Reviews for El Palomar in Santa Cruz, CA
The server disappeared for about 10 mins in the beginning which was okay I guess. The most money I have ever spent on a burrito... that just has rice beans and chicken. No quac, sour cream, lettuce, cheese, cilantro or anything. A taco truck would be twice asgood for 1/2 the price. The ambiance was nice I suppose. Read more
Amazing Mexican food! Tried their Jose platter! Awesome! Tried their Carne Asada Ranchera! Awesome! And their chimichanga!... Awesome! I always come here after my beach trip for lunch. Awesome ambience in the cantina. Prefer a table at the cantina. Asthe other side is much darker. The staff are VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL! I love their warm and fresh Tortilla chips! And thesalsa! Free flowing! God I had so many bowls every time. ?? Read more
I remember when El Palomar was the happenin place, the bee’s knees, the destination for the best Mexican food in town. With... that high vaulted ceiling it was a cross between a restaurant and a Spanish cathedral. There was buzz. The place rocked. Buthere comes the hard part… although first I’ll say, the Camarones lit me up like a Christmas tree! They were great! And therewere plenty, as if the were having a damn dance party on my plate. That being said, The rice and beans were bland and the worstoffense, the second bowl of chips had a few bigger chips and the rest of the basket were crumbs. I mean what am I supposed to dowith these any way? Honestly it’s kind of insulting. The waitress knows what she’s giving you is substandard. I felt like Iwas being punished for going though the first bowl before the mid meal mopping up phase. Ok, I get it, maybe they were runningout of the nice chips, but she could have said something, or even replaced the bowl when the good stuff came out. Did they thinkI wouldn’t notice? Over all, the place has fallen prey to the famous location curse, a phenomenon first documented in 1920 atMarsha Mam’s beautiful emporium and eatery. They too were the favored spot, the in place to be, but they got complacent. Theycounted on their fame, the desirability of the location, and the reputation of their humble, but extraordinary chef (no one hadever been an executive chef back then… they would have have laughed at the hubris). Well, it’s the same here. They havecustomer loyalty and history, and they have atmosphere up the wazoo, but what they don’t have is passion for the productanymore. They are just dialing it in, and it shows. I’d give them three stars, but the Camarones were really good, it’s likea diamond in a cheap ring, the rest of the meal detracts from the final effect. Read more
All of the staff were very attentive to us. Their food was some of the best I've ever had. The chips, dinner plates (seafood... tostada, seafood cocktail, vegetable tostada, vegetable chimichanga), and flan were super satisfying! Read more
My son, daughter and I had dinner at the El Palomar this evening. I had the Chicken Tortilla Soup which is absolutely delicious.... The best I’ve had in the area and a larger portion size. My kids had the burrito meal and also loved it. Our waitress took ourorderly quickly and was very kind. Our food also arrived soon after we ordered. We felt well taken care of by all the staff. Wewill be back soon and would highly recommend to all! Also, it’s such a beautiful building and atmosphere. Read more
This place is great! The Horachata and Margaritas (strong...lol) were delicious. The customer service was great! We ordered... burrito, sopes (different style but good), enchiladas, and pozole (really really good). We had 5 people and didn't way long tobe seated. Read more
I have not had Mexican food this favorable in a while. Service was great everyone was friendly. Had the choice of eating on... patio or inside. I had the Ribeye that was sat on top of a sauce. My friend had the enchiladas dinner which had a very delicatedistinct flavor. Flour and corn tortillas were fresh much not forget the guacamole!!! Read more
Great food and service! Try one of their unique margaritas. Highly recommend their verdes chicken enchiladas.