11 Best Bars in Santa Cruz

Moe's Alley Bars • $$
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

“Great location with free parking across the street. The are some spots in the venue with blocked sight lines, but the sound is good throughout. Check out the taco truck in the back patio area and the outdoor video monitor of the band, if you get too hot indoors.“

4.9 Superb49 Reviews
After Hours Cocktail Bar Bar •
1001 Center St #1, Santa Cruz

“After Hours is the bar attached to 11th Hour Coffee, the primary coffee shop that also hosts pop-up kitchens and events throughout the week (including trivia).I grabbed a drink from the bar to go with my dumplings from Full Steam. I got myself a Lavender Lemonade Cider ($8) which was a great deal and a fun drink to visually see being poured on tap. Service here was quick and painless, and I was able to get my drink and pay with no issues.For a bar inside a coffee shop, they got it going on and I'd recommend this spot to anyone looking for a more low-key experience.“

4.8 Superb25 Reviews
Callahan's Sports Bar • $$
507 Water St, Santa Cruz

“Every time I’ve been here (four times) there have been four different bartenders…I wish I could remember their names because they’ve all been awesome. One brought leftover thanksgiving sweet treats and shared with me. She didn’t know me from any jackass on the street. Totally recommend.“

4.9 Superb20 Reviews
The Point Kitchen and Bar American • $$
3326 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Pulled Pork Sandwich with Garlic Fries
Pleasure Burger and Fries
Filet Mignon and Shrimp
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Pork Chops
Chicken Schnitzel
Molten Lava Cake
Polenta
Salad

“Weekend brunch was delicious and not crowded at all. Friendly service and easy parking will make this a place we come back to. We had the chicken and waffles and the carnitas benedict with polenta instead of the English muffin. Highly recommend.“

4.4 Superb71 Reviews
Rush Inn Bar • $
113 Knight St, Santa Cruz

“Solid low key divey drinky spot. As far as parking goes, there are maybe ten spots in the back accessed from bulkhead...look, just circle the block to the back okay? It's quiet, reasonably secure and perfect for a quick smoke, cuddle, or moment of sickness depending on how the night is going. If none of that seems like your thing, there's the downtown park and walk choices a block or so away. Inside there's a couple of tables that are more or less clean, and maybe a dozen 1970's style bar stools. Plenty of leave me alone spots, but also some I need company spots as well to chose from. It's not fancy yet more then comfy enough for casual drinking. Service is decent. The barkeep has been around awhile, knows how to read your thirst, won't keep you waiting any too long and -this is important-has a fine feel for when to cut you off. Usually an easy let down, but really that's up to you. Selection is decent but not comprehensive. Heavy on the low to mid grade quality. Not a lot of top tier items-but there's more then enough selection to keep you going and best of all this is a wallet friendly choice. Pretty much everything will be half of what you'll find anywhere else on the strip. No food except bar snacks (chips etc), no kitchen but there is a taco joint more or less next door. All in all it's a solid choice for low key, no shame, affordable drinking.“

4.7 Superb10 Reviews
Castaways Sports Bar • $
3623 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

“Why did it take me this years old to realize what amazing tiki drinks Castaways has?!?! I strongly feel this is the most underrated bar in town. $12 gets me a Mai Tai that is hands-down the best (arguably over the ones in Hawaii) and is made with high-quality rums and fresh lime juice - no crappy fillers where I'm hung over the next day. Easy going vibe, rad bartenders, pool tables, music & won't break the bank. Great hidden secret and has been my spot since I had my first drink there 8 months ago. Also recommended: piranha for 2 (or one :))“

4.5 Superb16 Reviews
Parish Publick House Westside Santa Cruz Pubs • $$
841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Maiden Club Sandwich Ceaser Salad
Mushroom and Swiss Burger
Classic Burger
Cheese Burger
French Fries
Garlic Fries
Parish Pie
Hamburger

“Been coming here for years, always great service and drinks. The last few times, the food was disappointing. They no longer serve their fried cheese curds, which were our favorite, so that sucks. Today I ordered a BLTA, and let me tell you...I make a better sando when we're camping! One comically thick slice of tomato, super dry, and for $16 you'd think both sides would be toasted, not just the side that was served facing up. The fries were bomb though, and I don't even usually like fries that much so A+ there, and as always the service and drinks were great.“

4.2 Good55 Reviews
Over the Hill Gang Saloon Bar • $$
3530 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

“One of the kind, and kind to all. A great local's spot, with good traveling music from time to time. It's reasonable pricing for Capitola, and you won't have to deal with the worst things to exist on this side of town: tourists. Happy they're around and still doing the honest bar tending of days past.The only negative thing is they stopped smoking in doors some years back. But times change, I guess.“

4.3 Superb19 Reviews
Oak & Ale Bar • $
3102 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

“This is a neighborhood bar. The bartenders are friendly. It’s a nice place for a quick night cap. If you’re from the neighborhood and go out often then you may enjoy socializing, but I’ve never had a desire to connect with the crowd here.“

4.3 Superb10 Reviews
Oswald Restaurant American • $$
121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Market Fish Plate
Chocolate Souffle
Burger and Fries
French Fries
Steak Medium

“The appetizer pictured was really good. It was a bit much for an appetizer so I couldn't finish my dinner. It was like eating breakfast right before dinner. But it was tasty. I'd go back just for that. I had the brisket for dinner, which was also very good. The place was nearly empty, yet they squeezed us next to another table right by the kitchen. So now I hate them. There a parking garage close by but it gets a lot of traffic. Beware the homeless sleeping in the stairwell. They're harmless. Just don't trip stepping over them.“

4.1 Good149 Reviews
The Crêpe Place American • $
1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fresh Baked Loaf of Honey Wheat Bread
Homemade Boston Clam Chowder
Smoked Salmon Crepe
California Benedict
Zorba the Greek
Breakfast Crepe
Fruit Crepé
Pollo Verde
Crêpes

“We had a great birthday celebration at the Crepe Place last weekend. It was a group of ten, and we started outside, but when it started sprinkling, they quickly whisked our group inside. Sarah, our server, was so friendly and attentive, and all if the staff were great. I was so excited to see not just gluten-free crepes, but gluten--free English muffins for the bennies. The GF crepe was delicious. Hadn't been there in a while, but I plan to go back soon.“

4.1 Good99 Reviews
Loading...
map Map