34 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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

“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“

“Delicious food Love eating here …“

“These are hands down the best carnitas tacos in Santa Cruz. No question. I don’t want to hear any debate. The carnitas were crackly/crispy on the outside and soft/tender on the inside. The quality here is leagues above everything else in Santa Cruz. This place is better than pretty much anything you will find in the South Bay as well which is saying a lot.“

“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 !!!!“

“Nice atmosphere and great food. I got the regular al pastor burrito and it was soooo good, and really nice big portion. Even though I was stuffed after eating it, I wanted another because it was so good. Also, the food came out quickly so I would recommend even if you don’t have time to dine in.“

“Awesome tacos and I love the salsa selections- so much to choose from. Everything is fresh, delicious, and authentic. The corn tortillas are super fresh, and I love the crispy tacos! Make the street taco vegan with beyond and you will thank me. Mmmmm!!!!!“

“Overall, a decent place. We stopped in after lunchtime so it was quiet. We both ordered the fish and chips (yeah, I know it's a Mexican restaurant). The shrimp and fish were very good. The fries could have been crispier. I'd visit again if I was in the area.“

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

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

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

“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..“

“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 🤩“

“This is a really good halal restaurant here in Santa Cruz. There isn't much of a halal restaurant here in Santa Cruz, and this has been a go-to for me recently. The owner is extremely nice and generous with the portions. Unlimited Chips, and there are a lot of exotic snacks.“

“Been going there since the early 2020's and it's always has been good...
Good quality food, enough to fill your belly, and even with the plates, sometimes enough to even bring home, love it being close to walking distance, nice restaurant...“

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

“Delicious jackfruit tacos. Great for vegetarian, vegan. And one of the only places to get gluten free. We asked and the chips are gluten free although I'm not sure about cross contamination but no reaction. Chips and guacamole make a meal though in a pinch“

“Great part of Santa Cruz History Great Ride Food and Entertainment“

“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 .“

“When In Santa Cruz you got to hit up Tacos El Chuy. The food is delicious, people are great and friendly. Nothing like a hot meal and a cold beer. Tacos 🌮 are great and the Nachos are awesome.“

“The best very Good food Costomer sercice and atmosphiere the resturant is exelente this is betted than any resturant in santa cruz ca i recomend its like if my grandmother is making the food delisouse come you will miss out if you dont have a amazing day !!!“

“Great place to meet up with friends, for breakfast or anytime! Great beach and lighthouse view, and casual, comfortable atmosphere! I highly recommend!!“

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

“This place fire and smacks. Very good food and customer service. Modest pricing and a great meal/ experience overall. My friend recommended here and it did not disappoint. Big portions and welcoming atmosphere. Thank you Taqueria and staff for the cool experience/ hospitality.“

“Got the shredded beef enchiladas which were pretty good. Way too heavy on the sauce and a little stingy on the meat and side of rice but still good. Best Mexican rice I’ve had in a while. Good service from the people working there. Very small old place and can’t see the level of cleanliness in the back but I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Small free parking lot which I was able to use given it was a weeknight with the marine layer rolled in. No public restrooms.“

“Food was good. We thought about going across the street to the grocery store and returning and they told us that if we did then we need to leave with our car. People were ok. But food was great.“

“Been to many restaurants and Taqueria Santa Cruz is my absolute favorite. The professionalism within all the staff regarding customers needs alone makes me feel so welcomed. And the food is absolutely amazing. Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner they go above and beyond yo satisfy customer needs. I would highly recommend this small business to anyone coming in town or locals in the area. I flew from the Chicago area just to have some amazing authentic food. You are NOT going to be disappointed!“

“Great variety and vegetarian options seven days a week!“

“First time checking this place out and I have to say I was really impressed with the pupusas! The chicharron con queso pupusas were delicious! I also really enjoyed the empanadas de platano. Definitely will be coming back soon :)“

“Immaculately taken care of truck. The owner was so nice and helpful. Food was exactly what we wanted. A huge burrito with cabbage and almost an entire avocado, excellent rice and super tender meat. The Cali taco was awesome with onions, huge amount of avocado and great asada.

Litterally changed all of our moods from tired to excited and happy. Keep it up mate and thanks for a great meal!

Had this while at Buena Vista brewery and Santa Cruz Cider“

“I’ve never seen a team work so flawlessly on a line with an incredibly positive attitude. This specific location is always overflowing on nights and weekends. I feel a bit bad for the staff, the location is so small. Orders end up taking 20-30 mins due to the way this location was designed- no fault of the team at all. They burn through tickets one after another smoothly while hordes of college kids place multiple orders. They are never short with customers asking questions or for extra help.
Mad props to these guys, they’re so cheerful and kind. Give these guys a raise!“

“I thought the food was pretty good for the price. Mezcal Paloma a bit underwhelming for the price- mezcal, grapefruit juice ( doubt fresh), salt. Exactly what I ordered, though. Kids portions are huge- could easily split. Only real complaint about atmosphere was noise level, kinda bright lighting near kitchen. We came after sunset, and I bet the view by day or sunset was spectacular. Our server Jesus was attentive, prompt, and friendly- perfect.“