One of Yelp’s best places to eat in the U.S.….is in Salinas.
Maybe you’ve seen the bright yellow sign off Highway 101 near Prunedale, the one that reads, “BEST BBQ ON YELP?”
Well, the Prunedale Market is going to need to change its sign to reflect its new status. It ranked #16 on Yelp’s 100 Best Places to Eat in the US for 2017 list.
Since owner Martin Munoz doesn’t use the internet, he was very surprised to hear the news when KION asked him for comment.
“I’m not even a restaurant!” Munoz told KION.
On the inside, the Prunedale Market looks a little like a convenience store. But its secret weapon is tucked behind the counter, a small kitchen space where Munoz serves up tri-tip sandwiches, ribs and soups.
Yelp said when it came up with its list, it gave more weight to more recent reviews and this time around, the number of reviews didn’t play as big a role. Yelp also said it gave the list more of an up-and-coming feel, with fewer “famous” restaurants.
“I wasn’t planning on being here for 11 years, but I’m still here,” Munoz said.
Munoz bought the place after working for 25 years at Original Joe’s as a front line cook and chef in San Jose. The Prunedale Market first started off as a coffee house and convenience store. When that didn’t pull in the customers, Munoz says he started making and selling sandwiches. And the rest is Yelp history.
Prunedale Market has a Facebook page. Munoz says he has no clue who started it, but suspects it’s one of his customers. “A lot of my customers are like family,” he said.
If you plan on going, pack a bit of patience. Traveling north on Highway 101, exit Pesante Road, then make a series of rights following the yellow BBQ signs.
Prunedale Market & Deli
17515 Orchard Lane
To see Yelp’s complete list, click here
