Restaurantji's guide to Santa Cruz's top Mexican dining experiences. From the Chips and Salsa to the Quesabirria, have a fantastic Mexican dining experience and enjoy some of the town's tastiest Mexican food.
“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.“
“This place is very much a Mexican restruant, chip and salsa bar open and free. I'm typically a very conservative person when it comes to food but I'm glad I tried something new! Well worth the trip to find it and definitely worth the small amount of money we spent for 5 people. Food portions are large so just be warned maybe only start with 1 of whatever you're going to order.Only.down side is it's small so it could get crowded easily.“
“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.“
“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“
“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 “
“I arrived with five tables. Our waitress was incredibly kind and accommodating to my friend's dietary requirements. He was very kind! Excellent assistance! The cuisine was simply delicious. It was the best restaurant cuisine I've had in years, seriously. The prices are excellent. Everyone at my table agreed that their dinner was excellent. The wasabi vinaigrette on the ahi tuna salad is delicious and a great deal for the price. The ahi tuna was excellent quality and fresh. Without a doubt, I'll be back! (Edit: I had to challenge the double charge I received when I returned to this location with my bank. From now on, I shall only be making cash payments.“
“I am addicted to thier chicken sope. Its sooo delicious! As I am eating it I always think I should of gotten 2 because its just so good, but after finishing it, I always realize it was just the perfect serving, No longer hungry, no feeling of having overeaten and in my mind,I am doing the Italian gesture of squeezing the fingers of my right hand together, bringing them to my lips, smacking them, and sending all that great happiness/satisfaction into the universe.“
“Review is only for the Al pastor super burrito with no beans — very flavorful rice and pork. The guacamole was more than just a sauce and had actual avocado chunks in it. It was a bit of an oily burrito - the pastor wasn’t overcooked and had actual juicy meat instead of being burnt dried bits like at some other establishments.“
“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“
“My sister and I were visiting from Oregon, and we stopped at this taco bar. It was a good thing we did! The food was delicious ? and they had an amazing variety of food, including vegan food.They had a variety of homemade salsas, and we tried them all. They were delicious! The owner was so friendly and generous. Definitely will come back again when we visit!“
“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.“
“5 stars for hitting perfect sweet spot of price vibe atmosphere food. I knew I'd found a winner the first time I came and it started getting filled with Mexican couples and families and working guys.It feels like it's been here forever but opened fairly recently. 2008I found it because they also do a small popup for food for Moe's Alley so I figured might as well check out the mothershipBonus points for the pickled potato which I've never seen before!“
“A great late night burrito ? spot. Clutch when you are downtown on a Friday night and need something to munch on. The Chicken mole is out of this world. Tortas are ? and include fresh jalapeños, tomatoes, onion, avocado and cheese. What better to sink your teeth into after getting back from the bar? The location is a bit small but the service is consistent and friendly.“
“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“
“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)“
“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.“
“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.“