Welcome to the Tortilla Flats Blog!
Keep up with our weekly specials, special events, live music calendar, and news.
Upgrade your closet! With 3/4 Sleeve baseball tees (white with black sleeves), Zip-Up Hoodies, Baseball Caps, stickers, & MORE!
*Only available in-store.
Meet the People Who Make Tortilla Flats Special. From longtime regulars to new faces, our Customer Spotlights celebrate the community of Santa Cruz/Soquel, CA that gives Tortilla Flats its heart. These stories highlight loyal guests, their favorite dishes, memorable moments, and what keeps them coming back—like unforgettable meals, great margaritas, and the warm welcome that feels like home.
Tortilla Flats WINS Best Of Santa Cruz 2025: Silver for Best Margarita, Silver for Best Mexican Restaurant in Aptos / Soquel, & Bronze for Best Tacos/Burritos in Aptos/Soquel! Tortilla Flats features the BEST Margaritas in the county and over 60 Tequilas and Mezcal.
Tortilla Flats WINS Best Margarita In Santa Cruz County 2024!
Tortilla Flats WINS Best Of Santa Cruz 2024: Best Margarita and silver for Best Mexican Restaurant in Aptos / Soquel! Tortilla Flats features the BEST Margaritas in the county and over 60 Tequilas and Mezcal.
Weekend Specials Mar 13-15
This Weekend Only from March 13-15, 2026! 🌶️ Our Weekend Specials include Seafood Burritos, Crab Enchiladas, and Prickly Pear Prawns! We offer the freshest ingredients sourced both from the ocean depths and our local landscape! Join us and savor our exclusive weekend specials, crafted with love and bursting with authentic Mexican goodness. Tortilla Flats features a full bar, including the BEST Margaritas in the county and over 60 Tequilas and Mezcal.
Weekly Specials March 10-12
Tortilla Flats Weekday Specials are here from Mar 10-12🍴🧀🍅 Indulge in mouthwatering Santa Fe Green Enchiladas and Enchiladas Suizas!
Our Tortilla Flats Weekday Specials are the perfect reason to treat yourself, whether it’s Taco Tuesday or you need a midday pick-me-up!
Pair your meal with the BEST Margaritas in the county or choose from over 60 Tequilas and Mezcals.
Yucatán Festival Coming to Your Tastebuds This March!!
Join Tortilla Flats for our Yucatán Festival, March 24–29! 🌴✨ Enjoy bold, authentic Yucatán-inspired dishes featuring achiote, citrus, slow-roasted meats, fresh seafood, and traditional banana leaf specialties. Limited-time menu — come hungry and experience the flavors of Mexico’s coast!
A Fest of the Best! [Jan 20-25]
🌶️ Best of the Fest | Jan 20–25, 2026 🎉 A one-week return of our most-requested festival favorites—cactus chile verde, pollo pibil, mole manchamanteles, mushroom crêpes, and more!! Limited time only 😋🍽️ Tortilla Flats features a full bar, including the BEST Margaritas in the county and over 60 Tequilas and Mezcal.
A Feast for the Senses… Check out our new partnership with 1UV!
Check out our new partnership with 1UV, a fine arts studio in Soquel. They offer two different lunch or dinner options that complement their art tours. Book a field trip or group outing, or schedule a private viewing!
Margarita Lovers Unite—Cast Your Vote For 2026! Voting Open Until Jan 18th, 2026
🍹 If you love our margaritas, help us claim the title of Good Times Best Margaritas 2026! Vote for Tortilla Flats for Best Margaritas and Best Mexican Restaurant in Aptos/Soquel—or any category you think we deserve. 🏆 Voting closes Jan. 18th, 2026!
Show your support here and let’s toast to many more unforgettable meals together! ¡Gracias, amigos!
Happy Thanksgiving! Tortilla Flats Is Closed On Thurs 11/27/25
We’ll be CLOSED April 20–21 for Easter Sunday and our usual Monday rest. But don’t worry—we’re back on April 22nd with our full menu, Earth Day specials, and live music to celebrate! 🌎🎶🌮
Come hungry, come festive—see you Tuesday!
Hot Tamale Festival 2025! Get Them While They’re Available!
Savor the flavor at Hot Tamale Week, Nov. 18–23 — from rich Oaxaca mole to truffle mushroom tamales, it’s a fiesta of taste! 🎉
Margarita Lovers Unite—Cast Your Vote For 2026!
🍹 If you love our margaritas, help us claim the title of Good Times Best Margaritas 2026! Nominate Tortilla Flats for Best Mexican Restaurant in Aptos/Soquel—or any category you think we deserve. 🏆 Nominations close Nov. 16th at 11:59pm, with voting from Dec. 15.
Show your support here and let’s toast to many more unforgettable meals together! ¡Gracias, amigos!
Celebrate the Art of Mole — Slow-Cooked, Soul-Warming, and Irresistible
Join us Dec 16–21 for Olé Mole at Tortilla Flats — smoky, sweet moles like Manchamanteles, Frida’s Peanut Mole, Mole Coloradito, and more. 🌶️🍴
Dia de los Muertos: Honoring Our Dearly Departed
Step into the vibrant world of Dia de los Muertos at Tortilla Flats, where we honor life, love, and the memories of our dearly departed. This beautiful celebration invites you to join us in recognizing the lives of those who have touched our hearts, all while enjoying the flavors of our kitchen.
Frida Look-Alike Contest – Friday 10/31 from 5-7PM! Win a $50 Gift Card!
Join us at Tortilla Flats on October 31st from 5-7 PM for the ultimate Frida Kahlo Look-Alike Contest! 🌺🖼️ Think you’ve got the best flower crown, bold brows, and Frida flair? Whether you rock the bold brows, flower crowns, or Frida’s iconic style, we want to see your best look! Strut your stuff for a chance to win a dinner for two at your favorite spot – Tortilla Flats, of course! 🌮🎉
Come Enjoy Our Special Frida Menu! October 2025
🏜️ Frida Fest 2025 is Coming… Oct 28 – Nov 2nd, 2025!! 🌵 Join us and savor the finest Frida-inspired meals that she cooked in her very own kitchen. These premium delights include Prickly Pear Prawns, Peanut Mole, and Cactus Chile Verde!
Supporting Lia’s Healing Journey 💛
Help us rally and support Lia, our beloved friend and server’s, healing journey.
Cactus Fiesta 2025!
🏜️ Cactus Fiesta 2025 is Coming… Sept 16-21st! 🌵 Join us and savor the finest nopales and prickly pear cactus in Santa Cruz. These premium delights are in limited supply, so don’t miss out on this unique culinary experience. (Spikes not included.)
☀️ SEAFOOD WEEK Is Washing Ashore From Aug 26-31, 2025! 🦐
Get ready for a week of bold flavors and creative twists on seafood favorites at Tortilla Flats’ Seafood Week, happening Aug 26-31, 2025! 🦐✨
Crepe Festival is BACK from July 22-27, 2025!
Get ready for a week of bold flavors and creative twists at Tortilla Flats’ Crepe Festival, happening July 22-27, 2025! 🌮✨
A Toast to Dads and All They Do – June 15th, 2025!
This Father’s Day, June 15th, 2025, we’re honoring every kind of father figure — past, present, chosen, and celebrated — with delicious specials and a heartfelt tribute to family.
Celebrating PRIDE All June Long!
We’re celebrating Pride all month long with amazing food, margaritas, and a chance to give back to the LGBTQ+ community. Donate $2 or more to our Pride Box benefiting the Diversity Center of Santa Cruz and receive a FREE Thank You sticker as a token of our appreciation! 🌈
Make Mom’s Day Extra Sweet!
🌸 We’re OPEN Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11! Celebrate moms with specials: Del Mar Enchiladas, Fresh Halibut, Drunken Lamb Riblets, Chocolate Mousse Pie & Watermelon Margaritas. Reservations recommended—secure your spot today and honor the heart, love, and strength of moms together! 💐✨
Surprise! We’re Open Monday, Cinco de Mayo!
🌮🎉 We’re OPEN this Cinco de Mayo!
Join us Monday, May 5th for a rare Monday fiesta—tacos, tequila, and all the vibrant vibes you love at Tortilla Flats. Let’s celebrate the heart, flavor, and culture of Mexico together! 🇲🇽✨
Earth Day Celebrations + Live Music 04/22/25 feat. Rio Road
🎶🌎 Celebrate Earth Day at Tortilla Flats! Join us on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, for live music by Rio Road (6:30–8:30 PM), delicious Mexican food, and handcrafted margaritas! No cover charge—just great vibes, tasty bites, and good times. Reservations recommended for groups of 6+—call 831-476-1754 to save your spot! 🌮🍹
Happy Easter! Tortilla Flats Is Closed On Sunday April 20th, 2025!
We’ll be CLOSED April 20–21 for Easter Sunday and our usual Monday rest. But don’t worry—we’re back on April 22nd with our full menu, Earth Day specials, and live music to celebrate! 🌎🎶🌮
Come hungry, come festive—see you Tuesday!
Crepe Festival – Mar 18-23
Get ready for a week of bold flavors and creative twists at Tortilla Flats’ Crepe Festival, happening March 18-23! 🌮✨
Tapas Every Wednesday & Thursday!
Spice up your midweek with our delicious Tapas Specials! Every Wednesday and Thursday, enjoy a variety of authentic Mexican small plates, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Savor bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and handcrafted dishes that bring the taste of Mexico to your table. Pair your tapas with a bold sangria or an ice-cold cerveza for the ultimate dining experience.
Tequila Tasting Club – Buy 3 Flights, Get a 4th Free!
Join the Tasting Club—Sip, Punch, Earn FREE Tequila! Buy a specialty Tequila Flight, collect punches with each purchase, and get your next Flight FREE after three punches. Sign up today! Our new Tequila Flights showcase curated premium tequilas from smooth Cristalino to rich Anejo.
Fungi Festival! Jan 21-26
Celebrate the magic of mushrooms at Tortilla Flats, January 21-26! Featuring organic, locally-grown mushrooms in dishes like creamy Wild Mushroom Crepes and bold Huitlacoche Tamales, it’s a menu you’ll love while supplies last. 🌮🍽
Love Our Margaritas? Vote for Tortilla Flats in Santa Cruz’s “Best Of” for 2025!
🍹 If you love our margaritas, help us claim the title of Good Times Best Margaritas 2025! We’ve also been nominated for SIX other categories! 🏆 Voting is open until Jan. 19, 2025!
Show your support here and let’s toast to many more unforgettable meals together! ¡Gracias, amigos!
LIVE BAND HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain Larks 12/17
Tuesday 12/17 was one for the books here at Tortilla Flats! Our Live Music Night was filled with great tunes, tasty food, and plenty of tequila, thanks to the Mountain Larks who kicked off the holiday season in style. A huge thanks to the band for bringing the merry energy and setting the perfect vibe for the night.
Tortilla Flats’ 2024 Holiday Candle Sale!
Beautiful Tortilla Flats Holiday Candles are in stock now for the winter season. Get yours before they are gone! As always, we also offer premium qualityTortilla Flats Merch, Including: 3/4 Sleeve baseball tees (white with black sleeves), Zip Up Hoodies, and Baseball Caps, and MORE! Also check out our brand new stickers!
*Only available in-store.
Rep Your OG Tortilla Flats Merch! We’re Giving Away Free Swag Every Day Dec 1-20, 2024!
🎄 20 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS! 🎄 This December, we’re bringing the holiday cheer with FREE OG Tortilla Flats merch every day from Dec. 1–20! 🎁✨ To join, simply snap a pic of your favorite Tortilla Flats moment—whether it’s a delicious dish, a refreshing margarita, or you and your crew enjoying the vibes. Tag us on Instagram @tortilla.flats.soquel and get a chance to win daily! Winners can choose their own iconic Tortilla Flats merch. It’s that easy! Don’t miss out—share the love and make this December extra festive with Tortilla Flats!
Olé Mole Festival! Starts Dec 17th, 2024!
Starting December 17th, we’re bringing the warmth and joy of the holidays to your table with our Ole Mole Festival! 🎄✨ Come home to Tortilla Flats and enjoy a festive menu of handcrafted moles, each one a celebration of Mexican tradition and flavor. 🌶️🍍 Whether it’s the smoky sweetness of Mole Negro 🍗 or the fruity touch of Mole Aji Limo 🦐, every dish is made with love and care, just like the season deserves. ❤️🎉
LIVE MUSIC Tue 12/17 Mountain Larks
Mark your calendars for Live Music Night, featuring Mountain Larks! Join us Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 @ 6:30pm. Let Tortilla Flats make your Tuesday Night happier with music, food, tequila, and a live band! It’ll be a night you WON’T want to miss! 🍹 While you’re here, enjoy our full bar and “The Best Margaritas in Santa Cruz County!” 🏆
Frida Look-Alike Contest on Saturday 11/2! Win a Dinner for Two!
Join us at Tortilla Flats on November 2nd from 5-7 PM for the ultimate Frida Kahlo Look-Alike Contest! 🌺🖼️ Think you’ve got the best flower crown, bold brows, and Frida flair? Whether you rock the bold brows, flower crowns, or Frida’s iconic style, we want to see your best look! Strut your stuff for a chance to win a dinner for two at your favorite spot – Tortilla Flats, of course! 🌮🎉
Hot Tamale Festival 2024! Get Them While They’re Available!
Get ready to unwrap the flavor at our Hot Tamales Festival! 🌽🔥 From November 26th to December 1st (closed on Thanksgiving), we’re turning up the heat with a tamale lineup that’s too good to miss! 🎉 Whether it’s the Oaxaca Tamal with mole sauce or the unique Mushroom Tamales with White Truffle Oil, we’ve got flavors to satisfy every craving.
Our Story
For over 45 years Tortilla Flats has delighted locals and visitors with the best food in the area. Zolina continues the legacy of the founder, Cheryl Marquez, who was inspired by the French and Mexican cuisines of New Orleans while living in the French Quarter. Click the button below to read more about our story!
