24 Best Bars in Santa Cruz

After Hours Cocktail Bar Bar • $
1001 Center St #1, Santa Cruz

“Great roast and light meals. Friendly staff. Fun partnerships with Chubbs Chicken and Full Steam Dumplings. Unfortunately the student customers camp out with their laptops way past their welcome - c’mon guys it’s a restaurant after 5pm. Go to the library“

4.6 Superb18 Reviews
Brady's Yacht Club Bar • $
413 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey

“every time I visit California I ALWAYS consider Bradys my water hole , great atmosphere, welcoming people and an all around stellar bar !“

4.5 Superb36 Reviews
Over the Hill Gang Saloon Bar • $
3530 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

“fine times with questionable friends, the beer flows, music made with craft, excitement guaranteed“

4.8 Superb12 Reviews
One Double Oh Seven Club Bar • $$
1007 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

“This place is super fun since they banned smoking! They have darts, pool, shuffleboard, pinball, other activities, friendly people, and the drinks are solid. One of the regulars helped my friends and I change a flat tire in the parking lot 😂 very welcoming crowd!“

4.3 Superb19 Reviews
Moe's Alley Bars • $$
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

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4.8 Superb91 Reviews
Rush Inn Bar • $
113 Knight St, Santa Cruz

“one of my fave places! I love the bartenders!“

4.3 Superb10 Reviews
Watering Hole Bar • $
2405 Mission St, Santa Cruz

“An awesome place to stop near big trees park. The food was incredible there’s a ton of options very reasonably priced. Staff was so kind and everything was incredibly clean. Stop here you will not be disappointed!! The views outside were beautiful too!!“

4.5 Superb4 Reviews
Surf City Billiards Bar & Cafe Bar • $$
931 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Blue Cheese Burger
Tasty

“English tourists, enjoying SC. Decided to give this place a go. We didn’t eat, but played a few rounds of darts and had a few beers. Lovely vibe, great fun, friendly staff and a fair amount of space once you get to the stairs. Would absolutely recommend.“

4.1 Good18 Reviews
The Jury Room Bar • $
712 Ocean St, Santa Cruz

“what an iconic place - thank you Phoebe for all your recommendations!“

4.1 Good32 Reviews
MeloMelo Kava Bar Juice • $
1101 Pacific Ave suite d, Santa Cruz

“Cool Kava bar, friendly staff and patrons. Nice to find a cool place like this when visiting in town!“

4 Good36 Reviews
The Blue Lagoon Bar • $
923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

“This was my bar. I will never go back. Last Saturday I was attacked by a group of young women on the dance floor and while they were recording the incident I was the one removed. While being removed by the bouncer I was grabbed in the groin by a male patron. The bouncer removing me still did nothing. I no longer feel safe there.“

3.9 Good39 Reviews
Parish Publick House Westside Santa Cruz Pubs • $
841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Maiden Club Sandwich Ceaser Salad
Mushroom and Swiss Burger
Stuffed Burger
Cheese Burger
Classic Burger
Buffalo Wings
Shepherds Pie
French Fries
Garlic Fries
Onion Rings

“I live around the corner from here and like to recommend this spot to friends whenever they're visiting my neighborhood. The vibes are great.

There is a bartender named Mayonnaise and she's the coolest person in the world.“

4.6 Superb65 Reviews
Oak & Ale Bar • $
3102 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

“Cool Place to have a drink with your friends and listen to live music🎶“

3.3 Good7 Reviews
14

Asti

Asti Bar • $
715 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Modelo

“We went in for a daytime drink while in town. Yes, it's a locals dive bar and clearly lots of regulars, but we were warmly welcomed by them all and were chatting away after a few drinks. As with most places, you don't have to be a regular to fit in, you just have to be a nice person. We will come by next time we're in SC!“

3.7 Good26 Reviews
Oswald Restaurant American • $$
121 Soquel Ave, 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“

4.2 Good129 Reviews
The Crêpe Place American • $$
1134 Soquel Ave, 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“

4.2 Good82 Reviews
The Point Kitchen and Bar American • $$
3326 Portola Dr, 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

“Went here for a date night recently. We should up earlier to our reservation and they were able to accommodate us pretty quickly which was great.

The service was top notch. I believe our server was Brenda and she was excellent. Always checking in on us and being prompt. She was also sure of getting any dietary issues handled.

We had some mocktails and found them delicious.

The calamari is one of my favorites so far in Santa Cruz. Very nicely seasoned and cooked just right, I'd like it to be a little more flaky but the taste was superb. Not tough nor feeling a little on the bland side.

I had the ribeye and while the precise cut wasn't my preferred choice it was delicious. It was cooked perfectly, don't know why so many places can't get Medium right, but the Point executed it perfectly. It was juicy, good bits of fat (wish it had a bit more fat though), and seasoned well. I think it had a really subtle glaze that went perfectly with the arugula. The glaze wasn't overpowering or too sweet, it just enhanced the umami flavored and the arugula was also not too overpowering, so you can actually taste the beef.

My wife had the Salmon and thought it was great. It was a nice big cut and cooked very well.

Overall it was a great experience and great food. Our server, Brenda, was superb and that's something you just can't get anywhere anymore.

We saw in the area with the older style red leather seats and this is the only part that I didn't like too much. The decor just clashed and it felt difficult to get a sense of ambience. I saw the other side has the nicer updated look and I'd probably prefer seating there but I think given the fair prices and the location, I don't think it was that bad.

Overall I'd probably give this place a 4.5, for the update the dining area needs but given the terrific service and delicious well priced food I'd say a 5 is justified.“

4.2 Good48 Reviews
Callahan's Sports Bar • $
507 Water St, Santa Cruz

“locals spot everyone friendly ❤“

4.1 Good14 Reviews
19

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!“

4.1 Good175 Reviews
Castaways Sports Bar • $
3623 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

“Good food, awesome bartenders and people! Love this place ❤️“

4 Good6 Reviews
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing Brewery • $$
402 Ingalls St #27, Santa Cruz

“Great outdoor atmosphere and Great staff. Fun games and Good Eats. Neighborhood friendly and with the Rail Trail on the side makes it easy to bike or walk to. SALUTE!“

3.9 Good62 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.“

3.6 Good22 Reviews
The Catalyst Bars • $$
1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

“Dope people dope vibe and dope city“

3.7 Good80 Reviews
24

Motiv

Motiv Bars • $
1209 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

“I went last Saturday to the Motiv with a couple of friends. The bar was packed as hell with people. Arden saw that we needed help, she was on top of it. Friendliest bartender in there. Made our drinks really fast and every time we went to the bar she was right there to help us. We will be back again to see Arden and dance on the dance floor.“

3.1 Average16 Reviews

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