Taqueria Vallarta

893 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States
+1 831-464-7022
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(1321 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself in Santa Cruz, make sure to carve out some time to visit Taqueria Vallarta, a gem that perfectly captures the spirit of authentic Mexican cuisine. Nestled at 893 41st Ave, this cozy, vibrant taqueria is more than just a restaurant—it's a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds dancing.

The menu is a delightful mix of traditional favorites and modern twists, all bursting with flavor. From the satisfying crunch of a Vegetarian Taco filled with fresh beans, zesty salsa, and creamy guacamole to the robust flavors of their Mixed Fajitas, which feature a mouthwatering medley of shrimp, chicken, and asada, every dish is crafted to perfection. Don't miss out on their Vegetarian Plate, a colorful array accompanied by rice, beans, and all your favorite toppings—it's not just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.

The atmosphere of Taqueria Vallarta adds to the charm; as you walk in, the enticing aroma envelops you while colorful decor invites warmth and comfort. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite after a day at the beach or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends, you'll feel right at home. The friendly staff adds an extra layer of hospitality, making every visit enjoyable. As Robert Wilson, a loyal customer, puts it, "It's well placed on 41st as you can stop by after going to the beach, late night when coming home or mid day while running errands. Overall a great location and one that I am happy to go back to again and again."

If dessert is on your mind, indulge in the creamy, rich Flan at just $4.99 – a perfect way to conclude your meal. You’ll be hearing "oohs" and "ahhs" as your friends take their first bites!

The fast, efficient service has received glowing praise, with diners like Ray Marquardt noting how swiftly their orders arrive, making it an ideal stop for busy schedules. The casual setting and quick service ensure you're never kept waiting long, allowing you to savor every moment and every bite.

With a vast selection of salsas at their salsa bar, you're encouraged to mix and match flavors, adding a personal twist to every dish. As Robert Jones pointed out, the `${Salsa Verde}` is a standout, and the salsa bar is a real treasure. Just be prepared to possibly turn the volume down on the TV for a more intimate dining experience!

Taqueria Vallarta truly embodies the heart of Mexican dining in Santa Cruz—a place where flavor meets friendly service, and there's always something new to savor. Whether you’re a local or passing through, this taqueria is worth every delicious moment. Don't just take our word for it; come experience the burst of flavors for yourself!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

1321 Reviews
Robert Wilson

24 Sep 2025

Great place to grab a burrito, taco or anything else you're craving with friendly staff, delicious food and lots of options. It's well placed on 41st as you can stop by after going to the beach, late night when coming home or mid day while running errands. Overall a great location and one that I am happy to go back to again and again.

Daniel M

21 Sep 2025

This is always a place to stop when in the area. Great food and it comes out very quickly. One thing that I wish they would do is give a little bit of lettuce/cabbage for tacos for free. Especially after spending so much on my order. The food is really good and the place gets very busy.

Julia Enthoven

06 Sep 2025

Loved the to-go breakfast burrito. We picked up and loved the salsa, high-quality meal (chorizo recommended), size, value, and ratio of ingredients.

Ray Marquardt

29 Aug 2025

Extremely fast food prep. Order at the counter, and they bring the food to your table. Really fast even when busy. Excellent burritos, ok chips, and a wide variety of salsa's at the salsa bar.

Robert Jones

30 Jun 2025

Brilliant quessadilla and taco. Love their food and value! The salsa bar is a real treat, especially the salsa Verde, my favorite! I might suggest turning the volume of the TV down with nobody watching and cleaning the hot sauce bottles. ;)

Mj Stearns - Your Local Santa Cruz Realtor

18 Jun 2025

This is one of the many taquerias I go to. I have my favorites for sure and the things online from here are the super nachos with carne asada and the carne asada plate. They have a smooth red salsa that is mild and so good – perfect for dipping tacos into. They have a great menu and lots to choose from. They have a dine-in option or outside. It is never too crowded that you can’t get a seat. You can order online or call in your order, whatever works best for. They have several locations. Make sure you look them up and check out one of the locations!

KDG

31 May 2025

Stumbled into this hole in the wall in Santa Cruz. Service was incredibly fast. They were laser focused on turnaround, for sure!

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