“Pretty darn solid brewery in Soquel/Santa Cruz area. More inland, so more locals than tourist. Looks like they invested and built the facility for themselves with a metal barn-like building for the tap room and brewery, equipt with solar energy to power their operations. Their outdoor area is much more impressive than their indoors and seems 85% of the action happens out there. There's table seating, counter seating and communal benches, most are under a cover. Lots of dogs and locals, you can just feel the buzz of the community here. I only did a quick sampling of several beers here as I had plans to eat in the neighborhood for dinner. But they do have a small menu with appetizers and sandwiches that looked really promising, and the pics prove that I'm going to have to try some on my next visit for sure. I loved their website before I even ventured in. It has their story in a concise manner and the way they describe their beers are very entertaining if not poetic and creative, which I have to pound my chest and nod to. Like they describe their Shimmer Pils as having "a shimmery depth, like light on a fathomless sea.' Lol. And their Ten Million Flower's Kolsh is called so because it took ten million flowers for bees to make the honey that goes into this brew. If James Joyce and/or Walt Whitman lived in this town, I could see them being patrons here. Their beer flight you can choose up to six from their current tap selection, which I think was around 16 taps. That's a lot, like it was hard in making a decision and it would probably take me at least 6 visits to get a full grasp/opinion on their body of work. They also have brews in cans in a fridge that may not necessarily be on tap. I went last summer and their current line up is much different than what was being offered on my visit. So FYI things are in a constant state of flow here, hope you're flexible and adventurous. If you get cans to-go, you can mix and match whatever flavors you want, which I thought was a nice bonus. I really liked 2 light brews I tried. The above Pils and Kolsh were remarkably light and crisp and clean. I liked the Kolsh a tad more, had more depth and uniqueness. Liked their Mosaic hopped Pale Ale as I like a strong hop presence, but I often don't want the malt and gravity of IPA's. I did try a couple of IPA's as well as most of my buddies are into them, and I had to bring something back. Also tried a Black Lager and that was pretty much true to style. I also bet that my tasting would have evolved and been more complete with some bites of food, but that'll just have to wait for the next out. Digging their style and their efforts, so an inevitable return is on queue.“
“We popped in here for our wine tasting and it was one of the best wine experiences we’ve ever had. The pourer, T, was super friendly and kind and made our experience that much more special. The wines were incredible as well. You can tell a lot of heart and soul goes into this place. If we were local we would’ve definitely walked away with several bottles, especially the Chardonnay port“
“By far my most favorite sandwich place in Santa Cruz and I've been a customer since their first week of opening. The Italian is a favorite, but regardless of what sandwich I'm getting I always make sure to order their Beer Barnacle's - tater tots loaded with spicy cheese sauce topped with bacon. Can't forget their homemade potato chips, absolutely fried perfect with just the right about of seasoning! Also a great spot to sit on the corner and people watch + dog friendly patio (on leash). Enough said“
“Carlos hasn't changed a bit except for higher prices. Really time for the restaurant to get a face-lift. We ordered a great seafood kabab and a crab and shrimp sandwich. Portions are large and it was filling. Excellent that they serve the food to-go thru a back window to Beer Thirtys beer garden next door.“
“Vino Cruz is a refreshingly casual wine bar. There are so many choices, each with very detailed descriptions, making it easy for the novice to order something that they'll like. And the owner always has great suggestions. Really enjoy the live music, especially the Samurai Gypsies.“
“Amazing fresh bagels and homemade cream cheese, lots of options and toppings to choose from, both sweet and savory. Don't miss out on their wonderful homemade chai (which is made without sugar and creamer, and is self serve so you can choose how much of those items to add yourself).“
“I feel like there’s an unwritten bay area vegan rule that if you see a GATS sticker or tag, the place is solid - this spot has 3 so you know it’s real, lol. For reals though this is a go-to for my wife and I, the crew are always so damn kind and they have mad vegan options. Come get you a not-chicken sandwich (don’t be an idiot and come here and get upset it isn’t real meat), some fries with vegan ranch, and any of the drinks- they’re all good. Then post up on the patio and chill. Also if they have the pistachio praline soft serve: do it. Twice. Not a giant menu but they don’t need one… everything on it is good.Dietary restrictions: Vegan / Vegetarian only restaurant, the staff is always on point making sure you get what you ordered if you didn’t want the dairy version (thanks guys)“