Cafe El Palomar

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.3 (771)


Cafe El Palomar is highly regarded for its delicious Mexican cuisine and stunning ocean views. With many customers appreciating the authenticity of the dishes, it has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The service is typically friendly, although there are occasional comments regarding inconsistencies. Overall, customers enjoy the inviting atmosphere and often remark about the generous portion sizes, making it a worthwhile dining experience.

Overall:

4.5

(628 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.2

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.0


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (831) 477-0371

Address: 2222 E Cliff Dr STE 100, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Watching Sports

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" An overall wonderful restaurant for a casual meal by the beach! We tried quite a few items from the menu, and they were mostly fantastic. Loved the grilled fish tacos and the flavorful salsa. The only hiccup was the slight wait for our food to come out, but it was worth it. The patio area gives a really nice coastal vibe. Perfect for families or anyone who appreciates direct beach access with great food. We will definitely be back soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" Whether it's a casual Friday night or a special occasion, Cafe El Palomar never disappoints! The staff is attentively accommodating, and their menu offers a wide range of authentic Mexican fare. I love their enchiladas and enjoy having them with a side of guacamole. Sitting outside while sipping on a refreshing drink enhances the Mexican dining experience. I always recommend it to anyone visiting Santa Cruz! " (*Curated Review*)

" The biggest draw for Cafe El Palomar has to be its location. Situated right on the beach, the setting is perfect for those wanting to combine great food with an ocean view. We tried the carne asada and chicken fajitas, both of which were juicy and flavorful. Very authentic! The only thing holding it back a bit was the slow service during peak dining hours, but the friendly staff made up for it. I can’t wait to go back! " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited Cafe El Palomar last weekend, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish! We were greeted warmly and seated quickly. The ocean view was stunning, and it added to the overall atmosphere. I ordered the shrimp tacos, and they were bursting with flavor, complemented by their fresh-made salsa. The portion was generous, and the price was just right. My friends had the carne asada burrito, which they loved as well. The service was attentive, with our server checking in on us regularly. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual yet enjoyable dining experience right by the beach! " (*Curated Review*)

" Cafe El Palomar provides a great escape by the ocean. I enjoyed the ambiance and thought the chips and salsa were a nice touch while we were seated. The burrito I ordered was filled with fresh ingredients, though I thought the flavors could have been more pronounced. Service was standard, overall a decent experience but didn't wow me. I'd consider giving it another try in the future. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (618)

" Although the view is fantastic, I wouldn’t say the food lives up to its reputation. My enchiladas definitely didn’t taste authentic and lacked flavor, which was disappointing given the hype. The service was adequate- they got us seated quickly but didn’t check in much after the order was taken. I might return for drinks and chips, but I’m not sure about a full meal again. " (*Curated Review*)

" If you're craving authentic Mexican food with a side of breathtaking views, look no further than Cafe El Palomar! The carne asada tacos were incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The service was prompt, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Definitely a great place for families or friends looking to enjoy a good meal by the beach. Can't wait to come back and try their breakfast menu too! " (*Curated Review*)

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