Peppers MexiCali Cafe
170 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove
(831) 373-6892 www.peppersmexicalicafe.com
Of all the delicious Latin-infused eateries in the area, one might not expect the best of the best to be this cozy corner spot in sleepy P.G. Precisely why you don’t judge a cantina by the paint job. The ever-crowded dining room is the first hint there’s something good going on. But, any skepticism melts like pepper jack cheese atop a wet burrito after a taste of the local fried calamari platter with cilantro tartar sauce, or the super-spicy prawns Gonzalez. Need more heat? Homemade salsa and Melinda’s habanero sauce multiply the kick and complement any dish. Scoville overload? Cool down with a drink from one of the only full bars in the city, including a handful of signature margaritas, flights of quality cactus juice and all the pale south-of-the-border brews a self-respecting Mexican spot should have.