Taqueria Gallo de Oro

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.

Interior

Carne Asada Taco ($4)

See all

Quessabiria Y Consommé ($17)

El Charrito

4.4(1.6k reviews)

3.6 mi

Locally owned & operated

Grab-and-go

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).

Burritos made with tortillas right off the grill

See all

El Zacatecano

4.4(451 reviews)

2.4 mi

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

Inside peek

Zacatecano plate

See all

Outside

Villa Azteca

4.1(736 reviews)

3.4 mi

Loved the enchiladas and the drinks are delicious. They have amazing aguas frescas as well. Always…read moregreat service and fast delivery.

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!

Dining area

Guacamole $10 + Ribeye Chicharron $5

See all

Guacamole chiccarone

Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca Restaurant

4.6(458 reviews)

2.6 mi

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.

Quesadillas - Chicken & Carne Asada

See all

Tlayuda Oaxaquena Mixta

El Canaston

4.5(51 reviews)

3.9 mi

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.

Tacos de canasta.

See all

La Casa del Sazón

3.8(349 reviews)

4.0 mi

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 !!

Molcajete Michoacán - enough to feed 2-3 people

See all

La Gran Diabla

4.2(81 reviews)

3.4 mi

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.

Crazy nice atmosphere!

Crunchy shrimp tempura roll

See all

Bichota and Fresa Horchata

Mi Tierra Restaurant

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

Mi Tierra Restaurant

Shrimp cocktail

See all

Taqueria El Grullense

4.2(24 reviews)

1.5 mi

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.

Inside

Chips and salsa

See all

Outside

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 …

9 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Jill T.

145

11 years ago

Having heard great things about Taqueria 2 Gallos de Oro, my husband and I took our 18 month old there on our way. We asked what we should get for the 3 of us, little one included, and we ended up ordering the Burritos and Asada fries! All I can say is that the 3 of us ate everything and LOVED it all!! Don't pass up the mayonnaise sauce for the fries, by the way. It's out this world! Everything was so clean and the owner and staff were very kind and helpful. We can't wait to go back! read more

Arnie V.

6 years ago

Made-to-order Taco Salads and Tostadas with seafood, different meats and even combos of both. Chef is very clean and thorough with their kitchen work and the food they serve. I specially like their Taco Salad with Pulpo and Tierra. read more

Juan R.

1 year ago

This is the 3th time a get diarrhea from eating at this place. Will never eat there again or recomended it to any of my friends or family. Serving spoiled food should be a crime! read more

C C.

8 years ago

Really good tacos I mean pretty good I've had this since the first time I've been here and it is always clean and friendly staff

Jose G.

3 years ago

Overpriced Mexican food my food order was wrong wouldn't recommend it! Your better off taco bell across the street.

Abel L.

9 years ago

I've been here multiple times, and I've always had the same thing. Carne asada fries are the s*** at this spot!! read more

Juan H.

7 years ago

Been visiting this taqueria since it opened years ago and it's still a favorite after so many years.

Nereida A.

16 years ago

I wouldn't want to go here for food it's ok but it isn't the best in my taste book..

Mr S.

16 years ago

Great little place with great prices. The Quesadilla el Gallo is the bomb.

Taqueria Gallo de Oro - mexican - Updated September 2026

People who viewed Taqueria Gallo de Oro also viewed

Taqueria El Rey

4.1

(45 reviews)

The food was excellent, new favorite place. We had the mulietas, gorditas and chile rellenoread more

Hand-made tortillas tacos de Asada were amazing and I have had a great-tasting taco in a while. My…read morepartner also loved them and enjoyed them very much. Started all due to a coworker that brought tacos to work and shared Yes, business is in a gas station*

Taqueria El Chavinda

3.3

(40 reviews)

These tacos prove that size isn't everything. Though they were on the smaller side, each one was…read morebursting with authentic flavor. The toppings were fresh, and every bite was satisfying. A hidden gem for anyone who appreciates quality. Great food and great service. Will be returning.

My boyfriend and I had the menudo here once before and it was really good, and the customer service…read morewas great too. Because of that experience, we decided to come back for a second time. Unfortunately, this visit was completely different. When we opened the menudo, there were multiple hairs in it. It honestly looked like someone had gotten a haircut and the hairs ended up in the food. It was very clearly human hair, and because of that we didn't even eat it. We kindly took it back and asked for a refund. The lady helping us said she would let the people in the back know. When she returned with our money, she seemed upset or annoyed. My boyfriend still said thank you, but we never even received a simple apology. I wasn't expecting anyone to be overly apologetic or dramatic about it, but a quick "sorry about that" would have gone a long way. So unfortunately, not only was the food issue disappointing, but the customer service during this visit was too.

Taqueria Mi Ranchito

3.1

(15 reviews)

Ordered Asada plate off door dash. Plate was melted from how they place the meat directly onto the…read moreplate. Now my food taste like styrofoam! Barely had any meat compared to other places, like ticos tacos *cough cough*. Fries were SOAKED in oil like they threw them straight out of the frier! Save you money. Dont order this plate!

Ordered my meals via Grub Hub order was fairly quick. I ordered breakfast for my wife and I we had…read morethe Hueveos Rancheros. WARNING: they don't miss around with the heat very HOT! My wife and I can handle hot meals pretty well but there is a point where you can't enjoy the food. The food looked great and aside from hot it was missing flavor. The huevos rancheros was missing flavor, that or my taste buds were scorched. Beans were ok, rice had a crunch like it wasn't cooked all the way or it sat out a bit. Came with tortillas they were warm. This is my first order from this restaurant... I'm not eager for a second but you never know.

Carlito's 2

4.0

(39 reviews)

We been to a lot of Mexican places in salinas and this has to be the most authentic tasting/looking…read moreMexican restaurants in salinas. It feels like I'm in Mexico with the decor and the music. One of the most underrated Mexican restaurants I've ever been too. Has booths and tables for the family. Great place to take your short Latina novia to Super homie in here. Very simple meals but simple in the best way possible lots of options! The type of food that feels like I got a hug from my abuelita. Also the type food to put you in a food coma! Also the service was fantastic, the owner was so welcoming and always has a smile on his face. Super fast.Great spicy salsa for the complementary chips. Even the water was tasty, super pure and fresh. No metal taste or anything like that GREAT GRILLED CHICKEN SO MUCH FLAVOR Pretty decent sized burritos/plates. Will definitely get you full

Outstanding authentic Mexican food. Generous portions, exquisitely tasty, quick service…read more Go!

Taqueria El Grullense

4.2

(24 reviews)

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.

Saltillo Tortilleria

3.4

(30 reviews)

For more honest reviews visit my profile…read more If you've ever been to Mexico for tortillas this place will take you back. bomb meats, get it for there or to go but space is limited, specially weekends. Tip: sign up to cut your hair next door and then go eat 2 tacos, you'll be happy when your getting your hair cut trust me.

First time ordering food at Saltillos and was extremely disappointed. The food was cold and poorly…read moreput together. The food has gone downhill and the service was terrible! The ladies were laughing at the way I said " Gordita" and "Jamon"- Mind you, I do not speak Spanish (but I tried) they kept repeating themselves until a lady was able to tell them in Spanish what I was requesting. We definitely won't go back.

Los Altos Restaurant

3.1

(74 reviews)