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    Ay Caramba

    4.0 (302 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:30 am - 8:30 pm

    Order Ay Caramba Takeout or Delivery

    Ay Caramba Photos

    AY CARAMBA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Enchiladas
    Marissa R.

    It was my first time trying this restaurant. We got seated right away on a Friday evening. I ordered the lime margarita. It was in a decent sized glass. The only thing that caught my attention was it was an inch or more from the top. To me, the glass should've been full or served in a different glass. I ordered the chips and salsa and all three salsas were delicious. I ordered the red enchiladas with combination of cheese and chicken. It didn't seem like they offered shredded beef, which I usually always get. I think it's that they lacked flavor. They're definitely not covered in sauce like you may be used to at other places. I had to put so much salsa on the enchiladas so that I could taste something. The beans and rice were decent. I don't know if I'd ever go back myself, but this is my opinion only. The service was great, so no complaints there.

    The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Everything came out fresh and flavorful, and the staff was friendly and attentive. Definitely coming back!

    What's left of my shrimp cocktail, and the box that my taco came in which opened into a plate.
    C S.

    So disappointed. This used to be one of my favorites and we came often, continued decline, unfortunately unlikely to come back at this point which sucks because I want to support local spots so much! I know that prices have gone up in life in general .... but a skirt steak that used to be $19 that's now $39, and that no longer comes with a salad and now has instant potatoes versus the baked potato that it used to come with is just unbelievable. One of my favorite things about this dish was the fact that it came out on a cast iron cooktop, sizzling with vegetables, the baked potato and bread. During my most recent experience, both myself and the other person who ordered the skirt steak, were so disappointed. I order medium rare, she ordered medium and both were barely cooked at, no sizzling whatsoever. We sent one back and it came back still rare. We also ordered the churro cart which we used to love, it was terrible, 3 little churros. There used to be a warm Carmel dip, this time it was cold. The shrimp quesadilla is still good, and beans good, and the arape good. Staff always friendly. But not worth the cost and definitely issued with changes that have been made.

    Cristina P.

    Everything was amazing! No wait time to be seated, Great food and delicious, very good service! Will be definitely coming back.

    Enchiladas Suizas ($15.25)
    E H.

    Initially quiet when I arrived shortly after 5:00 p.m., it did pick up as the night progressed. When I walked up, I was greeted by an inviting outdoor patio area decorated with pumpkins for a nice fall vibe, complete with heat lamps for the chilly nights. The menu and cocktail "specials" are also posted on an easel as well. The establishment is clean yet seems it can't decide if it's a sports bar (there are multiple TV's playing sports channels) or a slightly upscale Mexican restaurant. While not "real Mexican food" as the signage proclaims, it's a pleasant spin on Tex-Mex. Smartly presented chips and salsa were top-notch! Warm, crispy fried tortilla chips filled to the brim in a stylish metal cone holder with three small types of salsa in a custom "flight deck paddle" were brought table-side shortly after being seated. We had the Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas Suizas($15.25), which was described as "Our traditional Enchilada Suiza sauce topped off with sour cream & onion." The generous serving of 4 enchiladas was filled with chicken, although on the dry side, but they were swimming in plenty of the suizas sauce to help a bit. Slightly disappointed that the side dishes came in very small ramekins, as typically in other places, you get a fair amount on the plate itself. In this case, the rice was bland, but the beans were good with a nice smoky flavor. The server, "Ricardo," reserved in demeanor, however, was professional, polite, and courteous the few times he checked in on us. The bathroom was a bit untidy, with paper towels strewn all over the floor, but the rest of the facility appeared clean. Worth a return if passing by the area.

    Enchiladas
    Mikey R.

    This is my go to Mexican restaurant in the area. The enchiladas are my favorite, red or green, you can't go wrong with either! I also really like their happy hour offerings which makes it a perfect place to grab a few drinks and tacos after work with friends. They have a good selection of beers and make a great michelada! I also really enjoy going on Fridays because of the live music, it makes for a nice ambiance.

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    I really like this Mexican place! It's a fancy spin on street food. The churros are amazing! And the tacos are pretty good. Would go again!

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    I gave this place a second try and was so glad I did. Shrimp tacos were the bomb and portion was huge. Great local Mexican place!!!

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    This place is SO good! Service, food, & atmosphere were all amazing. They also have good beers on tap and really good sangria.

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    7 years ago

    It's ok, service is outstanding. I've gone once but it was kind of loud. I wish they were a little more authentic.

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    5 years ago

    Excellent Real Mexican food. Great service, clean, tv's fir the game... what more do you need, and close to home !

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    The best customer service I've experienced in a while. The staff was very friendly and was always making sure I had everything I needed!

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    Page 6 of 8

    Ask the Community - Ay Caramba

    I need someone to make paella for my reception in Monterey. Cook it there. Can you do this?

    No I’m sorry we do not make paella.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Alfonso's Authentic Mexican Food

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    Yum! I was worried when I was the only one there during dinner rush, but I'm so glad I stayed. The…read morechips were thin and crispy, and the red salsa had an oregano-y flavor to it. My carnitas burrito was great. Well seasoned, with a great mix of toppings. The beans were sort of in between refried and whole, which added some great texture. I will be trying it again.

    Absolutely loved this hidden gem of a mexican heaven on our way back from highway 1 drive and a…read morelong day at the beach. Out of the very few places you cross by, we found a place that accepts cards and is not a mc Donald's/ taco bell chain. There is lots of parking right in front of this restaurant and it's a quick detour from highway one when going back to san jose, which makes it the best quick bite spot for us!! As you enter, you are greeted by a friendly (and only 1) server. She gets water and menu cards to your table and waits to be called to come get your order. In $37 (before tax and 3% surcharge for credit card), we got: - free chips and salsa upon request 5/5 loved the mild salsa and spicy green sauce yum yum!! - super burrito 5/5 with chicken, add jalapeño and it was tooooo big!! Definitely to share :) paired perfectly with green sauce - beef flautas - 4/5 loaded with meat and comes with side of rice and refried beans Clean restrooms and quick service makes this the perfect pit spot for us!! Ps - 3% surcharge added for credit card payments Must try!!

    Photos
    The Alfonso's Logo on the Castroville Station Center sign, across the street from the Giant Artichoke Restaurant.
    The Alfonso's Logo on the Castroville Station Center sign, across the street from the Giant Artichoke Restaurant.
    Alfonso's Authentic Mexican Food
    Alfonso's Authentic Mexican Food

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    Ay Caramba - mexican - Updated June 2026

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