mexican
Baja Cantina
Baja Cantina features delicious Southwestern/Mexican cuisine in peaceful, bucolic Carmel Valley. The back patio is a beautiful place to enjoy the valley view, gourmet enchiladas and Monterey County’s best margaritas (as designated year after year by Weekly readers). 7166 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley, 625-2252.
Chapala Restaurant
Since 1983, Chapala has doubled as Salinas’ unofficial city hall, serving flavorful Mexican cuisine to local politicians and even, once, to President Bill Clinton. Chapala’s signature entrées include chile verde and chicken fajitas on flour and corn tortillas made fresh daily. 438 Salinas St., Oldtown Salinas, 757-4959.
El Indio
One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in town, El Indio got a makeover a few years ago and now offers 30 premium tequilas. The extensive menu features traditional specialties like menudo as well as popular dishes like chimichangas and fajitas. 1290 Del Monte Center, Monterey, 375-4446.
Haute Enchilada
A fish taco topped with mango salsa and an ice-cold Corona makes for one mighty refreshing summer combination, and Haute Enchilada makes for a natural place to enjoy it. This colorful gallery and café with its antique-strewn patio is a favorite haunt of Moss Landing locals in need of sustenance and chitchat. 7902-A Sandholdt Rd., Moss Landing, 633-5843.
Hola!
Choose between familiar Mexican fare like enchiladas and more exotic dishes like moles at this bright and friendly restaurant. A cantina with more than 100 tequilas and a mariachi band on Fridays set the stage for good fun. The Barnyard, Highway 1 at Rio Road, Carmel, 626-1814.
Jose’s Mexican Grill
The perfect stop for no-frills, authentic Mexican cuisine, Jose’s boasts fresh ingredients and a friendly environment. Enchiladas, carne asada, chimichangas, $3 happy hour margaritas and a casual atmosphere add up to a guaranteed good time. 1612 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside, 899-0345 or 638 Wave St., Monterey, 655-4419.
La Villa Taqueria
This small, colorful taqueria is a staff favorite at the Weekly. Don’t miss the fruity aguas frescas and traditional dishes like the enchiladas, chile rellenos and sopes. You’ll be glad you went, but be advised: the salsa can be positively incendiary. 766 Broadway Ave., Seaside, 899-7710.
Marisco’s Puerto Nuevo
Marisco’s presents a huge variety of Mexican-style seafood dishes as well as more traditional fare. Try the shrimp, octopus and fish in a spicy tomato sauce. 580 Broadway Ave., Seaside, 583-0411.
Peppers Mexicali Café
Fresh, spicy Mexican food with just a hint of California and Central American influences makes Peppers a favorite with locals. Succulent seafood dishes and grilled tacos al carbon are just some of Peppers’ specialties; the potent top-shelf margarita, made with fresh lime juice, is another. 170 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, 373-6892.
Sarita’s
Sarita’s boasts a long menu filled with popular and traditional Mexican dishes, including favorites such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and even camarones. Sarita’s also offers a variety of authentic Mexican beers. Three locations: 265 Reservation Rd., Marina, 384-1318; 1936 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, 394-4407; San Miguel Canyon Rd., Prunedale, 663-0229.
Turtle Bay Taqueria
“Taqueria” doesn’t quite do justice to these two Caribbean-themed restaurants. In addition to the fine tacos and quesadillas, both the colorful downtown Monterey location and the original spot in Seaside offer wraps and bowls filled with tasty items like Pork Loin Yucateca and Shrimp La Playaall at taqueria prices. Two locations: 431 Tyler St., Monterey, 333-1500; 1301 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, 899-1010.
Whole Enchilada
A staple of the Monterey Bay culinary landscape, The Whole Enchilada is a local favorite for Mexican food and margaritas. The restaurant overlooks the fishing boats in Moss Landing and features fresh catch, Mexican fare and vegetarian entrees. The full bar offers its own personality to complement the food. Highway 1 at Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, 633-3038.
Yatzeche
If the black mole at this traditional Oaxacan eatery doesn’t get you, the breakfast memelas with smoked pork and quesa fresca will. A rare opportunity well worth the trip to an unprepossessing neighborhood. 400 Palm Ave., Seaside, 393-0348.
