A friend of mine introduced me to this place years ago, and I instantly fell in love! The fresh squeezed oj, the cool table inside the van, the relaxing laid back atmosphere. This place is
I think because of COVID, diners should look at Paula's again. Granted, their Basic Breakfast has gone up a bit, but what restaurant hasn't raised their prices these days (I cant believe I am paying $20 a dish for Chinese food!)? I have been walking to here for 25 years. As a neighbor, I have always appreciated this little slice of surfer solitude. Decorated with surfboards, photos of old time surfers, old surfer posters, playing Beach Boys music, it has always been so cute! THE FOOD TASTES GREAT! The pancakes are the best I have had in SCZ. With a generous slab of butter. Eggs & bacon are cooked just right. Everyone is very respectful of others. After you dine, push your chair back in, and bus your dirty dishes and silverware to the area next to the refrigerator. There is a very nice patio dining area, or the kids love to dine in the VW Bus opposite the front door. Prices are fabulously cheap - you pay more for a McDonald's burger at some of the Paula's prices! Come early - weekends, the line is always out the door.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J W
The syrup was in a puddle of water that dripped all over my rubbery waffles. My eggs were in a puddle. My girl friends bacon was charcoal, and thr owner yelled at us to bus our dishes when we got up and made my girlfriend bring them behind the counter into the kitchen. He was also rude to every One that walked up to the counter. TERRIBLE FOOD. so bland. Also 3.50 to add a slice of cheese to a 10 dollar plate?
michael donellan
I have a certified service dog. And the person behind the counter did not accept That I have a certified service dog tried to explain to him refuse Do let me stay. Food is OK, but I would never go back. Terrible customer service.
Thomas Mendoza
It's an institution.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
George B.
We've been to Paul's a number of times, each time ignoring the owner's bad attitude, not washing his hands after taking your cash ( cash only business) and before preparing our breakfast order. But this morning was the last straw! I was observing him buttering our toast when he sneezed on our toast!Tried to be chill and overlook some faux pas' but no more, we won't be back!
Erin Brummett
Almost hard to mention this hidden gem, because I don’t want a longer line. However, Paula’s deserves the praise and your business. Great food and fun atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jake Bonney
Love this joint! Best breakfast bargain around, and no ridiculous lines!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Kathleen L.
Quaint place with a home cooked vibe. Great place to take a book and sit on the patio and have a great Santa Cruz morning after walking East Cliff. Staff is friendly and their homemade red salsa is yummy for those like tomatoey goodness.
Fae Hamilton
When I walked in, there was only one person to cook and take orders. The prices were amazing ranging from 2-8 dollars so we weren’t shocked when the food tasted like it came from World War II…. literally it was horrible. We were in a larger group and got a variety of the menu where all did not fail to disappoint. Potatoes weren’t cooked, bacon looked like a dog treat, the mushrooms stunk so bad that we had to evacuate, everything was either overly salty or not seasoned at all, biscuits were soggy, and french toast had a cocaine like substance on it (not powdered sugar). The trailer park next door was a beautiful touch. Do we have food poisoning? Let’s give it a few hours and find out.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: French Toast Combo and Toes Over
Classic joint, historical Santa Cruz spot, that “only” locals know. Come for breakfast or lunch, sit back, and enjoy a classic surf community local spot. Sit outside or in. See memorabilia and meet celebrities of the old waves, have basic grub cooked and served well, and hit the old van-converted-to-booth seating.College students - hit the cheap eats.Wheelchair accessibility: Gentle ramp over door jam
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
MamaGen Tacan-Regan
This is such a odd place. Will never come here again. So ridiculous. Only 1 refill of coffee per person or you get charged for another coffee. You order at counter because they do not have table service. They have a bunch of rules at the front door. Our party of 7 people ended up sitting at different tables. Food was mediocre. You can feel and smell the grease in the air.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Kielbasa
Josiah Clymer
Super cheap, high-quality food, wonderful sweet people working at the register and counter. I can't believe this place exists, it's a diamond in the ruff. I spent 4 dollars for a substantial and delicious meal. How is that possible?? We'll be back again very soon. Blessings.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen W.
This place is great!! locals know that paulas comes with rules For more than 27 years! The counter girls are amazing, the cook is great! Ask about the history of Paula's. The cook is almost going to hit 80 years old and people don't understand it's hard for him to move fast, but the impressive thing is he can still work 7 days a week without complaining. We as humans should be grateful he still gets up everyday to cook for us...
Kerry O'Brion
I will NOT be returning. You can smell the stagnant old grease here & the cook & order taker did NOT want to be there. Both of them were rude. YUCK!
A friend of mine introduced me to this place years ago, and I instantly fell in love! The fresh squeezed oj, the cool table inside the van, the relaxing laid back atmosphere. This place is
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Kielbasa, Double Overhead Sandwich
I think because of COVID, diners should look at Paula's again. Granted, their Basic Breakfast has gone up a bit, but what restaurant hasn't raised their prices these days (I cant believe I am paying $20 a dish for Chinese food!)? I have been walking to here for 25 years. As a neighbor, I have always appreciated this little slice of surfer solitude. Decorated with surfboards, photos of old time surfers, old surfer posters, playing Beach Boys music, it has always been so cute! THE FOOD TASTES GREAT! The pancakes are the best I have had in SCZ. With a generous slab of butter. Eggs & bacon are cooked just right. Everyone is very respectful of others. After you dine, push your chair back in, and bus your dirty dishes and silverware to the area next to the refrigerator. There is a very nice patio dining area, or the kids love to dine in the VW Bus opposite the front door. Prices are fabulously cheap - you pay more for a McDonald's burger at some of the Paula's prices! Come early - weekends, the line is always out the door.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The syrup was in a puddle of water that dripped all over my rubbery waffles. My eggs were in a puddle. My girl friends bacon was charcoal, and thr owner yelled at us to bus our dishes when we got up and made my girlfriend bring them behind the counter into the kitchen. He was also rude to every One that walked up to the counter. TERRIBLE FOOD. so bland. Also 3.50 to add a slice of cheese to a 10 dollar plate?
I have a certified service dog. And the person behind the counter did not accept That I have a certified service dog tried to explain to him refuse Do let me stay. Food is OK, but I would never go back. Terrible customer service.
It's an institution.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We've been to Paul's a number of times, each time ignoring the owner's bad attitude, not washing his hands after taking your cash ( cash only business) and before preparing our breakfast order. But this morning was the last straw! I was observing him buttering our toast when he sneezed on our toast!Tried to be chill and overlook some faux pas' but no more, we won't be back!
Almost hard to mention this hidden gem, because I don’t want a longer line. However, Paula’s deserves the praise and your business. Great food and fun atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this joint! Best breakfast bargain around, and no ridiculous lines!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Quaint place with a home cooked vibe. Great place to take a book and sit on the patio and have a great Santa Cruz morning after walking East Cliff. Staff is friendly and their homemade red salsa is yummy for those like tomatoey goodness.
When I walked in, there was only one person to cook and take orders. The prices were amazing ranging from 2-8 dollars so we weren’t shocked when the food tasted like it came from World War II…. literally it was horrible. We were in a larger group and got a variety of the menu where all did not fail to disappoint. Potatoes weren’t cooked, bacon looked like a dog treat, the mushrooms stunk so bad that we had to evacuate, everything was either overly salty or not seasoned at all, biscuits were soggy, and french toast had a cocaine like substance on it (not powdered sugar). The trailer park next door was a beautiful touch. Do we have food poisoning? Let’s give it a few hours and find out.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: French Toast Combo and Toes Over
Restaurantji Recommends
Classic joint, historical Santa Cruz spot, that “only” locals know. Come for breakfast or lunch, sit back, and enjoy a classic surf community local spot. Sit outside or in. See memorabilia and meet celebrities of the old waves, have basic grub cooked and served well, and hit the old van-converted-to-booth seating.College students - hit the cheap eats.Wheelchair accessibility: Gentle ramp over door jam
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
This is such a odd place. Will never come here again. So ridiculous. Only 1 refill of coffee per person or you get charged for another coffee. You order at counter because they do not have table service. They have a bunch of rules at the front door. Our party of 7 people ended up sitting at different tables. Food was mediocre. You can feel and smell the grease in the air.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Kielbasa
Super cheap, high-quality food, wonderful sweet people working at the register and counter. I can't believe this place exists, it's a diamond in the ruff. I spent 4 dollars for a substantial and delicious meal. How is that possible?? We'll be back again very soon. Blessings.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is great!! locals know that paulas comes with rules For more than 27 years! The counter girls are amazing, the cook is great! Ask about the history of Paula's. The cook is almost going to hit 80 years old and people don't understand it's hard for him to move fast, but the impressive thing is he can still work 7 days a week without complaining. We as humans should be grateful he still gets up everyday to cook for us...
I will NOT be returning. You can smell the stagnant old grease here & the cook & order taker did NOT want to be there. Both of them were rude. YUCK!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1