Cafe El Palomar - Santa Cruz

I had an excellent experience with the service, and the Mango Margaritas were fantastic! However, I was disappointed with the food. I ordered nachos, and the chips tasted like those large Costco bags you can get for about $3—great for a home snack, but not suitable for a Mexican restaurant. Only about four of the chips had cheese on them, and the guacamole lacked flavor. Given the price, I had higher expectations. There are definitely better places for food, but the service here was outstanding.

Delicious! I'm a big fan of the chips and salsa here; they're so tasty! This restaurant has a couple of locations to try out—one in downtown Santa Cruz and another in Watsonville. I particularly enjoy dining here because it’s right on the beach, allowing you to savor your meal while taking in the stunning ocean view. Today, I had the Steak Ranchero, which featured charbroiled Rock Steak sliced into tender strips and served in an incredible sauce. It comes with rice, beans, and your choice of tortillas. The menu has plenty of other great options as well, with the Taquitos and Fajitas being some of my other favorites.

We absolutely love this place! The food, service, cleanliness, and value are always outstanding. The view of the beach, lighthouse, and sand volleyball is enjoyable, whether we sit inside or outside. We visit several times each summer, and each experience has been exceptional. Do you enjoy Chilaquiles Rojas? Everything we've ordered has been fantastic!

For ten years we have come here, great food, child-friendly and good service. Chile verde burritos wet are my favorite. I also love the chiliquiles rojo. Large chips and salsa and homemade corn tortillas also.

05/01/2022 It was a Sunday and lots of people at the beach. I didn't want to give up my free parking spot in front of the beach so I decided to order something here. The restaurant was packed and there was a line to order. I ordered the Carne Asada Nachos to go which came to almost $17 with tax and a tip? They were OK. I could eat the whole thing. So it will one starving gluttonous person or feed two not-so-very hungry people. If you order $15 or more of food you get chips and salsa no charge for dine in. There was a restroom available but I didn't use it. There is limited seating inside and some seating outside the restaurant. You can watch volleyball or enjoy people watching and the ocean view. Dog Friendly.