Taqueria Pelayos Seaside — Restaurant in Seaside

Tucked unassumingly along the coast in Seaside, Taqueria Pelayos is the kind of place you almost want to keep a secret, until the carne asada hits your taste buds, and suddenly you’re composing sonnets in your head about grilled perfection.

Let’s start with the tacos. I ordered the carne asada, just cilantro onions sr snot my friend. They were nothing short of tiny corn tortilla miracles. Smoky, tender, with just the right balance of char and citrus, they didn’t need embellishment. The flavor was so spot-on, you could practically taste the soul behind the grill.

My husband, a professional chef with a discerning palate, opted for the carnitas. He was unusually quiet while eating, a sure sign of deep satisfaction. Afterward he nodded with that subtle but unmistakable approval that only truly good food earns.

Joining us was my childhood best friend, who ordered the Carne Asada dinner plate. He’s not one to hand out compliments lightly, but he practically hummed with happiness between bites. I believe the phrase “legit masterpiece” was used, high praise from someone who still references a burrito he ate in 1994 like it was a spiritual awakening.

The vibe? Purely authentic. No gimmicks, no overdone decor, just warm colors, the hum of conversation, and the comforting scent of tortillas being grilled to order. It feels like someone invited you into their family’s kitchen, and you’re suddenly part of the inner circle.

Bottom line: Taqueria Pelayos serves the kind of Mexican food that doesn’t just satisfy, it lingers in your memory, makes you reconsider every bland chain taco you’ve ever eaten, and maybe, just maybe, inspires a minor pilgrimage...

Someone who owns this taqueria better read and everyone else out there! This place has declined since opening back in the day.. been around eating your food for 12+ years. Recently I have ordered 3three times over the phone. 1x placed an order to go for tacos. I came in around 30 minutes from placing order at the drive up window, order was never placed because who ever I talked too took off from work. The guy at the window try to down play it but I spoke up in Spanish so he can clearly understand. I waited 45 minutes for 6 tacos and fries. 2x I placed a to go order went in after the 15-20 min window again to find out that the order once again was not placed. 3rd and last time I will be coming to this place. I called placing a order July 5. I came in about 30/40 minutes knowing that things will be busy but was told 15-20 min time again! When coming in to the lobby area it took time to catch someone’s attention even when walking 3 feet from me and looking at me.. I requested my order to find out “ it’s cooking at the moment” I received my bags and decided to check my order before leaving, Yes the order was wrong. They had to remake some items. When asking for salsa I was directed to the salsa bar even though I know that you guys have premade salsas for to go orders. The bar had no to low salsa and no lids for the cups and may I add that when I REQUESTED to pay after all this happened two associates were going tru tickets trying to figure out my order and were questioning each other in looks/facial expressions… bottom line pelayos has to correct this service.. this business...

Okay place and pretty good food, only thing that has kept me coming back. Been coming here since it was casa del sol and really like the food. However would definitely say that the service was more accommodating with the previous owners. Now the new owners are completely stingy with extra up charges on food, extra charges for credit cards, and local discount cards prevent you from receiving punches on their punch cards. Not to mention my experience with the main lady that works the front counter is completely unpleasant. Typical expectations are met with stinginess and responses of "that is what happens at a normal restaurant" or “this is how it’s always been.” Almost like a deer in headlights look as if we’re somehow manipulating the system to our own benefit (no, an extra punch wont cause a loyal customer to “get a deal”). Service is met with superficial smiles yet condescending tones and expressions that imply we are cheap consumers and that my business is not appreciated. I feel continually patronized and unwelcome. The food is the only reason I am putting two stars, otherwise it would be nothing. As of today they have completely lost my business and if they continue their ways, I’m sure others with...