El Chilacatazo

4.8 (191 reviews)

ModerateMexican, Seafood, Breakfast & Brunch

Closed • 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

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El Chilacatazo - Al Pastor Taco ($4) - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - Interior - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - Carne Asada Taco ($4) - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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El Chilacatazo - Quessabiria Y Consommé ($17) - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Aimee H.

I had a great experience here from start to finish. It was open seating, our waitress was incredibly friendly, and the coffee tasted just like café de olla, with creamer and sugar served on the side. I ordered the small molcajete, which was the perfect size for one person, and it was absolutely delicious. It even came with a bacon wrapped jalapeño popper, which was a great addition. I couldn't finish it, so I happily took the rest to go. This was my first time here, and I'll definitely be back for the authentic Mexican food!

Sonya E.

Cute locally owned mom and pops type of restaurant serving up tacos, burritos, ceviche, enchiladas, pupusas, and Mexican style lunch plates. During my most recent visit, I tried their Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas (Tostadas de Ceviche) and it was quite a refreshing treat. Lots of fresh ingredients like cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado etc. blended well with seasoned shrimp and dressed with lime juices. I topped it off with some hot sauce and it made for such a light lunch. Loved how the restaurant was playing Mexican music loud enough for a vibe. The restaurant itself is relatively big offering space for groups of all sizes. My server was really sweet and checked in a few times. Would definitely recommend.

Lupe J.

As someone currently on a mission to explore more local restaurants around the Salinas area, El Chilacatazo turned out to be an incredible find and a place I'm already excited to revisit. We started with the guacamole appetizer, which was bright, fresh, and tasty. You could really taste the freshness of the ingredients, and it set the tone for the meal. The star of the night was the molcajete mixto, served hot and packed with an amazing variety of ingredients, chorizo, shrimp, cheese, chuletas, carne asada, and nopales. It also came with some surprise finds, which was a bacon wrapped chile, cebollitas, and pieces of grilled queso panela. It also came with rice, beans, and fresh made corn tortillas. The molcajete itself was a feast of flavors and textures. The meats were well seasoned and tender, the shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the chorizo melted in the cheese brought everything together beautifully. What really stood out was the seasoning. Every element was so flavorful on its own that we didn't feel the need to add salsa or anything extra, which is a something that doesn't happen often. It was clear that a lot of care goes into the preparation of this dish. And the homemade corn tortillas deserve their own mention. They were warm, soft, and incredibly delicious, so much so that we had to ask for a second batch just to keep enjoying everything in the molcajete. Portions were generous and incredibly satisfying, making it a hearty and shareable meal. The service was friendly and attentive, and the menu has a great selection that makes you want to come back and try more. One of the workers came by to ask if it was our first visit and shared their weekly specials menu with us. For anyone looking for bold, authentic Mexican flavors in the Salinas area, El Chilacatazo is definitely worth a visit. This was a fantastic foodie experience and a restaurant we're already looking forward to returning to.

John D.

You Guac My World Family-owned restaurant that's owned by two cousins and features Guerrero-style Mexican cuisine as well as Salvadorean pupusas in honor of one of the owner's Salvadorean husbands. Located in quaint Downtown Salinas, El Chilacatazo (Mexican slang for "delicious") is a relative newcomer to the restaurant scene being open less than two years (ca. Feb '24). Their rave Yelp reviews drew us in to check them out after a hike nearby. The Good: *Friendly service by make sure you pay at the counter or you'll be sitting at your table for a long, long time... *Fresh housemade flour tortillas *Horchata was delicious and not too sweet. *I loved their Guacamole which was nice and chunky (like me), but my only complaint was it needed a little more salt for our liking. *Birria tacos were Mexcellent! Absolutely packed with meat and cheese and with a nice helping of their delicious consomé that put it over the top. The Meh: *Small shared parking lot that was packed on our arrival, but empty when we left. There's free street parking as well, and another (free) City-owned lot right across the street, which is where we ended up parking. *Hard to complain about complimentary chips and salsa, but the chips weren't my favorite. Too thin and a weird texture to them. The salsa however was fantastic and had a great kick. *No outdoor seating The Ugly: *Need a code for the restroom, which is kinda annoying. *I don't know if the area is always like this, but man is was a nightmare crossing the street from the city lot. So many friggin cars coming around those two incoming curves on San Luis St. Conclusion: Tasty authentic Mexican eats in a family-friendly environment with friendly service.

Edward S.

At El Chilacatazo, you can find great seafood dishes, such as tacos gobernador and molcajete, inspired by Guerrero-style cooking and the fresh ingredients so close to the Monterey coast. Camarones a la Diabla: The plump shrimp are fresh and flavorful, which is no surprise considering how close the coast is. The devilishly delicious sauce contains chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, with a sweet and buttery flavor, and a nice kick. You can never go wrong with rice and beans, but the thin fries add some great crispiness. The freshly made corn tortillas are warm, thick, and chewy. I sopped up all the sauce as an excuse to finish the tortillas. The same thing happened to the chips because of how great and spicy the salsa was.

Miss E.

Discovered this place recently and we're so happy we did. The food is truly authentic and packed with flavor. On our first visit we tried the red enchiladas, mixta tostada, and the shrimp and fish tacos--everything was fresh, bold, and delicious. Our second visit was just as good with the menudo, molcajete, and a pupusa, all cooked perfectly. The guacamole is an absolute must, and the chips and salsa are great on their own. Don't skip the horchata--one of the best we've had. We also noticed they offer daily specials and we can't wait to come back to try the Tuesday special. There's a constant flow of patrons, which is always a great sign. This spot is officially in our regular rotation.

David C.

Nice little spot. Nice people. Amazing food. I came from Redwood City for a meeting. I am so thrilled I stopped here. I will be back.

Andrew D.

My wife and I shared the large Molcajete and it was amazing! My son also loved his Quesabirria tacos. The salsa verde was delicious and tasted so fresh. The staff were very friendly and attentive as they kept that salsa verde coming when I needed more. We were there an a rainy day and it was warm and cozy inside plus my family was able to really relax in the comfortable booth seating. It's very bright and colorful inside plus they had some great Mexican music videos playing on the big screen TV that we enjoyed. Highly recommended!!!

Jacqueline Q.

This place never disappoints! Everything is absolutely delicious. Definitely my favorite spot in Salinas.

Taco asada, caldo de res special, and chicken tacos

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Gricel B.

6

11

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2 years ago

The pupusas are delicious. I have also ordered enchiladas and flautas and they are very good too; authentic Mexican food. The family is very humble and kind and willing to explain the menu if needed. read more

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Alexandra P.

33

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2 years ago

Wow, so glad we came here! The tacos gobernador were delicious - grilled onions, well seasoned and perfectly cooked shrimp, and perfect guacamole. Kids loved the quesabirria, pupusas, and chilaquiles. Greeted with friendly service, nice tables - comfortable for my family of 6! read more

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Ashley D.

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1 year ago

First time at El Chilacatazo and our experience was awesome! Amazing authentic food for a great price! All our dishes were savory and perfect. They have various food options. Service was awesome and employees were very attentive and friendly. The restaurant had colorful decor all around and good music playing while we enjoyed our meal. Definitely recommend! read more

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Donna P.

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2 years ago

Great environment, excellent service and the flavors are bomb!! This is now our go to place in Salinas for an awesome lunch!

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Karen G.

Elite 23

18

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3 years ago

They have great service! Super fast and friendly. A great brunch spot they have delicious breakfast burritos that are a good size. Usually not a lot of people and can be seated quickly. I love the seasoning of this place a solid Mexican restaurant! read more

El Chilacatazo - Flautas ahogadas - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - Burrito asada Flautas ahogadas - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Carmel C.

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3

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1 year ago

Great food! Looks like family owned business. Had Posole and enjoyed very much. Lucked out in finding this place.

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Otis M.

1

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1 year ago

Five stars by far. We had a large group (20+ by the end) and unfortunately very close to closing but it was no problem for El C. Everyone was seated, orders taken, food quick, hot and delicious. I am not saying "show up at closing"! They could have easily said take it all to go, and instead seated us and quality was solid. The queso barria tacos rocked, and the service was top-notch. 10 out of 10 I would eat it again. read more

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Ginger M.

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2

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1 year ago

Friendly staff, attentive. The shrimp tacos were outstanding! Chicken plate was bland. Get the shrimp tacos!

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Ashley P.

0

6

4

2 years ago

The food here is sooo good! We ordered super burrito, quesa birria and chicken tacos. Very authentic Mexican food. Definitely recommend! read more

El Chilacatazo - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - Quesa birria - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Patrick M.

1

39

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2 years ago

It was REALLY good. Great choices on the menu for kids and parents. Clean and inviting. Polite servers. The food was incredibly good. The orange and green salsas were super tasty. Fair priced as well. We'll be back. read more

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Tonierose S.

30

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3 years ago

Great food and awesome service. Family owned business, I highly recommend this place. read more

El Chilacatazo - Fajitas de Camaron and Chile Relleno - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - Chile Relleno - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - They have great service. You can tell by our smile. - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Fabiola P.

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2 years ago

We come here as a mistake wondering about a new restaurant in Salina's. The server greet us right away and talk to us about the menu. She bring some chips and salsa and for my family and I if the salsa and chips are good, the food must be good. We ordered an small molcajete, some fried chicken taquitos and some enchiladas and the flavor was beyond good. Two fresh orange juices all natural and cold and refreshing. If you are looking for a Mexican Restaurant with a traditional Mexican flavor, this is the place to come, you will love e it!!!!!!! At the end the owner Dulce came to greet us and was very very pleasant to talk Definitely this is my new favorite restaurant. read more

El Chilacatazo - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - Fried Chicken taquitos - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Bianca C.

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3 years ago

The food is authentic Mexican food. The service was great. I definitely recommend this place. read more

El Chilacatazo - Jugo de naranja resin exprimido y Licuado de chocolate y plátano - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

El Chilacatazo - Quesabirias y plato de birria - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Nick M.

6

3 years ago

We have been here 2 times now and both times have been extremely amazing. The food has been to me the best Mexican food in Salinas. The family that runs the restaurant is amazing and has a very homemade feel to everything. We definitely will be back as this is now on our must eats in our hometown. Come give this place some love people! read more

El Chilacatazo - Huevos rancheros with Homemade Corn Tortillas - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Serafim A.

0

2

1

1 year ago

Great service and even better food. Really clean and great ambiance. I got the Molcajete and all the meat was cooked perfectly only thing the shrimp could've used a harder sear but other than that all the flavors were there. Definitely recommend. read more

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Rita G.

1

12

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2 years ago

Omgeena!!! My daughter and have both been craving Quesabirtia tacos and this place was amazing!!! We started with chips and salsa... the salsa was amazing!! Then our food came super fast, we got three tacos and a side bowl of consume. They were amazing!!! I was so bummed I could only finish 2 out of 3 tacos. The side salsas they brought were amazing as well... good enough to drink!!! We will definitely be back but this time I am taking my mom!!! read more

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Frank F.

0

9

7

2 years ago

This place is amazing good, we were a party of 10 and got seated right away. Visiting from L.A and loving authentic Mexican food this is your place to go! 10/10 food and service, will definitely come back when visiting Salinas. read more

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Leisha P.

121

65

123

3 years ago

Went to check this spot out because I saw the reviews and it did not disappoint. Great food and salsa served with chips was amazing. The corn tortillas are on point. Check it out! read more

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El Chilacatazo - Birria - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Ashlee G.

3

21

7

3 years ago

We came all the way from LA and stumbled upon this Amazing authentic Mexican. The refried beans were so creamy, the michelada was a bucket drizzling with chamoy and the food was fresh and absolutely delicious. read more

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Knoriel C.

0

5

2

3 years ago

I gave this new place a try and it did not disappoint. Good food, fast service, I recommend! read more

El Chilacatazo - Birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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Andrea M.

4

13

31

3 years ago

Food: 9/10 Service: 10/10 Ambiance: 10/10 This place is new in town so I HAD TO try it! I'm a sucker for Mexican food and I have to say, this place is a GREAT authentic Mexican food. The food almost tasted as great as my Mexican's mother's food. My family and I had... Sopes de pollo: 10/10 The flavor in this dish was amazing and the toppings were great! Tacos Dorados de papa con pollo: 10/10!!! These are Fried tacos with chicken and potato. These I was surprised because they almost tasted like my mom's cooking which is a HUGE compliment. Tacos de Birria/ 10/10 My boyfriend is super picky about his tacos de birria. We have tried them at every spot in Salinas, from restaurants to food trucks, he says this is his new place to get tacos de birria. In other words, they were super great! The consume (soup) was super flavorful! Agua de Jamaica and Horchata: 10/10 I was so happy to find that the Jamaica wasn't so bitter and wasn't too sweet! Same for the Horchata! Great taste! read more

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Araceli G.

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6

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1 year ago

Food is good but the portions are getting smaller and smaller. I first started once they changed from the pupusa spot to this name. The food was awesome it was very delicious now a year and so later I'm still ordering my same individual molcajete and it's one small slice of pollo & beef , 2 shrimps, one thin slice of cheese, the chorizo I don't like nopal nor the bacon wrapped chile so I always remove it with the melted cheese and I used to have to order more torillas now I get the 3 torillas and all I have left over for the last torillas is the chili sauce... the rice and beans are placed in the small salsa containers really!!!! Not even a bigger place with a side of beans and rice they don't substitute anything and still charge the same read more

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Mikami N.

33

23

3

2 years ago

My wife and I went to eat during lunchtime and their special of the day, Enchiladas with green sauce was absolutely amazing. The portion was right and everything was fresh and flavourful I want to come back anytime. read more

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Javier G.

1

52

1

2 years ago

The food was very good , the portions were extremely small. I ordered a Carne Asada burrito. It was a very thin tiny burrito . the price for the burrito was twelve dollars way too much for the quantity of food that I received. read more

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James M.

0

74

6

2 years ago

What a terrific find in Salinas. Great for couples or large families. We had to order the Mojachete Special. A perfect array of meats and flavors. Horchata for me was excellent and my companion had the Sangria. Sangria was large, full of flavor and all their own. Would definitely return and would highly recommend it when in Salinas. read more

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Alejandra C.

0

6

0

2 years ago

Wow!! Delicious food! My bf and I have been telling our friends and family about this place. Everything we ordered was delicious, we had the molcajete and pupusas 10/10. The agua de horchata made from scratch, limeade from scratch, handmade tortillas, and great customer service! read more

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Jon D.

25

15

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2 years ago

So delicious. Had pupusa's and asada tacos. The next table over orders of birria smelled delicious also. I will be a regular here.

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D M.

0

9

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2 years ago

The food and service were both fantastic! Pupusa's were amazing. We would come back again.

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A F.

112

13

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2 years ago

Amazing food and friendly service. The prices were reasonable and the enchiladas were delicious!

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Manuel B.

1

5

0

2 years ago

Great service and great food! Have the mini-mocahete and a goblet of fresh squeezed orange juice!

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Kathleen K.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Excellent food. You can tell everything is from scratch y las tortillas pues !!!!! and servers extremely thoughtful and friendly.

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Angela G.

0

17

3

3 years ago

I know this restaurant is barely getting started. My husband and I decided to give it a shot one day when the cute window decor caught my eye. The food is really good. I got 3 tacos. 2 asada, 1 Al pastor. The meat was so tender and the corn tortillas were fresh. My husband got the birria tacos with consume. He was pleased with his dish as well. The menu is quite small and I would love to see the menu expand with more options of ordering a plate with rice and beans instead of Al la carte. Server was very nice. Not too fluent in English but we definitely understood each other. I will be going back :) read more

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Claudia R.

0

5

3 years ago

first things first. The food is DELICIOUS! my bf and I had came across a post of their molcajete and decided to stop by, it looked very lonely but decided to still go in and omg I'm so glad we did. We were greeted instantly, got sat and got our order taken right away.( we got the molcajete) The molcajete itself is enough to feed 3-4 ppl. Easily and the flavor is there. The couple next to us got different food that looked and smelled just as good! I've had molcajetes before and honestly it beats the one casa del sazon is known for. (Both are good don't get me wrong) This place is a hidden gem. Definitely will be our new go to for mexican food!!! read more

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Daisy S.

0

7

2

2 years ago

You have to checkout this place. The food is excellent. The service is the best. Very attentive to their customers. The prices are right for the portions and awesome quality. read more

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Laura H.

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5

0

3 years ago

Good food!! Delicious.. we had the Molcajete Great service Very clean! Coming back for sure !! read more

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Judy V.

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4

1

3 years ago

Good and fast service! The only complaint we have was the salsa that came with the chips was watery but the food they served more than made up for it. The other sauces were good though. read more

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Emily H.

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3

0

2 years ago

The food here is amazing! Best shrimp tacos I've ever eaten! The service was super friendly too. Great place!

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Jenny P.

0

3

1

2 years ago

Great food & service. The pupusas, tostada de ceviche, and consomé y tacos de birria were really good!

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Rick R.

0

7

0

3 years ago

One of the best Mexican meals we have ever had! Friendly, good service. We ordered the Gobernador shrimp tacos and the Chile Relleno. Both were full of flavor and made from scratch freshness. The 3 tacos are substantial, loaded with shrimp, peppers and onions and fresh guacamole. Should satisfy most appetites. Homemade corn tortillas are outstanding. The Chile relleno is stuffed with cheese and potato, and bathed with the most wonderful homemade red sauce. They they also serve the meal with two flavor bomb salsas, a cilantro avocado type, and a smoky red chile. We will absolutely be returning soon and highly recommend trying read more

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David T.

0

23

1

2 years ago

Stumbled across this place while heading to Hearst Castle. Quite a find. Everything we ordered was fantastic. Fortuitous discover for a traveler. read more

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Page 4 of 5

337 Monterey St
Salinas, CA 93901
Directions
(831) 998-7677
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Full menu

Hours

What time does El Chilacatazo open?

El Chilacatazo opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.El Chilacatazo opens at 9:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does El Chilacatazo close?

El Chilacatazo closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.El Chilacatazo closes at 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.El Chilacatazo closes at 7:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Thu 10:00 AM - 8:00 PMFri-Sat 10:00 AM - 9:00 PMSun 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does El Chilacatazo serve alcohol?

Yes, El Chilacatazo serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does El Chilacatazo allow dogs?

Yes, El Chilacatazo allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does El Chilacatazo have parking?

Yes, El Chilacatazo has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does El Chilacatazo have free WiFi?

Yes, El Chilacatazo has free WiFi.

El Chilacatazo Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
3 Reviews

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First Awakenings

I have no idea how this place ever got a bad review. We were greeted with a smile and taken to a…read morewindow booth. The staff were fast and the service was excellent. But the best part was the food. Generous portions, fresh and everything was tasty. I was raveling but if I was ever back in town, this would s must stop. The decor was excellent, it was very clean and again the service and food were great.

I have visited First Awakenings several times over the years, mostly for breakfast, but today my…read moreson and I decided to try lunch instead. I ordered the tuna melt and he got the chicken Caesar salad. The tuna melt was honestly really good. The sourdough bread was toasted nicely and I loved that crispy layer of cheese on the outside because that is a special tray and my favorite part of any melt sandwich. The tuna salad itself was flavorful. It came with potatoes that unfortunately were probably the only miss for me. They seemed like they were not reheated all the way, so they had that slightly cold, rubbery texture. They also serve this little cucumber and tomato salad on the side that was absolutely delicious and honestly such a nice fresh side to my sandwich. My son wasn't too impressed with the Caesar salad because he said the dressing tasted watery, but other than that everything else he liked - the chicken was flavorful and nicely cooked, the salad was fresh and crunchy. Service and atmosphere were nice. Overall, I would definitely come back for lunch again. Breakfast is also great here, so I would recommend both.

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Bacon skillet with carnitas added

Ariana's Restaurant

Ariana's never disappoints. This is our go-to for weekend family breakfast. Be prepared to wait…read moreon Sundays for a table. The church crowd packs the place after service. It doesn't matter how long it's been since we've been in, they always recognize us. The service has always been on point, the food comes out fast and always delicious. Since I'm a creature of habit, I generally get the corned beef hash and eggs or the eggs benedict. 10/10 recommend for either. My girls switch it up at every visit and they've never been disappointed. The place is not much to look at and could definitely use some upgrades but don't let that stop you!

TACOS are excellent. Remember that…read more My goodness this place is great! So my elderly mother took me here for brunch yesterday. I skipped right over the all inclusive breakfast specials and went right to the Mexican food. I've been in search of great Mexican food for a while, every since moving away from California and Colorado. Well, it's right here, in Salinas, CA at Ariana's Restaurant. I've never had better tacos in my lifetime. They were truly heaven on a plate and I only could eat so much, therefore I will be back before my trip ends to try every single taco on the menu and maybe a few other things. I here from my mom that the pancake breakfast with bacon and has browns that comes with coffee is really great too. BUT THE TACOS must be tried!

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Steak & Eggs

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Machaca with eggs

The 31st Grill

31st St. Grill did NOT disappoint! The food was very, very tasty. The menu is vast and can…read moreaccommodate all types of eaters! They made my sandwich with grilled shrimp since I don't eat any other meat(s). This place was hopping with customers which is a good indicator that the food, atmosphere and service is sufficient! There was a slight wait for drinks but that's expected when business is booming! Another plus is that they had flavored creamer for my coffee! TIP: The portion sizes are large and shareable! My hubby couldn't finish all of his food.

I'd give it 5 stars, but there are areas they can improve on…read more.. 1. $6.95 for a kid's lemonade is way too expensive. 2. I'm pretty sure they don't offer real maple syrup. The viscosity completely gives it away that it's "table syrup". That's okay. But why not offer real maple syrup as a chargeable option? 3. The pancakes are very good. But they don't offer fresh blueberries. They offer some kind of berry mix. I don't like blackberries. To me, blueberries are typical standard fare that most breakfast places with pancakes offer. The service is generally excellent. The place is very clean and bright. We will probably be returning. But hope they can make some needed improvements.

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Our view for breakfast

Yummy baked goods will entice you!

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Storefront

The Butter House

So on the last day of my 36 hour Monterey golf trip,the boys and I needed a breakfast spot before…read morewe teed off and they mentioned to me this bomb Filipino breakfast spot and I just knew we had to check it out. We headed to The Butter House on Fremont Blvd, in Seaside. The parking at this lot was substantial as they share a lot with a few other businesses-so that was great. When we arrived it was a large room with many customers. There was no wait for our party of 6 due to the size of the restaurant with many tables in the room. Once I took a look at their menu,I was a bit overwhelmed with the sheer volume of choices but I decided to try something I would truly love,as I'm not overly familiar with Filipino breakfast items,but what Ive had so far I've truly loved. I went with Marciana's Breakfast Fried Rice ($16.50) and a single lumpia($3.05) The lumpia was just super delicious-it featured ground beef,onions,carrots,green beans,bean sprouts, and was served with a sweet chili sauce on the side. It's a great item,as many in my group ordered them and some even ordered extra to bring home. Now the fried rice dish featured butter fried rice with bacon,sausage,& ham,It also included soy sauce,onions,garlic and topped with two eggs served over-hard. I loved this dish so much that it's irritating. I'm irritated because I know this menu is full of banger items too, but I may never find out because I can't imagine ordering anything else--that's how much I enjoyed this dish In closing, if you ever find yourself in the Monterey area and want to try an awesome Filipino breakfast--get down to The Butter House-their quality is super high.

This place continues to be a regular for me when visiting Monterey…read more Recommend: huevos rancheros & lemon blueberry pancakes (lemon curd on side) Chicken & waffles was ok.

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Croissant Breakfast Sandwich with sausage patties, fried egg, cheddar cheese and house made aioli.

TBH Benedict

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Chicken & Waffles

Villa Azteca

Delicious food, it's the first time I come here and I was wonderfully served by the waitress…read moreCharlotte, I shared with my family a squid, melted cheese and a red molcajete. Without a doubt it was the waitress' recommendation because we didn't know what to order, very kind thank you for taking good care of us and I hope to return soon.

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.

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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"

Portobello's

I stopped by Portabello's for a Sunday brunch and overall, I had a very nice experience. We were…read moreseated right away and provided menus promptly, which is always a good start. We ordered avocado toast, French toast, banana pecan pancake, house potatoes, and an Aperol spritzer. My avocado toast was served on a single very thick piece of bread, which had a very generous amount of avocado smash and was topped off with this delightful and fresh arugula salad. I added an over easy egg for an extra charge that was the perfect balance. The house salad was simple with butter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, radish, cucumber, with a light lemon house dressing that brought the salad together. It was refreshing. The French toast is pretty standard. Nothing that particularly stood out. The banana pecan pancake was delicious and shared with everyone at the table. The house potatoes were extra crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, which I found particularly satisfying. Overall, we had a pleasant experience and found Portabello's to be a good brunch spot in Salinas. The service was fast, the food portions were big, the food tasted fresh, and it was a nice ambiance. I would definitely return for the avocado toast and potatoes. Side note - I noticed Caesar Salad was misspelled on the menu as "Caeser"

Popped in father's Day brunch and wanted to check it out. There was a wide selection of entrées…read morethat included scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict and loco moco, French toast and pancakes as well as proteins like bacon and sausage. The service was okay as I was half way through my meal before I got coffee and ordered. Bloody Mary which was just okay with a lemon and olive on the stick...celery would have made it look prettier. The restaurant has modern feel in the courtyard area is usually the best place for an outdoor brunch.

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Grilled Chicken Portabello Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries

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Bloody Mary (non spicy)

Caffe Soleil

4.3

(27 reviews)

0.3 mi

Lovely spot to stop! Freakin DELICIOUS sandwiches!!…read moreSo glad we enjoyed lunch there! Thank you

First time trying Caffe Soleil, and overall I had a good experience. It's a very small café with…read moretwo counters and a few small tables, but the inside is adorable. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with trendy décor that is very appealing to the eye. When I arrived, it was a little challenging to find the full menu, and I wasn't greeted right away. However, I understand places can get busy, so I didn't let that affect my overall impression too much. I ordered the Panini Caprese sandwich, and my son ordered the Caesar salad wrap. My sandwich didn't look quite as full as the photo, but honestly, the flavor made up for it. It was delicious with great texture, and I loved every bite. I also appreciated that it came with pickled jalapeños on the side, which was a nice extra touch since I love adding those to sandwiches. My son rated his wrap a 3 out of 5. He felt there wasn't much chicken inside, and there also wasn't much Caesar dressing, so it mostly tasted like a wrap with lettuce. It would have been a much better experience if they had included more chicken and Caesar dressing on the side to add more flavor. Overall, I'd definitely come back and try this place again because I really enjoyed my sandwich and the café itself has such a cute, cozy vibe.

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The Village Restaurant

I haven't been here in years and I'm so glad I decided to come back! I ordered the chilaquiles…read moreverdes with egg and steak and they were absolutely delicious! Everything was flavorful and fresh. My cousin ordered an omelet with potatoes and she loved her meal as well. The owners were incredibly kind and attentive! Great ambiance. Overall, it was a great experience and I'll definitely be coming back! Highly recommend supporting this local business!

I'm sorry to leave a bad review. But we ordered the fried calamari and it's like chewing on a…read moregarden hose. It was cold, flavorless, and chewy. The lobster ravioli was decent though but also cold. The service was nice, no complaints there. Maybe I will try them again for breakfast or lunch? I hope this was just one bad meal.

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Menu At The Village Restaurant.

Cinnamon French Toast & Blueberry Pancakes

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Menu

El Charrito

Locally owned & operated

Grab-and-go

The new Marina location is really good! I ordered the chile verde burrito and rated it 4 out of 5…read morebecause it was still missing a little of the sazón that makes the Salinas location so special. That said, the restaurant is super clean, including the bathrooms, and the space feels cute, modern, and welcoming. Nothing will ever beat the Salinas location for me, but this new spot definitely deserves 5 stars for the overall experience. Ordering online was quick and easy, and everything was ready on time. Great addition to Marina!

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

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Burritos made with tortillas right off the grill

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Salinas City BBQ

We had the tri-tip, brisket, coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, corn bread (get the corn…read morebread) and a hot link. Everything was delicious!

My experience with Salinas City BBQ for our recent family gathering. I ordered online through their…read morewebsite, and the whole process was super easy. I really appreciated how clear their portion sizes were, making it simple to know how much to order for our group of 30 hungry adults. I opted for a pick up order although they do also offer delivery. My order was ready on time, and packaged well. --everyone was really happy with the portions and the flavors. I definitely recommend Salinas City BBQ if you're looking for real good food and friendly service!

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Celebrating the PIG

Port Rib and Half Garden Salad with Tri Tip steak. Half size s Good size salad for lunch. I liked BBQ pork rib is not too much bbq sauce .

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Berry cobbler outstanding

The 31st Grill

31st St. Grill did NOT disappoint! The food was very, very tasty. The menu is vast and can…read moreaccommodate all types of eaters! They made my sandwich with grilled shrimp since I don't eat any other meat(s). This place was hopping with customers which is a good indicator that the food, atmosphere and service is sufficient! There was a slight wait for drinks but that's expected when business is booming! Another plus is that they had flavored creamer for my coffee! TIP: The portion sizes are large and shareable! My hubby couldn't finish all of his food.

I'd give it 5 stars, but there are areas they can improve on…read more.. 1. $6.95 for a kid's lemonade is way too expensive. 2. I'm pretty sure they don't offer real maple syrup. The viscosity completely gives it away that it's "table syrup". That's okay. But why not offer real maple syrup as a chargeable option? 3. The pancakes are very good. But they don't offer fresh blueberries. They offer some kind of berry mix. I don't like blackberries. To me, blueberries are typical standard fare that most breakfast places with pancakes offer. The service is generally excellent. The place is very clean and bright. We will probably be returning. But hope they can make some needed improvements.

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Our view for breakfast

Yummy baked goods will entice you!

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Storefront

El Charrito

Locally owned & operated

Grab-and-go

The new Marina location is really good! I ordered the chile verde burrito and rated it 4 out of 5…read morebecause it was still missing a little of the sazón that makes the Salinas location so special. That said, the restaurant is super clean, including the bathrooms, and the space feels cute, modern, and welcoming. Nothing will ever beat the Salinas location for me, but this new spot definitely deserves 5 stars for the overall experience. Ordering online was quick and easy, and everything was ready on time. Great addition to Marina!

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

Photos

Burritos made with tortillas right off the grill

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Samurai

Dined here for an early dinner on a weekday evening and it was not too busy. Service was warm and…read moreefficient. Lots of options to choose from as the menu itself already provides an abundance of items, but there is an extended menu of more specials and sushi rolls posted on the walls all around the restaurant. We shared the Street Fighter Roll, the Sushi Combo - Samurai, and I had a side salad and miso soup. I would agree with some of the other reviews here that the sashimi was fresh and the cuts were generous. I also appreciate how the sushi rice ratio wasn't an overkill so we were able to enjoy more of the sashimi and sushi toppings. Would definitely return to try other menu items!

At Samurai Japanese Sushi Restaurant..!!! We Haven't Been Here In Awhile..!! Been Craving Their…read moreFood..!!! So I Ordered The Two Item Bento Box Lunch I Got The Beef Teriyaki And 3Pc. Tuna Sashimi Comes With Rice And A Salad. My Fiancée Ordered The Melissa Sushi Roll..!!! YUMMY..!!! And To Wash It All Down I Ordered A Small Sapporo Beer And My Fiancée Ordered A Pelegríno Sparkling Water.

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Salinas City BBQ

We had the tri-tip, brisket, coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, corn bread (get the corn…read morebread) and a hot link. Everything was delicious!

My experience with Salinas City BBQ for our recent family gathering. I ordered online through their…read morewebsite, and the whole process was super easy. I really appreciated how clear their portion sizes were, making it simple to know how much to order for our group of 30 hungry adults. I opted for a pick up order although they do also offer delivery. My order was ready on time, and packaged well. --everyone was really happy with the portions and the flavors. I definitely recommend Salinas City BBQ if you're looking for real good food and friendly service!

Photos

Celebrating the PIG

Port Rib and Half Garden Salad with Tri Tip steak. Half size s Good size salad for lunch. I liked BBQ pork rib is not too much bbq sauce .

See all

Berry cobbler outstanding

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

7 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Claudette A.

1

10

14

11 months ago

First Visit -- Definitely Not the Last! This was our first time visiting El Chilacatazo, and we were greeted with a warm smile and friendly service right from the start. We ordered tacos, a single molcajete, and a shrimp plate -- everything was absolutely delicious! The flavors were spot-on, the portions generous, and the food came out fresh and timely. Prices were reasonable, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It's rare to find a place where both the food and the service are consistently great -- but El Chilacatazo nailed it. We'll definitely be back and are already recommending it to our family and friends! read more

Bryanna T.

1

84

93

4 months ago

This place is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere completely transports you it genuinely feels like you've stepped into Mexico. The food is incredibly authentic and packed with flavor, every bite was better than the last. The staff were so warm, helpful and attentive which made the whole experience even better. This is the kind of restaurant you leave already planning your next visit. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a truly authentic Mexican dining experience! read more

Olivia E.

1

10

2

2 years ago

El Chilacatazo is a hidden gem for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service set the perfect tone for a delicious meal. The tacos are a must-try, bursting with flavor, and the signature chilacates are an unforgettable treat. Whether you're here for a quick bite or a relaxing meal, this place delivers every time. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for great food and a welcoming vibe! read more

Maria P.

0

1

0

2 months ago

aqui hay una muchacha que se pasa de lanza con mi marido, ahorita fuimos a comer y la pinche muchacha pendeja no me saludo solamente saludo a mi marido. y se queda viendo como que si algo quiere. aver si la educan a la zorra. y aprende a respetar. read more

Juan A.

0

2

0

1 year ago

Best authentic Mexican food in salinas , hands down! Service was amazing. The molcajete was quite delicious with home made tortillas! Price was ridiculously affordable! read more

Alexis S.

0

15

13

2 years ago

One of my favorite places we've been there about 10 times or more never disappointed and always delighted. I always want to go here

Anna M.

0

11

7

8 months ago

Place is very busy! Small location but did not feel crowded. Food was delicious! Service was good and coffee was great! read more

El Chilacatazo - mexican - Updated July 2026

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7 El Chilacatazo reviews that are not currently recommended

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

El Chilacatazo - mexican - Updated July 2026

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