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Mexican
Acapulco Restaurant
1116 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.7588
Since 1967, Acapulco has been dishing up hearty helpings of authentic Mexican comfort food and tangy, ice-cold margaritas to hungry downtown crowds in search of a fiesta. Tucked in a jewel-like location on Pacific Avenue with a small outdoor seating area and newly remodeled bar, this small venue with the big tequila selection specializes in updated takes on old standbys—think shrimp fajitas, skirt steak nachos, chicken tequila fettuccini and coconut prawns—as well as classic favorites like enchiladas and Baja fish tacos. $
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El Palomar
1336 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.7575
Gorgeous landmark location, festive Mexican menu—this full-service dining palace has it all. The tequila list is endless (don’t miss the midori margaritas), while spicy lunch legends include the crisp sope, creamy chicken tostada and signature snapper tacos. Salmon with guajillo sauce, and classic red pozole are among the menu stars, especially served with an order of warm house-made corn tortillas. The bar scene is lively and the all-day taco arcade offers fresh burritos, quesadillas, tacos and endless salsa. $$
La Cabaña
2332 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.427.7261
Lunch at Santa Cruz's Taqueria La Caba-a specializes in soccer, salsa and serious tacos. Read Review
D'La Colmena
129 W. Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA; Tel. 831.724.4544
I love surprises. Though tempted, I force myself not to look at the last page of a book so that every moment unfolds in the fullness of its own time. You can leave a wrapped package with me and know I won't open it until your bidding, however long the wait. Read Review
Manuel's
261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA; Tel. 831.688.4848
The favorite late-night destination for the Aptos crowd serves up hot platters of flavorful enchiladas and chile rellenos alongside ice-cold margaritas. $$ Read Review
La Mission
1719 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.3564
Mexican restaurant. A neighborhood establishment with no gimmicks, on-target cooking and authentic flavors. $ Read Review
Real Colima
1101 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville CA; Tel. 831.728.2971
The first taste of the wickedly complex green salsa set the tone for a fine rainy day lunch at Real Colima. We’ve passed this yellow roadhouse umpteen times on the way to Gilroy and parts south. Inside, the colorful interior—geranium windowsills, yellow walls and pale green sideboard—feel like a country bungalow, with salsas and the floral oilcloth table coverings repeating the pastel hues. Starting with icy Bohemias, we worked our way through as much as we could of the substantial Real Colima menu, helped along by friendly service and plenty of mariachi tunes. $$ Read Review
