Copal - Santa Cruz

Fantastic Oaxacan food. Probably the best Mexican meal I've had in the greater Bay Area in years.

I went here a few months ago, and had probably the worst meal I have ever had at a restaurant. Majority of the meal I found inedible and I ended up having to get another dinner at a taqueria down the street because I was still starving. I was super disappointed because I have been recommended to go here a bunch of times from other people in Santa Cruz. I’m hoping it was an off day and want to try it again but I also don’t want to just throw away money on food I do not like.

Best mole !!! Really good Mexican food! We will go back , make your reservation because is a popular place ! I think they can work more in the service, ?

We picked a bad night to finally try this restaurant since it was very busy due to it being graduation day at UCSC. We were accommodated even though we didn’t have a reservation. The service by our assigned server was not great, but the food made up for it. Delicious mole! I hope I will have a designated driver next time to try their drinks that looked very popular.

My friend and I just tried Copal for the first time. I have Celiac's Disease and Copal has numerous choices! The food and drinks were superb!I had the Quesadilla Mercado with steak. It was huge! It came with delicious black beans, a dollop of guac, and a small side of a spicy red sauce(not mole). My friend had chicken enchiladas with the red coloaradito mole. They came with rice. We shared chips, salsa, and guacamole, too. I had the mocktail that was the first one of the menu. I absolutely loved it!! My friend had the spicy margarita and said it was one of the best she's had. In fact, she had two. The salsa was just the way I like it. It was a thin, liquidy tomato juice consistency with a ton of flavor and quite spicy. Absolutely delicious! Can't wait to go back!!