Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

$$ • Hawaiian, Cocktail Bar, Tiki Bar

Hours:
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
(831) 466-9766

About Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery offers a slice of island paradise with its stunning sunset ocean views, amazing food, and attentive staff. The restaurant serves perfectly cooked steak, ribs, and sides, and its unique cocktails, like the Scorpion Bowl, are a must-try. Located on the Santa Cruz Pier, it features a rotating bar, outdoor seating with heaters, and family-friendly amenities, including a kids' menu. The interior has a fun themed decor, and the ocean view, especially from tables by the window and the floor windows where sea lions lounge below, is a highlight. The bar rotates, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery while sipping drinks. The food and drinks are highly praised, with options like the heavenly Halibut Green Curry and well-made tropical cocktails such as the pina colada. The bar staff is attentive, ensuring a great experience, and the owner/manager is appreciated for his friendliness. Prices are reasonable, with hearty portions suitable for sharing, and the atmosphere is perfect for a fun night out or a relaxed date night, especially during less crowded weekdays. Parking on the pier costs about $2/hour, but free street parking is nearby. Overall, Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery is a highly recommended spot for great food, fantastic drinks, and incredible ocean views.

Customers' Favorites

Recent Reviews

4.4
363 ratings
Restaurantji Rating
5
70%
4
14%
3
4%
2
5%
1
7%
Food
4.3
Atmosphere
4.6
Service
4.5

Share your opinion about Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

Restaurantji Rating

Our family has been coming to this restaurant every year for over a decade after getting our Christmas tree. We bring a group of 20+ people, and it has always been part of a longstanding family tradition -- until this year, when we had an experience so shocking that none of us will ever return.

From the very beginning, things were off.
While waiting to be seated, we were told for the first time ever that we could not order drinks at the bar while we waited. The bartender...read full review

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!

Great specials and really good service and food.

Read All Reviews(363)

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Menu

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Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery Menu
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery Menu

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Hours

Monday 11AM - 9PM
Tuesday 11AM - 9PM
Wednesday 11AM - 9PM
Thursday 11AM - 9PM
Friday 11AM - 9PM
Saturday 11AM - 9PM
Sunday 11AM - 9PM
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