Guidebook for Aptos
Food Scene
Fun, local, quirky vibe. Good margarita's, great salsa!
91 Einheimische empfehlen
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveFun, local, quirky vibe. Good margarita's, great salsa!
Santa Cruz's very own local ice cream shop. Neighborhood vibe. Close to beach.
45 Einheimische empfehlen
Marianne’s Ice Cream
218 State Park DrSanta Cruz's very own local ice cream shop. Neighborhood vibe. Close to beach.
"Our Place", this "little" family owned Italian joint we stumbled upon on our first trip to Santa Cruz turned out to be a Santa Cruz staple, and one of our most cherished and favorite go-to's. Part of Lillian's charm was that it was a hole in the wall with lines out the door every single night and impossible to obtain reservations. They have recently moved into a much larger place with a fun bar and loads more tables. We were concerned it would ruin the magic, but so far so good. We love the new change and the ability to actually get a table!
125 Einheimische empfehlen
Lillian's Italian Kitchen
1148 Soquel Ave"Our Place", this "little" family owned Italian joint we stumbled upon on our first trip to Santa Cruz turned out to be a Santa Cruz staple, and one of our most cherished and favorite go-to's. Part of Lillian's charm was that it was a hole in the wall with lines out the door every single night and impossible to obtain reservations. They have recently moved into a much larger place with a fun bar and loads more tables. We were concerned it would ruin the magic, but so far so good. We love the new change and the ability to actually get a table!
Our favorite breakfast in Aptos. Super tasty! Family owned. LOVE the huevos rancheros!! Husband Max looooves the plantains and eggs.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
The Hole In the Wall Restaurant
257 Center AveOur favorite breakfast in Aptos. Super tasty! Family owned. LOVE the huevos rancheros!! Husband Max looooves the plantains and eggs.
A downtown Santa Cruz institution. Amazing pancakes, huge portions, crabby waitresses, coffee so bad it's good...
47 Einheimische empfehlen
Zachary's Restaurant
819 Pacific AveA downtown Santa Cruz institution. Amazing pancakes, huge portions, crabby waitresses, coffee so bad it's good...
Downtown Santa Cruz. Wine bar meets french restaurant. Great tapas! Great olive oil for dipping. YUM!
55 Einheimische empfehlen
Soif
105 Walnut AveDowntown Santa Cruz. Wine bar meets french restaurant. Great tapas! Great olive oil for dipping. YUM!
simple. cheap. casual.
good beer on tap.
there's an outside area for kids to roam about.
57 Einheimische empfehlen
burger. Aptos
7941 Soquel Drsimple. cheap. casual.
good beer on tap.
there's an outside area for kids to roam about.
SUPER tasty BBQ !! Great beers on tap. Live music. Just down the street.
95 Einheimische empfehlen
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos StSUPER tasty BBQ !! Great beers on tap. Live music. Just down the street.
Just down the street. Very french country. On the pricer side but very good food.
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Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel DrJust down the street. Very french country. On the pricer side but very good food.
Lively serve-it-yourself, pay-by-the-ounce taproom with beer, wine & snacks in a modern setting in downtown Santa Cruz.
20 Einheimische empfehlen
Pour Taproom
110 Cooper StLively serve-it-yourself, pay-by-the-ounce taproom with beer, wine & snacks in a modern setting in downtown Santa Cruz.
Since opening in 1983, Jose and Amelia Espinoza have been serving Santa Cruz unique and fresh Mexican cuisine inspired by authentic family recipes. Often awarded “Best Mexican Restaurant in Santa Cruz.”
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El Palomar Restaurant
1336 Pacific AveSince opening in 1983, Jose and Amelia Espinoza have been serving Santa Cruz unique and fresh Mexican cuisine inspired by authentic family recipes. Often awarded “Best Mexican Restaurant in Santa Cruz.”
Happening spot for creative American entrees in a modern setting in downtown Santa Cruz
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Oswald Restaurant
121 Soquel AveHappening spot for creative American entrees in a modern setting in downtown Santa Cruz
Lamb, seafood & veggie dishes get a contemporary twist at this elegant Mediterranean & Afghan spot, in downtown Santa Cruz. Highly recommend!
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Laili
101 Cooper StLamb, seafood & veggie dishes get a contemporary twist at this elegant Mediterranean & Afghan spot, in downtown Santa Cruz. Highly recommend!
"Aquarius Restaurant offers spectacular oceanfront dining just off the beach in Santa Cruz, and is locally renowned as one of Santa Cruz's top dining destinations. The restaurant and lounge is truly a "window box on the sea", allowing guests to experience a panoramic views that stretches north to one of the nations top surf spots – Steamer Lane, south to the majestic Monterey Bay and Peninsula and East to the Santa Cruz Mountains. The cool and breezy interior is especially romantic at night when the moon casts its glow onto the sea. Our California Coastal Cuisine is inspired by fresh and local products and produce, including local sustainable seafood, complemented by a regional wine list."
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Aquarius
175 W Cliff Dr"Aquarius Restaurant offers spectacular oceanfront dining just off the beach in Santa Cruz, and is locally renowned as one of Santa Cruz's top dining destinations. The restaurant and lounge is truly a "window box on the sea", allowing guests to experience a panoramic views that stretches north to one of the nations top surf spots – Steamer Lane, south to the majestic Monterey Bay and Peninsula and East to the Santa Cruz Mountains. The cool and breezy interior is especially romantic at night when the moon casts its glow onto the sea. Our California Coastal Cuisine is inspired by fresh and local products and produce, including local sustainable seafood, complemented by a regional wine list."
Homemade Mexican dishes & a full bar offered in a folksy setting with colorful Latin touches. One of our favorite things to do is take a drive down Hwy 1 to Moss Landing, specifically to dine here, then go across the street to shop at our favorite store (can't think of the name) specializing in Guatemalan exports.
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Haute Enchilada Café
7902 Moss Landing RdHomemade Mexican dishes & a full bar offered in a folksy setting with colorful Latin touches. One of our favorite things to do is take a drive down Hwy 1 to Moss Landing, specifically to dine here, then go across the street to shop at our favorite store (can't think of the name) specializing in Guatemalan exports.
Hands down our favorite Indian Restaurant. In Aptos, good for dining in or taking out.
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Ambrosia Indian Bistro
565 Abrego StHands down our favorite Indian Restaurant. In Aptos, good for dining in or taking out.
Aptos' newest upscale restaurant. Haven't been there yet, but it is highly rated.
25 Einheimische empfehlen
Persephone
7945 Soquel DrAptos' newest upscale restaurant. Haven't been there yet, but it is highly rated.
Our very favorite sushi restaurant and we are "sushi snobs". Not a great ambiance, in a shopping center next to Bev Mo but that doesn't matter when it's good high quality sushi. In Capitola.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Miyako Japanese Restaurant
1820 41st AveOur very favorite sushi restaurant and we are "sushi snobs". Not a great ambiance, in a shopping center next to Bev Mo but that doesn't matter when it's good high quality sushi. In Capitola.
Charming, locally focused New American bistro in convivial quarters with an outdoor patio, great views of Capitola by the Sea.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Sotola Bar & Grill
231 EsplanadeCharming, locally focused New American bistro in convivial quarters with an outdoor patio, great views of Capitola by the Sea.
New to town. 2nd one in town, other one is on the Westside of SC. Great pub food, burgers, etc. Fun bar, too.
Try the Hangover: a fried egg blt with ghost pepper cheese, if you dare!
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Parish Publick House Aptos
8017 Soquel DrNew to town. 2nd one in town, other one is on the Westside of SC. Great pub food, burgers, etc. Fun bar, too.
Try the Hangover: a fried egg blt with ghost pepper cheese, if you dare!
Pizza my Heart is a SC staple and one of the only places that delivers. Let the delivery man know to go around to the back house.
141 Einheimische empfehlen
Pizza My Heart
209 EsplanadePizza my Heart is a SC staple and one of the only places that delivers. Let the delivery man know to go around to the back house.
Breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor, lighthouse and wharf. Located right on the beach where the harbor meets the sea.
It's best to sit on the deck and have a drink or an appetizer. No better view!
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Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrBreathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor, lighthouse and wharf. Located right on the beach where the harbor meets the sea.
It's best to sit on the deck and have a drink or an appetizer. No better view!
In Capitola-by-the-Sea, beside lush Soquel Creek just before it empties into the Monterey bay, Shadowbrook is best reached by its own quaint, hillside 'cable car' or the meandering garden path alongside waterfalls, ferns and flowers. For over 60 years, Shadowbrook has been famous its for fine food, wine and liqueurs served in an atmosphere of Old World charm and grace. Now, better then ever, Shadowbrook is perfect for any special occasion...or for no occasion at all.
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Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf RdIn Capitola-by-the-Sea, beside lush Soquel Creek just before it empties into the Monterey bay, Shadowbrook is best reached by its own quaint, hillside 'cable car' or the meandering garden path alongside waterfalls, ferns and flowers. For over 60 years, Shadowbrook has been famous its for fine food, wine and liqueurs served in an atmosphere of Old World charm and grace. Now, better then ever, Shadowbrook is perfect for any special occasion...or for no occasion at all.
Newest restaurant to come to Aptos. Good sushi. Very close to us. In the same center as Cantine wine bar.
21 Einheimische empfehlen
Akira Aptos
105 Post Office DrNewest restaurant to come to Aptos. Good sushi. Very close to us. In the same center as Cantine wine bar.
Abbott Square Market is a culinary and entertainment venue in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz. 8 unique restaurants and bars surrounded by a 10,000 square foot outdoor plaza for live entertainment.
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Abbot square market
725 Front StAbbott Square Market is a culinary and entertainment venue in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz. 8 unique restaurants and bars surrounded by a 10,000 square foot outdoor plaza for live entertainment.
Beer and tap room. Locally owned. Industrial-chic gastropub serves a yummy classic American menu.
55 Einheimische empfehlen
Discretion Brewing
2703 41st AveBeer and tap room. Locally owned. Industrial-chic gastropub serves a yummy classic American menu.
Drinks & Nightlife
Fun bar. Venue for bands, often. Also a crepe restaurant during the day with a great outside seating area.
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The Crêpe Place
1134 Soquel AveFun bar. Venue for bands, often. Also a crepe restaurant during the day with a great outside seating area.
It's literally right down our street. Take it (our street) until it dead ends into a tiny shopping center with a Starbucks. It's a local little gem with great tapas.
31 Einheimische empfehlen
Cantine Winepub
8050 Soquel DrIt's literally right down our street. Take it (our street) until it dead ends into a tiny shopping center with a Starbucks. It's a local little gem with great tapas.
One of our favorite things to do on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Relaxed vibe, kinda "quirky" ambience, friendly staff, great views of ocean and Boardwalk. Wine tasting & snacks.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Vino Prima Wine Bar
55 Municipal WharfOne of our favorite things to do on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Relaxed vibe, kinda "quirky" ambience, friendly staff, great views of ocean and Boardwalk. Wine tasting & snacks.
Parks & Nature
1.3 miles from us is the beautiful Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Miles and miles of trails in the Redwoods. Perfect for a hike or picnic. You can rent mountain bikes at Epicenter Bike Shop on Aptos Creek Rd at the entrance to the park.
30 miles of trails where remnants of mill sites and trestles still exist. The park, covering 10,000 acres and once clear-cut by loggers, is a testament to forest regeneration where second-growth redwoods co
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The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek Road1.3 miles from us is the beautiful Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Miles and miles of trails in the Redwoods. Perfect for a hike or picnic. You can rent mountain bikes at Epicenter Bike Shop on Aptos Creek Rd at the entrance to the park.
30 miles of trails where remnants of mill sites and trestles still exist. The park, covering 10,000 acres and once clear-cut by loggers, is a testament to forest regeneration where second-growth redwoods co
Rio Del Mar State Beach
Our closest (and my favorite) beach.
Seacliff State Beach
State Park DriveCapitola Beach is nearby and super great! Capitola village has restaurants, bars, shops...
167 Einheimische empfehlen
Capitola Beach Company
131 Monterey AveCapitola Beach is nearby and super great! Capitola village has restaurants, bars, shops...
Essentials
We have a new New Leaf Market in town. Just down the street. It's so new that the address isn't available yet, but you won't miss it.
Just your local independent grocery store. Great fish section, wine, cheese, produce. Okay deli section.
78 Einheimische empfehlen
Deluxe Foods of Aptos
783 Rio Del Mar BlvdJust your local independent grocery store. Great fish section, wine, cheese, produce. Okay deli section.
CVS
783 Rio Del Mar BlvdSafeway
2720 41st AveWe have a new New Leaf Community Market in Aptos. Just down our street. It is so new the address isn't available yet, but you can't miss it.
248 Einheimische empfehlen
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveWe have a new New Leaf Community Market in Aptos. Just down our street. It is so new the address isn't available yet, but you can't miss it.
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveSightseeing
One of my favorite things to do is take Hwy 9 winding through the redwood forest passing through the mountain towns of Felton, Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek.
California 9
California 9One of my favorite things to do is take Hwy 9 winding through the redwood forest passing through the mountain towns of Felton, Ben Lomond, and Boulder Creek.
Shopping
Ride from their shop into Nisene Marks Park or around the area.
Mountain bikes and cruisers for as little as $15 for 2 hours.
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Epicenter Cycling
8035 Soquel DrRide from their shop into Nisene Marks Park or around the area.
Mountain bikes and cruisers for as little as $15 for 2 hours.