Michael's Grill Taqueria

This spot is one of my favorites to go to, considering I order to-go several times a week. The service is great and the staff is always super friendly, it's usually the same staff working the counter, so it's nice to be able to grow a rapport with them. There is a lot of seating and the food comes out quickly. Some of my favorite items: blackened chicken tacos (they are HUGE, delish, and only $3.49 , blackened chicken taco salad, blackened chicken nachos, and the blackened chicken sandwich (with cheese . Their blackened chicken is outstanding and addictive, I get it every time and never get tired of it. I always ask for a side of lime cilantro sauce as well, it goes great on everything. A must try if coming to the Monterey area! (This review is only for the pacific grove location, I've had a very different experience at the Marina one!

Decent Mexican food joint in Pacific Grove/Monterey area right next to Asilomar State Beach. A great place to grab a blackened chicken burrito to enjoy on the beach or after a hike. Flavors and selection is solid fresh ingredients and a good variety of proteins that are well cooked and seasoned. Veggies are crisp and they report that they cut them all on site (nothing precut or pre made). Plenty of seating indoors. Parking in the strip mall outside is pretty accessible. Servers are friendly and polite, fast service and very reasonable for to go orders. Prices are slightly on the higher side for regular burritos. As an FYI if you pay by credit card, they increase the listed prices by 4%, otherwise everything is priced as listed.

Michael is the best. I honestly only order the same thing because it's so phenomenal (blackened chicken taco bowl) so I can't speak to a large portion of their menu. I don't know what type of red vinaigrette they have on it, but I always ask for extra because it's so good. Let it be noted that this isn't super traditional Mexican food but it is extremely well done. Whether I order take out or dine in, the food always comes out hot and fast. The service and servers are extremely friendly and really seem to enjoy what they do. The facilities are always clean/tidy, and the tables are always bused as soon as you get up. A little life hack, you can just ordered their blackened chicken, which is out of this world. I get a couple of breasts and either refrigerate or freeze it for soups, salads, or whatever!

If you want a great tasting Taco, try the Blackened Chicken taco or Shrimp. You will be so happy for your choice. Service is prompt. They give you a basket of chips and salsa while you wait. The place is Not much to look at but clean. I am attaching a picture of the delicious meal.

House burrito is our favorite. $15, burrito has chicken and shrimp. Also comes with chips, salsa, guac and sour cream. Delicious and worth every buck