3 Best American Restaurants in Salinas, CA

“Black Bear Diner Salinas is a family-friendly restaurant that serves large portions of classic, home-style comfort food in a cozy, bear-themed setting. They welcome everyone warmly and aim to make each meal feel joyful and special. The staff is treated like family, and the food is affordable and satisfying. Each location features unique bear carvings and artwork that reflect the local community. Their menu includes popular American diner dishes and a few surprises. Whether you're celebrating or unwinding after a long day, this is a great place to relax anytime. They offer gift cards, are wheelchair accessible, and are a good place to bring kids. Their Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich includes 6 ounces of roasted turkey breast served on top of sliced white bread. It comes with red-skinned mashed potatoes, rich turkey gravy, and a side of cranberry sauce.”

“Elli's Great American Restaurant uses the best fruits and vegetables grown in their own backyard, and all the greens come from local farms in Salinas. They are proud to support the community and share its produce with their customers. Their signature pizzas are made with a special crust using high-quality flour from Naples, along with water, salt, and yeast. Elli's Great American Restaurant is a kid-friendly restaurant. The menu at Elli’s features dishes inspired by immigrant cultures that arrived at Ellis Island, with many recipes passed down through generations. Everything is made from scratch, just like the old recipes. They also serve amazing French fries with a crispy outside and soft inside. Elli's menu reflects the variety of cultures that have shaped America, and this is a great place for families. You can also order your favorite dishes from your home.”

“BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Salinas is a family-friendly place that serves classic pub food along with a wide selection of house-made beers. The restaurant is located in Harden Ranch Plaza. They have worked hard to create a brewhouse experience that makes every meal enjoyable, aiming to be the kind of place you can’t wait to visit again. They take pride in their craft and pay close attention to every detail. Many guests come specifically for their award-winning handcrafted beer. This is a great spot for lunch before heading to 17-Mile Drive or for dinner after a round of golf at the famous Pebble Beach courses. They also serve happy hour food and great cocktails.”