37 Best American Restaurants in Santa Cruz

“Color me impressed. If you follow me than you know I have expectations based on price point and this place didn't disappoint. It actually impressed me!!! Great service, wonderful ambiance, well made cocktails and every plate was exceptionally prepared.

Now, my usual disclaimer, if you're not a foodie you might not feel the same. I say this as I was talking to someone and he fully acknowledges he eats for survival and isn't a foodie, but came here for his girlfriend. He felt it was okay and would've preferred his usual pizza spot, but his foodie girlfriend loved it.

And no matter how full you are order dessert, it's what the chief was trained in and it show“

“The staff is amazing! The food is amazingly fresh and flavorful. Hands down this Restaurant was a huge highlight of our vacation. Thank you for an awesome dinner, and making us feel right at home!“

“A great place to eat, shop, and walk around. It’s also home of the Diversity Center, Santa Cruz County’s LGBTQ+ Center.“

“Service was great food was awesome My wife and I had the horseradish salmon dinner cook perfectly The greens were awesome The black rice really took it off the top it was off the hook it was such a great combination Plus all the beers on tap you couldn't
Beat it for the price..
This is a great place to bring your family Great place to bring friends Great atmosphere awesome food thank you so much for the one full experience“

“Delicious calamari Great vibes“

“very good and Shelby s sunny disposition makes it even better. definitely our new favorite place for breakfast.“

“Everything was great! We will be returning. Maybe next time for dinner.“

“The service was good and the food was delivered quickly.“

“Excellent appetizers, amazing healthy food and great service.“

“Great cocktails and appetizers“

“Visiting SC from Michigan and came across Suda. Glad we did. Looked like it had a good vibe from the outside so we went in and sat at the bar where we had drinks. What fun! The bartender, Max, was slammed but never stopped smiling. We had fun watching him and talking with him. He knows his drinks! So much fun we came back for dinner another night. Max came over to our table to welcome us back! The drinks and food were really good! We’ll definitely be back next visit to SC. Hopefully, Max, will be there too!“

“Great place for mid week date night or to see live music. a Santa Cruz must“

“Top of the line Food thats forsure“

“Every time we drive over from San Jose we eat there.“

“This is a cozy cute place with delicious café de olla, and Mexican dishes, live music and kind owners, convenient location to have food before walking to the beach.“

“My husband and I had a great breakfast I got a breakfast burrito and a frittata. Both were very good and big great food for a great price and the customer service was amazing.“

“This was the absolute best breakfast I’ve had in maybe years I don’t know when the last time I had a breakfast like that was!! They do like a potato mash on the side, but it’s perfectly crispy on top and bottom and has amazing flavors!!! The service was just over the top. This is definitely a kind of little restaurant I would support. I’ll definitely try coming here every time I come down to visit.!! Most definitely recommend!!“

“Great food, great staff, great service!“

“Great food, atmosphere all the waiters are nice. Great location.“

“#bookshop #santacruz #hardcovers #softcovers #goodreads #mustreads“

“I was only taking out food, Shirlyn helped me out with her friendly and attentive attitude. Firstly she made sure that I was ok with todays Manhattan style clam chowder, and she even helped with my request to add more vegetables in my sandwiches. Shirlyn was just so delightful!“

“Amazing food. Exquisite taste expertly prepared. The wait staff is so attentive and friendly. Loved everything from start to finish!“

“The food and service was amazing.“

“This is the place to be for delicious food and cocktails! As you sit in the newly renovated restaurant and bar, watching the teams of golfers swinging away in the background.“

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

“The food was outstanding, we had the one of the daily specials and our server was very friendly.“

“Such a neat place! We really enjoyed this spot. Service and drinks! Their house drink menu is very unique and fun! Definitely recommend if you're visiting Santa Cruz! The entrance is around the back of motiv off pearl alley but if it's after 9:30p you'll need to go to motiv first to get stamped anyways.“

“Terra Fresca Coffee Bar and Restraunt are Delicious! Everything is made with love“

“My family and i arrive to this location and they bring to us Hot meal they have Friendly servers they always smile they are kind with our kids. My omelette was utterly delicious i going to cone back this location in a good spot. in santa cruz. thanks for everything“

“I've been coming here for a while now because the breakfast has been an amazing experience and I love the service and staff. Lily, our server is super friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. I ordered the Mack breakfast sandwich and it was in my opinion the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had. I have a picture of the menu below which was taken on April 5th 2025. They do have specials and that is always a good pic as well. The portions have value and it's nice to bring the leftovers home. Can't wait to come back“

“My favourite dining hall at UCSC! Nothing will beat the gorgeous view at the Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall. I wish they had more halal options and a greater variety of food, but it does the job! Would highly recommend getting food here pre-sunset, and to bask in the view whilst sitting on the balcony - alone and with friends.“

“karaoke night is the best“

“Betty’s Burgers in downtown Santa Cruz is a true local favorite and absolutely deserves five stars. Every visit delivers consistently **delicious burgers**—juicy, flavorful patties, fresh toppings, and a menu with something for everyone, from classic beef to veggie and turkey options. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, with a classic diner vibe.

But the real standout? Their chocolate milkshake is always the best. Creamy, rich, and perfectly blended, it’s a must-try treat that keeps me coming back again and again. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after the beach or enjoying a casual meal with friends, Betty’s Burgers never disappoints. Highly recommend for anyone craving a great burger and the best milkshake in Santa Cruz!“

“So happy to have Johnnys open for lunch and Taco Tuesday ❣️“

“Food was good and Service was great.“

“Great place to meet up with friends, for breakfast or anytime! Great beach and lighthouse view, and casual, comfortable atmosphere! I highly recommend!!“