Whenever I am in Monterey I always enjoy lunch at Tacos Leal.
I had lunch there again today and was not disappointed. It is conveniently located a block off of the macro plaza on Modesto Arreola in between Zaragoza and Escobedo Streets.
The restaurant is in an older building which has been beautifully refurbished with colorful murals and bright decorations. Since the street is narrow and most of the buildings look alike it is easy to miss. They are one of the few businesses downtown which actually has parking next door. So if you look for the parking sign, pull in, and the restaurant is right next door.
You order your tacos and pay as you go in. You can tell them how many and what kind of tacos you want, specifying flour or corn tortillas. As complicated as this can get, they have always promptly fulfilled my order as requested.
They give you your receipt and drinks with a number. As your order is ready they will call out your number. They do have staff which will usually offer to help refill your drinks or bring you salsa from the salsa bar.
The salsa bar has multiple varieties of salsa as well as lime wedges and a cabbage salad to compliment your tacos as desired.
Today I had one quesadilla, two cortadillo tacos and two tacos of dehebrada (shredded beef). Five is usually more than enough.
Tacos Leal has a great family atmosphere and is open for breakfast and through late afternoon. read more