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El Palomar - Santa Cruz Reviews List
El Palomar - Santa Cruz
El Palomar has set a new standard in Mexican cuisine by combining authentic, homemade recipes from the sunny state of Michoacán in southern Mexico, with the unique abundance of locally grown produce and freshly caught seafood available in the Monterey Bay.
We use only the finest ingredients in our spaces, salsas and corn tortillas - all made fresh daily. All our recipes have been handed down from generation to generation in the Espinoza Family, and reflect the pride of genuine family-style home cooking. Enjoy a meal in our historic dining room, cocktails and savory appetizers in the Cantina, or a quick bite from our award winning Taco Bar before you catch a movie or show!
See more El Palomar - Santa Cruz details
We use only the finest ingredients in our spaces, salsas and corn tortillas - all made fresh daily. All our recipes have been handed down from generation to generation in the Espinoza Family, and reflect the pride of genuine family-style home cooking. Enjoy a meal in our historic dining room, cocktails and savory appetizers in the Cantina, or a quick bite from our award winning Taco Bar before you catch a movie or show!
28 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 28 reviews
5 stars
(9)
4 stars
(12)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(10)
- kid-friendly(9)
- vibrant bar scene(8)
- great for lunch(7)
- fit for foodies(5)
- neighborhood gem(5)
El Palomar - Santa Cruz Reviews List
Review 1 for El Palomar - Santa Cruz
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I usually sit in the cantina, but the main dining room was very soothing that day. The salsa is always excellent, but the chips seem prefab (they make the corn tortillas to order, so they probably don't have spare masa to fry). The guacamole taco was much larger than I remembered, and the chile colorado sope was tender and perfectly flavored. The service seemed especially friendly that day."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 2 for El Palomar - Santa Cruz
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service was great.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and service was great."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 3 for El Palomar - Santa Cruz
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
food took longer that usual.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"food took longer that usual. bar drinks seemed weak but expensive. however the food is always delicious and the tortillas homemade so we deal with the rest i suppose.
been going there for years!"
been going there for years!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
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Review 4 for El Palomar - Santa Cruz
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was outstanding. Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was outstanding. Service was great. Visiting from. Chicago and the skirt steak was by far one of the best tasting anywhere. Highly recommend."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for El Palomar - Santa Cruz
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dinner before an event
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always a good spot before attending an event downtown."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 6 for El Palomar - Santa Cruz
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a nice time.. Didn't see
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Had a nice time.. Didn't see our server too often but it was a very busy night, valentines day. Good atmosphere and food. Food came out in an acceptable time even with how busy it was. Try strawberry marg blended made with real fruit!! Yum"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for El Palomar - Santa Cruz
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
we love El Palomar! The food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"we love El Palomar! The food is always delicious and everyone is always very friendly. Gets pretty busy on weekends but worth the wait."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2011
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Ratings-Only Reviews for El Palomar - Santa Cruz
Based on the average of (21) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic