This restaurant is lucky to have survived the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, since much of Santa Cruz was destroyed. Located in a six story building in downtown, El Palomar is a consistently good Mexican restaurant with an excellent bar. The interior is traditional Mexican construction with faux balconies, high beamed ceilings, and wrought iron. The bar has a sliding glass roof that can be opened to the sky on nice summer afternoons and evenings.

Food is good but not spicy, with a combination of traditional Mexican dishes and seafood. My family ends up eating at the excellent Taco Bar adjacent to El Palomar more frequently; it's arguably the best value for food in Santa Cruz. You can get tacos for $2.50 and burritos with carne asada for $4.00.

The bar scene is pretty happening, with an active Happy Hour (around 4:30 to 7:00), a lengthly list of tequilas, and lots of singles.

Try the Special Appetizer at the bar (around $11.00) which is enough for two, and includes Carne Asada, Prawns, Snapper, beans, and fresh tortillas. It's fast, and if you want to catch a movie downtown, you can be in and out with drinks for under $30 for a couple.

Great food, large helpings, great ambiance. Definitely recommend it, will go back!

Very enjoyable restaurant and excellent Mexican food! Definitely worth the visit! Olay!

There are so many Mexican restaurants in Santa Cruz, but very few taste authentic and have the quality as the El Palomar. I finally was served a great Marguerita on the rocks instead of slushy mush. The chips are brought to your table warm with great salsa. I love all the seafood choices in the menu and my husband's pork dish could melt in your mouth. I would recommend dining before 6pm if you don't want a 45 minute wait. They also have live music, but it's not too loud and doesn't interfere with conversation.