12 Best Cocktail Bars in Santa Cruz

Alderwood Santa Cruz American
155 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Westholme Wagyu Beef Tartare
Beer-Battered Dungeness Crab
Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée
Smoked Magret Duck Breast
Roasted Hen of the Woods'
Allen Brothers Usda Prime
Embered Diver Scallop
Cheeseburger w Bacon
Roasted Bone Marrow
Smoked Beet Salad

“Creative menu and great atmosphere“

4.1 Good132 Reviews
Vim Dining and Desserts American • $$$
2238 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Butter Charcuterie Board
Chorizo Fettuccine
Strawberry Churro
Balsamic Steak
Seasonal Salad

“VIM was an absolute treat. I haven't experienced a 5-star dining outing in some time and this was an easy 5-star. From the moment we walked inside to the moment the bill was payed, the service was on point. Our waitress was charming, friendly, and very skilled at her job. The food and drink was delectable and the decor/aesthetic was elegant. If you are celebrating something, they will go out of their way to print individualized menus for you and I found that to be super thoughtful. My only feedback is that we were pretty chilly the entire meal. It was a rainy night and we were seated close to a door so perhaps that was just a one-off. I cannot wait to go back one day!“

4.9 Superb70 Reviews
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery Hawaiian • $$
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Guava-Soy Bistro Steak
Huli Huli Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken
Coconut Prawns
Coconut Shrimp
Makai Burger
Pork Sliders
Clam Chowder
Freaky Tiki
Spam Musubi

“Been there couple times now. Food is very good & staff friendly. View at sunset is amazing & constantly changing from the rotating floor. Will definitely choose Makai again!“

4.4 Superb124 Reviews
El Jardin Restaurant Mexican • $
655 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Enchiladas Mexicali Style
Tacos De Carne Asada
Chimichanga Supreme
Steak a La Mexicana
Nachos Whole Order
Chips and Salsa
Burrito Special
Chile Relleno
Tortilla Soup
Street Tacos

“This was our first time there and the food was great and the atmosphere was great.. also had great service. We will be back again..“

4.1 Good83 Reviews
Front & Cooper Cocktail Bar • $
725 Front St, Santa Cruz

“BEST place to get drinks in SC. Atmosphere is fun and casual. FAVE drink is the Vodsod!! LOVE F&C.“

4.1 Good48 Reviews
The Redroom Cocktail Lounge Bar & Grill • $
1003 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Bourbon Flight

“Can be a lot of fun here!“

4.1 Good43 Reviews
Oak & Ale Bar • $
3102 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

“Love this place, has a great selection of local beers a full bar and a clean and Sheik design to its interior. Karaoke on every first Tuesday’s the month and live music on On every last Tuesday, love this place“

4.2 Good8 Reviews
Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Westside Cocktail Bar • $$
200 High Rd, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Chicken Sando
Frozen Paloma Libre
Wayward Burger
Smoked Salmon
Fried Chicken
Cornbread

“I wrote a detailed review on 831 Best and Worst Facebook page and this was definitely the BEST category ! Cannot go wrong IMO !“

4 Good167 Reviews
Ideal Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $$
106 Beach St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Fish Tacos GF Until 4pm Only
New England Clam Chowder
Rack of Baby Back Ribs
Roasted Garlic & Brie
Clam Chowder Breadbowl
Gilroy Garlic Fries
Calamari 'N' Fries
Live Maine Lobster
Seafood Platter
Stuffed Salmon

“Food was good and Service was great.“

4 Good182 Reviews
Avanti Restaurant American • $$$
1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Seafood Linguine Puttanesca
Dinosaur Kale Salad
Daily Fish Special
Braised Short Rib
Chocolate Mousse
Potato Gnocchi
Caesar Salad
Fried Cheese
Focaccia

“Excellent food, amazing service. The duck served three ways was the light bulb and the accompanying salad was the perfect counter to the richness of the duck. The fried chicken as always was amazing with a wonderful stack of fluffy potatoes.The only challenge is parking, however, the service from walking in the door through the entire meal will make you come back just to say hi“

3.9 Good49 Reviews
Mission West Cocktail Bar • $$$
2405 Mission St, Santa Cruz

“The vibe at Mission West is just right. We have sat outside with the pup a few times but last night we chose inside. The bar is beautiful and tidy, the mixers made us fabulous cocktails (the smoothest Boulevardier in town), and the other clients were friendly too. There was an engagement party going on in the back and the staff easily took care of the group's needs as well as the others of us. We were impressed that the owner Max came in on a Friday night at 8:30 to help out behind the bar. Mission West is my new go-to neighborhood bar!“

3.7 Good15 Reviews
Chocolate Cocktail Bar • $$
1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Polenta Plate and Salad with Vinaigrette
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Hot Chocolate Drinks
Chocolate Cake
BBQ Chicken
Canoli
Sofia

“The food was super good organic delicious and I will be going back for more“

3.9 Good127 Reviews