14 Best Cocktail Bars in Santa Cruz

“We had our wedding after-party at Mission West, with dancing and a DJ on the back patio. It was the best decision we could have possibly made. From our perspective, there were zero flaws. The venue has such outstanding vibes, great ownership and staff who run the bar very well and are a delight to work with. Our friends had the best time and it felt like every idea we had they were able to make happen. We were so stoked to support what they have going on there and have since recommended Mission West to a friend who is also going to have their wedding after party there. The cocktails are also very good! Whether you’re just stopping by for a drink or hosting an event, this place is a gem!“

“Can be a lot of fun here!“

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

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

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

“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.“

“We went there last week and it was a great experience. We came in just in time because it wasn’t busy yet. We got the only table by the window and it made it special for our occasion. The drink I had ordered wasn’t available so they suggested another one which was ginger beer and I liked it! It was a refreshing drink. The charcuterie board was delicious too! Everything was amazing. My girl and I had a great time and the waitress gave us a complimentary drink with our dinner. Thank you. We will surely go back again!“

“This may well be THE best restaurant in Santa Cruz COUNTY and city. This is a true auteur chef's masterpiece. Former chef from Shadowbrook is set free of conventionality and achieves inspired creativity, the best of spices, sauces, originality! The refined menu probably deserves an even finer ambience, but still... The carrots! The brocolini! The unique margarita! Simply outstanding! We four ate family style and sampled over half the menu. Everything was exceptional. Really exceptional. Nothing overtly traditional. And we have tried almost EVERY high end restaurant in town. It exceeds every one. Service was to match. I obviously loved it.“

“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!“

“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..“

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

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

“This upscale spot feels more like a mini getaway than just a meal out. The setting is absolutely stunning: elegant, relaxing, and perfectly in tune with the beachside atmosphere.
We came as a party of 10, and every single person left impressed. The food was exceptional, each dish beautifully prepared and full of flavor.

A shoutout to our server, Manuel, who truly elevated the experience. He was very attentive without being overbearing, checking in often and making sure everything ran smoothly for our large group.

Between the amazing food, the gorgeous setting, and the outstanding service, this is definitely a place we can’t wait to return to.“

“Food was good and Service was great.“