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!**

" On the whole, I had a rather average experience at Cafe El Palomar. The view is fantastic, as expected. However, I found the food merely okay. My carne asada tacos lacked seasoning, and I almost wished I'd just gone to a nearby taco truck instead. I will say the staff were attentive, which was a plus, but I cannot overlook the food quality. I think they could seriously improve the recipes for their traditional dishes to align better with authentic Mexican flavors. If they handle that, I might consider coming back. " (*Curated Review*)

" This place is absolutely stunning! The ocean views are breathtaking. I came here for a birthday celebration, and they made the experience very special. My friends and I enjoyed a variety of dishes, and everything was delicious! The guacamole was outstanding, and we couldn't get enough of their homemade chips. The only downside was the size of the burritos; they could be a bit bigger for the price. Despite that, the overall experience was fantastic, and I would recommend this place for anyone looking to have a great meal with amazing scenery! " (*Curated Review*)

" While dining here, I found the atmosphere to be bright and inviting. The decor reflected traditional Mexican culture, which I appreciated. My friend and I decided to order a variety of dishes to share. The carne asada nachos were loaded with toppings, and the flavors were vibrant. The only downside was that the service could have been a little quicker, especially considering the restaurant wasn’t too busy at the time. Overall, I enjoyed the meal very much, and we both agreed that we would return, particularly for the amazing view! " (*Curated Review*)

" Cafe El Palomar never fails to deliver on flavor and freshness. I love the chips and salsa served at the beginning; it sets the tone for what’s to come. Last time I had the chicken enchiladas, and they were delightful! The blend of spices was just right. I also appreciate their flexibility with accommodating dietary preferences. Overall, it’s a lovely beachside restaurant that feels warm and welcoming. " (*Curated Review*)

" I was really looking forward to dining at Cafe El Palomar, but I left feeling disappointed. The service was friendly, but it took forever to get our food, and when it arrived, it was lukewarm. My shrimp enchiladas were lacking flavor, which was a shame because I had heard great things. I hope it was just an off day because I had such high expectations. I'll think twice before returning. " (*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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