Toro Place Cafe

Service was good the place has plenty of seating inside and outside. We stopped after driving for a…read morecouple hours and the food was mediocre. Nothing really stood out about the food they have a huge menu to choose from so we all felt a bit overwhelmed. Taco though plain lacked flavor (meat) and the burrito we got was just an average carne asada burrito. I forgot to take pictures since we took it to go and were very hungry.

We have been going to Mo's off and on for years, the main problem is consistency. Some times its…read morereally great and other times its not. For the prices they charge it should be excellent every time, the food is getting to be microwaved and not cooked there, they are short handed, so they are saving money on labor. That being said the staff are polite and do a good job. Its just the food is below par. our last visit was a few days ago and we were not happy.

Nice bar area

New York Steak "medium rare"

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TVs

El Chilacatazo

4.7(202 reviews)

6.8 mi

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)

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Quessabiria Y Consommé ($17)

The 31st Grill

4.3(176 reviews)

6.6 mi

Best pastrami sandwich outside of New York. my wife said her corn muffin which was huge was the…read morebest she ever had. Service was outstanding. Excellent parking. Cant wait to go back.

Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. I ordered the meatloaf, and the sauce was so salty…read morethat it overwhelmed the dish. My wife and son were also disappointed with their main dishes, the hanger steak wrap and grilled cheese sandwich, although both the regular fries and sweet potato fries were good. The floor was noticeably dirty and sticky during our visit, which made the overall experience less than pleasant.

Our view for breakfast

Yummy baked goods will entice you!

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Storefront

Stonies Taphouse & Bistro

3.4(334 reviews)

5.4 mi

We were lucky enough to have a late lunch here but the key highlight to the meals was not just the…read morefood but the phenomenal service we received. Fred went above and beyond to make us feel like we were not only patrons but family. It's rare to have an experience like this and because of the service we received from Fred we will be loyal Stonies customers.

I was dubious given their 3 star rating but that wasn't my experience. I had the brisket macaroni…read moreand the pulled pork grilled cheese and they were both delicious. The macaroni was my favorite though. I also had a flight of beers and was very satisfied! Waiter was great too

Corn ribs

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Left: powerhouse beer (I think that was the name) right: rekorderlig strawberry lime cider

Elli's Great American Restaurant

3.2(673 reviews)

5.6 mi

The service is always great here. I love how they have a bar and an indoor/outdoor area…read more The food has been a hit or miss for me. I've came here for breakfast & dinner. Because of this reason I don't come here often.

The place smells bad…read more Joel would feel as if he's getting infected. Tommy would, too. "Dang!" Cordyceps! Y'all are about to bring in the next 2020! At Elli's in Salinas!

Dining

Appetizer: Loaded Nachos

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T & A Cafe Home of Kleinfeldt Family BBQ

4.5(133 reviews)

4.2 mi

I have to get to the point, the food is phenomenal. Brisket is melt in your mouth tender, the tacos…read moreare sumptuous, and the macho beans have a pleasantly surprising kick to them, and if you want something light, the Southwest Chicken Salad is a winner every time. Order at the counter and they'll bring your food to you, and don't be surprised if you are served by Justin Kleinfeldt himself, as he is very personable and very down to earth. Easy to forget that he owns the place. Ambiance is mild as it's a former truck stop cafe but it's still cozy, as the cool factor is is banners supporting the many baseball teams his daughter excels on. All in all, the whole show is worth the trip, and your stomach will thank you for making the trip.

Since Spreckels is an old school company town, the Spreckels Sugar Company, not many dinning…read moreselections there. On a side note, the sugar company was founded in 1893 by German immigrant Claus Spreckels and once housed the largest sugar beet factory in the world. Just a Post Office, small grocery store, church, a few commercial businesses, and the T & A Cafe Kleinfeldt Family BBQ. The building was once a cafe for truckers, and it still maintains that same vibe with a walk-up counter and seating yourself. The atmosphere aside, the menu is plentiful and the BBQ itself is very good. Tender brisket, as it should be, along with all the other standard BBQ entrees. The chicken tends to be a little dry but that's usually how it goes with BBQ chicken. Various sides to complement the meal which make for a complete dining experience. Well worth a side trip into Spreckels for very good BBQ.

Indide

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Ariana's Restaurant

4.0(177 reviews)

6.1 mi

•$

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!

We came to Ariana's for breakfast today, my mom and I. It's self-seating, and one thing I…read moreimmediately noticed was how clean the restroom was. I'm always impressed when a restaurant keeps their bathrooms really clean! We both ordered the morning special, number 2. The food came out quickly and the service was good. Our waitress mentioned a homemade salsa she wanted us to try, but unfortunately she forgot to bring it out. The breakfast itself was pretty simple and basic, so I can't say too much about the food, but everything was fine and my mom really enjoys coming here. Overall, good service and a clean, comfortable spot for breakfast.

Inside

The best tacos ever

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Inside

El Colibri Restaurant and Deli

4.7(124 reviews)

6.7 mi

OMFG. This place is awesome. Yes they have vegan options, vegans rejoice. I'll skip that…read more They have THE. BEST. Torta Cubana in Salas. And don't come at me with "well, it's Salas good" like that's some insult. I bet you can feed this torta to the most Usnavy Cuban ever and he's be a Cuban loco forever. Get this torta. Enjoy this torta. Get a heart attack. Da best.

My husband and I love coming here, staff is very nice and helpful when it comes to the menu…read more Food is very filling and delicious. The inside is bright and colorful. They did a great job with the ambiance of this place.

New mural for 2024

Blue cheese Burger & fries.

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Taco Salad and draft beer

The General Historic Bar

4.8(46 reviews)

7.7 mi

First, the food was really good. I got the Mediterranean Duo, which was a big portion. The meat…read more(lamb & chicken) were very tender. Everything was flavorful. Second, service was great. The owner was attentive and answered our questions. He gave us some good recommendations on food and drinks. Lastly, the drinks here are amazing! I've been thinking about them since I left. I will definately be going back!

Was in Marina on a road trip and found this place close to our hotel. It shares space with a good…read moreshop which was interesting. I won't return to bars that are stinky with gnats/fruit flies. This bar was impeccable. There were jars of many different and interesting additions for cocktails. The bartender was a cute young girl who took our order right away. My husband got a pint of IPA and I got a delicious cider they had on tap. We came back a second time during our trip and, in addition to drinks, I ordered a kebab plate to go. The food was delicious and quite large. I would love to come back if we are in the area.

Buffalo Chicken wings

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The Growers Pub

4.3(510 reviews)

6.9 mi

Our walk-in group of eight was warmly greeted and seated promptly in the back room. (It looks like…read morethe area for small events, but it may just be an auxiliary dining room.) The service was attentive, yet not rushed. Warm bread was served promptly. For my entree, the Bone-In Prime Rib Steak was too hard to pass. Cooked to perfection, it was a nice cut, to be sure. I'm glad we got there for an early dinner. I'll bet this place packs quickly.

We wanted a place we could walk to after a busy day of sightseeing, and lucked out by finding…read moreGrowers Pub on Yelp! It was a Tuesday night, so we didn't need a reservation. Growers has a good setup--the bar is very lively and full, but it's not the first thing you see when you walk in, as it's off to the side. We had a nice booth, complete with real flower in a glass, and were served promptly by a pleasant lady. She helped me choose my entree, and was attentive and accommodating throughout our meal. I had the chicken Marsala, which is the best I've ever had (and I often order it in restaurants.). My husband had the bone-in pork chop. We had crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was tasty and very well prepared. The restaurant has a very pleasant feel, with lots of dark wood and nice furniture. If I lived nearby I'd come often.

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Seating

Creme brûlée

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Prime Rib with Scalloped Potatoes

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23 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Chris R.

0

40

2

15 years ago

Okay... This roadside diner is the bomb for a either a good old traditional breakfast of ham and eggs or their Sunday Special, Chili Verde Omelet. I have also had lunch and though the 68 Burger seems to be popular I go with the Turkey Grill and have never been sorry. The Toro Iced Tea is a flavorful refreshing drink served in a tall tumbler with endless refills. Service is great though due to high patronage can slightly lag depending on hour. The pricing is a little more than you would pay at a chain but food and ambiance is worth the difference. They have a choice of diner style bar seating, dining room or a outdoor patio. It is directly on Highway 68 so can get a bit noisy if on patio but well worth it. read more

Joanne B.

0

1

0

15 years ago

The Toro Place Cafe has appeared -- or at least its old-timey facade with 1920-'30's gas pumps out front -- in more movies than I can count. Except it's usually in Big Sur in the movies. That side, this is a great restaurant. Breakfasts with real food: Hash browns, ham/bacon, eggs or pancakes, you name it. The food in wonderful. The service is great. And the atmosphere of a house right out of the '30s (a la Bonnie & Clyde) is fun and interesting. Good food, good service, great surroundings. AND reasonable prices. Cannot be beat. read more

Veronica A.

0

7

16

1 year ago

Toro Cafe is hands down one of the best spots for breakfast! The food is always fresh, flavorful, and served hot. Their menu has a great variety--from classic breakfast staples to unique options that hit the spot. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and attentive. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely morning meal, Toro Cafe delivers every time. Highly recommend starting your day here! read more

jesse p.

32

20

0

14 years ago

Just a funny little good place out on Hwy 68. It's a perfect spot to stop for luscious wheat germ pancakes for breakfast or outstanding burgers of all types at lunch. Fair prices, fun people. Outstanding stopoff on the way back and forth to Salinas when you are tired of the traffic lines. read more

Anita D.

Elite 26

25

220

387

1 year ago

We tried this place for the first time today and absolutely loved it! The food, drinks, and service were all so amazing. The patio was super cute too. The customer service was so great and the kids loved it. We'll definitely be back. read more

Mike M.

0

6

0

3 years ago

The place is actually very busy, but busy good service is very delightful! This place has been used for a lot of movies. It's cool to see the information on the inside. read more

Johanna C.

0

4

0

12 years ago

My favorite place to have bfast! Its a small little spot off 68...food is amazing and very authentic...absolutely delicious! They also have great lunch!! read more

Kirk A.

3

12

0

16 years ago

very nice place to have a nice breakfast...I had the eggs bene and a orange juice and even though its a normal breakfast it was good...i will come back read more

Saul C.

0

3

1

7 years ago

I love this place. The staff is awesome amazing customer services. The food Makes me come for more the breakfast and the lunch. A place worth trying read more

Jose M.

0

1

12 years ago

Food was amazing "juicy Lucy", the servers are great. I've passed this place for years finally stopped and it was better than what I expected. read more

Marie B.

0

25

10

4 years ago

i will start by listing every synonym of gross: 1. repulsive 2. odious 3. offensive 4. revolting 5. vile 6. detestable 7. stomach-churning

Monterey C.

0

3

0

6 years ago

Never disappointed when I come to Toro Cafe. Got some breakfast to start my Saturday morning right. Fast and easy take out.

Heather B.

0

3

0

13 years ago

Great, straightforward breakfast and lunch roadhouse. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Casual and delicious.

Stephanie S.

Elite 23

13

214

70

5 years ago

Cute little place I found based on reviews. I wish there were many more little places like this around.

BigToro B.

3

5

8

4 years ago

Very good coffee highly recommended this place for breakfast if your are in the Monterey Bay Area

Luis L.

0

4

1

3 years ago

Great coffee and great people!! My favorite coffe shop to go to with family and friends

Wayne M.

0

9

1

5 years ago

always good food. all the locals hang out here. don't be in a hurry, relax and enjoy.

Ashley P.

0

1

0

14 years ago

Its a great place to relax and enjoy an excellent service and food! Must go

Tim O.

0

13

0

15 years ago

Dirty with terrible service and food. I will never return.

Shiho F.

Elite 11

4844

2835

2459

20 years ago

Best place to have breakfast with the cowboys. No joke.

Toro Place Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026

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First Awakenings

4.2

(1k reviews)

The place offers an excellent experience and even better food. It is a little hard to get to with…read morelimited parking, but the food makes up for it. I ordered a raspberry, coconut, and granola pancake and it was HUGE! I also got a side of potatoes that were so yummy. I definitely want to go back!

Update: went back and you have to see this pancake-see photos…read more Food was great. Server Lizbeth was great! Going back tomorrow for more great food. Pancakes were huge and looked amazing so i will try that tomorrow. Today i has cinnamon french toast and a wonderful fruit bowl. Restaurant was clean and well kept.

The 31st Grill

(176 reviews)

Best pastrami sandwich outside of New York. my wife said her corn muffin which was huge was the…read morebest she ever had. Service was outstanding. Excellent parking. Cant wait to go back.

Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. I ordered the meatloaf, and the sauce was so salty…read morethat it overwhelmed the dish. My wife and son were also disappointed with their main dishes, the hanger steak wrap and grilled cheese sandwich, although both the regular fries and sweet potato fries were good. The floor was noticeably dirty and sticky during our visit, which made the overall experience less than pleasant.

Daddy's City Diner

4.2

(418 reviews)

I am so glad I looked at the menu because I was not expecting there to be filipino food in this…read morearea. I had to get the Filipino Breakfast (duh!). I was a little surprised because the meat was all chopped up, like hash-style, but it was oh-so-delicious! The portion was GENEROUS, and my pregnant belly was satisfied. If you want to try different things on the menu, most things come a la carte, which is nice. My husband got the banana crepe platter, which I liked because it wasn't overly sweet, as well as the biscuit & gravy. And my toddler loved his pancake breakfast. We also had to get the spam musubi lumpia (the special for the day) because how could you not? It was just as amazing as it sounds. Family friendly spot with a good amount of seating and parking. Service was great. We never ran out of water or coffee. Surprisingly, it was pretty empty the morning after 4th of July.

Out of towners here. Came because there was a parking lot and the food looked pretty good online!…read more Came in and it's a seat yourself situation. We found a table and ordered. Waiter and all of the dates we interacted with were very nice. Food was good, country potatoes were boiled and not fried and not seasoned great, but everything else was diner style and tasted good. Here's the issue on why I'm giving 3 stars: it was Sunday brunch, which I know can be busy and hectic and crazy. They had no host and so when people were coming in when the tables were full, the seating situation was managed poorly. The staff tried to tag team but it didn't work out super well and some people got sat before others who came earlier, simply because they were waiting outside. It was just kind of crazy and personally I think a hostess is an important position you can't just not have. I highly recommend when the diner is at capacity to have a staff member stop what they are doing and focus solely on the hostess stand.

The Growers Pub

(510 reviews)

Our walk-in group of eight was warmly greeted and seated promptly in the back room. (It looks like…read morethe area for small events, but it may just be an auxiliary dining room.) The service was attentive, yet not rushed. Warm bread was served promptly. For my entree, the Bone-In Prime Rib Steak was too hard to pass. Cooked to perfection, it was a nice cut, to be sure. I'm glad we got there for an early dinner. I'll bet this place packs quickly.

We wanted a place we could walk to after a busy day of sightseeing, and lucked out by finding…read moreGrowers Pub on Yelp! It was a Tuesday night, so we didn't need a reservation. Growers has a good setup--the bar is very lively and full, but it's not the first thing you see when you walk in, as it's off to the side. We had a nice booth, complete with real flower in a glass, and were served promptly by a pleasant lady. She helped me choose my entree, and was attentive and accommodating throughout our meal. I had the chicken Marsala, which is the best I've ever had (and I often order it in restaurants.). My husband had the bone-in pork chop. We had crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was tasty and very well prepared. The restaurant has a very pleasant feel, with lots of dark wood and nice furniture. If I lived nearby I'd come often.

The Glasshouse

(17 reviews)

The husband left dinner plans up to me, so I decided on The Glasshouse. I wanted to try something…read moredifferent and new. We walked in around 9:30 pm and the place felt great--well-lit, lively, music playing, and people chatting. We found a small table tucked in the corner near what I assume was the restroom. A nice gentleman asked if we'd mind him moving the table for us, which actually worked out better for me. We ordered two chimichurri skirt steak sandwiches--mine with fries, his with onion rings--and I got a mouthwatering water melon lime 5% cider. Everything hit the spot. We both got full after half a sandwich and took the rest home. I totally recommend this place. Don't skip the chamoy rim on the drink--the tanginess pairs perfectly with the cider. We'll definitely be back.

The place is relatively small so it gets packed fairly quick. They do have outdoor seating with a…read morefew fireplaces to keep you warm at night. The downside about the fireplaces is that there's not enough space to put down food and drinks. The experience was good until it wasn't. Our server was really nice and welcoming. The food was pretty good. We got a few appetizers (hot Nashville mozzarella sticks and wings and garlic fries) and everything was devoured. For entrees, I got the flautas. They were flavorful and crispy. The chicken Cesar salad was a decent size so it was filling. The chimichurri steak and pesto chicken sandwiches were really good as well. We got the churro ice cream for dessert and it wasn't too bad, it was just super small. Although the food was really good, the service was not the best. Every time our initial server approached us, they would tell us that things at the bar needed to be changed by her so she was missing for a good chunk of time. I assume the servers were helping each other out because it was someone different every time. It did take a while for drinks to come out and they did run out of a few drinks as well. Towards the end, it took about 45 minutes for the server to return in order for us to ask for the check. When we received the check, we were given the wrong bill. When we got the correct bill, they returned the receipt but the card was missing. We looked for 10 minutes to see if it must've fell out so I went to the bar and waited another 10 minutes for someone to become available to assist. When I mentioned my card was not returned back to me and described my card, they turned around to look for the card which was behind the counter. Maybe it was an accident but it did leave us a little suspicious. I think they definitely need more employees to support with the delay in service. Not the best service but the food was pretty good. I'd consider going back just to give it another chance... hoping the service improves.

Bagel Corner & Pastability's

(23 reviews)

Friendly service and delicious food!!! We had a very large order they handled perfectly and…read morequickly. The bagels are huge and fluffy and the sandwiches are outstanding. I absolutely loved the veggie with mayo on sourdough and my husband enjoyed their take on a Philly cheesesteak with jalapeños. Thank you for wonderful service!

I have been a Marina Bagel lover since a kid, and I live in San Jose now but when I come down I…read morejust get let down due to the new ownership of Marina Bagel. My brother lives in Salinas and I have had their Salinas bagels vs their Marina location it is really night and day... This place needs to be on the same level as their bagel shop in Salinas. Anyone who been in living in Marina knows this is a great opportunity for you to take over this market. Limited bagels and cream cheeses. Quality was not the same as I the one in Salinas, and that is why this review is 2 star. Pasta is pasta, great but nothing crazy. I am not ordering pasta that early in the morning though.

Make It Healthy

4.0

(11 reviews)

My wife and I came in for a breakfast and were a little hesitant to enter because it's pretty…read moredesolate inside. However, based on the positive reviews in the very kind worker, we gave it a go and are so happy we did. We are both fairly particular in our expectations for food and both exceeded our expectations with both the expectations and the flavor. It also felt good to support a small local business. We definitely plan to come back again!

Went in for a bowl, my experience was shudder worthy. The clerk at the cash register was licking…read moreher fingers while counting cash, and did not look up or greet me as I came in. I did not stay.

Papis And Beer

3.1

(9 reviews)

I hate writing negative reviews. It feels very much like a bar, that realized it had to serve food,…read moreso it pulled together a lackluster lineup of hot chicken items: strips, toast, fries and Mac and cheese. These places are a dime a dozen now, and unless they have that special something, they won't shine too bright. The food was mediocre at best... frozen fries, and overcooked chicken strips. The seasoning is just dumped on and not spicy - the "Medium" was a Carlitos mild. Service was also bizarre... sauce was plain and cheap ketchup. $17 for a mediocre meal... ouch. I applaud the effort. Cool logo, and the Chavela was good... but you're going to have to come with a really amazing food item to hook people. Suggestion?: house made pickles that blow peoples minds. Maybe deep fried pickles or something that the other places don't have. Maybe just chicken that's cooked perfectly and has some spice. You gotta be better than Carlitos, Angry Chikz, and Canes though - and that my friends, will be difficult. The worst part? The location. There will NEVER be enough parking. Every restaurant that has been there failed - big red flag. I wish you luck, but the writings on the wall. I probably won't eat there again, and wouldn't recommend unless you're already drunk.

I read about the opening of this place in the local paper but, because they're not open on Monday…read moreor Tuesday, it took a while to get in. When I did catch it open I found a real dive bar vibe that I really like. Sure, 8 big screen TV's, but I was there in the afternoon so it wasn't really noisy. Lots of good beers on tap, which helped pass the time while I waited for my order. I ordered just a chicken strip and sauce, to judge the baseline. I expected chicken like they serve at Carlitos down the road, breaded and spicy. I was surprised by a strip that was really an entire chicken breast with a coating like fried catfish, not a batter, but a coating with texture and flavor. The chicken was well cooked, moist, and very flavorful. The "original" sauce was kinda ketchup/mayo sauce, but it did actually add to the experience. I'm a fan. I'll come back and ramp up the heat one sauce at a time until I find the balance between hot and flavorful.

El Chilacatazo

4.7

(202 reviews)

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.

Salinas City BBQ

4.4

(2.2k reviews)