A favorite of mine for many years, and still consistently great food. The owners are great guys.

This place was solid! We came here today with our daughter and her BF for the first time before we headed out of town. This is located in downtown Cotati, Ca. which since our daughter started attending Sonoma State we didn't even know about but every time we are down here we join in and try to keep it weird. LOL. Immediately got seated by a super nice waitress and ordered some drinks which glad to see they support the locals with Racer 5 and Lagunitas IPA on tap. Ok and if you've read any of my other reviews about Mexican you know what I am a little snobby about. You have to nail the chips and salsa and this place does. Super good crispy chips and fresh salsa so good. For lunch I ordered their spicy burrito, my wife got the make your own pastor burrito, my daughter had the make your own chicken tacos and her BF had the wet burrito. First off everyone loved their food and couldn't stop talking about how delicious there food was. Good news for this restaurant is now you have 2 college kids at Sonoma spreading the good news of great Mexican food right down the street from their college. read more

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For the first visit I had Caldo a traditional Mexican soup with carrots, zucchini, and meatballs. This place is really cozy and is very welcoming I was greeted and refilled with water and chips anytime I was empty, the server was kind as well. The price is very affordable! The portions are great! The food over all great with a party of 3 that all agreed. TV's for sports, little bar for dining or waiting, The restroom is small and a little dirty but on a rating it would be 7 out of 10 for restroom quality. I would be coming back along along as all of these remain accurate! Enjoy! read more

Cafe Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Cotati, California

Been looking for a great Mexican food spot since moving to north bay from Oakland 5 years ago. This is not it unfortunately. My asada taco was awful. Asada way overcooked and under seasoned. tortillas hard and dry. I prefer street tacos with just cilantro lime and onion. This had just meat and salsa fresco, which made the tortilla wet and soggy (where is wasn't hard and dry). My husband got chili verde burrito. Pork was dry and also under seasoned. My daughter got the carnitas burrito, and that was pretty tasty, although the carnitas were lacking any crispy bits (the best part imho). Salsa rather boring and one dimensional. Guacamole was ok, but too much salsa mixed in and avocado didn't seem fresh enough for $7. El Roy's is still the best we've found, but it doesn't tick all our boxes. Still looking... read more

Ok, this was a random place to grab something to eat. What a great treat it was to eat here. The staff was welcoming. There is a huge variety of food options and drinks; wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks. We ordered street tacos (carne asada and shrimp) the boyfriend ordered carne adasa chimichanga. The beer was in a chilled mug and the Jamaica mimosa. This place was delicious. read more

Cafe Salsa - Two asada one shrimp taco and carne adasa chimichanga, chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Cotati, California

Fabian is amazing. So sweet and knowledgeable. Great customer service!! Literally, everything we ordered was INCREDIBLE! I have never said "mmmmm" and "yummmm" so much in my life. BEST FLAN I HAVE EVER HAD. That's saying a lot since I've had a lot of homemade flan. Also, I only get pastor burritos from one other place. Decided to try Cafe Salsa's and I was blown away! Probably the best pastor I've ever had as well. Our new favorite restaurant, we live an hour away but will DEFINITELY be back. read more

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Great food and service be sure to try the garlic fries the best I have ever eaten. The atmosphere is amazing and you can also eat outside when it's so hot ! The shrimp Tacos are amazing too ! Down town Cotati walking distance from the park . read more

Nothing works up an appetite like a good sports competition. So it's no surprise that I was starving after a morning baseball game at Sonoma State! As I've mentioned in a previous review, when it comes to breakfast, even at 1:00 PM like on this occasion, it's got to be American traditional or Mexican for me. Drove into Cotati and Café Salsa caught my eye. The first thing you notice is the great little sidewalk patio, perfect for an outdoor meal on a warm, yet breezy day. Step into the restaurant and you're immediately greeted by the friendly staff, both waitstaff and cooks. Now, the menu's got a few unique offerings as well as much traditional fare, all done deliciously well. My girlfriend had a veggie omelette with toast and I went for my childhood favorite -- machaca con huevos. For all you monolingual peeps in California (shoulder shrug), that's scrambled eggs with shredded beef, and a side of rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream. Paired this with an horchata and all was suddenly right with the world. Quaint spot. Great service. Delicious food. What are you waiting for? read more

Cafe Salsa - Veggie omelette, I believe - Mexican Near Me - Cotati, California

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Cafe Salsa used to be one of my favorite Mexican restaurants Service is great and location is super convenient in downtown Cotati which is in walking distance to my house. However the food is really awful now. Everything appears to be made in advance. My taco salad was brought out in less than a minute after ordering. I believe my Taco Salad had canned chicken. Prior to this visit I ordered a super burrito which was served cold and mostly just rice. wont be going back until I hear there has been a change. read more

Tried this one night when we were craving Mexican food, not a fan. Drive just up the street to Mi Ranchito, much better food! Cafe Salsa was way too expensive and the food was just so-so. I won't be going back. read more

Kind of a hole in the wall Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Cotati. Once I have something I like, I keep getting till I'm tired of it. They make the best carnitas I've ever had. Their chile rellenos are generous. The hosts are pretty chill. It is now June 2020 and they are open for pickup. read more

The food is always pretty good and when I order over the phone it's never more than 25min. The service is good and the owner is a really nice guy. read more

A cute street in Cotati off 101 North. I remember the food was fresh and good, but what really stands out is the server. She was friendly, funny and attentive. We sat outside with margaritas, chips & salsa while we waited for our to go order. Margs were strong and not too sweet just how I like them. Food was packaged great, fantastic burrito management (it stood up by itself!). Pricey, but I feel prices are going up everywhere. read more

Their menu is huge and I've tried something new every time I eat been and it's all been delicious!!!

Mixdd review. Tried to order tacos, he wrote down the plate. When I for two, he questioned me about the plate and it was said that the plate came with onions and cilantro, there were no onions and a little bit of cilantro. The steak was dry, the tortilla was dry, the rest was good. As far as the meat went the pork was drenched in some kind of chills and the meat was low par, the steak was uneventful, and the chicken was delicious. The pork may be great for some people but I was more in the middle with it. We ordered the Chicken Quesadilla, which should not have been the best meal there. If I am ever starving for one I will go here, but other wise I can pass. read more

I want to shout out positive vibes to any restaurant offering delivery during SIP. And not jut delivery but delicious food. I love to cook but about once every week or two I want a really good meal that someone else cooks and then does their own darn dishes. It being Tuesday I was thinking tacos of course (Mexican food is at the top of my list of favorites). My regular Mexican spots are either not open :( or only offering pick up. I didn't want to leave the house so I researched and inspected reviews etc. I landed here and I'm glad I did. Chili relleno burrito so so tasty. Melted cheese, perfect bright green chili's, rice and beans stuffed in a tortilla and covered in sauce. To say the least it hit all the spots! Side of guacamole. Because why not? It was fresh, tangy, and delicious. 3 bags of chips to accompany that were fresh, crispy and light. Great crunch on those chips. 3 containers of salsa too! Yum. We have some carnitas tacos to dive into for lunch tomorrow and I can't wait to try them. Thank you for being open. Being prompt. Offering delivery during these uncertain times and keeping it fresh and clean. I'll be back. And when I can actually visit, I'm counting on adding that 5th Star. Cheers read more

Have only gotten the shrimp burrito here and I loved it - they use black beans, and put the sour cream and guacamole inside the burrito which is where it should be (not on top). The chips and salsa taste fresh and are flavorful. Definitely recommend and know where to come from a delicious shrimp burrito. read more

Cotati is a very busy little town but there is a little parking lot right across from this restaurant. We were seated immediately and ordered two tacos and the chicken verse plate. The chicken verse was delicious ana so tender and they have a very generous portion. The tacos were very good but I must say my favorite was the salmon one but I am partial to salmon. My husband and I would definitely return to this l read more

Cafe Salsa - Salmon Taco Baja Fish Taco - Mexican Near Me - Cotati, California

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Great service, great food. We live just around the corner and this has been our favorite spot since we moved here.

I tried this restaurant for the first time. I ordered a chicken quesadilla to go. I shared it with my sister because it was enough for two. It was delicious. My sister wanted to go back and get another one to take home. She said it's the best she ever had and she lives in Texas. read more

We love this spot. Consistent yummy food and the prices are decent. I'm going to cover this spot with my classic Pros and Cons list. Keeping this one organized and succinct. Pros: 1. Delicious foods 2. Great for takeout. 3. Seafood options. 4. Indoor and outdoor seating options. 5. Very friendly staff. 6. Kid friendly. 7. Fresh avocado available. 8. Sizzling fajita platters (yummy!) 9. I'm always appreciative of quality mexican food. 10. Healthy options available. 11. Good salsa. 12. Central downtown Cotati location. Cons: 1. Very small indoor restaurant. 2. Kitchen is open so you smell like Mexican food when you leave. 3. Parking can sometimes be hard because of the location (but if you look long enough you will find a spot) There really aren't any Cons worth keeping you away. Just some minor things to be aware of for your next visit :) read more

This was my first time over at Cafe Salsa this weekend, and let me tell you, this spot is legit! First, the patio is great in this weather. The North Bay is seeing a bit of a heatwave right now, but between the trees planted out in front of Cafe Salsa and the abundant umbrellas covering their patio, you wouldn't be able to tell while dining outside. Food is great, too! I visited around noon, which is sort of an odd in-between time for a weekend lunch. Too late for breakfast, but maybe too early for lunch when I get to sleep in. Their breakfast menu goes until 3, which I was happy to see, but I saw another burrito available that I thought I was a great compromise for "breakfast" food. I went with their Alambre Fajita Burrito - a burrito with steak, chorizo, ham, and bacon (lots of breakfast meats here!) with fajita veggies and pinto beans. It definitely hit the "in-between" meal spot, and I felt as satisfied as I would have been with a breakfast burrito or a California video. Service was great, and the guy working definitely hustled to the pretty much filled patio. What was most impressive was how fast the food came out. Less than ten minutes from being seated to eating. Crazy quick! If you're buy SSU or find yourself in Cotati, come check Cafe Salsa out! read more

Pretty yummy! Although I think the burritos need to have lots of cheese inside, not a sprinkle on the outside. Same with the guacamole. Yummy food though and friendly staff. read more

I've come to this place periodically for the past 2 years and have had these guy in the past 3 months overcharge me over $5 for burritos when their menu clearly states the price online. I've always tipped wel and I have even had some encounters walking in this place and have an awkward feeling of being unwanted. I came to this place because of the convenience however I will be taking my money elsewhere from here on out. These ppl or thieves one star for good taste. One star for convenience..terrible ppl and untrustworthy to be cooking food I eat read more

Yum! The reviews drew me in and my stomach thanks you all. The most satisfying mexican meal found around SSU. They carry a variety of mexican dishes as well as american breakfast/brunch. Seating can be found both indoors and out. The waiters are super attentive and generous with their time. My family and I ordered 5 dishes. 1. Burrito Mandora - carne asada burrito with rice and beans smothered in a smoky red sauce. 2. Pozole Verde - shredded chicken and hominy and a verde broth. 3. 2 cripsy shredded chicken racos w/rice and beans 4. Chocolate chip pancakes 5. French toast w/ hash browns and sausage Every bite was fantastic. Every order came out hot from the skillet. And every bite washed away the guilt and regret of over eating. It was that good. read more

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I catered Cafe Salsa for my graduation party this past weekend. They delivered everything to my house on time and were really nice. The food was AMAZING and everyone at the party loved it! We ordered for thirty people and there was so much food, everyone got to take home leftovers. This was my first time eating from this restaurant and I can't wait to try it in person. My friends and I are already planning to eat here soon! read more

We eat here regularly. Great food, great service, very reasonable prices. If you like Mexican food try this place.

As I was touring the Sonoma Stare campus with my daughter, we were hungry so I do what I usually do and check on Yelp. Based on the reviews and ratings we decided to try out the restaurant. We got there early before noon so we were the only patrons in the place. The bartender greeted us and sat us by the window. I looked over the menus and there were a lot to choose from so I'd asked the bartender what he recommended and he informed me of some of their specials. The entrees were delicious along with the service except for I had to ask for water refills several time which is why I gave it a "4" starsill be back again to try other food in the menu. read more

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I love everything here! The breakfast specials are amazing as well as the burritos. But of course the salsa, homemade, it's so good! And so affordable. Eat outside if possible! read more

Best and most unique Mexican food in area IMO. I have found while others may have good Mexican food in area, it all pretty much is the same everywhere. Until Cafe Salsa. It is so good and different in everything I've tried. From burritos to relleno's and tacos. So excellent. My favorite Mexican restaurant. read more

Cotati is a lot different and lot of the same since I was teenager aka 15 years ago. I think a huge positive change is the food has gotten better and better. Redwood cafe is a mainstay and fantastic and next door, but make sure you hit cafe salsa too. Onto the food...which I'd say is 4.5 Generally when you see Mexican American cuisine I'd say you run, and run far. But this place is legit, so much that I hit it back to back nights. My wife, daughter and dog stopped by here Friday around 5pm - we were up for the weekend for a family gathering. It was pretty quiet at 5pm so service was quick, our waitress was super nice and the food came out quick. They have an awesome outdoor patio and we sat outside just watching the cars go by. Inside was nice, a big bar with TVs and 4 top tables and booths. I got a taco trio and side of rice and beans, my wife got the chicken tinga taco salad and we got the kids quesadilla for my daughter. Oh and I got one of the better michelada's I've ever had. The al pastor and shrimp tacos were standouts. I got the al pastor crispy style which I'd highly recommend. The fish taco was a-okay but wasn't my favorite, but the mango salsa on top was great. The al pastor was perfectly charred and juicy and sweet pineapple chunks put it over the top. Rice and beans were both very solid, love me some good refried beans and Mexican rice. So, second night of cafe salsa was burrito time! After wine tasting all day I needed something hearty. My wife wanted just a bean and cheese, and I got chili verde regular burrito to go. It was ready in 20 minutes and they come with a bag of chips and red salsa that's mild but flavorful. The bean and cheese was really cheesy, a bit to much for my wife or me, but still good. The chili verde was good, not the best I've ever had, but very good. Tender and something I appreciate, not swimming in sauce. I've had chili verde burritos that more resemble a soup dumpling and this was not. Went with a whole wheat tortilla too and it was good, but next time I'll go with flour. Overall these are defintely above average burritos and they're big! Next time I'll go with tacos again most likely or maybe try the American burritos with fries (aka a California burrito). Finally, I need to try their breakfast burritos which are apparently amazing, and a dude next to me ordered a burger that looked pretty epic. read more

Cafe Salsa - Damn good michelada - Mexican Near Me - Cotati, California

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Good food and good service. Ordered shrimp and octopus cocktail and milanesa sandwich. Cocktail had tender shrimp and octopus. One of the best I've had. Milanesa was good too. Not greasy, real crunchy a good. read more

Cafe Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Cotati, California

I'm sorry, but there is no way this deserves 5 stars. The enchilada sauce tasted canned and the carnitas were mushy. To top it off, the burrito was barely Luke warm. The people were very nice and that was the only redeeming quality. Find somewhere else. read more

Ordered food through grub hub from this place today. (Had been given a gift card for grub hub) The flavor was pretty good but was a bit disappointed that the avocado in my chicken avocado quesadilla was pretty well black thru the whole thing... Kinda wonder if I had eaten there if they would have served a very overly ripe avocado!?!? This is my first experience with this place and probably my last... 1st impressions last a lifetime. read more

Very disappointing food today. The kids burger came with just meat and bread, no cheese, ketchup, lettuce or anything. The burger patty was the size of a McDonald's dollar burger. The philly cheese steak was all bbq sauce and bell pepper with so little meat that you could not even taste it. Who puts bbq sauce all over a philly cheese steak? The fries were cold. I support local businesses and really wanted to like this but it was shockingly disappointing. read more

Trash. Save your money. Get your food some place else. And the service was horrible.. good luck guys.

So you know I was very hungry and I wanted some Mexican food. We all know how polo loco takes forever to get your food and ends being wrong. So I thought you know what I'm gonna try this place since all of the reviews are amazing. So I took my self to the phone number and ordered a bean and cheese burrito, AND GUESS THERE WERE TWO LITTLE PEA SIZE ROCKS IN MY BURRITO IAM NEVER ORDERING FROM THIS PLACE EVER AGIAN. I THOUGHT OF EVEN SUEING CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE YOU COULD HAVE BROUGHT ON MY TEETH. read more

Pozole Verde at Cafe Salsa is my go-to feel good food. Just took some to a friend yesterday I drive from Sebastopol to eat great food at this local cafe...keep it up guys. I love you!! read more

Came here for lunch today for outdoor seating. Great service and Covid safe. The food was fantastic!! We ordered the tacos pastor and the shrimp garlic dish. Both were amazing. The owner Tony is from Guadalajara, Jalisco and food is not only authentic but the flavoring and spices used were fantastic as well as healthy. The shrimp dish had prawns and quality ingredients all around!! Can't wait to return and try more dishes. read more

I will admit that I am a "Taco Snob". And a taco snob especially when it comes to fish tacos. My standards are high. And Cafe Salsa definitely sets a high bar! Their exquisite charming little place is located right in the heart of downtown Cotati. They offer a delightful little dining area right out in front where you and Fido can sit and share a taco. You can sit and check out the trucks and cars that go by. Or just people watch. The interior is painted with a deep warming merlot color that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Cafe Salsa met my mole needs and my spicy salsa needs. Mole is A MUST as I love to dip my chips in it. THE FISH TACOS: OMG......these fish tacos are outta this world. Not generally a fan of grilled Tilapia. Primarily because most of it is farmed in China. I tried not to think of that as I opened my mouth and stuffed these outta this worl tacos inside my mouth. These fish tacos are grilled and dressed with a little cabbage, a freah home made mango salasa that packs a sweet flavor, topped off with an alvacado salasa with a Chipotle drizzle. THE PASTOR TACOS: Pastor is generally my "Go-To". I love when it has pineapple. Unfortunately their pastor does not have chunks of pineapple. But its possible their is pineapple juice in the marinade. The grilled onions in the meat completely made up for it because I have a HUGE onion fetish. The pastor was deliciously marinated. And the over all presentation of the food is beautiful. I used to eat here ALL OF THE TIME. But not so much anymore since I moved to Santa Rosa. I truly miss coming here. read more

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