I'm driving up from Phoenix to Salinas Thursday. I should arrive in the Salinas area early afternoon (5-ish)... want to wash my MINI & find a restaurant in the Salinas area before I head over to the track (I have a 3-day camping permit so thats when we arrive for that). ........ Any suggestions from anyone familiar with that area for either service? I usually hand wash my MINI, never taken it to a machine car wash, and I'll probably bring some of my own wash stuff with me, so self-service is preferred. As for the food, I'm part of a caravan, so probably casual atmosphere and low-moderate prices are what everyone will want.

Thanks in advance!
Larry

 

Monterey Cafe for breakfast in Monterey great food decent prices. Saturday night dinner at the Penny Farthing Pub in Salinas .

 

AZLarryB,

Great question. I'll bet there will be several asking about car washes.

Here are a few to choose from:

Villa Hand Car Wash
831) 772-0900
1430 S Main St
Salinas, CA 93908

Splash Carwash & Fast Lube
(831) 755-8000
905 Abbott St
Salinas, CA 93901

King Klean Car Wash
(831) 442-8752
1333 N Main St
Salinas, CA93906

Acme Car Wash
(831) 442-8888
2047 N Main St
Salinas, CA93901

Acme Central Car Wash
(831) 759-9274
306 N Main St
Salinas, CA 93901

King Klean III
(831) 757-0864
282 E Alisal St
Salinas, CA93901

 

Monterey will have better food choices and it's a bit closer to the race track. Try El Estero Hand Car Wash at 590 Fremont St. in Monterey. They were recomended by Automobile magazine a while back. The Penny Farthing in Salinas is very good for food and libation.

 

It's on Carmel Valley Road next to Quail Lodge. Must see. Here is a review that might give you some ideas.

http://velocetoday.com/lifestyle/lifestyle_87.php

TomS

 

As a local(in the law enforcement field), it would be in your best interest to avoid the north(excessive traffic/low quality car wash/some gang activity) and for sure the east side(gang haven) of Salinas. The south main car wash listed is very good as well as the Estero in Monterey. The pub is quite good in Salinas as well as a few dining spots in "oldtown" Salinas. Email me for any pointers.

 

Stephan,

Thanks for the "local" information. I think this really helps.

 

Sometimes "where not to go" can be more important than "where to go".....

 

Good food at Tarpy's - just down the road

Tarpy's Roadhouse
2999 Salinas Hwy # 1
Monterey, CA
Phone: (831) 647-1444