12 Best Cocktail Bars in Santa Cruz

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

Customers` Favorites

Butter Charcuterie Board
Chorizo Fettuccine
Strawberry Churro
Balsamic Steak
Seasonal Salad

“Amazing!!!My husband and I made reservations for our anniversary. As soon as we walked in, I loved VIM. It's beautifully decorated and everyone is welcoming. They even printed Happy Anniversary on the menu for us We ordered the butter charcuterie board to start. It was delicious and I could have eaten a pound of the butter. Our cocktails were great and we had seconds. I had the bass and my husband had the pork and we left no crumbs! We also got the chocolate cake and the pumpkin cheesecake to go, and those were fabulous. Everything was fabulous and we will absolutely be back!“

4.8 Superb67 Reviews
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery Hawaiian • $$
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Huli Huli Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken
Coconut Prawns
Coconut Shrimp
Clam Chowder
Pork Sliders
Makai Burger
Freaky Tiki
Ahi Sliders
Spam Musubi

“The drinks & ambiance are great. I'd highly recommend coming here for the rotating bar or at the outside dining area. They have an interesting drink menu with standard cocktail pricing & the inside decor is amusing. The food is alright, small portions & high prices. The service could improve, but it was still a nice experience. Expect to spend ~$60/80 for two people.“

4.4 Superb118 Reviews
Alderwood Santa Cruz American
155 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Beer-Battered Dungeness Crab
Roasted Hen of the Woods'
Allen Brothers Usda Prime
Smoked Magret Duck Breast
Vanilla Bean Creme Br
Embered Diver Scallop
Roasted Bone Marrow
Cheeseburger w Bacon
Smoked Beet Salad
Grilled Avocado

“This place definitely deserves 5 stars. The food was very delicious and tasty. The flavors were very delicate and had a somewhat Asian note. The scallops and the salmon were amazing. We couldn’t decide which one was better. It was the juiciest salmon my husband and I ever had.“

4 Good140 Reviews
Front & Cooper Cocktail Bar • $
725 Front St, Santa Cruz

“This is one of my favorite places for cocktails in all of Santa Cruz County. All the drinks are so yummy, and the evolving menu keeps things fresh. The mixologists are experts at their craft. It's a popular spot so sometimes there's a bit of a wait, but it's worth the wait!“

4.2 Good46 Reviews
El Jardin Restaurant Mexican • $
655 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

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

“Amazing, you can actually hear yourself think and carry on a conversation in this place! Pleasant staff, comfortable seating, nice atmosphere and I love the mosaic tile art flooring. The food was good, with large servings. I was planning on taking half home for later but I ate the whole thing. I don't know where I put it! I'd definitely go here again for a chill, casual eating experience. Prices weren't so bad either, considering the rise in cost of living lately.“

4.1 Good76 Reviews
Oak & Ale Bar • $
3102 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

“This is a neighborhood bar. The bartenders are friendly. It’s a nice place for a quick night cap. If you’re from the neighborhood and go out often then you may enjoy socializing, but I’ve never had a desire to connect with the crowd here.“

4.3 Superb10 Reviews
The Redroom Cocktail Lounge Bar & Grill • $
1003 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

“I was well attended and taken care of. Juli asked all the right question and got me what I needed. I don't come to dive bar's usually but she made the experience impeccable. I definitely recommend coming here to Te Santa Cruz experience. She made the experience exceptional!“

4.1 Good45 Reviews
Mission West Cocktail Bar • $$$
2405 Mission St, Santa Cruz

“The vibe at Mission West is just right. We have sat outside with the pup a few times but last night we chose inside. The bar is beautiful and tidy, the mixers made us fabulous cocktails (the smoothest Boulevardier in town), and the other clients were friendly too. There was an engagement party going on in the back and the staff easily took care of the group's needs as well as the others of us. We were impressed that the owner Max came in on a Friday night at 8:30 to help out behind the bar. Mission West is my new go-to neighborhood bar!“

3.9 Good18 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
Cornbread

“Stopped in on a Thursday evening after my friend, who was born and raised in Santa Cruz, recommended this place to me for the umpteenth time. I had to apologize an equal amount of times because I have been missing out. I visited just the tasting room because I had my two dogs with me. First impressions are important and the bartender was so friendly and knowledgeable. I had the Grapefruit and Grace first and it was a mild but still tasty drink. It was well balanced and refreshing. It really hit the spot for the 70 degree day it was. I finished it pretty fast because it was an easy drink, so be careful. I also had a mocktail (A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME), and it was just as refreshing without the kick, obviously. I would order it again if I wasn't in the mood to drink because I am a sucker for elderflower. I also got the popcorn which I really liked. It was very well seasoned (I must know the seasoning lol) and each piece had a crunch to it. I wasn't hungry so it was a nice snack that won't fill anyone up too much, yet it was satisfying. I honestly eat popcorn five times a week so I feel like I am an expert on the subject lmao I will definitely have to go back and have some more of the food and their seasonal drinks. It was a great first impression for a quick stop in!“

4 Good166 Reviews
Chocolate Cocktail Bar • $$
1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Polenta Plate and Salad with Vinaigrette
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Hot Chocolate Drinks
Chocolate Cake
BBQ Chicken
Canoli
Sofia

“Absolutely excellent place to go for dessert or just a fancy hot chocolate or a fancy cocktail. My spicy pineapple margarita was delicious. Three stars for just dinner in general. I got the Mole Trio and thought it was quite good. I thought the Amarillo was not nearly as flavorful as the other two, but I still enjoyed the variety and the other two were quite complex and delicious. The salad and polenta pie that accompanied it were meh. My husband got the ginger shrimp and felt that is was three stars. Deserts were super yum. The Sin Cake was delicious, although lighter than I thought it would be considering it was flourless. Tiramisu was also delicious, not too wet, and a very generous portion. There heated garden patio is extremely pleasant. Great spot for a date.“

3.9 Good120 Reviews
Avanti Restaurant American • $$$
1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Seafood Linguine Puttanesca
Dinosaur Kale Salad
Daily Fish Special
Braised Short Rib
Chocolate Mousse
Potato Gnocchi
Caesar Salad
Fried Cheese
Focaccia

“Excellent food, amazing service. The duck served three ways was the light bulb and the accompanying salad was the perfect counter to the richness of the duck. The fried chicken as always was amazing with a wonderful stack of fluffy potatoes.The only challenge is parking, however, the service from walking in the door through the entire meal will make you come back just to say hi“

3.8 Good51 Reviews
Ideal Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $$
106 Beach St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Fish Tacos GF Until 4pm Only
New England Clam Chowder
Rack of Baby Back Ribs
Clam Chowder Breadbowl
Roasted Garlic & Brie
Gilroy Garlic Fries
Calamari 'N' Fries
Live Maine Lobster
Seafood Platter
Stuffed Salmon

“They have some of the best clam chowder I've eaten and the best fish tacos I've ever had! I never like fish tacos and I love theirs! I've been telling everybody about this place since we came back and when I go back to Santa Cruz I will go there again!“

3.9 Good166 Reviews
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