Great service. We walked in and were seated very quickly. Our waiter was so kind and attentive to us! She was so sweet I cannot remember her name but everyone who helped out was so nice. The food was so delicious - I ordered the fish tacos and the pork tacos and both were so unbelievably delicious. This is a great spot for dinner in downtown area - would love to return!
Trina W.
Hula's Island Grill is located in downtown Santa Cruz. It was quite difficult to find parking in the area and the likelihood is the parking is metered. I was able to put myself and the husband on the waitlist on the way to the restaurant from the hotel. It was about a 45 minute wait for dinner. Upon entering, you'll check in with the host. There is no lobby to this restaurant so you are either in everyone's way or you can sit at the bar and get some drinks. If the weather is nice, you can wait outside, but we were not lucky. The staff here are very friendly! We were seated at a high table near the bar. One of my complaints, and it's because I'm pretty much a grandma, is how loud it is. I know that it's part of the ambiance of a Tiki Bar, but it can be difficult to hold a conversation. The high tables were also a bit too high for the seats. In terms of food, we got Island Style Poke, Crispy Coconut Shrimp, and Kimo's Broke Da Mouth Burger. The Island Style Poke is definitely more of a Hawaiian style poke as it has less sauce, but I'm not complaining. It was delicious and tasted fresh. The Crispy Coconut Shrimp was also very good. It was crunchy and the dipping sauce was unique. I think it was a pineapple based sauce. My husband got the burger and he thought it was just average. I'm hoping to try different dishes the next time we come here and maybe even sit outside (it was raining when we visited).
Jasmyn F.
Drinks were ok, food was great! We went on a warm day for lunch and it literally felt like I was in Hawaii! There's definitely a lot of fun decor that gives you a taste of Hawaii in California :) The drinks are pretty strong if that's what you're looking for. I was hoping to taste more of the POG juice but my POG cocktail tasted mostly like rum. I didn't get a picture of the ceviche but it was perfection! The wonton crisps and coconut milk really tie the dish together. Ceviche is one of my favorite foods that I am constantly ordering at different restaurants and this was one of the best ceviches I've had! The Chicken Mango Caesar salad was great, it is a large portion and very hearty and flavorful. I'd definitely order this again. . Likikoi pie was amazing! From the graham cracker crust to the tart lilikoi flavor to the fluffy cream ... *chefs kiss*
Kate A.
Vinny, our server (who is usually a bartender), was so great at catering to my gluten free diet. He offered to bring romaine lettuce to the table so that I could try the fish (placed on the wonton appetizer) that my family had ordered. I ended up using the romaine as a scooper for the poke bowl, which made the already delicious appetizer even tastier. This was the best meal I've had in awhile.. The black beans and rice that came with my south seas fish tacos was SO GOOD I wanted the recipe. Usually, black beans and rice is a boring side.. but wow, they do beans well. The tacos were also spectacular. My family also enjoyed their food. The bar is a fun place to hang out when there's a wait for a table! We made friends there that live in Hawaii. Vinny is good vibes only and we will definitely be back!
Robert Shiota
Busy place. Food was ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, French Fries, Burger, Sweet Potato Fries
Yellow Bluebonnet
The food here is great! I got the kalbi ribs which were quite good and the rice is super great (not the typical bland white rice). Their dessert is amazing! It's a must and is so delicious. The decor is great and the ambiance is nice but the service was quite slow and average.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Kalbi Ribs
Christian S.
Great taste. Awesome vibe. Service is superb. Love the full on bar service. All they need is an attraction that goes on every 45min. Hope they expand to LA!
Makenna S.
Cuban pork tacos, rice and beans were bomb and staff was super friendly. Helped us get in and out in between our drive from two state parks
Regina C.
Loved Hula's Island Grill especially on Tuesday when it's all day happy hour! We basically got the entire appetizer menu + the coconut spring rolls & 3 drinks. All were so delicious but our favorite was the Kona Chicken Wings. They were so good and so generous with the sizing of the wings! The service was really good as well; they checked up on us often which we really appreciated. Definitely coming back here again!
Geoff J.
Wow! Just excellent food. Everything was reasonably priced, swiftly served, and the vibes were fun. But it was the food that impressed me most of all: I found things on the menu here I haven't seen - or tasted - anywhere else. There's delicious fish, a rich and varied vegan menu, and more. Loved it!
Cute little spot that my husband and I decided to visit for my bday during our weekend trip to Santa Cruz. Service was fast, ambience was chill, & food was delicious. They sang "happy bday" & gave me this delicious dessert.
Jeana B.
Hulu has the best pupus and Mai Tais we always drop by on the weekends. We can ride our bikes there. It's such a nice place to go to. There's indoor and outdoor seating. The food is the best as well and all the service is amazing.
Scott Sherman
Fantastic food and service. Also very dog friendly on the patio. We had 7 people, some with food sensitivities. They got us in, had vegan and gluten free as well. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the evening.Dietary restrictions: We had a member of our party with celiacs and cannot have gluten. They were able to serve her wonderful food safely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ahi, Fish
Kristen L.
This has been my favorite restaurant for over 15 years. I love the mai tais, but every drink I've tried is fantastic. All of the food I've ever ordered has been delicious! Some of my favorites are the tofu tacos, Hula Burger w/sharp cheddar, Mac n cheese n cheese, ceviche, ahi wontons, any fish dish, and Vietnamese Spring Rolls. I love going solo for some me-time, and love going with my family and/or friends. It's just the best! Go to Hula's & you'll leave happy.
Dillon Skinner
Amazing food And Drinks One the Best If the Best Spot in
Great service. We walked in and were seated very quickly. Our waiter was so kind and attentive to us! She was so sweet I cannot remember her name but everyone who helped out was so nice. The food was so delicious - I ordered the fish tacos and the pork tacos and both were so unbelievably delicious. This is a great spot for dinner in downtown area - would love to return!
Hula's Island Grill is located in downtown Santa Cruz. It was quite difficult to find parking in the area and the likelihood is the parking is metered. I was able to put myself and the husband on the waitlist on the way to the restaurant from the hotel. It was about a 45 minute wait for dinner. Upon entering, you'll check in with the host. There is no lobby to this restaurant so you are either in everyone's way or you can sit at the bar and get some drinks. If the weather is nice, you can wait outside, but we were not lucky. The staff here are very friendly! We were seated at a high table near the bar. One of my complaints, and it's because I'm pretty much a grandma, is how loud it is. I know that it's part of the ambiance of a Tiki Bar, but it can be difficult to hold a conversation. The high tables were also a bit too high for the seats. In terms of food, we got Island Style Poke, Crispy Coconut Shrimp, and Kimo's Broke Da Mouth Burger. The Island Style Poke is definitely more of a Hawaiian style poke as it has less sauce, but I'm not complaining. It was delicious and tasted fresh. The Crispy Coconut Shrimp was also very good. It was crunchy and the dipping sauce was unique. I think it was a pineapple based sauce. My husband got the burger and he thought it was just average. I'm hoping to try different dishes the next time we come here and maybe even sit outside (it was raining when we visited).
Drinks were ok, food was great! We went on a warm day for lunch and it literally felt like I was in Hawaii! There's definitely a lot of fun decor that gives you a taste of Hawaii in California :) The drinks are pretty strong if that's what you're looking for. I was hoping to taste more of the POG juice but my POG cocktail tasted mostly like rum. I didn't get a picture of the ceviche but it was perfection! The wonton crisps and coconut milk really tie the dish together. Ceviche is one of my favorite foods that I am constantly ordering at different restaurants and this was one of the best ceviches I've had! The Chicken Mango Caesar salad was great, it is a large portion and very hearty and flavorful. I'd definitely order this again. . Likikoi pie was amazing! From the graham cracker crust to the tart lilikoi flavor to the fluffy cream ... *chefs kiss*
Vinny, our server (who is usually a bartender), was so great at catering to my gluten free diet. He offered to bring romaine lettuce to the table so that I could try the fish (placed on the wonton appetizer) that my family had ordered. I ended up using the romaine as a scooper for the poke bowl, which made the already delicious appetizer even tastier. This was the best meal I've had in awhile.. The black beans and rice that came with my south seas fish tacos was SO GOOD I wanted the recipe. Usually, black beans and rice is a boring side.. but wow, they do beans well. The tacos were also spectacular. My family also enjoyed their food. The bar is a fun place to hang out when there's a wait for a table! We made friends there that live in Hawaii. Vinny is good vibes only and we will definitely be back!
Busy place. Food was ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, French Fries, Burger, Sweet Potato Fries
The food here is great! I got the kalbi ribs which were quite good and the rice is super great (not the typical bland white rice). Their dessert is amazing! It's a must and is so delicious. The decor is great and the ambiance is nice but the service was quite slow and average.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Kalbi Ribs
Great taste. Awesome vibe. Service is superb. Love the full on bar service. All they need is an attraction that goes on every 45min. Hope they expand to LA!
Cuban pork tacos, rice and beans were bomb and staff was super friendly. Helped us get in and out in between our drive from two state parks
Loved Hula's Island Grill especially on Tuesday when it's all day happy hour! We basically got the entire appetizer menu + the coconut spring rolls & 3 drinks. All were so delicious but our favorite was the Kona Chicken Wings. They were so good and so generous with the sizing of the wings! The service was really good as well; they checked up on us often which we really appreciated. Definitely coming back here again!
Wow! Just excellent food. Everything was reasonably priced, swiftly served, and the vibes were fun. But it was the food that impressed me most of all: I found things on the menu here I haven't seen - or tasted - anywhere else. There's delicious fish, a rich and varied vegan menu, and more. Loved it!
Restaurantji Recommends
Cute little spot that my husband and I decided to visit for my bday during our weekend trip to Santa Cruz. Service was fast, ambience was chill, & food was delicious. They sang "happy bday" & gave me this delicious dessert.
Hulu has the best pupus and Mai Tais we always drop by on the weekends. We can ride our bikes there. It's such a nice place to go to. There's indoor and outdoor seating. The food is the best as well and all the service is amazing.
Fantastic food and service. Also very dog friendly on the patio. We had 7 people, some with food sensitivities. They got us in, had vegan and gluten free as well. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the evening.Dietary restrictions: We had a member of our party with celiacs and cannot have gluten. They were able to serve her wonderful food safely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ahi, Fish
This has been my favorite restaurant for over 15 years. I love the mai tais, but every drink I've tried is fantastic. All of the food I've ever ordered has been delicious! Some of my favorites are the tofu tacos, Hula Burger w/sharp cheddar, Mac n cheese n cheese, ceviche, ahi wontons, any fish dish, and Vietnamese Spring Rolls. I love going solo for some me-time, and love going with my family and/or friends. It's just the best! Go to Hula's & you'll leave happy.
Amazing food And Drinks One the Best If the Best Spot in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish