El Palomar

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1336 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Join us for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch or our weekday happy hour specials. Since El Palomar's opening in 1983, Jose and Amelia Espinoza have been serving Santa Cruz unique and fresh Mexican cuisine inspired by authentic family recipes. Our commitment to excellence has continuously earned El Palomar the award of "Best Mexican Restaurant in Santa Cruz." El Palomar boasts a full bar with an extensive, hand-picked tequila selection. Join us every Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm for happy hour specials on our house margaritas and 100% agave margaritas. You can also enjoy our beer on tap. We also feature a Taco Bar for those on the go, as well as banquet and catering services to bring the experience to any event or location. Come see us at our Taco Bar! The hours of operation are: Wednesday & Thursday: 11:30 am - 8 pm Friday: 11:30 am - 9 pm Saturday: 11 am - 9 pm Sunday: 11 am - 8 pm Taco bar closed Monday & Tuesday
Join us for a bite at El Palomar!

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Reviews

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3.51,134 reviews
Photo of Panette P.
Panette P.
11/1/2025

Gave four stars instead of five because I waited at the front door while the staff stood in the galley on their phone, ignoring the business and customer (me) waiting at the front door for five...

Photo of Aurelia J.
Aurelia J.
7/22/2025

So we've been going to El Palomar for 20+ years and it's definitely had its fluctuations, but this last visit on 7/12 just wasn't up to their previous standard. Here you go: Food - 3/5: the free...

Photo of Kimberley H.
Kimberley H.
11/23/2025

First time here we met friends that were visiting California for lunch. It's a little deceiving to find because it's in the back of the building. But a very pretty restaurant great architecture....

Photo of Silpa D.
Silpa D.
12/28/2025

Everything tasted fresh and full of flavor. You can tell the ingredients are quality and the recipes are authentic. A great spot for real Mexican food--simple, satisfying, and delicious.

Suzanne F.
1/2/2026

Since Covid we typically order out from El Palomar. After years of almost weekly orders of Chile Colorado and Tortilla soup, we finally gave up because we wanted "no onions". They only got it...

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