Taqueria Michoacan

Overview

If you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors in Santa Cruz, look no further than Taqueria Michoacan. Located at 21401 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, this gem has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Taqueria Michoacan offers a taste of Mexico that feels like home.

The restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere where the hustle and bustle of Santa Cruz’s scenic coastline meet the warmth of traditional Mexican hospitality. As soon as you walk in, the tempting aroma of freshly grilled meats and warm tortillas fills the air. You’re immediately greeted with the promise of a delicious meal. The staff here are friendly and attentive, always happy to guide you through the extensive menu if you’re unfamiliar with some of the more traditional offerings.

Their tacos are, without a doubt, the star of the show. The al pastor tacos, with their perfectly seasoned pork marinated and grilled on a spit, are a must-try. They’re served with freshly chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime-simple, but bursting with flavor. But it’s not just the al pastor that shines. From carne asada to carnitas, the variety of taco fillings ensures that everyone will find something to love. What makes these tacos stand out is the quality of ingredients-everything is incredibly fresh, and the balance of flavors is spot-on.

For those who are looking for a heartier meal, Taqueria Michoacan also offers delicious burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. The burritos are generously filled, stuffed with your choice of protein, rice, beans, and a mix of toppings that create a satisfying meal. The salsa bar is a great bonus, featuring a variety of house-made salsas ranging from mild to fiery, so you can spice up your meal just the way you like.

One standout item on the menu is their menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with beef tripe and hominy. It’s the perfect dish for those chilly mornings or for anyone looking to try something a little different. Rich and flavorful, it’s a dish that showcases the depth of Mexican culinary tradition. Many regulars swear by it as the perfect cure for a long night out, and it’s definitely worth considering if you're in the mood for something unique.

The drink menu at Taqueria Michoacan is equally impressive. They serve a range of Mexican sodas, horchata, and aguas frescas that pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the food. For a truly authentic experience, try the agua de jamaica, a refreshing hibiscus drink that adds a tangy sweetness to your meal.

Despite being tucked away in a quieter part of Santa Cruz, Taqueria Michoacan has a loyal following. Many of the restaurant's patrons rave about the consistency of the food. Whether you’re dining in or getting takeout, the flavors and quality are always top-notch. It’s a family-friendly spot where the food never disappoints, and each visit feels like a chance to enjoy something new or revisit an old favorite.

In addition to the food, the location itself adds to the charm. Situated along E Cliff Drive, it’s easy to enjoy a meal here after a day at the beach. The coastal breeze and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect spot to unwind with a delicious meal.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Taqueria Michoacan offers a culinary experience that transports you straight to the heart of Mexico. With a menu full of vibrant flavors and a welcoming environment, it’s easy to see why this spot has earned such rave reviews. It’s a great place to relax, indulge in traditional Mexican dishes, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food with good company.

Good to know

Service options

âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in

Highlights

âś“ Fast service âś“ Serves local specialty

Popular for

âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo dining

Accessibility

âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Comfort food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates

Dining options

âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table service

Amenities

âś“ Toilet

Atmosphere

âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy

Crowd

âś“ Groups âś“ Tourists âś“ University students

Planning

âś“ Accepts reservations

Payments

âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cards

Children

âś“ Good for kids âś“ Kids' menu

Parking

âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 316 reviews
Amazing 203
Great 45
Okay 21
Not Great 14
Terrible 36
Ross Lewis

Best Burritos in Santa Cruz County. You can't miss here, it's Muy Delicioso! Fairly priced, family owned. It's the flavor of Michoacan.

jmsb53

The food here is excellent, easily some of the best you’ll find in Santa Cruz and it’s one of my favorite spots in town for a burrito. Many of the one-star reviews complain about “bad customer service,” but a lot of those criticisms feel misplaced. Some seem to come from people trying to eat food bought elsewhere, use the lot for beach parking, or expecting a certain type of treatment. The couple who runs the place isn’t overly chatty and can come across as stoic, but the food speaks for itself. If you’re judging by quality alone, this spot delivers.

Mj Stearns - Your Local Santa Cruz Realtor

I have driven past this spot many times over the years, not ever stopping, mainly due to parking and not ever eating here, not knowing if I will like it. One of my friends that has similar taste in food said it is delicious, so I tried it out and I LOVE the food. It is so tasty and I love that it is close by for me. The carne asada plate is my absolute favorite, I love it with flour tortillas. The meat is perfectly flavored and the flavor of the grilled red onions is a nice touch and I don’t even like onions. I love the flavor, I just don’t care to eat them. The rice and beans is so delicious. This is the only place I really like the rice, from most other places I ask for no rice and all beans. They also have a great selection of drinks to choose from. I always go for the bottled Coca Cola since it pairs so nicely with the carne asada plate. The salsa is pretty spicy but still really good and I love the guacamole, it has a really nice flavor with a little kick. It is a family-owned business and the owners work here as well as family members. Everyone is always really friendly and the food is out quick. They recently added a dessert stand from a third party named Laura’s Sweet Side. Very cute set up and presentation. Cakes all look super delicious. I am not eating a lot of sweets right now so I did not try anything but it looked like lots of things have been purchased and are popular. Love coming here. You can dine here, they have a few tables inside and a few spots to sit outside as well. Definitely try them out if you have not eaten here yet. Everything on the menu is delicious.

Robert Wilson

The food was yummy, prepared well, fairly priced, and the restaurant is located near the beach. There are quite a few options to satisfy your cravings, and the staff is friendly and fast. There is outdoor and indoor seating, and a good atmosphere for the space. I was thrown off by their credit cards fees though ($1 under $30 and $3.50 over $30), so I was happy I had cash on me.

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