El Chino

This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in the Santa Cruz area, for several reasons. The service is quick, friendly (it really seems like a family operation) and congenial, even and especially for kids (my daughter takes my granddaughter here often also). We usually go for breakfast, for their Menudo is easily the best in this area and the remainder of the breakfast menu (the usual eggs rancheros, machaca, etc) is equally good. My wife is especially fond of their chiliquillas, which are done somewhat differently than usual.For lunch and dinner there's usually a special or two (such as specially stuffed burritos or a seafood special) along with the tacos, burrito plates, and other usual staples. But the quality is a step above most places: plates are always hot, tortillas are fresh, the refried beans are generous, and the chili selection--important to me--is large.It's as dependable a Mexican restaurant I've ever visited (and that's literally hundreds) and keeps a welcome high stan ... more

This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in the Santa Cruz area, for several reasons. The service is quick, friendly (it really seems like a family operation) and congenial, even and especially for kids (my daughter takes my granddaughter here often also). We usually go for breakfast, for their Menudo is easily the best in this area and the remainder of the breakfast menu (the usual eggs rancheros, machaca, etc) is equally good. My wife is especially fond of their chiliquillas, which are done somewhat differently than usual.For lunch and dinner there's usually a special or two (such as specially stuffed burritos or a seafood special) along with the tacos, burrito plates, and other usual staples. But the quality is a step above most places: plates are always hot, tortillas are fresh, the refried beans are generous, and the chili selection--important to me--is large.It's as dependable a Mexican restaurant I've ever visited (and that's literally hundreds) and keeps a welcome high standard. less