Location: Aptos
Top Restaurants in Aptos
Best Mexican food near Aptos, California, United States
Find out what Mexican restaurants to try in Aptos. Combining the redwoods and the sea into one idyllic setting, Aptos is a quaint town that serves as home to the forested Nisene Marks State Park, perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Historic Aptos Village features antique shops, restaurants and boutiques. For the perfect spot to picnic, barbecue, or take a seaside stroll, head to Seacliff State beach and walk to the end of the pier to see the S.S. Palo Alto, an experimental concrete vessel known as “the cement ship”.
Things to do in Aptos
10. San Marcos Charquito Tacos y Tortas
Reviewed By bdc10763
Stopped by this place on a tip from a friend...and now I come here as often as possible. Probably the best Tacos Iâve ever had. Freshly made tortillas are served with a variety of meats...recommend the Carnitas. Quesadillas are awesome as well. Do yourself a favor and give it a try...youâll be glad you did.
9. El Toro Bravo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By timteresa0
I love the quaint town of Capitola. I also love coming to this small Mexican restaurant for dinner. The portions are good size if you get a 2 to 3 item plate dinner. Normally, we have to bring an item home because their food is very filling. In particular, the tamales, enchiladas tacos and tostadas are all my favorite choices.
8. El Chipotle Taqueria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
phone number (831) 477-1048
Reviewed By Richard V
We found out about El Chipotle because we went to a "mole tasting" held in Santa Cruz at the Mission. There were 12 different moles from various participants and it was fun to try all the different variations of mole sauce. There was two "judging" - a panel and peoples choice. El Chipotle was in the top two - not just for us but they won a well-deserved "People's Choice" reward. The other top winner was someone sharing a family recipe - and only thinking about maybe opening a restaurant or starting a catering service. So I did a search to find out where El Chipotle Taqueria was located. To my surprise, it was in Soquel right off the "T" where we come down from the mountains on Soquel San Jose Road and turn onto Soquel road (we live up in the mountains and take that route rather than 17). It was such a small place that we never even noticed it. But when we tried it one Saturday for lunch - it was busy and I now know why. This is a family run restaurant with really great food. There is a parking lot in the back because there are several businesses in the area so it isn't a hassle to park - but you may have to wait for a seat (they seem to do a good "to go" business as well).I had their Chicken Mole - of course - because I wanted to taste their sauce again. It was excellent. I don't remember what my wife had but she also enjoyed her lunch. We will definitely come back. If I don't give five stars it's only because I reserve those for places that are truly over the top. This is an excellent place with great food where I'd normally think a three star rating would be very good. But - even based on only one meal - that mole deserves gives them that extra star. And the prices and quantity - as well as the overall quality - all back that four star rating as well.
7. Tortilla Flats Restaurant Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Maria S
We ordered takeout from this restaurant. I tasted two of the dishes: shrimp enchilada and chile relleno / enchilada with beef. They were okay but kind of tasteless to me. I guess we are used to Tex/Mex cuisine. The quantities are about right. Combos include rice and beans. Probably would not order again, since there are other options available.
6. Sofia's Taqueria
Reviewed By soifdawg
Since I am local, this is a decent little hole in the wall, but....terrible margaritas. Tamales so-so. When craving a quick Mex food dish, this sometimes works---sometimes, not always....
5. Margaritaville
Overall Ratings
4 based on 184 reviews
Margaritaville has reopened under new ownership with a new 25 seat bar, service staff and menu. We offer fresh sustainable contemporary Mexican seafood in a first class casual environment with panoramic oceanviews.
Reviewed By gary c
I stopped in here today because the locals told me to experience this place. Tremendous food and drinks and service. My server, Lauren 622, was PERFECT!!!! She was super attentive, very quick at delivering either food or drinks, helped me make some culinary and alcohol decisions and had a super personality!!!! Lauren made my experience the best!!!! Thanks Lauren!!!!!!!!!! I had some guacamole and calamari to start my evening...both super choices...look at my pictures!!!! I then had the crab cocktail and it was super-superb!!!!!! I ended up with a house salad and it was great too. My wines were all endemic in the Santa Cruz area and were great and the two margaritas I had were so cool and easy to drink.... this place has plenty of ambiance and a great view of the water and birds. The manager, Alexid, stopped by to make sure my experience was great!!! That was very cool!!!! I love it when a manager sticks her head into the inner workings of her restaurant instead of just standing by passively!!!! Alexid was super too!!!.....everyone was just great to me!!!!......and I appreciate that!!! I would highly recommend this place to anyone traveling in the area!!!!! Thanks to all for a great time!!!!!!!
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4. Rio Del Mar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By 72traveler408
I' ve been to this place a couple of times. This is a small family restaurant with a nice outdoor deck facing the creek. It's not expensive, the food is ok. Last time we had two waitresses, the first one was very nice and the second one was a bit stressed out. In general the service has always been ok so far.
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3. Taqueria Los Gordos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By John M
As long as you get what you pay for, it is all good. This is not gourmet food, but when we have hungry labor workers and we have to finish a job, this is our go to place, licated just down the street.
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2. Palapas Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Clutzylou
Been here many times. Food is delicious and can eat here many times during our stay down that way. BUT, 2 times that we were there we ended up with the same lousy waiter. First time there...great service...great food....next 2 times...not so much....I really love this place and want to give them great reviews...but if the waiter isnt good, that's not good.
1. Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By soifdawg
This place is always crowded & popular with their tourists and locals. It has a varied assortment of the standard Mex dishes. It is good, but not great. Margaritas are strong and tasty. Wish they had homemade tortillas- that is the standard by which all mex restaurants gauged
