El Palomar Restaurant, Santa Cruz

Not sure if this is reverse racism, but I think it is. The women would not acknowledge my existence. They treat white people like dog crap. Why? I'm a paying customer. They wouldn't take my order, take my money, or look at me.

I have been going here for 10 years and it is still my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. I have been to Mexico and had real cultural food, so i can tell you this is nothing like that. They make their corn tortillas fresh, and their salsa is the thin cooked kind but absolutly delicious. Sometimes the chips are not warm enough and can be a bit stale, but 80% of the time they are warm and crisp. Service time it pretty average, but waiting would be worth it. There are three parts. The main dining hall with has the full menu, the bar which has a partial menu, but sometimes they will let you pick something from the main menu if you know what you want and then the taco bar which is usually fast but you can only get smaller burritos, tacos and quesidillas. always get steak something. They use some sort of tomatillo marinade sauce which i love. Usually thin re-fried beans and orange rice comes with things. I recommend this place at its own style of mexican food.

Bar is ok. The food is decent Certainly not like what you might get in Mexico, but, you're not in Mexico. For American mexican food it is what I thought it would be, O.K. Kinda like El Toritos or something like that.

Chips and salsa is pretty good. Service is a little bit slow. Food is also quite Mexican-style. Nice environment.

YUCK! The flavors of this food ring out of cheap ingredients and remind me of cafeteria mexican. The chips are loaded with salt to entice patrons to drink more. This USED to be the best place to eat Mexican in Santa Cruz. Now it is a crappy place to eat cafeteria food.

Chips and salsa is awesome. Combine with their fish tacos and you have a fantastic meal for cheap. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Do it.

I dont find this place to be family or kid friendly at all. Its more of a stuffy room and a bar scene. The stafff are not very friendly to kids, that is my opinion. If you want the same type of food, even better salsa and service in a family friendly place go to Watsonville to Cilantros. I believe they have almost identical menus and same owners. Cilantros is my sons favorite restaurant.

Please be careful what you have here; I, personally, got VERY sick from this restaurant.

Outstanding food. Great atmosphere. Mixed drinks available. My favorite is Jose's Special - a meal for at least two. You can order the appetizer version, which is enough for my wife and I. Prices are reasonable. Service is excellent. Food is great tasting and well presented. This is the best spot for Mexican dining in Santa Cruz. I have been eating there for 25+ years and have never been disappointed.

The taco bar is the best place to go, it tastes delicious from their salsa to their burritos, its quick, and open late,..not much to dislike about it! Marinis candys is right next door which is always a great place after! thank you el palomar for being so yummy!! :)