Visitors Guide 2024

116 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2024-2025 food Tacos Don Beto Mexican People love food trucks because of the quality and vibe. Well, this place is a food truck gone indoors. Tortillas are done from scratch. They serve bowls and are vegetarian friendly (jackfruit carnitas). 42 W. Gabilan St., Salinas. (831) 272-3233 The 31st Grill Diner Burgers, salads and hearty diner fare like chicken fried steak. But there’s a Salinas Valley flair to the kitchen, as well. 32 John St., Salinas. (831) 208-6115 The Last Call Bar & Grill Pub Not a good place for those who can’t make up their minds. There are seven wing options, five different burgers and seven fries on the list— yes, including normal, but also a version called “Voodoo.” Drinks all around. 9 E. San Luis St., Salinas. (831) 208-6576 Villa Azteca Mexican Unless you’ve been, Villa Azteca will surprise you. The dishes are gorgeous, both in appearance and flavor. Everything is made from scratch. It’s a beautiful dining room. The family-run place will wow you. 157 Main St., Salinas. (831) 256-2669, villaazteca.com Villa Rivera Cafe Diner A spot next to Monterey County Courthouse for breakfast and a relaxing cup of coffee, as well as grab-and-go sandwiches. 142 W. Alisal St., Salinas. (831) 256-7025, villariveracafe.com Delis, Markets and Shops Bagel Corner There is a selection of bagels here. What might catch you off guard are the sandwiches, from burgers to hot pastrami and more. 818 Park Row, Salinas. (831) 771-8670, bagelcornerbistro.com Della-Rose Deli There is a solid lineup of sandwiches, as well as salads and a soup of the day. 1309 Abbott St., Salinas. (831) 759-8234, dellarosedeli. com Erik’s DeliCafé Erik’s has been around awhile, which speaks well of its commitment to filling deli sandwiches. 1980 N. Main St., Salinas. (831) 4497272, eriksdelicafe.com Royal Deli & Bakery This spot specializes in artistic wedding and other cakes. But they also serve lunch, with a variety of sandwiches (classic egg salad is one specialty) 952 Park Row, Salinas. (831) 7577958, royaldeliandbakery.com Star Market A longtime grocery run by a local family, it is a perfect spot to grab some snacks or pick up a bottle of Monterey County wine. Plenty of local products on the shelves and an old-school butcher counter in the back. 1275 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 422-3961, starmkt.com Windmill Market Yes, there is an actual windmill, under which you will find a shop stocked with local pasta, bread, eggs and such, local produce and other items (housemade pickles are a hit). There are also some offerings from further afield. 115 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 659-5205 Bakeries, Ice Cream and other Treats Bakery Station Housed in a circa-1920s service station, the Bakery Station offers a great variety of freshmade treats, from sticky buns and scones to muffins and granola. Some hefty deli sandwiches, too. 202 Monterey St., Salinas. (831) 783-1140, thebakerystation.salinas.com DollyCakes A little bakery that can, especially when it comes to cupcakes, pies and cookies. Don’t expect more, but expect smiles to follow. 343 Monterey St., Salinas. (831) 206-6686 Emma’s Bakery & Cafe Emma’s is a versatile place. You can select from fruit pies, cream pies and other pastries. But the kitchen also prepares breakfast and lunch. 1182 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 7577437, emmasbakeryandcafe.com La Plaza Bakery & Cafe See listing under South County. 1036 N. Davis Road, (831) 422-0748; 20 N. Sanborn Road, (831) 422-0578; 107 Bardin Road, (831) 7516028. laplazabakery.com MMM Churros! They make the popular treat in many guises, and you can’t really go wrong. Even the simple traditional version is crispy and ethereal. Visit their food court location or order remotely. 796 Northridge Mall, Salinas. (408) 887-8755, mmmchurros.com MYO Pure Frozen Yogurt See listing under Carmel. 1091 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 759-9769, myofrozenyogurt. com Otto’s Bread Company First Otto’s specialized in sourdough, delivered to area dining establishments. But now the bakery is turning out other treats and opening to the public. As of press time, its hours are limited to Fridays. But plans are to expand. 215 Monterey St., Salinas. The Farm There’s always a ready selection of pies to take home and reheat. But they bake pot pies on Wednesdays (occasionally) and fruit pies on Fridays, if you must have one from the oven. At Spreckels Boulevard on Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 455-2575, thefarm-salinasvalley.com Sweet Reba’s See listing under Carmel. 268 Main St., Salinas. sweetrebas.com Coffee, Tea, Juices Beerded Bean Their tagline “the best of both brews” refers to the beer and coffee on offer. In other words, it’s an invitation to linger all day. A go-to for live music, as well. 210 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 202-0966, thebeerdedbean.com Cherry Bean Coffeehouse This Oldtown mainstay is a place to run into everyone you know, as well as to get caffeinated. 332 S. Main St., Salinas. (831) 424-1989, cherrybeancoffeehouse.com Perfectly Pressed Here’s a question: Does good for you mean it doesn’t taste good? Hardly. At this juice spot they add no sugar, no preservatives, no artificial stuff. Why should they? There are organic fruits and vegetables to work with. 961 W. Alisal St., Salinas. (831) 998-8770, perfectlypressedjuice.com Seaside and Sand city Baan Thai Thai Baan Thai is known locally for its curries, family friendliness, heaping helpings and fiery chiles, not to mention friendly service. 1760 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 394-2996, baanthaiseaside.com Bada Korean Kitchen Korean New in 2024, Bada prepares bibimbap, kalbijjin, several options of fried chicken, kimchi fried rice, tofu soup and other favorites. 880 Broadway Ave., Seaside. (831) 920-1040 Barba Azul Mexican To be more specific, Barba Azul is a Sinaloastyle seafood restaurant. From the moment it opened in 2022, it drew raves. Many are fans of the ceviche offerings. 1301 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 747-1385 Bayonet Grill American A classic golf clubhouse restaurant—except not all such restaurants enjoy 180-degree coastal views, tons of space and dishes non-golfers venture in for. Settle down by the fireplace with beer and wine. 1 McClure Way, Seaside. (831) 899-7271, bayonetblackhorse. com

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==