33 Best American Restaurants in Santa Cruz

Vim Dining and Desserts American • $$$
2238 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle
Butter Charcuterie Board
Chorizo Fettuccine
Strawberry Churro
Cucumber Lemonade
Baked Steelhead
Balsamic Steak
Lamb Meatballs
Seasonal Salad
Smoked Salmon

“The food here is amazing! It changes often. I've been a handful of times and loved everything (my wife loves it too!). If you're reading this, you should go here. It should absolutely have a Michelin star.

The dishes are unique, have interesting ingredients, and are always excellently prepared. The deserts are amazing as well.“

4.8 Superb151 Reviews
The Water Street Grill American • $$
503 Water Street, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine Pasta
Filet Mignon and Lobster Tails
Rib Eye Steak and Lobster Tail
Filet Mignon with Lobster Tail
New York Steak with Prawns
Bourbon Street Chicken
Blackened Fish Tacos
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fish \u0026 Chips
Chicken Piccata

“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!“

4.4 Superb369 Reviews
Silver Spur American • $
2650 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Egg and Cheese and a Ham Egg and Cheese
Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs Any Style
Orange Juice Coffee & Sourdough Toast
Corned Beef Hash Eggs Any Style
Waffle with Strawberry N Cream
Silver Spur Club Sandwhich
Belgian Waffle with Fruit
Chorizo Eggs Benedict
Cinnamon French Toast
Country Fried Steak

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

4.5 Superb311 Reviews
Zachary's Restaurant Breakfast • $
819 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

A La Carte 2 Egg Omelets
Sourdough Belgian Waffle
Corned Beef Hash & Eggs
Mike's Mess with Toast
Kids Pancake Breakfast
Mickey Mouse Pancakes
Jalapeno Corn Bread
Home Fried Potatoes
Sourdough Pancakes
Sourdough Pankakes

“Love Zachary‘s I get my vegan plate the tofu scramble by far. I think one of my most favorite. It’s also nice that they do offer dairy free butter for the bread and soy milk for the coffee. That’s a win for me.“

4.6 Superb494 Reviews
The Midway American • $$
1209 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes

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

4.6 Superb83 Reviews
The Crêpe Place American • $$
1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fresh Baked Loaf of Honey Wheat Bread
Homemade Boston Clam Chowder
Smoked Salmon Crepe
California Benedict
Fresh Fruit Crepe
Zorba the Greek
Breakfast Crepe
Crab Benedict
Fruit Crepé
Denver Crape

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

4.4 Superb303 Reviews
The Point | Kitchen and Bar American • $$
3326 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Pulled Pork Sandwich with Garlic Fries
Basic Greens Salad Plus Avocado
Fettuccine Alfredo with Prawns
Prawns & Sausage Fettuccine
Pleasure Burger and Fries
Filet Mignon and Shrimp
Horseradish Baked Salmon
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Pork Chops
Chicken Schnitzel

“My husband and I enjoyed Coconut prawns in a mango sauce, peppercorn ribeye steak with smashed potatoes and zucchini. We topped it off with a creme Brûlée! Everything was absolutely delicious! A favorite restaurant for our date nights!“

4.3 Superb187 Reviews
The Walnut Avenue Cafe Breakfast • $$
106 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Belgian Waffle with Grilled Bananas and Walnuts
Waffles with Sauted Bananas and Whipped Cream
Grilled Banana and Walnut French Toast
Huevos Rancheros Con Carnitas
Blackened Ahi Benedict
French Toast Breakfast
Curried Chicken Salad
Toast and Homefries
Huevos Mexicanos
Grain Pancakes

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

4.4 Superb454 Reviews
9

Süda

Süda American • $$
3910 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Burrata Salad and Steak on the Side
Crème Brûlée French Toast
Creme Brulee French Toast
Sweet Potato Fries
Baja Snapper Tacos
Cauliflower Burger
Crunchy Detox Salad
Kale Caesar Salad
Cauliflower Wings
Portola Benedict

“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!“

4.2 Good297 Reviews
Oswald Restaurant American • $$
121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Pork Chop with Polenta
Blue Cheese Burger and Fries
Hamburger with Blue Cheese
Mushroom Bruschetta
Halibut and Clams
Steak Medium-Rare
Market Fish Plate
Chocolate Souffle
French Fries
Chicken Soup

“Great cocktails and appetizers“

4 Good400 Reviews
Hula's Island Grill American • $$
221 Cathcart Street, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Coconut Shrimp Rolls
Tiki Torch Chicken Wings
Jawaiian Jerk Pork Plate
Duke's Luau Pork Plate
South Seas Fish Tacos
Sweet Potato Fries
Island Style Poke
Kona Chicken Wings
Hawaiian Ceviche
Spicy Edamame

“Delicious calamari Great vibes“

4.2 Good452 Reviews
Avanti Restaurant American • $$$
1917 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Dinosaur Kale Salad with Almonds Ricotta Salata Citrus Vinaigrette
Dinosaur Kale Salad with Almonds Ricotta Salt Citrus Vinaigrette
Seafood Linguine Puttanesca
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Focaccia \u0026 Olives
Daily Fish Special
Braised Short Rib
Chocolate Mousse
Seafood Risotto
Potato Gnocchi

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

4.3 Superb187 Reviews
Harbor Café Breakfast • $$
535 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Basic Breakfast 2 Eggs Your Way
Country Steak Breakfast
Traditional Benedict
Mexican Tofu Scramble
Carnitas Omelette
Hollandaise Sauce
Breakfast Burrito
Frittata Supreme
Polenta Fries
Cali Benedict

“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.“

4.6 Superb349 Reviews
Back Nine Grill & Bar Bar & Grill • $$
555 Hwy 17 at Pasatiempo exit, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Coconut Crusted Jumbo Prawns
Seasoned Onion Rings
Ginger Garlic Prawns
Santa Cruz Sampler
Loaded Potato Skins
The Outlaw Burger
Fish \u0026 Chips
Apple Feta Salad
BBQ Chicken Salad
Mushroom Risotto

“Top of the line Food thats forsure“

4.2 Good256 Reviews
15

Bantam

Bantam American • $$
1010 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fried Chicken Breast
Pickled Cauliflower
Margherita Pizza
Pepperoni Pizza
Sopressata Pizza
Marinara Pizza
Margarita Pizza
Caesar Salad
Napoli Pizza
Sausage

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

4.2 Good177 Reviews
Hot Dog on a Stick American • $
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
5 Superb3 Reviews
Linda’s Seabreeze Café Cafe • $$
542 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Apple Sausage & Eggs
Orange Poppy Seed Pancakes
Pancake or Waffle Combo
Bacon Omelette Potatoes
Huevos Rancheros Plate
Crisp Bacon and Cheese
Mickey Mouse Pancake
Oats-Cornmeal Waffle
French Toast Combo
Blueberry Pancakes

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

4.5 Superb348 Reviews
BAD ANIMAL American • $$
1011 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz

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

4.4 Superb191 Reviews
Hindquarter Bar & Grille Bar & Grill • $$
303 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Calamari Steak Piccata
Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
French Onion Soup
Margarita Steak
New York Steak
Fish and Chips
Steak Sandwich
Baby Back Ribs
Coconut Prawns
Cheeseburger

“Love Hindquarter! Been going for many years mostly for dinner/drinks but am now also loving their delicious lunch specials which change daily. You can enjoy lunch specials until dinner menu starts at 4 pm! Deserts are great and the 3 berry cobbler with vanilla icecream is incredible! Highly recommend!“

4.5 Superb235 Reviews
Crow's Nest Restaurant American • $$
2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Brioche French Toast with Strawberries and Vanilla Syrup
Clam Chowder or Soup of the Day
Alder Smoked Prime Rib of Beef
Our Award-Winning Calamari
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Crow's Nest Caesar Salad
Eggs Benedict Crab Cakes
Crow's Nest Cheesecake
Calamari Appetizer
Crabcake Benedict

“Great food, great staff, great service!“

4 Good735 Reviews
Gabriella Café Italian • $$
910 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Persimmons & Burrata
Breakfast Taco with Salad
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Brussels Sprouts
Porcini Gnocchi
Waffles
Fish

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

4.2 Good384 Reviews
The Salty Otter | Sports Grill Sports Bar • $$
110 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Dark and Stormy Burger
Soft Pretzels
Loaded Fries
Breakfast

“This place is great. Unfortunately, some poor reviews were written by disgruntled folks with an agenda to denigrate trying to discredit this business over their logo. Trust me. Go there and check it out! Great food, great owners, and great atmosphere.“

4.2 Good113 Reviews
Solaire Restaurant + Bar American • $$
611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Steamer Lane Sandwich
Bacon Ham or Brisket
Breakfast Sandwich
Solaire Breakfast
Burger and Fries
Croissant Sando
Cinnamon Toast
Beet Salad
Bailey
Samosa

“At first when we checked in, there wasn't anyone in front to receive us. All employees are busy and since we were not staying at the hotel we had to initiate the conversation. Once seated, Rainbow took over, I mean literally. Rainbow is the cool bartender, waiter, all things Bar and restaurant and he manages really well. Anyway, he took our order and had a nice conversation with all four of us and made the effort to interact with all of us. We loved his energy and he certainly was looking to give us a great dinning experience- which we appreciate! We got to know Rainbow and he got to know us as well and I think he is a good part of the dinning experience that makes you want to come back and they also had great food. I ordered the chilaquiles, my sons the steak and eggs, the Benedict and my wife order light dish. The cheesy tots were unreal as well for the table. All plates were certainly stacked and the food was fabulous and with great presentation! We will certainly be back“

3.6 Good206 Reviews
Coasters | Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $
115 Cliff Street, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Wings

“karaoke night is the best“

4.2 Good104 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
Laura Palmer
Venus Fries
True Grit
Cornbread

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

4.1 Good305 Reviews
Johnny's Harborside Restaurant Seafood • $$
493 Lake Avenue, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Sand Dab Sandwich
Fish \u0026 Chips
Shrimp and Grits
Fish and Chips
Fried Calamari
Fresh Oysters
Fish & Chips
Caesar Salad
Fresh Catch
Clam Chowder

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

4.1 Good453 Reviews
The Grille at DeLaveaga American • $$
401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Steak and Eggs

“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.“

4.1 Good33 Reviews
Mackenzie Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $$
18 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy Calamari
Shrimp Louie

“Popped in before and after our round. The golf course is the star, and in its pursuit of excellence can be a bit “exclusive” in many ways. Mackenzie’s remains casual and laid back, classy not stuffy. Just light snacks and cocktails today. Delicious all. Great bartender.“

4.1 Good75 Reviews
The Burger Den American • $$
1515 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz

“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“

4.1 Good9 Reviews
Cafe El Palomar Mexican • $$
2222 East Cliff Drive Ste 100, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Take Out Quesadillas
Breakfast Burrito
Chilaquiles Rojos
Nachos with Beef
Chicken Fajitas
Chips and Salsa
Steak Ranchero
Take Out Tacos
Rice or Beans
Chimichanga

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

4 Good263 Reviews
Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall Cafeteria • $
520 Cowell-Stevenson Road, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Pepperoni Pizza Slice
Roasted Vegetables
Salad Bar
Hamburger
Sandwich

“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.“

3.8 Good48 Reviews
Ulterior Cocktail Bar • $
110 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz

“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.“

3.9 Good58 Reviews
FireFish Grill Seafood • $$
25 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Riva's Famous Fried Calamari
Oysters on the Half Shell
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Firefish Seafood Platter
The New Fish and Chips
Clam Chowder Bread Bowl
Seafood Rockefeller
Calamari and Fries
Clam Chowder Bowl
Fisherman's Pasta

“We enjoyed the dinner specials recently. Arrived here right before New Years, 12-30. I hade the daily catch and my wife had the steak pasta. Delicious. My fish was petrale sole, mixed vegetables, rice pilaf. Wife’s steak pasta was flavorful and creamy. We sat at the bar so service wasn’t the best but still attentive. Will return tomorrow. HAPPY NEW YEAR“

4 Good470 Reviews

You May Also Like