19 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Cruz

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

“This place deserves to be much more popular. As good or better than many restaurants around here with hours of wait (I've never had to wait to get into this one though). Can get a bit cold in some of their tables at winter, but they have heat lamps.“

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

“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.“

“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“

“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 !!!!“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“Delicious food Love eating here …“

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

“Let me preach for yall one sec..., I am a first generation Mexican American so I've been eating Mexican food for the 20 years that I have been alive. I grew up in the East Side of the 408(San Jose) where damn near everyone is Mexican and there is Mexican food at every corner of every street, so I have tried hundreds maybe even thousands of Mexican spots. When I tell y'all this the best quesadilla I have ever had in my life it means something. The quesadilla de maíz (corn) with tripas felt right at home. It touched my Mexican soul like no other. The tortilla was handmade and you could tell because of the flavor of the masa and the texture. The cheese was so rich and flavorful. The tripas were so perfect. Please for the gringos reading this don't be scared TRY tripas. This quesadilla genuinely, GENUINELY made my ancestors proud.“

“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.“

“LOVE. THESE. TACOS. True my husband & I have only had 2 different items, they are Primo! Carnitas Tacos and Carnitos Burrito Tacos are Stuffed with Carnitas, cilantro & onion... perfection! There's enough meat to make 2 tacos from 1. The two sm. tortillas are always fresh, soft & welcoming. The Carnitas Burrito is huge, heavy & very satisfying. Carnitas, beans, rice, tomato, guacamole.. complete and flawless! From the first taste, last week, we were hooked, realizing this was exactly what we were craving...VIVA LOS PRIMOS! We went twice in 1 week and we live in San Jose. Taqueria Los Primos is our GO TO TAQUERIA!! Go see what the best tacos are!!“

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

“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“

“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. ❤️“

“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..“