The Point Kitchen and Bar

Reliable, neighborhood gem with A+ food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

FOOD POISONING! This was my egg Benedict. Eggs were over cooked, Hollandaise sauce broke, English muffin burnt. About 30min after eating I started to feel sick. Hour later full blown food poisoning. Staff was super nice and offered to take it off my bill but we denied since I ate more than half of it.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 4

I stopped by to place an order for pickup and needed to quickly step aside to make a phone call before ordering. When I did, the worker behind the counter rolled his eyes and walked away — and never came back. I ended up waiting about 15–20 minutes before anyone returned to help me. Really disappointing customer service. I was looking forward to trying the food, but after that experience, I’m not sure I’ll be back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Went here for a date night recently. We should up earlier to our reservation and they were able to accommodate us pretty quickly which was great.

The service was top notch. I believe our server was Brenda and she was excellent. Always checking in on us and being prompt. She was also sure of getting any dietary issues handled.

We had some mocktails and found them delicious.

The calamari is one of my favorites so far in Santa Cruz. Very nicely seasoned and cooked just right, I'd like it to be a little more flaky but the taste was superb. Not tough nor feeling a little on the bland side.

I had the ribeye and while the precise cut wasn't my preferred choice it was delicious. It was cooked perfectly, don't know why so many places can't get Medium right, but the Point executed it perfectly. It was juicy, good bits of fat (wish it had a bit more fat though), and seasoned well. I think it had a really subtle glaze that went perfectly with the arugula. The glaze wasn't overpowering or too sweet, it just enhanced the umami flavored and the arugula was also not too overpowering, so you can actually taste the beef.

My wife had the Salmon and thought it was great. It was a nice big cut and cooked very well.

Overall it was a great experience and great food. Our server, Brenda, was superb and that's something you just can't get anywhere anymore.

We saw in the area with the older style red leather seats and this is the only part that I didn't like too much. The decor just clashed and it felt difficult to get a sense of ambience. I saw the other side has the nicer updated look and I'd probably prefer seating there but I think given the fair prices and the location, I don't think it was that bad.

Overall I'd probably give this place a 4.5, for the update the dining area needs but given the terrific service and delicious well priced food I'd say a 5 is justified.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mediocre food and very slow service, despite us being only one of two tables on a Saturday afternoon. Bland burgers and small portion of fish for the tacos.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Breakfast was great. Wife has polenta and I have chorizo omelette.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

I went there last night with a friend expecting the usual disappointing SC grub and what a pleasant surprise. Like I want to go back again tonight, not at all what I expected. The calamari was possibly the best I've had, the salmon tacos were insanely good, not overly breaded, in fact I don't think it was breaded at all thankfully, dusted with spices or herbs, cooked perfectly so it wasn't too dry, fell apart in my mouth and was obviously quality fresh fish, just really really good food. Great service, not rushed but never looking for someone to take care of us. Why was this place not on my radar? Only complaint; I'm a bit of a beer snob and although there were enough selections for most, the beer is pretty standard fair. Socks and Sandals and Sculpin is not exactly topline stuff for IPA these days with the great breweries in town but it was passable. But the food was so good I didn't care what beer they served. Keep it up and we will be regulars. Thanks for a great meal!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband and I went to dinner here for our 30th anniversary for the first time and it was AMAZING! Joel and Alyssa were as amazing as the food. We started with a beer, a mojito for me (one of the best I've ever had) and the calamari. The calamari was perfectly prepared and they give you a generous amount. We each had the shrimp and sausage fettuccine... absolutely AMAZING. We found this place by my husband googling restaurants (we're on vacation) and that fettuccine plate is what caught our attention. Will definitely be returning!! Excellent!! ❤️

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always great food and service. Wonderful options to choose from, including gluten free. The GF calamari is amazing, you wouldn't know any different...it's just great! Super tasty cocktails too!

Great customer service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Point Kitchen & Bar in Santa Cruz is such a gem!! It’s got that old-school, small-town feel with genuinely friendly, attentive service. We had the crispy calamari, the black & blue ahi sandwich, and the horseradish baked salmon - comfort food all the way! The pomegranate drop cocktail was a standout… perfectly tart and refreshing. Great spot for a laid-back meal and excellent drinks. Definitely recommend for the atmosphere and service! 🥂💛

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Service was great food was awesome My wife and I had the horseradish salmon dinner cook perfectly The greens were awesome The black rice really took it off the top it was off the hook it was such a great combination Plus all the beers on tap you couldn't
Beat it for the price..
This is a great place to bring your family Great place to bring friends Great atmosphere awesome food thank you so much for the one full experience

Best meats, stakes, rib eye, in town! Hands down . Very fiendly personal and the Tuesdays dinner $35, are a great deal! Deserts are super yummy. The food presentation is 5 stars! Potions are good. I always take some food home.

Great food, service and drinks! Simone waits our table on Tuesdays and Fridays ensuring everything is as we like it. Great place! Classic atmosphere! Excellent flavors!

Seriously, I don’t even know how is this place still in business with such a bad service and low quality food