23 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Cruz

“great service! delicious, authentic Oaxacan food. We will go back!“

“Delicious! Had some of the best Mexican food of my life here! crispy warm complimentary chips were also great. Highly recommended. They have a bail at their exit that you were supposed to ring if you enjoyed it, and while we were there we saw every single person leaving the store ring it on their way out!“

“so delicious! everything we got was amazing especially the Quesabirria Tacos with consome!“

“This was honestly the best food truck food I have ever had. I eat healthy all week, but I know when I go to a brewery on a weekend, I’m gonna have to make some compromises! No compromises had to be made for this food, as they had tons of healthy options! But healthy doesn’t always mean delicious, but this place was truly some of the most delicious food I had ever had at a brewery! (Humble Sea beer garden on the Santa Cruz wharf) I'll search out this food truck anytime I'm back in the Santa Cruz area.

Vegetarian options: Absolutely delicious!“

“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“

“I would give this place 5 stars if I could!! They have a fully vegan menu and the options are delicious. I go here all the time :))The price are pretty decent because the servings are huge. Food comes out pretty fast, no sit down, service is great. I usually get the vegan cali burrito and add beyond meat! Delicious“

“The best taqueria in Santa Cruz!!! My family and I highly recommend this place❤“

“The Service is great !!! Beef taco is wonderful :) Also they do an American breakfast if you desire.Everything iv had is really good !!!“

“The Real Taco had good authentic Mexican food. They opened at noon but it took 30 min to get food out because they literally opened at noon. So food wasn’t ready to come out for a bit. You can pay with card and order at the window or the exterior order tablet. They are parked in a lot attached to a brewery, so several people were having beers and waiting for food. It got quite busy at 12:30. Their presentation was beautiful. Food was fresh and very tasty. I had the fish tacos. My husband had steak tacos. I’d for sure eat here again and try some other options.

Parking: Parking was on the street and was more difficult because it’s a busy street

Kid-friendliness: You could definitely take kids here. Outdoor picnic seating.

Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible“

“The food is very delicious, very good service!!!
I always order the roast beef plate that comes with their onions and roasted jalapeño too or the very very good mole plate??
You just have to remember the words because you need to pay for parking...
but that is in all Santacruz?“

“Just ordered my first two tacos here and I'm in love with the shredded pork crispy taco. I put special instructions in the comments and they listen to them to a t and got my order exactly the way I wanted it. I'm very happy. I've been delivering doordash orders for them for a long time and I finally get to see what all the hype is about.

Don't forget to ask for their custom hot sauce. I'm almost finished and I forgot the hot sauce on the first Taco just added it to the second Taco.

I wish I took a picture sooner. This is the aftermath half a taco left and I'm about to finish it but I had to wait 2 hours in between because they were so big.“

“Good place to eat something if u visit Santa Cruz Beach, big menu there's lot a options, i tried the torta de milanesa and agua de horchata, the milanesa was very good and crispy ? the agua de horchata was also very good food is so tasty, i recommend it ?“

“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..“

“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 !!!!“

“I used to eat here often in the 90s. On a recent return visit I was thrilled that the place was still run by the same wonderful family. The carnitas burrito is one of the best I've ever had.

Parking: Parking can be difficult at lunch time“

“Los tacos de lengua mis favoritos con aguacate. Y mi coca cola mexicana,“

“I love The Boardwalk. It's always a good time over there. Everything about a beach town is always fun. Such an amazing vibe everytime I go.“

“Delicious food Love eating here …“

“Veggie burrito and most everything else is great. Atmosphere is meh. Don't skip the carrots or the salsa. Amazing. Perfect to-go place for either tacos or burritos. Spicy meats leave you wanting more. Come back. You will like it. Lots of locals here“

“Staff was super friendly and they truly cared about the customers. I had the fish taco and it was amazing“

“First time trying this place and was pleasantly surprised. Veggies were fresh and made to order, the chile relleno was cooked beautifully. The server was very friendly and helpful and very flexible with plate combos. I could have even had a breakfast burrito in the afternoon on a weekday! Super happy. Only negative was the tables/booths hadn’t been wiped down despite the restaurant being completely empty. Planning to return here ?

Vegetarian options: Chile relleno, sides, veggie burritos, breakfast burritos, quesadillas, plates, etc. also was willing to substitute and got a big plate of fresh grilled veggies on the side (asparagus, Brussel sprouts, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions)

Dietary restrictions: Refried beans not made with pork/lard for a change so and no chicken stock/stock in the Spanish rice so was able to get for once. Server was accommodating when checking that everything was vegetarian for me. ❤️“

“It sad to say the taqueria in my Town Tracy cannot even come close to the superior food .“