Don't miss Pajaro's top Mexican restaurants, as recommended by Restaurantji.
“I was terrified when the restaurant closed at it's old location. I am so relieved to find them again. The best. I've ever had some freshly made tortillas and a salsa to die for. All in a Homestyle cozy restaurant. Looking forward coming here regularly.“
“The cashiers there were excellent very helpful and kind amazing costumer service ... and the boss very kind ,respectful ,professional and very good to the people ...they have fresh produce and the best meat for ur carne asadas or for any dish....welcome to pajaro food center... My name is Julio sanchez and I guve it a five stars“
“No words can describe how heavenly delicious the authenticity of Mexican food is made here I dine in when I can I'm always on the goParking: The parking area ain't that it's best that's why it's a good idea to use good size vehicle to go in a groupKid-friendliness: It's extremely family orientedWheelchair accessibility: No stairs“
“Want a quick Seafood Dinner or Lunch this is the place small little place but as we all doing take out this is fresh Seafood good prices and good amount of food I'm supporting local so this is my to go spot for seafood try there spicy green salsa and there Tostadas are Good too.“
“Ok my cousins wife got catering from these guys for their kids going away to the marine corps party yesterday & I just have to say I’m eating the leftovers a day later and it is still so amazing. I had to write a review.This place is delicious! They have all these different salsas you can buy in a deli case & seriously some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. The carnitas is fantastic. If I had to only eat 1 meat the rest of my life I can say confidently I would die happy eating this carnitas.“
“It was our first time, our friend said that if you visit Watsonville, you have to have CARNITAS!!! We ordered 1 lb CARNITAS $8.00, (no fatty pieces in our lb)+1 dozen tortillas(made in house?)+small salsa+1 Mexican Coke in a bottle = $17.00. Cash only. They have an ATM inside if you forget to bring cash, and yes it gives you a $3.25 surcharge. There is a line out the door and the workers only seem to speak Spanish. If you’re at a loss for Spanish , just hold up your fingers ??✌??? how many lbs you would like, and that is perfectly understood as well. There is nowhere to sit inside so just take your food home and enjoy. If we ever drive through Watsonville again, we will be stopping in.“
“The food is very delicious, recommended but the waitress gave us terrible service. I think the owner is busy seeing that all the time he was in the cell. I am a waiter when I go to my tables at least I give them a fake smile. But my waitress had a terrible character.“
“An excellent neighborhood cafe. The food is marvelous, menudo, chicken popusa, chicken sope, and the freshest most refreshing pico de gallo. Service was gratuitous, prompt, and attentive. The interior is, simple, clean and bright. Definitely a go-to location.“
“The waiter and service were great. Micheocan (sp) cuisine I think. The salsa and chips were great as well. Husband had chile relleno which was also good. I had chicken mole; it wasn't great nor was it bad. I have heard their tacos are great. Will try next time. Again, family owned restaurant, very nice waiter and greeter. Nice place.“
“I think this is the best restaurant in Watsonville. I particularly love the Comal de Mariscos, but they also make the best Chile Releno I've ever had. The fish filets are snapper prepared in many different styles, all very good. Wonderful people, too.“
“Great quality, big portions great service, and AFFORDABLE!!Veggie options!Got the Papas and Nopales Super Burrito and was amazed by how big and delicious it was!If you are looking for veggie options, I highly recommend!!Next time I'll get the pupusas de calabaza ?Vegetarian options: Burrito de Papas y nopales, pupusas (calabaza, frijol, nopales)“
“Food and service are great, found this a few years back and any chance I get to come over the hill I grab tacos. Love the flavor of the carnitas and the heat on the green salsa is perfect. We also had pollo tostada and taco which was fresh and tasty too. Or as my partner said 'yummy'“
“As busy as the holidays become, and you're craving Birria but don't have the hours and hours to slow cook your delicious meal , you have to go to the next best option that would be here in Castroville! We came in on a Monday right about 6 o'clock. It wasn't too busy we were seated promptly. Our order was taken just as quickly and with all that being said, the food came out, fresh and flavorful and generous portions. Because this location has been a staple in Castroville for years , the ambience of the restaurant has not changed much since the central Texan minus the chips, but that's OK because the beautiful wood finishes are charming no matter what everything was clean and bright and that is always a good sign. We came during happy hour, and that meant you could get three queso Birria tacos for 10 bucks not bad if you ask me! We each ordered a plate of three and got shrimp cocktail and the Birria Ramen to share. Everything was flavorful, hot and delicious we personally like our Birria a little more spicy but I do understand you have to appeal to the masses with the restaurant For everybody to enjoy it not only spicy lovers like ourselves. The shrimp cocktail had an abundance of large shrimp, not the tiny salad shrimps you get at some restaurants and the Ramen was good but again I think it was just missing that little bit of spice that we were craving but again that's personal preference, so I cannot blame them for that. However they have incredibly amazing hot salsa that took care of our need for spice my wonderful hubby enjoyed it very much and said it was spicy so if he thinks it's spicy you know it's spicy good I highly recommend trying out this establishment if you're going to go on the weekends, you better go early as a Castroville native seeing the lines on the weekend makes me appreciate them being open during the weekdays lol And again, if your lines are that long, you're doing something right notable mention if you like the traditional Birria De chivo- you're in luck as they are serving up the classic style most people are looking for I know it's not it for everybody but if you know you know. Run don't walk and bring your appetite!“
“Went to lunch here with three friends and all of our meals were excellent. I had the chicken enchilada a la carte with red sauce and it was delicious.One of my friends had the chili colorado and it was absolutely outstanding.The interior of this restaurant is really cute and I saw a very nice outdoor patio as well.The prices are a little higher than most restaurants in watsonville but that's because the quality of the food is so good.Parking: There is a parking lot right next to the restaurant but be careful! That is for the grocery store.“
“Food is good but you had better brush up on your Spanish, your going to need it. Oh and they have Salsa dancing lesson. How cool is that.Vegetarian options: Non meet eaters can find stuff to eat.Parking: Their parking lot is small and we had to back our way out. It was tricky. We almost were blocked in by other cars.“
“I never come to Watsonville I only started coming into town to take a class at the Cabrillo Center where I was fortunate enough to find Tacos El Jerry. why aren't more people talking about this place!? I was stunned, the food was absolutely amazing. I ordered the Quesabirria and Hortcha and I have to say. BEST QUESABIRRIA IVE EVER HAD!!!! I've been telling anyone who will listen, I'll be back every week. Customer service was excellent and food took 10 minutes which shows they cool with love and care for every order. Thank you!!!! OK“
“Where do i even begin with this classic Watsonville spot. The Best chavelas hands down!Their shrimp burritos , agua chilies,shrimp empanadas, and quesy birria are bomb as well!Pretty much any good or beverage is bomb here .The service is fast and friendly. Plenty of parking and seating. Gets packed on weekends and sporting events. They have a few tvs in there. They have outside and Inside seating.Definitely fun place for friends and family to go habg out and enjoy some good food .“
“5 stars all the way. My family loves them. Great food lots of parking and welcoming staff. The tamales are fantastic. Several kinds to choose from. Each tamale is 1/2 a pound of delicious and authentic Mexican food.Parking: Directly next to and directly in front of.“
“Wow, these tacos are on another level! I ordered a fried fish taco and one with carne asada, and requested the aioli on the side (I'm picky about mayo-based sauces). I also got a side of jalapenos and sprinkled a few on the asada taco. I gotta say, the fish taco impressed me the most, and the aioli was so good I put most of it on there. It was lightly crispy on the outside and juicy and flavorful inside. So yummy! The carne asada taco was excellent too, but I'm sold on the fish. The ambiance was cool too, with a large patio space shared by three other places, a crepe place, a coffee shop, and a barbershop. Definitely coming back soon!“
“When my family comes in from out of town, they almost always choose Palapas. Why? They accommodate large parties with a smile, the food is always good and hot, and I never feel rushed. Everyone tries different things, but I can't get past the combo enchilada platter. There's also a great view from almost every table.“
“Buen provecho! Just like grandma's house. Food was authentic and delicious. Homemade tortillas, quality meat, and great flavors. Salsa, rice, beans, sopa, caldo de res (beef and veg soup), tacos, enchiladas, all on point! The owner served us and was very sweet. Please support this family business. If you are in a hurry, call ahead.Kid-friendliness: The owner brought out extra sopa (soup) and little cookies for the kids. Hugh chaors and boosters available.“
“Today was my first time eating at Cilantros and I was really pleased with the whole experience. We arrived at lunch time on a Sunday, and the wait was around 15-20 minutes. We were in a rush to get somewhere after, so they offered to seat us at a table in the bar area right away, which I really appreciated. The best chips and salsa! I love that the chips come out a little warm. I had the pozole and it had the most tender pieces of pork. It was really delicious. It also came with some fresh, warm tortillas. Our server was quick and very attentive. I look forward to coming back when I'm in Watsonville.“
“The food is good quality with nice presentation. The tacos de camaron had more than 3 camarones unlike other places. The empanadas are made fresh and literally come out steaming! The service is great and quick, & they have the football games on Sundays.“
“Food is really good. My favorite are the Los Pericos style tacos. The salsas are great.Only complaint is that they pack EVERY order to go. So much trash gets produced. A lot of people stay and eat outdoors, seems like a lot less packaging and plastic bags would be wasted if they just asked if it was for here or to go.“
“Was walking by and decided to give it a try. Luckily came in on a Tuesday and it's Taco Tuesday! Like the other reviewer mentioned the strange thing is that they don't have a menu with prices. For reference as of 1/30/24 a super burrito is $12.50“
“One of the reasons I'm glad I moved back to the area. I use to come here years ago... They have consistently the best Carne asada burritos I've ever had just about... the Carne Asada is done right, it is delicious...The dinner plates and family mocajette plates are really really good, my favorite in town.The only problem I see is the price for a fountain drink was almost half the cost of the burrito.. Was $4.50 for a coke careful buying from the soda machine“
“A friend brought me lunch from here. Chile Rellenos are at the top of my list and home made tortillas right next to it. The food was steaming hot, the relleno the best I've ever had and, child, I've had a lot of them. Loved the rice and beans and those fabulous tortillas.“
“I recently dined at Ay Caramba! and I must say it was a delightful experience from start to finish. The customer service was exceptional, with every staff member displaying genuine warmth and attentiveness. Staff were not only friendly but also highly knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations. I'll be returning to Ay Caramba! again and again. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an enjoyable dining experience.“
“My husband and I just finished our meal from Tacos El Jerry and I had to review right away because our meal was absolutely delicious!! We are staying at a beach house for our anniversary. Unfortunately, due to health issues I can’t have any dairy or gluten. It’s hard to find anything to eat at restaurants much less anything tasty. We had the carnitas tacos, birria tacos, the consommé, and the Jamaica. Not only was everything tasty, it all felt very comforting as well. I hope we can come back again soon to enjoy.“
“Best Menudo I’ve had in my life. I know that may seem like a very bold statement, but it’s really unmatched. They serve it only on the weekends and at a limited quantity, best way to down a bowl of menudo is with a nice cold Modelo. It’s a beautiful Red menudo paired with all its condiments and your choice of flour or corn tortillas, I don’t eat menudo often but when I do I come here!“
“Wow! I had forgotten just how good the Super Burritos are! I stopped today for lunch and ordered a Super Burrito with chicken. It was delicious! Hot and fresh. Service was friendly and fast. The place is clean. Lots of people came in after me, but the line moves fast. The word must be out that this is a great place to eat.“
“Awesome hot plate food, authentic Mexican dishes to go. The staff is welcoming and be prepared to test your Spanish skills, super cute to see Mama's in the back taking care of hungry folks. Prices are spot on and the overall taste is what is desired.“
“This is my favorite place in the area to get potato flautas! This plate has been consistently good over the years, & the staff is always friendly. The eating area isn't anything fancy but it's still a good place to stop by for yummy food.“
“The taco and enchilada plate was great and seems authentic. Many option to choose from on the sauce and meat to my liking. The chips and salsa were a little stale. I was excited about the chimichanga, but the new young woman who took my order mistakenly did not add it to my order. Service could use some work and over all the food was just okay.“
“I'm comparing to other taquerias, not some other type of restaurant. This is not a fine-dining sort of place, but if you want a quick meal in a casual atmosphere, this is a good choice.This has the feel of home cooking, complete with the attentive hostess/proprietor. She was delightful and offered us a sample of today's special (caldo de albondigas) before we ordered. It was delicious, so we went with that. We also ordered a couple of asada tacos--super tasty and she got my husband's special-order just right.The place is small and authentic feeling. They also have a comfortable outdoor seating area, which is where we chose to sit.The service was very fast.“
“I love their tacos. The ingredients all taste so fresh and the grilled onions are the best. They have catered a fundraising event that I have attended in years past. Covid put everything on hold for two years but this year made a comeback.....I seriously go to this event for the tacos!!!“
“i love this place. I've been going for years. it's real , good, Mexican food. i always get the chili Verde burrito. but I've tried lots of things an like them all. wish they were open longer hours though. need to be open more . they are losing lots of money .“
“Fantastic asada and fish tacos, the food is made fresh to order, all the toppings are out for you to customize your taco. The tacos are very large and filling. The staff was fantastic, friendly, and spoke excellent English. The asada taco with flour tortilla was the best taco I have ever had in my life. The restaurant was recommended by a local hotel staff member. I am so glad that she recommended this restaurant!“
“I love their camarones a la Diabla. Love that they have fresh handmade tortillas. During this pandemic, I preorder my food and they always have it ready for me to pick up. There is no parking so be prepared to park alongside of the street. I couldn't find the menu online so I downloaded the menu. When I pre-order for take out, my food is always ready and I get the chips and salsa and all the condiments necessary. I give this place a 5 star.“
“Overall, the food was great.I had the "Camarones Costa Azul," and they were great. The wife had an asada burrito, which she enjoyed.The only thing that we were missing was spicy salsa. We ordered takeout, and they had it ready in 15 minutes. I understand that in peak hours, the waiting times would differ. It was a good dinner under 40 bucks.“
“Went there on a Friday night and there wasn't a line which was nice since it was kinda cold outside. The menu was easy to read, and they were very helpful. The drinks were cold, and the food was super fresh and hot by the time we got home because we got it to go. Honestly the best asada burrito that I have ever eaten. The burrito could posbssnly be shared with two not that hungry people. However, if your hungry you could eat most of it. The rice and beans inside were tasty. The rice was nice and fluffy. I prefer whole beans so I was gladly surprised that they were. The salsa verde has great flavor and definitely some heat if you are not used to it. We got lucky with parking because there was an open spot right around the corner. They take cash and card which is really convenient. I highly recommend trying their food.“