Reviews

Overall Total Score
4 out of 5
Impressive | 6867 reviews

What Constance Lynn likes about EL Palomar Restaurant:
Went to dinner here for my birthday on Friday 11/17 (party of 4). We got there about 8pm, and were seated originally at a table that was gonna he too small for all the food we wanted. The manager overheard us talking about wanting a big booth, and several minutes later came over, told us “come with me, we have a bigger table for you”. He had staff clean it quickly (people were just leaving), and get us in there. Exce... View all feedback. What Elaina Kemmer doesn't like about EL Palomar Restaurant:
The server disappeared about 10 minutes at the beginning, which was good, I guess. The money I've ever spent on a burrito that has only rice beans and chicken. No quac, sour cream, salad, cheese, Zilantro or something. A Taco truck would be twice as good for 1/2 of the price. The ambience was beautiful. View all feedback.

Reviews from various websites

Tripadvisor
3.9 ★ from 313 reviews
Journey18736693900
27.05.2024 - 04:30

The service was exceptional. They had two bowls of chips, two salsas, and waters placed on the table within 1 minute of us being seated. Waiter was prompt, seve...

read more
7268
27.05.2024 - 04:30

Exceeded expectations. I was a bit put off by the low Yelp score, but I gave them a try anyway. I'm glad I did. The strips of steak were very good. Chips tasted...

read more
Polly
27.05.2024 - 04:30

Paula=lovely. However order was incomplete and then I received six ! phone calls to say they had forgot to charge. ???

RDT1971
27.05.2024 - 04:30

Great location in a historic building in downtown. Friendly service and great food in large portions. A decent Margarita with chips and a spicy salsa while you...

read more
soifdawg
27.05.2024 - 04:30

Our fave Mexican restaurant in town. Homemade tortillas , fresh ingredients, great ambience and fine service. Love their fish tacos, ceviche, margaritas, etc. W...

read more

El Palomar offers a mixed experience according to reviews. Some found the service slow and the food mediocre, with dishes described as watered down, lukewarm, and disappointing. Complaints range from poor service to lack of cheese on beans. On the other hand, positive reviews highlighted the fresh chips and salsa, delicious dishes like ahi tuna salad, and friendly service. The restaurant's great atmosphere, with intricate high ceilings, a courtyard, and live music, was also noted by some. Overall, while some diners have vowed not to return due to various reasons, others praised the food and service, proving El Palomar presents a mix of experiences for customers.

Menu
4.0 ★ from 11 reviews
Timothy
12.05.2023 - 06:38

Great food and service! Try one of their unique margaritas. Very recommend their Verdes Chicken enchiladas.

Elaina
12.05.2023 - 06:38

The server disappeared about 10 minutes at the beginning, which was good, I guess. The money I've ever spent on a burrito that has only rice beans and chicken....

read more
Mauricio
12.05.2023 - 06:38

Amazing Mexican food! Tried her Jose plate! Great! The Carne Asada Ranchera! Great! And her chimichanga! Great! I always come to lunch after my beach trip. Grea...

read more
Carole
12.05.2023 - 06:38

I remember when El Palomar was the place of action, the knees of bees, the destination for the best Mexican food in the city. With this high vault ceiling it wa...

read more
Kacie
12.05.2023 - 06:38

All of the staff were very attentive to us. Their food was some of the best I've ever had. The chips, dinner plates (seafood tostada, seafood cocktail, vegetabl...

read more
Google
4.3 ★ from 1178 reviews
jlt
13.11.2023 - 14:52

Amazing food, nostalgic location and feel. Perfect spot for a romantic dste night or to hang out with friends in the bar and watch some games.

Sarah
13.11.2023 - 14:52

Fast service,really delicious Mexican food(Tacos the taco bar are my go to for this place)! Especially if your low on funds and have little time to grab your fo...

read more
City
13.11.2023 - 14:52

Love the vibe and the ambiance. Drinks are good as well.

Brian
13.11.2023 - 14:52

Like a lot of places, the quality of the food has come down a notch since before the global pandemic. Still very tasty though, still a great place for a date ni...

read more
Douglas
13.11.2023 - 14:52

We love this place! The food is always good and authentic Mexican! The service is great and the drinks are awesome! Enjoy!!!

Int Restaurants
4.0 ★ from 2579 reviews
Carolyn
29.08.2023 - 12:08

Service was great!!! They were unexpectedly very busy and my server was still very attentive to our table. The food was outstanding My 6 year old was like this...

read more
Mariella
29.08.2023 - 12:08

This place is delicious. Had the red snapper taco; it began with a handmade tortilla, refried beans, sauteed red snapper, finely chopped cabbage and a green sal...

read more
Rebecca
29.08.2023 - 12:08

There is no better Mexican food in our area. Everything is perfectly fresh and yummy. The service can't be beat and the staff is so easy on the eyes. I could no...

read more
Emanuel
29.08.2023 - 12:08

Excellent food, amazing people and an awesome family oriented establishment! Love this place!

Jessy
29.08.2023 - 12:08

We drive every 2 years from Montreal canad to santa cruz... and eating at your restaurant is on our To do LIst.... we love the place and the food!!!

Yelp
3.7 ★ from 1020 reviews
Karey
09.02.2024 - 04:15

Joe made me the best marg ever! Spicy watermelon was so good, I split a mango one after. This spot has the best chips and salsa around too. Their pazole...

Cheri
09.02.2024 - 04:15

Definitely one of those times. I wish I could leave 3 and 1/2 stars. The atmosphere is fine, nothing to get excited about but not bad either. The chips and...

Nancy
09.02.2024 - 04:15

This is my boyfriend's favorite place for chili Colorado . The sauce is spicy with a hint of sweetness. Mahi Mahi tacos are very traditional, presented...

Sirved
4.1 ★ from 1559 reviews
Gastroranking-us
4.2 ★ from 1420 reviews

Good Rated Restaurants near Santa Cruz

4.9
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.9
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Aptos (near Santa Cruz), 50 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, United States
"I am a big fan of the coffee at Peet's."
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 106 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, California, USA, 95060, United States
"Was amusing a really big tofu scramble after a disappointing one from another caffe on the day before and so I decided to try walnut. wow, that was th..."
4.3
Menu
Open Now
4.3
Menu
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 1053 Water St, 95062, Santa Cruz, US, United States
"Ok place, but for $5 tacos I expected a little more tasteful. Total fairly dry"
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 1148 Soquel Ave, 95062, Santa Cruz, US, United States
"Food was fantastic!! Great service"
4.6
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.6
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 2650 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, United States Of America, 95065
"Our favorite place for breakfast"
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.3
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 1134 Soquel Ave, 95062, Santa Cruz, US, United States
"Hidden treasure. Outside seating delightful."
4.6
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.6
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, United States Of America
"There's tacos at the back. Amazing music and food"
4.5
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.5
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 1209 Soquel Ave, 95062, Santa Cruz, United States
"Amazing lambs! I had only a few times Russian food (even a few times in Russia), so I can not comment on the authenticity of food, but I can tag that..."
4.7
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.7
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 320 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, United States
"LOVE THE KUUMBWA JAZZ CENTER!!! We saw HIROMI"
4.5
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
4.5
Menu
Table booking
Open Now
City: Santa Cruz, 1203 Pacific Ave, 95060, Santa Cruz, US, United States
"Fast and tasty. Currently closed for remodeling"