Taqueria Cortes

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.

Food was good. I ordered carne asada. It was 3 thin slices--juicy, fresh. It came with rice, beans…read morea grilled chile serrano, a cebolla and 3 home made corn tortillas. My daughter had the birria plate and a chavela. I was checked on about 5 times.

Interior

Carne Asada Taco ($4)

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Quessabiria Y Consommé ($17)

El Charrito

4.4(1.6k reviews)

•$

Locally owned & operated

Grab-and-go

Located in the heart of Salinas and a local staple to community. El Charrito brings flavors that…read morecome from tradition and years of experience. It's a must have and always part of the detours when I'm driving near the area. The first touch is everything of the burrito. Your fingertips meet the surface and pick up a whisper of the flour. fine, almost silky, clinging just enough to remind you this was made by hand, not machine. It dusts your skin like a memory and suddenly, you're not just standing in your kitchen anymore. You're back with your mama or your abula kitchen. 10/10 on of my favorite places in the area and always worth the detour

New spot here in Marina opened about a month ago…read more Hand made tortillas from scratch (you don't see this very often). Got the burrito with Chili Verde, meat was tasty and tender. Burrito is a basic meat, rice, beans and salsa...anything else is an add-on but all reasonably priced. Horchata was good but a little on the sweet side for my taste. Enjoyed the nice patio outdoor seating to enjoy the great weather. Staff was all very friendly.

Burritos made with tortillas right off the grill

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El Zacatecano

4.4(449 reviews)

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!

8.75/10 Been coming…read morehere since I was a kid! This spot never disappoints and still has to be one of the best Mexican restaurants in Salinas. Chilaquiles 9/10 Made perfectly, spicy, and full of flavor. The beans are always great soft with cheese and super comforting. Only bummer was the eggs ordered 3 sunny side up but no runny yolk. Still amazing overall. Chicken Enchiladas 8.5/10 Really good, would definitely order again. The sauce and chicken were on point, tons of flavor. Just wish it had a little more texture everything was a bit soft, maybe some veggies or a little crisp on the tortilla. Still super nostalgic and tasty. Service was quick and friendly like always. The vibe hasn't changed since I was a kid super nostalgic, and I love that.

Inside peek

Zacatecano plate

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Signage

Villa Azteca

4.1(726 reviews)

I've lived in the general area for 15 years and I wish I'd discovered this place sooner. I'm a huge…read morefan, this is some of the best Mexican food in the area, to the point where it reminds me of some of the better food I've eaten in both Mexico City and Oaxaca City. And I'm struck that reviews seem to be a bit polarized, but my experience was definitely at one end of that spectrum. I'll be back!

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.

Dining area

Guacamole $10 + Ribeye Chicharron $5

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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

4.6(450 reviews)

1.3 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.

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Art

Art

Quesadillas - Chicken & Carne Asada

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Tlayuda Oaxaquena Mixta

El Canaston

4.5(51 reviews)

2.0 mi

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.

I love the food here. Today is the 2nd time in a row I've come to eat, and the restaurant is…read moreclosed. All websites say they are open.

This is the store front. It's really cute I love the decorations and the colourful tiles.

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La Casa del Sazón

3.8(348 reviews)

2.5 mi

Awful Awful Food Beans were Watery And COLD…read more The Rice Was Tasteless and Cold Rolled Tacos meat inside was Burnt. LAST TIME EVER !!

This place sucks. I work right next door and gave them a shot today cause I didn't bring in lunch…read more Their "super" burrito isn't so super. Where I come from (SF Bay Area), a super burrito includes sour cream, cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo. This one only included the pico de gallo with bland rice and beans. What a rip off for $14. On top of that, when I walked in there was a lady leaning on the counter, waiting for what looked like a refund. She didn't look very happy. The cherry on top was while waiting to pay for my order I saw one of the cooks in the kitchen casually place a prepped plate in the microwave, right in plain view. Yep, that kinda sums it up right there.

Molcajete Michoacán - enough to feed 2-3 people

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Kids Cheeseburger with Fries

La Gran Diabla

4.2(50 reviews)

Don Tomás nos brindó un excelente servicio, fue muy atento, nos ayudó en todo momento y gracias a…read moreél tuvimos una experiencia muy agradable.

Que chido lugar . El ambiente a toda madre y nuestra mesera la de lentes súper amable y atenta…read morevolveremos a venir!

Crazy nice atmosphere!

Aquachile Trio

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Bichota and Fresa Horchata

Mi Tierra Restaurant

10 stars out of 5. Everything we order is always great. Definitely recommend their chiles rellenos…read moreand some of their chilli oil sauce.

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!

Mi Tierra Restaurant

Shrimp cocktail

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Xoxo

Taqueria El Grullense

4.2(24 reviews)

1.4 mi

Amazing! Having moved from LA to a small town my demand for tacos is unsatiable! I am sad to report…read morethis town has no street tacos BUT this place, WOW! Went in the staff is super friendly, awesome with recommendations and accommodations for my picky little people. We got a Mariscada to try as well as our tacos. The Mariscada is huge, easily feeds 2! The meat on the tacos is plenty and lean most importantly. This is our new go-to for our taco fix!

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.