At Michael's Grill And Taqueria In Downtown Salinas, CA Our First Time Here At My Namesake Restaurant..!! So We Were Immediately Greeted And Seated By Our Waitress. I Gonna Try Out Their Tacos As Today's Taco Tuesday..!! So I Ordered Two Asada And Two Grilled Chicken Tacos..!! My Fiancée Ordered A Red Cheese Enchilada And A Green Shrimp Enchilada With Rice And Beans. And To Wash It All Down My Babe Ordered A Huge Chavela With Monstrous Grilled Shrimps Damn They're GOOD..!!! I Ordered A Pacifico Beer..!!! I Had To Order 4 More Tacos Smal But So Flavorful..!!! read more

See all

We love Michael's! Such a cute place with authentic tiles and decor. The Chicken Fajita Taco Salad is my favorite item to get! Their chips are addicting! I love mine with sour cream and their homemade salsa. Every time we order they bring out my sour cream without me having to ask because they know what I like. I love that! We love both the service and the food. read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - Chicken Fajita Salad - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Never had grilled potatoes taco and this you must try ! We had shrimp , beef and darken chicken as well for tacos ! What a spread for our lunch. You need to come and give it a try ! Worth every dollar read more

Taco Tuesday, 1 buck each...great service and chips and salsa included. Yoi can't go wrong at this place in the ever so cosmopolitan Salinas! Easy to love this place. read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - Upside down chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Unseasoned tacos & bland salsa, just not my cup of tea. Back to my original taco Tuesday location. $1.25. Great tacos and the serving size is awesome. read more

We brought a giant group to Michaels on a Saturday night and they were wonderful. Food was fast, arrived hot and tasty. Staff as usual was excellent! read more

what seems like the only waitress in the restaurant, most of the time who flirts with all the men and ignores the women is really unprofessional. It takes forever to get her to come over and even take drink orders let alone take a food order. She is kind of rude to the women and pays extra attention to the men. It's really disappointing. If the food was better, it might be all right for her to be crappy at customer service. But the past few years, the food has been really lacking as well. Food is lacking flavor, salt and spice. I think that the love is gone. read more

Put in a simple order of a wet burrito and a house burrito for pickup and came in an hour after placing said order to find out that it wasn't made at all. They questioned if I called the right place and after I confirmed I did they said oops sorry they just didn't place the order. Never coming here again avoid at all costs read more

Walked in all the tables were dirty. Had to wait until a table was cleaned to be seated. After the table was "cleaned" it was still sticky. I ordered a taco salad something was rancid. Not sure if it was the chicken or the tortilla. When asked if everything was ok I said something doesn't taste right. I wasn't offered a replacement and was still charged. I didn't even eat the food. The waitress is not friendly and doesnt smile. Ugh read more

Love this spot! I love their enchiladas, with black beans and rice. Everything is perfect and authentic! Impossible to imagine ordering anything here that is not good. It is in the heart of Ol' Town Salinas where you can walk around before or after making a stop to this place. Great service and plenty of street parking. read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Amazing food and great service! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and authentic. The portions were generous and the atmosphere was welcoming. Definitely coming back! read more

The location and staff were very good. Friendly and efficient. Was hoping to have a great taco but Grilled chicken taco was a miss. Although the chicken had some char and was juicy, it had no seasoning whatsoever. The lettuce was a bit bitter(we are in the lettuce capital so what the heck?). For a simple menu item,it needs some TLC to make it worth a second trip to this place. read more

Blackened anything from here, is yummy!!!!! The blackened chicken burrito is a favorite. Service is great. Staff is friendly.

I don't usually write reviews but the house burrito here was too good not to mention. It's packed with shrimp and chicken, super flavorful and filling. The horchata was really good too, nice and refreshing. Glad I tried this spot! read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - Horchata - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Holy guacamole, this place is wonderful. This charming little hole in the wall has certainly stolen my heart and pleased my every taste bud! The food is delicious, flavorful and fresh. I had been coming here regularly pre-covid, but regrettably hadn't been back until recently...and I was very quickly reminded of all the little things i've missed about this place. Let me make it easy. Do not come here for burgers or chicken sandwiches. Not that these items aren't delicious--it's just that these items aren't even what they're known for! Instead, get yourself a savory wrap, fully-loaded with steak! Or get a deliciously saucy green chile and chicken enchilada... and most importantly, NEVER PASS UP THE OPPORTUNITY FOR HOMEMADE HORCHATA IN A TERRACOTTA MUG! My biggest regret from this last visit is only getting a small when I should have ordered a large. TRUST ME This family owned business has survived this recent economic shake up and i'm happy to continue my patronage. I highly recommend for a quick bite to eat or some really delicious drinks and appetizers. You will not leave hungry nor dissatisfied. The place is clean, the staff is friendly and the prices are beyond reasonable. Do yourself a favor and stop on by when you get the chance! I for one, am eagerly looking forward to my next visit to flavortown! Thank you, Michael's for truly making me feel "at home." read more

See all

This place is my current crush for Mexican food. It is soooooo good. The first time I went, I met a few friends there. One of the ladies had recommended it and we all quickly fell in love with the amazing, decadent horchatas and tasty menu options. The wet burrito and blackened shrimp quesadilla are amazing. I think I'd order anything with the blackened shrimp, actually. The only reason I'm taking away a star is because of the time you may have to spend there. The service is super nice but can be sloooowwww due to being understaffed. I know that's almost to be expected in these times but both times they've only had one server that I saw and she was overly busy. Last time, on an evening at the beginning of the week, we arrived at 6 pm and didn't get to leave until 8 pm. The food was the longest wait but also ordering, waiting on getting the check, waiting on to-go boxes, and more. On days that I have ample, I'll definitely be back for more delicious Mexican food. I just hope they get more help. See ya there! read more

The food, service and ambiance is always good. You can sometimes catch the cooks singing and dancing in the kitchen! To me that means they love what they do and your food is blessed with happiness, joy and love. Then you receive that blessing in the food to fuel your body and soul. read more

Underwhelming chips & salsa. I ordered the hamburger w/ cheese which also stated that I would get a "nice layer of char-onions". I did not receive the cheese or char-onions on my burger. The burger tasted store-bought and the fries tasted twice-cooked. I also ordered a Diet Pepsi. I would give it a 1-star but I won't because I made the mistake of getting gringo food at a Mex Price: $10 (included 18% tip) read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

I have used Michael's twice to cater an office lunch. The service is so friendly and efficient. They delivered the food right on time and set everything up so nicely. And the food is delicious! read more

Small restaurant with 7 tables and not too loud. Service was good. Food was ok. I had grilled chilled enchiladas--chicken was good but the enchiladas were on the dry side. Beans and rice were fine. My dinner partner had the shrimp tostada salad and he said it was overly dressed but the black beans were good. The shrimps were chopped up, not whole, which was odd. read more

Extremely pricey BUT worth it! Why it's a special treat to eat there. Wish they had a few specials to offer during the week. I feel we'd eat there more often if they did. read more

Don't waists your time. Manager is not experienced at customer service. To go orders are not checked. Multiple orders have been short and not refunded. Despite decent food sadly I have to part ways. read more

Service is okay but I just wasn't a fan of their food. The food that we ordered was really subpar, it looked like the chef just had it and threw everything on the plate. The chips were good but that's about it. I wouldn't be back here willingly. Maybe I'll try it again to see if the chef is having a better day but very slim chance. read more

The best horchata I have had and they prepare it with a rim of cinammon with sugar, was very delicious!

Update: I'm not sure if the cook is different from before, but I've gone several times recently, and the food tastes much better than when I had gone in the past! some items priced kind of high, but really tasty read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - Vegetarian Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

Maybe it was the timing, but I wasn't impressed with the place. They were only taking takeout because of construction, but I don't feel that the food flavor was impressive...Oh well! read more

First of all idk why all these reviews give it 4 stars I went in today and order a taco of carne asada and the blackened chicken tacos and my partner order a shredded beef tostada let me say food had no flavor rice and beans no bueno and to top it off my tacos had lettuce and cheese which I was expecting your traditional carne asada taco with onions cilantro and salsa menu never mentioned anything about lettuce or Monterey cheese I was disappointed I was expecting good Mexican food and my partner didn't even eat her tostada it taste to much like clove flavor yuk. Oh and the blackened chicken was dry never again will I be coming here. And customer service sucked took too long to take are order and give us drinks read more

Food...top notch. Service was excellent. I had the fajita salad with charbroiled chicken. Chicken was so tender, and flavorful. Hubs had the green carne asada burrito, also excellent. Cute decor, colorful, cool vibe. read more

horrible going off of past memories made me throw up in my mouth. never going there again the wet burrito looked like if someone vomited on a plate and the sour cream that came with it looked like cottage cheese. the restaurant was hella bright like if i was being interrogated and the service was alright meh. read more

A positive update! Consistently being good is hard to do. These guy are doing it here. You always know what your going to get. Well cooked food presented in a way thats appealing to many. Read my last review, it say a lot. read more

Competence. That's all we were really looking for. And there was plenty to spare. Nice roasted flavor in the salsa with chips that were both thin and sturdy. Good flavor to the rice, and a very capable guacamole. Canned sodas, with handled mason jar glasses of ice. Nachos built with defined areas of ingredient still close enough and plentiful enough to get them all onto each chip. Simple serve-ware. And comfortable seating. So, since this was this evening's "replacement restaurant" (We were headed elsewhere, but the first-choice was closed for a private party.), competence would have been sufficient. But the owner Ana Guerrero does more than sufficient, whether in her service (she was the waitstaff tonight), or the little extras that take competence to new levels. Some examples: the shredded beef on the nachos - sufficiently cooked and competently applied among the other ingredients. But seasoned and spiced and served with a succulence within a caliper's measure of perfection. (It's so easy to go too dry or compensate by going greasy...not here. Delicious.) Likewise, the seasoning in the frijoles negros refritos (the "black beans" in the menu - they're refried, and delightfully delicious), made a side dish often allowed to be a bland plate-filler into a great surprise. The red sauce over the blackened chicken burrito, truly a red chile gravy (like the menu said, but I was skeptical at first). Rich and thick, its layers of flavor take it far beyond the usual options on others' wet burritos. Lots of other details to mention, but this is already edging toward TL;DR territory. Suffice to say, then, that the blackened chicken in the blackened burrito - perfectly seasoned and cooked. Ana's service and guidance were much appreciated, as was the conversation at the cash register in learning of mutual friends, mutual interests, and a mutual love for our city of Salinas. My only complaint: whether it's the signage, the miniscule street frontage, the busyness of so many other distractions on that block of Main Street - whatever it is that prevented us from finding our way here earlier in our three and a half years (so far) here...well it should be fixed. And, for us, it has been. For you...if you haven't yet been there, stop in at your next opportunity. Ana's good people, and she's serving great food, and serving it well! read more

Great food! I had the house burrito and it was huge! Flavorful and priced right. They are a little light on the help so bring patience but it's worth any wait you might have. Enjoy!!! read more

Consistent good tasting food. Service is pleasant and fast. Nice portions for each dish and pleasing presentation. Hope they improve the interior furnishing to put this place in the five star zone. read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - La Playa Combination - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

It's a cozy little spot with cozy service and amazing atole!!! The food It good and fresh!!! Service it amazing!! The ladies are very friendly and seem to care about there customers!!! It's never too busy and it feels like we get personal service as if we're were good friends. read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

I always get the nachos with chicken and they always hit the spot! I just tried their atole de guayaba and I am hooked. I had the wet burrito for the first time and it was also pretty tasty. read more

1st the waitress brought me the wrong beer I ordered.. When she brought me the correct beer it was warm! I asked if I could get a cold one, she said this is as cold as they get. Got the bill, was charged for the warm beer. She also refused to take it off the bill....sorry.... no one wants a warm beer on a hot day! Food mediocre..actually both my friend and I ended sick in the evening.. won't be going back..too bad I remember it used to be good... read more

My three favorite items here are: blackened chicken sandwich! Comes with fries, Sam's which has mayo lettuce and tomatoes, it's the best chicken sandwich I had! Second item I get is their nachos and add chicken to it, it's so yummy, comes with lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, cheese! Third favorite item is chicken quesadillas its pretty big and it's amazing read more

Needed a meal with fast service. Thought we'd try here. Turns out we got the fast service, but it was the food that stood out. I had the Carne Asada plate and the enchilada was killer. The rest of the fixings were good too. My wife had the fajita salad and she could not stop raving about the vegetables. If only this restaurant was closer to home. It would be one of our regular places to eat. read more

Michaels has high quality food and high quality service. We've never been disappointed coming here. They're doing outdoor dining during the covid shut down, its pretty nice eating on the street in old town with their propane heaters on. Everything exceeded our expectations. read more

Michael's Grill & Taqueria - Wet burrito and blackened chicken and shrimp fajitas . Cerveza corona - Mexican Near Me - Salinas, California

I just went to Michael's and in the past they've treated me wonderful. But I WILL NEVER RETURN!!! We specifically asked that they not include Cilantro in the burrito because I am allergic! I heard my mom tell Ana not to put Cilantro in the burrito. When we got home the burrito was full of cilantro! I called her back and let her know about the Cilantro. On the phone she stated to me that they only put Cilantro in the Pico de gallo. Not the burrito. I said the burrito was filled with Cilantro. My mom drove all the way back to South Salinas. When she got there. New order was Waiting. When my mom asked the name of chef she wouldn't tell her. She asked who was the owner? She stated that she was the owner, Ana Guerrero. Not knowing that she was the owner my my left a $3.90 tip; even though it was take out order. And at the time Ana was very thankful. But she never apologized to my mom. And when she explained how allergic I was to cilantro; that I could've ended up in the hospital. Her response was: Well I wouldn't take him to Mexican Restaurants because they all use Cilantro in everything. She also lied, by saying that she thought the chef was confused and thought that no cilantro was meant for my mom's tostada not my burrito. I was right there when my mom told her the burrito and I specifically heard her tell the chef the burrito. IF SHE HAD JUST APOLOGIZED I WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS. But her attitude was unacceptable! I WILL GLADY TAKE HER ADVICE AND NOT PATRON HER MEXICAN RESTAURANT! And this is HOW a business dies!!! read more