Food was hot and flavorful, coffee was instant and that was a turn off. I would have liked flavored creamer. The tortillas were fresh and everything was delicious. It was like eating at my moms house, very home like and warm. The only down side was the parking. The pricing was moderat read more

Outstanding. Thanks to Yelpers, found this off-the-beaten-path spot and visited on our way to the Central Coast. The food is outstanding, and the restaurant clearly shows pride of ownership == clean, bright, just lovely. The wait staff is bilingual -- so even if you only speak toddler Spanish like me, or no Spanish like my husband, you'll be fine. read more

I'm not sure why there's a big song and dance over this place. It's not bad, but it's nothing special. I came here with another person, and we both got enchiladas. Mine was the Rancheros with the 'special' sauce, and my friend's was beef enchiladas. Compared to the beef enchiladas, the Rancheros was slightly more expensive since it came with guac, sour cream and the 'special' sauce. The 'special' sauce was good, but why don't they put it on all of their enchiladas? The amount of sour cream and guac was measly, and to top it off, the enchiladas were filled with only Monterey Jack cheese! The salsa came in a ketchup container you'd expect with a side of fries at a fast food joint, and it was watery. The taste was okay. Our waitress was efficient but not very friendly. These minor details could have been overlooked had the food been great. Nine dollars for a plate of standard enchiladas is too much in Salinas. If the prices were lower, this would be a three star joint. read more

Don't judge a burrito by its tortilla! Well the exterior of this joint is nothing to speak of, once you receive your order - all prejudices fall by the wayside. I had the flauta plate with beans and rice. Very crispy and good. My sister had the tamale plate - scrumptious. And my niece and nephew's meals were equally delicioso. My staff is very warm and welcoming. The chips and salsa were of high quality too. read more

The food here is very good the only downside is the location, parking can be an issue but honestly the food is definitely worth it. I do believe that the prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get and just how good it is. Definitely check it out! read more

Looking for Mexican on our way through town and happened upon El Zacatecano based on Yelp reviews. The restaurant was standing room only and the servers were zooming all over but they acknowledged us and eventually found us a seat. Both the servers we had were great about questions and checked in often. Our kids got enchiladas and both loved them and my wife and I got tacos. The food was fresh and hot. My kids loved the Horchata and they are experts on it. Our ice tea was great, not sweetened and the server offered lemon if we wanted, which we appreciated. read more

Their huevos con chorizo are really good. Along with the cheese, beef, or chicken enchiladas!

I love this place, but you gotta be ready for its richness. Food is heavy and a bit greasy but good. The Beef soup is soooo good. It's a hole in the wall type of restaurant and lots of local Hispanics. Don't expect a whole lot from the decor. I visit when I can't get myself to cook homemade Mexican food. read more

The best authentic Mexican restaurant we have found! Burritos were outstanding, salsa was spicy and delicious Love the refried bens! Chili Rellenos were so flavorful and cooked perfectly. We will be back soon. Service was friendly and attentive. read more

Caldo de Res on point. My bill came my eyeballs almost came out. My tip was bigger than the bill. Much love to la señora that took care of my son más I. Came from Napa to make a short pit stop in Salinas. Looks sketch outside...inside parece tu abuelas cocina! Would go back. read more

Just as all the previous posts promised, the food was great and so was the service. My wife and I are from Modesto, so we know what real Mexican food is supposed to taste like. This place was great! The food was just as good as at home. However, what was truly AMAZING to me, was how warm and friendly both the staff and patrons were! I felt as though we were among friends and family. We obviously were not locals, but we were warmly greeted and provided excellent service. Like the previous posts said, "don't let the bars on the windows fool you." These people are awesome, and so is the food. We will definitely be back! read more

Terrific local fare. Salsa is good and hot, meals were served quick. Full plates. Excellent beef dish.

Delicious! Yes it's a bit of a hole-in-the-wall but...clean, friendly & smells like wonderful food on the inside. Reviews are right on. Food is very tasty, staff is friendly and on the ball and it is very clean and neat. Lots of locals happily eating and chatting around the place. Had the Bistec "something", steak cooked with peppers & onions. Hubby had Carne Asada. Both delicious. The Bistec on the spicy side but full of flavor. Rice and beans very good. Served with tortillas. Highly recommend! We will return. read more

Came here because we found it on Yelp and it had good ratings. Food was delicious and the service was great. I got the chicken enchiladas as I usually do when I get Mexican food and it came with rice and beans of course. The sauce was yummy and the rice/beans were Fresh! ( I hate it when places give you old rice and it is beginning to harden... :/ ) They give you a lot of food so I had a good amount of left overs. I would definitely visit this place again if I were to ever visit the area again. read more

El Zacatecano - Enchiladas de pollo and camarones a la diabla - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Great service, prompt and friendly! However, in my opinion overpriced. Food was good nothing to rave about. It was the only Mexican food place that I tasted while in salinas so I don't know if this is just the only decent place they have. I was expecting more from the reviews. I did really like the beans, definitely not from a can. It wouldn't be my go to place but I'd go back if I was in the area. read more

El Zacatecano - Sopes $10 - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Best carnitas burrito I've ever had. Seriously, I almost took a nap afterward. Not much of an atmosphere, but who cares! It's the atmosphere in your mouth that matters most. Steinbeck would be proud (did he even eat burritos?). read more

El Zacatecano - Sorry Taco Bell. Today, you lose. - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Ok I've ate here a few times now and the food is very good. Definitely one of the best authentic Mexican food restaurants in the county ! :-) A great place for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner & they have parking behind the restaurant ! read more

El Zacatecano - Huevos a la Mexicana with bacon added ! Very delicious ! - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Early dinner ... seating was not a problem! Server was so nice and friendly. Had the spicy shrimp and chavela ... it was a hit. The dining experience was outstanding. Will definitely come back and try other menu items read more

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Super delicious Mexican food, great service, clean and super cheap! What's better than that?

Went there for dinner and it was really worth it. The portion was big and it was cheap. Taste-wise it was not bad and really hit the spot . I highly recommend sharing a plate with someone. The only thing I didn't like was the area. It gets very sketchy at night. read more

Found this place on Yelp (duh) while driving through the Salinas valley. The neighborhood looks a little sketchy after dark and the building is a total hole-in-the-wall, but inside the restaurant is clean and bright. It was mostly full when we visited, with a mix of singles, couples, and families with kids. We only tried a few dishes. They were all done well. Nothing I'd rave about, but definitely solid food with a homey atmosphere. Our waitress spoke to us in Spanish the entire time. That's never happened to me before in the USA, where every time I speak Spanish the waitress spots that it's not my first language and drops into using English around me. That increased the feeling of authenticity here. ¡Chévere! read more

I have lived in Salinas for most of my life (the East side to be exact) and can't believe it has taken me so long to eat here! I heard so many great things about the place so I had to try it for myself. I will admit from the exterior it looks a little sketch but I put my faith in fellow yelpers. The inside of the restaurant is clean and seating is somewhat intimate due to the size and has a family atmosphere. I ordered the #1 combo plate which was the chicken enchilada and a chile relleno with beans and rice. It was delicious. I especially loved the rice and beans. I will definitely be back! read more

Old school, DELICIOUS, & straight forward Mexican food -- We searched for a quick bite to eat while making a trip south on Hwy 101 and were thrilled to find El Zacatecano. Highly rated (except for some 1 star moron complaining about the spare interior), this place deserves a full 5 Stars. Spare interior yes but clean and welcoming with beyond superb food and efficient service. We did have a slight language issue over the kids' burrito but that was also delicious and devoured quickly. Excellent chips and the salsa might be some of the best I've ever had anywhere. I ordered the Chili Verde with handmade flour tortillas and my husband enjoyed Eggs con Chorizo. Filled with locals, fellow patrons were also nice. We took a card to remember to stop each and every time we drive through Salinas. I only wish I could import this place to our hometown! It is THAT good. read more

El Zacatecano - Bad picture of some of the most flavorful Chili Verde I've ever had. And I eat this dish at least once a month. - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

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The Platillo Zacatecano platter was sooo good a just about licked the plate. The chips and salsa were fantastic as well. I don't write a lot of reviews, but this one was a total surprise. I didn't think that it deserved four and a half stars because of the decor, and I was right: it deserves five because of the incredible food. Worth your while, for sure. read more

El Zacatecano - Used to be the Platillo Zacatecano. I resisted the urge to lick the plate... Win! - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Our family, too, decided to hit this place up due to the raving reviews other Yelpers gave it. And don;t get me wrong - the food was pretty good, the service was great, etc. It was a lot smaller than I expected - I anticipated it being a larger, family-style restaurant based on what I read. Instead, it's slightly larger than your average taqueria, though there's plenty of places to to sit. There's a Taco Bell across the street. If you consider that to be Mexican food, than El Zacatecano will blow your sheltered mind. If you're used to decent, authentic-style mexican food, however, then this place will fit the bill, but you won't be floored or anything. It's clearly a favorite of the locals, though, and that's enough for me. read more

Everything we ordered lacked flavor. We really had to tweak the menudo. The chili verde burrito was kinda bland. They killed my corn tortillas in the microwave and came like sweaty rubber. Even the carnitas taco was so-so. I don't understand all the hype. read more

Found El Zacatecano on Yelp while we were heading south on 101. It was highly rated and lived up to that rating. Great food at a reasonable cost. read more

Was referred to this restaurant thanks to yelpers, and was satisfied with the service and food. Much like other hidden gems in the East side, El Zacatecano provided decent food in a semi-restaurant setting. Personally, am not a fan of enchiladas that are made with melted monterey jack instead of cotija or dry crumbled Mexican cheese like my mother does, but the cheese enchilada plate was satisfying. I ordered the Zacatecano plate provides carne asada (not truely grilled but semi grilled flank steak) a cheese enchilada and flauta. The flauta was superb, as was the beans and rice, but everything else was slightly above average for mexican fare. Plate ran around 12 dollars, and good options were provided on menu.. good guac on the flauta.. Semi-restaurant setting... Salsa was canned, Im still searching for the perfect mexican joint without canned pico de gallo... read more

Fantastic home cooked Mexican food! Chile Colorado and Shrimp enchilada are awesome! Fast and friendly and a great stop while in Salinas!! read more

El Zacatecano - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

We had a little bit of a wait as the seating area is small. It appeared to be quite popular place for the locals. I had chili verde burrito and it was delicious. My husband had the large bowl of menudo. Most of it was broth, very little hominy and no pig's feet. It was full of flavor. The rice was delicious and not dry. I'll be back. read more

This is a small place, a short distance from the freeway. At first I tried a place right near the highway, but the seats were uncomfortable for this big boy. I mean painful. So I checked Yelp and saw El Zacatecano. I was seated quickly. It was a good crowd. The waitress was pleasant. The salsa had a nice kick to it. I got a combination of a chile verde burrito and a flauta. I enjoyed them both. I drive through this way a few times a year. I now have a good alternative to In-n-Out read more

Simply the best. Customer service is amazing. I always feel like im at home or at grandmas house. Food never dissapoints, very flavorful and well prepared. Underpriced, in my opinion. . read more

All time favorite! Love it here, caldo de res, enchiladas and burrito de Chile verde are delicious.

My girl loves coming here the food is good but what makes it better is the service I won't support a business with bad customer service

Hit his spot while traveling south. Just to grab a quick order to go. Staff was really nice while we waited. The atmosphere isn't great but no place with delicious tacos usually is :) lol 2x crispy chicken tacos - SO delicious and filling. Bigger than I expected. Really good shredded chicken. 2x carnitas and 2x carne asada soft/street tacos - boyfriend was in heaven. Good place! Happy with our stop read more

I have since tried other dishes since and they are a lot better than the tamales. My husband likes their chilaquiles.

Camarones a la diabla are the BEST in town. They are fresh and the spice is just right! Also, their aguas frescas are so good.

The best chile verde burrito and tostada de carne desebrada.I visited the first time in 1982 and I still coming to eat here every season ..Good service with the waitress and excellent taste of real Mexican Food read more

What a great find!! The place was very authentic the food tasted great! We had the carne asada burrito and quesadilla. Our 5 year old kept saying "this is so good". Now back in the car for more driving to the bay area! read more

Have been in California a while now. Just could't seem to find that special Mexican food Restaurant until now. El Zacatecano will please everyone. You can't go wrong. Really nice people and great food at a good price. No complaints about anything. This restaurant will always be tops on my list of great eats. read more

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