Location: Salinas
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California, United States Food Guide: 10 Mexican food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Salinas
Find out what Mexican restaurants to try in Salinas. Salinas /səˈliːnəs/ is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County, California. Salinas is an urban area located just outside the southern portion of the Greater Bay Area and 10 miles (16 km) east-southeast of the mouth of the Salinas River. The population was 157,218 as of 2016. The city is located at the mouth of the Salinas Valley roughly eight miles from the Pacific Ocean and has a climate more influenced by the ocean than the hot-summer interior. The majority of residents live in single-unit detached homes, built between 1950 and 2000, while one third of the housing stock has three or more units per structure. Salinas serves as the main business, governmental and industrial center of the region. The marine climate is ideal for the floral industry, grape vineyards, and vegetable growers. Salinas is known for its vibrant and large agriculture industry and being "The Salad Bowl of the World" as the hometown of writer and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate John Steinbeck, who based several of his novels there.
Things to do in Salinas
10. Fish and Chips
Reviewed By Smudge R
Tucked away in Salinas is this gem of an eatery that serves up the most perfect fish and chips ever. They have a great varied menu, but I can never stray away from ordering the fish & chips. This is quality hand-battered fish that is fried perfectly every time i've been here. Service is super fast and friendly. The restrooms are always clean and tidy. One would think that better fish & chips would be found by the coast, i.e., Santa Cruz, but the bonus goes to Salinas. Who knew?
9. Guadalajara Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By gottogonow
Service was excellent! Then it went down from there. Rice and beans were good but I ordered a crispy taco and cheese enchilada. Taco had some kind of deep fried chicken stuffed into a taco bell taco shell. My husband ordered a chimichanga with carnitas and there was about 1 tablespoon of carnitas meat in it. If that is the best they can do they had better give it up.
8. La Casa del Sazon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
La Casa Del Sazón®, Inc. was created with the vision of establishing a family friendly restaurant. The main goal is to create authentic Mexican food with the highest quality local ingredients and to deliver the authentic regional taste of the Mexican cuis
Reviewed By GeoffGuiseley
This is a small restaurant apparently mainly used by the local Latino community and tucked away in the corner of a car park. The welcome was very friendly and the waitress took some time to ensure the table was really clean for us. I had the carnitas, pieces of roast pork with beans and rice, which was really good and came with super flour tortillas. My wife had a chicken burrito which she also really enjoyed. The sort of place you probably wouldn't consider unless, as in this case, it had been recommended but excellent food and excellent value. The closed sign went up around 8.15 that evening so not a place to arrive late.
7. Gutierrez & Rico Drive-In
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By LBlank-SalinasCA
Without a recommendation 20 years ago, I wouldn't have considered stopping at Gutierrez Drive-In; now, 20 years later, I am a faithful regular when I am in Salinas. Order and pick-up at the counter; a full range of authentic Mexican food - from simple tacos and burritos, to full meals that are too large to finish in one sitting. The Siete Mares is excellent. I have not found any other restaurant with carnitas as good as those at Gutierrez. Beer and soft drinks are available. Menudo on weekends. Romantic ambience? No. Excellent south-of-the-border food? SÃ.
6. Pica Fresh Mex
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By gbangs59
came across this restaurant during my visit of downtown Salinas. I love old style Mexican food. not the tourist trade grap that you find in some cities. the food was not too hot. I could actually taste the food without that burning sensation . you can get it mild or hot here. the price for two dinners was comparable for two at carls jr. the food was good as well as the service. enjoyed my eats here.
Where to eat Barbecue food in Salinas: The Best Restaurants and Bars
5. El Zacatecano
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By thelangernj
This is a whole in the wall lower budget spot that has very good food. It certainly won't be confused with a 5 star restaurant, but they offer great taste at a family run whole in the wall. We wondered about the area when we stopped in. But the food was good and the service prompt. If you want good solid Mexican food this is the place to go.
Most Popular American food in Salinas, California, United States
4. MI Tierra Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By KarenEph320
We had the chili relleno burrito and chili Verde burrito. They were both full of wonderful flavor and ingredients. Portions were generous and burritos were less than $5 each. The Jamaica was beautiful, the best I've tried in California. Rice is served in burritos. I imagine you can ask to leave it out. The service was good.
3. Los Altos Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By toohuge
This place has some incredible food. The super campachanga is incredible with all of fresh seafood. On fridays they have a mariachi band in there.
Where to eat Cafe food in Salinas: The Best Restaurants and Bars
2. Michael's Grill & Taqueria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By booptraveler
We stopped for a late lunch en route to southern CA. The food was very tasty; everything seemed fresh. Like other review say, it is a small, simple place but it is the quality of the food that counts.
1. El Charrito - Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Like many immigrants who came to this country in hopes of opportunity and a better life, the Moncada's migrated to this country from Mexico in the early 60's with the same mentality and in pursuit of the of the American dream. Similar to many immigrants,
Reviewed By Donna L
We got burritos, which come with refried pintos and rice and your choice of about 6 salsas. Choose your meat. Add ins like avocado are extra. 2 burritos set us back $8. Although the burritos are not huge, they were perfect for us midafternoon after a substantial hike in Garland Ranch Park. Unexpectedly delicious. REALLY hit the spot. Not much Mex in Carmel, and we knew we had to leave town to get the good stuff. Salinas does not disappoint!
