What the heck happened to this place? It used to be good...the only thing good is the chips and salsa. The margaritas tasted like straight sweet and sour mix, our service was vage and rude..I get it was a little before 9 but your open so don't be so snotty when taking our orders. It was like she was bothered she got another table and wanted to go home...she comes up to our table like 3 mins after we sat down and said "do you know what you want yet?" and so we ordered a pitcher of sangria and she responds "thats it?" no we just sat down and dont know what we want yet...Anyways food is bad. I'm almost positive they microwave everything! Your restaurant is cute and looks alot better with the remodeling but the food and drinks and service are not worth it. Id rather eat at Taco Bell than this place.... read more

I live down the street from this place, so I've gone back several times hoping it will get better. It hasn't. The restaurant is tired and dirty, the staff isn't very attentive, the margaritas are bad and the food is sub-par. I enjoy sitting on the sun-deck and watching the ducks swim around the river, and I like their salsas. Those are pretty much the only redeeming qualities this place has! read more

Tampico's WOW you went down hill I used to love Tampico's I would literally eat there once a week with my boyfriend at the time but I moved away for about 6years and cme bak to Tampico's it was the worse I ordered a strawberry Margarita it was basically in a shot glass watered down for $7 and the rice was crunchy no flaver the enchiladas were nasty I dnt knw if you got me cook new ownership but something happened I was so upset about my hole visit I probably will not go bak so I have to givs it 2 THUMBS DOWN!!!!!!!!!! read more

I get ticked when I see places like this stay in business. The fish tacos (the special) were so stinky the waitress almost plugged her nose when she put them on the table. She knew I wa starving and didn't ask why I only took one bite. The beans and rice were like a salt lick. The cook appeared to be extremely angry. Overall the food was horrible and the vibe was even worse. Do not eat at this place. read more

How hard is it to cook Mexican foor? For these guys apparently it's very hard. This was the worst Mexican food I've ever had. Taco Bell would have been better. I had a chicken quessadilla and I swear the chicken was made from pre packed little chinks of rubber. It was AWFYL. & it's too bad. I've been going to this place for years & it was once pretty good & it has a really nice setting on the creek. But there's just no excuse for such terrible food read more

We just moved here in January and had the great misfortune to be wandering in what seems to be endless rain when we happened on this place on the back street in Soquel. (Admittedly I was at least aware having checked Yelp for Mex a few days before.) But there was room in the parking lot... no line... so we decided to sit a spell. BTW since that first time we have been back twice, and yep, raining every time. Folks keep saying it doesn't rain this much... not sure I believe them. Anyway it is worth the run across the parking lot in the rain... great views of a swollen Soquel Creek... the chips and salsa are great, the food is good and the service has ranged from good to indifferent. But I can live with in since the food is better than some of the so-called Mex here. (I have yet to find a Mex place as good as our favorite in the OC: Olamendi's...) So sorta Tex-Mex... but I can go for it. It is worth the try. read more

Such a rude staff I didn't even get to try their food. No wonder why they have such low stars. Btw I just left the restaurant so I hope you remember me. read more

This place was super busy on a Sunday night- I guess that had to be a good sign. I had a blue margarita and a chicken tamale and tofu taco combination. It was excellent. The portions were pretty big and the food was really good. The only negative thing I can say is that they were short staffed and service after we received our food was non existent. They apologized for their lack of attentiveness, but it still took a good half hour to get out of there after we finished eating. I can't remember what the rest of my table ordered, but they cleaned their plates, so obviously they enjoyed it. read more

Food was not warm but it did have a good flavor. Seating out back on the patio was on the dark side.

Service was terrible. It took 20 minutes to get a drink. Food was not great and disappointing. We will not be back, sadly. We really wanted to like it. read more

The waiter really does set the tone for the meal. Mine was so harassed and rushed, in a basically empty restaurant, I finally asked how long she'd worked there. She seemed inexperienced but she said she'd been there for years. She needs to slow down, learn how to smile, and make the customers feel welcome. Got the Mollie's margarita and it was so watery I took it back to the bartender who added Grand Marnier to it, that should've happened as he made it. The burrito was okay, though. i wish someone new would buy this restaurant, fix it up, and improve the food and bar menus. The patio was closed, by the way. Bummer. read more

If you want go here for the nice environment... make sure you only get the Fajitas... the rest is crap! Especially if u are into Mexican food. read more

Went there Monday July 1st 2013. Went there with my entire family! We have gone there before and it has been our new go to Mexican restaurant as they leave town. I live here! I was so mad tonight when I left for a number of reasons----1st they forgot my moms drink! Took them 10 minutes to bring us drinks! Waitress was alitttle snotty! We waited over 45 minutes for our food. When it arrived the plates were so hot we had to get them away from the kids as my mom burnt her hands trying to serve her grandchildren! Then my sister burns her lip (now a bubble on her lip) as well as black! Her other plate is not even done, cold cheese in her dish! The beans were microwaved and burnt! It just was a horrible meal. As we were asking for a supervisor the waitress said what is wrong----we told her. She contacted the owner to find out that he was taking a phone order (for 7 minutes) I was so pissed I just got up and wanted to just pay and go. I ended up talking to the owner and he apologized over and over but never asked why we were upset. Horrible food! Bad service! Bus Boy was great though! My entire family will never go there again! There are other places to go in this town. Manuels in aptos is good. Hell I would go to carpos before I would ever give this owner another $1.00 Eek read more

Nice location good service but my beef tostada bowl was full if a large amount of refried beans and was a big greasy glob not edible Very little leetuce read more

30 minutes for a to go order and not worth waiting for canned food. I expected authentic Mexican food. My brother waited more than 30 minutes for his order only to get home and his chile verde burrito is a beef burrito. read more

Went here on a casual night out with the old ball and chain. I read a review in the local newspaper about their Blue Corn NACHOS! and blue corn tortillas. I like blue corn... comprende? In a semi comercial area of Soquel. So it was nice to get away from the usual downtown college swagga. We were seated promptly, wasnt busy at all (monday). I ordered the Tropical Sunset or something (non alcoholic beverage) it was delicious! Pineapple orange and lime juice with a dash of marciano? syrup and a cherry. Only downside it was served in a thin little glass about half the size or what i would expect from a drink that is $4.50. Boyfriend ordered the housemade raseberry iced tea...yum! THAT was worth the $2.50. We were served water, chips, and two delicous salsas after our drink order. VERY PROMPT. To take the review seriously we ordered the blue corn nachos. A good split for two people or more for appetizer. Blue corn chips tasted fresh and were piled with homemade lightly seasoned beans, melted monterey jack and cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa and fresh guac. and to top it off there were crumbles of fresh montereyjack goat cheese. We fnished most of it and by that time our Blue Corn enchiladas with tofu, green beans, brocolli, and mushrroms. They came more like a quesadilla sandwhich with enchilada saude on top. Since we were splitting it the ampl amount of rice and beans on side left us full and with a half plate off leftovers. I liked the seasoning on all the veggies and was not bland at all. Tofu is a nice touch for mexican restaurants. Us veg's love that. The ambiance was decent better to come here during sunlight hours so you can take in the view. I will come back. read more

This place is pretty epic. Not only is it reasonably priced, but the quality of food is excellent. I've never had a bad experience when I've eaten there. However, I will say that when I call in an order, almost always, something ends up missing. It's happened more than a couple times and is unfortunate. read more

We were contemplating whether to go to the newly opened Olive Garden or Little Tampico. We live 30 minutes away and wanted to visit the Santa Cruz area. The whole family chose Mexican cuisine. Since it's our first time to eat here, we called prior to leaving home and as soon as we got there, our table was all ready with unlimited chips and salsa served. The server, Naima, was very cordial, friendly, and courteous. Our chips and salsa never ran out. Thanks to the great service of Kordell and Fabian. All of the staff were very attentive. The foods we ordered were delicious. Thanks to the great chef. We ordered Tampiqueña (rib eye steak with enchilada), fajitas, tacos, more enchiladas, and the Cha Cha wings. They're all served to all of of us at the same time, we're all able to pray and eat at the same time. For 9 people, we all ate together as an extended family, without leftovers for the first time! We're very very satisfied with the food and the great service. They even served me with a delicious free chocolate ice cream as a birthday treat. Thank you Said Karssli for having such a great team at your Little Tampico Kitchen! Try them for yourself and you won't be disappointed! read more

This is my first yelp review after years of reading, I am inspired to write after one of our family favorites is going south. Long time chef who might have been the back bone of this place left a month or so ago and this place is a HOT MESS! Bring him back! Seems like the kitchen can't handle what they used to - speed or quality. Was that Costco guacamole? The whole experience was sad and the poor staff are clearly doing their best to make it okay (apologizing and bringing chips over and over). Now we have had two bad experiences. Seriously, they should have been paying us to sit there for over an hour with hungry kids in an empty restaurant to get okay food. We will be taking a break and trying again in a month or so. Will be sad if they can't figure it out. read more

Wow, what a disappointment and a miserable experience. Went here on a slow night and were seated near the bar. After our food arrived, we found out we were near the stockroom and the barback proceeded to restock the bar and reorganize. The traffic was no big deal, but then she proceeded to tear apart and stomp down about a dozen cardboard boxes, all about 4 feet from our table. At first it was kind of amusing and we thought maybe we were in a Saturday Night Live skit, but then 10 minutes later the cardboard smashing was continuing and was so loud that you couldn't carry on conversation. At this point, we mentioned to her that maybe the box breakdown could be postponed or perhaps we shouldn't have been seated next to it, and the women starts waving her hands and proclaiming that she's "sorry, but has a job to do too." Whoa, how about a side of crazy with that Costco salsa and overpriced marg. I'm a local who won't be bringing any more friends or business to this dive. Talked to the owner after -- lots of excuses but nothing that would make me think this place is worth hassling the tight parking. read more

Ordered door dash- driver delivered incomplete order- manager would neither redeliver or credit. I have loved this place for years, but no more. Customer service rating minus 5 read more

STAY AWAY!! Made the mistake of stopping after "just driving by" after visiting friends in Soquel. Bad choice. Should have checked Yelp first! Service very slow and rude. When checking on our table the waitress glided by asking if everything was ok. I answered that we needed napkins and Iced Tea as she turned away. I ended up "stealing" napkins from place settings at two other tables. $31 for two meals and a single tea. The food was not worthy of a $5 combo plate at a fast food restaurant. Chips were stale and room temperature. Salsa was standard out of a jar. My entree included both beef and chicken and both were bland. Food was cold when served and not hot. Stay away from this place. If the owner thinks they are providing quality and service they are way off base. read more

Last couple times we have gone the food was lacking, nothing that made me say "I want to come back here again" hopefully it was just some off nights read more

This place is Great! Good people, friendly and knowledgable staff, zesty salsa and an awesome tequila bar, tasty beers and authentic Mexican food too. Go check it out and have fun! Got Tequila? read more

Little tampico's have wonderful food, their works are super nice, and it's never crowded so you are guaranteed to have a seat (this is not self seat) read more

One of my routine choices when I think of having Mexican food for dinner. I've been here a few times now, and each time the service has been great (endless chips and salsa supply) and the food is on par with the rest of the Mexican places in the area. I had their otila's plate which is essentially a sampler plate which I found pretty tasty. Their prices are reasonable and I got way more food than I could eat in one sitting (every square inch of my plate was filled with something). Even though the place was pretty hopping, it wasn't that loud and we were still able to find parking. I think 3 out of 5 stars is fair. read more

Can't believe I found a place that doesn't use lard in their food!!!! Food is good and the menu offers a lot

We've eaten here over the years and liked everything well enough to return occasionally, but recently we were amazed at the amount of food my husband was served. He ordered the Tampiquena (from the lunch menu) which was described as "strips of rib eye steak, mini sized enchilada, taco, refried beans, rice and guacamole". Sounded like a lot of food, but when the plate came - WOW! It wasn't "strips" of steak, it was a good sized ribeye steak...AND cooked medium/rare - just perfect! I tasted the steak and it was tender & flavorful. This has got to be the best thing on the menu. Not to mention, it's under $10. Also, he was so full/satisfied, I didn't have to prepare dinner that night. read more

Little Tampico - Look at the size of this lunch special - rib-eye, enchilada, taco, rice & beans for under $10. - Mexican Near Me - Soquel, California

All of the other low reviews are correct. The food is bland and flavorless. It is a shame because the restaurant is pretty cool. Expensive and terrible at the same time. $100 for 2 adults & 2 kids. I would have rather saved $80 and had Taco Bell. It is hard to screw up Mexican food. But somehow they did. read more

Love this place, highly recommend the killer quesadilla and if your feeling a little social sit at the bar all the bar tenders are really great. Especially Regina she always remembers what I like, they a great selection of tequilas too read more

I came in today to celebrate a young lady Graduating 5th grade. There were 11 of us. Our food was done wrong, the waitress Corina never refilled the drinks . We told her that we weren't happy with the Strawberry Margaritas, could we change it and said no. We tipped her a total of $10 (she was lucky she even received that)and she gave it back to one of the women in our party and said she could live without our tip. Corina or (Korina) was overly rude on multiple occasions....slamming a glass down in front of a older lady to refill her Margarita, after one of our guests let her know that there was Mold on a water glass, when a parent and child changed sitting positions due to sharing Nachos with her husband, Corina basically tossed the little girls plate on the table, when the food was wrong she argued for a minute then she rolled her eyes and then walked away. read more

My husband and I have been going to Little Tampicos for years. We are somewhat of regulars and usually have great service. Certain items on the menu are fantastic and some are just okay but what really sets them apart is their Mollies margarita. I am a huge margarita critic and I try them where ever we eat out but I have never found one as delicious as the one they make here. I only have one suggestion to the new hostess that I am not familiar with. It is always a good idea to make your patrons feel welcome and not like a bother from your day. Leaves a bad taste in your mouth and even though I love coming here if I get that kind of service again - we will not return for a while. read more

The refried beans and chicken were really good. The rest was mediocre. The mango margarita tasted like fake pine sol. Not real pine sol, fake. The quesadilla had guac, lettuce, tomato, olives and cheese INSIDE. Which sounds like a brilliant idea- Taco Bell does it in a crunch wrap- but here instead of having hot melted cheese and cold guac, both turned each other luke warm. It was unpleasant, but at $6, I guess I can't complain because it's food. Uninspiring, if the drinks had been better I would come back for drinks and nachos- but I probably won't. read more

Great food and drink. Nice place to watch a sporting event. A ribeye and more for $16? Awesome!!!

Where to begin... The service was poor. I had to get up from my table at least three times to get my sever's attention at 4:00pm on a Thursday. The place was empty! You'd think there would be better service with an empty restaurant. Apparently not. The food wasn't great. I work in the food industry. The plate was dead in the window. My beans looked like they had been sitting all day. I requested avocado be added to my burrito. Didn't think it would cost me $3.95. And lastly, for happy hour. Seriously a $5 margarita (that was way too heavy on the sour mix) in a rocks glass! How is that happy hour?! Ridiculous prices. Nothing impressive. Definitely won't be going back. read more

Food is so-so. If you would like a good margarita, don't order a pitcher from the female bartender. She would rather chat with her co-workers and argue with customers then correct a problem. read more

I love this place! It's such a Soquel staple. It's what I call "comfort" Mexican food with the best margaritas in town. Fun, relaxed, family atmosphere with friendly staff. Sit outside on a warm summer day, and you can enjoy the view of the creek! read more

UPDATE: I'm sorry but I have to downgrade my rating to 2 stars. I have been going here for many years. The hostess and wait staff were great but the meat in the tacos had been changed. Their taco's used to be unique and no other restaurant had the same flavor. They increased the price of the meal and changed the meat. The meat literally had -0- flavor. I'm really disappointed. I always order the same thing and now my favorite is ruined. The Molly's Margarita was still excellent but I'm afraid this will be my last visit until the Tacos are back to their former glory. I hope the owners read this and make a change. read more

Have been a couple of times and the food is just bland. Most recently I had shrimp enchiladas. The only way I even would have known they were shrimp is because I could see the shrimp in them. But there was no taste to them at all. Another time I had the carne asada nachos which were great. Had a lot of flavor but also odd as another reviewer said, they tasted a bit like they were marinated in teriyaki sauce. Went another time and ordered the same carne asada nachos and there was no flavor at all. Stick with the free chips and salsa. They are the best thing here. read more

I have been coming to this restaurant since I was a kid. I have NEVER had a bad meal here. On busy nights (which are most nights because this place is so popular), the servers are still very attentive and helpful. One of the servers there knows my family's order down to the specifics. This is an amazing personal touch. If I could give this restaurant more stars, I would. We always get the chicken fajitas, which come on a sizzling hot grill plate with lots of veggies and side dishes. The salsa vinaigrette the salad comes with is SUPER tasty (and slightly spicy.. In a good way). The margaritas are also really good! If you want a real kick in the pants, get the Molly's margarita... Although you'll need someone else to drive... Lastly, there are some bad reviews of this place on yelp, and I am completely baffled why. In the 15 years I have come to this restaurant, it has ALWAYS been wonderful. For your sake, give this place a try and see why they are SO wrong. read more