Explore Salinas' Mexican flavors with our restaurant recommendations.
“This is a very popular spot for the Hispanic crowd. Everything is made from scratch. The tortillas are fabulously fresh. This is the only place I have ever seen chili relleno burritos, oh so good! They only make 50 per day and they are usually gone by 1 pm. Long lines are common at lunch time, but with several servers behind the counter the line moves fast. You choose your items while you watch them being out together. There is no indoor seating.“
“Went here today for the first time. I ordered the carnitas burrito and it was delicious! I was surprised to see they sold Turkish treats. I bought an order of Turkish delights and the owner even included an extra piece. Very great service. You can tell the owner really cares about his customers and the quality of his food. Great flavors! Will definitely come again!! :)“
“I made a quick trip this weekend to my hometown of Salinas for a cousin's funeral, and I found this place on Yelp (where else). My brother and I were hungry for breakfast and this place did not disappoint. I ordered the chilaquiles verdes with over medium eggs, beans and rice, while my brother ordered the country eggs Benedict (sausage Patty instead of Canadian bacon). The salsa verde on the chilaquiles had just enough bite without being soggy, the tortilla chips were nice and crispy, and the eggs were cooked just right. The beans and rice complimented the meal perfectly. I was going to order the optional carne asada to go on top of the chilaquiles, but honestly, I didn't miss it. The Señora, presumably the proprietor, came by our table three times with a big smile to see how we liked it. No small feat, considering how busy they were. We are very well for $41 plus tip. I will definitely return to this excellent local spot when I am in town.“
“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.“
“This is definitely a hidden gym. My brother and I went to try this place out after our church night service. They were closing down but they still took our order and still had quality customer service. I ordered 4 Birria Tacos and my brother ordered the Quesabirria taco and by far it is the best birria we had. Definitely making this my new spot for tacos and birria.“
“You know those places you feel at home? This is one for me. Hospitable, friendly, welcoming service. Food was yummy, fast and furious! I got Tlacoyos.. I came years ago and had to return. Food is fresh. The menu has great options even for Vegans. The masa de mais taste fresh too. Oaxaca is different from regular Mexican food. The space is on point! Yo, it’s righteously priced too! Even my dog enjoyed the outdoor sitting with me. Did I mention they’re bilingual? So they speak the Spanglish. All good in this neighborhood. Don’t be scared the people say hi ?? - smile life is ? good.“
“This is a fantastic place to eat. It has consistently served delicious food every time I have gone there. I had the chile verde and my companion had albondigas soup. They were both delicious. It’s good to know when you are ordering that your know it’s going to be “
“the food and drinks are very good . But the service is horrible. One of the waiters Yesenia has a horrible attitude you cannot even ask her a question because she gets irritated and snaps back at you. I recommend having drinks the bartender does an awesome job on making them.“
“I love this so much I love the owner he is so nice and caring he brings out the food asap his food is so delicious I would go back again every time,the service is great every at a fair price, the waiters r so amazing and over all the food is very very very very very very good!!!!!!!“
“I've came here numerous times and this establishment has never failed me. The service is quick and the food comes out packing a lot of flavor. I really like to come to El Rodeo. I just have to try to get myself up early enough to try out their breakfast. The space is very nice and clean. They also have a plethora of drinks to choose from. As well as snacks in case you may want something later. This establishment has made me a loyal customer.“
“The food was very delicious here. I recommend the wet burritos. Both Chile Verde and Chile Colorado are equally yummy. Their rice and beans are also very yum! Chips and salsa were good. I wish the place was a little roomier, but the food was great! Would definitely come back again.“
“Customer service fn great!!!! I gave it 4 stars due to its small capacity, but overall food is the best and tasty, very authentic Mexican food. Will keep coming back and forth lol...Vegetarian options: Rice and beans, pico de gallo or salsa, as well as a basic regular salad. Chips, too!!Kid-friendliness: It is family-friendly, but if you got them little ones who can't sit still and are loud, then my recommendation is eating outside due to its tight capacity inside as well as respect for others who are trying to enjoy a family friendly meal without the distraction.Parking: Parking is a bit hard to find, but there is a parking garage down the street from the restaurant. About a few minutes away, walking distanceWheelchair accessibility: WC accessibility outside due to its small restaurant.Dietary restrictions: Not a vegetarian restaurant, but there are rice and beans as well as a regular salad.“
“I'm not from Salinas. So it's not fair to rank or rate this restaurant to others nearby. But I'd say it was quintessential and has an authentic style for California Mexican restaurant.How can you go wrong with local, small business?First time eating a pickled carrot. Tasty, tart and a hint of spice.The four Tacos #1 was amazing.AMAZINGIt's off a main road so easy access but also traffic noise.Parking: Plenty of parking for the size of the restaurant.Kid-friendliness: Kids like food too, you know? Feed themWheelchair accessibility: Access.“
“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.“
“Sometimes they know how to speak Spanish and they don't, I saw it with a person who came to buy, and the person didn't speak English, and I think the majority who work there are Latinos, blessingsParking: Well, it depends on what time you get to eat ?“
“Very good place to buy food and more things often I buy there today 08/12/22 my son accidentally dropped a bag of corn for posole most of it fell but the person who served me was very kind and considerate and said that it is normal that sometimes those accidents happen and they are “
“First time visiting this place, and I would highly recommend it. The fish and chips were seasoned and prepared just right! The waitress provided us with great service as well.Kid-friendliness: They have a kids menu and booster seats for kids.“
“I wanted to try something new for lunch! And I never do that, this place was very clean and very welcoming when I walked in. I ordered the 3 chicken enchiladas with rice and beans. It was well cooked very moist. Rice and beans were spot on. 10/10 would recommend.“
“I happened to really need to buy some tamales. I read that Leal's bakery had some and so made a special trip after work to check it out. These tamales were much larger than I expected. They are perfect for lunch and the bakery makes a variety of them. I bought 10 of them and kept them in my fridge to take to work. I would be remiss to forget to tell you about the mountains of baked goods in the bakery, of course. I was surprised by the beautiful pastry fantasyland that Leal's bakery has to offer. I was blown away by variety of breads and cookies. And they also have champurado in the mornings. Yum!“
“Great little taco truck. Very convenient for those nearby in the area. Prices are decent and food is not bad at all either. Ive had the california burrito, cuban torta and the carne asada torta. Cuban torta (pictured) was different then all the others ive had. This one had ham, hot dog, chorizo, thinly sliced breaded steak and bacon! Definitely a lot going on but worth a try.“
“I came here to say that I'm crushed this place has closed permanently, apparently in 2019. I hope the owners will see this review anyway.My husband and I are truckers, and we used to come here when we stayed at the truck stop that's walking distance from here.This place was outstanding! Yeah, it was just a little hole in the wall, and the people who waited on us didn't speak fluent English. But they spoke English better than we spoke Spanish! #NoJudgment. They were quite friendly and pleasant. And we loved the mom-and-pop atmosphere and quaint surroundings.The food all was homemade and extremely tasty. Most of the time we ate things we had never heard of before, and that was a big part of the appeal for us. I see in other reviews that several people knocked this place for not being the Mexican food they're used to, but it wasn't trying to be. This food was Oaxacan, from a state far down in southern Mexico. The dishes from there are naturally a far cry from those that evolved anywhere near the U.S.-Mexico border or in California.Making the food from scratch was also more labor-intensive than buying mass-produced and frozen. Of course it cost more than other places.It's sad to lose a lovely little local place like this.“
“Been doing business with these guys for years. Ignacio is an amazing businessman and and runs his shops with quality customer service in mind. Great prices and always responsive to our requests. Can't thank you enough for the years of good service we have found at Lopez's“
“Good food been coming here for a whileThey just need to fix there traffic controlA lot of people dont move outta the way an park in the entrance an hold all the traffic ..cant get inside the parking lot. all because people dont wanna get off their car.“
“Favorite taco truck - coming from taco truck frequenters who eat at taco trucks and stands from Cabo, Colonet (Baja) to Seattle!!!The presentation is fresh and super clean! Gorgeous slices of perfect cucumber and radish with limes and a grilled Serrano accompany tacos, and the red sauce..... BEST EVER! I'd search for them just for the sauce. Great carne asada and my San Diego native husband's favorite meat is trials- which are really great here, too! Tacos are the go-to, and the burrito was delicious last one I had one.Jose is super friendly and really cares about the food. Definitely love this truck!Always our favorite pre-bowling stop!“
“Great place to stop and eat good Mexican food. The woman at the front is always so helpful and friendly! Have been here multiple times and will continue to come back.Writing this review because there was an extremely rude customer that cussed at the employee and she handled it very professionally.“
“This place will always be my favorite! Tacos are authentic and bomb. Ceviche de Camaron super good one of the best in town. Shrimp and octopus cocktail is also one of the best. The service is meh, and the ambiance is also meh. But if you just want good food, this is that's place! And they take credit cards now.“
“Delicious food, they are very welcoming, if there is something wrong with the order they don’t hesitate to fix it. We come here often. I usually order a quesabirria or quesadilla. My daughter loves the sopes and tacos. My husband likes their asada burrito. I’ve had many of their plates and they’re all good. They also have Taco Tuesday. My dad’s favorite. Their food trucks are also good. One thing I do recommend is that they make more aguas frescas since they run out quick every time I go to the restaurant they’re out.Kid-friendliness: They like having my toddler over. Always talking to her.“
“I ordered 2 chorizo Chavindeca which is a taco turned into quesadilla... 2 corn tortillas, with cheese, meat, cilantro with onions and some spicy salsa... Topped off with a lemon squeeze... Yyuuuummm.. Came for a late night snack and it hit the spot even though tortillas are “
“Villa Azteca was delicious. There was no wait on a Saturday afternoon for a party of 2. We ordered the carnitas enchiladas, mole Amarillo, and arroz con leche for dessert. Everything tasted great, the carnitas were really tasty and had some meat cooked on the crunchier side just how I like it. The steak on the mole Amarillo was requested “well done” so it was also on the crunchier side as well, next time we’ll order medium well. The arroz con leche hit the spot for that sweet tooth. I gave 4 stars because they charged $1.99 for chips and salsa, something they should have been transparent about when they bring them to the table.“
“(Translated by Google) Very good experience a very simple but pleasant place. I recommend that you try the caldito 7 mares, which is delicious. Along with a beer of your choice. I recommend it!!! ???? ????????????????(Original)Muy buena experiencia un lugar muy sencillo pero agradable . Les recomiendo que prueben el caldito 7 mares que está de rechupete. Junto con una cervecita de su agrado . Lo recomiendo!!! ???? ????????????????“
“Best (Gobernador) Shrimp Tacos EVER!!!Abundant and super fresh shrimp cooked to the exact perfect second, delivered perfectly warm, crammed into fresh homemade crispy soft tortillas, topped with fluffy homemade guac, sautéed sweet onions and peppers with oozy soft melted cheese. Absolutely mind-blowing delicious! It will be an almost impossible challenge to order anything else when I eat here next time, but the menu all looks so tempting, too. Service is wonderful, prices v reasonable, lovely ambiance and they are open all afternoon. What a FIND!!! ¡Muchas Gracias!“