24 Best Bars in Santa Cruz

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

“We had a really nice date night at After Hours! It's a neat place, part coffee shop/ cocktail bar/dumpling house/chicken joint. Their official names are: 11th Hour, After Hours, Full Steam Dumpling, and Chubbs Chicken Sandwiches. I definitely want to come back and try the dumplings (they weren't there that night)--and more cocktails! The cocktails were solid. Better than I've had in awhile. The vibe was chill and Allen, the bar manager, was really friendly, passionate about what he does, and gave us some good, local recs for food and drink.

I got two cocktails:

- Chanel Vintage: Sencha Vodka, Matcha Venus Aquavit, Lemon, Blackberry, Blueberry, Housemade Mochi (not too sweet at all and the housemade mochi was fun)

- Limerence: Citadelle Gin, Kina L'Aero D'or, Passion fruit, Lemon Vanilla Sherbert, Side of Prosecco (I've been wanting to try a Porn Star for awhile and this is their version of it. I'm a fan. I also automatically love anything with a side of prosecco.)

Allen also gave us housemade lemon shortbread and chocolate to try. Fun stuff. I am all for this baked goods + cocktails combo. Super inventive.

Will definitely be back for more cocktail talent!“

4.8 Superb38 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“

4.9 Superb62 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 !“

4.4 Superb135 Reviews
The Blue Lagoon Bar • $
923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

“Bartenders give great service, friendly vibes. When I’m not stopping by randomly to say hi on a week day. There every Sunday for goth night, @::THE BOX:: 🖤“

4.3 Superb190 Reviews
Rush Inn Bar • $
113 Knight St, Santa Cruz

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

4.4 Superb34 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 Superb96 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!!“

4.6 Superb37 Reviews
The Jury Room Bar • $
712 Ocean St, Santa Cruz

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

4.2 Good137 Reviews
Moe's Alley Bars • $$
1535 Commercial Wy, Santa Cruz

“Great venue. seen Big Mountain there.“

4.8 Superb189 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 Good81 Reviews
Oak & Ale Bar • $
3102 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

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

3.7 Good58 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

“Good food really good vibe“

4.6 Superb215 Reviews
Surf City Billiards Bar • $$
931 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Blue Cheese Burger
Tasty

“Little better than beer and billiards“

3.7 Good133 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

“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!“

4.5 Superb181 Reviews
Callahan's Bar Sports Bar • $
507 Water St, Santa Cruz

“locals spot everyone friendly ❤“

4.7 Superb99 Reviews
16

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!“

3.5 Good117 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“

4.3 Superb278 Reviews
Castaways Sports Bar • $
3623 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

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

4.3 Superb78 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!“

4.2 Good279 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!“

4.1 Good197 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“

3.9 Good386 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.“

3.7 Good57 Reviews
The Catalyst Bars • $$
1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

“Dope people dope vibe and dope city“

3.8 Good229 Reviews
24

Motiv

Motiv Bars • $
1209 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

“Food pop-up event. Very loud music but it is a bar with a DJ so.... Can't really complaint. We were there for the food which was great. Good drinks. Very little sitting so, get there early if you want to grab a table. Overall pretty good time.“

3 Average86 Reviews

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