Rafael Mexican Grill

Mexican Restaurant $ 4.5 (224)


Rafael Mexican Grill is celebrated for its authentic Mexican food, with dishes like quesabirria and menudo receiving high praise. The restaurant's atmosphere is welcoming and family-oriented, and many customers report excellent service. While most diners express satisfaction with their meals, occasional service inconsistencies have been noted.

Overall:

4.5

(191 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.2


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (831) 442-8939

Address: 1927 Natividad Rd, Salinas, CA 93906, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" While I enjoyed my experience overall, I did encounter a small hiccup with my order. I had to remind the staff about the chips and salsa that were supposed to accompany my meal. However, once the tacos arrived, they were indeed enjoyable—filled generously with tender meat and plenty of flavor. Their signature spicy salsa on the side was the highlight of the meal for me. Looking forward to my next visit. " (*Curated Review*)

" What a delightful experience! The moment I stepped into Rafael Mexican Grill, I felt at home. The decor is charming, and the staff are warm and welcoming. I ordered the quesabirria tacos, and they were to die for—rich,, flavorful, and paired perfectly with their consome. The horchata was also refreshing and the perfect accompaniment. I really appreciated the attention to detail, especially how fresh everything tasted. Certainly a place worth revisiting! " (*Curated Review*)

" As soon as I entered Rafael's, I felt welcomed. The decor creates a nice atmosphere, and the service was friendly. I ordered their ceviche and it was fresh, although I wished it had a tad more flavor. The tacos were delicious, but was expecting more spice overall. Despite that, I'd still recommend it; just my personal taste. " (*Curated Review*)

" I recently discovered Rafael Mexican Grill, and I was blown away! The food was fresh, flavorful, and authentically prepared. I particularly enjoyed their carne asada fries, which were a generous portion. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is homey—definitely coming back again soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" I’ve been curious about this place since my friends rave about it. Finally went in for lunch, and while the ambiance was inviting, I found the food a bit lackluster. The carne asada burrito I ordered was good but not the best I've ever had. The service was friendly but a bit slow. I might give it another shot with a different dish next time. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (181)

" At Rafael's, I had the best birria tacos that I've tried in a long time! The flavors transported me straight to Mexico with every bite. The service was prompt and friendly—it really made our lunch feel special. Next time I want to bring some friends to share this experience with! " (*Curated Review*)

" As a Mexican food lover, I was eager to try Rafael's. I was satisfied with the atmosphere and the friendly service, but I must admit that the flavors were somewhat muted. I had the carne asada plate, and it was okay, but not what I was expecting. I might choose a different dish on my next visit. " (*Curated Review*)

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