We've rounded up Aptos' top Mexican spots for you to try.
Mexican · $$
261 Center Avenue, Aptos
Customers’ favorites
“Been enjoying Manuels since 1966. Love the red snapper, the salad, flautas with guacamole...great food always! Hopefully coming to dinner tonight! ♥️”
Mexican
257 Center Avenue, Aptos
“I love this place! The food is so good, it was my second time being there yesterday and the enchiladas tasted even more delicious than last time. You can tell the tortillas are homemade. I love going to Aptos beach and this is a good stop for dinner after. I get the chicken enchiladas and you can choose red or green salsa for the topping. So good! Very excellent service as well.”
Mexican · $
36 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos
Customers’ favorites
“Got take out , super fast service. Great food , nice portions Carne Asada Tacos and Burrito. I had 3 shrimp tacos, the bomb !!👍😁👍👍.”
Seafood · $$
21 Seascape Village, Aptos
Customers’ favorites
“My husband and I decided to check out the restaurant for lunch and it exceeded our expectations. We order the empanadas as a starter and they were absolutely delicious. The tocos we ordered were so yummy. They had such flavor, texture had depth. The wait staff were wonderful; professional, responsive, and always attending to our needs. We can't wait to return.”
Mexican · $
7488 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Customers’ favorites
“I’ve been eating at Gordos for 22 plus years now. Favorite taqueria of all time. Always recommend it to friends, only leaving this review because the burrito I had last night was literally the most perfect burrito they’ve ever made for me. It blew my mind. I’ve literally ordered the same thing for 22 years almost weekly 😂 love this place. Thank you Gordos!”
Mexican · $$
1203 Mission Street, Santa Cruz · 7.77 miles
Customers’ favorites
“great service! delicious, authentic Oaxacan food. We will go back!”
Mexican · $
354 Washington Street, Santa Cruz · 7.13 miles
Customers’ favorites
“The best Taqueria in town! Definitely overall service and the food 20/10 ! The team is beyond the amazing. The ambiance is chill and good for family too! This is one of my fav. Un taco crispy al pastor con aguacate y no habichuelas ! Enjoy! Thanks Guys”
Mexican · $
1047 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville · 8.51 miles
Customers’ favorites
“the best place for a full meal. all home made . I follow them from Salinas to Watsonville. to me they are the best.”
Mexican · $
139 Water Street, Santa Cruz · 6.98 miles
Customers’ favorites
“their meats are out of this world good. some of the best I've been going to tons of taquerias for years. tacos are legit. burritos are huge and balanced perfectly. my new spot! ORALÉ !!!!”
Mexican · $
4724 Soquel Drive, Soquel · 3.25 miles
Customers’ favorites
“the Salmon Tacos are to die for!!! I've been enjoying them for 18 years.”
Mexican · $
1710 Brommer Street, Santa Cruz · 4.71 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Hidden gem! Be sure to do their 5-pounder burritos challenge, I thought it's either a typo or I was in Vegas. But it's a real thing, I was shock by the size of it (that's what she said), and If you can eat it in 10 mins then it's free! Also shout out to Jonny what a great guy, 10/10 recommend this place”
Mexican · $
129 West Lake Avenue, Watsonville · 8.97 miles
“I had a fantastic experience using Mr Ralph Carico Services when exploring investment options.The professionalism and knowledge of the team gave me great confidence I can wholeheartedly recommend him without reservation, Mr Ralph Carico”
Mexican · $
95 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley · 8.27 miles
Customers’ favorites
“EVERYTHING was amazing. can't get enough of this place . the warm bean dip and salsa is wonderful. the micheladas were super yummy. EVERYTHING WAS so yum.y and flavorful. best food ever”
Mexican · $$
458 Main Street, Watsonville · 9.04 miles
Customers’ favorites
“great tasting food it was a packed little place with people waiting outside to be seated”
Mexican · $
2019 North Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz · 7.06 miles
Customers’ favorites
“This is a fantastic neighborhood Mexican restaurant. It is family-owned, and everybody is very friendly and helpful. The food is great! Wonderful dishes like machete taco or the super burritos. They serve wine and beer. We live in the area so we go to either dine in or take home. Always delicious!”
Mexican · $
1836 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz · 5.58 miles
Customers’ favorites
“The best taqueria in Santa Cruz!!! My family and I highly recommend this place❤”
Mexican · $
718 Capitola Avenue, Capitola · 2.95 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Great chicken tacos 🌮 chips & salsa - the whole family enjoyed 👍🏼 Friendly service as well.”
Mexican · $
1053 Water Street, Santa Cruz · 6.14 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Where do I begin!? Favorite burrito spot since I was a child. The house sauce is literally the best in the world. I’ve yet to ever find somewhere else that has it. Everytime I come home to visit I go here multiple times. 12/10 Would recommend the pastor burrito it’s my favorite 🤩”
Mexican · $$
231 Esplanade, Capitola · 2.95 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Great service, food and atmosphere”
Mexican · $
11 Alexander Street Ste B, Watsonville · 9 miles
Customers’ favorites
“I recommend this restaurant the food it's very good I will keep this restaurant the five starts”
Tacos · $
1204 Mission Street, Santa Cruz · 7.64 miles
Customers’ favorites
“The Real Taco is THE place! The Mission location has a slightly more extensive menu and is always my go to whenever I make my way to Santa Cruz. The flavors are incredible, and they’re so generous with their portions of meat and toppings that I always leave feeling completely satisfied. It’s a spot I’m constantly craving and coming back to for more! My must-orders: the Quesabirria Plate, Surf & Turf Burrito, and their nachos. You really can’t go wrong with anything!!!”
Mexican · $
2525 Soquel Drive Ste A, Santa Cruz · 4.22 miles
Customers’ favorites
“The Service is great !!! Beef taco is wonderful :) Also they do an American breakfast if you desire.Everything iv had is really good !!!”
Food Trucks · $
1855 41st Ave R01, Capitola · 3.95 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Their pastor tacos are delicious, and they don't skimp on the meat. Quesadillas are really good too. The included chips are crispy and fresh, and the salsa is very flavorful and bright, whether you choose mild, hot, or fiery. If I lived nearby, I'd come back regularly!”
Mexican · $
236 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz · 6.5 miles
Customers’ favorites
“so delicious! everything we got was amazing especially the Quesabirria Tacos with consome!”
Mexican · $
30 East 5th Street # D, Watsonville · 8.94 miles
Customers’ favorites
“It is a hole in the wall but it has a lot of potential. I went for menudo,while waiting i got chips and salsa. The salsa was good. As i came in, aomeone was eating sopes, they looked really good. I only tried the menudo but i will definitely go back to try other things”
Mexican · $
1 Green Valley Road, Freedom · 7.51 miles
Customers’ favorites
“For the price it's really good. If you go during happy hour, they have great deals. The beer is cold and they have about 10 beers on tap at any given time, they have $10 pictures. And if it's a Tuesday, they have $1.50 tacos all day. My wife and I dot all the usual suspects calamari, chicken wings, jalapeno poppers, and a bunch of tacos. They all were really good.The calamari came out a little dark , but still edible and tender inside.the wings where really good, we Had a fish taco, it was pretty big for 5 dollars. I think the star of the show is the carne asada and all the different beers you can choose from now I think you get a tall glass of beer for 6 bucks at happy hour. You wouldn't expect this in a gas station.We didn't, but we enjoyed it.Give it a try”
Mexican · $
611 Main Street, Watsonville · 8.85 miles
Customers’ favorites
“muy rico todo los tamales son de primera Calidad y los tacos mas ricos que he comido gracias por su dedication a su labor.”
Mexican · $$
1336 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz · 6.99 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Delicious food Love eating here …”
Mexican · $
45 Aviation Way, Watsonville · 6.95 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Flavorful authentic delicious mexican food and the vibe is great. Great waitresses.”
Mexican · $
18 Victor Square Ext # A, Scotts Valley · 8.3 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Fairly priced. But very good quality food, I always get the carnitas super burrito or the shrimp super burrito, cuz I usually go on my lunch but the caldo de rez looks rly good ima go on my day off one day to try it. Highly recommend, the shrimp are really good.”
Mexican · $
1719 Mission Street, Santa Cruz · 7.88 miles
Customers’ favorites
“10/10 — Definitely worth the hype! TikTok really hyped up Taqueria La Katrina in Santa Cruz, so I had to come give it a try, and let me tell you, it was SO worth it! The food was delicious, fresh, hot, and came out super fast. The service was great, and the whole experience was amazing. Everything hit the spot, and I can definitely see why everyone is talking about this place! If you’re in Santa Cruz and looking for some good Mexican food, you NEED to check this place out. I’ll definitely be coming back! 🌮🔥 10/10 recommend!”
Family · $
1855 41st Avenue ste F02, Capitola · 5.24 miles
Customers’ favorites
“My friend and I had breakfast at Evarits’s Comal this morning and it was FABULOUS! My veggie eggs Benedict was perfectly cooked, with one of the best hollandaise sauces I’ve ever tasted. The fruit accompaniment was delicious and fresh. Service was on point. I even got serenaded and served a yummy dessert when they found out it was my birthday. I wholly recommend this excellent restaurant!”
Mexican · $
21400 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz · 5.18 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Very clean market and mexican taqueria. The food is delicious with all the traditional options of a taqueria, including a help-yoursef salsa & chip bar. The market is small, clean, and caters items for quock neighborhood pickups and for beach goers.”
Mexican · $
15 East Beach Street, Watsonville · 9.12 miles
Customers’ favorites
“I’ve been coming to this spot for a couple years now and the people working there have always welcomed me with some of the friendliest and greatest service I’ve had. They got to know me on a first name basis and when I call, they know what I want and have it ready for me. They always Have went above and beyond great service. I highly recommend this place.”
Mexican · $$
655 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz · 5.11 miles
Customers’ favorites
“This was our first time there and the food was great and the atmosphere was great.. also had great service. We will be back again..”
Mexican · $
35 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville · 9.02 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Chorizo Tacos were delicious $3 each. Such a steal! Love them.”
Mexican
1505 Commercial Wy, Santa Cruz · 4.73 miles
Customers’ favorites
“My favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz when I was an undergrad at UCSC!! They make their tortillas fresh in front of your eyes for your meal. Everything is made in-house and with fresh ingredients, making your eating experience unforgettable! I will miss this place greatly but I 100% recommend anyone to stop by this place for a great meal!”
Mexican · $$
4616 Soquel Drive, Soquel · 3.31 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Great food , Great Margaritas! , Great service, 😊”
Mexican · $
110 Pennsylvania Drive, Watsonville · 8.23 miles
Customers’ favorites
“This small Mexican-American establishment serves a variety of classic Mexican dishes. During my visit, I tried the chicken fajitas, carne asada plate, and chicken soup, all of which were quite tasty. However, the meal fell a bit short with the sides. The whole beans didn't taste very fresh, and the corn tortillas were heated with oil rather than toasted. This restaurant could really elevate its food by switching to fresh, handmade tortillas and serving freshly made whole beans.”
Mexican · $
1471 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville · 7.88 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Out of town met looking for dinner and based on google reviews we stopped here. The girl who took our order/server was very nice and even asked the kitchen for a meat not listed on the menu, which they had. Our food came hot and not long after we ordered. I got two quesabirrea tacos and I liked how they were filled with meat and not too much cheese, usually it’s the opposite. They were flavorful and came with enough consume. I was also able to add onion and cilantro and salsa from the salsa bar. My husband ordered two tacos de lengua and two de pastor. He said lengua itself didn’t have too much flavor but with salsa and sides it brought it together. Our only disappointment was they ran out of Mexican cokes. But overall we had a good experience. I recommend if your in the area to try this place out!”
Mexican · $$
1934 Main Street, Watsonville · 7.67 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Dropped in from San Diego ca food was great and definitely recommend to everyone”
Mexican · $$
618 Main Street, Watsonville · 8.88 miles
Customers’ favorites
“On vacation from FL. We was craving Mexican food, our hotel suggested this place, and what a great place to eat! The food was authentic and it was a treat! Our server we met was Lilly was so nice it made the food that much better! Can't wait to go again before we leave the area. Keep up the great food and customer service!”
Mexican · $$
2222 East Cliff Drive Ste 100, Santa Cruz · 5.68 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Great place to meet up with friends, for breakfast or anytime! Great beach and lighthouse view, and casual, comfortable atmosphere! I highly recommend!!”
Mexican · $
1221 Mission Street, Santa Cruz · 7.66 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Staff was super friendly and they truly cared about the customers. I had the fish taco and it was amazing”
Mexican · $
206 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz · 6.97 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Los tacos de lengua mis favoritos con aguacate. Y mi coca cola mexicana,”
Mexican · $
608 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz · 6.46 miles
Customers’ favorites
“It sad to say the taqueria in my Town Tracy cannot even come close to the superior food .”
Mexican · $$
2605 South Main Street, Soquel · 3.13 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Excellent customer service today from server Heather. She totally accommodated the fact that I am gluten free and took her time to go over the entire menu with me, and she also made me up a fresh batch of gluten free chips. Heather is so knowledgeable and really kind and patient. i felt really cared for us.A customer and the food was very good too.”
Mexican · $
235 Mount Hermon Rd C, Scotts Valley · 8.55 miles
Customers’ favorites
“Me ans my family loves this place service is great food is great they have vegetarian options i do recommend all the haters saying bad horrible dont go Well brother sorry to say YOU ARE A LIER!!!! Best salsa vegie salsa hot salsa mild salsa good rice good meat good beans sooooooo good do recommend Like dont go to taco bell or Mc Donald across the street please dont los gallos is to good no thi food GO YO LOS GALLOS OR I WILL FIND WHERE YOU LIVE”
Mexican · $
130 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville · 9.07 miles
Customers’ favorites
“This Taqueria has the best sopes and at an affordable price. You will always find this place full of people. Food is fresh and the Chile's rellenos also tacos , nachos , tortas on the weekends they have birria and menudo, I you're in Watsonville come to this place, you will enjoy your food without hurting your wallet.”
Mexican · $
200 Lee Road, Watsonville · 8.89 miles
Customers’ favorites
“This one is nestled behind a Chevron gas station. There is also a Subway on the same premises. This taqueria has plenty of options, and many of them are pretty good. We tried the Super Chile Relleno Burrito, Fish Soft Taco, Taco Gobernador, and Baja Perico Taco. There were so many options that we got confused, but in hindsight, we should have ordered the Chile Relleno as a plate instead. The burrito was huge and tasted good. The Taco Gobernador and Baja Perico Taco were out of this world, especially the Gobernador. It's a must-try and an absolute flavor explosion. The fish tacos were generously loaded. Definitely recommend this taqueria if you're nearby and looking for one.”
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Qdoba Mexican Eats is speeding up its growth across the nation, adding 33 new locations to its plans and bringing total restaurant commitments to more than 500 across the United States. The fast-casual Mexican chain is growing through key franchise partnerships in many regions. In the Northeast, PFGS, LLC will build 15 locations across Springfield, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. Meanwhile, Empire Inc. has agreed to open 10 restaurants in the Columbus, Ohio area, using their experience running over 100 restaurants including Subway and Dunkin' stores.