Michael's Grill & Taqueria — Restaurant in Marina

This was my second visit within the last 3 weeks and I'm pretty sure I'll be back again soon. The food is very tasty and well prepared. It was a to go night for us. I ordered the blackened chicken street tacos with a side of refried beans. Really great flavor, tender and not overcooked. Served with fried onions and soft tortillas with a creamy salsa Verde on the side. The salsa has a heat that sneaks up on you and leaves your tongue tingling. It's hot but not overly hot. My wife had a blackened chicken and a grilled shrimp taco. She really liked them and it was the first time eating food from here. Our son had grilled shrimp enchiladas with rice and beans. He has been here with me previously and likes it as much as I do. Salsa and chips were good and the portions were just right. The prices are very reasonable. There's nothing fancy about this place but there doesn't need to be. The food is the reason to visit. You won't be...

I honestly expected more quality taste. I ordered the 2 green enchiladas, rice and beans, and chips and salsa. I don’t know why it’s uncommon for restaurants to have the option to use queso fresco as the cheese for the enchilada, it tastes way better that way in my opinion rather than the melted cheese. The tomatillo sauce of the enchilada was bland and I wish they would have put the tortilla on the skillet for a little bit in order for it to taste more cooked but it tasted bland as well. The beans were too smashed for my liking and honestly tasted and looked like they came out of a can. I really enjoyed the salsa that came with the chips; it was fresh and spicy just the way I like it. I guess I’ve tasted quality Mexican food before and Michael’s was a let down. This dish did not match the price; they need to cut the price in half if they are going to be serving low quality...

2 1/2 stars. I've always enjoyed Michael's Grill and Taqueria. In fact, I've written a review for the Michael's in Salinas, which has always been a positive experience. My most recent visit to the Marina location was disappointing. I suppose I'll begin with the chips and salsa. The salsa was as usual but the chips were clearly stale and unappetizing. I ordered a wet vegetarian burrito and it wasn’t great. This burrito contained rice, beans and an abundance of almost raw onions. The burritos that I've ordered in the past were always tasty and had a variety of vegetables. The Horchata and pineapple beverages both tasted like they came from a powdered or pre-made mix. It's wonderful that you were able to expand, but it's not wonderful that the quality of the food seems compromised. I plan on returning to enjoy the delicious Michaels food that I've had and enjoyed in Salinas...