Palapas Restaurant & Cantina

3.0 star rating
58 reviews Rating Details

Category: Mexican  [Edit]

21 Seascape Vlg
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 662-9000
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Average
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"The ocean view on the patio is also a bonus." (in 10 reviews)
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"Palapas specializes in Mexican seafood dishes." (in 3 reviews)
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"The food is fresh, delicious and attractive." (in 3 reviews)
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58 reviews in English

  • Review from d s.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/21/2011

    White tablecloth restaurant with a Mexican format, but the menu really features seafood. Steaks too if you like -- one of our party had a good one. My sand dabs were gently done and quite good. house margarita was good.  Service friendly though a bit slow.

    Sunset was lovely, but evening a bit chilly so we sat inside.

  • Review from Kenny P.

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/5/2012

    Had dinner here at least a couple of months ago.  Located in a nice plaza across from the Seascape resort with a view of the ocean in the distance.  The place has seemingly been around for a long time, the interior shows that as well since it looks like it hasn't been updated in quite sometime.  I think it's in need of a interior renovation, too bad it's probably not going to happen.  I always question the quality of these seaside restaurants, they're either pretty good or really bad from what I've experienced.  The service is decent, and we didn't have to wait around a long time to get a table or be served.  The place wasn't too busy that evening... I wonder if it ever really gets that busy.

    We ended up ordering just a ceviche and quesadillas con pollo y pina.  The ceviche was fresh and not bad.  It just wasn't anything unique or especially amazing.  The restaurant doesn't really convey that they'd server anything otherwise.  The quesadillas were just alright. The chicken luckily didn't seemed overly processed like you might find at an american chain restaurant.  Maybe somewhere in between that and actually good chicken.  It wasn't especially juicy or tasty from what I remember.  I suppose this place does have an excellent view of the area during the day.  Prices are pretty normal considering it's proximity to the ocean.  I can think of one restaurant that is definitely better than this one, albeit probably more expensive and not by the ocean...

  • Review from Robert G.

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    • 21 friends
    • 53 reviews

    Capitola, CA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/8/2012

    I have been to Palapas a few times, and have always found the food to be excellent.

    The service however, is HORRIBLE!

    I recently visited and when I entered I was not greeted, and actually felt that I was disturbing the hostess meeting that was taking place. I was quickly seated, and sat with my GF for about 30 min before a bus boy approached and was shocked to find out we had not been waited on. A hostess came to our table 5 min later and took our order, she also apologized for us not being helped, and offered to give us complementary drinks ( which would have been great, if they had remembered to not charge us for them on the bill) We again waited around 30 min for our food, which was cold when it arrived, after finishing our meal we waited about 20 min for a different hostess to bring our bill. We then waited another 20 min to have the bill picked up, and my credit card returned.
    I would say we arrived at 815 and didn't leave till 5 after 10. It was very disappointing, and embarrassing, before arriving I had told my GF how amazing Palapas was...

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      4/20/2010

      Palapas is a great place to eat, the atmosphere is wonderful and honestly I dont think there is one… Read more »

  • Review from Kaley S.

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    • 20 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Santa Cruz, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/15/2011

    Each week my best friend and I try a different restaurant around Santa Cruz for a lunch date. Of course we rely heavily on the suggestions of others in choosing our next dining venue. Palapas has a stellar reputaion, and after hearing such rave reviews, we decided to finally give it a go.

    It was a gorgeous day and we were excited for the drive out to Seascape and to take in the spectaular ocean views indoors. Upon entering, we were neither greeted nor noticed. The hostess was unfriendly to say the least. The place was pretty empty, as it was a Monday afternoon at 3. Having prefaced that, it took nearly 30 minutes to recieve our entrees.

    My friend ordered the ceviche tostada lunch special- pretty forgettable, extra chewy calamari rings, no citrus for the seafood and no guacamole for the tostada. I ordered the lunch enchilada dish- the enchilada sauce was in fact the same sauce they use for the huevos rancheros, which is more tomato-ey in taste, a runny consistency and overall dissapointing. To top things off, the waitress charged me for the dinner entree, not the lunch special.

    I would like to say I give the benefit of the doubt about Palapas and perhaps we ordered the wrong items. However, beyond the beautiful and clean facade lies a not-so cheerful wait-staff, over-priced entrees and unpalatable "mexican" food. Stick to more authentic places closer to Santa Cruz.

  • Review from Shawn S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Yuba City, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/2/2012

    My wife and I ate at Palapas based on the recommendation from the owner of a bed and breakfast we stayed at. The food was great and service was friendly. We showed up about 2 hours before closing with the restaurant about half full. The staff was friendly and food was prepared timely and delivered hot and fresh. The salsa and chips were great, no stale chips here. I read most of the other reviews and I must admit that on 1-26-2012 the food was tastey and the service was friendly. We would recommend this restaurant and would definitely return when we are in the area.

  • Review from Jeff S.

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    • 4 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    I've been to Palapas several times.  My wife and I were married across the street at the resort and had our rehearsal dinner here.  The food is good, seafood is there specialty.  The chips are a little thick, not very authentic.  Service is good, never had issues personally.  For a nice Mexican food restaurant, Palapas is a safe bet.

  • Review from Jeannine T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Menlo Park, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/12/2012

    Been to Palapas twice for dinner and twice for lunch, always on weekends.

    The pros: nice water view from the patio, interesting menu with seafood focus.

    The cons: very poor service - 20 min to get menus at lunch even when they weren't busy, rude cocktail waitresses, careless billing with frequent errors. Food is so-so.

    I won't be back.

  • Review from Lorna H.

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    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Aptos, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/1/2011 8 Check-ins Here

    Palapas may be a bit pricier than most Mexican restaurants, but most Mexican restaurants don't have delicious fresh seafood specials, excellent margaritas (especially mango), great staff, ocean view, and, oh yeah, white tablecloths! A fun place to go any time of the day, lunch or dinner is well worth your hard-earned money

  • Review from Neen M.

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    • 6 friends
    • 88 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/28/2011

    Came here for happy hour and I am in LOVE with their house margarita.  Super duper strong but they are so smooth you can chug 'em down like water.  You'll be good after 1 house margarita and set after your second.  I also tried the mango margarita.  It felt a little powdery and non-icy for being a blended drink, but still tasty.  Definitely prefer the house over the mango.  Sat in the bar area which was packed w/ locals - luckily we were able to grab a table.  Food is MEH, but definitely a thumbs up for the happy hour!

  • Review from Jackie H.

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    • 29 friends
    • 102 reviews

    Stockton, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/24/2011 1 photo

    After seeing that Palapas Restaurant had only 3 stars on Yelp, I wasn't expecting much. Much to my surprise, the food is actually really tasty here! I would easily give them 4 stars. However, the menu is overpriced in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind paying $20-30 for an excellent meal, but I don't think the food here is quite worth that price.

    Upon recommendation by our waiter, I got the Tierra y Mar - charbroiled skirt steak with grilled prawns. I had trouble deciding if I wanted seafood or meat so I automatically went for this dish. Both the skirt steak and prawns were both juicy. Nothing to complain about. However, what really stood out for me was the guacamole we got with our chips. Some of the best guacomole I've gotten at a restaurant. Their salsa is pretty good as well.

    The drinks here are yummy but they're fairly light on the alcohol. Maybe that's why they're so good. I got their mango margarita and sangria. Both good but not enough kick to even give you a buzz.

    With a couple of drinks, tip and tax, I'd say you can easily spend $40-50 per person here. Not really worth the price in my opinion but I guess with the ocean view it's a nice place to go once in a while.

  • Review from Mike V.

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    • 15 friends
    • 26 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    1.0 star rating
    10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Wow I must of.been here on a bad day.  Every table around me complaining about their food.  My chicken enchiladas were swimming in sauce and oops they were cheese sans chicken.  Lack luster flavor,  beans tasted like a gringo made them.  I will never come here again.

  • Review from James T.

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    • 5 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Pleasant Hill, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/3/2011

    I recently visited Palapas during a stay at Seascape resort mainly because of its close proximity and ocean view. My wife and I decided to go for a sunset appetizer and drink on the patio. To keep it in perspective I must admit that my review is a little limited because we did not order any entrees. However, I was very underwhelmed by the food, drinks and service we did receive. We each ordered a margarita, which tasted more like a smoothie than an adult beverage. We also ordered a generously sized dish of vegetarian nachos. While they were filling, the nachos left much to be desired in terms of flavor (we had to ask the busboy for hot sauce to make them palatable). Our server was very friendly, but not very attentive.

    On the upside, our busboy was very helpful, offering to bring over a space heater since it was a little chilly and keeping our glasses and salsa consistently full. The ocean view on the patio is also a bonus. If not for these two factors Palapas would have received 2 stars based on food and drink merit alone.

  • Review from John C.

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    • 8 friends
    • 74 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    2.0 star rating
    7/23/2010

    Oh Palapa's what has happened?

    We got turned on to Palapas about 10 years ago from friends of ours who made it a point to come here every time they came over to the coast. We have been back countless times over the years.

    I love to compare Mole's and Palapas has been one of the best. Savory, spicy (dab your forehead hot) and just a wonderful mix of flavors.  We have always enjoyed the outdoor seating with our 2 kids as they can move around and enjoy the view.

    Well...I am sad to say that this past weekend we had a completely different experience. My Mole was a tasteless runny mess. My wife's Shrimp dish had no discernible flavor and so we were sorely disappointed. The top shelf Margarita was good but that's about all I can say that was positive.

    I complained to the waiter about the mole and he said he was going to mention it to the chef. That's the last we heard of it.

    $100 bill later for me, my wife and 2 kids. Not worth it. We won't be back anytime soon.

    I hope they get their act together.

  • Review from Kristen E.

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    • 7 friends
    • 41 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    2/16/2011

    Meh is right. or. almost ew. i came in alone after a beach day wanting to try out this place after i have heard a few people raving about it. I was wearing a super cute, full coverage beachy type dress and sandals and was treated with a what do you want attitude from the older hostess. Hey. the place is not all that fancy, its by the beach, and it was like 2pm on a sat and it was empty! I sat on the not so clean or fancy patio which had a very nice partial ocean view. The waitress was very nice but did not know the menu. Probably new, I forgive her.

    The food. super meh. i feel like i was ripped off. way to expensive for what you are getting. Nasty salsa. I have had better from a can. I had the ceviche. It was super duper extremely whatever. They sell their burrito's cold at the little liquor store with a microwave in the same shopping center. If you are starving and in Seascape, do that instead. They are OK. Nothing to write home about, but definitely much better than my experience with the restaurant.

    I usually like to give a restaurant a second chance if I have been disappointed once. But this place? No. No second chances from me. Something very unhappy, unwelcoming, weird vibey about this place. I might allow myself to be dragged there to enjoy a drink on the patio if my friends force me, but only if i fail at trying to change their minds to go to Seascape resorts pool side bar (with a much better view) instead. Yes I am a hater.

  • Review from Brian B.

    Aptos, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/26/2010 3 Check-ins Here

    Tasty, "classy" Mexican Food.  Note that this is NOT a fast food Mexican food joint...

    The sit-down restaurant has a prime location in Seascape, with a view of the ocean and great outdoor patio.  They're seafood dishes are what people usually talk about, but since I don't eat seafood, I usually get the enchiladas or the Quesadilla Con Pollo y Piña.  Both are good, the latter is epic (and is listed under "Bocadillas" or "Little Bites," meaning despite being HUGE it's cheap...).  The chips used to be really good at this place, but now are pretty less than average.  The salsa they come with is still really good, though, and overall the food and atmosphere at this place are great.

  • Review from Jason P.

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    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Aptos, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/3/2011

    Pros:  Nice views.  Large selection.  Friendly staff.

    Cons:  Inexperienced staff.  There are very few things on the menu that you could consider authentic.  It's what you'd call "tourist" food.  Extremely overpriced.  The chips aren't fresh or home made.

  • Review from jennifer l.

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    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Leandro, CA

    1.0 star rating
    4/9/2011

    Do not support this place they are terrible in every way you could imagine.I would bet money that all the good reviews on here were posted by the stuck up rich brats that work there.

  • Review from Timothy C.

    Washington, DC

    3.0 star rating
    5/3/2010

    I'll be honest - I have friends who work here, so I'll try not to be biased.

    Palapas has a great atmosphere!  It's always bustling, probably because it's the closest restaurant to the Seascape resort.  There is a great patio in the summer, a little cold in the winter, and both times I've sat outside its taken the wait staff a while to light the heaters, but once they do it is nice.

    The best way to visit Palapas is to go to the bar and seat yourself for Monday night football in the early fall - cheap bar tacos and cheap beer on Monday nights, plus a great prime time football match-up.  If you want to go beyond the tacos, the seafood nachos are great, and for drinks, a Cadillac Margarita - get a pitcher if you're there with a group.

    The only downside at the bar is that there aren't any large tables, so you should get their early and save one for a group.  The full menu isn't served at the bar either.  The salsa is kind of bland, but you don't go to a Mexican restaurant for salsa.

  • Review from erin h.

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    • 228 friends
    • 170 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    2.0 star rating
    6/11/2008

    Ocean view= 1 star.
    Strong ass margarita= 1 star.
    Guacamole= 1 star (based on taste, not 9 dollar price tag)

    Everything else is just kinda....eh......well actually just "eh."

    Chicken= Not quite sure it's chicken.
    Service= Questionable.
    Staff= confused?
    Price= Gimme Don Cuco's any day. Here you're paying for the view, and the view is only decent if you're outside.
    OVERALL= This is what I get for eating Mexican food in the top half of California.

    But hey, they did have ample parking, and it's one of like....3 restaurants I've found in Aptos, so....yeah....that's all I got.

  • Review from Megan B.

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    • 2 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Alamo, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/3/2011

    I really wanted to like this place. My family recently relocated our vacation home from Capitola to Aptos so we've been trying to venture out a little bit from our old favorites in Capitola and Santa Cruz to see what the Aptos area has to offer.

    I wish we hadn't.

    This was no experience to write home about and I would drive a little further to go to Capitola or Santa Cruz any day if it meant better food than this. To be fair my parents had the seafood special that they are apparently known for and they really liked it, but I did not care for any of the other stuff they had to offer. The salsa they served with the chips tasted like watered down Chevy's salsa, and their other sauces were equally unimpressive in flavor.

    I've always had a theory with Mexican restaurants that if they can't even get the salsa right it's a bad sign and it's all downhill from there... Guess what? My theory works 99% of the time and it sure did here! When my chicken tacos came the whole thing was barely lukewarm and the meat was dry and flavorless...it could have been just about any kind of meat, to be honest, and I wouldn't have been able to tell what it was due to it being so blah.

    I think it's also worth mentioning that the service seriously sucked with the only exception being the busboy. First the two hostesses saw us and made us wait almost 15 minutes when we walked in before ever coming over to acknowledge us and say something like "Just a moment, please." They would just walk by us without a word.

    When we finally got a table I think we got the most obnoxious waiter in the whole restaurant. Oh yes, this guy resembled that preppy egotistical guy in your college classes who thinks he's god's gift to everyone just by showing up and comes equipped with a perma-smirk and eye roll if you dare ask him anything. I'm guessing mommy and daddy told Ken Doll to go get a job when he came home for winter break because he ended up here. He looked at me like I was really inconveniencing him when I dared ask for a taco without cheese (Hello? Lots of people are allergic, buddy, get over it! It won't be the last time you here that request!) and he only appeared when he definitely had to but made it more than known that he didn't want to be there. I wish I could remember his name but alas I cannot...just look for guy who acts like he'd rather be anywhere but there and uses his job as an excuse to showcase his over-privileged attitude.

    Lastly I'm only giving a second star to this place because it sounds like the one thing they CAN do is make halfway decent seafood, the view is supposedly great (I don't know because it was nighttime when I came and pitch black), AND for the busboy who picked up where our waiter left off that night. Sadly I cannot remember your name either but seriously I hope you get promoted and that Mr. Attitude gets kicked out on his ass because you ran circles around him and were more than happy to help.

    If you really want to taste authentic mexican food that isn't this overpriced stuff go to Taqueria Vallarta on 41st St. in Capitola. They beat this place any day...oh yeah, and you won't get cold food there either!

  • Review from bill r.

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    • 0 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Santa Cruz, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/24/2009

    O.K.,hot off the press. Ate at Palapas 30 minutes ago on Saturday evening , October 24th.

    Marginal pretty much sums it up.

    I had the chicken taco with the chile verde. I kid you not when I tell you that I could not taste any difference between the two dishes.

    My wife had something she did not finish. She said it was common.

    My daughter had the enchilada trio and pronounced it mediocre.

    Had to ask the worthless waiter every time for water....and chips and salsa. Chips an salsa were good which is why they got two stars.

    I spend $85 dollars....( only gave 10% tip to clueless waiter ) and can honestly say it was the biggest waste of $85 dollars in recent memory.

    I hope someone from the restaurant reads this and has some level of shame for plating food that is so bland and average they will give me my money back.

    Blah.

  • Review from Anthony J.

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    • 46 friends
    • 177 reviews

    Carlsbad, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/30/2006

    I solid spot, food is good, cocktails are excellent.  Don't miss the pulp friction, Pozole is a classic, Parilla prawns are a person favorite.  Awesome views and a nice airy lay out.

    A great fresh-mex-cali cuisine fusion.

    We also held our rehearsal happy hour here, a nice laid back alternative to a fancy sit down dinner.  Good food and cocktails with an ocean view...what more could you ask for.

  • Review from Karen P.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Stockton, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/17/2011

    My favorite restaurant in Aptos for 15 years, never disappointed!  Fresh seafood specials, warm chips and salsa along with a Mango Margarita is a good start.  The food is fresh, delicious and attractive.   Outdoor seating available, comfortable indoor seating and can accomodate larger groups with advance planning.  Reservations a good idea if you have a larger party.

  • Review from Amethyst U.

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    • 30 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Santa Cruz, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/27/2010

    I like Palapas because they have an interesting selection of vegetarian food. At most places I can get your standard choice of taco, enchilada, burrito with a vegetarian filling or chile rellenos. Palapas offers a tofu ranchero, vegetarian fajitas and besides the usual cheese enchiladas you can have a tofu filling.

    On my last visit, my opinion was somewhat lowered by the fact that the rice and beans were average. The beans had probably been simmering too long. They were overcooked and the skins had that look like they had dried out. In addition, the service was only OK. Our waitress  was friendly enough but forgot about our request for more salsa when we got the food and no one refilled our water for much too long.

    My husband enjoyed his food, a special with blackened mahi-mahi and prawns.

    The view IS great but since it's in Seascape you can't count on it (thank you Santa Cruz fog!). I would still recommend it overall, especially for vegetarians.

  • Review from Joel V.

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/26/2009

    Really good place to gurp if you are at the Seascape Resort. It is in the plaza right across the street, an easy walk from the resort. Palapas specializes in Mexican seafood dishes...I've been twice - and destroyed the seafood enchiladas both times.

    Besides the bombastic food, the drinks are good - and the views decent as well.

  • Review from O G.

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    • 28 friends
    • 70 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    6/22/2008

    The ocean view is awesome!

    I had the special, which was seafood fajitas...pretty good.  The two people I was with had the fish special -halibut and the chicken and crab quesadilla.  The halibut was good.  We never found the crab meat in the quesadilla....

    I didn't have any alcohol so can't say whether their drinks are made well.

  • Review from Michael P.

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    • 21 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Aptos, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/5/2011 14 Check-ins Here

    Delicious Mexican cuisine in the heart of Seascape!  Love the view, love the food, love the people!

  • Review from Michael M.

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    • 2 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Santa Cruz, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/13/2011

    The reason they are getting 2 stars and not less is because this place used to be great.  As a child, I loved coming here.  Now, their entire image has gone down hill and the food seems half-assed.  Unfortunately, Seascape does not have that much variety so it is the trade off I guess...

  • Review from Charles M.

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    • 9 friends
    • 157 reviews

    Burlingame, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/19/2007

    I love Palapas!
    The restaurant is located in a fun little shopping center with plenty of parking.  It's on the second floor closer to the ocean which gives the dining area a pretty decent view of the ocean and the SeaScape Resort.
    The menu has a wonderful selection of delicious Mexican food.  Everything is moderately priced but the quality makes it all worth it.  I've never had a bad meal at Palapas.
    Sometimes the service is a little slow on a busy night or if you haven't made reservations, sometimes you can wait a little while but other than that, it's a great restaurant for kids and adults.
    Don't go expecting go expecting "authentic" Mexican food.  Instead, go expecting good food, a relaxing atmosphere and a fun afternoon or evening.

  • Review from brittany z.

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    • 1 friend
    • 27 reviews

    Austin, TX

    3.0 star rating
    1/21/2008

    We stayed at Seascape Resort right across the way, and wanted to grab lunch before we headed out of otwn on Sunday afternoon.

    Great view of the ocean and nice, friendly service.  And the food was actually good.

    But wow, overpriced.  I got an a la carte chicken taco and it was $5.95.  My husband got an a la carte chicken burrito and it was $8.50.  It was tasty, but I don't think worth the price.

  • Review from Cynthia D.

    Aptos, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/30/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Very roomy, pretty good food, and pricey.  I enjoyed a pitcher of margaritas and split a taco plate with a friend.  I do love how you can get soy cheese and there is a complete vegetarian section of the menu.  So, they have have options for everyone.  But, overall I wasn't blown away.

  • Review from Anthony R.

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    • 8 friends
    • 61 reviews

    Silicon Valley

    3.0 star rating
    2/22/2009

    We only visit this place once a year.

    Beautiful ocean view across the street from Seascape Resort.  

    Only three stars because the place is way over priced, but we do like it as to mix up our dinner establishments which are lacking in Santa Cruz county.

    It is good, but only once a year in my honest opinion due to the prices.

  • Review from camron d.

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    • 3 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Aptos, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/16/2010

    Palapas near Seascape Resort is pretty disappointing, especially for a neighbor who lives down the street. the service is the most detracting feature about this place. sure it has good views, and the menu is somewhat stimulating(with the seafood combinations and drinks), but its the snickering when asked if you have a reservation and the taste of the food that disappoints. i recommend a place thats more worth your money. the outside seating is great if A.) no fog B.) its not cold and C.) you bring sunglasses on a sunny day.

  • Review from Anna Marie P.

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    • 0 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Watsonville, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/9/2011

    Palapas is where I go with my girlfriends for lunch.  The ocean view is beautiful from the restaurant. The food is fresh and the flavoring is great. The staff is friendly.  I have also had lunch with a large crowd to celebrate baby showers and birthdays.  The staff is able to handle small groups and large groups of people.

  • Review from Louie O.

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    • 1 friend
    • 32 reviews

    Aptos, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/19/2009

    Just had lunch at Palapas with my daughter and we were both very pleased with the view, the decor, the service, and the food.

    When we walked in, we were greeted by a friendly, happy hostess who seated us right away and left us with menus.  The runner served our water, chips, and salsa right away, and within a couple of minutes, our waiter was describing the special.

    The first thing that got my attention was the water.  I think it must be filtered because it didn't have that icky mineral taste that a lot of places in Aptos have.  The second thing I noticed was the salsa.  It had excellent flavor.  I actually ate mine with a spoon like a gazpacho.

    We kept it pretty simple - just a single order of Nachos Palapas for the two of us and water.  The nachos were delicious and we took the leftovers home.  I plan on returning sometime soon to try their daily specials, which friends tell me can be very good.

    Lunch for the two of us came to $15 including tax.

  • Review from Sam F.

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    • 10 friends
    • 25 reviews

    San Mateo, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/20/2010

    SLOOOOOW service on a Monday night.  I mean incredibly slow.  We arrived at 6:30 and didn't leave until 9....all we did was have appetizers and dinner.

    The food was below average.  We shared the seafood platter and it was just a mess of ceviche piled on top of other mediocre food.  

    I won't be back.  I should have guessed that a Mexican restaurant that had no Mexicans in sight would not make good Mexican food.

  • Review from elizabeth s.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Aptos, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/28/2011

    The food here is made from scratch and cooked fresh daily.  The fish is fresh, and all plates are delicious.  We come here with Mexican food lovers and they can't get enough, and we come with non Mexican food lovers, and they always can find something they enjoy.  The bar is always busy, and the drinks are poured stiff.  Margaritas are the best in town.  Other reviewer must like the stuff poured out of cans, or they have no taste buds.  Oh well, more for all of us who love Palapas.

    Was this review …?

    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      9/25/2008

      I love Palapas.  We go about every few weeks.  If you want strip mall "authentic Mexican" don't come… Read more »

  • Review from heather k.

    •  
    • 25 friends
    • 68 reviews

    Santa Cruz, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/10/2008

    My recent experience here was disappointing. Since I don't plan on ever going back I'll have to give it a 1 star rating.

    I'm currently on crutches and I asked my sweetheart to take me somewhere with a nice view to cheer me up. I thought that Palapas would be a good choice simply because parking's easy. We found a handicapped space and my sweetheart went in before me to make sure that a table would be available. He explained to the hostess that I was in a cast and she said she'd hold a table for two. The two of us returned less than 5 minutes later and another hostess was there who ignored us. We told her that we had reserved a table for two. She was extremely rude and appeared to not believe us. We were relieved to see the original hostess return, but she was even more ill-mannered and explained in a huff that she had given our table away to someone else and that we could wait another 30 minutes! She says this to me while I"m balancing on crutches with a huge cast on my leg not 5 minutes after they promised us a table. They looked at us apathetically and did nothing to try to accommodate the situation. My jaw dropped and I hobbled away as fast as possible on my crutches, never to return.

    Bottom line - okay yet pricey view, food and beverage, but the service needs some training in common courtesy.

  • Review from Caity W.

    •  
    • 31 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/23/2008

    When I'm in the mood to sit with a good friend, husband or adult kid and talk, drink wine or margaritas and eat chips and guacamole while we watch the sunset, there is no better place (at least in Santa Cruz County).  The food is excellent - fresh fish, beans and rice - who could ask for more?

  • Review from pandy b.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Foster City, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/31/2006

    We booked a rehearsal dinner for the outside patio. The restaurant called to cancel our reservation for our rehearsal dinner. The manager gave our date to a bigger party. They've lost a lot of business with this one!

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