Fantastic! Two trips here and Ay Caramba does not disappoint. Molcajete is a generous carnivore's adventure with a medley of perfectly prepared meats served with mouthwatering cheese, nopales, and onion in a bubbling hot spicy salsa. Chile Relleno was delicately prepared, not greasy at all. Burrito was great. Three distinct, delicious salsas with chips greeted us as we ordered. Don't miss this easy stop next to Hwy 101. read more

Ay Caramba offers quite simply great tex mex. I was there in early August- after a long (and very cold) day on the motorcycle from Pasadena to Salinas via the PCH Ay Caramba really hit the spot. We ordered tacos as well as a Mexican pizza (something I had never had before). Every came out sizzling hot and was packed with flavor. I would recommend and return if ever in the area. read more

I decided to try this restaurant after seeing their advertisement at the California rodeo. The server was very friendly and made us feel right at home, the food was delicious they had homemade flour tortillas, need I say more! read more

Great atmosphere. Will return! The service was fantastic as well. Food was indeed authentic to go along with handmade tortillas.

Hey the salsa should be better? The last two time I have eaten here, I was served a dirty wooden salsa holder. The salsa is obviously pre made because it is served cold out of the fridge. I was totally grossed out that I was served a dirty holder once but when it happened the next time I ate here I said no more! There are better and cleaner places. Won't be back again. read more

Update: We ordered delivery from Ay Caramba this evening. The food arrived in a timely manner and it was an upgrade from the last time that we dined in the restaurant. My husband had the Carne Asada burrito and enjoyed it to the fullest. My son had the chicken super burrito and he enjoyed his meal as well. I had the vegetarian taco salad and it was delicious. It was loaded with rice, beans and crispy strips of green and red bell pepper, and squash. All food portions were generous and tasty. We also ordered the loaded fries with meat on the side. This dish didn't work as well as a to go dish, but we plan to try it again in the restaurant. Thank you Ay Caramba for coming through and delivering a quality meal. The salsas and lime wedges were also much appreciated. Previous review: I gave it a couple of tries before writing a review. The restaurant itself is nice, I enjoy the use of space; clean, open, good light and comfortable seating. The food is definitely acceptable. Today we ordered a couple of Modelos and some Nachos (with the meat on the side). For our main course my Husband ordered a carnitas torta and I ordered cheese enchiladas. We had planned on enjoying our beverages and appetizer at a leisurely pace but everything came out at once. When we visit restaurants we like to enjoy ourselves, take our time and savor each course. I should have disclosed that I am a vegetarian, since to my surprise I noted bacon in the beans that I was served. Our waiter was kind enough replace them with refried beans. At the end of our meal we were presented with our bill and failed to notice that the advertised Tuesday senior discount wasn't applied. (And we're clearly seniors ) Anyway, we will give Ay Caramba one m shot sometime in the future. read more

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Exceptional, exceptional, exceptional. Not only was the mole exquisite but even the rice and beans were special. We told the server that the food was fantastic and he said that the chef had a restaurant in Mexico City....wow, lucky Monterey County! Lucky Prunedale. What a hidden gem if you're traveling north on the 101. read more

We moved here 8 month's ago and our daughter-in-law (SF) told us about this restaurant and truly enjoyed the steak that she had there. We've been wanting to try this place and went there last Saturday. Food was really good and service was great! We're definitely coming back! My husband wants to try the ribeye steak and I'm having the shrimp and ribeye tacos! read more

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Had dinner on a Friday evening and the restaurant was a bit slow. The waiter was kind and very attentive. Immediately we were given crispy chips and salsa. The salsa was displayed in a trio red salsa, and 2 Verde salsas one spicy and a mild. All salsas were good I liked the red usually I like green but the red was tasty. We ordered two margaritas rocks pretty good. The menu was simple but confusing as it was more dedicated to entree meals. If you order a chili reyeno that's what you get. We ordered Tacos Ranchero sounded fancy but were nothing more than a street tacos came with 2 a small ramekin one rice and one beans both good serving were small. So all the food was good but I felt like it was a mini meal. We had to eat 3 helpings of chips to make up for the small dishes. If you like good food and a good drink this place rocks, but Dinner ehh I still need to try a combo plate to be sure on my feelings here. I will be back and suggest you give them a taste and a drink. Oh price was a bit $$ for street tacos. More to come! read more

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Came here on a Friday night around 845 pm. Husband didn't want fast food junk and since we live 5 minutes from here we thought we would try it out. They had a singer with a beautiful voice and she sang all types of music to cater to everyone. It was not as crowded so were able to hear her sing which was nice. The shrimp tacos (4) was very flavorful your choose of homemade corn or flour tortilla we had it in flour, we because I had to steal two from sister since she ordered it. I had the campechanos tacos which was good but had less flavor in my opinion than the shrimp taco. My husband had the enchiladas suizas which also delicious. We had the ay caramba nachos I feel that in itself could be a meal. For dessert we had the flan, I'm Filipino so I'm partial to my type of flan. Their Mexican flan is creamy and less sweet than ours. My husband loved it. The staff was very welcoming and friendly when we told them it was our first time there. read more

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The best Mexican food I have in a long time I had the molcajete and was delicious also my family's food was good no complains. I will return for sure !!!! read more

Ay Caramba - Molcajete delicious - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California

To call this real Mexican food is a joke. You would be better off going to taco bell the food here is so bland. The beans taste like they just opened a can of ranch beans and added some pickled jalapeños. Do not recommend. Save your money and go to sarritas. read more

Ay Caramba - Nacho fries what a joke. All cheese sauce and nothing but fat and gristle on the asada. - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California

To be fair I only tried this place once. But based on that I won't go back. If you like big chunky onions and gristly meat in what should be a simple carne asada burrito then come here. Otherwise just drive the extra few minutes to Salinas for a real burrito. My son got chicken tortilla soup and it was obvious that it was just shredded chicken for a burrito thrown in the broth. That's not how soup is made sorry. If you want good food in prunedale there is only two choices: 101 winepress and Ichiban sushi. I'm not sure why it's so hard to keep good restaurants in prunedale. read more

I've gone to this place twice .. once when they first opened and that incident , food was just okay, they forgot to charge me but I did pay. Second visit, my presence was barely acknowledged as the front staff was to busy on their phone and the food yet again was blah .. read more

I've came here on various occasions and usually it is always good food and service. Today unfortunately my experience was not good. I usually always order an arrachera burrito, torta de carnitas, or al pastor tacos but today I wanted to switch it up and get an asada burrito. Worst mistake ever, the meat was so bad. Bad is actually an understatement, it didn't even feel like asada. Just very thick rubbery gristle. At first I thought maybe it was a bad bite, but turns out the whole burrito was the same. It was totally non edible. I had to literally take off 90% of the meat. I was very disappointed, if I'm paying $16 for a burrito I would at least hope that they use quality meat, this was not the case. We also ordered a carnitas torta and it didn't even have mayo or sour cream. Overall was very disappointing. Only reason I leave 3 stars is because I had never experienced something like this in all of my past visits, so maybe it was a bad batch or something. I will continue to eat here but that is definitely the last time I'm getting anything Asada. read more

Ay Caramba - All of this "asada" was non edible - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California

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I love this place. It is quiet and the food is delicious! The customer service is good as well. Our server explained one of the dishes to me as so have always wondered, but never asked. He was very helpful. read more

Best Mexican cuisine around. The dishes are unique and the flavors are balanced. Service can be slow sometimes, but it's not a problem with the chips and salsas. An underrated Prunedale restaurant for sure. read more

Terrible service, we waited 1 1/2 hour for just alright food, told the manager and she replied with your skirt steak is on the sizzler, she was very rude about it, never again... read more

Our go to local spot. Great food, Micheladas, atmosphere & excellent service. Our server Kika is always great & is very attentive to our needs. read more

This place has great food and great service. It's also clean. Had the Ribeye tacos and they were delicious. Oh have to mention the service twice, it was really good, just one guy who was on top of everything and very friendly. read more

I stumbled into this unexpected gem on a weekday night to discover delicious food, great value, and unparalleled service. The homemade flour tortilla was the star of the night, featured in both the shrimp burrito and a to-go 10 pack (for only $5). I should also mention the burrito was enough for two meals and packed with deliciousness inside. The included chips and salsa were great, too. But in these unprecedented times of Covid-19, what stood out even more was a sense of pride in the food, and the genuine hospitality offered by Elbert on behalf of the staff there. With the dining room closed, Elbert was serving as a greeter, runner, waiter, and even a delivery guy shuttling food to the curbside for takeout orders -- all while keeping a friendly and upbeat and grateful attitude as he serves people during these weird times. To the management team -- this man seriously deserves a bonus! I haven't felt so good about supporting a local business and can't wait to find my way back. PS - ask about the enchiladas and Taco Tuesday everyday specials. Saw a chalkboard mentioning these at the door. read more

Ay Caramba - 10 pack of homemade tortillas for $5 (to go) - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California

My server Ricardo was amazing !!! He was very helpful and super polite! He recommended the Molcajete and it was SOOOO GOOD ! I'll definitely be coming back for it and the service ! read more

Calling all caramel lovers!!! So my husband and I stopped in on a Friday night for a quick bite. This was our third visit to this restaurant. It was packed! We took the last table in the place. It was also loud because they had a singer performing (not sure if this is their regular Friday entertainment?) but her voice was angelic and she sang a wide variety of music. We ordered food and drinks which were tasty. Chips good, salsa delish, taco salad delish, asada tacos also good. Afterwards, however is where the magic began! I ordered the flan with a cappuccino. This flan was to-die-for!!! OMG, the consistency was firm like cheesecake and the flavor was dynamite!!! It was served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream on the side. It paired beautifully with the cappuccino! My husband and I shared a piece and he agreed that is was the best flan he had ever tasted. The server said that is was one of their family recipes and that all of their desserts are homemade. If you want a piece of caramel heaven, you should order this! (Sorry I took the pic after I started eating it, lol) read more

Ay Caramba - Cappuccino, mellow coffee, foam topper with a sprinkle of cinnamon - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California

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Yo, haters gonna hate. But I've been here three times and it's always been bomb. Since when does Prunedale have such high standards? The tortillas are delicious, taste homemade. Burritos, hefty and flavorful. Decent prices for a decent meal. Actual good beer on tap (where else can you find that in Prunetucky?). KILLER sangria. Excellent service, the last time I went they gave my mom a rose as we walked in. The one flaw I will say is the rice is lacking flavor. But they make up for it on the beans! As for small portions on rice and beans? If you NEED more just ask! They'll give it to ya! I like filling up on the main dish, personally. They ain't perfect but it can get there! Give it a try! read more

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I've been coming here specifically for the fajitas. Very disappointed in them today. Everything is steamed and not seared/caramelized. The veggies are practically raw. This was the main dish I liked getting here... but now I don't think I'll be returning. It's a terrible feeling getting home and opening up food you're excited for, then getting let down. read more

Ay Caramba - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California

Came here with a girlfriend last week and absolutely loved the place. We grew up out here so to find a little gem like this was really cool. The service and staff were on point and really really good at what they do. Upsold me TWICE on two things I'd never try, ordered them both and loved it!!!! We got the Fundido Con Chorizo which was a skillet of cheese and chunks of chorizo. BOMB. Then had the sope which was another impressive dish. Their Michelada was good too. Because the food service and ambiance was so good, I brought my husband back just yesterday for lunch and he was just as impressed as I was. This restaurant seems to be a bit more high end to be in the Prunetree Shopping Center but If it works for them, good, because we love it. We ordered the Molcajete and it was more than enough for two people. I've had quite a few of these in different establishments and I have to say this one was perfect! After lunch we HAD to try the Churros LOL. Amazing as well. Kudos to management for creating such a great restaurant and process for the staff to follow. They are professional, attentive and friendly. The only thing I will say is the chips seems just a little on the stale side during both visits. No biggie because everything else was perfect and so are their salsas. read more

Ay Caramba - Molcajete!!!! Amazing!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California

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The best was amazing!! And the service was the best!! Kika was a great waitress !! And very attentive! And very kind! t

Ordered a morcajete. Was definitely not a traditional morcajete plate. This was just grilled chicken, beef and chirizo placed in a dry morcajete. Every time I have ordered this plate somewhere else after meat is grill its finished cooking in chese with red or green sauce inside the piping hot morcajete. Very disappointed. Wife ordered a torta description said sausage it was a sliced hot dog not a sausage. read more

Ay Caramba - Morcajete is dry no red or green sauce like a traditional morcajete. - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California

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A little disappointed if I'm being honest. Prunedale restaurants already get an automatic star boost for being close and if you're Prunedale native, you understand. They advertise like they have a full bar but they're cocktails are made with Sake which frankly doesn't really work for a "spicy Margarita". If you want good Mexican food it's worth driving into Salinas but if you're hungry and don't wanna drive, it's not the worst thing. read more

Wow new school style but fantastic quality hate to admit this at my age but this is the best Mexican food I've ever had they're calling it authentic on their shirts Amalgamation of trending chef skills and styles, authentic Mexican recipes and farm to table fresh with all best ingredients and finest quality Great wine and beer list too read more

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Awesome food great service eat here regularly alway good and the staff is great fast service

Craving a burrito driving through Prunedale and came upon this place in a shopping mall. Only one other patron in there a little past noon. The decor was modern with a large bar but not a Mexican feel to it. I ordered a chicken burrito (no beans) & for $1 added the guacamole & sour cream. I paid $16.43. The cashier said 10 mins....20 mins later I asked since I was anxious to get on the road to my destination. Ofcourse you tip when paying in advance so I paid almost $20 for a burrito. I did not like the tortilla at all BUT (here's the kicker) the ingredients inside were yummy with the lime chicken & just the right amount of cheese, rice and guacamole. worth the time & money I don't think so especially since my blood pressure read more

Loved it molcajete order is delicious it's for 2 people... I recommend it try it .... will Be back for more read more

I'm not sure why this restaurant has a low rating, maybe due issues with opening. My experience was really great. My wife and I had lunch there and couldn't have been happier. The restaurant has nice ambience and is very clean. Our server, April was delightful. A warm smile and great personality. She was also very knowledgeable about the menu and how things were prepared. On April's recommendation, I ordered the Molcajete. It was awesome! Served bubbling hot, it came with several types of meats, cheese, cactus, onion, salsa, rice and beans with choice of fresh homemade tortillas. I will definitely order it again. My wife had the taco salad with grilled chicken. It beautiful fried flower tortilla. Vibrant fresh lettuce and tomato's with lots of chicken and a chipotle dressing. Delicious. The wine bar looks inviting, and I'm sure we'll try it out in the future. read more

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Great food with fantastic dining area. Service is great and they really serve great food. Love everything, but I usually got with the taco salad or a burrito. The tortillas are amazing! read more

Some days are goodish but today was extra tasteless. Chicken and shrimp look and taste boiled. Tortilla's strait out of a package. Very little taste. read more

Very nice athmospher with excellent service and delicious food at a very affordable price. We found this place through Yelp. So happy we visited and tried it. We will definitely go again when in the area. I highly recommend it. read more

I had the steak and shrimp skewers and it was very bland. The steak was fatty. My son had the breakfast burrito and he said it didn't have flavor. My husband had the chili verde, normally it's in chuncks with sauce. His was shredded and not really any sauce and no flavor. The beNs are canned ranch beans with jalapenos. The loaded nacho fries was overloaded with cheese sauce and meat was rubbery. Service was almost non existent. No one checked on drink refills. So very disappointed . We will never go there again. read more

Friendly service, great addition to Prunedale! My favorite is the tacos, nice portions and multiple options!

Here is a picture of my burger totally raw. I had three bites. Restaurant still wanted me to pay my bill $100. I wonder if they will cover my medical bills. Not sure if I'll get sick. Unfortunate night out with the family. It was supposed to be special read more

Ay Caramba - Hamburger - Mexican Near Me - Prunedale, California