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The Definitive Guide · 6 entries reviewed

Best tacos in Santa Cruz.

Updated April 2026 · We ate forty-six tacos in three days. Our knees hurt and we have notes.

By Jack Hudson· 8 min read· Updated 4/24
Tacos Moreno · Soquel Ave
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El Palomar
★ Editor's Pick · Premium Listing

El Palomar

Sit-down, full bar, the molcajete is meant for two but goes three. Best margaritas downtown.

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02
Tacos
Tacos Moreno
Eastside · From $4 · ★ 4.8 (1240)

The carnitas super burrito is a Santa Cruz rite of passage. Cash only, expect a line, worth it.

via OpenTable
03
Las
Las Palmas Taco Bar
Westside · From $4.5 · ★ 4.7 (892)

Al pastor off the trompo, hand-pressed tortillas, salsa bar that goes from mild to genuinely scary.

via OpenTable
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04
Taquería
Taquería Vallarta
Eastside · From $3.5 · ★ 4.7 (1567)

Open until 11pm, lengua tacos, $3.50 a pop. The drive-thru is a Santa Cruz secret.

via OpenTable
05
El
El Jardín
Capitola · From $9 · ★ 4.6 (445)

Patio above the village. Fish tacos with a view. Margaritas come slushy or rocks.

via OpenTable
06
Cafe
Cafe Brasil
Westside · From $12 · ★ 4.5 (678)

Brazilian-Mexican, weirdly perfect. The Brasil burrito has black beans and farofa. Trust the process.

via OpenTable
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Q & A

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What's the best taco in Santa Cruz?+
If you ask ten locals you'll get ten answers, but Tacos Moreno's carnitas super wins more bets than anything else. The Las Palmas al pastor is the strongest counter-argument.
Who's open late?+
Taquería Vallarta until 11pm most nights, midnight on weekends. Drive-thru is the move.
Cash only?+
Tacos Moreno and a few of the trucks. Most sit-down spots take cards. There's an ATM next to Tacos Moreno that everyone resents.