Have you tried the blackened chicken burger/sandwich? If not, run, don't walk to get yourself one. Life changing. Amazing. This thing is massive and so delicious. Can't wait to have it again for lunch . Worth every penny . I'd give it more stars if it was possible
Megan M.
The best! Food is fresh and tasty. The staff is always on point and friendly. Definitely recommend
Earl Hale
Nice vibe, really good food, and good service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Half Pound Burger
Cynthia Potocki
If ever there was a neighborhood bar and bistro that exuded santa cruz vibes its soquels cafe cruz! The bartender mixed exotic drinks that satisfied our discriminating palate. Halibut fresher than fresh. El dente veggies,juicy pork chops...yum, yum, double chocolate polar bear dessert!!!Wish we lived next door!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monterey Bay Calamari, Chop Salad, Grilled Harris Ranch Skirt Steak Salad, Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Matt D.
We love Cafe Cruz, such a great ambiance both inside and on the patio. The food is always amazing and so is the service - the staff are very knowledgeable and genuinely friendly. Be sure to check out the specials!
Cherlyn S.
Portions are huge. We share. Food tasty. Nice casual atmosphere. Good drinks. Staff friendly.
Karen F.
Great food and service! I had the skirt steak salad and the calamari. A friend got the filet and was raving about it!
Lynda B.
It's impossible to have a conversation with anyone because it's so loud all the time and the prices are ridiculous but the food is amazing
Angus MacMillan
Consistently good food and service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Dk H.
Outdoor or inside this place rocks. Food is amazing! Yum. The service excellent and the variety is terrific
I so want this place to get their shit together. With just a little attention to detail it could be so much better. I used to go fairly frequently, but after multiple, mostly appetizers, coming either undercooked or not prepared with any care - all while charging fine dining prices - I haven't been back in 2 years. While some of the entrees are quite good, the inconsistency of some items and several appetizers is unnecessary and would be easily fixed with more kitchen management and staff training. There are a few long time servers who are very good, but the service in general is spotty and inconsistent much like the food. Some parts of the restaurant are dingy, with dirty baseboards and walls and it's very loud unless you get seated outside or in the garden room. Again, Fine dining prices without the food/service/ambiance to back it up.
Bree G.
I wanted to follow up and write an updated review. This most recent visit to Cafe Cruz was a much more pleasant experience. Even though it was a busy rainy weekend evening, our waitress was attentive and extremely sweet (and cracked some cute jokes). I was stoked to see oysters on the menu and to give those a try. They were delightful. Our table shared the brussel sprout dish (so cheesy and tasty) and the olives. Everyone enjoyed their entree and drinks and after that experience, I would go back. My only feedback is once again, the asparagus was on the chiller side (intentional?) and under-cooked (to me) so I didn't touch them (again). The mashed potatoes made up for that though. ;)
Bruce Folkins
Best steak ever!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deardra Cline
Amazing restaurant! Staff is amazing and food was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monterey Bay Calamari, Maryland Crab Cakes
Margot
We've always enjoyed the consistently delicious food at Cafe Cruz; have dined her at least 10 times over the past several years! We prefer an outside table since it's quieter and prettier than inside. Service has been excellent, and many wonderful menu offerings.
Have you tried the blackened chicken burger/sandwich? If not, run, don't walk to get yourself one. Life changing. Amazing. This thing is massive and so delicious. Can't wait to have it again for lunch . Worth every penny . I'd give it more stars if it was possible
The best! Food is fresh and tasty. The staff is always on point and friendly. Definitely recommend
Nice vibe, really good food, and good service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Half Pound Burger
If ever there was a neighborhood bar and bistro that exuded santa cruz vibes its soquels cafe cruz! The bartender mixed exotic drinks that satisfied our discriminating palate. Halibut fresher than fresh. El dente veggies,juicy pork chops...yum, yum, double chocolate polar bear dessert!!!Wish we lived next door!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monterey Bay Calamari, Chop Salad, Grilled Harris Ranch Skirt Steak Salad, Shaved Brussels Sprouts
We love Cafe Cruz, such a great ambiance both inside and on the patio. The food is always amazing and so is the service - the staff are very knowledgeable and genuinely friendly. Be sure to check out the specials!
Portions are huge. We share. Food tasty. Nice casual atmosphere. Good drinks. Staff friendly.
Great food and service! I had the skirt steak salad and the calamari. A friend got the filet and was raving about it!
It's impossible to have a conversation with anyone because it's so loud all the time and the prices are ridiculous but the food is amazing
Consistently good food and service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Outdoor or inside this place rocks. Food is amazing! Yum. The service excellent and the variety is terrific
Restaurantji Recommends
I so want this place to get their shit together. With just a little attention to detail it could be so much better. I used to go fairly frequently, but after multiple, mostly appetizers, coming either undercooked or not prepared with any care - all while charging fine dining prices - I haven't been back in 2 years. While some of the entrees are quite good, the inconsistency of some items and several appetizers is unnecessary and would be easily fixed with more kitchen management and staff training. There are a few long time servers who are very good, but the service in general is spotty and inconsistent much like the food. Some parts of the restaurant are dingy, with dirty baseboards and walls and it's very loud unless you get seated outside or in the garden room. Again, Fine dining prices without the food/service/ambiance to back it up.
I wanted to follow up and write an updated review. This most recent visit to Cafe Cruz was a much more pleasant experience. Even though it was a busy rainy weekend evening, our waitress was attentive and extremely sweet (and cracked some cute jokes). I was stoked to see oysters on the menu and to give those a try. They were delightful. Our table shared the brussel sprout dish (so cheesy and tasty) and the olives. Everyone enjoyed their entree and drinks and after that experience, I would go back. My only feedback is once again, the asparagus was on the chiller side (intentional?) and under-cooked (to me) so I didn't touch them (again). The mashed potatoes made up for that though. ;)
Best steak ever!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing restaurant! Staff is amazing and food was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Monterey Bay Calamari, Maryland Crab Cakes
We've always enjoyed the consistently delicious food at Cafe Cruz; have dined her at least 10 times over the past several years! We prefer an outside table since it's quieter and prettier than inside. Service has been excellent, and many wonderful menu offerings.