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    El Charrito

    4.4 (1.6k reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    El Charrito Photos

    EL CHARRITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - El Charrito

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    Reviews With Photos

    Fountain Drinks
    Alma S.

    This place is a Salinas institution known for some really great food. My family has eaten a variety of flavorful burritos here throughout the years. It's our go to spot for breakfast burritos. The mister loves to get chile verde whenever we visit. The homemade tortillas are so good, which they also make into great packaged chips. Lines are common, but online ordering makes things much more efficient to just pick up. You can also order there & receive helpful service. Go down the counter line to see options to select from behind the glass & then enter the line to pay. Spice level can be customized with the salsa you choose. The shop is clean & bright. Large screens show the menu. They also have refrigerated beverages, fountain drinks, a variety of chips, & packaged sweets available to round out your meal. Parking is located around the back & side of the building, & can get pretty full. The only place to eat while there is at 2 outdoor picnic tables in a gated area on the side of the building with no overhead cover.

    Andrew S.

    Amazing burritos at an affordable price. If you saw my review from 2014, the burritos used to be about $3. Currently, burritos range from about $7 to $10, still very affordable for all homemade ingredients including the tortilla. You can watch the worker press each tortilla as you order. You can also buy fresh homemade tortillas to go, 4 in each pack! Burritos can be on the smaller side, so order 2 or 8. You can get other sides they sell in the store, like a mini mini-mart. Highly recommend the chili verde burrito and the carne asada burrito, although I've enjoyed every burrito I've tried at El Charrito. They forgot the hot sauce on my carne asada burrito last visit, but the burrito was still tasty. Order ahead if you don't want to wait and it'll be ready for pick-up!

    Al Pastor Burrito
    Tiffany C.

    El Charrito is a must-visit spot in Salinas for authentic Mexican food! This place is clearly a local favorite--the line often wraps around the corner of the building, but it moves quickly thanks to their fast and friendly service. We tried the breakfast burrito, al pastor burrito, and taquitos--all were fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. You order at the counter, and they put everything together for you right there. Super efficient. They also offer mobile/online ordering with easy pickup, which is great if you're in a hurry. There's a fairly large parking lot, but it tends to fill up fast, especially during peak hours. Street parking is usually available nearby. There's a small outdoor patio with two long tables, but many people enjoy their food in their cars--it's that kind of casual, no-frills vibe. Highly recommend if you're craving Mexican food done right.

    Menu 7/3/25
    Ann T.

    On our way to Southern Cal we had to make a detour off I5 so that I could load up on the best chili verde burritos. Decided to venture outside of the norm and asked for added carnitas to be added to my Chile Verde and topped it off with pico de gallo. It was lick the wrapping paper clean good! The lady making my burrito was clearly not impressed, both the Hubbs and I thought it was delicious! It was my lucky day because the line was short and I scored a fresh hot package of tortillas to go! We could've easily eaten two but instead took one each to go because we were off to another favorite, Winchell's Donuts for dessert! If you're in the area, you have to stop by and get the chili for the burrito. There's also another restaurant location in Monterey.

    Chile Colorado Burrito
    Christopher G.

    The wife found this place as we were passing through Salinas. It's an easy stop if you are headed toward Santa Cruz (on 183). Parking was straight forward with spaces in the back. Inside was nice and everything was pretty straight forward. There is a large chip selection and large screen menus with pricing where you wait in line. You order at the glass serving counter, which is nice because you can see everything, but I didnt notice any clear labels next to the options. There are multiple people behind the counter helping who's ever ready. It's an order first and pay at the counter as you go. The meat options are plentiful. I will say based on today's standard these burritos are "small" and not overstuffed. But that's okay, and you know why, because of those $&@-!?#% flour tortillas.... they're absolutely top tier. Carnitas Burrito - 4 STAR - the tortilla is soft, stretchy, and has a perfect texture with a clean subtle flavor. This came with rice and beans which melded into the meet and nothing jumped out flavor wise and I opted for hot salsa. The meat was slightly under seasoned for me, but tender and shredded nicely in each bite. Chile Colorado (beef) - 4 STAR - cubed beef cooked in a mild red sauce. We did the rice, bean, hot sauce, and this time we added cheese. The meat again shredded perfectly for each bite. That perfect tortilla held the liquid in and soaked up the rest so it was a nice pop of flavor over and over. Again slightly under seasoned for me. Chile Verde (pork) - 3 STAR - tender cubed pork inside a tomatillo based liquid. We did the rice, beans, and hot sauce. Once more the tortilla shines and held everything together so well. The liquid had the upfront citrus punch you'd expect. Meat pulled away nicely in each bite, but this one to me needed an additional layer of seasoning. I will note my wife disagreed on the lack of seasoning on the meat. But between us and the kids it was unanimous, the tortillas were 5 STAR!

    Menu
    Rebekah A.

    El Charrito isn't your typical taqueria. But trust me when they say they won't disappoint. We ordered carne asada burritos (next time I gotta get the chile verde) and four taquitos. The taquitos are more like small fried tacos, which they heat up as ordered so they'll be nice and crispy. They topped them with crema and pico de gallo for us, and will top with whatever else you'd like. The burritos are on the smaller side (prices reflect this too at around only $5/ea) but they're the perfect size for someone like me. My husband ate two. What really made the burrito for me was the tortilla. They make their tortillas fresh in house and my gosh, they're so delicious. My grandparents used to come here regularly just to try to buy a dozen tortillas to have on hand. You can also order meats by the pound, and items a-la-carte. The place is busy, but don't let the lines fool you. They have so many people working behind the counter that it goes by fast. Overall, I'd highly recommend stopping in if you're looking for a good burrito. They don't disappoint!

    Myself and three customers had to stand outside to eat.
    Gabriel R.

    Managers refused to unlock Outdoor Seating area for us. We asked twice, so four customers just ate standing up. I was traveling and walked from Amtrak Station. I picked up my order and went to outdoor seating area, but it was locked. I asked them twice to unlock it for us and they refused.

    Guillermo R.

    If you want authentic burritos this is your spot. They aren't huge, just the right mix of beans, rice and choice of protein so you can easily enjoy two. The tortillas are home made, not rubbery at all. I think the chile colorado and the al pastor are my favorites but the chile relleno burrito is also amazing. Don't let the line scare you, they are well staffed and it moves. It's a no frills place. Just a small picnic area on the side. Most folks are takeout orders I can't wait I need to bite into the burrito ASAP. A mist stop in Salinas.

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    4 months ago

    Wow! Run to this place! Had some burritos this morning and can't wait to go again! All of the ingredients are delicious & so fresh!

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    There burritos and handmade flour tortillas are delicious!! If you're looking for a good burrito this is your spot!

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    El Charrito Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Charrito

    Are the flour tortillas made with lard?

    Is there a whole beans option for the burritos?

    Yes They Do Offer Whole Beans As An Option..!! 🐻👍🏽

    Can you please offer delivery!?

    I believe you can use door dash or Uber eats to get your food delivered to you wherever you are.

    Any updates on the monterey location?

    Info was on the news last nite...........ksbw website for details.

    I'm coming down from the Bay Area, what's the best time to go (less people)?

    Anytime after lunch if you want a regular burrito...early morning for their breakfast burrito.

    It says there are vegan options, but I don't see any on the menu? Is it something to special order?…

    The rice has lard apparently And the beans have milk That's what they just told me on the phone… Read more

    What time do they stop selling breakfast burritos?

    They stop selling at 10:00am.

    Do they offer catering?

    Yes.

    Did they quit selling tortas? I don't see them on the menu anymore

    They are, for in-store orders only.

    Do they deliver out of state? I would love some tortillas.

    Lol I don't think they do. It would be amazing if they did.

    Is it me or they getting more stingy with food for The same price. My burrito literally had a small scoop in it?

    Yes they are very stingy with the amount of stuff there putting in to those burrito. I had a bowl just to try it and I was not happy at all with the size for the price.

    Are any of their menu items made with corn tortillas?

    Yes! Home made corn tortillas- they make them fresh daily- we always order a dozen to go for our own food at home lol

    Is it possible to buy a stack of the tortillas for a work event?

    Yes, but you have to go early in the day because they sell out! Maybe call ahead to check for availability!

    View All 17 Questions

    El Zacatecano - El MENUDO QUE NO FALTE!

    El Zacatecano

    4.4(448 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Don't let the grilled windows and doors throw you off--this place is a genuine diamond in the rough…read moretucked away on a bustling Salinas street. Once you step inside, the vibe shifts instantly into a perfectly clean, well-organized Mexican eatery that feels both authentic and welcoming. The service is incredibly friendly and the prices are more than fair. It's the kind of hidden gem that makes you feel like you've been let in on a local secret. The food is quite frankly phenomenal. We're talking enchiladas cooked to perfection, delicious tortillas, quesadillas boasting that glorious, milky-stretchy cheese we all dream about, and bold salsas that bring just enough zing to make you reach for your napkin (and maybe a glass of water). Even the staples like refried beans and rice were flawless, leaving us with absolutely nothing to fault. If you're looking for a meal with enough soul and spice to make you sweat, this is a must-visit!

    I came here and bought huevos à la Mexicana and they were not good. The way the food is presented…read moreis terrible the food looks sloppy and like it was thrown into the box. They need to work more on presentation with their food. If it don't look good, it don't taste good. The eggs tasted weird and the rice was terrible, I'm sure it was old rice. The beans were alright but I will not be back. Price is not worth it either 16$ is a no no for the food quality.

    Photos
    El Zacatecano - Inside peek

    Inside peek

    El Zacatecano - Zacatecano plate

    Zacatecano plate

    El Zacatecano - Signage

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    Signage

    Villa Azteca - Creamy Crispy Chilaquiles $14 + Steak $8 "crispy tortillas, house made salsas, queso fresco, sour cream, pickled red onions, avocado slices"

    Villa Azteca

    4.1(725 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    This is hands down one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been too. Already just walking in…read morethe place, it is decorated super cute and cozy as if I'm in someone's home. Decor on the wall was very chic with a barnyard backyard type of feel; good ambiance for a simple date night or a night out with friends. We ordered: Paloma flight - you get to choose 3 flavors, super worth because 3 full cocktails for $38 ?! That's a steal. Usually for flights I get a smaller sample of each flavor so I was shocked when it came out so big as a flight Lobster enchiladas- OMG this was my absolute favorite! The sauce was amazing! The lobster pieces were huge. They were not skimpy on the lobster at all! It had so many amazing flavors combined together. Comes with beans and rice and I for sure mixed that sauce with the rice. Definite recommend!!! Ribeye aguachile - meat was cooked perfectly with a balance of chewy and tenderness, more on the citrus side but goes great with the tortilla Salsa and chips - comes complimentary but extra orders would incur a charge ($2) Service was exceptional, everyone was very nice and polite. This is a must go to when you're in Salinas and my go to every time I'm in town.

    Food good mostly. Drinks weak. Bone marrow starter --- not…read moremuch there. Slow service. Not a place for celebration. Went to celebrate my mom's birthday Nothing mentioned--- not even a happy birthday.

    Photos
    Villa Azteca - Dining area

    Dining area

    Villa Azteca - Guacamole $10 + Ribeye Chicharron $5

    Guacamole $10 + Ribeye Chicharron $5

    Villa Azteca - Cazuelita $30 "filet mignon, salsa roja, salsa verde, queso fresco, grilled cactus, grilled scallions, avocado, handmade tortillas"

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    Cazuelita $30 "filet mignon, salsa roja, salsa verde, queso fresco, grilled cactus, grilled scallions, avocado, handmade tortillas"

    Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Guacamole Con Chips

    Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant

    4.6(450 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    This restaurant has very delicious and scrumptious food and appetizing drinks. The service was…read moreamazing, very helpful, and fast. The restaurant is very inviting and decorated beautifully. This place will become mine and your go to Restaurant for Mexican food.

    If you know me, you know I LOVE Mexican food. I read an article about this restaurant with rave…read morereviews and decided this is where I wanted to go on Mother's Day. Drove two hours from the Bay Area to get there and it was totally with the trip. My son got the mole negro and I got the chile verde. Everything on both plates was authentic, delicious, and AMAZING. My son tried my chile verde and said it was the best he's ever tasted and I agreed. They were super busy because it was Mother's Day, but we were seated after a short wait and our waitress was super efficient and friendly. Several times during our meal someone checked to see if we needed anything. Not going to lie, we were a bit intimidated when we pulled up as there were no other non-Hispanic people in the large crowd outside waiting to be seated. I told my son that meant the food was definitely going to be good, but I was worried about how we would be received considering the political climate these days, but it wasn't an issue. Everyone was super friendly. Will definitely be going back to try other items on their menu.

    Photos
    Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Art

    Art

    Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Quesadillas - Chicken & Carne Asada

    Quesadillas - Chicken & Carne Asada

    Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Tlayuda Oaxaquena Mixta

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    Tlayuda Oaxaquena Mixta

    El Charrito - mexican - Updated May 2026

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