Local Guides World

Top Mexican restaurants in Santa Cruz, United States

Top Rated Mexican restaurants in Santa Cruz

Top Reviewed Mexican restaurants in Santa Cruz

Reviews

April Earle
at 2024 Jul 31
April Earle
at 2024 Jul 31
I got the 49er burrito and the sauce was horrible. I should have not ordered when I saw the cashier's attitude. Anyways if you own the joint and see this review I'd consider changing the enchilada sauce recipe it taste bad.
I haven't lived in SC in almost 20 years but when I did we frequently visited Vallarta. I was passing by SC yesterday and was craving a burrito. It didn't disappoint. I literally drove into Santa Cruz just for a super burrito and then left. It was perfect, I ordered online while on 17 and it was ready when I got there.
My friend and I went to have lunch there and had the tortilla soup and the chicken soup. It was absolutely delicious. We were greeted warmly, server checked in on us on a regular basis. The food is high-quality, the drinks are strong and the ambiance is incredible!
Did I forget to mention that it’s dog friendly and it has a lovely outdoor patio?
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, go visit El Jardin!
Ruth Canas
at 2024 Jul 23
Ruth Canas
at 2024 Jul 23
The service was wonderful. Super friendly. I only did 4 stars on food because I didn't actually have a meal. But the chips, salsa, bean dip, and drinks were great
Dora Arredondo
at 2024 Jul 09
Dora Arredondo
at 2024 Jul 09
The place is kinda dirty.
We ordered the super nachos extra crispy carnitas.. the usual.

We request this when placing our order. The guy nodded his head.... like yea yea.
We didn't get crispy carnitas.. instead lots of fat and under cooked.
Dave Lonkani
at 2024 Jun 24
Dave Lonkani
at 2024 Jun 24
Busy, counter service taqueria, the food was excellent and staff was there to assist. Only negative were the bathrooms that needed some attention, and there was almost always a line. All that said, did you come for the bathrooms? No!
I should have known when they brought out the chips and salsa and one little "salsa" size bowl that had white stuff. It was dark in there, so I took a chip to move it around. Still not sure if it was cheese or crema on top of refried beans. They did NOT taste like beans. I only took that one bite. The red salsa was OK, not spicy at all. Ordered the carnitas plate. Lots of meat, which was good since the beans and rice were bland. The service was really good, just not the food. Next time, I'll drive to Watsonville for Mexican food.
Chad M
at 2024 Jun 09
Chad M
at 2024 Jun 09
Food was fine. Ordered a burrito today that rang up on the register at 13.01. saw that he actually charged me 14.01. not positive that it was a mistake but I get the impression that he did it on purpose. Double check what you're actually charged at this place.
Great al pastor tacos, terrible service. We ordered 4 separate plates of tacos. We ordered two plates regular, and two plates plain for the kids. The person who took the order only got one plate as plain. We told the server when she brought the food and she just referred us to the cashier.
The cashier said there would no way they would make new tacos unless we paid for them.
I was shocked, but we ended up paying again so that out kids could eat.
I've never been somewhere that wouldn't fix a problem that they caused. If they would have repeated the order in the beginning this could have all been avoided.

The tacos were great but the service was terrible.
Foxy Jackson
at 2024 May 16
Foxy Jackson
at 2024 May 16
The carne en su jugo is the best caldo that I've ever had. This is a large. It comes with more caldo but I forgot to snap a pic before I started eating it. So far everything that we've ordered is delicious.
Coach Hale
at 2024 May 13
Coach Hale
at 2024 May 13
The SupernBurrito! There was something special in the burrito which made it one of the best I had. When I picked it up, it felt like a 4 pound burrito in my hand and it did not disappoint. The staff was friendly and welcoming.
Max Myers
at 2024 May 10
Max Myers
at 2024 May 10
This place is the best. I’ve been eating here as long as I can remember. it’s a must try.
everything is delicious The flavor in the meat is very strong and delicious.
Don’t come for the pozole. Salty, way too thick, and I counted 6 little pieces of pork in there, disappointing. They have “agua Fresca” that is not authentic at all. Also, just serve regular tortilla chips, they these chips in there that were like Chinese ones mixed in with tortillas chips.

My server was really nice and understood when I said I wanted to leave I’ll take the check, and she didn’t charge me for the soup.

If this place aimed at being more authentic, it’d be booming on a Sunday brunch service.
Rick S
at 2024 Apr 20
Rick S
at 2024 Apr 20
Always love Vallarta. This is the original. The burrito was close to $20 though! Everything is rising! Great chicken burrito and actually was enough for two meals. The gentlemen at the counter and the cooks are great. Friendly and fast! Will always come back.
If you like eating bland Mexican food look no further. Mexican food that is missing flavor is hard to do but this restaurant managed to do it. No salt on the beans, cold chips and flavorless salsa bar and to top it all off cold food. Provecho, no gracias!
Amazing, you can actually hear yourself think and carry on a conversation in this place! Pleasant staff, comfortable seating, nice atmosphere and I love the mosaic tile art flooring. The food was good, with large servings. I was planning on taking half home for later but I ate the whole thing. I don't know where I put it! I'd definitely go here again for a chill, casual eating experience. Prices weren't so bad either, considering the rise in cost of living lately.
Scott
at 2024 Mar 07
Scott
at 2024 Mar 07
Had a business lunch here with about 8 colleagues. We waited a long time for a table, but once we were seated the food came out fast and everyone enjoyed their meal. The chips and salsa were excellent, some of the best I've had. Great location and nice view.
Corn Quesadilla's rule! They look like fat tacos.

Seating is sparse during busy hours.
Shashank Tiple
at 2024 Mar 02
Shashank Tiple
at 2024 Mar 02
Good food, nice atmosphere/ ambiance
Jacob Holder
at 2024 Feb 28
Jacob Holder
at 2024 Feb 28
Such a warm and inviting down to earth taqueria it's great place to go if you have handicap or children because the dining room is very spacious and the staff treat you like family l I just know they would have the patience for families I love there quesadillas with meat and beans personally you can see how clean they keep the place if I had gluten allergies I wouldn't worry at all about here yeah they just do such a good job love popping in here
I always have menudo when I'm out of town. This was the worst. It had no flavor, the meat was rubbery, and there were big pieces of fat. I didn't even finish. I just left it and went to have breakfast somewhere else.
Donny
at 2024 Feb 03
Donny
at 2024 Feb 03
I stopped at Jack-in-the-Box cause I’ve for the most part part always had good experiences with Jack-in-the-Box. I enjoy their food their service in the restaurants. On this day however, it was not the case. I wasn’t feeling well and I needed to use the restroom and Jack-in-the-Box is always had a open door policy with the restroom until I got to this one when they told me I couldn’t use the restroom unless I bought something first, so I’ve had to go wait in line to buy a taco so that they would open the door for me so that I could go use the facilities. It was embarrassing demeaning and as far as I’m concerned, unprofessional on their part. But after that, you would think they must have a pretty stellar looking bathroom if they were keeping everybody out of it that isn’t a customer, and that wasn’t the case either it is dirty not horribly dirty but definitely not clean. I had to take toilet paper and clean the seat off just so I could use the toilet. There was a sign in the bathroom that said it was cleaned hourly. However, the dried up urine and whatever else was on there kind of makes me think maybe they’re not really getting into it every hour, or at the very least not doing a good job. I work in field service so I was out of town and couldn’t go home to use my own restroom or I would’ve.
I don’t know if this is normal or not but when I arrived there, there were pallets of food sitting outside the restaurant in the parking lot near the drive-through, which is a very dirty area, but regardless of that it sat out there for more than 30 minutes because it was there when I got there and it was there when I left . That doesn’t inspire confidence in the food that’s for sure. In the future I will not be returning to this Jack-in-the-Box in Santa Cruz
phillip walker
at 2024 Jan 26
phillip walker
at 2024 Jan 26
Although your cuisine is excellent, it bothers me that your manager treats your staff badly, hates delivery workers, and won't sell to some customers. She can select who she sells to and who she doesn't, she says in response to questions about why she does it. He instructs the youths under his supervision not to give directives or instructions to the immigrants.
Sadly, it's the only location where you can get meals delivered around-the-clock.
I had a terrible impression of this location in Santa Cruz, California, as a visitor.
Good Citizen
at 2024 Jan 18
Good Citizen
at 2024 Jan 18
Hardest working night shift fast food workers on the planet. Food is standard Jack but the service is what pops. I've had the pleasure of working with them for deliveries through gig jobs and they are by far the best. They honestly care about the product they produce and it shows. If your in the area be sure to check them out. Be careful on weekend nights as the lines are often spilling into the street.
Paul Beisser
at 2024 Jan 18
Paul Beisser
at 2024 Jan 18
I've always got a great meal here at a reasonable price. In the staff are always friendly and efficient.
tom curtis
at 2024 Jan 01
tom curtis
at 2024 Jan 01
1/1/24 @ 515am the lady working the drive through. She can take an order correctly and takes the initiative to suggestion a substitution even though your getting two drinks. Very pleasing to get a correct ordered order..
Dana Massie
at 2023 Dec 28
Dana Massie
at 2023 Dec 28
I have been eating here since 1983. I have never found tacos that are as good anywhere else. The Moreno family are wonderful to me and all of my family. We love this place. So do all of my friends. The salsa is clearly magic. Nobody has salsa like theirs.
Anelita Torres
at 2023 Dec 18
Anelita Torres
at 2023 Dec 18
First time trying their breakfast and I have to give it to them. Loved that they had both Mexican and American food options, from omelettes to chilaquiles. Tried their asada plate, they allowed me to do half potatoes half beans which I topped w/ queso cotija. Everything was delicious. I would definitely come back on a weekday to try the mimosas. The ambience is nice since it's right by the beach and the service was terrific.
Roy Blanco
at 2023 Dec 13
Roy Blanco
at 2023 Dec 13
A staple in Santa Cruz for anyone who loves a great taco or burrito. The Al pastor burrito at Tacos Moreno or the bean and cheese quesadilla will satisfy you and may make you go back and order another. Yes it’s that good!
Laurie Chaidez
at 2023 Nov 27
Laurie Chaidez
at 2023 Nov 27
My son, me, my granddaughter and her daughter went to get some food, since we didn't stop to get anything on our way down to Santa Cruz. My sister-in-law was with us too. We took the food to our rental house and had a good meal!
Rebeca Villafana
at 2023 Nov 21
Rebeca Villafana
at 2023 Nov 21
My husband and I went to El Palomar last weekend for our usual date night and business meeting.

We were greeted by a friendly young woman who immediately took us to our table.

The waiter gave excellent service. He was constantly checking in on us and made sure to replenish our beverages often.

I wasn't too happy with the snapper meal, though the beans and rice were excellent. And the seafood appetizer was very fresh and delicious.

My husband's fajitas were also very good and the flour tortillas were soft and warm.

I ordered an ice tea and it had great flavor. My husband ordered an alcoholic drink which he replenished as well.

Overall I give this restaurant 4.5 Stars 🤩.
Aradhana Acharya
at 2023 Nov 21
Aradhana Acharya
at 2023 Nov 21
Food was fresh and delicious. Tortilla chips were crisp but soft and salsa was flavorful and spicy! Entrees were well made as well. Service was very fast and wait staff was pleasant and attentive.
Brian Luce
at 2023 Nov 08
Brian Luce
at 2023 Nov 08
Like a lot of places, the quality of the food has come down a notch since before the global pandemic. Still very tasty though, still a great place for a date night. I went on a Sunday evening and thought there would be live music, so I was a little disappointed. But hopefully they still have it on other days of the week. All in all still an enjoyable experience.
After a busy day sightseeing, we were happy to stop by El Jardin for a snack and a drink. Loved the Non-Quixote drink, a non alcoholic mango, chili, and zero proof tequila drink. Our waiter was efficient and pleasant. The whole vibe of the place was electric on a Saturday night. Maybe it was the DJ, maybe it was the tequila, or maybe it was the beautiful weather, but everyone seemed happy and enjoying themselves. Festive, fun spot!
Mark Harpur
at 2023 Nov 02
Mark Harpur
at 2023 Nov 02
What a fantastic little spot. They have a great selection of vegan options that hit the spot and fill you up. Not only if the food scrumptious but the price is very good for this area and one of the free places that don't leave you feeling ripped off after visiting. I think it will become a regular spot.
Ian McKoy
at 2023 Oct 28
Ian McKoy
at 2023 Oct 28
I have been going here for 35 years. This is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant. The tastiest salsa and beans ever! My favorites are the regular asada burrito with cheese and corn quesadillas.
Frank Perez
at 2023 Oct 21
Frank Perez
at 2023 Oct 21
The best breakfast burritos in Santa Cruz that I had were not only enormous but also accompanied by outstanding customer service.
Nicole
at 2023 Oct 20
Nicole
at 2023 Oct 20
We Got two bacon burritos. They were AMAZING! So delicious and very big.
The salsa bar is awesome. Warm chips and salsa as an appetizer before u get ur food. 😋
Definitely recommend.
Drew Hrbak
at 2023 Oct 18
Drew Hrbak
at 2023 Oct 18
Great food! Really nice staff. I was just cruising down Hyway 1 and stopped for a snack. Loved the place!
Joe Trujillo
at 2023 Oct 17
Joe Trujillo
at 2023 Oct 17
The food tastes great, I guess that's the most important . Now, the guy at the counter takingy order, In My Opinion, was so wired, He was picking up radio reception from Mars. The dude would not be still, got my order so twisted, that I was charged for items That i clearly did not order( I speak fluent Spanish) then I receivef yet, food not even on my receipt. So, Thankfully the man who actually brought out the food, offered to correct it, I asked him to bring me some tortillas and I would eat the food in front of me call it even, so we did. Aside from the "Coca Cola" guy, Everything else was near perfect. My daughter attends UCSC, she says she usually orders delivery and tries to avoid dinning in at this location, she said there's often some issues,so she tries not to go in.
Nidya Navarro
at 2023 Oct 10
Nidya Navarro
at 2023 Oct 10
The food was ok I the regular nachos and my husband the quesadilla with asada and it was ok the service was good the clerk help us with our questions and the atmosphere was good I loved the Mexican music the cooks had in the back 😀 p.s please add roll tocos to your menu
Debi Majumdar
at 2023 Oct 05
Debi Majumdar
at 2023 Oct 05
Great ambience, the servers are extremely nice and food is served super fast. The food tasted great and the portions were large and well worth the money. Was refreshing finally having food where spicy food was actually spicy. The enchiladas were great and the quesadilla too. Definitely recommend.
S P
at 2023 Oct 05
S P
at 2023 Oct 05
A great neighborhood taqueria. I love their vegetarian tacos because the beans are whole. Probably one of the last affordable places in Santa Cruz.
Nothing authentic about the food.

The service was really good and they took my order promptly. I was highly disappointed by the tacos dorados. I grew up eating tacos dorados and was excited to eat some, but the tortilla was over fried and one taco was cracked in half.

You need to get the right balance between the taco stuffing and they missed the mark. They don’t even use Mexican cheese and they dumped heaps of shredded mozzarella and lettuce, which ruined the taco. The ground beef taco was barely noticeable, but the beans were good. The shredded beef taco was better, but the toppings ruined it. Overall the salsa was decent, but the toppings were limited - no tomato or onion.

Definitely avoid, but check it out if you don’t are into the American version of tacos.
HIJRDN
at 2023 Sep 21
HIJRDN
at 2023 Sep 21
Food: California Burrito with Carnitas. Jarritos, of course. Complimentary chips & salsa buffet style (chef's kiss). I've had some of the best Mexican food in the U.S. This was a stellar experience. Easily worth spending $15+ per person if that's what your bill needs to look like. I had to eat the burrito in two different sessions; enough said. The blend of flavors was unique & endearing. Warm.

Service: all of the staff were nice & clearly keeping the place clean. By the time I could sit my drink & salsa down, my number was called. Even with no line...that's eerily fast.

Atmosphere: the place screams "hole in the wall" in the best way possible. Great music in the background. Calm but not quiet. A classic local restaurant that cares SIGNIFICANTLY more about making good food than making renovations or updates for an IG-campaign.

I walked 15 minutes from my hotel. Ate half the burrito. And finished the burrito almost an hour later. I'd have walked 30 minutes given how good the food was.
Ernest Rodriguez
at 2023 Sep 20
Ernest Rodriguez
at 2023 Sep 20
Fav menu item is 2 item combo: chili Colorado Taco and shredded beef enchilada. Their chips and salsa are incredibly tasty! Beautiful building!
Chris Xue
at 2023 Sep 15
Chris Xue
at 2023 Sep 15
Today I realized how little I know about Mexican food! I ordered carne en su jugo. Since I never had the soup before I even asked the waitress if it is enough for dinner or I need to have another entrée. Lots of meat and bacon. They also have pickled patato slices at the self-help station. Great experience!
Andrew
at 2023 Sep 05
Andrew
at 2023 Sep 05
Authentic Mexican food... visiting Santa Cruz and came here on a whim... large portions. Salsa is hot for most people. Definitely give this place a try.
Jon Chang
at 2023 Aug 31
Jon Chang
at 2023 Aug 31
Awesome taco restaurant with free all you can eat chips & salsa. Great horchata also!
Thomas Payne
at 2023 Aug 30
Thomas Payne
at 2023 Aug 30
What I expect from a Taqueria with a bonus! Big portions, good food, small dining area. Bonus is that the people behind the counter are awesome and having a dairy issue they can accommodate. They know what's in the food and how it's prepared. Did I mention it's fast! So if you have a dairy issue but want real food, stop by here.
This is very busy and popular. I paid for parking on the street because I didn't see the freecparking lot.

The food was pretty good. I like that they have a self-serve salsa bar. The service was fast--for how many people people were getting food.

The service was efficient. However, the person behind the counter was not friendly, and he wasn't very helpful when I asked questions about the food choices.
Anthony
at 2023 Aug 22
Anthony
at 2023 Aug 22
5/5!

Was in the Santa Cruz area and had a craving for some tacos. So with a few minutes of just browsing Yelp, I stumbled upon Los Primos, and it was only a 20 or so minute walk from the boardwalk.

The Food: I went with a Lengua Super Burrito and one Lengua Taco. The burrito was huge and filling! Had tons of meat and other ingredients in it. The meat was tender and juicy. The taco was portioned very well, all it came with is the meat, onions, and cilantro. That's really all that is needed for a delicious taco. I was so full, but honestly wished I got more tacos because it was so good.

The Service: Service was great! The staff here were friendly and got our orders out within a timely manner. Prices here are also very affordable. Loved it

The Atmosphere: Whole in the wall spot. A decent amount of seating. And, they also have a Salsa bar for you to grab what you like!

Overall, a 5/5! One of the best taco spots I've had so far. The food was absolutely delicious! Highly recommend! I know I'll keep this bookmarked for next time.
Food wasn't anything special. We rolled up and saw the place was packed and thought, must be a good place with all of those people there. No, not the case. Cashier was a little bit chy when we ordered.
Antonio Quezada
at 2023 Aug 15
Antonio Quezada
at 2023 Aug 15
This place is perfectly priced. Got myself their Asada burrito and before I knew it my order was ready before my eyes! The service was very attentive and friendly. I totally recommend stopping by Los Pinos for your Mexican food cravings!
J N
at 2023 Aug 14
J N
at 2023 Aug 14
I go there for the menudo. Tasty broth, lots of tripe, decent portions. Make sure to add all the fixin's they serve with the soup. They have a nice small salsa bar. Great place to have a menudo and a Modelo. Might be my regular stop. One of the better menudos in town. So good.
Gretchen Bronstein
at 2023 Aug 11
Gretchen Bronstein
at 2023 Aug 11
I ordered a shrimp tostada and regular nachos. The description of the tostada said it comes with lettuce, avocado, sour cream, cheese tomato and beans. There was ZERO sour cream, cheese and beans, yet a ton of shrimp. So large portion, but not tasty. The nachos were pretty awful. They don't use queso, just a blob of microwave mild cheddar in a clump with a pile of halapenos out of a can on the side.
Paul Campa
at 2023 Aug 06
Paul Campa
at 2023 Aug 06
Place had construction going on in the front but inside was nice. Food was good but a little pricey. My wife and me had the chili relleno plate and it was really good. They do give you small water cups and little bowl of chips. The chips and salsa was good. The horchata was homemade and my daughter's tacos had homemade tortillas. Overall good experience and good food.
lorena vazquez
at 2023 Aug 05
lorena vazquez
at 2023 Aug 05
I am addicted to thier chicken sope. Its sooo delicious! As I am eating it I always think I should of gotten 2 because its just so good, but after finishing it, I always realize it was just the perfect serving, No longer hungry, no feeling of having overeaten and in my mind,I am doing the Italian gesture of squeezing the fingers of my right hand together, bringing them to my lips, smacking them, and sending all that great happiness/satisfaction into the universe.
We ate here while traveling up the pacific coast highway. Chose this place because of the awesome reviews and glad we tried it but wouldn't go back. Super busy place with constant lines and the food was BIG and the sauce bar was nice and all of the accompaniments were flavorful. The tacos were just ok to my entire family. I thought the tamale was very good but everything else was average. The restaurant had a good vibe and did run like a well oiled machine which was impressive.
Wow! Amazing food, muy delicioso! Had the enchiladas with red sauce plate. These enchiladas were STUFFED with chicken and came with some of the best guacamole I think I've ever had. Super fast and very friendly service!
There was a long line to order here and so we knew we were in for a treat and we were right!! The fish tacos were the best I’ve ever had! We also ordered the carne asada tacos. Also delicious! The chips and various salsas were awesome! Those are free and were fresh! The pico was outstanding! We’d love to come back here for another meal.
Alex W
at 2023 Jul 06
Alex W
at 2023 Jul 06
I have been coming to the taco bar for over 15 years and they are still the best tacos I have had. Dull of flavor and extremely fresh.
Danny Duarte
at 2023 Jul 05
Danny Duarte
at 2023 Jul 05
Always wanted to check out this place. Tried crispy shredded beef and soft carne asada taco - because when the place is called a taco bar you shouldn’t go wrong. Didn’t disappoint at all both tacos were great 👊🏼👊🏼. Homemade horchata was pretty good as well.
Get the chicken street tacos, I prefer crunchy. The chips and guac yes please. The soda is made with real sugar so yeah. This is the place for great food at a good price. Enjoy
Chris
at 2023 Jun 24
Chris
at 2023 Jun 24
Would be fine for takeout if you’re ok with the limited menu. The food itself was quite good if you are happy with the options.
Very friendly but slow service from a clearly overworked staff. Tables were clean and well looked-after.
The decor leaves much to desired - enjoy the view of boxes and storage shelves, and two tvs perpetually showing boxing/MMA.
Very no-frills, even for a basic taqueria. So many better options nearby.
Dana
at 2023 Jun 16
Dana
at 2023 Jun 16
The burritos were HUGE! There was a lot of variety to the menu, great portion sizes, and even better prices! ALSO, FREE CHIPS & SALSA (lots of varieties too) while you’re waiting for your food. The meats were well seasoned and even though they were busy, the wait time wasn’t bad. The only downside was that the restaurant is pretty small so there’s extremely limited seating. However, we went as a party of 5 and were able to get a seat after waiting a little while. There’s limited parking as well and most parking nearby is metered.
K Jay
at 2023 Jun 15
K Jay
at 2023 Jun 15
We come here on a regular basis and we love the food. Staff is very friendly too. Also there is no filter on the food. It was very fresh and yummy.
Chinarut R
at 2023 Jun 13
Chinarut R
at 2023 Jun 13
glad to find this taqueria centrally located. it's clear the Spanish-speaking locals come to this place! I ordered a sopa & found the pork a bit bland for my tastes (but now that I think about it, I might have ordered carnitas instead of al pastor but I don't think I did..) I had a veggie burrito alongside it & it definitely had too much cheese. It was decently sized. They do get extra points for the variety of salsas! There were at least 6, 2 types of which I had never tried before - while decent, nothing to write home about other than the variety. at the end of the day, I like this place as it didnt break the bank w acceptable quality in a good location w indoor seating (if you're looking for this). I did see a taco truck maybe a block or two away & really curious how it compares!
My best friend and I went for brunch. Service was great and they checked in with us more than once to make sure we had everything we needed. We both ordered Chilaquiles (I got the red sauce, she got green) and we were both very satisfied with the taste and portion size. We both ordered to go meals for family, and those were delicious as well. Would definitely eat here again
David Cacho
at 2023 May 30
David Cacho
at 2023 May 30
They forgot to put meat in one of the tacos, which, you know, that's okay. But when I went to the counter to tell them, the clerk told me the lettuce and tomatoes were meat! No joke! Haha, don't think I'll be coming back.
Wyatt Padgett
at 2023 May 28
Wyatt Padgett
at 2023 May 28
This family was very accommodating. The food came in a timely manner. The food was very good and the service was top notch. The owner was making sure we were all good the entire time. Great place, great food and great service 👍
sampada samaka
at 2023 May 14
sampada samaka
at 2023 May 14
This place is absolute heaven for the tastebuds. We ordered a Chimichanga and it was so crispy and flavorful. Horchata was refreshing and the unlimited hot crispy and airy nachos with fresh salsa and guacamole was a absolute delight. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Would definitely visit again.
K F
at 2023 May 11
K F
at 2023 May 11
The best part about this place was the food, the menu is huge, the atmosphere is everyone is sitting with good company, eating good food together. Such a convenient place I will definitely come back here!!!
Excellent fast friendly service. The food came out fast, surprisingly well wrapped and hot!
I had a carne asada burrito and would highly recommend it - very tasty!
Location was clean and relaxing. I love the music they were playing, it really brought me back to when I was a kid eating Mexican food with my mom… Check this place out! They have plenty of vegetarian options as well as carnitas etc.
Super steak burrito is a big lunch choice. Really big enough to take home half. Unless it tastes really good and you have the time to eat slow enough!

Comes with salsa bar and fresh homemade chips & salsa. The place was very busy & food was delivered quickly & hot made to order.

Large parking lot off of Mission street, large inside booth seating. Seems like a popular spot to get your favorite burritos. Good location cutting thru town or on the way to the highway. Good spot for dining, even with a large group or taking food to-go
Best Mexican food I have had in a long time! I got the Torta, and it was mouth-watering good. I could eat that all day and still love it. The Strawberry Margarita was amazing as well! My husband got the Carne Asada and loved it! And we both devoured the bean dip.

Everyone was super nice and helpful. The outdoor patio was beautiful! Overall, it was an amazing experience! We will be back!
Las Palmas Taco Bar is just off the beach in a great location that includes parking. Plenty of indoor & outdoor seating.

Order from the counter they have a large menu

We ordered the Veggie Quesadilla with sprouts. The sprouts added a different crunchiness to the dish. It was served hot & cheesy. Green & red salsa on the side. With a craft soda made from pure cane sugar, lots of flavors on tap
This is MY Happy Place Restaurant.
A wonderful 80's early 90's vibe and atmosphere. A melting pot filled to the brim of personalities and people. Such an eclectic lively bunch of Mexican food lovers. People don't just come here for the perfect view; the food is actually pretty good, too!
My favorite employee is the Cute Blue Fish that greets you so happily by the front door.
Craig P.
at 2023 Apr 03
Craig P.
at 2023 Apr 03
Great location! The chips and salsa are phenomenal. Food was delicious and not overpriced. Had the burrito & enchilada in green mole sauce. Service was good had us in and out with a quickness
Debbie Pieracci
at 2023 Mar 13
Debbie Pieracci
at 2023 Mar 13
Staff was nice. Restaurant was ok a little out dated. The food was ok nothing to write home about. Prices were good.
Joni Luna
at 2023 Mar 05
Joni Luna
at 2023 Mar 05
Gave me one of my orders wrong from jacks munchie meal I ordered the spicy nacho chicken sandwich and siracha curly fry burger and they gave me i don’t know what this is but the manager has to talk to those people that they have working there tonight between 9pm or 10pm shift
Carl O'Neil
at 2023 Feb 09
Carl O'Neil
at 2023 Feb 09
Update 🔥🔥🔥
Got the soup again, amazing soul food, I must have it every week now. Ordered the flour tortillas (I know corn is more authentic but...) fresh made to order, hot and chewy with delicious burn marks, are you kidding me?! I drank ever drop and again, wow!

Original review
Carne en su jugo! Remember that name, it translates to delicious Mexican soup or something. Kind of like a Mexican Pho without the noodles. So good, so fresh, like something your Mexican grandmother (you wish you had) would make you.
The cashier was beautiful, nice and super helpful. They are lucky to have her.
Their Al Pastor is as good as it gets.
🔥🌶🌯🌮
Gubuyguy
at 2023 Jan 22
Gubuyguy
at 2023 Jan 22
6 star service, food is on the same level of Los Pericos. Very filling and a great spot to go if you're feeling like Mexican food.
Chip Chapin
at 2022 Dec 30
Chip Chapin
at 2022 Dec 30
I'm down near Las Palmas every week, but hadn't eaten here for ages until just after Christmas 2022. While they mostly do takeout, they also have a good number of tables inside and out. Order and pay at the counter, wait for your name to be called. I had two crispy tacos, shredded chicken and shredded beef, with beans and rice and a beer for about $17.50, plus tip. They tend to be busy so try to figure out your order before reaching the window.

Las Palmas freshly crisps the tortillas and they are yummy. No pre-formed shells here. Like most crispy tacos, yes these break at the "hinge", get used to it.

If you're looking for reasonably priced Mexican food near the Boardwalk and the Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Las Palmas is an excellent choice.
Yummy! Love the chips and salsa. So tasty! This place has a few locations to try. One in downtown Santa Cruz and another in Watsonville.

I love this location mostly for sitting down and dining. It is beachfront and you can enjoy the beautiful ocean views while you enjoy your delicious food.

Today I had steak ranchero. Charbroiled skirt steak cut into small strips in this amazing flavorful sauce. It comes with rice, beans and your choice of tortillas.

They have a lot of other great things on the menu. The taquitos and fajitas are also favorites.
Stopped by for some tacos, a burrito, and an horchata. I loved that they give you more than enough meat for what you pay for . The tacos had a lot of meat and were delicious. The burrito was also amazing and packed with meat. The one we got came with meat, cheese, sour cream, rice, beans, and Pico de Gallo. The horchata was also delicious. Definitely recommend them! (Pictures do not do the food justice)
Charlie M
at 2022 Mar 06
Charlie M
at 2022 Mar 06
I love this place for eat in or take away. Love their Salsa Bar, and they haven't chased me away yet for taking too much.

I miss them. I can't find anything even close in St Louis, MO. Just a few years ago I couldn't find any decent Mexican Cuisine in StL.

11/2023 update - Still Great!
Lord Van Cannon
at 2022 Jan 15
Lord Van Cannon
at 2022 Jan 15
Upon waking in I was greeted immediately.
Extremely helpful and nice staff.

I’ve tried a few things.
Cheese enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas
Chili relleno
Rice
Beans

All the food was spot on. Nothing to over the top here. The taste was there and it was great.
Flavors were good and food was fresh. Food also come out in a very timely manner as well.

Something I’ve noticed as well. I’ve been here a few times now. And they’ve always been pretty damn busy. Lots of locals go here and that’s a great sign!

The menu is HUGE. And in my opinion to big and probably costing the business $$$ but you know what? Take advantage of it while it’s there with the insane amount of options.

Will I return? Most definitely. I recommend this place for sure. Nice spot on the beach with good Mexican food. And they also have a decent bar. Go check it out!
I went today around 6 pm I stayed for 15 without no body taking orders one person was focused on online orders and drive thru he didn't say anything to the customers in the lobby my suggestion if you guys struggle to take orders close the lobby and take only orders on drive thru
C Napoli
at 2021 Jul 23
C Napoli
at 2021 Jul 23
Staff=kind.
Restaurant=Clean. I had a rice, bean, and cheese, burrito. The tortilla was good. The burrito was 75% rice, 15% bean, and 10% cheese. I prefer less rice and more beans. The flavor was adequate.
Nathan Mueller
at 2021 May 23
Nathan Mueller
at 2021 May 23
Love this place. Locals catching the soccer game, chips crispy, sauces/salsas tasty n spicy, tacos legit. I am an out-of-towner but will hit this for sure when I am back in town. Qué rica esa comida!!!
kch. writer
at 2020 Oct 26
kch. writer
at 2020 Oct 26
Had the Burrito Supreme Al Pastor and it was hands-down the best! Loved the cabbage in it instead of soggy lettuce. The beans and the beans were cooked so well. Fresh! Fast! The salsa that's given on the side was delicious! Go here! To tick off the authentic Mexican burrito that you're looking for while in Santa Cruz.
We stopped by for a quick bite. We ordered a torta with egg and it was a bit pricey but it was well worth it! Probably one of the best breakfast tortas I’ve ever had. I had to review this place before I left because I wanted to let everyone know to stop by and grab a bite. The salsa verde was really good too! Definitely would recommend and I’m 100% Mexican so I can vouch for this place.
San
at 2019 Oct 03
San
at 2019 Oct 03
Had a veggie burrito and a veggie quesadilla, great taste. My friends had the Al Pastor burrito and they loved it.
Would recommend this place.
Cash only, although they have an ATM (atleast when I was here)
Jozi Girl
at 2018 Jan 28
Jozi Girl
at 2018 Jan 28
We were passing through and the family needed breakfast so we stopped here. Not very informative staff - they just want you to get over with the purchase so service was cold. I ended up not ordering anything cos personally their menu is very unhealthy with minimum vegetarian options.
My husband felt a bit queezy after eating his burger.

Restrooms available inside.
miniqooper
at 2017 Nov 02
miniqooper
at 2017 Nov 02
All around great food options that is truly affordable. This is a stable for the local community and also a great spot for visitors out of town. The best tacos in town. Fish tacos are spot on with a great salsa bar.