Eva&#x27;s Cafe

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)

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Quessabiria Y Consommé ($17)

El Charrito

4.4(1.6k reviews)

2.6 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

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El Zacatecano

4.4(452 reviews)

1.1 mi

Good but It would be better if the employees were a little more friendly, they are not smiling…read moretowards customers at all.

This place doesn't look like much from the outside but the food is some of the best Mexican food…read moreI've had in a long time. I was staying in Salinas for a training at the Monterey County Government Center and ended up eating here twice during the week because it was so good. I live in Redwood City and this tops anything I've had recently near home.

Inside peek

Zacatecano plate

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Outside

Villa Azteca

4.1(737 reviews)

2.3 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

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Guacamole chiccarone

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant

4.6(458 reviews)

1.5 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

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Tlayuda Oaxaquena Mixta

El Canaston

4.5(51 reviews)

3.9 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.

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La Casa del Sazón

3.7(350 reviews)

2.7 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

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La Gran Diabla

4.2(84 reviews)

2.3 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

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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

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Taqueria El Grullense

4.2(24 reviews)

0.7 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

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Outside

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19 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Cuevas J.

7 years ago

Yes, this is a tiny little place. This place is not about the place, it is about the food, 100%. This might as well be a food truck, this is not a place to bring an entire family for dinner. If you want to eat with your family, call in advance and get the plates to go. This is the best Mexican food in town, bar none. It is fresh, tortillas are homemade, try the enchilada plate or the ever popular Huarache plate. This is a great place to come in and eat by yourself at the counter, or with a friend. Otherwise, you can take it to go. This is not a traditional sit-down restaurant and cannot be judged by the standards of such. Yes, the food may take a little bit longer, but that is because fresh food takes time. The tortillas are homemade, I cannot stress that enough. read more

BeerLove R.

148

14 years ago

If you're looking for that fresh homemade meal from grandma's house this is the place to go. They have a great variety of food from breakfast to dinners and also plates big enough to share. You will be getting your money worth. My favorite dish is the molcajete. Its got steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, cactus, and a delicious salsa. It comes with fresh guacamole, rice, beans, cheese, and homemade tortillas. It can feed 2 or more for only about 20 dollars. The best part is they deliver. Sometimes ill be stuck in the office so i just call them about an hour before. Or just order at home for the whole family. And they deliver anywhere in salinas. It truely is great food. Only negative thing i have to say is that they dont serve beer. :-( read more

Izy G.

11 years ago

Best mexican food in town. Only downside is location. I recommend moving to the south side guys. It's time to progress and really improve your seating. Got elbowed a few times picking up a Molcahete, which i highly recommend. Ordered over the phone. Was ready in 20 mins. Very fast and quality for its price. Keep the business and quality of food up. Please don't loose that taste like the Casa Del Sazon. They started great and as every business got greedy for tips and the portions shrank. So summing it all up. Awesome food. Take out would be best. Parking could be better. Cash only. Overall 5 stars for quality of food. read more

Richard H.

12 years ago

I am always in search of the best chili relleno and today I may have found it. This is a small authentic Mexican food establishment. Emphasis on small space but huge portions and high quality. With food like this, they'll be in a larger spot soon. Don't miss this place if you like truly authentic Mexican fare. Fresh homemade tortillas were hot and awesome. The rellenos were the largest I think I have seen and the flavors were marvelous. read more

Irma P.

11 years ago

The food is delicious. Well I've only tried the Molcajete and I love it. It has a combination of different flavors. I love the fact that I can add extra things at no charge (win win). And the tortillas are home made which makes the food taste more authentic. The only down side are the chairs (no where to seat). Parking also sucks (had to park 2 blocks away) but it's worth it! read more

Brandon R.

2 years ago

11/10 MOST WONDERFUL PLACE TO EAT AT. The vibe is all there, como un Mexicano les puedo decir que eso bueno comida muy rica, and if you don't speak Spanish, just eat there you'll know what I said with the first bite, highly recommend and the service is great. Everyone is very friendly. And ofc the food is fantastic very delicious. read more

Jen P.

10 years ago

Super good love it the best place ever......................................................................................................................................super great place to bring the family.................. read more

Kim R.

10 years ago

Their molcajete is really good. I was speechless when I tried it. So much flavor and food. I am a big fan of this place. I was recommended by a nurse. read more

Marvelous R.

5 years ago

Really great customer service we received this past Saturday! The food was delicious and plenty of food for the price paid. I will be back :) read more

Mario G.

10 years ago

Food was great very flavorful and large quantities the place is small so I order to go. I will definitely be coming back.

luz m.

6 years ago

Stopped by today and I can honestly say this food was so delicious the staff was polite I will be stopping here more often

Juan Z.

2 years ago

the best mexican food i really love it 100% recommend. you should go and try it have a nice day :)

Celly C.

146

116

9 years ago

They take a while to make the food and very tight space but very good. Worth it !! Cash only.

Efren B.

6 years ago

Great food as always, great service. The best food in town. Tiny place great flavor!!!!

Guillermo R.

5 years ago

time to wait it's too long, it also took 1 hour and a half just to get our food

Jeff C.

11 years ago

Loved the food and the atmosphere! Real food in a real neighborhood diner.

Mike G.

5 years ago

Bad service!! Made me wait over one hour for my food, afther i paid for it

Derek R.

Elite 26

393

613

5 years ago

Wrong restaurant sorry

Amarilis G.

12 years ago

Eva's Cafe - mexican - Updated September 2026

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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!!

After reading all the good reviews here we came in to try it. This place is tiny inside so very…read morelimited seating inside but they have a few tables outside but it was really windy that day so we opted to wait for a table inside. We've never been here , no one acknowledged or greeted us when we walked in. When we asked the young man that was standing by the cash register if we could get a table inside and if we could browse the menu while we waited. He was really annoyed that we asked him and just pointed at the menu's. We asked how long the wait would be and he just shrugged his shoulders. We felt very unwanted there and left, doubt we'll go back.

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

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Good but It would be better if the employees were a little more friendly, they are not smiling…read moretowards customers at all.

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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!

Carlito's 2

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We been to a lot of Mexican places in salinas and this has to be the most authentic tasting/looking…read moreMexican restaurants in salinas. It feels like I'm in Mexico with the decor and the music. One of the most underrated Mexican restaurants I've ever been too. Has booths and tables for the family. Great place to take your short Latina novia to Super homie in here. Very simple meals but simple in the best way possible lots of options! The type of food that feels like I got a hug from my abuelita. Also the type food to put you in a food coma! Also the service was fantastic, the owner was so welcoming and always has a smile on his face. Super fast.Great spicy salsa for the complementary chips. Even the water was tasty, super pure and fresh. No metal taste or anything like that GREAT GRILLED CHICKEN SO MUCH FLAVOR Pretty decent sized burritos/plates. Will definitely get you full

Outstanding authentic Mexican food. Generous portions, exquisitely tasty, quick service…read more Go!

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Hand-made tortillas tacos de Asada were amazing and I have had a great-tasting taco in a while. My…read morepartner also loved them and enjoyed them very much. Started all due to a coworker that brought tacos to work and shared Yes, business is in a gas station*

My son and I stopped in after a round of golf and the food was fantastic! The service was fast and…read morefriendly. I had a Lengua super burrito and a shrimp quesadilla my son had a carne asada burrito. The food was so fresh and tasty. We look forward to stoping here again when we are in the area or after a round at Salinas Fairways.

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First time last night. This restaurant was so cute and had amazing service. Along with the amazing…read morefood! Everything was so great!

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I called in an order for pickup the night before Thanksgiving last week, and stopped in on my way…read morehome from work. I ordered the Camarones al mojo de ajo, which came with rice, beans, fries, and several corn tortillas on the side. The meal was delicious! The portions were generous, and the shrimp were drenched in a tasty garlic sauce, just how I like it! It was hot and ready in about 15 minutes. When I went in to pay, the only other customers were watching a soccer game on TV. The gal at the register was helpful and friendly. Next time I'll have to try eating in, since the dining area is welcoming and cozy. Don't pass up this little gem!

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Straight to the point I ordered 3 tacos of chorizo & a breakfast burrito…read more The chorizo tacos were PACKED with meat. Since they were double tortilla, I was able to double my tacos. The chorizo was really good! I customized the breakfast burrito, I alluded their egg, potato & chorizo burrito & added bacon. The burrito was huge! Unfortunately I did not take a photo of it. Service: could have been better. Service was average. Ambiance: Ambiance is good, you sit yourself. Appreciated that the restroom was clean

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