El Alteno Authentic Mexican Food

Some of the best tacos I've had in a long time. Really nice, homey atmosphere. Kind and welcoming staff. 10/10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

El Alteño does not get the attention it deserves. While Watsonville does have an abundance of Mexican restaurants, El Alteño is overlooked as one of the best. It's a hidden gem. I've been a customer for the past 15 or so years and have nothing but positive things to say about this restaurant. We've celebrated birthdays, graduations, and other events here. The food, service, and cost create an overall great experience.

Will be back, thanks!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food was so delicious

The food is authentic homemde mexican food. Its delicious and the owner is always making sure you're enjoying your food. This is our go to place for a meal with our kids.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It is very Authentic, foods very good and well served. THE BEST TORTILLAS IN TOWN! This places has an indoor and outdoor seating, outdoor is amazing with a downtown view of Watsonville plaza.
Also, The owner was right, true love is the secret ingredient:)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Molcajetes, Veggie Fajitas, Side of Rice \u0026 Beans, Guacamole

I don't know why, every time we try to eat here, either the food isn't very good or it just doesn't work out. Tonight there was only one other table in the dining room and a large party on the patio. We were waiting for someone to come talk to us/wait on us and the whole party came inside. There was one person working the party and no servers in the restaurant. I guess the bartender was going to help us, but then there was a line of about 20 people at the bar, so we left. Not going back

Family owned authentic Mexican Restaurant serving delicious regional cuisine. Patio dining and full bar. We'll worth a visit : )

Big, quiet downtown restaurant. Excellent food. Great mango margaritas. Very fast sevice, but maybe because we were having dinner early. It was starting to fill up as we were leaving.

A really big place, with lots of tables both inside and outside. Parking on the street or behind the restaurant. Menu has a good variety of options. Portions are generous without being over-powering. The guacamole was excellent. Service was prompt and attentive. Food was served hot. Not the fanciest of Mexican restaurants in the area or the most traditional, but it will suit most tastes.

The worst MOLCAJETE I have ever tried: I ordered a molcajete to take away, more like fajitas, with more vegetables than meat... I WILL NEVER GO BACK...

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Molcajetes

I love it, great food, friendly and excellent service. I had a paint for your pet event. Maria is a very kind and attentive host.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Beautiful setting wonderful service! Then the food….authentic, fresh, wonderfully prepared and delicious and affordable! Cannot wait to return!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Molcajete super recommended Molcajete is delicious and authentic, the service is incredible and the story of the owner Maria was amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Molcajetes

Great place to stop for a quick bite.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Carne Asada, Molcajetes, Pozole

Not great...

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 4