El Cazador - CLOSED

 

38

65

trey c.

Oakland, CA

You really can't beat El Cazador for a night out with friends.

The food is really good, but you'll be lucky to make it to your meal. Between the great chips & guacamole appetizers and top-shelf margaritas, there's a good chance you'll be drunk and full by the time your food arrives.

I like the fajitas. I know that's not the most adventurous choice on the menu, but they're the best fajitas in SB.

The staff is super-friendly and patient, and they don't mind going over the tequilas one by one to help you make the right choice. I always leave happy.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

8

166

Janine A.

Santa Maria, CA

Fantastic hidden gem.  I had a great birthday dinner here - service was friendly, attentive, helpful in making selections, and brought out the extra spicy salsa on request.  The margaritas are out of this world delicious and strong.  The light and fluffy tortillas are made fresh daily.  The entrees aren't as heavy as many other Mexican restaurants, yet full of flavor, substance, and the seasonings do not overpower the food.  Fresh vegetables and fluffy rice compliment all the dishes.

I was treated to a mariachi birthday serenade by a solo guitarist, as well as a celebratory churro complete with chocolate jalapeno dipping sauce and candle to wish on.  

Most of the seating is located on the enchanting courtyard patio, kept heated by gas-lamps.  However given the crazy winds, we chose to dine indoors.  The dining room (featuring an impressive mural on the back wall) is a bit small and can get loud given that the tables are close together, and the proximity to the kitchen.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

23

Scott J.

San Jose, CA

El Cazador is a really fun place to go for a great meal and for any tequila lover.  The specialize in Yucatan-Veracruz style cooking, which means lighter and fresher flavors than what many people associate with Mexican cuisine.  The offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes, all of which are excellent, and I have to recommend the pulpo (octopus) for any adventurous eater who loves a bit of spice (wine and black pepper).  El Cazador also offers excellent renditions of the more typical Mexican dishes such as tamales, enchiladas, and chile rellenos.  Their tequila selection is huge, and I'm talking about the barrel aged 100% agave kind, not the cheap stuff.  They will make some seriously top-shelf margaritas with it, or serve it unmixed for the connoisseurs.  El Cazador has a lovely patio, with a fountain, quite reminiscent of a Spanish colonial  villa, and has alway given the best of service when I dined there.  The tourists never seem to find this place, which is always a bonus if you're looking for a quiet and romantic place for some south-of-the-border dining.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review