Wine tastings. Little treats. Cocktail menus. Breweries to visit with your friends. Breweries to visit with your dogs.
Lookout readers’ favorite spots for Food & Drink Experiences in Santa Cruz County offer a guide to any sort of experience you’re looking for, whether it’s a special night to celebrate or a brunch spot for a perfect Sunday. Find more Lookout List winners here.
Find your favorite…
Favorite Bakery for Cakes/Special Occasions
Winner: The Buttery
702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Fans say the Buttery still makes “the best carrot cake in the county” after all these years, along with “the most creative, beautiful, delicious cakes” and chocolate cakes made with real chocolate. It’s “up for doing almost anything cake-wise,” one wrote.
Runner-up: Gayle’s Bakery
504 Bay Ave., Capitola
Readers praise the quality and artistry of Gayle’s cakes, which come in a range of sizes. “Everyone in my family asks for a princess cake,” one wrote.
Favorite Beer Selection
Winner: Beer Thirty
2504 S. Main St., Soquel
Voters say Beer Thirty has the largest selection and “the best beer in town.”
Runner-up: Lupulo Craft Beer House
233 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz
Beer lovers call Lupulo’s selection “well curated” and “the widest and most delicious selection of beers (especially sours).”
Favorite Brewery with Outdoor Seating
Winner: Humble Sea Brewing Co.
820 Swift St., Santa Cruz, plus a beer garden on the Santa Cruz Wharf
Fans love Humble Sea’s view, food trucks and atmosphere, and one gave a shout-out to Socks & Sandals.
Runner-up: Discretion Brewing
2703 41st Ave., Suite A, Soquel
Fans praise Discretion’s “incredible” range of beers and its shaded, quiet patio, where it’s “possible to have conversation with friends and family while lingering over the great brews.”
Favorite Catering for a Dinner Party
Winner: Busy Bee’s Cafe and Catering
1200 41st Ave., Suite B, Capitola
Hosts praise Busy Bee’s “amazing selection of foods and high quality.”
Runner-up: Tacos831
Clients call them “wonderful folks” with “terrific tacos” who are easy to work with and “up for anything and anywhere.”
Favorite Catering for a Work Lunch
Winner: Busy Bee’s Cafe and Catering
1200 41st Ave., Suite B, Capitola
Fans say Busy Bee serves good, reliable food, and one recommends the breakfast burritos.
Runner-up: Zoccoli’s Deli
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
Fans love Zoccoli’s choice of Italian specialties, and one said its pesto sandwich “will change your life!”
Favorite Cocktail Menu
Winner: Venus Spirits
200 High Road, Santa Cruz
Most of the cocktails feature Venus’ own spirits, made at the distillery next door, and fans say the bartenders “will make any drink you desire.” One fan called the house gin and tonic, made with Venus’ own gin and its own tonic, the best they’ve ever had anywhere.
Runner-up: The Alley-Oop
320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz
Fans praise the Alley-Oop’s “extensive and unique cocktail menu” of classics and craft creations “with an emphasis on grape based spirits,” and its “best date vibe.”
Lookout Staff Pick
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
Several years ago, my partner and I stumbled into the mystical world of the modern “Tiki” revival. We were drawn to the escapist aura of the movement during the early days of the lockdown, seeking the same vacation from reality that folks sought during the Depression era—when legendary figures like Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic pioneered the genre.
Santa Cruz is fortunate to have an amazing modern version of this midcentury phenomenon on our very own Municipal Wharf at Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, where owner Peter Drobac and his team have concocted a copious menu of classic and modern libations (and one of the largest collections of unique rums amassed on the West Coast) that is sure to cure what ails you and provide plenty of relief from life’s mundanity.
Drinker beware: if the famous rotating bar doesn’t get you spinning, the drinks sure will.
Duffy Barrett, Advertising Sales and Marketing Partnerships Representative
Favorite Dinner with a View
Winner: The Crow’s Nest
2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
“Still a favorite after all these years,” one regular wrote of the upstairs overlooking the yacht harbor, where “you can just feel the tension from the week melt right off your shoulders.”
Runner-up: Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
Diners love Shadowbrook’s greenery and river views, which are especially “pretty if you get a window table.”
Favorite Dog-Friendly Restaurant
Winner: Harbor Cafe
535 Seventh Ave., Santa Cruz
Fans call Harbor Cafe “super dog friendly,” with a great atmosphere, awesome staff and “friendliest folks in Santa Cruz.”
Runner-up: Steamer Lane Supply
W. Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz
Dog owners praised the view, park for walks, free dog biscuits, water bowls and even a doggie frittata on the menu.
Favorite Farmers’ Market Vendor
Winner: Dirty Girl Produce
Find the farm at Santa Cruz-area farmers’ markets
Shoppers love the quality and quantity of Dirty Girl’s produce at excellent prices, especially “their summer tomatoes!”
Runner-up: H&H Fresh Fish
493 Lake Ave., Suite A, Santa Cruz
“Fresh, fresh, fresh!” one voter wrote. Shoppers love buying so much local catch, from rockfish to tuna poke and ceviche, from “a real fisherman.”
Lookout Staff Pick
Laundromat Bagels
Having recently relocated to Santa Cruz from the East Coast, where good New York-style bagels are plentiful and practically part of everyday life, I didn’t realize how much I’d miss them until I got here in May. Fortunately, I’ve now found my weekend fix: Laundromat Bagels.
You can find them at the Westside Farmers Market on Saturdays or the Live Oak Farmers Market on Sundays. They offer bins of assorted bagels and a selection of cream cheeses. There’s one catch, if you can call it that: They don’t slice, toast or make sandwiches. It’s strictly a rip-and-dip operation. Grab your bagels, pick your cream cheese and eat them there or take them home.
If you’re looking for an authentic New York-style bagel in Santa Cruz, it’s absolutely worth the trip. It’s become one of my favorite weekend rituals.
Richard Martin, Executive Editor
Favorite Food Pop-Up
Winner: Scrumptious Fish and Chips
Food truck, often parked at 820 Swift St., Santa Cruz
“As a Brit I recognise great fish and chips when I see and eat it,” one voter wrote. Another fan’s favorite part: the peas.
Runner-up: Yakitori Toriman
3555 Clares St., Suite G, Capitola
Fans call the Toriman crew the “nicest people.”
Favorite Grab and Go Lunch
Winner: Garden Liquor and Deli
1815 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz
Sandwich fans say the deli is fast-paced and orderly at lunch, with fresh, reasonably priced sandwiches and a good selection of meats. One fan’s pick: the meatball.
Runner-up: Zoccoli’s Deli
1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
Customers call Zoccoli’s “a real deli” and love eating at the tables outside.
Favorite Grocery Store
Winner: Trader Joe’s
700 Front St., Santa Cruz, and 3555 Clares St., Capitola
Shoppers like the easy parking and nice staff. “There’s a reason they’re in demand all over the country,” one wrote.
Runner-up: New Leaf Community Markets
Stores include 1101 Fair Ave. and 650 River St., Santa Cruz
Shoppers praise New Leaf’s excellent selection, friendly employees and senior discounts.
Favorite Happy Hour Menu
Winner: Hula’s Island Grill
221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz
Voters call Hula’s happy hour a great value, with generous portions, plenty of appetizer options and a fun atmosphere.
Runner-up: Venus Spirits
200 High Road, Santa Cruz
Fans love Venus’ “amazingly low” happy hour prices, and its crispy Brussels sprouts.
Favorite Local Butcher
Winner: Corralitos Market & Sausage Co.
569 Corralitos Road, Watsonville
“Their sausages are the very best,” one voter wrote. “The meats are so good, people come from far away with coolers to take home the meats.”
Runner-up: Shopper’s Corner
622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Shoppers call it the “best meat counter anywhere,” with wonderful variety, very helpful staff and a willingness to do specialty cuts and prep.
Favorite Lunch with a View
Winner: The Crow’s Nest
2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Readers recommend popping in upstairs on a sunny afternoon for the fish tacos or “a killer burger” and soaking in the yacht harbor view. Service is always friendly, fans say.
Runner-up: Jack O’Neill Lounge — Dream Inn
Dream Inn, 175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Diners like watching people on the beach, with ocean views one called “fabulous.”
Favorite Matcha Menu
Winner: 11th Hour Coffee
1001 Center St. and 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz
Fans say the vibe at 11th Hour “is unmatched,” with a nice open space and outdoor seating.
Runner-up: Cat & Cloud
Cafes at 3600 Portola Drive, 719 Swift St. and 118 Cooper St., Santa Cruz
Fans praise Cat & Cloud’s “wonderful coffee drinks” and “always great service.”
Favorite Mocktail Menu
Winner: Suda
3910 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz
Fans call Suda “delicious,” with a fun local vibe for “meeting new friends and connecting long time locals.”
Runner-up: Abbott Square — Front & Cooper
Abbott Square, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz
Favorite Outdoor Dining Experience
Winner: HOME Soquel
3101 N. Main St., Soquel
Diners love HOME’s beautiful garden setting, “quiet and very pleasant,” with great food.
Runner-up: Laili Restaurant
101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz
Diners say Laili’s patio “reminds me of New York City,” a calm, beautiful space with delicious dishes.
Favorite Place for a Casual First Date
Winner: Abbott Square
725 Front St., Santa Cruz
Voters like Abbott Square’s chill ambiance and lively crowd, with plenty of choices for food and drinks.
Runner-up: Suda
3910 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz
Daters like Suda’s good food, casual, friendly people and a vibe one called “just so hip.”
Favorite Place for Brunch with Friends
Winner: Harbor Cafe
535 Seventh Ave., Santa Cruz
Brunch fans say Harbor Cafe has “the very best brunch choices,” including the “best selection of eggs Benedict” (try the polenta Benedict) and the best Bloody Marys around. One recommends the frozen spiked coffee slush with horchata whipped cream: “oh, so good!”
Runner-up: Walnut Ave. Cafe
106 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz
Groups appreciate Walnut Ave. Cafe’s outdoor seating, and fans call it “iconic old school,” with what one called the “best eggs Benedict in the county!”
Lookout Staff Pick
Cafe Brasil
Brunch at Cafe Brasil was the first meal I had after moving to Santa Cruz a couple months ago, eager to find a new signature brunch spot. After a long morning of cleaning, unpacking boxes and putting together furniture, my girlfriend and I were starving and headed to nearby Cafe Brasil.
The food and atmosphere was so good that we went back literally the next day with our friend to share the experience with her. I highly recommend the chicken a Cocota, crab meat frittata, and of course, the Santa Cruz omelette.
Alia Yee Noll, Arts & Entertainment Correspondent
Favorite Place for Drinks with Friends
Winner: Abbott Square
725 Front St., Santa Cruz
Friends gather at Abbott Square for the variety of beers, wines and cocktails.
Runner-up: The Alley-Oop
320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz
Readers say the Alley-Oop’s atmosphere can’t be beat for a cocktail lounge.
Favorite Place to Bring Visitors for a Meal
Winner: Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
Readers say Shadowbrook gives visitors a “different experience,” with several rooms to choose from, including the Rock Room, and “VIP treatment.”
Runner-up: La Posta
538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz
La Posta is one reader’s “go to when I want to impress my out of town friends,” with seasonal food and vibes that are “quintessentially Santa Cruz.”
Favorite Place to Buy a Bottle of Wine
Winner: Shopper’s Corner
622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Wine shoppers praise Shopper’s well-curated selection of local and international wines, “a great selection at every price point” and a staff that “knows their stuff.”
Runner-up: Apero Club
402 Ingalls St., Unit 29, Santa Cruz
Favorite Place to Meet a Friend for Coffee
Winner: 11th Hour Coffee
1001 Center St. and 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz
Regulars love the courtyard, the honey bee cappuccinos and espresso from beans roasted by 11th Hour, with ample seating and a decor and playlist one called “fire.”
Runner-up: Cat & Cloud
Cafes at 3600 Portola Drive, 719 Swift St. and 118 Cooper St., Santa Cruz
Readers love Cat & Cloud’s great coffee, friendly staff and comfortable vibe, plus breakfast options, and “they don’t mind if you linger.”
Favorite Place to Watch Sports
Winner: Parish Publick House
8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Fans praised Parish’s great pub food and many TVs in the sports bar space.
Runner-up: Woodstock’s Pizza
710 Front St., Santa Cruz
Fans call Woodstock’s “by far the best sports experience in Santa Cruz,” with TVs everywhere, a fun staff and great drinks.
Favorite Restaurant to Celebrate a Birthday
Winner: Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
Celebrants praise Shadowbrook’s beautiful atmosphere and great menu, and note that photos are provided.
Runner-up: La Posta
538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz
Voters call La Posta “festive and fabulous” and “a brilliant place for family style celebrations,” with superb service and no rush to turn tables.
Favorite Restaurant to Celebrate an Anniversary
Winner: Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf Road, Capitola
Couples call Shadowbrook “so lovely and romantic,” a classic spot where “you can dress up, put on heels and a little mascara and feel elegant.” After all these years, one wrote, “we can still get our favorites and everything is still good.”
Runner-up: HOME Soquel
3101 N. Main St., Soquel
Couples say HOME’s food is “both great and interesting, not just the same old classics,” with gracious service and a very nice setting.
Favorite Sweet Treat
Winner: Marianne’s Ice Cream
1020 Ocean St., Santa Cruz
Fans love Marianne’s many flavors (and the flavor names). One pro tip: “a warm Pacific Cookie Company cookie with cold Marianne’s ice cream is perfection!”
Runner-up: Gayle’s Bakery
504 Bay Ave., Capitola
Readers say there are “soooo many options” at Gayle’s, from cakes and pies to cookies and tarts, and one called the chocolate macaroons “out of this world.”
Lookout Staff Pick
Penny Ice Creamery
Anytime I want to celebrate, show a visitor a local spot or get a sweet treat, Penny Ice Creamery is top of my list. They have amazing flavors that are always changing and fun to try. But nearly every time I go, I’m relieved to see my favorite flavor and regular on their menu, mint chip.
With hot fudge on top, Penny’s creamy and refreshing mint chip ice cream can meet the occasion whether you’re celebrating a birthday, need a pick-me-up or just have a sweet tooth.
Hillary Ojeda, education correspondent
Favorite Wine Tasting Experience
Winner: Windy Oaks
550 Hazel Dell Road, Corralitos
Visitors love tasting Windy Oaks’ estate-grown wines among the vines or on the hilltop, with “fabulous views of the vines and Monterey Bay.” Fans praise the friendly, knowledgeable hosts at the family-owned winery.
Runner-up: Birichino
204 Church St., Santa Cruz
Fans love “the gorgeous wine, John and Alex, and the people that gather there.”
