El Zacatecano

As a newcomer, I met a warm and friendly staff and the tacos de camarones were fabulous, the best…read moreI've had! Parking is convenient as well.

I took my grandma and grandpa here on Friday, and this place exceeded my expectations. My grandma…read morereally enjoyed her tacos, and my grandpa liked his food too--although he thought the salsa was a little too spicy (I personally loved the kick). The tortillas were amazing--soft, fluffy, and delicious. My molcajete had great flavor as well. My only personal preference was that the steak was cooked more well-done than I typically like, which made it a little dry for me. I understand that may be how many customers prefer it, but it could be nice to give guests the option on how they'd like their steak cooked. The beans were creamy, the rice had great flavor, and overall everything tasted fresh and well made. It does get busy, so parking can be a little difficult, and it can get pretty loud inside during peak hours--but that's also a sign that people clearly enjoy this place. Overall, delicious food and I definitely want to come back to try more items on the menu.

Interior

Carne Asada Taco ($4)

See all

Quessabiria Y Consommé ($17)

El Charrito

4.4(1.7k reviews)

1.5 mi

Locally owned & operated

Grab-and-go

The flavors here are genuinely good -- you can tell there's real care in the seasoning and the…read moreoverall taste. That said, the portion sizes need serious attention, especially with the burritos. I ordered one expecting a proper amount of meat, but it came with barely any -- mostly rice and beans with just a sprinkle of protein. For the price, that's a tough sell. I'd love to come back and give this place a higher rating, but the portions really need to match the quality of the flavor. Hoping this gets addressed soon because the food itself has real potential

9.75/10 Hands down…read morethe best burritos in the area, and honestly, some of the best I've ever had! I've tried the Breakfast Burrito, Asada, Carnitas, and Chile Verde, and they've all been worth coming back for. First off, the tortillas are absolutely to die for. They're easily the best tortillas I've ever had, soft, fresh, and packed with flavor. They honestly make the burritos stand out from anywhere else. Every burrito comes with the same traditional rice and beans, and they taste homemade. The beans, especially, are delicious. The Breakfast Burrito is a great way to start your day. It's simple with eggs, potatoes, and your choice of meat, but it's filling, comforting, and exactly what you'd want from a breakfast burrito. The Carnitas Burrito has great flavor, although the meat can be a little on the dry side and tends to stick to your teeth. I'd definitely recommend adding their salsa, which helps bring everything together and adds some extra moisture. The Asada Burrito is a classic and doesn't disappoint. The steak is flavorful, and it's a solid go-to option. I'd also recommend grabbing some salsa to take it up another notch. The real winner, though, is the Chile Verde Burrito. If you're only ordering one, make it this one. The pork is juicy, tender, and full of flavor, and the chile verde sauce is absolutely incredible. It's easily my favorite and the one I'd recommend to anyone visiting for the first time. My only critique is the size, I just wish the burritos were a little bigger because they're so good! Overall, this is one of those places I keep coming back to whenever I'm craving an authentic, flavorful burrito.

Burritos made with tortillas right off the grill

See all

Villa Azteca

4.1(737 reviews)

1.2 mi

Loved the enchiladas and the drinks are delicious. They have amazing aguas frescas as well. Always…read moregreat service and fast delivery.

Found my new favorite Mexican restaurant in my area! I was looking for a place that had octopus…read moretacos and these are hands down some of the best I've had. We came on a Saturday and it was pretty busy but we were seated right away. The place feels like you've stepped into a portal right into Mexico, and I really appreciated all the decor and ambient lighting here. I can't wait to come back and try their corn cake!

Dining area

Guacamole $10 + Ribeye Chicharron $5

See all

Guacamole chiccarone

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant

4.6(458 reviews)

0.5 mi

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.

Culturas in Salinas was my first time trying Oaxacan cuisine, and it was a great experience…read moreoverall. The place was packed, which is always a good sign, yet the service was still excellent, very friendly, welcoming, and attentive. I ordered the tlacoyos with chicken Milanesa, and they were absolutely delicious. The chicken Milanesa was perfectly cooked, the queso fresco added great flavor, and the chile sauce had a nice kick without being overwhelming. I also tried the tamale Oaxaqueño, which was very flavorful with shredded chicken, a rich black chile sauce, and soft masa. It was much spicier than I expected, and unfortunately too spicy for me to finish, but you can tell it was made with authentic flavors. The tostadita Oaxaqueña was another tasty treat, fully loaded, fresh, and delicious. Every bite was packed with flavor. I also had the atole, which was warm, comforting, and the perfect drink to balance the meal. Overall, Culturas gave me a memorable first introduction to Oaxacan food. If you enjoy bold, authentic flavors and don't mind some heat, it's definitely worth trying.

Quesadillas - Chicken & Carne Asada

See all

Tlayuda Oaxaquena Mixta

El Canaston

4.5(51 reviews)

3.5 mi

Absolutely delicious food coming from this kitchen. Crazy this quality of food is in a mall. The…read moreowner is so kind and informative. I ordered one of each of the tacos de canasta and they are delicious. The beans are so flavorful, you can tell they were made with love. I took a bite of the quesadilla and OMG it's amazing. Not to mention the salsas! Both the red and green are good. It's in a mall so you get what you get as far as noise levels etc. But you can't get better food at any restaurant in town. This is a must try!

This place is a hidden gem. Located at the Northridge mall in Salinas…read more We tried the street tacos, quesa birria tacos and the tacos de cansta. The street tacos are made with the hand made tortillas that are to die for. We tried asada, carnitas, and pastor. Let me just say all meats were delicious. Not dry at all and super flavorful.! But the pastor stole the show. The pineapple flavor shines through with the pork and it literally is the best pastor I've had.! The tacos de cansta were amazing.! Get there early to get the chicharrón filling. They sell out.! Add the cabbage mixture to the taco for a bright flavor. Also, get both red and green salsas. Mix them and be amazed. The red salsa has a hint of smokeyness but it's not over powering. The green is more like an avocado salsa. I told the owner that I fully enjoyed his food and he explained the process and I can appreciate the time and prep he takes to make this cuisine. Every bite was amazing and if you want a new favorite taco spot, here it is. Warning: it ain't cheap but neither is Louis Vuitton.

Tacos de canasta.

See all

La Casa del Sazón

3.7(350 reviews)

1.6 mi

My husband and I shared a Molcajete Michoacán, which comes with steak, chicken, and pork. It was so…read moreflavorful. It also came with rice and beans and hand-made corn tortillas. We were hungry, yet wasn't able to finish it as the portion was huge! The place is smaller than their Monterey location, but the service is just as friendly. I'd say the restaurant can fit roughly 50 people or a little less. Not too big at all.

Worst food in this city. I ordered the vegetarian molcahete from the menu. What i got was bowl of…read morebarely cooked soup vegetables in a thin flavorless red soup. The vegetables were nearly whole as in a whole carrot, a potato cut in half lengthwise, really. I was given this dish and never saw the server again. Somehow I was supposed to eat this with tortillas and a spoon. After tasting the thin, red broth and being absolutely disgusted, I went to the register to speak to my server. I told her I didnt like the food and didnt eat it. With a straight face she rung me up and charged me over 30 dollars for a meal I didnt like or eat. That's the first time I've ever left a restaurant for bad food. Bad food, bad service, stay away from this one.

Molcajete Michoacán - enough to feed 2-3 people

See all

La Gran Diabla

4.2(82 reviews)

1.2 mi

Just tried this place for the first time and can honestly say I recommend it !…read more The vibes, drinks, food, and staff are incredible. Must try 10/10

Eh, I went on Tuesday and order tacos and there did not appear to be anything special in regards to…read moredeals. The carne was bland, and it should not be. All the tacos were bland. The beans were bland. The only thing that was really good was the chips and salsa. They were top notch. I ate everything because I was starving but regretted it. I was with 6 people and no one really seemed happy with their meal. The chips and salsa did earn them an extra star. They are outstanding! The staff was all very nice, helpful and attentive. Wish they had better food to serve.

Crazy nice atmosphere!

Crunchy shrimp tempura roll

See all

Bichota and Fresa Horchata

Mi Tierra Restaurant

Same consistent good food, good service served from their family to ours! Generous refills of fresh…read morechips and delicious salsa!! First time trying their tender and delicious menudo!! This is our family go to place when we are wanting home cooked with love Mexican food! Everything is delicious!

Good authentic Mexican and delicious . Portions HUGE! Service great and attentive. Will…read moredefinitely go back and try some new dishes

Mi Tierra Restaurant

Shrimp cocktail

See all

Taqueria El Grullense

4.2(24 reviews)

1.0 mi

Recently tried this place out after hearing someone raving about it. You order at the counter and…read morethen are given a number to pick up when ready at their window. There is some seating available, and a restroom indoors. You are also provided with chips and salsa while you wait for your food. We tried their tacos de asada, asada fries, and an Horchata. I was unfortunately not a fan of their tacos de asada, but enjoyed the rest of the food and drink. My boyfriend, however, loved the tacos. The salsa is super spicy, which I love. The staff was friendly, but it did take a while for our food to come out. I definitely think this place is worth a try.

Drove through Salinas and looked up taquerias. This one was recommended. Service was kind and I…read moreenjoyed my tacos, ceviche, and rice and beans. A little greasy but whatever.

Inside

Chips and salsa

See all

Outside

Taquitos Mexican Restaurant

3.7(247 reviews)

1.6 mi

Dad's first time here and he was very impressed with the service, the comfortable seating and the…read moredelicious amount of food. He couldnot eat it all so the waitress offered to make his chorizo potatoes beans into a burrito to go!! She even gave him chips and salsa to go I special ordered a ground beef and cheese chimichanga with rice and beans on the side. No guac. No sour cream. It was perfect. I took home the other half of my food for tomorrow's lunch. Best chimichanga in Salinas. Nice and crunchy!! Ice tea hit the spot.

Haven't been here in a while but I Wanted a margarita with…read moremy meal so we decided to give them a try again. The margarita was good. The food was just ok. I had the chili Relleno plate, my friend had a carnitas burrito. The sauces on each plate were lacking in flavor. Our waitress who was an older lady with glasses must of been having a bad night was kind of grumpy. My friend even asked her if it was the end of her shift but she didn't answer her. Someone else brought us our food. We like the atmosphere here in this big restaurant but the food was underwhelming.

See more unrecommended reviews

Table area

Aguachile Verdes

See all

Outside

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

28 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Jay H.

1345

215

9 years ago

This is a little place but I was very impressed with the hominess of this place. It is like eating at your grandma's kitchen. The food is very good, home made everything, even the salsa and chips taste home made. I ordered the flautas con res which is served with beans and rice. The flautas come with shredded beef and are topped with sour cream and guacamole. Delicious! My wife had the pork in mole sauce which was excellent. The service was very good and the prices were very reasonable for the amount of food served. read more

Glinda G.

14 years ago

This Mom & Pop, hole in the wall is as good as it gets! The food is prepared fresh and is very delicious...this is not "americanized mexican food" and the tortillas are made fresh also. I love to get the chile rellenos and any of the enchiladas are super too. The owner/cook comes to your table to make sure you are happy! Please stop by and give it a try! read more

Alexis K.

5 years ago

Tasty authentic Mexican food that is delicious. The green chili all meat burrito is excellent and would have this again. Located in an area not traveled by tourists but worth the effort to eat here. Like the cumin in the chili verde. Prices are inexpensive for the quality and quantity of food you get. read more

Brenda M.

11 years ago

I just love coming here! Great authentic Mexican food at its finest!! Chips, salsa and guacamole on POINT! I love the carnitas plate! It's cooked with a lot of love, tastes great!! Big portions with fast and friendly service! This is a come back to place for me and my husband! read more

Oliver N.

8 years ago

Amazing service, spacious, comfortable and has an amazing menu. This place is well priced and the food is superlative!! stand out dishes are chili Verde, shrimp Diablo, and their hot chocolateHighly recommend this place! read more

Marvin O.

249

7 years ago

Amazing food, great service and the quality and stile of food is puro Zacatecas.... Must visit, we came on a Sunday morning after spending the night @ Vision Quest Safari.... read more

M J.

6 years ago

Food is great, like home. Ladies can have a better customer service and place could be updated. I only go there if someone else wants to eat there. read more

Bethel Z.

410

6 years ago

Had to park a bit far on the street and walk a bit, but so WORTH IT! Food was amazingly delicious and staff were so kind.

Gabrielle F.

4 years ago

Wow I had a horrible service and I am just at all about the quality of service that I received. Would not recommend.

Steve Z.

10 years ago

Hole in the wall from the outside, but wow the food is awesome. Waitress was awesome. Will definitely return.

Leslie R.

188

6 years ago

They have some of the best food! They are friendly. They have great service and their prices really reasonable

Priscilla R.

13 years ago

I recommend the Beef Soup ! So delicious and flavorful. Authentic Mexican food in a little hole in the wall

Magic M.

295

473

13 years ago

This was really, really good! We all loved what we had. I will so get back to it next time I'm in town.

Leo M.

5 years ago

Great food with great service I will definitely be back for dinner. Food just like my moms home cooking.

Manuel B.

8 years ago

This place is great. When you go there, you must try the beans! I highly recommend this spot.

Yuliana M.

8 years ago

Pretty small place to eat but the food and service is good definitely worth checking it out.

Ruth N.

4 years ago

Such good food and service ! I have never been disappointed, no matter what dish I choose!

Thomas R.

6 years ago

Delicious food, very tasting would highly recommend definitely going back with my family

Nun C.

136

9 years ago

Very clean restaurant with friendly servers. Food was excellent, quick, and well priced.

Mario G.

200

12 years ago

Food was authentic and delicious. Service was quick too. Exactly what I was hoping for.

El Zacatecano - mexican - Updated October 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Salinas, California Restaurants near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Things to Do near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Desserts near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Coffee near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Parking near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Tacos near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Breakfast near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Burrito near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Smoke Shop near El Zacatecano

BEST of Salinas, California Shopping near El Zacatecano

Best of Salinas

Things to do in Salinas

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed El Zacatecano also viewed

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant

4.6

(458 reviews)

Eva's Cafe

4.1

(209 reviews)

Absolutely delicious authentic food! All the wait staff were friendly and helpful. Such a cute…read morelittle restaurant.

The food is absolutely delicious! Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with the customer…read moreservice. I placed an order online and called regarding my order, but the lady I spoke with was very rude over the phone and ended up hanging up on me. I really enjoy the food here, so it was disappointing to have such an unpleasant experience with the service.

Mi Tierra Restaurant

3.9

(119 reviews)

Good authentic Mexican and delicious . Portions HUGE! Service great and attentive. Will…read moredefinitely go back and try some new dishes

Tacos Don Beto

4.0

(153 reviews)

Excellent food with plant-based/vegan options, dog friendly outdoor seating, and easy parking…read more I had two tacos, one with soy chorizo and one cactus and mushroom. Everything was fresh and delicious, especially the corn tortillas. Nothing was greasy. Menu is large. I'll get a burrito next time. One of the chefs was making huge flour tortillas on site from scratch. Theres a selection of agua frescas and soft drinks in glass bottles too. The store front seems brand new. Service is fast and friendly. Restroom is clean. Thank you!

Menu photos July 1, 2026…read more This review is only to post the updated menu to Yelp, but it needs 85 characters.

Taquitos Mexican Restaurant

3.7

(247 reviews)

Burrito King

4.2

(182 reviews)

Best breakfast burritos and best spicy chilaquiles in town. I've tried breakfast burritos in…read moredifferent restaurants and nothing tastes so good like the burritos here. Now the chilaquiles the red ones they are so spicy, spicy good!! Excellent service and love how they have tables outside to eat :) highly recommend!!

Pollo burrito supreme was also perfectly cooked and seasoned. Still convinced this is the best…read moreburrito spot in all of Monterey, and at this point, I've tried nearly all of them.

Los Grullenses

4.2

(137 reviews)

Great tacos and very nice people working there who always treat me very nicely. The carne asada is…read morealways very lean and not a lot of fat or gristle. Great flavor too.

The best tacos I've had ever and the people are great and the environment is nice and plenty of…read morespace to seat and enjoy your food while watching the television. Right across Pilot flying J

Mama Lupita's

4.2

(155 reviews)

An incredible dining experience all around! The atmosphere was welcoming, the service was top-tier,…read moreand the pricing was excellent! I ordered the chilaquiles verdes with over-easy eggs, mexican rice, and beans it was absolutely superb This spot is a must visit, and I'll definitely be returning!

So my review 12 years ago still stands up. My update is…read morethey still have delicious food cooked right. Their service is still great and prices are more than fair. Last words...I need to go there more often.

La Costa Taqueria

3.9

(208 reviews)

Alum Rock to Salinas. Never disappoints, i always have the loaded nachos, for some reason , its not…read morethe menu. No jalapaños, yes to Salsa

It's been awhile since my last visit and check in here. They're consistent that's for sure, just as…read moreI remember. Well prepared and seasoned food. Large portions and solid service with smiles. These guys care about the building they work at and make our food in, always making an improvement here and there before it becomes an eyesore...clean. Last words...get ya some!

Tacos El Grullense

4.4

(33 reviews)