made with love! This is definitely a go to for me in Salinas. Not my first time going but the first time I’ve felt the NEED to let other people know about a food spot. If you want homemade tortillas, good cuts of meat and awesome service this is the spot! Ps. I’m picky when it comes to taco trucks so if you are too this one won’t disappoint.”
Mexican · $
154 West Market Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
Mexican · $$
834 North Sanborn Road, Salinas
“I like to go on Sundays for the barbecue. The truth is that it is very good and they serve you well. You can almost always order a small glass of consommé to enjoy it while you wait to be served with handmade tortillas and it is very delicious.”
Mexican · $
701 East Alisal Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“The best Pollo 🐓🐔in all of the 831”
Mexican · $$
107 Bardin Road, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Cannot believe I never tried this gem before. Came over to get the oil changed across the way. Decided to check out the shopping center and glad I did. This eatery is very clean, welcoming and friendly. Left side is all pastry, cookies, breads and pan to die for. Right side is table seating. All back side is kitchen. The menu is extensive. Get plates or a la cart. So many options. Being a first timer, I asked a few people who were waiting if they had ordered. Yes. A kind man took me over to where I could order food. Gracias! The chicken nachos contained a base of stone ground tortilla chips, freshly grilled chicken, pinto beans, cheese, pico de gallo, crema, pickled jalapeno and freshly sliced avocado for $10.98. It was incredibly delicious. Stopped by the bakery counter and took home some cookies. My husband and I both loved them. Honestly, I need to find a reason to come over here more often. Its that good.”
Mexican · $
737 Sanborn Place, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Muy buena comida. En especial. Las corundas. Y pambasos pero toda la comida muy buena!”
Mexican · $
504 East Alisal Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“lez recomiendo era mi lugar faboruto.mucho ancient mui amable don Roberto. lo malo k me made a Houston sino aunestu iera ye do q bqilar selos recomiendo.”
Mexican · $
1225 Del Monte Avenue Suite 1, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Comida mexicana tradicional y sabrosa! El Chaparrito and his wife catered our son's party, and they did a great job! The food was fresh and tasty, and ready to be served when they arrived...a very brief wait for setup and preparation. I loved the grilled onions and serrano peppers the best. Spicy salsa too! Very friendly, professional service too. Highly recommend!”
Mexican · $
301 East Alisal Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“GREAT food if you go you have to try the CHAVITA”
Mexican · $$
246 Williams Road, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“I lived in Salinas many years ago, discovered Eva's Cafe by accident and was truly overwhelmed with the food. the atmosphere, and the service. So much so that I brought my friends at every opportunity. I left the area for about 15 years and upon my return, the first chance I got, returned to Eva's. I was so pleased they were still there and again bring my friends over and over. I have traveled the world in my career and can say with honesty Eva's has the best Mexican food on the planet.”
Mexican · $$
Grills · $
321 South Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Amazing food! This is a must stop for anyone visiting Salinas.”
Mexican · $
153 Griffin Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Best Mexican Seafood I have ever had! 5⭐️’s”
Mexican · $
545 East Alisal St B, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“It reminds me of the "cheap kitchens" of Mexico. Typical foods that are not of such high quality but are good and cheap. The difference from the cheap kitchens of Mexico is that here they serve very large portions. Several dishes are enough for 2, almost 3, people.”
Breakfast · $
912 Park Row, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Best breakfast spot in Salinas 🔥 10/10 recommend! The staff is so welcoming—they genuinely make you feel at home. You can tell they love what they do and really care about your experience, not just serving food but making sure you enjoy every bite.”
Mexican · $
2015 North Main Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“I had flautas and it was awesome food. Also the staff was very polite and cute lol. Can’t believe I been driving past this place for years and never tried it till today I have been missing out”
Mexican · $
638 Williams Road, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“The Food is usually on point. There is a cook that is way better than the other..Idk if it's the effort or wasn't trained properly but for that reason I give 4 stars. Otherwise I would say it's some of the best mariscos in Monterey County.”
Mexican · $
336 East Market Street, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“places is FIRE!!! I had broccoli I also had some chicken three pieces two legs and a breast and some rice 🔥🔥🔥”
Mexican · $
22 West Romie Lane, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“Great food and large portions”
Mexican · $
61 Sherwood Drive, Salinas
Customers’ favorites
“BEST CARNITAS!! I have been coming here for years just for their carnitas and salsa. The salsa compliments the meat perfectly. I buy it by the pound and take it home. It's the only thing I buy, so I can't comment on the other food. I'm sure it's great.”
Mexican · $
22734 Portola Drive, Salinas
“one of the best selections of tequila, wine, whiskey, and bourbon. in addition very friendly and knowledgeable staff. oh, and the breakfast burritos are great for a morning hangover”
El Pollo Loco is betting that loyalty members want more than discounts. The fire-grilled chicken chain rolled out a refreshed Loco Rewards program earlier this year, pairing exclusive experiences with app-driven promotions as part of a broader turnaround that's already delivering results. The centerpiece of the relaunch: a partnership with Coca-Cola for a "soccer challenge" giving members a shot at a VIP trip to the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game in Charlotte, N.C., on July 29. The grand prize includes two game tickets, hotel accommodations, flight vouchers, and a $300 Visa gift card. A hundred runner-up winners each receive a $25 El Pollo Loco gift card.
Qdoba Mexican Eats is speeding up its growth across the nation, adding 33 new locations to its plans and bringing total restaurant commitments to more than 500 across the United States. The fast-casual Mexican chain is growing through key franchise partnerships in many regions. In the Northeast, PFGS, LLC will build 15 locations across Springfield, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. Meanwhile, Empire Inc. has agreed to open 10 restaurants in the Columbus, Ohio area, using their experience running over 100 restaurants including Subway and Dunkin' stores.