Anything around Pinnacles National Monument?

[waldrons]

We're planning a quick trip from San Francisco to Pinnacles next week... is there anywhere nearby to have a good lunch before or after our visit there (we'll be on the west side, heading to Monterey afterwards).

Thanks for any help!

[Tom Hall]

Quick answer is no.

I have eaten at Carnitas Michoacan in Gilroy. Order the... carnitas. They are very tasty and reasonably priced.

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Carnitas Michoacan
7484 Monterey St, Gilroy, CA 95020

[glbtrtr]

You will be turning off at Soledad and pass the towns of Salinas, Gonzales and Chualar before you get there. Melanie Wong has good suggestions for this area if you do a search, particularly in the Salinas/Gilroy area. She put us on to Lizzaran in Gilroy which is a bit further north, and was good for hot and cold tapas, small bites and a charming little historic downtown.

[waldrons]

Thanks (and I've added Lizzaran to my list)!

[glbtrtr]

I was also hoping to learn more about those dusty little towns of Soledad and Chualar - I have stopped for some okay Mexican food in some of their local establishments, but nothing I would go out of my way for again. But it is worth a detour along their main streets to see if you can find anything more chow worthy and hope you get back to us with any new recommendations.

[waldrons]

We'll see what we can find. Although my heart just broke as I realized that Lizzaran isn't open for lunch during the week.....

[glbtrtr]

Don't worry, it is good but not great - poke around downtown Gilroy anyway because it is the center of the Garlic Festival and there is the Garlic Cafe and a few other local spots that might be retro Chow Worthy for setting if not for food.