Palomar Santa Cruz - El Palomar Santa Cruz CA
El Palomar
1336 Pacific Avenue,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-3932
(831) 425-7575 | 
Reserve Now
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Price | $11.5 - $19.95 |
| Ambiance | Casual |
| Parking | Street, Lot |
| Reservations | Accepted (Reserve Online) |
| Attire | Business Casual |
| Neighborhood | Santa Cruz |
| Meal Served | Lunch, Dinner |
| Payment Accepted | Cash, Credit Cards |
| Take Out | Yes |
Palomar Santa Cruz - Summary:
(from elpalomarcilantros.com) - Nestled comfortably in the historic Palomar Inn on Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, El Palomar has been a local favorite since 1983. Owners Jose & Amelia Espinoza have continually delivered Santa Cruz with a unique standard in Mexican cuisine. Fine-tuned over the years, our vivid specialty dishes contain only the finest ingredients in preparation, accompanied by our fresh in-house salsas and handmade corn tortillas, which make for a fantastic touch to an already delicious meal.
At El Palomar, patrons enjoy the fullest and finest of downtown dining experience. The historic building provides for a cozy atmosphere for our spacious dining room. With high-Vaulted ceilings and large booths, this gorgeous room feels welcomingly familiar. Come enjoy one our award winning margaritas (voted Best Margarita by the Good Times, 2008), while relaxing and taking in the sounds of Mexico provided by our house Trio.
If you are looking for a lighter, more casual scene, scoot yourself into the open Cantina where you never have to look far for a smile and a delicious cocktail. Our Cantina, equipped with a beautiful full bar and extensive tequila selection, is the perfect setting for an evening after work or a quick bite to eat. Our Happy Hour is unbeatable (voted Best Happy Hour by Good Times, 2008) with half-priced appetizers and drink specials from 4-9pm. With quenching spirits and endless chatting, there’s never a dull moment in this fun and sun-packed Cantina!
Now if tacos are what you have a taste for, look no further then our very own in El Palomar Taco Bar. This little hidden gem is a definite island oasis for taco lovers! Juicy Red Snapper tacos, among many other delightful fillings are sure to leave you completely satisfied. Join us for “Tuesday College Night”, where tacos are $2.00!
So whether you’re looking for a nice dinner in style or a cocktail among friends, El Palomar has something to offer for every occasion.
Palomar Santa Cruz - Reviews:
Positive Palomar Santa Cruz Review:
This restaurant has no real need to add my review, but I can't help it as I love to eat here.
I wouldn't call this place "fancy", but the inside has a nice dimly lit feel.
The highlight of this place is the chips and salsa, which are the best to found anywhere. The salsa has a great sweet-onion-and-cilantro taste. When you go, eat plenty of chips and share an order of fajitas. It's usually plenty of food for two average eaters, and will get you a fairly cheap dinner.
Also check out the "Taco Bar" in back behind the bar, also accessible through the coffee shop next door. It's great for a pre-movie bite to eat.
-James Q., Aptos, CA
Negative Palomar Santa Cruz Review:
i am forced to visit el palomar everytime my grandparents come to town, because they love it, but over the years i have become less and less impressed with their food. the vegetarian dishes are always bland, and its hard not to fill up on chips (which i have to say are more flavorful than many of the dishes i've sampled). their enchilada sauce is not very good, tostadas become soggy and inevitably crumble to bits, and everything is lacking in flavor overall. a highlight: their tortillas are delicious, i can never resist them, and they are always hot.
while the building is beautiful, they must be trying to conserve energy or something, the dining room is so dim! also, there is always a wait to be seated and the service itself is very slow! as an alternative, i would try the taco bar across the hall. its cheaper, quicker, and at least you can see what you are eating.
-Olive K., Santa Cruz, CA
Average Palomar Santa Cruz Review:
El Palomar is ok. They are the closest that downtown SC has to a sports bar and that is only because they have three T.V.s. Service is ok, food is ok, drinks are noting special. Nice selection of higher end tequila but poor selection of everything else. Prices are reasonable and there is plenty of seating in the bar area. The restaurant set up is a little awkward because people have to walk through the formal dining room to get the the more frequented bar and that kinda destroys any feeling of privacy. For the same $ and better food, drink, atmosphere take the short drive to Margaritaville in Capitola Village.
-Jay M., Santa Cruz, CA
Palomar Santa Cruz - Photos:
