My first time here! I'm a vegetarian and had a craving for cheese enchiladas, beans, and rice all day. We went in a little before 6. We were seated promptly and greeted promptly. We ordered two of their classic margaritas and it literally felt like the bartender was listening (in the best way). The margs came to the table lightning fast and were truly delicious. No sweet and sour mix here, just fresh, properly boozy, generously portioned, and tasty margaritas. I asked if I could have their enchiladas rojas with just cheese instead of their other typical vegetarian offerings and they said yes! My dining partner ordered their crispy pork tacos and told me they were so good. She said they tasted like pulled pork inside crispy taco shells. The food came out quick, hot, and delicious. Our server, I wish I remembered his name, was wonderful and checked in just the right amount. The red sauce on the enchiladas was truly flavorful, unlike other places where it can sometimes feel flat and simply tomato forward. He brought us a carousel of hot sauces immediately when we asked for them. The only thing I would like more is if they had Tapatio, or traditional Cholula. Perhaps they did have them and I just didn't ask. All in all, I enjoyed my first experience here and would certainly return. Excellent service, drinks, and food. Thank you! read more

As a patron of Tortilla Flats for decades, my family and our guests have always loved them. The mole is always delicious, the beans have great flavor, and the Margaritas do the trick. Also love their salsa. The atmosphere is cozy and homey feeling. I'm not the only one, go on the weekend and you will probably have to wait for a table. Tortilla Flats, still going strong after many years. read more

The food was good , however the server mid aged male was very rude. 1# we ask if there still open as it's slow He's answers they will close in an hour if it stays slow 2# dose not tell us set walks off 3# dose not say specials or point out (would have ordered mushroom enchiladas) 4# picked up bill with an tip of $10 on $55 , returns and says we have 10 minutes tell they closed Mind you there are 3 other tables at this point and one has full plates , and we had been offered dessert (so I'd have just gotten desert and been told to eat-up) Also never told any of the 3 other tables he was closing, he went back to kitchen, I live in this town and will not be back , Iv worked food service, and this is Not how you build an clientele read more

Tortilla Flats - Mexican Near Me - Soquel, California

Best things: I love the cozy atmosphere and artwork in this longtime Soquel Village Mexican eatery. I had fish tacos and also tasted the mushroom taco, a special. I really enjoyed the flavors in both. On the downside, the portions were fairly small and the dishes came without sides other than chips. We ordered rice and beans separately, which upped the total more than expected. Service was OK, but not particularly attentive. All in all, it was OK but won't be high on my list to return to. read more

I'll just go ahead and say it: this is my new favorite "sit-down mexican food restaurant" in Santa Cruz County. The food is amazing, atmosphere chill/laid-back, and service is outstanding. I had the street tacos with carne asada. It was absolutely delicious and had fantastic flavor/seasoning. More than that though, I want to acknowledge the service. We had the absolute nicest server. I sincerely wish I could remember her name (blonde hair). She was incredibly kind, thoughtful, friendly, professional, and caring. Definitely will be back. read more

Went to Tortilla Flats for the 1st time tonight. The server brought us fresh salsa and fresh chips which were unfortunately the best part of the night. We got the coconut prawn appetizer which were nice and crispy. They had a good flavor to them. I ordered the Peanut Mole with chicken special. The mole sauce was was thin and had very little peanut flavor, the chicken was cooked well and had a nice flavor but the refried beans were terrible. Had no lard ,cheese and needed salt. The rice was also very dry, some of the worst rice I've had at a restaurant it wasn't wasn't cooked Properly and also needed salt. Basically flavor less food. My wife got the enchiladas and she said that her black beans were flavorless and had too much cumin and she thought her enchiladas needed salt and were very ordinary. Specials also don't come with guacamole or sour cream included, sad. I'm not sure who this restaurant is for. You can go down the street 1 block to El Chipotle and get such a better meal for the fraction of the price of Tortilla flats. read more

Authentic freshly made Mexican food located on Soquel Dr. this small restaurant has a bar and approx 30 seats. Unfortunately, when it's a busy night the noise level makes it extremely difficult to enjoy a conversation. Service staff was pleasant but a bit slow. Tostada had generous portions of fresh chicken. Food was good but not amazing. read more

Great Experience! The enchiladas were excellent . I tried the chicken mole and a green pork enchilada. Both were delicious, like really delicious. The blood orange margarita was amazing. I'm going back soon... Alex helped us, and was truly a kind and caring person. My friend and I visited for a good 2 hours and just felt at home. I couldn't recommend this place more ! read more

Their food is amazing! Their staff is amazing! They don't post half eaten food or half drink's that have been served! Also, Tortilla Flats, does not have bully's working for them! read more

Food is mediocre and portion sizes have gotten smaller. The carne asada burrito was just meat wrapped in a tortilla. Pretty tasteless.

Delicious food and. A+ service even while busy! We had a great night with a party of 6. Delish margs and everyone loved their food.

I friggen' loved this place. It's been bookmarked for awhile and we finally made it in. It's quaint and cozy inside, with just the right amount of tables and bar space. I am gluten-free and always appreciate a labeled menu for those of us who have sensitivities. Thank you for that. Our waitress and the rest of the staff were extremely attentive and kind. The food tasted homemade and clean, like there were no harmful ingredients hiding anywhere. I enjoyed the green chicken enchiladas and the chile relleno and my family liked their meals as well. My dad and daughter finished up with an order of the churros and they reported that those were very tasty! I look forward to my next visit. read more

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Consistently good food, staff is very nice & engaging, and the best darn margaritas around! The environment is cozy- it's in a small older building, but they manage it well. I love how they bring the chip basket out with a little pitcher of salsa. We love the poblano enchiladas- our fav dish. They accommodate to gluten free diets, which is a plus. The sizes are plentiful, I'm unable to finish a combo plate (beans & rice). Highly recommend. read more

Tortilla Flats - Enchiladas (gluten free), margaritas, and tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Soquel, California

READ MY REVIEW! We are "foodies"; we only want the best. THIS PLACE ROCKS! Great vibe - lots of energy. Yes, margaritas are over the top - size, flavor, kick. And the food - clean, fresh food. I had a poblano and green enchilada plate with rice and beans - WOW. Flavor out of this world. Shredded chicken perfectly cooked. Try this place and sit at the bar for extra fun!! read more

Service was very good. Food was marginal. With so many authentic Mexican restaurants avoid this one. I had a margarita that was half water. I must have got the remainder of the blender container. read more

The one thing that could improve is that there is no accommodation for allergens, the use of nuts in their small kitchen could not allow my partner who is severely allergic to tree nuts and coconut to eat there. Sadly we couldn't try the food here but the staff was kind, we tried the salsa and chips which were good before knowing food allergen issues. read more

Super busy so we sat outside it wasn't anything great but we were seated so that was a plus. The margaritas and salsa are great but the chips were meh. Tried the mole and thought it was ok remember to order beans and rice as its not included in price. The flour tortilla tacos were very tasty and probably the best thing we tried. Tiny little place very friendly service the locals seem to enjoy but ive had better. Will try another day. read more

Tortilla Flats - Margaritas and salsa are great - Mexican Near Me - Soquel, California

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tortilla flats was such a great place to come and have lunch this afternoon. It was so good. I'm not even hungry for dinner. I had the mole chicken enchiladas and my friend had the green enchiladas and both of us loved it. We also had the chili wrapped goat cheese. It was yummy and the margaritas are lit. They're so good. you should go soon. Service was great, and the ambience was too.! read more

My friends and I had a terrific dining experience at tortilla flats the other night. We were greeted warmly upon arrival and showed to our four person table where we were treated to bottomless chips and salsa. We each tried one of their award winning margaritas and, let me tell ya, well deserved! All in all, recommend this spot. read more

Had a late lunch meal there today for the first time. I remember the food being quite tasty in the 80's. Haven't been there since and I eat out at Mexican restaurants often. We have very good ones in Santa Cruz County. Was the BLANDEST 'Mexican' food I have ever had. Hardly tasted like Mexican food at all. No Flavor! I don't understand why anyone would eat there a 2nd time. When we have very tasty MX restaurants such as El Palomar, Manuels in Aptos and even Little Tampico let alone one's in Watsonville. The beans had no flavor, nor the rice, and no Enchilada sauce on my enchilada...so kinda dry besides no flavor and the red watery 'sauce' on the Relleno was tasteless stewed tomatoes and too much bland cheese and not a tasty chili inside. The chips were good but the salsa was week in flavor. I had to ask for some hot sauce to dribble in to give it same flavor. I ate 1/4 and took the rest of my bland meal home which I'll try to doctor up with hot sauce and some sour cream. Won't eat there a 2nd time. Go elsewhere for a decent plate of 'Mexican' food. Maybe Casa Birria in Capitola might even have tastier food or rather food with some good taste. Quite disappointing to say the least. read more

Great combination plates, and superb hefty Margaritas. Food and drink was served promptly and service was good considering it was one person taking care of front of house (serving water, taking orders, manning the bar, serving food, and bussing). Guacamole was fresh, salsa was tangy, everything was terrific. Will definitely recommend. read more

The food was sub par and not worth the price. There was one guy trying to do everything himself. The decor was nice. It seems like more of a place to get drinks than a good food place. I won't be returning. read more

Great atmosphere. Super attentive staff and the food was great!! I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Continues to deliver great food, friendly service, and epic margaritas! Their menu is broad and has no weaknesses. If you're vegetarian, go for the Flatlander, if you are all about dessert, get the flan. You really can't go wrong! read more

Wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff! Great salsa and chips! I come here before karate class read more

Tortilla Flats - Chips and Salsa (to Go) - Mexican Near Me - Soquel, California

Had a fabulous dinner at Tortilla Flats on Friday evening (10/11/24). Tried the crepes, one habanero shrimp and one New Mexico Pork and it was absolutely delicious!! My spouse had the lobster crepes and they were just a fabulous as mine!! This is our "go to" local restaurant and we're never disappointed!!! Homemade Flan was done to perfection and Chocolate peanut butter pie was amazing!!! This is the place to go for a great dinner a great dinner and margaritas are delicious as well!!! Thanks! See you again soon! read more

Eat here if you don't mind: 1.) being told the bar was open and available 2.) being seated at the bar 3.) being served chips and salsa 4.) being asked to leave for another couple. Usually, I only use Yelp to highlight good service and positive attitude in the service industry... until tonight. Pathetic and shameful. Cannot and will not recommend from now on. read more

Truly bad food. Nice enough staff but downright inedible fare. Cannot recommend this place to anyone. Cute decor but it ends there.

Great vibe, good drinks, and solid food. The salsa is flavorful but I wish it had more of a kick to it. I found the meat a little under seasoned but the enchilada sauce was flavorful enough to balance it out. A little pricey for a casual Mexican place but you pay for the location and the ambience. read more

Delicious food! I've been going here for years and our whole family loves it. Best salsa ever!!!

Not authentic at all will not go again. Only thing that was descent was the salsa rice was horrible.

Sorry... more than 3 strikes, and you're out. I wanted to sit outside and have a good margarita, plus I eat plant based, so with a full bar, outdoor seating, and mentions of good veggie options, I decided to give this place a try. I arrived, and the sweet, young girl working was quite overwhelmed with just 3 tables. It took her a VERY long time to even get me a menu. I come from the restaurant industry, and I know people have off days, so I cut her some slack. I had wanted to sit outside, but I knew just by how overwhelmed she was with only 3 tables inside, that there was NO way I was going to be able be able to eat outside, one of the big reasons I chose this restaurant. I was disappointed, but I understand understaffing and not great staff options can be a real challenge these days. I was happy they had an ACTUAL grilled veggie burrito, not just rice and beans, so I ordered that. I asked a question about a tequila that she had no answer to but told me another server who was coming would know the answer and that was that (she never asked the other server when that server did arrive.) When the burrito arrived, I was pleased with just how big it was. Sadly, the seasoning was quite bland, so I POURED salsa all over it to add flavor. As I began to eat, the next (big) strike happened when I found a very large hair in the food. It is so disgusting when this happens. Hair nets in kitchens are for a reason. I do understand this still happens sometimes, though, even when trying really hard, so I didn't make a big scene, but I did completely lose my appetite, showed the newer server, told her to please take it away, and take it off my bill, and that I would just order my drink. Because she was quite busy, I decided not to ask her about the other tequila from previously and just stick with a classic margarita which was described in the menu as sounding good as the old style classic margarita as tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. She turns around asks another man to make it, and he POURS IT OUT OF A PITCHER. And mind you, they charge SIXTEEN DOLLARS for this drink. And on top of that there are still only like maybe 7 tables total in the whole restaurant, including the ones who were already there and eating when I arrived. I took a sip of the margarita, and it was AWFUL. Tasted mostly like lime juice from a bottle. i am dumbfounded they charge $16 for a pre-mixed margarita. I can go to a chain restaurant, have cheaper and better tasting food and drinks, better QUALITY drinks for the same price or even cheaper, plus better service. I will NEVER go to this place again. I am amazed this place is able to remain open. read more

I'm giving it one stars for relatively ok service. The food however was terrible. Like really, really bad. None of us ate much because it unpalatable; sauces were like chef boyardee canned ravioli tinny. Meat they called carne asada was like mystery meat. We all left feeling ill. read more

Best margaritas in Santa Cruz County. And don't forget their chicken enchiladas...all white meat!

I have to say that based on one lunch here, the food suffered from an overall lack of flavor. Perhaps I hit them on an off day. First, starting with the salsa, it had absolutely no spice to it. It was really thick and tomato-y, with some onion and garlic, but no chile flavor and no smoky-ness or subtleties. This is harsh, but it reminded me of the kind of salsa they used to serve at Chi-Chis in the midwest in the 90s, made for people who had no experience with spicy food. For the entre I had the enchiladas with their "flatland" filling and mole sauce. I have to say that the mole sauce, in spite of being brown, remarkably tasted like nothing. It was quite thin and sort of a medium brown. The flatland filling did have an interesting flavor and chewy texture, so that wasn't a total loss. The service was nice so at least there is that. Maybe their chef was having an off day? read more

First time after hearing about this place for years! The food was pretty good, the margaritas were everything they're cracked up to be, the environment was cozy and our bus boy Tim was super attentive. We noticed that he had an awesome worth ethic and made sure everyone had what they needed at all times. read more

Very lively place, and strong, full, bodied margaritas. But don't forget the food; this is not just a bar scene. Great Mexican influenced plates with a Spanish and French flair. Not your Taqueria that you can find everywhere, but very cool and interesting dishes. Wish I could go more to enjoy their rotating specials and interesting artwork throughout the restaurant. A special nod to Frida Kahlo. A nice patio for alfresco dining to. read more

Great marg but that's it. Bay shrimp in an enchilada? Creepy and very disappointing. Have never seen bay shrimp in anything but a Louis or a Shrimp Cocktail - it has no place in an enchilada. Love the kitschy ambience but my date's food was a DRY rib covered in jalapeño sauce with ZERO jalapeño flavor. Just sauce to mask how dry it was. also, food served 5 minutes max after ordered never feels right. It's been years since dining here and we will not come back. One more thing. when calling for reservation, the girl on phone said we don't take reservations and hung up without saying goodbye. That was no big deal for me since I know young employees often lack social sophistication but management has a few things to look at here. If they care. read more

Ordered online tonight, and was charged over $1000 dollars for a very small order. Be it their fault or ChowNow, I'll never order online there again, or go to the restaurant... read more

Had a very bad service experience. We came in and there was a line, no waiting list. Someone is line told us service was based on waiting in line. There were two groups ahead of us. One got seated. Meanwhile the bar was open. The person ahead of us sat with her family at the bar. We asked if we could sit at the bar and were told we could. We were sitting for 5 minutes and were asked to give up our seats to another couple. Apparently this couple complained to the staff that they had been waiting. We did not see them waiting and again there was no waitlist. We were escorted back to the line and our chips were placed on the railing. We left. I won't waste time on bad service. read more