If you know me, you know I LOVE Mexican food. I read an article about this restaurant with rave reviews 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will definitely be going back to try other items on their menu. read more

Culturas in Salinas was my first time trying Oaxacan cuisine, and it was a great experience overall. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was packed, which is always a good sign, yet the service was still excellent, very friendly, welcoming, and attentive.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. read more

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Services was great! Servers were friendly and quick to take our orders. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant had a very welcoming vibe. I loved how much personality the place had specifically the murals![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Pretty comfortable size for a restaurant not to big nor to small.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Got shy so didn't take a lot of pictures of the inside. Food was great! Friend and I had been craving a Milanesa for a few and finally got it. We each got a different torta just to be able to try both out. A little sauce or chili oil and it just brings it all together! Portion's were pretty decent filled us up just enough to not feel bloated. Price: With 2 tortas & 2 drinks total came out to $32.75 with tax Roughly around 15-17$ per person. Not bad may start coming around more often! :) Receipt included in pics ! read more

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It was crowded, but we were seated before the allotted wait time. The food was amazing. My husband had the chicken mole. The sauce was so savory, the chicken tender and the beans were flavorful. I had this huge tostada the size of a large pizza full of meats, avocado, cheese and cabbage for crunch. It's enough for 3 as an appetizer or 2 for a meal. read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - 4 different kinds of meat, cheese, tomato, avocado, & cabbage. The sauce--just right - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

In town for the golf tournament we were looking for the best of Salina's and found this Mexican restaurant that offered items we haven't heard of so being the adventurous people we are we popped in. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sitting in a more run-down part of town featuring a partially dirt driveway we knew we were in for a treat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is ample parking and the restrooms are outside so hit it on your way in. The bathrooms were clean, thank you![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You can order at the front counter or get table service so we chose table service. Marella was very sweet and prompt. I ordered everything that we hadn't heard of before and she added a recommendation that I hadn't heard of as well. 7 items for 4 people...let's do this! While we waited we enjoyed the mutual on the wall of the restaurant featuring the most important pieces of Oaxaca's culture. Drinks: Cantarito - 8 A festive tequila drink but the tajin was overpowering If you love tajin you'll love this Horchata - 7 A little watery but still had good cinnamon flavor Appetizers: Tlacoyos - 10 - Fried masa covered with green sauce and cheese. Slightly spicy but incredibly flavorful!!! Picadita tradicional- 8 like a refried bean pizza. Very small but good. A great 1-2 person appetizer for small appetites. Huarache de Adobada - 7 - Almost like a pita under a mix of adobada, lettuce, cheese Pretty tasty with fresh cactus on the side Molotes - 6 - Chorizo and potatoes in a fried shell. Pretty bland for having chorizo. Main Dishes: Divorciado Pascal y Mole Negro - 8 The mole was delicious, the pascal was like a cilantro curry. The rice and beans were fantastic Tlayuda Oaxaquena Mixta - 8 Like a HUGE nacho! The cheese in it was a unique Mexican string cheese. Guajalote Asada - 10 A moist torta with flavorful asada. It has crazy stuff like hard boiled eggs, hot dogs but wow does it work. We ordered too much...We took home 3/4 of the Tlayuda and 3/4 of the Guajalote and almost all of the Divorciado. They surprised us with a birthday song for my wife and a DELICIOUS chocolate frozen mousse cake that we somehow found a second stomach to destroy. The staff is so nice and the food is something special. Don't get your standard Mexican, come here and enjoy the culinary journey to Oaxaca! read more

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Outstanding food and super friendly service. We ordered way too much since we hadn't eaten all day AND we wanted to try all the things so we ended up taking a bunch home but that was fine with me cause everything was delicious and now it's in my fridge to enjoy again. We started with tlacoyos of each type, which were filled with potato, cheese and beans. They were crispy, thick, and flavorful and bathed in a super tasty salsa verde. Next came a tlayuda mixta which was equally delicious with its thin crispy tortilla, mixed grilled meats and chorizo, plenty of queso Oaxaca, shredded cabbage, avocado and salsa roja. And the divorciado pascal and mole... sooo good. The mole was especially great with layers of spice and depth. Fresh tortillas, not-too-sweet horchata and mixed fruit agua fresca. All great. We can wait to come back and try their soups and other dishes. read more

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Delicious Quesabirrias tacos, tamales, chips & guacamole, and agua frescas. Also, large portions, we took home leftovers! Not to mention friendly service. Will be our go-to stop when passing through Salinas! read more

I got 2 super burrito and a plate to go. The food quality was a pleasant surprise. Good portions. Food price is decent for the area. I would come back again. There's a lot of Mexican food in Salinas but this one's a top competitor. read more

Amazing authentic Mexican food. The mole negro was incredible as was the mixed fruit aguas Fresca. read more

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The food was amazing! I had the chilaquiles with chile verde. Loved the tangy flavor. Service was excellent.

WHY WE WENT HERE: - dinner THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on the corner of E Market St and Kings St - can't miss the turquoise building! THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - [[HIGHLIGHT]]love the colors of the artwork/mural(s) both outside and inside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] - [[HIGHLIGHT]]booth seating as well as tables with chairs available[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] THE MENU: - we were given hard copy menus with a QR code at the front - https://qrco.de/bfiGbB - antojitos (appetizers) - blue zones inspired dishes - burritos - mariscos (seafood) - platillos (main entrees) - tacos, tamales, tortas y mas (and more) - desayuno (breakfast) - menu para niños (kids menu) - bebidas (drinks) WHAT WE ORDERED: - gorditas - asada, chicharron, tinga, birria de res - tlayuda Oaxaqueña sencillas - cecina THE TASTE: - gorditas - fiance loved! but favorite to least favorite was asada, birria de res, chicharron, tinga - tlayuda Oaxaqueña sencillas - cecina - good! filling but not bloating CUSTOMER SERVICE: - the greeter was very friendly; the server was fast but accommodating read more

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When in Salinas, we always like to lean into the local flavor, so it's usually mexican food. We have found a few gems, and this place is now among them. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was packed with a waiting list when we got there, even parking was at a premium.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Locals seem to love this place. BINGO, that's where we want to be![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We got a table outside after about a 10 minute wait. We really just wanted to a light lunch as we had fancy Country Club reservations with my sister-in-law later that day. I went with the Mojetes. and they were pretty good, and well crafted and cooked - , though I would LOVE to dig deeper into this menu another time! HUbbs got the mole 2 ways, delish, and served with some stellar handmade flour tortillas. To quote The Terminator, "I'll be back" read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Mole divorcuidados - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Delicious food and great service ! I asked for a not-too-spicy entree recommendation and was told to get the chili verde. It was a great suggestion. Deliciously salty and sour with great portion of food. My husband got the Tasajo Azado and that was great as well. Kids enjoyed their quesadilla and nuggets with fries. Well definitely stop by here again next time we're in Salinas read more

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Huiltacoche is hard to find and the last time I had it was when I lived in LA but this restaurant has it! I wanted a huiltacoche quesadilla and I split the molcajete. My friend also got the tlayacoyos with beans. The huiltacoche was just okay. I remember it being more flavorful in their version of a quesadilla was slightly different. It tasted a little bland and definitely needed salsa which they provide ample salsa and hot sauce on your table. The molcajete was well cooked and seasoned well. I will say it was a little different than what I normally recall for molcajete but it is a great deal for all that protein. I think the stars were the tlaycoyos. That green salsa was amazing and it reminded me of a pupusa. Parking was easy and the service was fast and prompt. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat in a booth and it would be a fun place to drink on a weekend with some micheladas.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Quesadillas with huitlacoche - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Absolutely delicious! Great food and service. We tried the carne asada and adobada tacos, verde tamales and quesabirria. Would definitely recommend this place and would return if even back in Salinas CA. read more

Delicious food and very kind service. My partner had the mole and I had the vegan blue zones special tlayuda My second visit and I plan to go back. read more

Stopped by Salinas on the way down south and found Culturas. They serve very authentic & traditional Mexican food -- not just your classic burritos, tacos that most Americans have grown to love. There were a few parties inside also having a great time with the food. The place is beautifully decorated with bright colors & murals. Tlayuda Oaxaquena Mixta - this was a new dish for me, reminded me of a thin crunchy base pizza, topped with beans, cheese, tomatoes, cecino & chorizo on top Quesabirria Tacos - perfectly crisp birria tacos with beef birria, consume Tamales Oaxaqueno - delicious banana leaf wrapped tamale with corn dough, mole, chicken I'd highly recommend coming by Culturas for a bite of authentic Mexican food! The servers were super sweet and gave us excellent recommendations. Check-out this family-owned establishing sharing their home cuisine! read more

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Amazing oaxacan food. Server was knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the menus for us first time visitors. They were accommodating and kind to our large family with small children. The food was amazing and ready quickly. We got a big sample platter to split and I think all meals come with a complimentary soup. We got the traditional oaxacan desert which was a corn meal type cake with a very mild sweet flavor. Overall highly recommend this restaurant and we would be happy to come again! read more

Absolutely delicious Mexican restaurant in Salinas featuring regional dishes that you may not find in other typical Mexican restaurants. They're also participating in the Monterey County Blue Zone initiative, meaning they have some really healthy and vegan options on the menu. Vegan tlayuda: Like a Oaxacan tostada, this was absolutely delicous and gigantic topped with black beans, avocado, and vegetables. Mole de Olla: A dish from Hidalgo, it's actually a beef soup (mole simply means sauce although most 'gringos" thinks it means the chocolate spicy sauce most often served on chicken, from Puebla, Mexico.) Filling and delicious, it's served with tortillas. The aguas frescas (fruit drinks) were refreshing. Service was friendly and prompt. Ambiance is casual and free parking in the lot. Highly recommended. read more

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Customer service: A warm welcome and for a first timer at their restaurant, they guided me to some of their favorites. Food: simply stated, this was delicious. The food had a good level of spice and flavor. Ingredients were fresh, proteins were cooked properly, and love was observed in the food. I especially enjoyed the shrimp tacos, chicharron chalupa, and guacamole. I will be back when I am in the area. Great job y'all!!! read more

Came here with a friend for dinner on Sunday evening around 5:45 pm. We were welcomed and seated quickly. Our server was friendly and gave us recommendations. I got chicken with the pascal and mole and my friend got a beef soup. The food was good and warm and came out pretty quickly. Overall a good experience and would come back if I am in the area again! read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Don't let the size or rough exterior disuade you from stopping by. Small interior is bright and colorful murals. All the staff, including the owner, were eager to serve and smiling all the time. Cold cervezas arrived quickly. Incredible home me ade chips and salsa. We wanted something small and the street tacos delivered plenty of food and flavor packed - chicken and asada. We thank the receptionist at our hotel for the recommendation! Locals filled all the tables on a Sunday night. read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Food was delicious and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere and service didn't disappoint[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Definitely go to .

The food has the flavors that are authentic and hit the spot, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the place is the kind that you know you're in for a treat[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], the service is attentive and friendly read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Sope de tinga - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Seriously legit tacos!! We searched and yelp pointed the way!!! Small little restaurant in So Salinas, but worth the trip across town. We ordered Tacos and all were delicious- Carne Asada - my fave! Fresh, hot and delicious Pollo - grilled chicken, good portion of tender juicy chicken Camerones- shrimp, grilled with a nice mildly spicy sauce Restroom was clean and fully stocked!! Had to eat them in the car because they smelled so good- we didn't want to wait the drive back to the hotel! Utensils, napkins and salsa a plenty too! Go here!! read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Carne Asada, El Pollo and Taco Camerones - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

This place was amazing! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was quaint and welcoming[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and the service was outstanding. You can truly tell this is a small business that pours its heart into the food. Everything felt made with care and love. We will definitely be coming back and recommending this place to others! read more

2nd visit and not good. First food order was a very hard Chile Releno smothered in a messy sauce. 2nd food request was a simple quesedilla with cheese that wasn't melted...Waitress couldn't understand what was wrong w that. So, stopped after 2nd mess up. The quesedilla was going to be tasty but the presentation w no melted chunky cheese was not cool. Hostess said no charge but offered to pay, and still a no. Smart thing to do.... take the payment and offer better service next time. Business sense and business etiquette not there. read more

Looking for some authentic Oaxaca food, this is the place for it. This restaurant is full of so much culture. Family owned and operated. As soon as you walk in you're transported. Such friendly and attentive staff. Not to mention some wonderful items on their menu. Although not all my cup of tea, there are some delicious food options I had never tried before. I would highly recommend getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new. You might be surprised! read more

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Incredible. Totally hits the spot and recipes are on point. Thick crunchy chips and spicy salsa. Verde is good too but much more mild. Quesabirria was incredible. My first bite was mind blowing and broth was layered with flavors. The temp of my food was so hot I couldn't slow down bc I wanted to inhale my meal. This place is sooooooooo good ! read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Quesabirria - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant The hotel I was staying in was in Salinas and this place happened to be really close to it. Super happy it was because the food and service here was wonderful! Per the recommendations of my waitress, I got a Tacos de camarón (4.99), quesabirras (4.99), and a gordita (5.50). On top of that, of course I had to get a jarrito to complete the palate. Limey, filling, and delicious. My favorite was definitely the tacos de camarón. It was a crunchy, cheesy, shrimpy delight. This restaurant gave me exactly what I needed for my late night cravings. ¡Muy delicioso! That's for sure read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Muy buena la comida pero la atención al cliente si tienen cara de culo quédense en su casa mejor y no trabajen

Driving through town and checked yelp this place had good reviews so we stopped. This place did not disappoint. Everything we ate was very good. I would definitely go back. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Downside was the place is kind of small, and there was a wait, lots of people waiting outside just to get in to eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had a couple tables outside but that was it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Completely authentic so delicious we had menudo. Very friendly staff. Great local place for delicious Mexican food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As soon as you walk it feels like your on vacation in Mexico[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Menudo fresh tortillas - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

This restaurant has very delicious and scrumptious food and appetizing drinks. The service was amazing, very helpful, and fast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is very inviting and decorated beautifully[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. This place will become mine and your go to Restaurant for Mexican food. read more

Another one off my book mark Came her on a Sunday and the restaurant was busy I got on the waiting list and sat on the bench outside Within 5minutes or less I got a call that my table was ready Inside is decorated nice There is a huge beautiful mural representing Oaxaca Along with other decorations from Mexico Waitress was nice and efficient Chips and salsa are $3.50 Salsa is good Spicy but good I got ONE Corona $5.99 That price is kinda steep for a Corona in my opinion It was not a Chavela or anything fancy !! (See receipt ) I ordered the Mixiote Pork meat with red sauce and Nopales, rice and beans and 3 tortillas. Entree is good !! Very flavorful, meat was very tender and I LOVE nopales, Ingredients are very authentic and fresh. The Spanish rice had chunks of potatoes and carrots I wasn't expecting that but it was good!! My daughter ordered enmoladas (chicken) she said it was OK (We ordered that to go) We really came here for the empanadas de mole but we were told that those are special order, you need to call days before and order that Alcohol situation is BEER ONLY Bathrooms are located outside of the restaurant but same building if that makes sense There are a few tables outside for outdoor seating There are a few paved parking spots in front of the restaurant, the rest of the parking is on gravel with potholes and big rocks So be careful I would definitely come back read more

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Driving home from Pinnacles National Park, we were absolutely starving and chose to stop at Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant because of their great reviews. It was a Sunday evening and the place was pretty busy. We put our names down and waited about 10 minutes for a booth to open up. Once seated, we skipped drinks and ordered food right away. My roommate and I got the Guacamole with Chips to share, as well as Quesadillas - one with Chicken, one with Carne Asada. I liked that the Quesadillas could be made with either corn or flour tortillas - we both chose corn. The vibe in the restaurant was casual with a large colorful wall mural and bright lighting. There were plenty of families with children, as well as people picking up takeout orders. Service was efficient and our food came out very quickly. The Guacamole was fresh and tasty. The portion size wasn't very large though, so I would recommend ordering more than one if sharing with a group. It was fine for the two of us though. The Quesadillas were also very good, but the Carne Asada was significantly better than the Chicken - I wish I had gotten two of those! Overall, good for a tasty quick meal. read more

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Great food. I enjoyed my vegan burrito. It was full of delicious vegetables like nopales, black beans, mushrooms, squash blossoms and yellow squash. Also a homemade tortilla! Nice friendly service too. read more

Oh, my. The most authentic and delicious Mexican food I ever had outside of Mexico City. It's had the double mole (black and green) that was the rival of my first mole in San Luis Potosí. I can't say enough about this place. Wonderful wait staff and really - really - good food. read more

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Fantastic find with delicious food. Sauces make these dishes. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cool little place and a favorite in town.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Enjoyed my first visit! We stopped on our way from the Bay Area to SLO. I wanted something light so I opted for a tamale (wrapped in banana leaf) and a small open face Hidalgo-style enchilada. The tamale was my favorite of the two, nice and moist. My dining companion's torta filled with sausage and enchiladas was amazing! If I'm headed down the 101 I'd surely return and try more specialties. Friendly service, casual atmosphere, reasonable prices, easy parking. read more