La Tortuga Torteria - Seaside

The tortas are the thing to order here. They're ! We love ordering a couple and sharing bites. You can't go wrong. Be sure to check out that bakery counter while you're there!

Come for the tortas, not the tacos I ordered a Pollo mole torta. It was pretty good. The chicken was moist and the mole sauce was tasty. The addition of avocado and jalapeño made it better. I did have a few bones in the sandwich though and that wasn't the most fun. My friend ordered 2 soft tacos and a rolled taco. The pastor and the carne asada were lacking in flavor. So I would not recommend. The portions were generous though.

Two of us arrived early Friday afternoon. A person who works at Cannery Row suggested we go have a torta, mole, tlayuda, or burrito in this small restaurant. We decided to go to Seaside before leaving Monterey just to try it out, like any good yelper would do after hearing the reviews. It was easy to find and it's located next to a thrift store and bakery. Parking lot was tiny and we decided to do street parking. We came in and sat ourselves down at a table. We thought we were going to order at counter, but we were greeted and given menus. They have bottles/cans of sodas. No soda fountain. We got two diet cokes and were given glasses of ice. Chips and 2 types of salsa also appeared on table along with napkins. After asking our server some questions, we tried: 1- tinga chicken in red sauce) gordita with sour cream and lettuce. I liked it. 1- Pollo en mole burrito some rice, corn, and beans inside). Huge! This was the husband's favorite. The mole is not too sweet and is heavy on cinnamon. 1-torta de milanesa beef) like a sub sandwich with beans, chipotle mayo, avocado, and meat. My favorite type of torta. I'd get it again. 1-torta ahogada al pastor) like a sub sandwich, covered in sauce you can choose between red, green, non spicy) There were some desserts in fridges along wall. We decided to order 2 burritos to go, asada chile relleno. Then 3 more burritos, asada, al pastor, and Pollo en mole to drop off at my parents' home. I had half of an asada burrito and I'd have it again with some of the green sauce on the side. It had queso fresco inside of it which is a nice touch.

Such an awesome place, serving Oaxaca Mexican cuisine. The exterior is unassuming, while the interior is spacious with display of extensive menu. There was a warm, inviting atmosphere. My friends and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the outdoor backyard seating area. We were given a menu and table service. We were also served complimentary chips and salsa. The chips were thin and satisfyingly crunchy. The salsa was a little on the spicy side, but good. Initially, I ordered my usual Horchata, but was curious about a warm drink I've never tried before called Alote. It is a corn based beverage with milk, cinnamon, brown sugar cane. The drink was thick, smooth, creamy, and simply delectable. I fell in love with the taste immediately. For my meal, I went with the Fiesta Del Mar, which consisted of breaded fish filet, shrimps in garlic butter, shellfish in spicy sauce (I asked for mild), which included blue crab, mussels, and clams. The platter was huge! This also came with rice, beans, and tortillas. All this seafood for only $20! My favorite part was the breaded fish filet. The breading was absolutely perfect and delightfully crispy, while the fish was amazingly tender and flaky. There were 2 types of shrimp One kind was already peeled and open like a butterfly and the other was still in the shell. I enjoyed the first type more, though the sauce wasn't that garlicky. The crab was delicious, but since it was so small, quite difficult to get the meat out. I had to ask for a crab leg cracker tool several times until I finally got it. And the sauce it came in was bold, with plenty of tasty and flavorful seasoning. The rice was pretty good. It was cooked well and mixed with corn, as well as carrots. Later, I ordered the chocolate version of Alote drink to go. This was soo yummy as well, with a lightly sweet chocolate taste. Service was great! Everyone was so friendly and genuinely kind. The food came out in a timely manner and we were well taken care of throughout our time here. Also, prices are very reasonable. I would definitely return, as there are so many mouthwatering menu options!

Friends and I came here when driving back up North from Monterey after the Monterey Bay Half Marathon and we were hungry for carbs. A few places we were interested in for brunch had long lines, and we were looking for something quick and inexpensive--we found La Tortuga and lucked out! I ordered the Al pastor torta and horchata and it was delicious. One of the best tortas I've ever had. The menu was large and no one was disappointed by the food, everyone left full and content. Items are reasonably-priced and service was quick, so we were back on the road on our way home ASAP.