Promise was an excellent server. She greeted us as we walked in & we received stellar service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shanna Nachison
The service was a little slow, but they were crowded, so understandable. We got the pork ribs and they were amazing!!!! Gladly took leftovers home. After dinner we moved to the bar section to listen to the band and get dessert. We enjoyed ourselves.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
J F
My first time finally stopped on my way home to Santa Cruz. Was immediately greeted by a young lady name Promise. You should just go to the restaurant to see her nice smile. Service was quick to order and receive you food. The BBQ beans and corn bread was amazing. I wish the pork ribs were a little more tender where the meat comes off the bone easily. I've only had baby back ribs in life so these larger pork ribs was a new experience. The tenderness was similar to a pork chop. Flavor was good especially dipped in the BBQ beans. Price was very fair and portions were adequate. I then received a apple pie yet it has some interesting cream to top. Yet if you ever try this it is BOMB ? ? ?. So highly recommend the food. Crossing freeway be careful. Yet if you want amazing service with a smile that will make your day see "Promise". Oh if your good at rubix cube, she might have one for you to solve. I couldn't solve it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nessa Gee
I came here to see a friend perform and was a but disappointed at the service and food! However, the server made it "right" and I would be willing to return...just NOT for the chili.
See, when I arrived the server ignored me for a looooong time (like 10 minute). I waved a few time but was essential ignored. When she finally decided to address and ask what I wanted I asked about the chili and it was recommended. Listen, when I tell you! That chili tasted "nothing" like chili. Tasted more like smoked meats with some "tomatoey" chili sauce mixed in.
The chili was stringy tough salty meat with hardly any beans (don't wanna have that debate here, lol) and it wasn't described as "brisket" chili. I tried to "shovel it down"! I just could NOT! The corm muffin fell apart (not in a good way) with too much corn and not enough muffin. I finally flagged the server down (the one who essentially ignored me when I arrive) and told I "I just can't do it! It's too salty and just not that great to me (trying to be nice)." I squeezed out of my disappointment and frustration...."Especially after you ignored me for so long when I first arrived." I respect that the server took accountability and completely recognized her error and apologized. She also, replaced that chili (?) with some really good hot crispy onion rings and a drink on the house. Also, their bbq sauce is good. I used it for the onion rings.
Imma go back again to see my friend perform BUT I'd probably eat before I got and just get the onion rings.
*Sidenote I'm REAL particular about bbq and I did try some meat from others....a bit dry.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
Survivors SouthBay
Looks like things have changed, bbq sauce tasted odd, brisket was dry, baked beans are different and not in a good way. Asked for butter for baked potato. Got honey butter that ruined potatoes. No more combo platters for meats. Quality lower and price is higher. This is like the east meets west bbq place you never asked to go to.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Mary Blessing
First time back to The Cats since 2019...COVID changed many things... New owners doing a pretty good job keeping traditional CATS BBQ tasting good, like authentic St. Louis style, plus adding more treats, like the delicious Caramel Apple Blossom pastry (I was pleased because I'm allergic to chocolate!!). We went on Friday night because our friend sings with the Band, ENCORE. The Cats has live music each night they are open: Friday! Saturday amd Sunday. Due to many customers with the Band, service was a bit slow. We weren't complaining sitting in the back, but our lovely waitress felt bad and gave us the tasty Caramel Apple Pastry 'on the house'. They also do a brisk catering business.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Maya Shankar
Had a great time! Got to listen to live music, hang with friends, and have great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jared Lemler
They had great and fast service. Stupendous food. Friendly waiters. Fantastic music. Love the history. Definitely a place to visit.
Have always driven past this place on our way down to Aptos and finally tried it and it did not disappoint. Great BBQ and awesome vibe. Our server Promise was awesome and we loved the cornbread!
Apparently, the establishment has been here for some hundred years!! Very interesting history. Ask your waitress for more details. Unfortunately, the the ($18) classic bacon cheeseburger seemed like a premade patty which was very dry (although we ordered a medium) :( Apparently, they have live music every day they are open. Plan to come back to check out the live music some other time.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Harel Boren
Loved the barbecue sauce. I’ve just had my best chicken steak since landing back home.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: House Salad
Hannah Lee
Great spot with live music, good food and incredibly friendly staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Natasha Huerta
Great ambience and not to busy for a Saturday night. 10/10 everything!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Myra G Maxwell
Best Smoked Crispy Pata (which has to be ordered ahead) and cornbread! Chef adds his special ingredients to the dishes and the taste is out of this world! This restaurant is a must try for all you foodies.
Promise was an excellent server. She greeted us as we walked in & we received stellar service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service was a little slow, but they were crowded, so understandable. We got the pork ribs and they were amazing!!!! Gladly took leftovers home. After dinner we moved to the bar section to listen to the band and get dessert. We enjoyed ourselves.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
My first time finally stopped on my way home to Santa Cruz. Was immediately greeted by a young lady name Promise. You should just go to the restaurant to see her nice smile. Service was quick to order and receive you food. The BBQ beans and corn bread was amazing. I wish the pork ribs were a little more tender where the meat comes off the bone easily. I've only had baby back ribs in life so these larger pork ribs was a new experience. The tenderness was similar to a pork chop. Flavor was good especially dipped in the BBQ beans. Price was very fair and portions were adequate. I then received a apple pie yet it has some interesting cream to top. Yet if you ever try this it is BOMB ? ? ?. So highly recommend the food. Crossing freeway be careful. Yet if you want amazing service with a smile that will make your day see "Promise". Oh if your good at rubix cube, she might have one for you to solve. I couldn't solve it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I came here to see a friend perform and was a but disappointed at the service and food! However, the server made it "right" and I would be willing to return...just NOT for the chili.
See, when I arrived the server ignored me for a looooong time (like 10 minute). I waved a few time but was essential ignored. When she finally decided to address and ask what I wanted I asked about the chili and it was recommended. Listen, when I tell you! That chili tasted "nothing" like chili. Tasted more like smoked meats with some "tomatoey" chili sauce mixed in.
The chili was stringy tough salty meat with hardly any beans (don't wanna have that debate here, lol) and it wasn't described as "brisket" chili. I tried to "shovel it down"! I just could NOT! The corm muffin fell apart (not in a good way) with too much corn and not enough muffin. I finally flagged the server down (the one who essentially ignored me when I arrive) and told I "I just can't do it! It's too salty and just not that great to me (trying to be nice)." I squeezed out of my disappointment and frustration...."Especially after you ignored me for so long when I first arrived." I respect that the server took accountability and completely recognized her error and apologized. She also, replaced that chili (?) with some really good hot crispy onion rings and a drink on the house. Also, their bbq sauce is good. I used it for the onion rings.
Imma go back again to see my friend perform BUT I'd probably eat before I got and just get the onion rings.
*Sidenote I'm REAL particular about bbq and I did try some meat from others....a bit dry.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 3
Looks like things have changed, bbq sauce tasted odd, brisket was dry, baked beans are different and not in a good way. Asked for butter for baked potato. Got honey butter that ruined potatoes. No more combo platters for meats. Quality lower and price is higher. This is like the east meets west bbq place you never asked to go to.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
First time back to The Cats since 2019...COVID changed many things... New owners doing a pretty good job keeping traditional CATS BBQ tasting good, like authentic St. Louis style, plus adding more treats, like the delicious Caramel Apple Blossom pastry (I was pleased because I'm allergic to chocolate!!).
We went on Friday night because our friend sings with the Band, ENCORE. The Cats has live music each night they are open: Friday! Saturday amd Sunday. Due to many customers with the Band, service was a bit slow. We weren't complaining sitting in the back, but our lovely waitress felt bad and gave us the tasty Caramel Apple Pastry 'on the house'.
They also do a brisk catering business.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Had a great time! Got to listen to live music, hang with friends, and have great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
They had great and fast service. Stupendous food. Friendly waiters. Fantastic music. Love the history. Definitely a place to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork Platter
Excellent brisket.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sauteed Mushrooms, Texas Style Brisket
Have always driven past this place on our way down to Aptos and finally tried it and it did not disappoint. Great BBQ and awesome vibe. Our server Promise was awesome and we loved the cornbread!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Apparently, the establishment has been here for some hundred years!! Very interesting history. Ask your waitress for more details.
Unfortunately, the the ($18) classic bacon cheeseburger seemed like a premade patty which was very dry (although we ordered a medium) :(
Apparently, they have live music every day they are open. Plan to come back to check out the live music some other time.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Loved the barbecue sauce.
I’ve just had my best chicken steak since landing back home.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: House Salad
Great spot with live music, good food and incredibly friendly staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great ambience and not to busy for a Saturday night. 10/10 everything!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Smoked Crispy Pata (which has to be ordered ahead) and cornbread! Chef adds his special ingredients to the dishes and the taste is out of this world! This restaurant is a must try for all you foodies.
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