1. Harbor Cafe
9.1
535 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Café · 41 tips and reviews
Taylor Shepherd: Carnitas omelet is fantastic, along with the eggs Benedict. And you can't go wrong with bottomless mimosas on Fridays :)
Nick Piper: Bottomless mimosas Friday
Sondra Baca: Everything here is deeelish!! The Avocado Bene, Veggie scramble and Mimosa Fridays is the best. Plus the staff is great!
Sally Wallace: Everything was a wow even the sides. Our favorites were the brisket juicy, tender, flavorful; Tri tip seasoned to perfection and ribs.
Randy G: They just opened and have a smaller menu with a variety of BBQ sandwiches, 1/4 chicken and St. Louis Ribs. The full menu is coming soon.
Nicholas Javier: The ribs are hearty and meaty, and the sauce is more than just fire - it's well crafted and flavorful. Pricing is a bit much, but service is excellent and swift.
3. The Buttery
8.7
702 Soquel Ave (Branciforte Ave), Santa Cruz, CA
Bakery · Eastside · 47 tips and reviews
Nate Calderon: The best in town! Carrot Cake, Devils Food Cake, Sandwiches, Salads, Mocha's & Croissants. The list goes on... Just an all around fantastic place to hang out at! The barista's know what they're doing!
Sarah Williams: Eggs Benedict. All you need to know.
Brenna G: Wow. Four staff standing behind the counter, no one waiting, and you won't help me until I walk across the store, take a number from your machine, and walk back to the counter?
Amelia Lauren: Great craft beer selection, with a menus categorized by taste (ex. "Hoppy," "dark brews") and a great vibe. 🍻
Colleen: Great selection of limited release and rare beers.
Robert Duffner: Come here for good beer, good food, and good people.
7. Zachary's Restaurant
8.3
819 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Breakfast Spot · Downtown Santa Cruz · 60 tips and reviews
Alex Long: Another plug for those sourdough pancakes: Light, thin, crispy edges, and made with sourdough starter. Delicious!
Rosi Miramontes: Potatoes excellent! Grilled cheese awesome! Sourdough pancakes delish! Great place good service :)
Jim Graham: Try the Mike's Mess - Order it every time. Half order is plenty
8. Real Thai Kitchen
7.9
1632 Seabright Ave (at Soquel Ave), Santa Cruz, CA
Thai Restaurant · Eastside · 12 tips and reviews
Matthias: #thegreatamericantakeout : What I wasn‘t quite expecting was the heat... They are taking their spiciness serious! 🌶🔥👌🏼 WOW!! If you like it HOT, this is definitely a place to keep in mind! 👍🏼
Jeremy Geiger: The name is accurate. This is one of the few Thai restaurants I the U.S. That my Thai wife will go to
Athonia Cappelli: Vegan options abound at the lunch buffet. Salad dressing has mayo but items like spicy tofu, green vegi curry & Tom Kha Tofu appear totally free of animal products. Spicy tofu is just that! Cha-chow!
12. Laili Restaurant
8.6
101 Cooper St #B (btw Front and Pacific), Santa Cruz, CA
Mediterranean Restaurant · Downtown Santa Cruz · 44 tips and reviews
Sarah R: Get the roasted cauliflower or the trout. Good wine list. Excellent for allergies....they have a menu in the back with every single ingredient listed. Ask for it if you have allergies.
Nm: Didn't like the chicken kabob .. Eggplant and parmesan on flatbread is recommended .. Great service .. Little pricey .. Crowded ..
Nahid: Get patio seating if available (gorgeous). Great food, prices in the $20-30 range for entrees.