Best Of Santa Cruz 2023

CONTENTS

All the Best

Last year’s Best of Santa Cruz County was a testament to perseverance. Following two years of pandemic-induced hardships and uncertainty, the community came out of lockdown with a newfound commitment to support all things local. People rallied around the businesses they love and consciously kept money here in the county instead of giving it to Amazon.

This year, the region has been tested yet again, with an onslaught of devastating storms causing destruction countywide. Yes, several old and new businesses shuttered due to unavoidable circumstances that began to hit over three years ago. But resilience has kept doors open to many favorite spots, from Capitola and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Westside and south county.

STAFF

Publisher

Dan Pulcrano

Editor

Adam Joseph

Contributors

Mark C. Anderson

Erik Chalhoub

DNA

Erin Malsbury

Aiyana Moya

Andrew Steingrube

Stuart Thornton

Mat Weir

Photographer

Tarmo Hannula

Director of Creative Services

Cindy Couling

Mandatory evacuations were ordered, and floodwaters hit hard. Yet, our readers still showed their unwavering support for the community, demonstrated by the thousands of votes we received from residents—longtime and those new to the area—showing appreciation for all the people, places and things they hold near and dear.

Santa Cruz County’s heart still beats strong, and, as you’ll read in our Editor’s Picks section, which includes “Best Sounding Horn,” “Best Addams Family Dive Bar” and “Best Place to Switch Up Your Coffee Order,” this slice of Central Coast paradise will always be the perfect amount of weird. Enjoy reading our 2023 issue of Best of Santa Cruz County.

ADAM JOSEPH | EDITOR

Production Director

Sean George

Design Coordinator

Deb Fisher

Designers

MacKenzie Alameda

Jennifer Meyer

Sam Miranda

Elena Razgonov

Heather Tsang

Advertising Director

Debra Whizin

Advertising Reps

Lisa Buckley

Kate Kauffman

Sue Lamothe

Ilana Rauch Packer

Accounting

Aurene Pokorny

Circulation Manager

Shannen Craig

General Manager

Lee May

Cover Design by

Heather Tsang

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

Acai Bowl

CAFÉ BRASIL

1410 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 429-1855, cafebrasil.us

RUNNERS-UP SAMBA ROCK ACAI CAFÉ, AMAZON JUICES

Appetizers

THE CROW’S NEST

2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

SHADOWBROOK, VENUS SPIRITS COCKTAILS & KITCHEN – WESTSIDE

Bagel

BAGELRY

320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 429-8049; 1636 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-8550; 4763 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-9888, bagelrysantacruz.com

RUNNER-UP FIREFLY CAFÉ

Bakery

THE BUTTERY

702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 458-3020, butterybakery.com

RUNNERS-UP

GAYLE’S BAKERY, COMPANION BAKESHOP

Barbecue

APTOS ST. BBQ

8059 Aptos St., Aptos, 662-1721, aptosstbbq.com

RUNNERS-UP MISSION ST. BBQ, COLE’S BBQ

Bar Food

PARISH PUBLICK HOUSE

841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-0507; 8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 708-2036, theparishpublick.com

RUNNERS-UP

VENUS SPIRITS COCKTAILS & KITCHEN –WESTSIDE, THE HIDEOUT

Best New Restaurant VENUS BEACHSIDE

1 The introduction of a sister spot to Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen (on the Westside) presented one of the most anticipated openings of 2023, and lived up to the hype.

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The base formula that’s made it an immediate hit: craft cocktails done with its distillery’s spirits, including the flagship gin, and local producedriven California fare with a splash more seafood than the original.

Beachside took over Café Rio on the Esplanade at Rio de Mar beach, a peachy spot, and soon added Venus Pie Trap next door, featuring pizza pies, dessert pies, coffee, bagels and more.

Fried chicken, steamed clams, from-scratch cornbread and other homespun items lead the way on the food front.

A thoughtful overhaul of the space began during low season and aims to be complete by early summer. MARK C. ANDERSON

Bread

COMPANION BAKESHOP

2341 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 252-2253; 7486 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 612-6655 companionbakeshop.com

RUNNERS-UP

GAYLE’S BAKERY, MANRESA BREAD

Breakfast

SANTA CRUZ

ZACHARY’S RESTAURANT

819 Pacific Ave. 427-0646, zacharyssantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

WALNUT AVENUE CAFÉ, HARBOR CAFÉ

FOOD & DRINK

<<< APTOS / SOQUEL RED APPLE CAFÉ

783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 685-1224, redappleaptos.com

RUNNERS-UP SILVER SPUR, SUNRISE CAFÉ CAPITOLA

AVENUE CAFÉ

427 Capitola Ave. 515-7559

RUNNERS-UP GAYLE’S BAKERY, ZELDA’S ON THE BEACH SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV HEAVENLY ROADSIDE CAFÉ

1210 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 335-1210, heavenlyroadsidecafe.com

RUNNERS-UP AUNTIE MAME’S, ROCKY’S CAFÉ

WATSONVILLE COWBOY’S CORNER CAFÉ

946 Main St., 761-8996, cowboycornercafe.com

RUNNERS-UP RED APPLE CAFÉ, BEACH STREET CAFÉ

Brunch

HARBOR CAFÉ

535 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-4948, harborcafesantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP THE VIEW AT CHAMINADE, CROW’S NEST

Burger

SANTA CRUZ BURGER.

1520 Mission St. 417-0419, burgerlovesbeer.com

RUNNERS-UP

BETTY BURGERS, JACK’S HAMBURGERS

APTOS/SOQUEL

BETTY BURGERS

415 Trout Gulch Road, Aptos, 612-6668, bettyburgers.com

RUNNERS-UP PARISH PUBLICK HOUSE, THE HIDEOUT

CAPITOLA

BETTY BURGERS

1000 41st Ave. 475-5901, bettyburgers.com

RUNNERS-UP

EAST END GASTROPUB, CARPO’S RESTAURANT

SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV

MALONE’S GRILLE

4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com

RUNNERS-UP

BRUNO’S BAR AND GRILL, TWO DOORS

WATSONVILLE

WOODEN NICKEL

1819 Freedom Blvd., Freedom, 724-2600

RUNNERS-UP

FAT BOY BURGERS AND GRILL, CALIFORNIA GRILL OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

Burrito

SANTA CRUZ

TACOS MORENO

1053 Water St.,429-6095

RUNNERS-UP

TAQUERIA VALLARTA, TAQUERIA SANTA CRUZ

APTOS/SOQUEL

MANUEL’S MEXICAN

RESTAURANT

261 Center Ave, Aptos, 688-0911, manuelsrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

EL CHIPOTLE TAQUERIA AND RESTAURANT, TAQUERIA LOS GORDOS

CAPITOLA

TAQUERIA VALLARTA

893 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 464-7022, enjoytaqueriavallarta.com

RUNNERS-UP

TACOS MORENO, MIJO’S TAQUERIA

SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV

TAQUERIA LOS GALLOS

18 Victor Square, Ste. A, Scotts Valley, 439-9803

RUNNERS-UP

TAQUERIA VALLARTA, LA CHIMICHANGA CANTINA

WATSONVILLE

EL FRIJOLITO

11 Alexander St., 724-8823

RUNNERS-UP

SUPER TAQUERIA, RANCH MILK MARKET

Calamari

THE CROW’S NEST

2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

CAFÉ CRUZ, WEST END TAP & KITCHEN

Caterer

BARBARA & COMPANY

2431 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-6051, barbara-company.com

RUNNERS-UP

FIVE STAR, BUSY BEE CAFÉ & CATERING

Cheap Eats

CHARLIE HONG KONG

1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-5664, charliehongkong.com

RUNNERS-UP

PRETTY GOOD ADVICE, SCRUMPTIOUS FISH AND CHIPS FOOD TRUCK

Cheese Selection

SHOPPER’S CORNER

622 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 423-1696, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP

STAFF OF LIFE, CHEESE SHOP 831

Chinese Cuisine

CANTON

900 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-8751, cantonsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

PANDA INN, RED PEARL

Chocolatier

DONNELLY FINE CHOCOLATES

1509 Mission St, Santa Cruz, 458-4214

RUNNERS-UP

MACKENZIES CHOCOLATES, ASHBY CONFECTIONS

Thank You For Voting Us Best Yoga Studio

Pleasure Point Yoga wishes you an inspired heart enriched with love, compassion, hope, expansion, and joy!

We are here for your practice and continued commitment to Self-Care, Self-Love, alignment of Mind, Body & Spirit, and Soul Expansion

Jessica Weitzenhoffer - Runner-up Best Yoga Instructor

FOOD & DRINK

719 Swift St. Ste. 56, Santa Cruz Abbott Square, 725 Front St., Santa Cruz, catandcloud.com

RUNNERS-UP

VERVE, 11TH HOUR COFFEE

Cookies

PACIFIC COOKIE COMPANY

1203 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6905, pacificcookie.com

RUNNERS-UP

CRUMBL, THE BUTTERY

Cupcakes

THE BUTTERY

702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 458-3020, butterybakery.com

RUNNERS-UP

NOTHING BUNDT CAKE, BUTTERCUP CUPCAKES

Best Restaurant (WATSONVILLE)

THE CALIFORNIA GRILL OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

1 Owner Dick Peixoto also directs Lakeside Organic Gardens, which means he and his team are growing all of the restaurant’s organic vegetables and greens.

2 Outstanding sourcing rules the rundown beyond Lakeside, with artisan breads from Golden Sheaf, sausages from Corralitos Market, apple juice and cider from Martinelli’s, and even local orchids adorning the restaurant from Enright Orchid Nursery (to name just a few suppliers).

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The organic salad list is robust AF, featuring yummy options like the Buffalo chicken bleu, beets and greens and grilled salmon.

Enchanting crowd-pleasing rib-stickers crowd the menu too. Think artichoke-crab cakes, ribeye steak sandwiches on Parmesan garlic bread, and bone-in pork chops with teriyaki glaze and a fire-grilled-pineapple salsa.

Daily specials arrive according to the seasons, including recent items like dirty potato skin crisps, sherry-braised boneless short rib and rotating seafood fettuccine. MARK C. ANDERSON

Clam Chowder

STAGNARO’S ON THE WHARF

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 423-2180, stagnarobrothers.com

RUNNERS-UP THE CROW’S NEST, RIVA FISH HOUSE

Coffeehouse (INDEPENDENT)

CAT & CLOUD

3600 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz; 10 Parade St., Ste. A, Aptos

Date Night Restaurant

SANTA CRUZ

OSWALD

121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

GABRIELLA CAFÉ, VIM DINING & DESSERTS

APTOS/SOQUEL

CAFÉ SPARROW

8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-6238, cafesparrow.com

RUNNERS-UP

MENTONE, THE HIDEOUT

CAPITOLA

SHADOWBROOK

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com

RUNNERS-UP

TRESTLES RESTAURANT, CAFÉ CRUZ

SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV

RISTORANTE CASA NOSTRA

9217 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 609-6132, ristorantecasanostra.com

RUNNERS-UP

SCOPAZZI’S, OTORO SUSHI

FOOD & DRINK

Best Date Night Restaurant

CAFÉ SPARROW

1

One of those welcoming settings that feels like someone’s home, and is also the historic Aptos post office and general store, now an adorable two-room restaurant with an open kitchen.

2 The instincts of one Julie Montague, GM and owner, who manages the front of the house and appoints the place with its lace tablecloths and fresh flowers for #maxrelaxvibes.

3

Chef dream team duo of Ruben Arenas Ponce (architect of, among other things, the soups that headline here) and Francisco Diaz Torres (the man behind recipe standards and the epic desserts.

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Tempting small plates like a gigi fondue of white wine, herbs and cheeses with fresh fruits, vegetables & croutons—all available as dinners for $10 more—make for accessible value.

5

A “full” wine list, as in resourceful, thoughtful and flavorful, with a nice selection of non-Chardonnay aromatic whites and reds running from Paso Robles to the Santa Cruz Mountains to Napa to France.

MARK C. ANDERSON

FOOD & DRINK

Donut Shop

FERRELL’S DONUTS

2227 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 457-2760

RUNNER-UP

DUNLAP’S DONUTS, ALLBRIGHT’S DONUT SHOPPE

Falafel

ACHILLES BY THE SEA

1404 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 621-2834, achillesrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

FALAFEL OF SANTA CRUZ, ZAMEEN

Food Event

GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL

Downtown Santa Cruz

RUNNERS-UP

Best Restaurant (SOQUEL) HOME

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Chef/co-owner Brad Briske has long demonstrated a passion for sussing out uncommon local product by way of rancher and farmer to maximize his pioneering snout-to-tail (and root-to-leaf) tendencies.

His fresh sourcing is aided mightily by the fact his partner in love and liver påté, Linda Ritten, used to run SC-area farmers markets.

The Home-y name certainly applies, as the space feels like someone’s residence, in the best way.

An expansive backyard garden—perhaps “mini-farm” is more accurate—with ample seating proved a godsend amid social distancing, and continues to furnish a fly backdrop for al fresco din din.

Plates to prioritize range from abalone cassoulet to HOMEmade (wink) ricotta gnocchi to bone marrow with fontina, olive, anchovy, caper and chili pepper, though the options change constantly according to what’s fresh.

Deli

ZOCCOLI’S DELICATESSEN

1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1711, zoccolis.com

RUNNERS-UP

GARDEN LIQUORS & DELI, SEABRIGHT DELI

Desserts (BAKERY)

GAYLE’S BAKERY

504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 462-1200, gaylesbakery.com

RUNNERS-UP

THE BUTTERY, THE FARM BAKERY & GIFTS

Desserts (RESTAURANT)

CHOCOLATE RESTAURANT

1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 427-9900, chocolatesantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

VIM DINING & DESSERTS, BITTERSWEET BISTRO

CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF, GOURMET GRAZING ON THE GREEN

French Fries

BETTY BURGERS

1000 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-5901; 505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8190; 1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7056, bettyburgers.com

RUNNERS-UP

WEST END TAP & KITCHEN, PARISH PUBLICK HOUSE

Frozen Yogurt

YOGURTLAND

1955 41st Ave Suite A4, Capitola, 462-3100 1487 Main St #102, Watsonville, 761-1500

RUNNERS-UP

TOP A LOT YOGURT,

Greek

NICK THE GREEK

1133 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 431-6313, nickthegreek.com

RUNNERS-UP

ZAMEEN MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE, ACHILLES

Hawaiian Cuisine

PONO HAWAIIAN GRILL/ PONO KITCHEN & TAP

120 Union St., Santa Cruz, 621-7448 3744 Capitola Road, Capitola, 476-7458 ponohawaiian.com

RUNNERS-UP

HULA’S ISLAND GRILL, MAKAI ISLAND KITCHEN AND GROGGERY

MARK C. ANDERSON

FOOD & DRINK

<<<

Hot Dog

HAPPY DOG HOTDOGS

324 River St., Santa Cruz, 332-2057

RUNNERS-UP

LEFT COAST SAUSAGE WORX, TAYLOR’S HOT DOG STAND

Ice Cream

MARIANNE’S

1020 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 458-1447; 218 State Park Drive, Aptos, 713-4746; 104 Stockton Ave., Capitola, 479-8888, mariannesicecream.com

RUNNERS-UP

PENNY ICE CREAMERY, MISSION HILL COFFEE & CREAMERY

Indian Cuisine

AMBROSIA INDIA BISTRO

207 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos, 685-0610; 6006 La Madrona Drive, #D, Scotts Valley, 713-5594, ambrosiaib.com

RUNNERS-UP ROYAL TAJ, NAMASTE INDIAN

Italian Cuisine

LILLIAN’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-2288, lilliansitaliankitchen.com

RUNNERS-UP TRAMONTI, RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Juice Bar/ Smoothies

AMAZON JUICES

1066 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 854-2225, amazonjuices.us

RUNNERS-UP

CLEAN JUICE, JAMBA JUICE

Kid-Friendly Eatery

CARPO’S

2400 Porter St., Soquel, 476-6260, carposrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

BETTY BURGER, KIANTI’S PIZZA & PASTA BAR

Kombucha/ Probiotic (LOCAL)

LIVING SWELL

424 26th Ave., Santa Cruz, livingswellkombucha.com

RUNNER-UP

MELO MELO

Late-Night Eatery

THE CREPE PLACE

1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6994, thecrepeplace.com

RUNNERS-UP

MANUEL’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT, CHARLIE HONG KONG

Mexican Cuisine

SANTA CRUZ

EL PALOMAR

1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

COPAL, TAQUERIA LOS PERICOS

APTOS / SOQUEL

MANUEL’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

261 Center Ave., Aptos, 688-4848, manuelsrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

TORTILLA FLATS, PALAPAS

CAPITOLA

TACOS MORENO

1053 Water St Santa Cruz, 429-6095

RUNNERS-UP

EL TORO BRAVO, TAQUERIA VALLARTA

SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV

MAYA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

3115 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-7004, mayasv.com

RUNNERS-UP

TAQUERIA VALLARTA, LOS GALLOS

WATSONVILLE CILANTROS

1934 Main St., Watsonville, 761-2161, elpalomarcilantros.com

RUNNERS-UP

JALISCO RESTAURANT, EL FRIJOLITO

Middle Eastern LAILI

101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

ZAMEEN, MOZAIC

New Restaurant

VENUS BEACHSIDE

131 Esplanade, Aptos, 688-8917, venusspirits.com

RUNNERS-UP

ACHILLES BY THE SEA

Outdoor Dining

THE CROW’S NEST

2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP CAFÉ CRUZ, LAILI

Patio Dining

SANTA CRUZ

THE CROW’S NEST

2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

LAILI, MAKAI ISLAND KITCHEN AND GROGGERY

APTOS / SOQUEL

BITTERSWEET BISTRO

787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 662-9799, bittersweetbistroaptos.com

RUNNERS-UP THE HIDEOUT, CAFÉ CRUZ

CAPITOLA SHADOWBROOK

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com

RUNNERS-UP

CAFÉ CRUZ, ZELDA’S ON THE BEACH

SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV

MALONE’S GRILLE

4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com

RUNNERS-UP

BRUNO’S BAR AND GRILL, FAULTLINE BREWING COMPANY

FOOD & DRINK

APTOS/SOQUEL

MENTONE

174 Aptos Village Way, Aptos, 708-4040, mentonerestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

PIZZA MY HEART, VILLAGE HOST PIZZA & GRILL

CAPITOLA

PIZZA MY HEART

2180 41st Ave., 475-6000; 209 Esplanade, 475-5714, pizzamyheart.com

RUNNERS-UP

PLEASURE PIZZA, VILLAGE HOST PIZZA & GRILL SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV

REDWOOD PIZZERIA

6205 Hwy 9, Felton, 335-1500, redwoodpizza.com

Best Seafood (APTOS/SOQUEL) SCRUMPTIOUS FISH & CHIPS FOOD TRUCK

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An across-pond upbringing in a village called Dedham for Helen and Tim TK, and the resulting desire for authentic fresh fish and chips in their adopted home out (way) west.

2 What the couple calls a “deliciously mindful fusion” between European gastronomy and California’s renowned farm-to-table fare.

3

An adherence to fresh and local first and an additional commitment to serving environmentally responsible fish meeting Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch criteria.

4 Strategic pop-up appearances born of partnerships and enthusiastic response—in places like Steel Bonnet Brewery, Seacliff State Beach and the Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market.

5 Dexterity with pioneering adjectives like “scrumpchippyumptious,” paired with the definition “mouth-watering, delightful and delectable chips.” MARK C. ANDERSON <<< WATSONVILLE

ELLA’S AT THE AIRPORT

100 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 728-3282, ellasinwatsonville.com

RUNNERS-UP CILANTROS, JALISCO RESTAURANT

Pizza

SANTA CRUZ

PIZZA MY HEART

1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-2511, pizzamyheart.com

RUNNERS-UP

WOODSTOCK’S PIZZA, PLEASURE PIZZA

RUNNERS-UP

MOUNTAIN MIKE’S, ROUND TABLE PIZZA

WATSONVILLE

CASSIDY’S PIZZA

1400 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 724-2271, cassidyspizza.com

RUNNERS-UP

SLICE PROJECT, HUGO’S PIZZERIA

SANTA CRUZ

OSWALD RESTAURANT

121 Soquel Ave., 423-7427, oswaldrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

VIM, BANTAM

SOQUEL HOME

3101 N. Main St., 431-6131, homesoquel.com

RUNNERS-UP CAFÉ CRUZ, TORTILLA FLATS

APTOS

THE HIDEOUT

9051 Soquel Drive, 688-5566, thehideoutaptos.com

RUNNERS-UP CAFÉ SPARROW, MENTONE

Best Bakery THE BUTTERY

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The cakes have been a signature since 1984, and include 25 different yummers like chocolate cheesecake, Neapolitan cake and devil’s food whipped cream cake.

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Pies, cookies, pastries and other desserts compete with the cakes, which is saying a lot.

The ambitious cafe menu unleashes all sorts of club sandwiches, salads, breakfast ciabatta or croissant sandwiches and more.

As coffee programs go, this one is very respectable, and very helpful in harmony with the rampant sweet treats.

Custom online ordering has blossomed into a major pillar of the business and a user-friendly way to be The Hero of the Party. MARK C. ANDERSON

CAPITOLA SHADOWBROOK

1750 Wharf Road, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com

RUNNERS-UP TRESTLES RESTAURANT, CAFÉ CRUZ

SAN LORENZO VALLEY

RISTORANTE CASA NOSTRA

9217 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, 609-6132, ristorantecasanostra.com

RUNNERS-UP SCOPAZZI’S, HUMBLE SEA TAVERN

FOOD & DRINK

SCOTTS VALLEY

RISTORANTE CASA NOSTRA

219 Mount Hermon Road, F, Scotts Valley, 225-0590, ristorantecasanostra.com

RUNNERS-UP

BRUNO’S BAR AND GRILL, OTORO SUSHI

WATSONVILLE

CALIFORNIA GRILL OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

40 Penny Lane, Watsonville, 722-8052, californiagrillrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP ELLA’S AT THE AIRPORT, MIYUKI RESTAURANT

Salad

SOUL SALAD

7957 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 708-2106, soulsalad.com

RUNNERS-UP CARPO’S RESTAURANT, CAFÉ CRUZ

Sandwich

SEABRIGHT DELI

415 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 515-7484, seabrightdeli.com

RUNNERS-UP

GARDEN LIQUOR AND DELI, ZOCCOLI’S

Seafood

SANTA CRUZ

RIVA FISH HOUSE

31 Municipal Wharf 429-1223, rivafishhouse.com

RUNNERS-UP

JOHNNY’S HARBORSIDE, STAGNARO’S ON THE WHARF

APTOS/SOQUEL

SCRUMPTIOUS FISH AND CHIPS

FOOD TRUCK

651-9458, scrumptiousfc.com

RUNNERS-UP

CAFÉ SPARROW, VENUS BEACHSIDE

CAPITOLA SHADOWBROOK

1750 Wharf Road

475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com

RUNNERS-UP

TRESTLES, PARADISE BEACH GRILLE

SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV SCOPAZZIS

13300 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, 338-4444, scopazzisrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

SCRUMPTIOUS FISH AND CHIPS FOOD TRUCK, OTORO SUSHI

WATSONVILLE

THE FISH HOUSE

972 Main St., 728-3333

RUNNERS-UP HINDSIGHT CAFÉ, LA PERLA DEL PACIFICO

Soup

ERIK’S DELI

1664 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-1919; 1475 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-4646, eriksdelicafe.com

RUNNERS-UP

CHARLIE HONG KONG, DHARMA’S RESTAURANT

Small Plates

BARCELONETA

1541 B Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 900-5222, eatbarceloneta.com

RUNNERS-UP

VENUS SPIRITS COCKTAILS & KITCHEN, VINOCRUZ

Steak

HINDQUARTER BAR & GRILLE

303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-7770, thehindquarter.com

RUNNERS-UP

SHADOWBROOK, ALDERWOOD SANTA CRUZ

Sushi/Japanese

SANTA CRUZ

AKIRA SUSHI

1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7093, akirasantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP MOBO, SHOGUN

APTOS/SOQUEL

SUSHI GARDEN APTOS

38 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 661-0721, sushi-garden.com

RUNNERS-UP: AKIRA SUSHI, WASABI SUSHI

CAPITOLA

SUSHI GARDEN

820 Bay Ave. #148, 464-9192, sushi-garden.com

RUNNERS-UP

GEISHA JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND TEA HOUSE, MIYAKO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV

OTORO SUSHI

235 Mount Hermon Road, #G, Scotts Valley, 440-9040

RUNNER-UP

RUMBLE FISH

WATSONVILLE MIYUKI

452 E. Lake Ave. 728-1620, miyukirestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP

IMURA, SUSHI GARDEN WATSONVILLE

Takeout

CHARLIE HONG KONG

1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-5664, charliehongkong.com

RUNNERS-UP

SCRUMPTIOUS FISH AND CHIPS FOOD TRAILER, REAL THAI KITCHEN

Taqueria

SANTA CRUZ

TAQUERIA VALLARTA

893 41st Ave. 464-7022, enjoytaqueriavallarta.com

RUNNERS-UP

TACOS MORENO, TAQUERIA SANTA CRUZ

APTOS/SOQUEL

TAQUERIA LOS GORDOS

7488 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-0911

RUNNERS-UP EL CHIPOTLE

CAPITOLA

TAQUERIA VALLARTA

893 41st Ave., 464-7022, taqueriavallartaonline.com

RUNNERS-UP

TACOS MORENOS, MIJOS TAQUERIA

Thank you santa cruz!

FOOD & DRINK

SCOTTS VALLEY/SLV LOS GALLOS TAQUERIA

235 Mount Hermon Road, #C, Scotts Valley, 439-9507

RUNNERS-UP

TAQUERIA VALLARTA, CHIMICHANGAS

WATSONVILLE

EL FRIJOLITO

11 Alexander St., 724-8823

RUNNERS-UP SUPER TAQUERIA, RANCH MILK MARKET

Tea House

HIDDEN PEAK

1541 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-4200, hiddenpeakteahouse.com

RUNNERS-UP SOUL SWEETS, TEA HOUSE SPA

Thai Cuisine

REAL THAI KITCHEN

1632 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-2559, realthaisantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP SAWASDEE, SABIENG

Vegetarian

DHARMA’S

4250 Capitola Road, Capitola, 462-1717, dharmasrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP PRETTY GOOD ADVICE, CAFÉ GRATITUDE

Winery

SOQUEL VINEYARDS

8063 Glen Haven Road, Soquel, 462-9045, soquelvineyards.com

RUNNERS-UP BARGETTO WINERY, STORRS WINERY

Wine List

SHADOWBROOK

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511, shadowbrook-capitola.com

RUNNERS-UP SOIF, VINOCRUZ

Wine Selection (RETAIL)

SHOPPER’S CORNER

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP SOIF, VINOCRUZ

SHOPPING & SERVICES

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Auto Repair

CHEVROLET OF WATSONVILLE

Adult Store

CAMOUFLAGE

1329 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7613, shop-camouflage.com

RUNNERS-UP

FRENCHY’S, GOOD VIBRATIONS

Alternative Health Services

SANTA CRUZ CORE

317 Potrero St., Ste. C, Santa Cruz, 425-9500, santacruzcore.com

RUNNERS-UP

BRANDON REYNOLDS, CMT - LIVE ONCE LIVE WELL: MYOFASCIAL RELEASE, SANTA CRUZ INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Antiques

CENTER STREET ANTIQUES

3010 Center St., Soquel, 477-9211, centerstreetantiques.com

RUNNERS-UP A PAINTED COTTAGE, ATTILIA'S ANTIQUES

Arts and Crafts

LENZ ARTS

142 River St., Santa Cruz, 423-1935, lenzarts.com

RUNNERS-UP

BEVERLY’S FABRICS & CRAFTS, PALACE ART & OFFICE SUPPLY

Auto Dealer

CHEVROLET OF WATSONVILLE

490 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville, 536-4002, chevroletofwatsonville.com

RUNNERS-UP

SUBARU OF SANTA CRUZ, SANTA CRUZ TOYOTA

Auto Dealer

(PRE-OWNED) THE ARGUS COMPANY

905 Water St., Santa Cruz, 457-1900, thearguscompany.com

RUNNERS-UP

SANTA CRUZ MOTORS, OCEAN HONDA

490 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville, 536-4002, chevroletofwatsonville.com

RUNNERS-UP

GLENN’S AUTO REPAIR, SPECIALIZED AUTO

Bank (LOCAL NONCREDIT UNION)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK

7775 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-6000; 819 Bay Ave., Capitola, 464-5300; 75 River St., Santa Cruz, 457-5000; 2020 North Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-4000; 4604 Scotts Valley Drive, # 10, Scotts Valley, 461-5000; 595 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville, 761-7600; sccountybank.com

Bank (CREDIT UNION)

BAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

3333 Clares St., Capitola; 48 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos; 2028 Freedom Blvd., Freedom; 420 River St., Santa Cruz; 255 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley; 1481 Main St., Watsonville; 479-6000, bayfed.com

RUNNER-UP

SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Barbershop

GUIDO’S BARBERSHOP

527 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 535-9509, instagram.com/guidosbarbershop

RUNNERS-UP

MONTGOMERY’S, HAIRY CHAIR BARBERS

Blinds/Shades

INTERIOR VISION FLOORING & DESIGN

2800 Daubenbiss Ave., Soquel, 293-7237, interiorvision.biz

RUNNERS-UP

ADVANCED BLINDS AND SHADES, MCCARTY'S

Boat Tour

O'NEILL YACHT CHARTERS

L Dock, 275 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 818-3645, oneillyachtcharters.com

RUNNERS-UP

CHARDONNAY SAILING CHARTERS, STAGNARO’S FISHING TRIPS

Bookshop (NEW)

BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ

1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com

RUNNER-UP

TWO BIRDS BOOKS

Bookshop (USED)

BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ

1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com

RUNNER-UP

TWO BIRDS BOOKS, BAD ANIMAL

Butcher

SHOPPER’S CORNER

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP

EL SALCHICHERO, POINT BUTCHER SHOP

Car Wash

WHALERS CAR WASH

2001 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-0676, whalerscarwash.com

RUNNERS-UP

CRUZ CAR WASH, SPLASH

Carpet Cleaning

CONNOISSEUR CARPET CLEANING

476-9721, santacruzclean.com

RUNNERS-UP

APTOS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING, SANTA CRUZ CARPET CLEANERS

Children’s Day Care

SIMCHA PRESCHOOL

3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos, 479-3449, simchapreschool.org

RUNNERS-UP

HAPPY DAYS CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER, NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDCARE CENTER

Computer Repair

CLICK AWAY

303 Potrero St., Santa Cruz, 420-1200, clickaway.com

RUNNERS-UP

PLEASURE POINT COMPUTERS, BLUE SCREEN COMPUTERS >>>

THANK YOU SANTA CRUZ!

Best Vintage Clothing

MOON ZOOOM

1 Check out Moon Zoom’s fantastic selection of vintage rock shirts from the 1960s to the modern era. Since they are always buying, the inventory changes frequently, so you’ll never know which of your favorite artists you might find on any trip.

2

3

4

One of their most unique areas is the “leather island,” which hosts a cornucopia of goods from boots, motorcycle jackets, dusters and leather pants.

The shoe room in the back of the store is now closed to the public. However, you’ll still find plenty of footwear throughout the shop.

As a second-hand vintage shop, bargain hunters often find high-end items such as Pendelton wool clothes for a third of the new retail price.

5 The store has been open since 1994 (which makes itself a vintage item) and is a favorite for clothing hunters, costume party-goers and burners to find the perfect outfit or accouterments. MAT WEIR

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Crystals/Rocks/ Stones

MOUNTAIN SPIRIT

6299 Hwy 9, Felton, 335-7700, mountainspiritstore.com

RUNNERS-UP

WORLD OF STONES AND MYSTICS, SERPENT’S KISS

Custom Framing

LENZ ARTS

142 River St., Santa Cruz, 423-1935, lenzarts.com

RUNNERS-UP

YORK FRAMING GALLERY, FRAME CIRCUS

Dry Cleaners

MASTER CLEANERS

Best Musical Instruments THE STARVING MUSICIAN

1

2

3

2660 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-4589

RUNNERS-UP

VAPOR CLEANERS, ALMAR DRY CLEANERS

4

5

The Starving Musician was established in 1985 and now has two locations besides Santa Cruz.

The Starving Musician also consigns and rents instruments and gear along with selling new and used instruments and equipment.

The Santa Cruz location has been next to the Catalyst since 2017. Many musicians have walked through the doors, such as Gogol Bordello, Victor Wooten and Thundercat, who walked in then immediately walked out, saying he had no business buying new instruments on tour.

Even if you’re not in the market for a new instrument, The Starving Musician carries various accessories such as guitar strings, professional earplugs, mic cables, and guitar picks. Something for everyone!

Instrument teachers and vocal coaches can rent one of Starving’s upstairs rooms for a nominal fee. MAT WEIR

Consignment Clothing

JET SET BOHEMIAN

1211 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 515-7275, jetsetbohemian.com

RUNNER-UP THE CLOSET SHOPPER, CROSSROADS TRADING CO.

Contractor

ED OREB & SONS CONSTRUCTION

1764 Lotman Drive, Santa Cruz, 479-3691

RUNNERS-UP

TESTORFF CONSTRUCTION, JASON GRAHAM

Eyewear

EYE Q OPTOMETRY

1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 466-3937, eyeqsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP PLAZA LANE OPTOMETRY, SPEX

Fabric

HART’S FABRICS

1620 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-5434, hartsfabric.com

RUNNER-UP

BEVERLY’S FABRICS & CRAFTS

Feed Store

APTOS FEED & PET SUPPLY

7765 Soquel Drive, Ste. C, Aptos, 685-3333, facebook.com/ aptosfeedandpetsupply

RUNNERS-UP

SCOTTS VALLEY FEED, WESTSIDE FARM AND FEED

Financial Planner

ALISON MCCLURE-OHANA

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

2901 Park Ave., Ste. B1, Soquel, 216-5519, ohanawealthmanagement.net

RUNNERS-UP

CHERYL REBOTTARO, RACHEL WEDEENMORGAN STANLEY

Lorem ipsum

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Furniture

SC41 FURNITURE

2701 41st Ave., Soquel, 464-2228, sc41.com

RUNNERS-UP

NATURAL SELECTION FURNITURE, COUCH POTATO DISCOUNT SOFA WAREHOUSE

Garden Supply/ Nursery

SAN LORENZO GARDEN CENTER

235 River St., Santa Cruz, 423-0223, sanlorenzolumber.com/gardencenter

RUNNERS-UP

DIG GARDENS, THE GARDEN COMPANY NURSERY & GIFT SHOP

Gift Shop

ZINNIA’S GIFT BOUTIQUE

Best Men’s and Women’s Shoes

S OCKSHOP & SHOE COMPANY

1 Sockshop started in Downtown Santa Cruz in 1988 and has since expanded to a second shop on the Santa Cruz Wharf in 2017 and a third location in Aptos in 2019.

2 They pride themselves in training and educating employees on their products and the right fit for pain management, overheating, arch support and more.

3

4

5

Owners Ellen and Eric Gil started the Socksmith brand in 2008 to showcase Santa Cruz-centric designs and highlight local artists such as Jimbo Phillips in sock form.

The 2020 lockdown allowed Sockshop & Shoe Company to build their online presence one step at a time. Now customers worldwide can order products with just the click of a button.

Along with socks, they also carry a variety of footwear-related items such as shoes, boots, laces, waterproofing sprays and more. MAT WEIR

Flooring

INTERIOR VISION FLOORING & DESIGN

2800 Daubenbiss Ave., Soquel, 293-7237

RUNNERS-UP

BAY AREA FLOORING, SAMAYA FLOORING

Flower Shop

THE FLOWER SHACK

614 S. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-3877, flowershacksc.com

RUNNERS-UP

ACE’S FLOWERS, WILD BANKSIA

219 Mount Hermon Road, C, Scotts Valley, 430-9466, zinniasgiftboutique.com

RUNNERS-UP

HOME/WORK, OUTSIDE IN

Green Business

SHOPPER'S CORNER

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP ETHOS, STAFF OF LIFE

Grocery Store

(LOCAL)

SHOPPER’S CORNER

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP

STAFF OF LIFE, NEW LEAF COMMUNITY MARKETS - APTOS

Grocery Store

(NATURAL)

STAFF OF LIFE

1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8632; 906 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, 726-0240; staffoflifemarket.com

RUNNERS-UP

SHOPPER’S CORNER, NEW LEAF COMMUNITY MARKETS

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Hair Salon

THE NOOK

920 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 295-6233

RUNNERS-UP

EVOLVE, LAVISH SALON

Hardware Store

ACE HARDWARE

1214 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 457-2222; 72 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 662-0222; 849 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-7650

RUNNER-UP

OUTDOOR SUPPLY HARDWARE, SAN LORENZO LUMBER

Headshop

PIPELINE

1130 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-7473

RUNNERS-UP

KINDPEOPLES, TREEHOUSE

Home Decorating

Best Pet Grooming and Pet Sitting BED & BISCUITS GROOMINGDALES

1

2

While Bed & Biscuits Groomingdales opened 25 years ago, the current owner Meghan Jenkins has worked there for the past 20 and purchased the business five years ago.

They offer various services, including boarding for dogs and cats, dog training, grooming and daycare. During the 2020 fires, Bed & Biscuits Groomingdales provided free boarding for animals whose parents lost their homes and property.

3

Their grooming experts are trained through IV San Bernard, a pet esthetician program with products based out of Italy with a U.S. branch. Bed & Biscuits offers extensive coat and skin care knowledge for problems such as shedding, hot spots, itchiness and others.

4

Last year, Bed & Biscuits Groomingdales purchased another quarter-acre property next door to expand their training program. Head trainer Alex Britto looks forward to including an obstacle course and agility training in their regimen soon.

5

They offer 24-hour, 365-day observations of furry friends in their care and have a nightshift staff on property for boarded animals. Some smaller dogs with special needs can sleep in the staff’s bed for extra cuddles and comfort.

HOME BY ZINNIA’S

262 Mount Hermon Road, #102, Scotts Valley, 201-4906, homebyzinnias.com

RUNNERS-UP

ROOTSTOCK COLLECTIVE, WARMTH COMPANY

Hotel

DREAM INN

175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 740-8069, dreaminnsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA, HOTEL PARADOX

House Cleaner

FIRST CLASS CLEANING SERVICE

429-2225, firstclasscleaningservices.business. site

RUNNERS-UP

DYNAMIC HOUSE CLEANING, GLORIA’S CLEANING SERVICES

House Painter

PEPE LOPEZ PAINTING

RUNNER-UP

BRENT GARVEY

Best Home Decor HOME BY ZINNIA’S

1 Owners Tim and Dedra Bennett purchased Zinnia’s Gift Boutique in 2016 and opened HOME by Zinnia’s in 2022.

2 Their services are offered either in-shop, or clients can set up a consultation for Home By Zinnia’s interior designer to make house calls.

3 Lookout for special events at Home by Zinnia’s, including the Sip ‘n Script (wine tasting and calligraphy classes) and table-scaping seminars to learn the perfect way to set the table for any season or occasion.

4 Their most popular items include furniture, blankets and bedding, and towels which Tim Bennett describes as “the more you wash them the softer they get.”

5 Follow them on social media to receive special discounts, such as 20% off, throughout the year. MAT WEIR

SHOPPING & SERVICES

<<<

Hydroponic Supplier

GROW GENERATION

2450 17th Ave., #100, Santa Cruz, 475-9900, growgeneration.com

RUNNER-UP

GROWGENERATION HYDROPONICS STORE

Insurance

LYDIA HARVILLE, STATE FARM

2222 E. Cliff Drive, Ste. 200, Santa Cruz, 464-4300

RUNNERS-UP

EDNA VILOZNY - FARMERS INSURANCE, LAUREEN YUNGMEYER - STATE FARM

Interior Design

STRIPE

107 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-9252, stripedesigngroup.com

RUNNERS-UP

LORI HANNUM - SC41 FURNITURE, COASTAL OAK INTERIORS

Jewelry

DELL WILLIAMS

1320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-4100, dellwilliams.com

RUNNERS-UP

PERIPHERAL, MARK AREIAS JEWELERS

Jewelry Repair

DELL WILLIAMS

1320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-4100, dellwilliams.com

RUNNERS-UP

MARK AREIAS JEWELERS, STEPHAN’S FINE JEWELRY

Kids’ Clothing

MINI MINT

808 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-8587, minimintstudio.com

RUNNERS-UP

HOPE’S CLOSET, HOPSCOTCH

Kitchen Store

TOQUE BLANCHE

1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-1351, mytoque.com

RUNNER-UP OUTSIDE-IN

Landscaper/ Landscaping

TERRA NOVA ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPING

425-3514, terranovalandscaping.com

RUNNERS-UP

QUILICI GARDENING, K&D LANDSCAPING

Laser Hair Removal

PACIFIC COAST AESTHETICS

28 Seascape Village, Aptos, 208-5153, pacificcoastaesthetics.com

RUNNERS-UP

JODY WORK - BEAUTY LOUNGE MED SPA, REJUVENATE MEDI-SPA & WELLNESS

Lawyer

FINE POINT LAW

113 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 471-5293, finepointlaw.com

RUNNERS-UP

DINA C. HOFFMAN, PASCHA ROSE

Life Coach

JAIMI JANSEN COACHING

317 Potrero St., #2742, Santa Cruz, 313-4884 jaimijansen.com

RUNNERS-UP CAMILLE ELLIS, MONARCH PATHWAY

Lighting

RIVERSIDE LIGHTING & ELECTRIC

300 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7411, riversidelightingandelectric.com

RUNNER-UP

ILLUMINÉE

Lingerie

CAMOUFLAGE

1329 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7613, shopcamouflage.com

RUNNERS-UP

ROMANTIC NIGHTS FOR TWO BOUTIQUE, AMOUREUSE

Mani/Pedi

TRACY’S NAILS

1440 41st Ave., Capitola, 462-2292, tracysnailspa.com

RUNNERS-UP

OPAL SPA & BOUTIQUE, REJUVENATE

Massage School

CYPRESS HEALTH INSTITUTE

1119 Pacific Ave., #300, Santa Cruz 476-2115, cypresshealthinstitute.com

RUNNER-UP

FIVE BRANCHES UNIVERSITY, SANTA CRUZ; MYOFASCIAL RELEASE PRACTITIONER - JENNY CALL, CMP

Men’s Clothing

PATRICK JAMES

7538 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-2105, patrickjames.com

RUNNERS-UP

BERDELS, STRIPE

Men’s Shoes

SOCKSHOP & SHOE COMPANY

1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6101, sockshopandshoeco.com

RUNNERS-UP

OLD SCHOOL SHOES, BECK’S SHOES

Mortgage Brokerage

CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGEBRIAN DEAN

1981 N. Broadway, Ste. 275, Walnut Creek, 600-4706, crosscountrymortgage.com/briandean

RUNNERS-UP

SANTA CRUZ LENDING GROUP, PETER GAECKLE HOME MORTGAGE

Music Instruction

MOUNTAIN MUSIC SCHOOL

216 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 201-9605, mountainmusicschoolsv.com

RUNNERS-UP

SYLVAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

artwork: “Summer Swim” by Amadeo Bachar

Keeping our community safe from sewage spills and keeping maintenance costs down are important. You can help by remembering this simple phrase: ‘Think Before You Flush’. Put trash where it belongs…in the trash.

Keeping our community safe from sewage spills and keeping maintenance costs down are important. You can help by remembering this simple phrase: ‘Think Before You Flush’. Put trash where it belongs…in the trash.

Keeping our community safe from sewage spills and keeping maintenance costs down are important. You can help by remembering this simple phrase: ‘Think Before You Flush’. Put trash where it belongs…in the trash.

Keeping our community safe from sewage spills and keeping maintenance costs down are important. You can help by remembering this simple phrase: ‘Think Before You Flush’. Put trash where it belongs…in the trash.

Flushable does not mean flushable!

Flushable does not mean flushable!

Flushable does not mean flushable!

Flushable wipes clog sewer pipes. Wipes do not dissolve; even if you flush just one, wipes collect in pumps and valves causing clogs.

Flushable wipes clog sewer pipes. Wipes do not dissolve; even if you flush just one, wipes collect in pumps and valves causing clogs.

Flushable does not mean flushable!

Flushable wipes clog sewer pipes. Wipes do not dissolve; even if you flush just one, wipes collect in pumps and valves causing clogs.

Flushable wipes clog sewer pipes. Wipes not dissolve; even if you flush just one, wipes collect in pumps and valves causing clogs.

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Musical Instruments

THE STARVING MUSICIAN

1003 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-1975, starvingmusician.com

RUNNERS-UP

SYLVAN MUSIC, STEVE GRAY

Photo Developing

BAY PHOTO LAB

715 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-1100; 2959 Park Ave., Soquel, 475-6090; 920 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, 475-6686; bayphoto.com

Piercing Studio

Real Estate Agent

SHEMEIKA FOX – FOX REALTY GROUP

588-2334, yoursantacruzrealestate.com

RUNNERS-UP

THOMAS BREZSNY - SERENO GROUP, LAUREN SPENCER - COLDWELL BANKER

Outdoor

Furniture Dealer

AMERICAN LEISURE PATIO FURNITURE

1118 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 423-2425, americanleisurepatio.com

RUNNERS-UP

DIG GARDENS, ILLUMINÉE

Pet Grooming

BED & BISCUITS/ GROOMINGDALES

2625 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-1580, bedandbiscuits.com

RUNNERS-UP PAWSITIVE STYLES MOBILE GROOMING, THE WHOLE KITTEN CAPOODLE

Pet Sitting

BED & BISCUITS/ GROOMINGDALES

2625 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-1580, bedandbiscuits.com

RUNNER-UP WOOFPACK 831

Pet Store

PET PALS

3660 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 464-8775, epetpals.com

RUNNER-UP WISHBONE PET COMPANY

Pharmacy

HORSNYDER PHARMACY

1226 Soquel Ave., #A, Santa Cruz, 458-1400, horsnyderpharmacy.com

RUNNERS-UP

FRANK’S PHARMACY, WESTSIDE PHARMACY

AMORY BODY ARTS

1720 Brommer St., Santa Cruz, 600-7801, amorybodyarts.com

RUNNERS-UP

MISSION STREET TATTOO, STAIRCASE TATTOO

Place to live, work and play?

SANTA CRUZ

RUNNER-UP APTOS

Plumbing Company

EXPERT PLUMBING

2551 S. Rodeo Gulch Road, Ste. 7, Soquel, 316-7338, expertplumbingca.com

RUNNERS-UP

BELLOWS PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR, DUNCAN PLUMBING

Portrait Photographer

DEVI PRIDE PHOTOGRAPHY

1060 River St., Studio #103, Santa Cruz, 600-6055, devipridephotography.com

RUNNERS-UP

KENDRA STONE-HINDS, JANA MARCUS

Produce

SHOPPER’S CORNER

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP

STAFF OF LIFE, NEW LEAF COMMUNITY MARKETS

Real Estate Agency

DAVID LYNG REAL ESTATE

55 Penny Lane, #102, Watsonville, 763-6700, davidlyng.com

RUNNERS-UP

SERENO GROUP, INC., STROCK REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Team

GRO REAL ESTATE

387-6237, gro-realestate.com

RUNNERS-UP BREZSNY ASSOCIATES, DAVID LYNG REAL ESTATE

Record/CD Store

STREETLIGHT RECORDS

939 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-9200, streetlightrecords.com

Roofers

TURK THE ROOFER

3330 Gross Road, Santa Cruz, 479-9653

RUNNERS-UP

KNOX ROOFING, ALAMEDA ROOFING

Seafood (MARKET)

THE FISH LADY

700 Bay Ave., Capitola, 475-6044, places.singleplatform.com

RUNNERS-UP

STAGNAROS ON THE WHARF, H&H FRESH FISH

Senior Home Care

LIFESPAN

600 Frederick St., Santa Cruz, 469-4900, lifespancare.com

RUNNER-UP SAFE AT HOME SENIOR CARE

Senior Residential Community

DOMINICAN OAKS

3400 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, 462-6257, dominicanoaks.com

RUNNERS-UP AEGIS, SUNSHINE VILLA

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Solar Company

SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES

705 N. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-9431, solartechnologies.com

RUNNERS-UP

ALLTERRA SOLAR, DAY ONE SOLAR

Tattoo Studio

MISSION STREET TATTOO

1515 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 466-9417, missionstreettattoo.art

RUNNERS-UP F U TATTOO, FREEDOM TATTOO

Thrift Store

CAROLINE’S

8047 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-0327, carolinesnonprofit.org

RUNNERS-UP

THE ABBOT’S THRIFT, GREY BEARS

Tires

LLOYD’S TIRES

303 River St., Santa Cruz, 219-4122; 311 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, 346-1897; 5310 Scotts Valley Drive, Unit C, Scotts Valley, 777-5711; lloydstire.com

RUNNERS-UP

PRIOR’S TIRES, BIG O TIRES

Toy Store

WONDERLAND TOYS

19 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos 316-7261, wonderlandsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

CHILDISH SANTA CRUZ, MINI MINT

Veterinarian

ADOBE ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF SOQUEL

1600 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-5293, adobevets.com

RUNNERS-UP

WESTSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, APTOS CREEKSIDE

Video Game Shop

LEVEL UP VIDEO GAMES

113 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 295-6329, levelupvideogames.com

RUNNER-UP

GAMESTOP

Vintage Clothing

MOON ZOOM

813 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 423-8500, facebook.com/moonzooom

RUNNERS-UP THE CLOSET SHOPPER, VIRGO

Waxing

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER

1955 41st Ave., Ste. B7, Capitola, 477-9331, waxcenter.com

RUNNERS-UP

WAX BY COCO, SIMPLY SKIN ESTHETICS – SUE BELL

Women’s Clothing

PACIFIC TRADING COMPANY

1224 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-3349; 504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 476-6109

RUNNERS-UP THE CLOSET SHOPPER, STRIPE

Women’s Shoes

SOCKSHOP & SHOE COMPANY

1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6101, sockshopandshoeco.com

RUNNERS-UP

BUNNY’S SHOES, SHOE FETISH

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK

We’re driven by a simple idea: Better companies make better communities. We believe our business has a responsibility to serve, connect, grow and protect the communities we operate in. Homeownership is a decision to invest in a place you love. Giving back to the place that we live and work in is also part of our company DNA.

Thank

Art Event

OPEN STUDIOS ART TOUR

santacruzopenstudios.com

RUNNER-UP

CAPITOLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL

Art Gallery (RETAIL)

CURATED BY THE SEA

703 Front St., Santa Cruz, 408-250-2224, curatedbythesea.com

RUNNERS-UP

ARTISANS SANTA CRUZ, SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF ART HISTORY

Artist (LOCAL)

YESHE JACKSON

3075 Salisbury Drive, Santa Cruz, 706-6580, yeshejacksonfineart.com

RUNNERS-UP

MARIE GABRIELLE, MAIA NEGRE

Author (LOCAL)

LAURIE R. KING

laurierking.com

RUNNERS-UP

JONATHAN FRANZEN, SAM KABERT

Classical Music Group

SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY

307 Church St., Santa Cruz, 462-0553, santacruzsymphony.org

RUNNERS-UP

SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER PLAYERS, CABRILLO FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Dance Lessons (STUDIO)

MOTION PACIFIC DANCE STUDIO

131 Front St., Ste. E, Santa Cruz, 508-5125, motionpacific.com

RUNNERS-UP

PACIFIC ARTS COMPLEX, PALOMAR BALLROOM

Festival (ART/FILM)

Capitola Art & Wine Festival

capitolaartandwine.com

RUNNERS-UP

MI GENTE, SANTA CRUZ FILM FESTIVAL

BAY | SF PENINSULA | SILICON VALLEY | SANTA CRUZ | TAHOE | SIERRA FOOTHILLS | CENTRAL COAST

ARTS & CULTURE

Festival (MUSIC)

REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE

5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, redwoodmountainfaire.com

RUNNERS-UP

CABRILLO FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC, SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN SOL FESTIVAL

Festival (STREET)

CAPITOLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL

capitolaartandwine.com

RUNNERS-UP

PLEASURE POINT STREET FAIR, GREEK FESTIVAL

Kids Art Program

STUDIO SPROUT 31 studiosprout.com

RUNNERS-UP

SEVEN DIRECTIONS, SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN ART CENTER

Movie Theater

DEL MAR THEATRE

1124 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 359-4447, landmarktheatres.com/santa-cruz

RUNNERS-UP

CINELUX CAPITOLA CAFE & LOUNGE, LANDMARK'S NICKELODEON THEATRE

Mural/Public Art

SHOPPER’S CORNER

RUNNERS-UP

SEA WALLS MURALS (MULTIPLE), BAY VIEW ELEMENTARY (THE WALL)

Museum

SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY

705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 429-1964, santacruzmah.org

RUNNERS-UP

SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, SEYMOUR MARINE DISCOVERY CENTER Photographer (LOCAL)

SHMUEL THALER shmuelthaler.com

RUNNERS-UP

FRANS LANTING, JANA MARCUS

KIDS ART PROGRAM STUDIO SPROUT

1

Founded and is facilitated by Rebecca Rae Picker, an art lover, mother and teacher who graduated from UCSC with a degree in art.

2 She believes in the transformative power of art for many reasons, including that it celebrates multiple perspectives and allows for personal expression outside of language.

3 She has worked with thousands of students for over 25 years and is passionate about using art to inspire intelligent and creative children with an emphasis on well-being.

4

Offers a variety of classes both online and in-person, as well as gift certificates, supplies, books and video bundles.

5 Classes and art enrichment programs are tailored to kids in various age ranges, from 18 months to 10 years. ANDREW STEINGRUBE

Poet (LOCAL)

ELLEN BASS

RUNNERS-UP GARY YOUNG, DANUSHA LAMERIS

Radio Personality (LOCAL)

“SLEEPY” JOHN SANDIDGE

RUNNERS-UP

ROSEMARY CHALMERS, “RALPH ANYBODY”

JEFF JULIANO

Radio Station

KPIG-FM

107.5

RUNNERS-UP

KZSC 88.1, KAZU 90.3

Theater Company

SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE

santacruzshakespeare.org

RUNNERS-UP

JEWEL THEATRE, CABRILLO STAGE

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Bar

MOE’S ALLEY

1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 479-1854, moesalley.com

RUNNERS-UP

BRADY’S YACHT CLUB, FRONT & COOPER

Bartender

KAYLA BRASFIELD, MOE’S ALLEY

RUNNERS-UP

JOEY DRIUSSI (MOZAIC), JASMINE DUNBAR (VIM)

Brewery

WOODHOUSE BLENDING & BREWING

119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz, 313-9461, woodhousebrews.com

RUNNERS-UP HUMBLE SEA, SANTE ADAIRIUS

Comedy Spot

GREATER PURPOSE BREWING COMPANY

21517 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 713-5540 greaterpurposebrewing.com

RUNNERS-UP THE CROW’S NEST, DNA’S COMEDY LAB

Craft Brewer (LOCAL)

HUMBLE SEA BREWERY

820 Swift St., Santa Cruz, 621-2890, humblesea.com

RUNNERS-UP DISCRETION BREWING, SANTE ADAIRIUS

Dance Club

MOE’S ALLEY

1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 479-1854, moesalley.com

RUNNERS-UP THE BLUE LAGOON, MOTIV

Fancy Cocktails

MAKAI ISLAND KITCHEN AND GROGGERY

1

2

3

4

5

A popular cocktail is the 1944 Mai Tai, an homage to the original created by Victor Bergeron at his Trader Vic’s bar in Oakland. Its high-end ingredients, one of which is NOT orange juice, are served over crushed ice.

Their signature cocktail is the Mr. Makai, a blend of craft rums, dragon fruit ginger syrup and more. It’s also served flaming, AND you get to keep the mug.

For a communally shared drinking experience, try the Scorpion Bowl cocktail with multiple rums, brandy, gin, passion fruit and orange and lime juice. Find a friend, grab a straw and send.

In Hawaiian, makai means “toward or by the sea.” Appropriate given that the restaurant sits above the ocean on the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Parts of the restaurant’s floor are made of glass, so patrons can look straight down to the sea while enjoying their food and cocktails . ANDREW STEINGRUBE

Fancy Cocktails

MAKAI ISLAND KITCHEN AND GROGGERY

49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz 466-9766 makaisantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP VENUS SPIRITS, FRONT & COOPER

Happy Hour

HULA’S ISLAND GRILL AND TIKI ROOM

221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz 426-4852, hulastiki.com

RUNNERS-UP

COPAL, MAKAI ISLAND KITCHEN AND GROGGERY

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Karaoke

BOARDWALK BOWL/COASTERS

BAR & GRILL

115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz, 426-3324, boardwalkbowl.com/ coasters-bar-grill

RUNNERS-UP THE BLUE LOUNGE, THE CATALYST

Live Music

MOE’S ALLEY

1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 479-1854, moesalley.com

RUNNERS-UP

KUUMBWA JAZZ CENTER, THE CATALYST

Local Band

ALEX LUCERO & THE LIVE AGAIN BAND

RUNNERS-UP SPACE HEATER, JIVE MACHINE

Local Comedian

DNA

RUNNERS-UP

KARIN BABBITT, RICHARD STOCKTON

Local Musician

ALEX LUCERO

RUNNERS-UP

ANTHONY ARYA, RYAN PRICE

Margaritas

TORTILLA FLATS

4616 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 476-1754, tortillaflatsdining.com

RUNNERS-UP MARGARITAVILLE, EL PALOMAR

Place to Play Pool

SURF CITY BILLIARDS

BAR & CAFE

931 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7665, surf-city-billiards.business.site

RUNNER-UP FAST EDDY’S BILLIARDS

Place to Play Darts

ONE DOUBLE OH SEVEN CLUB

1007 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-9589

RUNNER-UP

SURF CITY BILLIARDS BAR & CAFE Pub

PARISH PUBLICK HOUSE

841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-0507; 8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 708-2036, theparishpublick.com

RUNNER-UP

BRITANNIA ARMS OF CAPITOLA

Tap Room

BEER THIRTY

2504 S. Main St., Soquel, 477-9967, beerthirtysantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

WEST END TAP & KITCHEN, SANTE ADAIRIUS

MOE’S ALLEY

MAR

DIRECTED BY BILL PETERS

As a door slams in 1879 Norway, a wife and mother leaves behind her family, freeing herself from the shackles of traditional societal constraints. Now, 15 years later, that same door opens to reveal Nora, a changed woman with an incredibly awkward favor to ask the people whom she abandoned. Lucas Hnath’s bitingly funny sequel to Ibsen’s revolutionary masterpiece unfolds in a series of bristling stand-offs that reveal in Nora’s world, much like our own, behind every opinion there is a person, and a slamming door isn’t just an end, but also the chance for a new beginning.

Tickets: Regular $55 Seniors & Students $50 Preview $27 all tickets www.JewelTheatre.net (831) 425-7506

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS COMING MAY 24 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

This production is funded, in part, by grants from the following organizations:

Derby Girl

FLOWER POWER #9 DAISY BAXTER

RUNNERS-UP

FOXEE FIRESTORM, IMA HOTMESS

Dog Park

FREDERICK STREET

168 Frederick St., Santa Cruz

RUNNERS-UP

CHANTICLEER PARK, APTOS POLO GROUNDS

Farmers Market

MONTEREY CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET (AT CABRILLO)

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos 728-5060

RUNNERS-UP

DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET, LIVE OAK

FARMERS MARKET

Bike Ride WILDER RANCH

1 Has 7,000 acres of mountainous and coastal terrain, with more than 35 miles of trail available to bicyclists.

2 The route of Wilder Ridge Loop to Enchanted Loop passes through plenty of redwoods and offers some of the park’s most epic views.

3 The Ohlone were the space’s original inhabitants, living there for centuries until Spanish explorers arrived in the late 1700s.

4 Named after the Wilder family, dairy farmers prospered there for five generations and nearly 100 years.

5 The land could have become a housing development, but instead was acquired in 1974 by California State Parks to preserve the land’s natural beauty and cultural history. ANDREW STEINGRUBE

Tara Magpusao

Best Massage therapist

“It has been such a pleasure serving Santa Cruz County these past few years at Empowering Hands Therapeutic Massage. It’s an honor to be recognized and I’m happy to continue to provide therapeutic massage through Deep Tissue, MediCupping, and Abdominal Chi Massage Techniques.”  special Offer!

10% off a 55, 70 or 85 minute Signature Massage with Tara*

* VALID THROUGH MAY 31ST, 2023

Empowering Hands

EmpoweringHandsMassage.com • 831- 888 -7614 5215 Scotts Valley Drive Suite F • CAMTC#76694

Thanks to you to the voters of "Best Of Santa Cruz" and to the donors, shoppers, and volunteers of Caroline's!

Thanks to your tremendous support, Caroline’s has donated $3,355,000 Since our doors opened in 2011!

⭐ Above the Line $15,000

⭐ Adaptive Yoga $22,600

⭐ AIM $18,500

⭐ Big Brothers/Big Sisters

$111,000

⭐ Building Rhythms

$23,600

⭐ Talmadge Community Service Scholarships

$10,000

⭐ Camp Kesem UCSC

$56,500

⭐ CASA $259,500

⭐ Childrens’ Hospice & Palliative Care $182,500

⭐ Coastal Kids Home Care

$275,000

⭐ Community Bike Collective

$15,000

⭐ Community Bridges

$90,000

⭐ Dientes Santa Cruz $25,000

⭐ Divine Equine $10,000

⭐ Dragon Slayers $2,200

⭐ Easter Seals Central California $53,000

⭐ The Circle Family Center

$40,000

⭐ For Kids Foundation

Monterey Bay $109,700

⭐ Leo’s Haven $5,000

⭐ Hope’s Closet $45,500

⭐ Hospice of Santa Cruz

$332,500

⭐ Jacob’s Heart $332,500

⭐ Kinship Center $5,000

⭐ Live Like Coco $20,000

⭐ Monarch Services

$110,000

⭐ NAMI $60,000

⭐ Nourishing Generations

$95,000

⭐ Pajaro Valley Shelter Services $70,000

⭐ Partnership for Children

$70,000

⭐ Salud y Carinos $38,500

⭐ Second Harvest Food Bank

$132,000

⭐ Shared Adventures

$54,000

⭐ SPIN $227,500

⭐ Survivor’s Healing Center

$86,500

⭐ Team G $2,000

⭐ Teen Kitchen Project

$128,500

⭐ The Diversity Center

$46,500

⭐ Walnut Avenue Women’s Center $128,500.00

⭐ Youth Now $48,500

Monday-Friday 11:00-5:00 Saturday 12:00-5:00

8045 & 8047 Soquel Drive Aptos

If you would like to learn more about Caroline’s or join our amazing crew, please visit www.carolinesnonprofit.org

Visit the Original Organic Pioneer in Santa Cruz

The one that started it all! A local landmark since 1969, Staff of Life changed the game when it was the first one out of the gates with a new philosophy of prioritizing all things healthy, organic, and sustainable. Browse the aisles to find the best natural foods in Santa Cruz County, experience the down-home service Staff of Life is famous for, and discover why we keep getting voted Best Natural Grocery Store.

THANK YOU SANTA CRUZ! WINNER

Best Natural Grocery Store & Vitamins for Over Ten Years!

Winner: Best Grocery Store (Natural)

Winner: Best Vitamins/Supplements

Runner Up: Best Grocery Store (Local)

Runner Up: Best Cheese Selection

Runner Up: Best Produce

Runner Up: Best Green Business

As we celebrate another year of winning top honors in the Natural Grocery Store category and the Vitamins/Supplements category, we’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Santa Cruz and Watsonville communities. If you haven’t already, come in and discover all we do to keep earning your votes and earning your business.

HEALTH & RECREATION

Acupuncturist/ Acupuncture Clinic

SPRING SMITH, LAC - SANTA CRUZ FAMILY ACUPUNCTURE

550 Water St., #3, Santa Cruz, 331-6901, santacruzfamilyacupuncture.com

RUNNERS-UP

DR. BETH DORSEY, LAC - POINTS FOR WELLNESS, SANTA CRUZ CORE FITNESS + REHAB

Bike Shop

BICYCLE TRIP

1001 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-2580, bicycletrip.com

RUNNERS-UP EPICENTER, SPOKESMAN

Cannabis Delivery

SANTA CRUZ NATURALS

19 San Juan Road, Royal Oaks, 722-2018; 9077 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-7266; santacruzcannabis.com

RUNNER-UP 3 BROS

Seahorse

Celebrating 25 Years!

SKINCARE | FACIAL SPECIALIST

European style techniques, an olfactive & therapeutic experience, with science & nature.

Delivering the perfect alchemy of age-defying results & pure wellness, making a conscious choice of simplicity, wellness & excellence.

“Best of the Best”

What an honor! Thank you.

- Deann Bokariza-Neff

Seahorse Swim Academy

Deann Bokariza-Neff

21245 East Cliff Drive Suite G Santa Cruz Ca 95062 831.247.5251

studiospasantacruz.com

Cannabis Dispensary

KINDPEOPLES

533 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 515-4114; 3600 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 471-8562, kindpeoples.org

RUNNERS-UP TREEHOUSE, THE HOOK OUTLET

Cannabis Edibles

KINDPEOPLES

533 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 515-4114; 3600 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 471-8562, kindpeoples.org

RUNNERS-UP TREEHOUSE, 3 BROS

Cannabis CBD Product

KINDPEOPLES

533 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 515-4114; 3600 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 471-8562, kindpeoples.org

RUNNERS-UP TREEHOUSE, 3 BROS

CBD Product (LOCAL)

VITAL BODY THERAPEUTICS

713-5813, vitalbodytherapeutics.com

RUNNERS-UP KINDPEOPLES, JADE NECTAR

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Chiropractor

DR. RHODES WALTON, DC

317 Potrero St., Ste. C, Santa Cruz, 316-9040, santacruzcore.com

RUNNERS-UP

ISABEL EDEN, MICHAEL QUINN

Crossfit Studio

SEABRIGHT CROSSFIT

1619 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7867, seabrightcrossfit.com

RUNNER-UP

CROSSFIT SANTA CRUZ CENTRAL

Dentist

DR. WILLIAM R. RAFFO, MD

2025 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 458-5570

RUNNERS-UP

DR. TRANG TRAN, DDS, DR. NANETTE BENEDICT, DDS

Doctor (MD)

DR. JOHN GRADY, DO

317 Potrero St., Ste. C, Santa Cruz, 425-9500

RUNNERS-UP

DR. KAREN HARRINGTON, MD, DR. MELINDA WHITE, DO

Doctor (ND)

DR. AIMEE SHUNNEY, ND

740 Front St., Unit 130, 465-9088, drshunney.com

RUNNERS-UP

IRENE VALENCIA, ND, TONYA FLECK, ND

Doula

NATASHA JOYET, BD, CMT - MAMACARE

406 Mission St., Ste. E, Santa Cruz, 471-6262, mama-care.com

RUNNERS-UP

KENDRA STONE-HINDS, HOLLI GILKIE

Esthetician

DEANN BOKARIZA-NEFF - STUDIO SPA

21245 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, studiospasantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

SUE BELL - SIMPLY SKIN ESTHETICS, JACQUIE ROQUE - SKIN FOR YOU

HEALTH & RECREATION

JET

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Fitness Classes

GOAT SANTA CRUZ

1055 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, 216-5659, goatsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP MADABOLIC SCOTTS VALLEY, FUEL PHITNESS

Golf Course

DELAVEAGA

401 Upper Park Road, Santa Cruz, 423-7214, delaveagagolf.com

RUNNERS-UP PASATIEMPO, SEASCAPE GOLF CLUB

Gym

GOAT SANTA CRUZ

1055 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, 216-5659, goatsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP

TOADAL FITNESS, MADABOLIC SCOTTS VALLEY

Hot Tub/Spa Store

HOT SPRING SPAS OF SANTA CRUZ

707 River St., Santa Cruz, 425-7727, hotspring.com

RUNNER-UP APPI POOL & SPA

Martial Arts

ALLIED MMA

1655 38th Ave., Capitola, 295-6240, alliedmma.com

RUNNERS-UP

LIGHTSPEED MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY, ROD SANFORD MARTIAL ARTS

Massage Therapist

TARA MAGPUSAO - EMPOWERING HANDS

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley, 888-7614, empoweringhandsmassage.com

RUNNERS-UP

CALA REMICK-RODRIGUEZ, YVONNE HORNER, CMT

Medi-Spa

REJUVENATE MEDI-SPA & WELLNESS

595 38th Ave., Capitola 226-2108, rejuvenatemedi-spa.com

RUNNER-UP PACIFIC COAST AESTHETICS

<<< Midwife

DANA RAMSEY - NURTURE WOMEN'S HEALTH & FERTILITY

5161 Soquel Drive, Ste. C, Soquel, 515-7078, nurturesantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP SANTA CRUZ MIDWIVES, SERENA RUSSELL

Nutritionist

THE HEALTHY WAY

3251 Mission Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-5900, thehealthyway.us

RUNNERS-UP REBECCA HAZELTON, SANTA CRUZ CORE FITNESS + REHAB

Orthodontist

DR. DAN HULME - HULME ORTHODONTICS

1773 Dominican Way, Santa Cruz, 475-5500, drhulmeorthodontics.com

RUNNER-UP

DR. JOHN HEDRICK

Outdoor Store

REI

1662 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 621-1938, rei.com

RUNNER-UP PATAGONIA

Personal Trainer

CARINA REID

carina@fuelphitness.com, fuelphitness.com

RUNNERS-UP BEAU JANSEN, CODY CARTER

Vitamin/Supplements

STAFF OF LIFE

906 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, 726-0240; 1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8632; staffoflifemarket.com

RUNNERS-UP NEW LEAF COMMUNITY MARKETS, THE FELTON NUTRITION

Pilates

MONARCH PILATES

4125 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz 475-8994, monarchpilates.com

RUNNERS-UP

PLEASURE POINT PILATES, ALLI QUICK - TOADAL FITNESS

Thank you Santa Cruz County

Running Store

FLEET FEET

7960 Soquel Drive, Ste. I, Aptos, 662-0886, fleetfeetaptos.com

RUNNER-UP SANTA CRUZ RUNNING COMPANY

Sailing Charter

O’NEILL YACHT CHARTERS

L Dock, 275 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 818-3645, oneillyachtcharters.com

RUNNERS-UP CHARDONNAY SAILING, NOMAD

Skate Park

DERBY PARK

508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz

RUNNERS-UP SCOTTS VALLEY SKATE PARK, MIKE FOX SKATE PARK

Skate Shop

BILL’S WHEELS

SKATESHOP

1240 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 469-0904, billswheels.com

RUNNERS-UP

SANTA CRUZ BOARDROOM, SKATEWORKS

Sporting Goods

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS

4770 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 475-1988, playitagainsports-soquel.com

RUNNER-UP REI, BIG 5

Spa (PAMPERING)

WELL WITHIN SPA

417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 458-9355, wellwithinspa.com

RUNNERS-UP

CHAMINADE RESORT & SPA, TEA HOUSE SPA

Spa (SOAKING)

WELL WITHIN SPA

417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 458-9355, wellwithinspa.com

RUNNERS-UP SAGE FLOAT SPA, TEA HOUSE SPA

Snowboard/Skiing

HELM OF SUN VALLEY

1408 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 462-6800, helmofsunvalley.com

RUNNER-UP PACIFIC WAVE, REI

Stand-up Paddleboard

SUP SHACK

2214 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 464-7467, supshacksantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP COVEWATER, KAYAK CONNECTION

HEALTH & RECREATION

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Surf School

RICHARD SCHMIDT SURF SCHOOL

849 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-0928, richardschmidt.com

RUNNERS-UP

SURF SCHOOL SANTA CRUZ, CLUB ED SURF SCHOOL AND CAMPS

Surf Shop

O’NEILL

110 Cooper St., #100D, Santa Cruz, 469-4377; 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, 459-9230; 1115 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-4151, oneill.com

RUNNERS-UP

PACIFIC WAVE, FREELINE DESIGN SURF SHOP

Swim School

SEAHORSE SWIM SCHOOL

1505 Seascape Blvd., Aptos, 661-5110, seahorseswimschool.com

RUNNERS-UP

ADVENTURE SPORTS, JIM BOOTH SWIM SCHOOL

Therapist

ELLEN GARFIELD, LMFT

6233 Soquel Drive, Ste. C, Aptos, 854-7543, santacruzcountytherapy.com

RUNNERS-UP

THERAPYWORKS, MACY CHAPMAN, LMFT

Veterinarian

ADOBE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

1600 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz 462-5293, adobevets.com

RUNNERS-UP

DAVE SHUMAN - WESTSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, APTOS-CREEKSIDE PET HOSPITAL

Yoga Instructor

ROBIN BERKERY

RUNNERS-UP

DANIELA KOSMOLSKI, JESSICA WEITZENHOFFER

Yoga Studio

PLEASURE POINT YOGA

3707 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz 479-9642, pleasurepointyoga.com

RUNNERS-UP

VILLAGE YOGA, SANTA CRUZ YOGA

Surf Spot

PLEASURE POINT

RUNNERS-UP COWELLS, THE POINT

very year, billions of unused straws, utensils, napkins, condiment packets, and other accessories are included in take-out and delivery orders and just thrown away or worse, end up as litter.

In compliance with CA Assembly Bill 1276, these items will only be given out upon request.

www.cityofsantacruz. com/to-go-ware

FIRST PLACE BURGER

San Lorenzo / Scotts Valley

FIRST PLACE PATIO DINING

San Lorenzo / Scotts Valley

Best Place to Switch Up Your Coffee Order

MARIPOSA COFFEE BAR

Mariposa Coffee Bar feels unique within Santa Cruz. Brightly colored velvet couches and pillows pop out from a dark interior, and the smell of peppers and onions mingles with the sweetness of condensed milk and coffee. Located at Cathcart Street and Pacific Avenue, Mariposa serves Cuban and Vietnamese-inspired coffee alongside vegetarian pastries, spring rolls and Cubanos. Owners Chelsea Cabrera and Tram Vu envision the bar as a social space fit for everything from casual mid-morning conversation to late-night dance parties. You won’t find run-of-the-mill drip coffee on the menu. Instead, the bar focuses on specialized drinks like strong phin coffee steeped with fresh mint over condensed milk and ice and the Bella Bon Bon, a creamy double espresso with whipped sugar and a splash of condensed milk. Other popular items include the guava and cheese puff pastry and a vegetarian Cubano with roast pork-style jackfruit.

ERIN MALSBURY

Best Winter Dish

THE CHICKEN MUSHROOM RISOTTO AT HUMBLE SEA TAVERN

It’s been a long, cold winter. A minor comfort is a hearty, flavorful meal that is served hot. Felton’s Humble Sea Tavern’s chicken mushroom risotto fits this bill. While the citrus-brined chicken and mushroom risotto will work wonders on the soul, the fried Brussels sprouts take the dish to the next level. Pair with one of Humble Sea’s fine brews, and you might think you can survive another few winter months.

STUART THORNTON

Best Place to Scout Music Talent

COASTERS BAR & GRILL/BOARDWALK BOWL

Let me paint you a picture of the first time I tried to do karaoke at Coasters. It was a Friday night. I walked past the bowling lanes, the shattering sound of bowling balls hitting pins and triumphant cheers fading into the background as I walked into Coasters. Tables faced the stage where a woman belted out Adele’s Rolling in the Deep, her throaty voice hitting every high note, blue and yellow lights illuminating her face. I had never witnessed talented singers perform at a karaoke bar, and I quickly erased my name from the list. Of course, there were the usual off-tune performances, but Coasters is, surprisingly for me, the place to find it if you want free entertainment from talented singers.

AIYANA MOYA

Best Sounding Horn

GIANT DIPPER, SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

You know you’re in for a wild ride when you hear the unmistakable hoot of the Giant Dipper’s horn. The iconic blast has been dispatching trains on the classic wooden roller coaster for decades and also reminds you that there is no turning back just as you plunge into the darkness. The Giant Dipper received a new coat of shining red and white paint this year as it prepares for its centennial anniversary in 2024. I want this horn to be my phone’s ringtone.

ERIK CHALHOUB

Best Addams Family Dive Bar THE BLUE LAGOON

Do you love things that are creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky? Look no further than Santa Cruz’s favorite goth/gay/metal/disco/ punk sports bar, The Blue Lagoon. See the tattooed barkeeps, and stay for the weekly dance, bands, comedy, side shows and special events. If there is a bar in the middle of a black hole, where every molecule of your body is disassembled and reorganized every night, it’s The Blue Lagoon. A notorious “No Hate Zone,” the vibe at The Blue allows everyone (over 21) to be their strangest self. Want to dress like Wednesday and do the “dance”? The Blue Lagoon welcomes your dark, creative spirit. DNA

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Best Meal By The Sea

SCRUMPTIOUS FISH AND CHIPS FOOD TRUCK

Most meals by the sea are enjoyable, but there’s something about eating warm, fried fish on the cliffside as waves crash on the beach below you that, as the kids say, hits differently. I can eat fried fish most days of the week, rain or shine, but it feels like a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy, rainy winter to stop by the Scrumptious food truck on Saturdays at Seacliff State Park. I claim one of the benches along the cliff, buy the fish and chips and a Guinness and pretend I’m on the Cliffs of Moher. What better way to spend your Saturday afternoon?

AIYANA MOYA

Best Natural, Historical Wonder

HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK’S FREMONT TREE

One of the many highlights of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks’ Redwood Grove Trail, the Fremont Tree sits at the far end of the loop. Its base is wide, and a little triangle of darkness at ground level reveals that the interior of the tree is hollow. Crawl inside with a flashlight to see the surprisingly roomy interior, where it is said that early California rabble-rouser and famed explorer John C. Fremont spent an evening in 1846. Did Fremont, who garnered the nickname “The Pathfinder” during his life, really sleep in the tree? “It makes a great story,” he later said. “Let it stand.” STUART THORNTON >>>

FREMONT TREE

Best Place to Get a Cannoli— You Can’t Refuse

THE LA PLACA FAMILY BAKERY

Have you ever felt like traveling to Italy without leaving Santa Cruz County? The La Placa Family Bakery is nestled in the towering redwoods of Ben Lomond. Every morning, two generations of La Placas make dozens of varieties of pastries and calzones. Specializing in the flavors of Southern Italy, the Sicilian bakers create a daily parade of the most tongue-twisting tantalizing flavors you’ve ever tasted. Once you take that first bite of an authentic cannoli, you are part of the La Placa family. Like Italy, it’s a little tricky to get to. Hwy 9 is closed, so you’ll have to do some tricky navigation, but it’s worth it. DNA

Best Town Tree

TWIN LAKES COAST LIVE OAK

You’ll know it when you see it. A huge, gnarled trunk bends at the perfect angle, beckoning you to sit. If you accept the offer and look up, you might get lost tracing dozens of branches that squiggle through the air in all directions, draped with California lace lichen. All the paths at Twin Lakes seem to lead to this old coast live oak. It stands alone near the edge of a meadow, within earshot of the waves and the occasional sea lion. Climbing one of the many twisting branches reveals a view of Schwan Lagoon and a peak at the sea. It’s the kind of tree that can pull you out of the bustle of modern life for a moment. That is until you look down and see all the cigarette butts lining cracks in the bark.

ERIN MALSBURY

Best Place Where Strawberries Kill Fascists

SWANTON BERRY FARM

Take a short trip back in time, North on Highway One, to Swanton Berry Farm. Time travel is quirky; just a brief moment ago, you could buy a one-dollar cup of coffee, and the register was a box filled with cash that you make your own change out of. Now coffee is a bit more, and payment is more regulated, but the shelves are still stocked with the county's most delicious pies and jams. Founded in 1983, Swanton Berry was the first farm in California to grow organic strawberries. The business is run with a Union mindset, where workers are as valuable as the product. Swanton Berry Farm became the first organic farm to contract with the United Farm Workers. Strawberry shortcake lovers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your berries. DNA

Best Place to Ponder

KOI POND AT POGONIP

It’s a stunning juxtaposition: a square koi pond stocked with colorful fish tucked under a giant redwood in Santa Cruz’s Pogonip Open Space area. How did these fish get here? Who had the inspired idea to transform a spring box into a fishpond? Who >>>

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feeds these fish? Why don’t local critters eat them? There’s much to consider as you take in this traditional Japanese garden feature in a forest of the world’s largest, tallest trees. To reach this place of contemplation, take the Spring Street Entrance into Pogonip, then follow the Spring Trail for 1.6 miles before heading uphill on the Spring Box Trail. Take a path to the right before its intersection with the Lime Kiln Trail to find this site of wonder.

STUART THORNTON

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Best Bodega Man

FELIX BLANCO

Walking into Pleasure Point Wine and Spirits initially feels like walking into most liquor stores. Pretty quickly, you realize it’s not: the mere selection of wines, liquors, beers and every mixer ingredient you need is enough to distinguish the store from its competitors. But what sets this store apart is its owner, Felix Blanco. Blanco will quickly remember you, as he does all of his regulars. Nearly every customer who walks in greets him by name, and he returns the favor. Aside from this sense of community Blanco brings to his store, he’s a walking encyclopedia of all things alcohol. He knows which French wine would be best to pair with your seafood dish or what Aperitif will impress your significant other’s parents; he knows which tequila can stand alone and which one to buy for mixed drinks. Next time you need any spirit, stop by and chat with him, it won’t take much prompting and you’ll walk away with more than just a bottle. AIYANA

MOYA

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KOI POND AT POGONIP

Best Comeback Story COWELL’S

I’ve been tempted to write an obituary for Cowell’s in the past. Between gross water and a lack of rideable waves, Santa Cruz’s famous, beginner-friendly surf spot has seemed dead for the last few years. But long-term cleanup efforts from the Cowell’s Working Group got the beach removed from Heal the Bay’s annual “Beach Bummer” list of dirtiest water in California, and this year the waves are back. Winter storms pushed so much sand into the area between the Indicators and Cowell's stairs that there’s a new beach accessible at low tides. Getting in the water after heavy rains is still a health gamble, but as things dry out, the new sandbar just might revive this classic spot.

ERIN MALSBURY

Best Hike to Become a Docent QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH COUNTY PARK

Down a steep driveway in Felton—east of Ben Lomond—is a low-key set of trails and a working horse ranch that might be the quiet hike you didn’t know you needed. Buffered up against 300 acres is a seasonal wetland, dwarf Redwoods and the tallest Red Willow in California. The historic ranch house, drilled with thousands of Woodpecker holes, used to be the location of Sunset Magazine and now is a menagerie of taxidermied animals. The uplifting talk with a docent will illuminate why we need to see these critters close up. You can become a docent if you love history, nature and star gazing. Note: you cannot bring Fido on the 5 miles of trails that lead up from this idyllic spot. But for a short walk around the property, it’s very mellow. DNA

Best Nostalgic Trip for Millennials

LEVEL UP VIDEO GAMES, GAME VAULT, HADBRO TOYS AND RETRO ATTACK

As ’90s kids, my brother and I were glued to our Sega Genesis, playing endless rounds of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and failing just as often to get to the Death Egg Zone. When we were gifted a Nintendo 64 in 1996, it was game over for the Genesis, as Super Mario 64 and, later, Zelda: Ocarina of Time dominated our 18-inch CRTV. Many millennials, such as I, yearn for those simpler days of gaming before DLC and gigabytes of daily updates made turning on a console a chore. Luckily in Santa Cruz, we are graced with fantastic stores that allow us to revisit our childhood pasts. Level Up Video Games downtown constantly updates its inventory, featuring everything from Atari 2600 cartridges to PlayStation 5 downloads. The Capitola Mall is quickly becoming a haven for nerds, thanks to the recently opened Game Vault and its neighbor Hadbro Toys/Retro Attack. My wallet hates me. ERIK

CHALHOUB