El Palomar

Walked to El Palomar because we had a 15% off coupon. They said they couldn’t honor this coupon because they were no longer el Palomar. they are now called «the other side».

I live in the Carmel Monterey area, this was my first time at this horrible place, the food was the worst I’ve ever had at any restaurants, the taco plate I ordered was so bad I took one bite almost got sick, the salsa looked like dirty water and the chips were old. I was there with 5 people they felt the same. There is a El Palomar in down town Santa Cruz that is excellent this place is NOT the same good thing they are changing the name it’s a disgrace to the one in SC. DONT EAT HERE YOU WILL REGRET IT
Oh and there were NO other customers, that should have given us a clue, the place was dirty with old worn out décor and tables. Horrible place!

AKA The Other Side Restaurant. Went there tonight. Friday night. Place was a «ghost town» nearly empty. Ordered steak quesadilla that was greasy, and guacamole old and discolored. Chicken enchilada was inedible. Sauce weird, guacamole grey. Now I know why they had no customers on a Friday night. Took Pepto right when I got home to avoid the aftermath. Only good thing was our waitress. nice and friendly. She should find a better place to work.

This place is under new ownership and has a new name, «The Other Side». The service was quick and good. Chips and salsa were quite tasty! I ordered the lunch special of a cheese enchilada, beef taco with rice and beans. Not very pleased with my meal. Taco meat was mostly fat. Kind of a sad place. I initially went due to it’s former name, «El Palomar». Nothing like it’s former name, except maybe the salsa. The restaurant is big and I was there during lunch time, but only two other people walked in while I was there. I don’t think I will be back unless it’s for drinks and entertainment.

It is no longer el Palomar it is now the other side. We arrived about noon, shortly after they opened. My first impression of the place was not good. No other guests, floor was filthy, very out dated. She told us to sit anywhere we’d like, so We wondered out to the patio area. This was much nicer than the inside. Very large fire pit. Plenty of room for a large party. Table clothes were dirty and had crumbs on them. So we ended up eating inside.
The menu simple and basic. One page. No kids menu. She asked if we wanted chips and salsa. Strange. Never been asked if we wanted them, normally they’re just brought out. But okay. I had the chile verde, hubby had the chicken enchiladas and our son had the cheeseburger. We also ordered some tacos.
Serving size was portioned correctly. Most places serve a ton of food. Most would actually say it was small but I say it was the right amount but not for the prices. I did not receive tortillas on the side. Hubby did not have any cheese on the enchiladas. The food was bland. Plain. Simple. Sauces were watered down. The tacos we had were very plain and had very little meat, refried beans and topped with cabbage on a homemade tortilla. The tortilla was the absolute best thing out of the entire meals. They did use real potatoes for the French fries.
Let’s talk about he bathrooms. Yuck! Dark, smelly the light in the men’s bathroom didn’t work. Toilet paper wasn’t hung up.
It appears this is maybe more of a night time bar? Idk but I will not be back. Not worth $ 50.00

The food was really good, great atmosphere, exceptional service. The staff really goes above and beyond to be helpful. They’ve got fire pits and Live music on weekend nights.
It’s a simple Mexican food menu with all the classic staples you’d expect. The entrance is out of the way, but definitely make sure you venture off the beaten path, you won’t regret it.

It’s not El Palamar anymore it’s called the Other Side now. Got there and the place was empty, other than a few local drunks. The waiter took our order promptly but it took almost an hour to get our food ever though we were the only people in the restaurant. Food was lack luster at best. If your thinking about going there check out a roach coach for better food.

My wife and I got there around 8:30 PM tonight. The sign for the restaurant was a bit lackluster and we almost missed the turn into the parking lot — not a problem though. The inside of the establishment is huge, with sky lights and plenty of seating. Off to the left there is a bar dressed up as a straw hut, a glowing mosaic wall-​piece set a soft glow to the rows of alcohol lining the adjacent walls, and 5 large flat screen televisions lined the bar area. They were not busy, seemed strange to me for a Friday night. The waiter promptly greeted us and gave us free range of seating, which was refreshing because most restaurants tend to herd their guests into one section when it’s not busy. Aside from the provocative cutouts of scantily-​clad ladies advertising beer, I really can’t complain.
They bring you a hefty bowl of hot tortilla chips with salsa to start off. My wife ordered the chicken enchiladas and I got the carne asada burrito. Both came with rice and beans, served just the way that any good, traditional Mexican establishment would. Another plus is that they didn’t charge us for the generous portions of sour cream and guacamole that were brought when my wife asked for them. The portions were also hefty which, coupled with how tasty the food was, helped justify the $ 32 we spent for the two of us. The waiter and other staff were attentive, very friendly and talked about how they are still transitioning from their old Carmel-​By-​The-​Sea location in an expansion effort.
A tall fire was beckoning us outside, and a DJ had just arrived, but alas, we could not stay. We thanked the staff, left a good tip, and vowed to return to explore more of the menu. Thanks, All. :-)

*This review is not based on the food since we did not get to eat here* My family along with my parents went here to eat dinner and left after we ate some chips. Chips were good as was the salsa. But upon walking in, the place was empty. It was a Tuesday night I get it, but having gone to tourists locations all day in Monterey, everywhere was pretty crowded. We couldn’t decide on what to eat for dinner that wasn’t a chain restaurant, nor expensive and kid friendly. Besides being empty they didn’t have a hostess or anything just 1 male waiter he was an older guy and he sat us in a small area right by the bar. There was 2 tables next to us occupied but the rest of the place was empty (they had a lot of tables). It was kind of dark, smelt horrible (I thought it smelt like gas) and the décor was gross. It looked like it needed some serious renovations. They had no kids menu and the prices were expensive for Mexican food in a crummy looking place. The waiter was okay, kind of awkward and we offered to pay for the chips we ate but he said it was okay. Thats cool of him since we felt bad we ate 2 baskets and chips and bounced but again we didn’t try the food and it could have been amazing but they should make it more appealing.

My mother and I decided to try this place for lunch because of all the great things we heard about it. I’m getting the feeling most of those high ratings are from the late night crowds who are buzzed or under the influence because the food was terrible! Completely overrated.
I’ve never felt the need to write a review about a restaurant before but I have to say one stomach ache and 30 dollars later I felt obligated.
Don’t waste your money or your time coming here. The portions are small and the dishes are way over priced, especially for what you get. We were so hungry when we came in we filled ourselves up on the chips and salsa. There was only one other table there besides us and I felt it took a lot longer for our food to come out than it should have, considering how slow it was. Both salsas were odd tasting, you could definitely tell that the pico de gallo was beyond stale. The other was canned. They used a lot of vinegar in the salsa… talk about bad.
I ordered the sope and the artichoke enchilada and my mother ordered the beef taco and artichoke enchilada. Both plates came with rice and beans. The artichoke hearts they used came straight out of a jar/​can with a very strong vinegar flavor, and the herbs that the artichoke hearts were marinated in was a complete contrast of flavor for Mexican food and the cheese was really odd and super salty. The rice was hard and the beans were okay. The guacamole used for the gauc sope was disgusting. My mother’s taco meat had no flavor what so ever. We were both so hungry we ended up leaving paying 30 dollars for crappy quality food.
The place was pretty dirty and seemed run down. The only good thing about the restaurant was the waiter. He was very nice and attentive.

My wife and I have been traveling and ate at a few places near the cannery row. We thought we would give this place a try since it was across the street from the hotel. We were met by Rigo who made us feel right at home. When the food came out it smelled wonderful and tasted twice as good. The steak was tender with a great grilled flavor. My wife had grilled chicken and it tasted just as good. Rigo continued to check on us and was extremely nice and friendly. The salsa was home made and had a nice sweet flavor to it.
We recommend this restaurant highly. Great food, great atmosphere, great people.
We are eating right now and I’m going to get back to eating.

Yummy! Every time I come to Monterey this is my choice for Mexican food! Everything is excellent quality and the service is always friendly and professional. Try this place!!!

This place may be a little dated and a bit pricey, but the food and service is really good! I’ve been twice now and each time it was pretty empty inside, but don’t let that scare you. The chips are fresh and the margaritas are great!

The food was very good. Large portions and great service. Loved the ultimo margarita…

We came here based on a recommendation from the front desk clerk at our hotel across the street.
I was a little hesitant considering the varied reviews on this and their other Unilocal page (Rudy’s El Palomar), but we didn’t want to load up into the car and go somewhere else, and walking somewhere meant we could have an extra margarita :-)
Upon entering, I had even more doubts about our decision. Aside from us, there was only one other couple in the restaurant. It was 7pm. On a Saturday. But my husband told me to be open-​minded and give it a try.
We ordered a couple margaritas and some drinks for the kids while we perused the menu. The margaritas were solid, not too sweet, and had just the right amount if tequila.
I finally settled on the two taco plate of carne asada tacos. Hubs was braver than I, and ordered the three tilapia taco plate. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time, nicely presented, and DELICIOUS. I didn’t try the fish tacos, but according to my husband, they were also delicious. However, it would have been nice to have a choice of beans like most other restaurants. My only regret was that I didn’t order the three taco platter. We wrapped up our meal with another round of margaritas and were on our way.
The service here was excellent. I can’t remember the server’s name, but he was really friendly. I can see why people are put off by this place though. The décor is really dated, and again, the place was pretty empty. They were setting up the dance floor for music and dancing, which runs from 9p-​1a, so maybe that’s their prime time. They have a nice patio area with a fire put, but it was too cold to eat outside.
If we’re just talking about the food quality, I give them a solid 3.5 stars. Be sure to try the carne asada tacos. I rounded up to 4 for their great service. Just have a couple margaritas and overlook the décor.

Great authentic food. Carne asada tacos are a must! Meat is so tender and juicy! Great friendly service. They make you feel right at home. I’ve also been here after hours, on a Saturday night. Live band and a packed dance floor. Dj and live band playing the latest in salsa, cumbia, bachata you name it! Great environment!

We were craving some Mexican food and after being turned off by the harsh fluorescent lighting at Lopez so we decided to give El Palomar a try.
We ordered a pitcher of their ultimate margaritas (the only margarita on the menu not made with yucky Cuervo gold) — unfortunately they were not very good, too sweet and made with sour mix rather then fresh squeezed lime juice,
My carne asada tacos with rice and beans was pretty mediocre and the meat had way too much salt. My wife wasn’t impressed with her enchiladas either.

Great food. Quick service. Portions seemed a little small but prices were good. Would definitely eat here again. Best if all fit my vegetarian lifestyle with no lard.

Food was freshly made, warm tortilla chips, fresh salsa. Many veggie options. My portobella mushroom & spinach quesadilla was perfectly cooked (mushrooms seared, spinach not watery.) Hubby had the shrimp enchilada– but he only gave it (3) stars– for him it lacked pizzazz, but he finished it anyway. Yes, I would recommend this place.

We got 2 $ 50. gift cards for $ 70. from Costco. This is my first time at this El Palomar. We went today during lunch and it was quiet. I’m not sure if it just opened. They have great food. I had artichoke enchiladas and my husband had huevos rancheros. The artichoke enchiladas were pretty good, I’ve never heard of artichoke enchiladas.
The waiter was respectful and professional.
The restaurant does need an up lift. It doesn’t need to look luxurious to make me happy but, it does have to be clean. In this case I would say the carpet need to be washed or needs to be replaced. Also the walls need a touch up.
Overall, I did enjoy having lunch here. If I come back to this area I will consider to come here again. :)