Went here for some fun on my 30th Birthday! Had a great time with my wife. The music was on point, the atmosphere had good energy all around and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Diorra B.
I loved motiv for the longest time and then I had an incident with them. I had left my umbrella on the dance floor while I was dancing with friends and a security guard "brojeilio or B" got angry about this and began to get aggressive. while outside talking to me I tried to remain calm even after he called me the N-word twice. One of the other security guards that knows me gave the owners number and told me to report the incident. This guard informed me that many girls had reported the same guard for being violent, being rude, or putting his hands on them. I did call the next morning, and the owner assured me that the situation will be taken care of, and that he would no longer work there after that weekend. so I went back the following weekend and he was still there and as soon as I walked in, he told me that I was banned. I asked him why and he refused to answer me and pushed me and my other black friend out. All while asking my white friend very nicely if she can please walk outside. I called the owner again, and he told me that I was not banned, and that this would be solved. I went back the next day, and when they scanned my ID they told me that I was banned because I had caused two incidents. They said that their boss has me on a list and that I'm no longer welcome there. Which really sucks because I loved it there.
Michael A.
I don't live in Santa Cruz. I came here on vacation and came to this bar/club. Bartender's we're quick and very nice people. Good demographic for mid 20's people. The bouncers also did a great job of taking care of me when I had a creep bothering me. Highly recommend this place for a good time.
Tyler S.
I had some great times there during my college days, but when I came back for the weekend, the bouncer at the front, who was short and had an ego problem. I believe his nickname is "B". He kicked out my friends and me because he didn't like my attitude when I was simply explaining to the lady that I didn't have stamps because I had been there a couple of hours earlier. There was no issue, and everything was going well, but he decided to leave his position scanning and checking IDs to eavesdrop on my civil conversation with the lady. When I calmly explained the situation to him, his ego got bruised, and he physically tried to remove me from the premises. Although he attempted to do it on his own, he failed, so I chose to voluntarily leave to avoid causing a scene. When I spoke with the manager, he said this isn't his first time doing this. I was genuinely confused by the entire situation. I am not confrontational by nature and was simply looking to have a good time for the weekend. It's unfortunate because the staff and DJs are all fantastic people, and I've never had any issues there. However, it seems that this bouncer at the establishment is dealing with personal insecurities and chooses to take it out on college students. Besides that, great bar and the bartenders are the best in Santa Cruz. Highly Recommend going once they take care of this bouncer who goes by "B".
Sam Dayton
Bouncer can’t tell difference between real and fake ID’
Service: 1
Sam D.
Was denied entry for having a fake ID when I'm 22. Only complaint is the incompetent bouncer, but tough to give it above 1 star when I can't even order.
Rick Astley
Very unpleasant experience visiting Motiv, if I could I would leave negative stars. Stray
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Keith Craig
Busy social environment and great DJ's!Parking: Plenty of parking around the location for an hour or the night
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mari M.
Our Lyft driver recommended this place and after some food and hitting a few bars we ended our night here. Our group had so much fun dancing at Motiv. We followed a couple upstairs after we heard the bartender telling them there was a bar upstairs that was more chill. Sure enough a bookcase down by the restrooms is the entrance to the upstairs bar. It's not as loud as downstairs and you can actually enjoy a drink and a good conversation. Overall a good ambiance for those who like to dance, make new friends, and have a drink or two.
Roushan Hassan
Nice big dance floor, it's in the middle of downtown. Theres a younger crowd the music is the highlight. Overall nice atmosphere.
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.
Tiffany Y.
Server Bella was 10/10 and bathrooms were more than amazing can't wait to come back!!!
Morgan C.
Great music, fun vibes, and clutch bathroom. There's a specialty urinal room for men. We had a great time on the dance floor.
Julian Miggins
One of the bouncer there mistaked me for another black guy and kicked me out. My other friends of color have also received racial discrimination from this bar or club.
Jacob N.
Wow, What a great Santa Cruz club/bar! Jamal was the man providing amazing service and vibes. The DJs are also top notch with Anthony as a stand out. Overall great experience, would recommend to anyone trying to have a wonderful night 10/10
Went here for some fun on my 30th Birthday! Had a great time with my wife. The music was on point, the atmosphere had good energy all around and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I loved motiv for the longest time and then I had an incident with them. I had left my umbrella on the dance floor while I was dancing with friends and a security guard "brojeilio or B" got angry about this and began to get aggressive. while outside talking to me I tried to remain calm even after he called me the N-word twice. One of the other security guards that knows me gave the owners number and told me to report the incident. This guard informed me that many girls had reported the same guard for being violent, being rude, or putting his hands on them. I did call the next morning, and the owner assured me that the situation will be taken care of, and that he would no longer work there after that weekend. so I went back the following weekend and he was still there and as soon as I walked in, he told me that I was banned. I asked him why and he refused to answer me and pushed me and my other black friend out. All while asking my white friend very nicely if she can please walk outside. I called the owner again, and he told me that I was not banned, and that this would be solved. I went back the next day, and when they scanned my ID they told me that I was banned because I had caused two incidents. They said that their boss has me on a list and that I'm no longer welcome there. Which really sucks because I loved it there.
I don't live in Santa Cruz. I came here on vacation and came to this bar/club. Bartender's we're quick and very nice people. Good demographic for mid 20's people. The bouncers also did a great job of taking care of me when I had a creep bothering me. Highly recommend this place for a good time.
I had some great times there during my college days, but when I came back for the weekend, the bouncer at the front, who was short and had an ego problem. I believe his nickname is "B". He kicked out my friends and me because he didn't like my attitude when I was simply explaining to the lady that I didn't have stamps because I had been there a couple of hours earlier. There was no issue, and everything was going well, but he decided to leave his position scanning and checking IDs to eavesdrop on my civil conversation with the lady. When I calmly explained the situation to him, his ego got bruised, and he physically tried to remove me from the premises. Although he attempted to do it on his own, he failed, so I chose to voluntarily leave to avoid causing a scene. When I spoke with the manager, he said this isn't his first time doing this. I was genuinely confused by the entire situation. I am not confrontational by nature and was simply looking to have a good time for the weekend. It's unfortunate because the staff and DJs are all fantastic people, and I've never had any issues there. However, it seems that this bouncer at the establishment is dealing with personal insecurities and chooses to take it out on college students. Besides that, great bar and the bartenders are the best in Santa Cruz. Highly Recommend going once they take care of this bouncer who goes by "B".
Bouncer can’t tell difference between real and fake ID’
Service: 1
Was denied entry for having a fake ID when I'm 22. Only complaint is the incompetent bouncer, but tough to give it above 1 star when I can't even order.
Very unpleasant experience visiting Motiv, if I could I would leave negative stars. Stray
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Busy social environment and great DJ's!Parking: Plenty of parking around the location for an hour or the night
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our Lyft driver recommended this place and after some food and hitting a few bars we ended our night here. Our group had so much fun dancing at Motiv. We followed a couple upstairs after we heard the bartender telling them there was a bar upstairs that was more chill. Sure enough a bookcase down by the restrooms is the entrance to the upstairs bar. It's not as loud as downstairs and you can actually enjoy a drink and a good conversation. Overall a good ambiance for those who like to dance, make new friends, and have a drink or two.
Nice big dance floor, it's in the middle of downtown. Theres a younger crowd the music is the highlight. Overall nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
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.
Server Bella was 10/10 and bathrooms were more than amazing can't wait to come back!!!
Great music, fun vibes, and clutch bathroom. There's a specialty urinal room for men. We had a great time on the dance floor.
One of the bouncer there mistaked me for another black guy and kicked me out. My other friends of color have also received racial discrimination from this bar or club.
Wow, What a great Santa Cruz club/bar! Jamal was the man providing amazing service and vibes. The DJs are also top notch with Anthony as a stand out. Overall great experience, would recommend to anyone trying to have a wonderful night 10/10