6. 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!
7. The Penny Ice Creamery
8.8
913 Cedar St (at Locust St.), Santa Cruz, CA
Ice Cream Parlor · Downtown Santa Cruz · 75 tips and reviews
Kylie: My ice cream connoisseur friend says Penny is the best in the bay. Local ingredients, smooth and creamy consistency, and a constantly changing menu—what more could you ask for?
mikey: Tuesday and Thursdays between 4 and 6, get a second single scoop for one penny
Ian Hsu: Toasted marshmallow fluff topping is epic.
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.
9. 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?
10. Laili Restaurant
8.7
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.
11. 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!
Andrew Ward: I usually order a cappuccino or Gibraltar. Love the comfortable, shaggy-chic decor. Check out the courtyard for an ultra peaceful experience. If they served Champagne I might never leave!
Aleks Kozak: Sit down and enjoy the coziness. Read a book, even if it's your MacBook... or your neighbor's. :)
Vab Media: Free wi-fi! Lots of room! Beautiful out and in! What's not to like?