FOOD 122 W. Market St., Salinas. (831) 424-9446, elcharrito.com La Casa del Sazón La Casa del Sazón began as a couple from Michoacán selling street tacos from a cart. There are now three restaurants, with two Salinas locations. The cooking is homestyle and very much comforting, with everything from scratch. 22 Romie Lane, Salinas, (831) 751-2300; 438 Salinas St., Salinas, (831) 783-1277, lacasadelsazon.com Los Dos Potrillos Brush up on your Spanish before visiting this spot. And focus in on the seafood dishes, particularly those involving shrimp. 301 E. Alisal St., Salinas. (831) 757-4540 Mama Lupita’s It looks like a family-run Mexican joint. That’s because it is. Try the street tacos and you won’t be disappointed. 321 Salinas St., Salinas. (831) 424-5300, ordermamalupitas. com Restaurante El Michoacano The list of dishes is long and maybe a bit daunting. And that’s the restaurant’s approach to portion size, as well. 2015 N. Main St., Salinas. (831) 272-6182 Tacos Don Beto 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 Villa Azteca 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 Delis/Markets/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 Gold Leaf Spice & Teas See listing under Carmel. 8 1/2 W. Gabilan St., Salinas. goldleafspiceandteas.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. There are also some offerings from further afield. 115 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 659-5205 Cafes/Bakeries/Ice Cream/ Other Treats Bakery Station Housed in a circa-1920s service station, the Bakery Station offers a great variety of freshmade treats, from sticky buns to muffins and granola. Some hefty deli sandwiches, too. 202 Monterey St., Salinas. (831) 783-1140 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 112 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 VOTED MONTEREY COUNTY’S BEST SMOOTHIE + Cold pressed juice and acai bowls locally owned, all natural, zero added sugar, pre-boosted, crazy delicious PERFECTLY PRESSED NOW BLENDING IN CARMEL! Carmel Plaza - Suite 119 - Suite 119 Monterey - 491 Alvarado Salinas - 961 W. Alisal PerfectlyPressedJuice.com Untitled-5 1 6/15/26 3:29 PM
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