13 Best Cocktail Bars in Santa Cruz

Front & Cooper Cocktail Bar • $
725 Front St, Santa Cruz

“BEST place to get drinks in SC. Atmosphere is fun and casual. FAVE drink is the Vodsod!! LOVE F&C.“

4.2 Good56 Reviews
Mission West Cocktail Bar • $$
2405 Mission St, Santa Cruz

“It is what it is, a bar. A few years ago the bar changed owners and its name and changed from a place for hard drinking types to a more varied clientele. Now it js a pleasant place to stop for a drink with friends. The bartenders are first rate and won't need to look up how to make your drink on the internet. The owners are friendly folks who treat people well so ot has a good vibe.“

4.1 Good21 Reviews
The Redroom Cocktail Lounge Bar & Grill • $
1003 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Bourbon Flight

“Can be a lot of fun here!“

4.1 Good42 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 Good151 Reviews
Ulterior Cocktail Bar • $
110 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz

“The Studio Ghibli cocktails were fantastic! I loved the "Waiting with Totoro" and my wife loved the "Full Moon Departure." We didn't get to try the food, we had just eaten and found the place by accident. 5/5 friendly bartender but I can't for the life of me remember her name (we were there on 8/31/24 in case the managers want to give her a bonus).“

3.9 Good12 Reviews
Vim Dining and Desserts American • $$$
2238 Mission St, 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

“We had the most amazing food and dining experience. I felt like we were in a Michelin starred restaurant.
The appetizers and main courses were unique and so well executed.
Loved to Brussels sprouts and Butter Charcuterie Board. Our table had pork tenderloin, chicken and sea bass.
Everyone couldn’t believe how good their dish was!“

4.9 Superb75 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
Oblò Cocktails & Kitchen Beer Bar • $$$
740 Front St STE 100, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fritto Misto Fried Calamari Shrimp and Shishito Peppers
Homemade Sourdough Bread All You Can Eat
Cheesecake with Blueberry Reduction
Pappardelle Bison Ragu
Spaghetti Meatballs
Arugula Salad
Ribeye Burger
Oblo Burger
Carpaccio
Octopus

“We ate here for the first time, so we ordered several dishes. The soup of the day was incredible! The Oblo burger was filled with flavor! The salad was huge (in a good way) with a delicious beet purée. The octopus appetizer was special and unique. After going there for the first time I would highly recommend. The prices were mostly reasonable, we were actually surprised by this since it tasted and felt like fine dining. Price was well worth the food, especially for the salads/burgers/appetizers.“

4.3 Superb82 Reviews
El Jardin Restaurant Mexican • $
655 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Enchiladas Mexicali Style
Tacos De Carne Asada
Steak a La Mexicana
Chimichanga Supreme
Nachos Whole Order
Chips and Salsa
Burrito Special
Rice and Beans
Tortilla Soup
Chile Relleno

“This was our first time there and the food was great and the atmosphere was great.. also had great service. We will be back again..“

4.3 Superb60 Reviews
Chocolate Cocktail Bar • $$
1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Polenta Plate and Salad with Vinaigrette
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Artichoke & Cheese Pot
Hot Chocolate Drinks
Chocolate Sin Cake
Chocolate Cupcake
Chocolate Cake
BBQ Chicken
Victoria
Canoli

“The food was super good organic delicious and I will be going back for more“

4.1 Good129 Reviews
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery Hawaiian • $$
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Makai Surf 'N Turf Skewer Combo
Guava-Soy Bistro Steak
Huli Huli Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken
Coconut Prawns
Coconut Shrimp
Pork Sliders
Clam Chowder
Makai Burger
Spam Musubi

“Been there couple times now. Food is very good & staff friendly. View at sunset is amazing & constantly changing from the rotating floor. Will definitely choose Makai again!“

4.1 Good178 Reviews
Avanti Restaurant American • $$$
1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Dinosaur Kale Salad with Almonds Ricotta Salt Citrus Vinaigrette
Seafood Linguine Puttanesca
Daily Fish Special
Braised Short Rib
Chocolate Mousse
Potato Gnocchi
Caesar Salad
Fried Cheese
Focaccia

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

4 Good42 Reviews
Ideal Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $$
106 Beach St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Fish Tacos GF Until 4pm Only
Rack Baby Back Ribs GF 4pm-Close
New England Clam Chowder
Bread Bowl Clam Chowder
Clam Chowder Breadbowl
Roasted Garlic & Brie
Rack of Baby Back Ribs
Calamari 'N' Fries
Gilroy Garlic Fries
Live Maine Lobster

“Food was good and Service was great.“

3.9 Good216 Reviews