Where to eat Cafe food in Santa Cruz: The Best Restaurants and Bars

September 6, 2019 Vivienne Hutton

Reviews on Cafe food in Santa Cruz, California, United States. The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
Things to do in Santa Cruz

10. Beach Street Cafe

399 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5415 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible +1 831-426-7621 http://www.beachstreetcafe.com
Food
Service
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 141 reviews

Beach Street Cafe

Reviewed By Queencelt

We stopped in for coffee, since the power went out in our Air Bnb and we couldn't make coffee there. We were served delicious coffee, and not pressured into ordering food (although everybody else seemed to be enjoying their breakfast.) Unaware that there was a change machine nearby, which we subsequently discovered, we asked our server for several quarters in exchange for our nickels and dimes, to feed the parking meter. He was happy to oblige, and we appreciated his friendliness.

9. cafe gratitude

103 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4422 Cafe, American Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Table Service +1 831-427-9583 http://cafegratitude.com/
Food
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4 based on 104 reviews

cafe gratitude

Reviewed By cultdiva

Last time we stopped here the staff was less than friendly. Happy to say they have new staff who where great! Very friendly and helpful with menu suggestions.The food was great.Overalls a good experience and we will be back.

8. Silver Spur

2650 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065-1940 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service +1 831-475-2725 http://www.scsilverspur.com/
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4 based on 84 reviews

Silver Spur

Reviewed By Larry S

It's a little understated on the outside, but walk inside and you'll find a woodsy country dining room. The staff is friendly and service is good. My breakfast (called the "Pony" on the menu) included one egg, sizable sausage patty, home fries, and a biscuit with gravy. The food was fine, portions were generous; good basic breakfast. Parking is pretty easy.

7. Cafe Brasil

1410 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4739 Brazilian, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Table Service +1 831-429-1855 http://www.cafebrasil.us
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4 based on 175 reviews

Cafe Brasil

Reviewed By 2017MDA

The cafe has great brazilian food. Since the waiting list was too long for our children we ordered some dishes for take away and had lunch in the kid's play ground just around the corner. Don't forget the to order Acai Bowl.

6. The Picnic Basket

125 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5412 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Waterfront +1 831-427-9946 http://facebook.com/THEPICNICBASKETSC
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 424 reviews

The Picnic Basket

Reviewed By bob_ontheroad

This place is right next the beach and wharf in Santa Cruz. That is a great combination that could have some other local establishments resting on their proverbial laurels and become complacent. But the Picnic Basket is not one of those. It's food was excellent- really, really, really get the Beet Sandwich. I know, who would ever think that this kid who hated the beets during childhood and eschewed them throughout adulthood would be gaga over the Beet Sandwich. But I am! Other offerings were equally interesting. Could have more drink offerings and the self-serve water dispenser needs a rethink (room temp water dribbling out a small spigot is not a good idea).

5. Saturn Cafe

145 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4498 American, Cafe, Diner Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Takeout [email protected] +1 831-429-8505 http://santacruz.saturncafe.com/
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4 based on 249 reviews

Saturn Cafe

Saturn Cafe offers traditional American diner fare with a vegetarian twist. Our menu features local and organic ingredients within a vibrant atmosphere. We believe that the health and happiness of our customers, staff and the business itself are inextrica

Reviewed By adleys_12

This vegetarian restaurant is excellent. The menu is broad, leaning toward a latin emphasis. Each item in the large selection of items available as vegan or gluten free is clearly marked. Service is friendly and efficient. Try the “chicken” fajita bowl. Outstanding! We ate both a dinner and a later breakfast and both were excellent with equally wide choices available.

4. Harbor Cafe

535 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-3911 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Table Service +1 831-475-4948 https://www.harborcafesantacruz.com/
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 164 reviews

Harbor Cafe

Reviewed By bynw

Parking is limited, but that probably helps manage the flow of patrons. The place is festive with seating inside and out. I ordered the breakfast burrito and a bloody Mary. Both were excellent.The burrito was scrambled eggs, hash browns, salsa fresca, avocado, cheese, & sour cream served in a tomato basil flour tortilla. It was fresh and tasty. There is an option to add meat if you are so inclined. I also ordered a Bloody Mary, as it was a vacation and it called to me. In part I was using the excuse that I was increasing my fruit and vegi intake. The drink was nicely garnished with a selection of celery, olives, gherkin, and a pickled pepper. It was a bit on the spicy side.Our waitress was full of positive energy. The hostess less so....

Top 10 Things to do in Santa Cruz, United States

3. Zachary's Restaurant

819 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4433 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service +1 831-427-0646 http://www.zacharyssantacruz.com
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 263 reviews

Zachary's Restaurant

Reviewed By ed o

Zachary's has been around forever. It is one of those spots, not attractive, wood floor is warped and not much has been done to upgrade the interior. But, the food is very good. I hadn't been to the lower part of the mall in a long time, and there are some sketchy characters panhandling, but it was a nice day and a late breakfast sounded good. We got a table in the side room and had some really really good strong coffee to start. Companion and I both got a short stack of the sour dough pancakes and we both swooned. If you want light, fluffy, tasty pancakes (3 to short stack and 5 to regular order) order these. We also split an order of perfectly cooked bacon. Breakfast with coffee and bacon and cakes was not the cheapest in town, but was really tasty. I'll go back again, maybe this time sooner. If you are looking at a place to experience

Top 10 restaurants in Santa Cruz, United States

2. Walnut Avenue Cafe

106 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-3913 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 831-457-2307 http://www.walnutavenuecafe.com/menu.html
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 352 reviews

Walnut Avenue Cafe

Reviewed By crumbles1234

Like the outdoor seating, great breakfast. Lots of options. Great for the whole family but very busy get there early.

Most Popular American food in Santa Cruz, California, United States

1. Linda's Seabreeze Cafe

542 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-3421 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service +1 831-427-9713 http://www.seabreezecafe.com
Food
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4 based on 375 reviews

Linda's Seabreeze Cafe

Reviewed By Sue L

Linda's lived up to other reviewers' positive recommendations. Friendly staff, funky atmosphere, clean, and fun. We ordered the stuffed (with avocado and tomato) grilled cheese sandwich (on crunchy sourdough bread) and the veggie patty gardenburger. Each was accompanied by a generous pile of hot and crispy country fries. The burger had lots of side extras - tomatoes, pickles, red onions and lettuce leaves - both yellow and dijon mustard available. We split and shared our sandwiches and both agreed on their winning flavor. Cash only, but there's an ATM machine if you need some - very convenient. Linda's is a little off the beaten path, but well worth seeking out. We definitely will on our next visit to the area.

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