El Pollo Rey

4.5 (370 reviews)

ModerateMexican, Chicken Shop, Barbeque

Closed • Closed

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El Pollo Rey - Half Chicken Combo (super moist chicken and awesome beans) - 5/6/2024 - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

El Pollo Rey - interior - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

El Pollo Rey - Half Chicken Combo - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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EL POLLO REY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

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Outside

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Casual

Moderate noise

Dogs allowed

Good for kids

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Andrew B.

Took my wife here for her first time. 5 years later and this place is still amazingly good.

Greg C.

Ok. This is not your first date place to go. If you want to go to Mexico without actually going this is your spot. A basic layout for this taqueria, order at counter, take out or eat at home. About 5 tables. Mostly soft drinks, water, no Beer. Quick service and most dishes about $15 and up to double if you go overboard. Good size portions or chicken, carne asada in variations of burritos, asada/chicken plates or tacos. Food is very good and fresh. The front door is always open and at night it gets a bit chilly inside. Folks in there working hard and probably appreciate the breeze. Nice place. Will go back for lunch.

Jonathan O.

They always day it never judge a book by its cover... I would say that mentality is old... because if the cover of that book is clearly a mom and pop Mexican chicken joint then judge away and do not sleep on this spot. Nothing else I can say can be more honest than this place is a 10/10 and you should not skip it.

Elote was dry and grilled which gave it a weird flavor

Angela G.

Years ago I remember being caught off guard when picking up some absolutely delicious chicken in Monterey. I have planned to go back to that place since then and was excited to be heading back to Monterey to get it. This was before my Yelp Elite days so I didn't have the place bookmarked or previously reviewed. So when I looked back to find it this came up and I thought this was it. But after trying it, I can't imagine that this was the place I was raving about in my head. I parked on the street and headed on in. The lady at the register was super sweet and helpful. I ordered a half chicken which came with sides and tortillas. It was out quickly then as I picked it up, I saw that they had elote too. So I order that as well. That actually took a little bit longer to come out. I got the food back to our hotel and served up everyone. We all started eating, and I was waiting for the nostalgia to hit. But there was nothing. Nothing had any flavor or excitement for us. Believe it or not, the pickled and grilled onions were the best part. Everything else was just bland. I don't know if it's because I hyped it up so much in my brain. But we were disappointed to say the least. It is a reasonable value though. My husband I were able to get off of the meal with a salad of our own on the side.

Shaun G.

Stopped here for lunch. When we got here the restaurant was empty but a steady stream of people would come in for take out. The place was clean and it is an open kitchen so you can watch them grill the chicken. We ordered the half chicken with rice and beans. There is a choice of refried or charro beans. Ordered the charro beans on the recommendation of the employee. Also got one carne asada taco. After the order was placed I read some reviews of how the chicken came without the grilled onion and the taco was so greasy it fell apart. Time to worry? The chicken arrived with the grilled onion. The white meat was moist and not dried out had a good grilled taste to it. Charro beans were good. Glad I went with the recommendation. The taco was also good. Not greasy at all and the tortilla stayed in one piece. Overall 4 stars and worth eating here again.

Half Chicken order with rice and beans and roasted onions and jalapeños peppers

Food was excellent and fresh. The service was quick as it takes for you to order. Ambiance was a clean place with a few tables. The take out orders were many. We will be back.

Lauren S.

The grill is fired up and lined with red onions and jalapeños. Got the $10.99 steak plate and $14.99 chicken plate. Free rainbow tortilla chips for the table when you dine in along with 2 spicy salsas and picked onion. Bursting with flavor, the chicken is so moist and tender with the perfect amount of char flavor. The steak is so tender also equally as flavorful. Tortillas are fresh and we opted for corn and flour.

Caitleen N.

Our first meal stop in Monterey! We had El Pollo Rey in our itinerary as a "best chicken" place, and it was pretty solid! Upon walking in, we notice that it's a more intimate establishment with the counters, cooking spaces, and dining tables all at the same height with essentially no separation from the kitchen - seeing your food cook right in front of you felt very authentic. The service was great, very kind workers. We ordered the Half Chicken Combo with refried beans and also got some chips and salsas. The food was really good, we enjoyed the tenderness of the chicken, the spices of the salsas, and the overall flavors of the combo. Would come back again!!

Melina R.

Some of the best chicken I've ever had. It was extremely juicy and flavorful the marinade it's in was explosive! Rice was fluffy the beans weren't anything special but the chicken was out of this world. My friend got the carne asada quesadilla and it was a huge portion! Really yummy Smokey flavor perfect char on them and the asada was soft and not chewy. It pulled apart perfectly and they were generous with the guac! Have to come back. And it was super affordable!!

Mika C.

WOW HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! My bf and I shared the half chicken combo which comes with rice, beans, tortillas, and a grilled onion and this was more than enough food for the both of us. This is one of the best chicken spots I ever had hands down. Service was great and quick and it's a very casual spot! We were one our way to Big Sur and we got recommended by this spot from someone back in LA so we had to make the stop and it was completely worth it. Ready to make the trip back to order this again

Jason S.

What a nice bargain. You get a large bowl for a decent price. I really liked the salsas and flavor of this bowl. The line wasn't too long. I will definitely return to try more items.

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Ashley G.

157

8 years ago

This place is awesome. Bring a friend and share the half chicken-- it's a lot of food. Hot corn tortillas, rice, beans, delicious pickled onions, and grilled peppers and onions. We got the guacamole also- the guy made it fresh right after we ordered. read more

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Joe H.

9 years ago

Wow! This is the best chicken I have ever had! Portions and quality are amazing. Sides are great as well. Very simple menu, 1/3 chicken or while chicken. Rice and two choices of beans. Nothing complicated but it's all very tasty! I eat here at least once a week. read more

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Cindy K.

9 years ago

Oh my lord!!! Just saw this new business article on weekly and wanting to try it. I got the whole chicken that comes with tortillas and side of salsas. They are seasoned and grilled to perfection!! They just opened up so right now it is cash only so make sure you bring the cash. Support this family run business give it a try and you won't regret it. read more

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A G.

6 years ago

A great spot to eat! I went with my husband and we shared a super burrito de pollo asado. Definitely shareable. Also shared some grilled nopales and chiles asados. Affordable food and delicious. Definitely will come again to this place. read more

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Cindy D.

120

9 years ago

Came to this place while visiting family & ordered the whole grilled chicken with sides of rice, beans, salsa, tortillas, and guacamole. The chicken was well seasoned, was soft and tender, and it had great flavor. They specialize in grilled chicken so their menu is limited but the food is awesome and has good prices! read more

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Maria O.

9 years ago

Oh man, I just finished eating here and it is damn good!! The chicken has so much flavor and the sides and salsas were delicious! I will be back. 100% recommendable. read more

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Mark F.

6 years ago

Awesome food and very reasonable prices. Loved the carne asada burrito, guacamole/salsa and chips. Worth going out of your way. Highly recommend. read more

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Kathy B.

6 years ago

We tried El Pollo Rey for the first time yesterday and were very pleased. The food and service was wonderful. We will definitely be back.

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Hillary D.

185

8 years ago

Amazing, Authentic, Will be back. Whole Chicken with salsa and pickled red onion. Fresh guacamole made right in front of us. Generous portions for a great price. read more

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Brad S.

9 years ago

As many other yelpers have expressed, this spot isn't typically a location I would just give a try. When visiting Monterey - I have recently started dreading the dining options because it's overpriced and cookie-cutter type gimmick food. This place is refreshing! Wow, the food was excellent and 4 people can eat well for a little over 20 dollars. The Chicken was full of flavor, the tortillas, rice and beans complimented the meal as sides. Would like to see more beverage options. The place was clean. Well kept up. The gentleman cooking the food also took the order and was attentive even during the meal making sure we were satisfied. Absolutely bookmark this place on your next stay in Monterey and don't be put-off by its seemingly less than desirable location. No ocean views here. But a great food experience is better. read more

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Jessica M.

101

9 years ago

I live close by and it always smells so good. I had to try it one day, it's delicious and a good price. They have the hottest jalapeños ever. read more

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Alanna E.

8 years ago

Classic taste, no gas, all mesquite! Freshly made guacamole and be sure you ask for grilled onions! Pro tip, go in the back and use the big sink to wash your hands, this messy eating in all its glory! read more

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Jennifer L.

9 years ago

Really great fresh food. The salsa is amazing. We were starving and devoured everything and still had some to take home. I just wish the tortillas were homemade. The staff were very nice and attentive. I'll be back. read more

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Michelle O.

9 years ago

We stopped here to pickup dinner on the way home. I ordered 1 1/2 chickens (comes with tortillas, beans, rice & salsa), a side of guacamole (made fresh right in front of me) and a slice a flan. It came out to $40. There's enough food to feed my family of 3 for dinner plus leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Everything was so flavorful, and the salsa has a kick! The staff was friendly and quick. The restaurant is very clean. We will definitely be back again. read more

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Jasmine K.

8 years ago

Very delicious, tender, and flavorful chicken. Small quaint spot without the hustle and business of a big chain restaurant. The whole chicken portion was the perfect amount of food for my family of 3. It was so filling. I would definitely recommend and eat there very often. read more

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Vianey B.

9 years ago

For it being a Mexican restaurant I was hoping to have a selection of salsas and hand made tortillas; but I guess that's not the case. The rice is alright; could be better in my opinion but for the main thing being grilled chicken it's pretty good. read more

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Amber R.

132

9 years ago

We are fresh off the plane from 3 years living in Tokyo. Tokyo does pretty much everything extremely well, but the Mexican restaurants are just "pretty good". Jet lagged and starved we staggered in and inhaled deeply... ahhhhh.... we were in the right place! The chicken is the star of the show, and literally melts in your mouth. The salsa was outstanding, and the frijoles! wow, just wow! We will be in Monterey for 18 months and plan to eat here as often as we can! read more

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Alexis J.

8 years ago

Amazing! Everything was great and such a great value! We had the half chicken with rice and beans and guacamole and we couldn't even finish it. Service was excellent. We will be back! read more

El Pollo Rey - Mexican Near Me - Seaside, California

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Erin L.

6 years ago

Made to order guacamole is fantastic! Portions are great, chicken and carne asada cooked perfectly!

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Hector C.

9 years ago

Visiting from the Bay Area and couldn't be more happy to have found out about this place from my fellow helpers. Great taste and flavor and you get a lot of quality food for your money. Ordered the whole chicken with the two sides (came out to like $20 and change) for myself, wife and daughter and we couldn't stop eating! I honestly had about three plates worth of food just myself, that's including chicken, rice, beans, tortilla, onions and their salsa, and we still had plenty of chicken left over! You can't go wrong with this place and look forward to eating here again whenever we return to the area. read more

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Elena I.

154

9 years ago

Have been wanting to try this place due to the fact that we don't have many fresh chicken places around ever since Curly's BBQ closed. It was delicious! Chicken was super flavorful and the salsa and sides it came with were really good as well! 16 to feed four people is quite the deal! We will be back! read more

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Jorge O.

8 years ago

The best grill chicken do not waste your time anywhere else frijoles charros are very tasty

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S. N.

9 years ago

Such an amazing while in the wall place that makes only BBQ chicken and it is so good and at a great price!

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Sam B.

7 years ago

This place has the best BBQ chicken in town. The only reason for 4 stars is because the menu is limited to chicken, carne asada, and sides and that's it. We got the whole chicken which was about 3 to 4 thighs, a couple legs, and a couple wings. The flavor is outstanding the the chicken was perfectly moist. I walked in and ordered to go and they had it ready , got off the grill, in about 5 minutes. Very friendly staff and service. Parking is on Broadway/Obama Way and you can pull up right out front. Doesn't look like much from the outside but once you taste the food you don't care about that anyway. I could see an El Polo Loco possibly giving this place a run for its money only because They have a little more variety but this is also a mom and pop restaurant and you can taste the homemade. Also they gave us a few home made salsas with it as well as Bbq onion and pepper. Really delicious and I will be back! read more

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Alondra C.

693

9 years ago

Simple and tasty. We were in town on vacation and looking for a quick place to get something everyone would eat. The food was fresh off the grill and we were all more than satisfied with the portions. Great price too. read more

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Jazmin J.

102

9 years ago

Well, I guess I know what I'm eating when I visit my parents now. Yum... you need much spicer salsa, like Nayarit salsa spicey, but the flavor is perfecto. read more

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Adam D.

9 years ago

Great mom and pop owned store. You get a lot for the price. I recommend going with the refried beans over the pinto. Chicken is grilled over fire. Onions, (both pickled and grilled) are on point. Jalapeños are smoked and on the side so you get your own heat. Grab it and put it together. Family meal or serves two. read more

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Alexander W.

7 years ago

I love this place. Amazing charbroiled chicken for a great price. The rice and beans along with the pickled onions are amazing also. I will come back when I'm in town. read more

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Ravi S.

7 years ago

Best chicken in town! They don't have a fancy location, but food is better than the ones in fancy locations. I almost drove by because the location is in an old strip. Glad I stopped and ate. read more

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K W.

102

9 years ago

Ok i am pretty picky about Mexican food- nothing beats my mother in law's cooking. But this place is as good! (Lo ciento mama) The pickled onions are crunchy and perfect with the frijoles The nopales are the best The chicken is Fresh not greasy and veryaromatic Sorry to cut this short - I gotta go back for more! read more

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Charles U.

9 years ago

Good food, fast service, friendly staff. Fed a family of 5 for under $40. Great deal.

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Mike B.

146

8 years ago

I've been here multiple times and the food is always great. The chicken is seasoned and grilled perfectly. And they now have carne asada that is another good option. Feed the whole family or just get lunch. read more

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Hoku S.

8 years ago

Juicy chicken and tasty carne asada. Great salsas. Friendly staff. Chicken is very similar to huli huli chicken in Hawaii.

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Ana M.

9 years ago

The chicken is delicious. Just order a half chicken and pig out. The smell of the smoked chicken made my mouth drool and then the taste! It was juicy and moist. When we came in, it was within the first week, and there were a few hiccups. Example, they weren't able to accept credit cards, and in general they were a bit disorganized, but the food was excellent and a good value. We will be back often. read more

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Kristin H.

9 years ago

We were in the area and wanted the check this place out based on the great Yelp reviews. It definitely lives up to the hype! Two of us got a Full chicken with two sides which came to $26 including soft drinks and tips. The food was excellent (although I would ha e preferred the refried beans) and after eating only half I'd it we were both stuffed. We ate the leftovers for a picnic the next day. I loved the grilled jalapenos. We ate in and the owner gave us chips, two kinds of salsa and pickled red onions. This was a feast! Great value, very clean place and super nice staff! read more

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Julie D.

7 years ago

Amazing food and great service. The Super Burrito was super good. Chicken was awesome! Best meal I had on vacation in the Monterey area. So good they ran out of chicken before closing. read more

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Katie F.

8 years ago

Great price, always tasty, and friendly service. We go here when we don't feel or have the time to cook. Convenient, healthier than most takeout. Even when it's busy we never wait too long. Make sure to try the horchata. read more

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Tristan P.

104

9 years ago

Simple place! Great tasting chicken and adobada sauce. Fresh made guacamole. Simple food but made great!

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Faviola M.

9 years ago

Chicken was juicy and smoky, definitely worth the price. The whole meal comes with chicken, rice, beans and tortillas which were all very good and authentic. read more

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David T.

9 years ago

Best chicken ever, and the charro beans are amazing! Good service, friendly efficient staff and welcoming to families.

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Page 8 of 10

1188 Broadway Ave
Seaside, CA 93955
Directions
(831) 717-4744
Call Now
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Full menu

Hours

What time does El Pollo Rey open?

El Pollo Rey opens at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does El Pollo Rey close?

El Pollo Rey is closed on Monday.El Pollo Rey closes at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.El Pollo Rey closes at 7:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Sat 10:30 AM - 8:00 PMSun 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does El Pollo Rey take credit cards?

Yes, El Pollo Rey takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does El Pollo Rey have catering options?

Yes, El Pollo Rey does have catering options.

Does El Pollo Rey have a drive thru?

No, El Pollo Rey does not have a drive thru.

Does El Pollo Rey have a happy hour?

No, El Pollo Rey does not have a happy hour.

Does El Pollo Rey serve alcohol?

No, El Pollo Rey does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does El Pollo Rey allow dogs?

Yes, El Pollo Rey allows dogs.

Does El Pollo Rey have TVs?

Yes, El Pollo Rey has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does El Pollo Rey have bike parking?

Yes, El Pollo Rey has bike parking.

Does El Pollo Rey have parking?

Yes, El Pollo Rey has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is El Pollo Rey wheelchair accessible?

Yes, El Pollo Rey is wheelchair accessible.

Does El Pollo Rey have free WiFi?

No, El Pollo Rey does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The best char-broiled chicken in town!

El Pollo Rey Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
7 Reviews

Ask the Community - El Pollo Rey

Is there any seating?

Yes, they have tables inside.

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Do the serve margaritas?

No it's mostly take out and it's the best chicken on the peninsula! They do have beer....

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Las Cazuelas

4.0(170 reviews)

0.3 mi

•$$

This is a definitely a gem! Walking in, you are met with aromas of your friend's mom's house as she…read moreis cooking chile for that evening's dinner with a hint of tortillas de maiz aromas in the background. The venue is small, but the ambiance is great. Lots of earthenware tile and decor from Mexico adorning the walls. Service is quick. It's walk up, order, and seat yourself. There's a chips, salsa, and condiments bar that is self-serve. Everything was fresh, and salsas were chilled. The food was made fresh, upon order. While we were recommended to go to a different place, we were glad to have found this location. The food was exactly what we were all craving! Definitely one to add to the list of places to eat when in Monterrey.

Their carne asada tacos are really good. I ordered two yesterday and I really enjoyed it…read more I also love the salsa bar with a variety of sauces and fresh veggies. This has stayed continuously good. This is a great place to eat, catch up with friends, and hang out with family.

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Dining area

Chili releno; skin is a bit thick and hard

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Very generous with the meat and bacon

La Tortuga

4.2(612 reviews)

0.5 mi

•$$

Great food, great service and great ambiance. Their food is delicious and flavorful. They have a…read morelarge menu with lots of fun stuff to try.

$12.25 beef cheeks burrito was: gamey. Not that great. Flavor balance was just "tons of meat". On…read morethe plus side: cheap and sizeable. This was my 1st beef cheeks anything. So judging this place on just that isn't fair but the experience of eating it was so sub par, I'd need a strong recommendation from a friend for me to come back again.

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Dining Area

Carne asada torta

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Interior

Barba Azul

4.5(147 reviews)

0.5 mi

•$$

Last stop of our vacation and the wife wanted more seafood. You can get it here!! Very fresh…read more Very friendly server and chef. Nice seating inside and out. Started with raw oysters, so fresh. The wife got shrimp and octopus cocktail. So much seafood in there. I had Baja fish taco. One was enough for me. We also shared a guacamole salad. We got chips and salsa when we sat down. Multi colored and crisp and tasty. Good meal before we leave.

$18.56 for Shrimp meatballs soup was: very good…read more A light lunch and the first taste had me thinking about lobster bisque. It's certainly a much less heavy alternative. A bit salty for me but works well given it's an ocean dish. It looks like I can get my seafood fix more affordably here.

Photos

On the wall

Gobernador de camaron (shrimp taco)

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Classic michelada

Mariscos Puerto Nuevo

4.1(449 reviews)

0.6 mi

•$$

We went back to Mariscos Puerto Nuevo last night for dinner with couple of close friends, and it…read morewas absolutely outstanding. I honestly can't speak highly enough about this place--it remains a total gem in Seaside.The food was incredible across the board. Between our table, we had everything from their fresh, every dish was packed with flavor and served in massive portions. You can really tell they've been using the same traditional family recipes for a while making it feel comforting and authentic.The service was fast and friendly and the homey, whether you're a local or just passing through the Monterey area, this is a recommended spot if you want high-quality, authentic Mexican seafood that never misses the mark. I had the Nuevo seafood special and it was off the hook good ! We've previously enjoyed breakfast and lunch here before but the dinner last night just turned the dial up to 10 on the happy scale !

First time having mariscos around Monterey. They were not stingy with their shrimp. I ordered the…read moreshrimp cocktail, the flavor, the amount of shrimp and avocado were on point. We also ordered a side of beans and rice and I almost shed a tear because it brought me back to my grandma's cooking.

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Interior view

Chips and salsa

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Menudo: Beef Tripe Soup w/ corn tortillas + fixings | $13.95 (available weekends only)

Las Marias Bar & Grill

4.2(265 reviews)

0.3 mi

•$$

Delicious pozole!! I have a very high gluten intolerance and this did not give me any type of…read morereaction. However the place is not a completely gluten free facility so those with celiac please be cautious.

Excellent service and really delicious food. Served hot and fresh. We were greeted by the owner,…read moreMaria who was very kind and friendly. She gave us some recommendations and we ended up ordering enough food for that night + the next night that we enjoyed at home. The chips and homemade salsas came out first. 3 different types (2 red and 1 green). All 3 were good but they are spicy. We ordered the mulcajete, crunchy quesa birria tacos, enchiladas, and a chille relleno à la carte. The mulcajete came out bubbling hot with tons of beef, chicken breast, shrimp, and all the veggies. My daughter said her enchiladas (1 chicken and 2 cheese) were extraordinary. The birria tacos were on par - she makes the tortilla with a crunch to it. They were wonderful. Everything else was also very delicious. The rice was fluffy and tasty. The beans were a little soupy but tasted great. I like my beans a little more dense and thick. I highly recommend visiting this restaurant. Make sure you introduce yourself to Maria. She's a pleasure to speak with and she serves tasty food!

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Tacos California Grill Mexican Restaurant

4.3(346 reviews)

0.7 mi

•$$

Delicious fresh tacos! We weren't looking for a huge meal, just some tasty tacos and we came away…read morefully satisfied. I ordered one fish and one shrimp, my hubby got two steak. The small, comfortable restaurant was light and welcoming, the people warm and delightful. We will return.

Incredible flavor and great prices. Service was friendly and welcoming. Traditional style that…read morewould be perfectly at home in Baja. Highly recommend if you are in the area.

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Wet Burrito

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Outside

Las Cazuelas Taqueria

4.1(378 reviews)

5.8 mi

•$$

Vacationing with my fam in Moss Landing and searched for breakfast burritos and oh my god!…read more The burritos weren't massively sized which I appreciated, but holy smokes did they pack a flavor punch! We got 4. 2 bacon 1 chorizo and 50/50 bacon/ham. Top 5 breakfast burritos I ever had. They have a green crema salsa that is mild/medium heat that is the most delicious sauce I have ever eaten at a Mexican restaurant. Service was very nice and friendly as well. Place looks like a happening spot for dinner and drinks with a full bar next door. Im definitely coming back. Maybe manana lol

There was plastic in my moms food, the meat was bland, tortas with asada are cold, and the fish…read moretacos have shrimp in them. Thats not a fish taco. Margaritas are good tho.

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Jumbo quesadilla with al pastor

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El Cantaro

4.4(1.3k reviews)

3.5 mi

•$$

Family run restaurant that always delivers delicious vegan food. I can't say enough good things…read moreabout how well they treat their customers. I constantly recommend this place to people that are not just vegetarian. Probably eat here once a week

This is an amazing Vegan restaurant. I was in the area for the day and found this place. I haven't…read morebeen to many Mexican restaurants with any vegan options let alone a full Vegan menus. It took our party (8 people) a while to decide as we were spoiled with choices. But we had time as it was pretty busy for a Friday around 1. I ended up getting the carne asada nachos and the aqua Fresca that they had that day (mango and watermelon I think). Both were absolutely spectacular. The picture included might not show the best scale but I had 2 others helping me to eat this plate and otherwise I would not have been able to finish it (even as a larger man). The crunchy jalapeños with the chips, beans and guacamole were the perfect balance. As a meat eater, the texture of the faux meat was a touch odd, but the flavor more than made up for it. The staff was helpful and attentive even as they were balancing supporting customers, answer phone orders, and taking regular orders. My wife and will definitely be stopping by here more often!!

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Pretty mello. How I prefer it!

Authentic Mole Negro Oaxaca Style Plate and corn tortillas

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Taqueria Zarape

3.9(315 reviews)

0.8 mi

•$

Visiting the area for a service and was a little hungry - stopped here for some tacos - wow! If I…read morelived here I'd be eating here a lot! Ordered the ceviche tostada and ate the ceviche off of it - not fishy just tasty - also ordered a lengua taco and the meat was so tender and well prepared, no weird grisly pieces - husband ordered green chili pork and al pastor and was very happy with his selection as well - I had a bite of each of his and they were delightful. I love that you can help yourself to pico de gallo - which was fresh and alive with jalapeño ends - pico de gallo should be on the nutritional food pyramid as required daily haha - wow we were so happy with this meal, I wish we had been hungrier to try more items!

¡RACIST! Went with…read moremy family and unfortunately had a disappointing experience. The staff appeared more focused on watching a football game than helping customers, and the overall atmosphere felt unwelcoming from the moment we arrived. We were first-time guests and did not feel encouraged to return. When ordering drinks, our IDs were repeatedly questioned, which felt excessive and uncomfortable given that everyone provided valid identification. While I can understand staff needing to verify IDs, the interaction came across as distrustful and unpleasant. The food itself was decent, and the complimentary chips and salsa at the bar were a nice touch. However, service plays a huge role in the overall experience, and in this case it overshadowed the positives.

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Menu side 1

Burrito wrapped with chips and salsa's

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Sarita's Mexican Restaurant

3.6(163 reviews)

0.6 mi

•$$

The food was so bland the salsa was good, thank heavens…read more Service fine. No one in the restaurant except 1 other table not surprised. What a shame we were referred to this place. We have eaten at another Sarita's that was really tasty not sure what happened here. The inside needs a complete make over!!

We were supposed to go to a noodle place but they were "to go" only. We found this unassuming…read moreMexican place a few doors down and we were quite pleased with the service and food. While waiting for our food, we were served chips and salsa. The chips were "the delicious" kind according to my daughter. Apparently, not all corn chips are made the same. The beef soup has good flavor and the veggies were fresh-very comforting indeed. The shrimp and octopus ceviche was seasoned well, the shrimp and octopus were freshly prepared. This is a solid Mexican joint.

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23 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Dr R.

8 months ago

The food here is delicious but I am deeply concerned about food safety. They clean their grill with a wire brush and the pieces of wire brush break off into the food. I've tried contacting El Pollo Rey staff and the Monterey Health Department, but its been 6 months and have not heard back. Small pieces of wire when consumed can be life threatening. I'm holding off on eating here until I get confirmation that they are changing their method of cleaning the grill. I was eating my super burrito when I saw this piece of wire sticking out from my burrito. It was quite thick and sharp. read more

Elsa C.

3 years ago

the food is definitely wonderful, just one detail, they never "have change" so without asking they round up the 46.65 cents they charged me 47 but they do it without even asking and it's not the first time, this is every time I've gone, I imagine which is with all the clients, I can't even imagine the number of clients that they do this to per day, maybe no one is affected by a few cents, but let's be honest it is robbery in plain sight. read more

Michael S.

7 years ago

Pretty good Chicken here! The sides aren't the best I've had but they're not bad. It's a nice simple menu. I just feel like I'm not always in the mood for that simplicity but when I am it is my go to spot. Love the flavor here and the employees are always great to me! read more

Croes R.

10 months ago

The pork tacos were salty, but better with the veggies. The tortilla was soft and not dry. Toppings were just enough. The place felt casual and simple. It was okay, nothing special. read more

Candy E.

7 years ago

Delicious! The chicken is so good. Customer service was amazing. I have nothing but great things to say about this restaurant. Must go! You will not be disappointed! read more

Dan P.

5 years ago

Some of the best, freshest chicken in town you won't be disappointed if you come here! Everything is super fresh and for a great price you can't beat it read more

Marlene C.

6 years ago

This is such a great spot! They grill the chicken right in front of you, everything tastes great, and they have wonderful customer service!

Daniel M.

107

122

131

8 years ago

Love this place. We eat there regularly. My daughters love the beans. Great value for the family. Especially when we're not into cooking

Madrigal Photography P.

9 years ago

the best chicken, I'v ever had, the cooking process is what gives it so much flavor, you have to go and try it, you'll love it.

Angela M.

9 years ago

Came here and will definitely be back. Everything tastes great and was made to order. Large servings for a great price.

Derek F.

7 years ago

All the food here is so authentic you can taste the difference as soon as you bite into it this my new go to Yummo!!!

Ash S.

4 years ago

Great chicken, great price - will be coming back here often. Many dishes to choose from and great customer service.

Nick C.

221

8 years ago

This is the best chicken joint in Monterey. They only have chicken but the sides are great and so is the chicken!

Sophia P.

114

6 years ago

This place has the best chicken around everything is fresh and made right in front of you! I highly recommend it

The Real Deal A.

7 years ago

Little bland for my taste. They need to spice it up a little and add some sauce so things aren't so dry.

Alfonso A.

5 years ago

Probably the best grill chicken I ever had , this place a amazing best chicken in the Monterey country

Lori P.

5 years ago

Just love this place. The food is always consistent and good. I like to order online and pick up.

William C.

1 year ago

I never received my rice pudding that I was charged for . How can I get this refunded ??

Ted Z.

9 years ago

Awesome place!!! It is THE best chicken I've ever had and is exceptional value as well.

Dennis W.

5 years ago

BEST FOOD EVER !!!!!!!!!!!! The chicken was amazing and the people there are so nice

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El Pollo Rey - mexican - Updated May 2026

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23 El Pollo Rey reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

23 reviews that are not currently recommended

El Pollo Rey - mexican - Updated May 2026

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