Eats on a budget in Santa Cruz

Food is generally delicious, but also expensive. Below are some recommendations from our correspondent Max Chun, gathered by Lookout’s student interns. Here you will find some good eats that won’t hurt your wallet too much. For you banana slugs, we hope this helps you enjoy, explore and learn about your new home. Click here to visit our whole UCSC Student Welcome Guide and be sure to sign up here with your .edu email address to redeem your FREE Lookout membership.

Also to note, Lily Belli is our food and drink correspondent at Lookout – subscribe to her newsletters to keep up with all the good eats in the county! Now onto those recs…

Santa Cruz eats on a budget:

Pizza My Heart: Pizza My Heart’s brand recognition is among the strongest in the city, if not the strongest. The pies are a little on the pricey side, but going for a slice is a pretty good deal. Only $5.75 per pepperoni and $6.50 for Maui Wowie. Also, ask for a slice card so you can get free menu items with every third slice. Finally, a quick tip for those ordering full pies: Ask for your pizza “well done” to get a crispier crust and extra-melted cheese. It’ll taste like it just came out of the oven!  Location & hours: 1116 Pacific Ave. in Santa Cruz, 11 a.m. midnight 

Guang Zho: If y’all are ever in the mood for Chinese food, you might have found that there are not many options in the area. That said, Guang Zho on Portola Drive in Pleasure Point is by far the best around town. Featuring a huge menu with delicious appetizers (potstickers, egg rolls, wontons, etc.) and tons of entree options, it’s got something for everyone. My go-to is the beef chow fun, a garlicky rice noodle dish with green onions, bean sprouts and flank steak. If you go during the lunch specials (served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) they cost $10.95 to $12.95. I should order some right now, honestly. Location & hours: 3150 Portola Dr. #5101 in Santa Cruz, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 

Seabright Deli: If you’re craving a sandwich, head over to Seabright Deli on Seabright Avenue (obviously) and check out its well-rounded menu of delicious eats between bread. From turkey to chicken, ham and some great pastrami, the deli prepares all of its meats in house, ensuring freshness in every sando. You might want to ask the employees to go light on the sauce, as they can be quite generous with the helpings. Still, sandwiches are reasonably priced and huge. Get one and walk to the beach, just a block away, for a meal outdoors

Jack’s Hamburgers: If you’re in the mood for a classic burger-and-fries combo, Jack’s Hamburgers downtown on Lincoln Street has you covered. The locally owned joint with a big hamburger sculpture jutting out of the corner of its roof has been serving up a variety of burgers and other sandwiches for years, and never disappoints. Psst, vegans: Jack’s Beyond Burger is among the most affordable that you can find — yes, even cheaper than an Impossible Whopper and likely better, too (I have never eaten an Impossible Whopper, FWIW).

Ferrell’s Donuts: Looking for a quick, indulgent snack after a night out or 4/20 festivities? It should go without saying, but Ferrell’s Donuts might be your best option. Featuring loads of freshly fried donuts and pastries baked to perfection (pun very much intended), you can buy a genuinely absurd amount of goodies for you and all of your friends for a very low price.

Gayle’s Bakery: Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola is without a doubt one of the best bakeries in the area due in part to its amazing baked goods and well-rounded menu. Get pastries, quick breakfasts, salads, desserts and fresh bread all for around $5-10. A bacon & smashed tots breakfast sandwich is only $10.95. Specialty cakes and larger entrées will be pricier for sure, but if you have a few people chipping in, the inflated price is well worth it. Location & hours: 504 Bay Ave. in Capitola, 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Cafe Delmarette: It’s a tiny spot, but Cafe Delmarette — tucked away beside the historic Del Mar Theatre downtown — is a great place for coffee and cheap eats. The drink menu has all the coffee classics, plus some alternative options like matcha lattes and a variety of hot and iced teas for non-coffee drinkers. As for food, the Delmarette has several sandwiches on the menu, including breakfast and vegan options, all for around $10 depending on what you decide to add on. That said, its $4 homemade scones — both sweet and savory — are truly outstanding. Trust me, I know. I get one on most mornings before heading into the office. Location & hours: 1126 Pacific Ave. in Santa Cruz, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.