El Palomar

Wonderful food with a gorgeous atmosphere. Note that it is located inside a hotel, but of course you don't need to be a guest to eat there. We were seated inside due to the size of our party, but it is still gorgeous in there with the artwork and tall, wood-beam ceilings. The portions are very sizeable (the photo does not quite do my burrito justice because the utensils were also large), and the salsa provided for our table had some nice spice. Even though we didn't order anything at the bar, their horchata is definitely worth a try. Would love to sit in the sunroom during my next visit; this is a beautiful restaurant!

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.

El Palomar Taco Bar is one of my favorite spots to grab a burrito or some tacos. You can sit down and enjoy them there, or take them to go. This is a spot I like to grab dinner from a lot.

The shrimp tacos, chicken quesadilla, and carne asada burritos are my favorites. Their meats are so juicy and flavorful and they also make home-made tortillas.

They have a little bar and always have whatever game you want to watch on. It connects to the main El Palomar Restaurant if you want a nicer sit-down dinner.

Located in downtown Santa Cruz. Excellent chips and salsa.

I’m general I’m not a big fan of maxican food… but this restaurant totally changed my perspective
They served us with freshly baked chips… they were out of the world. Even the entire dish with prawns was so good… lovely gravy. Must just visit

I arrived with five tables. Our waitress was incredibly kind and accommodating to my friend's dietary requirements. He was very kind! Excellent assistance! The cuisine was simply delicious. It was the best restaurant cuisine I've had in years, seriously. The prices are excellent. Everyone at my table agreed that their dinner was excellent. The wasabi vinaigrette on the ahi tuna salad is delicious and a great deal for the price. The ahi tuna was excellent quality and fresh. Without a doubt, I'll be back! (Edit: I had to challenge the double charge I received when I returned to this location with my bank. From now on, I shall only be making cash payments.

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.

Best Cadillac margaritas I've had yet, but rather pricey. Not sure if I would go back there again. $70 on 3 Cadillac margaritas. Didn't find out until we got the check

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.

Fav menu item is 2 item combo: chili Colorado Taco and shredded beef enchilada. Their chips and salsa are incredibly tasty! Beautiful building!

Palomar is so "underrated" in my opinion. The place is not too visible as it is in the inner side of the Palomar Inn. And yes, it has some awkwardly high ceilings and interior, which I don't think it does justice to the restaurant. I know they are going for the authentic Mexican vibe but perhaps it is too outdated even for Mexican standards. Now the food. Absolutely fabulous. Fish tacos were great. Fajitas with chicken were well flavored and tender. And those tortilla/nacho chips you get for free... oh my god. Even the churros were extra crispy and done right. This place is a hidden jewel in Santa Cruz. We will return.

I came with a table of 5. Our waiter was sooo nice and helpful to accommodate my friend for her dietary needs. He was super nice! Great service! The food was AMAZING. Like, literally the best food I’ve had from a restaurant in years. Prices are great. Every person at my table thought their food was fantastic. I recommend the ahi tuna salad, it’s so good for the price and the wasabi vinaigrette on it tastes so good! The ahi tuna was fresh and great quality. I will definitely be returning! (Edit: I came back to this place and they double charged me, I had to dispute it with my bank. I will only be paying cash from now on).

My son, daughter and I had dinner at the El Palomar this evening. I had the Chicken Tortilla Soup which is absolutely delicious. The best I’ve had in the area and a larger portion size. My kids had the burrito meal and also loved it. Our waitress took our orderly quickly and was very kind. Our food also arrived soon after we ordered. We felt well taken care of by all the staff. We will be back soon and would highly recommend to all! Also, it’s such a beautiful building and atmosphere.

This place is great! The Horachata and Margaritas (strong...lol) were delicious. The customer service was great! We ordered burrito, sopes (different style but good), enchiladas, and pozole (really really good). We had 5 people and didn't way long to be seated.

The last time I was at El Palomar was a bit over 20 years ago. I didn't even remember where it was besides the street name.

Anyway, we were not disappointed. I got the chile verde, which was excellent and the other dishes were just as good. It was a first for some of my friends who were in California for the first time.

There were two chimichangas (one with beef, the other with carnitas) that were both very good and two quesadillas that were equally appreciated.

Prices were respectable: my dish being the priciest at $23, while the others were sub $20.

I have not had Mexican food this favorable in a while. Service was great everyone was friendly. Had the choice of eating on patio or inside. I had the Ribeye that was sat on top of a sauce. My friend had the enchiladas dinner which had a very delicate distinct flavor. Flour and corn tortillas were fresh much not forget the guacamole!!!

The ambiance! The food! The service!

There's a reason it's so popular!

The grilled snapper was so Good! It was recommended by a friend and I have to say She was SO right!

Best Mexican food in Santa Cruz!
The bar is excellent as well.

Taco bar is our favorite! Homeade tortillas and delicious everything down to the salsa. A true locals favorite from generation to generation. Sweetest mama's putting love into the food for us all to receive. So good you can taste the love!

Really great food! Excellent service & the atmosphere was beautiful.