50 Best Mexican Restaurants near Aptos

“Manuel's is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the Santa Cruz area. The food is so good that I crave it! Considering how there is always a line of customers out the door (even on a Monday) and the dining area is always packed, Manuel's servers and chefs are quick! And get this: the service is always attentive, friendly, and fast! I've eaten here twice, and loved it both times. I would come here again and again. Only heads up is that the prices are a little steep for my blood. For my daughter and I, we ordered 2 meals: a combo plate and the Monday special that comes with salad and dessert. The portions were huge, and everything was tasty. We also enjoyed 2 baskets of complimentary chips and salsa. We didn't order anything else, including drinks, and the bill was $60+tip. As long as you're ok with the price tag, Manuel's is the place to go for good Mexican food with an upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere.“

“Tamales here are the best! My husband doesn't normally like tamales, but we ended up ordering an extra plate because he ate most of mine ?. Really friendly service and you get a small bowl of chips and salsa! There's also patio-like seating in the back, high chairs, and a restroom available for customers. It was a comfy place to have lunch on a sunny day in April!“

“When my family comes in from out of town, they almost always choose Palapas. Why? They accommodate large parties with a smile, the food is always good and hot, and I never feel rushed. Everyone tries different things, but I can't get past the combo enchilada platter. There's also a great view from almost every table.“

“This place, Los Pericos, there's a few that make a quality burrito, and I always prefer carnitas. I ordered the biggest one, the Deluxe burrito (guac, sour cream, cheese, etc,). When I got home I slapped it on my kitchen scale - I kid you not, 1.5 lbs! It was $13, but it's a great, monster-sized burrito, worth every penny.“

“Tasty breakfast. I had the machaca scramble. The tomatilla salsa that was provided was fantastic. The meal came with a choice of different toasts, but I was able to substitute corn tortillas. I'll be returning to try the chicken fajita omelet.Vegetarian options: There are vegetarian options like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros but vegans would be hard-pressed to find something.“

“Went to Copal on Easter Sunday 2024. We had a 4:45 pm reservation that was made online two days prior and verified via return phone call on Saturday.My friend had a screen shot of her online verification since it was for a holiday and she intended to stop by in person to verify but since Copal called her back to confirm she didn't worry about it. I used to live in Oaxaca and I was super excited.The wait staff were vivacious, friendly and attentive. My friend had enchiladas, I had the Quesadillas del Mercado. We also got sides of Chapulines and Nopalitos. I really wanted to try the green mole but didn't want another entire entree. They graciously accomodated with a side of green mole and a side of grilled chicken. I also got Aqua de Jamaica. Everything was delicious! I skipped the beans becsuse they were too firm but my friend loved them. The nopalitos were chopped into a salsa with onions. The Quesadillas were fantastic and more than I could finish at one meal, and the grilled chicken was beyond amazing. It brought back memories of the father/daughter butcher team that I used to buy from at the Mercado near Abrahan Castellanos- the meat is cut thin snd pounded very flat over a block of ice so that it is tender and cooks easily. The Chapulunes were big and as good as homemade, yum! I will definitely order chicken with green mole in the future but I will opt for take out.The downsides: The interior seating area has terrible acoustics and glare from outdoors. It might be better after dark.The bathroom seemed to be flooded and in need of repair. The person at the host station seemed to be focused on driving patrons out rather than welcoming them in, which was very puzzling. The host rattled off about five different suggestions as to why we must be mistaken in the three seconds it took for my friend to bring up the screen shot of the confirmation. The reservation was not on their books. So be sure to take a screen shot of your reservation and be prepared to be treated like a door crasher.Bottom line, the food is outstanding and I will definitely order take out from Copal in the future.“

“La Katrina was delicious! The murals are bright and welcoming. Four of us came for breakfast and were very happy: chilaquiles red and green, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burrito. Delicious food. Full salsa bar including fresh fruit, great coffee.“

“Ok my cousins wife got catering from these guys for their kids going away to the marine corps party yesterday & I just have to say I’m eating the leftovers a day later and it is still so amazing. I had to write a review.This place is delicious! They have all these different salsas you can buy in a deli case & seriously some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. The carnitas is fantastic. If I had to only eat 1 meat the rest of my life I can say confidently I would die happy eating this carnitas.“

“The best fish tacos I've ever had. Don't know how they do it, but their battered fish is the perfect balance of crispy and salty. The pickled radish slice on top is a treat in and of itself. Their Tinga Taco (chicken) is a thing a beauty as well. I highly recommend a visit. It's a small clean place with a few small tables and stools set at a narrow bar. They don't sell beer or wine, so it is a bit of a bummer not to be able to enjoy one with the tacos. Chips & Salsa are extra, but honestly, two fish tacos hit the spot on their own. The ladies there are super friendly (and they make the best tacos).“

“Went here for my birthday with some friends and was pleasantly surprised! Ordered the guacamole and chips which were so delicious, I couldn't stop eating! Also ordered a frozen strawberry marg and it was so refreshing~ The tacos were to die for though, I didn't feel heavy after eating them so definitely recommend! The service was fantastic and since it was my birthday, our waitress gave us the option between a free dessert or free birthday shot which I thought was so awesome. The restaurant was clean and I loved the ambiance, would definitely eat here again (:“

“We are regulars of El Chipotle Taqueria. First, the people are so nice, especially the owner. We have eaten there, but we mostly pick up food. We love everything! Tacos, burritos, platos, my husband loves their salmon. I'm not saying it's gourmet food, but it's hot, fresh, made to order and does not disappoint a hungry stomach.“

“Great food. I ordered my favorite. Quesabirria taco. Delicious! Ive been wanting to stop here for quite some time. I drive by it alot during work. The guys are soo nice and made ordering easy. The taco was full of flavorful meat, it was heavy. I could barelyy eat it all to be honest. I like that it came with grilled onions on the side. Definately stopping by again. They do take card payments. I was able to use a restroom in the nearby building. Parking lot is small and if your like me and drive a big vehicle, your better off parking on the street.“

“chips are fantastic! salsa and chip bar is brilliant!! quesadilla was perfect amount of cheese and crisp. brought a steak torta to my friends house three hours north, even being that old they said it was best torta ever. they want to drive down to just come get it fresh!“

“An excellent neighborhood cafe. The food is marvelous, menudo, chicken popusa, chicken sope, and the freshest most refreshing pico de gallo. Service was gratuitous, prompt, and attentive. The interior is, simple, clean and bright. Definitely a go-to location.“

“Sunday morning brunch regular at the bar for about a year now. Esteban and Luis are the BEST! :) Always friendly while pouring the most delicious custom Skinny Margueritas, couldn't ask for better bar staff. The only other thing I could ask for is a jalapeno burger menu offering which is the only thing missing from their menu. Other than that, 5/5.“

“We love eating at this place. We drive down from Felton to eat here all the time. They have super good carnitas and taco salad and basically everything. Plus the artwork on the walls is super cool and it’s been a family owned local business “

“Okay I am soooo serious when I say they have THE BEST super burritos here. I got the carne asada (steak). The meat was seasoned and cooked perfectly and the best part it had NO CHEWY fat gristle! The picture truly does it no justice. The amount of other toppings was harmony to the steak. The super comes with rice, beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese and meat. I added pico de gallo bite to bite and boy it was just delicious. I am sad they only have two locations and both are in Scotts Valley. But I will say it's good enough to take the 45 minute drive.“

“Good food and good service and very nice and friendly people me and my mom like to come here all the time it's great ???Vegetarian options: I'm not sure about there veggie menuParking: Plenty of parkingKid-friendliness: They don't care about your kid being thereWheelchair accessibility: They have room to get around“

“The waiter and service were great. Micheocan (sp) cuisine I think. The salsa and chips were great as well. Husband had chile relleno which was also good. I had chicken mole; it wasn't great nor was it bad. I have heard their tacos are great. Will try next time. Again, family owned restaurant, very nice waiter and greeter. Nice place.“

“I think this is the best restaurant in Watsonville. I particularly love the Comal de Mariscos, but they also make the best Chile Releno I've ever had. The fish filets are snapper prepared in many different styles, all very good. Wonderful people, too.“

“Tasty chile rellenos with rice and beans. Very nice taco and enchilada. So cheesy! We were expecting salty or oily but we got neither so it was great. You can set up your thick tortilla chips with pico de gallo or a couple of other salsas. You order up front counter, pay and they bring your food to you.“

“This is such a hidden gem!All the food I've had there is delicious from the tacos to the crazy pineapple - it's SO good with the seafood sauteed with pineapple just like I had in Mexico.On Fridays they have a mariachi band come in and play and initially I was kind of anxious but it quickly became clear that the musicians were there because this was an opportunity to have fun! They made it clear that we didn't have to pay to get serenaded or play a song but they were so fun that we ended up staying long after we were done eating. Passion project or not, we still ended up leaving the mariachis a tip with the wait staff lol“

“I've visited Santa Cruz numerous times, and I was so excited to finally discover this spot! We were driving through on the way to Monterey and decided to stop over for lunch. I had the "mini" chicken California burrito, which was huge and definitely fills you up as a meal. Their "large" burrito was listed as 5 lbs! My friends tried their tacos which looked amazing - besides mixing up one taco (carne asada instead of salmon), service was great and friendly! Seating is outside, the weather was perfect to enjoy lunch at one of the tables around the corner.“

“I love los pinos! One of my favorite taqueria's in town. I always get their super burrito either with al pastor or carne asada. Both are great. I got catering from them as well for a small party. They sell their meat by the pound (carne, pork, chicken, etc) and it made everything so easy for me. I'll be back again and again!“

“Food and service are great, found this a few years back and any chance I get to come over the hill I grab tacos. Love the flavor of the carnitas and the heat on the green salsa is perfect. We also had pollo tostada and taco which was fresh and tasty too. Or as my partner said 'yummy'“

“Why did nobody tell me about this place sooner!? Best kept secret in Santa Cruz! And my new favorite taqueria in town. My only problem is I rarely have cash on me so I’ll have to plan ahead since they are cash only. AMAZING SHRIMP TACOS ?“

“LOVE Freshly grilled fish Huge portions. One taco would've been enough for me. Quick walk from Whalers car wash. LIKE Fish and shrimp tacos were decent. Salsa bar and freshly made chips. MEH Not particularly flavorful. I'll try the meat next time.“

“One of the best burritos and tacos that I've ever eaten there the flavor is good, but what really stands out is the tenderness of the chicken meat that they serve so good so juicyVegetarian options: All items can be modified so there's no meat in it just need to ask“

“Went to lunch here with three friends and all of our meals were excellent. I had the chicken enchilada a la carte with red sauce and it was delicious.One of my friends had the chili colorado and it was absolutely outstanding.The interior of this restaurant is really cute and I saw a very nice outdoor patio as well.The prices are a little higher than most restaurants in watsonville but that's because the quality of the food is so good.Parking: There is a parking lot right next to the restaurant but be careful! That is for the grocery store.“

“Where do i even begin with this classic Watsonville spot. The Best chavelas hands down!Their shrimp burritos , agua chilies,shrimp empanadas, and quesy birria are bomb as well!Pretty much any good or beverage is bomb here .The service is fast and friendly. Plenty of parking and seating. Gets packed on weekends and sporting events. They have a few tvs in there. They have outside and Inside seating.Definitely fun place for friends and family to go habg out and enjoy some good food .“

“Great little Mexican joint to get your Taco spirit flowing! Lots of dishes to chose from, but started with trying every type of meat on there corn tortillas - they all were AWESOME! The staff is easy on the eyes for asking for needed sauce and chili. The beer is/was cold and the temperature outside made it ideal for patio sitting!“

“I had just eaten a 3-course meal at Bad Animal (Hanloh residency--my second favorite Thai restaurant after Kin Khao in San Francisco!) and thought, "I could really go for some tacos." Taqueria Jalapeños was nearby and on the right side of jank for me to check it out. Unfortunately it was like, 9:50 PM, so I resigned myself to gazing wistfully at the menu from outside. After all, I'm not gonna roll into the shop 10 minutes before closing. The place was empty, and they were obviously cleaning up. Out of the blue, a guy rounds the corner with broom in hand saying, "You can come in, you know!" I didn't immediately register he was an employee (I was tired) and lamented, "They're closing in 10 minutes." He waved us in anyway, and shuffled into the store and took our order. I'm guessing since we were in there, people assumed it was still open. By 10, there was a crowd and the workers ended up closing late. Sorry! Despite the fact that it was literally closing time and he was justifiably exhausted, he beamed at us when we gave him our order. I don't normally rate on service or ambience (I personally only care about food), but he was extremely friendly. Now on to the food: it was good. My "measure" for checking out a new place are the carnitas, lengua (mostly because it's my favorite), and salsa. For carnitas, I'm looking for crispy outer parts and soft, confit-like inner parts. For lengua, I prefer large chunks, so I can get the full texture of the tongue. Neither should be too salty, and they should pair well with the house salsa. Taqueria Jalapeños' salsa is bright, sour, and disarmingly spicy. It goes perfectly with the rich meat, but the heat sneaks up on you. It went from "This is pretty mild" to "Oops" real quick. Get an agua fresca! TL;DR Taqueria Jalapeños hit all my requirements.“

“5 stars all the way. My family loves them. Great food lots of parking and welcoming staff. The tamales are fantastic. Several kinds to choose from. Each tamale is 1/2 a pound of delicious and authentic Mexican food.Parking: Directly next to and directly in front of.“

“Wow, these tacos are on another level! I ordered a fried fish taco and one with carne asada, and requested the aioli on the side (I'm picky about mayo-based sauces). I also got a side of jalapenos and sprinkled a few on the asada taco. I gotta say, the fish taco impressed me the most, and the aioli was so good I put most of it on there. It was lightly crispy on the outside and juicy and flavorful inside. So yummy! The carne asada taco was excellent too, but I'm sold on the fish. The ambiance was cool too, with a large patio space shared by three other places, a crepe place, a coffee shop, and a barbershop. Definitely coming back soon!“

“What I expect from a Taqueria with a bonus! Big portions, good food, small dining area. Bonus is that the people behind the counter are awesome and having a dairy issue they can accommodate. They know what's in the food and how it's prepared. Did I mention it's fast! So if you have a dairy issue but want real food, stop by here.Parking: Few spots but never had a problem finding one when I went.Dietary restrictions: Non dairy available (no milk, no butter, no cheese)“

“Buen provecho! Just like grandma's house. Food was authentic and delicious. Homemade tortillas, quality meat, and great flavors. Salsa, rice, beans, sopa, caldo de res (beef and veg soup), tacos, enchiladas, all on point! The owner served us and was very sweet. Please support this family business. If you are in a hurry, call ahead.Kid-friendliness: The owner brought out extra sopa (soup) and little cookies for the kids. Hugh chaors and boosters available.“

“Amazing, you can actually hear yourself think and carry on a conversation in this place! Pleasant staff, comfortable seating, nice atmosphere and I love the mosaic tile art flooring. The food was good, with large servings. I was planning on taking half home for later but I ate the whole thing. I don't know where I put it! I'd definitely go here again for a chill, casual eating experience. Prices weren't so bad either, considering the rise in cost of living lately.“

“Had the veggie tacos - I was expecting the same old fajita veggies and maybe beans that most restaurants have; but these were very good and fresh. Excellent dish and excellent portions (3 is kind of a lot of food...)Also had a flour quesadilla which was great.Will definitely come back.“

“Needed some late night food and swung in here for some grub… The service was great and the food was amazing! We had a mix of asada tacos, fish tacos, breakfast burrito & a side of rice… My wife claimed the fish tacos were the best she’s ever had and the asada tacos were delicious! We’ll definitely return!“

“The food is good quality with nice presentation. The tacos de camaron had more than 3 camarones unlike other places. The empanadas are made fresh and literally come out steaming! The service is great and quick, & they have the football games on Sundays.“

“Today was my first time eating at Cilantros and I was really pleased with the whole experience. We arrived at lunch time on a Sunday, and the wait was around 15-20 minutes. We were in a rush to get somewhere after, so they offered to seat us at a table in the bar area right away, which I really appreciated. The best chips and salsa! I love that the chips come out a little warm. I had the pozole and it had the most tender pieces of pork. It was really delicious. It also came with some fresh, warm tortillas. Our server was quick and very attentive. I look forward to coming back when I'm in Watsonville.“

“A friend brought me lunch from here. Chile Rellenos are at the top of my list and home made tortillas right next to it. The food was steaming hot, the relleno the best I've ever had and, child, I've had a lot of them. Loved the rice and beans and those fabulous tortillas.“

“One of the reasons I'm glad I moved back to the area. I use to come here years ago... They have consistently the best Carne asada burritos I've ever had just about... the Carne Asada is done right, it is delicious...The dinner plates and family mocajette plates are really really good, my favorite in town.The only problem I see is the price for a fountain drink was almost half the cost of the burrito.. Was $4.50 for a coke careful buying from the soda machine“

“Was walking by and decided to give it a try. Luckily came in on a Tuesday and it's Taco Tuesday! Like the other reviewer mentioned the strange thing is that they don't have a menu with prices. For reference as of 1/30/24 a super burrito is $12.50“

“Food is really good. My favorite are the Los Pericos style tacos. The salsas are great.Only complaint is that they pack EVERY order to go. So much trash gets produced. A lot of people stay and eat outdoors, seems like a lot less packaging and plastic bags would be wasted if they just asked if it was for here or to go.“

“Continues to deliver great food, friendly service, and epic margaritas! Their menu is broad and has no weaknesses. If you're vegetarian, go for the Flatlander, if you are all about dessert, get the flan. You really can't go wrong!“

“Fantastic healthy find in midtown Santa Cruz. Organic Mexican food caught my eye. Most taqueria restaurants don’t have health and wellness in mind. Viva’s is the only Mexican restaurant that is forward thinking about what they are serving the community. I needed to find a place that will accommodate my need to have gluten free meals and this place has several to choose from and they are easy makes on the menu. I ordered the chicken enchilada plate. I am 100% satisfied with flavor, portion size and pricing. The staff was attentive and helpful. I would make the 3+ hour drive just to get this place again.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian and vegan options. Plenty of fresh and organic ingredients and many veggie meals to pick from without needing to make alterations.Kid-friendliness: Safe and friendly kid seatingParking: Parking is hard to come by. We parked in the Big O parking lot next door and just walked over.Wheelchair accessibility: Easily can move around restaurant with wheelchairDietary restrictions: Plenty of Gluten-free and vegan options“

“My husband and I just finished our meal from Tacos El Jerry and I had to review right away because our meal was absolutely delicious!! We are staying at a beach house for our anniversary. Unfortunately, due to health issues I can’t have any dairy or gluten. It’s hard to find anything to eat at restaurants much less anything tasty. We had the carnitas tacos, birria tacos, the consommé, and the Jamaica. Not only was everything tasty, it all felt very comforting as well. I hope we can come back again soon to enjoy.“

“We tried all the tacos and all the salsas; they were all deserving of their 5 star rating. What a treat! Humble Sea has high standards, this it makes sense that they would select a food vendor of high caliber. Full transparency: I had two beers on an empty stomach, but I’m also a proud/shameless food snob, so you should trust me.Vegetarian options: Grilled poblano and a mushroom potato. Both tasty!Dietary restrictions: Both vegan options were delicious for carnivores who dared.Parking: PlentyKid-friendliness: YesWheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“Awesome hot plate food, authentic Mexican dishes to go. The staff is welcoming and be prepared to test your Spanish skills, super cute to see Mama's in the back taking care of hungry folks. Prices are spot on and the overall taste is what is desired.“