The views of the harbor are excellent. You can't sit outside unless you order to go because the harbor owns the outdoor tables. But the place inside has great views all around the service is exceptional and the food is really good. I got the chorizo breakfast burrito with chunks of potatoes. The chorizo was tasty. My partner got the chilaquiles rojo. You can always rate a restaurant on its beans and rice and salsa. All three of these were delicious and hit the mark. read more

Our bartender Fernando was the best. We had a great time and the food and drinks were great also. Definitely come here!

place is overpriced and the food is Garbage. portions are really shitty specially for the price you pay. read more

Cafe El Palomar - sorry, ass nachos - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

You can't beat the view. Watch the sailboats coming into the yacht harbor, people playing volleyball on the beach, seabirds flying by, the waves rolling into shore. The menu is fantastic and accommodating to most. We had everyone in our party from the most extreme meat eater to a vegetarian and everyone loved their dinner. Servings are large. Come hungry because you definitely won't leave hungry. read more

Chile verde, relleno, rice, beans- it was flavorful and excellent. Generous portion and goid price. First time eating there on a late Sat afternoon. Service was prompt, friendly and attentive. Great location for harbor, icean and beach views. read more

Cafe El Palomar - Relleno, chile verde, rice, beans - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I used to dine at the downtown location a long time ago and always enjoyed the food there. We tired the cafe this afternoon for dinner. It's right on the water with great views of the ocean and harbor. It's not very large but well kept and clean. It has a diner vibe with a pretty good menu and drinks to offer. It was early so it wasn't very crowded. We got seated immediately and were greeted by our waitress shortly thereafter. I ordered the chile colorado (which is made with pork vs beef) with rice and beans for sides. My cousin ordered the shrimp tostadas. Mine was good but it was only warm and not hot which would have been ok but the plate was not heated so by the middle of the meal my food was pretty cool. The flavor was spot on and the pork wasn't bad. The beans and rice were good. My cousin enjoyed the tostadas. The salsa here is very good, very tasty! Overall the experience was good but it could have been much better with hot vs warm food. One final note the flour tortillas that came with my meal were pretty small and they only provided 2. read more

Cafe El Palomar - Shrimp tostadas - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Service was good. Although I haven't eaten there as of yet. It's well lit with natural light and is right up to the beach. Outdoor seating is available seasonally. read more

My experience is specific to the take out service. About once a month I get take out and historically have had a good experience. However, in the past 1-2 months I've noticed a shift and have had several bad experiences. I've had to wait an excessively long time to place an order and the kitchen has been slow to turn orders around. There doesn't seem to anyone expediting and the bartender and cashier always seem to be in the weeds. It shouldn't take over 30-40 minutes to get in and out. The food is decent and the location is great but the service needs to better. read more

It is a beautiful beachside location with nice views and a relaxed atmosphere. I came here randomly on didn't know much about this Mexcican style restaurant. It seems to be well established and a bit dated, yet clean and cared for in general. We were seated after a bit of a wait as no one was around at the reception area, and when the receptionist came, she seemed somewhat indifferent and not engaging. Although not at the windows, we still had a good enough view outside, and chips and salsa were brought to the table. Both were fine, yet nothing was very noteworthy. The menu is broad with many of the typical 'Mexican', albeit it American version, dishes. They had fish tacos listed as a special on a menu board at the entrance, so l decided to try that. First, I ordered a jalapeño margarita, which was just fine, yet again, nothing special, and hardly any intensity of spicy jalapeño flavor. The glass was rimmed with spicy salt, and there were some sliced jalapeños in the drink, but I got no spicy punch out of it, as if watered down. There were two fish tacos and beans/rice on the dish. The fish tacos were OK, the breading adequate, yet overall, it lacked flavor. Bland tacos, just don't do it for me. Sorry, but the entire experience seemed very ordinary and lacked any pizzaz. It just fell flat, although nothing horrible... just middle of the road Mexican fare. read more

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Aside from the view, this place is way overpriced. The young girl taking orders had a serious attitude problem--very unprofessional. I held back from saying anything, but when I asked for ketchup on my burger, she snapped back with, "It's right there," like it was a burden to point it out. When I asked her the price of something, she acted like it was a chore to look it up. The bartender was nice, but the rest of the experience was enough to make me not come back. Whoever owns this place needs to step up and train your staff. read more

So first heads up. This restaurant is in the same strip mall as The Crows Nest. So parking is a pain. But if you are at all familiar with the harbor, Twin Lakes, or the area in general this shouldn't be a surprise. Now on to the food. I actually really like their food! I personally think their enchiladas are the best thing on their menu. I always get my dish with black beans and typically get a chicken enchilada. I really don't remember a time I've been disappointed. Back when I used to live closer, my best friend and I would come for the street tacos and we're never disappointed. I'm also unsure what chips they use/buy/make but they are good along with good fresh salsa. Service however can be hit or miss. Sometimes, like our most recent visit, it's great! Other times, lackluster at best. Honestly it depends how busy the bar is. Speaking of the bar, it can get LOUD thx to those sitting at the bar. So if you can sit more towards the entrance it helps. Overall, I'd recommend Cafe El Palomar if you're in the area read more

Cafe El Palomar - Chicken enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

If you want to experience the best service, bartender, and sunset....visit here so you can meet Niki. She is the only reason I come here on Sundays, but Felix is the reason I come to enjoy the food n drinks any other day of the week, if you are local or not, know these two people will make you feel at home. Service 10/10 read more

Walked over from Twin Lakes and had a early dinner. The Shrimp enchiladas, Carne asada fajitas and tacos were all really good. My Cadillac Margarita was off the hook - I loved it. We'll be back often!! read more

Cafe El Palomar - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Food Very good taste authentic Service Quick friendly Ambiance Very bizzy but some how peaceful I took pics of all the art outside and the benches for sitting beautiful Try the lunch special #3 sope Very good read more

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Skip this place - please. Santa Cruz has so much good Mexican food, and combined with really poor service & staff - the only good thing about this was the location. I had 3 items - all of which were unbelievably bland. It was like they completely took the life out of the dishes. Servers had poor manners, the second we didn't order drinks it's like they just shut down. Tip hungry, not inviting & food is best left to seagulls. :) read more

The Mexican Food is so so, bar drinks are ok, not special and prices are a bit high unless you go with the happy hour menu, then they become almost reasonable. they do charge 10% for service, so when tipping that that into account. Overall the food service is spotty at best, although the bar tenders tend to be better. In Santa Cruz you can find much better Mexican food at nearly any taqueria. However being on the beach is a really nice setting and it does come with additional operational costs. Overall I'd go here for happy hour, occasionally. I see where parking can be tricky, I typically walk here from home. Come on Saturday mornings in the summer and you might see 50 ukuleles performing on the beach. read more

Food is meh, chips are not good at all ... drinks are good but if you want to enjoy them on the patio, good luck, you have to order food...... I would spend a lot more money on drinks than I would on having a meal, but if they want to turn down money, that's their problem... read more

The food was ok, but it's really about the view and ambiance. Drinks are really tasty too. Chile verde was good but the rice and beans were lackluster, kinda bland. The salsa was great and worked nicely on the beans and rice though. We also ordered the jalapeño poppers and they were delicious - a lot of them came in the order as well. read more

Cafe El Palomar - Jalapeño Poppers and Paloma cocktail with a view. Both were very tasty. Volleyball at Harbor Beach was fun to watch too. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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The location is key here! Right on the beach and views were 5/5. The service was good and people were friendly, very casual atmosphere. The food was just OK - we got to combo fajitas, taco salad (mostly lettuce), tacos, steak rancheros. The spicy margarita was probably the best thing we ordered! No parking validation. read more

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Took a friend there for her birthday and she wanted to order off of the happy hour menu. The food was bad, the house margarita did not have any alcohol in it. With tip I spent $55. Would never go back again for happy hour. Maybe ordering off the regular menu would be better. The view is nice and the staff were pleasant enough. Won't be going back read more

The food here comes in generous portions for the price but they could charge double and I could still say that. Our food was ready within five minutes of ordering despite the line being out the door read more

The food in the ambience are very good. Beautiful views of the ocean. This service is horrendous. I lived in Santa Cruz for 25 years and I've been going there a lot and I just can't get over how bad the service is. Unfortunately tonight is the last night I will ever go there. I was with four people and they gave us a bowl of chips. Half of them were broken so we asked for another bowl and they said we need to charge you $2 for the chips and I said you're kidding me. We've been coming here for 20 years. We've never been charged for chips so the woman server said well. We're charging you and your other bowl didn't have that many broken chips and I said are you going to argue with me and she says yes. I am going to argue with you which was very strange. She was very rude so instead of taking the $2 off our bill I just didn't give her the $22 tip. I was going to give her not a very smart move in my opinion read more

the food was good but el meso era mexicano muy malo fue con nosotros y discriminador no los dejaba terminar de comer casi los quita el plato de las manos y dijo esta expresión q si los íbamos a quedar a dormir ahí tambien por q los tomamos el tiempo de comer he forget uñidos we don buy the food he does not has his pay check read more

We all had delicious meals there this last weekend! The service was great. The view was wonderful. It's right on the beach and near the marina. Easily accessible and happy to accommodate my husband's wheelchair. We plan to go back to the area and definitely to the restaurant. read more

I found this place as I was walking to see the light house, it is located right by the beach and you can see if from where you are eating so I think it's in a great location. The food was good, I ordered the Camarones a la Diabla and it comes with rice, beans and guacamole. They also give you homemade tortillas which were delicious! read more

Cafe El Palomar - Camarones a la Diabla - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Breakfast burritos and regular burritos are very bland, and the salsa given on the side doesn't change that, sadly. The beachside location is convenient and they offer a full bar as well, and you can take your drinks outside for a lovely view. To sum it up, the view is great and the food is not. read more

Located at the Harbor with views of the beach and ocean. Staff was attentive and professional. Food was flavorful.

The food was really good. I had the steak and shrimp fajitas and they were very good and the position size was generous. We came with a large party and the service was prompt and servers were friendly. This is definitely the right spot to stop if you want to grab a quick and delicious bite. Will revisit when we are in the area. read more

We ABSOLUTELY LOVEthis restaurant! We are regular customers, and they've spoiled us for Mexican food!!!!!!!!!!!

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. read more

Saw a sign in front of the restaurant that said $8 happy hour shots. So we went in and got 2 shots. Was surprised when I received the bill and it was $21!! When I asked the woman bartender why the bill was more than $16 she rudely replied "tax and tip is included!" Since when is a tip included? Will not go back. read more

What isn't good about this place ?! My favorite go to during the day for a quick fix is the Salmon taco. Always cooked fresh. Huge portion and for only $8. It's so good I almost don't want to review it but I have to share. For dinner time comfort food, their Caldo De Pollo soup is Chicken w fresh Veggies and lime. Omg it is SO good with the flour tortillas. Plus I love their chile rellenos too. I don't drink but their Arnold Palmers are good as well. This is such a local gem and right by the beach. What's not to love ?! read more

Service is terrible. We were given a bowl of tortilla chips. At least half of them were broken and then we were told we would be charged when we asked for more chips. Then when we politely asked the waitress to reverse the charges, she said no and and then that was it this is a terrible place. We're never coming back and I'm gonna tell all my friends never to come to El Palomar on East Cliff. read more

Cafe El Palomar - Quality of chips served at el Palomar on east cliff Santa Cruz - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Upon walking in I was greeted immediately. Extremely helpful and nice staff I tried a few things. Cheese enchilada Chicken enchilada Chili relleno Rice Beans All the food was spot on. Tastes great and was made correctly. With great flavor. Food comes out pretty quick to. Pretty impressive. Not to mention they seemed pretty damn busy the few times I came. Great to see during a time like this. The menu is big and plenty of options as well. I think if you enjoy Mexican food this is a safe bet. The setting is great as well. Would I return and recommend? Most definitely. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Is because it would be a little more organized in the front. To many random things everywhere. read more

Food was not that great and pricey for what it was. Location is wonderful and service was fair.

Customer Service is Okay. Food Is 6.8/10 The Asada fajitas Could have been better just needs the herbs to be a bit more stronger. Coz the marination of the meat tastes Good. The tortilla was okay as well. Will still come back to try more Ngl. read more

Cafe El Palomar - Carne Asada Fajitas Lunch special with side of fruit - Mexican Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

lol place sucks. "Here a buzzer for your food" 30 min later - excuse me where's my nachos? Someone must have taken them. Lol. How does that happen. And I'm the a**hole for being upset read more

I don't know why I've overlooked this place for breakfast for so long. Maybe it was the parking, but parking along East Cliff this morning was easy with a brief little walk along the picturesque yacht harbor. The salsa and rancho sauce are definitely homemade with the salsa providing a nice kick, if that's your thing. Vanessa, waitress was really kind and agreeable. Plate so hot I had to be careful. Mom says the coffee is fine. Homemade corn tortillas - let me say that again - Homemade corn tortillas fabulous with a touch of beans, rice and butter. Very large, extremely fluffy pancakes. Cozy booths and the lovely Monterey Bay right there with the breeze dancing and the pelican shopping for fishie treats. I'm liking' it. We are so lucky to have a nice spot like this! Prices reasonable- $60 for two with drinks and and extra 1/2 pancake to take home, including the tip. We were stuffed! read more

My husbands favorite breakfast place #3 or sometimes their specials, like today. Mine is ala mexicana with avocado . Always delicious and I always take 1/2 home. We love our servers, friendly and greet us with a smile. No matter if it's raining or sunny seeing the ocean is always beautiful. We also enjoy the music they play. #1 breakfast place for us and our family. read more

We were ignored the ENTIRE time we were there, I even had to go get my own water from the bar after asking 2 people for it. The waitress was extremely rude and did not come to our table at all. My enchiladas were horrible . A slimy green film( not sauce) topped with a whole salad. They did comp my meal but we had to get up and head to the front before they even gave us our bill. Then when we were paying the waitress just walked away and said there ya go..... I do NOT recommend this place at all! read more