I took my grandma and grandpa here on Friday, and this place exceeded my expectations. My grandma…read morereally enjoyed her tacos, and my grandpa liked his food too--although he thought the salsa was a little too spicy (I personally loved the kick). The tortillas were amazing--soft, fluffy, and delicious. My molcajete had great flavor as well. My only personal preference was that the steak was cooked more well-done than I typically like, which made it a little dry for me. I understand that may be how many customers prefer it, but it could be nice to give guests the option on how they'd like their steak cooked. The beans were creamy, the rice had great flavor, and overall everything tasted fresh and well made. It does get busy, so parking can be a little difficult, and it can get pretty loud inside during peak hours--but that's also a sign that people clearly enjoy this place. Overall, delicious food and I definitely want to come back to try more items on the menu.

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

9.75/10 Hands down…read morethe best burritos in the area, and honestly, some of the best I've ever had! I've tried the Breakfast Burrito, Asada, Carnitas, and Chile Verde, and they've all been worth coming back for. First off, the tortillas are absolutely to die for. They're easily the best tortillas I've ever had, soft, fresh, and packed with flavor. They honestly make the burritos stand out from anywhere else. Every burrito comes with the same traditional rice and beans, and they taste homemade. The beans, especially, are delicious. The Breakfast Burrito is a great way to start your day. It's simple with eggs, potatoes, and your choice of meat, but it's filling, comforting, and exactly what you'd want from a breakfast burrito. The Carnitas Burrito has great flavor, although the meat can be a little on the dry side and tends to stick to your teeth. I'd definitely recommend adding their salsa, which helps bring everything together and adds some extra moisture. The Asada Burrito is a classic and doesn't disappoint. The steak is flavorful, and it's a solid go-to option. I'd also recommend grabbing some salsa to take it up another notch. The real winner, though, is the Chile Verde Burrito. If you're only ordering one, make it this one. The pork is juicy, tender, and full of flavor, and the chile verde sauce is absolutely incredible. It's easily my favorite and the one I'd recommend to anyone visiting for the first time. My only critique is the size, I just wish the burritos were a little bigger because they're so good! Overall, this is one of those places I keep coming back to whenever I'm craving an authentic, flavorful burrito.

I got the carne asada burrito and my fiancé got the chile verde burrito. There's no such thing as…read morea super burrito here, as I learned when I tried to order "con todo". All the add ons are separate and cost extra, which can add up in a hurry. El Charrito's burritos aren't the phatty mission burritos we're used to at California taquerias. I can scarf an entire one down myself, but what lacks in quantity makes up for in quality! The meats are flavorful and juicy and I really enjoyed my burrito with basically every add on there was except shredded lettuce. We also shared a horchata which hit the spot. The chips and salsa are also a must add-on. No restrooms available and uncovered seating outside only (two small benches).

Don't let the grilled windows and doors throw you off--this place is a genuine diamond in the rough…read moretucked away on a bustling Salinas street. Once you step inside, the vibe shifts instantly into a perfectly clean, well-organized Mexican eatery that feels both authentic and welcoming. The service is incredibly friendly and the prices are more than fair. It's the kind of hidden gem that makes you feel like you've been let in on a local secret. The food is quite frankly phenomenal. We're talking enchiladas cooked to perfection, delicious tortillas, quesadillas boasting that glorious, milky-stretchy cheese we all dream about, and bold salsas that bring just enough zing to make you reach for your napkin (and maybe a glass of water). Even the staples like refried beans and rice were flawless, leaving us with absolutely nothing to fault. If you're looking for a meal with enough soul and spice to make you sweat, this is a must-visit!

Incredible food. Kind service. Everything was absolute quality. Can't wait to go back.read more

Found my new favorite Mexican restaurant in my area! I was looking for a place that had octopus…read moretacos and these are hands down some of the best I've had. We came on a Saturday and it was pretty busy but we were seated right away. The place feels like you've stepped into a portal right into Mexico, and I really appreciated all the decor and ambient lighting here. I can't wait to come back and try their corn cake!

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

If you know me, you know I LOVE Mexican food. I read an article about this restaurant with rave…read morereviews and decided this is where I wanted to go on Mother's Day. Drove two hours from the Bay Area to get there and it was totally with the trip. My son got the mole negro and I got the chile verde. Everything on both plates was authentic, delicious, and AMAZING. My son tried my chile verde and said it was the best he's ever tasted and I agreed. They were super busy because it was Mother's Day, but we were seated after a short wait and our waitress was super efficient and friendly. Several times during our meal someone checked to see if we needed anything. Not going to lie, we were a bit intimidated when we pulled up as there were no other non-Hispanic people in the large crowd outside waiting to be seated. I told my son that meant the food was definitely going to be good, but I was worried about how we would be received considering the political climate these days, but it wasn't an issue. Everyone was super friendly. Will definitely be going back to try other items on their menu.

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

Absolutely delicious food coming from this kitchen. Crazy this quality of food is in a mall. The…read moreowner is so kind and informative. I ordered one of each of the tacos de canasta and they are delicious. The beans are so flavorful, you can tell they were made with love. I took a bite of the quesadilla and OMG it's amazing. Not to mention the salsas! Both the red and green are good. It's in a mall so you get what you get as far as noise levels etc. But you can't get better food at any restaurant in town. This is a must try!

This place is a hidden gem. Located at the Northridge mall in Salinas…read more We tried the street tacos, quesa birria tacos and the tacos de cansta. The street tacos are made with the hand made tortillas that are to die for. We tried asada, carnitas, and pastor. Let me just say all meats were delicious. Not dry at all and super flavorful.! But the pastor stole the show. The pineapple flavor shines through with the pork and it literally is the best pastor I've had.! The tacos de cansta were amazing.! Get there early to get the chicharrón filling. They sell out.! Add the cabbage mixture to the taco for a bright flavor. Also, get both red and green salsas. Mix them and be amazed. The red salsa has a hint of smokeyness but it's not over powering. The green is more like an avocado salsa. I told the owner that I fully enjoyed his food and he explained the process and I can appreciate the time and prep he takes to make this cuisine. Every bite was amazing and if you want a new favorite taco spot, here it is. Warning: it ain't cheap but neither is Louis Vuitton.

Worst food in this city. I ordered the vegetarian molcahete from the menu. What i got was bowl of…read morebarely cooked soup vegetables in a thin flavorless red soup. The vegetables were nearly whole as in a whole carrot, a potato cut in half lengthwise, really. I was given this dish and never saw the server again. Somehow I was supposed to eat this with tortillas and a spoon. After tasting the thin, red broth and being absolutely disgusted, I went to the register to speak to my server. I told her I didnt like the food and didnt eat it. With a straight face she rung me up and charged me over 30 dollars for a meal I didnt like or eat. That's the first time I've ever left a restaurant for bad food. Bad food, bad service, stay away from this one.

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

Just tried this place for the first time and can honestly say I recommend it !…read more The vibes, drinks, food, and staff are incredible. Must try 10/10

Eh, I went on Tuesday and order tacos and there did not appear to be anything special in regards to…read moredeals. The carne was bland, and it should not be. All the tacos were bland. The beans were bland. The only thing that was really good was the chips and salsa. They were top notch. I ate everything because I was starving but regretted it. I was with 6 people and no one really seemed happy with their meal. The chips and salsa did earn them an extra star. They are outstanding! The staff was all very nice, helpful and attentive. Wish they had better food to serve.

Same consistent good food, good service served from their family to ours! Generous refills of fresh…read morechips and delicious salsa!! First time trying their tender and delicious menudo!! This is our family go to place when we are wanting home cooked with love Mexican food! Everything is delicious!

Good authentic Mexican and delicious . Portions HUGE! Service great and attentive. Will…read moredefinitely go back and try some new dishes

Recently tried this place out after hearing someone raving about it. You order at the counter and…read morethen are given a number to pick up when ready at their window. There is some seating available, and a restroom indoors. You are also provided with chips and salsa while you wait for your food. We tried their tacos de asada, asada fries, and an Horchata. I was unfortunately not a fan of their tacos de asada, but enjoyed the rest of the food and drink. My boyfriend, however, loved the tacos. The salsa is super spicy, which I love. The staff was friendly, but it did take a while for our food to come out. I definitely think this place is worth a try.

Drove through Salinas and looked up taquerias. This one was recommended. Service was kind and I…read moreenjoyed my tacos, ceviche, and rice and beans. A little greasy but whatever.