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23 minute read
DINE LOCAL GUIDE
Photo by Jules Holdsworth Dine Local GUIDE
All of these restaurants emphasize local ingredients and they also advertise in Edible Monterey Bay! Opening information is subject to change, so please check online before you go and tell them we sent you.
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APTOS
Persephone
7945 Soquel Drive 831.612.6511 • persephonerestaurant.com With a namesake like the mythic Persephone, this restaurant in Aptos proclaims its deep reverence for seasonal cooking. Th emes central to harvest, winter and spring are core to Persephone’s story, and are refl ected in the changing menu at this fi ne dining destination, where chef Cori Goudge-Ayer presents inventive, ingredientdriven creations. Th e restaurant is a family-run passion project, bringing together parents, siblings and a long history of culinary arts in a beautifully redesigned space overlooking Aptos Creek. Open Th –Sa noon–3pm and 5–9pm, Su noon–3pm.
New Leaf Community Markets
161 Aptos Village Way 831.685.8500 • newleaf.com Th is latest branch of the beloved local market group occupies the remodeled Hihn Apple Barn, built in 1891. In addition to local groceries and organic produce, New Leaf Aptos has made-to-order sandwiches, pizza, freshly rolled sushi, soup and hand-prepped salads, as well as a coff ee bar, juice and smoothie bar and organic Straus soft serve ice cream. Open daily 8am–9pm.
Th e Penny Ice Creamery
141 Aptos Village Way, Suite 2 831.204.2523 • thepennyicecreamery.com Open Su–Th noon–9pm, F–Sa noon–10pm. See Th e Penny description under Santa Cruz for more.
Pan-seared diver scallops with squid ink fettuccine is one of chef Luis Osorio’s new dishes at Rio Grill in Carmel.
CAPITOLA
East End Gastropub
1501 41st Avenue 831.475.8010 • eastendpub.com East End Gastropub is a sister eatery to the popular West End Tap & Kitchen, but aside from sharing owners and chefs, East End’s beautiful, modern interior is entirely different and off ers its own robust, sophisticated, beer-friendly menu. Chef Geoff rey Hargrave has created dishes that are familiar yet innovative, such as crispy Brussels sprouts with maple miso glaze and fresh fi sh en papillote. Shared plates, pizzas and salads come in generous portions for a familystyle meal. Th e restaurant also off ers a rotating selection of local beer and a strong wine list. Open M–Th 4–9pm, F noon–9pm, Sa-Su 11am–3pm for brunch, and 4–9pm.
Margaritaville Capitola
231 Esplanade 831.476.2263 • margaritavillecapitola.com For more than 30 years, Margaritaville has been welcoming guests to Capitola Village. An ownership change and complete remodel in 2015 made the restaurant better than ever, dedicated to serving Mexican cuisine made from scratch with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Th e dog-friendly patio overlooking Capitola beach is a great place to enjoy a margarita and a Baja fi sh taco, or raw oysters on the half shell. Other menu favorites are chile verde and chicken mole enchiladas. Online ordering is now available. Happy hour M–F 3–5pm. Open M–F 11:30am–9pm, Sa–Su 11am–9pm.
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Mijo’s Taqueria
200 Monterey Avenue, Suite 2 831.465.0228 • mijostaqueria.com Serving the local community and visitors alike in Capitola Village, Mijo’s Taqueria features bold and unique fl avors in a new age taqueria setting. Chef Anthony Guajardo’s passion for cooking developed from being in his Mexican and Italian grandmothers’ kitchens growing up. Eager to combine his authentic family recipes with a modern culinary twist, he opened Mijo’s, conveniently located just a quick walk from the beach and available for dining in or ordering to go. Open Su–Th 11:30am–7pm, F–Sa 11am–7:30pm.
New Leaf Community Markets
1210 41st Avenue 831.479.7987 • newleaf.com Th e café at the entrance off ers great alternatives to fast food, serving economical daily specials, wraps, pizza and homemade soup and espresso drinks—with free wi-fi in the outdoor dining area. Inside the market, a full deli has made-to-order sandwiches, healthy takeout salads and entrée items. Open daily 8am–9pm.
Th e Penny Ice Creamery
820 41st Avenue 831.204.2523 • thepennyicecreamery.com Open Su–Th noon–10pm, F–Sa noon–11pm. See Th e Penny description under Santa Cruz for more.
Shadowbrook
1750 Wharf Road 831.475.1511 • shadowbrook-capitola.com A Santa Cruz County landmark since 1947, the worldfamous Shadowbrook continues to be an overwhelming favorite with locals and visitors alike. Its fi ne food, extensive wine list and unparalleled setting and ambiance have earned it numerous awards, including Northern California’s “Most Romantic Restaurant” and “Best Date Night Restaurant.” Rock Room Lounge and Patio open daily noon–10pm, dining rooms open M–F 4–8:30pm, Sa 2–9:30pm, Su 2–8:30pm.
CARMEL
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
Carmel Plaza, Suite 112 831.293.8621 • asb.beer From the team behind award-winning Alvarado Street Brewery, the Carmel bistro off ers a full menu of ASB brews, along with hard cider, local wines and inventive craft cocktails. Th e menu goes beyond pub food to include oysters with mignonette or chili oil, Moroccan spiced fried chicken, crispy tempura-battered caulifl ower and its popular burgers with truffl e or garlic fries. Open Su–Th 11:30am–9pm, F–Sa 11:30am–10pm.
Covey Grill
8205 Valley Greens Drive 831.620.8860 • quaillodge.com/dining/coveygrill Covey Grill features USDA steaks and sustainably sourced seafood fl avor enhanced by house-made spice rubs and sauces, in addition to seasonal American cuisine. Located inside the Quail Lodge lobby, Covey Grill off ers casually elegant indoor and outdoor dining options against the stunning backdrop of Quail’s sparkling Mallard Pond and lush garden landscapes. Open for full dinner service Th –Su 5–9pm, with bar opening at 4pm, and M–W 4–8pm with weekday menu.
Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand
7250 Carmel Valley Road 831.625.6219 • earthboundfarm.com At its newly renovated Carmel Valley Farm Stand, Earthbound Farm’s 100% certifi ed organic kitchen delights with housemade soups, sandwiches, salads, baked goods and fresh juices and smoothies. Food is available to be enjoyed on our beautiful grounds or for takeaway. Stroll through the gardens and learn about Earthbound’s commitment to organic integrity. Open daily 8am–6pm.
Grasing’s
6th Avenue and Mission 831.624.6562 • grasings.com Chef-proprietor Kurt Grasing’s namesake restaurant has expanded since opening in 1998 to include two large dining rooms, multiple outdoor dining areas and the ever-popular bar/lounge. A Carmel classic located in the heart of the village, Grasing’s serves California cuisine, with an award-winning wine list and twists on traditional cocktails. Open daily M–F noon–3pm and 5–9pm, Sa–Su 10:30am–3pm and 5–9pm.
Rio Grill
101 Crossroads Boulevard 831.625.5436 • riogrill.com Deeply fl avorful Southwestern cuisine is the specialty that executive chef Luis Osorio brings to the table for lunch and dinner. Go exotic with a corn truffl e and wild mushroom tamale, go local with the fi re-roasted Castroville artichoke or go wild west with an order of almond wood smoked BBQ pork back ribs. Open Su–Th 11:30am–8pm, F–Sa 11:30am–9pm.
Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurant
100 Crossroads Boulevard, Suite A 831.626.3626 • seaharvestfi shmarketandrestaurant.com Th e Deyerle family that owns this local gem has its own fi shing boats for the freshest catch on the Monterey Peninsula. Sea Harvest doubles as a fi sh market and casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Th e oysters and clam chowder are customer favorites, but don’t miss the fried combo platter, grilled fi llets and fi sh tacos. Open daily 8am–8pm.
Stationaery
San Carlos Square, Between 5th and 6th avenues 831.250.7183 • thestationaery.com A neighborhood restaurant off ering daily brunch and dinner, Stationaery is owned by your hospitable hosts Anthony and Alissa Carnazzo. Th e kitchen team, led by chef Amalia Scatena, specializes in comforting fl avors and local ingredients, with elegant presentations. Open Th –M 8am–2pm, 4–8pm. Closed Tu–W.
CARMEL VALLEY
Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market
2 Chambers Lane 831.659.2472 • jeromescarmelvalleymarket.com A chef-owned, friendly neighborhood market, Jerome’s offers local and organic produce, natural meats and seafood, and a great selection of domestic and imported wine, beer and microbrews. French-trained chef and owner Jerome Viel prepares delicious hot foods, sandwiches and salads for eating at outdoor seating or take-away. Th e off erings start with breakfast burritos, croissants and other French pastries in the morning, followed by favorites such as coq au vin, spaghetti carbonara and chicken enchiladas for lunch and dinner. Open M–Sa 7am–7pm, Su 7am–6pm.
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831.264.8775 500 Hartnell, Monterey stokesadobe.com
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Lucia Restaurant & Bar
Bernardus Lodge & Spa • 415 W. Carmel Valley Road 831.658.3400 • bernarduslodge.com Indulge in artisanal California country cuisine, awardwinning wines and an expansive heated outdoor terrace with the fi nest restaurant view in Carmel Valley. Named for the Santa Lucia mountain range and wine appellation that beckons to the south, Lucia off ers both a signature tasting menu and dishes à la carte. Wine list is equally notable. A private chef’s table and wine cellar table are also available for special occasions. Open daily 7am–10pm.
FELTON
Wild Roots Market
6240 Highway 9 • 831.335.7322 (Felton) 13159 Highway 9 • 831.338.7211 (Boulder Creek) wildrootsmarket.com Wild Roots’ 100% organic produce, natural groceries, organic meats and FishWise-certifi ed seafood all go into the prepared foods off ered by the store’s full-service deli, salad and soup bar and juice bar. Enjoy on the patio out in front or take home. Open daily 9am–9pm.
MONTEREY
Alta Bakery + Café
502 Munras Avenue 831.920.1018 • altamonterey.com Set inside the historic Cooper Molera Adobe with a sunny outdoor patio, Alta Bakery is a bustling coff ee house with exquisite breads and pastries from culinary director Ben Spungin and his team. Light lunch options change with the seasons and are beautifully presented, including salads, soups and the much-Instagrammed “obligatory avocado toast.” Open daily 7am–4pm.
Elroy’s Fine Foods
15 Soledad Drive 831.373.3737 • elroysfi nefoods.com Th e dream market of owners Jay and Chloe Dolata, Elroy’s has an extensive range of gourmet groceries, local seafood, natural meats and fresh organic produce. It also boasts a kitchen with a wood-fi red grill and prepared foods to go or to eat in. Th e Bar @ Elroy’s serves coff ee, smoothies and a savvy selection of natural wines. Open M–Sa 8am–8pm, Su 9am–7pm.
Estéban Restaurant
700 Munras Avenue 831.375.0176 • estebanrestaurant.com At the heart of the downtown Monterey dining scene, Estéban Restaurant serves Spanish infl uenced cuisine made from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Th e menu features a selection of long-time Estéban favorites, as well as fresh, new dishes created by executive chef Mario Garcia, who spins out wonderful dishes like Crispy Pulpo, served with remoulade, Yukon potato, chorizo, rosemary chili oil and grilled radicchio. Open for dinner nightly 4–8pm. Tapas hour from 4–6pm nightly.
Montrio
414 Calle Principal 831.648.8880 • montrio.com Closed for remodeling as of press time, Montrio is expected to reopen this winter with a refreshed dining room and a menu that includes elevated customer favorites, as well as new dishes utilizing the bounty of the Monterey Bay and local farms. Check online for opening information.
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Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market
598 Foam Street 831.626.0547 • seaharvestmonterey.com Th is fresh and casual seafood spot near Cannery Row is perfect after a day exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Th ere are grilled entrées and lots of fried options with chips, including calamari, clams, prawns, scallops and oysters. Try Sea Harvest’s popular clam chowder or a basket of crispy artichoke hearts. Open daily 9am–7pm.
Stokes Adobe
500 Hartnell Street 831.264.8775 • stokesadobe.com Located in one of Old Monterey’s historic adobe homes, now beautifully restored, Stokes Adobe off ers fresh pastas made in house, truffl e chicken and shareable appetizer plates. Th e bar and cozy outdoor fi re pits feature seasonally inspired classic cocktails, and a selection of quality wines by the glass and local beer. Friendly, welcoming staff make sure your visit feels like coming home. Open Th –Sa 5–9pm. Check online for expanded days, hours, lunch and brunch service.
Tarpy’s Roadhouse
2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway 831.647.1444 • tarpys.com An award-winning steakhouse serving generous portions of California comfort food, Tarpy’s Roadhouse occupies a sprawling 3½-acre property and stone building that used to be part of the Ryan Ranch homestead. In addition to expertly prepared steak, enjoy wood-fi red salmon, chile-crusted chicken, braised lamb shank, classic meatloaf and smoked baby back ribs. Open Su–Th 11:30am–8pm, F–Sa 11:30am–9pm.
Wild Plum Café & Bakery
731 Munras Avenue 831.646.3109 • thewildplumcafe.com Located in Old Monterey in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, Wild Plum draws people from all walks of life with sustainable bistro fare that uses organic, locally sourced produce, hormone-free Diestel turkeys roasted on site, grass-fed beef and house-baked bread and pastries. Breakfasts include scrambles, omelets, and breakfast tacos and burritos, and for lunch, choose among soups, salads, sandwiches and paninis, burgers and house specialties. Food to go and catering available. Open W–M 7:30am–3:30pm, Tu closed.
MOSS LANDING
Sea Harvest
2420 Highway 1 831.728.7081 • @seaharvestmosslanding Outdoor tables on a wooden deck overlooking Elkhorn Slough are the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood hauled in by a fi sherman who is part of the Deyerle family that runs the restaurant. Choose from grilled catch of the day, shrimp Louie, fi sh and chips or some of the best Bajastyle battered fi sh tacos around. Open daily 11am–7pm.
PACIFIC GROVE
Happy Girl Kitchen Co.
173 Central Avenue 831.373.4475 • happygirlkitchen.com Th e menu changes daily at Happy Girl’s airy and bright Pacifi c Grove café, but the food is always delicious, organic and reasonably priced. Th e sandwich of the day, bowl of the day and soup of the day are always a good bet. To drink, you’ll fi nd kombucha on tap and freshly roasted Captain + Stoker coff ee brewed to perfection.
Dog-Friendly
Chuy’s Taco Truck
ALL DAY Tue – Sun
Rene’s Kitchen
Wed – Sun 12 – 5PM
Also enjoy:
Banh Mi Various Pop-ups
See what you’ve missed while you were away.
New food options, featuring Chuy’s Tacos, Rene’s Kitchen, Banh Mi, Pop-ups, Wednesday Comedy Night, running Neighborhood Nights, and more ... Beer Garden Hours
EVERYDAY 12 – 10PM
402 Ingalls Street, Suite 27 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.425.4900 | scmbrew.com
Call for Take Out Orders
Catering for any occasion
Award Winning Chef Ayoma Wilen
Fresh, local, organic, Ayurvedic Healing Food Specialty crafted white & red Pearl Wines
736 Water Street, Midtown Santa Cruz • (831) 457- 2350
storrswine.com
Tasting Room @ The Old Sash Mill
Open 12-5 pm Thursday-Saturday (831) 458-5030 Winery @ The Quarry in Corralitos
Open 12-5 pm Friday-Sunday (831) 724-5030
Homemade baked goods include a daily scone, cookies and turnovers. Open daily 7am–5pm.
Julia’s Vegetarian
1180 Forest Avenue, Suite F 831.656.9533 • juliasveg.com Voted the best vegetarian restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula for more that 10 years running. Julia’s is known for its wild and exotic mushrooms and housebrewed kombuchas on tap. Th e menu features a creative twist on vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food. Try some of the most popular dishes like the fried “egg & bacon” sandwich, exotic mushroom sampler and buffalo caulifl ower wings. Open Su–Th 10am–8pm, F–Sa 10am–9pm.
Mezzaluna
1188 Forest Avenue 831.372.5325 • mezzalunapasteria.com Owners Chef Soerke Peters and Amy Stouff er keep their restaurant simple and amazing—and chef Peters is a leader in sustainability on the Monterey Peninsula. Pasta, mozzarella and gelato are made fresh daily. Starters include clam chowder with torched bone marrow, duck liver pâté and grilled octopus, and there are fi ve dishes starring locally crafted mozzarella. Pasta choices are imaginative and include options such as pappardelle with wine braised rabbit, Dungeness crab ravioli and potato gnocchi with gorgonzola and black truffl e oil. Open W–Su 5–9pm. Closed M–Tu.
Wild Fish
545 Lighthouse Avenue 831.373.8523 • wild-fi sh.com Owners Liz and Kelvin Jacobs welcome you to feast on the bounty of nearby waters and farms at their 100% local and organic seafood house, enjoying exquisite dishes like crispy sablefi sh, halibut and petrale sole, accompanied by local vegetables. Fresh oysters, innovative salads, house-baked bread and sides like fi ngerling potatoes with poppyseed crème fraîche or baby carrots with wild nettle pesto, make this a dining destination. Did we mention English sticky toff ee pudding for dessert? Open Su–Th 11:30am–3pm and 5–8:30pm, F–Sa 11:30am–3pm and 5–9:15pm.
SANTA CRUZ
Barceloneta
1541 Pacifi c Avenue, Suite B 831.900.5222 • eatbarceloneta.com With its cheerful beach stripes, wicker light fi xtures and whimsical details, dinner at Barceloneta can feel like a holiday. Owned by chef Brett Emerson and his wife Elan, who ensures service is superb, Barceloneta off ers Spanish tapas made with seasonal, farmers’ market produce and several types of authentic paella, along with Spanish wines, beers and cocktails. Open Tu–Sa 5–8:30pm. Closed Su–M.
Charlie Hong Kong
1141 Soquel Avenue 831.426.5664 • charliehongkong.com Charlie Hong Kong has been providing the Santa Cruz community with healthy, sustainable, aff ordable and high-quality food since 1998. Th e colorful, casual eatery’s delicious fusion of Southeast Asian infl uences and the Central Coast’s local organic produce has made it an inclusive, family-friendly, neighborhood favorite. Its slogan is “love your body, eat organic,” and its cuisine is proof that fast food can be good for you. All signature dishes are vegan with the option to add meat or fi sh.
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Gluten-free options are available. Dog friendly. Open daily 11am–10pm.
Chocolate
1522 Pacifi c Avenue 831.427.9900 • chocolatesantacruz.com As its name suggests, there are all kinds of decadent chocolate desserts at Chocolate the restaurant, but this farm-to-fork local favorite is much more than a dessert spot. Everything is prepared simply and with local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, options include three kinds of chicken mole, roast pork with chocolate barbecue sauce, and their signature Pasta Rosettes! Cocktails feature Santa Cruz-based distilleries, including Venus Spirits. Check out their extensive hot chocolate menu. A party room for your special celebration is available, with seating and menu options to suit the occasion. Open Tu–Th and Su 4–8pm, F–Sa 4–9pm. Closed M.
Crow’s Nest
2218 E. Cliff Drive 831.476.4560 • crowsnest-santacruz.com A perfect spot to enjoy breakfast and lunch or catch a dinnertime sunset over the harbor, the nautical-themed Crow’s Nest is a Santa Cruz institution that never goes out of style. Th ere’s always something happening, from live music to comedy nights and happy hours. Famous for its salads, house-smoked salmon and seafood entrées, the Crow’s Nest is a member of Seafood Watch and is a certifi ed green business. Open M–F 9am–8:30pm, Sa–Su 8am–8:30pm.
Laílí
101B Cooper Street 831.423.4545 • lailirestaurant.com Exotic fl avors of the Silk Road are served in a stylish dining room decorated in eggplant and pistachio colors and on a hidden candlelit patio. Locals rave about Laílí’s homemade naan served warm from the oven with a selection of Mediterranean dips. Th ere is a wide variety of deliciously spiced vegetable dishes, and all meats are hormone free and free range. Check website for opening information.
La Posta
538 Seabright Avenue 831.457.2782 • lapostarestaurant.com A cozy neighborhood bistro not far from the Santa Cruz yacht harbor, La Posta chef Rodrigo Serna prepares traditional rustic Italian cuisine using local ingredients. Th e emphasis is on simple, seasonal selections, with the balance of the menu refl ecting whatever produce is freshest right now. A sister restaurant of Soif Restaurant and Wine Bar, La Posta also off ers a great selection of wines. Open W–Su 5–8pm, closed M–Tu.
New Leaf Community Markets
1134 Pacifi c Avenue 831.425.1793 • newleaf.com New Leaf’s headquarters in a former bank building on Pacifi c Avenue is a worthwhile stop for all foodies. Crowded with gourmet natural foods, it also has a deli with sandwiches, salads and hot entrées. A dining area out front is great for people watching and listening to street musicians. Open daily 8am–9pm.
New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair Avenue 831.426.1306 • newleaf.com Th e Westside New Leaf has a large deli counter and coffee bar, with a big selection of sandwiches, salads, bakery items, soups and other hot foods. You can eat at an instore counter or at tables outside. Open daily 7am–9pm.
JULIA’S
VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Serving the best variety of wild mushrooms on the peninsula
Foraged Wild Mushroom Available Now
mushrooms tasting menus
local wines for local mushrooms Upcoming mushroom events,
follow us on Instagram or join our mailing list for details
PACIFIC GROVE • WWW.JULIASVEG.COM
JULIASVEGETARIANRESTAURANT
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– Lifting Spirits Since 1969 –
A PERFECT PLACE FOR MEMORIES, FOOD, FRIENDS.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily from 8am ON THE BEACH ~ Where the view never stops!
VISIT OUR BEACH MARKET RIGHT NEXT DOOR AT SANTA CRUZ HARBOR
distilled in santa cruz, ca
restaurant distillery tasting room
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200
high road Santa Cruz, ca 95060
VENUSSPIRITS.COM
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Pearl of the Ocean
736 Water Street 831.457.2350 • facebook.com/pearloftheoceanca Award-winning chef/owner Ayoma Wilen goes beyond the expected traditional spice-infused dishes of Sri Lanka, creating locally inspired daily specials using fresh, organic produce from farmers’ markets and sustainably harvested seafood. Customer favorites include butternut squash curry, crab curry and wild salmon curry. To round out the fl avor experience, there is a dizzying array of sides, like coconut leek sambal and kale mallam. Th e warm colors, altars and blessings that decorate the space help guests get a sense of Sri Lanka’s world-class hospitality, culture and beauty. Open daily 5–9pm.
Th e Penny Ice Creamery
913 Cedar Street 831.204.2523 • thepennyicecreamery.com Lines out the front door of its converted Spanish bungalow are evidence of Penny’s popularity. All ice cream, including bases, is made from scratch on the premises using local organic ingredients when possible. Dozens of exotic fl avors rotate seasonally, but two favorites are chocolate caramel sea salt and strawberry pink peppercorn. Open daily noon–11pm.
Th e Picnic Basket
125 Beach Street 831.427.9946 • thepicnicbasketsc.com Across the street from the main beach, owners of Th e Penny Ice Creamery have opened an alternative to boardwalk fast food. Sandwiches, organic salads, coff ee and beer, all from local food artisans, and of course Penny’s popular ice cream, are all on off er to eat in or outside with your feet in the sand. Open daily 7am–4pm.
Snap Taco
1108 Pacifi c Avenue 831.824.6100 • eatsnaptaco.com Th is festive taco spot draws its inspiration from food traditions around the world, with imaginative tacos created using the best fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. Great for a quick bite or gathering with friends and family. Choose from snacks, tacos, bowls and sandwiches on the menu, as well as draft beers, the Snap Rita and specialty cocktails. Open Su–Tu and Th 11:30am–9pm, F–Sa 11:30am–10pm, closed W.
Soif Restaurant and Wine Bar
105 Walnut Avenue 831.423.2020 • soifwine.com Inspired by the off erings from local farmers and purveyors, executive chef Tom McNary’s cuisine shows California fl air with super, seasonal dishes, all paired with local and hard-to-fi nd wines, or a rotating selection of unique house cocktails. Th e bottle shop next door provides a world-class selection of wines and good advice on what to order. Raw oysters available on Wednesdays. Open W–Sa 1–8pm, Su noon–4pm, closed M–Tu.
Staff of Life
1266 Soquel Avenue 831.423.8632 • staff ofl ifemarket.com A Santa Cruz landmark, Staff of Life started in 1969 as a small natural foods bakery and has grown over the years into a full service natural foods supermarket known for its local organic produce, seafood and natural meats as well as an extensive bulk department. Deli items and foods from the hot bar can be enjoyed at the Café del Sol. Open daily 8am–9pm.
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Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen
200 High Road 831.600.7376 • venusspirits.com Craft distiller Sean Venus has his new facility fully operational. It includes a lively restaurant bar, the distillery itself and a tasting room. If you want to sample his award-winning gin and other spirits, try the tasting room. For cocktails and hearty plates from chef James Manss, head for the kitchen part of the building and enjoy dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts, mole baby back ribs and elote chile relleno. Open W–F 4–9pm, Sa noon–9pm, Su noon–8pm.
West End Tap & Kitchen
334D Ingalls Street 831.471.8115 • westendtap.com Perfect for any parent looking for a happy hour to satisfy the whole family, adults and kids alike can’t get enough of the duck fat popcorn, fried calamari and fl atbread pizzas. A diverse, season-driven menu with off erings like New York strip steak panzanella, seared oyster mushroom “scallops,” a Southern-style seafood boil and a long list of craft beers, ciders and wine options make West End a Westside staple. Th e outdoor patio is perfect for people watching amidst the bustling Swift Street Courtyard. Open daily noon–9pm.
WATSONVILLE
Beer Mule Bottle Shop + Pour House
45 Aviation Way 831.254.9789 • kickassbeer.com Th e Beer Mule has 40 brews on tap and hundreds more in the fridge, with an emphasis on local and NorCal beer. Food—courtesy of Butchers & Th e Mule—includes dishes like four-cheese mac and cheese, barbacoa short rib tacos, grilled tri-tip cheesesteak, hot or not fried chicken sando and Butchers’ jambalaya. Open daily 11am–10pm.
Gizdich Ranch
55 Peckham Road 831.722.1056 • gizdich-ranch.com Visitors from all over love this fourth-generation, familyrun farm business that popularized the “pik-yor-self” experience just east of Watsonville’s Interlaken neighborhood. Tour the farm, pick fresh apples or berries or watch the action inside the juice-pressing barn. No one leaves hungry if they spend time at the bakery-deli that pleases with its fresh pies, shortcakes and pastries, along with hearty sandwiches and box lunches. Th is family friendly experience is also a treat for kids, who will enjoy the wide-open spaces and the homemade popsicles. Open daily 9am–5pm.
Staff of Life
906 E. Lake Avenue 831.726.0240 • staff ofl ifemarket.com Opened last spring, Staff of Life’s second store in Watsonville is its fi rst and only branch. Th e store is sustainable down to its bones and includes all the natural groceries, organic produce and baked goods you’d fi nd at the Santa Cruz store, along with a juice and smoothie bar, freshly made sushi, a gelato bar, a full deli and a hot bar. Open daily 8am–8pm.
Rooted deep in the legendary Santa Lucia Highlands Small lots that embody the mountainous, maritime terroir
Visit
Our Tasting Studio at the Visit Our Tasting Studio Carmel Crossroads at the Carmel Crossroads
MCINTYRE FAMILY WINES
(831) 626-6268 | MCINTYREVINEYARDS.COM
Growing Together since 1996
JOIN OUR YEAR ROUND CSA!
– Customizable shares – Starting at $25 per week – Fresh bread, eggs, honey and preserves available
VISIT US AT THESE FARMERS MARKETS
Westside and Downtown Santa Cruz, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Morgan Hill
1275 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville www.LiveEarthFarm.net
Serving Healthy Noodle & Rice Bowls, since 1998. Thank you for the support & kindness.
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OPEN 11AM-10PM EVERY DAY
Eat-In & To-Go Order online at charliehongkong.com Safety is Our Top Priority • Following current CDC guidelines CHARLIEHONGKONG.COM 1141 SOQUEL AVE, SANTA CRUZ · OPEN DAILY 11AM-10PM