My son and I went for lunch the ambience was cozy, the staff friendly , the food fresh and atmosphere positive , great affordable prices that satisfy. For home quality with great customer service a treasure to discover. El Charrito es incredibilidad. read more

I've been wanting to check this place out for a while. I came on a Saturday and there was quite a line but it moved fast. About 15 to 20 minutes. This location has pretty scaled back options compared to the main location in Salinas but they have all the main staples. The burritos are what I would consider "human size" and you can comfortably eat one without feeling too bloated. They have burrito bowls, which are larger and if you're really that hungry just order two burritos. I ordered the Pollo and it's a bit too "wet" for my liking. I ate the burrito right away and the tortilla was getting pretty soggy already. I'd give a rating of 3.5 if I could but I'll round up to 4 based on the value. read more

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Super fast for lunch. I ordered the barbacoa but have also had the relleno with carnitas. Note these burritos are delicious but MESSY because they kinda suck at folding them. Do not eat these when wearing white!!! read more

El Charrito Express - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

This is a takeout restaurant, there is no seating inside or out. The burritos that my wife and I had today were AMAZING!!! They made them well portioned and pretty quickly, felt almost like I was at Subway getting a sandwich. They sell sodas in glass bottles (6-8oz size), and 0.5l water bottles. read more

Not to disparage Taco Bell, (there is a time and a place for it sometimes) but a burrito supreme is currently $4.49 in the app. For that you get a processed tortilla full of processed ingredients that are rehydrated by an underpaid person working for the corporate machine. Alternatively you could visit El Charrito right down the street and for less than a buck more get an amazing tortilla filled with any number of housemade items and support a local business. My favorite part of the El Charrito experience (as noted in my Salinas review) is the size. Some people might think they're too small but to me it just provides options. If you're not that hungry, one is sufficient to hold you over. Two gives you the ability to have a couple different protein options for the price of your typical carne asada overstuffed burrito somewhere else. For less than $15 you can have three and feel like a king! I affectionately refer to this as the burrito flight. I was worried the efficiency and taste wouldn't carry over to Monterey, but that isn't the case here. The line moved along quickly with about 10 people in line when I got there. I went for breakfast and was stoked to see they had captain and stoker coffee available too. Will be back for sure. read more

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3.5 STARS I skimmed through all the glowing reviews for El Charrito (Salinas) with people saying, their burritos are the "best ever" and some even saying, the housemade tortillas are "life-changing". Even though we have some bomb burritos in The Mission and The Excelsior in SF (and bomb tortillas from La Palma)... Y'all got me hyped with those fighting words! I know I'm going to have dagger eyes shooting at me through the screen but I'm not really understanding the hype and was a bit disappointed with El Charrito. Granted, this is their new express location so it may be opening kinks. I had El Charrito (Salinas) on my list to go to but found out they just opened a new location in DT Monterey. I thought the lines wouldn't be as crazy as their old location since it's the new new and not everyone may have heard about their new location so decided to check it out. El Charrito Express is open for takeout and delivery only for breakfast and lunch (closes at 3 pm). No dine-in and no outdoor seating. They're located inside Alejandro's (new hip Mexican resto opening on 9/23); entrance is at the back parking lot. There was only 3-4 people in line during prime-time lunch on a Thursday, and I was in/out in less than 5 minutes. Online orders are accepted. M E N U * Burritos ($4.99-$5.99) and Bowls. ($8.99-$10.99). Chips & Salsa ($3.49). Protein choices: Barbacoa, carne asada, carnitas, chili verde, and pollo. Unlike their Salinas location, no al pastor, bistec ranchero, chili colorado, chili relleno, or costillos (at least not when I visited). For drinks, they have horchata, agua fresca, and bottled drinks. F O O D * Chile Verde Burrito ($4.99): https://bit.ly/3BiPbRb *** Requested no rice and light beans. *** Requested salsa verde on the side (if ordering chile verde, they recommend no salsa in the burrito). *** Add avocado (+99 cents). For a $4.99 burrito, there was decent amount of meat. The chile verde is what they're supposedly known for, was meaty and tender (lean pork) in a mildly spicy and tangy verde sauce. When they say, "light beans"...they mean light...I couldn't taste the refried beans and the slivers of avocado were too thin to detect. The salsa verde wasn't really needed but it did add extra punch and heat. My disappointment came with the housemade flour tortillas. Despite eating the burrito right outside the shop while it was still hot, the flour tortilla was dry and on the tough side with no satisfying chew. I saw them pull the tortillas straight from the griddle so it's not like they've been sitting. BTW, these are small burritos, not mission-style ones so you may need two burritos if you're hangry. * Extra tortilla (99 cents): https://bit.ly/3Bk5aOT This was drier and harder than the burrito since the saucy contents of the burrito gave it some moisture. S E R V I C E All business and efficient. A M B I A N C E Alejandro's is modern and hip; dining area is roped off. P A R K I N G Shared parking lot in back. Overall, great price points. If I worked in DT Monterey, I can see myself visiting for cheap eats on the regular. Even though, I was a disappointed given the hype, rounding up for value and possibly opening kinks. read more

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The burritos were so good! We went back the next day for round two. Excellent meat choices and authentice flavors all around. I will definately be back when I visit the area. Thanks! read more

5 stars for El Charrito but 3 stars for their late night menu at Alejandro's. El charrito is amazing! Monterey needed to be blessed by their burritos and aguas frescas. The burritos are small enough to be able to get multiple. Their guacamole and chips are fiiiire! Alejandro's is a little more upscale. The ambiance was nice and the service was great! Their cocktails had an interesting twist to them. The menu was interesting. I wouldn't go for a meal, more for an appetizer. The carne asada was juicy and paired well with the nopales on the side. I'd go back for the Definitely check them both out! read more

I love el charrito. But it seems like lately everytime I go my burritos are not full at all there always very flat & they don't put much in it & if I ask for a bit more they wanna up charge but I'm already paying 7 plus dollars for this. It's a bit disappointing read more

El Charrito Express - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Burritos are very good.. not the biggest but the homemade tortilla and fresh ingredients are definitely worth it.

Walked in and already vibes felt a bit off. The employee was a bit rude. I order 2 carne asada burritos and she makes 1 burrito and not the other. There I figured she was gonna make it while taking my partners order. Nope she doesn't, she asks my parter "anything else" after she's done making hers I tell her 1 more burrito and she just ignores me and points us towards the cash register. I was so irritated at the lack of attention of what I wanted I didn't want to order the 2nd burrito for the 3rd time. When we check out the lady rings us up and then walks away. So no choice if I wanted my receipt of not. Salinas location is way better. Never coming to this one again. read more

This is my second review of El Charrito Express. Recently I discovered the chile relleno burrito which is not on the take out menu online. You have to order it in person and it's really good. read more

El Charrito Express - Chile relleno burrito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Just sitting here writing this as I eat my cold burritos, Food is cold , 3rd time I have been here and the meat and beans in the burrito is barley warm , seems like a food safety issue . Huge bummer because the Salinas location is decent. Will take my business elsewhere in Monterey read more

El Charrito Express - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Delicious Chile Verde burrito, $5.99 Added crema and queso for 98 cents each extra and salsa. Great flavor with soft flour tortilla. Hubby enjoyed his carne asada with additional Jack cheese, avocado charge. I liked the local coffee, poured for you with oatmilk that you self serve on the side table. Hubby's fruity hibiscus tea was really good. I had a bite of his carnitas burrito which was rather cold and not as flavorful as the Chile Verde. We usually get burritos at El Farolito in the Mish but the Chile Verde burrito is much better. We didn't find the size as small as others have commented. We thought it was an adequate size for lunch. We sat our car in the parking lot as it wasn't busy and wolfed down our burritos. Hope to be back to try the chicken and beef burritos too. read more

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Got charged extra because we were white, jokes on them my girlfriend is Hispanic and were talking in Spanish not realizing she could understand them. They charged us $35 for 2 burritos and a water. My friends who were there spoke Spanish and got 3 burritos and a water for $25. My girlfriend didn't say anything because she's very much so anti conflict but she told me after and I was pissed. I wouldn't recommend this place if you do not speak Spanish or aren't Hispanic because more than likely they will up-charge. read more

Huge fan of El Charrito in Salinas and I am so happy we got to visit their new location. After a day at the aquarium I placed a mobile order. Everything went smoothly. My food was ready on time, all correct and delicious. The prices are a bit higher than the market location but they're still very affordable, especially given the tourist location. There was plenty of parking too which I appreciated since I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get street parking. We got one of almost everything, no complaints. Food was delicious as always. read more

Oh my taste buds are so happy with this hidden gem! It's tucked behind the main restaurant & only open for a few hours each day in the morning, but it's worth the visit. Parking is not the greatest, but that's not the restaurant's fault. I walk from home, but I've heard other patrons complain. Who cares? Park & walk! There's no seating (restaurant is closed), so pick up & enjoy at one of the adobes or parks nearby. I can't confirm, but I think they only serve burritos & sodas. It's the perfect combo! I love a burrito with LOTS of beans. Tortillas light & made fresh while you wait. Price seems a bit high, but all prices seem a bit high now. High prices mean I can't eat there very often, but I save up for the treat! HMU & we can go together. read more

Quick service, tortillas are great food is ok. I'd rather go to chipotle but chipotle take longer.

I am an El Charrito fan. I've been eating at the Salinas location for over decade. Anytime I'm in Salinas, I make it a point to go get burritos. Their app makes it super to order and pick it up and eliminate the anxiety of ordering in line. This is true for the Salinas location which is always busy. So, I was ecstatic to learn they opened this location so much closer to me. I've been ordering so much! So, why is it so great? Well their tortillas are so amazing and handmade. There was an article about a year ago in the Monterey weekly that explained how they use a process that is rarely if at all ever used outside of Mexico and it's the real deal. People buy these tortillas from overseas that's how good they are! I could probably just eat a warm tortilla with butter and be satisfied. Some things to note. Their burritos are small and not massive. The real star is the tortilla and their cooked meats so you really don't need a ton of stuff in the burrito. You can add on some things like crema, guacamole, avocado, and salsa but again the size will be smaller than you're used to. I love their carnitas burrito which I get with jack cheese, guacamole, and crema. I also am a die hard bean rice and cheese burrito. If a place is any good, you can tell in the beans and they have good beans and salsa. Lastly I like the pollo guisado and their chorizo and papas breakfast burrito. I will say if you order from their app while it's nice to beat the line, at this location sometimes the burrito isn't as warm or the cheese hasn't melted as much as I would have liked but it's still amazing. read more

I LOOOVE their Salinas location (they get one of my rare 5 star reviews), so I was thrilled to see they opened up a Monterey location. This location is a little different. They operate out of the kitchen of an upscale-ish restaurant, but only offer to go food, so there isn't a place to sit and eat. This is technically how it works in Salinas, but it just looks different because there are tables all around, but they are roped off. The food itself was very good, albeit not quite as flavorful. Also, the menu is much more limited than Salinas. I would definitely eat here again, but it's not quite up to the ultra high standards I have for their other location. read more

Stopped by to grab breakfast burritos and average at best, the staff was very polite and friendly.

4 stars because the food bowls are great very tasty full of flavor, I live a couple of hours away so I had to stop by when I heard of this place. I ordered 1 chile relleno burrito, 1 asada burrito with everything, 1 bowl de asada with everything. Horchata & a Jamaica, all very delicious with the exception of "la tortillas de harina " it's too rubbery, raw tasting, thick for my party. I think the food as a bowl is better. The servers were great when making them but not too helpful since it was my first time I think they didn't like me asking too many questions but a girl had to ask what you have or to specify the menu! It's not really clear. They had low music I think Spanish/mexican music would have been better giving the kind of place but it's alright, I don't like the fact that you can't sit there but I guess that's their style. The people In the kitchen by the tables were nice and courteous. "If I come by here on my way back I'll give them a second try. Also please add tacos to the menu! read more

El Charrito Express - The register. - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Food was fine but service was subpar. There's usually a line at lunch hour and for some reason the workers don't like to help people in the order of the line. Or allow people they know to cut in line. read more

El Charrito is a staple in Salinas! This location just lacks the authenticity! The prices have gone up like everything else in the world. I paid $49 for 6 burritos and chips. The tortillas weren't as fresh as expected. I got the barbacoa which was good lacking flavor and wasn't shredded a little chunky. The asada lacked flavor and the chicken was good. I like the size of the burritos and tortillas. I wish they had more on the menu here like Salinas. I miss the Chile relleno burrito. I hope during lent they do their specials. read more

Hot new spot in Monterey!! So stocked that they finally opened one in Monterey. I ordered what I usually get which is the chile verde burrito, I add cream and salsa roja... For breakfast a breakfast burrito Eggs,Potatoes and chorizo I add crema and salsa roja.. Let's not forget their tortillas. I'm not a fan of flower Tortillas but of course there's are homemade so the taste and the texture on those are amazing they're also so soft. Im also picky with my burritos, the way their burrito's are made are a decent size simple but they have so much FLAVOR. that you don't really need to be adding so much stuff to a burrito.. ALSO the food quality is the same as the salinas restaurant. The consistency is on point. They also have a different menu (less items) Easier way to order its download the app you can choose the time you would like to pick up your food, or you can also order inside. Open from 8-3:00pm the Salinas one it's always busy. And I'm sure they'll also be busy here. love the way they turned that building also gives it a Tulum, Mexico decor vibe read more

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These guys do an amazing job... every burrito we have had there are super solid. They are a bit tight on the green salsa. read more

Only reason we went cause the one in Salinas never fails. This place needs lil help. Food we got served was old ,thankfully they gave us less then spoonful of rice and meat , we didn't get that sick. They need to cover the food better. Other than that the place was ok. read more

Burritos are good but not as good as the Salinas location. They overload them with rice and skimp on the meat. Carnitas was dry as well. Staff is also kind of rude and not very friendly. If you want El Charrito stick with the OG location. read more

Fast, friendly service. Used their online ordering app for a discount for 1st time users. Delicious, dense burritos that were a good size for me. My husband was still hungry after 1, but stuffed after 2. It's in the back of another Mexican restaurant. This takeout area (no tables, no real place to sit and eat) looks clean, except for the flies by the entrance, which...if I were a fly I'd hang out by the tasty smelling food too. read more

Placed an order online 2 days in advance to pick up 7 burritos at 8am. I get there at 8:15 and they haven't even started on the order. 2 people get in line and instead of finishing my order they stop and take their order and ring them up. There was a reason the order was placed in advance for a specified time, so I would not be late for work! Unacceptable. read more

The food at El Charrito is really excellent, after nearly four years of looking for a great burrito in Monterey, this is the best bar none. It is sharing a kitchen with Alejandro on Alvarado (so it's a breakfast and lunch only place), but you have to access it from the back street, there's plenty of parking, when thought it's Saturday. It's important to note that this is a to-go only place, there's no seating. read more

El Charrito Express is amazing. The quality of every ingredient is fresh and flavorful. The burritos aren't huge but just the right size and the price is great. The place is very clean and wish they had seating area, but you just get your food and have a picnic by the bay. I can't wait to go back and try a different burrito. We tried carnitas and barbacoa and they were both amazing. Glad we finally can get some great quality burritos in Monterey! read more

Found this place on a whim and it didn't disappoint. The food was fresh, hot and homemade tortillas were a hit. The service is quick as it's an express - there isn't anywhere to sit and eat. Strictly to go. My partner and I had one burrito and shortly went back in for another as they are small burritos. We got the chile relleno, chile verde, and barbacoa burritos - all delicious and tasted very authentic. A very cute spot as well, clean, efficient, delicious. Highly recommend! read more

This place is delicious. Always super fresh, made right in front of you. My whole family enjoys their food. One of the family favorites is the chili verde burritos. read more

Don't understand what's all the hype is. Maybe restaurants staff is still in training at the Monterey location. If you are a first time customer and you don't know what you want, not the place to come. Whatever the staff recommended I would have purchased. Nada. Just ok. read more

Came for breakfast and it was awesome. I didn't take any pictures but the ambiance of this business is really great. I wish I could have had a chance to sit down but the dining area wasn't open for breakfast. I made myself a custom burrito and although the burrito was pretty small, the fresh tortilla was really great. I would highly recommend this place to grab something quick and easy. You'll be in and out with a quick tasty bite. Only problem is the price for the burrito is a bit much for the size. But the flavor makes up for the amount of food to balance it out in my opinion. read more

solid burrito place, went here for a post run breakfast burrito before heading out and wasn't disappointed. Nothing mind blowing but pretty solid read more

This is one of those total hit & miss experiences. After several tries I've decided to not patronize this business anymore. My problem is the complete inconsistencies in their food. Depending on who helps you, you will either get a very nice fat burrito or an extremely skimpy one. My last order was 2 Chile Verde burritos. Both of them literally had 0 meat in them. More like green soup burritos. So disappointing. I switched to the Super Chile Verde burrito at La Casa Del Sazon. SO MUCH BETTER!! read more

It's that good. Excellent tortillas and burritos. Taquitos were very good too. Go early for the chile rellenos.

Well how to begin, being born and raised in Salinas I guess I can say I have been spoiled with growing up around the original el charrito market. I remember going there for the first time with my dad at a very young age (7). Back when the burrito section was small as they sold mostly carne and it was a market actually. I have vivid memory's of going there with my cousins as kids and adults to get burritos then going to the train station sitting on a bench and eating in the silence of the railroad. So I was beyond excited to know they would be opening one in Monterey where I now live with my family. And guess what ? I find myself driving to Salinas still for a good burrito. Idk what the issue is but the burritos DO NOT TASTE THE SAME. The charm is not there it has a commercial chipotle vibe here in Monterey. Very disappointed in the food. Service is ok but the burritos are meh at best. read more