Salina has its charms—wide-open skies, sunsets that paint the prairie, and a surprising number of excellent tortillas. That means visitors might actually want to swing by. This isn’t a problem, unless your wallet starts weeping at the thought of funding another group fiesta. So here’s where to feast on authentic flavors without mortgaging your future.
Candiles Tacos & Tequila
$ | (785) 515-2179 | WEBSITE
Salina isn’t exactly known for its Mexican food, and yet here we are, bringing everyone that shows up to Candiles Tacos & Tequila. This might have something to do with its spacious interior, masa ground in-house, thick chips with sonic boom crunches, and pillowy burritos filled with braised meats, tangy crema, and pickled onion. Don’t forget to grab a tequila and eat your lunch across the street by the park.
La Casita Salina
$ | (785) 823-5333 | WEBSITE
For every fancy Mexican restaurant with elaborate decor and high prices that exists in this city, there is a simple spot with phenomenal food that costs a lot less and tastes just as great. La Casita Salina is one of the absolute best in town. The straightforward restaurant is the perfect place to grab a meal if your visitors want you to take them ‘where the locals go.’
Don Toro’s Kitchen
$ | (785) 342-8128 | WEBSITE
Normally, we send everyone to El Potro, where you can experience Mexico without ever having to get awkward passport photos taken at CVS. The only drawback: lunch might be more expensive than your utility bill. Luckily, Don Toro’s Kitchen—their sister spot right off I-70—has a weekday special where you can order two incredible burritos and a large horchata for $22 total.
Los Tres Oros
$ | (785) 404-1037 | WEBSITE
Los Tres Oros doesn’t look like much from the outside, but we don’t need to tell you that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And on the inside, you’ll find a Pino Loca dish that will set you back $14.95 for a sizzling platter full of beef and chicken fajitas with pineapple. Be sure to brush up on your napkin skills, though, because you’re going to get sauce and rogue grilled onions all over yourself.
La Marina Seafood & Bar
$ | (785) 833-2092 | WEBSITE
La Marina Seafood & Bar is a great place to get authentic Mexican seafood in Salina, and it’s especially nice because it’s tucked away in a small strip mall with a welcoming ambiance. Savor Camarones a la Diabla, try Enchiladas de pollo con salsa verde, or generously top Tostada con camaron y pulpo with that memorable salsa roja alongside a cold Dos Equis.
Taqueria Fresnillo
$ | (785) 914-7998 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a bustling stretch of Salina, this Mexican spot serves the best lunch in town, let alone some of the best Mexican food in the region. Everything here is prepared by a crew that is quite friendly despite the no-frills setting (think simple tables and bright lighting) and the food is so good that it’s worth braving the midday heat.
Taqueria Fresnillo serves excellent steak tortas that are much more than just sandwiches, perfectly cooked tacos with meats that deserve their own praise, and generous guacamole and chips that come with three different salsas: roja, verde, and picante. Even if you decide to eat somewhere else for dinner, just swing by afterward and grab a couple of affordable tacos for a dollar or two a piece on certain days, washed down with a cold Mexican Coca-Cola or horchata.
Carlos O’Kelly’s – Salina
$ | (785) 826-1501 | WEBSITE
Sure, Carlos O’Kelly’s is in Salina, but if you’re serious about finding good Mexican food in Kansas, you’ll be down to make the trip for what’s the best family-friendly dining experience in the area.
While we’d jump over a series of fences Hot Fuzz-style for their Chicken Fajita Chimi (where steaming hot chicken and flavorful peppers melt into the warm tortilla) or the vegetarian options that cater to various dietary needs, you also shouldn’t miss gathering for chips, salsa, and margaritas at the bar area for the best service. Really, you’re in good shape with any super friendly and attentive server who constantly checks in for refills here.
Abelardo’s Mexican fresh
$ | (785) 515-2071 | WEBSITE
To keep the authentic Mexican mood going, head to Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh for a massive ground beef burrito smothered in queso. It’s like hanging out in your favorite neighborhood spot, where on any given night you can dig into generous portions that won’t break the bank. They do serve food, so you can skip the snacks and go straight for the amazing Birria tacos with great meat, rice, and beans.
After a few reasonably priced plates like the chicken chimichanga or enchiladas with authentic-tasting sauce, your friends will probably start thinking about moving to Salina.
La Jerezana
$ | (785) 820-2800 | WEBSITE
When people drive through Salina, they’re usually looking for two things: authentic Mexican food and a quick, satisfying meal. You could take them somewhere with fancy decor, but that’s a great way to spend all your time. Except if you know about La Jerezana—it’s tucked away in an unassuming spot, and you can get delicious Al Pastor tacos or a Carne Asada burrito smothered in Queso for a reasonable $12.
After eating, appreciate the same cozy, clean interior and flavorful sauces you pretend to discover every time someone asks for a genuine Mexican experience.
La Curva
$ | (785) 825-7777 | WEBSITE
But let’s say you’d rather eat bland fast food than authentic Mexican cuisine—Salina’s the perfect place to find it, with plenty of chain options, predictable menus, and La Curva. This spot is the gold standard for solid Mexican food, and whether you get yours in the form of churi pollo or steak and shrimp, it all makes for an ideal location to avoid disappointment and enjoy phenomenal flavors at the same time.
Taco Bell
$ | (785) 826-9866 | WEBSITE
If there’s only one spot you must make happen while your guest is in town, it’s Taco Bell on E. Iron. With cheerful staff who really care about their image, fast service that takes just a couple of minutes even during busy hours, and a menu featuring delicious vegetarian choices like Cantina bowls or burritos that accommodate special orders, it’s the best way to not spend a lot of money but also impress someone. Especially if that someone loves reliable Mexican food.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
$ | (785) 493-8093 | WEBSITE
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a solid spot to pull out of your back pocket when in need of a quick, satisfying meal before launching into errands or a busy afternoon. Their burrito bowls and tacos are consistently fresh and flavorful at this location, so be a hero by grabbing some carnitas, barbacoa, sofritas, and guacamole-loaded veggie options. The staff is kind and helpful, making the easy-to-access spot with ample parking feel like a reliable neighborhood standby.