Papa Chano’s

So we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Valentine’s Day, which in 2016 fell on a very summer-​like Sunday. That and the fact that the following day was Presidents Day, leading into Ski Week, helped create a very busy weekend for this beautiful town. After enduring the crowds at the fish celebratory for a couple of hours, we spent some time at the tourist traps on Cannery Row before attempting to have lunch at El Torito on the bay. Not a wise decision — there was a line out the door, and the inside resembled a refugee camp. And it was brunch time, with an estimated wait of 45 minutes. Hence we said «fuggedabatit» and proceeded to downtown proper.
Given that we weren’t starving, we took our time weeding out the restaurants on Alvarado Street, at last settling on Papa Chanos. A little Mexican sounded good, perhaps in part because our original destination featured the same type of food.
Well, Papa C’s certainly fit the bill of a taqueria. Reasonable prices, decent enough food, and subpar service. Wife and I each had a burrito and a drink and got out for less than $ 20, which was enough to fill us out until dinnertime six hours later. On the other hand, the soda fountain was missing half the options, and the cashiers either didn’t know what to do, or did not care. Most likely both. Still, the place was clean enough, and one could certainly do worse. But not a destination by any stretch.

This used to be my favorite place, been coming since I was youngster in high school! I haven’t the time to come sit in the window anymore but once in a while I just want to call in an have myself a burrito!!!
Last three times I have called in the phone was off the hook or busy! This place has no call waiting. Today I called and was put on hold for over 10min. When I called back the phone line was still busy. After 20 min of waiting I finely got threw to the Lady who put me on hold to began with…
I ask nicely are you busy… «KINDA» was all she could say to me!
No I’m sorry what can I get started for you nothing! I hung up upset and still hungry!!!
I won’t be calling in or stopping by it’s just to hard to get any food or even good Customer Service!

The food is decent and quick, but the service subpar. Went there on a whim after a walk to the aquarium. Our order of a tostada and burrito was taken quickly. The service fell after that. Unfortunately, the ice tea machine needed a refill and when asked if anymore could be had, the cashier looked at me blankly and answered that it was empty. Not that more couldn’t be made or they were out. Simply stated the obvious and then walked away. Ignoring that, I decided to go to the fountain machine. Three of the six soda choices were out with the spouts wrapped in tinfoil. I went for the Sprite and my husband the Diet Coke, but mine was flat. Seeing as how the cashier kept looking away and lingering by the cook, I didn’t bother asking for an alternative.
When our food arrived, it was decent and filling. By far not the best Mexican food, but okay enough to fill the tank. The décor needs some sprucing, rickety chairs and gouged tables, but otherwise functional. This place suits nothing more than a quick meal or something to-​go. Not a destination or wowing experience.

Smells like bathroom right when you walk in. But that doesn’t mean the kitchen is dirty Tables are sticky. Despite all that food usually is decent. I always come back so something must be right.

I was looking for something small but tasty near my hotel and gave Papa Chanos a try. I wasn’t hungry enough for a full burrito and ended up getting 2 tacos: chili verde and carnitas. At $ 2.55 each, they’re some of most expensive taqueria tacos I’ve come across, though you do get free chips. The carnitas one, with the red salsa, wasn’t the great but I couldn’t get enough of the chili verde taco. The 4 stars here reflect that one taco. I really, really liked it while everything else was meh.

Always quick and pretty tasty. Since living in SD i’ve been in search of a good taco shop. This place has hit the spot definitely because it is close and quick. The burritos are delicious, salsa top notch, and serves beer. Wish the prices were a bit cheaper, but it’s Monterey…
Definitely will keep enjoying!

I have never been so unsatisfied with my service at any restraint ever. The man was a grouch, and the food was awful, I will not be eating here again. YEars ago I ate here at least once a week, I’ve gone three times in the last 6 months ad each trip was a waste, particularly of my money and patience.

Sorry, used to like this place. Today, I went in and had chicken tacos. They were ready almost immediately. To me, that’s not necessarily a good thing since it often points to food that is not cooked at the time of ordering. The chicken had an off-​putting smell similar to the smell you get when you open a can of cat food. I left both of the tacos on the plate after taking a small bite. The chips did not taste like they were pure corn, though they tasted good, there was a taste of wheat flour in them. And last, the deal breaker, the bathroom was dirty. It doesn’t look like it gets a regular cleaning except for maybe the basics. I’m not going back.

This one in monterey is smaller but is in a good location downtown to have dinner. The prices are reasonable and the food is decent. The place always is clean every time I go there and they always make me a large fresh squeezed orange juice. I love their salsa.

The food was pretty good, tried a few different things. The tacos and burrito was good and was enjoyable. The enchiladas were not that great, the cheese in the middle wasn’t even melted and there wasn’t much sauce on them, very dry. The cheese quesadilla wasn’t bad either, the only thing I didn’t care for is that they didn’t cut it into pieces.
We walked in 30 mins before close and were only ordering to go, the guy who greeted us and took our order low key had an attitude.
I recommend checking the place out and see how you like it.

Our food was just not very good. The service was fast and the pico was good, but this is the first time we’ve left most of our food uneaten in a Mexican Restaurant.

I loved the fajitas, huge portion. We asked the employee if it would be enough for two of us (my boyfriend and I) and he said yes. We really respected his honesty! A very large portion of steak fajitas came out and it was so tasty! Not to mention the yummy salsa and all you can eat chips. Will go back for sure.

Nice quick stop to get Mexican food… Descent quality meat. Could use some remodeling of the kitchen and counter top area.

The jumbo burrito is huge. I had carnitas and it was excellent. Would have preferred black beans over pinto but great burrito nonetheless. Space inside was actually a lot bigger than I was expecting.

This is THE most spectacular taco place in Monterey!
Super welcoming and all you can eat chips and salsa bar! Amazing food and so welcoming!

No Lengua? No Fish Tacos? Why did I bother and why do they bother to advertise what they don’t have? I will stick with the one in Sand City. They have never let me down.

This place was dead empty for lunch. Wtfudgesticks ! Gave them benefit of the doubt and ordered a fajita burrito and was told their cars machine was not wolfing and to just atm. Ok I am not paying $ 4 additional in fees to enjoy your food.

Place was good. My wife wasn’t too crazy about the tacos she had, but I really enjoyed my carne asada wet burrito. The horchata wasn’t much to write home about & I’ll chalk it up to the machine being broken and as to why it wasn’t good. The gentleman being the register looked to bed the possible owner & he looked like he wasn’t having a great day of it. Cracking a smile goes a long way… I look forward to coming back in the future & trying something else.

Excellent food for a great price! Carnitas tacos were excellent! Would totally be a regular if I lived here:)

My family was in town and was at another restaurant with horrible service so we ended up leaving. We were still hungry and wanted tacos and nachos so gave this place has shot. The nachos had great flavor. Fish taco was fillet and tasted good. Prices were average for the area.